Review of Nowhere to Hide
Posted: 02 Nov 2023, 16:38
[Following is a volunteer review of "Nowhere to Hide" by Jude Austin.]
Kata could not help but feel a sense of unease smoldering like an ember of hot coal as he and Tau relished in their newfound freedom following their daring escape and triumphant legal showdown against GenTech. Unbeknownst to them, a faction of the planetary government of Trandellia had begun the dispatch of their entire squad of mercenaries to the lawless planet of Atthiras to capture a target. It was unheard of to send more than one or two of the highly trained and deadly assassins, much less all of them. Who was the target? Was it Kata, Tau, or someone else? What lengths would these assassins go to, and how many would get caught in the crossfire?
In the third book of the Five Worlds series by Jude Austin, Nowhere to Hide picks up right where she left off. The author makes a minor departure from her previous works in the expanded cast of characters and multiple subplots that are masterfully woven together. The additional character development and world-building requirements of these subplots justify the extra length of this installment.
In Atthiras, the assassins touch down; Tau barely survives. The assassin's internal conflict amongst themselves results in unexpected events. Meanwhile, Kata and Alan set off on a journey to the seedy planet of Suliko in search of four missing girls as part of a ruse from Akhennian High Command to conceal Kata in response to the assassin convention brewing on Atthiras. In these separate circumstances, a secret that will turn the five worlds upside down is uncovered.
I loved all the new characters introduced in this book. Tershin, the murderous assassin, was fun to dislike. Neil, the mysterious and highly skilled prisoner, gets me excited for the next book and finding out who he might be. Finally, Diran and Ingal, the oddest assassins ever created, provided plenty of entertainment. The author once again shows off her keen sense of humor. I laughed out loud when Kata, who can't read Akhhennian, tried to get groceries to eat. The items are hardly edible—sun tan lotion, moisturizer, and cooking oil! The moment that Ingram experienced "prison food" of cheeseburgers, onion rings, and fried chicken is hilarious when considering the mandatory assassin diet.
The reader is kept on their toes as characters meet untimely outcomes; the entire book is peppered with events that will leave you slack-jawed. The personal identities and challenges of both Kata and Tau continue to evolve. Tau will make what some might feel is a selfish choice, but I could not help but feel my heart swelling with joy for him at this moment. My only disappointment is the ongoing conflict and misunderstandings between Kata and Tau. I genuinely can't wait for the moment this is resolved!
I can think of nothing I disliked about this book except that the next installment is yet to be available! Something else I appreciate is the consistent, impeccable quality of editing that accompanies her novels. For these reasons, I give my wholehearted stamp of approval with a rating of five out of five stars. Since this is a series, I recommend that the books be read sequentially for the greatest enjoyment. This book and series will appeal to those who love science fiction, fantasy, well-developed characters, humorous authors, suspense, mystery, and fast-paced action.
******
Nowhere to Hide
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Kata could not help but feel a sense of unease smoldering like an ember of hot coal as he and Tau relished in their newfound freedom following their daring escape and triumphant legal showdown against GenTech. Unbeknownst to them, a faction of the planetary government of Trandellia had begun the dispatch of their entire squad of mercenaries to the lawless planet of Atthiras to capture a target. It was unheard of to send more than one or two of the highly trained and deadly assassins, much less all of them. Who was the target? Was it Kata, Tau, or someone else? What lengths would these assassins go to, and how many would get caught in the crossfire?
In the third book of the Five Worlds series by Jude Austin, Nowhere to Hide picks up right where she left off. The author makes a minor departure from her previous works in the expanded cast of characters and multiple subplots that are masterfully woven together. The additional character development and world-building requirements of these subplots justify the extra length of this installment.
In Atthiras, the assassins touch down; Tau barely survives. The assassin's internal conflict amongst themselves results in unexpected events. Meanwhile, Kata and Alan set off on a journey to the seedy planet of Suliko in search of four missing girls as part of a ruse from Akhennian High Command to conceal Kata in response to the assassin convention brewing on Atthiras. In these separate circumstances, a secret that will turn the five worlds upside down is uncovered.
I loved all the new characters introduced in this book. Tershin, the murderous assassin, was fun to dislike. Neil, the mysterious and highly skilled prisoner, gets me excited for the next book and finding out who he might be. Finally, Diran and Ingal, the oddest assassins ever created, provided plenty of entertainment. The author once again shows off her keen sense of humor. I laughed out loud when Kata, who can't read Akhhennian, tried to get groceries to eat. The items are hardly edible—sun tan lotion, moisturizer, and cooking oil! The moment that Ingram experienced "prison food" of cheeseburgers, onion rings, and fried chicken is hilarious when considering the mandatory assassin diet.
The reader is kept on their toes as characters meet untimely outcomes; the entire book is peppered with events that will leave you slack-jawed. The personal identities and challenges of both Kata and Tau continue to evolve. Tau will make what some might feel is a selfish choice, but I could not help but feel my heart swelling with joy for him at this moment. My only disappointment is the ongoing conflict and misunderstandings between Kata and Tau. I genuinely can't wait for the moment this is resolved!
I can think of nothing I disliked about this book except that the next installment is yet to be available! Something else I appreciate is the consistent, impeccable quality of editing that accompanies her novels. For these reasons, I give my wholehearted stamp of approval with a rating of five out of five stars. Since this is a series, I recommend that the books be read sequentially for the greatest enjoyment. This book and series will appeal to those who love science fiction, fantasy, well-developed characters, humorous authors, suspense, mystery, and fast-paced action.
******
Nowhere to Hide
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
I suppose this gives us the chance to check out some other books and authors, but it is going to be gnawing at me all the while! Aww, if I made your day - that makes MY day! 
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