The Surprise of the Summer
4.5 out of 5 stars
I know that I’m starting this at book two in the series – but the thing that jumped out at me, in a good way, was that Sasaki just jumps right into it. There wasn’t a ton of lead-up and not a lot of descriptions – they just dove right in, and I really appreciate that. I don’t like when someone drones on and on about things that don’t make the story any better, and they did not do that with Bud by the Grace of God.
Sasaki’s writing style really played well into the audio format of this one. I think that they were able to write a good story that translated into an even better audiobook. This was one of those books I sat down expecting to take some time to get into and especially take longer to start to love the main characters, but quite the opposite happened. I sat down, and within 5 minutes, I was absolutely riveted to my seat to figure out what would happen next. Now, I can’t speak to those who read the first book in this series but starting at book two and being able to still fall for the main characters is a feat, in my opinion.
Overall, I think that Bud by the Grace of God was a story that surprised me almost every way. And each of those was a good surprise. Sasaki had a world created that was fascinating and one that I want to read more about. The title, even after finishing it, is still a bit confusing to me, but I think fits the story well. Each character within had their own arc, and I could tell that Sasaki was trying to have each one stand out for their own reasons.
Add this to the excellent narration by Marc Leclerc, and Bud by the Grace of God was probably the surprise book of my summer so far. It ticked every box for the science fiction story I was looking for, along with the surprises around every corner aspect.
Book Description:
Medicine. Murder. Mayhem.
Not what one expects to find on the Conglomerate’s Premier Medical Space Station, the Nelson Mandela.
When a homicidal ghost, a genocidal general, and a terrifying plant alien all land on the medical station at the same time, the bodies begin to pile up. Hardworking, diligent Dr. Grace Lord is devastated when she witnesses her constant companion, the android Bud, destroyed by a pulse rifle blast before her eyes. When the conniving Dr. Jeffrey Nestor programs the Nelson Mandela to self-destruct and then kidnaps Grace, locking her inside a cryopod, Grace struggles with despair. Can she still save everyone she loves before the entire station is destroyed?
Bud by the Grace of God by S.E. SASAKINarrator: MARC LECLERC
Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins
Series: Grace Lord #2
Published by Self Published on May 31st 2022
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Buy from Audible
