Perdition by Ann Aguirre [Review]

Perdition (Dred Chronicles #1) by Ann Aguirre
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 21, 2015

Dred Chronicles
1. Perdition - Paperback | Kindle
2. Havoc
3. Breakout

Ann Aguirre
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Synopsis (Goodreads):

WELCOME TO HELL

The prison ship Perdition, a floating city where the Conglomerate’s most dangerous criminals are confined for life, orbits endlessly around a barren asteroid.

Life inside is even more bleak. Hailed as the Dread Queen, inmate Dresdemona “Dred” Devos controls one of Perdition’s six territories, bordered on both sides by would-be kings eager to challenge her claim. Keeping them at bay requires constant vigilance, as well as a steady influx of new recruits to replace the fallen. Survival is a constant battle, and death is the only escape.

Of the newest convicts, only one is worth Dred’s attention. The mercenary Jael, with his deadly gaze and attitude, may be the most dangerous criminal onboard. His combat skill could give her the edge she needs, if he doesn’t betray her first. Unfortunately, that’s what he does best. Winning Jael’s allegiance will be a challenge, but failure could be worse than death…

Thoughts on Perdition: Good GRAVY, the utter hopelessness of life on Perdition was so well done. Not that I'd expect anything less of Ann Aguirre. She has a way of wringing emotion out of everything she puts her pen to and she aced the whole there's-nothing-to-live-for-so-why-not-go-hog-wild-on-a-floating-deathtrap-with-a-bunch-of-other-convicts thing.

Seriously. Dred's utter exhaustion over the day to day struggle of maintaining control over the inmates in her territory came through beautifully. Couple that with the fact she could show no weakness or she could very quickly lose her crown to someone with a little ambition and Dred doesn't have it easy.

Jael's appearance is part blessing, part curse. His ability to walk away from things that would kill others could help Dred's cause, but it also makes him dangerous. And he's not one to give his allegiance easily. I mean, he might give it on the surface, but he's always waiting for someone to betray him.

And the ship. *swoons* The broken, falling apart ship that is everything to these men and women. I'm in love with it. The hidden corridors and abundant ways one could end up dead walking down the halls tickled my fancy like you wouldn't believe. Perdition is a literal walking deathtrap. If enough systems fail, the inmates die. There's no fail safe to get them to safety if something goes wrong. They are entirely dependent on a city-sized ship that should have been retired and/or retrofitted ages ago and THEY HAVE NO WHERE ELSE TO GO.

Most of the inmates have accepted they're going to die without ever seeing the sun again. Jael's crazy idea that he can escape isn't even a blip on Dred's radar. AND I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE HOW THEY PULL IT OFF.

Throw in brutal territory disputes, bloody combat, and a Dread Queen who can't afford to show mercy and I am so SO smitten.