Review of Nowhere to Hide

Post by **kandscreeley** » 04 Aug 2023, 14:40

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Nowhere to Hide" by Jude Austin.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Nowhere to Hide by Jude Austin is the third book in the Five Worlds series (previously entitled the Projects series). In this book, we again follow Kalin Taylor, who thinks of himself as Kata. The story starts off with Vasari Adrianne Demont ordering a group of holin to Atthiras to find someone and bring them back alive (we aren’t told who). Alan Morgan, Kata’s one and only friend, is sent to Akkhen by High Command to gather Kata for a mission. They must find four female students who went missing on a space station named Suliko. High Command is really trying to get Kata someplace safe, as they think that Adrianne might possibly be after him. Who are the holin after? Where did the four students disappear to?

Jude Austin claims that: “her preferred genre is sci-fi realism, which translates to character-driven, non-dystopian science fiction without the advanced science, aliens, AI/robots (especially AI/robots!) or epic space battles (pg 483).” Having read all three books in the series so far, I would have to agree. Ms. Austin is a master at crafting new and interesting worlds with unique creatures. For example, there is a species named strirla, which is a sapient race of birds. These birds will carry humans for a fee.

In addition, the author is able to make the characters come to life. Kata suffered emotional abuse growing up. He was also tortured by a company named GenTech (which you can read about in the first book in the series entitled Project Tau). I truly empathize with Kata and the struggles he faces daily. This is no flat, nondimensional character. It’s not just the main characters either; they all have a personality of their own.

I also enjoyed that the book kept me guessing. I thought I knew what was going to happen. Actually, when I read that Adrianne Demont had sent a group of assassins after someone, I figured right away that I knew who they were going after. Let me just say that I was completely mistaken. This made for a very engaging book that I just wanted to keep reading.

Ms. Austin doesn’t skirt around the tough issues or scenes either. Therefore, the book is graphically violent at times. While there is no sexual content, there is some discussion of rape having taken place, but the story is never graphic in this aspect. Nevertheless, there is quite a bit of foul language. If this is offensive to you, you’ll want to skip the book.

All in all, Nowhere to Hide pulls you in from the start and doesn’t let you go until it’s thoroughly finished with you. I can’t think of one thing that I would want to change about this story. In fact, her book is highly polished with only a handful of typographical errors. That’s why I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good character-driven story. You don’t have to be a sci-fi lover to enjoy this one, as there isn’t much advanced technology or science speak that is hard to understand. It’s simply a good story that happens to occur on worlds other than Earth. If you are extremely sensitive to violence or foul language, you might want to skip this one. For my part, I’m already looking forward to book number four.

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Nowhere to Hide
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NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 14 Aug 2023, 15:16

I read the first two novels of the Project / Five Worlds series, so I can confirm that some bits can be really brutal with extreme violence. However, they're cases in which there's a point in such violence, as the author explored some dark sides of humanity, so I plan to read this novel as well. Thank you for your great review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 14 Aug 2023, 20:14

NetMassimo wrote: ↑14 Aug 2023, 15:16 I read the first two novels of the Project / Five Worlds series, so I can confirm that some bits can be really brutal with extreme violence. However, they're cases in which there's a point in such violence, as the author explored some dark sides of humanity, so I plan to read this novel as well. Thank you for your great review!

You're definitely going to enjoy!

Sameeha Ismail · Post by **Sameeha Ismail** » 04 Nov 2023, 03:11

Interesting book review. 'Nowhere to Hide," seem to be a book of considerable size. So, I wonder if Kalin Taylor is the only main protagonist. I'm definitely curious to know what led Kalin to believe himself to be Kata.

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 04 Nov 2023, 17:41

I've read the first two and look forward to this one! I love Jude Austin's conscientious objection to AI and robots. It seems as if Kata has really moved on from GenTech in this book and is branching out as a character. That's so fascinating. Thanks for the introduction.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 04 Nov 2023, 17:43

Alice Heritage wrote: ↑04 Nov 2023, 17:41 I've read the first two and look forward to this one! I love Jude Austin's conscientious objection to AI and robots. It seems as if Kata has really moved on from GenTech in this book and is branching out as a character. That's so fascinating. Thanks for the introduction.

She is a talented writer, and this book fits really well into the series. Enjoy!

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 11 Mar 2025, 07:18

The reviewer nicely laid out the story, feel and tone of this sci-fi realistic book. It is not really my genre and I can tell.. by the first few pages.. that it’s for a younger reader than I. It does seem good and well written.

Post by **Seetha E** » 11 Mar 2025, 08:01

This book sounds interesting with great writing, well-developed characters, and a suspenseful premise. I'd prefer to begin with first in the series, though(Project Tau). I am sure readers of this genre will certainly enjoy the uniquely handled Sci-fi. Thank you for your great review.

Post by **Moisés Alcántara Ayre** » 11 Mar 2025, 08:10

This amazing review makes me want to grab the book and read it right away; the fantasy worlds and the well-developed characters and unique creatures make for a fascinating sci-fi read.

Post by **Nelly Koszegi** » 11 Mar 2025, 08:12

The book sounds very interesting. I am looking forward to read to find more about Kata. Also to find out more about sspecies named strirla, is definitely a call to read a book.

Lauren Stjohn · Post by **Lauren Stjohn** » 11 Mar 2025, 08:19

Well-engaged review. Science Fiction is not my realm of interest. I did read the first two chapters with typos and grammar errors. The book is a bit too much foul language to be of any enjoyment. I have not read any of the works of Jude Austin. Thank you for this review

Post by **Sarah Zain** » 11 Mar 2025, 08:50

The review is exciting and beautifully written. Although I don't like violence, the OBC's review made me want to read the book.The book seems interesting and enjoyable at the same time. Carefully written characters and a well crafted world, especially since this book is the third part of a series. Congrats on BOTD

Lorna Walters 1 · Post by **Lorna Walters 1** » 11 Mar 2025, 08:53

It is great to see that you enjoyed this book so much. I hope that you get to read the next book in the series soon. Thanks for your honest review.

Post by **Bertha Jackson** » 11 Mar 2025, 09:07

Character-driven novels that keep me guessing are among my favorite types of reading. Thank you for your informative review.

Post by **Alida Spies** » 11 Mar 2025, 09:09

Neither the review nor the Amazon blurb gives any indication of whether this book can be read as a standalone novel, which is somewhat concerning, as I haven't read any of the other books in the series. I like the statement by the author, claiming that her preferred genre is sci-fi realism, without aliens, AI/robots or epic battles. The description of simply a good story that occurs on worlds other than Earth sounds very appealing. I love the description of the strirla, being birds that will carry humans for a fee. Thank you for your informative review.