Amazon Cover
The Hands We’re Given (Aces High, Jokers Wild Book 1) by O.E. Tearmann
BOOK BLURB ON AMAZON
Aidan Headly never wanted to be the man giving orders.
That’s fine with the Democratic State Force base he’s been assigned to command: they don’t like to take orders. Nicknamed the Wildcards, they used to be the most effective base against the seven Corporations owning the former United States in a war that has lasted over half a century. Now the Wildcards are known for creative insubordination, chaos, and commanders begging to be reassigned.
Aidan is their last chance. If he can pull off his assignment as Commander and yank his ragtag crew of dreamers and fighters together, maybe they can get back to doing what they came to do: fighting for a country worth living in.
Life’s a bitch. She deals off the bottom of the deck. But you play the hands you’re given.
MY REVIEW
An excellent first book for a dystopian series. Lots of characters introduced, and they are easy to keep track of. Everyone is broken and hurting (Dystopian leaves its mark).
This book explores secrets, why people hold their hands close to the vest, the danger of showing the cards if you want to survive the game, but part of the game of life is knowing when to show your hand to others. It is the only way to win – friends, family.
For the first novel of a series by the new (team) author of O.E. Tearmann, Hands We’re Given is well crafted. Dialog and characters are real.
If you like themes of diversity and found family (the military elements are more about building a family than a unit), you will enjoy this book.
Special note: I bought this book directly from the author team at Ret-Con 2023.