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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
CW: domestic violence, fatphobia, death/violence
This was a sweet book, I just had a few issues with it that lessened my enjoyment. Still definitely worth the read if you enjoy space opera.
Parts I liked:
-the body modding was so interesting to read about! I really enjoyed this portion, especially the nonchalant mentions of sex changes. Great to read that positivity.
-characters, especially Nika. She's so passionate and so competent.
-female friendship
I didn't like:
-I figured out the big twist at 19%
-mentions of people going to the body modder to get rid of their fat
-age difference between Josune and Roystan - this is never mentioned, but Roystan had to be close to what...100? More than that? I can't remember how old he was when he disappeared. Josune is in her 30s I think, so at least she isn't still in a brain development phase, but...still? I guess things are different in this society because you can't tell how old anyone is by looking at them, you have to guess based on their behavior, but it still seems like this should have at least been mentioned.
This was a sweet book, I just had a few issues with it that lessened my enjoyment. Still definitely worth the read if you enjoy space opera.
Parts I liked:
-the body modding was so interesting to read about! I really enjoyed this portion, especially the nonchalant mentions of sex changes. Great to read that positivity.
-characters, especially Nika. She's so passionate and so competent.
-female friendship
I didn't like:
-I figured out the big twist at 19%
-mentions of people going to the body modder to get rid of their fat
-age difference between Josune and Roystan - this is never mentioned, but Roystan had to be close to what...100? More than that? I can't remember how old he was when he disappeared. Josune is in her 30s I think, so at least she isn't still in a brain development phase, but...still? I guess things are different in this society because you can't tell how old anyone is by looking at them, you have to guess based on their behavior, but it still seems like this should have at least been mentioned.
Josune and Kika may be my favorite SF pair ever. There friendship is so genuine and each of them are so unique. I loved them both for different reasons. But even as their individual amazing selves, they have these distinctive thought patterns and personality traits that make them something more, something touching, something resilient, something endearing.
And you just get hooked. Not to mention that they are totally and 100% badass. Give me some of that please.
World: 5, Characters: 5, Plot: 5, Writing: 4
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-stars-uncharted-by-s-k-dunstall/
And you just get hooked. Not to mention that they are totally and 100% badass. Give me some of that please.
World: 5, Characters: 5, Plot: 5, Writing: 4
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-stars-uncharted-by-s-k-dunstall/
The body modification and mind-swapping are interesting but better addressed by the Richard K Morgan's Altered Carbon books. The heartwarming story of a mismatched crew becoming family is better addressed by any Lois McMaster Bujold story. The ability of the unsung genius to solve any problem given enough coincidences, get out of any predicament given enough opportunities by the enemies, and triumph over all in spite of a stacked deck is addressed by any other three star adventure book. I read all of this one but I'm not reading any more.
4+
That was fun. S.K. Dunstall are quite good with character driven stories and Stars Uncharted is no exception. I am told there will be a stand-alone second and I am looking forward to it.
That was fun. S.K. Dunstall are quite good with character driven stories and Stars Uncharted is no exception. I am told there will be a stand-alone second and I am looking forward to it.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
WOW WOW WOW!!! This book was AMAZING! So much fun! I enjoyed every second of it! The best sci-fi I have read this year! And the audio version was SO GOOD!! Sometimes two authors make magic! These sisters have done such a wonderful job with this one! And they are Aussie!!
Stars Uncharted follows the two lead female characters, Nika and Josune. Nika is a body 'modder'. She uses special machine pods to change peoples bodies and appearance, and she is darn good at what she does. So good in fact that she invents a machine that does something extraordinary. After a nasty criminal confronts her in her studio, she is suddenly on the run for her life! Josune is an explorer with a crew on a space ship named The Road, and a chance encounter with Nika and Roystan, the captain of The Road, brings Nika and Josune together for an action packed adventure!
I just LOVED this book! I was so sad when it ended! The story line was clever and entertaining! There were some very smart twists and the writing was superb! But what made the story were the characters and the technology.
Each main character was hiding something, and they were all given some really funny and clever dialogue. Although all the characters were great, Nika made the book for me. I absolutely ADORED her! And when she got a body modder machine and did her thing, I relished listening to her go! It was so addictive!
I think it would make a really entertaining movie or TV show! It reminded me a lot of Firefly.
I always enjoy a side romance in all my non-romance genre books, and this one had a nice one. I just wish there was more!
Would I recommend Stars Uncharted?
YES! Fans of fun sci-fi will enjoy this one! Really hoping that this is the first in a series!!! I really want more! Can't wait to check out their series 'Linesman'. The reviews are very promising!
I purchased Stars Uncharted at my own expense at audible.com
For more reviews check out my:
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Stars Uncharted follows the two lead female characters, Nika and Josune. Nika is a body 'modder'. She uses special machine pods to change peoples bodies and appearance, and she is darn good at what she does. So good in fact that she invents a machine that does something extraordinary. After a nasty criminal confronts her in her studio, she is suddenly on the run for her life! Josune is an explorer with a crew on a space ship named The Road, and a chance encounter with Nika and Roystan, the captain of The Road, brings Nika and Josune together for an action packed adventure!
I just LOVED this book! I was so sad when it ended! The story line was clever and entertaining! There were some very smart twists and the writing was superb! But what made the story were the characters and the technology.
Each main character was hiding something, and they were all given some really funny and clever dialogue. Although all the characters were great, Nika made the book for me. I absolutely ADORED her! And when she got a body modder machine and did her thing, I relished listening to her go! It was so addictive!
I think it would make a really entertaining movie or TV show! It reminded me a lot of Firefly.
I always enjoy a side romance in all my non-romance genre books, and this one had a nice one. I just wish there was more!
Would I recommend Stars Uncharted?
YES! Fans of fun sci-fi will enjoy this one! Really hoping that this is the first in a series!!! I really want more! Can't wait to check out their series 'Linesman'. The reviews are very promising!
I purchased Stars Uncharted at my own expense at audible.com
For more reviews check out my:
Blog
3.5 stars. An engrossing space opera that is a high octane fight for survival set in space with vibes from Firely and a bit of Undercover Boss. Buckle in and get ready for an adventure!
Stars Uncharted is written by S.K. Dunstall, a pseudonym for a writing team of two sisters, which is so cool! This is a slow burn story that reminds me of how Joss Whedon's television shows build up, and fans of Firefly will indeed get some nostalgia feels! (I certainly envision Roystan as Nathan Fillian.)
Stars Uncharted is told in the alternating and disparate perspectives in the same universe:
➡️ Nika Rik Terri is one of the best body modifiers there is, but danger knocks on her door frequently due to her abusive ex-boyfriend Alejandro and his connections. As she flees her own issues, she brings along rookie modder Snow to protect him from his own troubles.
➡️ Josune Arriola is a brilliant engineer and explorer that has learned to fight through her years working as a space explorer. She is strong and badass and I admire her so much.
In addition to our two female main characters we have Hammond Roystan, captain of The Road. For the last six weeks Josune has served as Roystan's junior engineer and after the crew finds trouble following their salvage their paths cross with Nika. The first 100 pages or so I was wondering how and when the storylines would converge, but when they finally do it is satisfying to read.
The worldbuilding to describe the world our characters inhabit is vast and detailed, and I really enjoyed learning about these technologies as well as the "fashion patterns" of modifications. Unfortunately I did find the discussions of the technology and science involved in modifications a bit too much at times. While it is accessible and not written like it is an academic paper written by an expert in the field, I found it sometimes to be excessive and detracting from the overall plot. I know this will come as no surprise given that I love a good backstory, but I do wish that there was some sort of worldbuilding in the way of how humanity got to this point in history. I would almost think that this is a different world if not for brief references to Earth and the cost of importing foods "out here." Did humanity branch out to the stars and spread across the universe? Do they live on planets or spaceships? Who are these companies really?
A central theme of the book is body and gene modification, largely in part because Nika is one of our POVs. Her inner monologue often drifts to how she will fix things, both critical to health and cosmetic. Nika's obsession with modding (which appears to be kind of advanced cosmetic surgery that can completely change one's appearance as well as heal) can be overwhelming and inescapable. While it is fine to be really into your work, it was a bit difficult to read Nika's thoughts about people's imperfections and what she would fix if given the chance - from insinuating that red hair should be changed to trimming the fat from another character.
This is a character-driven story and I adore each of them barring Nika, whose obsession with modding can be overwhelming and inescapable because she is one of our POVs. I cared more about the characters and the mess they were in than with Nika's near constant obsession with her profession. I would have like to see more character development as the story progressed, each of them are essentially the same as when they started on their adventure but with their backstories mostly exposed to the group (except for Snow, boo hiss!). I like my characters a little dark and twisty with a bit more conflict that just being chased by Bad Guys, but that didn't stop my overall enjoyment of the story.
Reflecting a bit on the book to write this review, I do think that the writing was a bit repetitive at times and certain clues I feel like were hammered home. I love a good mystery but prefer to be have the clues be more subtle so that the reveal smacks me unexpected. I guessed what was being built up to about 50 pages before the characters figured it out, but I knew it was something along those lines well before I finally pieced it together.
Overall this is an enjoyable space opera adventure with good pacing for a slow-building character driven story. There's conflict with The Big Bad, the sting of betrayal, the mystery of who each of the characters really are and unravelling what they are each running from/hiding. There are aspects of this book that remind me of Firefly: the ragtag team, space exploration, supply runs, and the love of an old ship with outdated features that save the day. To be honest, this would make an excellent movie or television show and something I would love to see adapted. The end is mostly wrapped up in a way that leaves it open for more stories with these characters and their found family, and I would love to see where they end up next.
Many thanks to Penguin First to Read for providing me an electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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Stars Uncharted is written by S.K. Dunstall, a pseudonym for a writing team of two sisters, which is so cool! This is a slow burn story that reminds me of how Joss Whedon's television shows build up, and fans of Firefly will indeed get some nostalgia feels! (I certainly envision Roystan as Nathan Fillian.)
"Everyone has secrets."This is a world where no one is who they seem to be, where people can change their appearances, and every character has a backstory to hide. The premise of this book is a simple one: the crew aboard The Road comes across an abandoned ship within the legal zone on a supply run and board to claim it and its contents based on salvage laws... and uncovers a clue to a highly prized mystery. Before they can set off in search of their riches, members from one of the Big 27 Companies try to take the secret by force. Can they outrun the Big Bad and lay claim to the treasure?
Stars Uncharted is told in the alternating and disparate perspectives in the same universe:
➡️ Nika Rik Terri is one of the best body modifiers there is, but danger knocks on her door frequently due to her abusive ex-boyfriend Alejandro and his connections. As she flees her own issues, she brings along rookie modder Snow to protect him from his own troubles.
➡️ Josune Arriola is a brilliant engineer and explorer that has learned to fight through her years working as a space explorer. She is strong and badass and I admire her so much.
In addition to our two female main characters we have Hammond Roystan, captain of The Road. For the last six weeks Josune has served as Roystan's junior engineer and after the crew finds trouble following their salvage their paths cross with Nika. The first 100 pages or so I was wondering how and when the storylines would converge, but when they finally do it is satisfying to read.
The worldbuilding to describe the world our characters inhabit is vast and detailed, and I really enjoyed learning about these technologies as well as the "fashion patterns" of modifications. Unfortunately I did find the discussions of the technology and science involved in modifications a bit too much at times. While it is accessible and not written like it is an academic paper written by an expert in the field, I found it sometimes to be excessive and detracting from the overall plot. I know this will come as no surprise given that I love a good backstory, but I do wish that there was some sort of worldbuilding in the way of how humanity got to this point in history. I would almost think that this is a different world if not for brief references to Earth and the cost of importing foods "out here." Did humanity branch out to the stars and spread across the universe? Do they live on planets or spaceships? Who are these companies really?
A central theme of the book is body and gene modification, largely in part because Nika is one of our POVs. Her inner monologue often drifts to how she will fix things, both critical to health and cosmetic. Nika's obsession with modding (which appears to be kind of advanced cosmetic surgery that can completely change one's appearance as well as heal) can be overwhelming and inescapable. While it is fine to be really into your work, it was a bit difficult to read Nika's thoughts about people's imperfections and what she would fix if given the chance - from insinuating that red hair should be changed to trimming the fat from another character.
This is a character-driven story and I adore each of them barring Nika, whose obsession with modding can be overwhelming and inescapable because she is one of our POVs. I cared more about the characters and the mess they were in than with Nika's near constant obsession with her profession. I would have like to see more character development as the story progressed, each of them are essentially the same as when they started on their adventure but with their backstories mostly exposed to the group (except for Snow, boo hiss!). I like my characters a little dark and twisty with a bit more conflict that just being chased by Bad Guys, but that didn't stop my overall enjoyment of the story.
Reflecting a bit on the book to write this review, I do think that the writing was a bit repetitive at times and certain clues I feel like were hammered home. I love a good mystery but prefer to be have the clues be more subtle so that the reveal smacks me unexpected. I guessed what was being built up to about 50 pages before the characters figured it out, but I knew it was something along those lines well before I finally pieced it together.
Overall this is an enjoyable space opera adventure with good pacing for a slow-building character driven story. There's conflict with The Big Bad, the sting of betrayal, the mystery of who each of the characters really are and unravelling what they are each running from/hiding. There are aspects of this book that remind me of Firefly: the ragtag team, space exploration, supply runs, and the love of an old ship with outdated features that save the day. To be honest, this would make an excellent movie or television show and something I would love to see adapted. The end is mostly wrapped up in a way that leaves it open for more stories with these characters and their found family, and I would love to see where they end up next.
Many thanks to Penguin First to Read for providing me an electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
As a big fan of the authors' Linemen series, I grabbed a copy of the first in a new series. Coming off of the glow of Linesmen, I was expecting a bit of magic to be interwoven between the characters. In the end I was disappointed with the bland story and uniteresting characters.
This is a story about seeking. From those hunting precious metals to those wanting a new look, that is essence of the story. Lots of discussion around body modding and how it can also be used to heal. Every few pages there is something that involves using the modding machines.
In the previous series, there was magic and mystery. Here, it is just a bunch of people who are all running put into a small ship and pursued by corporate goons (all in suits). The characters became annoying saying the same things over and over again.
Also the technology had an uneven lumpiness to it, in order to involve the body modders. Super fast DNA decodes, super fast body modding, bioware implants and FTL travel. But they need a human to run a calibrator to ensure the ship heads the right way. This only seems to be a way to get the modders involved on the ship outside of playing doctor.
So in the end, this is just an average motley crew story hopping from system to system.
This is a story about seeking. From those hunting precious metals to those wanting a new look, that is essence of the story. Lots of discussion around body modding and how it can also be used to heal. Every few pages there is something that involves using the modding machines.
In the previous series, there was magic and mystery. Here, it is just a bunch of people who are all running put into a small ship and pursued by corporate goons (all in suits). The characters became annoying saying the same things over and over again.
Also the technology had an uneven lumpiness to it, in order to involve the body modders. Super fast DNA decodes, super fast body modding, bioware implants and FTL travel. But they need a human to run a calibrator to ensure the ship heads the right way. This only seems to be a way to get the modders involved on the ship outside of playing doctor.
So in the end, this is just an average motley crew story hopping from system to system.
Lacks interesting characters, decent science or much explanation of world/science. I rolled my eyes too many times in the first quarter of the book to care any longer.