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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
3.5*
Indian Jones in space is a very good description of this story, with the added caveat that it takes a while for it to get actiony.
While I enjoyed this story (YA sci-fi! YAY!), I'm not sure if I enjoyed it enough to want to reread it, which is usually my litmus test for rating a book higher. I'm glad I got this as a library check-out, and I'll wait for the sequel to see if I want to buy the series. In fact, my feelings about this book align with my feelings about [b:Defy the Stars|31423196|Defy the Stars (Constellation, #1)|Claudia Gray|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1484967166s/31423196.jpg|47841519].
I didn't mind the initial slow pace, which fits for about the first third of the book. I thought it allowed for a really good exploration of both of our main characters, both of whom I enjoyed. I didn't fall in love with either of them, and neither really jumped off of the page, but I like their individual characterizations and their more platonic interactions. The ones that veered more toward romance I wasn't quite as fond of, but I appreciated it more than other YA stories. The authors went out of their way to have the characters acknowledge, on multiple occasions, how absurd it is to be so attracted to someone else while on an alien planet, to the point that it at times overrides the survival instinct.
Additionally, aspects of the world-building and Mia and Jules' personal motivations were laid out multiple times. Sometimes the story began to feel a bit repetitive because we would get the same nugget of information a handful of times and that, coupled with chapters that featured long, internal monologues that delivered this information, helped drag down the page a little too much and led to me knocking my rating down.
The other reason this is a 3.5 is the plot, and the fact that I knew most of the twists were coming from the very beginning. I can't really think of anything else to add to that because I still enjoyed the plot!
tl;dr: While the plot isn't as twisty-turny as it thinks it is, I enjoyed the characters, their romance didn't bother me that much, and I will definitely read the sequel.
Indian Jones in space is a very good description of this story, with the added caveat that it takes a while for it to get actiony.
While I enjoyed this story (YA sci-fi! YAY!), I'm not sure if I enjoyed it enough to want to reread it, which is usually my litmus test for rating a book higher. I'm glad I got this as a library check-out, and I'll wait for the sequel to see if I want to buy the series. In fact, my feelings about this book align with my feelings about [b:Defy the Stars|31423196|Defy the Stars (Constellation, #1)|Claudia Gray|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1484967166s/31423196.jpg|47841519].
I didn't mind the initial slow pace, which fits for about the first third of the book. I thought it allowed for a really good exploration of both of our main characters, both of whom I enjoyed. I didn't fall in love with either of them, and neither really jumped off of the page, but I like their individual characterizations and their more platonic interactions. The ones that veered more toward romance I wasn't quite as fond of, but I appreciated it more than other YA stories. The authors went out of their way to have the characters acknowledge, on multiple occasions, how absurd it is to be so attracted to someone else while on an alien planet, to the point that it at times overrides the survival instinct.
Additionally, aspects of the world-building and Mia and Jules' personal motivations were laid out multiple times. Sometimes the story began to feel a bit repetitive because we would get the same nugget of information a handful of times and that, coupled with chapters that featured long, internal monologues that delivered this information, helped drag down the page a little too much and led to me knocking my rating down.
The other reason this is a 3.5 is the plot, and the fact that I knew most of the twists were coming from the very beginning. I can't really think of anything else to add to that because I still enjoyed the plot!
tl;dr: While the plot isn't as twisty-turny as it thinks it is, I enjoyed the characters, their romance didn't bother me that much, and I will definitely read the sequel.
This one floats around 3 to 3.5 stars.
It's a solid book! The plot is fun, and the logic/puzzles are a nice addition.
This was compared to be a mix of Indiana Jones and Lara Croft, but I think that is an unfair, and (a little) misleading characterization (for which party? I'm not so sure).
I think it's best to go in with little to no presumptions to get the most out of this book. But if recommend this to anyone who likes a light sci-fi, with a mixture of end-of-the-world climate pressure.
did anyone find the romance a little forced? I'd rather they would focus on adventure more
Cannot wait for book 2!
It's a solid book! The plot is fun, and the logic/puzzles are a nice addition.
This was compared to be a mix of Indiana Jones and Lara Croft, but I think that is an unfair, and (a little) misleading characterization (for which party? I'm not so sure).
I think it's best to go in with little to no presumptions to get the most out of this book. But if recommend this to anyone who likes a light sci-fi, with a mixture of end-of-the-world climate pressure.
Cannot wait for book 2!
I wish I could give this more stars because it is well-written and better than the average YA book. However, I had a hard time getting through it (despite it being only 300 pages), I found myself a bit bored or confused and not desperate to pick it up.
1. Raiders IN SPAAAACCEEE! I love the premise of the story and this world the authors have created is fun and visually interesting. It's Indiana Jones with a touch of At The Mountains of Madness by H.P. Lovecraft -- WHICH I TOTALLY LOVED!!! There are bad guys trying to get ancient technology for their own gain, one character who is "in it for the science", ancient booby traps, creepy aliens, creepy symbols, creepy mysteries. If that sounds like a great read to you, pick up this book. Do it.
2. I liked the two main characters. Jules and Amelia are a great dynamic pair. They're both witty and clever and have their own, unique and sympathetic reasons for being on Gaia. They are fun to read and have a great relationship together. Jules is more linguistic minded while Amelia is more STEM-minded. However, I felt their budding love got a bit mushy at times. There are points where Jules and Amelia should be thinking about something other than kissing each other. Like, you have a gun pointed at your face, let's not stop to think about how close Jules is to you right now, Amelia. Focus!
3. The writers' styles blend seamlessly. I'm thinking one wrote Amelia's perspective and one wrote Jules', but the book doesn't feel disjointed. I would have believed one person wrote this.
4. The characters repeat stuff over and over and over again. I think, like three times per chapter, someone will say something about the broadcast signal and the secret message. Jules will repeat that he doesn't know if there will be any tech for Amelia to bring back. Amelia will repeat that she hopes there's tech to bring back. Over and over and over andoverandoverandover again!!!
Just stop!
5. A lot of this book relies on visuals. The reader has to be able to picture the ancient tomb and the symbols and how the traps work and everything. That isn't my strongest suit, especially in a science-fiction novel so I definitely struggled in that arena, which is probably why this book lagged for me.
6. Jules' name threw me off. I kept having to remind myself that Jules was male. Super petty, but it happened.
This is your better-than-average YA novel. The characters are great, the world is lush and I can't wait to explore it more. I just struggled with the repetitiveness of character monologues and visualizing the surroundings. I would totally recommend this to anyone and I can't wait to read the sequel.
1. Raiders IN SPAAAACCEEE! I love the premise of the story and this world the authors have created is fun and visually interesting. It's Indiana Jones with a touch of At The Mountains of Madness by H.P. Lovecraft -- WHICH I TOTALLY LOVED!!! There are bad guys trying to get ancient technology for their own gain, one character who is "in it for the science", ancient booby traps, creepy aliens, creepy symbols, creepy mysteries. If that sounds like a great read to you, pick up this book. Do it.
2. I liked the two main characters. Jules and Amelia are a great dynamic pair. They're both witty and clever and have their own, unique and sympathetic reasons for being on Gaia. They are fun to read and have a great relationship together. Jules is more linguistic minded while Amelia is more STEM-minded. However, I felt their budding love got a bit mushy at times. There are points where Jules and Amelia should be thinking about something other than kissing each other. Like, you have a gun pointed at your face, let's not stop to think about how close Jules is to you right now, Amelia. Focus!
3. The writers' styles blend seamlessly. I'm thinking one wrote Amelia's perspective and one wrote Jules', but the book doesn't feel disjointed. I would have believed one person wrote this.
4. The characters repeat stuff over and over and over again. I think, like three times per chapter, someone will say something about the broadcast signal and the secret message. Jules will repeat that he doesn't know if there will be any tech for Amelia to bring back. Amelia will repeat that she hopes there's tech to bring back. Over and over and over andoverandoverandover again!!!
Just stop!
5. A lot of this book relies on visuals. The reader has to be able to picture the ancient tomb and the symbols and how the traps work and everything. That isn't my strongest suit, especially in a science-fiction novel so I definitely struggled in that arena, which is probably why this book lagged for me.
6. Jules' name threw me off. I kept having to remind myself that Jules was male. Super petty, but it happened.
This is your better-than-average YA novel. The characters are great, the world is lush and I can't wait to explore it more. I just struggled with the repetitiveness of character monologues and visualizing the surroundings. I would totally recommend this to anyone and I can't wait to read the sequel.
WOW. First part was so slow I almost didn’t keep going but I am so glad I did! Basically the goonies or Indiana Jones in space, but definitely a true sci-fi. A little violence, but perfect for younger teens as well as older. Can’t wait for book two!
This was so good you guys!!! Indiana Jones meets Sci Fi- is the perfect description!!! I don’t know how I’m supposed to wait for book 2 now though!!
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
Spoilers! And a question!
So if the undying are so advanced, why did they need the humans to enter the coordinates for earth? Could they not have flown the ship there themselves, especially if they are human as Mia suggests? The portal obviously is 2 ways, since the ship went through it to get back to earth once everyone evacuated.
So if the undying are so advanced, why did they need the humans to enter the coordinates for earth? Could they not have flown the ship there themselves, especially if they are human as Mia suggests? The portal obviously is 2 ways, since the ship went through it to get back to earth once everyone evacuated.
Well.... Amie and Meagen never dissappoint me. I DID NOT see that ending coming.
A little predictable at times, but it was still fun and I’m interested to see where it goes.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was mentioned on Episode 2 of Checking Out. Listen here!
Possible Read Harder 2020 Prompts: Mystery where a victim isn't a woman
Possible Pop Sugar 2020 Prompts: Written more than 20 books, same title as another piece of media but different topic, made-up language.
Speaking of Amie Kaufman! I really enjoy her work with Meagan Spooner and this was no exception. It felt a little bit slow in the beginning, but in classic Kaufman fashion the end left me SCREAMING for more. Yes it's space, but also Indiana Jones kinda too? It's done really well, and that ending tho. I'm ready for book 2.
Possible Read Harder 2020 Prompts: Mystery where a victim isn't a woman
Possible Pop Sugar 2020 Prompts: Written more than 20 books, same title as another piece of media but different topic, made-up language.
Speaking of Amie Kaufman! I really enjoy her work with Meagan Spooner and this was no exception. It felt a little bit slow in the beginning, but in classic Kaufman fashion the end left me SCREAMING for more. Yes it's space, but also Indiana Jones kinda too? It's done really well, and that ending tho. I'm ready for book 2.