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ashlightgrayson's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I went into this book with no expectations. I know Lindsey Ellis as a Youtuber and have enjoyed her content in the past, but I am not an avid follower. I think the most enjoyment from this book is probably garnered if you go in without any expectations if you previously know about Lindsey Ellis. With that said, I think this book would make for an excellent screenplay and Ellis's prose makes it easy to visualize and follow what is occurring in the plot despite the fast pacing. The plot slows down a bit in the middle to give space for character development. There is a strong focus on government conspiracy and Cora reluctantly becoming involved with a government cover up as she becomes an alien translator. I appreciated that the characters are written with realistic reactions to aliens landing on Earth. The government presence within the plot is palpable and Cora, the main character, is understandably suspicious of the intentions of the aliens together with all of the humans. Their cultures and perceptions of each other are fearful and untrusting. However, it becomes clear very quickly that the morals determined by each culture is incredibly different. This makes sense since they come from different worlds and makes for interesting speculation about character motives.
The main representative for the aliens is named Ampersand and his intentions are dubious at best. Despite this, he gains the trust of Cora over the course of the story and if it weren't for them being separate species it almost reads as romantic at times. This first book felt like an introduction to the aliens and their culture as well as what their perception of humanity is. A lot goes on, but it feels like a lot is left unanswered. Personally, there isn't anything in the story I fell in love with, but I am just interested enough to continue the series. This might be one of those book series where everything doesn't completely fall into place until you read the series as a whole. If you want to be blown away immediately, this might not be the book series for you. I don't mind a slower start in terms of world building, so I'm hoping that the next book builds on everything established in this first book. Overall, not a bad introduction into sci-fi if it's not a genre you read often.
The main representative for the aliens is named Ampersand and his intentions are dubious at best. Despite this, he gains the trust of Cora over the course of the story and if it weren't for them being separate species it almost reads as romantic at times. This first book felt like an introduction to the aliens and their culture as well as what their perception of humanity is. A lot goes on, but it feels like a lot is left unanswered. Personally, there isn't anything in the story I fell in love with, but I am just interested enough to continue the series. This might be one of those book series where everything doesn't completely fall into place until you read the series as a whole. If you want to be blown away immediately, this might not be the book series for you. I don't mind a slower start in terms of world building, so I'm hoping that the next book builds on everything established in this first book. Overall, not a bad introduction into sci-fi if it's not a genre you read often.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Murder
bencaroline's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Car accident, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, and Xenophobia
Minor: Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexism, Stalking, Suicide, and Torture
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