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frenchleigh's review against another edition
3.0
An engaging read but ultimately I feel unfulfilled. I can’t rate this lower because it was imaginative and enjoyable to read, but don’t expect depth or much emotion out of this.
While the main plot is set in an interesting world, I felt like the cultures of each species were tossed into random details to remind us the characters had “different beds”, rather than being an actual aspect affecting their thoughts, speech, and actions. The side characters don’t have any depth to them to the point where their dialogue and actions feel pretty much interchangeable, and it bothered me that the protagonist sweeps in and does all the work as if nobody else could’ve figured out how to save the day (a tension which is represented by one of said side characters but not really resolved). Also, the writing can be choppy or pretentious at times.
I was taken aback at first by some of the discussions around sex and sexuality, with consent being a key and very explicit part of the narrative, but came to really appreciate the modelling of a real-life conversation about boundaries, as opposed to what so many books do by engaging in hyperrealism where consent is assumed by virtue of some heavy breathing and one verbal check-in. I wish the author had explored the protagonist’s growth and navigating internalized shame of his sexuality more. It’s a big deal in the ace community and not many folks are interested in dating sexuals, unlike the protagonist.
Finally, much like culture, trauma is treated as a detail to be explained and tossed in without much care, rather than a continuous and shaping experience that would’ve felt more healing both for the protagonist and the reader. There are flashbacks throughout the book from the protagonist, and much like other reviewers, I found these at odds with the inner monologue of the present-day protagonist, whose emotions are told, not shown. I was interested in the journey his character supposedly took through processing everything and opening up to trusting relationships but something about it felt very simplistic.
While the main plot is set in an interesting world, I felt like the cultures of each species were tossed into random details to remind us the characters had “different beds”, rather than being an actual aspect affecting their thoughts, speech, and actions. The side characters don’t have any depth to them to the point where their dialogue and actions feel pretty much interchangeable, and it bothered me that the protagonist sweeps in and does all the work as if nobody else could’ve figured out how to save the day (a tension which is represented by one of said side characters but not really resolved). Also, the writing can be choppy or pretentious at times.
I was taken aback at first by some of the discussions around sex and sexuality, with consent being a key and very explicit part of the narrative, but came to really appreciate the modelling of a real-life conversation about boundaries, as opposed to what so many books do by engaging in hyperrealism where consent is assumed by virtue of some heavy breathing and one verbal check-in. I wish the author had explored the protagonist’s growth and navigating internalized shame of his sexuality more. It’s a big deal in the ace community and not many folks are interested in dating sexuals, unlike the protagonist.
Finally, much like culture, trauma is treated as a detail to be explained and tossed in without much care, rather than a continuous and shaping experience that would’ve felt more healing both for the protagonist and the reader. There are flashbacks throughout the book from the protagonist, and much like other reviewers, I found these at odds with the inner monologue of the present-day protagonist, whose emotions are told, not shown. I was interested in the journey his character supposedly took through processing everything and opening up to trusting relationships but something about it felt very simplistic.
jesshaleth's review against another edition
"I'm sorry they sold you." Bo turns to face Jes as he speaks. "I can't imagine having parents that cold."
Oh yeah that's a normal casual conversation to have with someone you met yesterday.
About as subtle as a spaceship parking on your foot, and is there nothing our protagonist can't do?? It's not terrible, at another time I'd probably just read it, but I have so much on my TBR, lol.
Oh yeah that's a normal casual conversation to have with someone you met yesterday.
About as subtle as a spaceship parking on your foot, and is there nothing our protagonist can't do?? It's not terrible, at another time I'd probably just read it, but I have so much on my TBR, lol.
vaporization's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like this more but it just wasn't that gripping.
xknight95's review against another edition
DNF at 37%. I wanted to like this novel. The premise sounded so intriguing, and having an ace MC seemed great. I just could not get into the plot and none of the characters were able to grasp my attention.
twigandleaves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
This was a very enjoyable read. For an enclosed story, the world building of an entire galaxy of people was really well done. The characters are all really well written and the found family is delightful. The queer representation is also very good, from Jes’ asexuality to the casual giving of pronouns. The voice acting is also really good, with all the characters having unique voices and the emotions come through so well.
It is also so clear how much appreciation the author has for the circus arts. The descriptions of all the acts are so well written and really help with the immersion of the story.
The only thing I would have wanted would be an epilogue tohave Jes meeting with his boyfriend and Esme on Indra , but the openness of the ending does leave room for interpretation of what comes next and also the potential for a sequel which I’d definitely be excited to read.
It is also so clear how much appreciation the author has for the circus arts. The descriptions of all the acts are so well written and really help with the immersion of the story.
The only thing I would have wanted would be an epilogue to
mruthshe's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
matheo96gro's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
ems0613's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
20sidedbi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Death, Kidnapping, Child death, Forced institutionalization, Torture, Medical trauma, Violence, Abandonment, Child abuse, Confinement, Blood, Body horror, and Murder