mfieldshalva's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5


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hungryandhappy's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Well, this didn't go at all how I expected. I loved it, though. It was weird, complicated, fun, and it had many little details that reminded me of a few movies. It was really a peculiar little complicated story.

Noa wakes up in space with absolutely no recollection of how he got there and he's already in danger and being helped via radio by DJ, a cute guy in his same position. Together with Jenny, who they find stuck in a toilet, they must understand what the hell is going on and get back home before it's too late.

There are many mysteries, many things we don't know as readers that the characters also don't know. We are almost in the same boat (in this case spaceship) as them and we have to have a bit of fun trying to solve the mystery. I loved all the elements that made this story, and I loved the growing romance between Noa and DJ, how it wasn't rushed but neither too slow burn.

I had many theories and one came really close. I was surprised by every twist and turn this story took. I was really invested in what was happening! I needed to know! I really liked how the book ended! Very entertaining even with its flaws and heavier content of certain parts. (the CW/TW are listed at the beginning of the book/audiobook)

I recommend it for fans of YA sci-fi books that focus a lot in romance without having the sci-fi parts be less present.

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danielghurst's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Shaun David Hutchinson does it again! I've loved all of his books, and A Complicated Love Story Set in Space is no exception. It has all the wry comedy, painful darkness, and beautiful sincerity that characterizes Hutchinson's work.

The structure is more episodic than a typical novel, but it never feels disjointed. It keeps the pacing brisk without losing the plot's through line or the characters' emotional arcs. The three main characters are believable, sympathetic, and well-developed. Noa is excruciatingly frustrating in that way that teenagers are, but you understand and love him anyway. DJ is someone you just want to hug, and Jenny is a perfect blend of hilarious and heartfelt. I also love the Jenny Perez character, a child actor turned B-list celebrity who fills in the characters (and the reader) about the essential expository details and provides many of the book's strongest comedic moments.

I want more Noa, DJ, and Jenny! I fell in love with the characters with all their flaws, and I can offer no higher praise than that.

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