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knc123's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
nonesensed's review
4.0
Tristol is a galoi and an exile. This means that, while still biologically a galoi, his xenophobic species has exiled him to live among aliens. Tristol is fairly happy with his life despite this. Humans are fun and funny, and he's got a very attractive human detective to moon over. Said human detective unfortunately lives under the impression that all galoi are polyamorous, which isn't his cup of tea at all, so the mutual romantic and sexual attraction there might lead nowhere. Or? Well, add in an approaching galoi ship in need of a homicide detective and the maybe-couple will have other things to occupy their minds too very soon.
A fun read! I love stories with culture clashes, especially ones where we explore what it would be like to meet different sentient species (be they aliens or fantasy creatures). The galoi, and the other alien species mentioned in this book, were fun non-humans to get to know, and the romance was cute.
As a personal preference, I would have enjoyed a little more unresolved sexual tension between our two leads before they hooked up, even if it's par for the course that the leads get together in romance/erotica books. A little more build-up would have been fun since miscommunication was their introduction to the reader, so to speak. The mood of the book also whip-lashed a bit, going from sugar sweet romance with explicit but equally sugar sweet explicit sex, to a murder investigation that turns out to be a suicide due to an unwanted pregnancy... and the briefly back to sugar sweet at the very end.
All in all, I enjoyed this! Would absolutely read more stories set in this universe, to see more of the galoi and address all the things Tristol clearly doesn't know about his own species. For example, I highly doubt that "being trans" is a uniquely human thing, but I do believe that Tristol thinks so, and that the culture he grew up with thinks so, based on how little he knows about his own situation re: exile and his own gender.
Recommended if you want a fun, light read about a sexy purple space elf with tentacle hair finding love, but do keep in mind that the story also focuses on a murder investigation, with all the terrible things such a storyline can entail.
A fun read! I love stories with culture clashes, especially ones where we explore what it would be like to meet different sentient species (be they aliens or fantasy creatures). The galoi, and the other alien species mentioned in this book, were fun non-humans to get to know, and the romance was cute.
As a personal preference, I would have enjoyed a little more unresolved sexual tension between our two leads before they hooked up, even if it's par for the course that the leads get together in romance/erotica books. A little more build-up would have been fun since miscommunication was their introduction to the reader, so to speak. The mood of the book also whip-lashed a bit, going from sugar sweet romance with explicit but equally sugar sweet explicit sex, to
All in all, I enjoyed this! Would absolutely read more stories set in this universe, to see more of the galoi and address all the things Tristol clearly doesn't know about his own species. For example, I highly doubt that "being trans" is a uniquely human thing, but I do believe that Tristol thinks so, and that the culture he grew up with thinks so, based on how little he knows about his own situation re: exile and his own gender.
Recommended if you want a fun, light read about a sexy purple space elf with tentacle hair finding love, but do keep in mind that the story also focuses on a murder investigation, with all the terrible things such a storyline can entail.
a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Alien Loving Hearts!
What is it about an endearing lavender alien, whose guileless charm, flirty ways, and innate goodness oh so easily and seamlessly melted my cold heart? Throw in said alien having fae features, an excellent sense of fashion and basically, fascinating “sentient” hair (crazy I know), and you’ve got quite the start to a new series!
Tristol is an outcast amongst his fellow galoi, and he lives his life on a bustling space station, as his very sunny disposition makes him the perfect diplomatic ambassador to bridge relations between humans and other aliens. Deep down, Tristol misses his home, but he knows his personal choices and preferences prevent his return and he’s made peace with that. All Tristol really wants is for a certain grumpy detective to notice him and make Tristol his. Said surly lawman is detective Drey, who keeps his distance from the vibrant alien, thinking such a wonderful person would never settle for boring old him.
When Tristol’s self isolating people contact the station for help, this unexpected never before encounter is probably a once in a lifetime event. For a race that doesn’t know what murder is, a dead galoi is a confounding mystery to all. They barter for detective Drey’s skills, and Tristol must accompany him to help solve the case.
Seriously. If you are a fan of Gala’s Claiming series, then this should be an absolute slam dunk. Finishing a 346 page book in two nights speaks volumes as to how much I enjoyed this as precious sleep was sacrificed.
This was smart and complex, contemplating human and alien nature as Carriger creates a fascinating species with their own complicated problems and foibles. Such contrasting dynamics always bring an interesting perspective in seeing ourselves from another point of view and to be more accepting and open minded about others’ choices and beliefs. This in turn, also nicely contrasted Tristol and Drey, the former who can't contain his infectious joie de vivre and the latter, being the ultimate protective gentle giant beneath a gruff exterior. Be reassured that there was no shortage on the romance as this was super sweet, funny, poignant, and very nicely sexy, showing new ways how the galoi can bring pleasure with their anatomical differences. *wink*
I recommend reading the glossary in the back first to avoid initial frustration and confusion but regardless, take a chance on this and enjoy!! I so look forward to what Carriger will further bring to this new world of hers. I just hope we don’t have to wait an interminable amount of time to get our next fix! Fingers and toes crossed!
Thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for a honest review
What is it about an endearing lavender alien, whose guileless charm, flirty ways, and innate goodness oh so easily and seamlessly melted my cold heart? Throw in said alien having fae features, an excellent sense of fashion and basically, fascinating “sentient” hair (crazy I know), and you’ve got quite the start to a new series!
Tristol is an outcast amongst his fellow galoi, and he lives his life on a bustling space station, as his very sunny disposition makes him the perfect diplomatic ambassador to bridge relations between humans and other aliens. Deep down, Tristol misses his home, but he knows his personal choices and preferences prevent his return and he’s made peace with that. All Tristol really wants is for a certain grumpy detective to notice him and make Tristol his. Said surly lawman is detective Drey, who keeps his distance from the vibrant alien, thinking such a wonderful person would never settle for boring old him.
When Tristol’s self isolating people contact the station for help, this unexpected never before encounter is probably a once in a lifetime event. For a race that doesn’t know what murder is, a dead galoi is a confounding mystery to all. They barter for detective Drey’s skills, and Tristol must accompany him to help solve the case.
Seriously. If you are a fan of Gala’s Claiming series, then this should be an absolute slam dunk. Finishing a 346 page book in two nights speaks volumes as to how much I enjoyed this as precious sleep was sacrificed.
This was smart and complex, contemplating human and alien nature as Carriger creates a fascinating species with their own complicated problems and foibles. Such contrasting dynamics always bring an interesting perspective in seeing ourselves from another point of view and to be more accepting and open minded about others’ choices and beliefs. This in turn, also nicely contrasted Tristol and Drey, the former who can't contain his infectious joie de vivre and the latter, being the ultimate protective gentle giant beneath a gruff exterior. Be reassured that there was no shortage on the romance as this was super sweet, funny, poignant, and very nicely sexy, showing new ways how the galoi can bring pleasure with their anatomical differences. *wink*
I recommend reading the glossary in the back first to avoid initial frustration and confusion but regardless, take a chance on this and enjoy!! I so look forward to what Carriger will further bring to this new world of hers. I just hope we don’t have to wait an interminable amount of time to get our next fix! Fingers and toes crossed!
Thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for a honest review
aroundthecorner's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I loved the complex culture and enjoyed the way the story was build.
bmzhang's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A lot to keep track of and a little sad in its parallels and commentary, but overall cute
tinkcourtney's review against another edition
5.0
SUCH a delight
The sample hooked me and I was in love from the start. Tris is quirky and utterly adorable, and I loved his unique and hysterical take on things. He’s paired with a big, growly, protective detective, and they were PERFECT together. This shot straight to my favorites list, and I HOPE there are more in the series.
The sample hooked me and I was in love from the start. Tris is quirky and utterly adorable, and I loved his unique and hysterical take on things. He’s paired with a big, growly, protective detective, and they were PERFECT together. This shot straight to my favorites list, and I HOPE there are more in the series.
nikshelby's review against another edition
4.0
Carriger has a remarkable skill in creating relationships between characters that highlight the beauty in connection, the value of acceptance, the joy of quirkiness, the wonder of the unexpected...
This book gives me one concern though. I worry that the lovely story Tris & Drey might get dismissed by those who would get squicked out by homosexual sex. Explicit homosexual sex.
If you are not someone who would allow sex scenes to override any other consideration in a tale? Then, you will enjoy this book. It has components that are so immensely relevant to our current society. The undeniable import of being true to oneself, the immense beauty of exploring the beauty to be found in the everyday details of life, and the bravery inherent to integrity and compassion.
This book gives me one concern though. I worry that the lovely story Tris & Drey might get dismissed by those who would get squicked out by homosexual sex. Explicit homosexual sex.
If you are not someone who would allow sex scenes to override any other consideration in a tale? Then, you will enjoy this book. It has components that are so immensely relevant to our current society. The undeniable import of being true to oneself, the immense beauty of exploring the beauty to be found in the everyday details of life, and the bravery inherent to integrity and compassion.
gwendafyn_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-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? No
5.0
tinynavajo's review against another edition
4.0
I received this ARC from the author. This in no ways affects my thoughts and review of the book.
**TW: MLM, suicide, sexual acts
This was such a sweet book! I loved it and I loved how much a culture of a society can affect how they treat those that are of greatest importance. On a space station where there are none other like him, Tristol pines after the human detective Drey Hastion. Drey Hastion also pines after Tristol, but seeing only a flighty, flirty purple alien with very fluffy animated hair, Drey does what he can to keep himself from developing more feelings that just physical attraction.
Once these two mutually pining people figure out that they DO actually like each other, they start being exclusive, because that is all they really wanted with each other. But I think what I love most about Drey and Tristol is how much they learn from each other. This is especially needed when a galoi ship comes into port requesting the assistance of someone who knows how to find someone who has taken a life, but not by accident.
I loved watching Drey and Tristol not only realize that they are mutually pining for each other, but that they actually are well fitted for each other, not only in their partnership in trying to find who killed the galoi on the galoi ship, but sexually as well. They learn that they need to communicate with each other if they want to be able to actually work with one another. It’s something that all relationships need and G.L. Carriger shows this admirably. I love that Drey and Tristol accept each other fully and it makes they both happy, especially when both have almost given up on being completely happy with their preferences in life. Tristol has given up all that he knew, all that grew up with, just to escape his planet, but it leads to his ultimate happiness.
As Drey and Tristol seek to find answers, they also see that working with each other they are able to help each other understand better and this will possibly lead to better understanding for the galoi race.
**TW: MLM, suicide, sexual acts
This was such a sweet book! I loved it and I loved how much a culture of a society can affect how they treat those that are of greatest importance. On a space station where there are none other like him, Tristol pines after the human detective Drey Hastion. Drey Hastion also pines after Tristol, but seeing only a flighty, flirty purple alien with very fluffy animated hair, Drey does what he can to keep himself from developing more feelings that just physical attraction.
Once these two mutually pining people figure out that they DO actually like each other, they start being exclusive, because that is all they really wanted with each other. But I think what I love most about Drey and Tristol is how much they learn from each other. This is especially needed when a galoi ship comes into port requesting the assistance of someone who knows how to find someone who has taken a life, but not by accident.
I loved watching Drey and Tristol not only realize that they are mutually pining for each other, but that they actually are well fitted for each other, not only in their partnership in trying to find who killed the galoi on the galoi ship, but sexually as well. They learn that they need to communicate with each other if they want to be able to actually work with one another. It’s something that all relationships need and G.L. Carriger shows this admirably. I love that Drey and Tristol accept each other fully and it makes they both happy, especially when both have almost given up on being completely happy with their preferences in life. Tristol has given up all that he knew, all that grew up with, just to escape his planet, but it leads to his ultimate happiness.
As Drey and Tristol seek to find answers, they also see that working with each other they are able to help each other understand better and this will possibly lead to better understanding for the galoi race.