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shiwonee's review
5.0
PLOT: This story was so fun! It was fast paced and action-packed, but still had several moments where the reader could breathe. It follows Asher (a commander in training) and her team as they navigate the aftermath of an ambush.
Aside from all the cool lore/history, Rebecca Fraimow posed many interesting questions about religion, autonomy, and what it means to maintain your humanity. Truly a treat.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: It was really easy to care about (and empathize with) all the characters: the main protagonists, their chaotic team of Dedicates, and even the secret enemy that lurked among them. And, in the end, they all came out of their adventure with deeper insight—whether it was newfound empathy, confidence, or even a little bit of doubt.
WORLD BUILDING: The world in this book was fascinating. Although a bit loaded, the cohesive, easy-to-follow narration made it easier to understand the deeper intricacies behind the Levastani vs. Celesti conflict, the different ranks within Asher's team (Sor Commander, Sergeant, Dedicate, etc.), and the sacrifices they had to make to become a part of a greater(?) cause.
OTHER: If the author ever chooses to make this novella into a book, or a series, I will read it all.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Aside from all the cool lore/history, Rebecca Fraimow posed many interesting questions about religion, autonomy, and what it means to maintain your humanity. Truly a treat.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: It was really easy to care about (and empathize with) all the characters: the main protagonists, their chaotic team of Dedicates, and even the secret enemy that lurked among them. And, in the end, they all came out of their adventure with deeper insight—whether it was newfound empathy, confidence, or even a little bit of doubt.
WORLD BUILDING: The world in this book was fascinating. Although a bit loaded, the cohesive, easy-to-follow narration made it easier to understand the deeper intricacies behind the Levastani vs. Celesti conflict, the different ranks within Asher's team (Sor Commander, Sergeant, Dedicate, etc.), and the sacrifices they had to make to become a part of a greater(?) cause.
OTHER: If the author ever chooses to make this novella into a book, or a series, I will read it all.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
ursula_fricke's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
imyril's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
chloroform_tea's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
catbooking's review
3.0
It was OK, and I would enjoy reading a longer story set in the same universe. However, the ending was rather lukewarm. The moral questions that were proposed in the story were not resolved and the characters' final actions only added more questions.
That said, I will keep an eye on other works by the author.
That said, I will keep an eye on other works by the author.
fell4's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I want to read the sequel - this book is a super fast read.
astroprojection's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ronpayne's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A really interesting science fantasy novella about squad of enhanced soldiers who are being led by a novice officer though a harsh landscape with a traitor in their midst. It's a military sff wrapped around a psychological thriller that explores complex moral issues of autonomy that make you wonder who to root for.
mweis's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
*I received an eARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
This was an interesting novella that packed a punch but still left me wanting. The plot is tight. It follows a novice who is quickly thrown into a position of power while traveling with a group of soldiers because the commander is incapacitated, except someone in the group is not who they seem.
I loved the atmosphere here. Rebecca Fraimow does a good job of setting up the cold isolated setting and I liked the way she utilized first person perspective to give us insight into the imposter and create that tension. This book also touches on a lot of themes like religion/faith/ideology and autonomy and humanity.
I did find the start a little jarring because Fraimow doesn’t hold back from the worldbuilding so by the time I felt settled into the world the book was basically over. I also found the non-perspective characters a little flat for my tastes, though that could be because of the length.
Overall, I thought this was spam interesting thought experiment and would love to read more from this author or in this world.
This was an interesting novella that packed a punch but still left me wanting. The plot is tight. It follows a novice who is quickly thrown into a position of power while traveling with a group of soldiers because the commander is incapacitated, except someone in the group is not who they seem.
I loved the atmosphere here. Rebecca Fraimow does a good job of setting up the cold isolated setting and I liked the way she utilized first person perspective to give us insight into the imposter and create that tension. This book also touches on a lot of themes like religion/faith/ideology and autonomy and humanity.
I did find the start a little jarring because Fraimow doesn’t hold back from the worldbuilding so by the time I felt settled into the world the book was basically over. I also found the non-perspective characters a little flat for my tastes, though that could be because of the length.
Overall, I thought this was spam interesting thought experiment and would love to read more from this author or in this world.