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alexinitalics's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
2.25
This book has everything, Malorie Blackman's writing, a forbidden romance, murder mystery and it's set in space! So why did I leave it on hiatus for over a year?
I don't like dnf-ing books but then I put this book back on the shelf and found I had very little motivation to finish reading it. I didn't particularly connect to any of the characters but especially the main romance and its drama, I just had no interest in reading about. And the murder mystery, one of my favourite genres, felt very pushed to the side. It's hard to talk properly about this book given I read the first half so long ago but I will say the major reveal of the book I felt was well done. I will go back and re read this whole book one day and maybe then I'll enjoy it more. Or I'll just be reminded why I struggled to finish reading it the first time. A bit disappointing but mainly due to me having such high standards for it
I don't like dnf-ing books but then I put this book back on the shelf and found I had very little motivation to finish reading it. I didn't particularly connect to any of the characters but especially the main romance and its drama, I just had no interest in reading about. And the murder mystery, one of my favourite genres, felt very pushed to the side. It's hard to talk properly about this book given I read the first half so long ago but I will say the major reveal of the book I felt was well done. I will go back and re read this whole book one day and maybe then I'll enjoy it more. Or I'll just be reminded why I struggled to finish reading it the first time. A bit disappointing but mainly due to me having such high standards for it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual content, and Child death
Minor: Classism, Pandemic/Epidemic, and War
12dejamoo's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
It makes me sad to give this 2 stars because I would honestly do anything for Malorie Blackman. I've never been a fan of that insta love thing, and some of the conflicts seemed really silly, like these people were just a bit too immature at times.
I do really love Malorie Blackman's writing in general, even when the book itself (in this case) isn't my favourite. You can just tell she's from London and that always feels very comfy.
Spoiler-y bit
I honestly can't believe this is the second book I've read where the couple get married off-screen and then announce it really randomly. After knowing each other for like 2 weeks as well! They had such an easy and fun banter going on, and I actually giggled out loud at some point, but then the next chapter they were married and then their relationship no longer had any intrigue. I did really like how it ended though - I saw how few pages were left and I was worried we'd have a quick turnaround moment but the fact that we didn't just proves to me how great Malorie Blackman is.
I also didn't mind the Aidan robot reveal. It felt a little abrupt but in a 'this is a ya book' way, not in a 'this is bad writing' way. And I think Vee's grief over it was pretty good, although I feel she'd probably be a bit more torn up.
I think in general Vee was a really interesting character and I mostly liked spending time in her head, and although I think the third act conflict was blown slightly out of proportion, in her defence she was manipulated into believing a certain thing, and rather than calmly talk to her, Nathan went on the defensive and then was shocked that she was still angry
I do really love Malorie Blackman's writing in general, even when the book itself (in this case) isn't my favourite. You can just tell she's from London and that always feels very comfy.
Spoiler-y bit
I also didn't mind the Aidan robot reveal. It felt a little abrupt but in a 'this is a ya book' way, not in a 'this is bad writing' way. And I think Vee's grief over it was pretty good, although I feel she'd probably be a bit more torn up.
I think in general Vee was a really interesting character and I mostly liked spending time in her head, and although I think the third act conflict was blown slightly out of proportion, in her defence she was manipulated into believing a certain thing, and rather than calmly talk to her, Nathan went on the defensive and then was shocked that she was still angry
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Murder, Slavery, Xenophobia, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity and Xenophobia
tor_milne's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Murder
Minor: Death of parent
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