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grhuberg's review against another edition
3.0
The romantic subplot had no payoff, chemistry, or really…anything? There was more chemistry and tension between Eliza and her past lover, for christ’s sake. It also was needlessly hostile towards the sapphic characters while constantly reminding the reader how perfect and harmless the aro/ace character is. Of course, aro/ace characters need representation, but does it have to be at the expense of tearing down other members of the LGBTQ+ community by relying on an old, tired stereotype that lesbians are mean, violent, and downright cruel?
The book itself on a logistical standpoint needs a better editor. There were several spelling and grammatical errors, which took me out of the reading experience. One particularly egregious error was at a point where Anna says something similar to “He must have kept notes somewhere,” for Nathaniel to respond to, and the scene plays out twice on the same page with different responses. It felt like Thorr wrote out two possibilities and forgot to delete the one they didn’t choose.
All that to say, with all its thorns, it was a fun read. I enjoyed it, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick sci fi read for the summer. But if you go into it under the note that it’s sapphic, you may not find what you’re looking for.
The book itself on a logistical standpoint needs a better editor. There were several spelling and grammatical errors, which took me out of the reading experience. One particularly egregious error was at a point where Anna says something similar to “He must have kept notes somewhere,” for Nathaniel to respond to, and the scene plays out twice on the same page with different responses. It felt like Thorr wrote out two possibilities and forgot to delete the one they didn’t choose.
All that to say, with all its thorns, it was a fun read. I enjoyed it, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a quick sci fi read for the summer. But if you go into it under the note that it’s sapphic, you may not find what you’re looking for.
buttonburner's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
angelicat's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
cassiesnextchapter's review against another edition
4.0
A great post-apocalyptic fantasy novel with Ace/Aro representation, empowerment, loss, and self-reflection! I really enjoyed the audiobook - Rosie Jones nailed the voices!
jecinwv's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like this book more than I did. Set in a dystopian world where a virus claims the lives of many, a young girl works to spread technical organs that save the lives of people. That girl, Anna spends the book trying to year down the government that treats tech as a crime. Along the way she meets Nathaniel and Eliza who both are part of the government and betrothed. They all make a coup.
Pros:
Nathaniel is aromantic
Eliza and Anna are lesbians
The world is well fleshed out
Cons:
The plot comes off as cheesy at times.
The heavy hitting death scenes and confessions didn't feel legit or intense. Everything seemed a bit too cheery for a book full of intense stuff.
Pros:
Nathaniel is aromantic
Eliza and Anna are lesbians
The world is well fleshed out
Cons:
The plot comes off as cheesy at times.
The heavy hitting death scenes and confessions didn't feel legit or intense. Everything seemed a bit too cheery for a book full of intense stuff.
cukrowyelf's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.0
shewwimonster's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this and I definitely think it's worth a read, but I'm not sure it wowed me.
Things I really liked:
+ Queer! Plus Aro/Ace rep
+ I really loved Nathanial and Anna.
+ General premise and the writing style
Things that were on the meh side of like:
+ Worldbuilding felt a little messy
+ I know I'm supposed to like Eliza, but I never did
+ Ending was super abrupt
+ We're supposed to believe that the three MCs have this really strong bond, but they've barely spent any time together, and it's hard to see that chemistry building in the time they do have together because of rapidly shifting POVs (and it being rather unclear how many days have actually passed). I believe it a little more from Nathanial because of his backstory, but it was hard. The back half of this book was just rushed.
+ Why tf are we giving sympathy points to someone who beats his child?
Things I really liked:
+ Queer! Plus Aro/Ace rep
+ I really loved Nathanial and Anna.
+ General premise and the writing style
Things that were on the meh side of like:
+ Worldbuilding felt a little messy
+ I know I'm supposed to like Eliza, but I never did
+ Ending was super abrupt
+ We're supposed to believe that the three MCs have this really strong bond, but they've barely spent any time together, and it's hard to see that chemistry building in the time they do have together because of rapidly shifting POVs (and it being rather unclear how many days have actually passed). I believe it a little more from Nathanial because of his backstory, but it was hard. The back half of this book was just rushed.
+ Why tf are we giving sympathy points to someone who beats his child?
bibliobrittish's review against another edition
5.0
I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. I loved it so much that it took me months to write this review, fearing it could never accurately explain how utterly perfect it was. Because it WAS utterly perfect. Rosiee Thor writes beautifully, every line quotable, except that if I quoted every line, you'd be better off just reading the book. So I guess what I'm saying is... read this book. It's queer and fabulous and steampunky science-fantasy that will have you swooning one moment and on the edge of your seat the next. It's the kind of book that speaks to your soul and helps you discover yourself in its characters. Plus it deals with identity and healthcare systems and all sorts of political fun in a very approachable way.
8/28/19: This book. I wanted to highlight everything.
8/28/19: This book. I wanted to highlight everything.
mmeganm's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0