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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Told in first-person past-tense from a single point of view, Dare Mighty Things is a solid example of a YA/NA crossover. Cassie is 17 at the very beginning, when she’s selected for a highly competitive secret NASA project. The story transitions almost immediately to her being 18—making her barely old enough to qualify, and the youngest to enter. The rest of her competitors (i.e. our side characters) range from 19-25.
When I first read the blurb, I wasn’t expecting I’d be getting into a near-future speculative fiction piece. I was actually pleasantly surprised at that. Although as it turned out, easily 90% of the book felt very current-day, if one overlooks the background fertility crisis and accepted normalcy of designer babies. (Note: The fertility problem isn’t really explained, and the MC’s genetic engineering doesn’t actually end up bearing much if any significance to the plot.) So, if anyone’s worried about being overwhelmed by futuristic worldbuilding, don’t be! The STEM-centered material is well researched without info-dumping.
The vast majority of the book revolves around testing—lots of testing—while candidates are gradually paired down as they meet or fail a wide range of unspecified standards. To some extent, the eliminations make sense. (i.e. People showing less desirable or uncooperative behavioral patterns tend to be sent home.) But often decisions on who ‘wins’ a particular challenge is made on more nebulous, unexplained grounds. This point of contention ends up being the primary source of tension. To this reader, the process felt a bit drawn out. Ultimately there are only two who will be chosen—a primary and an alternate. And Cassie is single-mindedly driven to be primary.
That brings me to Cassie’s character. She begins as a friendless, highly ambitious overachiever—a big fish in a little pond—whose only real desire is to go into space. She’s half-Indian American, which is woven quite seamlessly into the story with small cultural elements and even a bit of religion toward the end. She does show growth, being pushed out of her anti-social competitiveness into the concepts of friendship and even (sort of) romance. At one point a character even confronts her deficit in empathy and successfully brings about her self-reevaluation—which was great to see.
Emilio was easily the most endearing character, somewhat making up for how difficult it often was to relate to Cassie.
While this is YA/NA, the content was largely mild. At one point, there was a seemingly needless discussion about sexuality that felt clunkily shoe-horned in. (My objection there is in regard to the awkward execution, not the content.) It left me suspicious and concerned about the potentially predatorial intentions of the notably older inciting character. But fortunately, that never amounted to anything sinister. (i.e. no triggers warning called for.)
The book takes a hard left into the more clearly sci-fi realm so close to the conclusion, readers will already have the sense that this is more of a prequel to a larger story or extended series. Pretty cliff-hangery on the ending.
When I first read the blurb, I wasn’t expecting I’d be getting into a near-future speculative fiction piece. I was actually pleasantly surprised at that. Although as it turned out, easily 90% of the book felt very current-day, if one overlooks the background fertility crisis and accepted normalcy of designer babies. (Note: The fertility problem isn’t really explained, and the MC’s genetic engineering doesn’t actually end up bearing much if any significance to the plot.) So, if anyone’s worried about being overwhelmed by futuristic worldbuilding, don’t be! The STEM-centered material is well researched without info-dumping.
The vast majority of the book revolves around testing—lots of testing—while candidates are gradually paired down as they meet or fail a wide range of unspecified standards. To some extent, the eliminations make sense. (i.e. People showing less desirable or uncooperative behavioral patterns tend to be sent home.) But often decisions on who ‘wins’ a particular challenge is made on more nebulous, unexplained grounds. This point of contention ends up being the primary source of tension. To this reader, the process felt a bit drawn out. Ultimately there are only two who will be chosen—a primary and an alternate. And Cassie is single-mindedly driven to be primary.
That brings me to Cassie’s character. She begins as a friendless, highly ambitious overachiever—a big fish in a little pond—whose only real desire is to go into space. She’s half-Indian American, which is woven quite seamlessly into the story with small cultural elements and even a bit of religion toward the end. She does show growth, being pushed out of her anti-social competitiveness into the concepts of friendship and even (sort of) romance. At one point a character even confronts her deficit in empathy and successfully brings about her self-reevaluation—which was great to see.
Emilio was easily the most endearing character, somewhat making up for how difficult it often was to relate to Cassie.
While this is YA/NA, the content was largely mild. At one point, there was a seemingly needless discussion about sexuality that felt clunkily shoe-horned in. (My objection there is in regard to the awkward execution, not the content.) It left me suspicious and concerned about the potentially predatorial intentions of the notably older inciting character. But fortunately, that never amounted to anything sinister. (i.e. no triggers warning called for.)
The book takes a hard left into the more clearly sci-fi realm so close to the conclusion, readers will already have the sense that this is more of a prequel to a larger story or extended series. Pretty cliff-hangery on the ending.
*4.5
I read this one knowing nothing about it, and when I say nothing I mean NOTHING (not even the genre). By the cover I thought it was some kind of fluffy coming of age contemporary and was a little thrown off when the sci-fi revealed itself (in the most positive way).
I recognize that if I had know something beforehand I would had never pick it up (The Selection meets The 5th Wave...really?) but I had so much fun theorizing about the story and being moved around without any idea of what was happening that I'm choosing to ignore that there is nothing memorable about it and enjoy the good parts...(I don't even think I want to read the sequel, I have the feeling is gonna be too much "that has been done before" for my taste). And talking about tropes, that ending made me realize that I was reading YA dystopia in all the extension of the term, tropes included and honestly? I'm completely fine with it.
Overall this was a very fun trip in which I had no idea of the destination or the route. I wish I could enjoy more books this way, but sadly I'm too picky with my time to do that 🙃
I read this one knowing nothing about it, and when I say nothing I mean NOTHING (not even the genre). By the cover I thought it was some kind of fluffy coming of age contemporary and was a little thrown off when the sci-fi revealed itself (in the most positive way).
I recognize that if I had know something beforehand I would had never pick it up (The Selection meets The 5th Wave...really?
Spoiler
(you aren't supposed to reveal the plot twist in the sinopsis, rude)Overall this was a very fun trip in which I had no idea of the destination or the route. I wish I could enjoy more books this way, but sadly I'm too picky with my time to do that 🙃
I really enjoyed this, but I was a bit up and down with it. The premise was good, I'm looking forward to the sequel. The dialogue is a bit pedestrian and it irked me for the first bit of the book but once I got into it, I didn't notice it anymore. Cassie is also a really annoying protagonist in the beginning, but if she bothers you I encourage you to stick it out. She has great growth in the book and her charcter choices are intentional.
This book harkens to that "dystopian competion/faction" feel but in a way that read fresh. I liked the science explored in the book, it wasn't super outlandish. It feels really predictable in the beginning but I was continuously surprised as the story kept taking little twists to differentiate from old tropes.
My biggest let down was unfortunately at the end, where the story took a turn that wasn't bad or poorly written, just not where I wanted to go exactly, and ultimately led me to drop a star when combined with my earlier qualms about the dialogue. I will be continuing the duology though!
This book harkens to that "dystopian competion/faction" feel but in a way that read fresh. I liked the science explored in the book, it wasn't super outlandish. It feels really predictable in the beginning but I was continuously surprised as the story kept taking little twists to differentiate from old tropes.
My biggest let down was unfortunately at the end, where the story took a turn that wasn't bad or poorly written, just not where I wanted to go exactly, and ultimately led me to drop a star when combined with my earlier qualms about the dialogue. I will be continuing the duology though!
MIND=BLOWN
This book definitely packs a punch and the fact is I didn't expect to fall in love with it so much?
I love the pacing of the book, it is steady and sometimes a little slow but nothing is rushed and I feel that the slow parts were definitely needed to process the developments of the story as well as the science explanations that I took a bit of time getting used to.
The writing was absolutely beautiful and everything went along with a flow and there were no information dumps or gaping plot holes and the author had me hooked all along(I finished this book in a single sitting).
Going onto characters, I really love Cassie and her development throughout the book. She starts off as a standoffish, don't care about friends, determined to succeed and albeit a little cold? That doesn't necessarily make her bad but a less likeable character but then she slowly learns the value of friendships, empathy, not making immediate judgements abouut others and the fact that it is okay to ask for help sometimes. A highly curious and talented girl, Cassie will do anything to achieve her mission, even when she as at odds with her emotions and I really admired that. In contrast we had the adorable and friendly Emilio who actually reminded me a lot of Leo Valdez fro Percy Jackson series, both in character and looks. It's impossible to not love Emilio- he is open, friendly, kind, helpful and cute like just perfect! And oh my god Mitsuko is the MOM of the group and I'm just giving her my entire heart, okay? Hanna was... okay? I don't know. I feel like she's a pretty complex character that I didn't completely understand but she's definitely on the good side. Um I can't reveal much about Luka but god I love soft and complex boys, GIMME MORE!
I love how the cast of characters was so diverse. The author could have easily whitewashed it all but nope, she didn't and I loved every bit of it. Another aspect I loved was how Cassandra was experimenting with and questioning her sexuality as asexual. IT's so rare to see asexual characters in science fiction, let alone the being a lead character and the whole book not revolving around the sexuality. I feel like she dealt with it really nicely and just melted my entire heart. A+ rep!
Okay, lastly THAT FREAKING PLOT TWIST IN THE END.
My entire ground was swept from under my feet because what the hell was that???? Let's suffice it to say that this is one sci-fi book I'm never going to forget and I'm desperately in need for the sequel. I shall sell my soul, just give it to me!
This book definitely packs a punch and the fact is I didn't expect to fall in love with it so much?
I love the pacing of the book, it is steady and sometimes a little slow but nothing is rushed and I feel that the slow parts were definitely needed to process the developments of the story as well as the science explanations that I took a bit of time getting used to.
The writing was absolutely beautiful and everything went along with a flow and there were no information dumps or gaping plot holes and the author had me hooked all along(I finished this book in a single sitting).
Going onto characters, I really love Cassie and her development throughout the book. She starts off as a standoffish, don't care about friends, determined to succeed and albeit a little cold? That doesn't necessarily make her bad but a less likeable character but then she slowly learns the value of friendships, empathy, not making immediate judgements abouut others and the fact that it is okay to ask for help sometimes. A highly curious and talented girl, Cassie will do anything to achieve her mission, even when she as at odds with her emotions and I really admired that. In contrast we had the adorable and friendly Emilio who actually reminded me a lot of Leo Valdez fro Percy Jackson series, both in character and looks. It's impossible to not love Emilio- he is open, friendly, kind, helpful and cute like just perfect! And oh my god Mitsuko is the MOM of the group and I'm just giving her my entire heart, okay? Hanna was... okay? I don't know. I feel like she's a pretty complex character that I didn't completely understand but she's definitely on the good side. Um I can't reveal much about Luka but god I love soft and complex boys, GIMME MORE!
I love how the cast of characters was so diverse. The author could have easily whitewashed it all but nope, she didn't and I loved every bit of it. Another aspect I loved was how Cassandra was experimenting with and questioning her sexuality as asexual. IT's so rare to see asexual characters in science fiction, let alone the being a lead character and the whole book not revolving around the sexuality. I feel like she dealt with it really nicely and just melted my entire heart. A+ rep!
Okay, lastly THAT FREAKING PLOT TWIST IN THE END.
My entire ground was swept from under my feet because what the hell was that???? Let's suffice it to say that this is one sci-fi book I'm never going to forget and I'm desperately in need for the sequel. I shall sell my soul, just give it to me!
I blasted through this book in less than 24 hours. The story gets a little muddy towards the end and too many explanations make the ending feel a bit like a beginning but I'm giving 5 stars for the wild rocket of a ride that this book took me on. I haven't enjoyed a competition centered book this much since The Hunger Games.
3.5 rounded up. The Selection plus the movie Contact. Pretty good except it was just too long.
Actual rating 4.5 stars
Cassie has dreamed of this her entire life. She may be only eighteen years old but she is determined to win this competition and be a part of whatever space mission NASA has planned for them. A mission so top secret that the contestants are not even sure what they are competing for. The tests will push her to the edge. Can she prevail? Will her dreams come true?
What started as a very enjoyable look at a futuristic space-camp-type competition turned to a fascinating WOW of a sci-fi ending. I was reading along at a steady “This is a three star read” then as the ending neared I thought “Well, this is a four star read.” Then as I got to the final pages I was like “Holy cow! That was unexpected!” I vacillated between 4 and 5 stars as a final rating; I really wish Goodreads would allow ½ stars!
The main character Cassie was just incredible. I loved her smarts, her insecurity, her determination. Every secondary character was just as enjoyable. I dare you not to be enchanted by Emilio, charmed by Mitsuko, and annoyed by Hanna. The space camp feel of the competition was entertaining. And that ending? Well, hello unique and make me curious as hell for the sequel!
** Received book from Once Upon a Book Club’s YA subscription box.
Cassie has dreamed of this her entire life. She may be only eighteen years old but she is determined to win this competition and be a part of whatever space mission NASA has planned for them. A mission so top secret that the contestants are not even sure what they are competing for. The tests will push her to the edge. Can she prevail? Will her dreams come true?
What started as a very enjoyable look at a futuristic space-camp-type competition turned to a fascinating WOW of a sci-fi ending. I was reading along at a steady “This is a three star read” then as the ending neared I thought “Well, this is a four star read.” Then as I got to the final pages I was like “Holy cow! That was unexpected!” I vacillated between 4 and 5 stars as a final rating; I really wish Goodreads would allow ½ stars!
The main character Cassie was just incredible. I loved her smarts, her insecurity, her determination. Every secondary character was just as enjoyable. I dare you not to be enchanted by Emilio, charmed by Mitsuko, and annoyed by Hanna. The space camp feel of the competition was entertaining. And that ending? Well, hello unique and make me curious as hell for the sequel!
** Received book from Once Upon a Book Club’s YA subscription box.
I don't even know what I just read, I feel like nothing happened and then the last few pages of the book was like BAM! here you go, some content! But it was just not believable. And all of the characters where 2 dimensional, I didn't feel anything for them. I really wanted a good space SciFi book without being too hard on the brain but this wasn't it.
Oh my gosh okay so I was super excited to read this book, I heard there was an ace main character and it totally met my expectations!! I love reading books with characters that I relate to so this is great!! (she's also from Alabama another thing I relate to heck yeah) So this is about Cassie, who was interning at NASA when she gets a chance to go to space!! So then there is a test with a bunch of other people and they get eliminated until there are a few people left. So at first I was a little annoyed bc Cassie was a genetically modified baby and I was thinking well of the one(1) book with an asexual character in it she was an alien.. like why can't they just be normal???? agg anyways that annoyance quickly went away when some of the other genetically modified people turned out to be not ace so that's all good!! I liked all the cool simulations and would 11/10 scared to do any of it lol I really loved the friendships between Cassie and the Gang™ (also including Luka even tho he wasn't very social) and i totally didn't see like I didn't even guess he would be?? I am super excited for the next book and I 10/10 recommend this 👍
Spoiler
Luka being an alien
I mean yeah was it disappointing to have an asexual character ripped away from my hands without further explanation when the author went through such pains to build up to it and make a point of it???
yeah it was
but i mean it was also the first "lets throw kids into a competition that toes the fine line between testing and phycological torture" and have a character question the empathy of their peer and that maybe -- you shouldn't?? be happy ?? watching other people's dreams fail??? As well as the fact that this isn't about """who's the best"""" but who is the best for this one role in which you do have to abandon who you are.
that was super refreshing
yeah it was
but i mean it was also the first "lets throw kids into a competition that toes the fine line between testing and phycological torture" and have a character question the empathy of their peer and that maybe -- you shouldn't?? be happy ?? watching other people's dreams fail??? As well as the fact that this isn't about """who's the best"""" but who is the best for this one role in which you do have to abandon who you are.
that was super refreshing