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ladytiara's review against another edition
4.0
I tend to avoid books that take place in space, but I loved Claudia Gray's Firebird trilogy, so I jumped at the chance to read Defy the Stars. I'm glad that I did, because I loved it.
Defy the Stars is the story of Noemi, a young soldier from the planet Genesis, a former colony of Earth. Genesis won its independence years earlier, but now they're in a protracted war with a dying Earth, who wants to reestablish control over the former colony. Noemi has volunteered for what is basically a suicide mission to help save her planet, when she's separated from her fleet and ends up on an abandoned Earth spaceship. The ship is empty except for Abel, a very advanced "mech," which is basically a human-looking robot. Now that Noemi has taken over the ship, Abel's programming requires him to view her as his commander and they begin a desperate journey across the stars to try to fulfill her mission and save Genesis.
Defy the Stars may be a young adult book, but it deals with some big issues, like immigration and what it means to be human. Genesis is something of a utopia, an egalitarian society living in harmony with nature and strictly conserving resources. But this utopia has been built on isolation and they feel that the people of Earth have screwed up their own planet, so why should be allowed onto Genesis, where they may do the same thing. On the other hand, Earth is dying and its citizens need somewhere to go. Many of them have already spread out to other planets, but most of those planets are barely habitable and can't take many people. Gray's take on these issues is nuanced. Noemi is firmly on her planet's side at the beginning, but her travels through the planets cause her to question her beliefs.
Abel's creator was also responsible for many other models of mech, all of which are built for specific purposes (combat soldiers, sex workers, etc.) and thus their programming is limited. Abel is the only one of his model, and he has very special abilities and in many ways, he is almost human. Noemi has encountered mechs before, but only in a combat capacity, so she has prejudices against them, but Abel's abilities and emotions cause her to question her beliefs, while all of the feelings that Abel experiences during his journey with Noemi are new and exciting and he starts to wonder why his programming allows him to feel so much. Both Abel and Noemi have to rethink their concepts of what it means to be human.
Besides the big issues, there's a romance, but it's not the central focus of the book. It's an important plot point, but it's not the only thing going on and that was a refreshing thing to find in a YA book. There is going to be a sequel, but this book doesn't end on a cliffhanger and it can stand on its own.
I received an ARC from Amazon Vine.
Defy the Stars is the story of Noemi, a young soldier from the planet Genesis, a former colony of Earth. Genesis won its independence years earlier, but now they're in a protracted war with a dying Earth, who wants to reestablish control over the former colony. Noemi has volunteered for what is basically a suicide mission to help save her planet, when she's separated from her fleet and ends up on an abandoned Earth spaceship. The ship is empty except for Abel, a very advanced "mech," which is basically a human-looking robot. Now that Noemi has taken over the ship, Abel's programming requires him to view her as his commander and they begin a desperate journey across the stars to try to fulfill her mission and save Genesis.
Defy the Stars may be a young adult book, but it deals with some big issues, like immigration and what it means to be human. Genesis is something of a utopia, an egalitarian society living in harmony with nature and strictly conserving resources. But this utopia has been built on isolation and they feel that the people of Earth have screwed up their own planet, so why should be allowed onto Genesis, where they may do the same thing. On the other hand, Earth is dying and its citizens need somewhere to go. Many of them have already spread out to other planets, but most of those planets are barely habitable and can't take many people. Gray's take on these issues is nuanced. Noemi is firmly on her planet's side at the beginning, but her travels through the planets cause her to question her beliefs.
Abel's creator was also responsible for many other models of mech, all of which are built for specific purposes (combat soldiers, sex workers, etc.) and thus their programming is limited. Abel is the only one of his model, and he has very special abilities and in many ways, he is almost human. Noemi has encountered mechs before, but only in a combat capacity, so she has prejudices against them, but Abel's abilities and emotions cause her to question her beliefs, while all of the feelings that Abel experiences during his journey with Noemi are new and exciting and he starts to wonder why his programming allows him to feel so much. Both Abel and Noemi have to rethink their concepts of what it means to be human.
Besides the big issues, there's a romance, but it's not the central focus of the book. It's an important plot point, but it's not the only thing going on and that was a refreshing thing to find in a YA book. There is going to be a sequel, but this book doesn't end on a cliffhanger and it can stand on its own.
I received an ARC from Amazon Vine.
nyeran's review against another edition
2.0
- “I thought you were opposed to engaging in prostitution to fund our travels.”
- “That’s not what I—is prostitution your answer for everything?”
♠ Boh, a me è sembrato tutto troppo facile.
Troppo facile che Abel, guarda caso, ha un file nel suo hardware che lo rende ‘schiavo’ della persona che comanda la nave spaziale in cui vive che voglio dire, per quale cazzo di motivo il suo creatore avrebbe dovuto impiantargli un cosa del genere?? Se lo ha creato esclusivamente per ‘indossarlo’ perché rischiare quello che poi, infatti, succede!?
Troppo facile che arrivati a Kismet i due trovino immediatamente lavoro per se stessi e altri due tizi random che nemmeno conoscono e che oltre a scappare senza incontrare alcun problema riescano pure a rubare il pezzo meccanico che gli serviva.
Troppo facile che arrivati a Clay i due vengano scoperti da dei ragazzi che accettano di aiutarli senza porsi domande nonostante sappiano che i due sono ricercati.
Troppo facile che i due siano su quel pianeta da meno di 12 ore e già hanno tra le mani il pezzo che erano venuti a cercare. Senza muovere il culo tra l’altro.
Troppo facile che il creatore di Abel lo abbia reso il mech più potente ed intelligente di tutti ma non si preoccupi che possa scappare da lui. Cosa che, infatti, fa.
♠ Pagine e pagine di spiegazioni scientifiche, meta-scientifiche (che trovai noiose pure in Illuminae, e li avevo il supporto visivo) più o meno sensate ma poi… il vuoto. A livello di personaggi, di storia, di politica, niente. Non viene mai spiegata o analizzata la volontà di martirio di Noemi, non viene mai spiegato perché tra i due l’automa sembra lei. Sta donna è repressa e non si capisce perché, Abel che è il robot capisce di star sviluppando vere emozioni e lei, l’umana che le emozioni dovrebbe provarle costantemente, niente. Lei non ha tacche, non c’è campo, non ha i 4G. Lei non prova mai nulla. Non viene spiegato perché Genesis attui la missione suicidia con degli esseri umani invece di usare robot, capisco che abbiano rinunciato alla tecnologia e bla bla bla però, ha senso? Cioè avete le navicelle spaziali però non i robot? Quindi fate fare i kamikaze alla gente, ovvio. Non viene spiegato perché la Terra e Genesis siano in guerra. Genesis era una colonia e poi ha deciso di diventare indipendente? Terra ha fatto qualche torto a Genesis? Le ha rubato qualcosa? Ha ucciso qualcuno di importante? Ha messo regole che la penalizzavano? Ma sopratutto, com’è iniziata questa ribellione? È stata prima politica poi militare? Mistero.
Non viene spiegato in quale sistema solare ci troviamo. Cioè, la Terra della libro è la nostra Terra? Alla fine del libro mi pare venga citato Saturno, quindi siamo nella Via Lattea? E da dove spuntano Clay e Kismet? Cioè, attraversiamo due gate e siamo in due diversi sistemi solari? Ma allora dimmelo, fammelo capire!? Siamo sempre nel nostro? Dove sono Giove, Venere e gli altri pianeti? Perché hai creato pianeti nuovi? E se non lo siamo, perché non si chiama Terra 2.0? Ma sopratutto, in che anno siamo? Quando la terra ha iniziato a colonizzare altri pianeti? Come diavolo è il pianeta Genesis? Non c'è tecnologia quindi immagino sia una gigantesca Sardegna? Perchè non sappiamo che sistema solare sia? Ma poi lei dice che i suoi avi venivano dal Cile, quindi, immagino sia la nostra Terra. E poi com'è possibile che in tutti questi pianeti, che immagino lontani tra di loro anni luce se devono essere raggiunti con i gate, la cosa più strana siano i robot? Ma gli alieni? Nessuno ha le branchie, i tentacoli, la pelle viola, tre occhi, sei dita? Questi esplorano lo spazio e non trovano nessun'altro?
No, tutti umani la cui unica differenza è l'etnia.
Che ha perfettamente senso.
- “That’s not what I—is prostitution your answer for everything?”
♠ Boh, a me è sembrato tutto troppo facile.
Troppo facile che Abel, guarda caso, ha un file nel suo hardware che lo rende ‘schiavo’ della persona che comanda la nave spaziale in cui vive che voglio dire, per quale cazzo di motivo il suo creatore avrebbe dovuto impiantargli un cosa del genere?? Se lo ha creato esclusivamente per ‘indossarlo’ perché rischiare quello che poi, infatti, succede!?
Troppo facile che arrivati a Kismet i due trovino immediatamente lavoro per se stessi e altri due tizi random che nemmeno conoscono e che oltre a scappare senza incontrare alcun problema riescano pure a rubare il pezzo meccanico che gli serviva.
Troppo facile che arrivati a Clay i due vengano scoperti da dei ragazzi che accettano di aiutarli senza porsi domande nonostante sappiano che i due sono ricercati.
Troppo facile che i due siano su quel pianeta da meno di 12 ore e già hanno tra le mani il pezzo che erano venuti a cercare. Senza muovere il culo tra l’altro.
Troppo facile che il creatore di Abel lo abbia reso il mech più potente ed intelligente di tutti ma non si preoccupi che possa scappare da lui. Cosa che, infatti, fa.
♠ Pagine e pagine di spiegazioni scientifiche, meta-scientifiche (che trovai noiose pure in Illuminae, e li avevo il supporto visivo) più o meno sensate ma poi… il vuoto. A livello di personaggi, di storia, di politica, niente. Non viene mai spiegata o analizzata la volontà di martirio di Noemi, non viene mai spiegato perché tra i due l’automa sembra lei. Sta donna è repressa e non si capisce perché, Abel che è il robot capisce di star sviluppando vere emozioni e lei, l’umana che le emozioni dovrebbe provarle costantemente, niente. Lei non ha tacche, non c’è campo, non ha i 4G. Lei non prova mai nulla. Non viene spiegato perché Genesis attui la missione suicidia con degli esseri umani invece di usare robot, capisco che abbiano rinunciato alla tecnologia e bla bla bla però, ha senso? Cioè avete le navicelle spaziali però non i robot? Quindi fate fare i kamikaze alla gente, ovvio. Non viene spiegato perché la Terra e Genesis siano in guerra. Genesis era una colonia e poi ha deciso di diventare indipendente? Terra ha fatto qualche torto a Genesis? Le ha rubato qualcosa? Ha ucciso qualcuno di importante? Ha messo regole che la penalizzavano? Ma sopratutto, com’è iniziata questa ribellione? È stata prima politica poi militare? Mistero.
Non viene spiegato in quale sistema solare ci troviamo. Cioè, la Terra della libro è la nostra Terra? Alla fine del libro mi pare venga citato Saturno, quindi siamo nella Via Lattea? E da dove spuntano Clay e Kismet? Cioè, attraversiamo due gate e siamo in due diversi sistemi solari? Ma allora dimmelo, fammelo capire!? Siamo sempre nel nostro? Dove sono Giove, Venere e gli altri pianeti? Perché hai creato pianeti nuovi? E se non lo siamo, perché non si chiama Terra 2.0? Ma sopratutto, in che anno siamo? Quando la terra ha iniziato a colonizzare altri pianeti? Come diavolo è il pianeta Genesis? Non c'è tecnologia quindi immagino sia una gigantesca Sardegna? Perchè non sappiamo che sistema solare sia? Ma poi lei dice che i suoi avi venivano dal Cile, quindi, immagino sia la nostra Terra. E poi com'è possibile che in tutti questi pianeti, che immagino lontani tra di loro anni luce se devono essere raggiunti con i gate, la cosa più strana siano i robot? Ma gli alieni? Nessuno ha le branchie, i tentacoli, la pelle viola, tre occhi, sei dita? Questi esplorano lo spazio e non trovano nessun'altro?
No, tutti umani la cui unica differenza è l'etnia.
Che ha perfettamente senso.
aklev13's review
4.0
Ah Abel was so adorable. What a gorgeous mech cinnamon roll. I loved reading his perspective of things and i think this author did a good job of imagining what it might be like for a mech to develop a consciousness and a will and a sense of autonomy. The development of his relationship with Noemi was slow and sweet and very well down.
Noemi’s perspective was less interesting but i feel we got more plot driven chapters from Noemi rather than much exploration of her feelings which were a major focus of Abel’s chapters.
Sometimes the plot felt a bit too busy and challenges were easily overcome in a way that felt convenient at times but i was happy to move on.
I particularly loved that the impetus for Abel to develop these higher functions was thirty years of isolation in space where he was forced to relive his memories and reflect on his experiences. I think as humans reflection is hugely important for development of self and is often neglected in favour of work and productivity and drowning out any self doubts we have with activity and people. So Abel’s development being caused by isolated reflection makes a lot of sense and is a nice reminder of how important reflection is.
Noemi’s perspective was less interesting but i feel we got more plot driven chapters from Noemi rather than much exploration of her feelings which were a major focus of Abel’s chapters.
Sometimes the plot felt a bit too busy and challenges were easily overcome in a way that felt convenient at times but i was happy to move on.
I particularly loved that the impetus for Abel to develop these higher functions was thirty years of isolation in space where he was forced to relive his memories and reflect on his experiences. I think as humans reflection is hugely important for development of self and is often neglected in favour of work and productivity and drowning out any self doubts we have with activity and people. So Abel’s development being caused by isolated reflection makes a lot of sense and is a nice reminder of how important reflection is.
steph01924's review against another edition
5.0
It's always so hard to put down a Claudia Gray book. Just what my adventure-and-romance-loving heart wanted. Loved it!
jackiehorne's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 It seems strange to use the word "gentle" to describe a SF book, but that's the word that comes to mind when I think about reading this. It's marketed as YA, and one of its protagonists, Noemi Vidal, is 17, but it had the feel at times of a middle grade novel—a bit lacking in subtlety or moral complexity that I expect in adult SF. But still, I enjoyed the story of Noemi, a military officer of the planet Genesis, which is in the midst of fighting back an invasion from home planet Earth (Genesis cordoned itself off from Earth when it became clear that the people of Earth were destroying their planet through misuse/overuse of technology, and would do the same to Genesis if given the chance). Noemi is prepping for the "Masada Run," a last-ditch effort to stave off the invasion by damaging the wormhole gate that leads from Earth to Genesis. But when her best friend/foster sister's ship is attached by mechs from Earth, Noemi abandons her mission to try and help Esther. Landing them both on an abandoned Earth ship, Noemi discovers that the vessel isn't quite abandoned: a high-level Earth mech is still on board, a mech far more sophisticated than any anyone from Genesis has ever encountered before.
Abel, mistakenly left behind during an enemy attack, has spent the last 30 years stuck in one room in the ship. He's grateful to be released by Noemi, even though their first encounter is a violent one. Due to an oversight in his programming, the mech, Abel, must obey the commands of the highest ranking human he encounters; Noemi, even though an enemy, just happens to be that person. After Esther's death, the two set off on a mission to try and gather materials to sabotage the wormhole gate so that 150 of Noemi's friends and fellow officers won't have to sacrifice themselves to do it. There should be no problem ordering a mere mech to sacrifice itself, she believes. But over the course of their travels, Noemi gradually discovers that there is more to Abel than even his own creator had even imagined.
Abel is similar to Star Trek Voyager's Data, although even more human-like from the start, and his own, as well as Noemi's gradual realization of Abel's abilities and autonomy, while predictable, is still moving. There are small hints of romance, here, too, which are appealing.
Hope there will be more world-building, and greater exploration of the moral issues of immigration, environmental exploitation, and just and unjust war in future volumes in the series.
Abel, mistakenly left behind during an enemy attack, has spent the last 30 years stuck in one room in the ship. He's grateful to be released by Noemi, even though their first encounter is a violent one. Due to an oversight in his programming, the mech, Abel, must obey the commands of the highest ranking human he encounters; Noemi, even though an enemy, just happens to be that person. After Esther's death, the two set off on a mission to try and gather materials to sabotage the wormhole gate so that 150 of Noemi's friends and fellow officers won't have to sacrifice themselves to do it. There should be no problem ordering a mere mech to sacrifice itself, she believes. But over the course of their travels, Noemi gradually discovers that there is more to Abel than even his own creator had even imagined.
Abel is similar to Star Trek Voyager's Data, although even more human-like from the start, and his own, as well as Noemi's gradual realization of Abel's abilities and autonomy, while predictable, is still moving. There are small hints of romance, here, too, which are appealing.
Hope there will be more world-building, and greater exploration of the moral issues of immigration, environmental exploitation, and just and unjust war in future volumes in the series.
emilyrandolph_epstein's review against another edition
5.0
This was a fun, heartfelt YA adventure story that explores the nature of what it means to be human. I enjoyed Able and Noemi as characters and though Gray set up a very interesting premise with the different worlds of the Loop. I look forward to reading more in the series.
crochetchrisie's review against another edition
4.0
OK, full disclosure - I really dislike third person present tense, so it took me a good 150 pages to get into the story. Once I got over it (and everyone got a little more like-able) it was a fun read. :)
books4susie's review against another edition
5.0
I really didn’t know what to expect when I first started this book. Told in alternating points of view from both Noemi and Abel, readers dive into a story full of mystery, intrigue, and romance. Enemies at first, it’s not long before Noemi and Abel realize that they are actually on the same side. Also the romance between human and machine is a slow burn that will have readers cheering the duo on. I really didn’t know how I expected the book to end, be it was phenomenal! With the story somewhat tied up, readers will be clamouring for the next installment in this series.
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Defy the Stars is sci-fi at its very best---it's exhilarating!
What Fed My Addiction:
Complex characters you'll love!
Noemi is the type of person you can't help but root for. She's a bit of an underdog---doomed from the start of the book to die, she's accepted her fate. After all, she doesn't feel like her life is worth much anyway. Her story is sad but compelling, and the first person to truly convince her of her intrinsic value is an android (with a soul, of course). Speaking of that android, Abel is fantastically complex. As the book progresses he realizes that he just might be "broken." After all, he has thoughts and feelings outside of his programming. Ironically, Abel is one of the funniest characters in the book---his sarcasm and his sometimes misguided understanding of human emotions make him a fascinating character. I loved every minute of him!
Action, pacing and worldbuilding.
This is the type of book that catches your attention from the very beginning and never lets up. I was enthralled, ready to follow Noemi and Abel to whatever exotic planets they led me to (there were a few, and they were all very distinct). The worldbuilding is incredibly complex and developed, but it never felt at all overbearing or confusing to me. I'm not a fan of over-complicated worldbuilding with tons of descriptions, but I want to have a good sense of the world and how and why it got that way---this book fits ALL of those criteria perfectly. Noemi and Abel encounter plenty of peril on their travels (and the heart of their mission itself is incredibly dangerous), so there's action throughout the book and the pacing felt perfect as well!
Religious undertones.
I was honestly a bit worried when I realized that this book had some religious undertones. As a Christian, those can be hit or miss for me (sometimes religion can be portrayed pretty poorly). But Gray manages to explore religious themes and the concept of religion without giving "right or wrong" answers and without making any one viewpoint look bad. She shows us good and bad sides to religion and she portrays a main character who isn't quite sure what she believes---she's searching for truth and for her own understanding of a religion that's been "given" to her. I think many people can relate to that concept. But, don't worry, if you don't like religious themes at all the book is very light on them---they're definitely there, but they don't overwhelm the plot in any way, shape or form, and they can pretty much be ignored if you prefer it that way.
What Left Me Hungry for More:
???
I can't think of a single thing. I'm sure there must have been something I didn't love, but if there was, it was completely overshadowed by the awesomeness.
With its amazingly complex characters, intense action, surprising twists and beautiful storytelling, Defy the Stars is a book you don't want to miss! I can't wait to read more Claudia Gray now---I've apparently been missing out!
This book gets 5/5 stars and I'm (somewhat hesitantly---only because it's the first in a series) dubbing it an All-Time Favorite.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Defy the Stars is sci-fi at its very best---it's exhilarating!
What Fed My Addiction:
Complex characters you'll love!
Noemi is the type of person you can't help but root for. She's a bit of an underdog---doomed from the start of the book to die, she's accepted her fate. After all, she doesn't feel like her life is worth much anyway. Her story is sad but compelling, and the first person to truly convince her of her intrinsic value is an android (with a soul, of course). Speaking of that android, Abel is fantastically complex. As the book progresses he realizes that he just might be "broken." After all, he has thoughts and feelings outside of his programming. Ironically, Abel is one of the funniest characters in the book---his sarcasm and his sometimes misguided understanding of human emotions make him a fascinating character. I loved every minute of him!
Action, pacing and worldbuilding.
This is the type of book that catches your attention from the very beginning and never lets up. I was enthralled, ready to follow Noemi and Abel to whatever exotic planets they led me to (there were a few, and they were all very distinct). The worldbuilding is incredibly complex and developed, but it never felt at all overbearing or confusing to me. I'm not a fan of over-complicated worldbuilding with tons of descriptions, but I want to have a good sense of the world and how and why it got that way---this book fits ALL of those criteria perfectly. Noemi and Abel encounter plenty of peril on their travels (and the heart of their mission itself is incredibly dangerous), so there's action throughout the book and the pacing felt perfect as well!
Religious undertones.
I was honestly a bit worried when I realized that this book had some religious undertones. As a Christian, those can be hit or miss for me (sometimes religion can be portrayed pretty poorly). But Gray manages to explore religious themes and the concept of religion without giving "right or wrong" answers and without making any one viewpoint look bad. She shows us good and bad sides to religion and she portrays a main character who isn't quite sure what she believes---she's searching for truth and for her own understanding of a religion that's been "given" to her. I think many people can relate to that concept. But, don't worry, if you don't like religious themes at all the book is very light on them---they're definitely there, but they don't overwhelm the plot in any way, shape or form, and they can pretty much be ignored if you prefer it that way.
What Left Me Hungry for More:
???
I can't think of a single thing. I'm sure there must have been something I didn't love, but if there was, it was completely overshadowed by the awesomeness.
With its amazingly complex characters, intense action, surprising twists and beautiful storytelling, Defy the Stars is a book you don't want to miss! I can't wait to read more Claudia Gray now---I've apparently been missing out!
This book gets 5/5 stars and I'm (somewhat hesitantly---only because it's the first in a series) dubbing it an All-Time Favorite.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***