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kylieqrada's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
This book is something else. If I had to compare it to anything, I guess the Earthseed duology by Octavia Butler comes to mind in that it almost reads like a manifesto for a post-apocalyptic Earth. But it's also like super warm and cozy in a way? You really have to read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation and Sexual content
Moderate: Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, and Transphobia
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
mandkips's review
challenging
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation and Sexual content
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Transphobia, and Kidnapping
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
ouroredux's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Transphobia
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
enchantressreads's review
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
A Half-Built Garden is a timely novel where, in the not so distant future, humanity first comes into contact with aliens. It’s been years since Earth was finally able to somewhat bring themselves back from near extinction due to climate change. The Dandelion Networks are grassroots programs around the world that have worked hard to bring the Earth back to homeostasis. It’s not perfect, but the harder they work, the better the Earth will get.
The aliens have come to save humanity. Judy, who works at the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, believes Earth is capable of sustaining humanity. This leads to an adventure combining two very different cultures in order to come to an understanding—Earth doesn’t need saving, because it’s already saved.
I can’t stress how important this novel is. It is bleak, I won’t lie, but it is also tinged with hope. The Dandelion Network was considered the rebels. The corporations still exist, but TDN realized they didn’t need their help, and worked on their own to save Earth. This is important. Corporations are more than willing to throw their home away for money, but there are plenty of people left behind who want to save the only planet they’ve ever known.
From my understanding, this isn’t a series. The novel ended in a way that was both an end, and left it open for a possible sequel or spin off. I’d love to see more from this world. There was so much to it, and there are so many avenues that can be explored in the future.
Thank you to Tordotcom and NetGalley for the chance to read this advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.
CW for colonization, transphobia, religious bigotry, and suicidal thoughts
The aliens have come to save humanity. Judy, who works at the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, believes Earth is capable of sustaining humanity. This leads to an adventure combining two very different cultures in order to come to an understanding—Earth doesn’t need saving, because it’s already saved.
I can’t stress how important this novel is. It is bleak, I won’t lie, but it is also tinged with hope. The Dandelion Network was considered the rebels. The corporations still exist, but TDN realized they didn’t need their help, and worked on their own to save Earth. This is important. Corporations are more than willing to throw their home away for money, but there are plenty of people left behind who want to save the only planet they’ve ever known.
From my understanding, this isn’t a series. The novel ended in a way that was both an end, and left it open for a possible sequel or spin off. I’d love to see more from this world. There was so much to it, and there are so many avenues that can be explored in the future.
Thank you to Tordotcom and NetGalley for the chance to read this advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.
CW for colonization, transphobia, religious bigotry, and suicidal thoughts
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Transphobia and Religious bigotry
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
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