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ophee's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
baya_111's review against another edition
4.0
Won this book in a giveaway and was really excited to finally read it, the description made me interested a while ago but never took the time to check it out until now. I really liked this book! It's action packed and you never get bored. Lots of questions still remaining by the end of the book but that only makes you want to keep reading. The main characters are interesting and likeable.
revans's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
geralddaniels's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lomedae's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It's a 50s b-movie basically, and that it does well. The backdrop is intriguing and the action fast and fusious. The writing is pretty good for the genre, the dialogue and events flow well.
There's not a likeable character in sight though, and that made the whole experience not as good as could be. Not sure I will continue the series for that reason, but I will check out the other series of the writer for sure.
There's not a likeable character in sight though, and that made the whole experience not as good as could be. Not sure I will continue the series for that reason, but I will check out the other series of the writer for sure.
velvetyaverage's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I'm conflicted. On the one hand, it's not a bad book. On the other hand, I'm not sure I'm the intended audience for this.
I've seen some comparisons to Guardians of the Galaxy/Starlord and that definitely tracks. I'd also compare it to shounen anime, especially with Jarek being the smart-mouthed, super powerful protagonist with a mysterious past. Rachel, on the other hand, is a typical sassy, girl boss companion whose job is to look pretty (which the reader knows she's pretty because nearly everyone harasses her) and nag/mother Jarek while also being drawn to his irresistible charms. Doesn't matter how condescending or rude or inappropriate he is, Rachel just has this feeling about him. Not that she'll admit it because she's a tough girl boss who thinks he's an asshole despite him having a great ass (which we are reminded of way too many times). She can't be too much of a girl boss, though, because Jarek needs to be able to swoop in and save the day.
There were moments between them where I could maybe see the beginning of some chemistry but not enough to justify the level of attraction meant to be there. They've known each other two days! Like if this was a romance novel where the couple was the main focus then maaaaybe I could cut it some slack. But the romance is, at best, a sub plot. Since this is a series, I feel like it could have stretched out the growing relationship rather than having so much tension right off the bat. And maybe could have cut down on the Jarek makes inappropriate comment about Rachel and she suppresses a grin because yeah, it's harassment but he's hot so it's "okay."
I liked the world-building and I think the arcanist thing is really cool but it's not super fleshed out. Which is fine for what the book is trying to accomplish. It's meant to be a fun, fast-paced sci-fi adventure and so cool, flashy, surface level concepts is all it really needs! And, again, this is the first book in a series so later in the series certain things may be more fleshed out. I'm not sure how I feel about the aliens basically being the reptilian conspiracy theory, though. It could be perfectly innocent and I'm overthinking but I don't know. ALSO the nickname Rachel has for Michael was... not good. At first I thought it was maybe just me but looking through other reviews I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that was uncomfortable.
Listened to this as an audiobook and I will say that's probably one the big reasons I was able to finish it. The narrator did a FANTASTIC job, even if some of the early British accents were a little iffy. If you are planning on reading the book I'd highly recommend going the audiobook route.
I got all the books as part of a bundle so I may continue the series at some point but I just don't think this is the series for me.
I've seen some comparisons to Guardians of the Galaxy/Starlord and that definitely tracks. I'd also compare it to shounen anime, especially with Jarek being the smart-mouthed, super powerful protagonist with a mysterious past. Rachel, on the other hand, is a typical sassy, girl boss companion whose job is to look pretty (which the reader knows she's pretty because nearly everyone harasses her) and nag/mother Jarek while also being drawn to his irresistible charms. Doesn't matter how condescending or rude or inappropriate he is, Rachel just has this feeling about him. Not that she'll admit it because she's a tough girl boss who thinks he's an asshole despite him having a great ass (which we are reminded of way too many times). She can't be too much of a girl boss, though, because Jarek needs to be able to swoop in and save the day.
There were moments between them where I could maybe see the beginning of some chemistry but not enough to justify the level of attraction meant to be there. They've known each other two days! Like if this was a romance novel where the couple was the main focus then maaaaybe I could cut it some slack. But the romance is, at best, a sub plot. Since this is a series, I feel like it could have stretched out the growing relationship rather than having so much tension right off the bat. And maybe could have cut down on the Jarek makes inappropriate comment about Rachel and she suppresses a grin because yeah, it's harassment but he's hot so it's "okay."
I liked the world-building and I think the arcanist thing is really cool but it's not super fleshed out. Which is fine for what the book is trying to accomplish. It's meant to be a fun, fast-paced sci-fi adventure and so cool, flashy, surface level concepts is all it really needs! And, again, this is the first book in a series so later in the series certain things may be more fleshed out. I'm not sure how I feel about the aliens basically being the reptilian conspiracy theory, though. It could be perfectly innocent and I'm overthinking but I don't know. ALSO the nickname Rachel has for Michael was... not good. At first I thought it was maybe just me but looking through other reviews I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that was uncomfortable.
Listened to this as an audiobook and I will say that's probably one the big reasons I was able to finish it. The narrator did a FANTASTIC job, even if some of the early British accents were a little iffy. If you are planning on reading the book I'd highly recommend going the audiobook route.
I got all the books as part of a bundle so I may continue the series at some point but I just don't think this is the series for me.
toblerowl's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
vashnii's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bsafely's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
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? It's complicated
2.5
This book was a refreshing surprise for me. I picked it up after not winning a story graph giveaway because it piqued my interest.
I enjoyed the frankness of the characters, their humor in hard situations, and the slow burn beginnings of a romance (?).
As a woman, I was a little unsure how I liked the portrayal of Rachel (felt like there could be more description about a badass woman, but understand the main character is Jarek and his point of view) but I’m hoping it gets better as the series progresses.
I’m excited for the next book!
I enjoyed the frankness of the characters, their humor in hard situations, and the slow burn beginnings of a romance (?).
As a woman, I was a little unsure how I liked the portrayal of Rachel (felt like there could be more description about a badass woman, but understand the main character is Jarek and his point of view) but I’m hoping it gets better as the series progresses.
I’m excited for the next book!
churrocharizard's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75