Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Good:
I think overall I enjoyed all of the characters. Nathaniel could be frustrating at times, but I appreciated how compassionate he could be. Eliza, of the three, was my favorite and the easiest to understand in my opinion. Anna and Nathaniel wear their traumas and tragedies on their sleeves, whereas Eliza was much more closed off–something I preferred as I read. The descriptions were all very good and interesting. I didn’t have a lot of the same issues I usually do with sci-fi when it came to the setting, probably because it was largely taking place on the New Earth where technology was relatively simple. I enjoyed that this was largely a political game rather than a true sci-fi focus on tech and space explorations (topics I don’t generally find interesting).
The Meh:
As much as I enjoyed the political aspects of the book–arguably these were my favorite parts–things got far too convoluted by the end. When none of the main characters are able to really sniff out what’s going on, regardless of how smart they are, then either the villain needs to be an incredible genius or the whole thing is too complicated and no longer enjoyable to read. Unfortunately, despite Eliza setting up the Queen to be so powerful, I never really believed her as a full fledged super villain. Instead I found there were too many layers to the schemes and deceptions going on at the Settlement, and I didn’t find it believable at all that things wrapped up so quickly and easily in the end.
Final Thoughts:
For the most part, this is a pretty solid and enjoyable read. The characters are interesting, the representation feels considerate and realistic, and I enjoyed that the political schemes were more important than technology and other typical sci-fi aspects. The ending felt somewhat rushed through and messy for my tastes, but the build up to it was fantastic. I love the use of Eliza’s arrival to disrupt Anna’s and Nathaniel’s conflicts, and I enjoyed the multiple cat-and-mouse games being conducted throughout the story. The settings were richly detailed with fantastic descriptions, and the relationships were heartbreaking and absorbing. I would recommend this book, especially for folks who find hardcore sci-fi overwhelming but want a taste of it.
For a more in depth review, click here to read it on my book blog!
I think overall I enjoyed all of the characters. Nathaniel could be frustrating at times, but I appreciated how compassionate he could be. Eliza, of the three, was my favorite and the easiest to understand in my opinion. Anna and Nathaniel wear their traumas and tragedies on their sleeves, whereas Eliza was much more closed off–something I preferred as I read. The descriptions were all very good and interesting. I didn’t have a lot of the same issues I usually do with sci-fi when it came to the setting, probably because it was largely taking place on the New Earth where technology was relatively simple. I enjoyed that this was largely a political game rather than a true sci-fi focus on tech and space explorations (topics I don’t generally find interesting).
The Meh:
As much as I enjoyed the political aspects of the book–arguably these were my favorite parts–things got far too convoluted by the end. When none of the main characters are able to really sniff out what’s going on, regardless of how smart they are, then either the villain needs to be an incredible genius or the whole thing is too complicated and no longer enjoyable to read. Unfortunately, despite Eliza setting up the Queen to be so powerful, I never really believed her as a full fledged super villain. Instead I found there were too many layers to the schemes and deceptions going on at the Settlement, and I didn’t find it believable at all that things wrapped up so quickly and easily in the end.
Final Thoughts:
For the most part, this is a pretty solid and enjoyable read. The characters are interesting, the representation feels considerate and realistic, and I enjoyed that the political schemes were more important than technology and other typical sci-fi aspects. The ending felt somewhat rushed through and messy for my tastes, but the build up to it was fantastic. I love the use of Eliza’s arrival to disrupt Anna’s and Nathaniel’s conflicts, and I enjoyed the multiple cat-and-mouse games being conducted throughout the story. The settings were richly detailed with fantastic descriptions, and the relationships were heartbreaking and absorbing. I would recommend this book, especially for folks who find hardcore sci-fi overwhelming but want a taste of it.
For a more in depth review, click here to read it on my book blog!
Finally, main characters whose conflicts are not caused by miscommunication or lack of communication! Not to mention the representation: having a bisexual woman and a lesbian and using the words asexual and aromantic verbatim - so important. There was something in each of our main trio to both admire and cause conflict.
My only real criticism comes from the fact that the main plot takes place over the course of five days - which is not enough to explain the bond between the trio. I would much rather have seen more interaction between Eliza and the other two - since she comes into the fold a few weeks after Anna and Nathaniel meet. Especially with Eliza then making decisions based on the potential for love... We definitely need a bit more evidence to believe that.
But the blend of post-apocalyptic sci-fi (ie the balance between terraformed planet and space station living) with steampunk (ie clockwork hearts and alchemy) was refreshing and fun. I definitely wanted more worldbuilding though, give us a chance to learn more history - especially since Eliza was significantly more well-informed than her cohorts.
Still, definitely a solid debut. Can't wait to see what Thor comes up with next.
My only real criticism comes from the fact that the main plot takes place over the course of five days - which is not enough to explain the bond between the trio. I would much rather have seen more interaction between Eliza and the other two - since she comes into the fold a few weeks after Anna and Nathaniel meet. Especially with Eliza then making decisions based on the potential for love... We definitely need a bit more evidence to believe that.
But the blend of post-apocalyptic sci-fi (ie the balance between terraformed planet and space station living) with steampunk (ie clockwork hearts and alchemy) was refreshing and fun. I definitely wanted more worldbuilding though, give us a chance to learn more history - especially since Eliza was significantly more well-informed than her cohorts.
Still, definitely a solid debut. Can't wait to see what Thor comes up with next.
3.5 stars rounded down because it is a debut novel that was very clearly a debut novel (lots of showing AND telling at the same time, inconsistent characterisations, and pacing issues) but still an overall enjoyable read. I picked it mostly for the beautiful cover and the asexual and aromantic BOY rep that is so very rare.
adventurous
dark
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gore, Medical content, Death of parent, Classism, Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Medical trauma, Acephobia/Arophobia, Pregnancy
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2025: 3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Child abuse, Violence, Blood
I read an early version of this book and loved it. The characters are vivid and real, the conflict is intense, the setting is so unique. Then I found out that my fav character* was not only getting more page time but also her own point of view?!?!? Dead. I am sooooo excited to read this again when it comes out!
*Eliza ELIZA Eliza
*Eliza ELIZA Eliza