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steph_davidson's review against another edition
4.0
#55. I enjoyed this so much. I loved the world she built, and the perspective of the main character, as a science-focused teen in a sort of bubble-world isolated from the alien planet they live on. It doesn't rely too heavily on the teen characters' moodiness like some YA does, and it doesn't lean too heavily on the novelty of the world, like some sci fi does. It's well-rounded and diverse and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series.
melanieloyola_'s review against another edition
not my thing nor was I into anything occurring so dnf woo hoo
blondelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Scientists crash landed on the planet almost a generation ago and have a tenuous relationship with the native Faloiv.
oricicle's review against another edition
5.0
It was amazingly and beautifully written. I suggest it. IT. MADE. ME. HURL. THE. BOOK. ACROSS. THE. ROOM.
angelicasreads's review against another edition
4.0
I think that this is my favorite book I've read this year.
Admittedly, it's the only book I've read so far this year, but no matter. For being the first book I read in 2018, this has set the bar fairly high. And to think that I felt a bit hesitant when picking this book up after seeing some low rated reviews. But then I realized that the problem was less about the story and more about personal preferences.
The main problem with this book is that is slow. Like, extremely, I almost quit part way through, kind of slow. It didn't begin to pick up until around the halfway point where everything was finally starting to come together.
Cole sets up the world for us and fills it with interesting creatures (whose names I don't remember) and scientific things (that I won't even try to explain). She also sets up a mystery and a heavily guarded secret that takes time to weave and then time to unravel.
If you aren't a fan of slow building plots and slow-burning romances, then this book is not for you. Just stop right here and turn back because after reading some reviews, this seems to have been the problem for most people who've read it.
But, if you are like me, and don't mind the slow build, then I totally recommend because the pay off was well worth it. After the story managed to get itself going it was highspeed rollercoaster that didn't stop until the last page.
My favorite books are ones that are heavily character driven, and this one certainly was. Cole took time to develop each and every one of them, giving them each a drive and a purpose and decorating them with characteristics particular to each one. She did this not only to the main cast, but also all the minor characters that appear throughout, a thing that definitely made them all stand out.
Another thing is that all the major characters are people of color! I honestly could not believe it. You know that there is a problem in the world when you go into a book and are surprised to find that the main heroine isn't white. I had to stop myself and wonder what the world had come to that I, a person of color, had gone into this YA sci-fi novel picturing a white heroine until it was proven otherwise when Octavia described her self as having dark brown skin and cornrows in her hair.
And it wasn't just racially ambiguous people with "light brown skin" or tans or foreign-looking faces. No. The girl who is considered to be "the prettiest girl on Faloiv" has "deeply black" skin and dreadlocks. And another girl, Alma, proudly sports an afro and is described regal because of it. That, my friends, is an incredible thing. We rarely see this kind of representation in YA, and rarely are they considered beautiful. So, thank you, Oliva A. Cole. Thank you very much. For that alone, you deserve a star.
The writing style is also one that is fluid and easy to read. You can tell that Cole is a natural born storyteller, and the story itself is one that is handled very well. The book shows us the damaging effects of colonialism and the capacity of human greed and entitlement. It also focuses on the moral side of science showing us that just because we can, doesn't mean we should.
Overall, this book is solid. I totally recommend for those of you who don't mind the pace. I'm looking forward to the next book in this duology.
**I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
Admittedly, it's the only book I've read so far this year, but no matter. For being the first book I read in 2018, this has set the bar fairly high. And to think that I felt a bit hesitant when picking this book up after seeing some low rated reviews. But then I realized that the problem was less about the story and more about personal preferences.
The main problem with this book is that is slow. Like, extremely, I almost quit part way through, kind of slow. It didn't begin to pick up until around the halfway point where everything was finally starting to come together.
Cole sets up the world for us and fills it with interesting creatures (whose names I don't remember) and scientific things (that I won't even try to explain). She also sets up a mystery and a heavily guarded secret that takes time to weave and then time to unravel.
If you aren't a fan of slow building plots and slow-burning romances, then this book is not for you. Just stop right here and turn back because after reading some reviews, this seems to have been the problem for most people who've read it.
But, if you are like me, and don't mind the slow build, then I totally recommend because the pay off was well worth it. After the story managed to get itself going it was highspeed rollercoaster that didn't stop until the last page.
My favorite books are ones that are heavily character driven, and this one certainly was. Cole took time to develop each and every one of them, giving them each a drive and a purpose and decorating them with characteristics particular to each one. She did this not only to the main cast, but also all the minor characters that appear throughout, a thing that definitely made them all stand out.
Another thing is that all the major characters are people of color! I honestly could not believe it. You know that there is a problem in the world when you go into a book and are surprised to find that the main heroine isn't white. I had to stop myself and wonder what the world had come to that I, a person of color, had gone into this YA sci-fi novel picturing a white heroine until it was proven otherwise when Octavia described her self as having dark brown skin and cornrows in her hair.
And it wasn't just racially ambiguous people with "light brown skin" or tans or foreign-looking faces. No. The girl who is considered to be "the prettiest girl on Faloiv" has "deeply black" skin and dreadlocks. And another girl, Alma, proudly sports an afro and is described regal because of it. That, my friends, is an incredible thing. We rarely see this kind of representation in YA, and rarely are they considered beautiful. So, thank you, Oliva A. Cole. Thank you very much. For that alone, you deserve a star.
The writing style is also one that is fluid and easy to read. You can tell that Cole is a natural born storyteller, and the story itself is one that is handled very well. The book shows us the damaging effects of colonialism and the capacity of human greed and entitlement. It also focuses on the moral side of science showing us that just because we can, doesn't mean we should.
Overall, this book is solid. I totally recommend for those of you who don't mind the pace. I'm looking forward to the next book in this duology.
**I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
lianastar's review against another edition
5.0
I honestly really love this book. I haven't read a fantasy book in well over a year so it's been refreshing. I really like how the book is fictional yet is focused around modern issues. I'm enjoying the author's obvious pro animal rights' beliefs.
typedtruths's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
4.25 ★
underrated science fiction that grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go
▷ Representation: Octavia (mc), Alma (sc) & various scs are Black/BIPOC.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
underrated science fiction that grabbed me by the throat and didn't let go
▷ Representation: Octavia (mc), Alma (sc) & various scs are Black/BIPOC.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Animal death, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Blood
➸ Trigger warnings for blood and injury depiction, grief and loss depiction (minor), death of a friend (off-page), death of a grandmother recounted, death of a mother (on-page), imprisonment, animal death, animal cruelty and experimentation (theme), and animal attack.kloves2read's review against another edition
4.5
Amazing, great writing, a new planet, lots of adventure and emotional, character building 10/10. Cried. Would read again.
jgale_24's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
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? No
4.5