Scan barcode
michellesantiago's review against another edition
4.0
Despite my complaints about the beginning, I ended up really, really liking this one. Looking forward to book 2.
Full review on to come.
Full Review: (originally posted on 7/22/2013 on Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks)
Mind. Blown.
That was my reaction after I finished reading Starglass.**
But when I actually began reading it, I wasn't sure what I got myself into. The main character, Terra, was very blah, had no personality in the beginning and we were thrust into this new world (the space ship Asherah) with very little explanation. I had a lot of questions, like how it came about that the passengers were ruled by a sort of bastardized version of Judaism (it felt like a random choice on the author's part at first), among others. And since I basically know nothing about the Jewish culture and a lot of the Jewish terms were strewn about, I was very confused.
But I plodded through it and I was very glad I did not give up on Starglass. It took more than a quarter of the book for things to happen, for the action to start and for Terra's character to get more interesting but I was rewarded for my patience because Starglass ended up being quite an original, exciting read.
So, basically, Starglass was a dystopian novel set in space. But while the set up was familiar--a girl who yearns for more than what her society dictates for its people may just get her wish when she learns that there's a rebellion brewing beneath its seemingly idyllic surface--by the last fourth of the novel everything was turned on its ear.
I was literally at the edge of my seat by the time I reached the end. There were a lot of unexpected twists and turns, especially in the last quarter of the novel. The things I thought I had figured out, I didn't and I loved being surprised like that. Starglass doesn't quite follow the usual YA formula, particularly when it came to the romance part. Some readers might not like that and I myself I was like, what? Is Phoebe North really going to take the story to the realm of Avatar (the movie)? I'm still unconvinced about that unexpected turn in the romance but Phoebe North might just pull it off in the next book. Either way, I'm dying to know what will happen next.
Starglass deserves high props for originality and world building (though you don't really get a full picture of the world until you finish the novel). Unfortunately, I expect some readers may be put off by the slow and confusing beginning or the unconventional turn in the romance. Overall, though, I ended up enjoying it a lot and I'm very eager to read book two.
**I read and reviewed an advance digital galley of Starglass thanks to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers via Edelweiss.
Full review on to come.
Full Review: (originally posted on 7/22/2013 on Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks)
Mind. Blown.
That was my reaction after I finished reading Starglass.**
But when I actually began reading it, I wasn't sure what I got myself into. The main character, Terra, was very blah, had no personality in the beginning and we were thrust into this new world (the space ship Asherah) with very little explanation. I had a lot of questions, like how it came about that the passengers were ruled by a sort of bastardized version of Judaism (it felt like a random choice on the author's part at first), among others. And since I basically know nothing about the Jewish culture and a lot of the Jewish terms were strewn about, I was very confused.
But I plodded through it and I was very glad I did not give up on Starglass. It took more than a quarter of the book for things to happen, for the action to start and for Terra's character to get more interesting but I was rewarded for my patience because Starglass ended up being quite an original, exciting read.
So, basically, Starglass was a dystopian novel set in space. But while the set up was familiar--a girl who yearns for more than what her society dictates for its people may just get her wish when she learns that there's a rebellion brewing beneath its seemingly idyllic surface--by the last fourth of the novel everything was turned on its ear.
I was literally at the edge of my seat by the time I reached the end. There were a lot of unexpected twists and turns, especially in the last quarter of the novel. The things I thought I had figured out, I didn't and I loved being surprised like that. Starglass doesn't quite follow the usual YA formula, particularly when it came to the romance part. Some readers might not like that and I myself I was like, what? Is Phoebe North really going to take the story to the realm of Avatar (the movie)? I'm still unconvinced about that unexpected turn in the romance but Phoebe North might just pull it off in the next book. Either way, I'm dying to know what will happen next.
Starglass deserves high props for originality and world building (though you don't really get a full picture of the world until you finish the novel). Unfortunately, I expect some readers may be put off by the slow and confusing beginning or the unconventional turn in the romance. Overall, though, I ended up enjoying it a lot and I'm very eager to read book two.
**I read and reviewed an advance digital galley of Starglass thanks to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers via Edelweiss.
andimontgomery's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. I'm disappointed that this book didn't grab me liked I had hoped. I really disliked Terra, and the plot moved along painfully slow. Even the ending didn't really excite me.
It's hard not to compare this to "Inside Out" and "Outside In" by Maria Snyder. IMO, those were stronger stories--with more likable characters--of rebellion on a spaceship.
I won't be continuing with this series.
It's hard not to compare this to "Inside Out" and "Outside In" by Maria Snyder. IMO, those were stronger stories--with more likable characters--of rebellion on a spaceship.
I won't be continuing with this series.
annknee's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
que_bella's review against another edition
1.0
It started off like a good book. I couldn't put it down, the storyline had me and I wanted to know what happened to the ship. Would it crash, run out of oxygen, land on earth? I kept reading. Soon, I was sitting on the edge of my seat.
Then, the woods scene.
I would tell you what happens but then I would need to hide this review and nobody would ever read this... So anyways the tension snaps (ps this is about halfway after halfway) and the girl goes the reast of the book trying to accomplish a goal and then there's the (if you still want to read the book don't continue) escape pod. The End. No explanation, no nothing. Just hey, here's what she did. What happens next, you decide!
>:( Perfect book, ruined.
Then, the woods scene.
I would tell you what happens but then I would need to hide this review and nobody would ever read this... So anyways the tension snaps (ps this is about halfway after halfway) and the girl goes the reast of the book trying to accomplish a goal and then there's the (if you still want to read the book don't continue) escape pod. The End. No explanation, no nothing. Just hey, here's what she did. What happens next, you decide!
>:( Perfect book, ruined.
novelinsights's review against another edition
4.0
There were a lot of things to like about this book. The premise of a Jewish spaceship was cool, for one. I don't see a lot of Jewish representation in sff, and it was cool to see an environment where a real-world culture/religion other than Eastern European Christianity was dominant. I also appreciated that the focus was on the culture more so than the actual religion, since I'm not a huge fan of the general concept of religion myself and would have quickly been bored by a book that felt preachy.
I also liked the protagonist's struggle with wanting to be an artist but being forced to take on a more practical career. I also wish desperately that I could have a creative career but have turned to the sciences to pay the bills, and it was nice to see a protagonist in a similar predicament, even if it was for the crew's necessity rather than for money. I also liked that she made an effort with the career she ended up with and came to like it, although she still would have rather been an artist. I thought this was more realistic than her loving or despising it. I've had a lot of negative feelings toward my own career and it was inspiring to see someone trying to make the most of their situation while still acknowledging it wasn't what they really wanted.
Additionally, this book did a good job of showing rebellion in a realistic, non-romanticized light.
The book also did a good job of depicting social relationships. I was particularly impressed with the relationship between Terra and her father, especially in that while it was dysfunctional and problematic, they clearly still loved each other. I also liked the way that multiple romantic relationships were shown as things that could come and go; I feel like, in YA, a lot of the relationships are implied to be lifelong, but part of the message of this book seemed to be that you shouldn't have to commit to someone for the rest of your life when you're only a teenager.
The main thing I didn't like about this book was that the protagonist was often a bit short-sighted and failed to think about the obvious consequences of her actions at times. Still, it was an enjoyable book and I look forward to reading the sequel.
I also liked the protagonist's struggle with wanting to be an artist but being forced to take on a more practical career. I also wish desperately that I could have a creative career but have turned to the sciences to pay the bills, and it was nice to see a protagonist in a similar predicament, even if it was for the crew's necessity rather than for money. I also liked that she made an effort with the career she ended up with and came to like it, although she still would have rather been an artist. I thought this was more realistic than her loving or despising it. I've had a lot of negative feelings toward my own career and it was inspiring to see someone trying to make the most of their situation while still acknowledging it wasn't what they really wanted.
Additionally, this book did a good job of showing rebellion in a realistic, non-romanticized light.
Spoiler
It felt poignant in the current era of vaccine conspiracy theories and whatnot that the rebel organization was so compelling but actually had everything completely wrong in the end. I especially liked how Terra realized how much of it actually didn't make sense when she really sat down to think about it, such as how the crops weren't taken care of in the dome because no one had any intention of staying there.The book also did a good job of depicting social relationships. I was particularly impressed with the relationship between Terra and her father, especially in that while it was dysfunctional and problematic, they clearly still loved each other. I also liked the way that multiple romantic relationships were shown as things that could come and go; I feel like, in YA, a lot of the relationships are implied to be lifelong, but part of the message of this book seemed to be that you shouldn't have to commit to someone for the rest of your life when you're only a teenager.
The main thing I didn't like about this book was that the protagonist was often a bit short-sighted and failed to think about the obvious consequences of her actions at times.
Spoiler
For example, she starts dating her best friend's ex and then seems completely blindsided when her friend catches the two of them together and gets upset, as though this isn't the kind of thing she'd even considered ever happening.yapha's review against another edition
3.0
I was intrigued by the idea of a Science Fiction/Dystopian book set in the future in a community of Jews. Although I wasn't always comfortable with the way Judaism was portrayed as evolving, it was very interesting to see which precepts carried through.
Terra was born on a ship that escaped Earth before it was destroyed almost 500 years before. The ship, Asherah, is finally close to reaching its destination -- a planet they have named Zehava (which means gold in Hebrew). We are given some history of the beginning of the ship's journey through a diary written by Terra's many times great grandmother, one of the original occupants. The ship is under strict rule by The Council, who govern most aspects of daily life. As the ship nears its destination, the unease among the working classes of the ship grows. Terra finds herself caught between what her father and the Council want, and what she feels is right. Never having been given much choice about her future, can she figure out what is best for her and for the future of the ship? Recommended for grades 7 & up.
Terra was born on a ship that escaped Earth before it was destroyed almost 500 years before. The ship, Asherah, is finally close to reaching its destination -- a planet they have named Zehava (which means gold in Hebrew). We are given some history of the beginning of the ship's journey through a diary written by Terra's many times great grandmother, one of the original occupants. The ship is under strict rule by The Council, who govern most aspects of daily life. As the ship nears its destination, the unease among the working classes of the ship grows. Terra finds herself caught between what her father and the Council want, and what she feels is right. Never having been given much choice about her future, can she figure out what is best for her and for the future of the ship? Recommended for grades 7 & up.
bellatora's review against another edition
4.0
As a dystopian spaceship book, I was reminded of [b:Across the Universe|8235178|Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1)|Beth Revis|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1401852218s/8235178.jpg|13082532]. A refreshing difference is that the rebellion and planet-arrival all take place in one book in Starglass. Thank goodness.
Terra was born on the Asherah, a spaceship of the Jewish diaspora that escaped a dying Earth that was about to be hit by an asteroid. The ship has been traveling for 500 years, and is only months away of reaching the promised land of the planet Zehava. Terra is chaffing in the confines of her dystopic space community – her mom died when Terra was twelve, her dad has become a mean drunk, and she wants to be an artist but the Council decided that the career she would begin at 16 would be as a botanist. Things get darker when Terra witnesses the kindly librarian be murdered by the Council’s henchman and learns of a rebel group that plans to take control. Oh, and Terra keeps having dreams of her One True Love, who might be her father’s apprentice (Koen) or who might be boy she shared a childhood kiss with but is now her best friend’s boyfriend and the ship commander’s apprentice (Silva). Or it might be an alien. Considering Koen and Silva are CLEARLY not legitimate love interests (Koen is dodgy for a long time, and it is obvious, and Silva is an arrogant prick who keeps talking about “commoners” and how inferior they are) that the winning money is on the alien.
Terra is a passive idiot and I don’t quite get how this society works. Terra’s father seemed to be a perfectly good dad while her mom was alive, but after catching his wife cheating on him and her dying, he becomes an abusive alcoholic. He hits Terra, calls her a slut, and generally terrorizes her life and makes her feel worthless. And yet when he, she is unconflicted in her grief for him. He was an abusive parent! I get he was her father, so she will always love him. But she doesn’t even have any sense of relief that she will no longer have to live in terror. She doesn’t have any anger. She just passively accepts it all. I felt like I was more angry at him than she ever was.
Terra is also the Worst Rebel Ever, and frankly the rebel leader was an idiot to think that Terra would ever successfully follow through in her assignment. Terra begins her double life by blurting out to Koen that she saw the old librarian murdered. She also uses the rebel’s “secret” identification code (“Liberty on Earth. Liberty on Zehava.”) every chance she gets. HOW she is not discovered is basically because the Council is incompetent and too arrogant. Terra also talks about the rebellion with Koen all the time, and takes a secret message from the rebels and CRUMPLES IT UP AND TOSSES IT TO HER CAT WHO BATS IT UNDER HER BED (really no thought about destroying secret messages Terra?!!?). The rebels also decide to give Terra the job of – even though Terra has not shown ANY real loyalty to the rebels (and, really, seems lukewarm at best on them – she gets told repeatedly that the rebels might kill her for not doing what they ask, and she’s still ambivalent) and no real capability to carry out an assignment (and, in fact, fails at carrying out her assignment of getting foxglove for a long, long time). The excuse is that she’s the only one who has potential access . Even though had probably equal access . Or a lot of other rebels, probably.
Still, overall it was enjoyable. And I loved the Jewish diaspora IN SPACE idea. I would like North to write sci fi that is not dystopian, because I think that would hold together much better.
Terra was born on the Asherah, a spaceship of the Jewish diaspora that escaped a dying Earth that was about to be hit by an asteroid. The ship has been traveling for 500 years, and is only months away of reaching the promised land of the planet Zehava. Terra is chaffing in the confines of her dystopic space community – her mom died when Terra was twelve, her dad has become a mean drunk, and she wants to be an artist but the Council decided that the career she would begin at 16 would be as a botanist. Things get darker when Terra witnesses the kindly librarian be murdered by the Council’s henchman and learns of a rebel group that plans to take control. Oh, and Terra keeps having dreams of her One True Love, who might be her father’s apprentice (Koen) or who might be boy she shared a childhood kiss with but is now her best friend’s boyfriend and the ship commander’s apprentice (Silva). Or it might be an alien. Considering Koen and Silva are CLEARLY not legitimate love interests (Koen is dodgy for a long time, and it is obvious
Spoiler
even before Terra catches him making out with the new librarian that he is gayTerra is a passive idiot and I don’t quite get how this society works. Terra’s father seemed to be a perfectly good dad while her mom was alive, but after catching his wife cheating on him and her dying, he becomes an abusive alcoholic. He hits Terra, calls her a slut, and generally terrorizes her life and makes her feel worthless. And yet when he
Spoiler
diesTerra is also the Worst Rebel Ever, and frankly the rebel leader was an idiot to think that Terra would ever successfully follow through in her assignment
Spoiler
to poison SilvaSpoiler
poisoning Silva to destabilize the governmentSpoiler
to SilvaSpoiler
the Captain’s daughterSpoiler
to his food/drinkStill, overall it was enjoyable. And I loved the Jewish diaspora IN SPACE idea. I would like North to write sci fi that is not dystopian, because I think that would hold together much better.
jennybrycebooks's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved reading this book. It's weird because it's different than anything I've ever read before, but I think that's one of the reasons I enjoyed reading it so much. This isn't the typical "girl falls in love with guy in first book and spends the next two overcoming obstacles in order to be with each other in the end" (also found it interesting how there is only two books). Now, don't get me wrong; I love a good love story. But, I didn't realize I needed a break from all that until I read this book. It's so new and refreshing, and it was nice to read a YA book that isn't centered around the romance.
This book more focuses on Terra (the MC) trying to find out who she is and what her purpose is. Throughout the book, she is constantly faced with heartbreak, violence, and life-altering choices.
Another thing that I love about this book is that the characters are so realistic. Terra made some terrible decisions in this book, ones that made me want to smack her upside the head. But, I think that just makes her so much more relatable. The characters in this book aren't perfect, and it made reading this book extremely realistic.
This is definitely my new favorite sci-fi, and I can't wait for the next one! While this book is absolutely amazing, I think I'm going to like Starbreak even better... Would recommend to anyone!
This book more focuses on Terra (the MC) trying to find out who she is and what her purpose is. Throughout the book, she is constantly faced with heartbreak, violence, and life-altering choices.
Another thing that I love about this book is that the characters are so realistic. Terra made some terrible decisions in this book, ones that made me want to smack her upside the head. But, I think that just makes her so much more relatable. The characters in this book aren't perfect, and it made reading this book extremely realistic.
This is definitely my new favorite sci-fi, and I can't wait for the next one! While this book is absolutely amazing, I think I'm going to like Starbreak even better... Would recommend to anyone!
rigel's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
I REALLY wanted to love this... but unfortunately Terra's personality ruined it. And this is coming from me, a plot-driven reader. What is Terra's personality, you may ask? Well... she doesn't really have one. Oh wait, is whiny a personality? Because she does that a lot.
Plus there was this odd comment about how her botanist mentor was worried that Terra was a girl? And how at least she's not a pretty girl? Because apperentaly pretty girls are afraid to get their hands dirty? And can't do science? Well excuuuuussssseeeeeee me but fuck off.
And the "plot twist"? Bitch please I saw it coming from a light year away.
Anyway it did end on a promising note so I'll read the second book... I mean a found it at the dollar store for a buck and a half so what's the harm.
I REALLY wanted to love this... but unfortunately Terra's personality ruined it. And this is coming from me, a plot-driven reader. What is Terra's personality, you may ask? Well... she doesn't really have one. Oh wait, is whiny a personality? Because she does that a lot.
Plus there was this odd comment about how her botanist mentor was worried that Terra was a girl? And how at least she's not a pretty girl? Because apperentaly pretty girls are afraid to get their hands dirty? And can't do science? Well excuuuuussssseeeeeee me but fuck off.
And the "plot twist"? Bitch please I saw it coming from a light year away.
Anyway it did end on a promising note so I'll read the second book... I mean a found it at the dollar store for a buck and a half so what's the harm.
thestarman's review against another edition
3.0
Quick review: ~3.5 stars for genre (YA sci-fi). Naïve teen protagonist, generation starship, rebellion, unknown planet awaits. Not unpredictable, but a good read. YA, but often seemed "kid" level. Some violence. No graphic sex. Cliffhanger ending; cue Book 2: [b:Starbreak|18041321|Starbreak (Starglass, #2)|Phoebe North|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1380126085s/18041321.jpg|25316295].
Similar: [bc:Across the Universe|8235178|Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1)|Beth Revis|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1401852218s/8235178.jpg|13082532] [bc:Salvage|13518102|Salvage|Alexandra Duncan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1378399791s/13518102.jpg|19076939] [bc:Avalon|17149396|Avalon (Avalon, #1)|Mindee Arnett|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1371481016s/17149396.jpg|23556507]
Similar: [bc:Across the Universe|8235178|Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1)|Beth Revis|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1401852218s/8235178.jpg|13082532] [bc:Salvage|13518102|Salvage|Alexandra Duncan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1378399791s/13518102.jpg|19076939] [bc:Avalon|17149396|Avalon (Avalon, #1)|Mindee Arnett|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1371481016s/17149396.jpg|23556507]