Scan barcode
thoughtsontomes's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
3.75
This scifi story is about the love of folklore and storytelling and how that makes us human. While I found some of the characterizations, particularly of the villains, to be a bit one note, the themes were strong.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Xenophobia
klra's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really thought this was going to be about a Latina storyteller, so imagine my surprise when it was Science Fiction. I loved that it was cursory on the "why" they're going to space and really focused on the mission itself. The main character has macular degeneration, and she is on the ship illegally since the idea behind the chosen is that they're the best humanity has to offer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Child death, Xenophobia, Genocide, and Death of parent
Moderate: Ableism
dolores_madil's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I love this book for the main message but also the under messages I was able to pick up as an adult. I also loved as a writer the message of storytelling and how it is apart of who we are. I defiantly think this is a upper middle grade though I also don't read many middle but it tackles some thought concepts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Religious bigotry, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Chronic illness, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, and Medical content
Moderate: Slavery, Genocide, and Racism
a_ab's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Maybe even 4.5*s. This is a great book about the ultimate truth that no noble goal can ever be reached through ugly methods.
There were elements I found clunky and too convenient and the writing seemed rough in patches - like awkward translations or rough draft passages that slipped through the editorial reviews.
This book gave me a very nostalgic feeling - it reminded me of the early 20th century literature I read in college - utopian cautionary tales and the stories about the dangers of complacent uniformity.
The saddest part about this book, which is already full of sadness and grief, is that it is as relevant and necessary today as similar stories were nearly 100 years ago.
There were elements I found clunky and too convenient and the writing seemed rough in patches - like awkward translations or rough draft passages that slipped through the editorial reviews.
This book gave me a very nostalgic feeling - it reminded me of the early 20th century literature I read in college - utopian cautionary tales and the stories about the dangers of complacent uniformity.
The saddest part about this book, which is already full of sadness and grief, is that it is as relevant and necessary today as similar stories were nearly 100 years ago.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Confinement, Death of parent, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Genocide and Murder
Minor: Vomit
kathrynhoss's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? No
4.0
This is extremely deep for a middle grade novel. It addresses social inequalities, diversity versus the pressure to conform, and the spiritual connection we can have with our ancestors and nature, all in a generational spaceship novel. Personally I think it should've been classified Young Adult because even though the viewpoint character is 13, this could be enjoyed by kids around 13 and older, not much younger kids looking up to that age.
I think this story is extremely important but I did get a bit bogged down in the pacing and the internal monologue, as I often do with books for younger readers.I felt like it ended very abruptly. There was so much lead-up and detail in Petra planning her escape and then little pay off when she and her friends actually set out as free on the planet. I would've liked more falling action or at least an epilogue showing a glimpse of the life the children make together with the human inhabitants who previously arrived on the planet. Also because on an anthropological level, I was very interested. 🤪
I did love the characters and especially Petra's love for storytelling and her family. I would def recommend this book to an emotionally mature kid 11 y/o or older, especially if they're interested in science and/or literature! There are many important lessons they could take away from this story.
I think this story is extremely important but I did get a bit bogged down in the pacing and the internal monologue, as I often do with books for younger readers.
I did love the characters and especially Petra's love for storytelling and her family. I would def recommend this book to an emotionally mature kid 11 y/o or older, especially if they're interested in science and/or literature! There are many important lessons they could take away from this story.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Genocide, and Xenophobia
The themes of Xenophobia and Genocide are MOSTLY metaphorical in the members of the Collective scientifically removing pigment from their skin and hair (and brainwashing Petra and the other passengers of their cultural heritage, trying to force them to assimilate.) More literally, they DO try to kill an entire planet of people near the end, so I don't think the Genocide warning is too drastic.echoes01's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent and Xenophobia
lizreadsbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
3.75
A YA-dystopian space novel with a brave Mexican-American MC that will keep you turning the pages.
What I liked: The main character, Petra, and her love for her family. Mexican cuentos (folktales) woven throughout the story. Suspenseful writing that will make you hold your breath.
What was missing for me: Greater depth in character development for the other youth in the story. There’s an effort at found family here, but we don’t get to know those characters well enough for the bonds to feel meaningful. This was billed as a “hopeful dystopian,” but the balance is heavier on the dystopian details than on the hopeful ones.
Overall, a solid novel, if not perfect. A good way to spend an afternoon. Do read the content warnings before handing this to a young reader, though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Xenophobia, and Confinement
naomiysl's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Reads like a gulp of hot chocolate, powerful and comforting at the same time as challenging. I could wish for a sequel, but I also might not wish for that, because the ending is as it should be. Sci-fi at it's best, warning us about dangers yet to come, with space ships and adventures and new planets to explore. Deeply literary, with its theme of stories being what makes us human.
I also love the casual reference to "That pandemic in the 20s." Perfection.
I also love the casual reference to "That pandemic in the 20s." Perfection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, War, and Violence
More...