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cjrayl's review against another edition
5.0
While the opening of this story may seem a bit clunky, bear with it! This is one of the few times that the comments and reviews hold true and this novel is one to consider if one desires a nonstop day of reading. According to Kirkus Reviews, this novel depicts realistic space travel that rivals Andy Weir's, "The Martian." Oh so true!
A young woman, Cristina, is part of a small group that seeks to escape an oppressive society where no one is free, unable to live as they wish, love as they wish, even think as they wish. Their escape comes about through an unsanctioned space launch towards Mars, but as with any good story, there are numerous problems to be solved, personalities to work with, and coming to terms with freedom of self.
What makes this such an outstanding work is the superb character development. As a reader, one comes away knowing this person. One feels what she feels emotionally. The reader experiences her frustrations and may find themselves problem solving with her as she bull-headedly pushes for mechanical-type fixes to ensure survival. More importantly, one is sitting next to her as she learns how to deal with people who still works on a herd mentality, wanting to be placated whether true or false. A reader will feel her frustrations, her doubts, and her triumphs.
For those who love the technical and scientific principals of space and surviving on a new planet (think The Martian) they will love this book. Yet those who are not fluidly adept will still find understanding as Cristina herself learns these principals.
Without giving spoilers, I can't help but hope there is a second book. While normally I hate series and often find the second book to be wanting, the author Glenn Damato just may be great enough to pull it off. This is one of the few adult books that I've given 5 stars to.
A young woman, Cristina, is part of a small group that seeks to escape an oppressive society where no one is free, unable to live as they wish, love as they wish, even think as they wish. Their escape comes about through an unsanctioned space launch towards Mars, but as with any good story, there are numerous problems to be solved, personalities to work with, and coming to terms with freedom of self.
What makes this such an outstanding work is the superb character development. As a reader, one comes away knowing this person. One feels what she feels emotionally. The reader experiences her frustrations and may find themselves problem solving with her as she bull-headedly pushes for mechanical-type fixes to ensure survival. More importantly, one is sitting next to her as she learns how to deal with people who still works on a herd mentality, wanting to be placated whether true or false. A reader will feel her frustrations, her doubts, and her triumphs.
For those who love the technical and scientific principals of space and surviving on a new planet (think The Martian) they will love this book. Yet those who are not fluidly adept will still find understanding as Cristina herself learns these principals.
Without giving spoilers, I can't help but hope there is a second book. While normally I hate series and often find the second book to be wanting, the author Glenn Damato just may be great enough to pull it off. This is one of the few adult books that I've given 5 stars to.
the_dave_harmon's review against another edition
2.0
it reads like a YA novel. it was entertaining, i finished it, definitly enjoyed parts of it, and wanted to know what was going to happen. but there were things that didnt make sense, there were character changes and behaviors lacking explanation, all the characters other than christina were repetitive, annoying, childish, and two dimensional.
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