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kylieqrada's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would. An unlikable female lead, THE CHARACTER ARC, social commentary I just 😍 Reminded me a bit of Red Rising, and I would not complain if Emily Tesh wrote 20 more books in this world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Genocide, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Transphobia, Ableism, Sexism, Child abuse, Racism, Homophobia, Sexual assault, and Pregnancy
Minor: Rape and Abortion
kira_apple's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, War, Xenophobia, Violence, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, and Homophobia
enchantressreads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I have a few thoughts about this book, but I will start off by saying that I loved the writing in this book. Any issues that I have are not with the writing, but the plot itself. I need to read more of Emily Tesh’s work!
There are a lot of things about Some Desperate Glory that I was excited about: a space colony with cult vibes, girl friendship, fun family dynamics, and a redemption arc.
I was not a huge fan of Kyr in this book, and I know that it was purposeful and because of indoctrination, but I couldn’t get myself to look past it. I felt bad for everyone around her, and even though she realized the reality of her situation, I don’t think she got any better. She never really apologized for anything.
The time traveling, multiverse part of the story was surprising to me, but it took me out of the story when, about 1/3 through, it started all over. And then once again, about 2/3 in. I did like the idea of it, but didn’t really vibe with how it ended up. And queer space opera? No, that’s not quite right.
I know there’s a few criticisms, but I do recommend this book to my science fiction lovers. Some may love it more than I did, and I always recommend stories like this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tordotcom for the chance to read this advanced review copy.
CW for suicide, violence, child abuse, murder, genocide, blood, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, racism, bullying, sexual assault, rape (implied, not on page), suicidal thoughts, and ableism
There are a lot of things about Some Desperate Glory that I was excited about: a space colony with cult vibes, girl friendship, fun family dynamics, and a redemption arc.
I was not a huge fan of Kyr in this book, and I know that it was purposeful and because of indoctrination, but I couldn’t get myself to look past it. I felt bad for everyone around her, and even though she realized the reality of her situation, I don’t think she got any better. She never really apologized for anything.
The time traveling, multiverse part of the story was surprising to me, but it took me out of the story when, about 1/3 through, it started all over. And then once again, about 2/3 in. I did like the idea of it, but didn’t really vibe with how it ended up. And queer space opera? No, that’s not quite right.
I know there’s a few criticisms, but I do recommend this book to my science fiction lovers. Some may love it more than I did, and I always recommend stories like this.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tordotcom for the chance to read this advanced review copy.
CW for suicide, violence, child abuse, murder, genocide, blood, xenophobia, sexism, homophobia, racism, bullying, sexual assault, rape (implied, not on page), suicidal thoughts, and ableism
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Murder, Suicide, Blood, Violence, Xenophobia, and Child abuse
Moderate: Racism, Rape, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Bullying, and Sexism
Minor: Ableism
alexalala's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tordotcom for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Wow. I was blown away by this book!
Kyr has trained her entire life to avenge Earth's destruction aboard Gaea station with her mess, the Sparrows. She expects to be placed in a fighting wing, but instead is placed in Nursery to bear humanity's future children. Shocked, and a little disillusioned, Kyr takes destiny into her own hands, stealing a ship with a captive alien and another Gaean. What follows is a heartwrenching tale through space, time, and different dimensions.
Everything about this book was incredible. Kyr goes through grief, disillusionment, and grapples with understanding who the "good" guys are, if there are any. This book explores what it means to be sentient, empathetic, what family is, and how to stand up for what's right. This book is also very heavy, as it deals with ideas such as indoctrination, eugenics, mass murder, cult-like communities, abusers, suicide, and the literal weight of the world. All was very well handled, with grace and empathy. It asks many questions about ethics, morality, and relationships.
It also featured many different types of relationships throughout contexts - whether it be familial, abuser/abusee, romantic, friendship, or interspecies. The characters were extremely complex, all wrapped up in their own biases and background while trying to make sense of the truth around them. In particular, Kyr grows immensely throughout the book, from a brainwashed cadet incapable of empathy to a kind, empathetic person who critically thinks through her actions and those of others. Yiso is also particularly well done, changing through different dimensions and even becoming a little morally grey.
Though the beginning was a bit slow, it sped up quickly and alternated between medium and fast-paced. It was a very entertaining read, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and felt extremely emotional by the end. The prose was beautiful but very readable, and I never felt like it was going over my head, nor that it was a simplistic read for the beach (though I did read this on the beach successfully since I couldn't put it down). The plot had many twists and turns, but they felt very earned and added to the plot, rather than being for shock value. Each plot point had a purpose for the overall plot and message of the book.
Overall, this was an incredible book that will definitely make my best book of the year list.
You will like this if you like: space operas, multiple dimensions, aliens, sci-fi, cults, strong emotions, heartbreaking conflict, and complicated characters.
Wow. I was blown away by this book!
Kyr has trained her entire life to avenge Earth's destruction aboard Gaea station with her mess, the Sparrows. She expects to be placed in a fighting wing, but instead is placed in Nursery to bear humanity's future children. Shocked, and a little disillusioned, Kyr takes destiny into her own hands, stealing a ship with a captive alien and another Gaean. What follows is a heartwrenching tale through space, time, and different dimensions.
Everything about this book was incredible. Kyr goes through grief, disillusionment, and grapples with understanding who the "good" guys are, if there are any. This book explores what it means to be sentient, empathetic, what family is, and how to stand up for what's right. This book is also very heavy, as it deals with ideas such as indoctrination, eugenics, mass murder, cult-like communities, abusers, suicide, and the literal weight of the world. All was very well handled, with grace and empathy. It asks many questions about ethics, morality, and relationships.
It also featured many different types of relationships throughout contexts - whether it be familial, abuser/abusee, romantic, friendship, or interspecies. The characters were extremely complex, all wrapped up in their own biases and background while trying to make sense of the truth around them. In particular, Kyr grows immensely throughout the book,
Though the beginning was a bit slow, it sped up quickly and alternated between medium and fast-paced. It was a very entertaining read, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and felt extremely emotional by the end. The prose was beautiful but very readable, and I never felt like it was going over my head, nor that it was a simplistic read for the beach (though I did read this on the beach successfully since I couldn't put it down). The plot had many twists and turns, but they felt very earned and added to the plot, rather than being for shock value. Each plot point had a purpose for the overall plot and message of the book.
Overall, this was an incredible book that will definitely make my best book of the year list.
You will like this if you like: space operas, multiple dimensions, aliens, sci-fi, cults, strong emotions, heartbreaking conflict, and complicated characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Suicide, War, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Suicide attempt, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Self harm, Violence, and Death
utopiastateofmind's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
From the premise alone, Some Desperate Glory intrigued me. A universe in which Earth has been obliterated and now humanity is on a crusade to enact justice? Count me in. But nothing is as it seems and this 'noble cause' that Kyr is raised to believe in, begins to show cracks. Tesh does not allow easy answers or uncomplicated decisions in Some Desperate Glory. Deeply focused on Kyr's emotional and character journey, it's a story about ethics, technology, and family.
About humanity, survival, and existence. Look, at times you might not like Kyr, but Kyr's story is one that examines responsibility and ideas. We can be taught, brought up, raised, to believe in something so earnestly that when things begin to fall apart, we can try anything to hold on. To cling to what we know even if there are forces which question, people we love which break away from us. And Some Desperate Glory manages to balance an action packed story about rebellion with Kyr's personal growth.
From the premise alone, Some Desperate Glory intrigued me. A universe in which Earth has been obliterated and now humanity is on a crusade to enact justice? Count me in. But nothing is as it seems and this 'noble cause' that Kyr is raised to believe in, begins to show cracks. Tesh does not allow easy answers or uncomplicated decisions in Some Desperate Glory. Deeply focused on Kyr's emotional and character journey, it's a story about ethics, technology, and family.
About humanity, survival, and existence. Look, at times you might not like Kyr, but Kyr's story is one that examines responsibility and ideas. We can be taught, brought up, raised, to believe in something so earnestly that when things begin to fall apart, we can try anything to hold on. To cling to what we know even if there are forces which question, people we love which break away from us. And Some Desperate Glory manages to balance an action packed story about rebellion with Kyr's personal growth.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Suicide, Sexual assault, Transphobia, Racism, Sexism, Genocide, and Child abuse
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