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tessisreading2's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An interesting, gripping science fiction read with an emphasis on found family and a through-line of WLW romance... and then it all got weird. The science fiction plot ended with a deus ex machina (after getting bizarre with some weirdness that was not foreshadowed at all), and the romance was hard to root for given that one MC was in a polyamorous relationship but initiated a romantic relationship with the other MC without telling her as much; while the other MC knew that the first might be in some sort of relationship with someone else but didn't ask questions because she was so infatuated . That doesn't describe the start of a healthy relationship to me.
That said, the book is so unusual in the genre/subgenre; I wish there were more like this, that paired challenging science fiction with a romantic through-line and really worked at their characterizations.
That said, the book is so unusual in the genre/subgenre; I wish there were more like this, that paired challenging science fiction with a romantic through-line and really worked at their characterizations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Sexual content, Chronic illness, and Eating disorder
Moderate: Death of parent and Death
Minor: Violence
booksthatburn's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Confinement, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Torture
obviousthings's review
I liked reading about a main character with a chronic illness, but I found the narration to be way too melodramatic. Alana is quick to say things like "The sound tore through the wall of silence, shattering my nerves" when she's mildly startled, for example. It takes all the impact out of scenes that should be impactful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death of parent, Death, Ableism, and Eating disorder
kj468's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-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
4.5
I really enjoyed this book! It's a very creative space opera with excellent world-building, strong characters, and interesting political dynamics. This book was a bit outside of my comfort zone (I don't typically read science fiction or space operas), but overall found the world to be accessible and understandable. The character relationships are all strong and go through significant growth throughout the book; it's a great mix of character and plot development. I only docked half a point because I was confused about a few things during the ending, which honestly could have been a me problem and not a book problem. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an action-packed book with great characters (that also tackles some politics!).
Queer representation: Lesbian MC, background sapphic relationship, primary sapphic relationship, primary poly relationship, background bi-female/male relationship.
Also notable: the MC has a fictional chronic illness that is akin to an autoimmune, chronic pain disorder. Her struggle with this illness is present throughout the book and her physical pain is frequently described. The author does so with care. As a person who does not have a chronic pain illness, I thought it was good representation.
Queer representation: Lesbian MC, background sapphic relationship, primary sapphic relationship, primary poly relationship, background bi-female/male relationship.
Also notable: the MC has a fictional chronic illness that is akin to an autoimmune, chronic pain disorder. Her struggle with this illness is present throughout the book and her physical pain is frequently described. The author does so with care. As a person who does not have a chronic pain illness, I thought it was good representation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Violence and Eating disorder
eating disorder explanation:switchywitchsitch's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Death, Eating disorder, Colonisation, Classism, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Terminal illness, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Genocide, Kidnapping, and Violence
podanotherjessi's review
adventurous
hopeful
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? Yes
4.25
This was such a complicated, delightful novel. The synopsis makes it sound like a lighthearted romp, but this is deep and complex. It explores complex family dynamics, difficulties in navagating relationships, and alternate realities. Just so much going on, and all of it so wonderful.
I would really recommend this for fans of Becky Chambers's Wayfarers series. It has a similar feel, but it's much more focused and grittier.
Characters: 8
Plot: 9
Setting: 10
General appeal: 9
Writing style: 7
Originality: 8
Ending: 8
I would really recommend this for fans of Becky Chambers's Wayfarers series. It has a similar feel, but it's much more focused and grittier.
Characters: 8
Plot: 9
Setting: 10
General appeal: 9
Writing style: 7
Originality: 8
Ending: 8
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Eating disorder
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
morevna's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Death of parent
Moderate: Grief
lbc's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death of parent, Eating disorder, and Medical trauma
hpepperstone's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
Moderate: Death of parent
nicolewhopickedthisbook's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
So I really liked this book. Romance was a slow burn and kind of on the back burner so I would call this more Scifi genre than romance genre (but it did end in an HFN).
Sooooo many things were happening in this book. A lot of it confused me lol. Lots of science (shocker) and alternate realities and metaphysical stuff that was cool and interesting just not explained well... it just happened and you had to roll with it.
If you do that, just roll with it, you will enjoy this book.
Pop Culture Readathon 80’s Round Prompt: Alien (Space Opera
Tropes: Slow burn, POC, LGBTQ+
Sooooo many things were happening in this book. A lot of it confused me lol. Lots of science (shocker) and alternate realities and metaphysical stuff that was cool and interesting just not explained well... it just happened and you had to roll with it.
If you do that, just roll with it, you will enjoy this book.
Pop Culture Readathon 80’s Round Prompt: Alien (Space Opera
Tropes: Slow burn, POC, LGBTQ+
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness