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wouterk's review
4.0
River in the Galaxy is a wonderful imaginative adventure. It beautifully alternates between adventurous space exploration, high stakes action and deeper themes such as mental health, grief and loss.
Kelda creates a wonderful interesting world of space travel with what I imagine are old galleon-like space ships from star system to star system. What I loved were that the characters are inherently human. There is nothing particularly heroic or villainous (although there are of course cruel and emphatic people in this world) about any of the characters. They could be people we meet in our own lives, without exception.
In this story we follow Captain Merlon who gotten permission to travel into a galaxy river with his ship and crew to go and explore, but also to find out what happened to his parents 18 years ago who went to this particular galactic river. Meanwhile he struggles with the loss of one of his best friends and crewmates. This affects his functioning, relationships and attitude, while he is still struggling to be kind, good and manage his ship and crew. To make matters worse he gets nasty surprise after nasty surprise.
As the story continues we learn to understand Merlon as a person but also get to know other men and women on the crew. I felt Merlon as a person to be extremely relatable. The only trouble I had at the start of this book was to connect with his grief for his friend. I think Kelda might have given a bit more insight in why and how Lanier was so important for Merlon. Because I struggled a bit with this, it took me a bit more time for me to immerse myself and enjoy the story fully. Then again, it might well be that having the luck of never having lost a best friend, made it somewhat harder to relate. The wanting to know about what happened to his parents and the loss of others in the series resonated much more with me. So in the end there was more than enough emotional impact at regular intervals.
And yes, Kelda is not pulling any punches in this book. Grief is not only the startout point. We see bereavement and loss in many different ways. From small, losing bits of identity to larger than life, losing some of the most important people in someone's life.
Still, the story is equally light-hearted and action packed at other times. A nice mix. I would definitely recommend it and will pick up the next book in the series!
Kelda creates a wonderful interesting world of space travel with what I imagine are old galleon-like space ships from star system to star system. What I loved were that the characters are inherently human. There is nothing particularly heroic or villainous (although there are of course cruel and emphatic people in this world) about any of the characters. They could be people we meet in our own lives, without exception.
In this story we follow Captain Merlon who gotten permission to travel into a galaxy river with his ship and crew to go and explore, but also to find out what happened to his parents 18 years ago who went to this particular galactic river. Meanwhile he struggles with the loss of one of his best friends and crewmates. This affects his functioning, relationships and attitude, while he is still struggling to be kind, good and manage his ship and crew. To make matters worse he gets nasty surprise after nasty surprise.
As the story continues we learn to understand Merlon as a person but also get to know other men and women on the crew. I felt Merlon as a person to be extremely relatable. The only trouble I had at the start of this book was to connect with his grief for his friend. I think Kelda might have given a bit more insight in why and how Lanier was so important for Merlon. Because I struggled a bit with this, it took me a bit more time for me to immerse myself and enjoy the story fully. Then again, it might well be that having the luck of never having lost a best friend, made it somewhat harder to relate. The wanting to know about what happened to his parents and the loss of others in the series resonated much more with me. So in the end there was more than enough emotional impact at regular intervals.
And yes, Kelda is not pulling any punches in this book. Grief is not only the startout point. We see bereavement and loss in many different ways. From small, losing bits of identity to larger than life, losing some of the most important people in someone's life.
Still, the story is equally light-hearted and action packed at other times. A nice mix. I would definitely recommend it and will pick up the next book in the series!
willowwraithpress's review
4.0
River in the Galaxy is the first book in the overarching Inner Universe series (a book opus so far consisting of 1 duology, 2 trilogies, and 2 standalones, plus a potential 3rd trilogy, per Ms. Kelda) and the first of the duology within said series. A mash-up of fantasy and sci-fi, this is a story about exploration, personal discovery, and, ultimately, a freeing of past demons.
Told exclusively through Merlon's point of view, his story unfolds eighteen years after his parents have disappeared, but a hint of their destination comes into his hands in the form of a map that depicts a "river" in the galaxy in which they had headed. For Merlon, he wants closure. Aboard his ship, Lucia, Merlon and his trusted crew of space sailors, plus a few unwanted but by the end of the book much needed trainees, embark on a journey not only of unknown space, but one of growth.
This isn't your run-of-the-mill explorers in a strange new world trope. I mean, it is that trope, but it is literally wooden boats in space. Repeat it with me: wooden boats in space. Ms. Kelda introduces a concept of "breathing wood", and this nugget of worldbuilding is how a classical fully-rigged sailing ship can fly through space while the crew can be above decks without space suits. Not to mention sails that harness energy for flight, I mean, how is this not a fresh and exciting concept? It drew me in straight away. Seriously, who wouldn't want Master & Commander: Far Side of the Galaxy? But it's also straight up fantasy; there are portals that use powders, there are swords/cutlasses, bows and arrows, spyglasses, and dastardly brands with magical spells.
Now, this "river" is almost like an unexplored tunnel with unknown creatures within. Picture it like an underwater exhibit at the aquarium but instead of glass, the barrier is made of fog that entices you inside while also allowing the nasty creatures to ram into you like orca whales and yachts. The only people to have ever gone through this river were Merlon's parents, and they never returned, so this is a journey into unchartered waters (pun intended). And once through, there is nothing but blackness and a few strange floating cities, which should be mentioned are as interesting and original as the ships. They aren't like space stations as we think, but more like actual ports and cities with orchards and water sources, the aforementioned breathing wood also creating an atmosphere surrounding the cities. It's all very cool stuff.
I'll be honest, throughout the first seventy-five percent of this story, it is more low stakes, but that is not a bad thing. Certainly some things happen, crew are lost along the way, but there aren't big set pieces (except one explosion) or battles. And while that might turn some readers away, it didn't for me and that's because the cast of characters aboard Lucia are wildly engaging. This story is all about its characters. Merlon is determined and stubborn in equal measures, but most of all, he is extremely fallible. His actions had me shaking my head at times, wondering why in the galaxy would he make such dumb mistakes (but he did get injured quite often, so there's some karma for him). Adrien, the been-there-done-that first mate, was both pseudo-parent and voice of reason. Tara, the navigator trainee and Merlon's childhood friend turned antagonist then back to ally, was a perfect foil for our brash captain. Patrice, Fabian, Mira, Daltarr, and the rest of the crew all brought their own foibles and eccentricities to this story that made for great reading. And it was in their interactions that drove this story, giving plenty of dramatic tension.
When Merlon and his surviving crew finally reach Ivory – a mysterious floating city where its people have blue hair and clear teeth minus their even mysterious leaders – does the story begin to pick up steam in regards to action (this happens around the 50% mark but still takes a few beats to really ramp up). Not only does Merlon get some much deserved intel on his parents, but some nasty things happen to Merlon's faithful crew and then we finally get to some naval (fitting I suppose?) battles in the dead of space. Throw in an unseen giant flying monster ripping boats to shreds and an unpassable asteroid field before Ms. Kelda slams us with a cliffhanging perfect ending.
Overall, this story is well paced, well written, and quite enjoyable. Not only is the worldbuilding on point, but it isn't full of hard science (although the history nerd in me wants to know how they got the first wooden boats into space!!!) one might expect from a space-traveling expedition. Most importantly, this story is chock full of adventure. I definitely cannot wait to jump into the sequel.
Told exclusively through Merlon's point of view, his story unfolds eighteen years after his parents have disappeared, but a hint of their destination comes into his hands in the form of a map that depicts a "river" in the galaxy in which they had headed. For Merlon, he wants closure. Aboard his ship, Lucia, Merlon and his trusted crew of space sailors, plus a few unwanted but by the end of the book much needed trainees, embark on a journey not only of unknown space, but one of growth.
This isn't your run-of-the-mill explorers in a strange new world trope. I mean, it is that trope, but it is literally wooden boats in space. Repeat it with me: wooden boats in space. Ms. Kelda introduces a concept of "breathing wood", and this nugget of worldbuilding is how a classical fully-rigged sailing ship can fly through space while the crew can be above decks without space suits. Not to mention sails that harness energy for flight, I mean, how is this not a fresh and exciting concept? It drew me in straight away. Seriously, who wouldn't want Master & Commander: Far Side of the Galaxy? But it's also straight up fantasy; there are portals that use powders, there are swords/cutlasses, bows and arrows, spyglasses, and dastardly brands with magical spells.
Now, this "river" is almost like an unexplored tunnel with unknown creatures within. Picture it like an underwater exhibit at the aquarium but instead of glass, the barrier is made of fog that entices you inside while also allowing the nasty creatures to ram into you like orca whales and yachts. The only people to have ever gone through this river were Merlon's parents, and they never returned, so this is a journey into unchartered waters (pun intended). And once through, there is nothing but blackness and a few strange floating cities, which should be mentioned are as interesting and original as the ships. They aren't like space stations as we think, but more like actual ports and cities with orchards and water sources, the aforementioned breathing wood also creating an atmosphere surrounding the cities. It's all very cool stuff.
I'll be honest, throughout the first seventy-five percent of this story, it is more low stakes, but that is not a bad thing. Certainly some things happen, crew are lost along the way, but there aren't big set pieces (except one explosion) or battles. And while that might turn some readers away, it didn't for me and that's because the cast of characters aboard Lucia are wildly engaging. This story is all about its characters. Merlon is determined and stubborn in equal measures, but most of all, he is extremely fallible. His actions had me shaking my head at times, wondering why in the galaxy would he make such dumb mistakes (but he did get injured quite often, so there's some karma for him). Adrien, the been-there-done-that first mate, was both pseudo-parent and voice of reason. Tara, the navigator trainee and Merlon's childhood friend turned antagonist then back to ally, was a perfect foil for our brash captain. Patrice, Fabian, Mira, Daltarr, and the rest of the crew all brought their own foibles and eccentricities to this story that made for great reading. And it was in their interactions that drove this story, giving plenty of dramatic tension.
When Merlon and his surviving crew finally reach Ivory – a mysterious floating city where its people have blue hair and clear teeth minus their even mysterious leaders – does the story begin to pick up steam in regards to action (this happens around the 50% mark but still takes a few beats to really ramp up). Not only does Merlon get some much deserved intel on his parents, but some nasty things happen to Merlon's faithful crew and then we finally get to some naval (fitting I suppose?) battles in the dead of space. Throw in an unseen giant flying monster ripping boats to shreds and an unpassable asteroid field before Ms. Kelda slams us with a cliffhanging perfect ending.
Overall, this story is well paced, well written, and quite enjoyable. Not only is the worldbuilding on point, but it isn't full of hard science (although the history nerd in me wants to know how they got the first wooden boats into space!!!) one might expect from a space-traveling expedition. Most importantly, this story is chock full of adventure. I definitely cannot wait to jump into the sequel.
helynalc's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book not knowing much except that I loved the cover and the author seemed like a nice person on twitter. :) But I'm very happy I decided to read this, and I'm very grateful for the ARC to the author.
I don't often read space-y fantasy--it's usually either fantasy or sci-fi for me. And in theory, I love the idea of seafaring ships floating around space and in between nebulas and all, however, in practice, I needed a bit of time to get used to it. My astronomer brain also kept shouting at me about how "galaxies" and "universe" and stuff like this were sort of redefined in this book, and how strange it was, until the craft of storytelling and the loveable (and less loveable) characters finally took my mind off such details.
The novel is about Captain Merlon Ricosta, and his search of his long-lost parents. Setting out from one of the floating cities peppering his civilization, the Inner Universe, he and his crew crosses a galaxy river (a space nebula with energy currents, sort of) and faces many dangers and curiosities to follow their trail: strange beings, new friends and enemies, dangers never seen. We will get acquainted with the crew and their life aboard Lucia, the ship, which is anything but easy (I loved all the details about the ship and how it worked!), and we will slowly get to know their history and more about the world surrounding them. But the book is really about Merlon himself. His life, his emotional wounds, inner journey, and his relationships with his crew (old and new) are always in the center; there is adventure, tension, and intrigue, yes, but you should expect a slower, more introspective, sensitive story about a wounded man who tries his best, fails many times, but lives through it as best as he can. I truly loved Merlon, and Adrien, and Tara, and a lot of the others in the crew as well. In the beginning, I was sort of dropped into the world and information about it, and the characters came quite hectically: some slowly, some quickly. I felt like one more introductory chapter before they set sail would have helped, but I got quickly oriented after anyway, and not so much later I was already friends with this crew, so...it worked out very well.
And the last third of the novel was so tense and mysterious! I was biting my nails! And since it's a duology as far as I know, not everything gets answered, so now I'm left here wondering about the blue-haired people and the strange flying and swimming beings and Trackers and asteroid fields and whatnot. This world will stay with me for a long-long time and I can't wait to get to know what happens with Merlon and the others next.
I went into this book not knowing much except that I loved the cover and the author seemed like a nice person on twitter. :) But I'm very happy I decided to read this, and I'm very grateful for the ARC to the author.
I don't often read space-y fantasy--it's usually either fantasy or sci-fi for me. And in theory, I love the idea of seafaring ships floating around space and in between nebulas and all, however, in practice, I needed a bit of time to get used to it. My astronomer brain also kept shouting at me about how "galaxies" and "universe" and stuff like this were sort of redefined in this book, and how strange it was, until the craft of storytelling and the loveable (and less loveable) characters finally took my mind off such details.
The novel is about Captain Merlon Ricosta, and his search of his long-lost parents. Setting out from one of the floating cities peppering his civilization, the Inner Universe, he and his crew crosses a galaxy river (a space nebula with energy currents, sort of) and faces many dangers and curiosities to follow their trail: strange beings, new friends and enemies, dangers never seen. We will get acquainted with the crew and their life aboard Lucia, the ship, which is anything but easy (I loved all the details about the ship and how it worked!), and we will slowly get to know their history and more about the world surrounding them. But the book is really about Merlon himself. His life, his emotional wounds, inner journey, and his relationships with his crew (old and new) are always in the center; there is adventure, tension, and intrigue, yes, but you should expect a slower, more introspective, sensitive story about a wounded man who tries his best, fails many times, but lives through it as best as he can. I truly loved Merlon, and Adrien, and Tara, and a lot of the others in the crew as well. In the beginning, I was sort of dropped into the world and information about it, and the characters came quite hectically: some slowly, some quickly. I felt like one more introductory chapter before they set sail would have helped, but I got quickly oriented after anyway, and not so much later I was already friends with this crew, so...it worked out very well.
And the last third of the novel was so tense and mysterious! I was biting my nails! And since it's a duology as far as I know, not everything gets answered, so now I'm left here wondering about the blue-haired people and the strange flying and swimming beings and Trackers and asteroid fields and whatnot. This world will stay with me for a long-long time and I can't wait to get to know what happens with Merlon and the others next.
corfie's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
alexander_way_b's review
5.0
We follow the trials and tribulations of Captain Merlon, as he searches the unexplored realms of the universe for his long lost parents, in his space galleon, while fighting beasts beyond and more dangerously, the ones within.
While aboard his ship, we become aware of the new and old relationships of his eclectic crew, their friction, love, determination and loyalty. Life on ship is akin to that of the early sailing days in our world, filled with danger, horrors, energy storms and pirates, where one wrong move could cost them everything.
There is a richness, detail and care to this book, that makes the fantasy so vivid and beautiful, but also makes the story human, gritty and emotional. It is such a deep and immersive read with phenomenal world building.
Can't wait for book 2!
While aboard his ship, we become aware of the new and old relationships of his eclectic crew, their friction, love, determination and loyalty. Life on ship is akin to that of the early sailing days in our world, filled with danger, horrors, energy storms and pirates, where one wrong move could cost them everything.
There is a richness, detail and care to this book, that makes the fantasy so vivid and beautiful, but also makes the story human, gritty and emotional. It is such a deep and immersive read with phenomenal world building.
Can't wait for book 2!
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