A review by grey_jayne
Where Peace Is Lost by Valerie Valdes

challenging hopeful reflective slow-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? Yes

3.75

I am a Valerie Valdes fan and have to admit that I struggled a bit with this book.  The combo of a slow pace and a character focus over plot really made this not as much my thing as the Captain Innocente books are; I just love my messy and chaotic space stories. I've been obsessed with this cover since forever and it actually did the story a disservice as most of the time, Kel is trying not to be what we see, a badass with wings and epic shielding, and most of that happens in the last quarter. I was expecting a much more action packed book than I got and it took me forever to read.  I finished the book because I wanted to see where it was going and would read another if there was a sequel based on what's been set up. However, if I was pacing this book, more revelations and action would have happened by halfway.  

I sincerely hope others enjoy it more than I did and also Valdes always has at least one character rocking They/Them pronouns and to have Lunna be one of the four main characters is pretty sweet!