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A review by brandiraefong
Nyxia by Scott Reintgen
There were quite a few things about this to like, most notably that it was a science fiction book with a male lead with little to no romance (although, many of my science fiction readers gravitate towards the romance-ish ones). An interesting and diverse group of teens battle it out in space for a chance to visit a new planet. I wish we could have gotten to know a few of them a little more, occasionally they started to blend together (Jamie...Jazzy...who are they again?) The competitions are vicious at times, and the sponsoring company Babel is a perfect villain. Emmett is a flawed main character, but in a good way. His family needs help, he clearly needs to win a spot on the team going to the planet, yet struggles constantly with remaining true to himself and not what Babel wants him to be.
I think at times the writing could be a little tighter, some of the middle started to drag just a little. And occasionally, references to life at home and before going to space seem at odds with when the story takes place in the future and the amount of technology that has been developed. The level of twists and turns are what most readers will be focused on though.
Finally, I do think this might take a bit of hand selling. I have quite a few science fiction readers in my book club, and every time I bring this book in on the cart, either as a giveaway or one they can check out, and tell them about it, they never end up taking it. I'm not sure why, since the description of Ender's Game meets Hunger Games in space with cool technology is pretty accurate.
Spoiler
We were so close to having a YA book with no romance, and then bam! Out of the blue, for no reason (other than...comfort? Even then I'm heavily guessing), the author shoehorned in an insta-attraction and feelings between Emmett and Morning. It felt out of character for both of them, and was under-explained and undeveloped, with no build up. Their tryst happens 20 days after meeting, during which they've spent pretty much no time together at all unless they are fighting with their teams. Sigh.I think at times the writing could be a little tighter, some of the middle started to drag just a little. And occasionally, references to life at home and before going to space seem at odds with when the story takes place in the future and the amount of technology that has been developed. The level of twists and turns are what most readers will be focused on though.
Finally, I do think this might take a bit of hand selling. I have quite a few science fiction readers in my book club, and every time I bring this book in on the cart, either as a giveaway or one they can check out, and tell them about it, they never end up taking it. I'm not sure why, since the description of Ender's Game meets Hunger Games in space with cool technology is pretty accurate.