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A review by mythical_reads
Those Left Behind by N.C. Scrimgeour
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
To add context to this rating: I often thought while reading that this was in the 4.25-5/5 star rating range. I immensely enjoyed the experience and think that the Scringeour is quite adept at juggling storylines, a large cast of characters, and content that is engaging and full of humanity. Heck, there is a planet of what essentially anounts to hybridized Florida and Australia, with all of the inhabitants amped up in scale. I think Eleion and how Iskaath operate within their planet, the galaxy, and other factions of their own race was really fascinating. I liked Kojan and his relationship with his absolute sorry excuse for a mother, Ojara. I really enjoyed Alvera (and her AI, Chase, by the end) in her very oniony-layered morally grey-ness. I enjoyed learning of the Siolean's flaring radiation abilities. There is a lot to enjoy.
For the writing, there are some points where we are told one thing (in an importance sense), and a chapter or two later it no longer holds true. Sometimes this felt like a bit of a copout, but I wouldn't call it bad writing per se... maybe more towards lazy for lack of a better word? It would just be sudden (without providing any spoilers).
It is also a bit tricky to gauge the passing of time here. Some chapters pickup weeks or months after the last time we had that POV, but it's almost like we are carrying right on from the ending point before. Or we are just told time has passed and someone has been learning all about a new race or language this whole time. Again, it felt a little cheap in the sense of a quick route to get x result for a character. But in the context of the story and characters as a whole it still does work.
It is for the a ove two reasons that I dropped the rating, even though again I want to stress that I really REALLY enjoyed this book. I can't bring myself to go above a 3.75 rating. I am hoping the author shores up on those points in the sequels.
Next, I want to talk about approachability as I find science fiction can get a bit of a bad wrap for readers coming from fantasy or other genres, and it being dry. So I want to try and address how fun and quick of a ride this book is.
Initially, I felt like this space opera sci-fi was approachable enough to be someone's literal first foray into sci-fi, with the caveat that they do want something space opera oriented. Chapter 4 and beyond the story really opens up and becomes something a bit more complex however. I wouldn't say it is suitable to be THE first sci-fi book someone ever picks up, but it's not super intricately complex to the point that I would dissuade someone of it either.
In an attempt at assigning an arbitrary "difficulty" rating at who this would be suitable for, I'll use: 1 (never read sci-fi), 2 (enjoys sci-fi casually), 3 (regularly reads sci-fi), 4 (advanced sci-fi reader, who prefers complex subject matter), and 5 (could write a PhD on sci-fi literature)... I would think that this book would be for the 1.5 opening end of that spectrum. But I also don't mean it won't be a fun ride for super well versed sci-fi readers either. The spin on first contact trope here was pretty unique and refreshing IMO. And I am looking forward to the sequels after the pressure cooker that the author has setup to close out this book.
For the writing, there are some points where we are told one thing (in an importance sense), and a chapter or two later it no longer holds true. Sometimes this felt like a bit of a copout, but I wouldn't call it bad writing per se... maybe more towards lazy for lack of a better word? It would just be sudden (without providing any spoilers).
It is also a bit tricky to gauge the passing of time here. Some chapters pickup weeks or months after the last time we had that POV, but it's almost like we are carrying right on from the ending point before. Or we are just told time has passed and someone has been learning all about a new race or language this whole time. Again, it felt a little cheap in the sense of a quick route to get x result for a character. But in the context of the story and characters as a whole it still does work.
It is for the a ove two reasons that I dropped the rating, even though again I want to stress that I really REALLY enjoyed this book. I can't bring myself to go above a 3.75 rating. I am hoping the author shores up on those points in the sequels.
Next, I want to talk about approachability as I find science fiction can get a bit of a bad wrap for readers coming from fantasy or other genres, and it being dry. So I want to try and address how fun and quick of a ride this book is.
Initially, I felt like this space opera sci-fi was approachable enough to be someone's literal first foray into sci-fi, with the caveat that they do want something space opera oriented. Chapter 4 and beyond the story really opens up and becomes something a bit more complex however. I wouldn't say it is suitable to be THE first sci-fi book someone ever picks up, but it's not super intricately complex to the point that I would dissuade someone of it either.
In an attempt at assigning an arbitrary "difficulty" rating at who this would be suitable for, I'll use: 1 (never read sci-fi), 2 (enjoys sci-fi casually), 3 (regularly reads sci-fi), 4 (advanced sci-fi reader, who prefers complex subject matter), and 5 (could write a PhD on sci-fi literature)... I would think that this book would be for the 1.5 opening end of that spectrum. But I also don't mean it won't be a fun ride for super well versed sci-fi readers either. The spin on first contact trope here was pretty unique and refreshing IMO. And I am looking forward to the sequels after the pressure cooker that the author has setup to close out this book.