A review by whatevanreads
The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei

tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

This had potential. I could see bits and pieces of promising storytelling, but overall this was a dull dud of what I thought would be a fast-paced, engaging sci-fi mystery. 

The premise sounded a lot of fun: a locked-room type mystery set on a spaceship hurtling toward another planet. However, the constant back and forth between past and present felt like whiplash and the mystery itself was extremely predictable and anti-climactic. Not to mention the main character was aggravating, whiny, and consequently made the story feel like an underdeveloped YA.

I’ve heard it’s essentially the same book as Temi Oh’s “Do You Dream of Terra Two”, but Oh’s is apparently better. After reading this (skimming the last 100 pages because *yawn*), I can see why. 

This book does offer plenty of LGBTQIA+ representation and like I said earlier, I do think Kitasei has a lot of potential. I received an ARC for her new book, so I’ll definitely give her another chance. A shame about this one though…