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A review by mweis
A Pale Light in the Black by K.B. Wagers
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I have such conflicting thoughts about this book, and I think a lot of that stems from this book not seeming to have an identity of its own. On the one hand, this is a cozy queer found family in space, but it’s also a military sci-fi/thriller but there’s also a game/trial element, and while those are all elements I love, in the end I just don’t know if it came together well enough for me.
I do love that Wagers is diversifying the genre of military science fiction, but I also question some of the world building elements of this future they’ve created. Like there is apparently world peace, yet the only way non-rich folks can get the life extending science is by working for a corporation or going into the military. And while there is commentary on the faults of capitalism in this world, the role of the military in maintaining this status quo is never challenged. I also found that at times I was struggling to keep interested in both the corporate espionage plot and the Olympic-like Boarding Games. The back and forth felt inconsistent and it threw off the pacing for me. Every time the plot would shift, I would find myself wishing we would stick with the plot we were currently in.
That being said, I did enjoy these characters and their interactions with one another. I’m interested enough in their interpersonal dynamics to continue with the next book, and I’m hoping that future books do a better job of balancing the Games and the other plot.
I do love that Wagers is diversifying the genre of military science fiction, but I also question some of the world building elements of this future they’ve created. Like there is apparently world peace, yet the only way non-rich folks can get the life extending science is by working for a corporation or going into the military. And while there is commentary on the faults of capitalism in this world, the role of the military in maintaining this status quo is never challenged. I also found that at times I was struggling to keep interested in both the corporate espionage plot and the Olympic-like Boarding Games. The back and forth felt inconsistent and it threw off the pacing for me. Every time the plot would shift, I would find myself wishing we would stick with the plot we were currently in.
That being said, I did enjoy these characters and their interactions with one another. I’m interested enough in their interpersonal dynamics to continue with the next book, and I’m hoping that future books do a better job of balancing the Games and the other plot.