Take a photo of a barcode or cover
emzvoice 's review for:
The Deep Sky
by Yume Kitasei
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
Complicated
Oh I just loved it. An entirely immersive read.
The book is about imposter syndrome, complex interpersonal relationships and solving a mystery under the duress of being humanity’s final hope. Neatly alternating between past and present, learning about who the characters are through who they were. Rounding out their motivations and experiences in a way that informs their current actions. Well timed twists, and a (genuinely) intelligent protagonist. It’s hopeful, turbulent and satisfying.
——
A more emotional journey than I had anticipated; themes of disconnection, feelings of not belonging anywhere, familial estrangement, misunderstanding, loss and grief.
The earth in the book isn’t so far departed from our own, providing an uncomfortable look at a possible future. Incredible commentary on climate change, highlighting sociopolitical issues such as racism and eugenics. The value placed on certain traits/skills impact how characters value themselves and one another. The book goes on to criticise how they [we] define “the best” of humanity.
Diverse and intersectional. LGBTQ+ identities are embedded so that you stumble across them. Casual use of they/them pronouns, mentions that she started dating her. Completely natural, brought warmth to my rainbow heart.
——
Beyond the enthralling plot and fascinating characters, I want to take a moment to really commend Kitasei for building such a complex world, which parallels and thus critiques our own.
Issues of social prejudice maintain beyond Earth. The crew is diverse and intersectional, a group intended as an elite selection of humanity. In a seemingly inclusive environment that is both feminist and largely LGBTQ+, the story depicts how minorities are still mistreated by members of that community. Safe spaces can feel a lot less safe to those with intersectional identities, and individuals without those intersections are too often oblivious to the fact. While it’s easier for us to believe that such a community could never be prejudiced, the reality is that everyone is a product of their environment and systemic issues don’t vanish over night. That insidious nature is captured here. It’s important to have books like this that highlight that reality. Even when, perhaps especially when, it’s not the main focus of the plot.
The book is about imposter syndrome, complex interpersonal relationships and solving a mystery under the duress of being humanity’s final hope. Neatly alternating between past and present, learning about who the characters are through who they were. Rounding out their motivations and experiences in a way that informs their current actions. Well timed twists, and a (genuinely) intelligent protagonist. It’s hopeful, turbulent and satisfying.
——
A more emotional journey than I had anticipated; themes of disconnection, feelings of not belonging anywhere, familial estrangement, misunderstanding, loss and grief.
The earth in the book isn’t so far departed from our own, providing an uncomfortable look at a possible future. Incredible commentary on climate change, highlighting sociopolitical issues such as racism and eugenics. The value placed on certain traits/skills impact how characters value themselves and one another. The book goes on to criticise how they [we] define “the best” of humanity.
Diverse and intersectional. LGBTQ+ identities are embedded so that you stumble across them. Casual use of they/them pronouns, mentions that she started dating her. Completely natural, brought warmth to my rainbow heart.
——
Beyond the enthralling plot and fascinating characters, I want to take a moment to really commend Kitasei for building such a complex world, which parallels and thus critiques our own.
Issues of social prejudice maintain beyond Earth. The crew is diverse and intersectional, a group intended as an elite selection of humanity. In a seemingly inclusive environment that is both feminist and largely LGBTQ+, the story depicts how minorities are still mistreated by members of that community. Safe spaces can feel a lot less safe to those with intersectional identities, and individuals without those intersections are too often oblivious to the fact. While it’s easier for us to believe that such a community could never be prejudiced, the reality is that everyone is a product of their environment and systemic issues don’t vanish over night. That insidious nature is captured here. It’s important to have books like this that highlight that reality. Even when, perhaps especially when, it’s not the main focus of the plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Hate crime, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Racism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail