A review by rachelditty
A Complicated Love Story Set in Space by Shaun David Hutchinson

adventurous mysterious tense fast-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? Yes

5.0

Shaun David Hutchinson roped me in with the synopsis and kept me interested until the very end. A lovable read, as always.

There is so much I could say about this book. I loved Noa, the pessimistic jerk of a narrator. He was a great perspective to read from - a selfish main character was a breath of fresh air. I fell in love with DJ's character with every page; his kindness, his wit, and how thoughtful he was toward both his friends and shipmates. Their dynamic was the classic trope of angry, mean character falls for the blushy, kind character, and I was here for it. Jenny was kick-ass, and I loved her more and more as the story went on. The plot was a bit predictable - I figured out where it was (relatively) going during the time-loop section, but it was still pure fun to read. Hutchinson always reminds me how FUN it is to get into a book, and with how full of tropes and clichés this one was, it was impossible not to enjoy it. I don't know how I'm going to fit all the quotes I marked down into my reading journal. And looking back on what I've marked, I already know I'm going to love re-reading this piece and seeing all the foreshadowing and double-meanings to what DJ says to Noa and Jenny. I know Hutchinson isn't one for sequels, mostly writing stand-alone novels, but I really, really hope we get to see Noa, DJ, Jenny, and Ty again in a future story, kicking ass and taking names blowing up the high schools around the galaxy, learning to accept themselves and their pasts while loving their present and looking toward a bright future, and falling even more in love. I always deeply enjoy Hutchinson's works, but this has jumped to my top three by him. It makes me want to re-read all his works again. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, and Blood

Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide

Minor: Toxic relationship and Grief

There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the novel, but just to reiterate - there is a depiction/character description of sexual assault in the fifth section of the book in the chapter titled "Fifty-Four." The main character also references this assault multiple times in the story, as well as the relationship he was in when the assault occurred.