A review by the_tridentarii
Skyward Inn by Aliya Whiteley

challenging emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

After making first contact with with the alien planet Qita, Earth invaded, and the Qitans surrendered before a single shot was fire. Now, in the rural landscape of Devon, which has separated from England to form the anti-modern tech Western Protectorate, a human and a Qitan, Jem (an ex-military propagandist from the invasion) runs a pub called the Skyward Inn together with Isley, a Qitan. As Earth strips resources from Qita, particularly a memory inducing drink called jarrowbrew, a plague creeps into the edges of the Protectorate and another Qitan appears mysteriously at the Inn...

A really thought-provoking book, set in a beautifully isolated rural area, with touches of body horror and surrealism, and with very well-developed characters. The book tackles themes like estranged families, colonialism, individual vs collective identity, and isolated communities trying to survive, and both definitely feels unique and lives up to the comparisons with Ursula K Le Guin. Would recommend! 
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