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A review by alina_leonova
The Imaginators by M.K. Valley
5.0
This is a fast-paced and intense sci-fi fantasy thriller set on several planets. It is a novella, so it's a quick read.
Characters
Andria is the protagonist, and she is a complex and compelling character. As the story progresses, the motivations behind her actions as well as her demeanor start making sense as the reader learns about her past. She's pretty badass too, as you would expect of an assassin. Other characters felt real as well, even though we only get to know the bare minimum about them.
Plot
The plot is intriguing and filled with fast-paced action. After the characters find themselves in a dire situation with their lives hanging in the balance, they try to find out who has set them up. Trouble follows them around and nothing ever goes as they plan.
World-building
The world created by M.K. Valley is quite alluring. Since it's a pretty short novella, there is just enough world-building for the story to make sense. It's not extensive (which is natural for this length of a story), but it felt tangible. I also think that since it's just the first story in the series, more might be revealed in the next books.
Impressions
I enjoyed the book and the writing. There was non-stop action and the protagonist's emotions were running high all the time, both because she was in constant danger and because she'd been through a lot in her life, and dealing with this baggage was taking its toll. It was a bit too intense for me, I would appreciate a breather, a moment of peace, but that's just a personal preference. The story was full of adventures, but the mood was rather dark.
You might enjoy The Imaginators if you like intense fast-paced thrillers, badass female protagonists and are looking for a short read.
This review was first published on my website about sci-fi by women and non-binary authors where you can find more book reviews, interviews, short stories, lists and more.
Characters
Andria is the protagonist, and she is a complex and compelling character. As the story progresses, the motivations behind her actions as well as her demeanor start making sense as the reader learns about her past. She's pretty badass too, as you would expect of an assassin. Other characters felt real as well, even though we only get to know the bare minimum about them.
Plot
The plot is intriguing and filled with fast-paced action. After the characters find themselves in a dire situation with their lives hanging in the balance, they try to find out who has set them up. Trouble follows them around and nothing ever goes as they plan.
World-building
The world created by M.K. Valley is quite alluring. Since it's a pretty short novella, there is just enough world-building for the story to make sense. It's not extensive (which is natural for this length of a story), but it felt tangible. I also think that since it's just the first story in the series, more might be revealed in the next books.
Impressions
I enjoyed the book and the writing. There was non-stop action and the protagonist's emotions were running high all the time, both because she was in constant danger and because she'd been through a lot in her life, and dealing with this baggage was taking its toll. It was a bit too intense for me, I would appreciate a breather, a moment of peace, but that's just a personal preference. The story was full of adventures, but the mood was rather dark.
You might enjoy The Imaginators if you like intense fast-paced thrillers, badass female protagonists and are looking for a short read.
This review was first published on my website about sci-fi by women and non-binary authors where you can find more book reviews, interviews, short stories, lists and more.