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A review by aklev13
Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray
4.0
Ah Abel was so adorable. What a gorgeous mech cinnamon roll. I loved reading his perspective of things and i think this author did a good job of imagining what it might be like for a mech to develop a consciousness and a will and a sense of autonomy. The development of his relationship with Noemi was slow and sweet and very well down.
Noemi’s perspective was less interesting but i feel we got more plot driven chapters from Noemi rather than much exploration of her feelings which were a major focus of Abel’s chapters.
Sometimes the plot felt a bit too busy and challenges were easily overcome in a way that felt convenient at times but i was happy to move on.
I particularly loved that the impetus for Abel to develop these higher functions was thirty years of isolation in space where he was forced to relive his memories and reflect on his experiences. I think as humans reflection is hugely important for development of self and is often neglected in favour of work and productivity and drowning out any self doubts we have with activity and people. So Abel’s development being caused by isolated reflection makes a lot of sense and is a nice reminder of how important reflection is.
Noemi’s perspective was less interesting but i feel we got more plot driven chapters from Noemi rather than much exploration of her feelings which were a major focus of Abel’s chapters.
Sometimes the plot felt a bit too busy and challenges were easily overcome in a way that felt convenient at times but i was happy to move on.
I particularly loved that the impetus for Abel to develop these higher functions was thirty years of isolation in space where he was forced to relive his memories and reflect on his experiences. I think as humans reflection is hugely important for development of self and is often neglected in favour of work and productivity and drowning out any self doubts we have with activity and people. So Abel’s development being caused by isolated reflection makes a lot of sense and is a nice reminder of how important reflection is.