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melrlite's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
katyanaish's review
4.0
Despite a little bit of a clunky start - it jumped into the thick of things so fast I wondered if I'd missed a previous book or series - I really enjoyed this book. It's a very large cast of characters, so this first book is mostly about getting to know them all and the framework of this world/series ... but the setup is a good one, and I'm super excited to see where it goes.
atagarev's review
3.0
A fun light read. I'll probably check out the next book when it comes out.
That said, it reads a lot more like the pilot episode of a 90s TV series than a "proper" book i.e. setup for the characters and their relationships, a little bit about the world and future conflicts, a single action scene but there is very little in the way of actual plot or resolution. It really is just an introduction and even if well executed, it doesn't really stand up on its own.
That said, it reads a lot more like the pilot episode of a 90s TV series than a "proper" book i.e. setup for the characters and their relationships, a little bit about the world and future conflicts, a single action scene but there is very little in the way of actual plot or resolution. It really is just an introduction and even if well executed, it doesn't really stand up on its own.
glyneth's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Is there such a thing as Urban Space Fantasy? Space Urban Fantasy? I started to think of this book as an Urban Fantasy, set in space, so I'm trying to categorize it and nothing quite works other than that.
I thought this was more romance than sf, but it turns out it's the opposite. Lots of space politics and intricate (some might say convoluted, but they would not be me) plots, which is my jam.
Alas, this book felt more like a setup for the series than a whole book unto itself. I reached the end and was like Oh, it's over already. Huh. But I liked it enough to continue the series.
I thought this was more romance than sf, but it turns out it's the opposite. Lots of space politics and intricate (some might say convoluted, but they would not be me) plots, which is my jam.
Alas, this book felt more like a setup for the series than a whole book unto itself. I reached the end and was like Oh, it's over already. Huh. But I liked it enough to continue the series.
bookish_caprice's review against another edition
4.0
Unexpectedly different and very enjoyable!
That was very interesting and different. I didn’t notice how I reached the end of the book. It took me a little to get into the book with new world building and descriptions, and learn quite few new words. This is the first book for me from that author and the writing style is interesting as well, resembles academic books, I even started wondering about author’s background and education. I’ll definitely read the rest of the books in series.
That was very interesting and different. I didn’t notice how I reached the end of the book. It took me a little to get into the book with new world building and descriptions, and learn quite few new words. This is the first book for me from that author and the writing style is interesting as well, resembles academic books, I even started wondering about author’s background and education. I’ll definitely read the rest of the books in series.
john_r's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
iheartpuns's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
tessisreading2's review
3.0
This book basically exemplifies the importance of a good editor: the world-building is top-notch, the main characters are kind and interesting, and there is an actual plot underlying it all… but the pacing is off and the writing could be much, much tighter. We’re introduced to a new character every thirty seconds - it’s like an Honor Harrington novel where every single person with a one-line speaking role gets a full name and rank - and there’s too much exposition. It’s a good, fun, interesting read, but it could have been an actual great novel - and that it’s really not.
smitch29's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
3.0
This book was okay. The exposition was a bog that was difficult to wade through. The ending was more captivating and made me consider reading the next book.
Nora is determined to live a solitary life. She relocated after the war turned her from a newlywed to a widow. She now works at the far reaches of known space, venturing into unknown territory to provide mapping (tagging) info for government and businesses. She harbors many secrets that keep her from getting close to people. Those same secrets involve a weird ability that leads her to an unmapped section of space where she gains a new addition to her ship. Without giving away too much, she gains new secrets. She also keeps dancing around the new Naval officer heading the battle cruiser that is newly stationed at the border. He of all people doesnt need to know her secrets.
The beginning of the story was very hard to comprehend. Keeping the species vs colonies straight was confusing. And I just struggled to understand the world. The characters were fairly compelling, except for maybe Liam. I also didnt really feel any chemistry between Liam and Nora. By the time the expositional portion was over, I enjoyed the story more. I may be willing to read the next book, but I need a break to forget my issues with this book.
Nora is determined to live a solitary life. She relocated after the war turned her from a newlywed to a widow. She now works at the far reaches of known space, venturing into unknown territory to provide mapping (tagging) info for government and businesses. She harbors many secrets that keep her from getting close to people. Those same secrets involve a weird ability that leads her to an unmapped section of space where she gains a new addition to her ship. Without giving away too much, she gains new secrets. She also keeps dancing around the new Naval officer heading the battle cruiser that is newly stationed at the border. He of all people doesnt need to know her secrets.
The beginning of the story was very hard to comprehend. Keeping the species vs colonies straight was confusing. And I just struggled to understand the world. The characters were fairly compelling, except for maybe Liam. I also didnt really feel any chemistry between Liam and Nora. By the time the expositional portion was over, I enjoyed the story more. I may be willing to read the next book, but I need a break to forget my issues with this book.
eb00kie's review
Get an editor. I’m reading this rotten lazy over-indulged garbage because I’m feeling off, but the cheap moralising is too cringy.
Enjoy:
Enjoy:
”What the fuzzy slimeballs’ fuzz was she thinking?”
“Um, you did hear the bit where I said the temporary nature of her contract with the gaming club is unusual?”
“I’m not deaf! They’re parading her there among drunk and horny men so that someone buys her contract—” She broke off at his sharp headshake.
“Not someone. You.”
“What?”
He answered patiently. “No matter how you view your relationship, from Cherry’s perspective, at nineteen and still a reckless teenager, she expects her big sister to buy her freedom. For human adolescents, consequences are someone else’s problem.”
Nora opened her mouth, closed it, and slumped back to stare at the ceiling.
“If it helps, there’s no record of her father or brother on the station.”
Nora blew a raspberry.
“Well, that’s mature.”
She straightened to scowl at him. “Nineteen in Angkor isn’t like nineteen somewhere middle class where a teen can still run to mommy and daddy. At nineteen in the towers, Cherry could already have two children. Her coming out to the Hadrian Line isn’t thoughtlessness. She’s trying to force my hand.”
“To force a relationship,” he corrected, and added with a rueful smile. “If Scott and Keith were your family, wouldn’t you want to swap them for someone else?”
Stars damn. Yes, I would. She went back to staring at the ceiling.
“Cherry’s contract costs less than the fuel for this expedition.”
“Fuel is the biggest cost of any expedition. And I need it. I don’t need Cherry.” Abruptly, she bounced out of the captain’s seat. “Cherry is not my sister. Maya made that decision.”
“You can make a different one.”
“And burden myself with Scott’s daughter? You give a leech money once, and you never shake them.”
“Or you show a person kindness, and you change their life forever.” Sitting in his chair while she paced, he had to look up at her. “I pinned all my hopes on you. I was right to do so.”