First of all the cover is BEAUTIFUL. This book was one of my most anticipated books of 2021 and I'm so glad to say it is a new favorite of mine. Such a unique, thrilling sci-fi story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
This was a book I read slowly because I wanted to savor it. Joan He's writing was spectacularly gorgeous, and her world-building skills are excellent. The world was so full and vibrant, and felt so real - I loved that there was little to no info dumping. We learned about the world Kasey lives in as we needed to and as Kasey moved within it. Joan He did an amazing job opening our eyes to a new, possible future-Earth without obnoxious hand-holding. That's was I like in a good sci-fi! The world itself is a great commentary on our current climate crisis without seeming preachy. It felt like a truly realistic society built from the ruins of humanity, trying to learn from our past environmental mistakes. It felt just complicated enough to be real, but not so complicated that it was hard to follow.
Learning about Kasey's past and wondering how/when/if Cee would ever get off the island and reunite with her sister kept me turning the pages. I loved Kasey and Cee, loved how their personalities were so opposite but worked so well together and complimented each other. I really appreciate that the focus of this novel was a sister relationship. I NEVER expected any of the twists in this book - the mysterious element really worked for me. I wish more sci-fi novels had the tone of this one. I absolutely fell in love with Cee and her story.
This was a book I read slowly because I wanted to savor it. Joan He's writing was spectacularly gorgeous, and her world-building skills are excellent. The world was so full and vibrant, and felt so real - I loved that there was little to no info dumping. We learned about the world Kasey lives in as we needed to and as Kasey moved within it. Joan He did an amazing job opening our eyes to a new, possible future-Earth without obnoxious hand-holding. That's was I like in a good sci-fi! The world itself is a great commentary on our current climate crisis without seeming preachy. It felt like a truly realistic society built from the ruins of humanity, trying to learn from our past environmental mistakes. It felt just complicated enough to be real, but not so complicated that it was hard to follow.
Learning about Kasey's past and wondering how/when/if Cee would ever get off the island and reunite with her sister kept me turning the pages. I loved Kasey and Cee, loved how their personalities were so opposite but worked so well together and complimented each other. I really appreciate that the focus of this novel was a sister relationship. I NEVER expected any of the twists in this book - the mysterious element really worked for me. I wish more sci-fi novels had the tone of this one. I absolutely fell in love with Cee and her story.