This puts the science in science fiction!
Thank you to BookishFirst.com for supplying an ARC of this book.
I am a sci fi fan. I feel quiet comfortable stating that as fact so I was so excited to learn about this new space opera from the author of Eragon. Receiving this book in the mail I was initially confused by the size of the package and thought it was two books at first. This chunky story is 825 pages. I absolutely love a chunky story when the story is one I love but this one, not so much. It feels like this book is two in one. There's a clear build to a culminating events in both parts of the story, with supporting events along the way.
I almost wish they would've made this two books. I think I may have enjoyed it more. Not to say I didn't enjoy this story, I did, but I also feel, if you're not a huge sci fi fan, this may not be the book for you. The reasons are as follows. This story is extremely plot driven, to the point where the reader feels little to no connection to the characters whatsoever. I was about halfway through this book and just felt like something was missing. When I reflected on my attachment to the characters, I realized it was nonexistent. The overall story is amazing but the characters felt underdeveloped.
For example, the first major event in the story, in which the MC experiences something entirely traumatic, we never get to see the character react to the event. We never see her fully express emotions about that event besides mentioning it occasionally and it just didn't feel right to me. Throughout the first half, I was waiting for this trauma to be a big deal to the MC but I just felt like it never was. It was pushed aside to allow the MC to continue her role in the plot.
Also, the romance was such an afterthought, I'm wondering why it was attempted at all. It just doesn't make sense besides a matter of proximity but I guess sometimes that's all that's needed (?).
Now a word or two about the storyline, which was awesome! As I mentioned, I am a sci fi fan and this book gave me just what I craved in every sci fi story. I love first contact books and this one gives it to you in such creative ways. The plot is fast paced to such an extent as to give you whip lash at times but propels the reader through this lengthy book at quite a clip! I really enjoyed the research that went into this story and respect the authors dedication to the quality of his work and the information presented. The scientific aspect is impressive!
Overall, this story had such character potential! There's a bad-ass captain, a relatable second in command, and crew each with a semblance of their own personalities but were never fully actualized. However, the storyline was beyond interesting and if the character element had been there, this would have been one of my favorite sci fi stories of all time. Unfortunately, it just didn't hit the mark for me.
I am a sci fi fan. I feel quiet comfortable stating that as fact so I was so excited to learn about this new space opera from the author of Eragon. Receiving this book in the mail I was initially confused by the size of the package and thought it was two books at first. This chunky story is 825 pages. I absolutely love a chunky story when the story is one I love but this one, not so much. It feels like this book is two in one. There's a clear build to a culminating events in both parts of the story, with supporting events along the way.
I almost wish they would've made this two books. I think I may have enjoyed it more. Not to say I didn't enjoy this story, I did, but I also feel, if you're not a huge sci fi fan, this may not be the book for you. The reasons are as follows. This story is extremely plot driven, to the point where the reader feels little to no connection to the characters whatsoever. I was about halfway through this book and just felt like something was missing. When I reflected on my attachment to the characters, I realized it was nonexistent. The overall story is amazing but the characters felt underdeveloped.
For example, the first major event in the story, in which the MC experiences something entirely traumatic, we never get to see the character react to the event. We never see her fully express emotions about that event besides mentioning it occasionally and it just didn't feel right to me. Throughout the first half, I was waiting for this trauma to be a big deal to the MC but I just felt like it never was. It was pushed aside to allow the MC to continue her role in the plot.
Also, the romance was such an afterthought, I'm wondering why it was attempted at all. It just doesn't make sense besides a matter of proximity but I guess sometimes that's all that's needed (?).
Now a word or two about the storyline, which was awesome! As I mentioned, I am a sci fi fan and this book gave me just what I craved in every sci fi story. I love first contact books and this one gives it to you in such creative ways. The plot is fast paced to such an extent as to give you whip lash at times but propels the reader through this lengthy book at quite a clip! I really enjoyed the research that went into this story and respect the authors dedication to the quality of his work and the information presented. The scientific aspect is impressive!
Overall, this story had such character potential! There's a bad-ass captain, a relatable second in command, and crew each with a semblance of their own personalities but were never fully actualized. However, the storyline was beyond interesting and if the character element had been there, this would have been one of my favorite sci fi stories of all time. Unfortunately, it just didn't hit the mark for me.