Tag Archives: Space

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Aurora Rising
Author: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Series: Aurora Cycle #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Science fiction, Space, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I just can’t even with this story, in the best way possible. I forget just how much I love Kaufman and Kristoff as a writing duo, and reading this was just a great reminder of why that is the case. They are the most amazing writing duo and I can never put their books down. Aurora Rising was no different – but, unlike the Illuminae Files, I had the most trashed heart after this book ended. In fact, I kept repeating that “this book ruined me” and drove my partner a little bit nuts. Without giving spoilers, there was a fair amount of heartbreaking activity in this.

I really enjoy well-written stories with an ensemble cast, and Kaufman and Kristoff manage to pull this off seamlessly. I love that each character has a really distinct voice, so that even if the chapters didn’t start with the name of the character you are currently following, you’d probably be able to guess within a few paragraphs. The diversity and strength of their characters made me fall in love even more with this story, and also made that point of heartbreak even more potent and harmful. Because I fell in love with each and every member of this unlikely band of heroes.

Opening this, I was expecting a bit more of the style of the Illuminae Files, I thought that there would be a multitude of moments throughout which had the graphic appeal of the first Kaufman / Kristoff series that I read. Instead, it was pretty much entirely prose, with very little of the structure of the previous books. Although I loved that in the past, I really wasn’t disappointed. Again, the language, the style, and the journey were represented perfectly within this structure and made me smile again and again and again throughout. So much love for not just the story and the voices, but the style of writing in this.

Aurora Rising is a story about outcasts, Found Family, heists and so many damn conspiracies. There was nothing predictable about any of the storyline, and this is part of what made it completely impossible to put down. I loved every moment of this story, and I can’t wait to read Aurora Burning. There are so many loose threads just flapping in the wind. Aurora Rising was about discovering the battle ahead, and bonding as a team in their outcast bunch. But now I can’t wait to see where the universe will take them next.

<- More Amie KaufmanAurora Burning ->

Image source: Pages of Julia

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Author: Douglas Adams
Series: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Science fiction, Space
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1979

Thoughts

Wow can I understand the hype surrounding The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy now. There is something so witty and hilarious about this entire story, and from the very first sentence, I really didn’t want to put it down. Sometimes books that I find have a whole lot of hype surrounding them (I’m looking at you Wuthering Heights) are just kind of crappy or a seriously major let down. That is so many levels of not the case with The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It well deserves its reputation and now I’m just sad that I’ve only introduced it into my life in my thirties… teenage me would’ve completely run with this story and become suitably obsessed.

There is something beautifully poetic and lyrical about Adams’ turn of phrase throughout this. Honestly, without even thinking beyond the surface of the words, it was incredibly easy to get swept away. But then, you start to really think about the many different layers of meaning. There were some moments and sentences throughout that I read multiple times. Partly because they were well written and enjoyable to taste with my literary tongue. But also because every time I read the sentence, something new would come up for me.

Probably one of my favourite things about The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is the pure randomness of the entire story. It starts with the earth getting destroyed and a few drinks down at the pub. And then it meanders through to the Answer and there’s all sorts of shenanigans and nonsense along the way. Honestly, if I had to give a synopsis for the story and explain what actually happens in this book, it would be just as meandering and nonsensical as the story. Which is exactly how it should be. A wonderfully joyous and hilarious adventure that I will most definitely repeat again in the future.

All in all, what I took most as the theme and message of this novel was the absurdity of humanity. We are so damn self-involved and fixated on our own journeys that sometimes we forget that other species, people, things exist and have their own emotional lives too. And, as such, it’s possible that we are not actually the most intelligent animals on the planet, or indeed, in the universe. Our presumptiveness (whether as an individual or a species) could very well be our undoing. Something that we should probably be reminded of more often than not.

<- Young Zaphod Plays it SafeThe Restaurant at the End of the Universe ->

Image source: PanMacMillan

A Brief Lesson in Native American Astronomy by Rebecca Roanhorse

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Brief Lesson in Native American Astronomy
Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
In: The Mythic Dream (Dominik Parisien & Navah Wolfe)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Retellings, Space
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I’m beginning to realise that if I pick up a story by Roanhorse, it’s probably going to be dark and twisty stuff. And I’m entirely on board with that. So far, I’ve loved everything that I’ve read by her. And A Brief Lesson in Native American Astronomy was no different. A retelling of a myth that I’ve never known (but plan to look up), space and well, I guess a sort of zombie that left me feeling quite uncomfortable. What more could you want?

I really want to read the Deer Hunter and the White Corn Maiden now, as it isn’t one that I actually know. Plus, I want to see what dark elements Roanhorse has added, and what are actually a part of the original. I know that the space elements are definitely unique to this version, I want to know what else is…

At the core of this tale is that we need to sometimes just let people go. It’s all about obsessive love and not being able to say goodbye. And sometimes, if we can’t let them go, we damage ourselves and those around us. I definitely felt like cringing and curling up into the foetal position at the end of this tale, that’s for sure.

<- Fisher-BirdBridge of Crows ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Apex Jump by David J. Schwartz

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Apex Jump
Author: David J. Schwartz
In: Glitter and Mayhem (Amber Benson)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: LGBTQI, Science fiction, Space
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2013

Thoughts

Roller Derby, whilst something I’ve never seen (or tried), is something that I am completely intrigued by. Which means that the idea of Roller Derby in space just makes me all that much more intrigued. Honestly, Roller Derby in space is a fantastic idea that I absolutely loved, and the way that Schwartz executed this, completely brilliant!

This would have been an amazing story regardless of who the narrator was, but the fact that they are a trans woman and keep alluding to a painful past? Somehow that just made it all that much better. Plus, the narrator was brilliantly able to explain the dynamics of her team and how much they all love each other, even if they’re not perfect. I also love how there are multiple (in the double digits) gender groupings for the aliens. It just serves as a great reminder of how narrow-minded our culture is about gender.

This short story felt like a snippet in time and just a beautiful moment in somebody else’s life. And I really like that I got to visit this. It had such a positive and joyful feeling to it. One that involved Roller Derby and a fun trip to space. I absolutely loved this story and found it a joyful journey into an unimaginably creative world.

<- Sister TwelveWith Her Hundred Miles to Hell ->

Image source: Amazon

Two Houses by Kelly Link

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Hauntings: Datlow, Ellen: 9781616960889: Amazon.com: Books

Title: Two Houses
Author: Kelly Link
In: Hauntings (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Horror, Space
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2013

Thoughts

This short story started out kind of fun, and not with too much feeling of a horror story. I mean, it’s a bunch of younger people, in space, celebrating a friends’ birthday. How could that not seem fun and innocent? But then it got a little bit darker… and kind of haunting. And then it just got twisted. I love that this horror feeling came out of left field and was quite unexpected.

To start with, the characters begin by telling each other ghost stories. A perfectly normal way to spend an evening when you’re young and bored. Again, it wasn’t overly freaky to begin with. Then we get to the story of the two houses – which is quite twisted in and of itself. But then the ship gets involved in the story and things get seriously… twisted. And horrible. Which made this a fantastic story – the unexpected nature of the ick and horrifying.

After reading this seemingly benign short story, I actually had to walk around my house and close all of the darker areas. I mean, this was a seriously creepy murder story that features a murder house. I might not live in a murder house, but it didn’t mean that I wanted to look out at the darkness that inhabits all of the shadows. I mean, you finish off this story wondering who is in the murder house, and who is in the replica…

<- Spectral EvidenceWhere Angels Come In ->

Image source: Amazon

Wish by Jenni Balch

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: Wish
Author: Jenni Balch
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Space, Young adult
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

This short story is a bit of a twist on the whole “genie in the lamp” kind of story. It has a lot of the same principals, but there is a bit more flexibility and variety to it. That, and the guy in the lamp somehow ends up in space trying to grant a wish that I just wasn’t expecting.

I loved the nature of Adriadne’s wish. I mean, I was expecting something that was either going to be catastrophic for the space ship, seriously selfish or typically immature. Instead, it was something that I could completely understand and get on board with. Plus, it is not something that impacts anyone else. Plus, the way that Balch reveals her wish and also manages to world build at the same time… freaking brilliant.

At the end of this story, instead of going back into the lamp and waiting for the next wish, the ‘genie’ decides to stick around. My romantic heart likes to think that they manage to make a great relationship (friendship or otherwise) out of this arrangement. One that helps them stand the travels through space… but that could just be my own wishful thinking and romantic nature. Regardless, that’s how I’m imagining the ending of this story…after the current ending that is.

<- Dream and DareThe Weight ->

Image source: Goodreads

Liberia by Kwame Mbalia

Book Review, , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: Liberia
Author: Kwame Mbalia
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Science fiction, Space
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Unlike some of the short stories that I’ve been reading lately, the title of this short story really didn’t give me any kind of hint as to what this tale was actually going to be about. The most I could assume was that the name had at least some allusion towards freedom. And it kind of did, although not exactly in the way that I was expecting. In fact, although it was kind of an underlying hint of a theme, it really didn’t take centre stage the way I was expecting.

Liberia is literally just the name of the ship that this young cohort of settlers is aboard, travelling through space to a better future. And here the freedom / liberation feeling of the story pretty much ends. Mostly, this tale is (for me) about our family and our ancestors. About those things that get passed down to us in our day to day lives. For me it is baking with my grandfather, for some of the members of this crew, its Cassava and its propagation.

Having never had Cassava, and it not being an important part of my culture, I love how this food source was highlighted as not just a food. It was, again, about ancestors and family. There is a whole lot of cultural significance in a lot of what we eat, and I think it’s great that I got to read a short story that focuses on this idea. It’s not about physical sustenance, but also mental, emotional and social… something we should really keep in mind if we’re ignorant enough to mock another’s food.

I love that there is constant conflict throughout this story – with the lead of the tale constantly at loggerheads with their captain. And, again, highlighting how something that is seen as maybe a little bit “everyday” is actually seriously important. And worth fighting for. A fantastic short story, and I would love to read more of Mbalia’s world and writings.

<- Cristal Y CenizaA Royal Affair ->

Image source: Goodreads

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Obsidio
Author: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Series: The Illuminae Files #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Science fiction, Space, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Holy wow. This is a FANTASTIC ending to a seriously amazing series. I’m honestly seriously disappointed that this is over and still kind of in shock. But it was totally worth it. Definitely one of those series that I’m going to read again and again and recommend to all my friends and family and total strangers on the street…

I really wasn’t expecting a few things in this – particularly the ending with AIDAN. I’m still really confused about my emotions towards him (it?) I mean, some seriously disgusting and horrible choices. But also some really good moments. I’m not used to feeling so conflicted about my emotions towards a character. And even if AIDAN is a machine, it’s (he’s) still a pretty phenomenal character throughout the series.

I love that throughout Obsidio it actually shows how the Illuminae Files came to be and how they were compiled. It’s a great way for you to look back (particularly at the video transcripts). And I like the idea of rereading this series with that context in mind. It also tied out the different romances in a way that made you smile with happiness. Not going to lie, there were a few of these moments that bought a tear to my eye.

Although Asha and Rhys aren’t necessarily my favourite couple from the series, they’re still pretty cute. I probably just didn’t connect as much to them because they get the least time on the page. But, they still work, particularly for the little surprising twists and turns that they take throughout.

At its heart the Illuminae Files are based around a mass genocide. I love that of all the books, it’s Obsidio that shows the casualties of war. Not those on either side of the conflict. But all of the innocent lives that are lost for no damn good reason. It was probably this that truly bought those tears to my eyes and a soaring to my heart. Truly an amazing finish to an amazing series.

<- GeminaMore Jay Kristoff ->

Image source: Goodreads

Gemina by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Gemina
Author: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Series: The Illuminae Files #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Science fiction, Space, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

Its been way too long since I read Illuminae. I know this because, from the very first moment of opening this book, I was completely hooked. Which makes me wonder why it took me so damn long to pick up this book now I can’t wait to get into Obsidio and see how this phenomenal trilogy will end.

Hanna is such an awesome female lead. I mean, a 17-year-old girl who is a master of war strategy? Heck yes! That, and the fact that she is a realistic teenager. She’s filled with angst and insecurities. That first blossom of love and the reliance on a parent. Don’t get me wrong, pretty much all of this is ripped away from her very quickly in this book. But she’s not a teenager who somehow has everything together – that’s a trope that just feels unrealistic.

Then there’s Nik. I have a bit of a thing for bad boys and the morally grey. He is just adorable and I’m honestly in love with him from pretty much the very beginning. Nik and his cousin are that perfect level of chaotic good, again, something that I tend to love in my characters. Ella in particular is just wonderful. I love how she is constantly ribbing Nik and there were many moments throughout that had me laughing out loud.

Not only is Gemina a fantastic story, one that was impossible to put down and forget about. But just also love how it is written. I love how you piece together the tale from dossiers. Different pieces of information, that, as with Illuminae tell a wonderful story for a space battle. But also have a few misleading moments in it that set up many conspiracies. Now I can’t wait to find out how the rest of the tale unfolds…

<- IlluminaeObsidio ->

Image source: Amie Kaufman

Memento by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Memento
Author: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Series: The Illuminae Files #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Science fiction, Space, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I read the first book in The Illuminae Files a while ago, and then I got distracted from continuing with the series. Which, as I’m figuring out now was a fair bit of a mistake. So, shortly after reading Gemina, I blitzed through Memento. And it was understandably fantastic, as all these books are.

Whilst Aidan is a little chilling in Illuminae, I didn’t quite feel that holy crap, evil being thing from him. Maybe because there is a lot of humour in all of the dossiers provided by this. That ambivalent feeling was completely removed by this novella.

I was kind of heartbroken by this to be honest, I really loved Ethan and Olivia. And their romance was just too damn cute for words. There is something great about how Kaufman and Kristoff are able to write in the romance to the main story. And the realism of HOW people gush over instant messaging… be still my beating heart.

<- More Amie KaufmanIlluminae ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster