A slow-building science-fiction thriller that deserves a sequel.
It’s 2078, and Hannah Monksman is Caretaker of the ship Seiiki and its precious Ark Project cargo: whales from Earth destined for a new life on the planet New Eden.
Connected with the whales via their shared Link, Hannah is responsible not only for maintenance, reports to command, and her popular social media posts, but maintaining a relationship with the whales and ensuring their happiness during their intergalactic trip. As the sole human aboard, Hannah at first believes suspicious happenings are just a side effect of isolation. But soon she worries that her real identity—she’s actually Kim Teng, loyal Crusader for the holy cause against excessive scientific forays—has been exposed. Complicating matters, even she does not know the true details of her mission. The story drags in the beginning as the intricate worldbuilding that provides a glimpse into a speculative future grounded in familiar elements is established. However, themes of colonialism, the impact of technological experimentation, religion, and the nature of humanity are ultimately woven into an intriguing and thrilling mystery. Kim’s solitary strength is balanced by her yearning for a normal life and her relationships with the whales and her Crusader found family. The descriptions of whale-lore shine, as do discussions of fate and self-determination. Kim is cued as Chinese; Japanese kanji is the main communication system on the ship, and side characters are ethnically diverse.
A slow-building science-fiction thriller that deserves a sequel. (discussion questions, author Q&A) (Science fiction. 12-18)Pub Date: April 12, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-7443-0476-3
Page Count: 400
Publisher: CamCat Books
Review Posted Online: Jan. 25, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes.
The Plague has left a population divided between Elites and Ordinaries—those who have powers and those who don’t; now, an Ordinary teen fights for her life.
Paedyn Gray witnessed the king kill her father five years ago, and she’s been thieving and sleeping rough ever since, all while faking Psychic abilities. When she inadvertently saves the life of Prince Kai, she becomes embroiled in the Purging Trials, a competition to commemorate the sickness that killed most of the kingdom’s Ordinaries. Kai’s duties as the future Enforcer include eradicating any remaining Ordinaries, and these Trials are his chance to prove that he’s internalized his brutal training. But Kai can’t help but find Pae’s blue eyes, silver hair, and unabashed attitude enchanting. She likewise struggles to resist his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, and rakish behavior, even as they’re pitted against each other in the Trials and by the king himself. Scenes and concepts that are strongly reminiscent of the Hunger Games fall flat: They aren’t bolstered by the original’s heart or worldbuilding logic that would have justified a few extreme story elements. Illogical leaps and inconsistent characterizations abound, with lighthearted romantic interludes juxtaposed against genocide, child abuse, and sadism. These elements, which are not sufficiently addressed, combined with the use of ableist language, cannot be erased by any amount of romantic banter. Main characters are cued white; the supporting cast has some brown-skinned characters.
A lackluster and sometimes disturbing mishmash of overused tropes. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9798987380406
Page Count: 538
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023
A lushly written story with an intriguing heart.
After praying to a Fate for help, Evangeline discovers the dangerous world of magic.
When her father passes away, Evangeline is left with her cold stepmother and kind but distant stepsister, Marisol. Despite inheriting a steady trust in magic, belief in her late mother’s homeland of the mystical North (where fantastical creatures live), and philosophy of hope for the future, her dreams are dashed when Luc, her love, pledges to marry Marisol instead. Evangeline desperately prays to the Prince of Hearts, a dangerous and fickle Fate famed for his heart that is waiting to be revived by his one true love—and his potentially lethal kisses. The bargain they strike sends her on a dark and magical journey throughout the land. The writing style fluctuates from clever and original to overly verbose and often confusing in its jumble of senses. While the pervasive magic and concept of the Fates as a religious system add interest, other fantasy elements are haphazardly incorporated without enough time devoted to building a cohesive world. However, the themes of love, the power of story, family influence, and holding onto belief are well rounded and add depth. The plot contains welcome surprises, and the large cast piques curiosity; readers will wish more time was spent getting to know them. Evangeline has rose-gold hair and, like other main characters, reads as White; there is diversity among the fantasy races in this world.
A lushly written story with an intriguing heart. (map) (Fantasy. 12-16)Pub Date: Sept. 28, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-26839-6
Page Count: 416
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2021
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