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
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and...
A deliciously creepy page-turning gem from first-time writer and illustrator Brosgol finds brooding teenager Anya trying to escape the past—both her own and the ghost haunting her.
Anya feels out of place at her preppy private school; embarrassed by her Russian heritage, she has worked hard to lose her accent and to look more like everyone else. After a particularly frustrating morning at the bus stop, Anya storms off, only to accidentally fall down a well. Down in the dark hole, she meets Emily, a ghost who claims to be a murder victim trapped down in the dank abyss for 90 years. With Emily’s help, Anya manages to escape, though once free, she learns that Emily has traveled out with her. At first, Emily seems like the perfect friend; however, once her motives become clear, Anya learns that “perfect” may only be an illusion. A moodily atmospheric spectrum of grays washes over the clean, tidy panels, setting a distinct stage before the first words appear. Brosgol’s tight storytelling invokes the chilling feeling of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline (2002), though for a decidedly older set.
In addition to the supernatural elements, Brosgol interweaves some savvy insights about the illusion of perfection and outward appearance. (Graphic supernatural fiction. 12 & up)Pub Date: June 7, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-59643-552-0
Page Count: 224
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: April 18, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2011
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
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