Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 1/17/17
Source: From publisher for review
A great new stand-alone science fiction novel from the author of the Kitty Norville series.
Polly Newton has one single-minded dream, to be a starship pilot and travel the galaxy. Her mother, the director of the Mars Colony, derails Polly's plans when she sends Polly and her genius twin brother, Charles, to Galileo Academy on Earth—the one planet Polly has no desire to visit. Ever.
Homesick and cut off from her desired future, Polly cannot seem to fit into the constraints of life on Earth, unlike Charles, who deftly maneuvers around people and sees through their behavior to their true motives. Strange, unexplained, dangerous coincidences centered on their high-profile classmates begin piling up. Charles may be right—there's more going on than would appear, and the stakes are high. With the help of Charles, Polly is determined to find the truth, no matter the cost.My thoughts:
I do enjoy Carrie Vaughn's work so I was happy when I got this one in the mail. I also enjoy sci-fi so it was a safe bet that this one would be perfect for me. I was not wrong.
Those that do not read much or any sci-fi at all could try this one. It has just enough gadgets to make it interesting but it doesn't overwhelm. Plus, it was an interesting contrast for those that grew up in lower gravities and those that had earth's gravity. It would have been interesting to also contrast with someone who lived on Venus since that gravity is nearly equal to earth's gravity. Just a thought that proves I'm a nerd. 😉 Still, those that do not usually care for this genre could find themselves liking it because of the main character Polly who is smart and brave. Also, the mystery as to what is going on will have you wanting to know more as each problem presents itself.
While I did figure out who was behind what was going on with the siblings, Polly and Charles, I did not figure out why it happened. While there was an explanation given, it didn't feel set in stone but it did feel like it was satisfying. I also enjoyed the dynamic of the various relationships that were formed within this group. My favorite was between Polly and Charles who seem at once distant from each other and close at the same time. Charles mostly lived in his head but it was Polly's knowledge of him from birth which gave him his humanity and spirit.
I give this book 4 stars. It was a fun trip trying to figure out what was going on and enjoying all the worldbuilding within the storyline. I also feel that while the characters are in their teens, this could easily be read by those who are MG and of course, adults as well. I recommend it to those that enjoy sci-fi or want to try it out.
I just wanted to highlight an account that would go with the book...
To donate directly to STEM education:— Rogue NASA (@RogueNASA) January 27, 2017
– Girls Who Code https://t.co/AxiP4WK1Qh
– National Math + Science Initiative https://t.co/ZI0nLty1c7
Follow them in support of science and against the gag order
Oh I didn't know this one but it sounds like a lot of fun! Adding to the TBR :) Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun. I do enjoy her writing.
DeleteI'll look into purchasing this book for my teens. Our science fiction readers tend to be boys unless it features some romance and then I have more luck in selling it to girls.
ReplyDeleteThis one does have some romance in it but not much. It does have a strong female protagonist so sell it that way? :D
DeleteSounds enjoyable overall! :D
ReplyDeleteIt was! :)
DeleteI love scifi too, and I'm good with some hard scifi as well. This books seems right up my alley. I love that you attached RogueNASA's account - already following them, along with many others. It's too awesome.
ReplyDeleteRebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
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I also agree that the rogue accounts are so great for this time we are going through! :D I do think you'll like this one. It isn't hard sci-fi but it is definitely sci-fi.
DeleteI know she is MArtian but those legs are creepy
ReplyDeleteThere is a reason for that! :D It also makes so much sense and isn't a artistic error.
DeleteOh cool! I've not read the Kitty series, but I've heard good things. This is a great place to jump into Carrie's work. I love a good sci-fi, too! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteOh you so need the Kitty series. Read them in order though because it goes through Kitty's growth. I also think you'll like this one since you enjoy sci-fi.
DeleteI like the idea of her struggling w/ the greater gravity on Earth. A nice touch. This looks like a good read.
ReplyDeleteSince you like sci-fi, I think you'll enjoy this one.
DeleteIt sounds really good! I met her forever-ago and she's a really cool author!
ReplyDeleteShe is a cool author! I need to meet her in person. I've only talked to her though the net. :)
DeleteI had missed this one along the way until I saw it showing up on blogs. It sounds like a great read. :D
ReplyDeleteI think you'll like. Your son might as well. :)
DeleteI like the sounds of a sci-fi that's not so...sci-fi like. :p
ReplyDeleteI is very sci-fi... but I don't think it overwhelms. But that comes from someone who likes the genre. :)
DeleteI haven't read Carrie Vaughn yet, but I do love sci-fi and mysteries so I'll have to add this one to the big list.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy!!
Deleteoh it's been oh so long since I read a good sci-fi, thank you for putting it on my radar, going to have to give this author a try
ReplyDeleteI hope this one really rocks for you. :)
DeleteI love a good sci-fi. Whether it's light or heavy. Heh - love the rouge tweets.
ReplyDeleteI know! I've been enjoying those tweets as well.
DeleteHope you get and enjoy this one.
fun sci-fi.. why don't young aliens like Earth? it's super nice and humans are born here
ReplyDeleteActually they aren't aliens... :D Curious yet? ;)
DeleteI enjoy feeding my nerd. I love that this is a standalone!
ReplyDeleteI think I can overfeed my nerd and sometimes I think the poor thing starves. LOL
Delete:D What? You like STEM? ;)
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy!
I'm not a huge sci-fi fan but this sounds fine for me. And a stand alone? Bonus!
ReplyDeleteKaren @For What It's Worth
It's Carrie so I think you'll find something to like. Have you tried her Kitty series? You might like that one. :)
DeleteI've never read Carrie Vaughn, but this book has caught my eye. I didn't realize it was YA until I read your review. I'm not sure if I want a YA. I read some, but not a lot of them. Great review.
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
Read the Kitty Norville series! Love that one and it is adult. :)
DeleteOh I think I have some of hers (Kitty ones). Not too gadgety is good. I like some but there are a few I've picked up that really did overwhelm.
ReplyDeleteSounds like this was the perfect YA read. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDelete