spinebrreaker's review
3.0
Some confusing things happening in this book but overall a fun read and a solid cast of characters. The romance (if you can call it that) kind of came out of nowhere, but there are some hard-hitting themes hinted at about claiming your identity in the face of prejudice and fighting for what's right instead of keeping silent. The integrity of the characters was appealing, even if I was expecting a ruthless villain from the synopsis. Knives was kind of boring, which says a lot from me because I usually like the vanilla heroes, and Einn was definitely my favorite so that's a little awkward. A decent start to a series that will appeal to teens and has potential to grow into something really cool with more character development in book 2
justmeandmybooks_'s review
3.0
3.5 stars
This was so fun?? And Ia was stabby and precious and I loved her?? It wasn't groundbreaking or anything, but I enjoyed myself, and was thoroughly invested.
RTC.
This was so fun?? And Ia was stabby and precious and I loved her?? It wasn't groundbreaking or anything, but I enjoyed myself, and was thoroughly invested.
RTC.
lydiahephzibah's review
2.0
DNF @ p.263
A great book is a rollercoaster. This is more like hopscotch, jerkily lunging from step to step and occasionally wobbling.
It pains me to DNF this book as I was so excited for it and I was so sure I would love it, but I don't. Ia has no redeeming qualities and I just can't stand her cockiness and how mean she is; the world building is really weak; there's nowhere near enough backstory especially on Ia; the plot is all over the place. I'm 2/3 of the way in and honestly don't know or care what's happening. Such a major disappointment.
A great book is a rollercoaster. This is more like hopscotch, jerkily lunging from step to step and occasionally wobbling.
It pains me to DNF this book as I was so excited for it and I was so sure I would love it, but I don't. Ia has no redeeming qualities and I just can't stand her cockiness and how mean she is; the world building is really weak; there's nowhere near enough backstory especially on Ia; the plot is all over the place. I'm 2/3 of the way in and honestly don't know or care what's happening. Such a major disappointment.
sarahelisewrites's review
5.0
I tend to lean more toward the "Fantasy" of SFF but this space romp was a delight!
Though told from three perspectives, Ia is the clear main character (she's even featured on the front cover of the book). As a wanted criminal and a pilot, she's shown to be smart, hardworking, and eager to do what she thinks is right. The other two perspective characters, Knives and Brinn, serve as foils for her, while also navigating their own fears and traumas. Brinn was probably my personal favorite - she comes from a race of people with blue hair, and I too have blue hair :D
Overall, the moral ambiguity of war is done well, with Ia standing by many of her actions even as she recognizes the toll they have on others' lives. I appreciated the strength in her character. I never felt like she was acting outside of the realm of possibility, even as she grows and matures and faces a secret that almost rips her apart.
SUPER excited for the sequel, coming out later this year!
Though told from three perspectives, Ia is the clear main character (she's even featured on the front cover of the book). As a wanted criminal and a pilot, she's shown to be smart, hardworking, and eager to do what she thinks is right. The other two perspective characters, Knives and Brinn, serve as foils for her, while also navigating their own fears and traumas. Brinn was probably my personal favorite - she comes from a race of people with blue hair, and I too have blue hair :D
Overall, the moral ambiguity of war is done well, with Ia standing by many of her actions even as she recognizes the toll they have on others' lives. I appreciated the strength in her character. I never felt like she was acting outside of the realm of possibility, even as she grows and matures and faces a secret that almost rips her apart.
SUPER excited for the sequel, coming out later this year!
booksandpops4000's review
4.0
*I got this book for review from the publisher for my honest thoughts*
I really did enjoy this trio perspective science fiction novel. I found this book to such a fast pace read and really did enjoy all the characters POV. I thought this was such a intreating science fiction novel that tackled topics like immigration and refugees but also a flight school. I really had a hard time putting this book down. I am super excited to dive into the sequel soon!
I really did enjoy this trio perspective science fiction novel. I found this book to such a fast pace read and really did enjoy all the characters POV. I thought this was such a intreating science fiction novel that tackled topics like immigration and refugees but also a flight school. I really had a hard time putting this book down. I am super excited to dive into the sequel soon!
theybedax's review
4.0
This is kickass and messed up. You have some hard hitting characters and so much injustice, internalized hatred, bigotry, misconception, and lies. This book shows a bit what it's like to be an attacked minority/refugee and the laws that are spread to perpetuate fear and hatred so those in power STAY in power.
sarahemaginnis's review
5.0
Read my full review on my blog: sedunaway.com
I absolutely loved this book. It gave me major Star Wars vibes in the best possible way. Ia Cocha is both fierce and compassionate. I love her moral compass! To me, she is a perfect mixture of Han Solo and Princess Leia – she is fierce, compassionate, a rebel, and a scoundrel! Set in a new galaxy, Ia Cocha brings us with her on her inter-galactic adventures and I am here for it!
On top of such a wonderful hero, Maura Milan also gifts us with two fantastic side-characters who narrate their own sections: Brinn and Knives. I can’t go into too much detail about these characters or their story arcs because I don’t want to give any of the plot away, but I loved both of these characters! In many ways, I really related to both of them and I hope that we see more of them in the sequel.
All in all, this was a beautiful and amazing book and I recommend it to everyone who is a fan of science fiction. I can’t wait to see more of this galaxy and see what’s in store for our three main characters! Fans of [b:The 100|17332969|The 100 (The 100, #1)|Kass Morgan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1377012321s/17332969.jpg|24065011] and [b:Illuminae|23395680|Illuminae (The Illuminae Files, #1)|Amie Kaufman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1443433956s/23395680.jpg|26653661] will want to pick this one up!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. (All opinions are my own)
I absolutely loved this book. It gave me major Star Wars vibes in the best possible way. Ia Cocha is both fierce and compassionate. I love her moral compass! To me, she is a perfect mixture of Han Solo and Princess Leia – she is fierce, compassionate, a rebel, and a scoundrel! Set in a new galaxy, Ia Cocha brings us with her on her inter-galactic adventures and I am here for it!
On top of such a wonderful hero, Maura Milan also gifts us with two fantastic side-characters who narrate their own sections: Brinn and Knives. I can’t go into too much detail about these characters or their story arcs because I don’t want to give any of the plot away, but I loved both of these characters! In many ways, I really related to both of them and I hope that we see more of them in the sequel.
All in all, this was a beautiful and amazing book and I recommend it to everyone who is a fan of science fiction. I can’t wait to see more of this galaxy and see what’s in store for our three main characters! Fans of [b:The 100|17332969|The 100 (The 100, #1)|Kass Morgan|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1377012321s/17332969.jpg|24065011] and [b:Illuminae|23395680|Illuminae (The Illuminae Files, #1)|Amie Kaufman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1443433956s/23395680.jpg|26653661] will want to pick this one up!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. (All opinions are my own)