exlibriscass's review
4.0
War, politics, unreliable narrators, a just grey characters all around all wrapped up with beautiful prose and imaginative world building. I will admit I picked this book up because I saw it being described as Cleopatra and Julius Caesar but queer and in space and while it absolutely delivered on all of that I found it most enjoyable when I let myself forget about Cleopatra abs Caesar and focus on the intriguing tale that Emery Robin was twisting. There were so many parts of this book that I found myself thinking “how interesting” or “how clever” and I could go on about the imagery of a planet where the cities overlook the sunken cities of old but I don’t think any words I have would give it justice. It was just beautiful and heartbreaking. I will say there were more than a few times reading it that I was confused about narration choices or I felt like conversations that should be happening weren’t but it did all end up coming together in a satisfying way. And I’m a sucker for a morally dark, selfish trio who could just as easily fix the galaxy as destroy it if it matched their desires.
annalise's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
pandaplantain's review
The writing style is too convoluted. The political explanations drown out the characters and the story. Might return to it later, but I’m not feeling it right now.
halcyon_tarra_marcawin's review against another edition
challenging
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
lybarron's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
emmeviene's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lillist's review
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
bibliovino's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A twisted and cerebral story of political intrigue based on Caesar and Cleopatra, this book is a deep look into the machinations of rule and religion. Told in alternating POV with a sci-fi background, it explores the intricacies of power and human tendency toward betrayal. Its strength lies in its nuanced characters who nevertheless stay true to their archetypes.
abrattebo's review
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, I want to say, this was one of my most anticipated reads of this year. I was highly looking forward to it and it sounded like everything I could want (i.e. Cleopatra & Caesar story retold in a sci-fi and futuristic setting). This just sounded amazing.
Unfortunately, I am putting aside this book at 20% complete. Here are my likes and dislikes.
What I Liked: The idea and world of this story is VERY unique. It's imaginative and extremely creative. The lore/mythology of Alectelo and the God is intriguing. The MC's are unique and I was enjoying the retelling of their different histories and how they came to be in the current present.
What I disliked: Throughout my reviews, two features I look for most (my pet peeves if you will) are a structured and well-defined timeline and a fluid story (i.e. cut out any unnecessary scenes/words to help the story flow). This particular story is dual narration and had me jumping around from past and present, without notification or marking it. What marked my last time picking this up, I read about a character who was alive in the beginning of a book, but had somehow died...? The characters are talking about her death, and I can't even recall reading about it? This fact was just lost to the story timelines, and probably the wordiness as well. While I see the effort that the author is trying to make to really give FULL world development, she is here creating an actual universe of multiple planets and star systems. And while I'm sure it's all important, too much of it is so confusing to the readers. I think the world building either needed to be simplified or spread out a little more throughout the story.
Truthfully, I may try to pick this back up. I want to like it and read it fully.
Firstly, I want to say, this was one of my most anticipated reads of this year. I was highly looking forward to it and it sounded like everything I could want (i.e. Cleopatra & Caesar story retold in a sci-fi and futuristic setting). This just sounded amazing.
Unfortunately, I am putting aside this book at 20% complete. Here are my likes and dislikes.
What I Liked: The idea and world of this story is VERY unique. It's imaginative and extremely creative. The lore/mythology of Alectelo and the God is intriguing. The MC's are unique and I was enjoying the retelling of their different histories and how they came to be in the current present.
What I disliked: Throughout my reviews, two features I look for most (my pet peeves if you will) are a structured and well-defined timeline and a fluid story (i.e. cut out any unnecessary scenes/words to help the story flow). This particular story is dual narration and had me jumping around from past and present, without notification or marking it. What marked my last time picking this up, I read about a character who was alive in the beginning of a book, but had somehow died...? The characters are talking about her death, and I can't even recall reading about it? This fact was just lost to the story timelines, and probably the wordiness as well. While I see the effort that the author is trying to make to really give FULL world development, she is here creating an actual universe of multiple planets and star systems. And while I'm sure it's all important, too much of it is so confusing to the readers. I think the world building either needed to be simplified or spread out a little more throughout the story.
Truthfully, I may try to pick this back up. I want to like it and read it fully.
bigdarklove's review
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5