bookishstone's review
5.0
Claudia Gray is such a great writer! I loved this book and cannot wait for more in this series. I'm so glad I got this one in my April Uppercase box. Worth every penny.
perachdavida's review against another edition
5.0
This book is everything I love about scifi. Earth as the bad guy, after destroying our planet and colonizing others. Questions of personhood and sentience when AIs are part organic and very advanced but are still compelled to follow programming. At what point of consciousness does an AI become a person? Excellent characters to root for and fall in love with. A villain who has done both wonderful and terrible things. I only knew Claudia Gray for her Star Wars novels like Bloodline, but this original work is fantastic. It’s technically YA just because the MCs are/appear to be teenagers, but it doesn’t read like one at all. I’m jumping straight to the next book in the trilogy. Fyi I didn’t love the audio, I preferred reading it as an ebook.
breerashel's review
4.0
After I finished Claudia's Firebird trilogy and fell in love with her writing, I knew that I had to read whatever book she came out with next. She did not disappoint me with Defy the Stars! Claudia Gray is a genius when it comes to writing sci-fi!
I loved this book! From the very first pages the book starts off right in the middle of the action. What was meant to be a routine mission to scout for issues that could be solved before the real mission was to take place takes a turn. The enemy begins shooting at the pilots from Genesis. I loved being thrown right into the action because it started off the book with a bang. I know that the length of the book might be a problem for some readers but I found that the pacing and story were so well thought out and interesting that I didn't mind the length.
I loved both of the main characters so much! They were alike in a lot of ways even though physically they were extremely different. They each found that they were lonely which I think was because those around them couldn't completely understand them. Abel and Noemi each had very strong personalities and were afraid to show their weaknesses to the other. They are each soldiers in their own right but appear to almost be fighting different wars.
I found it interesting to ponder the question of what makes someone human. Is it the ability to feel and express emotions? Having organs? Agency? There were many other questions that this book posed but humanity seemed to be the main one.
Claudia Gray wrote a captivating world that I got lost in. I found it so interesting but scary at the same time. I could see the world potentially going in a direction that this book does. I think that is another reason why I liked the book so much. It was realistic and believable.
My only wish is that there would have been more of a conclusion at the end rather than what felt a bit like a cliff hanger. it felt a bit anti-climatic but I suppose the author needed another sequel to be able to wrap the story up the way that she wanted to. I know now that this is going to be a duology so the ending of the book makes more sense to me. I have to admit that even though this book was 500 pages I wanted more so I'm so glad that there will be another book.
https://fictionedtodeath.blogspot.com/
I loved this book! From the very first pages the book starts off right in the middle of the action. What was meant to be a routine mission to scout for issues that could be solved before the real mission was to take place takes a turn. The enemy begins shooting at the pilots from Genesis. I loved being thrown right into the action because it started off the book with a bang. I know that the length of the book might be a problem for some readers but I found that the pacing and story were so well thought out and interesting that I didn't mind the length.
I loved both of the main characters so much! They were alike in a lot of ways even though physically they were extremely different. They each found that they were lonely which I think was because those around them couldn't completely understand them. Abel and Noemi each had very strong personalities and were afraid to show their weaknesses to the other. They are each soldiers in their own right but appear to almost be fighting different wars.
I found it interesting to ponder the question of what makes someone human. Is it the ability to feel and express emotions? Having organs? Agency? There were many other questions that this book posed but humanity seemed to be the main one.
Claudia Gray wrote a captivating world that I got lost in. I found it so interesting but scary at the same time. I could see the world potentially going in a direction that this book does. I think that is another reason why I liked the book so much. It was realistic and believable.
My only wish is that there would have been more of a conclusion at the end rather than what felt a bit like a cliff hanger. it felt a bit anti-climatic but I suppose the author needed another sequel to be able to wrap the story up the way that she wanted to. I know now that this is going to be a duology so the ending of the book makes more sense to me. I have to admit that even though this book was 500 pages I wanted more so I'm so glad that there will be another book.
https://fictionedtodeath.blogspot.com/
lazygal's review
4.0
What could have been a standard space adventure feels different thanks to the addition of some rather sophisticated questions about robots (can they have our sense of individuality? can they develop a sense of self? how much self-determination is there if they are essentially programmed?). Abel is in some ways a younger version of Data, and his relationships with Noemi and his creator are depicted realistically enough to elevate this from dystopian-adventure. The adventure and dystopian parts aren't bad either.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
queensflame's review
5.0
I was able to acquire this e-ARC through Netgalley’s first 500 people to hit “read now.” I am SO glad Netgalley did this for Defy the Stars, because this novel was one of my highly anticipated for this year. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This novel was fantastic. Do read the synopsis above just so you may be able to understand my review a liiiiittle bit better 🙂
Man I don’t even know where to start, this novel blew me away. I feel like I haven’t read a book in so long that made me enjoy it so much and get really attached to the characters. I guess, first things first – this plot was so fantastically done. The way the author wove the story line throughout the novel was absolutely brilliant. And uGH THE WORLD BUILDING. As a space geek, it pleased me so much. Claudia Gray made it seem so realistic and possible that these other planets the characters travel to could be real one day, could exist. Everything about Noemi & Abel’s adventures on all the planets was exciting. Also everything connected so well, and the author has set up a bigger picture conflict for the rest of the series. This book was just so well done in regards to plot and world building, I’m so amazed and awed and I desperately want more.
Not only was the plot phenomenal, but the characters were extraordinary. A lot of the times I find it hard to like the main characters and usually favor the side characters, but in this case I adore the mains. Noemi is this selfless, intelligent, strong, badass Genesis (earth-like planet she lives on) warrior. She will give up her own life for the future of her planet and her people in a heartbeat. I loved her voice and her actions, her compassion for others. However, my favorite character from the book was Abel. Think Terminator with this one – like Arnold Schwarzenegger. A robot meant to help people not kill them. That was Abel. He’s a mech, a robot, designed by a man named Mansfield who creates mechs for earth. But Abel is his special one, the only one made (all the other mechs are duplicated but he’s the only one single Abel model). Without giving much away, Abel as a mech actually has character, thoughts, feelings, and depth to him. Everything about him I adored. To his snarky remarks, his intelligence, his loyalty to Noemi…agh guys my heart hurts thinking about him. He’s SO PURE. Literally so pure. He brought so much more to the book and I desperately need the sequel so I can see more of him.
Defy the Stars did start off a little slow, but once things started moving, once the characters started traveling, things got really intense. I couldn’t stop reading at one point, and I got torn away from reading because of work and other responsibilities. Everything about Defy the Stars I loved. Literally everything; I have no complaints. If you’re looking for an exciting space adventure with a robot who’s more human than wiring, PICK THIS BOOK UP. Defy the Stars reminded me a lot of Star Wars, as well as the Illuminae series by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman! It had the Illuminae level of twists and turns and space excitement so if you enjoyed those books, I think you’ll REALLY like Defy the Stars. I haven’t read Claudia’s other series but I definitely will now!
This novel was fun, thrilling, action – packed, and yes there’s romance. ITS A SLOW BURN TOO. The best kind!! Pick this up when it hits shelves on April 4th. But look out for me running by you to get my own copy haha!
Man I don’t even know where to start, this novel blew me away. I feel like I haven’t read a book in so long that made me enjoy it so much and get really attached to the characters. I guess, first things first – this plot was so fantastically done. The way the author wove the story line throughout the novel was absolutely brilliant. And uGH THE WORLD BUILDING. As a space geek, it pleased me so much. Claudia Gray made it seem so realistic and possible that these other planets the characters travel to could be real one day, could exist. Everything about Noemi & Abel’s adventures on all the planets was exciting. Also everything connected so well, and the author has set up a bigger picture conflict for the rest of the series. This book was just so well done in regards to plot and world building, I’m so amazed and awed and I desperately want more.
Not only was the plot phenomenal, but the characters were extraordinary. A lot of the times I find it hard to like the main characters and usually favor the side characters, but in this case I adore the mains. Noemi is this selfless, intelligent, strong, badass Genesis (earth-like planet she lives on) warrior. She will give up her own life for the future of her planet and her people in a heartbeat. I loved her voice and her actions, her compassion for others. However, my favorite character from the book was Abel. Think Terminator with this one – like Arnold Schwarzenegger. A robot meant to help people not kill them. That was Abel. He’s a mech, a robot, designed by a man named Mansfield who creates mechs for earth. But Abel is his special one, the only one made (all the other mechs are duplicated but he’s the only one single Abel model). Without giving much away, Abel as a mech actually has character, thoughts, feelings, and depth to him. Everything about him I adored. To his snarky remarks, his intelligence, his loyalty to Noemi…agh guys my heart hurts thinking about him. He’s SO PURE. Literally so pure. He brought so much more to the book and I desperately need the sequel so I can see more of him.
Defy the Stars did start off a little slow, but once things started moving, once the characters started traveling, things got really intense. I couldn’t stop reading at one point, and I got torn away from reading because of work and other responsibilities. Everything about Defy the Stars I loved. Literally everything; I have no complaints. If you’re looking for an exciting space adventure with a robot who’s more human than wiring, PICK THIS BOOK UP. Defy the Stars reminded me a lot of Star Wars, as well as the Illuminae series by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman! It had the Illuminae level of twists and turns and space excitement so if you enjoyed those books, I think you’ll REALLY like Defy the Stars. I haven’t read Claudia’s other series but I definitely will now!
This novel was fun, thrilling, action – packed, and yes there’s romance. ITS A SLOW BURN TOO. The best kind!! Pick this up when it hits shelves on April 4th. But look out for me running by you to get my own copy haha!
dalidja's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
itsmandyj's review
5.0
I know it's only February, but this book is definitely leading as my favorite book of 2017. I absolutely love the story between Abel and Noemi, I liked that the romance wasn't so in your face and mostly played a back seat to the rest of the story. The adventures they went on and all the different planets were so amazing to read about and made me wish so much that I was living in this world, despite the current war and awfulness going on.
The descriptions of each planet really made me feel like I was there and I could picture exactly what they were like. The other characters in the book are fantastic as well and I really liked all the different personalities that were introduced in this book. I can tell that so many more great things are going to happen between these worlds and everyone that was introduced and I can't wait to see what happens to Abel and Noemi!
The descriptions of each planet really made me feel like I was there and I could picture exactly what they were like. The other characters in the book are fantastic as well and I really liked all the different personalities that were introduced in this book. I can tell that so many more great things are going to happen between these worlds and everyone that was introduced and I can't wait to see what happens to Abel and Noemi!
lessariel's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book from ReadersFirst in exchange for an honest review.
Noemi is 17 and a soldier who has just volunteered for a suicide run in an attempt to protect her planet from over populated, dying Earth.
Abel is a mech, the only one of his kind, who has spent 30 years stuck in an air lock faster being abandoned by his creator.
Together they will learn and grow whilst trying to accomplish a mission to save the lives of the folk on the Masada run.
This book was a fun read. Serious matters (religious fundamentalism, terrorism, environmentalism) are covered a part of the plot but they don't drive it. The humour comes through without being in your face. One of my favourite lines comes from Virginia, a tech friend made on the way, "Hey, This is super heartwarming, but should we maybe finish escaping from prison now? "
It makes use of the religious freedom that powers Genesis to drive Noemi character. Raised on a planet where religion is important but even the atheists and agnostics get group meetings and children are encouraged to find their own faith. Noemi gas doubts we hear about which including making the following comment "it's Always seemed to her that her prayers are never answered, that nobody up there has ever heard her pleas. But God must be listening after all. "
Noemi is 17 and a soldier who has just volunteered for a suicide run in an attempt to protect her planet from over populated, dying Earth.
Abel is a mech, the only one of his kind, who has spent 30 years stuck in an air lock faster being abandoned by his creator.
Together they will learn and grow whilst trying to accomplish a mission to save the lives of the folk on the Masada run.
This book was a fun read. Serious matters (religious fundamentalism, terrorism, environmentalism) are covered a part of the plot but they don't drive it. The humour comes through without being in your face. One of my favourite lines comes from Virginia, a tech friend made on the way, "Hey, This is super heartwarming, but should we maybe finish escaping from prison now? "
It makes use of the religious freedom that powers Genesis to drive Noemi character. Raised on a planet where religion is important but even the atheists and agnostics get group meetings and children are encouraged to find their own faith. Noemi gas doubts we hear about which including making the following comment "it's Always seemed to her that her prayers are never answered, that nobody up there has ever heard her pleas. But God must be listening after all. "
codyleigh's review
4.0
I really enjoyed Gray’s Firebird series; I loved the way she handled an intricate multi-universe and dimensional travel but when I heard that she was tackling space… but not only space, but artificial intelligence, rebellion, war and because it’s Gray a complex romance?
I couldn’t be more aboard if I tried and I’d like to start my review off with saying that Claudia Gray does not disappoint! Defy the Stars starts with Noemi Vidal, a seventeen-year-old soldier fighting to save her planet. In a matter of weeks Noemi is expected to give her life in order to give her people the time they need to come up with a way to win a war against the humans and androids/mechs of Earth.
Abel is an advanced mech that nobody knows exists except for his creator and master, Professor Burton Mansfield. Abel has been trapped on a deserted ship in space for 30 years until Noemi stumbles aboard searching for help. Due to being rescued Abel allows for Noemi to become his temporary master believing it to be a step closer to getting back to Mansfield. Although Noemi uses her new position to her advantage and drags Abel across the universe in order to save her own life and her planet.
“I thought you were opposed to engaging in prostitution to fund our travels.”
“That’s not what I—is prostitution your answer for everything?”
^ Hard to explain but oh my god, I laughed so hard. You'll get it once you read it ;)
What I loved about this book was that Earth was the villain. Earth got greedy, created mechs and once they had destroyed their planet they took over another one. This is totally believable; I mean I can totally see this happening. The world building and plot was slow in the beginning but soon picks up. Gray has created a beautiful universe that she shows off to it’s full potential.
The relationship between Noemi and Abel was one I truly savored. Abel slowly becomes more human the more social interaction he’s involved with, I mean watching him finally use sarcasm was such a highlight for me. I didn’t think a relationship between an AI and a human could have so much snark but Gray managed to pull it off, some scenes were hilarious! Poor Noemi grew so much as a person, it took me a while to warm to her character but once I did I became so invested in her story.
“Your soul is bigger than your programming.”
Defy the Stars was the best mix of the Starbound series and Illuminae. Noemi and Abel battle across the galaxy in order to save the people they love. Loyalty and love are both tested and there’s more than one beautiful moment that had me questioning humanity, filled with terror for my favourite characters and bursting with pride and love them. In short this book will put you through the ringer but it’s more than worth it, I can't wait for book two!
Literary-ly Obsessed (Blog) | Twitter | Instagram
I couldn’t be more aboard if I tried and I’d like to start my review off with saying that Claudia Gray does not disappoint! Defy the Stars starts with Noemi Vidal, a seventeen-year-old soldier fighting to save her planet. In a matter of weeks Noemi is expected to give her life in order to give her people the time they need to come up with a way to win a war against the humans and androids/mechs of Earth.
Abel is an advanced mech that nobody knows exists except for his creator and master, Professor Burton Mansfield. Abel has been trapped on a deserted ship in space for 30 years until Noemi stumbles aboard searching for help. Due to being rescued Abel allows for Noemi to become his temporary master believing it to be a step closer to getting back to Mansfield. Although Noemi uses her new position to her advantage and drags Abel across the universe in order to save her own life and her planet.
“I thought you were opposed to engaging in prostitution to fund our travels.”
“That’s not what I—is prostitution your answer for everything?”
^ Hard to explain but oh my god, I laughed so hard. You'll get it once you read it ;)
What I loved about this book was that Earth was the villain. Earth got greedy, created mechs and once they had destroyed their planet they took over another one. This is totally believable; I mean I can totally see this happening. The world building and plot was slow in the beginning but soon picks up. Gray has created a beautiful universe that she shows off to it’s full potential.
The relationship between Noemi and Abel was one I truly savored. Abel slowly becomes more human the more social interaction he’s involved with, I mean watching him finally use sarcasm was such a highlight for me. I didn’t think a relationship between an AI and a human could have so much snark but Gray managed to pull it off, some scenes were hilarious! Poor Noemi grew so much as a person, it took me a while to warm to her character but once I did I became so invested in her story.
“Your soul is bigger than your programming.”
Defy the Stars was the best mix of the Starbound series and Illuminae. Noemi and Abel battle across the galaxy in order to save the people they love. Loyalty and love are both tested and there’s more than one beautiful moment that had me questioning humanity, filled with terror for my favourite characters and bursting with pride and love them. In short this book will put you through the ringer but it’s more than worth it, I can't wait for book two!
Literary-ly Obsessed (Blog) | Twitter | Instagram
librariann's review
3.0
This was incredibly ridiculous but also really fun. Everything seemed to happen JUSTSO and the characters other than Abel were essentially undifferentiated, yet I really enjoyed reading it. Kind of Twilight in space? Like, you know it's bad, yet it's so entertaining. Would make total sense as a screenplay.