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irisestacansado's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Olive Kelley has debuted with an outstanding story of a disabled, autistic, nonbinary lesbian, in space. Taking contemporary issues of climate change, transphobia, homophobia, etc. and transporting them into the distant future shows us a glimpse into both our present and an alternative sci-fi future while maintaining a level of hope. Kelley challenges complacency, intentional or not, and highlights the intersections of marginalization and the ways people experience them, from Juno explicitly saying she's in a place of privilege because she has more money and is white to Junker/Castro saying they had the privilege of an upper middle class upbringing before their crash.
Every page of this book has something to further the characters and/or plot, leaving you always saying "Just *one* more page," even when you're in class or supposed to be going to bed or whatever else gets in the way of reading. While Junker starts with some serious flaws in this novel, they remain loveable from the start. I appreciate, as well, that Kelley doesn't insta-fix Junker - their changes come gradually and are not fully resolved by the end of the novel, because change is constant.
This is ultimately an uplifting novel, but balances well with the realities of end-stage, accepted bigotry. Death is given the space it needs, but doesn't drown out the hope and capacity this story's universe has for better. Junker Seven is the first of a duology, and I can't wait to read the next part.
Every page of this book has something to further the characters and/or plot, leaving you always saying "Just *one* more page," even when you're in class or supposed to be going to bed or whatever else gets in the way of reading. While Junker starts with some serious flaws in this novel, they remain loveable from the start. I appreciate, as well, that Kelley doesn't insta-fix Junker - their changes come gradually and are not fully resolved by the end of the novel, because change is constant.
This is ultimately an uplifting novel, but balances well with the realities of end-stage, accepted bigotry. Death is given the space it needs, but doesn't drown out the hope and capacity this story's universe has for better. Junker Seven is the first of a duology, and I can't wait to read the next part.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Death, Gun violence, Transphobia, Police brutality, Outing, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Child death, Homophobia, and Sexual harassment
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