marpesea's review
5.0
Kenna is poor, the only son of two inevitable philosophers who roam space looking for wealthy patrons to advise. While his parents can take solace in their profound wisdom, Kenna has not yet discovered his philosophy and spends his time being bullied on cramped spaceships. A chance encounter grants him entry into the magical world of the Sol Majestic and then things get interesting.
This is a book about food and found family, first love and a hard day’s work. There are some quick tonal shifts and the last chunk wraps up quickly— it could have easily been expanded into another novel, but overall this was a satisfying and optimistic sci-fi novel.
Recommended for fans of Becky Chambers, consommé, and socialism.
This is a book about food and found family, first love and a hard day’s work. There are some quick tonal shifts and the last chunk wraps up quickly— it could have easily been expanded into another novel, but overall this was a satisfying and optimistic sci-fi novel.
Recommended for fans of Becky Chambers, consommé, and socialism.
tobiologist's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
literatehedgehog's review
This is too hard to get into, despite seeming like genre catnip for me (space traveler life? delicious food? compelling stakes?). Yet the writing style and voice grates and gets in the way of my enjoyment. Maybe I will try again in a different frame of mind.
askiddo's review
I just couldn't get in to the story and after leaving it sitting for a while didn't find myself wanting to go back to it.
sunflowerscottie's review
5.0
I cannot recommend this book enough. It was funny, it was inspiring, it was touching. I fell in love with the characters and felt their struggles and their successes. It’s absurd, it’s real, and somehow it manages to be both of those things at the same time.
The book feels very much in the vein of Terri Prachett and Douglas Adams. It’s unapologetically ridiculous and simply an amazing read. I cried when I finished it just because it had ended, and even went so far as to read the acknowledgements because I needed to know how this wacky, amazing book came into being.
Please, if you like science fiction (or frankly, even if you don’t), please read this book.
The book feels very much in the vein of Terri Prachett and Douglas Adams. It’s unapologetically ridiculous and simply an amazing read. I cried when I finished it just because it had ended, and even went so far as to read the acknowledgements because I needed to know how this wacky, amazing book came into being.
Please, if you like science fiction (or frankly, even if you don’t), please read this book.
postmodernblues's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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? Yes
3.0
rainbowrex's review
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? Yes
2.5
_puffa_'s review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-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
4.5