The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
cerilouisereads's review
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Genocide, Colonisation, Slavery, Death, Terminal illness, and Body horror
starccato's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Suicide, Xenophobia, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Emotional abuse, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, War, Grief, Genocide, Blood, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Gaslighting, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Colonisation, Slavery, and Confinement
Moderate: Physical abuse, Racism, Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Police brutality, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual content, Abandonment, Ableism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Dysphoria
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The message is powerful and thoughtful, but it's the characters that made me feel some type of way. I genuinely couldn't choose a most or least favorite of the seven because all of their POVs have that spark of life that gets under your skin. They all suffered, they all carry guilt and hope, and they all fight tooth and nail to take down an empire and to protect each other. I love how there's some light romance, but it's really the found family bonds that tie the story together. You could point to any combination of the team and identify special moments they've had, major turning points in their relationship, or a meaningful connection they share. I (obviously) love a romance as much as the next person if not more, but it felt like a warm hug to read a book that prioritizes the other ways we attach ourselves to one another, with no less value or dedication.
Omg how I cried at a few points. I knew on some level that it would be a rough journey given the scale of the task before our intrepid team. But that didn't make it less painful at times or nerve-wracking. There's undercover work on an alien planet, a mass prison break, and one final, explosive mission against an emperor and an autonomous AI. So I would describe my stress level as 10/10 because I love them all so much and was freaked out about the odds.
Science fiction fans should definitely get their hands on this now complete series. Even for those who are intimidated by the genre, I recommend this as an approachable, character-driven series with all the action and wit one could wish for. Thanks to DAW for my copy to read and review.
Graphic: Colonisation, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Genocide, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Terminal illness, Transphobia, Violence, War, Child abuse, Classism, Physical abuse, Suicide, and Xenophobia
Minor: Ableism, Alcoholism, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Confinement, Dysphoria, and Sexual content