Reviews

A Pale Light in the Black by K.B. Wagers

booksthatburn's review against another edition

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The description said they're the coast guard for space, but in the narrative they self-identified as cops, so I'm not finishing this. My patience for copaganda and cops as protagonists is almost nonexistent.

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cdeane61's review

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3.0

Wanted to give it a 4 because there is nothing really wrong with it, just a little formulaic for my taste.
Maybe that is it, just too pat, all of the main characters just too right...

On the other hand, it is a very fun read, and easy to pick up and get right back into. I would not count out looking in to others in the series, or even pursuing some of the authors other works.

jrho's review

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adventurous funny 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? No

4.0

ellenreading_theend's review

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4.0

I asked for fun found family sci fi and y’all delivered! This one was the first of the recommendations that I picked up, mostly because @runoutofpages has been trying to get me to read it for a while, and I have the sequel ready and waiting for me! I loved the found family of course, but the competition prep was so fun and unexpected! Can’t wait to dive into the next one.

ofliterarynature's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

gearsandsteam's review

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4.0

A fantastic change of pace from KB's other series (which is also amazing). This had a similar feel to The Expanse and I loved the added element of inter-military competition. I do wish more time was focused on the competition aspect of it. I felt cheated out of some good scenes (like The Big Game) that were really hyped up by the characters. I did really enjoy all the characters and the main mystery-esque plot. At times it did feel like two different books smashed into one with the competition thing and the main plot both vying for my attention. I am really looking forward to reading the next book!

needleclicker's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

4.5

bulwerka's review

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2.0

Just didn’t grab me

cassimiranda's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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

This is a crime procedural set in space with The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet vibes – without the aliens. It is multi-POV story focusing on the diverse crew investigating mysterious ships, mechanical failures, and space piracy. All of this in post-apocalyptic future where human lifespans have been expanded exponentially. Within this setup, we meet a team of dedicated investigators. At its core, this novel is about interpersonal connections… and K.B. Wagers did a good job writing convincing, complicated, and grounded characters. I truly enjoyed this one, and I look forward to more.

riley_rose's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing sad 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

4.5