A review by eb00kie
Astray by Jenny Schwartz

Did not finish book. Stopped at 2%.

Get an editor. I’m reading this rotten lazy over-indulged garbage because I’m feeling off, but the cheap moralising is too cringy.

Enjoy:

”What the fuzzy slimeballs’ fuzz was she thinking?” 
 “Um, you did hear the bit where I said the temporary nature of her contract with the gaming club is unusual?” 
 “I’m not deaf! They’re parading her there among drunk and horny men so that someone buys her contract—” She broke off at his sharp headshake. 
 “Not someone. You.” 
 “What?” 
 He answered patiently. “No matter how you view your relationship, from Cherry’s perspective, at nineteen and still a reckless teenager, she expects her big sister to buy her freedom. For human adolescents, consequences are someone else’s problem.” 
 Nora opened her mouth, closed it, and slumped back to stare at the ceiling. 
 “If it helps, there’s no record of her father or brother on the station.” 
 Nora blew a raspberry. 
 “Well, that’s mature.” 
 She straightened to scowl at him. “Nineteen in Angkor isn’t like nineteen somewhere middle class where a teen can still run to mommy and daddy. At nineteen in the towers, Cherry could already have two children. Her coming out to the Hadrian Line isn’t thoughtlessness. She’s trying to force my hand.” 
 “To force a relationship,” he corrected, and added with a rueful smile. “If Scott and Keith were your family, wouldn’t you want to swap them for someone else?” 
 Stars damn. Yes, I would. She went back to staring at the ceiling. 
 “Cherry’s contract costs less than the fuel for this expedition.” 
 “Fuel is the biggest cost of any expedition. And I need it. I don’t need Cherry.” Abruptly, she bounced out of the captain’s seat. “Cherry is not my sister. Maya made that decision.” 
 “You can make a different one.” 
 “And burden myself with Scott’s daughter? You give a leech money once, and you never shake them.” 
 “Or you show a person kindness, and you change their life forever.” Sitting in his chair while she paced, he had to look up at her. “I pinned all my hopes on you. I was right to do so.”