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A review by nikzbookcorner
Umbra by Amber Toro
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
Maybe I’m slightly biased as someone who grew up with all things sci-fi, which basically puts this book in my wheelhouse, but this debut is absolutely phenomenal! Please do not let the genre deter you from reading this. It is a wonderful gateway introduction to intergalactic sci-fi space adventure. As someone who has dipped more than a toe/foot/leg into the genre (and subgenres), it made me absolutely giddy as a reader.
One of my favorite things about Umbra is that it takes the complexities of a sci-fi/space opera and simplifies it to a degree that makes it easily digestible. So many aspects of sci-fi can make a story convoluted and hard to follow when you start to get into the mechanics of it, especially when there’s tech or sentient ships involved. But honestly it is told in such a way that is easy to follow while keeping the reader wholly engaged in the characters and the plot taking place. And my god, what a ride it is! The writing is so well done and really envelops you into the various worlds and environments.
In addition, the characters and their voices are strong! The story is written from 3 POV, which allows the reader to really get a feel for each individual and their makeup - like what drives them, why are they doing what they’re doing and how that affects the overall outcome. The development of various relationships and how events unfold felt truly organic in how it ultimately brings everyone together. And the integration of AI and the fully sentient ships just adds to the overall enjoyment of the story.
The mysteries and intrigue abound as our characters find themselves in a situation not of their own making but doing what needs to be done to circumvent catastrophe. I am so thrilled to have had the opportunity to ARC read this and I cannot wait to continue this trilogy!
⟡ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5/5
⟡ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 1/5
⟡ 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: adult sci-fi, space opera adventure, militaristic society, sentient starships, political intrigue, ST + BSG vibes, slow burn romance, reluctant allies to lovers, rag tag crew, found family, witty banter, space battles, sword fights, cliffhanger ending, & more
⟡ 𝐂𝐖: violence, mass destruction
One of my favorite things about Umbra is that it takes the complexities of a sci-fi/space opera and simplifies it to a degree that makes it easily digestible. So many aspects of sci-fi can make a story convoluted and hard to follow when you start to get into the mechanics of it, especially when there’s tech or sentient ships involved. But honestly it is told in such a way that is easy to follow while keeping the reader wholly engaged in the characters and the plot taking place. And my god, what a ride it is! The writing is so well done and really envelops you into the various worlds and environments.
In addition, the characters and their voices are strong! The story is written from 3 POV, which allows the reader to really get a feel for each individual and their makeup - like what drives them, why are they doing what they’re doing and how that affects the overall outcome. The development of various relationships and how events unfold felt truly organic in how it ultimately brings everyone together. And the integration of AI and the fully sentient ships just adds to the overall enjoyment of the story.
The mysteries and intrigue abound as our characters find themselves in a situation not of their own making but doing what needs to be done to circumvent catastrophe. I am so thrilled to have had the opportunity to ARC read this and I cannot wait to continue this trilogy!
⟡ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 5/5
⟡ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 1/5
⟡ 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: adult sci-fi, space opera adventure, militaristic society, sentient starships, political intrigue, ST + BSG vibes, slow burn romance, reluctant allies to lovers, rag tag crew, found family, witty banter, space battles, sword fights, cliffhanger ending, & more
⟡ 𝐂𝐖: violence, mass destruction