The Vela is a gripping sci fi serial with social commentary on immigration and climate disaster. Harnessing the sun's energy has led to the cooling ofThe Vela is a gripping sci fi serial with social commentary on immigration and climate disaster. Harnessing the sun's energy has led to the cooling of the solar system with many fleeing desolate planets as space refugees. They build scrap ships and huddle in the limbo of space, hoping to join a nation through a lottery or military service because planets aren't letting anyone in. Those unaffected by the sudden plunge in temperatures are content to pretend that the solar system-wide catastrophe isn't happening. This book features many LGBTQ+ characters. Asala is trans, Niko is nonbinary, and various side characters are under different parts of the umbrella. In terms of disability representation, Asala is deaf/ hard of hearing and uses a hearing aid. This was a suspenseful read trying to figure out what happened to the Vela and the politics surrounding its disappearance. The Gandesian, Hypatian, and Khayyami cultures were fully realized and intriguing. Asala struggles with losing her heritage and her loyalty to her clan. Niko struggles with their conniving father's lack of scruples. All the characters are caught in turmoil of how to ethically engage with so many unscrupulous nations and power hungry leaders....more
Watch here for my full review: https://youtu.be/KSRNW8uCM3I. I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinionWatch here for my full review: https://youtu.be/KSRNW8uCM3I. I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. Book contains descriptions of domestic abuse and familial neglect....more
Katherine and Jane's friendship is the highlight of the book. The tone reminds me of the movie True Grit.Katherine and Jane's friendship is the highlight of the book. The tone reminds me of the movie True Grit....more
I really enjoyed this short story. It was written in the 2nd person from the perspective of someone other than the main character, which gave unique iI really enjoyed this short story. It was written in the 2nd person from the perspective of someone other than the main character, which gave unique insights into the world and allowed for surprising reveals. I found this story gratifying. Jemisin's vision of this possible future is difficult but hopeful, and she gives some cutting social commentary. The main detraction for me was that the mechanics of how people lived on Earth were unexplained, and since the world Jemisin described seemed implausible to me, it made parts of the social commentary feel facile....more
Arika is a very dynamic protagonist. She used to be very rebellious and became a toady after Teacher Jones crushed her spirit. A lot of the book is abArika is a very dynamic protagonist. She used to be very rebellious and became a toady after Teacher Jones crushed her spirit. A lot of the book is about whether or not she will return to being rebellious. Topics this book brought up - what does it take to be a revolutionary, the role of school and revised histories in upholding the status quo, the importance of memory to identity, creating family in a disruptive violent environment, the usefulness of divide and conquer....more
Auben is an engaging, morally grey protagonist. The voice of Icy Blue compels him to do terrible things, but he'd done not-as-terrible things before hAuben is an engaging, morally grey protagonist. The voice of Icy Blue compels him to do terrible things, but he'd done not-as-terrible things before his possession. This is a society with 3 genders, and there's a trans side character. There's a lot of conflicts in this book - Auben v himself, Auben v Kasim, religious v secular factions, etc.. Towards the end, it felt like some things got lost in the shuffle and that not every plot line was given its dues. I generally liked that I didn't know where the plot was going and that the characterizations felt consistent. This was a thrilling read, and I zipped through it....more
I came in with high expectations because I adored Solomon's debut novel. I didn't love it as much as I thought I would but still a solid read. This waI came in with high expectations because I adored Solomon's debut novel. I didn't love it as much as I thought I would but still a solid read. This was a very imaginative take on mermaids, and I was intrigued by the changes Solomon made to the lore. The wanjiru world felt a bit underdeveloped. I felt like there was more to tell about how they structure family and their society. I think the analytical/ objectice tone made it difficult for me to get invested in Yetu. Stylistically and thematically it made sense, but it wasn't until about halfway in when Yetu falls in love that I felt an emotional connection to her character. The ending was very sweet. This novel looks at questions of memory and heritage in a thought provoking and engaging way....more
I first read an excerpt in the Reading the Bones anthology edited by Sheree Renee Thomas and was very intrigued, so I wanted to read the full work. I I first read an excerpt in the Reading the Bones anthology edited by Sheree Renee Thomas and was very intrigued, so I wanted to read the full work. I don't know what to make of this book. Hairston doesn't outright explain how the world works. The reader gets the lay of the land and the history of this world as the book progresses. I had difficulty keeping track of characters and locations. There's commentary on Hollywood/entertainment, singing as time travel, and clashes between tradition and modernity. Mindscape ultimately felt like a bundle of cool ideas that wasn't quite cohesive, fragmented like a post-Barrier world....more
Familiar concepts and characters. Felt Maggie's struggling relatable. Some predictable reveals. We learn what one of the character's abilities is, andFamiliar concepts and characters. Felt Maggie's struggling relatable. Some predictable reveals. We learn what one of the character's abilities is, and it's played as a big betrayal, but I was massively confused because I had guessed his ability as soon as he was introduced and thought everyone knew. Fun enough read...more
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