Earthrise

Attempted reread in 2021

I might try this again at a later date (though probably not) but right now, I just can't deal with it. Reese is abrasive, I know that. I loved it the first time around. But knowing that I do now - the pairing and this disdain and, I would say, downright hatred at times that Reese has for Hirianthial ultimately leads to a romance - I don't want to put up with it. Honestly, she starts going off about Eldritch mind tricks (basically, in this instance, mind control to make someone like you) and it is ticking me off. I might be able to get over it - though bigotry is a major problem for me - but with the relationship being set up like this, I don't really care enough to stick around and see how much I know she improves. (Also, it's super annoying the way Reese keeps fighting against being called ‘Lady' by Hirianthial.)


Original Review

It's been five days since I finished this book and am only now getting to update this and have totally forgotten everything I wanted to say about this book. Let's see...

Love the fact that there are so many different alien races and that in a crew of six (if I remember correctly) only one is human. And she's a POC main character. I like the found family feel - as usual - and the late story ‘twist' was perfect. (Though I did play a game with a twist like that once so it wasn't a total surprise.) The only real complaint I've got is that the plot seems kind of ... untethered. There's a huge block of the story (a third or so of this not short book) where the only thing that happens is...nothing. Maybe a little character development, but even that is on the light side there. Also, there was a moment late in the book when I truly wanted to haul off and hit the main character - who, up until that point, I'd had no problems with. So, not flawless, but am totally going to go grab the sequel.

I enjoyed this space opera with a strong female lead. And I like Reese the captain because she makes mistakes, pushes friends away, and is not a very dangerous fighter. But she is loyal and does the best she can to do good and keep her promises. I immediately got the next book, so I can continue the story!