I've come to the conclusion that these books aren't so much science fiction as fantasy with some SF trappings (aliens, spaceships, planets). It's lampshaded that the laws of physics are not being well observed here, plus the main character is developing what I can only call a psychic connection to the self-aware cyberspace known as the Q-Net. It very nearly got onto my "SF-with-bad-science" shelf, but I don't think the unscientific bits are a result of ignorance (as in the other books on that shelf); they're deliberate.

Somehow, I liked the main character, despite the fact that she's a bit of a perfect Chosen One. I can see why everyone else finds her irritating, since she keeps being right about things and has basically superpowers. She gets away with this for me because of her self-deprecation, even if she claims not to be sensible and is, in fact, extremely sensible, accepting necessary limitations without irrational teenage rebellion, and taking all of her risks for good reasons.

Despite the flawed science and flawless heroine, I did enjoy this, and intend to keep reading the series. I like the voice, I like the mystery, I like the fact that it isn't just the same old thing reheated once again, and I want to see where it goes from here.

I received a review copy via Netgalley.

A fun, fast-paced, action-packed sequel! The character building and the plot were rather belivable and kept me wanting more.

This book had so much oomph and I personally wanted to punch some of the characters in the face. The gritty reality for some of the characters had me on tenterhooks, and I really was here for it all!

Rating: 5/5

(Formal review will be posted on my blog on the 4th of November!)

I was extremely excited for this as I loved the first book, but it was mostly boring. I was constantly waiting for some action or bigger twist or turn.
Unfortunately I feel this has some pacing issues.
It's mostly about Lyra/Ara training and worming in the Qnet for the first 45% and then we get tiny slivers of why Jarren is attacking and some more clues regarding the warriors until 80%. Lots of parents staring and disapproving of things and we don't even get any romance scenes. Every time I think they're finally going further, they get inerrupted. That quite frankly made me mad and unsatisfied. The ending (the last 8% of the book) is too short and rushed.
I'm hoping that the next book is better paced and not as boring to read.
Dear M V Snyder, please don't let me down. I love your books.

Huge thank you to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

I’ve read several of Maria V. Snyder’s fantasy books and really enjoy her writing, but I can honestly say… she should write more sci-fi!! They say you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover but in this case, I’m very glad I did! I didn’t know this series even existed until I stumbled upon the first book in my local store and bought it because I liked the cover. It wasn’t until I got it home that I realised it was by an author I’d read before and really enjoyed and before I was even halfway through I went searching to see if there was a second book because I was enjoying the first one so much that I knew I would want to read the second straight away; I was so excited when I saw it on NetGalley and immediately requested it!

Full (spoiler-y) review here: https://wmsreads.tumblr.com/post/186625825367/

With many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my ARC.

I only discovered the authors books a couple of years ago but have been devouring them ever since. Happily, this title is another excellent entry into the series and we see deeper developments in both the storyline and the main characters’, for example - Ara/Lyra’s relationship with Niall.

Full of fast paced adventure, fantastic world building and eerily believable (I want to believe) techno-savvy feats, this book/series is another gem.
Archaeological finds, hostile alien life forms, being cut off from the outside and stranded on their planet by greedy space pirates, a surprising ally and a touch of romance blend together nicely with the mysteries that are the focus of the storyline.

If you haven’t already, then read, “Navigating the stars” the first title in the series immediately and follow it up by treating yourself to this title, too. Resistance is futile so read the books now... you know that you want to, so don’t delay.

I’m now impatiently waiting for the next title in the series to become available.

Keep them coming, really enjoying this series and already want the next book.😀😀😀😀. Like all the characters and can get invested in the story because of that.