This is the second volume of Charlie Jane Anders' YA space opera trilogy, following Victories Greater Than Death, which I reviewed on my blog . Everything I said there is still pretty much true of the sequel. We get six human teenagers who find themselves the first people from Earth to have joined a greater galactic federation of sentient species of many sorts and from many planets. They find out that the galactic federation, though splendid and beautiful in many ways, still isn't all it was cracked up to be. There is a great degree of racism (directed by humaniod species against other, non-mammalian sorts of intelligent life; and also many of these groups regard Earth people as inferior to themselves), and a creaky, bureaucratic government structure that isn't altogether great in itself, though it is clearly better than the Trumpesque opposition, ironically calling itself the Compassion, that is spreading through the galaxy, winning military battle, finessing diplomatic arrangements, and orchestrating coups d'etat on various planets. Also we learn more about the galactic peril intimated at the end of the previous volume, which could end everything even if The Compassion were defeated. Our Earth teens are going through their own traumas regarding relationships and unsatisfied ambitions -- most seriously, Rachel, one of the heroes of the previous volume, has somehow lost her ability to make art -- and yet they still have to stand up to save the galaxy, because nobody else is capable of doing it. The amplification of teenage angst fits well into the overall wild and wacky -- but with an underlying weight -- depiction of the galactic multicultures. In a certain way, this book is in many ways like the old fashioned space operas of the 1950s and following decades that I still love, but thankfully updated with a vibrant mix of multiracial and LGBTQ+ characters, instead of the old stogy white-cis-male centrism of yore. Also written in a more vibrant prose than many of the old masters were capable of. I read this volume addictively, and with great pleasure -- with happy bursts of recognition, with joyful surprise at what I didn't see coming, as well as with thrills and chills over the dangers, the plot twists, and the successes of the bad guys. As the middle book of a trilogy is supposed to, it ends with some victories, but also with a terrible cliffhanger - I can't wait until the final volume is published (presumably a year from now).

I love sci-fi a whole lot, but I feel like YA sci-fi is a hit or miss for me. This one was unfortunately a miss. While this book has two other main characters, Tina is still there. Tina is one of the most annoying characters I've ever had the displeasure of reading. I couldn't stand her. It pains me to keep reading about her. Plus, why all the weird pop culture references? It really takes you out of the story.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publishers for this ARC, but this book was not for me.

I really enjoyed Victories Greater Than Death, but found myself liking this sequel just a wee bit less.

My favorite part of the story was Elza's sections on training to be a princess, tapping into collective consciousness, and unraveling the mystery of how they all found themselves in this situation. All of these sections had great pacing and storytelling. Elza is a fascinating character, who gives us a unique viewpoint that I found refreshing.

I also enjoyed Rachael's sections, although there was a bit too much boy trouble and less, you know, universe trouble being explored. I like that the characters in these books are very clearly teens and behave accordingly, but I would have liked to explore Rachael wrestling with some of those bigger issues like her connection to the ancient aliens and her burgeoning powers. This book is a little darker, a little more dangerous for her in particular, so all the "my boyfriend is so hot" stuff seemed to detract from that tone.

Tina? Gosh, she just doesn't have much to do in this book. at all. I guess that was OK, (she does dominate the first book) but I think splitting up the gang in general didn't give the book the cohesiveness that the first book had for me personally. For example, Tina becomes more fully an alien in between books, but other than commenting on how she looks, this wasn't explored much at all in book 2. That seemed like a missed opportunity.

When I read the first book I had noted that these books read less hard-core sci-fi and more like "teen adventures in space." I felt like the author leaned into that vibe even harder in this book. I wasn't personally loving that choice. This book was still pretty entertaining though.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Just when I thought Victories Greater Than Death had blown my expectations away, Charlie Jane Anders impresses me even more with the second book in her YA sci-fi trilogy, Unstoppable. With higher stakes and excellent character arcs, Dreams Bigger Than Heartbreak surpasses its predecessor in more ways than one.

Read the full review here: https://thegeekiary.com/dreams-bigger-than-heartbreak-by-charlie-jane-anders-book-review/105812

Like the first book in this series, Dreams Bigger Than Heartbreak is galactically diverse, wildly imaginative, and has a wicked sense of humor. Things turn more serious this time around, as a threat from beyond is menacing the galaxy itself, threatening to destroy the suns of many worlds, including Earth. As Tina, Rachel, YiWei, and the other core characters struggle to do what's right despite the demands placed on them, they still deal with normal teen challenges like relationships and self-definition. This installment will leave readers panting for the trilogy's final book. Recommended.

If you have the time, I would highly recommend doing a re-read of Victories Greater than Death before picking this book up because, as someone who did not have the time to do that, it took me quite a while to get back into the swing of this story. Once I did I was welcomed back into the gloriously detailed, chaotic and wondrous world of Charlie Jane Anders' science fiction.
I feel like people who haven't read many of her other books might feel thrown by the tone/pacing of this book which does dart about in a way that can feel a little overwhelming or confusing. My recommendation is to just leap in and let the story take you where it will. Maybe pick a character as an anchor point and try and take in their story more than anyone else's (mine was Rachel).
Plot-wise this book sure was exciting, with heaps of moving parts! I loved all the new worldbuilding details we got to explore along the way and it's a nice example of 'show don't tell' when it comes to science fiction. I also appreciated the emphasis on non-linear healing and on communication!
This book would have blown me away as a young adult, and would have probably cracked my small-world mind open like a little egg - maybe teen readers now already have open minds, maybe they'd have the same feeling?
I wouldn't say this is a favourite series at the moment but I'm very excited to see how the series comes together as a whole in the end. Will I love it? Will I continue to be very confused? Either way I think this series is the bizarre queer science fiction we need right now. Bring on book three!

great book and had me on my seat. I enjoyed the characters and all that happened in the book. I enjoyed being in this world and seeing the growth of the characters. I enjoyed the drama of the story and I can't wait to read others books by this author.

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<p>Review copy provided by the publisher.</p>
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<p>It sure is a good thing that galaxies stay saved once you save them, right? <em>Right?</em></p>
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<p>Uh-oh.</p>
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<p>The characters from <em>Victories Greater Than Death</em> are back, and they're pursuing the heck out of their dreams...mostly. Those of them who can. Those of them who are not recovering from the total ass-whupping it was to save the galaxy. Because it turns out that saving the galaxy takes a whole heck of a lot out of you, and sometimes you do not bounce back in exactly the same shape as you were before. Sometimes you are literally larger and more purple. Sometimes figuratively...well. There's a lot to come back from, is what I'm saying. And that's <em>before</em> you learn that the villain you vanquished has not been as thoroughly caged and the ground (space?) around him as thoroughly salted as you might have hoped.</p>
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<p>Yikes.</p>
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<p>So yeah, this is a middle book with the volume turned up to eleven. This is so very middle book of a trilogy. I <em>love</em> middle books. The stakes are set, the complications set in, the characters' decisions ramify and come back to bite them. In this case, Tina's story is allowed to spread to give Rachael, Elza, and the others more focal time and perspective, and I am entirely here for it.</p>
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<p>And there is a lot of room for more alien species, more cultural stuff--alien video games! alien snacks! alien pop culture jokes!--and generally room to move around in the universe Anders has built and see how it fits. And how it falls apart under pressure, and who it fails. What dreams it offers. What heartbreak. The emotions are all turned up to eleven here, and that's what YA is best at. That's one of my favorite things to read YA for. I could immediately think of at least three teens and two adults who would be enthralled with this series. I can't wait for the stunning conclusion.</p>
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The following review will be posted on Thursday, March 31st, five days before publication. It will be shared on Twitter and Instagram between that Thursday, and the publication date (Tuesday, April 5th), but the review has already been posted on Goodreads. The blog post includes links to pre-order the books and to its Goodreads page, so readers can add it to their to-be-read books.

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Actual Rating: 3 stars
Content Warning: Some violent imagery, as to be expected in a sci-fi novel.

“Dreams Bigger Than Heartbreak” is the second book in the Unstoppable series, following directly after the events in the first book. This time around, we live the story through different points of view: Rachael, as she lives with not being able to make art anymore; Tina, who is studying at the Royal Space Academy in hopes of becoming the hero she’s supposed to be; and Elza, Tina’s girlfriend, who’s competing to become a princess.

This did not read like a book, it read more like an elaborate AU fanfic. The world-building and character introduction weren’t the absolute worse there is, but I personally consider there are better ways to introduce a character’s gender than adding their pronouns after their name. The (she/her), (he/him), etc. threw me off from the start. Also, why break that science fiction, futuristic feel by talking about real-world things like Tiktok? I get that they’re teenagers in space, but those references and mentions threw me off.

Overall, it’s entertaining and relatively fast-paced. It’s a fun read that isn’t necessarily short, but it’s so action-packed that it feels like it’s short, in a good way. I really enjoyed the different gender and sexuality representation in this book, it mostly felt organic to the story. I think my favorite parts of this book were told through “letters” sent through Joinergram, which tells you a lot about why I gave this book 3 stars.

If you read the first book in this series, then by all means grab this one too, you will know what to expect and will get to see the main characters again. I would also recommend this book to younger readers trying to get into science fiction writing, or young readers who have enjoyed reading “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card.

I really enjoyed a book by this same author that was not marketed as a YA. This one has references to pop culture that I don't think are needed to further the story, and that I'm not sure are needed to market to this age group. The references to technology will only serve to date the book, and quickly. To me, they were an unwelcome distraction to a story I was looking forward to reading.

Another wonderful entry in the Unstoppable series. Things pick up pretty much right where we left off from Victories Greater Than Death. Rachael is recovering from mind melding with that device and saving the galaxy, and everyone else is getting involved with their new lives.

A fun rollicking adventure that you never really know where it's going to go. Unlike the last book, much of this book separates our favorite characters and doesn't allow them to work together, but this allows new fun characters to be introduced. Including an elusive artist, who has secrets we learn about as the book goes on.

The book follows the point of view of two main characters (with some chapters here and there from Tina's point of view.) Rachael, and Elza are who we hear the story from the most part. Rachael is still working through what happened to her after the mind meld, and trying to figure out if she has lost her art permanently. Elza is working to become princess by going to princess school. (That sounds silly, but it is really like that in a good way.)

The cross galactic bad guys are on their way to destroy suns, while the interior threat is getting worse. The Compassion is taking over a once friendly planet, and Marrant has figured his way out.
And then of course there's Tina and the walnut (I Actually forget what it is. Something small) that will give all of Thoa's memories and personality back to her all at once, erasing Tina.

Lots of fun things happen! And, then we get to the end that ends as any middle (middle? I would wish for more, but i am guessing this is just a trilogy) book should with a cliff hanger on several different fronts!

And, also like the first book there's so much more in these pages. Depression, anxiety, in love vs love, consent, and grief (so much grief!).

It's a wonderful book, and I'd recommend it to anyone who asks.

I enjoyed Victories Greater than Death, the first book in the series, quite a bit, but felt more than anything that I'd like the second book even more-- and I was right. With less need to frantically worldbuild, Dreams Bigger Than Heartbreak focuses more heavily on characters and relationships. Where it does expand the universe, the basics are covered, so we get to see the cool corners and idiosyncracies of the world(s).

A couple favorite things:

-a VERY good identity reveal
-a great heist
-Rachael got the agency she deserved in this book, and more
-Elza kicks a whole lot of butt
-lots of different kinds of relationships (romantic/otherwise) are explored and valued

This is a bit of a soapbox I like to get on but this is a highly successful middle book of a trilogy- it has its own plot that builds and resolves nicely, but in a way that leaves me extremely excited for the conclusion.

I love Charlie Jane Anders's writing... I just wasn't feeling this book. The writing was what you would expect from Anders and I can see this storyline being inspiring for teens. If I had a classroom of my own these days, it would definitely be one that I pick up for my students. For myself, being a bit past some of this, I found it tired. The representation was amazing but I just couldn't get into the story itself.

This was a decent follow up to the first book – both are soft ‘cosy’ space opera style sci-fi – and I generally enjoyed it. I think this might be a case of me aging out of the genre though since I found the stye and subject matter less engaging than I would have expected. Some great concepts and generally likeable characters but I’m just not really the target audience anymore.

Thank you to Tor Teen and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I have enjoyed Anders's work in the past and this was also really good. I had the privilege of reading the previous installment, Victories Greater Than Death, right before I started this ARC which helped my understanding a bit. The characters from the previous installment have all grown and changed in measurable ways but still remain true to who they were from the start. I have to say the section with Elza after her encounter with the Hitnat was glorious and I hope everyone understands that message, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, because it was so powerful and so true: "the Hitnat is attracted to lies. Not secrets." People should not be persecuted for living their truth and Elza is a wonderful example of growing beyond that. Rachel's storyline was heartbreaking and so honest and the end where Anders weaves Rachel and Elza's journeys back together was lovely. I am very excited to see where this trilogy goes and also the fact that we don't end on a cliffhanger is a major plus in my book.

I wasn't sure about this one. The first one was fine, but it did set up some good things, but I thought this one would be better, but the timeline was messy, and I just didn't understand where it was going.
Sadly a miss for me, but I know some other people will enjoy it, this series was just not for me.

Dreams Bigger Than Heartbreak by Charlie Jane Anders is the second book in the Unstoppable trilogy. Rachael is the first artist to leave Earth and adventure across the galaxy. After a mysterious encounter with an alien artifact, she is no longer able to make art. Elza is determined to be the first human inside the Palace of Scented Tears. She wants to compete to become a princess. Once in the palace, though, she encounters the last person she would ever want to see. Tina is studying at the Royal Space Academy along with her friends. Soon, Rachael, Elza, and Tina are taken on unexpected paths.

I enjoyed the multiple perspectives in this book. Like the first book, there is an ample amount of diversity and sci-fi action. This sequel is a quick read, just like the first.

I didn't love the first book and I had already requested this before I read the first book, which was my first mistake.
This picks up right after the first book, and although I only read that about a month ago, everything had left my brain making this for a hard book for me to get through.

I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style throughout either of these, and I found this one had a lot of "this thing happened" without an indepth explanation, before moving onto the next thing.

I think that the writing style wasn't typical for a Science Fiction and that is most likely the main issue I had with this.

3.5 stars

Dreams Bigger Than Heartbreak is the sequel to Victories Greater than Death and follows immediately on from events in book 1 with our characters facing a new threat, as well as old enemies. We mainly follow Racheal, Tina and Elza and their friends as they go on their next adventures. Racheal is grappling with the fact she can’t make art anymore (her life’s passion) after her mysterious contact with an alien species. Elza is competing to become a princess and there encounters someone she never wanted to see again. And Tina is studying at the space academy trying to live up to being the hero everyone thinks she is, while facing a very difficult choice.

I had pretty similar feelings on this book as book 1 - it’s a fun sci-fi adventure with some great characters (although they are not all time faves they are very likeable) and I think it would be great for sci-fi beginners. However I don’t think it’s anything super unique or special and doesn’t really stand out to me, it’s the kind of book you enjoy while reading it but then never think about again.

There is a lot of queer rep in this book which is great! I also thought the relationships were cute even if some of the conflicts were a bit rushed. I also thought it was slightly redundant to have the character pronouns in brackets straight after their name is introduced (not verbally, which would have made sense if that’s how characters introduce themselves to each other but it was just in the text which to me was completely pointless as they would just then use the pronouns in the prose so the reader can easily pick them up that way? Idk lol).

Also something else that bugged me a bit was all the pop culture references - after book 1 I thought this was pure sci-fi but in this book at times it felt like reading a contemporary. Like why in this sci-fi space adventure are you taking about Ariana grande T_T

Overall I would recommend this book, especially if you liked the first one. It is well paced and addictive to read with a great found family in space and an entertaining plot.

This was a great follow-up to the first one, even if it did have a lot of despair in it. More viewpoints than the first one and I read this as an ebook rather than audio which hits a bit different. I hope the sequel is out soon.