Book Review: A Sci-Fi Journey Through the Human Mind

This novel had all the ingredients for an outstanding read: a fascinating setting, a diverse cast of characters, and a plot that promised a blend of psychological depth and sci-fi intrigue. The world-building was superb, transporting the reader to an intricate and vividly imagined space station. The potential here was immense, and the story began with a strong foundation.

The plot's premise is compelling, centered around a crew of teenagers navigating the complexities of life on a series of space stations. The challenges they face and the mysteries that unfold set the stage for a narrative that could have been both thrilling and thought-provoking.

However, the execution fell short of its potential. The story leaned heavily into the protagonist's internal struggles, with much of the narrative dedicated to her psychological state and anxious musings. While this exploration of mental health is important and can add depth to a character, it overshadowed the sci-fi elements that were meant to drive the plot. As a result, the story felt unbalanced, with too much focus on internal dialogue and not enough on the action and intrigue that the setting promised.

The protagonist's lack of practical skills and her tendency to observe rather than engage in the station's activities left the narrative feeling stagnant at times. The repetitive nature of her inner monologues made the second and third acts drag, diluting the impact of the story.

Despite these shortcomings, there were moments of brilliance. The test scenario, where the crew first meets, was a highlight, showcasing the potential for tension and character dynamics that could have carried the rest of the book. Unfortunately, these moments were too few and far between.

In summary, while the novel had a strong concept and a well-crafted setting, it ultimately fell short due to its overemphasis on psychological introspection at the expense of the sci-fi elements. With a more balanced approach, this story could have been a standout in its genre.

90% psychoanalysis and internal rambling // 10% sci-fi

*setting ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐
*narrator(protag) ⭐
*plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*execution ⭐
*ending ⭐⭐

The above stats really say it all. This one hurts because it had SO MUCH potential.

Great pool of characters ✅
Super interesting world and lead up ✅
The best setting you could hope for ✅

The main idea behind the plot was fantastic but the way it was executed with the protag and all her ramblings was a huge let down. As I said, the story ends up being about 90% psychology and 10% sci-fi. If that had been evened out a bit more, it could have been so much more enjoyable.

Basically, nothing happens 🫥

The book is written in journal entry form (something I LOVE) where our protag writes consistently long inner monologues pertaining to her anxiety and feelings. The other part is taken up with repeated general chit chat and bickering with the crew, while she watches them work and fails to be a leader.

Our protag doesn't have any useful skills to contribute to tasks on the station, so we are told about the interesting work the rest of the crew are doing, but never shown it.

Other random notes and thoughts I had 💭

*overuse of italics for emphasis
*a mute character + a character with a stutter
*maci's thoughts... are driving me... bonkers
*I'm really sympathising with Natalie and Markus and understand their disdain towards Maci.
*favourite scene: the test scenario

The test scenario when the crew first meet really was the highlight of the book. With a strong beginning, followed up by this scene, it really set the precedent and expectations for the remainder of the book. It is such a shame it wasn't meant to be 💔

From what I can tell this is a deeply personal story for the author and likely a form of therapy. It's obviously a passion project and I'm thankful I had the opportunity to share in her vision.

Even though I recognize and appreciate the effort, it didn't end up being my favorite story.

Starting on a positive note it's an interesting idea and the actual prose/writing is strong. The notion of a crew of teenagers working their way through a series of space stations had a lot of potential.

Where it really didn't work for me is the actual character dialogue and behaviour. I had a very difficult time watching the characters interact, the conversations often felt wooden or superficial.

The main character struggles with mental health and anxiety and although I can empathize with her plight the written struggle ended up feeling repetitive and made for a long second and third act.

I'd very much like to thank Netgalley and Allison White/ A.W. Karen for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a very welcome surprise. While the plot itself doesn't through too many curveballs, the characters are what keeps you going. The way you get to know and care about them as things progress is what will keep you thinking about them after the book itself has finished. That's a rare talent and I look forward with great interest to more from this author.

Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion

As a person who can understand the threat of an anxiety attack, I love that we got to see how Maci tried different ways to handle hers. I like that in this book we don’t get the whole medical jumbo of who, what, why, and how of anxiety but you get to see how a young woman handles having to understand what will work best for her in a new place with new people.

I thought that all the characters throughout the book were relatable, and I really enjoyed having to get a piece of their back stories. I loved that everyone had their own strengths and weaknesses and that their leader was able to focus on those to help them through times of negativity or self-doubt. I think my favorite character other than Maci was Alan… okay, okay I really liked Eugene as well Barrah. The other characters were just as great, and I can relate to them or more like I can understand what it would be like to have them in a group setting.

I really enjoyed the plot of this book, off to space to help our government conquer and to be honestly, guinea pigs for them. I thought this book had some aspects of mystery, not really knowing what your daily life will look like, what is going to happen next, is everyone going to be okay. I loved Karen did a great job keeping you on your toes but still giving out hints throughout the book.

I honestly cannot tell you too much more even though I would love too, because you really should just read this great debut book. I would recommend this book to any that enjoy Sci-Fi with a little mystery and of course some psychological effects to people in different environments.

I want to thank A. W. Karen for the opportunity to read and review this book and NetGalley for allowing me the chance to use their platform to review it.

rounded up from a 3.5!

as a debut, this is really well written. as a passion project clearly brought about by personal experiences and special interests, it particularly delivered. i really enjoyed the ensemble cast and maci as the mc - she feels relentlessly human and it never gets in the way of the narrative more than it should. the mystery aspect is pretty good with some really good red herrings but i do think it could've been foreshadowed some more and wrapped up a little nicer. the ending's just open enough to keep you rooting for q23-30 past the actual book. really excited to see what comes next from the author!

thanks to netgalley and a.w. karen for the ARC!!

Quite good. Most of these characters seemed quite real, and the plot was mostly engaging. I suspect the author will get even better with time.

I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!