It's the twenty-third century, and Korea has become the major power known as the Alliance in the Solar (our solar system).

Ocean Yoon is an outsider, despite coming from a wealthy family, who are descendants of Jeju Island's pearl divers, and she has gone through diplomacy training. She's also a fantastic pilot, and was on her way to a promising career in the Alliance till an incident on her previous posting gained her a reputation for violence.

Now she's pilot on the small Alliance ship Ohneul for mediocre spaceship captain Dae Song, who frequently needles and talks down to her. Ocean's fellow crew are the wonderful Maggie, a mechanic and engineer, and sweet Von Kent, a xenobotanist. Haven, a Mortemian (they deal with the dead and consequently are reviled in the Alliance) recently joined the crew as their medic.

Ocean's best friend and younger son of the powerful Anand Tech empire, Teo, is escorting a diplomatic mission when the ship he is on is attacked. Teo barely manages to escape, setting his escape pod's trajectory to meet up with the Ohneul.

Needless to say, the Ohneul is threatened once news drops that Teo's entire family, on Earth, was slaughtered by, yup, you guessed it, Teo (who was in space when this occurred). And then more bad things start happening, from multiple attacks on the Ohneul crew, encounters with assassins, and pirates (whose captain Phoenix is amusingly flamboyant), to a frantic chase and crash.

Author Elaine U. Cho takes a while to build to all the conflict and chasing, giving us a much needed understanding of who Ocean, Teo and Haven are, and what obstacles they are facing everyday. We really get a feel for these three people, and how they cope with society's expectations and their responses to this. And who they care about. Interestingly, we also meet the assassin who is busy framing Teo as they pursue the heir across the solar.

Cho skillfully sets all the pieces in place for much of the novel, before the action kicks into high gear. Note that the tone of the novel is primarily quiet and thoughtful, even with the minor skirmishes and conflicts they experience before the big parts of the plot takes off.

The characters are well-realized, and I got a sense of the limitations of the Alliance and how someone like Ocean, or Haven, and even Teo, would have difficulties fitting in.

What with the way the book ended, I am eager to find out what happens next in this satisfying beginning to what I hope is a totally fun space opera.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Zando for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Love me a sci-fi moment.

I had a good time. The story was vivid from the beginning. There wasn't a whole lot of world building off jump, you kind of just slipped into the world like a really worn in pair of jeans. The characters were all distinct and their relationships were cute. I loved the descriptions of food and Korean culture, that was a wonderful inclusion to the book and I really want to try out some of those food combos.

If you enjoy reading about space battles, found family situations, fighting against cultural biases, and some queerness sprinkled in for all, this is for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hillman Grad Books for the early copy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Zando for providing me with an eARC of Ocean's Godori in exchange for my honest review!

I'm always up for a compelling space opera, especially when it runs along the same vein as Becky Chambers's work, but Ocean's Godori, sadly enough, doesn't connect with me all that much. It offers up all the tropes I'd expect from a spacefaring adventure that should be full of heart, fun, and thrills. But it struggles to link me with the characters, even while they're inhabiting an intriguing 23rd-century landscape where Korea is the greatest power on earth and pursues space colonization with the significant assistance of tech corporations. It doesn't help that the first half of the book suffers from a lack of strong plotting, leaving me feeling like we're just meandering around until the second half hits us (a criticism that I've seen a few other reviewers express, too). And once the book is over, it ends in a way that's clearly setting things up for a sequel, but to be honest, I'm not confident that I'll pick it up.

Overall, I'm officially rating Ocean's Godori 2.25 out of 5 stars, which I'm rounding down to 2 stars on Goodreads. I'm sad that I can't summon up love for it, although I'm glad I committed to the whole experience and I'm able to give my full opinions on it, because a part of me was considering DNFing it during that first half. Oh well...

thanks to netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a copy of ocean's godori in exchange for an honest review. this is a debut novel by elaine cho and out now from 23 april!
ocean's godori introduces us to a space crew of interesting personalities reminiscent of becky chambers' wayfarers, quite slowly at first but understandably so. the system in this distant-future world (or solar) wasn't complicated, but it also wasn't adequately explained for me. i liked the cultural references, but i wish we got a bit more background on how and when space travel became so common.
also i thought the pacing was rushed toward the end, i wouldn't mind if the book was a but longer... unless it's going to be a series? i hope so!

Oh God, how I wish I had enjoyed Ocean's Godori more. Even though it wasn't a book that I hated, I think I could have enjoyed it much better, I love a good scifi and the plot seemed so promising, but I couldn't really care about the characters. I had some difficulty understanding who was who, I think there was a lack of a stronger voice for them. In the end, I couldn't connect with the plot, as I didn't care exactly what was happening to the characters. But it was still a fun read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Calling all fans of Firefly and Long Way to a Small Angry Planet! Ocean's Godori is a nebula of action and conspiracy circling a kind and patient heart. Ocean is a pilot with a controversial service record, and she's just trying to live an uneventful life among her current crew family. But the easy trajectory of her life is upended when her captain makes a sketchy side-deal that goes awry and Ocean crosses paths with the solar system's most-wanted Raider. On top of all this, her best friend Tao, the high-profile son of a major tech empire, is framed for murdering his family and comes to Ocean for help.
This story has plenty of high stakes and action, but also has endearing, well-developed characters, a comforting found family vibe, and nuanced conversations around themes of redemption and loyalty.
I will note that a major plot point from the blurb doesn't happen until literally halfway through the book, and the ending did feel a bit rushed with how many plot ends needed tying up. This makes me wonder if this story had originally been planned as a duology. But I don't think the ending had any major plot holes, and there is enough setup that I do hope this author gets a chance to explore more of this world.
4.5 stars rounded up

"Ocean's Godori" was so fun in a lot of ways but kind of fell flat in many others. Overall it was a very enjoyable book, but I think it had several significant issues.

I loved the world that Cho created when writing this book. I loved the non-western focused vision of what a space travel age Earth could look like and the influence of Korean culture on the book. I really enjoyed all of the characters of the book and would have loved to see all of them a little more developed. I especially loved how the POV characters grappled with identity, in ways that were both familiar and foreign to our present times. I would definitely read more books set in this universe. (Honestly I would read an entire book that solely consisted of Cho describing food, the food descriptions were great).

My first issue here is more of a systemic issue with book marketing than an issue with this book, but I'm going to get on my soapbox anyways. Publishers need to stop writing descriptions of books that play up what they think are popular tropes rather than actually describing the book. The catalyzing event described in the description of "Ocean's Godori" doesn't occur until over halfway through the book, and isn't actually fully resolved by the conclusion. Additionally, the description promises "irresistible will-they-won't-they romance" that just wasn't present in the book. Not every book needs to be a romance. While I loved the almost inklings of romance we got in this book (and would have loved to see it developed more), it didn't need romance to be a good book nor did it need to market as romance to be interesting to people.

My primary issue with the book itself was with the flow and plot. As mentioned above, the plot doesn't really get started until over halfway through. Not much happens in the first half of this book and given that the book takes place in a future version of our own world, I didn't think all that much time needed to be spent on worldbuilding. With that said, the book concluded so abruptly that it almost felt like I was missing an entire quarter of the book. Basically none of the issues laid out in the book were resolved and there's no indication (that I've found) that this is not a standalone novel.

3 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Zando for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Elaine U Cho, Netgalley and Zando Projects for the ARC.

Ocean Yoon is a disgraced pilot of the solar system when her best friend Teo was encased for murder an emotional charged exploit ensues to prove his innocence in the science fiction thriller romance.
The world building and future population with shared customs and wars, strained relationships with family and a slow burn romance had me kicking my heels. This compared to a mix of Tron and Farscape and if you love K drama you'll love this book.

Thank you to the publisher for this ARC. It was a wonderful book that takes one into a Korean world of spaceships and races and colonized worlds in the solar system. The characters have amazing back stories and interactions are amazing. The drama and intrigue are fascinating. If you loved Firefly, this reminds me a lot of that show. I hope there will be a sequel! Great read!

DNF at 20%. I loved the premise of this book - such an intricate world! Unfortunately, the execution was not strong. The writing was weak, and the characters did not feel like real people. I rarely DNF a book and this is the first ARC I have ever done so, because I respect the opportunity to get advanced copies so much. The moment I knew this book would not be for me was when one POV character sees another across a train station and she (who just coldly, publicly broke up with her long-term partner) suddenly starts emotionally doing a classical dance in the middle of the station (???) and it said that his leg also rose in sympathy?? I was really hoping for found family space opera vibes, and instead I felt lost from the beginning about who these characters are, what they want, and what's at stake.

<i>I would like to thank NetGalley and Zando for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.</i>

🪐First off, I loved the worldbuilding!! I thought it was really dynamic and cool! I loved the diversity and the interspersed Alliance parlance, the social structures and the geopolitics! The characters were all so unique and had the most interesting stories and I enjoyed getting to know them all. I absolutely adored Teo and Phoenix, Gemini and Von! The bad guy was a proper villain too, and NGL I really got behind feeling repulsed by Hadrian! Visceral feels ftw fr!👾

🌠So yesssss there were definitely parts of this book that I enjoyed much more than others, specifically the sci-fi romp action bits that I really found engaging and cinematic. Lbr that's exactly why I was excited to read this, and I was very stoked when the Pandia crew got in on the action!🌝

🖖🏼But on the flipside, Ocean (as well as sweet soft Haven) just sapped all the energy out of the narrative for me, and I found that really frustrating...because when even Dae (side character) made me FEEL more than Ocean, I knew that this "subdued" characterization was simply not for me. I loved her heritage though, and I found that aspect of her character really immersive because I'd spent quite a lot of time exploring Jeju Island a while ago now, and the nostalgia was pretty sweet!🐚🦪

☄️All in all, this was a pretty fun debut, and for certain there's quite a bit of talent here that makes Cho a new author to watch! I cannot wait to see what else comes out of Elaine U. Cho imagination, because her characters were all very memorable by the end of this book, even if this story was one that Sci-Fi Fantasy readers have encountered a time or two.💫

It’s been a while since a science fiction novel has pulled me in so quickly and completely. The characters are interesting, the scenes cinematic and the story engaging.

DNF at 38%. At about 20% I went back and reread the description because I couldn't tell where the story was going. It still felt very much like setup and introduction without a forward moving plot. By the time I DNFed, the inciting incident that was described in the plot summary still hadn't happened. And I realized that I wasn't connecting to the story or the characters, so I decided this book just isn't for me.

(3.5/5 stars)

I binge read this book! It was character-driven, yet fast paced. Dramatic without getting bogged down by the details. Personally, although I was enamored with the characters, I thought the story needed more resolution at the end (although I would also prefer a sequel instead). I also enjoyed how much this felt like a 90’s sci-fi stylistic revival reminiscent of Firelfy as well as other popular authors at the time like Bujold.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of the history of haeyeno culture, and that wasn’t actually a large part of the story or plot, so I would have enjoyed more on that front as well.

Overall, I had a fantastic time; however, I also wanted more depth. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

"Ocean's Godori" is a thrilling space adventure with a unique twist. As a skilled pilot with a dubious reputation, Ocean leads a diverse crew aboard a poorly managed government ship. When her best friend is framed for a heinous crime, we're thrust into a mix of political intrigue and conflict. As much as I love a ragtag group, deeper themes are explored, from critiques of capitalism to the intricacies of privilege and individual struggles with identity. While the fast-paced action and engaging characters kept me hooked, I can see how some might find the slow start and lack of detailed world-building a drawback. Nevertheless, character development and found family dynamics shine through in this book. If you're a fan of action-packed space adventures focused on diverse representation and found families, "Ocean's Godori" is worth checking out.

Ocean’s Godori is the first in a new space opera series from debut author Elaine U. Cho, featuring a near-future world in which Korea is the dominant power behind a solar system-spanning space alliance and where wealth and class divides span planets. Ocean is the disgraced former Alliance pilot whose efforts to keep her head down are disrupted when her best friend – tabloid darling and tech scion Teo is framed for the horrific murder of his parents. Along the way, Ocean is recruited by a band of swashbuckling raiders led by the mysterious Phoenix, and feels the forbidden pull toward Haven, a medic who belongs to the Mortemian death priesthood.

I had a little trouble getting into the story at first – Cho throws so much at the reader from the jump that it’s hard to grasp who the characters and what they mean to one another. But about halfway through, the plot clarifies and really takes off, and the story (which leaves almost every major thread unresolved) really picks up. I really hope she does something more with Ocean’s identity as the descendent of the Haenyeo (famous Korean female divers) and her relationship with her mother.

Fans of beloved space westerns like Firefly will enjoy this, with the caveat that if (like me) you struggle with unfinished series, there’s probably going to be a while before you’re satisfied. There are the beginnings of at least two exciting romantic pairings, for those who want a little love in all their books.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars rounded up - It’s hard to judge a story so obviously unfinished, but I’m eager to see where it goes.

Thanks to NetGalley and Zando/Hillman Grad for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I picked this book up because the cover was beautiful and the premise sounded great. I love a space opera with a ragtag crew fighting against the odds! I enjoyed getting to know the different characters and their stories. However, the book felt like a few different stories stuck together - perhaps just because it took so long to get the "real" crew together, it felt like the first half and second half of the book were meant to be different books. I don't know that the book quite lives up to the blurb - the romance is barely there (and not especially interesting); the exploration of colonialism and capitalism is anything but nuanced. Overall it was a decent book but did not quite fulfil its promise.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zando for the ARC.

Unfortunately, I was really looking forward to this but had to put it down. Immediately, I was uninterested in our main 3 characters. I think this would have been a 3-star read by the end, because the world building and writing were good. In the end, as someone who prefers stories that are character driven, I just couldn't find myself caring to continue. I also saw some early reviews that say this takes towards the end to get into the main action and that it is not a standalone, as I assumed it was (which could be my own fault). In the end, it's just not for me, but I think many will enjoy it!

As a fan of sci-fi tales brimming with adventure and camaraderie, diving into "Ocean's Godori" by Elaine U. Cho was a delightful journey through the cosmos. Cho's debut novel introduces readers to a ragtag group of space misfits who band together to support a loyal yet insubordinate crew mate when her best friend is accused of murder.

What sets "Ocean's Godori" apart is its emphasis on character development over plot or technical accuracy. Cho weaves a rich tapestry of personalities, each member of the eclectic crew bringing their own quirks and complexities to the table. As the story unfolds, we witness the bonds of friendship and loyalty that form between these unlikely allies, transforming them into an intergalactic found family.

Drawing inspiration from beloved sci-fi works such as Becky Chambers' "Wayfarers" series and the cult classic TV show "Firefly," "Ocean's Godori" captures the essence of what makes these stories so beloved. The narrative is filled with moments of humor, heart, and intrigue, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

While the plot may take a backseat to character development, the story remains compelling and immersive, offering a captivating glimpse into a vibrant and diverse universe. Cho's world-building is both imaginative and evocative, transporting readers to far-off planets and space stations with ease.

I'm certain that "Ocean's Godori" will appeal to fans of character-driven sci-fi. With its charming cast of characters, engaging storyline, and nods to beloved classics of the genre, this debut novel is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating Elaine U. Cho's future works.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

In a far future where humankind has mastered space travel, Koreans rule our solar system via a military Alliance. Ocean Yoon, the scrappy and talented pilot finds herself on a low-class ship, the Ohneul, after having been disgraced in her military command for breaking protocol in order to successfully save a hostage’s life. Ocean, despite having descended from a long line of female divers, does not feel connected the Korean culture and is constantly and curiously learning more about it.

The novel opens with the evening of the Alliances annual gala. Ocean’s a long-time friend of Teo Anand, the wayward younger son of a wealthy family who creates the Alliance’s technology, has been commanded by his father to join a space mission to the moon accompanying a diplomatic mission as part of a political play his father has underway.

Ocean departs with the Ohneul’s crew, including Haven, a new medic whose comes from a Alliance shunned Death Culture (helping people with dying rituals) and whose father has bought his place on the ship to expand his horizons. But as time progresses, Ocean and Haven find themselves romantically drawn together.

Teo’s mission goes horribly wrong, he’s framed as having murdered his family, and Ocean springs into action to rescue Teo from a catastrophic situation. Teo and Ocean find themselves at the center of a complex entanglement in intergalactic politics, as well as the greedy instincts of Ohneul’s shady captain. Their harrowing adventure includes encounters with a group of highly successful and elusive bandits, who ultimately may be more than they seem.

What emerges in between the plot twists is a heart-warming tale of a found family that transcends the politics and divisions of their world.

It may help to read the Korean phrase glossary at the back of the book before beginning as it’s a struggle to keep up with all the colloquial Korean thrown into the characters’ dialog!

Thanks to Zando and Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy.