From the constantly moving action to the easily integrated details of the world as-it-is-now, Hoff has crafted a really tight introduction into the subject of science fiction -- and the purpose it was truly birthed for: to contemplate how humanity might move forward, and will it someday be too far. To that, it was written, certainly, for a younger audience than I; which may have left me craving a bit more meat without that being an actual complaint. It was written to another group!

One pattern that did take me out of this, otherwise quick and easy to read adventure, was the incredibly short chapters. I'm not sure if this was done to chop it down into more palatable chunks. For me, however, it was a constant braking of the car just as we started to flow into action each time. You get a little whiplash. The chapter changes do allow for a jump back and forth in POV, helping to bring the two title characters together for the reader, as well as while they get closer in the text. However, it then obligated Hoff to write a terse little "cliffhanger" sentence at the end of each to close it out. They began to feel gimmicky, the more frequent they were. Like we were cutting to commercial. It actually made me kind of miss "if you go left, turn to page..." like it may have been a Choose Your Own Adventure, which are staged similarly.

As mentioned, though, "Hope Gardens" is written in a clear way where we are shown the life of Sam and the people around him through their experiences and routines. Exposition chapters can be a real trap of science-fiction, which I found Hoff deftly avoids.

My last mention is that, while reading at a younger level, there are some very serious themes addressed in the text: difficult family relationships, unsupportive parents, assault both physical and sexual, lack of assistance following an assault, corruption in politics and policing, violence condoned by those in power...

I do think that "Hope Gardens" handles them well, in not being graphic for shock's sake but not shying away from the very real consequences (and, sometimes, the consequences people do NOT end up facing...). It's just definitely something I'd want a young, eager reader to be aware of before jumping on board.

Life in space, after we destroy Earth, and still power corrupts and money controls everything - but maybe not exactly everyone. Secrets and lies and abuse of power weave through a story of love and friendship, and beating the odds.

Amazing book . Love the character development. Love the plot line will definitely recommend to friends and family

Fans of science fiction and fantasy may enjoy RLS Hoff’s book, Hope Gardens. It was a good YA read. Pick it up.

i didn’t like this book and i honestly don’t have a good reason why, i just wasn’t feeling it. I’d hate to discourage anyone else from reading it because it might be their favorite read of the year. For this reason i will not be posting a review to anywhere else other than netgalley. Thank you so much for the arc and i apologize for not having any feedback to give.