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nikshelby's review against another edition
4.0
Carriger has a remarkable skill in creating relationships between characters that highlight the beauty in connection, the value of acceptance, the joy of quirkiness, the wonder of the unexpected...
This book gives me one concern though. I worry that the lovely story Tris & Drey might get dismissed by those who would get squicked out by homosexual sex. Explicit homosexual sex.
If you are not someone who would allow sex scenes to override any other consideration in a tale? Then, you will enjoy this book. It has components that are so immensely relevant to our current society. The undeniable import of being true to oneself, the immense beauty of exploring the beauty to be found in the everyday details of life, and the bravery inherent to integrity and compassion.
This book gives me one concern though. I worry that the lovely story Tris & Drey might get dismissed by those who would get squicked out by homosexual sex. Explicit homosexual sex.
If you are not someone who would allow sex scenes to override any other consideration in a tale? Then, you will enjoy this book. It has components that are so immensely relevant to our current society. The undeniable import of being true to oneself, the immense beauty of exploring the beauty to be found in the everyday details of life, and the bravery inherent to integrity and compassion.
gwendafyn_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
tinynavajo's review against another edition
4.0
I received this ARC from the author. This in no ways affects my thoughts and review of the book.
**TW: MLM, suicide, sexual acts
This was such a sweet book! I loved it and I loved how much a culture of a society can affect how they treat those that are of greatest importance. On a space station where there are none other like him, Tristol pines after the human detective Drey Hastion. Drey Hastion also pines after Tristol, but seeing only a flighty, flirty purple alien with very fluffy animated hair, Drey does what he can to keep himself from developing more feelings that just physical attraction.
Once these two mutually pining people figure out that they DO actually like each other, they start being exclusive, because that is all they really wanted with each other. But I think what I love most about Drey and Tristol is how much they learn from each other. This is especially needed when a galoi ship comes into port requesting the assistance of someone who knows how to find someone who has taken a life, but not by accident.
I loved watching Drey and Tristol not only realize that they are mutually pining for each other, but that they actually are well fitted for each other, not only in their partnership in trying to find who killed the galoi on the galoi ship, but sexually as well. They learn that they need to communicate with each other if they want to be able to actually work with one another. It’s something that all relationships need and G.L. Carriger shows this admirably. I love that Drey and Tristol accept each other fully and it makes they both happy, especially when both have almost given up on being completely happy with their preferences in life. Tristol has given up all that he knew, all that grew up with, just to escape his planet, but it leads to his ultimate happiness.
As Drey and Tristol seek to find answers, they also see that working with each other they are able to help each other understand better and this will possibly lead to better understanding for the galoi race.
**TW: MLM, suicide, sexual acts
This was such a sweet book! I loved it and I loved how much a culture of a society can affect how they treat those that are of greatest importance. On a space station where there are none other like him, Tristol pines after the human detective Drey Hastion. Drey Hastion also pines after Tristol, but seeing only a flighty, flirty purple alien with very fluffy animated hair, Drey does what he can to keep himself from developing more feelings that just physical attraction.
Once these two mutually pining people figure out that they DO actually like each other, they start being exclusive, because that is all they really wanted with each other. But I think what I love most about Drey and Tristol is how much they learn from each other. This is especially needed when a galoi ship comes into port requesting the assistance of someone who knows how to find someone who has taken a life, but not by accident.
I loved watching Drey and Tristol not only realize that they are mutually pining for each other, but that they actually are well fitted for each other, not only in their partnership in trying to find who killed the galoi on the galoi ship, but sexually as well. They learn that they need to communicate with each other if they want to be able to actually work with one another. It’s something that all relationships need and G.L. Carriger shows this admirably. I love that Drey and Tristol accept each other fully and it makes they both happy, especially when both have almost given up on being completely happy with their preferences in life. Tristol has given up all that he knew, all that grew up with, just to escape his planet, but it leads to his ultimate happiness.
As Drey and Tristol seek to find answers, they also see that working with each other they are able to help each other understand better and this will possibly lead to better understanding for the galoi race.
bethbumbles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
tani's review against another edition
4.0
I bought this because I've been really enjoying Gail Carriger/G.L. Carriger lately, and this sounded like it could be cute. I waited until I was in the mood for a romance before actually picking it up, though, which may have been a mistake? This is definitely a getting together story, but I almost hesitate to call it a romance. When we meet the characters, they're both into each other already, and the process of the relationship is remarkably easy. Instead, I would call this a light mystery, with romance elements. In short, a nice bit of fluff that is fun and would be a great comfort read when you're feeling down.
So, as you can probably tell from my description, the romance didn't work very well for me. I enjoyed both of the characters and their relationship, but when I look for a romance, I like more of a slow burn leading up to the romance, and that's not a thing here. On the bright side, Carriger does a wonderful job of having her characters communicate and learn about each other, which is something that I do very much enjoy. This element is especially strong because Tristol is a member of an alien race that is quite secretive, so Drey asking questions and Tristol answering them is extremely important to them actually crafting their relationship.
The element that I enjoyed a bit more than the romance itself was the crafting of Tris' race and culture. There was obviously a lot of thought put into it, and I liked the way that the book explored the repercussions of their different culture and biology. It was a good mix of sad and hopeful, and although the aliens are definitely different from humans, there was still enough strands to allow me to sympathize with everyone, which I like.
I read this book in about a day, so despite my discontent with the romance, I definitely enjoyed it. It was very smooth and readable for me, and a great little distraction at a time that I was having trouble focusing on any one book. Definitely recommended.
So, as you can probably tell from my description, the romance didn't work very well for me. I enjoyed both of the characters and their relationship, but when I look for a romance, I like more of a slow burn leading up to the romance, and that's not a thing here. On the bright side, Carriger does a wonderful job of having her characters communicate and learn about each other, which is something that I do very much enjoy. This element is especially strong because Tristol is a member of an alien race that is quite secretive, so Drey asking questions and Tristol answering them is extremely important to them actually crafting their relationship.
The element that I enjoyed a bit more than the romance itself was the crafting of Tris' race and culture. There was obviously a lot of thought put into it, and I liked the way that the book explored the repercussions of their different culture and biology. It was a good mix of sad and hopeful, and although the aliens are definitely different from humans, there was still enough strands to allow me to sympathize with everyone, which I like.
I read this book in about a day, so despite my discontent with the romance, I definitely enjoyed it. It was very smooth and readable for me, and a great little distraction at a time that I was having trouble focusing on any one book. Definitely recommended.
johnbreeden's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this book. There were a few quirks that I didn't care for, but overall I found the way the Galoi culture was developed to be very interesting. I hope this series - as an adult romance series - continues.
lisawreading's review against another edition
4.0
Oh my, where to even start with this cute and sexy sci-fi love story?
Well, how about with talking about how adorable Tristol (Tris) is? He's lavender (not purple, thank you very much), with hair that expresses emotion and is highly sensitive, boundless enthusiasm, and a heart that's just aching for love. His human crush, Trey Hastion, is large, bearded, and highly attractive, and -- as it turns out -- has a secret thing for Tris. But just as the two start to connect, Tris is called in to consult on the unheard-of contact by the Galoi, seeking human help in solving a mystery aboard their ship.
Meanwhile, Tris and Trey explore --- in explicit detail -- just how an alien and a human can enjoy physical intimacy. And trust me, as I learned in The 5th Gender, there are plenty of ways! Ooh boy. As the author so kindly warns at the beginning of the book, if you prefer your romance on the less graphic side, maybe try something else.
As for me, I was utterly charmed. I could kind of take or leave the sex scenes -- yes, they're sexy, but overall, I'm not that huge a fan of erotica, so after a while, I'd had my fill. Still, I enjoyed the book very much. Tris is just such a cutie, not just in appearance but also in his openness to life and his absolute love of people, new experiences, good food, and pleasing color combinations.
I was also pretty fascinated by the Galoi definitions of gender -- very confusing at first, but eventually, we get an explanation of the five different Galoi genders, their societal roles, their physical traits, and what can happen to someone who doesn't want to accept their predefined communal responsibilities. Mixed in with the fun and flirty sci-fi are some compelling (but not preachy) thoughts on identity, freedom of choice, expression, and self-determination.
G. L. (Gail) Carriger has created an unforgettable character in Tris, and I adored his approach to life, the way his language translates to English, and his use of color to give meaning to his surroundings. Trey is pretty terrific too, and while the murder mystery has a rather sad and serious resolution, The 5th Gender as a whole is upbeat and cheerful and a celebration of love in all its many forms and expressions.
Well, how about with talking about how adorable Tristol (Tris) is? He's lavender (not purple, thank you very much), with hair that expresses emotion and is highly sensitive, boundless enthusiasm, and a heart that's just aching for love. His human crush, Trey Hastion, is large, bearded, and highly attractive, and -- as it turns out -- has a secret thing for Tris. But just as the two start to connect, Tris is called in to consult on the unheard-of contact by the Galoi, seeking human help in solving a mystery aboard their ship.
Meanwhile, Tris and Trey explore --- in explicit detail -- just how an alien and a human can enjoy physical intimacy. And trust me, as I learned in The 5th Gender, there are plenty of ways! Ooh boy. As the author so kindly warns at the beginning of the book, if you prefer your romance on the less graphic side, maybe try something else.
As for me, I was utterly charmed. I could kind of take or leave the sex scenes -- yes, they're sexy, but overall, I'm not that huge a fan of erotica, so after a while, I'd had my fill. Still, I enjoyed the book very much. Tris is just such a cutie, not just in appearance but also in his openness to life and his absolute love of people, new experiences, good food, and pleasing color combinations.
I was also pretty fascinated by the Galoi definitions of gender -- very confusing at first, but eventually, we get an explanation of the five different Galoi genders, their societal roles, their physical traits, and what can happen to someone who doesn't want to accept their predefined communal responsibilities. Mixed in with the fun and flirty sci-fi are some compelling (but not preachy) thoughts on identity, freedom of choice, expression, and self-determination.
G. L. (Gail) Carriger has created an unforgettable character in Tris, and I adored his approach to life, the way his language translates to English, and his use of color to give meaning to his surroundings. Trey is pretty terrific too, and while the murder mystery has a rather sad and serious resolution, The 5th Gender as a whole is upbeat and cheerful and a celebration of love in all its many forms and expressions.
wannabekingpin's review against another edition
3.0
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: Tristol, an alien with lavender skin and sunshine personality, always helpful, always smiling, has chosen the life of an exile. His inner sadness and hurt buried under the layer of freedom, and the loneliness suddenly relieved by a handsome human detective aboard the ship. But happy little moment barely had the time to spark a flame as work pulled them both into an unthinkable. A galoi ship, Tristol’s natives, requests help of the detective, for there has been a murder aboard. It comes as a shock requiring this unprecedented need of human assistance, for galoi don’t even have a word for “murder“…
My Opinion: The detective, while simple, was well woven and I definitely enjoyed it. It was the romance that fell flat, with everything going smooth and perfect. It’s fine if you like that sort of thing. But I, personally, hoped for a tad more depth.
All in all, author seems promising, and I’d gladly read other works. This one, though, gets 3 out of 5 from me.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: Tristol, an alien with lavender skin and sunshine personality, always helpful, always smiling, has chosen the life of an exile. His inner sadness and hurt buried under the layer of freedom, and the loneliness suddenly relieved by a handsome human detective aboard the ship. But happy little moment barely had the time to spark a flame as work pulled them both into an unthinkable. A galoi ship, Tristol’s natives, requests help of the detective, for there has been a murder aboard. It comes as a shock requiring this unprecedented need of human assistance, for galoi don’t even have a word for “murder“…
My Opinion: The detective, while simple, was well woven and I definitely enjoyed it. It was the romance that fell flat, with everything going smooth and perfect. It’s fine if you like that sort of thing. But I, personally, hoped for a tad more depth.
All in all, author seems promising, and I’d gladly read other works. This one, though, gets 3 out of 5 from me.
elee2013's review against another edition
3.0
3/5
It’s a tough scene when a mystery is dead on obvious right when it’s presented. And I couldn’t quite get behind the insta-love in this one. But I did enjoy the deeper themes of choice and gender (obvs), language, and cultural/societal pressure.
It’s a tough scene when a mystery is dead on obvious right when it’s presented. And I couldn’t quite get behind the insta-love in this one. But I did enjoy the deeper themes of choice and gender (obvs), language, and cultural/societal pressure.
littleastrid's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0