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houdini117's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
manzabar's review against another edition
3.0
Fast-paced, just enough world-building to make you interested, and truly brutal violence. Not bad for a novella, but I would have preferred a full novel that delved deeper into the characters.
arachnichemist's review against another edition
1.0
Extremely disappointing work by this author. Just because it is a novella, doesn't mean the characters have to be boring cardboard cutouts. I have read some outstanding novellas that leave me wanting more. This just leave me wanting to avoid The Expanse series altogether, if this is anything along the same quality of writing.
barium_squirrel's review against another edition
1.0
This was a pretty predictable story. Teen girl has psychic powers and emotional damage because she was experimented on. Gets bloody revenge on her former captors.
I honestly never felt any tension or stakes in this story, and none of the characters interested me. It's escapism and not much more. Also kind of bloody. However, it was competently written, and I don't think it reflects poorly on the author. Just not anything special.
I honestly never felt any tension or stakes in this story, and none of the characters interested me. It's escapism and not much more. Also kind of bloody. However, it was competently written, and I don't think it reflects poorly on the author. Just not anything special.
blatanville's review
3.0
a good start, but the character needs some boundaries to her powers, and challenges to her path. promising writer, if he can get those things fixed.
xenkraken's review
5.0
I’m glad this novella is the first in a series, because I’m really looking forward to reading more! The protagonist, Mars, is a nicely three-dimensional character whose story I’m pretty invested in, and the supporting cast all feel like real people as well – even the ones who aren’t people.
The action ramps up really quickly and keeps up the pace throughout, building to a really cool conclusion.
Why did nobody tell me about this book earlier?!?!?
The action ramps up really quickly and keeps up the pace throughout, building to a really cool conclusion.
Why did nobody tell me about this book earlier?!?!?
someonetookit's review
4.0
In the space of less than 200 pages Corey J White whips you around a universe in this fast paced space fantasy. Just when you thought her current location was where this piece would be based, the main character makes a swift departure to who knows where next.
Mariam Xi is no less than a badass. Exploding stuff, choking people and being generally catastrophic is her MO. Accompanied by her trusty cat/glider Seven, this novella is a whirlwind for the senses. His in-depth descriptions of Mars’ surroundings really pull you in to the point where I swear I could smell mould at one point 🤢.
So , without spoilering what did I love?
1) Mariam (Mars for short) is a literary badass with the ability to wipe pretty much anything and everything out of existence
2) Seven. I envisaged her as a cat crossed with a sugar glider. Got all the feels when anything happened to her. I’m a softy, what can I say
3) The use of non-binary characters. Finally a novel with representation other than gender specific that is HUMANOID! (I love it! Kudos Mr White)
4) the space witch ‘powers’. Honestly there isn’t anything the witch can’t do. From exploding heads to mental forcefields, Mars can do it all.
Things I didn’t like
1) I felt at time the pace was possibly too fast? Not to say I didn’t enjoy it, I just think some details may have been lost
2) Briggs - I feel there could have been more detail put into this villain. I want to know why he’s doing what he does.
I think maybe this deserves a 4 star review, I haven’t quite decided yet...
Mariam Xi is no less than a badass. Exploding stuff, choking people and being generally catastrophic is her MO. Accompanied by her trusty cat/glider Seven, this novella is a whirlwind for the senses. His in-depth descriptions of Mars’ surroundings really pull you in to the point where I swear I could smell mould at one point 🤢.
So , without spoilering what did I love?
1) Mariam (Mars for short) is a literary badass with the ability to wipe pretty much anything and everything out of existence
2) Seven. I envisaged her as a cat crossed with a sugar glider. Got all the feels when anything happened to her. I’m a softy, what can I say
3) The use of non-binary characters. Finally a novel with representation other than gender specific that is HUMANOID! (I love it! Kudos Mr White)
4) the space witch ‘powers’. Honestly there isn’t anything the witch can’t do. From exploding heads to mental forcefields, Mars can do it all.
Things I didn’t like
1) I felt at time the pace was possibly too fast? Not to say I didn’t enjoy it, I just think some details may have been lost
2) Briggs - I feel there could have been more detail put into this villain. I want to know why he’s doing what he does.
I think maybe this deserves a 4 star review, I haven’t quite decided yet...
jordanclarey's review
5.0
I’ll keep it simple and straight to the point.
This is a throughly enjoyable, fast paced, sci-fi novella that had me hooked from the opening line.
The universe Corey has created is one that I cannot wait to delve deeper into with every installation. Already counting the days till the follow up is released.
This is a throughly enjoyable, fast paced, sci-fi novella that had me hooked from the opening line.
The universe Corey has created is one that I cannot wait to delve deeper into with every installation. Already counting the days till the follow up is released.