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kritikou_panagiota's review against another edition
4.0
Cool little adventure that felt it needed a bit more umpf! Although it was entertaining, well realized and well though of.
Unless this was targeted towards young adults, I expected a bit more grit to it.
Unless this was targeted towards young adults, I expected a bit more grit to it.
kritikou_panagiota's review
4.0
Cool little adventure that felt it needed a bit more umpf! Although it was entertaining, well realized and well though of.
Unless this was targeted towards young adults, I expected a bit more grit to it.
Unless this was targeted towards young adults, I expected a bit more grit to it.
patchworkbunny's review
4.0
Katya’s not yet 16 when she receives her apprenticeship to become a navigator on-board her uncle’s submarine, Pushkin’s Baby. On her first voyage as an adult, the Feds bring a prisoner on-board, demanding they change their course to suit his needs, taking them through the unpredictable Weft. What starts off as an annoyance soon turns life-threatening; there is something out there, something unidentifiable and Katya may never get to see her 16th birthday.
You may be forgiven for thinking Katya’s World is set against a back-drop of Soviet Russia, at the height of the cold war when submarines lurked everywhere. But no, it is set off-world on an ocean planet, Russalka, populated by descendants of Russia, sent there to colonise a seemingly inhospitable environment. Whilst some live on surface platforms, the weather is hostile and most inhabitants live underwater, in pressurised communities which keep the sea out. The world is succinctly introduced in a preface, answering many of the questions that may otherwise get in the way of the story (like why they’re all from Russia).
So for the alien location the setting seems comfortingly familiar and if you’ve ever enjoyed a submarine based film, give Katya’s World a go. With the scene quickly set, it’s really about the story. There’s feds and pirates and crew just trying to do their job; a world getting by after a war with Earth which may not be as over as everyone thinks. Plus there’s plenty of secrets and double-crossing like any good adventure.
You might want to sit down for this but… there is no romance. Not one jot and it doesn’t suffer for it! I know, there are other young adult books without a love interest but it is something that seems to be expected, especially with female protagonists. Instead there are subtle platonic relationships, both with her uncle and her emerging friendship with Kane. A boy would have just got in the way and seemed contrived. Who has time for flirting when you could be crushed by an ocean any minute? Although is it still an ocean when the whole planet is sea?
The highlight for me was the Leviathan. I can’t go into too much detail without giving away spoilers. Whilst it was ever present throughout the novel, I did want it to go into a bit more depth, especially when we find out its true nature. I suppose it is for a young adult audience and it could get all a bit disturbing but many of the actions are very grown-up and there is a real dark side.
You may be forgiven for thinking Katya’s World is set against a back-drop of Soviet Russia, at the height of the cold war when submarines lurked everywhere. But no, it is set off-world on an ocean planet, Russalka, populated by descendants of Russia, sent there to colonise a seemingly inhospitable environment. Whilst some live on surface platforms, the weather is hostile and most inhabitants live underwater, in pressurised communities which keep the sea out. The world is succinctly introduced in a preface, answering many of the questions that may otherwise get in the way of the story (like why they’re all from Russia).
So for the alien location the setting seems comfortingly familiar and if you’ve ever enjoyed a submarine based film, give Katya’s World a go. With the scene quickly set, it’s really about the story. There’s feds and pirates and crew just trying to do their job; a world getting by after a war with Earth which may not be as over as everyone thinks. Plus there’s plenty of secrets and double-crossing like any good adventure.
You might want to sit down for this but… there is no romance. Not one jot and it doesn’t suffer for it! I know, there are other young adult books without a love interest but it is something that seems to be expected, especially with female protagonists. Instead there are subtle platonic relationships, both with her uncle and her emerging friendship with Kane. A boy would have just got in the way and seemed contrived. Who has time for flirting when you could be crushed by an ocean any minute? Although is it still an ocean when the whole planet is sea?
The highlight for me was the Leviathan. I can’t go into too much detail without giving away spoilers. Whilst it was ever present throughout the novel, I did want it to go into a bit more depth, especially when we find out its true nature. I suppose it is for a young adult audience and it could get all a bit disturbing but many of the actions are very grown-up and there is a real dark side.
sk24's review
3.0
Read more of my reviews on my blog: SIK Book Reviews
There are several things that I liked about this novel and several things that I didn't like. First of all, I loved the story. It was non-stop action and adventure. I think that many people would enjoy the story immensely. It is a great science fiction story -- notice that I'm not saying novel, just story. I believe that Howard had a very good idea for this novel, but did not really execute it as well as he could have.
I found the characters, especially the main character, to be under-developed. After completing this novel, I still don't feel that I know very much about Katya's character. Katya is the main character; she is who the reader mostly follows throughout the story. But, the reader is not told very much about her. There is no real description of her looks or personality. The reader just has to figure out little tid-bits while reading through the novel. We discover that she is a very strong-willed person who cares about what she does and about her family. But, that's about all we really get to know. I think the novel could have benefited from a bit more peeks inside her head to learn more about her. She is also not a very memorable character, in my opinion.
Probably the most developed character in Katya's World would be Kane. Kane is a "pirate" who came to Russalka from Earth. He kind of reminds me of Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean. He has the same kind of attitude. He doesn't really belong to one side or the other; he simply does what he feels like doing at any given time, not caring what other people think. I liked this character, probably more than the main character. This is mostly due to the fact that he is way more developed than Katya and, therefore, I am able to connect with him more.
The story is told in third person narration and some things irked me about the way Howard did this as well. I didn't like how Howard had the main character figure something out, but didn't let the reader in on it. I understand if the author wants the story to be mysterious; but then it should be a mystery to the main character as well as the reader. I think that the reader should be kept in the loop and follow along with the main character and learn right along with her. In Katya's World, it's like the author is rubbing in the reader's face: haha, the main character knows something you don't know! This really bothered me, and it happened a couple of time throughout the novel.
I also don't think that the world-building was as strong as it needed to be. There were a lot of things that I had trouble picturing, simply because there wasn't enough of a description. I think that the entire writing quality was just weak and that a lot of aspects were not explained/described as much as they should have been.
Having said all that, I would recommend Katya's World to fans of science fiction, as the story was very interesting and intense. The only thing the story was missing, in my opinion, was romance! There was absolutely no romance at all throughout this novel.
There are several things that I liked about this novel and several things that I didn't like. First of all, I loved the story. It was non-stop action and adventure. I think that many people would enjoy the story immensely. It is a great science fiction story -- notice that I'm not saying novel, just story. I believe that Howard had a very good idea for this novel, but did not really execute it as well as he could have.
I found the characters, especially the main character, to be under-developed. After completing this novel, I still don't feel that I know very much about Katya's character. Katya is the main character; she is who the reader mostly follows throughout the story. But, the reader is not told very much about her. There is no real description of her looks or personality. The reader just has to figure out little tid-bits while reading through the novel. We discover that she is a very strong-willed person who cares about what she does and about her family. But, that's about all we really get to know. I think the novel could have benefited from a bit more peeks inside her head to learn more about her. She is also not a very memorable character, in my opinion.
Probably the most developed character in Katya's World would be Kane. Kane is a "pirate" who came to Russalka from Earth. He kind of reminds me of Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean. He has the same kind of attitude. He doesn't really belong to one side or the other; he simply does what he feels like doing at any given time, not caring what other people think. I liked this character, probably more than the main character. This is mostly due to the fact that he is way more developed than Katya and, therefore, I am able to connect with him more.
The story is told in third person narration and some things irked me about the way Howard did this as well. I didn't like how Howard had the main character figure something out, but didn't let the reader in on it. I understand if the author wants the story to be mysterious; but then it should be a mystery to the main character as well as the reader. I think that the reader should be kept in the loop and follow along with the main character and learn right along with her. In Katya's World, it's like the author is rubbing in the reader's face: haha, the main character knows something you don't know! This really bothered me, and it happened a couple of time throughout the novel.
I also don't think that the world-building was as strong as it needed to be. There were a lot of things that I had trouble picturing, simply because there wasn't enough of a description. I think that the entire writing quality was just weak and that a lot of aspects were not explained/described as much as they should have been.
Having said all that, I would recommend Katya's World to fans of science fiction, as the story was very interesting and intense. The only thing the story was missing, in my opinion, was romance! There was absolutely no romance at all throughout this novel.
nedhayes's review
4.0
Unusual and very interesting YA science-fiction read. Unique premise and stellar complications. Well-written and intriguing.
kimberlydyer's review
5.0
Okay, I know you have a description up there, but let me tell you about this book is really about: SUBMARINES. SEA MONSTERS (?). PIRATES. Enticed? You should be! Katya’s World took me by surprise by just how amazing it was.
The novel begins as Katya Kuriakova is making her first trip as a navigator aboard her Uncle Pushkin’s small submarine. It was supposed to be a simple, routine trip to deliver supplies to a nearby colony, but as they’re leaving, their vessel is commandeered by a young government official who demands they take him to the prison camp so he can deliver his captive–a notorious pirate named Havilland Kane. What’s worse is that he knows very little about submarine navigation, especially for a boy who lives in a world encased by water, and he demands that they go through a particularly treacherous part…which is where they awaken something that could mean the destruction of everyone on their barely colonized planet.
Katya’s World is action packed, in such a way that it’s subtly addicting. I didn’t realize I couldn’t put the book down until it was 2:00 in the morning and I had to go to bed so I could get up at the crack of dawn the next day! I couldn’t help it, though–I just kept reading and reading because it’s SO GOOD. I can’t wait for the next installment.
As far as characters go, they were all so real; I could perfectly image each one. Katya’s World has a truly great set of characters.
Katya Kuriakova–obviously the protagonist–is fifteen-almost-sixteen years old, and she’s very proud to be allowed to enter into the workforce, which officially makes her an adult. She’s a very bright young girl–often hinted at being a prodigy–but she’s not obnoxious in her intelligence. Katya is quiet and listens, taking everything in. She gives suggestions only after she’s thought things through. That doesn’t mean she never makes mistakes, though. Katya is by no means perfect, and that’s what makes her such an endearing character. She is on the cusp of adulthood and is trying to be an adult, but she’s still only fifteen. By the end of the novel, she learns what it means to be an adult.
My absolute favorite character, though, is Havilland Kane. He’s, well, a polite pirate, though clever, secretive, scheming, and endearing. What’s so refreshing about Kane is that most authors would write an arrogant, impulsive, snarky character in his place, but Jonathan Howard didn’t! And it was delightfully unexpected! For some reason–possibly because of his unexpected personality–I just absolutely trusted Kane. I had no reason to. I had every reason not to. But I genuinely trusted him and wanted more!
Katya’s World ends not quite on a cliffhanger, but in such a way that it left me wanting more. I even got onto Goodreads to try and find when the second book comes out only to remember that THIS book hasn’t even quite come out yet! It’s released on November 13 (next Tuesday!) and I highly recommend this book, especially to people who enjoy sci-fi or submarines–and it’s only $6.01 on a Kindle. Katya’s World is a fantastically gripping read!
Review originally posted on The Stories We Read.
The novel begins as Katya Kuriakova is making her first trip as a navigator aboard her Uncle Pushkin’s small submarine. It was supposed to be a simple, routine trip to deliver supplies to a nearby colony, but as they’re leaving, their vessel is commandeered by a young government official who demands they take him to the prison camp so he can deliver his captive–a notorious pirate named Havilland Kane. What’s worse is that he knows very little about submarine navigation, especially for a boy who lives in a world encased by water, and he demands that they go through a particularly treacherous part…which is where they awaken something that could mean the destruction of everyone on their barely colonized planet.
Katya’s World is action packed, in such a way that it’s subtly addicting. I didn’t realize I couldn’t put the book down until it was 2:00 in the morning and I had to go to bed so I could get up at the crack of dawn the next day! I couldn’t help it, though–I just kept reading and reading because it’s SO GOOD. I can’t wait for the next installment.
As far as characters go, they were all so real; I could perfectly image each one. Katya’s World has a truly great set of characters.
Katya Kuriakova–obviously the protagonist–is fifteen-almost-sixteen years old, and she’s very proud to be allowed to enter into the workforce, which officially makes her an adult. She’s a very bright young girl–often hinted at being a prodigy–but she’s not obnoxious in her intelligence. Katya is quiet and listens, taking everything in. She gives suggestions only after she’s thought things through. That doesn’t mean she never makes mistakes, though. Katya is by no means perfect, and that’s what makes her such an endearing character. She is on the cusp of adulthood and is trying to be an adult, but she’s still only fifteen. By the end of the novel, she learns what it means to be an adult.
My absolute favorite character, though, is Havilland Kane. He’s, well, a polite pirate, though clever, secretive, scheming, and endearing. What’s so refreshing about Kane is that most authors would write an arrogant, impulsive, snarky character in his place, but Jonathan Howard didn’t! And it was delightfully unexpected! For some reason–possibly because of his unexpected personality–I just absolutely trusted Kane. I had no reason to. I had every reason not to. But I genuinely trusted him and wanted more!
Katya’s World ends not quite on a cliffhanger, but in such a way that it left me wanting more. I even got onto Goodreads to try and find when the second book comes out only to remember that THIS book hasn’t even quite come out yet! It’s released on November 13 (next Tuesday!) and I highly recommend this book, especially to people who enjoy sci-fi or submarines–and it’s only $6.01 on a Kindle. Katya’s World is a fantastically gripping read!
Review originally posted on The Stories We Read.
moirwyn's review
5.0
For full review, see here:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/katyas-world-by-jonathan-l-howard/
Not only does this book lack a love triangle, but it has no love story whatsoever. This is so refreshing to find in a YA novel. Seamonsters and submarines ftw!
http://bookswithoutanypictures.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/katyas-world-by-jonathan-l-howard/
Not only does this book lack a love triangle, but it has no love story whatsoever. This is so refreshing to find in a YA novel. Seamonsters and submarines ftw!
activehearts's review
3.0
More like 3.5 because of the ending, but I've got mixed feelings about this book. Um, okay, for one thing... whoa it was like watching an action film, characters going from the frying pan and into the fire time after time, without many pauses for recollection or more introspection from the characters. So it was a fast read that didn't completely satisfy me.
Definitely my favorite thing about this book were the main female characters (only two), I mean, uncle Lukyan was nice and all, but I wasn't really invested in any of the male characters. Katya, the MC, was great. Tasya, her antagonist?, was awesome too and I was glad to find no internalized misogyny even if they were on opposite sides. It's always disheartening how much sexism there is in YA literature, especially when relationships between female characters are scarce. Which leads me to exactly that. Even if I loved the fact that Katya and Tasya ended up having respect and admiration for each other, wow, I'd have loved a story about Tasya mentoring Katya a lot more.
Havilland Kane, the other main character, was the prototypical male character with a lot of manpain stored, that guy who's seen suffering and made a sacrifice, etc., etc., which apparently gives him carte blanche to be condescending and paternalistic, and there were one too many scenes of him treating Katya like a silly kid and adopting a patronizing tone to teach her stuff she's perfectly capable of figuring out by herself. Thankfully, there was no romantic plot between him and Katya, and eventually she gives him a well-deserved verbal smack down.
I'll keep reading this series, but entirely out of love for Katya and Tasya.
Definitely my favorite thing about this book were the main female characters (only two), I mean, uncle Lukyan was nice and all, but I wasn't really invested in any of the male characters. Katya, the MC, was great. Tasya, her antagonist?, was awesome too and I was glad to find no internalized misogyny even if they were on opposite sides. It's always disheartening how much sexism there is in YA literature, especially when relationships between female characters are scarce. Which leads me to exactly that. Even if I loved the fact that Katya and Tasya ended up having respect and admiration for each other, wow, I'd have loved a story about Tasya mentoring Katya a lot more.
Havilland Kane, the other main character, was the prototypical male character with a lot of manpain stored, that guy who's seen suffering and made a sacrifice, etc., etc., which apparently gives him carte blanche to be condescending and paternalistic, and there were one too many scenes of him treating Katya like a silly kid and adopting a patronizing tone to teach her stuff she's perfectly capable of figuring out by herself. Thankfully, there was no romantic plot between him and Katya, and eventually she gives him a well-deserved verbal smack down.
I'll keep reading this series, but entirely out of love for Katya and Tasya.
nixnixnixnixnix's review
3.0
A decent book, a fast read. A solid three with moments of four stars for fancy words I wasn't expecting in a YA novel.
In general this reads as a book for young minds, but there is an underlying sadness and maturity that still comes through.
In general this reads as a book for young minds, but there is an underlying sadness and maturity that still comes through.