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hey_galilei's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
iwanttoreadandgetpaid's review
3.0
The Dirt Road Books’ blurb doesn’t do justice for what the reader is in for from this novel by Andi Marquette. Here’s what you get; character-driven drama with intrigue between Torri and Kai, two people who want to be together but their positions prevent it. I would have liked to get more from Kai’s perspective on their shared history but I suspect this is going to come out in the next installment. Torrie’s perspective on their shared past was noteworthy in that she mixed her interactions with Kai with her lessons she learned while in the academy. This feature also worked well in explaining her motivations and fears. The author also does a really good job at world building but I wanted more on the history of Newburg and I’m hoping she’ll provide more of it in the coming works. Second string characters Saryl and Jindor are interesting, leaving me wanting more specifically Jindor’s motivations towards Torri. Overall, a good space opera beginning. I’m looking forward to future installments.
I was given this ARC by Dirt Road Books in return for an honest review.
I was given this ARC by Dirt Road Books in return for an honest review.
cdownes's review against another edition
3.0
Torri is a trader. A bit of an outlaw with a slightly dissident background. Kai is almost the antithesis to Torri. Kai is measured, lawful. They're perfect for eachother but there's a chasm between them.
What I really enjoyed was the genuine feelings and sentiment that developed between Torri and Kai.
No cons really although occasionally I found myself getting lost in the plot.
I would definitely recommend this book for a good read.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
What I really enjoyed was the genuine feelings and sentiment that developed between Torri and Kai.
No cons really although occasionally I found myself getting lost in the plot.
I would definitely recommend this book for a good read.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
lezreviewbooks's review
4.0
This is the second, revised edition of this book originally published in 2008. I remember reading it some years ago along with the rest of the Far Seek chronicles series which I enjoyed a lot. This book has undergone a serious overhaul, starting with a new cover (though I like the previous one better) and more chapters. Additionally, a whole section - Games with chance - was erased from this new edition, though the events covered in it are mentioned during the book. It is a pity because I liked that section very much but I understand that it might have not been cohesive with the rest of the book.
Andi Marquette is one of my favourite lesfic authors: you can count on her books to be well written, entertaining and her characters well rounded and likeable. I'm not sure of her reasons behind this new edition of Friends in high places, but she manages again to summerge the reader in a different, alien world but full of human conflicts and struggles. The slow-burn romance and deep feelings between the main characters is characteristic of Marquette's books and she excels on it all the time. You'll find in this book a bit of all: adventure, mystery and romance.
Overall, an entertaining sci-fi read with a slow-burn romance. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
Andi Marquette is one of my favourite lesfic authors: you can count on her books to be well written, entertaining and her characters well rounded and likeable. I'm not sure of her reasons behind this new edition of Friends in high places, but she manages again to summerge the reader in a different, alien world but full of human conflicts and struggles. The slow-burn romance and deep feelings between the main characters is characteristic of Marquette's books and she excels on it all the time. You'll find in this book a bit of all: adventure, mystery and romance.
Overall, an entertaining sci-fi read with a slow-burn romance. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
frankvanmeer's review
4.0
Well, the old adage "don't judge a book by it's cover" certainly holds true for this novel. The cover is an abomination, but what's inside is a very enjoable read.
I could argue the point that this is Star Wars fanfiction, but it's done very well. Who needs a galaxy far far away, when the one you have at hand will do just as nicely?
The author does not make the mistake of explaining all the tech and worldbuilding. Ofcourse, how the two ladies came to meet eachother is explained and how they ended up on different sides of the conflict. That makes any relation nearly impossible and it's the reason why our two ladies rarely meet, but when they do, the sparks fly and you feel sad, just as Torri and Kia, when they have to part again.
The story mostly involves smuggling and a shifting loyalty for Kia. It's a joy to read how Torri evades the grasp of The Coalition and a ploy to set her up by a multiple parties.
I couldn't quite figure out why Torri was left the way she was near the end, but I guess every story needs an action-scene (here's a question: do they really?) Also, I failed to see the importance of opals in the high-tech society the story takes place in. But the whole plot revolves around those gemstones, with eleborate mining facilities, a cutting industry and a supposedly high demand market. Oh well.
I could argue the point that this is Star Wars fanfiction, but it's done very well. Who needs a galaxy far far away, when the one you have at hand will do just as nicely?
The author does not make the mistake of explaining all the tech and worldbuilding. Ofcourse, how the two ladies came to meet eachother is explained and how they ended up on different sides of the conflict. That makes any relation nearly impossible and it's the reason why our two ladies rarely meet, but when they do, the sparks fly and you feel sad, just as Torri and Kia, when they have to part again.
The story mostly involves smuggling and a shifting loyalty for Kia. It's a joy to read how Torri evades the grasp of The Coalition and a ploy to set her up by a multiple parties.
I couldn't quite figure out why Torri was left the way she was near the end, but I guess every story needs an action-scene (here's a question: do they really?) Also, I failed to see the importance of opals in the high-tech society the story takes place in. But the whole plot revolves around those gemstones, with eleborate mining facilities, a cutting industry and a supposedly high demand market. Oh well.
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