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misthios_pat's review
3.0
It was an interesting, enjoyable reading with lots of action and intrigue to make it thrilling. I wouldn't mind seeing more of them in the future (I think I've saw them in the short story [b:Necessary Repairs|61137244|Necessary Repairs|Skye Kilaen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1653092138l/61137244._SY75_.jpg|94091882] before and that's why I picked this one, but I'd love more hihihi)
hsinjulit's review against another edition
4.0
See Kilaen's website for content warnings.
A lot happened in this novella. I experienced a range of emotions such as concern, sadness, and joy throughout the read.
Vice-Captain Elsenna Hazen of the castle's security force is helping to overthrow the current king of Iospary. When she gets reassigned as the princess's bodyguard, the same job she had two years ago, she has no choice but to face her feelings for the crown princess. Again. She is also sure that the princess has many bedmates and does not miss her the slightest. Though carefully shielded from everything going on, the Blind princess sees more than anyone suspects, and has plans of her own. Seemingly on different sides of the revolution, both characters find themselves needing more from each other than they thought they do.
Glorious Day starts off with these sentences: "It had been difficult that morning to fit treason in around my duties as vice-captain of the castle complex’s security forces. Every professional conversation had taken twice as long as it should have." This no doubt piqued my interest, and throughout the whole story, I was constantly wondering what would happen next. I only relaxed upon reaching the guaranteed HEA.
The first thing I noticed as I read was the beautiful language. It created an exquisite feel for the sci-fi story. Along with the royalty, Glorious Day reads almost like fantasy but in space. The technologies involved are not far from current developments. In fact, one robot in particular reminds me of a project my lab mates proposed: a personal radar system for the Blind. If you want to try some light sci-fi without all the fancy gadgets, this one is a good start.
I love the disability representations in this story. Other than the Blind princess, there is also another one which I cannot touch on without spoilers. I appreciate Kilaen not treating disabilities as a novelty, but since I am non-disabled, I cannot comment much on this.
At least two characters use they/them/theirs pronouns, including Elsenna's sibling Tesza and a judge. Also note that with Glorious Day told in Elsenna's first-person viewpoint, we don't actually know her gender until chapter three.
The initial pitch of an "f/f sci-fi novella with a bodyguard and her princess" totally seized my attention, and I am happy to say this story is much more than promised. Within the 87 pages (paperback), the world of Iospary literally changes. If you are looking for a short exciting read with some cute sapphic romance (I consider it non-explicit), read Glorious Day. You are guaranteed not only a lovely HEA but also a great story. It is definitely a thrilling and sweet novella I would love to revisit some day.
I received an e-ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lot happened in this novella. I experienced a range of emotions such as concern, sadness, and joy throughout the read.
Vice-Captain Elsenna Hazen of the castle's security force is helping to overthrow the current king of Iospary. When she gets reassigned as the princess's bodyguard, the same job she had two years ago, she has no choice but to face her feelings for the crown princess. Again. She is also sure that the princess has many bedmates and does not miss her the slightest. Though carefully shielded from everything going on, the Blind princess sees more than anyone suspects, and has plans of her own. Seemingly on different sides of the revolution, both characters find themselves needing more from each other than they thought they do.
Glorious Day starts off with these sentences: "It had been difficult that morning to fit treason in around my duties as vice-captain of the castle complex’s security forces. Every professional conversation had taken twice as long as it should have." This no doubt piqued my interest, and throughout the whole story, I was constantly wondering what would happen next. I only relaxed upon reaching the guaranteed HEA.
The first thing I noticed as I read was the beautiful language. It created an exquisite feel for the sci-fi story. Along with the royalty, Glorious Day reads almost like fantasy but in space. The technologies involved are not far from current developments. In fact, one robot in particular reminds me of a project my lab mates proposed: a personal radar system for the Blind. If you want to try some light sci-fi without all the fancy gadgets, this one is a good start.
I love the disability representations in this story. Other than the Blind princess, there is also another one which I cannot touch on without spoilers. I appreciate Kilaen not treating disabilities as a novelty, but since I am non-disabled, I cannot comment much on this.
At least two characters use they/them/theirs pronouns, including Elsenna's sibling Tesza and a judge. Also note that with Glorious Day told in Elsenna's first-person viewpoint, we don't actually know her gender until chapter three.
The initial pitch of an "f/f sci-fi novella with a bodyguard and her princess" totally seized my attention, and I am happy to say this story is much more than promised. Within the 87 pages (paperback), the world of Iospary literally changes. If you are looking for a short exciting read with some cute sapphic romance (I consider it non-explicit), read Glorious Day. You are guaranteed not only a lovely HEA but also a great story. It is definitely a thrilling and sweet novella I would love to revisit some day.
I received an e-ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
thestarlesscasea's review against another edition
4.0
I think this probably would benefit from being much longer, since it's hard to fit a sapphic romance, a science fiction setting, and a political thriller into such a short book and I would have loved more world-building and development of the central relationship. That being said, it is nice to be able to read those genres without having to commit to a series with thousands of pages in it.
Plus, Kilaen includes great representation of folks with various gender identities, sexualities, relationship dynamics, and disabilities, and social justice is at the heart of this novella.
Plus, Kilaen includes great representation of folks with various gender identities, sexualities, relationship dynamics, and disabilities, and social justice is at the heart of this novella.
agmaynard's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Somehow, warm, kind, fluffy, in spite of the fraught set up of princess and vice-Captain navigating rebel action and assassinations all around. These ladies go through it, at novella length!
scrow1022's review against another edition
4.0
Soft and slow and gentle, despite it being about political intrigue + assassination + overthrow of power! Optimistic in its grittiness and beautifully told.
althea's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this novella and I think fans of Once & Future and Girls of Paper and Fire would really love it too! I've been dying to read an f/f princess and bodyguard book for the longest time, so when I saw this I requested it on Netgalley straight away! Although this book is very short, it is very complex - there is so much political intrigue crammed into so few pages. I did really enjoy the plot and worldbuilding in the novella but regarding the romance I feel that it could have benefited from being a full length novel, as I felt the characters slightly underdeveloped at times (and I'd just love more of the world!). Overall, I really enjoyed reading this and would highly recommend!
Rep: lesbian mc, bisexual li, nb side character, black side characters
Trigger warnings: violence, graphic reference to torture including amputation (off-page), the murder of a side character/family member, ableism (from antagonist), descriptions of state violence, and reference to a possible forced marriage
Thanks to Netgalley for an e-Arc in return for a review!
Rep: lesbian mc, bisexual li, nb side character, black side characters
Trigger warnings: violence, graphic reference to torture including amputation (off-page), the murder of a side character/family member, ableism (from antagonist), descriptions of state violence, and reference to a possible forced marriage
Thanks to Netgalley for an e-Arc in return for a review!
jamietherebelliousreader's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars. This was so much freakin’ fun. I’m a big fan of Kilaen’s writing style. It’s really good and well paced. This is short but felt full and exciting. There was humor and action and a romance and a war. Elsenna is a great and likable character and I loved her chemistry with the Princess. The side characters were wonderful as well. This was such a well thought out novella and I would recommend it if you’re looking for something quick and super entertaining.
penandpages's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Murder, Gun violence, Blood, and Gore
Minor: Ableism and Torture
tmkutawrites's review against another edition
5.0
This novella is the wlw sci-fi I wanted as a child and never got.
I grew up in SF/F fandom, literally teethed on Star Trek and spent many weekends at Sci-Fi/Fantasy conventions. Saw space shit everywhere, had paintings of imaged worlds and the space ports that serviced them hanging in my parent's home. I grew up dreaming of speculative worlds like this, and I can't say how meaningful it would have been to me to read something like this when I was younger, just a tiny gay who wanted to see themselves reflected in the worlds they grew up in.
Y'all. I feel seen in this spaceport Chili's tonight. This novella is beautifully written and has amazing characters, worldbuilding, and plot. Tons of disability and nonbinary rep, which made me so happy to see. Elsenna is a delightful protagonist and her voice is strong and sure. The pining and angst is SO SO GOOD, with a very sweet HEA. The romance is SO SWEET and the political bits are suspenseful and hard hitting. So much packed into a novella, but it doesn't seem rushed or forced at all. Masterful, masterful pacing.
This is a beautiful novella and I wish I could read it a thousand times with fresh eyes.
I grew up in SF/F fandom, literally teethed on Star Trek and spent many weekends at Sci-Fi/Fantasy conventions. Saw space shit everywhere, had paintings of imaged worlds and the space ports that serviced them hanging in my parent's home. I grew up dreaming of speculative worlds like this, and I can't say how meaningful it would have been to me to read something like this when I was younger, just a tiny gay who wanted to see themselves reflected in the worlds they grew up in.
Y'all. I feel seen in this spaceport Chili's tonight. This novella is beautifully written and has amazing characters, worldbuilding, and plot. Tons of disability and nonbinary rep, which made me so happy to see. Elsenna is a delightful protagonist and her voice is strong and sure. The pining and angst is SO SO GOOD, with a very sweet HEA. The romance is SO SWEET and the political bits are suspenseful and hard hitting. So much packed into a novella, but it doesn't seem rushed or forced at all. Masterful, masterful pacing.
This is a beautiful novella and I wish I could read it a thousand times with fresh eyes.
imzadirose's review against another edition
4.0
Received this book from NetGalley for my review.
Skye is such a talented author. She's got a cool style and superb writing. She's so easy to read. I definitely look forward to more books from her.
Glorious Day was an enjoyable book. A quick, sweet F/F read which we definitely need more of.
I only didn't give it 5 stars because I didn't love the characters enough. It was too quick to really get to know then and feel something for them, so that left me wanting, and there were parts skimmed over I wanted to know about, and parts told in detail that I didn't care about. But overall it was a fantastic read. Check it out and definitely keep your eye on Skye.
Skye is such a talented author. She's got a cool style and superb writing. She's so easy to read. I definitely look forward to more books from her.
Glorious Day was an enjoyable book. A quick, sweet F/F read which we definitely need more of.
I only didn't give it 5 stars because I didn't love the characters enough. It was too quick to really get to know then and feel something for them, so that left me wanting, and there were parts skimmed over I wanted to know about, and parts told in detail that I didn't care about. But overall it was a fantastic read. Check it out and definitely keep your eye on Skye.