Reviews

The Hatch by Michelle Saftich

dfranusic's review against another edition

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5.0

This book is a real gem, an utterly unexpected one, featuring a plot that keeps you focused and spellbound from start to finish. It really impressed me with a perfect blend of short and complex sentences; they add up to a dynamic pace of an already intriguing storyline.

This really caught me off guard and perplexed me quite a bit, as I'm usually in awe of endless piles of semicolons and philosophical mind twisters. The Hatch doesn't let down in that field either as it deals, to some extent, with questions about reality, multiple planes of existence, and subjects pertaining to mind over matter, subjects like telepathy.

Regarding character development, there's probably room for improvement, but in my humble opinion, they are believable, diverse, and I would neither change nor add anything in particular to their personalities. This book can stand perfectly on its own, but it can also be considered an intro to a set of multiple novels.

I will not dissect the storyline, nor will I divulge any spoilers. Lovers of science fiction should consider binge reading this creative and heart-warming novel, as I'm almost sure they'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank you, Michelle, for this well balanced and enchanting story which kept me glued for hours on end as I scrutinised every sentence and every single word of this brilliant little novelty of fiction.

theladyduckofdoom's review against another edition

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2.0

This YA sci-fi had some unusual twists, which I really liked. The main character is, even though she is psychic, not a super-duper overpowered girl.
Unfortunately, it is quite obvious how the visions she has about the number 49 are will be used.
The characters and motivations are pretty basic, there are not any nuances to any of them, and most of them stay pretty blank.
The names of the male characters are pretty cliché, too. Jem and Cal. At least one successful YA novel comes to mind for both of these names.
The author says in the acknowledgements that she has read some scientific papers about the stuff she is writing about, but she's not really explaining something good. Lots of techy nouns and verbs, but it is not important if a particle travels at or close to light speed.
In addition, tech and security seem to be just a convenient tool for story progression. No consistency at all .

Tldr: Nice take on the story, you can forget the rest

stephaniewhitson's review against another edition

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5.0

I love science fiction and I devoured this book in two dsys. It is a coming of age story in a dystopian world and it's a book gear towards younger audiences, but as an adult I felt it was very enjoyable. I also really loved the world building the author built into it and the descriptions were very detailed. So detailed I could imagine the paradise the author had described for the readers.

The main character her name is Britta and she lost her mom and her brother. And over the course of the book she spends her time searching over space and time to try and find them. She had a psychic abilities and she goes to a facility that helped her develop those abilities. I thought the author did a realistic job regarding her physic abilities.

One more thing I did want to say that I did receive a copy of the book in exchange for review. I'm very happy with my decision to review it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of science fiction space travel or psychic abilities of any time

alicejane's review against another edition

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2.0

*Thanks to Odyssey Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

I don’t usually read sci-fi, but I thought I’d give this a go and see what I thought.
There is plenty of action, some good plot twists, and an intriguing futuristic world to get your teeth into. Although it seems to be aimed at a younger audience, any fan of sci-fi and space fantasy would enjoy this fast-paced, interstellar adventure.

However,  I found that the first half seemed rushed and I wanted there to be more space to further develop this world and its characters. The story begins with a 13-year-old Britta before a 10 year time jump to her as a 23-year-old, yet there seemed to be very little character progression between these two versions. She still felt like an awkward teenager throughout most of the book and I found it difficult to fully invest in her or her relationships.

Read my full review here: http://booksbakesandblogs.com/2020/05/20/review-the-hatch-michelle-saftich/

tcpallesen's review against another edition

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4.0

Both Britta Tate's mom and brother, Jem, have disappeared while working for EASA, an Earth-based space program, so when they come for her, she is not impressed. Britta is a psychic, just like her mom and brother, able to see bits of the future and travel unbelievable distances through space, which makes her very valuable to those in power. After 10 years of training she is finally able to head into space, with her brother's best friend Cal, to follow in her family's footsteps and see if she can find them.

The world building and description in this book are fantastic, I thoroughly enjoyed the description of Nattalia, the planet Britta travels to with many other refugees. The descriptions were clear and well thought out, without being overwhelming.

Britta, is a fiery young girl who doesn't follow the rules, but never steps so far out of them that it becomes a serious issues for her, for the most part. The development of the relationship between her and Cal was well placed and didn't derail the original story line.

Overall, this was a great book, especially for this interested in space travel, or worried about our future on this planet.

that_bookworm_guy's review against another edition

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5.0

It takes a lot to get the right mixture to create a world and a story that is creative and one that pushes boundaries, while also planting the possibility in the mind of the reader, that this maybe could happen in the future. That's what a good science fiction book does and what this book does.

The book is a gripping read that draws you straight in. The story-line is easy to follow and is very fast-paced. At no point did I find myself confused with the plot or characters, which I am thankful for. The characters are well developed and very well thought out. The relationship between all of the characters reads very naturally, which I also really liked. At no point did I feel that the conversations were forced, which I really enjoyed.

This is a well-written and thought out book with a very exciting plot. It's gripping from the very first word to the last, a great read for those who read a lot of science fiction and those new to the genre alike.

theladyduckofdoom's review

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2.0

This YA sci-fi had some unusual twists, which I really liked. The main character is, even though she is psychic, not a super-duper overpowered girl.
Unfortunately, it is quite obvious how the visions she has about the number 49 are will be used.
The characters and motivations are pretty basic, there are not any nuances to any of them, and most of them stay pretty blank.
The names of the male characters are pretty cliché, too. Jem and Cal. At least one successful YA novel comes to mind for both of these names.
The author says in the acknowledgements that she has read some scientific papers about the stuff she is writing about, but she's not really explaining something good. Lots of techy nouns and verbs, but it is not important if a particle travels at or close to light speed.
In addition, tech and security seem to be just a convenient tool for story progression. No consistency at all .

Tldr: Nice take on the story, you can forget the rest

behindthepages's review

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5.0

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Hatch

Britta never wanted to work for the EASA. Both her mother and brother went on space missions for them and never returned. But when EASA comes for her on her thirteenth birthday, she has no choice but to join. Within their training program she learns how to develop her psychic abilities, and by doing so hopes to one day speak with her lost family members. But when training is interrupted, she and her fellow students are placed on a mission to other planets. Britta is assigned to the same planet her mother and brother were last seen on before they were lost. Determined to find out what happened to her family, Britta embarks on a journey that will test her abilities and all she believes.

The passage of time while swift was handled well within the novel. Two generations of EASA agents were covered to provide a background for the story. Once the narrative settled on Britta and her time with the EASA, I was immersed in the tale of a girl who strived to maintain her identity and work towards her goals.

The Hatch is much more than a sci-fi novel. It is the story of a girl who learns to believe in herself and her capabilities. She accepts her responsibilities and does what she has to for the greater good. She is willing to make sacrifices and put her own life on the lines for countless others. Britta is a character that readers can admire.

And while there are romance elements in the novel, the relationship Britta forms only adds to the emotion of the story. Her character develops as the realistic attraction grows. The romance never feels forced, but instead slowly develops over time. The tension builds as Britta becomes attached and realizes she has more at stake. Pages will fly by as Britta tries to balance between her mission goals and savings those she loves.

Fans of exploration sci-fi and light romance will not be able to put this book down!
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