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Vermilion Sunrise
Same galaxy, different view.
Seventeen-year-old Leigh awakens from cryosleep to discover she's part of the first human colony in another solar system. The cryosleep is flawed. It kills adults and causes partial amnesia. As a result, the nations of Earth have launched into space an unlikely group--teenagers with no memory of volunteering for the mission.
Ten light-years from home, they land on a planet largely covered by water. The good news: some water is drinkable. The bad news: none of their technology works. As the colonists struggle to survive, strange debris washes ashore, and a surprising discovery challenges everything they thought they knew. With a makeshift raft and meager supplies, Leigh and a small band of explorers venture across the open ocean in search of answers.
But the truth may be more than they bargained for, especially for Leigh, who's been lying to everyone since she arrived....
Seventeen-year-old Leigh awakens from cryosleep to discover she's part of the first human colony in another solar system. The cryosleep is flawed. It kills adults and causes partial amnesia. As a result, the nations of Earth have launched into space an unlikely group--teenagers with no memory of volunteering for the mission.
Ten light-years from home, they land on a planet largely covered by water. The good news: some water is drinkable. The bad news: none of their technology works. As the colonists struggle to survive, strange debris washes ashore, and a surprising discovery challenges everything they thought they knew. With a makeshift raft and meager supplies, Leigh and a small band of explorers venture across the open ocean in search of answers.
But the truth may be more than they bargained for, especially for Leigh, who's been lying to everyone since she arrived....
356 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2023
3 people are currently reading
2002 people want to read
About the author
Lydia P. Brownlow
1 book20 followersLydia P. Brownlow grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. Fortunately, her parents didn't make her choose between being a literature kid or a science kid, so she became both. She majored in English at Rice University and earned a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin. Though a lawyer by training, Lydia has often found herself in the classroom instead of the courtroom. She’s taught high school, junior high, college, and law school.
A determined optimist, she loves adventures big and small, especially those taken with her husband and two sons. In her younger years, Lydia thought a perfect day meant time swimming and time curled up with a good book. Decades later, that's still a perfect day! For more information about Lydia and her writing, please visit www.lydiapbrownlow.com.
A determined optimist, she loves adventures big and small, especially those taken with her husband and two sons. In her younger years, Lydia thought a perfect day meant time swimming and time curled up with a good book. Decades later, that's still a perfect day! For more information about Lydia and her writing, please visit www.lydiapbrownlow.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 19, 2023
It was a nice change for me to read an engrossing YA sci fi story that checked lots of my reading boxes.
I was worried that this story of a group of teenagers colonizing a new planet it might become a Lord of the Flies scenario, but happily for my reading pleasure, the kids included some great leaders, who made their settlement into a functional sort of found family. And much of the book involves the dynamics of this group as they work together to make their outpost a place to call home. Another mystery quickly intrudes, though--bits of a broken shuttle are washing ashore. Could there be survivors beyond this one island?
The pacing won't be for everyone--for much of the book, there are few Exciting Happenings (there are some very exciting ones towards the end though). You have to be a real lover of character driven survival stories to fully appreciate this one, which I am, so I did! I really enjoyed the group dynamics as they worked through practical and ethical problems together, and the romance was sweet. The only thing that would have made me like the book more would have been more time spent by the kids trying to figure out the ecology of the world. One of the things I immediately found disturbing about this already disturbing situation (and the wrongness of it all is clear from the get-go) was that the colonist kids didn't include anyone with biology experience, and so there wasn't much attention paid to the specifics of flora and fauna (and fauna, especially, was given short shrift).
I will happily read more about these kids and their new world! The book ends at a good stopping point, but I want more answers (why, as Leigh herself asks, are there no Canadians? Has something bad happened to Canada? And even more pressingly, why the heck weren't the kids briefed and trained?) and more attention paid to the ecology (the ready-made "food" supplies they arrived with won't last forever....).
I was worried that this story of a group of teenagers colonizing a new planet it might become a Lord of the Flies scenario, but happily for my reading pleasure, the kids included some great leaders, who made their settlement into a functional sort of found family. And much of the book involves the dynamics of this group as they work together to make their outpost a place to call home. Another mystery quickly intrudes, though--bits of a broken shuttle are washing ashore. Could there be survivors beyond this one island?
The pacing won't be for everyone--for much of the book, there are few Exciting Happenings (there are some very exciting ones towards the end though). You have to be a real lover of character driven survival stories to fully appreciate this one, which I am, so I did! I really enjoyed the group dynamics as they worked through practical and ethical problems together, and the romance was sweet. The only thing that would have made me like the book more would have been more time spent by the kids trying to figure out the ecology of the world. One of the things I immediately found disturbing about this already disturbing situation (and the wrongness of it all is clear from the get-go) was that the colonist kids didn't include anyone with biology experience, and so there wasn't much attention paid to the specifics of flora and fauna (and fauna, especially, was given short shrift).
I will happily read more about these kids and their new world! The book ends at a good stopping point, but I want more answers (why, as Leigh herself asks, are there no Canadians? Has something bad happened to Canada? And even more pressingly, why the heck weren't the kids briefed and trained?) and more attention paid to the ecology (the ready-made "food" supplies they arrived with won't last forever....).
April 4, 2024
*I recieved a free copy from the author in exchange for my honest review*
Lydia Brownlow's debut YA sci-fi novel, Vermillion Sunrise is a thoroughly enjoyable adventure that bodes well for her future as an author. Engaging, with a sympathetic cast of characters and thrilling concept (Project Hail Mary meets Lord of The Flies), fans of popular sci-fi YA will adore Vermillion Sunrise.
Please note minor worldbuilding and vague plot spoilers follow.
The synopsis is somewhat misleading (and could probably use a rewrite): this is not a nautical adventure; nor even a pure survival story (though these elements are present). Rather, it is a cross between a sci-fi mystery and a Lord-of-the-Flies type scenario as dozens of teenage inhabitants work to build a stable society alone. But while Lord of The Flies created a horrific scenario, Brownlow paints a more idealistic image that presents a faith in teenagers as capable, intelligent, and independent figures, capable of creating an organized society. While Brownlow doesn't shy away from depicting emotional outbursts, petty fights, foolish romantic entanglement, and violent potential in teens, she also gives them a welcome grace. There are still some trite tropes and questionable choices (the lead romance is predictable, the inhabitant's immediate obsession with the sex issue mere days after they were deposited unconscious on a faraway planet via rocket ship is laughable, and some of the early organizational capabilities of the group (especially after a traumatic event) are a bit too remarkable). Still, Vermillion Sunrise manages to feel original while fitting nicely into a well-established genre. If you like found-family, characters from the same vein as Tris and Katniss, and YA, you're bound to enjoy this read.
A note on prose, which is usually a key weakness for debut novels: It is very standard for a YA author, debut or otherwise. That's largely a good thing: YA is not a genre meant for flowery or masterful prose; it's meant for entertainment. The only point the prose is actively distracting is during a handful of poor/trite similes and metaphors, but these are not detrimental to the novel as a whole.
Brownlow's teenage characters are fairly typical for a dystopian novel: fun, memorable, somewhat basic but with distinct flaws. Leigh herself is by far the most complex character: a traumatized teen desperate to have another chance at societal acceptance, who is intelligent yet regularly makes foolish decisions. Particularly Brownlow portrays the teenage habit of inflating small issues quite well. While it can be frustrating to read; and occasionally anticlimactic as the reader realizes (alongside Leigh) that perhaps she was making a fuss over nothing, it is also refreshing to read. Aside from Leigh, Lex and Olu are the only other characters whose motivations are explored with much depth, but still remain primarily one-note (but fun!) characters.
As for the worldbuilding; it is very restrained. While there are a handful of unique discoveries and threats, the terrain, flora, and fauna of Marjol are largely indistinguishable from Earth's (trees, beaches, saltwater ocean, fish). This choice, while somewhat disappointing, works for the story. It is no fantasy or complex sci-fi novel, and the focus is not on the new world, but on the characters inhabiting it. Aside from a few short mentions of the Lorentz factor and space travel, Brownlow chooses not to dive into the technicalities of "how" of the setting and focuses on the "what now?". Earth's role, and the exact reason Leigh finds herself millions of miles from Earth, is a key mystery of the novel, but Brownlow doesn't focus on the answers themselves; rather, the impact of this mystery on Leigh.
This lack of answers, though, did become frustrating at a point. Brownlow seemed to be making way for some excellent twists regarding Leigh's past and Earth's state, and by the end, the reader is left with almost nothing or unsatisfactory answers. While this was part of the point (particularly for Leigh), it seems that while Brownlow is good at creating tension and mystery, she hasn't managed to deliver a great twist yet. However, not every book needs a dramatic twist to be great, indeed, haphazard twists have ruined many a book in the genre, and Vermillion Sunrise still holds up as a great novel (not just debut novel). There is plenty of room for improvement-in characters, worlbuilding, and prose, but this makes me all the more excited for a hopeful sequel. I will watch Brownlow's career with great interest. 7.5/10, great fun.
Lydia Brownlow's debut YA sci-fi novel, Vermillion Sunrise is a thoroughly enjoyable adventure that bodes well for her future as an author. Engaging, with a sympathetic cast of characters and thrilling concept (Project Hail Mary meets Lord of The Flies), fans of popular sci-fi YA will adore Vermillion Sunrise.
Please note minor worldbuilding and vague plot spoilers follow.
The synopsis is somewhat misleading (and could probably use a rewrite): this is not a nautical adventure; nor even a pure survival story (though these elements are present). Rather, it is a cross between a sci-fi mystery and a Lord-of-the-Flies type scenario as dozens of teenage inhabitants work to build a stable society alone. But while Lord of The Flies created a horrific scenario, Brownlow paints a more idealistic image that presents a faith in teenagers as capable, intelligent, and independent figures, capable of creating an organized society. While Brownlow doesn't shy away from depicting emotional outbursts, petty fights, foolish romantic entanglement, and violent potential in teens, she also gives them a welcome grace. There are still some trite tropes and questionable choices (the lead romance is predictable, the inhabitant's immediate obsession with the sex issue mere days after they were deposited unconscious on a faraway planet via rocket ship is laughable, and some of the early organizational capabilities of the group (especially after a traumatic event) are a bit too remarkable). Still, Vermillion Sunrise manages to feel original while fitting nicely into a well-established genre. If you like found-family, characters from the same vein as Tris and Katniss, and YA, you're bound to enjoy this read.
A note on prose, which is usually a key weakness for debut novels: It is very standard for a YA author, debut or otherwise. That's largely a good thing: YA is not a genre meant for flowery or masterful prose; it's meant for entertainment. The only point the prose is actively distracting is during a handful of poor/trite similes and metaphors, but these are not detrimental to the novel as a whole.
Brownlow's teenage characters are fairly typical for a dystopian novel: fun, memorable, somewhat basic but with distinct flaws. Leigh herself is by far the most complex character: a traumatized teen desperate to have another chance at societal acceptance, who is intelligent yet regularly makes foolish decisions. Particularly Brownlow portrays the teenage habit of inflating small issues quite well. While it can be frustrating to read; and occasionally anticlimactic as the reader realizes (alongside Leigh) that perhaps she was making a fuss over nothing, it is also refreshing to read. Aside from Leigh, Lex and Olu are the only other characters whose motivations are explored with much depth, but still remain primarily one-note (but fun!) characters.
As for the worldbuilding; it is very restrained. While there are a handful of unique discoveries and threats, the terrain, flora, and fauna of Marjol are largely indistinguishable from Earth's (trees, beaches, saltwater ocean, fish). This choice, while somewhat disappointing, works for the story. It is no fantasy or complex sci-fi novel, and the focus is not on the new world, but on the characters inhabiting it. Aside from a few short mentions of the Lorentz factor and space travel, Brownlow chooses not to dive into the technicalities of "how" of the setting and focuses on the "what now?". Earth's role, and the exact reason Leigh finds herself millions of miles from Earth, is a key mystery of the novel, but Brownlow doesn't focus on the answers themselves; rather, the impact of this mystery on Leigh.
This lack of answers, though, did become frustrating at a point. Brownlow seemed to be making way for some excellent twists regarding Leigh's past and Earth's state, and by the end, the reader is left with almost nothing or unsatisfactory answers. While this was part of the point (particularly for Leigh), it seems that while Brownlow is good at creating tension and mystery, she hasn't managed to deliver a great twist yet. However, not every book needs a dramatic twist to be great, indeed, haphazard twists have ruined many a book in the genre, and Vermillion Sunrise still holds up as a great novel (not just debut novel). There is plenty of room for improvement-in characters, worlbuilding, and prose, but this makes me all the more excited for a hopeful sequel. I will watch Brownlow's career with great interest. 7.5/10, great fun.
February 10, 2024
“Vermilion Sunrise” by Lydia P. Brownlow is a young adult sci-fi novel with a dash of romance and adventure mixed in. Leigh is just seventeen years old when she wakes up from cryosleep to find out she’s been traveling through space for thirteen years and has now arrived on a strange, watery planet. With no memories of volunteering to colonize a new planet, the only information she has is that individuals under eighteen have been the only ones able to survive the trip from Earth. Additionally, tensions run high as the other teenage colonists who inhabit the planet are less than welcoming. Lex, one of the handsome ringleaders, has decided Leigh and the others who came with her need to stay quarantined until it can be determined none of them are sick.
The island is full of unknown creatures, purple grass-like plants, and numerous dangers and threats to life. This only grows more unsettling when wreckage debris from one of the space crafts is found; questions arise over whether the youths will ever learn the circumstances back home that brought them here. With no working technology to communicate with Earth, the young colonists must decide how to survive in the form of their own society and learn about the planet’s threats themselves. Leigh knows there must be more to why each one of them was chosen to populate this otherwise uninhabited place and she is determined to find out the answers as to why they’re all here. What other dangers might be lurking on this mysterious planet somewhere in the galaxy far from home?
We’ve enjoyed such series as Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games; all young adult reads that crossed over into adult genres as well. Now we have “Vermilion Sunrise.” This is an exceptionally well-written novel for young adults that will capture your imagination with its well-crafted blend of mystery, romance, and multidimensional characters. Featuring a diverse cast from nearly everywhere on Earth you can think of, having a knack for accents will serve you well in immersing yourself in the lives of each of the teens featured in this book. I liked that all the kids felt like real teens from around the world who each brought their unique perspectives and skills to the table. Leigh gets to know each of them, and it was sometimes difficult to decide if I was more interested in the colony or the colonists, because practically all of them kept me hooked as they explored the planet and learned more about each other.
Lex was an excellent antagonist to Leigh throughout the story, just as much as she was to him. I enjoyed how their relationship developed throughout the book and slowly unrolled their backstories and complex feelings towards each other. If you’re a fan of romantic feelings that build over time, (known as a slow-burn romance) then you’ll enjoy this pair as much as I did. There was enough tension and drama throughout the story to keep me invested in their relationship and its conclusion.
I enjoyed this story of survival and I felt satisfied by the end of it. There were some questions left unanswered which means there’s potential for a sequel, but as it stands, the book holds up entirely on its own with an emotional ending that I also enjoyed. The memorable characters, relationships, and meandering exploration of the planet and characters were worthwhile and enjoyable, creating an entertaining read.
I highly recommend this book to older teens and young adults. There was no strong language or anything lewd or sexually inappropriate, but suggestive material such as violence, rape, and pregnancy were alluded to, so if you’re a concerned parent, some of that content might need to be taken into consideration if your teen is on the younger side. Overall, I definitely think fans of The Hunger Games will enjoy this book purely for the science fiction elements and complicated romantic relationships.
The island is full of unknown creatures, purple grass-like plants, and numerous dangers and threats to life. This only grows more unsettling when wreckage debris from one of the space crafts is found; questions arise over whether the youths will ever learn the circumstances back home that brought them here. With no working technology to communicate with Earth, the young colonists must decide how to survive in the form of their own society and learn about the planet’s threats themselves. Leigh knows there must be more to why each one of them was chosen to populate this otherwise uninhabited place and she is determined to find out the answers as to why they’re all here. What other dangers might be lurking on this mysterious planet somewhere in the galaxy far from home?
We’ve enjoyed such series as Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games; all young adult reads that crossed over into adult genres as well. Now we have “Vermilion Sunrise.” This is an exceptionally well-written novel for young adults that will capture your imagination with its well-crafted blend of mystery, romance, and multidimensional characters. Featuring a diverse cast from nearly everywhere on Earth you can think of, having a knack for accents will serve you well in immersing yourself in the lives of each of the teens featured in this book. I liked that all the kids felt like real teens from around the world who each brought their unique perspectives and skills to the table. Leigh gets to know each of them, and it was sometimes difficult to decide if I was more interested in the colony or the colonists, because practically all of them kept me hooked as they explored the planet and learned more about each other.
Lex was an excellent antagonist to Leigh throughout the story, just as much as she was to him. I enjoyed how their relationship developed throughout the book and slowly unrolled their backstories and complex feelings towards each other. If you’re a fan of romantic feelings that build over time, (known as a slow-burn romance) then you’ll enjoy this pair as much as I did. There was enough tension and drama throughout the story to keep me invested in their relationship and its conclusion.
I enjoyed this story of survival and I felt satisfied by the end of it. There were some questions left unanswered which means there’s potential for a sequel, but as it stands, the book holds up entirely on its own with an emotional ending that I also enjoyed. The memorable characters, relationships, and meandering exploration of the planet and characters were worthwhile and enjoyable, creating an entertaining read.
I highly recommend this book to older teens and young adults. There was no strong language or anything lewd or sexually inappropriate, but suggestive material such as violence, rape, and pregnancy were alluded to, so if you’re a concerned parent, some of that content might need to be taken into consideration if your teen is on the younger side. Overall, I definitely think fans of The Hunger Games will enjoy this book purely for the science fiction elements and complicated romantic relationships.
March 6, 2025
4.5 stars: Had I read this as a tween/teen - this probably would have been one of my top 10 books. There’s survival, mystery, burgeoning relationships as a society and as friends. The MC is relatively complex, and her drive to understand their situation more thoroughly would have (and still does) resonate with me. The world is both wonderful and frightening, mostly because of the unknowns. And the contrast with another potential path at the end helped add depth to our characters situations (although I wish we had delved a little deeper there). My only complaint, besides wishing for a little more depth for the foil situation, is that the side characters somewhat blend together and/or are a bit one dimensional. BUT this is a YA novel, so there’s just not enough pages to flesh out more than a few characters and the world, and the author ultimately chose the world which I believe was the right call.
It looks like this is intended to have a sequel and I am very excited to unravel more of the mystery around the colony!
It looks like this is intended to have a sequel and I am very excited to unravel more of the mystery around the colony!
January 28, 2024
Vermillion Sunrise by Lydia P Barlow is a very well written YA Sci-Fi book.
I loved the overall feel of the story, surviving agains the odds…working together to build a new way of life…love…adventure…discovery…rescue.
The writer paints a very clear and vivid picture of the new world the survivors have arrived in. I enjoyed how descriptive this book was it really helped imagine some of the beautiful and not so beautiful scenes.
I would very much like to see a sequel following on from the last adventure!!
I loved the overall feel of the story, surviving agains the odds…working together to build a new way of life…love…adventure…discovery…rescue.
The writer paints a very clear and vivid picture of the new world the survivors have arrived in. I enjoyed how descriptive this book was it really helped imagine some of the beautiful and not so beautiful scenes.
I would very much like to see a sequel following on from the last adventure!!
December 10, 2024
This was such a good YA sci-fi read. A group of teenagers find themselves on a planet far from home with no memory of volunteering for the 13-year trip. They have to set up a colony, but none of the technology works, and there are dangers lurking all around them.
This is a character driven story, and we have lots of strong individuals that keep the story interesting. Leigh is the main focus of the book, and I liked her relationship with Lex (one of the leaders). I thought their relationship developed nicely over time.
There are lots of mysteries to uncover and twists to the plot, which I enjoyed. The first part of the book is about survival and working together to resolve issues. I thought the author did a great job of portraying the dire situation they were in.
It was well written and nicely paced, although at the start, it is slower with character building and scene setting. The author explains this new world, and I liked how the teenagers came up with the names of things!
It was an enjoyable read, and the plot held my attention throughout the book. With thanks to the author, publisher, and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
This is a character driven story, and we have lots of strong individuals that keep the story interesting. Leigh is the main focus of the book, and I liked her relationship with Lex (one of the leaders). I thought their relationship developed nicely over time.
There are lots of mysteries to uncover and twists to the plot, which I enjoyed. The first part of the book is about survival and working together to resolve issues. I thought the author did a great job of portraying the dire situation they were in.
It was well written and nicely paced, although at the start, it is slower with character building and scene setting. The author explains this new world, and I liked how the teenagers came up with the names of things!
It was an enjoyable read, and the plot held my attention throughout the book. With thanks to the author, publisher, and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
July 9, 2023
"Nerdection Worth to read"
One thing that struck me when reading Vermilion Sunrise was how the premise is reminiscent of sci-fi literature of the early 20th century. I’m a huge fan of those kinds of stories and I started to notice that author Lydia P. Brownlow was going for something of that ilk, which is something that definitely struck a chord with me.
The character of Leigh works as a protagonist because of a very important reason: she is just as oblivious to the entire situation as we are. This is very important and is something that a lot of people don’t seem to grasp: the importance of showing, not telling, and not having to rely on a lot of clunky exposition.
Leigh works as our eyes during the story and when she discovers something, we discover something. This may sound like a very obvious thing to say but is something that works quite well with the world-building that the author is executing. This is not the world you and I are familiar with so there is a constant need for exposition and explanation and since Leigh also has doubts, we as the audience can get our answers in a manner that feels natural and works quite well.
This is very important because world-building is a major aspect of this type of story: you are supposed to connect with the world that the author is building and you are supposed to have an understanding of how things work in that setting. That gives context to a lot of different plot points and motivations for the cast in that story, which is something worth taking into account.
The world in Vermilion Sunrise feels vivid, vast, and with a lot of elements to explore, which is one of its defining traits: the fact that it has a lot of different plot threads and themes to explore. There is a discussion about colonialism in the story which is done in a way that doesn’t feel contrived or forced and adds to the magic of the world-building, giving the book a much more mature feel.
Perhaps the pacing was a bit off from time to time, which makes the story progress a bit too fast, but it has to be said that the story as a whole flows well and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. From my perspective, it’s better for the book to be a bit short than a bit too long, although I understand if others have a different perspective on that front.
As a series with a lot of young characters, author Lydia P. Brownlow adds a lot of themes that are often brought up when it comes to the youth but she does it in a way that doesn’t feel forced or superficial. Her characters have exactly that: character. They smile, they laugh, they win, they struggle, and all of that is essential to build a story that is exciting and compelling.
Vermilion Sunrise is a wonderful read and is a book that deserves a lot more accolades and recognition.
One thing that struck me when reading Vermilion Sunrise was how the premise is reminiscent of sci-fi literature of the early 20th century. I’m a huge fan of those kinds of stories and I started to notice that author Lydia P. Brownlow was going for something of that ilk, which is something that definitely struck a chord with me.
The character of Leigh works as a protagonist because of a very important reason: she is just as oblivious to the entire situation as we are. This is very important and is something that a lot of people don’t seem to grasp: the importance of showing, not telling, and not having to rely on a lot of clunky exposition.
Leigh works as our eyes during the story and when she discovers something, we discover something. This may sound like a very obvious thing to say but is something that works quite well with the world-building that the author is executing. This is not the world you and I are familiar with so there is a constant need for exposition and explanation and since Leigh also has doubts, we as the audience can get our answers in a manner that feels natural and works quite well.
This is very important because world-building is a major aspect of this type of story: you are supposed to connect with the world that the author is building and you are supposed to have an understanding of how things work in that setting. That gives context to a lot of different plot points and motivations for the cast in that story, which is something worth taking into account.
The world in Vermilion Sunrise feels vivid, vast, and with a lot of elements to explore, which is one of its defining traits: the fact that it has a lot of different plot threads and themes to explore. There is a discussion about colonialism in the story which is done in a way that doesn’t feel contrived or forced and adds to the magic of the world-building, giving the book a much more mature feel.
Perhaps the pacing was a bit off from time to time, which makes the story progress a bit too fast, but it has to be said that the story as a whole flows well and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. From my perspective, it’s better for the book to be a bit short than a bit too long, although I understand if others have a different perspective on that front.
As a series with a lot of young characters, author Lydia P. Brownlow adds a lot of themes that are often brought up when it comes to the youth but she does it in a way that doesn’t feel forced or superficial. Her characters have exactly that: character. They smile, they laugh, they win, they struggle, and all of that is essential to build a story that is exciting and compelling.
Vermilion Sunrise is a wonderful read and is a book that deserves a lot more accolades and recognition.
January 30, 2024
Here is my review for Vermilion Sunrise by Lydia P Brownlow
This is a great sci-fi read for anyone not just teenagers as I really enjoyed reading it as well. I got into the story as soon as I started the book. The plotting is great as is the storyline. It’s set in a different solar system and is based on setting up a new human colony. There are no animals and we are only the third spaceship bringing some teenagers to the planet. They have no memory of agreeing to come on the journey. They are learning to fend for themselves and making friends with the colonists they meet. It’s a very good story and very intriguing. I liked the story and the writing style was easy to read. There was good attention to detail and everything was explained well by the author. I would read another book by this author.
Blurb :
Seventeen-year-old Leigh awakens from cryosleep to discover she's part of the first human colony in another solar system. The cryosleep is flawed. It kills adults and causes partial amnesia. As a result, the nations of Earth have launched into space an unlikely group--teenagers with no memory of volunteering for the mission.
Ten light-years from home, they land on a planet largely covered by water. The good news: some water is drinkable. The bad news: none of their technology works. As the colonists struggle to survive, strange debris washes ashore, and a surprising discovery challenges everything they thought they knew. With a makeshift raft and meager supplies, Leigh and a small band of explorers venture across the open ocean in search of answers.
But the truth may be more than they bargained for, especially for Leigh, who's been lying to everyone since she arrived ....
Seventeen-year-old Leigh awakens from cryosleep to discover she's part of the first human colony in another solar system. The cryosleep is flawed. It kills adults and causes partial amnesia. As a result, the nations of Earth have launched into space an unlikely group--teenagers with no memory of volunteering for the mission.
Ten light-years from home, they land on a planet largely covered by water. The good news: some water is drinkable. The bad news: none of their technology works. As the colonists struggle to survive, strange debris washes ashore, and a surprising discovery challenges everything they thought they knew. With a makeshift raft and meager supplies, Leigh and a small band of explorers venture across the open ocean in search of answers.
But the truth may be more than they bargained for, especially for Leigh, who's been lying to everyone since she arrived ....
This is a great sci-fi read for anyone not just teenagers as I really enjoyed reading it as well. I got into the story as soon as I started the book. The plotting is great as is the storyline. It’s set in a different solar system and is based on setting up a new human colony. There are no animals and we are only the third spaceship bringing some teenagers to the planet. They have no memory of agreeing to come on the journey. They are learning to fend for themselves and making friends with the colonists they meet. It’s a very good story and very intriguing. I liked the story and the writing style was easy to read. There was good attention to detail and everything was explained well by the author. I would read another book by this author.
Blurb :
Seventeen-year-old Leigh awakens from cryosleep to discover she's part of the first human colony in another solar system. The cryosleep is flawed. It kills adults and causes partial amnesia. As a result, the nations of Earth have launched into space an unlikely group--teenagers with no memory of volunteering for the mission.
Ten light-years from home, they land on a planet largely covered by water. The good news: some water is drinkable. The bad news: none of their technology works. As the colonists struggle to survive, strange debris washes ashore, and a surprising discovery challenges everything they thought they knew. With a makeshift raft and meager supplies, Leigh and a small band of explorers venture across the open ocean in search of answers.
But the truth may be more than they bargained for, especially for Leigh, who's been lying to everyone since she arrived ....
Seventeen-year-old Leigh awakens from cryosleep to discover she's part of the first human colony in another solar system. The cryosleep is flawed. It kills adults and causes partial amnesia. As a result, the nations of Earth have launched into space an unlikely group--teenagers with no memory of volunteering for the mission.
Ten light-years from home, they land on a planet largely covered by water. The good news: some water is drinkable. The bad news: none of their technology works. As the colonists struggle to survive, strange debris washes ashore, and a surprising discovery challenges everything they thought they knew. With a makeshift raft and meager supplies, Leigh and a small band of explorers venture across the open ocean in search of answers.
But the truth may be more than they bargained for, especially for Leigh, who's been lying to everyone since she arrived ....
January 24, 2024
📚 Book Review: "Vermilion Sunrise"
by Lydia P. Brownlow 🚀🌅
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Lydia P. Brownlow's "Vermilion Sunrise" is a captivating journey into the unexplored realms of YA science fiction, delivering a story that blends suspense, mystery, and the resilience of youth in the face of the unknown.
🚀 Immersive Plot & Setting: The narrative kicks off with flawed cryosleep, transporting seventeen-year-old Leigh and her companions to a distant solar system. The landing on a water-covered planet, where technology fails, sets the stage for an enthralling saga of survival. Brownlow masterfully crafts an immersive setting that sparks the imagination and fuels the reader's sense of adventure.
👫 Compelling Characters: Protagonists Leigh and Lex breathe life into the storyline with their relatable struggles and unwavering courage. Brownlow's character development shines as she explores their emotional complexities, creating a connection that goes beyond the sci-fi elements. Leigh's hidden secret and Lex's reluctance to be vulnerable add layers of depth to their personalities.
🔍 Suspenseful Narration: The author's ability to build suspense is a standout feature. From the remnants of a flawed cryosleep to the unexpected discoveries on the water-covered planet, every twist and turn keeps readers eagerly turning pages. The intricate web of secrets slowly unravels, creating an addictive reading experience.
🌟 Ensemble Cast Dynamics: "Vermilion Sunrise" successfully avoids the pitfall of plot-driven characters. Instead, the ensemble cast, particularly Leigh and Lex, takes the lead, steering the events of the novel. This allows the story to organically evolve, with external forces serving as a backdrop to the characters' reactions and growth.
🌈 Themes & Emotional Resonance: Beyond the sci-fi elements, the novel delves into profound themes of teenage anxiety, resilience, compassion, and love. Brownlow skillfully navigates these emotional landscapes, creating a narrative that resonates universally.
🌌 Overall Impression: "Vermilion Sunrise" marks Lydia P. Brownlow's stellar debut, offering a fresh perspective on YA sci-fi.
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
by Lydia P. Brownlow 🚀🌅
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Lydia P. Brownlow's "Vermilion Sunrise" is a captivating journey into the unexplored realms of YA science fiction, delivering a story that blends suspense, mystery, and the resilience of youth in the face of the unknown.
🚀 Immersive Plot & Setting: The narrative kicks off with flawed cryosleep, transporting seventeen-year-old Leigh and her companions to a distant solar system. The landing on a water-covered planet, where technology fails, sets the stage for an enthralling saga of survival. Brownlow masterfully crafts an immersive setting that sparks the imagination and fuels the reader's sense of adventure.
👫 Compelling Characters: Protagonists Leigh and Lex breathe life into the storyline with their relatable struggles and unwavering courage. Brownlow's character development shines as she explores their emotional complexities, creating a connection that goes beyond the sci-fi elements. Leigh's hidden secret and Lex's reluctance to be vulnerable add layers of depth to their personalities.
🔍 Suspenseful Narration: The author's ability to build suspense is a standout feature. From the remnants of a flawed cryosleep to the unexpected discoveries on the water-covered planet, every twist and turn keeps readers eagerly turning pages. The intricate web of secrets slowly unravels, creating an addictive reading experience.
🌟 Ensemble Cast Dynamics: "Vermilion Sunrise" successfully avoids the pitfall of plot-driven characters. Instead, the ensemble cast, particularly Leigh and Lex, takes the lead, steering the events of the novel. This allows the story to organically evolve, with external forces serving as a backdrop to the characters' reactions and growth.
🌈 Themes & Emotional Resonance: Beyond the sci-fi elements, the novel delves into profound themes of teenage anxiety, resilience, compassion, and love. Brownlow skillfully navigates these emotional landscapes, creating a narrative that resonates universally.
🌌 Overall Impression: "Vermilion Sunrise" marks Lydia P. Brownlow's stellar debut, offering a fresh perspective on YA sci-fi.
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
June 19, 2024
VERMILLION SUNRISE was such a wonderful YA sci fi book that I highly enjoyed. 17-year-old Leigh emerges from cryosleep light years from home with no idea how she got there. She and twenty other teens are deposited on a planet that’s mostly water with a few islands and left to fend for themselves with no contact with the outside world or home. Fun times!
I ate this book up. I loved the characters. I loved the set up with no one being able to remember how they got there… which led to all sorts of great questions. With no technology available, everyone is forced to figure out how to get water and food, and everyday problems like burns and wandering into horribly poisonous plants could quickly kill you. For a book that’s set on a planet 10 light years away, this really feels more like a book about being marooned on an island on Earth and simply doing what you need to in order to survive. Without any tech or encounters with anything alien, everything feels very Earth-like. That said, I loved the book for what it is, a tale of survival.
The mystery is very well done, with parts of a broken spaceship washing up on shore from early on in the book. The group immediately begins to ask the question of who else is out there and whether they are alone? So many great themes and I was rooting for this little tribe and wondering what was in store. Not sure if there is a sequel in the works, but I would read it if there was one! 5/5 stars.
I ate this book up. I loved the characters. I loved the set up with no one being able to remember how they got there… which led to all sorts of great questions. With no technology available, everyone is forced to figure out how to get water and food, and everyday problems like burns and wandering into horribly poisonous plants could quickly kill you. For a book that’s set on a planet 10 light years away, this really feels more like a book about being marooned on an island on Earth and simply doing what you need to in order to survive. Without any tech or encounters with anything alien, everything feels very Earth-like. That said, I loved the book for what it is, a tale of survival.
The mystery is very well done, with parts of a broken spaceship washing up on shore from early on in the book. The group immediately begins to ask the question of who else is out there and whether they are alone? So many great themes and I was rooting for this little tribe and wondering what was in store. Not sure if there is a sequel in the works, but I would read it if there was one! 5/5 stars.
September 23, 2025
I was gifted this book last year at my book club's holiday book exchange. I didn't really know what to expect when I picked it off my TBR stacks yesterday afternoon. it quickly became apparent it was a YA novel, which I find often don't have the depth of character development that I'd like. But this story sucked me in -- it was fast-paced, and never let up. I had to suspend some disbelief at a group of teens governing themselves so well and their abundance of supplies that they never seem to think about how to replace whenever they eventually run out. but there was no lack of character development and I thoroughly enjoyed the story, so much that I finished the whole thing in a day and a half.
It's not a deep read, but it was a thoroughly entertaining one, and I'd be curious enough to read the sequel.
Also, the author was, like me, an English major at Rice. I haven't been able to find her graduation year, so no idea if we overlapped. I don't recognize her from her photo, so maybe we didn't. But also...I graduated over 25 years ago and that amount of time definitely changes a person!
It's not a deep read, but it was a thoroughly entertaining one, and I'd be curious enough to read the sequel.
Also, the author was, like me, an English major at Rice. I haven't been able to find her graduation year, so no idea if we overlapped. I don't recognize her from her photo, so maybe we didn't. But also...I graduated over 25 years ago and that amount of time definitely changes a person!
July 16, 2023
Vermilion Sunrise is a refreshing and compelling story with a cast of fully fleshed-out characters who work together remarkably well amid immensely difficult circumstances. At its core, the story is about hope. Though tragedy, lack of technology, inadequate medical supplies, and bad weather plague the characters, the thread of love and hope never gets severed. The world building is solid and the multiple mysteries of the colonists' circumstances were well balanced with the minutiae of surviving on an alien planet.
My ONLY criticism (which applies to nearly every YA book I've ever read) was the lack of LGBT characters. In a colony of 60 teenagers, there are bound to be those who are not straight. Although I appreciate the frankness of the "no sex until we know how to deal with pregnancy" rule, discussion of such a rule without acknowledging the guarantee of non-straight colony members is a bit perplexing. (Ms. Brownlow, if you're reading this, I hope to see some representation in the sequel!)
My ONLY criticism (which applies to nearly every YA book I've ever read) was the lack of LGBT characters. In a colony of 60 teenagers, there are bound to be those who are not straight. Although I appreciate the frankness of the "no sex until we know how to deal with pregnancy" rule, discussion of such a rule without acknowledging the guarantee of non-straight colony members is a bit perplexing. (Ms. Brownlow, if you're reading this, I hope to see some representation in the sequel!)
January 31, 2024
Vermillion Sunrise really reached out to the sense of adventure that I've lost somewhere along the way to becoming an adult. Reading this and imagining I was still that carefree teenager was easy. Young me would have loved to go and live on a new planet and be starting everything from scratch. Helping to explore, plan, make rules, organise. (Adult me likes the idea of it in principle!)
The characters seem like a mixed bag, and the fact some of them don't seem to remember signing up to this new world makes them even more intriguing. I think Zalfaa is my favourite, purely because I'm a natural carer, and all my adult jobs have been within the care industry. I admire her ability to nurse others even with limited supplies and equipment.
In some ways I was reminded of Lord of The Flies, with children in charge, but the characters in Vermillion Sunrise are far more civilised. In other ways, the TV show Lost came to mind with the debris and the possibility that there are "others" on the island.
I think this was a fantastic read which is perfect for the teen market.
The characters seem like a mixed bag, and the fact some of them don't seem to remember signing up to this new world makes them even more intriguing. I think Zalfaa is my favourite, purely because I'm a natural carer, and all my adult jobs have been within the care industry. I admire her ability to nurse others even with limited supplies and equipment.
In some ways I was reminded of Lord of The Flies, with children in charge, but the characters in Vermillion Sunrise are far more civilised. In other ways, the TV show Lost came to mind with the debris and the possibility that there are "others" on the island.
I think this was a fantastic read which is perfect for the teen market.
June 6, 2024
This was such a cool sci-fi read! The premise is that 20 teenagers awake from cryosleep and are headed to a new planet where they will be among the first colonists. Every three months a new group of teens arrives at the Homestead. Brownlow did a wonderful job of minimizing teen drama. The colonists were too focused on figuring out how to live on their new planet to be causing much drama. The focus of this book is worldbuilding and character development. While there is action, especially at the end, it feels like Brownlow is setting up the reader to be comfortable in this new world. Much of the book focuses on how the colonists take care of those who are injured or sick, how they explore the area, and how they survive and adapt to their new world. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding! There are mysteries that the teens are trying to figure out, and the FMC asks a lot of great questions about why they are on the planet, why they don’t have all of their memories, and why there are no Canadians. The second book isn’t out yet, but I cannot wait for it to come out as this book ended on a pretty big cliffhanger. Thank you to Lydia Brownlow for the book!
May 19, 2024
Leigh wakes from cryosleep with no memory of volunteering to leave Earth to colonize another planet. Lex was part of the first landing party, and now has to welcome the newest arrivals. With their tech not working and strange debris showing up on their shores, this group of teens will need to work together to find answers if they have any hope of survival…
This character-driven story had a good balance of the two POVs. I enjoyed the found family, and Lex and Leigh’s romance. The various members of the colony offered different perspectives for their collective course of action as problems arouse. They engaged in several interesting philosophical and moral discussions about how to form a new society they could be proud of.
Only downside: it was a little slow to start. A handful of mysteries were introduced, but there wasn’t a focused effort to answer them for a while. Things picked up a bit about a third of the way through and I was consistently engaged to the end.
Overall, this was a fun sci-fi adventure with a sweet, slow-burn romance.
Copy provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
This character-driven story had a good balance of the two POVs. I enjoyed the found family, and Lex and Leigh’s romance. The various members of the colony offered different perspectives for their collective course of action as problems arouse. They engaged in several interesting philosophical and moral discussions about how to form a new society they could be proud of.
Only downside: it was a little slow to start. A handful of mysteries were introduced, but there wasn’t a focused effort to answer them for a while. Things picked up a bit about a third of the way through and I was consistently engaged to the end.
Overall, this was a fun sci-fi adventure with a sweet, slow-burn romance.
Copy provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
December 13, 2024
This was such a good book to read and I loved the concept. The idea that a group of teens don’t remember volunteering for a mission after all the adults are killed? That part is like a main element in many sci-fi shows and movies, where the cryo pods are meant to save people but some are faulty and half the crew are gone. Adding the amnesia and the fact that the main cast are teenagers having to survive without their gear in working order has me thinking of shows and movies I can’t remember the titles of and I’ve seen so many over the years. I did think Lord of the Flies because they’re all young and left to survive on their own on a strange new world. But the secrecy that could be behind all this really adds to the mystery and intrigue. I think this is a great book for anyone that likes mystery with their sci-fi.
January 25, 2025
This was an interesting book to read. I loved that the teenagers who were tasked with settling this new planet actually tried to build a society where everyone had a job they chose where they could feel like they were valued and appreciated. I was worried for sure that it was going to Lord of the Flies in space. But the world building was great. They don't know the last themselves everything is presented to the reader like it's new and never seen before, because it wasn't. So you don't feel like the author is withholding anything from you. The characters are very well written and relatable. There is romantic tension but it doesn't detract from the plot. The story ends in a good place but leaves room to make a sequel.
January 30, 2024
Vermilion Sunrise surprised me. I'm very much a fantasy lover, and I have been really loving sci-fi books recently.
It's quite slow paced but very character driven, so it was very much able to keep my interest throughout the whole book. A lot of the books I love have a faster pacing throughout which is why this one surprised me.
I'm hoping there will be a sequel because I'm very much hoping to find out what happens next with Lorelai/Leigh, Lex and the rest of this rag tag group.
I want to find out if they have any more interactions with other colonist groups. Do they get further information on how they got there and why they were sent. I did guess correctly about the volunteering that happened for them to get there, though.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and want to explore more of it in further books.
It's quite slow paced but very character driven, so it was very much able to keep my interest throughout the whole book. A lot of the books I love have a faster pacing throughout which is why this one surprised me.
I'm hoping there will be a sequel because I'm very much hoping to find out what happens next with Lorelai/Leigh, Lex and the rest of this rag tag group.
I want to find out if they have any more interactions with other colonist groups. Do they get further information on how they got there and why they were sent. I did guess correctly about the volunteering that happened for them to get there, though.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book and want to explore more of it in further books.
February 5, 2024
Oh my stars!! This book gave me all the feels. There were alien planets, space travel, adventure, a found family, with a little bit of romance. I stayed up way too late reading this book, because I needed to know what was going to happen next. I feel in love with the characters because of their resilience and their need to survive. I also felt like I was exploring this foreign planet with characters and was taken along on their adventures. I hurt when they hurt and swooned when the characters were able to finally tell each other their true feelings. I may have shed a tear or two. Highly recommend this book!!
February 28, 2024
I loved this book. I thought it was so good. I'm not much into sci fiction reads but I'm really trying to open myself up to more variety and I am definitely NOT disappointed. I thought the characters were amazing and I really liked that this book had a little mix of everything. I was invested and couldn't put this down !!!
This was a really fast read for me and I absolutely devoured it. I felt like I was exploring this new planet with these characters and I experiencing with the them for the first time. I felt their feelings. I really felt so connected to these characters.
I really enjoyed this read and y’all need to go and get it !!
This was a really fast read for me and I absolutely devoured it. I felt like I was exploring this new planet with these characters and I experiencing with the them for the first time. I felt their feelings. I really felt so connected to these characters.
I really enjoyed this read and y’all need to go and get it !!
December 16, 2024
This is a brilliant new fantasy read aimed at the YA audience - but even being a long way off that age range, I really loved this book!
The premise was really well plotted and presented and I was intrigued right from the start.
This isn't my usual go-to genre to read, but I liked that our group if main characters were all teens - due to the cryo sleep issue that kills the adults. Although the teens made the journey, they have absolutely no memory of agreeing to the trip at all.
This was such an easy read which although started off at quite a slow pace, I think this was needed to properly introduce the characters and this new world we found ourselves in.
The writing style was engaging and the character driven narrative held my interest to the end.
The descriptive writing also allowed for a clear and vivid image of this setting which helped to create the bleak and tense atmosphere that the gang was trying to navigate.
A great read and I feel there may well be a sequel to this to further progress the storyline and pull together some of the questions that I still have about the colony and what will happen next.
The premise was really well plotted and presented and I was intrigued right from the start.
This isn't my usual go-to genre to read, but I liked that our group if main characters were all teens - due to the cryo sleep issue that kills the adults. Although the teens made the journey, they have absolutely no memory of agreeing to the trip at all.
This was such an easy read which although started off at quite a slow pace, I think this was needed to properly introduce the characters and this new world we found ourselves in.
The writing style was engaging and the character driven narrative held my interest to the end.
The descriptive writing also allowed for a clear and vivid image of this setting which helped to create the bleak and tense atmosphere that the gang was trying to navigate.
A great read and I feel there may well be a sequel to this to further progress the storyline and pull together some of the questions that I still have about the colony and what will happen next.
January 22, 2025
My theme so far for 2025 is to escape and this story did not disappoint….The cast of characters are fun, complex yet relatable. This story was similar to the 100 series on Netflix but less gore and intensity. The characters were relatable and what they did to thrive on their new planet made sense, was relatable and entertaining at the same time. I cannot wait to see what happens next and hope there is a sequel!
February 5, 2024
Could you imagine, waking up being on a strange planet? I couldn’t! Leigh the FMC Does, and she’s only 17. In fact, the only ones that survive the cyrosleep are the teenagers, none of the adults do.
This book was exciting, a group of teenagers, taking on a strange New World and a different solar system. The story was character driven in the world that Lydia Brownlow built, it was something that completely took me by surprise. I could not wait to read what was going to be seen or found next. I felt as if I was actually there, discovering it right along with them. It was such a fun journey.
I’m happy to pass this one along to my kids as it was an appropriate YA novel.
This book was exciting, a group of teenagers, taking on a strange New World and a different solar system. The story was character driven in the world that Lydia Brownlow built, it was something that completely took me by surprise. I could not wait to read what was going to be seen or found next. I felt as if I was actually there, discovering it right along with them. It was such a fun journey.
I’m happy to pass this one along to my kids as it was an appropriate YA novel.
December 11, 2024
Thank you to the author, Love Books Tours, and Warren Publishing for the free book.
Vermilion Sunrise has a very dystopian feel; a bunch of teenagers are sent to a new planet (many light years away) to begin colonization. And no adults are present because they don’t survive the cryosleep. But none of these teenagers seem to have the skills that you’d expect for a new colony.
So the story is part sci-fi, part mystery, and heavily character driven. The story was a little slow at the beginning for me, but I think that’s a bit because we get to know so many characters at once. But once the action picks up and we start to get to know these kids, I couldn’t put it down.
And, because I am me, I was extra excited that there was a romance. It’s more of a slow burn, as these are teens trying to survive in the new world. But like Billy Mack sings about in Love Actually, love (and Christmas) is all around.
Overall, Vermilion Sunrise is well written and interesting and I would happily read more about these kids and their colony.
Vermilion Sunrise has a very dystopian feel; a bunch of teenagers are sent to a new planet (many light years away) to begin colonization. And no adults are present because they don’t survive the cryosleep. But none of these teenagers seem to have the skills that you’d expect for a new colony.
So the story is part sci-fi, part mystery, and heavily character driven. The story was a little slow at the beginning for me, but I think that’s a bit because we get to know so many characters at once. But once the action picks up and we start to get to know these kids, I couldn’t put it down.
And, because I am me, I was extra excited that there was a romance. It’s more of a slow burn, as these are teens trying to survive in the new world. But like Billy Mack sings about in Love Actually, love (and Christmas) is all around.
Overall, Vermilion Sunrise is well written and interesting and I would happily read more about these kids and their colony.
May 14, 2024
interesting concept
I really enjoyed the interesting concept and view of the story. This is different from the books that I normally read and I am curious as to what is going to happen next in this planet!
I really enjoyed the interesting concept and view of the story. This is different from the books that I normally read and I am curious as to what is going to happen next in this planet!
January 31, 2024
Seventeen year old Leigh does not remember volunteering to live on a colony in another solar system. Yet here she is and her inner dialogue as she wakes up to find herself in this strange new planet grips the reader right away! Memories of how these teens ended up in this colony are not the only thing missing, it seems none of the adults survived the cryosleep. Navigating life in this new solar system leaves Leah with more questions than answers and her inquisitive nature moves the story along at the right pace, leaving the reader to wonder what secrets are still left to uncover. Vermilion Sunrise is a beautifully written book that brings humanity to a whole new world, in a relatable yet intriguing way. While I am so glad the book came addressed to me, I genuinely cannot wait to share it with my young readers.
July 30, 2024
~ 4.5
August 24, 2023
Vermilion Sunrise was an entertaining and engaging book. It told a compelling. exciting story with characters that were easy to connect with. The world, while strange, feels fully realized. While not perfect, the premise presents some intriguing mysteries that the plot delivers on in a way I hadn’t read before. I’m not certain if this book is intended to be a standalone novel or not, but I would certainly be interested in revisiting this world again.
My full review can be found here
My full review can be found here
May 20, 2023
“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘥 ... 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴. 𝘈 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘥
𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘦, 𝘰𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦, 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘸𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘶𝘱 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘮𝘢.”
“𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.”
–––
I thoroughly enjoyed this YA science-fiction novel. The pacing of the prose is consistently good, which makes the initial world-building go by quickly. By the time the plot started to really move, I was in. There's a very human mystery undergirding the novel: the colonists have no memory of volunteering to be shipped off to a new solar system, and there are pieces of metal washing ashore that look like they're from a shuttle. With all of their technology down, the Marjol colonists are as confused as the reader about what could possibly be going on. Are they alone? A discovery either way is terrifying.
The two protagonists, Leigh and Lex, are both incredibly lovable. Leigh is headstrong, cautious, and has a strong moral compass. Both she and Lex are natural-born leaders, though I don't think either would volunteer for that role (beyond out of a sense of duty). Lex is 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 a man written by a woman. He's kind, but, in the way many teenage boys are, reluctant to be vulnerable. Leigh, too, is emotionally closed off; though in her case it's because she has a past on Earth she'd rather be forgotten by everyone (including herself).
In books like this that have such a concrete concept as their foundation, I always worry about the plot driving the characters.𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦 avoids this entirely, letting its ensemble (and in particular the protags) steer the events of the novel. There may be forces outside of their control––the shuttle pieces washing ashore, disease and injury––but the novel consistently invests itself in how the Marjol colony would react and respond. Brownlow effectively harnesses the power of science fiction to create a sandbox of a world where she can play with this diverse cast of characters.
My 18ce BritLit senses were tingling throughout 𝘝𝘚; Brownlow invokes classic exploration literature, like 𝘙𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘰𝘦 and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 (the first sci-fi novel, and by a woman, too!). Documentation, historicization, and unlikely encounters are central themes of 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘰𝘦. The lesser-known novel 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 by Lady Margaret Cavendish (1666) investigates the discovery of new society as the heroine's sailing party travels through a portal to a new world. What does it look like to document a new place? To document the former lives of the people living there? When you sail off to the edge of the world (or the universe), what will you find there, and what will it reveal about where you came from? Obviously, 𝘝𝘚 would be a much more fun way for middle and high school students to engage with these questions than my historical reads.
I really recommend this book for adolescents and adults too! It's a fun and different and heartfelt take on YA science fiction.
𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘦, 𝘰𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦, 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘸𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘶𝘱 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘮𝘢.”
“𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.”
–––
I thoroughly enjoyed this YA science-fiction novel. The pacing of the prose is consistently good, which makes the initial world-building go by quickly. By the time the plot started to really move, I was in. There's a very human mystery undergirding the novel: the colonists have no memory of volunteering to be shipped off to a new solar system, and there are pieces of metal washing ashore that look like they're from a shuttle. With all of their technology down, the Marjol colonists are as confused as the reader about what could possibly be going on. Are they alone? A discovery either way is terrifying.
The two protagonists, Leigh and Lex, are both incredibly lovable. Leigh is headstrong, cautious, and has a strong moral compass. Both she and Lex are natural-born leaders, though I don't think either would volunteer for that role (beyond out of a sense of duty). Lex is 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 a man written by a woman. He's kind, but, in the way many teenage boys are, reluctant to be vulnerable. Leigh, too, is emotionally closed off; though in her case it's because she has a past on Earth she'd rather be forgotten by everyone (including herself).
In books like this that have such a concrete concept as their foundation, I always worry about the plot driving the characters.𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦 avoids this entirely, letting its ensemble (and in particular the protags) steer the events of the novel. There may be forces outside of their control––the shuttle pieces washing ashore, disease and injury––but the novel consistently invests itself in how the Marjol colony would react and respond. Brownlow effectively harnesses the power of science fiction to create a sandbox of a world where she can play with this diverse cast of characters.
My 18ce BritLit senses were tingling throughout 𝘝𝘚; Brownlow invokes classic exploration literature, like 𝘙𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘰𝘦 and 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 (the first sci-fi novel, and by a woman, too!). Documentation, historicization, and unlikely encounters are central themes of 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘰𝘦. The lesser-known novel 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 by Lady Margaret Cavendish (1666) investigates the discovery of new society as the heroine's sailing party travels through a portal to a new world. What does it look like to document a new place? To document the former lives of the people living there? When you sail off to the edge of the world (or the universe), what will you find there, and what will it reveal about where you came from? Obviously, 𝘝𝘚 would be a much more fun way for middle and high school students to engage with these questions than my historical reads.
I really recommend this book for adolescents and adults too! It's a fun and different and heartfelt take on YA science fiction.
August 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! From the start I was hooked - finished it in a day!
I really appreciated the fact that as the reader I never knew more than the characters. The main protagonist, Leigh, begins the journey understanding nothing about her surroundings and how she got there. This shared lack of information kept me engaged as I discovered the secrets of her new world and companions alongside Leigh.
The world building was great! There is so much potential remaining for these characters. I really hope there is a sequel! I am excited to see where the story goes next!
I really appreciated the fact that as the reader I never knew more than the characters. The main protagonist, Leigh, begins the journey understanding nothing about her surroundings and how she got there. This shared lack of information kept me engaged as I discovered the secrets of her new world and companions alongside Leigh.
The world building was great! There is so much potential remaining for these characters. I really hope there is a sequel! I am excited to see where the story goes next!
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