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Jasyn and the Astronauts #1
Under the Ice Skies
A sapphic swords & sorcery space adventure!
JASYN is an explorer with a talent for reaching for the stars and upending weather systems with her emotions. She spends her days dreaming of adventure, hiding her power of ice, and definitely not thinking about what it’d feel like to be the snow on her best friend’s cheek
Atalanta is an archer and a recluse with a skill for making Jasyn’s heart glow as bright as a filament-fruit. They’ve lived in each other’s orbit most of their lives, but she’s just as magical and mysterious to Jasyn as all the galaxies under the Seven Suns.
When their world is forcibly upturned, a journey of discovery begins. Venturing across their ice and blight-infested home-world, they discover the solution to their out of balance world lies in the skies. Of course, with a tyrant Ice King intent on closed sky-borders and Jasyn’s demise, they have to survive long enough to get there, first.
Under The Ice Skies is the first leg of the journey in the Jasyn and The Astronauts series — a sapphic, swords & sorcery in space reimagining of Jason and the Golden Fleece — an adventure fuelled by wonder and good intentions, while navigating weather fronts formed of feelings along the way.
Climb aboard and begin the adventure today!
JASYN is an explorer with a talent for reaching for the stars and upending weather systems with her emotions. She spends her days dreaming of adventure, hiding her power of ice, and definitely not thinking about what it’d feel like to be the snow on her best friend’s cheek
Atalanta is an archer and a recluse with a skill for making Jasyn’s heart glow as bright as a filament-fruit. They’ve lived in each other’s orbit most of their lives, but she’s just as magical and mysterious to Jasyn as all the galaxies under the Seven Suns.
When their world is forcibly upturned, a journey of discovery begins. Venturing across their ice and blight-infested home-world, they discover the solution to their out of balance world lies in the skies. Of course, with a tyrant Ice King intent on closed sky-borders and Jasyn’s demise, they have to survive long enough to get there, first.
Under The Ice Skies is the first leg of the journey in the Jasyn and The Astronauts series — a sapphic, swords & sorcery in space reimagining of Jason and the Golden Fleece — an adventure fuelled by wonder and good intentions, while navigating weather fronts formed of feelings along the way.
Climb aboard and begin the adventure today!
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2023
97 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Gwenhyver
5 books50 followersGwenhyver writes stories with fantastical elements and queer characters. She lives in a village on Dartmoor, England, with her wonderful wife. When she’s not happily hermit-ing in her writing den, she’s likely roaming the moors or exploring cycle trails wearing too much hi-vis. Jasyn and the Astronauts - Book 1 - Under the Ice Skies is her debut novel series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 2, 2025
Like 3.5 stars.
This one is tricky to rate, dont get me wrong, it is very enjoyable, I think the narration is very fluid and entertaining, the author has a very impressive ease with it. I just felt that some things needed more definition, like the characters and story progression and a bit more editing in various scenes. I dont think I am very fond of Jasyn, but I liked Atalanta very much. The book has a lot of promise, and I will pick the next one to see how it goes.
This one is tricky to rate, dont get me wrong, it is very enjoyable, I think the narration is very fluid and entertaining, the author has a very impressive ease with it. I just felt that some things needed more definition, like the characters and story progression and a bit more editing in various scenes. I dont think I am very fond of Jasyn, but I liked Atalanta very much. The book has a lot of promise, and I will pick the next one to see how it goes.
May 2, 2024
5/5 stars
fiction/fantasy/lgbtqia+/sci-fi
"Only time can heal, but scars will always remain."
Jasyn is an explorer with a love for the stars. She spends her daydreaming about adventure, hiding the ice she can('t) control and most definitely not thinking about how badly she wants to be close to her best friend, Atalanta. An extraordinary archer, full of magic and mysteries. Life looks bright until it all is interrupted and their journey begins.
This book takes you on a trip with no way of leaving. I loved reading about the story of Jasyn and Atalatan, and their adventures. The story is so well written and well-paced. I did not have a moment in which I was dreading to continue reading (maybe only when I was getting closer to the end...) The characters are wonderful and make me want to learn more about them. The book has its plot-twists and gives a whole new level to mythical-inspired novels. Makes me really curious about what is next to come. I adore Atalanta and definitely one of the characters that became my favourites.
I can't wait to see what the other books in this series will bring. I will be (not so) patiently waiting for the others.
fiction/fantasy/lgbtqia+/sci-fi
"Only time can heal, but scars will always remain."
Jasyn is an explorer with a love for the stars. She spends her daydreaming about adventure, hiding the ice she can('t) control and most definitely not thinking about how badly she wants to be close to her best friend, Atalanta. An extraordinary archer, full of magic and mysteries. Life looks bright until it all is interrupted and their journey begins.
This book takes you on a trip with no way of leaving. I loved reading about the story of Jasyn and Atalatan, and their adventures. The story is so well written and well-paced. I did not have a moment in which I was dreading to continue reading (maybe only when I was getting closer to the end...) The characters are wonderful and make me want to learn more about them. The book has its plot-twists and gives a whole new level to mythical-inspired novels. Makes me really curious about what is next to come. I adore Atalanta and definitely one of the characters that became my favourites.
I can't wait to see what the other books in this series will bring. I will be (not so) patiently waiting for the others.
July 16, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily. Five. Fucking. Stars.
Oh. My. Goddess. I don’t think I’ve loved a book so much since I read Breaking Legacies by Zoe Reed way back in 2019. It was the first ever 5 stars I gave, and I’ve given a few more books after it the same honor, but holy crap none ever reached the level of “I’d give more stars if I could” quite like BL. And now… this.
I want more. I NEED more. I can’t wait until November for the second book, I NEED IT NOW!!!
Ok, no more gushing, onto explaining why I’m gushing so fucking much: this book is an ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE. The writing is amazing, the characters so real (the emotional layers they have and the amount of emotions they made me feel is unreal) the world building is so fucking compelling, the mystery so captivating.
Buy it. Buy it as soon as you can and the moment you’re done I want you to come here and gush with me because this book needs to win awards and I need to see it on the big screens even if it’ll be a botched and gutted version but I wouldn’t even care because I’d be able to enjoy it once again.
Ok, I’m out, onto rereading my fav parts over and over again until I can recite them from memory. Later!
PS: I do not believe this a debut novel. It cannot be. Where are the rest of her books?!?! I need them!!!
Oh. My. Goddess. I don’t think I’ve loved a book so much since I read Breaking Legacies by Zoe Reed way back in 2019. It was the first ever 5 stars I gave, and I’ve given a few more books after it the same honor, but holy crap none ever reached the level of “I’d give more stars if I could” quite like BL. And now… this.
I want more. I NEED more. I can’t wait until November for the second book, I NEED IT NOW!!!
Ok, no more gushing, onto explaining why I’m gushing so fucking much: this book is an ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE. The writing is amazing, the characters so real (the emotional layers they have and the amount of emotions they made me feel is unreal) the world building is so fucking compelling, the mystery so captivating.
Buy it. Buy it as soon as you can and the moment you’re done I want you to come here and gush with me because this book needs to win awards and I need to see it on the big screens even if it’ll be a botched and gutted version but I wouldn’t even care because I’d be able to enjoy it once again.
Ok, I’m out, onto rereading my fav parts over and over again until I can recite them from memory. Later!
PS: I do not believe this a debut novel. It cannot be. Where are the rest of her books?!?! I need them!!!
July 29, 2023
Once I saw the first line of the description ("A sapphic swords & sorcery space adventure!") I knew I had to read this book, and I am SO glad I did. Once I started reading, I knew I would be giving it five stars, and this carried all the way through to the end.
First, let me give the author some praise here, because the writing is absolutely beautiful, and well-paced. The imagery is clear, even poetic, especially when Jasyn is with Atalanta (and oh, those scenes, I will absolutely be reading them again). I love these characters so much. Jasyn is experiencing so many new things in such a short time, I feel just as frustrated as she when there is a lack of information or understanding. Atalanta holds her own as a fully-fledged character (the deaf representation was a plus!), and complements Jasyn perfectly. And I would be remiss if I didn't celebrate the side characters, all of whom are wonderfully developed and have their own histories, desires, fears, and goals.
The action here is practically non-stop, I couldn't put the book down until my eyes were forcing themselves shut. There are moments of respite, but they are few and far between. And you can clearly see the toll everything takes on the characters: they are exhausted, in pain, questioning if they should continue. As the reader, you can truly feel the struggle. This is what makes the book excellent, because despite the chaos and suffering, they forge ahead, together.
This is a fantastic reimagining of a classic Greek story, full of adventure, danger, intrigue, loss, love, and so much more. I can hardly believe this is Gwenhyver's debut novel; it's beautifully and wonderfully written, and I am (impatiently) awaiting its sequel, expected to release in November. If you enjoy Greek literature/mythology, sapphic romance, high stakes, action in practically every other chapter, you will thoroughly enjoy this work of art.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First, let me give the author some praise here, because the writing is absolutely beautiful, and well-paced. The imagery is clear, even poetic, especially when Jasyn is with Atalanta (and oh, those scenes, I will absolutely be reading them again). I love these characters so much. Jasyn is experiencing so many new things in such a short time, I feel just as frustrated as she when there is a lack of information or understanding. Atalanta holds her own as a fully-fledged character (the deaf representation was a plus!), and complements Jasyn perfectly. And I would be remiss if I didn't celebrate the side characters, all of whom are wonderfully developed and have their own histories, desires, fears, and goals.
The action here is practically non-stop, I couldn't put the book down until my eyes were forcing themselves shut. There are moments of respite, but they are few and far between. And you can clearly see the toll everything takes on the characters: they are exhausted, in pain, questioning if they should continue. As the reader, you can truly feel the struggle. This is what makes the book excellent, because despite the chaos and suffering, they forge ahead, together.
This is a fantastic reimagining of a classic Greek story, full of adventure, danger, intrigue, loss, love, and so much more. I can hardly believe this is Gwenhyver's debut novel; it's beautifully and wonderfully written, and I am (impatiently) awaiting its sequel, expected to release in November. If you enjoy Greek literature/mythology, sapphic romance, high stakes, action in practically every other chapter, you will thoroughly enjoy this work of art.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2024
Under the Ice Skies has everything you could want in a sci-fi, from battle scenes to romance, conflict and friendship. Gwenhyver tells Jasyn’s story with beautiful prose, particularly in moments of intimacy. Atalanta is up there as one of my new favourite book girlfriends; she starts out both unreadable and unknowable but slowly, her layers are peeled back and her heart revealed. Similarly, Jasyn is a brave, determined, youthful heroine on par with Katniss Everdeen. When she makes mistakes, she tries to fix them. When someone is in danger, she runs to help them.
Despite the fast-paced action and excitement, I did long for a few more quiet, emotional scenes with the MCs and ultimately that’s why I rated this book 4 stars. Sci-fi and adventure can be hit and miss for me. I like to spend time with characters and when the focus is on external factors, that’s hard to do. This is a personal preference and is of no fault of the author’s. If anything, it’s a testament to Gwenhyver’s commitment to the genre, and also the interwoven mythology retold in this story. I’m genuinely annoyed that I wasn’t hooked by the series, because I sincerely mean what I said above - objectively, everything is done so well and there were moments of poetry that really took my breath away.
Gwenhyver is outstanding at what she does and offers a fresh, exciting voice to a genre still lacking in sapphics. I’m certain this series will inspire more of its kind, and even more certain it will be loved by many. I can’t wait to see what comes next for this author!
Despite the fast-paced action and excitement, I did long for a few more quiet, emotional scenes with the MCs and ultimately that’s why I rated this book 4 stars. Sci-fi and adventure can be hit and miss for me. I like to spend time with characters and when the focus is on external factors, that’s hard to do. This is a personal preference and is of no fault of the author’s. If anything, it’s a testament to Gwenhyver’s commitment to the genre, and also the interwoven mythology retold in this story. I’m genuinely annoyed that I wasn’t hooked by the series, because I sincerely mean what I said above - objectively, everything is done so well and there were moments of poetry that really took my breath away.
Gwenhyver is outstanding at what she does and offers a fresh, exciting voice to a genre still lacking in sapphics. I’m certain this series will inspire more of its kind, and even more certain it will be loved by many. I can’t wait to see what comes next for this author!
August 6, 2023
I loved this book SO much. it's everything it says it is and more.
it's inspired by Jason and the Argonauts, but not at all a retelling - it's an extremely original story, with Jasyn being our main character, a curious and brave girl, and Atalanta, wise and powerful (and my new favourite character). It's about adventure and feelings (the sapphic yearning turned me into mush), chosen family and revolution. and sci-fi, which feels completely new for any myth inspired literature.
the writing flows very easily, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes managing to pull a giggle out of the reader. The characters are intriguing and lovable, I care for all of them, even those that are clearly going to be developed further in the next books. the pacing is perfect for a saga. this will feel like a new comfort read for YA fantasy readers who are looking to get into New Adult fantasy.
i will most certainly follow Jasyn's adventures in the next books and keep an eye out for whatever else the author writes.
I'm very grateful for the author, the publisher and BookSirens for the advanced reading copy i was given, and I publish this review voluntarily.
it's inspired by Jason and the Argonauts, but not at all a retelling - it's an extremely original story, with Jasyn being our main character, a curious and brave girl, and Atalanta, wise and powerful (and my new favourite character). It's about adventure and feelings (the sapphic yearning turned me into mush), chosen family and revolution. and sci-fi, which feels completely new for any myth inspired literature.
the writing flows very easily, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes managing to pull a giggle out of the reader. The characters are intriguing and lovable, I care for all of them, even those that are clearly going to be developed further in the next books. the pacing is perfect for a saga. this will feel like a new comfort read for YA fantasy readers who are looking to get into New Adult fantasy.
i will most certainly follow Jasyn's adventures in the next books and keep an eye out for whatever else the author writes.
I'm very grateful for the author, the publisher and BookSirens for the advanced reading copy i was given, and I publish this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2023
5 stars. Wowsers. It has been a while since I have enjoyed a book so thoroughly. My only problem with it was that I was torn between wanting to consume it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down, and wanting to willingly torture myself by only reading a little at a time so that it could last as long as possible. The author took the inspiration of a myth and truly made it her own in the best possible way. World building, character development, relationships, writing style, pacing - all incredibly well done. It had all the elements and qualities of what I seek in favorite books and I will be thinking about this one for a long time to come. I NEED the rest of Jasyn's story asap!
* Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
* Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC; I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 27, 2023
I've never really read this genre of book before and if this is anything to go by, I'm excited to read more.
A sapphic swords & sorcery space adventure! This is a great way to sum this up, This book is fantastic, Jasyn meets Atalanta when she is very young, when unfortunate circumstances force them away from home and on an adventure along icy plains to get to the Ice City to challenge the Ice King.
This book is entertaining throughout it keeps you engaged and I found myself wanting to keep reading #onemorechapter 📚 what an adventure. I recommend this book and am looking forward to book two.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
A sapphic swords & sorcery space adventure! This is a great way to sum this up, This book is fantastic, Jasyn meets Atalanta when she is very young, when unfortunate circumstances force them away from home and on an adventure along icy plains to get to the Ice City to challenge the Ice King.
This book is entertaining throughout it keeps you engaged and I found myself wanting to keep reading #onemorechapter 📚 what an adventure. I recommend this book and am looking forward to book two.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
January 5, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I first started reading this book over two months ago, but back then I just wasn’t in the right mental space to get really into it and wondered if this story was even for me. It was. Thanks to my friend recommending this book for the 12 Challenge, I got back to reading it and wow, I finished it in two days!
I don’t read much sci-fi, that I’ll admit, but I’m always in for mythology reimagined and sapphics. Though the book sometimes was a bit description-heavy for my personal taste, I have to point out its worldbuilding as a complex and beautiful work that the author clearly put a lot of effort into.
There are many characters to this story, especially towards the end. Some are unbelievably lovable and some are extremely annoying on purpose, but almost every one of them feels real and alive. The dynamics read as true and authentic and bring in a whole lot of angst and cuteness.
The main love story is a wonderful childhood friends to lovers relationship that I’d call a fast-paced slowburn (it makes sense if you read it, I promise), filled with hurt/comfort and care and coziness even in the angsty, scary and sad parts. A couple I can only hope will be endgame.
I’m excited to read the second book in the series and hope it won’t end on too bad a cliffhanger because 2024 is still long and I’ll have to wait only Gwenhyver knows how many months for the third one and the others.
Off to bed I go (HAIL, IT’S 1 AM!), knowing space sapphics have earned a place in my heart that they won’t be giving up anytime soon.
I first started reading this book over two months ago, but back then I just wasn’t in the right mental space to get really into it and wondered if this story was even for me. It was. Thanks to my friend recommending this book for the 12 Challenge, I got back to reading it and wow, I finished it in two days!
I don’t read much sci-fi, that I’ll admit, but I’m always in for mythology reimagined and sapphics. Though the book sometimes was a bit description-heavy for my personal taste, I have to point out its worldbuilding as a complex and beautiful work that the author clearly put a lot of effort into.
There are many characters to this story, especially towards the end. Some are unbelievably lovable and some are extremely annoying on purpose, but almost every one of them feels real and alive. The dynamics read as true and authentic and bring in a whole lot of angst and cuteness.
The main love story is a wonderful childhood friends to lovers relationship that I’d call a fast-paced slowburn (it makes sense if you read it, I promise), filled with hurt/comfort and care and coziness even in the angsty, scary and sad parts. A couple I can only hope will be endgame.
I’m excited to read the second book in the series and hope it won’t end on too bad a cliffhanger because 2024 is still long and I’ll have to wait only Gwenhyver knows how many months for the third one and the others.
Off to bed I go (HAIL, IT’S 1 AM!), knowing space sapphics have earned a place in my heart that they won’t be giving up anytime soon.
February 1, 2024
Not life changing but nice and easy and I did actually enjoy reading it quite a lot
![Profile Image for Yves V.H. [Slow reading].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1710076694i%2F170151541._UY200_CR5%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 31, 2023
Love this book 💚
I've been searching for a sapphic book like this. Fantasy and loads of action. The romance in this book isn't forced and it evolved naturally the more days they spent together together. I am so happy that I discovered this book 💚 One of the main characters is deaf and honestly its amazing how the author managed to show and tell that in the story. It has the right amount of flattering moments. I like their chemistry and they are both fighters. They only want to protect each other and some misunderstandings along the way but nothing they couldn't fix. Definitely going to read the sequel next 💚
I've been searching for a sapphic book like this. Fantasy and loads of action. The romance in this book isn't forced and it evolved naturally the more days they spent together together. I am so happy that I discovered this book 💚 One of the main characters is deaf and honestly its amazing how the author managed to show and tell that in the story. It has the right amount of flattering moments. I like their chemistry and they are both fighters. They only want to protect each other and some misunderstandings along the way but nothing they couldn't fix. Definitely going to read the sequel next 💚
July 7, 2025
wow fantastic storyline,I loved the main characters their connection shined through their journey was hard to swallow each time they make it I found myself cheering great book must-read congratulations
August 26, 2023
Honest review for ARC of Jasyn and the Astronauts by Gwenhyver
I very much enjoyed reading this. Once I started I only put it down to sleep and go to work. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the beginning while Jasyn is growing up. For the most part she is in isolation in a mountain with her two partners, but she discovers another girl who she becomes fast friends with. What is really awesome is this friend, Atalanta, has what is called a transonic. Atalanta is deaf and uses this device to hear which also gives her even better hearing than the average person. Additionally, even though she is deaf, she uses sign language to communicate. Even going as far as to call it the language of her people. The best part of this is how Jasyn at a young age learns sign language so she can communicate with Atalanta.
After a very traumatic event happens, Jasyn, Atalanta and her parents leave the mountain and from that point the story takes off. The world is being sapped of its resources by the Ice King who uses a convenient excuse of the previously rulers not being able to control their ice powers putting the world into a perpetual iciness. Part of knowing if you are of royal lineage is this ice power. As you can guess Jasyn has this ice power.
After the Ice King destroyed the village that Jasyn, her parents, and Atalanta settled if after leaving the mountain, the story really kicks off on Jasyn’s quest to find her parents and attempt to remove the Ice King. Along the way she picks up a pretty interesting band of folks (and a deer!).
Something I really enjoyed about this was the relationship between Jasyn and Atalanta. These two girls have deeply loved each other their whole lives. But both struggled to communicate that. Pretty early on they admit their feelings. The relationship doesn’t over shadow the plot by any means but it is a strong factor into the reactions these two women have. It makes a lot of sense because they were best friends for so long. But some of the dialogue between them was incredibly sweet. The spice in the novel is a fade to black kind of spice.
My only issue was some of the world building, occasionally I would get lost in what brought the world to the point it was at. However, by the end I think I had a much better grasp and I think it will become even clearer in the next novel.
Definitely pick up a copy of this book! It’s really good and I enjoyed it immensely!
I very much enjoyed reading this. Once I started I only put it down to sleep and go to work. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the beginning while Jasyn is growing up. For the most part she is in isolation in a mountain with her two partners, but she discovers another girl who she becomes fast friends with. What is really awesome is this friend, Atalanta, has what is called a transonic. Atalanta is deaf and uses this device to hear which also gives her even better hearing than the average person. Additionally, even though she is deaf, she uses sign language to communicate. Even going as far as to call it the language of her people. The best part of this is how Jasyn at a young age learns sign language so she can communicate with Atalanta.
After a very traumatic event happens, Jasyn, Atalanta and her parents leave the mountain and from that point the story takes off. The world is being sapped of its resources by the Ice King who uses a convenient excuse of the previously rulers not being able to control their ice powers putting the world into a perpetual iciness. Part of knowing if you are of royal lineage is this ice power. As you can guess Jasyn has this ice power.
After the Ice King destroyed the village that Jasyn, her parents, and Atalanta settled if after leaving the mountain, the story really kicks off on Jasyn’s quest to find her parents and attempt to remove the Ice King. Along the way she picks up a pretty interesting band of folks (and a deer!).
Something I really enjoyed about this was the relationship between Jasyn and Atalanta. These two girls have deeply loved each other their whole lives. But both struggled to communicate that. Pretty early on they admit their feelings. The relationship doesn’t over shadow the plot by any means but it is a strong factor into the reactions these two women have. It makes a lot of sense because they were best friends for so long. But some of the dialogue between them was incredibly sweet. The spice in the novel is a fade to black kind of spice.
My only issue was some of the world building, occasionally I would get lost in what brought the world to the point it was at. However, by the end I think I had a much better grasp and I think it will become even clearer in the next novel.
Definitely pick up a copy of this book! It’s really good and I enjoyed it immensely!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2023
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I'm not going to lie, I didn't expect this book to be as enjoyable was. There seems to be two kinds of retellings, ones that re-examine a piece of media from largely the same context but a different perspective and ones where the author takes the original media in their sweaty little hands and twist it into a completely new story. Under the Ice Skies is the latter. Gwenhyver has constructed a complex beast of a story, where glimpses of the original mythology delight but don't overwhelm the reader with comparisons.
The basic skeleton of the ancient Greek tale is the same: Jason, lost heir to the kingdom of Iolcus, who assembles a crew of Argonauts to find the Golden Fleece, is in this book styled jasyn, a young woman who spent most of her life in an isolated cave in a treacherous mountain range on the ice planet of Iolcus. Jasyn meets Atalanta when they're children, which the author takes time to build up so we understand their devotion to each other. Their relationship is one of the strengths of the book, the sex scenes sweet and emotionally wrought, though there are the barest hints of Medea in Jasyn's dreams.
The author does a really good job of world-building: Iolcus is a desolate ice planet and what a society that is capable of space-travel but not growing food on their frozen, barren land might be like is painted in brutal detail. It's gruesome and the cynical characters of the city are appropriately hardened compared to impulsive Jasyn. There were some fun fight scenes and some genuine surprises.
I particularly liked that the characters use snow or ice metaphors and descriptors; it always bodes well when an author has adjusted the language to match the location and context. I like that the author has switched up genders and other aspects of the story that add different layers and nuance. Atalanta's deafness and use of sign language/cochlear implants was a welcome touch as well.
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this book and I'm very much looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
I'm not going to lie, I didn't expect this book to be as enjoyable was. There seems to be two kinds of retellings, ones that re-examine a piece of media from largely the same context but a different perspective and ones where the author takes the original media in their sweaty little hands and twist it into a completely new story. Under the Ice Skies is the latter. Gwenhyver has constructed a complex beast of a story, where glimpses of the original mythology delight but don't overwhelm the reader with comparisons.
The basic skeleton of the ancient Greek tale is the same: Jason, lost heir to the kingdom of Iolcus, who assembles a crew of Argonauts to find the Golden Fleece, is in this book styled jasyn, a young woman who spent most of her life in an isolated cave in a treacherous mountain range on the ice planet of Iolcus. Jasyn meets Atalanta when they're children, which the author takes time to build up so we understand their devotion to each other. Their relationship is one of the strengths of the book, the sex scenes sweet and emotionally wrought, though there are the barest hints of Medea in Jasyn's dreams.
The author does a really good job of world-building: Iolcus is a desolate ice planet and what a society that is capable of space-travel but not growing food on their frozen, barren land might be like is painted in brutal detail. It's gruesome and the cynical characters of the city are appropriately hardened compared to impulsive Jasyn. There were some fun fight scenes and some genuine surprises.
I particularly liked that the characters use snow or ice metaphors and descriptors; it always bodes well when an author has adjusted the language to match the location and context. I like that the author has switched up genders and other aspects of the story that add different layers and nuance. Atalanta's deafness and use of sign language/cochlear implants was a welcome touch as well.
Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this book and I'm very much looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
July 16, 2023
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy of this book for free I am leaving this review voluntarily. The expected publication date is August 7th, 2023.
“Jaysn and the Astronauts: Under the Ice Skies” by Gewnhyver is the start of a fast paced, Science Fiction series with an adorable friends to lovers lesbian romance threaded throughout. I loved this book and you will too if you like Greek mythology, science fiction, and heartwarming lesbian romances. It’s so amazing to me that this is Gewnhyver’s debut book. Her writing is already good. I can't wait to see what else she will write. Especially book two to the “Jaysn and the Astronauts” series.
“Under the Ice Skies” is an intense read; it felt like each moment of calm was followed by pure chaos. I loved it. I was so invested in the story and characters that I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. I couldn't put the book down, I needed to know what happened next. I needed to know that the characters were going to be okay. They’re way too loveable for me or you to not care about them (for the most part-Peleus).
My favorite characters were Jaysn, Atalanta, Tiphys, and Orpheus. They each have such strong personalities. Even the characters with little page time are so well flushed out. They are also all incredibly sassy. This book will make you swoon, laugh, and cry. I know because I did.
I encourage you to pick up this book and take this journey with Jaysn. It's so worth it. Also just to leave it off with a question that can only be answered after you read the book, or reach a certain point. Why did that girl say that, who really is she?
Please join me in excitedly waiting for book 2.
“Jaysn and the Astronauts: Under the Ice Skies” by Gewnhyver is the start of a fast paced, Science Fiction series with an adorable friends to lovers lesbian romance threaded throughout. I loved this book and you will too if you like Greek mythology, science fiction, and heartwarming lesbian romances. It’s so amazing to me that this is Gewnhyver’s debut book. Her writing is already good. I can't wait to see what else she will write. Especially book two to the “Jaysn and the Astronauts” series.
“Under the Ice Skies” is an intense read; it felt like each moment of calm was followed by pure chaos. I loved it. I was so invested in the story and characters that I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. I couldn't put the book down, I needed to know what happened next. I needed to know that the characters were going to be okay. They’re way too loveable for me or you to not care about them (for the most part-Peleus).
My favorite characters were Jaysn, Atalanta, Tiphys, and Orpheus. They each have such strong personalities. Even the characters with little page time are so well flushed out. They are also all incredibly sassy. This book will make you swoon, laugh, and cry. I know because I did.
I encourage you to pick up this book and take this journey with Jaysn. It's so worth it. Also just to leave it off with a question that can only be answered after you read the book, or reach a certain point. Why did that girl say that, who really is she?
Please join me in excitedly waiting for book 2.
September 3, 2025
Everything about this book was beautiful, from the gorgeous cover to the enchanting writing and the dreamy romance. Plus, I love Greek mythology, any mythology really but especially Greek. Jasyn was a character that was really easy to root for; meeting her as a reckless child desperate for adventure and answers and seeing her grow older and slightly wiser, though not necessarily less reckless, was quite the journey. Atalanta was quite mysterious yet charming and my only complaint is that I would have liked to see her and Jasyn communicate a little more, otherwise their relationship was really sweet and passionate. The secondary characters were all extremely intriguing, especially Doctor Orpheus, who I can't wait to see more of. In terms of plot, I have nothing to complain about, there wasn't a single moment where I was bored or uninterested. And the part that I liked best: the worldbuilding. It was so good! It's true that I tend to love it when authors merge fantasy and sci-fi together, but this was even better than usual with its descriptions of life on an ice planet. The ending stopped at a nice point, but it's true that "Under the Ice Skies" doesn't quite work as a standalone, which, for me, wasn't a problem at all since I love series and I'm very much interested in continuing this particular one.
An exceptional debut.
An exceptional debut.
August 6, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
🧊🌨️🏹⚔️🚀
Wow. Ok. This book has me lost for words. If I could sum it up to one word, that would be EPIC.
Jasyn and The Astronauts is a sapphic retelling of Jason and The Golden Fleece. I actually don't know that story, so when I read this, I was completely in the dark about that. But the author made me feel like I didn't need to know that story to get this but still know it's based on it. I also got sapphic Elsa and Hunger Games vibes. I loved it.
I loved the representation in the book, where being queer isn't something that is outed. It just is. I loved the friends-to-lovers story with Jasyn and Atalanta. They are made for each other, that's for sure. Their story warmed my heart. Atalanta is deaf and I loved every moment of their body language communication and private signing moments.
The book was full of adventure, the plot was amazing, and had me gripped from page one. The characters throughout the book are amazing. Each have their odd quirks about them, that make me want to know more. I for one don't believe that this is the author's first book. It's too perfect. This book is going to go places. I can't wait for book two.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.
🌶️
🧊🌨️🏹⚔️🚀
Wow. Ok. This book has me lost for words. If I could sum it up to one word, that would be EPIC.
Jasyn and The Astronauts is a sapphic retelling of Jason and The Golden Fleece. I actually don't know that story, so when I read this, I was completely in the dark about that. But the author made me feel like I didn't need to know that story to get this but still know it's based on it. I also got sapphic Elsa and Hunger Games vibes. I loved it.
I loved the representation in the book, where being queer isn't something that is outed. It just is. I loved the friends-to-lovers story with Jasyn and Atalanta. They are made for each other, that's for sure. Their story warmed my heart. Atalanta is deaf and I loved every moment of their body language communication and private signing moments.
The book was full of adventure, the plot was amazing, and had me gripped from page one. The characters throughout the book are amazing. Each have their odd quirks about them, that make me want to know more. I for one don't believe that this is the author's first book. It's too perfect. This book is going to go places. I can't wait for book two.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the ebook. This review is left voluntarily.
April 29, 2025
Jasyn is a super interesting MC but good lord, not a single person in her life wants to tell her the truth about anything. Her parents have decided to bury their heads in the sand rather than you know, try to help her control her abilities.
Even Atalanta, much as I like her, tells Jasyn quite literally nothing about her past. I don't understand, what could a 12 year old be hiding that means she cannot tell her only friend? She learns everything about Jasyn so it seems a bit weird to not share back.
And don't get me started on their absolutely dreadful communication skills despite having known each other for more than a decade. Constant miscommunication is just annoying as hell to read.
Initially I was super engaged and then it felt like everything slowed right down and it became a bit of a slog to get through, especially given how long it is. It did speed up at the end as urgency built but I don't think it made up for that slow middle section.
Based on everything above I think it's unlikely I will be reading the sequels, which is a shame.
Even Atalanta, much as I like her, tells Jasyn quite literally nothing about her past. I don't understand, what could a 12 year old be hiding that means she cannot tell her only friend? She learns everything about Jasyn so it seems a bit weird to not share back.
And don't get me started on their absolutely dreadful communication skills despite having known each other for more than a decade. Constant miscommunication is just annoying as hell to read.
Initially I was super engaged and then it felt like everything slowed right down and it became a bit of a slog to get through, especially given how long it is. It did speed up at the end as urgency built but I don't think it made up for that slow middle section.
Based on everything above I think it's unlikely I will be reading the sequels, which is a shame.
September 1, 2023
Yesss - this book is awesome! I don't make it through most books I pick up, but I started Jasyn on a recommendation from my wife and zoomed straight through it.
The MVP for me is the beautiful world-building. Countless ice-based idioms and intricacies of this planet that are so satisfyingly realised, not to mention Jasyn's mysterious gifts. The characters take a whole rollercoaster of emotions on their journey and the excitement in the arena as it reaches its climax is vividly told.
Also - the book tells the way-too-real truths of the blushing awkwardness from the perspective of a nervous romantic protagonist - it is like Gwenhyver has literally been inside my head.
It is wonderful to have a New Adult book in this vein. It's like this book was made for me and if you're a sci-fi curious queer woman like me you will love it too.
Perfect summer holiday read and I can't wait to see what happens when the Argo sets sail.
The MVP for me is the beautiful world-building. Countless ice-based idioms and intricacies of this planet that are so satisfyingly realised, not to mention Jasyn's mysterious gifts. The characters take a whole rollercoaster of emotions on their journey and the excitement in the arena as it reaches its climax is vividly told.
Also - the book tells the way-too-real truths of the blushing awkwardness from the perspective of a nervous romantic protagonist - it is like Gwenhyver has literally been inside my head.
It is wonderful to have a New Adult book in this vein. It's like this book was made for me and if you're a sci-fi curious queer woman like me you will love it too.
Perfect summer holiday read and I can't wait to see what happens when the Argo sets sail.
December 9, 2023
Jasyn and the Astronauts: Under Ice Skies is an energetic start to what is sure to be a series full of twists, turns, and space battles. Set on the icy planet of Iolus, Under Ice Skies follows Jasyn through her adolescence and early adulthood as she navigates her world and its threats.
A retelling of the classic Greek tale of Jason and the Argonauts, Under Ice Skies is genderbent and sapphic and a wonderful new spin on an old tale. Our protagonist is a great mix of unsure of herself and recklessly confident in the way of young adults and the supporting cast is full of personality. The worldbuilding is super well developed and I’m sure it will only get better the longer the series goes on.
As a first book, Under Ice Skies launches the series into the stars with a strong start and introduction in characters. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to satisfy a Greek mythology craving or anyone looking for an old tale with new life.
A retelling of the classic Greek tale of Jason and the Argonauts, Under Ice Skies is genderbent and sapphic and a wonderful new spin on an old tale. Our protagonist is a great mix of unsure of herself and recklessly confident in the way of young adults and the supporting cast is full of personality. The worldbuilding is super well developed and I’m sure it will only get better the longer the series goes on.
As a first book, Under Ice Skies launches the series into the stars with a strong start and introduction in characters. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking to satisfy a Greek mythology craving or anyone looking for an old tale with new life.
January 10, 2024
*I got this book for free, but this opinion is my own.*
It's a story about girl that leaves her safe cave to meet an arrow-wielder when she was raised to believe she was alone. Together they go on a dangerous adventure. It's a sapphic sci-fi. What's not to love?
I enjoyed this book. It kept you hooked from the first few words.
The characters were nicely created, and the emotions were so nicely portrayed that they were also relatable.
The world-building was nicely done, and the pacing was just right.
The only problem I had with the story was how sudden the relationship was. I'm not saying that I want a slow-burn. It just seemed to time skip all their problems away. It would have been interesting to see how a relationship could've bloomed out of what the author wrote.
That being said, I would recommend this to anyone that likes lots of twists, a sci-fi plot, and a cute sapphic relationship, and I definitely want to read the next one.
It's a story about girl that leaves her safe cave to meet an arrow-wielder when she was raised to believe she was alone. Together they go on a dangerous adventure. It's a sapphic sci-fi. What's not to love?
I enjoyed this book. It kept you hooked from the first few words.
The characters were nicely created, and the emotions were so nicely portrayed that they were also relatable.
The world-building was nicely done, and the pacing was just right.
The only problem I had with the story was how sudden the relationship was. I'm not saying that I want a slow-burn. It just seemed to time skip all their problems away. It would have been interesting to see how a relationship could've bloomed out of what the author wrote.
That being said, I would recommend this to anyone that likes lots of twists, a sci-fi plot, and a cute sapphic relationship, and I definitely want to read the next one.
December 18, 2024
Looooved it! Atalanta can melt me any day!!! That'll make sense once you read it. And you definitely should!
I absolutely loved the imagery used in the writing of this book, both with the setting and the character's internal feelings. Jasyn and Atalanta have such a beautiful connection and friendship. Their story had me in my feels and hooked me from the start. Whew! I have never wanted to play a game of chase so bad! Sometimes when I'm reading a sapphic book, all I want is the romance!!! And then bam, I forget it's a fantasy because here comes the action and adventure! I do love it, but I'm also a romantic sap and the chemistry build between these two was just so magnetic. They make you want more. This book was such a fun ride. It was captivating, exhilarating, mysterious, and hot! I'm happy I don't have to wait to take-off for Book 2! How is this a debut novel?! Outstanding, Gwenhyver! Outstanding!!
I absolutely loved the imagery used in the writing of this book, both with the setting and the character's internal feelings. Jasyn and Atalanta have such a beautiful connection and friendship. Their story had me in my feels and hooked me from the start. Whew! I have never wanted to play a game of chase so bad! Sometimes when I'm reading a sapphic book, all I want is the romance!!! And then bam, I forget it's a fantasy because here comes the action and adventure! I do love it, but I'm also a romantic sap and the chemistry build between these two was just so magnetic. They make you want more. This book was such a fun ride. It was captivating, exhilarating, mysterious, and hot! I'm happy I don't have to wait to take-off for Book 2! How is this a debut novel?! Outstanding, Gwenhyver! Outstanding!!
July 17, 2023
It is a good book and a very good start to a new series. Lots of empire building and lots of potential. This book is Greek Mythology meets Science Fiction.
Jasyn has always been told to be careful and not ask questions. This is completely at odds with her adventurous and curious nature. She has had one constant friend, the mysterious Atalanta. Could their friendship grow into something more? This this is the biggest question in Jasyn's young life it does not even come close to the true secrets of her past.
A lot of potential in this story is the mix of science, magic, and destiny is very well done. The only thing that confused me was some of the revelations coming extremely quickly. I had to re-read the pages a couple of times to see if I missed something. This is quite a bit of explaining to do. I do hope more details emerge in the next few books.
Jasyn has always been told to be careful and not ask questions. This is completely at odds with her adventurous and curious nature. She has had one constant friend, the mysterious Atalanta. Could their friendship grow into something more? This this is the biggest question in Jasyn's young life it does not even come close to the true secrets of her past.
A lot of potential in this story is the mix of science, magic, and destiny is very well done. The only thing that confused me was some of the revelations coming extremely quickly. I had to re-read the pages a couple of times to see if I missed something. This is quite a bit of explaining to do. I do hope more details emerge in the next few books.
September 9, 2024
This was a fun book!
I think the premise of taking the Jason myth and changing it to fit into this ice filled world filled with planet traveling and the like was a neat idea.
Jason and the Argonauts is not my favourite myth, admittedly. I never liked him or his story as much as the others, mostly finding him annoying. This version, Jaysn, is fun, although kinda dense. I can't wait to see how she grows into a warrior, but she was a fun enough character. Atalanta, however, was a gem. I loved that she was deaf, and that was handled with grace. I want to see her grow to, as she could behave in a childish manner at times in terms of disappearing without a word or not communicating properly.
Overall a good start to the series, and as I can see there is a 5 book plan, I do look forward to seeing where the story is going.
I think the premise of taking the Jason myth and changing it to fit into this ice filled world filled with planet traveling and the like was a neat idea.
Jason and the Argonauts is not my favourite myth, admittedly. I never liked him or his story as much as the others, mostly finding him annoying. This version, Jaysn, is fun, although kinda dense. I can't wait to see how she grows into a warrior, but she was a fun enough character. Atalanta, however, was a gem. I loved that she was deaf, and that was handled with grace. I want to see her grow to, as she could behave in a childish manner at times in terms of disappearing without a word or not communicating properly.
Overall a good start to the series, and as I can see there is a 5 book plan, I do look forward to seeing where the story is going.
October 29, 2023
Getting the series off to a promising start, Under the Ice Skies brings a mix of fantasy, science, magic and destiny with intricate world building, complex imagery and an intriguing plot line. This book is non-stop, no sooner do the characters overcome one hurdle, they're straight into another one and, this is personal preference, I'd have liked it to be a little slower paced to allow rest before my heart rate spiked again! The development of Jasyn and Atalantas relationship was beautiful though, I've already grown to love them both and I can't wait to see how their story pans out. The publisher describes it as a "sapphic, swords and sorcery space adventure" and I can't describe it any better myself.
November 21, 2023
An absolute banger!
I barely slept trying to finish this book in one sitting and boy! was it worth it. The characters are captivating, even the bad ones and don't even start me with the storytelling. It took me through all sorts of emotions. There's something that makes it so pleasant, so satisfying, even when there wasn't a lot of dialogues, because the author was setting the tale, it didn't bother me a bit (usually this is a big downer for me). Ofc the plot isn't too giving. I didn't figure things would happen the way they did and was in for a really great time.
There was a lot of heart-aching though, my my did I cry!
One of the easiest picks of this year for me. I'll definitely get it on paperback when all the books are done.
I barely slept trying to finish this book in one sitting and boy! was it worth it. The characters are captivating, even the bad ones and don't even start me with the storytelling. It took me through all sorts of emotions. There's something that makes it so pleasant, so satisfying, even when there wasn't a lot of dialogues, because the author was setting the tale, it didn't bother me a bit (usually this is a big downer for me). Ofc the plot isn't too giving. I didn't figure things would happen the way they did and was in for a really great time.
There was a lot of heart-aching though, my my did I cry!
One of the easiest picks of this year for me. I'll definitely get it on paperback when all the books are done.
September 18, 2023
I really like this one, had a great time!
I loved the story and the world building, thought it was super creative, the characters are the cutest ever and loved the slow-burn throughout the book, their love just became sweeter and sweeter. I feel like this story has so much more to offer and I’m so intrigued to see Jasyn’s progress and how she is going to give the world it’s very deserved happy ending! Definitely looking forward for the next book!
Disclaimer:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you so much to the author for giving me a copy of the book!
I loved the story and the world building, thought it was super creative, the characters are the cutest ever and loved the slow-burn throughout the book, their love just became sweeter and sweeter. I feel like this story has so much more to offer and I’m so intrigued to see Jasyn’s progress and how she is going to give the world it’s very deserved happy ending! Definitely looking forward for the next book!
Disclaimer:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you so much to the author for giving me a copy of the book!
October 28, 2023
The writing is excellent - very descriptive of emotions, surroundings and action. Very original story.
The pacing is off (for me). It was a very slow start. Instead of flashbacks to important times when the two main characters met and their early history, it's done in a straight timeline with years in-between. The true identity of the main character is revealed at 50% of the book and the bulk of the action takes place after that. The pace does pick up towards the end, and the book ends in a cliffhanger of excitement.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pacing is off (for me). It was a very slow start. Instead of flashbacks to important times when the two main characters met and their early history, it's done in a straight timeline with years in-between. The true identity of the main character is revealed at 50% of the book and the bulk of the action takes place after that. The pace does pick up towards the end, and the book ends in a cliffhanger of excitement.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2023
A complicated but nice story. It made me cry, angry and laugh sometimes. I recommend this book but I really can’t wait soooo long for the 2nd book. The built up world is interesting and the characters are simple and loveable.
It’s a 3 stars for me because sometimes I was a little lost at the beginning… but after that it was a great story and amazing ( pretictable ) plots.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s a 3 stars for me because sometimes I was a little lost at the beginning… but after that it was a great story and amazing ( pretictable ) plots.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 3, 2024
4.5
What and unexpected delight! I usually dont go for space/sci-fi types but im a sucker for any form of retellings. The world this story is based was so different than anything i've read. MC's so likeable with a connection that at times was swoon worthy. Loved, loved, loved the inclusion of 1 MC being deaf and the use of sign language. Pace of was almost none stoo action. The writing was top notch too. To think this is my 1st intro into this author!! Straight on to #2
What and unexpected delight! I usually dont go for space/sci-fi types but im a sucker for any form of retellings. The world this story is based was so different than anything i've read. MC's so likeable with a connection that at times was swoon worthy. Loved, loved, loved the inclusion of 1 MC being deaf and the use of sign language. Pace of was almost none stoo action. The writing was top notch too. To think this is my 1st intro into this author!! Straight on to #2
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