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Twin Suns #1
Junker Seven
A romantic, queer sci-fi epic about changing the galaxy, one girl at a time.
Castor Quasar is a junker— a bounty hunter making a living off of collecting and selling valuable scrap. They live a quiet life, bouncing from job to job and not worrying about the brewing galactic rebellion.
Except, when they get a job offer for an irresistible amount of money, they find themself embroiled much deeper than expected. Their task? To smuggle transgender activist Juno Marcus across the galaxy under the watchful eye of the Intergalactic Police Force and a propaganda-informed galaxy.
It’s too dangerous to accept, but too valuable to refuse, and it doesn't help that Juno herself is charming and beautiful. Agreeing drags Cas into a whirlwind race against those who want Juno dead to make it across the galaxy to safety, risking it all for a cause they can’t– or won’t– believe in.
Castor Quasar is a junker— a bounty hunter making a living off of collecting and selling valuable scrap. They live a quiet life, bouncing from job to job and not worrying about the brewing galactic rebellion.
Except, when they get a job offer for an irresistible amount of money, they find themself embroiled much deeper than expected. Their task? To smuggle transgender activist Juno Marcus across the galaxy under the watchful eye of the Intergalactic Police Force and a propaganda-informed galaxy.
It’s too dangerous to accept, but too valuable to refuse, and it doesn't help that Juno herself is charming and beautiful. Agreeing drags Cas into a whirlwind race against those who want Juno dead to make it across the galaxy to safety, risking it all for a cause they can’t– or won’t– believe in.
333 pages, ebook
First published June 13, 2023
9 people are currently reading
1375 people want to read
About the author
Olive J. Kelley
9 books89 followersOlive J. Kelley (they/them) is a mid-twenties non-binary, autistic lesbian who writes hopepunk, realistic romance for queer and disabled adults. When they're not writing, they can be found playing video games, watching TV, or working as a barista. They have a bachelor's degree in creative writing and currently live in Louisville, Kentucky with their wife, dog, and three cats, 3/4 of which are named after Star Wars characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
May 6, 2023
4.5
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book, this was one of my anticipated releases of this year ever since I learned about it.
Castor Quasar is a junker working from job to job, collecting scraps, trying to survive and lay low in a totalitarian world with ever-growing transphobia. But once they accept to smuggle Juno Marcus, a trans rebel, they must reflect on where they stand and what they believe in.
Junker Seven is a book that is very much structured like a TV show. I have seen the author compare it to the Mandalorian and while I have never watched it I expect both to have similar structures. The first chapters about Castor doing gig jobs also felt very reminiscent of the show Killjoys (extremely good show that I recommend to whoever enjoyed this book, also queer). Then once the space road trip starts there is an episodic feel to the chapters, having self-contained adventures on planets to help develop characters and their relationship.
I loved having on-page nonbinary and trans lesbian characters as well as an autistic protagonist who felt really relatable. I really loved Castor and how they’re written. Also adore that they’re a lesbian character who has had top surgery and their lesbian identity is never questioned. There are very few characters like that and I appreciate them.
While I loved the writing some things felt a bit off especially towards the end as the beginning felt a bit more polished than the last third of the book. I think the writing was a bit uneven but it did not ruin my reading experience
I think it may be related to the writing or pace but I struggled a bit to feel the connection between the two main characters despite loving their dynamics and the butchfemme of it all. I guess this is also something book 2 can help with.
It is a rebellion book with a lot of current social commentary especially on trans rights although I do not feel like the right person to discuss and dissect how well it’s done. The intentions are there that’s all I can say.
Overall, Junker Seven is the kind of book that can work really well as self-published in my opinion. It's very clearly NA, it's a sci-fi road trip with a romance featuring trans lesbians and I don’t think the larger industry has a space for it yet (which is a shame). I encourage people who don’t usually read self-published and indie books (because they mostly read upper YA) to give it a shot.
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book, this was one of my anticipated releases of this year ever since I learned about it.
Castor Quasar is a junker working from job to job, collecting scraps, trying to survive and lay low in a totalitarian world with ever-growing transphobia. But once they accept to smuggle Juno Marcus, a trans rebel, they must reflect on where they stand and what they believe in.
Junker Seven is a book that is very much structured like a TV show. I have seen the author compare it to the Mandalorian and while I have never watched it I expect both to have similar structures. The first chapters about Castor doing gig jobs also felt very reminiscent of the show Killjoys (extremely good show that I recommend to whoever enjoyed this book, also queer). Then once the space road trip starts there is an episodic feel to the chapters, having self-contained adventures on planets to help develop characters and their relationship.
I loved having on-page nonbinary and trans lesbian characters as well as an autistic protagonist who felt really relatable. I really loved Castor and how they’re written. Also adore that they’re a lesbian character who has had top surgery and their lesbian identity is never questioned. There are very few characters like that and I appreciate them.
While I loved the writing some things felt a bit off especially towards the end as the beginning felt a bit more polished than the last third of the book. I think the writing was a bit uneven but it did not ruin my reading experience
I think it may be related to the writing or pace but I struggled a bit to feel the connection between the two main characters despite loving their dynamics and the butchfemme of it all. I guess this is also something book 2 can help with.
It is a rebellion book with a lot of current social commentary especially on trans rights although I do not feel like the right person to discuss and dissect how well it’s done. The intentions are there that’s all I can say.
Overall, Junker Seven is the kind of book that can work really well as self-published in my opinion. It's very clearly NA, it's a sci-fi road trip with a romance featuring trans lesbians and I don’t think the larger industry has a space for it yet (which is a shame). I encourage people who don’t usually read self-published and indie books (because they mostly read upper YA) to give it a shot.
December 1, 2024
I received a copy from the author and I’m leaving an honest review.
“It’s distracting and dizzying, the knowledge that the most wanted woman in the universe is breathing soft puffs against my neck and learning how to junk from a nobody.”
It’s set in space, it’s t4t, there’s lesbian yearning, it has an autistic and disabled main character… it’s perfect.
Reading about trans people in space is, quite literally, something that I didn’t know I needed to experience, and now that I have it, it feels so dear to me.
It might be a futuristic sci-fi book, but the words trans, lesbian, and autistic are all explicitly stated on paper. That means so much to me, and I’m sure it does to so many other people as well. I respect Olive so much for writing that. It’s also incredible how they weaved our current problems, events, and discrimination into the story, showing that no matter the time, queer lives are always about rebellion, fighting, and living in spite of those who actively try to get rid of us.
I wasn’t expecting the slice-of-life vibes in addition to everything, but it was a very pleasant surprise.
Definitely worth picking up.
“We did it, and we’re gonna keep doing it. You, me, and the fucking galaxy.”
“It’s distracting and dizzying, the knowledge that the most wanted woman in the universe is breathing soft puffs against my neck and learning how to junk from a nobody.”
It’s set in space, it’s t4t, there’s lesbian yearning, it has an autistic and disabled main character… it’s perfect.
Reading about trans people in space is, quite literally, something that I didn’t know I needed to experience, and now that I have it, it feels so dear to me.
It might be a futuristic sci-fi book, but the words trans, lesbian, and autistic are all explicitly stated on paper. That means so much to me, and I’m sure it does to so many other people as well. I respect Olive so much for writing that. It’s also incredible how they weaved our current problems, events, and discrimination into the story, showing that no matter the time, queer lives are always about rebellion, fighting, and living in spite of those who actively try to get rid of us.
I wasn’t expecting the slice-of-life vibes in addition to everything, but it was a very pleasant surprise.
Definitely worth picking up.
“We did it, and we’re gonna keep doing it. You, me, and the fucking galaxy.”
September 19, 2023
Absolutely phenomenal book, I can’t wait to read the sequel whenever it comes out! Junker Seven was pretty heavy, but also full of hope and love. I can’t recommend it enough.
Also, very hype to add another sapphic autistic book to my growing list of them - the MC, Castor, is a nonbinary autistic butch lesbian, and the love interest, Juno, is a femme trans woman lesbian. Both of which ID as lesbian in text/on page, which is another win.
Love sapphic books, too? Let's be friends! Booktok | Twitter
Also, very hype to add another sapphic autistic book to my growing list of them - the MC, Castor, is a nonbinary autistic butch lesbian, and the love interest, Juno, is a femme trans woman lesbian. Both of which ID as lesbian in text/on page, which is another win.
Love sapphic books, too? Let's be friends! Booktok | Twitter
March 3, 2024
How the fuck you gonna write a book about trans people killing cops to survive, but still not come to the conclusion that there's something wrong with western "democracy"?
I mean for real, the conclusion that Cas and Juno reach is that the solution to the space "fascist"(he is basically a republican, which does count tbf) being a policy-transphobe who sicks the cops on queer people, is that a nebulous government body should investigate him for corruption. Like if they just get this guy's campaign for presidency stopped, everyone can go back to good old VOTEing. Responding with violence to a fascist police force is only necessary because a bad dude is in office, I guess. As if the system that enabled him to run and gain galaxywide popularity is fine, just he is bad.
It's weird and kind of brainrotting to see exclusively USamerican politics projected onto a galactic scale. Police violence is basically the only issue, open and concealed carry laws are a big deal, the whole thing pretty much reads like the galaxy has been turned into America, Home Of The Free. It's myopic and eyerolling. It's weird to say, but this book is basically like if the 2016 election was projected into a big Star Wars level conflict, except the only issue at hand is pretty much "Badguy Marwood is sending cops to kill trans people". Junker Seven pays lip service to Marwood admin cops being racist or whatever, but practically speaking they are gender fascists. Surprising lack of intersectionality at work.
Is this too much up front about the politics, all because the book hasn't reached the logical conclusion of "we need tranarchy NOW"? Yeah, sorta, my brainworms are definitely wriggling. If you're willing to engage Junker Seven on its own level though, forget about Leslie Feinberg for a sec, then you'll find a pretty good t4t(!!!!!) cyberpunk-inflected scifi road trip.
You can say "t4t" to describe a book, and I'm there. Make it a sapphic t4t between a short trans girl with green hair and a scruffy transmasc nonbinary lesbian with a prosthetic leg??? My money, to you, right now. Cas plays the latter role as a toughened junker for hire with combat experience and a prickly exterior, and it's cool seeing them both bounce off of and warm up to Juno's goofy, idealistic & enthusiastic rebellious spirit. They make a cute pair. The book is a little harrowing at times, what with all the cops running around doing hate crimes, but the romance takes up enough of the runtime that I looked forward to seeing the leads hang out onboard their illegal vessel, watching crappy game shows and sparring.
Realistically, Junker Seven probably doesn't deserve that severe of a lashing over its lacklustre ideology. Most people won't come to it looking for the new Gender Outlaw, and I think for them it might even be profound. It's not fully automated luxury gay space communism, exactly, but it'll do.
I mean for real, the conclusion that Cas and Juno reach is that the solution to the space "fascist"(he is basically a republican, which does count tbf) being a policy-transphobe who sicks the cops on queer people, is that a nebulous government body should investigate him for corruption. Like if they just get this guy's campaign for presidency stopped, everyone can go back to good old VOTEing. Responding with violence to a fascist police force is only necessary because a bad dude is in office, I guess. As if the system that enabled him to run and gain galaxywide popularity is fine, just he is bad.
It's weird and kind of brainrotting to see exclusively USamerican politics projected onto a galactic scale. Police violence is basically the only issue, open and concealed carry laws are a big deal, the whole thing pretty much reads like the galaxy has been turned into America, Home Of The Free. It's myopic and eyerolling. It's weird to say, but this book is basically like if the 2016 election was projected into a big Star Wars level conflict, except the only issue at hand is pretty much "Badguy Marwood is sending cops to kill trans people". Junker Seven pays lip service to Marwood admin cops being racist or whatever, but practically speaking they are gender fascists. Surprising lack of intersectionality at work.
Is this too much up front about the politics, all because the book hasn't reached the logical conclusion of "we need tranarchy NOW"? Yeah, sorta, my brainworms are definitely wriggling. If you're willing to engage Junker Seven on its own level though, forget about Leslie Feinberg for a sec, then you'll find a pretty good t4t(!!!!!) cyberpunk-inflected scifi road trip.
You can say "t4t" to describe a book, and I'm there. Make it a sapphic t4t between a short trans girl with green hair and a scruffy transmasc nonbinary lesbian with a prosthetic leg??? My money, to you, right now. Cas plays the latter role as a toughened junker for hire with combat experience and a prickly exterior, and it's cool seeing them both bounce off of and warm up to Juno's goofy, idealistic & enthusiastic rebellious spirit. They make a cute pair. The book is a little harrowing at times, what with all the cops running around doing hate crimes, but the romance takes up enough of the runtime that I looked forward to seeing the leads hang out onboard their illegal vessel, watching crappy game shows and sparring.
Realistically, Junker Seven probably doesn't deserve that severe of a lashing over its lacklustre ideology. Most people won't come to it looking for the new Gender Outlaw, and I think for them it might even be profound. It's not fully automated luxury gay space communism, exactly, but it'll do.
April 4, 2023
AHHHHKRHGHRJDBDNEJ okay. This was such a highly anticipated book for me—and I am OBSESSED with it. Cas, the LOML. Juno, the other LOML. I love love love myself some queer rage, trans rage, with a sprinkling of other trauma ya know? The plot was easy to follow, the characters easy to love, the cause hits very close to home and is so easy to care about. I don’t have a single relevant complaint other than I want MORE 🥺
I certainly don’t want to spoil but I will say, this book is a must read if you want to read about queer & trans folx, autistic rep that you can really resonate with, and social justice all wrapped up in space 🥰
*I was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I certainly don’t want to spoil but I will say, this book is a must read if you want to read about queer & trans folx, autistic rep that you can really resonate with, and social justice all wrapped up in space 🥰
*I was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
April 4, 2023
THANK YOU TO OLIVE J. KELLEY FOR THE ARC!
Sci-fi has never really been my genre, but oh my god, this book. I loved the space setting and how everything was described. In previous sci-fi books, I found the descriptions of the tech and the planets boring, but this time I was really hooked. I loved reading about Castors life on the Gemini, and how everything worked on the different planets they visited. Besides the descriptions, I really enjoyed the writing style and pace. The language was nice, and easy to read. Hearing Castors inner dialogue and their denial about their feelings for Juno was really nice. I especially loved how their autism wasn't a big deal, but just a part of who they are, and how it affects their day to day life. The pacing for me was just nice. It never felt like it dragged on, but it also never felt like we were just breezing through. The plot was also just extremely easy to follow. Oh and the characters! They all had dimension and was really loveable. More reasons for why I was engaged throughout the entire book. I didn't want to put it down.
This book dealt with topics that really reminded me of the real world: A really messed up government trying to hurt LGBTQ+ people, ESPECIALLY trans people, and a few mentions of banning of abortions. Weirdly enough, I found slight comfort in it. Normally you read books to escape the hellhole that is real life, but this was nice. It almost filled me with hope. Hope that we can through all the messed up things happening around the world, especially in america. We can get through this with not only people like Juno who's actively speaking out and being very active on the battlefield, but also with people like Castor who's willing to change and learn and join the fight. The queer/trans rage was just SO GOOD, and I loved seeing them stand up to the government and demanded justice.
The book was set far into the future after humanity killed earth, and sometimes it sounded like it was killed by something similar to the willow project, which was quite interesting. It made me think about whether that's actually what our future might end up like, if we keep doing what we do. That we might end up having to live on other plates and adapt to outer space.
Castor and Juno are such cool characters, and I loved seeing them develop as the story progresses. Castor, starting out very apathetic and closed up, but eventually becoming open and trusting towards Juno and the other characters.
Juno, starting out very determined about her cause, and not understanding why people WOULDN'T want to join in, eventually becoming way more understanding towards Castor.
I loved seeing them interact, and reading their banter. The love they have for each other after they get together was really sweat. Especially the fact that Juno didn't love Castor despite, but partially because of their autism. It's just a part of who they are. There's a quote that illustrates this really nicely. Juno goes “You're autistic, and smart, and extremely charming, just in a way a lot of people don't understand,”.
The representation in this book was so nice. Castor was both Non-binary, a lesbian, autistic, disabled and had gotten top-surgery. Juno was a trans lesbian, and we were told multiple times that she took estrogen and had gotten face feminisation surgery. (the book did use the word 'lesbian' multiple times, which was nice, contrary to a lot of other lesbian books almost being afraid to use the word). Besides them, all the more important characters were either queer, trans and/or disabled. A character was deaf and used sign language, there were a lot of trans women, and there were even a single mention of someone using Xe/Xem pronouns. Everything surrounding autism, queerness and being trans was so casual, and I genuinely feel like we need that in books. Everything doesn't always have to be a big deal, sometimes it's nice to read about queer people existing in their queerness. This book really delivered that.
Also the tropes?
Hesitant allies to lovers
only one bunk/forced proximity
pessimist X optimist
Yes please!
Every book comes with content warnings, and this was no exception, so here they are (taken directly from the book itself)
- Transphobia, including misgendering, systemic transphobic violence, and censored deadnaming
- Police brutality
- Sexual assault (mentioned only)
- Gun violence & an attempted mass shooting
- Character death
- Child death (past)
- Sexual content
- Ableism, including internalized ableism by a disabled character
This book was nothing less than a 5 star read for me, and i highly suggest reading it when it comes out in june!
Sci-fi has never really been my genre, but oh my god, this book. I loved the space setting and how everything was described. In previous sci-fi books, I found the descriptions of the tech and the planets boring, but this time I was really hooked. I loved reading about Castors life on the Gemini, and how everything worked on the different planets they visited. Besides the descriptions, I really enjoyed the writing style and pace. The language was nice, and easy to read. Hearing Castors inner dialogue and their denial about their feelings for Juno was really nice. I especially loved how their autism wasn't a big deal, but just a part of who they are, and how it affects their day to day life. The pacing for me was just nice. It never felt like it dragged on, but it also never felt like we were just breezing through. The plot was also just extremely easy to follow. Oh and the characters! They all had dimension and was really loveable. More reasons for why I was engaged throughout the entire book. I didn't want to put it down.
This book dealt with topics that really reminded me of the real world: A really messed up government trying to hurt LGBTQ+ people, ESPECIALLY trans people, and a few mentions of banning of abortions. Weirdly enough, I found slight comfort in it. Normally you read books to escape the hellhole that is real life, but this was nice. It almost filled me with hope. Hope that we can through all the messed up things happening around the world, especially in america. We can get through this with not only people like Juno who's actively speaking out and being very active on the battlefield, but also with people like Castor who's willing to change and learn and join the fight. The queer/trans rage was just SO GOOD, and I loved seeing them stand up to the government and demanded justice.
The book was set far into the future after humanity killed earth, and sometimes it sounded like it was killed by something similar to the willow project, which was quite interesting. It made me think about whether that's actually what our future might end up like, if we keep doing what we do. That we might end up having to live on other plates and adapt to outer space.
Castor and Juno are such cool characters, and I loved seeing them develop as the story progresses. Castor, starting out very apathetic and closed up, but eventually becoming open and trusting towards Juno and the other characters.
Juno, starting out very determined about her cause, and not understanding why people WOULDN'T want to join in, eventually becoming way more understanding towards Castor.
I loved seeing them interact, and reading their banter. The love they have for each other after they get together was really sweat. Especially the fact that Juno didn't love Castor despite, but partially because of their autism. It's just a part of who they are. There's a quote that illustrates this really nicely. Juno goes “You're autistic, and smart, and extremely charming, just in a way a lot of people don't understand,”.
The representation in this book was so nice. Castor was both Non-binary, a lesbian, autistic, disabled and had gotten top-surgery. Juno was a trans lesbian, and we were told multiple times that she took estrogen and had gotten face feminisation surgery. (the book did use the word 'lesbian' multiple times, which was nice, contrary to a lot of other lesbian books almost being afraid to use the word). Besides them, all the more important characters were either queer, trans and/or disabled. A character was deaf and used sign language, there were a lot of trans women, and there were even a single mention of someone using Xe/Xem pronouns. Everything surrounding autism, queerness and being trans was so casual, and I genuinely feel like we need that in books. Everything doesn't always have to be a big deal, sometimes it's nice to read about queer people existing in their queerness. This book really delivered that.
Also the tropes?
Hesitant allies to lovers
only one bunk/forced proximity
pessimist X optimist
Yes please!
Every book comes with content warnings, and this was no exception, so here they are (taken directly from the book itself)
- Transphobia, including misgendering, systemic transphobic violence, and censored deadnaming
- Police brutality
- Sexual assault (mentioned only)
- Gun violence & an attempted mass shooting
- Character death
- Child death (past)
- Sexual content
- Ableism, including internalized ableism by a disabled character
This book was nothing less than a 5 star read for me, and i highly suggest reading it when it comes out in june!
May 5, 2025
I liked this book, and more than I expected that I would. It took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but then once that happened, I was absolutely sold! This novel is well written and has detailed and compelling characters. The protagonist goes on quite the journey (literally and figuratively) and I enjoyed following along.
The representation in this novel gets top marks. Not only is there a lot, but I think it was handled well a with a surprising amount of nuance in some cases, given how direct the rest of the novel was. At a few points this novel had me questioning some of the definitions I use for a few words, and I mean that in an explicitly positive way.
This is a novel that very clearly has something to say, and it doesn’t beat around the bush in saying it. This is good though because sometimes we need a somewhat heavy-handed and straightforward message baked into the story; there are plenty of examples of subtle nuance out there. I was struck while reading how some of the conflict in the story seemed “unrealistic”, yet I knew it was essentially just a factual depiction of the current state of the world. This left me with an unpleasant feeling at times, which I once again mean in an explicitly positive way.
This was certainly heavy into the sci-fi so some readers might not be as into it as others, but I think everyone would benefit from reading this and most people would enjoy it!
The representation in this novel gets top marks. Not only is there a lot, but I think it was handled well a with a surprising amount of nuance in some cases, given how direct the rest of the novel was. At a few points this novel had me questioning some of the definitions I use for a few words, and I mean that in an explicitly positive way.
This is a novel that very clearly has something to say, and it doesn’t beat around the bush in saying it. This is good though because sometimes we need a somewhat heavy-handed and straightforward message baked into the story; there are plenty of examples of subtle nuance out there. I was struck while reading how some of the conflict in the story seemed “unrealistic”, yet I knew it was essentially just a factual depiction of the current state of the world. This left me with an unpleasant feeling at times, which I once again mean in an explicitly positive way.
This was certainly heavy into the sci-fi so some readers might not be as into it as others, but I think everyone would benefit from reading this and most people would enjoy it!
March 28, 2025
brb, going to scream into a pillow, dye my hair green then make some ‘i support juno marcus’ patches
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING
April 1, 2025
A NEW FAVORITE QUEER SCI-FI I LOVED THIS SM!!
Castor & Juno have my heart!! Such a good balance of an important political allegory/exciting sci-fi plot/queer & trans joy & romance!!! Incredible!!
Castor & Juno have my heart!! Such a good balance of an important political allegory/exciting sci-fi plot/queer & trans joy & romance!!! Incredible!!
dnf
January 8, 2024I DNF'd this one at 30%
I am setting this one aside for now. I really want to enjoy this book, but for some reason I am getting into the story. So maybe I'll try again later in a different mood. There is some great representation with the main character and love interest both being trans as well as the main character being autistic.
The world is bleak and oppressive, and I think the whole point is that there is this sliver of hope, but the setting and tone isn't workign for me in my current mood. The main character is jaded and out of hope for good reason, I assume that changes later on, but I struggle reading about that in my current mood.
I am setting this one aside for now. I really want to enjoy this book, but for some reason I am getting into the story. So maybe I'll try again later in a different mood. There is some great representation with the main character and love interest both being trans as well as the main character being autistic.
The world is bleak and oppressive, and I think the whole point is that there is this sliver of hope, but the setting and tone isn't workign for me in my current mood. The main character is jaded and out of hope for good reason, I assume that changes later on, but I struggle reading about that in my current mood.
June 4, 2023
Junker Seven was very satisfying for me in a number of ways. I enjoyed the SciFi world and all it’s cool details - it was easy to understand while still being futuristic and fun.
The themes of trans rights and queerness are very current, and while it’s so frustrating and maddening to think about what is happening in our current climate, this story kept injecting hope. Somehow the optimism and hope in the face of all sorts of tragedies came through loud and clear.
The romance between Juno and Castor is very believable and sweet. The author gives us many beautiful turns of phrase to describe how they are feeling for each other, and it’s satisfying and romantic.
I enjoyed this book very much, and am excited to read the sequel!
The themes of trans rights and queerness are very current, and while it’s so frustrating and maddening to think about what is happening in our current climate, this story kept injecting hope. Somehow the optimism and hope in the face of all sorts of tragedies came through loud and clear.
The romance between Juno and Castor is very believable and sweet. The author gives us many beautiful turns of phrase to describe how they are feeling for each other, and it’s satisfying and romantic.
I enjoyed this book very much, and am excited to read the sequel!
July 10, 2023
The characters in this book pulled me in from page 1 and kept me rooting for them throughout their nail-biting, heartbreaking, hopeful journey! I don't normally read science fiction, but the vivid descriptions and beautiful relationships make this a story that all readers will enjoy. I look forward to reading more from Olive Kelley!
September 6, 2023
this book took me by the shoulders and shook me repeatedly.
there was so much about this that was hard hitting, especially with the current political climate, and there were parts of this that were hard and painful to read, but above all, this is a story filled to the brim with trans hope and trans resilience
there was so much about this that was hard hitting, especially with the current political climate, and there were parts of this that were hard and painful to read, but above all, this is a story filled to the brim with trans hope and trans resilience
October 1, 2024
Another 3/3.5. It's a curse at this point.
I really thought this one would be a 5 stars and I liked a lot of things about it, BUT the romance moved too fast for me and since the romance drove the character development it was a little hard to be on board/understand all of Cas' decisions.
Also I don't think it's exactly a fair criticism on my part since this is SUPPOSED to be about today's America, but the fact that the worldbuilding was sooo American was a bit disturbing as a non-American reader. Why did humanity, 200 years after leaving Earth, decide to work with an American political system? Did only Americans discover space travel? Otherwise why copy the American democratic system? I had so many questions! I completely get that it is commentary on contemporary America but 200 years after leaving Earth, it's almost too similar to the USA to make sense without explicit explanation. I don't know why that bothered me so much but I couldn't get past it.
Also it's a christofascist government but rebel movements are only/mostly queer movements (almost no other marginalized groups/movements are rising up alongside Juno's revolution which felt strange)
I just think that beyond being VERY American, the worldbuilding didn't always work BECAUSE we are 200 years into space conquest. The policies are basically the same than the ones in current USA, but even if there was a similar crackdown on queerness, it wouldn't be exactly in the same way. Also there was, outside of ships, fairly... little tech advancements, or at least they didn't influence story/politics in a way I expected them to.
I really thought this one would be a 5 stars and I liked a lot of things about it, BUT the romance moved too fast for me and since the romance drove the character development it was a little hard to be on board/understand all of Cas' decisions.
Also I don't think it's exactly a fair criticism on my part since this is SUPPOSED to be about today's America, but the fact that the worldbuilding was sooo American was a bit disturbing as a non-American reader. Why did humanity, 200 years after leaving Earth, decide to work with an American political system? Did only Americans discover space travel? Otherwise why copy the American democratic system? I had so many questions! I completely get that it is commentary on contemporary America but 200 years after leaving Earth, it's almost too similar to the USA to make sense without explicit explanation. I don't know why that bothered me so much but I couldn't get past it.
Also it's a christofascist government but rebel movements are only/mostly queer movements (almost no other marginalized groups/movements are rising up alongside Juno's revolution which felt strange)
I just think that beyond being VERY American, the worldbuilding didn't always work BECAUSE we are 200 years into space conquest. The policies are basically the same than the ones in current USA, but even if there was a similar crackdown on queerness, it wouldn't be exactly in the same way. Also there was, outside of ships, fairly... little tech advancements, or at least they didn't influence story/politics in a way I expected them to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up.
this is a hard one to rate. there were things i enjoyed well enough, but as i read on, the more i realised just how many glaring plot holes and continuity errors and odd decisions this book includes (like, are the IPF and their superiors just super incompetent or what). it also felt like it might as well not have been set in space at all but rather in a slightly more dystopic version of america. (speaking of which, how come the entire galaxy felt like it was just the US but on a much bigger scale? where are all the other countries and cultures in all this? did they fuck off to another galaxy, tired of america's bullshit?)
i also would have liked more in-depth politics – it's an intensely political book, yes, but it's like the author decided to transpose modern-day US (trans) politics onto a book set over 200 years into the future, as though nothing would have changed or been done differently, and with very little detail to the actual politics of it. yes, i can buy a sci-fi book set in the future where transphobia still runs rampant, but with the exact same tools of oppression, when technology has made leaps and bounds? it's also surprisingly non-intersectional in its politics, although there is plenty of representation to be had across the board.
so yes, a hard one to rate. it's rounded up at least for now, because there were things i enjoyed (many of the characters, the message of hope, the planets, or at least what little glimpses we got) and i am planning on reading the sequel at some point. also, grace points because it's self-published and that's always much, much harder.
this is a hard one to rate. there were things i enjoyed well enough, but as i read on, the more i realised just how many glaring plot holes and continuity errors and odd decisions this book includes (like, are the IPF and their superiors just super incompetent or what). it also felt like it might as well not have been set in space at all but rather in a slightly more dystopic version of america. (speaking of which, how come the entire galaxy felt like it was just the US but on a much bigger scale? where are all the other countries and cultures in all this? did they fuck off to another galaxy, tired of america's bullshit?)
i also would have liked more in-depth politics – it's an intensely political book, yes, but it's like the author decided to transpose modern-day US (trans) politics onto a book set over 200 years into the future, as though nothing would have changed or been done differently, and with very little detail to the actual politics of it. yes, i can buy a sci-fi book set in the future where transphobia still runs rampant, but with the exact same tools of oppression, when technology has made leaps and bounds? it's also surprisingly non-intersectional in its politics, although there is plenty of representation to be had across the board.
so yes, a hard one to rate. it's rounded up at least for now, because there were things i enjoyed (many of the characters, the message of hope, the planets, or at least what little glimpses we got) and i am planning on reading the sequel at some point. also, grace points because it's self-published and that's always much, much harder.
December 3, 2024
Junker Seven by Olive J. Kelly is a decent debut novel that didn’t blow my mind but also didn’t leave me regretting the read. It’s an LGBTQ+ sci-fi story with a strong focus on identity and the connections that can form between opposites.
Juno is a solid protagonist, standing firm in her beliefs and never backing down, which gave the story some much-needed grit. Junker, on the other hand, was intriguing for their commitment to staying true to themselves. Despite being polar opposites, their dynamic worked in a way that felt complementary, almost as if their identities together completed a larger whole.
The story itself didn’t bring anything particularly groundbreaking to the sci-fi table, but it wasn’t bad for a debut. It’s one of those books that’s fine while you’re reading it, but it may not necessarily stick with you.
If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ sci-fi novel with some interesting character interplay, Junker Seven is worth a try - just don’t go in expecting your world to be turned upside down.
Rating: 2.5 stars. Rounded up because it definitely deserves more than 2. Got it! It’s worth noting that the book leans heavily into political themes, which might be great for some readers, but it’s just not my personal cup of tea. That could be why it didn’t fully click for me.
Juno is a solid protagonist, standing firm in her beliefs and never backing down, which gave the story some much-needed grit. Junker, on the other hand, was intriguing for their commitment to staying true to themselves. Despite being polar opposites, their dynamic worked in a way that felt complementary, almost as if their identities together completed a larger whole.
The story itself didn’t bring anything particularly groundbreaking to the sci-fi table, but it wasn’t bad for a debut. It’s one of those books that’s fine while you’re reading it, but it may not necessarily stick with you.
If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ sci-fi novel with some interesting character interplay, Junker Seven is worth a try - just don’t go in expecting your world to be turned upside down.
Rating: 2.5 stars. Rounded up because it definitely deserves more than 2. Got it! It’s worth noting that the book leans heavily into political themes, which might be great for some readers, but it’s just not my personal cup of tea. That could be why it didn’t fully click for me.
March 16, 2024
This book was won in a Story graph giveaway.
Luckily, I loved it. I found the plot to be original, it is well paced, the characters are lovable, albeit a little young.
There's non-binary, autistic representation, LGBTQ rights and a frighteningly similar fight to defend them like in our world.
Set in a future where humans have made Earth uninhabitable, people still eff it up in other galaxies. There are also good people, and here we get to see their journey as they learn to expand their minds, embrace change and each other.
It is part of a series, so that's the only downside, you don't get it all in this book. However, there is some sort of closure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Transphobia, and Kidnapping
Minor: Deadnaming, Vomit, and Violence
Luckily, I loved it. I found the plot to be original, it is well paced, the characters are lovable, albeit a little young.
There's non-binary, autistic representation, LGBTQ rights and a frighteningly similar fight to defend them like in our world.
Set in a future where humans have made Earth uninhabitable, people still eff it up in other galaxies. There are also good people, and here we get to see their journey as they learn to expand their minds, embrace change and each other.
It is part of a series, so that's the only downside, you don't get it all in this book. However, there is some sort of closure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Transphobia, and Kidnapping
Minor: Deadnaming, Vomit, and Violence
May 24, 2024
I love sci fi for the reason that one can explore different ideas through the lens of space laws because we have no idea what we would do in space.
I loved this book because through this lens we explored, gender, sexuality and politics, and i ate up every second of it. I loved Juno and Cas’ story and i loved exploring the politics of the universe and the race to fight back as trans and gay people have always done, against people that don’t want us to exist. This book was absolutely amazing and I’m glad that we live in a time where things like queer sci fi can exist.
I loved this book because through this lens we explored, gender, sexuality and politics, and i ate up every second of it. I loved Juno and Cas’ story and i loved exploring the politics of the universe and the race to fight back as trans and gay people have always done, against people that don’t want us to exist. This book was absolutely amazing and I’m glad that we live in a time where things like queer sci fi can exist.
March 20, 2025
This book was amazing. I loved it from beginning until the end and I will be recommending it to everyone I know. The characters are just so wonderful. I would follow Juno around the galaxy.
June 2, 2023
Junker Seven is one for the ages.
Paint it. Frame it. Put it in a museum. The museum. A hall of fame, or whatever.
I'm very particular when it comes to the genre of SFF. I have nothing against it, but I'm autistic and have always struggled with the standard of convolutedly introspective nature of its storytelling and worldbuilding. But Kelley made it accessible for me. They delivered every scene naturally and fluidly in a manner that made it possible for my brain to comprehend.
Said delivery resulted in such a magnificent story, too. Seriously, Cas and Juno and their intergalactic journey of a story had me strapped down and ready to go from page one.
Our protagonist, Cas, is a grumpy junker with total commitment-phobia (their fish is the exception). They are satisfyingly and uncomfortably relatable, with a history drenched in trauma and never given adequate time to hang out and dry.
Cas navigates a world that shuns their entire existence—autistic, disabled, non-binary, butch, a lesbian—by hardly navigating it at all. If they do, it's not for fulfilment; it's for survival. That includes when they take on their biggest (and most rewarding) junking task yet.
But with their hunger for survival comes the even hungrier trans activist Juno, who is the polar opposite of Cas, and the first thing to make them open up to love in years.
When love fights its way across planets, amidst hatred and war, and makes it out alive, its impossible not to admire.
Cas and Juno and their story—in all its messy, fucked-up, angry glory—is, above all, a message of hope to its readers, each of us fighting something big back down on earth.
Olive J. Kelley's debut is a masterpiece, and in my mind, it's glorious frame is engraved with a set of five stars.
Paint it. Frame it. Put it in a museum. The museum. A hall of fame, or whatever.
I'm very particular when it comes to the genre of SFF. I have nothing against it, but I'm autistic and have always struggled with the standard of convolutedly introspective nature of its storytelling and worldbuilding. But Kelley made it accessible for me. They delivered every scene naturally and fluidly in a manner that made it possible for my brain to comprehend.
Said delivery resulted in such a magnificent story, too. Seriously, Cas and Juno and their intergalactic journey of a story had me strapped down and ready to go from page one.
Our protagonist, Cas, is a grumpy junker with total commitment-phobia (their fish is the exception). They are satisfyingly and uncomfortably relatable, with a history drenched in trauma and never given adequate time to hang out and dry.
Cas navigates a world that shuns their entire existence—autistic, disabled, non-binary, butch, a lesbian—by hardly navigating it at all. If they do, it's not for fulfilment; it's for survival. That includes when they take on their biggest (and most rewarding) junking task yet.
But with their hunger for survival comes the even hungrier trans activist Juno, who is the polar opposite of Cas, and the first thing to make them open up to love in years.
When love fights its way across planets, amidst hatred and war, and makes it out alive, its impossible not to admire.
Cas and Juno and their story—in all its messy, fucked-up, angry glory—is, above all, a message of hope to its readers, each of us fighting something big back down on earth.
Olive J. Kelley's debut is a masterpiece, and in my mind, it's glorious frame is engraved with a set of five stars.
September 23, 2023
This is one of the best books I’ve read in so long. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. The writing style was so easy to comprehend, the descriptions got me extremely engaged. I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with these characters!!!!
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as someone with neurodivergence who struggles with sensory issues, I haven’t never felt as seen in a book as I did with Junker Seven. While I was reading, I was just thinking “hey, I do all this!” I’ve never read a book with this much representation of who I am before and it felt so good to be seen.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is even thinking about reading it. It’s easy to comprehend sci-fi, a slow burn romance, and a true commentary on many things going on in our world today. It also has a silly goldfish ;)
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and as someone with neurodivergence who struggles with sensory issues, I haven’t never felt as seen in a book as I did with Junker Seven. While I was reading, I was just thinking “hey, I do all this!” I’ve never read a book with this much representation of who I am before and it felt so good to be seen.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is even thinking about reading it. It’s easy to comprehend sci-fi, a slow burn romance, and a true commentary on many things going on in our world today. It also has a silly goldfish ;)
July 16, 2023
If you take a Star Wars expedition, and replace the Jedis with Lesbians, you’ll get Junker Seven.
It has everything a space story should need: new planets, quaint spaceships, diverse rebel characters, an undercurrent of political unrest, and a pilot who wants nothing to do with it all—learning to find a new place in it all. Junker Seven is engaging, charming, and equal parts terrifying of how realistically our present could become this future and how the queer community's strength reminds us that we’re never alone, despite what our government and society will try to say.
I can’t recommend this one enough.
It has everything a space story should need: new planets, quaint spaceships, diverse rebel characters, an undercurrent of political unrest, and a pilot who wants nothing to do with it all—learning to find a new place in it all. Junker Seven is engaging, charming, and equal parts terrifying of how realistically our present could become this future and how the queer community's strength reminds us that we’re never alone, despite what our government and society will try to say.
I can’t recommend this one enough.
May 3, 2023
It’s rare for a book to keep me up at night. To move me to act. It’s rare to see myself reflected so closely in characters. I love this book and look forward to reading more of Kelley’s work
September 4, 2023
lonely neurodivergent queers in space!! fighting fascists!! and also falling in love!!
Cas and Juno had me giggling and kicking my feet the angst!! the flirtation!
Cas and Juno had me giggling and kicking my feet the angst!! the flirtation!
Want to read
August 26, 2024OV Autistic MC
July 28, 2024
Junker Seven is a fast-paced futuristic queer sci-fi romance that mirrors our current world all too well. It’s got grief & rage, but also community & hope.
We follow Castor, a physically disabled & autistic junker making ends meet by scavenging and selling spare parts. They stay away from the escalating transphobia and galactic revolution led by activist Juno Marcus.
That is – until they get a job offer for an unbelievable amount of money. They’ve just got to safely transport Juno across the galaxy first, and keep her safe from the Intergalactic Police Force (IPF) and the folks that support a violent political leader.
Castor is determined to view this job as simply a job, but Juno draws everyone into her orbit. As they start to fall from her, they also can’t help but become swept into her cause … and maybe change the galaxy for the better.
I loved both main characters here. Castor has a great arc from hesitant outsider to embracing revolutionary change, and it’s hard not to root for them. They’ve got some internalized ableism and believe that being autistic means they have no choice but to be a loner, and it was nice to watch them unpack that. I thought the depictions of being autistic & physically disabled in space were thoughtful and really well written (especially moments with sensory issues). I also loved their relationship with their goldfish & the memories of their little brother they hold close.
Juno is determined and fierce, and though she’s not our narrator, we do get to see glimpses of the world through her eyes. I actually would have loved to see more of a shift from her - more compassion towards the Castors of the world. She gets there, but doesn’t totally unpack the privilege she does have and the impossible choices everyone in her world has to make.
The romance was a bit quick, but very charming! Castor and Juno balance each other well, challenge each other in the best ways, and truly care for each other. And overall, I really enjoyed the slice-of-life moments we got in between the action.
I thought the writing was solid. It didn’t blow me away (and there were a few stumbles and awkward phrasings), but it was effective. The pacing kept everything in flow for me, too.
The politics and the world are more or less a copy and paste of our own (there are stand-ins for Trump, Fox News, Amazon, and so on). At times, it felt like space was a colorful backdrop rather than a meaningful part of the story. There are spaceships and mentions of a dead Earth, but I would have loved to see a more futuristic spin on everything. What would it mean for trans people to have higher tech available to shift their bodies? How would racism and xenophobia morph if galaxies were colonized? What does it mean for Castor to be disabled in this world - it seems like it’s not mentioned much?
And since things were so close to our world, the ripple effects were sort of assumed. My brain just filled in things to flesh out the villain, Marwood, but we actually don’t learn much of anything about his tactics, speeches, or policies. Abortion rights are overturned during the story, and that just seemed to be Roe v. Wade but in hundreds of years (without any futuristic differences in healthcare or policy, etc.).
The book closes on a bit of a standstill (potential legal triumphs), which was a bummer because it felt like it was building up to a true revolution. But this was definitely just one step of the story, and I feel like bigger changes are in store during the next saga.
But overall, I enjoyed the hopeful tone and the charmingly eclectic cast of queer characters. I’m curious about what comes next!
CW: death (child), transphobia, misgendering, censored deadnaming, police brutality, gun violence, mass shooting, ableism, grief, spaceship accident
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
We follow Castor, a physically disabled & autistic junker making ends meet by scavenging and selling spare parts. They stay away from the escalating transphobia and galactic revolution led by activist Juno Marcus.
That is – until they get a job offer for an unbelievable amount of money. They’ve just got to safely transport Juno across the galaxy first, and keep her safe from the Intergalactic Police Force (IPF) and the folks that support a violent political leader.
Castor is determined to view this job as simply a job, but Juno draws everyone into her orbit. As they start to fall from her, they also can’t help but become swept into her cause … and maybe change the galaxy for the better.
I loved both main characters here. Castor has a great arc from hesitant outsider to embracing revolutionary change, and it’s hard not to root for them. They’ve got some internalized ableism and believe that being autistic means they have no choice but to be a loner, and it was nice to watch them unpack that. I thought the depictions of being autistic & physically disabled in space were thoughtful and really well written (especially moments with sensory issues). I also loved their relationship with their goldfish & the memories of their little brother they hold close.
Juno is determined and fierce, and though she’s not our narrator, we do get to see glimpses of the world through her eyes. I actually would have loved to see more of a shift from her - more compassion towards the Castors of the world. She gets there, but doesn’t totally unpack the privilege she does have and the impossible choices everyone in her world has to make.
The romance was a bit quick, but very charming! Castor and Juno balance each other well, challenge each other in the best ways, and truly care for each other. And overall, I really enjoyed the slice-of-life moments we got in between the action.
I thought the writing was solid. It didn’t blow me away (and there were a few stumbles and awkward phrasings), but it was effective. The pacing kept everything in flow for me, too.
The politics and the world are more or less a copy and paste of our own (there are stand-ins for Trump, Fox News, Amazon, and so on). At times, it felt like space was a colorful backdrop rather than a meaningful part of the story. There are spaceships and mentions of a dead Earth, but I would have loved to see a more futuristic spin on everything. What would it mean for trans people to have higher tech available to shift their bodies? How would racism and xenophobia morph if galaxies were colonized? What does it mean for Castor to be disabled in this world - it seems like it’s not mentioned much?
And since things were so close to our world, the ripple effects were sort of assumed. My brain just filled in things to flesh out the villain, Marwood, but we actually don’t learn much of anything about his tactics, speeches, or policies. Abortion rights are overturned during the story, and that just seemed to be Roe v. Wade but in hundreds of years (without any futuristic differences in healthcare or policy, etc.).
The book closes on a bit of a standstill (potential legal triumphs), which was a bummer because it felt like it was building up to a true revolution. But this was definitely just one step of the story, and I feel like bigger changes are in store during the next saga.
But overall, I enjoyed the hopeful tone and the charmingly eclectic cast of queer characters. I’m curious about what comes next!
CW: death (child), transphobia, misgendering, censored deadnaming, police brutality, gun violence, mass shooting, ableism, grief, spaceship accident
Follow me on social media for book recommendations!
October 24, 2024
A qualified 5 star read, rounded up for GoodReads’ system, but absolutely delightful and heartbreakingly sincere.
This book made me feel. Several distinct emotions, none of which I was necessarily expecting when I started it. First and foremost, a great space adventure, with a frankly…very believable take on humanity’s space-faring future (space!Amazon, for example) and the low-explanation type of sci-fi that’s easy and accessible even if you’re usually not a science fiction reader. Castor and Juno are incredibly sweet together, a great balance of genuine affection and being deeply horny for each other, which I tend to grade sapphic and trans romances on—whether or not they acknowledge that women can have a sex drive, and, in the case of trans characters, whether they’re allowed to have sexual contact without being an obvious fetish moment. Castor’s journey to giving a shit about the bigger picture is very believable without feeling preachy, and Juno’s moments of guilt and doubt were incredibly relatable after watching the news for the past few years.
Now, on the subject of emotions. I am a deep, dyed-in-the-wool cynic and this book made me feel…like…hope? Made me entertain the idea of hope? This was the first book I’ve literally ever read where the main character is a post-top-surgery nonbinary person, never mind being disabled, and it’s so unfamiliar that I don’t really know how to respond. I think the last time I saw a protagonist and went “oh, it’s me” to this extent was maybe Furiosa in Fury Road. Moreover, this book has a super realistic take on how resistance is hard and often costs lives, and that makes the moments of just…small resistances hit so much harder. There’s a ton of really good emotional beats in this book but for some reason the one that made me need to put the book over my face and collect myself was a waiter in a restaurant slipping Castor and Juno a warning that the cops are coming. It’s such a nothing interaction with a character who isn’t even named and it broke me.
Final note: Gabe, you sound like you loved this book, why isn’t it an unequivocal 5 stars? The proofreading. Self-publishing means paying for your own editing and I totally get that, but people pay me money for editing and proofreading and I really struggled to un-see it. None of it is glaring, it’s all the kind of thing that naturally happens to everyone—missed letters, missing prepositions, that sort of typo. If you’re not, again, paid to notice it on the regular, it probably won’t even register. Olive, babe, hit me up for your next book and I will proofread it for you!!! Kick me $50 and being able to read it early and I’m your guy!!!
Recommended for anyone who says Rogue One for their favorite Star Wars movie, or anyone who loved Firefly when they were younger and then rewatched it more recently and went “😬.”
❤️ Review by Gabe @polycraftory on Instagram, Tumblr, and Tiktok, where I do book reviews and crafts with my polycule. You can find me @ wordswritinstarlight on Storygraph, where I’m much more reliable about posting reviews. You can also find content warnings on my Storygraph review of this book.
This book made me feel. Several distinct emotions, none of which I was necessarily expecting when I started it. First and foremost, a great space adventure, with a frankly…very believable take on humanity’s space-faring future (space!Amazon, for example) and the low-explanation type of sci-fi that’s easy and accessible even if you’re usually not a science fiction reader. Castor and Juno are incredibly sweet together, a great balance of genuine affection and being deeply horny for each other, which I tend to grade sapphic and trans romances on—whether or not they acknowledge that women can have a sex drive, and, in the case of trans characters, whether they’re allowed to have sexual contact without being an obvious fetish moment. Castor’s journey to giving a shit about the bigger picture is very believable without feeling preachy, and Juno’s moments of guilt and doubt were incredibly relatable after watching the news for the past few years.
Now, on the subject of emotions. I am a deep, dyed-in-the-wool cynic and this book made me feel…like…hope? Made me entertain the idea of hope? This was the first book I’ve literally ever read where the main character is a post-top-surgery nonbinary person, never mind being disabled, and it’s so unfamiliar that I don’t really know how to respond. I think the last time I saw a protagonist and went “oh, it’s me” to this extent was maybe Furiosa in Fury Road. Moreover, this book has a super realistic take on how resistance is hard and often costs lives, and that makes the moments of just…small resistances hit so much harder. There’s a ton of really good emotional beats in this book but for some reason the one that made me need to put the book over my face and collect myself was a waiter in a restaurant slipping Castor and Juno a warning that the cops are coming. It’s such a nothing interaction with a character who isn’t even named and it broke me.
Final note: Gabe, you sound like you loved this book, why isn’t it an unequivocal 5 stars? The proofreading. Self-publishing means paying for your own editing and I totally get that, but people pay me money for editing and proofreading and I really struggled to un-see it. None of it is glaring, it’s all the kind of thing that naturally happens to everyone—missed letters, missing prepositions, that sort of typo. If you’re not, again, paid to notice it on the regular, it probably won’t even register. Olive, babe, hit me up for your next book and I will proofread it for you!!! Kick me $50 and being able to read it early and I’m your guy!!!
Recommended for anyone who says Rogue One for their favorite Star Wars movie, or anyone who loved Firefly when they were younger and then rewatched it more recently and went “😬.”
❤️ Review by Gabe @polycraftory on Instagram, Tumblr, and Tiktok, where I do book reviews and crafts with my polycule. You can find me @ wordswritinstarlight on Storygraph, where I’m much more reliable about posting reviews. You can also find content warnings on my Storygraph review of this book.
June 3, 2023
This book was totally filled with trans rage, and it was the absolute best!
This book puts two characters at the opposite ends of the activism spectrum in a situation where they depend on each other. There is Castor the main character, who wishes trans and queer people were treated better, but believes that some others are too vocal about it. Then there is Juno, who is exactly that vocal queer screaming for her rights. Them being put together brought forth so many great interactions and situations for them to clash and grow. Which brings me to the fact that Castor grows so so much in this book and to be a part of that journey is absolutely beautiful. They realize so many things during the book and actively change it made me feel so damn excited. Growth comes with difficcult moments though so we see a lot of the struggles this gives them, which were written very strong. That together makes it so amazing to see them grow.
This story doesn't hide how shitty it can be to be trans. Yes this is a scifi book so the governement in here doesn't actually exist, but it's equivalents are definitely out there in the world. So to see a group of people fight back for their rights (and my rights just the same), was hugely inspiring. That does also mean that if you as a reader need something light in the moment, it might be better to come back to this book at a later time.
There are some high action scenes in this book that were very thrilling and a joy to read. Things happened right at the pace I enjoy my fighting scenes to be. Fast to keep the tension going, but not forgoing too many details so it stays unclear what was written.
I also want to talk about all of the side characters in this book. There was a whole group of fierce queers that helped Juno and Castor as one big community. I absolutely loved these moments when there were interactions with many others all fighting for one big goal of liberation. They were a joy to read about and I enjoyed every second the book spent around them.
Last I want to talk about the representation of Autism with Castor. This was done so lovely. As Autistic myself I often felt very seen by the way it was showed in the book. I also felt very emotional at times when Castor struggled because of it, these struggles being oh so relatable. The comfort Castor found in their safe objects made me feel so warm and made me surround myself with my own just like them. It made me feel very wholesome to connect to a character like that.
Concluding the book was a great and inspiring read and I'm excited to read more from this author.
4.75 stars rounded up.
I read an eARC of this book and this was my honest review.
This book puts two characters at the opposite ends of the activism spectrum in a situation where they depend on each other. There is Castor the main character, who wishes trans and queer people were treated better, but believes that some others are too vocal about it. Then there is Juno, who is exactly that vocal queer screaming for her rights. Them being put together brought forth so many great interactions and situations for them to clash and grow. Which brings me to the fact that Castor grows so so much in this book and to be a part of that journey is absolutely beautiful. They realize so many things during the book and actively change it made me feel so damn excited. Growth comes with difficcult moments though so we see a lot of the struggles this gives them, which were written very strong. That together makes it so amazing to see them grow.
This story doesn't hide how shitty it can be to be trans. Yes this is a scifi book so the governement in here doesn't actually exist, but it's equivalents are definitely out there in the world. So to see a group of people fight back for their rights (and my rights just the same), was hugely inspiring. That does also mean that if you as a reader need something light in the moment, it might be better to come back to this book at a later time.
There are some high action scenes in this book that were very thrilling and a joy to read. Things happened right at the pace I enjoy my fighting scenes to be. Fast to keep the tension going, but not forgoing too many details so it stays unclear what was written.
I also want to talk about all of the side characters in this book. There was a whole group of fierce queers that helped Juno and Castor as one big community. I absolutely loved these moments when there were interactions with many others all fighting for one big goal of liberation. They were a joy to read about and I enjoyed every second the book spent around them.
Last I want to talk about the representation of Autism with Castor. This was done so lovely. As Autistic myself I often felt very seen by the way it was showed in the book. I also felt very emotional at times when Castor struggled because of it, these struggles being oh so relatable. The comfort Castor found in their safe objects made me feel so warm and made me surround myself with my own just like them. It made me feel very wholesome to connect to a character like that.
Concluding the book was a great and inspiring read and I'm excited to read more from this author.
4.75 stars rounded up.
I read an eARC of this book and this was my honest review.
January 6, 2025
"This is what they did, this is what they always do. [...] They made it illegal to get an abortion, and then made it illegal to miscarry. Then it was gender-affirming care, gay marriage, interracial marriage. They wanted their fucking white, Christian hellscape"
"I knew bad things were happening, but I told myself, what could one person do?"
In a world (no, universe) full of fascists in positions of power, Juno shows Cas (and us) how it is possible to keep fighting, to stay hopeful in times that seem too dark for dreams of a better world.
It is heartbreaking to know that this book has a high topicality with our current political climate worldwide.
All the more healing it is to see that help can be found on the most unlikely planet, that there a people fighting for the same cause everywhere, that the rebels will never stop and that Castor was able to go from "I'm doing this for the money" to "I found a home and I will fight with everything that I have to keep it safe"
I couldn't believe that this actually is Olives debut novel. Everything (the relationship, the plot, the characters) feels very natural and evolves in a very authentic way. Thank you very much, Olive, for sharing this beautiful work with us!
"I knew bad things were happening, but I told myself, what could one person do?"
In a world (no, universe) full of fascists in positions of power, Juno shows Cas (and us) how it is possible to keep fighting, to stay hopeful in times that seem too dark for dreams of a better world.
It is heartbreaking to know that this book has a high topicality with our current political climate worldwide.
All the more healing it is to see that help can be found on the most unlikely planet, that there a people fighting for the same cause everywhere, that the rebels will never stop and that Castor was able to go from "I'm doing this for the money" to "I found a home and I will fight with everything that I have to keep it safe"
I couldn't believe that this actually is Olives debut novel. Everything (the relationship, the plot, the characters) feels very natural and evolves in a very authentic way. Thank you very much, Olive, for sharing this beautiful work with us!
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