Viera doesn't know aliens exist. Can she accept the woman she’s been crushing on isn't quite as human as she always believed?Viera, a second-grade teacher in the Midwest, just wants to have a relaxing spring break. Friends and family tease her that she never travels far from home. A staycation at home is her dream week off. When she ends up on a spaceship heading to a peace summit, will she find a new way to escape second graders, or will the vast variety of aliens be too much for her?
As Viera learns to navigate the galactic space station full of aliens of all shapes and sizes, she slowly acclimates to the idea that humans aren’t alone in the universe. Viera’s “crush” helps her learn the ropes and she hopes this is a sign that her feelings are requited. But as the novelty keeps bombarding her, can Viera cope or will it prove too much for this human in space?
Galaxy Lessons is a sci-fi romance by Harlow Frost.
The novel in general was an easy, fun, very minimal angst read. The author made the transition from earth to the galaxy quite uncomplicated. It was not difficult to imagine the aliens since the author used the earth equivalent and dressed it up in a different name. I admire that the battle scene and the creatures did not pose anything overly complicated to digest.
Okay, obviously, we’re not talking about hardcore science fiction here. And that’s perfectly okay. You don’t get mad at a cupcake for not being a ham sandwich, especially when it’s such a delicious little cupcake. This book is an absolute sugar rush, sweet and bright. But make no mistake - it’s also well-written and cleverly plotted with a well-constructed fictional universe.
The sweet: The plot zips along. By the second chapter, she’s already up on the spacecraft. Slow buildup? No ma’am, not today. Short chapters and crisp writing have the story moving along at a very nice pace. The characters are perfectly crafted, and the chemistry between the two female leads works beautifully. I think a big reason for that is because they already knew each other prior to the events in the book, so there is no love-at-first-sight awkwardness. Also, their personalities mesh together well - the attraction isn’t just physical. (Although it does get VERY physical in a couple of scenes, for fans of 🌶️🌶️.) What was just as enjoyable for me was the time spent showing the connection between the student and Viera. The kid could have easily been tossed aside plot-wise once the connection between the two women was made. Instead, we see an authentic version of the almost-parental relationship teachers sometimes have with their students.
The not-quite-as-sweet, but still very good: Your enjoyment of the book will be based on the expectations you have coming in. With the word “sapphic” on the cover, you might expect the plot beats of a typical w/w romance. Nope. They fall into bed fast, so there’s very little will-they-won’t-they. And there’s no act 2 breakup, either. The conflicts comes from outside their relationship, not from within it. So you should know all that going in. Also, there’s a spaceship on the cover. If you’re expecting laser battles and high speed chases, this is not the book for you. This is intrigue and mystery, not sabers and blasters. This is not Star Wars. This is more of a light and humorous version of Star Trek. If, you know, Kirk had been a blue-skinned lesbian. But, again, as long as you go in knowing what to expect, you’ll have a blast.
The ever-so-slightly-sour: As the main story’s only human character, Viera is very much a fish out of water. As such, she spends most of the book getting acclimated, so it’s up to the characters surrounding her to help her out. I’d have liked for Viera to have been a more active participant in those parts of the story. Which leads me to the next thing - some VERY interesting stuff happens to Viera, but it’s right as the book comes to a close. Now, I’m hesitant to call this a cliffhanger since the book’s main plot points are already resolved by then, and I was left feeling completely satisfied. But it’s very obvious that some cool stuff has been set up for Viera specifically for the book’s sequel (Magic Lessons). Which is perfectly fine with me because the first ride was so much fun. After all, after a great cupcake, who doesn’t want seconds?
I would like to start by saying that space fantasy is not one of my favorite genres, but I do like Hannah Willow/Harlowe Frost, so I was excited to give it a shot. I preface with that to say that space fantasy is still not one of my favorites and the author can't be faulted for that. She is a very creative writer, and the book is worth reading if this is your thing. What I liked: Quick, easy read, great editing, super creative premise, variety of space beings. I love Scout! He is so adorable. Interesting supporting cast. Cool system of magic. Humorous internal monologue. Alternating perspectives. No third-act breakup. What I didn't like: No strings (one of my least favorite tropes), I did not feel any chemistry between to two love interests, and this was not really a romance, (not sure if it was marketed as such) though there was some spice. It all felt a bit campy to me. There was a lot to take in as we were introduced to this whole new galactic empire and the existence of a variety of beings and magic right along with our human teacher as she is accidentally plunged into this new world. Required a little effort on my part to keep the beings straight in my mind. I didn't fully relate to the characters. I liked Viera best of the two MCs. I like that Viera's curiosity and desire to learn outweigh her fear and though she feels out of sorts, she can manage her anxieties and remain calm and fully functional. The story leaves off with an easy segue to the next, as this is the beginning of a series.
Galaxy Lessons was a good and quick read that kept me intrigued. I am a Star Wars/Star Trek/BattleStar Galactica geekette, so the setting was really fun. I also really enjoyed the incorporation of mythology and Tolkien into the story, definitely a nod to those of us who love all things supernatural. I enjoyed the main characters very much, especially Scout. He was fun and not overly precocious. Viera grew on me. At first I was dismayed by her not standing up for herself, but she really developed throughout the story and I was very pleased at how her relationship with Thorn sorted out. The story built slowly, then once it hit its stride the last half of the book flew by. I'd love to see more in this world that Harlowe Frost has created and hope there's a sequel so I can learn more about the various characters and species.
Synopsis: Viera, a Midwest 2nd grade teacher, desires a peaceful spring break. Despite being teased by loved ones for staying close to home, her ideal week off is a staycation. However, when she unexpectedly finds herself on a spaceship en route to a peace summit. What could go wrong?
Thoughts: The introduction to a new galactic empire filled with various beings and magic can be overwhelming, especially as a human teacher navigates this unfamiliar world. It takes some effort to keep track of all the different characters and elements involved. But it was a very enjoyable read, and I wish it was a little longer so i could just escape for a few more minutes. I love fantasy and sci-fi reads. It does leave off in a cliffhanger, so that second book better come out soon!
I really enjoyed this space romp. It’s fun watching Viera comprehend and acclimate to her surroundings on the spaceship. I think it’s something we all wonder, what would it be like to suddenly discover that aliens are real and to be whisked away to a spaceship with all sorts of wonderful beings. The book also has enough intrigue to engage you in finding out what aliens are friends and what aliens are not. I liked the villains in this book. They are very creepy. The book also has a good blend of sex that doesn’t distract from the book or make the book all about it. I can’t wait to read book the rest of the trilogy.
Galaxy Lessons was a good sapphic space fantasy sci-fi read and will look forward reading the next to continue the journey. I enjoyed the characters Viera a human teacher , Scout a student of hers and his mom that Viera may have a crush on his mom Thorn, Thorn and Scout are aliens that can change different colors skin. And Viera gets her hands full when somehow she gets transported with Scout to there ship and can't return home just yet. There is romance with Viera and Thorn's very sexy scenes.
The author does a fantastic job at giving a lot of realism to their characters especially the main protagonist with realistic thought processes and how someone would react in her situation. The narrative is fast paced and doesn't have any sluggish parts, very coherent There's lots of Pop culture references which adds a fun twist and relatable mix to the narrative about space and aliens.
The book had a lot of pleasant surprises and the most entertaining character to me was one named Beaver. 😂 She was fantastic!
I can't wait to see what else lies ahead in this space fantasy series!
Beam me up Scout-y. Viera is living her ordinary teacher life when she grabs hold of Scout, the (not so) young boy in her class and gets beamed up to the spaceship his mum, Thorn, captains. Thorn is on her way to a summit where she is hoping to get the elders (yonats/sorta unicorns) to assist with recapturing her planet from the evil krottel who drain the life and magic every planet they steal. Viera has to navigate this new strange world whilst also getting closer to Thorn. There’s humour, a few twists and great worldbuilding. Can’t wait for the next book.
A great combination of fantasy and sapphic romance, with interesting world building and vivid and colorful characters, the author took us to an exciting trip of the galaxy, let us "see" and "feel" the aliens with advanced technology and superman like magic powers. It reminds me of the Star Wars movie and the Doctor Who TV show, with the bonus of romance between two intelligent and brave women. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
“Galaxy Lessons: A Sapphic Space Fantasy,” by Madison author Harlowe Frost is a fun jaunt from Wisconsin to outer space.
Viera, a Wisconsin second grade teacher, finds out her favorite student isn't quite what she thought he was. Her head spins as many of the mythical creatures she knows are real, and so is MAGIC! This intergalactic romp has fun with fantasy literature, adds some spicy romance into the mix and ends with a cliffhanger that will have you wanting more.
This is really more like a 3.5. The book is a good read, with enjoyable characters, and a storyline that works. Most of the book flows really well it just hits a stumbling block at the “fun” scenes. The book is very much worth a read, but those scenes don’t flow real well. I’d be happy to reevaluate if this is ever retouched, author hit me up for specifics if you want.
Why is the font so big? Why does the protagonist ask like twelve questions in a row every single time? Why does she adjust to the reality of aliens so quickly? Why is the writing quality equal to something I wrote when I was 13? What does the space station the majority of the book takes place on even look like?
This was the first 'outer space' themed book that I actually read, so I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the way our commenly known knowledge was actually put into perspective when you added a whole galaxy and it was nicely explained and written. The romance between the two MC's could have been more fleshed out, as that was what I found lacking a bit in this book, but I loved Scout's character. The ending of the book did leave me wondering what would happen in the next book(s) and I'll happily read them as well.
This book brings everything you would want in a sci fi and fantasy mashup. I loved the new spin on fantasy icons. By the end of the book, I couldn’t wait to find out what happens next. Plus, there are a few spicy moments if that’s your cup of tea.
Oh my goodness, this is such an incredibly fun story with such awesome characters! I have no idea what I was expecting but this was a real treat. Now I must be on to the next book and continue the adventure. Try this, please.
A fast fun read that was exactly what I was in the mood for! The writing style took some getting used to but once I got the hang of it, it was super easy to follow! I very much plan on reading the rest of the books in this series especially cause of the cliffhanger that this one left on!
Oh wow, what a book. I loved it and can't wait for the next one. It has everything, intergalactic travel, romance, politics, amazing world-building. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.
It reminded me a lot of Star Trek. This was a really fun read. I would definitely recommend it.
What a ride! Space travel, a little innocent kidnapping, assorted aliens, magic, mayhem, AND a sapphic romance? It works quite well and it's a whole lot of fun.
This was a different story than what I have read. I really enjoyed the story line and the humor. I look forward to the next book. Thank you K.Balandran
This book surprised me. I went in with expectation because of the cover reminding me a little of another series, but was pleasantly surprised.
The story is funny and fast witted. And it brings in loads of mysterious character's. And as Viera gets taught not to reveal what she has learnt, her secret gets beamed out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily