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Nabukko
Eff wakes up on a strange planet, with no memories of her past or how she got there. After months of solitary exploration, a chance encounter with a group of colonists changes everything, catapulting Eff into far more mysteries, secrets, and bizarre circumstances than she could have ever bargained for.
Can she trust these colonists? Why does she get the feeling they are hiding something? And how is she tied to their mysterious circumstances?
As tensions rise and allegiances shift, Eff must navigate the challenges of the planet, the colony, and her own fractured memories if she hopes to uncover the truth.
Can she trust these colonists? Why does she get the feeling they are hiding something? And how is she tied to their mysterious circumstances?
As tensions rise and allegiances shift, Eff must navigate the challenges of the planet, the colony, and her own fractured memories if she hopes to uncover the truth.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2024
7 people are currently reading
4019 people want to read
About the author
K.R. Gadeken
4 books27 followersK.R. Gadeken was born and raised in Northern Colorado, where she found a love for the mountain wilderness and exploration at an early age. She traveled around the world before returning to Colorado to earn a Bachelor’s in Astronomy. She later moved to Tennessee with her partner and earned a Master’s in Geography. As an author, she uses her career as an excuse to read far too many books. She is the author of the Nabukko Trilogy, and you can visit her online at krgadeken dot com and on social media.
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December 15, 2025The premise of this sounded interesting enough for me to request an arc, but unfortunately, the execution is lacking. There are numerous typos and not just typos, but instances where the wrong word is used. “I took a peak [sic].” “I wrapped my knuckles on a tree trunk [sic].” Also, the writing is stilted and the dialogue doesn’t flow.
I want to support independent writers, but this book just wasn’t for me. DNF.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC. I am writing this review voluntarily.
I want to support independent writers, but this book just wasn’t for me. DNF.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC. I am writing this review voluntarily.
April 29, 2024
An intriguing, unreliable narrator sci-fi set on a different planet with a wide set of characters.
Nabukko follows Eff, a girl who wakes up on a strange planet one day and has no memories. Eff explores her new surroundings and quickly discovers she is not alone in this strange place. She is taken to Nabukko, a camp of other humans living on the planet with secrets of their own. As she struggles to figure out her past and what is truly going on, she uncovers hidden agendas and lies amongst her camp. Eff is haunted by odd nightmares and as tensions rise, she has to navigate the dangerous landscape and her broken memories to figure out what is truly happening in Nabukko.
This was a really interesting sci-fi! I really love sci-fi books on other planets, especially when it focuses on surviving and unexplored places. This was a really addition to that genre! It was totally fascinating since Eff didn’t have memories and there’s so much mystery surrounding Nabukko. And that ending! Such a cliffhanger and I was hoping for more reveals before the end, but I still really liked the progression of the plot and mystery.
Eff is very unreliable narrator with her memories being gone which made for such a tense and interesting read because I was constantly wondering what was really going on and what happened pre her memories being gone. She was a really good main character that was really clever and determined. I really loved the friendships she formed and how she didn’t back down in her beliefs. The side characters were all really fun and made for the scenes around Nabukko to be even more entertaining. I especially liked Gia and Eoghan and Keir. They were so good and added so much to the plot!
Overall, this is a really great read to pick up if you like sci-fi, or even if you don’t—everything is easy to understand even with it being on a strange planet. The author did a great job explaining everything and creating such a fascinating, unique world that was very easy and magnificent to picture.
Definitely recommend checking it out and I can’t wait for the sequel!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nabukko follows Eff, a girl who wakes up on a strange planet one day and has no memories. Eff explores her new surroundings and quickly discovers she is not alone in this strange place. She is taken to Nabukko, a camp of other humans living on the planet with secrets of their own. As she struggles to figure out her past and what is truly going on, she uncovers hidden agendas and lies amongst her camp. Eff is haunted by odd nightmares and as tensions rise, she has to navigate the dangerous landscape and her broken memories to figure out what is truly happening in Nabukko.
This was a really interesting sci-fi! I really love sci-fi books on other planets, especially when it focuses on surviving and unexplored places. This was a really addition to that genre! It was totally fascinating since Eff didn’t have memories and there’s so much mystery surrounding Nabukko. And that ending! Such a cliffhanger and I was hoping for more reveals before the end, but I still really liked the progression of the plot and mystery.
Eff is very unreliable narrator with her memories being gone which made for such a tense and interesting read because I was constantly wondering what was really going on and what happened pre her memories being gone. She was a really good main character that was really clever and determined. I really loved the friendships she formed and how she didn’t back down in her beliefs. The side characters were all really fun and made for the scenes around Nabukko to be even more entertaining. I especially liked Gia and Eoghan and Keir. They were so good and added so much to the plot!
Overall, this is a really great read to pick up if you like sci-fi, or even if you don’t—everything is easy to understand even with it being on a strange planet. The author did a great job explaining everything and creating such a fascinating, unique world that was very easy and magnificent to picture.
Definitely recommend checking it out and I can’t wait for the sequel!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2024
⭐️ARC Review without spoilers ⭐️
The level of anxiety and paranoia I had throughout this entire book is a huge compliment to the amazing storytelling that you get in Nabukko. I had no idea what was going on the entire time, and I absolutely loved it. 😁 This sci-fi mystery is perfect for you if you love sloooooowww burn, forgotten identities, competing love interests, and suspicious characters. PLEASE read and then message me so that we can talk theories. 😅 I’m begging you, I need to process this book with other people. I have no less than 10 possibilities running through my head about who Eff is and how she ended up on this planet!
Small details that I loved:
🛰️ Banter, banter and more banter. The way that these characters all relentlessly bullied each other was so entertaining.
🛰️ Keir. 😍😍😍 oh my gods, you broody, witty, adorable man. I can’t wait to get more of him!
🛰️ Reoccurring theme in this review but - THE SUSPENSE. The mystery. The not knowing what the hell was going to happen.
🛰️ Eff is clever and relatable. You can’t help but root for her despite knowing next to nothing about her. 😂
🛰️ THE ENDING?!?! I need the next book immediately!!
In depth review:
The story starts in exactly the right place, in my opinion. I love that Eff feels like a very smart, capable character right from the beginning. The world building is excellent. I could actually imagine this alien planet with all of its weird (and freaky) wildlife. There are parts of this book that are so incredibly poetic that it felt almost meditative. Seriously, there is some really beautiful writing in there. The character interactions are hilarious and I felt really invested in all of them immediately (which was terrifying because I also trust none of them😅). Nabukko is a masterclass in pacing. The entire book flowed smoothly, there weren’t any dragging parts, and every little detail feels important. I have to say it again, the main highlight of this book is the fact that I COULD NOT predict the plot. I could make a PowerPoint of all of my insane conspiracy theories and I probably wouldn’t even get close!
The level of anxiety and paranoia I had throughout this entire book is a huge compliment to the amazing storytelling that you get in Nabukko. I had no idea what was going on the entire time, and I absolutely loved it. 😁 This sci-fi mystery is perfect for you if you love sloooooowww burn, forgotten identities, competing love interests, and suspicious characters. PLEASE read and then message me so that we can talk theories. 😅 I’m begging you, I need to process this book with other people. I have no less than 10 possibilities running through my head about who Eff is and how she ended up on this planet!
Small details that I loved:
🛰️ Banter, banter and more banter. The way that these characters all relentlessly bullied each other was so entertaining.
🛰️ Keir. 😍😍😍 oh my gods, you broody, witty, adorable man. I can’t wait to get more of him!
🛰️ Reoccurring theme in this review but - THE SUSPENSE. The mystery. The not knowing what the hell was going to happen.
🛰️ Eff is clever and relatable. You can’t help but root for her despite knowing next to nothing about her. 😂
🛰️ THE ENDING?!?! I need the next book immediately!!
In depth review:
The story starts in exactly the right place, in my opinion. I love that Eff feels like a very smart, capable character right from the beginning. The world building is excellent. I could actually imagine this alien planet with all of its weird (and freaky) wildlife. There are parts of this book that are so incredibly poetic that it felt almost meditative. Seriously, there is some really beautiful writing in there. The character interactions are hilarious and I felt really invested in all of them immediately (which was terrifying because I also trust none of them😅). Nabukko is a masterclass in pacing. The entire book flowed smoothly, there weren’t any dragging parts, and every little detail feels important. I have to say it again, the main highlight of this book is the fact that I COULD NOT predict the plot. I could make a PowerPoint of all of my insane conspiracy theories and I probably wouldn’t even get close!
September 4, 2024
The open ended nature of some of the plot points adds a sense of mystery and also leaves rooms for sequels. Overall, this is a stand out sci-fi novel that excels and creating a immersive atmosphere and a gripping narrative. With strong world building, intriguing plot twists, and well developed characters, It’s a must read for sci-fi fans. The minor pacing issues are the only thing, not making this five stars. This book has twists and turns that will keep you guessing you get shifting allegiances and dark secrets that are gradually revealed adding layers to the complexity of the story.
July 12, 2024
This story takes us on a thrilling journey with Eff, a girl who wakes up on a strange planet with no memory of her past. As she explores this mysterious world, dark secrets and hidden motives surface, creating a web of suspense and mystery. Each new discovery pushes Eff to uncover the truth, navigating through a landscape of deceit and unpredictability.
I absolutely loved the world-building and characters in this book. Everything came together perfectly to create a vivid, captivating, and mysterious setting. The characters were well-developed, especially Keir, who I found to be particularly intriguing.☺️ Each character had a unique personality, and their interactions kept me thoroughly entertained. The unfolding mystery had me completely engrossed, and I didn't want the story to end, so I deliberately took my time reading it, though it could have been finished in a day or two. 😅
Eff truly shines as a main character, and I'm eager to learn more about her journey and delve into the next book of this trilogy. For a debut novel, this is definitely a must-read. If you're a fan of science fiction fantasy, I highly recommend checking it out.
A big thank you to BookSirens, and K.R. Gadeken for providing me with an ARC of this exceptional and thrilling adventure.
I absolutely loved the world-building and characters in this book. Everything came together perfectly to create a vivid, captivating, and mysterious setting. The characters were well-developed, especially Keir, who I found to be particularly intriguing.☺️ Each character had a unique personality, and their interactions kept me thoroughly entertained. The unfolding mystery had me completely engrossed, and I didn't want the story to end, so I deliberately took my time reading it, though it could have been finished in a day or two. 😅
Eff truly shines as a main character, and I'm eager to learn more about her journey and delve into the next book of this trilogy. For a debut novel, this is definitely a must-read. If you're a fan of science fiction fantasy, I highly recommend checking it out.
A big thank you to BookSirens, and K.R. Gadeken for providing me with an ARC of this exceptional and thrilling adventure.
June 12, 2024
❤️🤗A big crush !
As soon as the metal door was opened, an unbearable smell provoked a violent reflex of wanting to vomit.
Lost in her thoughts, she observed the interior of the tiny room invaded by alien moss...
-----------
A great crush for this very mysterious science fiction novel which takes place on an unknown planet with spectacular flora and fauna!
I personally loved the main character and the atmosphere of the novel.
An exciting mystery to solve:
- Who ?
- How ?
- Why ?
I can't wait to read the rest!
I absolutely recommend this great book !
PS : what a beautiful book cover !❤️
As soon as the metal door was opened, an unbearable smell provoked a violent reflex of wanting to vomit.
Lost in her thoughts, she observed the interior of the tiny room invaded by alien moss...
-----------
A great crush for this very mysterious science fiction novel which takes place on an unknown planet with spectacular flora and fauna!
I personally loved the main character and the atmosphere of the novel.
An exciting mystery to solve:
- Who ?
- How ?
- Why ?
I can't wait to read the rest!
I absolutely recommend this great book !
PS : what a beautiful book cover !❤️
August 4, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an early reader copy from LibraryThing in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.
I'm going to be honest, I was initially not looking forward to reading this book. I was in the middle of a reading slump and sci-fi just didn't sound good to me. We've all been there, feeling like a book you were looking forward to suddenly just seemed like it was too much work to read? That's where I was at, unfortunately.
Let me tell you how glad I was to have received this as an Early Reader and that I had a deadline before which I needed to read and review it. This book grew on me really quickly. The author does a great job at building a world around you without info dumping on you. It almost felt like you were one of the characters, missing some memories but having knowledge of some standard information in the book universe. Things were explained as they needed to be and you had a pretty clear picture of how things operated in this universe without making you feel overwhelmed with every little detail. It gave off a feeling of cozy sci-fi mystery/who done it while giving you enough adventure to not get bored.
The characters are all really well thought out, I like how brightly their individual personalities shine through the words the author puts to page. Excited to see how things turn out for Gia, Eff, Keir, and all the others. Who do we trust? Who's right, who's wrong? Who is the liar? What happened?I liked how the author had you questioning everything around every turn. I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out who was who and what exactly was happening. I have high expectations for the follow ups.
I will warn that the book ends on a cliffhanger which about killed me. I am very impatiently waiting for book 2 and 3 and have no idea when they may be out given this was an ER for me.. The anticipation for the next books might kill me but I look forward to diving back into the world of Nabukko and Eff's situation as soon as possible. I'm already looking forward to pressing this book into other peoples hands.
I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.
I'm going to be honest, I was initially not looking forward to reading this book. I was in the middle of a reading slump and sci-fi just didn't sound good to me. We've all been there, feeling like a book you were looking forward to suddenly just seemed like it was too much work to read? That's where I was at, unfortunately.
Let me tell you how glad I was to have received this as an Early Reader and that I had a deadline before which I needed to read and review it. This book grew on me really quickly. The author does a great job at building a world around you without info dumping on you. It almost felt like you were one of the characters, missing some memories but having knowledge of some standard information in the book universe. Things were explained as they needed to be and you had a pretty clear picture of how things operated in this universe without making you feel overwhelmed with every little detail. It gave off a feeling of cozy sci-fi mystery/who done it while giving you enough adventure to not get bored.
The characters are all really well thought out, I like how brightly their individual personalities shine through the words the author puts to page. Excited to see how things turn out for Gia, Eff, Keir, and all the others. Who do we trust? Who's right, who's wrong? Who is the liar? What happened?I liked how the author had you questioning everything around every turn. I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out who was who and what exactly was happening. I have high expectations for the follow ups.
I will warn that the book ends on a cliffhanger which about killed me. I am very impatiently waiting for book 2 and 3 and have no idea when they may be out given this was an ER for me.. The anticipation for the next books might kill me but I look forward to diving back into the world of Nabukko and Eff's situation as soon as possible. I'm already looking forward to pressing this book into other peoples hands.
April 26, 2024
I received this as an arc from BookSirens.
-
Man did this book have me in a chokehold!
Sci-Fi isn’t my go to genre in the slightest but I was completely absorbed by the story from the first page. At no point during it could I guess what was going to happen and there’s something exciting about that. I loved that we only got trickles of answers in this first book, it doesn’t give too much away and because of that the desperation for answers is stronger because there really is no guessing as to what’s going on.
The characters were well developed and easy to root for, but none are free of suspicion, given the nature of their.. uh.. conditions.
We get unreliable narrator vibes from Eff, because we don’t know what she knows (hell Eff doesn’t even know what she knows) and so we spend a great deal of the book questioning everyone, including her.
It was incredibly easy to get lost in the story, and when the drama kicks up it’s damn near impossible to put down. I’m kind of annoyed at myself for choosing to read it as an arc, because now I have to wait even longer for the sequel.
-
Man did this book have me in a chokehold!
Sci-Fi isn’t my go to genre in the slightest but I was completely absorbed by the story from the first page. At no point during it could I guess what was going to happen and there’s something exciting about that. I loved that we only got trickles of answers in this first book, it doesn’t give too much away and because of that the desperation for answers is stronger because there really is no guessing as to what’s going on.
The characters were well developed and easy to root for, but none are free of suspicion, given the nature of their.. uh.. conditions.
We get unreliable narrator vibes from Eff, because we don’t know what she knows (hell Eff doesn’t even know what she knows) and so we spend a great deal of the book questioning everyone, including her.
It was incredibly easy to get lost in the story, and when the drama kicks up it’s damn near impossible to put down. I’m kind of annoyed at myself for choosing to read it as an arc, because now I have to wait even longer for the sequel.
May 23, 2024
I effin' loved this book and could not stop once I started it. The mystery draws you through to the very unnerving end, which made my body truly tense. The characters are real, differentiated, and sometimes frustrating in a good way. I am dying to know what will happen in the next book, and how it will conclude as a trilogy. There are plenty of hints dropped that give me my own hypotheses to muddle through… so naturally I will want to see whether I am close.
I thought the setting was well designed, with enough familiarity to feel real, but weirdly creative enough to feel alien. After all, if we found another world full of weird life, we would likely compare it to our own and fit its nature into our own language schema. That is a testament to the author's background in the outdoors, astronomy, and geology.
So overall, a very entertaining and gripping read, and I really truly enjoyed it. Even though I received an advance review copy for free, I am 100% honest about this review.
I thought the setting was well designed, with enough familiarity to feel real, but weirdly creative enough to feel alien. After all, if we found another world full of weird life, we would likely compare it to our own and fit its nature into our own language schema. That is a testament to the author's background in the outdoors, astronomy, and geology.
So overall, a very entertaining and gripping read, and I really truly enjoyed it. Even though I received an advance review copy for free, I am 100% honest about this review.
May 10, 2024
This YA fantasy/sci-fi story was fun! Eff, the first-person POV protagonist, made for an interesting story-teller, as she was curious and very perceptive in many ways, and yet made me want to shake her for other things. There were a number of YA tropes that made for some predictability in the ways that certain characters interacted, but I didn't even really mind that because of the coolness of exploring a new world and the intriguing bits of mystery surrounding Eff herself. My first thought when the story ended was, "What? No!" (It's got a cliff-hanger of an ending, so yeah, be prepared for that!) Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on the second book in this trilogy when it comes out!
I received an e-ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an e-ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2024
Wow. Just wow.
Absolute thriller of a book. I’d love it - and it was a good read.
Sci-fi read making you question the loyalties and trying to piece together the facts and truth of what was happening within Nabukko.
Well written, well paced and characters that’s were quite relatable and developed well.
Received an advance copy complementary from the Author via bookSirens. This is my own review by my choice.
Absolute thriller of a book. I’d love it - and it was a good read.
Sci-fi read making you question the loyalties and trying to piece together the facts and truth of what was happening within Nabukko.
Well written, well paced and characters that’s were quite relatable and developed well.
Received an advance copy complementary from the Author via bookSirens. This is my own review by my choice.
January 11, 2025
Europa’s Ice, I can’t wait for Book 2!
Amazing! Captivating! Can’t wait for book 2! Eff, the main character, really endears herself to you over time and you end up totally rooting for her, and the cast of supporting characters are full and rich and unique and exciting too. The planet is also a character and the world building is exquisite. I felt like I was there.
The mystery builds throughout Book 1 and layers get revealed as you go through it. It’s total excellent sci-fi. It kind of reminds me of Hugh Howey’s Silo series with the captive group trying to figure stuff out and are faced with a major mystery, but mixed with Star Trek as these are colonists on a planet. Like I said, the world building was great but it also was very deep, with detail on governments and other colonies not even in the book.
If you like sci-fi and mystery, I think you will love this. I can’t praise this book enough!
Amazing! Captivating! Can’t wait for book 2! Eff, the main character, really endears herself to you over time and you end up totally rooting for her, and the cast of supporting characters are full and rich and unique and exciting too. The planet is also a character and the world building is exquisite. I felt like I was there.
The mystery builds throughout Book 1 and layers get revealed as you go through it. It’s total excellent sci-fi. It kind of reminds me of Hugh Howey’s Silo series with the captive group trying to figure stuff out and are faced with a major mystery, but mixed with Star Trek as these are colonists on a planet. Like I said, the world building was great but it also was very deep, with detail on governments and other colonies not even in the book.
If you like sci-fi and mystery, I think you will love this. I can’t praise this book enough!
July 29, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I didn’t find myself screaming at the characters to make better decisions throughout the story so that was nice.
This story follows our MC Eff, who is all alone on an alien planet with no memories past three months ago. She is found by colonists of the planet, and immediately seen as suspect for what happened to them, as they too are stuck there. We follow her journey as she seeks to gain their trust and find where she belongs in this strange world, and continues to hope for a way back to earth.
I felt drawn into the story, Eff was an easy character to follow. The mystery kept me intrigued, tho where I got one answer there was at least two more questions. I was surprised at times, but also could see a few things coming. The love triangle was done well, I called it immediately though, but that’s not a bad thing.
Lethia annoyed me, but I think that’s the point of her character, she wasn’t too obnoxious and over the top. I enjoyed the different relationships Eff made with the different characters, and I’m excited to see them continue in the next book.
There’s some language which I didn’t like, but it wasn’t too much so it didn’t ruin it for me.
This book ends on a pretty massive cliff hanger so I’m pretty upset, but now of course I can’t wait for book 2, which I guess is the point😂.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story follows our MC Eff, who is all alone on an alien planet with no memories past three months ago. She is found by colonists of the planet, and immediately seen as suspect for what happened to them, as they too are stuck there. We follow her journey as she seeks to gain their trust and find where she belongs in this strange world, and continues to hope for a way back to earth.
I felt drawn into the story, Eff was an easy character to follow. The mystery kept me intrigued, tho where I got one answer there was at least two more questions. I was surprised at times, but also could see a few things coming. The love triangle was done well, I called it immediately though, but that’s not a bad thing.
Lethia annoyed me, but I think that’s the point of her character, she wasn’t too obnoxious and over the top. I enjoyed the different relationships Eff made with the different characters, and I’m excited to see them continue in the next book.
There’s some language which I didn’t like, but it wasn’t too much so it didn’t ruin it for me.
This book ends on a pretty massive cliff hanger so I’m pretty upset, but now of course I can’t wait for book 2, which I guess is the point😂.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 9, 2024
Journey into the unknown - blending survival, mystery, and psychological intrigue, this book was hard to put down! The story begins with Eff waking up on a strange planet, devoid of any memories of her past or how she arrived. As she navigates this mysterious world alongside other stranded survivors, secrets unravel, painting a darker picture of their predicament.
As the story builds tension, intertwining Eff’s fragmented memories with the eerie and unpredictable environment of the planet, I found I couldn't get enough! The group dynamics add an extra layer of suspense, as shifting allegiances and hidden motives keep readers guessing who can truly be trusted. The strange nightmares and unexplained phenomena Eff experiences create a haunting atmosphere that grips you from start to finish.
Nabukko is more than a survival story—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of trust, identity, and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth. A fantastic read for fans of sci-fi thrillers and psychological mysteries! 10/10 would recommend and can't wait for more in the series!
As the story builds tension, intertwining Eff’s fragmented memories with the eerie and unpredictable environment of the planet, I found I couldn't get enough! The group dynamics add an extra layer of suspense, as shifting allegiances and hidden motives keep readers guessing who can truly be trusted. The strange nightmares and unexplained phenomena Eff experiences create a haunting atmosphere that grips you from start to finish.
Nabukko is more than a survival story—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of trust, identity, and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth. A fantastic read for fans of sci-fi thrillers and psychological mysteries! 10/10 would recommend and can't wait for more in the series!
September 14, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was totally my jam.
What an excellent YA sci-fi drama and adventure. And since there are still lots of unsolved mysteries, I am very much looking forward to reading the next 2 books in the series.
I'm not even sure there's anything I would want to improve. The characters are well-developed and believable, the plot is solid and interesting, the world building is satisfying.
This was totally my jam.
What an excellent YA sci-fi drama and adventure. And since there are still lots of unsolved mysteries, I am very much looking forward to reading the next 2 books in the series.
I'm not even sure there's anything I would want to improve. The characters are well-developed and believable, the plot is solid and interesting, the world building is satisfying.
October 3, 2024
wow… the story building and plot
I liked this book more than I originally expected to. I can’t imagine how I would survive waking up in an unfamiliar environment without any memory of how I got there. Just when our FMC was beginning to trust people and seemed happy things end up going wrong. I felt her pain at being betrayed by someone that she had come to call a friend at the end. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
I liked this book more than I originally expected to. I can’t imagine how I would survive waking up in an unfamiliar environment without any memory of how I got there. Just when our FMC was beginning to trust people and seemed happy things end up going wrong. I felt her pain at being betrayed by someone that she had come to call a friend at the end. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
February 19, 2025
One day Eff woke up on a strange planet with no memory of her past. For three months she explored the planet on her own until she was found by a group of scouts from a camp called Nabukko.
I am really conflicted about what to say about this book. I really liked the world building and the general premise. If you find the cover evocative and appealing enough to grab this book, you will be happy to know that the feel of the strange planet setting matches that visual representation quite well. The broader worldbuilding - their futuristic world where people are trained at the Academy to explore distant planets, the trivia of that world, the tiny details of shared cultural knowledge that are revealed to the reader as Eff reconstructs her understanding of herself in conversations with the Nabukko crew - is also deeply intriguing. The central mystery! I think I guessed part of what was going on about 15% of the way through, but I really wanted to know if I got it right; that was the only thing that kept me with the book. (Alas, I still don't know - the answer will probably be in the next installments).
The plot, though. Virtually absent for more than half of the page count. The story starts off really well, in an attention-grabbing way, but as Eff settles into Nabuko and begins to learn about the different people there and build some relationships with them, there is hardly any plot in this part of the book. Instead, it's just friendly banter, bickering, and the characters mocking each other. I was so uninterested that I put the book aside for months. And then - bang - at the 85% mark, things start happening again, leaving the reader on a cliffhanger at a moment of suspense. (I feel the need to warn those potential readers for whom this is a deal-breaker when deciding whether to start a trilogy of which only one part has been published. The other reviews didn't warn me enough about this).
Recommended if: you like to follow the group relationships in a collective; are not bothered by the fact that the parts with the final resolution have not yet been published.
3.5 stars.
I am grateful for receiving the eARC of this book through Edelweiss Plus. The review above is my own unaffected opinion.
I am really conflicted about what to say about this book. I really liked the world building and the general premise. If you find the cover evocative and appealing enough to grab this book, you will be happy to know that the feel of the strange planet setting matches that visual representation quite well. The broader worldbuilding - their futuristic world where people are trained at the Academy to explore distant planets, the trivia of that world, the tiny details of shared cultural knowledge that are revealed to the reader as Eff reconstructs her understanding of herself in conversations with the Nabukko crew - is also deeply intriguing. The central mystery! I think I guessed part of what was going on about 15% of the way through, but I really wanted to know if I got it right; that was the only thing that kept me with the book. (Alas, I still don't know - the answer will probably be in the next installments).
The plot, though. Virtually absent for more than half of the page count. The story starts off really well, in an attention-grabbing way, but as Eff settles into Nabuko and begins to learn about the different people there and build some relationships with them, there is hardly any plot in this part of the book. Instead, it's just friendly banter, bickering, and the characters mocking each other. I was so uninterested that I put the book aside for months. And then - bang - at the 85% mark, things start happening again, leaving the reader on a cliffhanger at a moment of suspense. (I feel the need to warn those potential readers for whom this is a deal-breaker when deciding whether to start a trilogy of which only one part has been published. The other reviews didn't warn me enough about this).
Recommended if: you like to follow the group relationships in a collective; are not bothered by the fact that the parts with the final resolution have not yet been published.
3.5 stars.
I am grateful for receiving the eARC of this book through Edelweiss Plus. The review above is my own unaffected opinion.
February 10, 2025
Evolutionary Story of Survival
Eff finds herself in an unknown fantasy land called Nabukko. The book is written in first person from Eff's perspective. She has no idea how she got to Nabukko or how she will survive. She makes friends with the local village people, and starts to use her foraging skills to help her find enough food to sustain her. Before she eats the berries, she takes a taste of them and waits to see if it is poisonous or not. She has several friends Keir, Merula, Eoghan, Lethia, and Martel. She is slowly discovering that there was an "Oblivion" which sounds like the end of times. The ones still left surviving on Nabukko are the ones that evolved to survive. The story is beautifully written and the characters are well developed. It feels like you are there with them on the same adventure. Each page turns, it feels like you're stepping into their world. I cannot wait to read the next book.
Eff finds herself in an unknown fantasy land called Nabukko. The book is written in first person from Eff's perspective. She has no idea how she got to Nabukko or how she will survive. She makes friends with the local village people, and starts to use her foraging skills to help her find enough food to sustain her. Before she eats the berries, she takes a taste of them and waits to see if it is poisonous or not. She has several friends Keir, Merula, Eoghan, Lethia, and Martel. She is slowly discovering that there was an "Oblivion" which sounds like the end of times. The ones still left surviving on Nabukko are the ones that evolved to survive. The story is beautifully written and the characters are well developed. It feels like you are there with them on the same adventure. Each page turns, it feels like you're stepping into their world. I cannot wait to read the next book.
September 3, 2024
Disclaimer: I did get this book as an early reviewer, but all of my review is truthful.
I really liked this one and anxiously awaiting the 2nd. I liked the heroine's observations of the planet around her and how she adapted. Some really interesting twists.
I really liked this one and anxiously awaiting the 2nd. I liked the heroine's observations of the planet around her and how she adapted. Some really interesting twists.
March 5, 2025
Intriguing story
It took a bit to get into the story, but by the end I was definitely invested. Since I knew it was the first in a trilogy to begin with, I was expecting a cliffhanger ending and that’s just what I got. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
It took a bit to get into the story, but by the end I was definitely invested. Since I knew it was the first in a trilogy to begin with, I was expecting a cliffhanger ending and that’s just what I got. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
July 1, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, where do I even start with "Nabukko" by K.R. Gadeken? This book was amazing and had me gripped from the very beginning. There's a perfect mix of sci-fi and those lone wanderer vibes that I absolutely love. Eff’s journey and her mysterious past hooked me right away, and I couldn’t put the book down.
Eff wakes up on this strange planet with no memories, and as she starts to explore, she realizes she’s not alone. The way Gadeken builds the suspense is fantastic – I was right there with Eff, feeling her confusion and desperation to figure out what’s going on. The dark secrets and hidden agendas among the other survivors add layers to the story that kept me on the edge of my seat.
One thing I really appreciated was the language and speech nuances used throughout the book. It made everything feel more immersive and kept my attention piqued. Eff’s strange nightmares and the unexplained phenomena she experiences add a creepy, almost surreal element that I found really compelling.
The ending left me with so many questions, but that’s exactly what I want from a book like this, especially since it’s part of a trilogy. I’m dying to know what happens next and how all the pieces will come together. Gadeken has created a fascinating world with complex characters and a plot that keeps you guessing.
Overall, "Nabukko" is a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi mystery with a strong lead character. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series and see where Eff’s journey takes her.
Wow, where do I even start with "Nabukko" by K.R. Gadeken? This book was amazing and had me gripped from the very beginning. There's a perfect mix of sci-fi and those lone wanderer vibes that I absolutely love. Eff’s journey and her mysterious past hooked me right away, and I couldn’t put the book down.
Eff wakes up on this strange planet with no memories, and as she starts to explore, she realizes she’s not alone. The way Gadeken builds the suspense is fantastic – I was right there with Eff, feeling her confusion and desperation to figure out what’s going on. The dark secrets and hidden agendas among the other survivors add layers to the story that kept me on the edge of my seat.
One thing I really appreciated was the language and speech nuances used throughout the book. It made everything feel more immersive and kept my attention piqued. Eff’s strange nightmares and the unexplained phenomena she experiences add a creepy, almost surreal element that I found really compelling.
The ending left me with so many questions, but that’s exactly what I want from a book like this, especially since it’s part of a trilogy. I’m dying to know what happens next and how all the pieces will come together. Gadeken has created a fascinating world with complex characters and a plot that keeps you guessing.
Overall, "Nabukko" is a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi mystery with a strong lead character. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series and see where Eff’s journey takes her.
July 1, 2025
I loved the concept of this story! If you like the vibes of the show The 100, you’ll love the world building in this series. The author does a great job painting scenes of an alien world making the book super immersive. The relationships between characters is complex and keeps you on the hook.
I’m excited to get more answers in the second book! And I definitely will be checking out Space Station as that concept sounds super interesting as well. Overall you can tell that the author puts a lot of effort and passion into her writing. Even more impressive, these books are self published, even though they come off as super professional.
My only critiques are character dialogue revealing too much. I felt that all the characters were emotionally intelligent and could self diagnose their problems through conversation with others. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing I just prefer to psychoanalyze that characters when not much is said, but shown through actions. I did note two typos, which were very small and did not detract from the story but I wanted to leave them here incase the author wants feedback for future edits/prints. Page 109 “Thirty second passed, then a minute” and page 119 “What we he expecting me to do”.
Overall I loved the plot and all its twists. The concept is fascinating and this author has put a lot of love into this book. I highly recommend this series for any readers who love sci-fi/survival stories.
I’m excited to get more answers in the second book! And I definitely will be checking out Space Station as that concept sounds super interesting as well. Overall you can tell that the author puts a lot of effort and passion into her writing. Even more impressive, these books are self published, even though they come off as super professional.
My only critiques are character dialogue revealing too much. I felt that all the characters were emotionally intelligent and could self diagnose their problems through conversation with others. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing I just prefer to psychoanalyze that characters when not much is said, but shown through actions. I did note two typos, which were very small and did not detract from the story but I wanted to leave them here incase the author wants feedback for future edits/prints. Page 109 “Thirty second passed, then a minute” and page 119 “What we he expecting me to do”.
Overall I loved the plot and all its twists. The concept is fascinating and this author has put a lot of love into this book. I highly recommend this series for any readers who love sci-fi/survival stories.
June 10, 2025
Nabukko is the first book in an intended trilogy, and I found this to be really intriguing. I really enjoy science-fiction books that are more mystery-related rather than military (although I love those too!), and I especially love it when we have an unreliable narrator. Eff doesn't have memories of what happened three months prior and when she learns the other colonists are suffering from a similar fate, albeit not quite as severe as she, she undertakes to discover what is happening to her and to the others. There was a lot of mystery surrounding Nabukko and I love how the author doesn't just tell you everything, but you have to figure things out for yourself, like peeling away the layers of an onion.
First of all, it took me quite a while to realize how unreliable Eff was as the narrator. Once I started cluing in, I actually liked her a lot more as the tension kind of leveled up and I became invested in trying to figure out what was happening to her memories and what was happening around her. With little episodes of nightmares thrown into the mix, you start to get an eerie idea of what went down, but not all of the pieces fit at this point. Despite the fact that Eff is not always believable, I did like her character development and enjoyed her as a character. She was actually quite clever and quite uncanny, able to distinguish when someone was lying to her or withholding information. I enjoyed the friendships she formed and thought the relationships were quite interesting. The secondary characters were quite entertaining and added a lot of depth to the story as well as some much needed comic relief.
The plot is rather gripping and I didn't mind that it was a bit slow towards the beginning as the author used the time to set up characters as well as some intriguing plot points that would play a huge role later in the story. As I've mentioned, there are some pacing issues, but I didn't mind these too much as the strong world-building more than made up for the issues. There were quite a few twists and turns, some of which were predictable, some of which caught me off guard. And I was definitely not expecting that ending!
Nabukko was a very entertaining science-fiction novel with great world-building, strong character development, and some interesting twists and turns. While the pacing had some issues, I was able to overlook that by focusing on the rather intriguing mystery of why Eff was on the planet and how the colonists figured into her problem. The secrets were revealed bit by bit and the author's style was to let the author figure things out, a style I really appreciated. I am looking forward to starting the next book soon.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
First of all, it took me quite a while to realize how unreliable Eff was as the narrator. Once I started cluing in, I actually liked her a lot more as the tension kind of leveled up and I became invested in trying to figure out what was happening to her memories and what was happening around her. With little episodes of nightmares thrown into the mix, you start to get an eerie idea of what went down, but not all of the pieces fit at this point. Despite the fact that Eff is not always believable, I did like her character development and enjoyed her as a character. She was actually quite clever and quite uncanny, able to distinguish when someone was lying to her or withholding information. I enjoyed the friendships she formed and thought the relationships were quite interesting. The secondary characters were quite entertaining and added a lot of depth to the story as well as some much needed comic relief.
The plot is rather gripping and I didn't mind that it was a bit slow towards the beginning as the author used the time to set up characters as well as some intriguing plot points that would play a huge role later in the story. As I've mentioned, there are some pacing issues, but I didn't mind these too much as the strong world-building more than made up for the issues. There were quite a few twists and turns, some of which were predictable, some of which caught me off guard. And I was definitely not expecting that ending!
Nabukko was a very entertaining science-fiction novel with great world-building, strong character development, and some interesting twists and turns. While the pacing had some issues, I was able to overlook that by focusing on the rather intriguing mystery of why Eff was on the planet and how the colonists figured into her problem. The secrets were revealed bit by bit and the author's style was to let the author figure things out, a style I really appreciated. I am looking forward to starting the next book soon.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
August 18, 2024
This is not part of a trilogy, as it is advertised. It is the first episode in a serial. It is a YA Sci-Fi that takes place on an unknown planet, but the focus of the conflict is relationships and the emotions that affect them, which also places it in the Romance category. There is also thematic material on the nature of reality.
The reason I call this a YA novel is that it takes a very black and white approach to character interaction. When the main character, Eff, shows up at the strangely un-typical emigrant outpost, certain people rush to befriend her, while others take an immediate dislike to her. Then the characters begin to develop and relationships change, including a Pride-and-Prejudice style love story.
The strength of the writing is the characterization, especially of Eff, who attracts our sympathy quickly and deeply. We are led through the nuances of her reactions as she agonizes about the situation, the other characters, and the reality of everything.
People’s attitudes towards Eff and others take sudden and abrupt changes. Because we are seeing this all from Eff’s point of view, they strike the reader with similar surprise to hers. This is all very well for suspense, but it means most of the characters in the story seem to act in unmotivated ways. If it wasn’t for the fact that many of the characters are so likeable, this would push us out of our immersion in the emotions of the story.
The ending, unfortunately, is abrupt enough to shock the reader. It only ties up one conflict and finishes with a complete cliff-hanger. In serial novels, there is a balance between satisfying just enough of the trust the readers have placed in the author, and the author’s desire to bring us back to the next installment. If there is not enough resolution, then our trust has been misplaced and we feel betrayed.
This is a well-written, enjoyable YA serial, but no matter how good the writing or how enjoyable the characters, I cannot give full marks to an author who is willing to break the reader’s trust in favour of a marketing ploy.
The reason I call this a YA novel is that it takes a very black and white approach to character interaction. When the main character, Eff, shows up at the strangely un-typical emigrant outpost, certain people rush to befriend her, while others take an immediate dislike to her. Then the characters begin to develop and relationships change, including a Pride-and-Prejudice style love story.
The strength of the writing is the characterization, especially of Eff, who attracts our sympathy quickly and deeply. We are led through the nuances of her reactions as she agonizes about the situation, the other characters, and the reality of everything.
People’s attitudes towards Eff and others take sudden and abrupt changes. Because we are seeing this all from Eff’s point of view, they strike the reader with similar surprise to hers. This is all very well for suspense, but it means most of the characters in the story seem to act in unmotivated ways. If it wasn’t for the fact that many of the characters are so likeable, this would push us out of our immersion in the emotions of the story.
The ending, unfortunately, is abrupt enough to shock the reader. It only ties up one conflict and finishes with a complete cliff-hanger. In serial novels, there is a balance between satisfying just enough of the trust the readers have placed in the author, and the author’s desire to bring us back to the next installment. If there is not enough resolution, then our trust has been misplaced and we feel betrayed.
This is a well-written, enjoyable YA serial, but no matter how good the writing or how enjoyable the characters, I cannot give full marks to an author who is willing to break the reader’s trust in favour of a marketing ploy.
April 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this blend of science fiction and psychological mystery. The story follows Eff, who wakes up on a strange planet with no memory of how she got there - a premise that hooked me immediately and kept me engaged throughout its twisting narrative.
The author creates an eerie atmosphere through vivid descriptions of Nabukko's alien landscape. I could practically feel the unfamiliar terrain beneath my feet as Eff navigates her surroundings, first alone for three long months, then cautiously integrating with other survivors at their camp. The world-building is exquisite - the planet itself becomes a character, with its own mysteries and dangers lurking at every turn.
What makes this book shine is the constant undercurrent of tension. Just when Eff begins to trust her new companions, strange nightmares and unexplained phenomena arise. The slow-building mystery kept me turning pages well past midnight, wondering about the truth behind the "Oblivion" event mentioned throughout. The author skillfully drops breadcrumbs about the characters' past and the planet's secrets, creating an irresistible pull to uncover what's really happening.
Character development is strong, particularly Eff's evolution from isolated survivor to someone forming tentative connections. Her budding relationships with Keir and others add emotional depth to the scientific mystery. I found myself genuinely caring about her journey and the choices she makes. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each with their own motivations and secrets that kept me guessing about their true intentions.
The narrative is written in first person from Eff's perspective, making her confusion, fear, and gradual adaptation incredibly immersive. Her practical survival skills, like carefully testing berries before eating them, add credibility to her character and ground the more fantastical elements of the story.
The author creates an eerie atmosphere through vivid descriptions of Nabukko's alien landscape. I could practically feel the unfamiliar terrain beneath my feet as Eff navigates her surroundings, first alone for three long months, then cautiously integrating with other survivors at their camp. The world-building is exquisite - the planet itself becomes a character, with its own mysteries and dangers lurking at every turn.
What makes this book shine is the constant undercurrent of tension. Just when Eff begins to trust her new companions, strange nightmares and unexplained phenomena arise. The slow-building mystery kept me turning pages well past midnight, wondering about the truth behind the "Oblivion" event mentioned throughout. The author skillfully drops breadcrumbs about the characters' past and the planet's secrets, creating an irresistible pull to uncover what's really happening.
Character development is strong, particularly Eff's evolution from isolated survivor to someone forming tentative connections. Her budding relationships with Keir and others add emotional depth to the scientific mystery. I found myself genuinely caring about her journey and the choices she makes. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each with their own motivations and secrets that kept me guessing about their true intentions.
The narrative is written in first person from Eff's perspective, making her confusion, fear, and gradual adaptation incredibly immersive. Her practical survival skills, like carefully testing berries before eating them, add credibility to her character and ground the more fantastical elements of the story.
July 20, 2024
Less talk, more action
In Nabukko by K.R. Kadecken we come upon lost spacer Eff Sharp ploughing her way across a mostly empty planet, in search of many things but some answers will suffice. Hunted, questioned and brought into the village compound called Nabukko, Eff is suspected of bad things, though we are not told what they are or how bad they may be. All is mysterious here. Eff Sharp will not reveal what she knows and her new friends won’t say what they know. Eff Sharp has conversations with a long cast of characters, some more friendly than others. We meet Gia, Jarl, Martel, Keir, Eoghan, Merula, Lydias, Raud , Betha, Benedek, Kestra, Eris, the list goes on. Something is going on but no one wants to talk about it. Most of the novel is taken up with this dialogue between Eff and her new acquaintances and though the talk is at times amusing and fresh, it is never informative.
Spoiler Alert...
At literally the last minute, we learn that three people from Nabukko have been murdered in the past three months. If the book had kicked off with this tidbit and went on to solve the crimes? But no. The crimes are not so important. The author is more interested in talking, talking, talking, going around in circles, keeping her audience and her characters in the dark. What is the big secret? We are never told.
Dialogue can be a useful tool to move a story along but when it’s the only tool in use and the talk itself never satisfies our need to know? I began to feel like a hamster on a wheel, going nowhere. I know that this is the first book in a trilogy but more pace and plot, please. Barely 4 stars for the amusing chatter.
In Nabukko by K.R. Kadecken we come upon lost spacer Eff Sharp ploughing her way across a mostly empty planet, in search of many things but some answers will suffice. Hunted, questioned and brought into the village compound called Nabukko, Eff is suspected of bad things, though we are not told what they are or how bad they may be. All is mysterious here. Eff Sharp will not reveal what she knows and her new friends won’t say what they know. Eff Sharp has conversations with a long cast of characters, some more friendly than others. We meet Gia, Jarl, Martel, Keir, Eoghan, Merula, Lydias, Raud , Betha, Benedek, Kestra, Eris, the list goes on. Something is going on but no one wants to talk about it. Most of the novel is taken up with this dialogue between Eff and her new acquaintances and though the talk is at times amusing and fresh, it is never informative.
Spoiler Alert...
At literally the last minute, we learn that three people from Nabukko have been murdered in the past three months. If the book had kicked off with this tidbit and went on to solve the crimes? But no. The crimes are not so important. The author is more interested in talking, talking, talking, going around in circles, keeping her audience and her characters in the dark. What is the big secret? We are never told.
Dialogue can be a useful tool to move a story along but when it’s the only tool in use and the talk itself never satisfies our need to know? I began to feel like a hamster on a wheel, going nowhere. I know that this is the first book in a trilogy but more pace and plot, please. Barely 4 stars for the amusing chatter.
March 16, 2025
Story starts with an intriguing premise: Eff is scavenging on a planet and has no memory of how she got there and only bits and pieces of her memory from before the planet. After 3 months alone, she comes across other people on the planet.
The book is an easy-to-read first person POV, and the initial pacing and mystery makes for quick reading at first, however the middle slows down a bit. During the middle bit, Eff meets other people in the camp and learns about its history and functions. She starts very mild flirtations with two of the men in the camp. This section is dialogue-heavy without any action occurring until over 70% through the book. It’s clear throughout the book that there are secrets, but I wish there had been more lead up (signs/clues) to build tension. Instead, I just felt like “oh, ok” instead of an “omg” or “a-ha” moment at the end. There is some redundancy through the book as well with situations occurring and then being recounted once or twice through dialogue.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, but like I mentioned above, I wish it had more leading up to it. I really liked the astronomy references throughout the story, and I’m curious if any of the backstory given will lead to anything else in the trilogy (such as the Kuiper religion incident). I’m not sure if this is considered a slow burn romance, and if it is, it’s extremely slow burn because nothing happens except light flirting and some touches on the arm. I’m sure this will be expanded upon in the sequels as well. I think this is a great book for people who love to meander in a new world and get to know the characters before getting into much plot or action.
The book is an easy-to-read first person POV, and the initial pacing and mystery makes for quick reading at first, however the middle slows down a bit. During the middle bit, Eff meets other people in the camp and learns about its history and functions. She starts very mild flirtations with two of the men in the camp. This section is dialogue-heavy without any action occurring until over 70% through the book. It’s clear throughout the book that there are secrets, but I wish there had been more lead up (signs/clues) to build tension. Instead, I just felt like “oh, ok” instead of an “omg” or “a-ha” moment at the end. There is some redundancy through the book as well with situations occurring and then being recounted once or twice through dialogue.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, but like I mentioned above, I wish it had more leading up to it. I really liked the astronomy references throughout the story, and I’m curious if any of the backstory given will lead to anything else in the trilogy (such as the Kuiper religion incident). I’m not sure if this is considered a slow burn romance, and if it is, it’s extremely slow burn because nothing happens except light flirting and some touches on the arm. I’m sure this will be expanded upon in the sequels as well. I think this is a great book for people who love to meander in a new world and get to know the characters before getting into much plot or action.
December 20, 2025
Nabukko by K.R. Gadeken is an off-planet sci-fi novel with elements of mystery, romance, and survival. It follows Eff, a protagonist with memory loss that isn’t sure how she got to this strange world, but has good survival instincts. After a few months surviving on her own, she encounters a camp with many others. They call their settlement Nabukko. Eff and the residents struggle with trust, but she does discover that others are experiencing similar, selective memory issues. Nobody has a complete picture to work with, so people must work together to piece together the mystery.
There were a number of things that worked really well in Nabukko. The first thing that caught my attention was the detailed descriptive passages of this strange planet. Orange skies, curious creatures, and scattered remains of human “pods” litter the landscape. Gadeken has a strong handle on descriptive writing, and the setting felt vivid and mysterious.
The memory loss device creates a wonderful opportunity to explore an unreliable narrator, which really works for this story. It’s especially interesting in the first person with Gadeken’s familiar, modern voice. I can sense the frustration seeping through the humor that Eff often uses to deflect her feelings in stressful situations. It must feel so strange and otherworldly to not have access to your memories, which is a great fit for a novel set on a strange planet. The romance is sweet, and never overpowers the sense of mystery that drives the story forward. This is part of a series, and leaves plenty of questions for the reader as they get ready for the sequel, which is now available (and my next read).
There were a number of things that worked really well in Nabukko. The first thing that caught my attention was the detailed descriptive passages of this strange planet. Orange skies, curious creatures, and scattered remains of human “pods” litter the landscape. Gadeken has a strong handle on descriptive writing, and the setting felt vivid and mysterious.
The memory loss device creates a wonderful opportunity to explore an unreliable narrator, which really works for this story. It’s especially interesting in the first person with Gadeken’s familiar, modern voice. I can sense the frustration seeping through the humor that Eff often uses to deflect her feelings in stressful situations. It must feel so strange and otherworldly to not have access to your memories, which is a great fit for a novel set on a strange planet. The romance is sweet, and never overpowers the sense of mystery that drives the story forward. This is part of a series, and leaves plenty of questions for the reader as they get ready for the sequel, which is now available (and my next read).
October 3, 2024
I enjoyed Nabukko much more than I initially expected. The concept of waking up in a strange, unfamiliar environment with no memory of how you got there is truly gripping. Just as Eff starts to let her guard down, beginning to trust the people around her, things take a dark turn, leaving her—reeling from a shocking betrayal by someone she had come to trust. This was not the story I was expecting when I read the summary, but it was good. The story follows Eff, who wakes up on an unfamiliar planet with no memory of how she got there, setting the stage for a suspenseful journey as she unravels dark secrets among her fellow survivors. The book masterfully builds a sense of unease, with strange nightmares and unexplained phenomena adding layers of tension. Eff’s search for the truth about the planet—and herself—keeps readers on edge as alliances shift and motives are questioned.
The writing is engaging, and the plot steadily escalates, making for a compelling read. While some character development could be deeper, the mysterious atmosphere and unpredictable twists more than make up for it. Fans of sci-fi with psychological elements will enjoy the journey of piecing together the mystery alongside Eff. The world-building is a highlight of the novel—the vivid, detailed descriptions of the planet make it feel real and immersive. The character development, especially for Eff, is another strong point. She is deeply sympathetic, and the nuances of her emotions as she navigates betrayal, uncertainty, and fear are well written.
The writing is engaging, and the plot steadily escalates, making for a compelling read. While some character development could be deeper, the mysterious atmosphere and unpredictable twists more than make up for it. Fans of sci-fi with psychological elements will enjoy the journey of piecing together the mystery alongside Eff. The world-building is a highlight of the novel—the vivid, detailed descriptions of the planet make it feel real and immersive. The character development, especially for Eff, is another strong point. She is deeply sympathetic, and the nuances of her emotions as she navigates betrayal, uncertainty, and fear are well written.
June 26, 2025
Won a digital copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway. ~3.5 stars rounded down. TBH: I have nothing against science fiction, but I'm not the hugest fan. That said, I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. Overall, I thought it was decent! While I found the dialogue corny at times, it was simultaneously kind of funny. The rest of the writing flowed well, so that helped make up for some of the cringiness. I wasn't always sure about the broader context of the book and so could have used more world-building. And yet, part of this opaqueness seems to stem from Eff's memory problems, so it wasn't a huge drawback. Importantly, I usually knew where the characters were in space and time, so that helped stave off some of my questions for the first novel (knowing that this is a trilogy). I became most invested in the book when the romance between Keir and Eff began developing, and thought the author really shined in crafting relationships. Though some characters such as Lethia stood out to me, others—including Eff—were a bit flat; I couldn't really identify their personalities both while reading the book nor now that I've finished. The subsequent books could definitely be worth reading, and I thought the author did a solid job of cultivating enough mystery and reader interest for folks to continue with the series.
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