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Earth Girl #3
Earth Flight
Jarra never wanted to be a celebrity. All she ever wanted was to gain some respect for the people left on Earth: the unlucky few whose immune systems prevent them from portalling to other planets.
Except now she’s the most famous Earth girl in the universe—but not everyone in the universe is happy about it, nor the fact that she has found love with a norm. Jarra’s actions have repercussions that spread further than she ever could have imagined, and political unrest threatens to tear apart the delicate balance of peace between humanity’s worlds.
On top of everything, the first alien artifact ever discovered appears to be waiting for Jarra to reveal its secrets. But to do so, she must somehow find a way to leave Earth, or the alien artifact will be lost forever. Is there a way for Jarra to travel to another planet? Or is her destiny only to look to the stars, but never to reach them?
Except now she’s the most famous Earth girl in the universe—but not everyone in the universe is happy about it, nor the fact that she has found love with a norm. Jarra’s actions have repercussions that spread further than she ever could have imagined, and political unrest threatens to tear apart the delicate balance of peace between humanity’s worlds.
On top of everything, the first alien artifact ever discovered appears to be waiting for Jarra to reveal its secrets. But to do so, she must somehow find a way to leave Earth, or the alien artifact will be lost forever. Is there a way for Jarra to travel to another planet? Or is her destiny only to look to the stars, but never to reach them?
365 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2014
31 people are currently reading
1791 people want to read
About the author
Janet Edwards
32 books494 followersLatest release:- Adversary, the fifth book in the Hive Mind series.
Please visit Janet's website to get more information, and sign up for her newsletter if you'd like to be kept informed of future releases.SET IN THE HIVE FUTURE
PERILOUS: Hive Mind A Prequel Novella
TELEPATH
DEFENDER
HURRICANE
BORDERLINE
ADVERSARY
SET IN THE 25th CENTURY PORTAL FUTURE
SCAVENGER ALLIANCE
SCAVENGER BLOOD
SET IN THE 28th CENTURY PORTAL FUTURE
Set in 2781
HERA 2781: A Drago Short Story
HESTIA 2781: A Drago Novel
ARRAY 2781: A Drago Novel
SOL 2781: A Drago novel
Set in 2788, the year before the Earth Girl Trilogy
EARTH 2788: The Earth Girl Short Stories
EARTH AND FIRE: An Earth Girl Novella 1
EARTH AND AIR: An Earth Girl Novella 2
FRONTIER: An Epsilon Sector Novella
Set in 2789, the Main Earth Girl Trilogy
EARTH GIRL
EARTH STAR
EARTH FLIGHT
Set in 2789 directly after the Earth Girl Trilogy
EARTH PRIME: The Earth Girl Aftermath Stories 1
SET IN THE GAME FUTURE
REAPER
EARTH GIRL:-
◾Voted an American Library Association YALSA Teens' Top Ten title for 2014.
◾A Tayshas 2014 choice.
◾Kirkus starred review for a book of exceptional merit.
◾A Kirkus best book of 2013.
◾Booklist starred review for being outstanding in its genre.
◾Booklist Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth, 2013.
◾An Amazon.co.uk best Young Adult book of 2012.
◾A Kobobooks.com best Young Adult book of 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
September 5, 2015
4.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2015/09/05/y...
f you ask me, this trilogy couldn’t have ended more perfectly. Earth Flight is a great example of a feel-good conclusion, a bright beacon in the darkness illuminating a path of hope for the disadvantaged and forgotten. It may be an imperfect galaxy, but this story still makes me want to celebrate progress and cheer for the future of humanity. I’m so glad I got to finish this journey, because I’ve been in love with this series ever since reading the first book.
After all, who could forget Earth Girl especially if you picked up the US version and the first thing you saw was that gorgeous cover? In case you haven’t seen it, the image shows a striking image of a girl embracing the world, a world that is also on a chain shackled to her ankle. Because for a girl like Jarra, that’s what the Earth is – her home, but also her prison.
Even in this far-flung future, children can be born with hereditary diseases and genetic conditions. Novak-Nadal Syndrome is an immune disorder that confines those it affects to Earth, and Jarra has it. Humans have developed portal technology at this point; with a few easy steps, you can find yourself in any of the many worlds they have colonized, except Jarra can’t visit any of them. If she traveled anywhere beyond Earth’s atmosphere, she would go into anaphylactic shock and die in seconds.
Unsurprisingly, everyone who could leave Earth has already done so, hundreds of years ago. It is now mostly home to those “Handicapped” with Novak-Nadal, though worse terms have sprung up over time to describe those with the syndrome: Ape, Neanderthal, Throwback…as an Earth girl, Jarra has heard it all. Earth and its citizens have mostly been forgotten, discriminated against and left behind. About a year ago though, Jarra changed it all when she joined an off-world university archaeology program that was doing its excavations on Earth. That decision has led to where she is today, showing first her class and then the entire galaxy that the Handicapped aren’t ugly, smelly, or any of the other horrible things that have been said about them. But for the condition that keeps her Earth-bound, she’s just like everyone else. Human.
By the start of this third book, Jarra has already affected much political and social change for the Handicapped and for Earth. But there are still those who reject her humanity and despise everything she stands for. They hate the fact she’s dating her boyfriend Fian, a norm. They hate that she’s been awarded with medals for all her accomplishments. They hate her for being part of the program preparing for humanity’s first ever contact with an alien civilization. Now Jarra’s life is in danger because these factions have already proven they are willing to do anything to silence her.
I enjoy science fiction with powerful social messages, and I love that the one in the Earth Girl trilogy is prominent but at the same time not beating-it-into-your-face-with-a-sledgehammer about it. It is first and foremost concerned with telling a story, one which has also gotten a lot less predictable since book one. So much has happened since then; among these events is Jarra learning more about her ancestry and a freakin’ alien sphere at showing up on Earth’s doorstep. Anything can happen. For a Young Adult series, it is also refreshingly free of the familiar tropes and clichés of the genre. The first book breathed new life into YA for me, and Earth Flight continued to do so.
My one regret is seeing less archaeology play into the plot of this book. But I’m an archaeology nerd, so don’t mind me. It was, however, another reason I immediately got sucked into these books, because it amuses me to imagine researchers almost a thousand years from now happily digging up and studying our trash. But while its themes are mostly centered around the far off future and beyond, this sci-fi series is unique in that it also shows a love for human history and respects the lessons we learn from it.
In the Earth Girl trilogy, Janet Edwards has created a stunning futuristic world with realistic and loveable characters. I absolutely adore it. In fact, I’m a little sad that it has ended. If this gives rise to a spin-off series, I certainly wouldn’t complain; there are lots of characters I’d like to meet again, especially in Team 1 – Playdon, Dalmora, Krath, Amalie – but really, I would be thrilled to see anything, as long as we get to return to this universe.
Bottom line? This third installment Earth Flight is fantastic, a beautiful and heartwarming conclusion to a trilogy that is deserving of so much love and attention. If the premise sounds interesting to you, be sure to check it out, and I hope it will enthrall and move you as much as it did me.
f you ask me, this trilogy couldn’t have ended more perfectly. Earth Flight is a great example of a feel-good conclusion, a bright beacon in the darkness illuminating a path of hope for the disadvantaged and forgotten. It may be an imperfect galaxy, but this story still makes me want to celebrate progress and cheer for the future of humanity. I’m so glad I got to finish this journey, because I’ve been in love with this series ever since reading the first book.
After all, who could forget Earth Girl especially if you picked up the US version and the first thing you saw was that gorgeous cover? In case you haven’t seen it, the image shows a striking image of a girl embracing the world, a world that is also on a chain shackled to her ankle. Because for a girl like Jarra, that’s what the Earth is – her home, but also her prison.
Even in this far-flung future, children can be born with hereditary diseases and genetic conditions. Novak-Nadal Syndrome is an immune disorder that confines those it affects to Earth, and Jarra has it. Humans have developed portal technology at this point; with a few easy steps, you can find yourself in any of the many worlds they have colonized, except Jarra can’t visit any of them. If she traveled anywhere beyond Earth’s atmosphere, she would go into anaphylactic shock and die in seconds.
Unsurprisingly, everyone who could leave Earth has already done so, hundreds of years ago. It is now mostly home to those “Handicapped” with Novak-Nadal, though worse terms have sprung up over time to describe those with the syndrome: Ape, Neanderthal, Throwback…as an Earth girl, Jarra has heard it all. Earth and its citizens have mostly been forgotten, discriminated against and left behind. About a year ago though, Jarra changed it all when she joined an off-world university archaeology program that was doing its excavations on Earth. That decision has led to where she is today, showing first her class and then the entire galaxy that the Handicapped aren’t ugly, smelly, or any of the other horrible things that have been said about them. But for the condition that keeps her Earth-bound, she’s just like everyone else. Human.
By the start of this third book, Jarra has already affected much political and social change for the Handicapped and for Earth. But there are still those who reject her humanity and despise everything she stands for. They hate the fact she’s dating her boyfriend Fian, a norm. They hate that she’s been awarded with medals for all her accomplishments. They hate her for being part of the program preparing for humanity’s first ever contact with an alien civilization. Now Jarra’s life is in danger because these factions have already proven they are willing to do anything to silence her.
I enjoy science fiction with powerful social messages, and I love that the one in the Earth Girl trilogy is prominent but at the same time not beating-it-into-your-face-with-a-sledgehammer about it. It is first and foremost concerned with telling a story, one which has also gotten a lot less predictable since book one. So much has happened since then; among these events is Jarra learning more about her ancestry and a freakin’ alien sphere at showing up on Earth’s doorstep. Anything can happen. For a Young Adult series, it is also refreshingly free of the familiar tropes and clichés of the genre. The first book breathed new life into YA for me, and Earth Flight continued to do so.
My one regret is seeing less archaeology play into the plot of this book. But I’m an archaeology nerd, so don’t mind me. It was, however, another reason I immediately got sucked into these books, because it amuses me to imagine researchers almost a thousand years from now happily digging up and studying our trash. But while its themes are mostly centered around the far off future and beyond, this sci-fi series is unique in that it also shows a love for human history and respects the lessons we learn from it.
In the Earth Girl trilogy, Janet Edwards has created a stunning futuristic world with realistic and loveable characters. I absolutely adore it. In fact, I’m a little sad that it has ended. If this gives rise to a spin-off series, I certainly wouldn’t complain; there are lots of characters I’d like to meet again, especially in Team 1 – Playdon, Dalmora, Krath, Amalie – but really, I would be thrilled to see anything, as long as we get to return to this universe.
Bottom line? This third installment Earth Flight is fantastic, a beautiful and heartwarming conclusion to a trilogy that is deserving of so much love and attention. If the premise sounds interesting to you, be sure to check it out, and I hope it will enthrall and move you as much as it did me.
November 19, 2015
For eighteen (standard) years, Jarra has yearned for the stars and freedom from her prison of Earth. In the far future, humanity no longer is confined to its one home world–thanks to the miracle of drop portals and Thaddeus Wallam-Crane humans have colonized star systems near and far. But alas! For Jarra and 0.1% of humanity, the stars are forever out of reach thanks to an immune system disorder that prohibits them from portalling off-planet. Jarra, in other words, is Handicapped–or in the ruder parlance of the average human (aka “norms” or the ruder “exos”), she’s an “ape”, a “nean”, a “throwback.” She and the other disabled are forever locked on decrepit, backwater planet Earth, while the rest of humanity has absconded humanity’s cradle for star systems in the far reaches of space (and have evolved their own customs and clans away from the taint of Earth).
But many things have changed for Jarra Tell Morrath in the past year.
After she lied her way into the prestigious University Asgard and tricked her norm classmates into thinking she was one of them and a military child, it turns out that Jarra actually is military and an Honor Child–descended not just of a prestigious Betan clan, but from Tellon Blaze (hero of humanity, scourge of the Chimera) himself! If that isn’t enough, Jarra and her serious boyfriend Fian have also played a hugely instrumental role in making First Contact with an intelligent alien civilization. Using historical and archaeological smarts, Jarra is able to figure out how to communicate with a sphere (actually a probe) floating above Earth.
Now, Jarra is a celebrity–not only is she young, smart, and the initiator of one of the great watershed moments in human history, but she’s Handicapped. Jarra’s celebrity begins to shift radically xenophobic prejudice against the Handicapped–for the first time, average humans start to question the popular portrayal of “apes” as uncivilized, inhuman, unevolved animals. Moreover, public opinion begins to question why laws on Earth are so restrictive and prohibit the Handicapped from rights to self or governance as the awful weight of the social injustice of the state ward system (including but not limited to unethical government-sanctioned experimentation on Handicapped children and the abusive relationships that emerge from this system), and the otherwise utter lack of future options for Handicapped on Earth are finally brought to light.
Jarra has become a symbol and a lightning rod for real change–when her Betan clan formally adopts and recognizes Jarra as one of their own, it goes against every clan tradition and makes a very public declaration that accepts the Handicapped as members of society, entitled to the same basic human rights as any other person. The implications of this act could change everything–not just for Jarra, but for the hundreds, thousands, millions of Handicapped and their family members, who have either hidden the truth or have been punished by the social mores that govern their particular sector.
And this, of course, is the heart of Earth Flight, and Earth Girl as a trilogy. The prejudice against the Handicapped means trouble for Jarra, her classmates and teachers, as well as her loved ones–those who believe the Handicapped to be subhuman will do anything to prevent Jarra from being formally accepted by her clan and exploit any legal loopholes that will end her disgusting betrothal to Fian (a norm). When legal options don’t move quickly enough, physical attacks escalate: a noxious dangerous oil thrown at Jarra leads to a larger dig site bombing; legal blocks turn into targeted, full-fledged aerial attacks.
And all the while, the alien civilization Jarra and Fian made contact with nears, and all of humanity–norm and Handicapped alike–must prepare for the possibility of a hostile new race.
The third and final book in the Earth Girl trilogy, Earth Flight was one of my most highly anticipated books of this year. I love the Indiana Jones meets Battlestar Galactica type sensibility of the series–I mean, anytime you give me archaeological-history-meets-military-scifi blended with strong characterization and thought-provoking examination of social mores and bigotry, I AM ALL YOURS.
Imagine my heartbreak, then, when this third book goes against all of the carefully laid groundwork in the first two installments, turning a careful examination of prejudice, xenophobia, and cultural change into a deeply problematic Happy Ever After that centers upon a magical cure to Jarra’s disability.
Imagine my shock and abject horror at such a conclusion to a trilogy that was so promising and delightfully fun to read–and the questioning of the first two books that inevitably ensues.
Before I get to that, I’ll start with the good things about Earth Flight. For the first 250 pages or so, the novel focuses on Jarra and Fian, and the discussions and change provoked by their relationship. For the first time, in a way that isn’t explored as fully in the other books, we see the grand scope of change that Jarra embodies for all Handicapped humans–from her fellow classmates who have a Handicapped daughter (they’ve moved from Beta sector to Earth at the risk of being ostracized by their own clan to be with that daughter), to other wards of the state system, to notable artists and figures who hide their parentage or Handicapped status behind aliases. These larger, bigger picture ramifications of Jarra’s inclusion are awesome to see unfold, especially in the ways that different cultures from different sectors respond to the Handicapped.
As always, I love Jarra’s voice and her narration throughout the book. The kitschiness of Jarra actually writing these memoirs works, at least for me, as a framing mechanism and the frequent exclamation points and slang offer a sweet authenticity to the narrative. Too, I like the drama-free relationship between Jarra and her boyfriend, Fian, and the fact that they are a functional happy couple that works together, understand each other, and are respectful of each other’s boundaries and viewpoints. I also very much appreciated the careful examination of friendship and enemies in this book–including the fact that just because a young woman treats Jarra with utter disrespect and prejudice, we get to see the other side of her story.
However.
A big, big however.
This brings me to the SPOILER portion of my review–if you do not wish to be spoiled, look away.
In the last 50 pages of this book, Jarra is given a Miracle Cure for her disability. Jarra’s incurable Handicap is magically cured because it’s the only way this super special young woman can save not only her fellow Handicapped, but all of humanity from a pending Chimera attack. (If that wasn’t enough, she also becomes magically more beautiful because of her “cure”–and the preoccupation with physical appearance throughout this book is all the more frustrating and painful to read because of it, in retrospect.) I am not exaggerating when I say that it was all I could do not to fling this book across the subway during rush hour when I got to these pivotal last few chapters. Suffice it to say, this is incredibly problematic and deeply offensive–not only does it negate the careful portrayal of disability and all of the issues raised throughout the book, suggesting that disabled characters cannot have happy endings without magical cures, but it undermines the entire series and the bedrock upon which it was built.
Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t recommend the series. At the very least, I’d skip this last volume. (Of course if you’re like me, you need to know. Enter at your own peril.)
But many things have changed for Jarra Tell Morrath in the past year.
After she lied her way into the prestigious University Asgard and tricked her norm classmates into thinking she was one of them and a military child, it turns out that Jarra actually is military and an Honor Child–descended not just of a prestigious Betan clan, but from Tellon Blaze (hero of humanity, scourge of the Chimera) himself! If that isn’t enough, Jarra and her serious boyfriend Fian have also played a hugely instrumental role in making First Contact with an intelligent alien civilization. Using historical and archaeological smarts, Jarra is able to figure out how to communicate with a sphere (actually a probe) floating above Earth.
Now, Jarra is a celebrity–not only is she young, smart, and the initiator of one of the great watershed moments in human history, but she’s Handicapped. Jarra’s celebrity begins to shift radically xenophobic prejudice against the Handicapped–for the first time, average humans start to question the popular portrayal of “apes” as uncivilized, inhuman, unevolved animals. Moreover, public opinion begins to question why laws on Earth are so restrictive and prohibit the Handicapped from rights to self or governance as the awful weight of the social injustice of the state ward system (including but not limited to unethical government-sanctioned experimentation on Handicapped children and the abusive relationships that emerge from this system), and the otherwise utter lack of future options for Handicapped on Earth are finally brought to light.
Jarra has become a symbol and a lightning rod for real change–when her Betan clan formally adopts and recognizes Jarra as one of their own, it goes against every clan tradition and makes a very public declaration that accepts the Handicapped as members of society, entitled to the same basic human rights as any other person. The implications of this act could change everything–not just for Jarra, but for the hundreds, thousands, millions of Handicapped and their family members, who have either hidden the truth or have been punished by the social mores that govern their particular sector.
And this, of course, is the heart of Earth Flight, and Earth Girl as a trilogy. The prejudice against the Handicapped means trouble for Jarra, her classmates and teachers, as well as her loved ones–those who believe the Handicapped to be subhuman will do anything to prevent Jarra from being formally accepted by her clan and exploit any legal loopholes that will end her disgusting betrothal to Fian (a norm). When legal options don’t move quickly enough, physical attacks escalate: a noxious dangerous oil thrown at Jarra leads to a larger dig site bombing; legal blocks turn into targeted, full-fledged aerial attacks.
And all the while, the alien civilization Jarra and Fian made contact with nears, and all of humanity–norm and Handicapped alike–must prepare for the possibility of a hostile new race.
The third and final book in the Earth Girl trilogy, Earth Flight was one of my most highly anticipated books of this year. I love the Indiana Jones meets Battlestar Galactica type sensibility of the series–I mean, anytime you give me archaeological-history-meets-military-scifi blended with strong characterization and thought-provoking examination of social mores and bigotry, I AM ALL YOURS.
Imagine my heartbreak, then, when this third book goes against all of the carefully laid groundwork in the first two installments, turning a careful examination of prejudice, xenophobia, and cultural change into a deeply problematic Happy Ever After that centers upon a magical cure to Jarra’s disability.
Imagine my shock and abject horror at such a conclusion to a trilogy that was so promising and delightfully fun to read–and the questioning of the first two books that inevitably ensues.
Before I get to that, I’ll start with the good things about Earth Flight. For the first 250 pages or so, the novel focuses on Jarra and Fian, and the discussions and change provoked by their relationship. For the first time, in a way that isn’t explored as fully in the other books, we see the grand scope of change that Jarra embodies for all Handicapped humans–from her fellow classmates who have a Handicapped daughter (they’ve moved from Beta sector to Earth at the risk of being ostracized by their own clan to be with that daughter), to other wards of the state system, to notable artists and figures who hide their parentage or Handicapped status behind aliases. These larger, bigger picture ramifications of Jarra’s inclusion are awesome to see unfold, especially in the ways that different cultures from different sectors respond to the Handicapped.
As always, I love Jarra’s voice and her narration throughout the book. The kitschiness of Jarra actually writing these memoirs works, at least for me, as a framing mechanism and the frequent exclamation points and slang offer a sweet authenticity to the narrative. Too, I like the drama-free relationship between Jarra and her boyfriend, Fian, and the fact that they are a functional happy couple that works together, understand each other, and are respectful of each other’s boundaries and viewpoints. I also very much appreciated the careful examination of friendship and enemies in this book–including the fact that just because a young woman treats Jarra with utter disrespect and prejudice, we get to see the other side of her story.
However.
A big, big however.
This brings me to the SPOILER portion of my review–if you do not wish to be spoiled, look away.
In the last 50 pages of this book, Jarra is given a Miracle Cure for her disability. Jarra’s incurable Handicap is magically cured because it’s the only way this super special young woman can save not only her fellow Handicapped, but all of humanity from a pending Chimera attack. (If that wasn’t enough, she also becomes magically more beautiful because of her “cure”–and the preoccupation with physical appearance throughout this book is all the more frustrating and painful to read because of it, in retrospect.) I am not exaggerating when I say that it was all I could do not to fling this book across the subway during rush hour when I got to these pivotal last few chapters. Suffice it to say, this is incredibly problematic and deeply offensive–not only does it negate the careful portrayal of disability and all of the issues raised throughout the book, suggesting that disabled characters cannot have happy endings without magical cures, but it undermines the entire series and the bedrock upon which it was built.
Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t recommend the series. At the very least, I’d skip this last volume. (Of course if you’re like me, you need to know. Enter at your own peril.)
October 29, 2021
Earth Flight (Earth Girl, #3) by Janet Edwards is the thrilling conclusion to Janet Edward’s debut YA sci-fi trilogy. Jarra never wanted to be a celebrity. All she ever wanted was to gain some respect for the people left on Earth: the unlucky few whose immune system prevents them from portalling to other planets. Except now she’s the most famous Earth girl in the universe – but not everyone in the universe is happy about it, nor the fact that she has found love with a norm. Jarra’s actions have repercussions that spread further than she ever could have imagined, and political unrest threatens to tear apart the delicate balance of peace between humanity’s worlds.
On top of everything, the first alien artefact ever discovered appears to be waiting for Jarra to reveal its secrets. But to do so, she must somehow find a way to leave Earth – or else the alien artefact will be lost forever. Is there a way for Jarra to travel to another planet? Or is her destiny only to look to the stars – but never to reach them? This is a well-written and entertaining futuristic trilogy with a unique plot.
On top of everything, the first alien artefact ever discovered appears to be waiting for Jarra to reveal its secrets. But to do so, she must somehow find a way to leave Earth – or else the alien artefact will be lost forever. Is there a way for Jarra to travel to another planet? Or is her destiny only to look to the stars – but never to reach them? This is a well-written and entertaining futuristic trilogy with a unique plot.
April 30, 2018
The ongoing adventures of Supergirl Jarra Tell Morrath as she navigates the 28th century amid the threat of aliens, bigotry and xenophobia.
Thanks to Jarra, humanity now has access to the alien probe's information, and the search for the alien home planet has begun. Jarra herself has been invited to join her Betan clan, one of the fifty noble clans, which threatens to set a precedent for all Handicapped children of Beta sector and the forces of prejudice within all of humanity are lethally angry about it.
I did relatively enjoy this book, even though I left my suspension of disbelief back in book one (hence only three stars; I just didn't buy much of this at all). The biggest issues for me are around the Novak-Nadal Syndrome itself, in terms of its plausibility (there's nothing about it that makes sense) and in terms of referring to its sufferers as Handicapped. Yes, there are some parallels, but the actual impacts are nearly all social, particularly around discrimination, denigration, exclusion and even perhaps infantilization. I feel that this ignores most of the other side of actual handicapped people's lives - that of managing their own physical/medical situations.
There's also a twist that happens late in the book which sees a happy-ever-after that makes the Handicapped analogy even more on the nose, so look out for that. These second pair of books really didn't do justice to the promise of the first.
Thanks to Jarra, humanity now has access to the alien probe's information, and the search for the alien home planet has begun. Jarra herself has been invited to join her Betan clan, one of the fifty noble clans, which threatens to set a precedent for all Handicapped children of Beta sector and the forces of prejudice within all of humanity are lethally angry about it.
I did relatively enjoy this book, even though I left my suspension of disbelief back in book one (hence only three stars; I just didn't buy much of this at all). The biggest issues for me are around the Novak-Nadal Syndrome itself, in terms of its plausibility (there's nothing about it that makes sense) and in terms of referring to its sufferers as Handicapped. Yes, there are some parallels, but the actual impacts are nearly all social, particularly around discrimination, denigration, exclusion and even perhaps infantilization. I feel that this ignores most of the other side of actual handicapped people's lives - that of managing their own physical/medical situations.
There's also a twist that happens late in the book which sees a happy-ever-after that makes the Handicapped analogy even more on the nose, so look out for that. These second pair of books really didn't do justice to the promise of the first.
May 30, 2015
Earth Flight is the third book in this series featuring Jarra, a feisty, junk food loving, slang savvy, far-in-the-future girl who’s handicapped by having an immune system that won’t allow her to portal off of the home planet, so if you haven’t read the first two books, this isn’t the place to start, but if you’ve enjoyed the others it would be nardle to miss this one because it’s a totally zan conclusion. At least I think it’s the close of a trilogy, but I’d love another book and this one ends with Jarra still having lots left to do. If this is the end I’m going to hate leaving this totally amaz universe behind.
In the previous book Jarra and her twoing partner Fian managed to send a message to the alien ship parked just above Earth, which keeps the young couple involved in the government’s first contact project, so now Jarra is juggling military duties, history of early humanity classes, dangerous dig site field work at the ruins of once magnificent Earth cities, and her relationship with Fian, which goes through a lot of changes in the story.
One of the things I’ve loved best about this series is how thoroughly Janet Edwards has developed the diverse cultures of the far flung off-Earth settlements, and we learn more them all in this book, especially the somewhat notorious Beta clans since Jarra has discovered she’s one of them. This isn’t a perfectly written series, but it’s “flaws” have actually seemed to enhance my pleasure. There’s info dumping, but it’s fascinating since the future Edwards imagines is so detailed and interesting, and Jarra can be a bit of a Mary Sue (though that’s less in this third book), but she’s utterly charming anyway because she’s so good natured and full of enthusiasm.
If you love this series check out Janet Edwards’s website for 8 free prequel stories that further explore all the off-Earth colonies.
In the previous book Jarra and her twoing partner Fian managed to send a message to the alien ship parked just above Earth, which keeps the young couple involved in the government’s first contact project, so now Jarra is juggling military duties, history of early humanity classes, dangerous dig site field work at the ruins of once magnificent Earth cities, and her relationship with Fian, which goes through a lot of changes in the story.
One of the things I’ve loved best about this series is how thoroughly Janet Edwards has developed the diverse cultures of the far flung off-Earth settlements, and we learn more them all in this book, especially the somewhat notorious Beta clans since Jarra has discovered she’s one of them. This isn’t a perfectly written series, but it’s “flaws” have actually seemed to enhance my pleasure. There’s info dumping, but it’s fascinating since the future Edwards imagines is so detailed and interesting, and Jarra can be a bit of a Mary Sue (though that’s less in this third book), but she’s utterly charming anyway because she’s so good natured and full of enthusiasm.
If you love this series check out Janet Edwards’s website for 8 free prequel stories that further explore all the off-Earth colonies.
August 21, 2014
An awesome ending to one of my absolute favourite new series/trilogies of the last couple of years.
It's funny, because I don't usually care for books with a ... message. One so heavy and obvious it keeps hitting you on the head, over and over again. There's no subtlety about the messages in the Earth Girl series, none at all. It's not even pretending to.
And yet, with this series, I somehow just don't mind. Everything clicked for me. I loved the plots. I loved the characters. I didn't mind the unsubtle message (hey, at least they're good ones!). I didn't even mind the romance between Jarra and Fian (and thankfully Fian, who was rather flat in the first book, ended up with some personality over the series). I didn't even mind the immense amount of disbelief I had to suspend, over the way one single girl gets promoted over and over again and pretty much single-handedly changes the way things work in this universe.
All these are things I'd snark about or sneer at in some other books. Here, they worked. I liked those characters. I cheered for them. I wanted them to succeed. And I liked how Jarra herself, in spite of all those things happening to her, remained a... well, somewhat realistic, if very capable girl with just the right experiences and knowledge for doing whatever she had to do.
Heartily recommended, if you don't mind a somewhat slow pace (less of an "issue" in this book than the first two, since there was, almost sadly, practically no dig site routine work, which I really enjoyed in the first two books), unsubtle but positive messages about racism and equality, and a single girl - with the help of her friends - changing the way an entire system of Earth colonies works. Or, well, even if you do mind those things, since you might be positively surprised anyway. :D
If this review occasionally sounds like sarcasm, or faint praise, it's not meant to be. In spite of occasionally shaking my head in confused amusement, I've genuinely loved and enjoyed those books (so much so that I've been getting the paperbacks in addition to reading the Kindle books, which isn't something I do lightly these days), and I'm actually rather sad the trilogy is now over. I gather there are some short stories around, so I'll probably look for those soon.
It's funny, because I don't usually care for books with a ... message. One so heavy and obvious it keeps hitting you on the head, over and over again. There's no subtlety about the messages in the Earth Girl series, none at all. It's not even pretending to.
And yet, with this series, I somehow just don't mind. Everything clicked for me. I loved the plots. I loved the characters. I didn't mind the unsubtle message (hey, at least they're good ones!). I didn't even mind the romance between Jarra and Fian (and thankfully Fian, who was rather flat in the first book, ended up with some personality over the series). I didn't even mind the immense amount of disbelief I had to suspend, over the way one single girl gets promoted over and over again and pretty much single-handedly changes the way things work in this universe.
All these are things I'd snark about or sneer at in some other books. Here, they worked. I liked those characters. I cheered for them. I wanted them to succeed. And I liked how Jarra herself, in spite of all those things happening to her, remained a... well, somewhat realistic, if very capable girl with just the right experiences and knowledge for doing whatever she had to do.
Heartily recommended, if you don't mind a somewhat slow pace (less of an "issue" in this book than the first two, since there was, almost sadly, practically no dig site routine work, which I really enjoyed in the first two books), unsubtle but positive messages about racism and equality, and a single girl - with the help of her friends - changing the way an entire system of Earth colonies works. Or, well, even if you do mind those things, since you might be positively surprised anyway. :D
If this review occasionally sounds like sarcasm, or faint praise, it's not meant to be. In spite of occasionally shaking my head in confused amusement, I've genuinely loved and enjoyed those books (so much so that I've been getting the paperbacks in addition to reading the Kindle books, which isn't something I do lightly these days), and I'm actually rather sad the trilogy is now over. I gather there are some short stories around, so I'll probably look for those soon.
June 26, 2016
Охренетительная серия. Самая любимая из любимых.
На последней сцене опять рыдала как пятилетка, хотя уже раз сто ее читала.
Все ружья выстрелили, все ниточки подвязаны, но многое еще впереди. Жаль, что мы не узнаем, как проходят раскопки на Фортуне и какие опасности ждут новоиспеченных ксеноархеологов. Найдет ли свое счастье Плейдон. Будут ли вместе Далмора и Ворон. Каких еще глупостей напридумывает папаша Крата, и сколько подзатыльников бедному гаммиту отвесит Амалия. Как примут землян в Парламенте Планет. Встретится ли человечество с химерами. И многое-многое другое. Целое будущее за кадром, но я верю, что все у всех сложится хорошо))
А эта трилогия о другом. О том, как один импульсивный поступок гордой и озлобленной девчонки перевернул мир. О взрослении (только посмотрите на Джарру и Фиана в первой книге и в последней!), об осознании себя. О любви и самопожертвовании.
Первый раз я читала в оригинале и с большими перерывами между книгами. Потом по главам - совсем иное восприятие. А теперь наконец проглотила все три части за раз и жалею, что так быстро это сделала. Но впечатления мощнейшие.
Фильм бы получился умопомрачительный. Жаль, что вместо действительно потрясной фантастики экранизируют всякую муть((
В общем, если кто-то еще не читал, я вам завидую и всячески советую.
На последней сцене опять рыдала как пятилетка, хотя уже раз сто ее читала.
Все ружья выстрелили, все ниточки подвязаны, но многое еще впереди. Жаль, что мы не узнаем, как проходят раскопки на Фортуне и какие опасности ждут новоиспеченных ксеноархеологов. Найдет ли свое счастье Плейдон. Будут ли вместе Далмора и Ворон. Каких еще глупостей напридумывает папаша Крата, и сколько подзатыльников бедному гаммиту отвесит Амалия. Как примут землян в Парламенте Планет. Встретится ли человечество с химерами. И многое-многое другое. Целое будущее за кадром, но я верю, что все у всех сложится хорошо))
А эта трилогия о другом. О том, как один импульсивный поступок гордой и озлобленной девчонки перевернул мир. О взрослении (только посмотрите на Джарру и Фиана в первой книге и в последней!), об осознании себя. О любви и самопожертвовании.
Первый раз я читала в оригинале и с большими перерывами между книгами. Потом по главам - совсем иное восприятие. А теперь наконец проглотила все три части за раз и жалею, что так быстро это сделала. Но впечатления мощнейшие.
Фильм бы получился умопомрачительный. Жаль, что вместо действительно потрясной фантастики экранизируют всякую муть((
В общем, если кто-то еще не читал, я вам завидую и всячески советую.
Want to read
July 14, 2013Holy Zan!!!! This is awesome! I can't wait for the finale!!!!!!
October 9, 2014
So sad to say goodbye to this trilogy, already feel like i should do a re-read (or maybe Edwards could give us a look at 2nd year, university asgard or just more of this world, doesn't have to be jarra, pretty please!).
some of the messages are not so subtle in this series and jarra is the somewhat improbable centre of all the history making events but that was completely fine with me. i gobbled up the idea of future archaeologists (i would definitely want to be one) and i kind of even enjoyed that many of the climaxes throughout the series were in some form somewhat anticlimactic/lacked the completely OTT and contrived tension that many YA trilogies fall victim to.
I particularly enjoyed that the relationship between fian and jarra wasn't ever really used to create stupid miscommunication tropes in which people have stupid misunderstandings just to create tension (not even when Jarra had a break from reality and failed to inform fian she was actually handicapped before they got a twoing contract!). while some complain about fian being a bit characterless (which he did improve on in the third book), this seems true to the format of the books 'written' by jarra after the fact, i probably wouldn't wax completely lyrical about my partner either if others were going to read it (even if i would have love a bit of juicy bed tumbling instead of fade to black. probably wouldn't spend pages discussing his eyes (not even sure what colour fian's are, so refreshing!).
in some ways (only good) it reminds me of Andrea K Host's The Touchstone Trilogy, and it is no coincidence that i absolutely love them both.
some of the messages are not so subtle in this series and jarra is the somewhat improbable centre of all the history making events but that was completely fine with me. i gobbled up the idea of future archaeologists (i would definitely want to be one) and i kind of even enjoyed that many of the climaxes throughout the series were in some form somewhat anticlimactic/lacked the completely OTT and contrived tension that many YA trilogies fall victim to.
I particularly enjoyed that the relationship between fian and jarra wasn't ever really used to create stupid miscommunication tropes in which people have stupid misunderstandings just to create tension (not even when Jarra had a break from reality and failed to inform fian she was actually handicapped before they got a twoing contract!). while some complain about fian being a bit characterless (which he did improve on in the third book), this seems true to the format of the books 'written' by jarra after the fact, i probably wouldn't wax completely lyrical about my partner either if others were going to read it (even if i would have love a bit of juicy bed tumbling instead of fade to black. probably wouldn't spend pages discussing his eyes (not even sure what colour fian's are, so refreshing!).
in some ways (only good) it reminds me of Andrea K Host's The Touchstone Trilogy, and it is no coincidence that i absolutely love them both.
April 11, 2015
This was such an incredible ending to this trilogy; I couldn’t have pictured it any better if I tried. I love how it starts out and the overall purpose of it. Jarra is such a unique and amazing individual to see where things go with her and all of her friends in this book is quite spectacular, because she has come such a long way in the past year. I feel like Janet Edwards covered everything in this book to complete the story, you get answers, you get resolutions, you get a glimpse of the future without seeing it, you get all the little things in between as well and again I absolutely loved it. I have never cried while reading the Earth Girl books, but I have to say in this book I did shed quite a few tears and I believe it’s because of who Jarra has become.
As readers we are always reading amazing female protagonist and Jarra is in her very own unique grouping, even though a lot of characters like Jarra like to get their hands dirty, not many of them involve getting dirty to find things lost from history. I believe this is what makes her an even better character because you can feel her love that she has for archeology and it makes you want to be one as well. I really liked getting to finally see her deal with everything in a wrap up, because most books have wrap ups in most areas but not all and Janet provides that in this book for Jarra.
I love how far Fian has come in this trilogy, especially with being in such an interesting relationship with the dominating Jarra. It really just balances him out so well. But I love how much more of a back bone he has built and in this final book you are just like wow, I want a Fian all to myself.
I love the world I have gotten to know in the Earth Girl trilogy, I’m so sad to be seeing it come to an end, but all good things do come to an end. I love you get the beautiful ending with it being a happily ever after, it fits perfectly in this scifi, dystopian world. Thank you Janet Edwards for a beautiful story!
As readers we are always reading amazing female protagonist and Jarra is in her very own unique grouping, even though a lot of characters like Jarra like to get their hands dirty, not many of them involve getting dirty to find things lost from history. I believe this is what makes her an even better character because you can feel her love that she has for archeology and it makes you want to be one as well. I really liked getting to finally see her deal with everything in a wrap up, because most books have wrap ups in most areas but not all and Janet provides that in this book for Jarra.
I love how far Fian has come in this trilogy, especially with being in such an interesting relationship with the dominating Jarra. It really just balances him out so well. But I love how much more of a back bone he has built and in this final book you are just like wow, I want a Fian all to myself.
I love the world I have gotten to know in the Earth Girl trilogy, I’m so sad to be seeing it come to an end, but all good things do come to an end. I love you get the beautiful ending with it being a happily ever after, it fits perfectly in this scifi, dystopian world. Thank you Janet Edwards for a beautiful story!
August 16, 2015
Совершенно потрясающее завершение серии!
Моя искренняя благодарность автору за умело прописанный мир, живых неидеальных героев. Их эмоциям веришь. Пришлось поволноваться за Фиана и Джарру, особенно в конце книги, но финал просто шикарен. И спасибо за возвращение в 35-й главе одного из героев, я ему очень сопереживала, спасибо, что автор все-таки сжалилась и не стала убирать его окончательно ))
Отдельная благодарность за поднятые философские темы, книга очень глубокая, глубже, чем кажется на первый взгляд.
Моя искренняя благодарность автору за умело прописанный мир, живых неидеальных героев. Их эмоциям веришь. Пришлось поволноваться за Фиана и Джарру, особенно в конце книги, но финал просто шикарен. И спасибо за возвращение в 35-й главе одного из героев, я ему очень сопереживала, спасибо, что автор все-таки сжалилась и не стала убирать его окончательно ))
Отдельная благодарность за поднятые философские темы, книга очень глубокая, глубже, чем кажется на первый взгляд.
March 4, 2020
4.5 stars
This is my second time reading it, and I have to say that I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. Also, I had conveniently forgotten enough things to make it a good adventure. One of the things I enjoyed about this series is that the protagonist is not involved in a love triangle, which is a highly overused plot device.
I have thought over my original comment about some things that remained unanswered that should have been answered here--perhaps not. There are certain integral things that have been resolved in the struggle for justice and equality. That said, I'd have loved it if there were another book or two so I could read what happens next.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
No summary (don't want anything to spoil anything that happens in the first two book) although there is one on the book entry on Goodreads. I did fluctuate as to which way I'd round this, but opted up. There are a couple of plot devices that I don't care for, but overall this is still written at the same level as the others. Yes, there is some character growth, but once again, don't expect it for all. Also, there are a couple of things that Edwards hints at through the series (well, one in the short stories books) that remain unanswered that I think should have been if this is a trilogy that ends here. But once again, I had a rollicking good time reading this, staying up too late at night.
Edwards' writing did not peter out in this third book, which is very hard to do with trilogies (or so it seems given that most of the time my ratings go down).
This is my second time reading it, and I have to say that I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. Also, I had conveniently forgotten enough things to make it a good adventure. One of the things I enjoyed about this series is that the protagonist is not involved in a love triangle, which is a highly overused plot device.
I have thought over my original comment about some things that remained unanswered that should have been answered here--perhaps not. There are certain integral things that have been resolved in the struggle for justice and equality. That said, I'd have loved it if there were another book or two so I could read what happens next.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
No summary (don't want anything to spoil anything that happens in the first two book) although there is one on the book entry on Goodreads. I did fluctuate as to which way I'd round this, but opted up. There are a couple of plot devices that I don't care for, but overall this is still written at the same level as the others. Yes, there is some character growth, but once again, don't expect it for all. Also, there are a couple of things that Edwards hints at through the series (well, one in the short stories books) that remain unanswered that I think should have been if this is a trilogy that ends here. But once again, I had a rollicking good time reading this, staying up too late at night.
Edwards' writing did not peter out in this third book, which is very hard to do with trilogies (or so it seems given that most of the time my ratings go down).
January 1, 2019
This is probably my favourite YA trilogy for now. Beautiful final installment.
Liked it even more than the first book; and I am grateful that there is the happy end for Jarra without syrupy "happily-ever-after". I was left wondering, how the others will do in a few years: Playdon, Dalmora, Raven, Amalie, Drago, Lolette... And I am curious, what exactly happened on Persephone? On Gymir? In other words, I am longing to return to the Jarra's world, if not to Jarra herself.
Would be eagerly waiting for the next books by Janet Edwards, whenever she sets them - in 2789 or not, and wherever she will take us to.
Ну вот, всё вроде хорошо. Но жаль, что трилогия закончилась.
Что с инопланетянами поговорить не удастся, я угадала. А вот почему - нет, хотя всё ж выстроено и подготовлено, но вот догадаться - никак. За что Эдвардс и люблю.
Хочу книжку про прадедушку Фиана. Или про Лолетту. Или про детей Амалии.
Хотя по-хорошему, конечно, не надо ни продолжений, ни приквелов.
Но мир классный, жалко расставаться.
Liked it even more than the first book; and I am grateful that there is the happy end for Jarra without syrupy "happily-ever-after". I was left wondering, how the others will do in a few years: Playdon, Dalmora, Raven, Amalie, Drago, Lolette... And I am curious, what exactly happened on Persephone? On Gymir? In other words, I am longing to return to the Jarra's world, if not to Jarra herself.
Would be eagerly waiting for the next books by Janet Edwards, whenever she sets them - in 2789 or not, and wherever she will take us to.
Ну вот, всё вроде хорошо. Но жаль, что трилогия закончилась.
Что с инопланетянами поговорить не удастся, я угадала. А вот почему - нет, хотя всё ж выстроено и подготовлено, но вот догадаться - никак. За что Эдвардс и люблю.
Хочу книжку про прадедушку Фиана. Или про Лолетту. Или про детей Амалии.
Хотя по-хорошему, конечно, не надо ни продолжений, ни приквелов.
Но мир классный, жалко расставаться.
December 28, 2021
Nachdem ich nach dem zweiten Teil ein wenig Hoffnung hatte, dass sich die Reihe für mich doch noch positiv entwickeln wird, wurde ich leider enttäuscht.
Der zweite Teil hat wirklich spannend geendet und ich war neugierig wie der Faden neu aufgenommen wird, aber die Alien Thematik verschwindet fast völlig und stattdessen zieht sich die Geschichte um alles andere.
Ich war von der Geschichte leider größtenteils gelangweilt, auch wenn es immer mal wieder interessante Ansätze gab, die dann jedoch leider nicht weiterverfolgt oder erst deutlich später wieder aufgenommen wurden.
Das Setting finde ich eigentlich immer noch total spannend, aber habe mich durch die ganze Teihe schwer getan, mir alles bildlich vorzustellen.
Die Reihe hatte für mich mehr Tiefen als Höhen und ich würde sich daher nich weiterempfehlen.
Der zweite Teil hat wirklich spannend geendet und ich war neugierig wie der Faden neu aufgenommen wird, aber die Alien Thematik verschwindet fast völlig und stattdessen zieht sich die Geschichte um alles andere.
Ich war von der Geschichte leider größtenteils gelangweilt, auch wenn es immer mal wieder interessante Ansätze gab, die dann jedoch leider nicht weiterverfolgt oder erst deutlich später wieder aufgenommen wurden.
Das Setting finde ich eigentlich immer noch total spannend, aber habe mich durch die ganze Teihe schwer getan, mir alles bildlich vorzustellen.
Die Reihe hatte für mich mehr Tiefen als Höhen und ich würde sich daher nich weiterempfehlen.
September 20, 2015
Expect spoilers for Earth Girl (#1) and Earth Star (#2).
Having loved Earth Girl, I was really apprehensive about the extra-terrestrial thing and the military when I started Earth Star. But I really liked the second book as well, finally admitting to myself that I actually do have a liking for the military - and for the subtle manipulations used all through the book. Therefore, when I went into book three, I was less apprehensive, because even though I worried a tiny bit about miracle cures and whatnot, I trusted Janet Edwards enough to make the right decisions and don't disappoint me with an awful ending or hideous twists to the story to make it "more exciting".
I did however have to find myself the right time to read this at though, because the prologue screamed at me to put the book down and come back later when I would be able to finish it in one sitting. I managed that (almost), and finally found some quiet time to dive back in.
Jarra's general grumpiness, which just switches its target from time to time, is still there, as is her tendency to think that everything that happens is because of her. (This is also the expectation one has as a reader, even though "Earth Star" has told us that there is deviancy in the higher ranks of the military, assholery in bureocracy, and we all know that Lecturer Playdon knows fully well what he's doing at all times.) Fian is as helpful and understanding as ever, and there is still no triangle (THANK YOU!).
The alien thing is sitting there, waiting, and tbh, I kinda lost interest. Which is not due to faults in plotting, but rather down to me and my love for politics. And there is A LOT of politics in this book. The reader learns more and more about the world, especially about Jarra's heritage in Beta sector. And there is a lot of political intrigue, and when Jarra mentioned that she had completely forgotten about the alien box, I had as well.
Then something happened with the alien thing, and more politics in between, and then there's the ending; final and well-rounded, but also open to the future, and I like it. I like imagining what might happen next.
But mostly I just really loved the politics :).
Having loved Earth Girl, I was really apprehensive about the extra-terrestrial thing and the military when I started Earth Star. But I really liked the second book as well, finally admitting to myself that I actually do have a liking for the military - and for the subtle manipulations used all through the book. Therefore, when I went into book three, I was less apprehensive, because even though I worried a tiny bit about miracle cures and whatnot, I trusted Janet Edwards enough to make the right decisions and don't disappoint me with an awful ending or hideous twists to the story to make it "more exciting".
I did however have to find myself the right time to read this at though, because the prologue screamed at me to put the book down and come back later when I would be able to finish it in one sitting. I managed that (almost), and finally found some quiet time to dive back in.
Jarra's general grumpiness, which just switches its target from time to time, is still there, as is her tendency to think that everything that happens is because of her. (This is also the expectation one has as a reader, even though "Earth Star" has told us that there is deviancy in the higher ranks of the military, assholery in bureocracy, and we all know that Lecturer Playdon knows fully well what he's doing at all times.) Fian is as helpful and understanding as ever, and there is still no triangle (THANK YOU!).
The alien thing is sitting there, waiting, and tbh, I kinda lost interest. Which is not due to faults in plotting, but rather down to me and my love for politics. And there is A LOT of politics in this book. The reader learns more and more about the world, especially about Jarra's heritage in Beta sector. And there is a lot of political intrigue, and when Jarra mentioned that she had completely forgotten about the alien box, I had as well.
Then something happened with the alien thing, and more politics in between, and then there's the ending; final and well-rounded, but also open to the future, and I like it. I like imagining what might happen next.
But mostly I just really loved the politics :).
May 10, 2017
This series is so original and amazing! I love it!
Jarra started off pretty annoying with her know-it-all attitude, but she changed and grew. Fian started out pretty white-bread, but turned in to an awesome and strong leading man in this book. But, I think all of the side characters were also really compelling. I love Rono, of course, and wish the band played more. Raven was a great addition to this book and I wish there was a whole book dedicated to his story.
The Adonis Knights? More, please!
I also feel like there were several other storylines that could benefit from another book.
Jarra started off pretty annoying with her know-it-all attitude, but she changed and grew. Fian started out pretty white-bread, but turned in to an awesome and strong leading man in this book. But, I think all of the side characters were also really compelling. I love Rono, of course, and wish the band played more. Raven was a great addition to this book and I wish there was a whole book dedicated to his story.
The Adonis Knights? More, please!
I also feel like there were several other storylines that could benefit from another book.
July 13, 2015
I had never heard of this trilogy. In fact, I did not know that this was the final book in this trilogy until I went to read it. Which does somewhat account for the lack of action in this book. Yet, at the same time as I see this book being the final one I would expect more action then there was portrayed in this book. Nothing really happened until the last half of the story. However what did keep me reading was the world and the characters, particularly Jarra and Fian. They were evenly matched both as a couple and as fighters. With this series, the author shows that not all space themed books are kooky and far-fetched. They can really be good and make you believe that there could be other life out there.
March 10, 2017
WARNINGS: Ableism .
August 14, 2017
This was just tremendous. I cried at the end, again and again. While riding in a tram. And not even giving a fuck. It was just so stirring.
To all of you who loved the previous books: Buy this now and schedule a day off to read it in one go. This book does not let you stop reading it, it's just too gripping. Too epic. Too romantic -- romance in the sense of being an epic sci-fi adventure here as well as a great love story as a by-the-by. You will love it and you won't complain about slow pacing in this one (not that that bothered me in the previous books, but it did some of you).
Shit gets real in this instalment and reality ensues. The political and social implications of what Jarra did sofar and all that happens next are played out. Earth is put in the intergalactic spotlight and more and more people want it to be democratised and recognised as a member planet of Alpha sector. The light show from book two is scrutinized and does finally give our protagonists a pointer to a certain star system. What it means to be Handicapped changes forever, and a new Earth Flight commences.
I love how much characters, and also sectors, planets, newzie channels, clans and all kinds of assorted factions grow in this book.
Jarra is now a super star, and a symbol for all of Earth. She is the Earth Girl. Just like Amalie now represents Epsilon sector, whether they like this or not.
Being now so prominent unfortunately leads to opposition too, and this group does not shy away from using violence against Jarra because they know she will get the intergalactic community on her side more and more because she walks her talk and she puts a spotlight on issues ignored for far too many centuries.
Fian is even more mature than he already was and does a commendable job in supporting Jarra in the face of terrifying circumstances.
Jarra ships Dalmora/Drago and an even unlikelier ship becomes canon.
Playdon and Petra are further humanized in completely unexpected ways. Petra is basically an Alas, Poor Tragic Villain at this point :(.
Candace speaks for Earth and masterfully, gut-wrenchingly distils the passionate anger at their centuries-long mistreatment.
The heir of the old Emperors shows just how utterly worthy he is of his heritage.
But of course, all of these mere mortals bow to the true hero of this book -- Cheese Fluffle, hailz you! ;)
I like how the military does not shy away from breaking all kinds of laws under First Contact powers here and is portrayed as more ambivalent than before. Seeing what they are up against and what's at stake I am a hundred percent with them and say that in what they do in this book, the end does justify the means and they did the right things for the right reasons.
Dear Janet Edwards. thank you for writing this my favourite YA trilogy and my favourite sci-fi trilogy :). I would love a sequel (series?), but I am also ready to read anything you write after this. I hope this wonderful series finds a a far bigger audience it deserves as time goes on, just like Jarra did :). I cried happy tears in the tram, I cried them walking home, and I didn't even care because that was simply the warranted reaction to having to say goodbye to all of this and to all those wonderful moments at the end. Also, please visit a German con at some point, would love you to autograph, er, my Kindle I guess? :D
P.S.: The only thing that was missing from this book was the expression on Fian's dad's face after what happened at the end >:D.
P.P.S.: I want to go to the place they hunkered down in during the solar storm so bad. That just sounds amaz and I would be so powered to witness a sunrise there! :D
P.P.S.: I really like how matter-of-factly queer-friendly this universe is, but it's just prude. Even Betans despise adultery and Jarra and Fian won't share a room when not Twoing? Polyamoury is only allowed for triads. Seriously? It's completely unbelievable that people would be so uptight almost eight hundred years from now, especially when overpopulation is virtually impossible and contraception and fighting STDs is probably leaps and bounds better than what we have today. I wonder if this was pushed on the author by the publisher?
To all of you who loved the previous books: Buy this now and schedule a day off to read it in one go. This book does not let you stop reading it, it's just too gripping. Too epic. Too romantic -- romance in the sense of being an epic sci-fi adventure here as well as a great love story as a by-the-by. You will love it and you won't complain about slow pacing in this one (not that that bothered me in the previous books, but it did some of you).
Shit gets real in this instalment and reality ensues. The political and social implications of what Jarra did sofar and all that happens next are played out. Earth is put in the intergalactic spotlight and more and more people want it to be democratised and recognised as a member planet of Alpha sector. The light show from book two is scrutinized and does finally give our protagonists a pointer to a certain star system. What it means to be Handicapped changes forever, and a new Earth Flight commences.
I love how much characters, and also sectors, planets, newzie channels, clans and all kinds of assorted factions grow in this book.
Jarra is now a super star, and a symbol for all of Earth. She is the Earth Girl. Just like Amalie now represents Epsilon sector, whether they like this or not.
Being now so prominent unfortunately leads to opposition too, and this group does not shy away from using violence against Jarra because they know she will get the intergalactic community on her side more and more because she walks her talk and she puts a spotlight on issues ignored for far too many centuries.
Fian is even more mature than he already was and does a commendable job in supporting Jarra in the face of terrifying circumstances.
Jarra ships Dalmora/Drago and an even unlikelier ship becomes canon.
Playdon and Petra are further humanized in completely unexpected ways. Petra is basically an Alas, Poor Tragic Villain at this point :(.
Candace speaks for Earth and masterfully, gut-wrenchingly distils the passionate anger at their centuries-long mistreatment.
The heir of the old Emperors shows just how utterly worthy he is of his heritage.
But of course, all of these mere mortals bow to the true hero of this book -- Cheese Fluffle, hailz you! ;)
I like how the military does not shy away from breaking all kinds of laws under First Contact powers here and is portrayed as more ambivalent than before. Seeing what they are up against and what's at stake I am a hundred percent with them and say that in what they do in this book, the end does justify the means and they did the right things for the right reasons.
Dear Janet Edwards. thank you for writing this my favourite YA trilogy and my favourite sci-fi trilogy :). I would love a sequel (series?), but I am also ready to read anything you write after this. I hope this wonderful series finds a a far bigger audience it deserves as time goes on, just like Jarra did :). I cried happy tears in the tram, I cried them walking home, and I didn't even care because that was simply the warranted reaction to having to say goodbye to all of this and to all those wonderful moments at the end. Also, please visit a German con at some point, would love you to autograph, er, my Kindle I guess? :D
P.S.: The only thing that was missing from this book was the expression on Fian's dad's face after what happened at the end >:D.
P.P.S.: I want to go to the place they hunkered down in during the solar storm so bad. That just sounds amaz and I would be so powered to witness a sunrise there! :D
P.P.S.: I really like how matter-of-factly queer-friendly this universe is, but it's just prude. Even Betans despise adultery and Jarra and Fian won't share a room when not Twoing? Polyamoury is only allowed for triads. Seriously? It's completely unbelievable that people would be so uptight almost eight hundred years from now, especially when overpopulation is virtually impossible and contraception and fighting STDs is probably leaps and bounds better than what we have today. I wonder if this was pushed on the author by the publisher?
January 9, 2015
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Another series completed. Though I haven’t ever found the intense love I had with the novel Earth Girl, I’m glad that I read this series, and I’ll definitely be keeping it on my shelves, because these UK covers are gorgeous. Earth Flight is a good ending to the series, consistent in quality with Earth Star. These are great science fiction novels that probably deserve a much larger readership, but I also had some issues with the writing that impacted my enjoyment.
As I mentioned in my review of Earth Star, I cannot even with all of the exclamation points in the first person narration. Exclamation points should be used sparingly! Otherwise, they lose their impact! And just make the character seem stupid! Also, there are a ton of comma splices in this book. I suppose they could be stylistic, but what is the purpose of hurting my brain? These factors, particularly the exclamation points, kept me from connecting. The thing is that I always feel like exclamation points are meant to make the character feel more life-like, but they only highlight the artificiality for me. If the character is well-drawn enough, I’ll know if they’re excited or scared or sarcastic without an exclamation point. Plus, in this case, I frequently couldn’t immediately tell if it was an excited or terrified or shocked or whatever exclamation point.
Another thing that I still don’t like is the frame that each of these books is a novel that Jarra herself wrote. I’m sure it’s not the case for everyone, but I really hate that trope. Again, it’s a technique meant to make the novel more real, but for me it only makes everything feel more fake. Obviously Jarra didn’t write this book. It’s also really not important to the plot for her to have done so. That’s problematic but also helped, because it really only comes up once or twice a book.
However, I do still think that the plotting is good. Though I didn’t love the alien contact element that came in with book two, it resolves really well in Earth Flight. I expected something dramatic like a Hollywood film on aliens and, though I won’t say what happened, it definitely wasn’t that. The outcome wasn’t what I expected and for that I’m grateful.
I also like the resolution of the political status of Earth. Though the futuristic society as a whole isn’t dystopian, the treatment of Earth certainly qualified. Unlike most dystopias, it’s not a revolution, but political maneuverings that change things. Working from within the system was a really different angle. Jarra’s used as a symbol for much of this and it’s pretty cool that she doesn’t really mind that. For her, it’s worth the danger to try to help the other earthbound people.
The romances in the books are well-handled and resist tropes. There are gay and lesbian couples mentioned, as well as triad marriages. That’s one of the things I love most about the series. Though various cultures have different rules about marriage and pre-marital sex, other things scarcely have a stigma anymore. The series also steers clear of stereotypical gender roles in relationships.
I’m a bit disappointed that I didn’t fall head over heels with these two like I did with Earth Girl, but I still recommend them for science fiction readers. In fact, I’ll be loaning them to my parents, and I suspect my dad will love Jarra’s adventures.
Another series completed. Though I haven’t ever found the intense love I had with the novel Earth Girl, I’m glad that I read this series, and I’ll definitely be keeping it on my shelves, because these UK covers are gorgeous. Earth Flight is a good ending to the series, consistent in quality with Earth Star. These are great science fiction novels that probably deserve a much larger readership, but I also had some issues with the writing that impacted my enjoyment.
As I mentioned in my review of Earth Star, I cannot even with all of the exclamation points in the first person narration. Exclamation points should be used sparingly! Otherwise, they lose their impact! And just make the character seem stupid! Also, there are a ton of comma splices in this book. I suppose they could be stylistic, but what is the purpose of hurting my brain? These factors, particularly the exclamation points, kept me from connecting. The thing is that I always feel like exclamation points are meant to make the character feel more life-like, but they only highlight the artificiality for me. If the character is well-drawn enough, I’ll know if they’re excited or scared or sarcastic without an exclamation point. Plus, in this case, I frequently couldn’t immediately tell if it was an excited or terrified or shocked or whatever exclamation point.
Another thing that I still don’t like is the frame that each of these books is a novel that Jarra herself wrote. I’m sure it’s not the case for everyone, but I really hate that trope. Again, it’s a technique meant to make the novel more real, but for me it only makes everything feel more fake. Obviously Jarra didn’t write this book. It’s also really not important to the plot for her to have done so. That’s problematic but also helped, because it really only comes up once or twice a book.
However, I do still think that the plotting is good. Though I didn’t love the alien contact element that came in with book two, it resolves really well in Earth Flight. I expected something dramatic like a Hollywood film on aliens and, though I won’t say what happened, it definitely wasn’t that. The outcome wasn’t what I expected and for that I’m grateful.
I also like the resolution of the political status of Earth. Though the futuristic society as a whole isn’t dystopian, the treatment of Earth certainly qualified. Unlike most dystopias, it’s not a revolution, but political maneuverings that change things. Working from within the system was a really different angle. Jarra’s used as a symbol for much of this and it’s pretty cool that she doesn’t really mind that. For her, it’s worth the danger to try to help the other earthbound people.
The romances in the books are well-handled and resist tropes. There are gay and lesbian couples mentioned, as well as triad marriages. That’s one of the things I love most about the series. Though various cultures have different rules about marriage and pre-marital sex, other things scarcely have a stigma anymore. The series also steers clear of stereotypical gender roles in relationships.
I’m a bit disappointed that I didn’t fall head over heels with these two like I did with Earth Girl, but I still recommend them for science fiction readers. In fact, I’ll be loaning them to my parents, and I suspect my dad will love Jarra’s adventures.
July 5, 2015
Earth Flight was my most anticipated series ender. While I did enjoy it a lot, I'm also a bit disappointed. I'm also just sad that it's over, because I want more! With that ending, there could totally be more! Not that the ending is open; it's not. It's just that I want to learn more about Jarra's next adventure and her second year as a History student! Anyway. Things pick up soon after Jarra and Fian activated the alien probe. Now all there really is to do is wait for the experts to translate. At least until prejudice causes people to throw all kinds of obstacles (and liquids) at Jarra for being "handicapped."
Earth Flight really goes deep into the laws and politics of this future. I found this endlessly interesting, but also felt like it really bloated the story a bit. Every possible thing from Jarra's past, no matter how inconsequential, is being picked apart to keep her from getting what she wants. She's been invited to join her Beta clan, there's her relationship with Fian, her Military status, and her involvement with the alien contact program. It's just one thing after the other, and we get all of the details. It is a bit much, but I do like this detailed world building. Even if I wanted to get on with the aliens!!!
Aside from Jarra's legal troubles, politics are a large part of the plot. Particularly the rights of those who live on Earth or are connected to someone who lives on Earth. Jarra is facing a lot of hate and those who want to tear her down are also messing up the rights for the rest of Earth's inhabitants and their families. So there's a lot of reform going on, and planets having to vote, and Jarra being the poster child for all kinds of changes (which she does not want to be). The universe is changing!
There's a lot going on in Earth Flight. I enjoyed it overall, but I do think that maybe there was too much happening. I wish there had been a lot more about the aliens. Jarra comes up with this theory out of nowhere and suddenly things are happening, instead of a gradual build up. I really wasn't expecting what came of all this, so I liked that. It did make me want more though, like I said. There's so much more for Jarra and Fian! I'll miss them!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Earth Flight really goes deep into the laws and politics of this future. I found this endlessly interesting, but also felt like it really bloated the story a bit. Every possible thing from Jarra's past, no matter how inconsequential, is being picked apart to keep her from getting what she wants. She's been invited to join her Beta clan, there's her relationship with Fian, her Military status, and her involvement with the alien contact program. It's just one thing after the other, and we get all of the details. It is a bit much, but I do like this detailed world building. Even if I wanted to get on with the aliens!!!
Aside from Jarra's legal troubles, politics are a large part of the plot. Particularly the rights of those who live on Earth or are connected to someone who lives on Earth. Jarra is facing a lot of hate and those who want to tear her down are also messing up the rights for the rest of Earth's inhabitants and their families. So there's a lot of reform going on, and planets having to vote, and Jarra being the poster child for all kinds of changes (which she does not want to be). The universe is changing!
There's a lot going on in Earth Flight. I enjoyed it overall, but I do think that maybe there was too much happening. I wish there had been a lot more about the aliens. Jarra comes up with this theory out of nowhere and suddenly things are happening, instead of a gradual build up. I really wasn't expecting what came of all this, so I liked that. It did make me want more though, like I said. There's so much more for Jarra and Fian! I'll miss them!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
June 13, 2021
'University Asgard is obviously scared to death of you, Jarra.'
After a bit of a lacking second book, this third one tries to make things right, and it mostly succeeds. Fian is slightly less annoying, Jarra doesn't undergo such a perfect-ing image change as in Book 2, and one other irritating character is shipped off somewhere in the middle of the book.
However, the thing that made Book 1 so special to me - the lack of very SF-y stuff and the inclusion of history - is not brought back and that's a bit of a shame. Sure, aliens are fun, but they're not as original. The amount of history, archaeology and digging was already considerably less in Book 2, but is even more downsized here. Hardly anything remains, and that truly is a missed opportunity if you ask me.
On the other hand, we're given even more insight in the sectors and politics of the world, which is a good thing. It makes for, overall, a good story, with again some major plottwists and such.
The importance of characters such as Dalmora, Krath, Amalie and even Playdon is heavily lessened as well. They are present for some smaller parts in the book, but they're never really part of the story. Furthermore, personally, I've always wanted a good interaction between Jarra and Dalmora in particular, because I do think that would make for some interesting, emotional and good reading - it never happens, though, another missed chance for me.
Basically, this one's better than the second book, but the trilogy was at it height right at the beginning.
7.5/10
Average rating for the series: 7.8/10
After a bit of a lacking second book, this third one tries to make things right, and it mostly succeeds. Fian is slightly less annoying, Jarra doesn't undergo such a perfect-ing image change as in Book 2, and one other irritating character is shipped off somewhere in the middle of the book.
However, the thing that made Book 1 so special to me - the lack of very SF-y stuff and the inclusion of history - is not brought back and that's a bit of a shame. Sure, aliens are fun, but they're not as original. The amount of history, archaeology and digging was already considerably less in Book 2, but is even more downsized here. Hardly anything remains, and that truly is a missed opportunity if you ask me.
On the other hand, we're given even more insight in the sectors and politics of the world, which is a good thing. It makes for, overall, a good story, with again some major plottwists and such.
The importance of characters such as Dalmora, Krath, Amalie and even Playdon is heavily lessened as well. They are present for some smaller parts in the book, but they're never really part of the story. Furthermore, personally, I've always wanted a good interaction between Jarra and Dalmora in particular, because I do think that would make for some interesting, emotional and good reading - it never happens, though, another missed chance for me.
Basically, this one's better than the second book, but the trilogy was at it height right at the beginning.
7.5/10
Average rating for the series: 7.8/10
January 4, 2015
omg, omg, omg, omg!
What an amazing cover! I can't wait!
Simply can't get over the first two books, so utterly zan. Can't wait to see what new trouble Jarra can discover . . .
Forget Portals, I'm with Jarra, I want a time machine so I can skip forward and grab this book!
----
Once again, Janet gives us a YA story that is somehow so different from everything else that's out there and perfectly combines the first two books into one totally zan story. There is something so special about this series and out of the hundreds of books I've read, this trilogy is in the top 5.
So do yourself a favour, and read it.
I am so sad that the series is finished, because Jarra is one of those characters who you know is just going to keep having adventures her whole life. I will just have to use my imagination and wait patiently (not) for Janet's next work of art.
What an amazing cover! I can't wait!
Simply can't get over the first two books, so utterly zan. Can't wait to see what new trouble Jarra can discover . . .
Forget Portals, I'm with Jarra, I want a time machine so I can skip forward and grab this book!
----
Once again, Janet gives us a YA story that is somehow so different from everything else that's out there and perfectly combines the first two books into one totally zan story. There is something so special about this series and out of the hundreds of books I've read, this trilogy is in the top 5.
So do yourself a favour, and read it.
I am so sad that the series is finished, because Jarra is one of those characters who you know is just going to keep having adventures her whole life. I will just have to use my imagination and wait patiently (not) for Janet's next work of art.
October 9, 2015
A fine series comes to a satisfying and genuinely touching conclusion. When I found out what the earth flight actually was, I (like Jarra, the feisty young MC) actually had tears in my eyes. This, in a book with lots of action and mysterious twists and turns. I would like to know more about the aliens, so I certainly wouldn't object to a fourth book, if Ms. Edwards wants to write it! But, if not, I was pleased with both the action and the character development here. One thing that happens toward the end may make Jarra seem a bit too much of a Mary Sue to some readers, but I truly didn't mind. After all, she isn't always right, doesn't have - or gain - any superpowers, and is a genuinely good-hearted and brave young woman.
I could say more about this book, but I'll wait awhile. "Hard" SF with a warm heart and a positive spirit that should appeal to boys and girls alike.
I could say more about this book, but I'll wait awhile. "Hard" SF with a warm heart and a positive spirit that should appeal to boys and girls alike.
May 17, 2015
Fantastic ending to the trilogy. It helps that each book grows the universe exponentially, so that the scale of the story and the stakes keep ramping up. On top of which, the character both new and old remain just delightful. I want a 24 season tv show adaptation stat! Wholly satisfying for sci-fi or romance or ya readers alike.
April 25, 2017
SUCH a good ending to the series. I appreciated how Edwards was able to wrap up the main plot line without resorting to cliches or sci-fi weirdness. I don't, however, approve of this being the final Jarra book. I want to know what happens next!!
July 6, 2015
Finished in one travel day! Earth Flight is a great conclusion and I love how positive and supportive this series is while still tackling tough issues. Earth Flight does have a strangeness with two distinct plots, but still enjoyable. Now I need a spinoff series though....
July 18, 2015
Special Snowflake saves underclass from underclass status by being a Special Snowflake. With a hot boyfriend.
August 20, 2019
This is not going to be a good review, I know. Nope, I'm not giving you information on the plot of this series or looking at it with academical eyes. Yes, I'm just dumping my thoughts here in case someone is interested in reading them. So, if you want to read my personal opinions about these books, read on.
I was so caught up in reading this book that I didn't even have time to update my progress on here in the middle - now I'm just here, writing this final review, with mixed feelings.
One thing is clear, though: Earth Girl has successfully made me a fan.
And that's exactly what I wanted, when I was reading the first book. I was desperate to like the series, to find something to hype me up. I wanted such a good world to have a good plot and a good story, and despite not having too much faith in it after the first book, the second and third books really gave those to me.
Now that I finished the trilogy, I feel empty. Chaos take it, I have no idea of what to do with my life now! (Yes, I do, I'm going to work on my own novel. But that wasn't my point, my point is that I would very gladly read even more about Jarra and the others.)
Like every book I read, also this book taught me something - not only about life and facts in general, but also about writing. That is an excellent sign. A book is good, when I start feeling like I couldn't write it better or come up with a better plot.
I have seen many people giving loads of critique on Jarra and no, even in this third review I am not going to hate on her. After being so annoyed and scared and amused and relieved for her, even crying at some points, I can't bring myself to do it. She is not a perfect character, but she certainly has some depth and now she deserves a break. I'm the one who won't praise her to the skies, but won't drag her down either. I like her, but acknowledge her and the story's faults. Y'all know, if the main character is way too ordinary, there is no reason for them to be the main character.
So anyway, the plot was getting actually good in the third book, surprising me, having excellent foreshadowing and revealing such cool stuff about the plot like wow, it was well planned and an enjoyable read where I finally felt that it was the author who had the upper hand, not me.
I have so many thoughts on these books that I'm not sure if I'm going to put into words right here - only because I'm afraid I would only bore you all with those.
So, now I only have two things to say:
1. Cheese fluffle!! I'd give so much just to get one bite of it.
2. Drago Tell Dramis has successfully captured my heart and I adore both his personality and his name.
Thank you, dear possible reader, Janet Edwards, Earth Girl. I have now spoken.
I was so caught up in reading this book that I didn't even have time to update my progress on here in the middle - now I'm just here, writing this final review, with mixed feelings.
One thing is clear, though: Earth Girl has successfully made me a fan.
And that's exactly what I wanted, when I was reading the first book. I was desperate to like the series, to find something to hype me up. I wanted such a good world to have a good plot and a good story, and despite not having too much faith in it after the first book, the second and third books really gave those to me.
Now that I finished the trilogy, I feel empty. Chaos take it, I have no idea of what to do with my life now! (Yes, I do, I'm going to work on my own novel. But that wasn't my point, my point is that I would very gladly read even more about Jarra and the others.)
Like every book I read, also this book taught me something - not only about life and facts in general, but also about writing. That is an excellent sign. A book is good, when I start feeling like I couldn't write it better or come up with a better plot.
I have seen many people giving loads of critique on Jarra and no, even in this third review I am not going to hate on her. After being so annoyed and scared and amused and relieved for her, even crying at some points, I can't bring myself to do it. She is not a perfect character, but she certainly has some depth and now she deserves a break. I'm the one who won't praise her to the skies, but won't drag her down either. I like her, but acknowledge her and the story's faults. Y'all know, if the main character is way too ordinary, there is no reason for them to be the main character.
So anyway, the plot was getting actually good in the third book, surprising me, having excellent foreshadowing and revealing such cool stuff about the plot like wow, it was well planned and an enjoyable read where I finally felt that it was the author who had the upper hand, not me.
I have so many thoughts on these books that I'm not sure if I'm going to put into words right here - only because I'm afraid I would only bore you all with those.
So, now I only have two things to say:
1. Cheese fluffle!! I'd give so much just to get one bite of it.
2. Drago Tell Dramis has successfully captured my heart and I adore both his personality and his name.
Thank you, dear possible reader, Janet Edwards, Earth Girl. I have now spoken.
April 29, 2015
gonna talk about all three books at once bec i read them back to back fast enough for it to feel like one volume and to be honest their plots were so...indistinctive that they can easily be seen as one mess, and not three.
(sidenote: star ratings are heard to use here esp. with goodreads' *very helpful* signifiers that 2 stars = 'it was okay' and 3 stars = 'i liked it'. well. *did* i like it? most of the time for books i go from 0 to 20 to 500, aka either i'm really indifferent and will have probably forgotten all the characters' names in a week; or i liked it reasonably/was intrigued by certain things; or i really fucking loved it; or i really fucking loved part of it/the idea of it but detested the rest. so it's complicated and star ratings don't fucking work because the equivalenceof ratings amogst books just isn't there.)
for this series, i was hyped because of some things i saw on tumblr, tho i should have been warned by their tone and the general bulletpointing niche-interest-dropping yelling-in-your-face listing that they did that i would likely be super into the *form* of the book, but let down completely by the substance. and i was. tumblr likes to go on about hyping books that are 10/10 for REPRESENTATION and DIVERSITY and TUMBLR NICHE INTERESTS which THEORETICALLY SOUNDS AWESOME, but it is always always at the expense of. actual good writing. actual good storytelling. i actually want to read books that are GOOD.
(some of it comes back to the star ratings system. i like plenty of books because of the unique writing style; or the amazing worldbuilding; or the politics explored; or the character development ((most of the time it's this, really.)) it's dumb to judge books based on 'good' or 'bad' when i can enjoy two different books for several completely unrelated reasons. well i would have given 5 stars to the ideal of this series, but like a solid 2 or even 1 for execution tbh.)
1. the voice was flat as fuck. im ok with sparse, even clinical writing that is simply like that because of the writer, and not because of stylistic reasons. sure, it makes reading a lil boring but most of the time the book makes up in other ways (see: the goblin emperor). in earth girl, literally every single character sounded like every other single character. there was no distinguishable way to tell them apart wtf! all their dialogue were as if fucking siri composed them and spat them out. everything was EXPOSITION, and explanation, and i was just...this is not how normal humans talk!!!!!!!!!!! even jarra's headspace was like what the brain of a macbook might look like. flat. flat. flat. there was no emotion sparking off the page.
2. repetition. linked problem with the exposition. you just end up repeating loads of boring tripe that everyone knows already. no one cares. why do i care? i don't. for example, the idea of pre-history is actually really interesting and there could be so much potential worldbuilding awesomeness but there wasn't because of the fucking exposition. everything was spelled out and i was just, 'ok. got it. quite cool.' ?????
3. tumblr hypes it for subverting the rich queenbee trope that dalmora represents. im sorry, what? there is no subversion; it is literally jarra going from 'omg privileged gurl!!!! hate!!!' to 'hey maybe she wasn't so bad after all' within the span of like 10 pages once she sees dalmora being 'genuinely nice'. i have no idea what that looks like because i was literally just told, she was being 'genuinely nice' after she asks concernedly about jarra. somehow this is very clear to jarra, who loses her suspicions and prejudices completely and convincingly. same with all the other characters. all right, it's quite cute that fian is a complete sub, and krath goes from fuckboy to softbro, but it just happened?? on the page?? and the reader just accepts it because hey im actually being spoonfed this shit, it's THE TEXT, you can't run away from the text, or hide from it. and edwards' writing is so literally TEXTUAL there is no subtext to glean ANYTHING from.
4. bro, name-dropping characters that are disabled/lgbt doesn't mean SHIT if you don't actually DEAL WITH ANY OF REAL CONSEQUENCES OF IT. you can't just be like, hey, in the future poly marriage is ok and no one is homophobic anymore! that's lazy af. like, the disabled ape/throwback angle is pretty okay i guess, but it's so simplistic and again im literally just told WHY and HOW this ableism works without being made to process it as a reader. the lgbt thing is stretching it honestly. rono and keren are gay but their rs is mentioned in three lines?? in the whole series.
5. tumblr just lied about the space threesomes. raven and jarra and fian? im cheated. fuck this.
6. idrc about plot itself bec i can sustain myself on characters alone but lemme just say, the plotty arc for this was so fucking weird??? like, you got this alien artefact and you destroy the tension that the alien civilization, AND THE ALIEN CIVILIZATION ITSELF, in two pages, and everyone lives happily ever after basically. what kind of a narrative mess.
why'd give it 2 stars? idk. i think it deserves 1 actually; it was just a really quick and easy time-filler for my brain to rest before diving into something more fulfilling. an extra star for the ideal of it. execution failed, imo, but the ideal. mhm. the ideal. if only.
(perhaps more mad at tumblr for getting me excited and making me read this shit than at the books itself bec i sure as hell would never have picked them up otherwise.)
(sidenote: star ratings are heard to use here esp. with goodreads' *very helpful* signifiers that 2 stars = 'it was okay' and 3 stars = 'i liked it'. well. *did* i like it? most of the time for books i go from 0 to 20 to 500, aka either i'm really indifferent and will have probably forgotten all the characters' names in a week; or i liked it reasonably/was intrigued by certain things; or i really fucking loved it; or i really fucking loved part of it/the idea of it but detested the rest. so it's complicated and star ratings don't fucking work because the equivalenceof ratings amogst books just isn't there.)
for this series, i was hyped because of some things i saw on tumblr, tho i should have been warned by their tone and the general bulletpointing niche-interest-dropping yelling-in-your-face listing that they did that i would likely be super into the *form* of the book, but let down completely by the substance. and i was. tumblr likes to go on about hyping books that are 10/10 for REPRESENTATION and DIVERSITY and TUMBLR NICHE INTERESTS which THEORETICALLY SOUNDS AWESOME, but it is always always at the expense of. actual good writing. actual good storytelling. i actually want to read books that are GOOD.
(some of it comes back to the star ratings system. i like plenty of books because of the unique writing style; or the amazing worldbuilding; or the politics explored; or the character development ((most of the time it's this, really.)) it's dumb to judge books based on 'good' or 'bad' when i can enjoy two different books for several completely unrelated reasons. well i would have given 5 stars to the ideal of this series, but like a solid 2 or even 1 for execution tbh.)
1. the voice was flat as fuck. im ok with sparse, even clinical writing that is simply like that because of the writer, and not because of stylistic reasons. sure, it makes reading a lil boring but most of the time the book makes up in other ways (see: the goblin emperor). in earth girl, literally every single character sounded like every other single character. there was no distinguishable way to tell them apart wtf! all their dialogue were as if fucking siri composed them and spat them out. everything was EXPOSITION, and explanation, and i was just...this is not how normal humans talk!!!!!!!!!!! even jarra's headspace was like what the brain of a macbook might look like. flat. flat. flat. there was no emotion sparking off the page.
2. repetition. linked problem with the exposition. you just end up repeating loads of boring tripe that everyone knows already. no one cares. why do i care? i don't. for example, the idea of pre-history is actually really interesting and there could be so much potential worldbuilding awesomeness but there wasn't because of the fucking exposition. everything was spelled out and i was just, 'ok. got it. quite cool.' ?????
3. tumblr hypes it for subverting the rich queenbee trope that dalmora represents. im sorry, what? there is no subversion; it is literally jarra going from 'omg privileged gurl!!!! hate!!!' to 'hey maybe she wasn't so bad after all' within the span of like 10 pages once she sees dalmora being 'genuinely nice'. i have no idea what that looks like because i was literally just told, she was being 'genuinely nice' after she asks concernedly about jarra. somehow this is very clear to jarra, who loses her suspicions and prejudices completely and convincingly. same with all the other characters. all right, it's quite cute that fian is a complete sub, and krath goes from fuckboy to softbro, but it just happened?? on the page?? and the reader just accepts it because hey im actually being spoonfed this shit, it's THE TEXT, you can't run away from the text, or hide from it. and edwards' writing is so literally TEXTUAL there is no subtext to glean ANYTHING from.
4. bro, name-dropping characters that are disabled/lgbt doesn't mean SHIT if you don't actually DEAL WITH ANY OF REAL CONSEQUENCES OF IT. you can't just be like, hey, in the future poly marriage is ok and no one is homophobic anymore! that's lazy af. like, the disabled ape/throwback angle is pretty okay i guess, but it's so simplistic and again im literally just told WHY and HOW this ableism works without being made to process it as a reader. the lgbt thing is stretching it honestly. rono and keren are gay but their rs is mentioned in three lines?? in the whole series.
5. tumblr just lied about the space threesomes. raven and jarra and fian? im cheated. fuck this.
6. idrc about plot itself bec i can sustain myself on characters alone but lemme just say, the plotty arc for this was so fucking weird??? like, you got this alien artefact and you destroy the tension that the alien civilization, AND THE ALIEN CIVILIZATION ITSELF, in two pages, and everyone lives happily ever after basically. what kind of a narrative mess.
why'd give it 2 stars? idk. i think it deserves 1 actually; it was just a really quick and easy time-filler for my brain to rest before diving into something more fulfilling. an extra star for the ideal of it. execution failed, imo, but the ideal. mhm. the ideal. if only.
(perhaps more mad at tumblr for getting me excited and making me read this shit than at the books itself bec i sure as hell would never have picked them up otherwise.)
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