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Code Vessel:
They wanted her to be an incubator, she decided to become a weapon.
As a station-born war orphan, Fianna Callan has never had choices. She didn't choose to have her independent space station colonized, she didn't choose to be a woman who was only valued for her womb, and she definitely didn't choose to be forced into the matchmaking program, where she would have to take a husband and bear his children within the year. A lifelong battle with PCOS wasn't enough to save her from her obligations to the state
When war comes to her colony, and a new enemy weapon leaves her home destroyed and her brother in a coma, a draft notice gives her two options: She could continue to accept her life as a vessel for childbirth, or she could disguise as her brother and take his place at an elite war academy, where the soldiers are taught to pilot giant humanoid robots known as Shinkas. Without another thought, she cuts off her hair and gets on the first transport to the capital on Saturn.
But an Elite War Academy is anything but a walk among the stars, and she quickly finds herself in over her head between Elio, her Saturn-born dorm mate who immediately distrusts her and makes her life hell, Sebastian, the over achieving son of a General and her new squadron leader who has no time for her physical inadequacy, and Breaker, her sunshiny mentor who gives her only bad advice. She refuses to give up, no matter how high the odds are stacked against her, and when she's able to synchronize with a Shinka for the first time, everyone quickly discovers that her bench press weight wasn't a predictor for her ability to dole out mass destruction
Only, her affinity for controlling these humanoid mechanized weapons isn't natural, and there's far more to the plight of war orphans in the Democratic Territories of Mictlan than any of them ever imagined
Mulan set in space, mixing the large humanoid mechs of Mobile Suit Gundam with the dystopian backdrop of Handmaid's Tale, Code Vessel is a Romantic Space Opera with multiple love interests, told from all POVs, and an adventurous tale of epic proportions. If you enjoyed the war academy of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, with the sarcastic humor of Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas, and the Dystopian Enemies to Lovers arc of Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe, all in the fashion of a Star Wars style space opera, you'll love the high stakes and action packed world of Code Vessel
As a station-born war orphan, Fianna Callan has never had choices. She didn't choose to have her independent space station colonized, she didn't choose to be a woman who was only valued for her womb, and she definitely didn't choose to be forced into the matchmaking program, where she would have to take a husband and bear his children within the year. A lifelong battle with PCOS wasn't enough to save her from her obligations to the state
When war comes to her colony, and a new enemy weapon leaves her home destroyed and her brother in a coma, a draft notice gives her two options: She could continue to accept her life as a vessel for childbirth, or she could disguise as her brother and take his place at an elite war academy, where the soldiers are taught to pilot giant humanoid robots known as Shinkas. Without another thought, she cuts off her hair and gets on the first transport to the capital on Saturn.
But an Elite War Academy is anything but a walk among the stars, and she quickly finds herself in over her head between Elio, her Saturn-born dorm mate who immediately distrusts her and makes her life hell, Sebastian, the over achieving son of a General and her new squadron leader who has no time for her physical inadequacy, and Breaker, her sunshiny mentor who gives her only bad advice. She refuses to give up, no matter how high the odds are stacked against her, and when she's able to synchronize with a Shinka for the first time, everyone quickly discovers that her bench press weight wasn't a predictor for her ability to dole out mass destruction
Only, her affinity for controlling these humanoid mechanized weapons isn't natural, and there's far more to the plight of war orphans in the Democratic Territories of Mictlan than any of them ever imagined
Mulan set in space, mixing the large humanoid mechs of Mobile Suit Gundam with the dystopian backdrop of Handmaid's Tale, Code Vessel is a Romantic Space Opera with multiple love interests, told from all POVs, and an adventurous tale of epic proportions. If you enjoyed the war academy of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, with the sarcastic humor of Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas, and the Dystopian Enemies to Lovers arc of Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe, all in the fashion of a Star Wars style space opera, you'll love the high stakes and action packed world of Code Vessel
- GenresScience Fiction
695 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2026
About the author
Leann Belle
14 books285 followersLeann Belle was born and raised in Los Angeles as an eternal dreamer, a hardcore gamer, and obsessive anime, manga, and JRPG nerd. Having fallen in love with countless villains, she immediately fell in love with the dark side of romance, and her lifelong love affair with Japanese horror and fantasy has heavily influenced her writing style as she crafts vicious and magical worlds.
When she’s not typing away behind her laptop, she’s living out of a tent off the back of her motorcycle on her quest to ride around the world. The wilderness is the best place to catch up on reading, after all!
When she’s not typing away behind her laptop, she’s living out of a tent off the back of her motorcycle on her quest to ride around the world. The wilderness is the best place to catch up on reading, after all!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 3, 2026
You know, so many tropes are having a moment right now but we need more books with the “secret girl” trope. “She’s the Man” is a more recent iteration of this trope and immediately comes to mind. Viola steps into the role of her brother to get what she wants; in this case, more playing time and eventually the chance to beat the boys soccer team.
This book has Fianna, the FMC, pulling a Viola and stepping into the role of her brother, Vann, after he’s seriously injured in an attack and receives an electronic draft notification to report for training to prepare for an upcoming conflict. I do not blame Fianna for doing this. Her future consists of being matched with one or more male citizens with the intent to breed her and contribute to the population. She’s itching on the inside at the thought of giving up her autonomy to pop out babies. I would be, too.
There’s a lot of world building, which is not a bad thing but it slowed me down a little because my ADHD was running rampant and I ended up distracted by multiple other books. But this story is so freaking good! We see Fi modify her appearance and report to Astaroth academy — a males only institution— for training, and we meet Elio, her roommate, Breaker, her student mentor, and Sebastian, a legendary upperclassman. Basic training is rough for Fianna— the cardio, the weightlifting, the close combat sparring.
I don’t want to say anything else about the plot . You should really read this for yourself. But the battle simulation scenes made me feel like I was right there in the simulation, and the banter between “Vann” and Breaker, and “Vann” and Elio, and between Elio, Breaker and Sebastian are just so real that you feel like you’re there when all of these conversations are happening.
I’m gonna need the next book like, STAT, because I need to know what happens next!!
This book has Fianna, the FMC, pulling a Viola and stepping into the role of her brother, Vann, after he’s seriously injured in an attack and receives an electronic draft notification to report for training to prepare for an upcoming conflict. I do not blame Fianna for doing this. Her future consists of being matched with one or more male citizens with the intent to breed her and contribute to the population. She’s itching on the inside at the thought of giving up her autonomy to pop out babies. I would be, too.
There’s a lot of world building, which is not a bad thing but it slowed me down a little because my ADHD was running rampant and I ended up distracted by multiple other books. But this story is so freaking good! We see Fi modify her appearance and report to Astaroth academy — a males only institution— for training, and we meet Elio, her roommate, Breaker, her student mentor, and Sebastian, a legendary upperclassman. Basic training is rough for Fianna— the cardio, the weightlifting, the close combat sparring.
I don’t want to say anything else about the plot . You should really read this for yourself. But the battle simulation scenes made me feel like I was right there in the simulation, and the banter between “Vann” and Breaker, and “Vann” and Elio, and between Elio, Breaker and Sebastian are just so real that you feel like you’re there when all of these conversations are happening.
I’m gonna need the next book like, STAT, because I need to know what happens next!!
July 3, 2026
I’m not an ARC reader and I rarely give books more than 2 stars. I’ve actually been in a serious dry spell for good books in general, despite reading nearly 20 hours a day. Times have been hard.
It’s also been several months since I found a RH book worth finishing.
All this to say that this genuinely is a good book. It desperately needs editing. No RH should be 700 pages. The writing wasn’t bad though, just wordy. It was necessary to do a fair bit of skimming. There are some grammatical errors, but those don’t bother me much.
I really enjoyed the characters. One minor complaint is that there really aren’t any side characters at all. I didn’t really miss them though. The primary characters kept things interesting.
For one thing, we finally have an author who knows how to write an appropriately belligerent male character. You know, that one guy that every RH has, who is a bully and stubborn and hateful for reasons that are rarely justifiable. A RH wouldn’t be very interesting without conflict, but this is usually done so poorly. The male character always goes too far and never has any nuance. It’s lazy writing.
But praise the lord, we have a character who is rationally skeptical and, while he’s a bit unhinged, he’s that way toward everyone. He’s complex enough to add both rage and humor to the story, and the relationship is able to develop in a timely manner. It doesn’t follow the tedious formula of abuse for book 1 and groveling for book 2. I didn’t feel any desire for groveling.
That’s a lot to be said on the subject, but that particular character type has been a pet peeve of mine lately. This one was refreshing.
I love the girl pretending to be a guy trope.
I love sci fi and it is ridiculously difficult to find scifi that isn’t alien smut. I like smut as much as anyone, but it doesn’t replace a plot.
I love mech suit stories and have not yet seen it successfully done in the romance or RH genres.
The humor was pretty excellent
I didn’t feel frustrated at all with the FMC. Not even once. That is really saying something because I’m irrationally judgmental on the subject.
This book is safe, with no current or past OW/OM mentioned specifically.
This last bit has a spoiler.. it isn’t a complaint, just commentary.
I’m not sure I’m okay with Breaker. That ending rubbed me the wrong way, a bit. I get that his side might be the “right” side, but a betrayal is a betrayal. He was responsible for a lot of death, and not all of those people were guilty of anything m. I’m a bit annoyed that the FMC was able to flip on a dime. It’s the only time I felt annoyed with her. I don’t think it was terribly realistic. I’m hoping that there are consequences for all of that in book 2.
Overall, it was really very good and I didn’t want it to end. I honestly can’t remember the last time I went to check on the book percentage and was sad that it was nearly over.
It’s also been several months since I found a RH book worth finishing.
All this to say that this genuinely is a good book. It desperately needs editing. No RH should be 700 pages. The writing wasn’t bad though, just wordy. It was necessary to do a fair bit of skimming. There are some grammatical errors, but those don’t bother me much.
I really enjoyed the characters. One minor complaint is that there really aren’t any side characters at all. I didn’t really miss them though. The primary characters kept things interesting.
For one thing, we finally have an author who knows how to write an appropriately belligerent male character. You know, that one guy that every RH has, who is a bully and stubborn and hateful for reasons that are rarely justifiable. A RH wouldn’t be very interesting without conflict, but this is usually done so poorly. The male character always goes too far and never has any nuance. It’s lazy writing.
But praise the lord, we have a character who is rationally skeptical and, while he’s a bit unhinged, he’s that way toward everyone. He’s complex enough to add both rage and humor to the story, and the relationship is able to develop in a timely manner. It doesn’t follow the tedious formula of abuse for book 1 and groveling for book 2. I didn’t feel any desire for groveling.
That’s a lot to be said on the subject, but that particular character type has been a pet peeve of mine lately. This one was refreshing.
I love the girl pretending to be a guy trope.
I love sci fi and it is ridiculously difficult to find scifi that isn’t alien smut. I like smut as much as anyone, but it doesn’t replace a plot.
I love mech suit stories and have not yet seen it successfully done in the romance or RH genres.
The humor was pretty excellent
I didn’t feel frustrated at all with the FMC. Not even once. That is really saying something because I’m irrationally judgmental on the subject.
This book is safe, with no current or past OW/OM mentioned specifically.
This last bit has a spoiler.. it isn’t a complaint, just commentary.
I’m not sure I’m okay with Breaker. That ending rubbed me the wrong way, a bit. I get that his side might be the “right” side, but a betrayal is a betrayal. He was responsible for a lot of death, and not all of those people were guilty of anything m. I’m a bit annoyed that the FMC was able to flip on a dime. It’s the only time I felt annoyed with her. I don’t think it was terribly realistic. I’m hoping that there are consequences for all of that in book 2.
Overall, it was really very good and I didn’t want it to end. I honestly can’t remember the last time I went to check on the book percentage and was sad that it was nearly over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2026
To be honest, I’ve had this ARC for almost a month now, and the reason why it’s taken me this long to write a review is because…. One of my terrible reading habits is that if I find a book I enjoy and it’s part of a series with an impending cliffhanger, it takes me forever to finish because I’ve been enjoying it so much that I delay finishing it… so sometimes I end up rereading through bits that I powered through (because I’m too eager to know what happens next) and really just waffling on that final chapter because the moment it’s done, well, the book experience is done when I REALLY don’t want it to end just yet.
I’ve read previous books by Leann Belle, but wow… this is in a completely different league from stuff she’s written before. Part of it is just how immensely fun/satisfying the tropes are. Mulan. Deep space. Mech Wars. Dystopian handmaid’s tale vibes. FMC THAT’S AWESOME. Throwback to some of the my favorite video games ever played. You could feel the love she put into the writing process. It shows up in so much of the story. I don’t remember seeing any of her work in the sci-fi genre before, but she really nailed it. It’s not easy to get right.
Also it has to be mentioned - Elio, Breaker and Sebastian? Great MMC’s. There IS some bullying, but if you can push past that, the way it goes from enemies to lovers is incredibly well done. Elio had more of the spotlight here (Sebastian to a lesser extent, but his backstory is definitely one to watch) and I just really appreciated the dynamics between all the characters.
Was it perfect? No, but it was SO MUCH FUN. The book itself is long, but I would’ve been happy to read more of it. So excuse me now while I go tear through Belle’s socials for teasers for book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ve read previous books by Leann Belle, but wow… this is in a completely different league from stuff she’s written before. Part of it is just how immensely fun/satisfying the tropes are. Mulan. Deep space. Mech Wars. Dystopian handmaid’s tale vibes. FMC THAT’S AWESOME. Throwback to some of the my favorite video games ever played. You could feel the love she put into the writing process. It shows up in so much of the story. I don’t remember seeing any of her work in the sci-fi genre before, but she really nailed it. It’s not easy to get right.
Also it has to be mentioned - Elio, Breaker and Sebastian? Great MMC’s. There IS some bullying, but if you can push past that, the way it goes from enemies to lovers is incredibly well done. Elio had more of the spotlight here (Sebastian to a lesser extent, but his backstory is definitely one to watch) and I just really appreciated the dynamics between all the characters.
Was it perfect? No, but it was SO MUCH FUN. The book itself is long, but I would’ve been happy to read more of it. So excuse me now while I go tear through Belle’s socials for teasers for book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2026
I’m a long time fan of Leann Belle. I LOVE her Vicious Wonders series! Which is why there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to read this book as well! But MAN, was I surprised! In the most fantastical way!! This was WAY different than anything of hers I have ever read before, and I am SOOO here for it!!
Fianna was an outstanding, top notch FMC! Leann didn’t portray her as some BA, take no prisoners, nothing can touch me FMC. She was real! She struggled, she had pain, doubt and emotion right from the start! That is very different from most other books. You usually get a woman that can beat up any man or a cute, soft feminine woman. Fianna was the perfect blend of the two!
Sebastian, Elio and Breaker were phenomenal MMCs. Between the three of them, EVERYTHING was covered!! Protective…check, caring…check, mentally stimulating…check!! I adored how each of them brought something to the table that would enrich Fianna’s life!!
So, let’s talk about slow burn…because holy heck, this was the slowest of slow! The last few chapters teased us, but otherwise…ice cold. Good thing the story was enthralling enough to keep my attention!! 😁
This was the most amazing start to a series! The only negative I can think of is that the next book isn’t available yet! Seriously…that is the only bad thing I can think of to say. This was that good!! Now to wait (and nervously chew my fingernails off) for the next book! Join me? 😘
Fianna was an outstanding, top notch FMC! Leann didn’t portray her as some BA, take no prisoners, nothing can touch me FMC. She was real! She struggled, she had pain, doubt and emotion right from the start! That is very different from most other books. You usually get a woman that can beat up any man or a cute, soft feminine woman. Fianna was the perfect blend of the two!
Sebastian, Elio and Breaker were phenomenal MMCs. Between the three of them, EVERYTHING was covered!! Protective…check, caring…check, mentally stimulating…check!! I adored how each of them brought something to the table that would enrich Fianna’s life!!
So, let’s talk about slow burn…because holy heck, this was the slowest of slow! The last few chapters teased us, but otherwise…ice cold. Good thing the story was enthralling enough to keep my attention!! 😁
This was the most amazing start to a series! The only negative I can think of is that the next book isn’t available yet! Seriously…that is the only bad thing I can think of to say. This was that good!! Now to wait (and nervously chew my fingernails off) for the next book! Join me? 😘
Review of advance copy received from Author
Code Vessel has been a story I've wanted to write for years, but I never felt quite skilled enough to pull off. I started it and stopped it, and tried again, and failed again countless times, before I finally hit a moment where these characters and their world consumed me, and as a result, this has been the only book I could think about for the entire last year.
As a little girl who was always considered a "tomboy" and dealt with a lot of ostracization and bullying in my hobbies and interests and even my career, the secret girl trope is possibly my single favorite type of story that exists, so when I sat down to write this book, I decided it was going to be everything I ever wanted in a story. So naturally that turned into...
🪐Secret Girl tropes (girl disguised as a guy at a war academy)
🪐Slow Burn Romance (with ALL THE TENSION before the spice!)
🪐Romantasy-esque big, sweeping stories, but make it SciFi
🪐Multi POV
🪐Dystopian themes (Forced breeding programs, oppressive politics, genetic experimentation, human weapons)
🪐Epic mecha battles
🪐Sarcastic humor
🪐PCOS rep! (Own voices)
🪐Found family
And now, a year of writing, of revisions, of stepping away and re-revising, etc etc etc, here we are. Welcome to the world of Code Vessel. It's going to be a hell of a ride!
As a little girl who was always considered a "tomboy" and dealt with a lot of ostracization and bullying in my hobbies and interests and even my career, the secret girl trope is possibly my single favorite type of story that exists, so when I sat down to write this book, I decided it was going to be everything I ever wanted in a story. So naturally that turned into...
🪐Secret Girl tropes (girl disguised as a guy at a war academy)
🪐Slow Burn Romance (with ALL THE TENSION before the spice!)
🪐Romantasy-esque big, sweeping stories, but make it SciFi
🪐Multi POV
🪐Dystopian themes (Forced breeding programs, oppressive politics, genetic experimentation, human weapons)
🪐Epic mecha battles
🪐Sarcastic humor
🪐PCOS rep! (Own voices)
🪐Found family
And now, a year of writing, of revisions, of stepping away and re-revising, etc etc etc, here we are. Welcome to the world of Code Vessel. It's going to be a hell of a ride!
Review of advance copy
I hope book 2 comes soon! I've read books by this author and liked them, but this start to a new series exceeds any expectations I ever had.
An interesting universe, becoming more intriguing as it moves forward to build on the major hang-ups of civilization: survival versus the pursuit of happiness, greed vs. honor, power vs. empathy and (in)equality of the sexes versus… history? It made me remember that, compared to the long forgotten ancient times when the matriarchate was a thing, it is only very recently that women gained the right to work, to vote, to choose and to have money or estate, and mostly in the western world. Even here, where everything looks equal on paper, the reality of bias, contempt and prejudice is still alive, also applicable to social classes, education, slavery and manipulation. It is important to remember how good we have it when down in the dumps under the daily grind, I think.
There's so much to say about the complexity of the characters and their interactions that I can only avoid spoilers by recommending you read this book for yourself. It is well written, the plot moves fast and immerses you in an engaging, action rife story. Well done, Ms. Belle! Very well done!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
An interesting universe, becoming more intriguing as it moves forward to build on the major hang-ups of civilization: survival versus the pursuit of happiness, greed vs. honor, power vs. empathy and (in)equality of the sexes versus… history? It made me remember that, compared to the long forgotten ancient times when the matriarchate was a thing, it is only very recently that women gained the right to work, to vote, to choose and to have money or estate, and mostly in the western world. Even here, where everything looks equal on paper, the reality of bias, contempt and prejudice is still alive, also applicable to social classes, education, slavery and manipulation. It is important to remember how good we have it when down in the dumps under the daily grind, I think.
There's so much to say about the complexity of the characters and their interactions that I can only avoid spoilers by recommending you read this book for yourself. It is well written, the plot moves fast and immerses you in an engaging, action rife story. Well done, Ms. Belle! Very well done!
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
♾️ stars
arc review
I was really excited when I started the arc of Coded Vessel. The tropes — Mulan meets the Gundam meets Handmaid's tale, True enemies to lovers, Why Choose, he falls first, PMOS represention — really drew me in from the start.
The book quickly became one of my top favs of this year.
The world building and Shinka's are so cool. Fianna quickly became one of my fav FMC, I love her will power, attitude, her dedication to her loved ones.
I completed around 50/60% of the book in one sitting, the book had my whole attention ❤️
The characters are everything — Fianna, Seba, Elio, Breaker. The way their relationship grows with Fianna and the way they are with each other is something I enjoyed most while reading the book.
The nicknames they have for each other are 🤌
I LOVED the ending, and can't wait for book two. This is a book which I know I'll be re reading soon.
The earc was given to me by the author
arc review
I was really excited when I started the arc of Coded Vessel. The tropes — Mulan meets the Gundam meets Handmaid's tale, True enemies to lovers, Why Choose, he falls first, PMOS represention — really drew me in from the start.
The book quickly became one of my top favs of this year.
The world building and Shinka's are so cool. Fianna quickly became one of my fav FMC, I love her will power, attitude, her dedication to her loved ones.
I completed around 50/60% of the book in one sitting, the book had my whole attention ❤️
The characters are everything — Fianna, Seba, Elio, Breaker. The way their relationship grows with Fianna and the way they are with each other is something I enjoyed most while reading the book.
The nicknames they have for each other are 🤌
I LOVED the ending, and can't wait for book two. This is a book which I know I'll be re reading soon.
The earc was given to me by the author
July 12, 2026
*ARC*
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So I received an ARC copy of this but sorry for the delayed review life has been busy but this book was much better that I expected. It was a bit slow to start and i dreading the pacing initially but once the plot starting moving i just couldn’t put it down.
Going to try to keep this as spoiler free as possible but
World building 10/10 I think Leann done well in trying to bring this fictional space society well and I enjoyed how I wasn’t bombarded with a lot of the world building in a singular page but rather with the natural plot progression of the story
The characters I love it I do find the romance some what rushed come the end but as I understand it’s to set a foundation for the next book understandable.
Is it too hopeful to hope for a why choose ending 🤭
But regardless good book I really enjoyed and I am officially a fan I can’t for the next instalment.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So I received an ARC copy of this but sorry for the delayed review life has been busy but this book was much better that I expected. It was a bit slow to start and i dreading the pacing initially but once the plot starting moving i just couldn’t put it down.
Going to try to keep this as spoiler free as possible but
World building 10/10 I think Leann done well in trying to bring this fictional space society well and I enjoyed how I wasn’t bombarded with a lot of the world building in a singular page but rather with the natural plot progression of the story
The characters I love it I do find the romance some what rushed come the end but as I understand it’s to set a foundation for the next book understandable.
Is it too hopeful to hope for a why choose ending 🤭
But regardless good book I really enjoyed and I am officially a fan I can’t for the next instalment.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 15, 2026
I really loved reading Code Vessel, it was the first Space Opera book that I have read, and I really enjoyed it. I have read several books by Leann Belle, so I was super hyped to read this one, and I was not disappointed. I am looking forward to reading more. I can't wait to see how the story continues. I really liked the true enemies-to-lovers; it was a nice change in pace from the enemies-to-lovers trope. I know why choose is one of my favorite tropes. I liked that I found myself laughing through the book. I always say that if I am laughing out loud and if I am snacking while reading, then it is a good book!
I really liked that I could relate to the main character, Fianna. As someone who has PCOS and someone who often feels more tomboyish, I really enjoyed her character. I look forward to seeing what happens with her in the next book.
This is more for 18+ readers as there may be some content that's not suitable for all readers.
I really liked that I could relate to the main character, Fianna. As someone who has PCOS and someone who often feels more tomboyish, I really enjoyed her character. I look forward to seeing what happens with her in the next book.
This is more for 18+ readers as there may be some content that's not suitable for all readers.
Review of advance copy
Absolutely brilliant!
As a starting book for a series, all I can say is "Wow!".
The main characters (Fianna, Elio, Saba, & Breaker) are all excellent - complex, passionate, "human".
The action, intrigue, humour, & emotions are all presented very well.
There were some hard-hitting quotes at times ...
"Love and control only looked similar if you held them too close together."
"I had so many hopes and dreams, and none of them included being a goddamn incubator."
... as well as some standard tropes (with aspects of "Mulan", "Starship Troopers", & "Pacific Rim") but it is well put together, making it both interesting and very enjoyable.
Definitely looking forward to book 2 in this series!
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
As a starting book for a series, all I can say is "Wow!".
The main characters (Fianna, Elio, Saba, & Breaker) are all excellent - complex, passionate, "human".
The action, intrigue, humour, & emotions are all presented very well.
There were some hard-hitting quotes at times ...
"Love and control only looked similar if you held them too close together."
"I had so many hopes and dreams, and none of them included being a goddamn incubator."
... as well as some standard tropes (with aspects of "Mulan", "Starship Troopers", & "Pacific Rim") but it is well put together, making it both interesting and very enjoyable.
Definitely looking forward to book 2 in this series!
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is in first person, which I don't mind, but we do spend a lot of time just inside the FMC head until about 30% of the way through. I'm not familiar with Gundam, so it was hard to picture the Shinkas size until near the end when they referred to as 3 stories tall. I loved the sarcastic humor of the FMC and how she gave as good as she got with the guys. Really the only thing keeping it from being a 5 star read was how long it took for there to be interactions between the FMC and anyone other than her brother. Like I said, it wasn't until about 30% that we really got out of the FMC's head, but once past that point, I couldn't put it down. Also, for 700+ pages, I thought maybe it was a standalone, but by about 80% I was realizing it was not all going to wrap up nicely and I was left with a cliffhanger. So now I have to wait for the second book!
June 28, 2026
Oh my god Leann, what an incredible ride this was. I definitely didn’t expect the twist and turns as they went. How about we just say that I totally wasn’t ready for it to end when and how it did. I love a good why choose and true enemies to lovers was an amazing ride to watch unfold, now to see the rest come into play too.
I’m definitely glad that it took a little bit of world/character development because it helped to really guide you into Fianna’s world as she saw it. Not how we thought it should be. Getting the perspective of each main character was nice and finally getting the final perspective when we did was just the cherry on top of the finest marble cake with richest chocolate buttercream frosting. Can’t wait for the next book to come out this is going to be a wild Lucious ride.
I’m definitely glad that it took a little bit of world/character development because it helped to really guide you into Fianna’s world as she saw it. Not how we thought it should be. Getting the perspective of each main character was nice and finally getting the final perspective when we did was just the cherry on top of the finest marble cake with richest chocolate buttercream frosting. Can’t wait for the next book to come out this is going to be a wild Lucious ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it!!!
Is that too short for a review?
But seriously, folks: you know those books that you are so invested in, you find it difficult to concentrate when you’re not reading it? Yeah, this was one of those for me.
Our FMC is fierce, brilliant, and sarcastic (with a glorious inner monologue). Elio, Sebastian, and Breaker… chef’s kiss. Also, Conrad, I’m watching you…
Sci-fi is not my usual genre, but this book had me questioning why that’s the case. Space romance? I’m all here for it!
Favorite quotation: “It was time to stop idolizing others and become my own hero.”
I feel bad for the next book I read because it’s going to have to contend with one of my top picks for 2026!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.
Is that too short for a review?
But seriously, folks: you know those books that you are so invested in, you find it difficult to concentrate when you’re not reading it? Yeah, this was one of those for me.
Our FMC is fierce, brilliant, and sarcastic (with a glorious inner monologue). Elio, Sebastian, and Breaker… chef’s kiss. Also, Conrad, I’m watching you…
Sci-fi is not my usual genre, but this book had me questioning why that’s the case. Space romance? I’m all here for it!
Favorite quotation: “It was time to stop idolizing others and become my own hero.”
I feel bad for the next book I read because it’s going to have to contend with one of my top picks for 2026!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.
June 29, 2026
This was quite the gripping read and it's got all the pages I could hope for. Expect a read that brings together all the awesomeness of the movies Mulan, Pacific Rim and Starship Troopers. Love this! This book has fab world building, fascinating characters, politics, war, strict gender rules, bullying and a great enemies-to-lovers trope. It is slow burn but that makes sense for a gal disguised as her brother, entering the military to be a shinka - mind linked combat robot - pilot. Fianna was awesome! Seba, Elio and Breaker were great men and I loved watching their relationship with Fianna grow. This really was a page turner for me and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book ;D
June 21, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Holy shit, this was a ride. I didn’t expect the turns as they went. Let’s just say I wasn’t ready for it to end when it did. I love why choose and true enemies to lovers was an amazing ride to watch unfold, now to see the rest come too.
I’m glad that it took a little bit of world/character development because it helped grabbed you into Fianna’s world as she saw it. Getting the perspective of each main character was nice and finally getting the final perspective when we did was just the cherry on top of the finest marble cake with richest chocolate buttercream frosting.
Holy shit, this was a ride. I didn’t expect the turns as they went. Let’s just say I wasn’t ready for it to end when it did. I love why choose and true enemies to lovers was an amazing ride to watch unfold, now to see the rest come too.
I’m glad that it took a little bit of world/character development because it helped grabbed you into Fianna’s world as she saw it. Getting the perspective of each main character was nice and finally getting the final perspective when we did was just the cherry on top of the finest marble cake with richest chocolate buttercream frosting.
July 2, 2026
Original and Intriguing
We have a space setting, Mulan vibes, dystopian, why choose, and more!
While this was a long book, it never felt like it. It easily kept my attention and had me wanting more with each page.
This book had drama, some bullying, action, a bit of humor, and lots of feels.
I really like Fianna. She was strong, brave, and no push over.
So far, I'm liking guys. Im enjoying the relationships she is building with each of them.
I think this was an excellent beginning to Fianna's story! I cant wait for book 2!
We have a space setting, Mulan vibes, dystopian, why choose, and more!
While this was a long book, it never felt like it. It easily kept my attention and had me wanting more with each page.
This book had drama, some bullying, action, a bit of humor, and lots of feels.
I really like Fianna. She was strong, brave, and no push over.
So far, I'm liking guys. Im enjoying the relationships she is building with each of them.
I think this was an excellent beginning to Fianna's story! I cant wait for book 2!
July 12, 2026
How do I give more than 5 stars?? This deserves more! I’ve read several books by Leann Belle and enjoyed all of them. This one is so different and so very good! Fianna is such an amazing heroine. The depth of this story draws you in and doesn’t let you go. The end of the story had such a catch, I didn’t see it coming. Made loads of sense but was so well written that I didn’t see it playing out the way it did. I can’t wait to read the Next Transmission!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 22, 2026
This is a thoughtful, yet fiery story. The FMC is a vibrant character who is determined to get more out of life. I like how things are not easy, but any victory is hard-won.
The relationships are tenuous and take time to develop, which makes it realistic.
This is a fairly long read, but there is no wastage as each scene is need for the development of the story. It does end on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to want to delve into book two straight away.
The relationships are tenuous and take time to develop, which makes it realistic.
This is a fairly long read, but there is no wastage as each scene is need for the development of the story. It does end on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to want to delve into book two straight away.
July 15, 2026
Secret Girl
I am at a loss for words. I picked this up because of the author and my personal obsession with the secret girl trope, and now it's 01:38 and I don't know what I'm doing with myself.
This was spectacular. I want to punch somebody. Mishka deserves all the hugs. Everything is great. Why is everything on fire. Holy frick this took Leann a year to write. Oh no this wait is going to suck. Oh man it was so good.
If you like sci-fi, please read this book.
I am at a loss for words. I picked this up because of the author and my personal obsession with the secret girl trope, and now it's 01:38 and I don't know what I'm doing with myself.
This was spectacular. I want to punch somebody. Mishka deserves all the hugs. Everything is great. Why is everything on fire. Holy frick this took Leann a year to write. Oh no this wait is going to suck. Oh man it was so good.
If you like sci-fi, please read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness, I loved this book! Mulan in a post apocalyptic space world is a story I didn't know I needed to read, but I did! The friendships felt so real as they formed, while always holding the tension of a secret.... Kept me on the edge of my seat!
I cannot wait for the next book in this series! And I hope the author does an audio version; I'd love to listen to this book!
I cannot wait for the next book in this series! And I hope the author does an audio version; I'd love to listen to this book!
July 2, 2026
Thank you to Leann Belle for the opportunity to review this newly released book Code Vessel as an ARC. The book was just published on 6/21/26 and is available on KU.
Think Mulan in space. Our FMC Fianna is a white-haired feisty woman living on a space station that is part of an empire that dictates strict gender-cultural norms: women are to bear children, starting at age 24, while men are either in the military or can be drafted. When Fianna's brother gets drafted, she cuts her hair and gender-bends her way into the military taking his place and hoping to become a shinka pilot--these large mind-linked combat robots.
She gets in the sights of a friend group of elite warriors: Sebastian, Breaker, and her new roommate Elio. Elio immediately hates her and torments the hell out of her. And thus begins a slow burn with multiple love interests and a real enemies to lovers burn.
This book is long at nearly 700 pages, but hear me out you antsy readers, it needed to be. This is a big story with gender, politics, and war, but it reads like a college-bully, slow burn why choose. Don't let the size or the occasional lapses into contemporary language deter you from going on this thrilling adventure. I was straight-up gripping my kindle and saying, "oh my god" in hushed panic several times through this book as I worried Fianna's cover would be blown. And that ending set up some really interesting directions for the series.
Think Mulan in space. Our FMC Fianna is a white-haired feisty woman living on a space station that is part of an empire that dictates strict gender-cultural norms: women are to bear children, starting at age 24, while men are either in the military or can be drafted. When Fianna's brother gets drafted, she cuts her hair and gender-bends her way into the military taking his place and hoping to become a shinka pilot--these large mind-linked combat robots.
She gets in the sights of a friend group of elite warriors: Sebastian, Breaker, and her new roommate Elio. Elio immediately hates her and torments the hell out of her. And thus begins a slow burn with multiple love interests and a real enemies to lovers burn.
This book is long at nearly 700 pages, but hear me out you antsy readers, it needed to be. This is a big story with gender, politics, and war, but it reads like a college-bully, slow burn why choose. Don't let the size or the occasional lapses into contemporary language deter you from going on this thrilling adventure. I was straight-up gripping my kindle and saying, "oh my god" in hushed panic several times through this book as I worried Fianna's cover would be blown. And that ending set up some really interesting directions for the series.
July 6, 2026
It has been a while since I had read a sci-fi romance novel. This one not only blew my away with the world we get dropped into but I was loving the character development. Fianna is a FMC I can most certainly relate to. She wants to be more than what her world is allowing her. She wants to break those chains! I felt seen when her struggles with PMOS was portrayed. I was cheering when Fianna finally found where she could show off. that ending had me on the edge of my seat now I am over here waiting patiently for the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2026
This story had me hooked right from the beginning! This is a science fiction with a nice mix of romance and fun banter between the characters also very interesting and complex plot. I would not normally read a science fiction book and although some of it was a little too technical for me, I just did not want to put the book down! Definitely recommend to anyone interested in this genre!
Review of advance copy
Well.this was a hell of a read! I wasn't sure about it when I started but the longer I read it the more I fell into 'Vanns' orbit - very like the other characters.
I am intruiged to c where this goes in the next part.
Highly recommended
I am intruiged to c where this goes in the next part.
Highly recommended
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a great book. It reads as Mulan mixed with Ender's Game, with a little Handmaid's Tale thrown in. But withnmech suits. Really well executed concept with 3D characters and intriguing world building. I'm excited for book 2!
July 12, 2026
Can I have book 2 yet?
I really enjoyed this book. The multiple points of view give a really nice feel to the overall story. The romance is definitely a slow burn but it's there. and the political intrigue, don't get me started lol.
definitely recommend
I really enjoyed this book. The multiple points of view give a really nice feel to the overall story. The romance is definitely a slow burn but it's there. and the political intrigue, don't get me started lol.
definitely recommend
July 14, 2026
This book is an absolute beast. Fianna is so brave and courageous, I loved reading every minute of her story. Poor Elios couldn't understand what he was feeling, it was amusing to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I wasn't expecting the ending, and now I can't wait for book two.
July 17, 2026
This book was EPIC. I love all books written by Leann, I was super excited for this book and once i got my hands on it, i couldn’t put it down. It really is one of the best books i have read from the author. I expected the cliffhanger so those never bother me. I hope we get book 2 soon.
June 22, 2026
Loved it.
July 9, 2026
~*~ Arc for honest review-~*~
Holy heck
I litterally could not stop reading
This had my synced and locked in the whole time
Loved this book
Can not wait to find out what happens next
Holy heck
I litterally could not stop reading
This had my synced and locked in the whole time
Loved this book
Can not wait to find out what happens next
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