When Lia’s mum steals away with the family’s hospital savings, Lia is forced to turn to space-mining to pay for her sister’s hospital bills. The Rovers is considered the most dangerous occupation, but at least it’s the highest paying one. If you’re a man.
But crossdressing illegally in space and staying in the good grace of the visiting Monarch turns out to be the least of Lia’s worries. Because while the Monarch tries to introduce the idea of women joining the space miners, the most unlikely person seems set on barring his every move—a fearless feminist called Jail that Lia has always looked up to.
Battling to learn the way of the Rovers and at the same time, not let her disguise strip her of her very own beliefs, Lia begins to uncover some dark secret—secrets that could mean the unraveling of their human rights as they know it.
Michelle is a second-generation immigrant (half-Colombiana, half-German) who lives in Sweden where she writes sci-fi, fantasy and speculative fiction for a YA, NA and adult market.
She's been writing for as long as she can remember and likes her stories to be filled with action, strong women and quite a lot of kick-ass.
Michelle is a person who says what she thinks, has zero patience for bullies, loves to lift heavy stuff and enjoys martial arts.
She’s been called a talkative, social chameleon and is always happy to jump into any argument of why barging your own creative and diverse path is the way to go.
ROVER is a YA sci-fi novel that follows Lia, a miner who loses her job while desperately trying to pay for her sister’s life-saving treatment. She decides to follow her dream of becoming a Rover as it’s the only job that would pay enough to save her sister. There’s just one problem: women aren’t allowed to become Rovers.
ROVER has a strong female protagonist and other inspiring female characters who challenge the traditions and rules of the society they live in. The story is filled with action, suspense, and some unexpected twists, but also heartfelt, emotional moments that add depth to the characters and their relationships.
I really enjoyed following Lia’s journey. She’s such a determined character, and I couldn’t help rooting for her. I also loved how easy it was to picture the world, the technology, and all the action scenes. The story kept me hooked, and I was always curious to see what would happen next. I especially enjoyed the mix of action, secrets, twists, and themes like courage, resilience, family, and equality. It gave the story a lot of heart. I’d happily read another book set in this world, so I’m really hoping there will be a sequel!
I’ve been watching Mulan multiple times a year since I was eight, so I mean it as a huge compliment when I say that Rover is kind of like Mulan in space.
Lia needs money, with her sister’s hospital bills mounting and their mother gone. The only work that pays enough is Rover work. It’s dangerous, high-stakes, and open only to men. So she disguises herself, signs up, and gets into it.
And Lia is perfect for the job. Determined, capable, resilient. She’s also able to question the world she’s operating in, inadvertently unraveling secrets in the process.
The pace picks up and doesn’t stop. It’s unpredictable with twists and turns. I ended up reading this in one sitting, it’s that kind of read.
The found family that forms around Lia gives it real heart. She starts out closed off and singular in her focus, but watching her slowly, reluctantly learn to trust others is so satisfying.
It’s YA, but it’s still gritty, raw and occasionally violent. Seeing feminism and LGBTQ+ representation in a good sci-fi is such a delight.
I’m really hoping for a sequel. I love the world, and I especially love the characters. I definitely recommend if you want an adventurous story with a heart.
I couldn't wait to get immersed in this lgbtq+, feminist, sci fi about an underdog Latina: what a fantastic, unusual mix!
The characters were all really interesting, and watching their relationships blossoming (despite Lia's determination to keep everyone out!) was really heartwarming. I got attached to several people, and found their behaviour believable and consistent with their motivations. I particularly enjoyed Lia's dawning realisation that forming bonds with others was rewarding, both tactically and emotionally.
"I like doin’ what I can to help strugglers, mate.” “Not sure that’s a compliment.” “Sure is. Strugglers are hard workers, mate, and deserve a helpin’ hand."
Dialogue was fun and interesting, and conveyed the characters feelings towards each other well. Descriptions could feel a little confusing at times, specifically in relation to the physical appearance of the sci-fi-ey things, but the environment and atmosphere of the world itself were very beautifully described.
'She looks at me as if I’d offered her a sock on a plate.'
I really loved the way the author kept pulling the rug out from under the reader, with shocking character twists and unexpected plot arcs. It really kept me needing to read on, as I could never predict what would happen next.
I found the pace a little slow to start with, and struggled to get into it for the first couple of chapters, but I persevered and I'm so glad I did. The story really came into its own once our protagonist hit the big tragedy of the story: the pace sped up, perfectly mirroring the relentless, overwhelming trajectory Lia had ended up on. The tension kept up until the brilliant ending, which made me crave a sequel!
I super super hope that there will be a follow on to this exciting, immersive book. I became really attached to the wonderful characters, and the brilliantly illustrated world.
I think this would be enjoyed by anyone who loves sci fi adventures. Despite it being YA, it definitely didn't pull any punches, and the story felt real and important, so adults should dive right in.
Rover by Michelle Chaves is a YA speculative fiction science fiction novel. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This title releases on July 31st. Honestly, I was hoping for a little more from this book. It was okay, but it felt a little predictable.
We follow Lia, a miner working to make enough money to keep her sister on life support while she awaits a lung transplant. When Lia gets fired from her job, she decides to disguise herself as a man in order to become a Rover, a space miner only allowed for men. While on the Rover ship, Lia, now called Pilo, discovers a plot surrounding the alien Sombras and the destruction of the eighth planet in their system. Lia along with feminist trailblazer Jail, must work together to expose this secret and advance the rights of women.
To be honest I felt like this story would have hit different 20 or 30 years ago. Unfortunately, this story of feminism and a society oppressive to women and girls comes off as a bit gender essentialist, and often conflates gender with sex. The concept of trans people also seems to be absent in this universe. Although it is sort of hinted at that Lia is attracted to women, it isn't stated explicitly, and there is no romance, which usually isn't a problem for me, but I think the plot and the character development could have used some extra feeling and depth. I also think we needed more time with the Sombra plot and the antagonist. It almost felt like the antagonist wasn't an important to the plot at all. I just think overall we needed more time with the worldbuilding and characters, especially Jolly, who was my favorite.
The message was clearly about how girls can do anything, and are just as capable as men, but it felt played out and unoriginal. If you're looking for quick hit scifi from a Latine author, this is a good way to go.
This one is unexpected and will leave you wanting a sequel !!
If you take Stepford Wives, Aliens and I am Legend... then put them into a play pen of Sci Fi and let them play with Dr. Moreau, you have "Rover!!
Lia, is not a girly girl, she is raw, abrasive and full of ambition. Not the type who considers herself as the priority when it comes to her own personal gains in life. She takes on a mission no other woman ever dared to before her, as she does so, her one mission is to help her ill cousin. With the help of another family member, she goes on a mission and doing so could cost her , not only her freedom, but also her life and that of her cousin. There simply is no room for mistakes or getting caught. On her quest, she learns who she can and can not trust, secrets that are kept from society, and those who keep them, are willing to stop at nothing to carry out their evil plans. She faces unexpected horrors which lurk in the shadows, ready and all too willing to stop any Rover, who they come into contact with. Not everything on the mission of a Rover, is fully disclosed. And those who you think can be trusted, are not who they seem to be.
This is not a romance book, it is a story of self sacrifice, honor, and redemption!! What would you give in the name of Love for Family and helping all of Woman-Kind ? This is a story you will want to follow in a sequel for sure. If you crave Sci Fi and Mystery with a Twist of Suspence... I highly suggest you read "Rover by Michelle Chaves. It is not a gore based book, nothing too graphic nor too much and I would say it is totally YA appropriate .
Do I recommend it? Yes, if you like YA action sci-fi.
This was a fun action sci-fi that I enjoyed reading. My favourite aspect was the family relationships and what people will and won’t do for each other. The mother daughter relationship was unusual done very well. The main character was likeable, and I enjoyed watching them grow through the story. The world building was solid and I appreciated the grimy mining/urban setting that fit well with the author’s commentary on society hierarchy. The action was good especially in the second half of the book where it was engaging and fast paced. I liked the ending and thought it tied everything up well. I also liked the science aspect it and wished there had been more on that.
Any criticisms? One of the main aspects of the book is that women are not allowed into space but there is no explanation for it. I wanted more on the cultural and societal reasons as to why women were treated as second class as I think this would have added a lot more to the story. There are some important side characters at the start of the book that befriend the main character for no real reason. There needed to be some kind of event that brings them together rather than them just deciding to be friends with her.
Will I read it again? Probably not.
Will I read the sequel? I might do, I am curious as to what happens next, but I would need more development of the society in the story.
For fans of: Divergent The Hunger Games Illuminae Legend War Cross
Thank you so much to the author who reached out and gave me the opportunity to read this!
Oh wow, this had me hooked from the beginning. a lot of times I feel like the world building in a story can be slow and boring, but the author did an amazing job setting up the world and at the same time telling an action packed story. This is a YA sci fi that I think anyone of any age can enjoy. There’s a bad ass Latina MC who loves her sister ferociously. I love any book that shows how strong a sister’s love can be.
Like I said, i don’t think there was ever a slow moment in Rover. I loved Lia and Jolly’s friendship. Annoying Ripley grows on you too and has you in her hooks by the end.
If you’re looking for romance in this, you won’t find it. It is definitely setting up for the possibility of a romance but it is mostly Lia pining a tad bit over Jail. I liked how they both evolved too.
There are a lot of twists and it keeps you on your toes. While I figured out a lot, there were some little details that I didn’t see coming.
I need there to be another book. I need to read it now. I can’t wait to see where Lia, Jail, Ripley and Frida end up. I want to see them take down the evil they discovered.
If you’re looking for a YA sci fi about a bad ass feminist Latina taking on a system that is corrupt all while saving her sister? Rover is for you.
Its been a while since ive read a sci-fi book and it came down to this!
This was a good read and i really enjoyed the fast-pace taking the plot forward and the closeness to the main characher Lia. Our struggling hero tries to keep to her self but with her hot blooded temper, she stumbles on both friends and foes, ultimately uncovers something bigger all while trying to keep her secret.
This book has a lot of strengths and one of my favorite is the bond to other people, the need to trust and the care of trust given. Lias feeling of being alone is cared for by the author in a fine balance.
One thing i wished more of was to know more of the universe, don't get me wrong it feels alive and massive still you just want more of it. Both the plot and the writing sets it up perfectly if a follow-up comes and I'm eager to read it right away!
I absolutely loved this book! I really hope there’s sequels that continue this beautifully designed world. Some books you can feel as though you’re stepping into them and can smell and hear the bustle around the character, ROVER is one of those books for me.
The character development also brings this story to life with interesting characters that complement and contradict one-another in both realistic and literary ways.
If you want to be immersed in a story about a badass latinx who gets the job done and cares about those around her while unravelling her universe’s mysteries - this is the book for you!
This is an interesting sci-fi read with lots of action and a fairly engaging storyline. The action starts from the very first page and doesn’t stop until the very end; by the time you’ve finished the book it truly feels like you’ve sat through a movie! The characters are easy to like, and the storyline is pretty well developed. It’s easy to follow, and there are plenty of plot twists to keep you engaged. I really like that the heroine had plenty of help from other characters and she wasn’t on a “solo” mission even if she felt that way at times. If you like action packed sci-fi with some bad ass female MCs, give this book a read.
I am a BIG fan of YA books and this one was intense!
This sci-fi novel centers around a young woman, Lia, who goes undercover as a “rover” to help save her sister. There are a lot of action-packed scenes, traumatic moments, and epic world-building.
I was on the edge of my seat for the last 25% of the book. My only wish is that there was more about the sombras and the ending felt a little bit rushed.
This is for fans of dystopian fiction, young adult sci-fi, and feminist FMCs!
Jag tyckte om den här boken! Något som fångade mig var världsbygget med mystiken kring den åttonde planeten och de bakomliggande politiska maktstrukturerna som gjorde att jag hela tiden ville läsa vidare.
Jag uppskattade också HBTQ-representationen, som kändes naturlig och självklar i berättelsen. Samtidigt gillade jag även hur boken belyste kvinnoförtryck i den värld den utspelade sig i.
Överlag är det en spännande science fiction-roman med ett intressant universum och tänkvärda teman. Jag ser fram emot att läsa mer av Michelle Chaves.
I am officially out of my book slump thanks to this book! *Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a gifted e-book copy*
This had everything I love and need in a sci-fi book: strong women, Hispanic representation, an interesting plot (in space, of course) well developed characters with unique personalities, and a shocking plot twist! I would highly recommend it to ANY sci-fi lover!
I need to find out what happens next with these characters, please let there be a second book coming soon!!
I got the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book.
I really enjoyed Rover! 🚀 It was fast-paced, exciting, and full of suspense. I loved Lia’s strength and determination, and the mix of sci-fi, family, identity, and social issues made the story really engaging. The twists kept me turning the pages, and I couldn’t put it down!
Such a fun and unexpected LGBTQ+ feminist sci-fi read, with interesting characters and relationships that slowly pulled me in. I loved the twists and how the story kept surprising me I genuinely didn't know where it was going next. The beginning was a little slow for me, but once it picked up, I couldn't put it down, and the ending left me wanting a sequel.