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The Memory Thief #1
The Memory Thief
What would the Victorian era look like if they had “rediscovered” space flight? Would the British be interested in colonizing the continent of America if they could colonize an entire planet?
Felicity is a young lady betrothed to a British noble of rank and fortune who will someday inherit a space station. Her life should be happy and perfect. Alas, she fears she will never achieve happiness—or wholeness— until her memories have been returned by the man who stole them.
In pursuit of her past, Felicity returns to an alien planet where she once encountered descendants of Japanese colonists from Earth who had settled millennia before. After a seven year absence, she finds the world much changed. The climate and geography have been altered, the planet has been destroyed by unethical surveyors, and she is told the man she believes stole her memories— a man she once loved and trusted—is dead. Her only hope for finding answers about her mysterious past is performing the Jomon courtship ritual of memory exchange. In doing so, Felicity finds herself falling in love with the alien planet’s leader, even though she is already engaged. Only when she learns to let go of her fears can she learn the secrets that may aid in the freedom of the Jomon people—and herself.
Felicity is a young lady betrothed to a British noble of rank and fortune who will someday inherit a space station. Her life should be happy and perfect. Alas, she fears she will never achieve happiness—or wholeness— until her memories have been returned by the man who stole them.
In pursuit of her past, Felicity returns to an alien planet where she once encountered descendants of Japanese colonists from Earth who had settled millennia before. After a seven year absence, she finds the world much changed. The climate and geography have been altered, the planet has been destroyed by unethical surveyors, and she is told the man she believes stole her memories— a man she once loved and trusted—is dead. Her only hope for finding answers about her mysterious past is performing the Jomon courtship ritual of memory exchange. In doing so, Felicity finds herself falling in love with the alien planet’s leader, even though she is already engaged. Only when she learns to let go of her fears can she learn the secrets that may aid in the freedom of the Jomon people—and herself.
219 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2016
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274 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 23, 2017
My first impression of this novel was how richly textured the world-building is and how deftly the author uses sensory details. I must honestly say, I've never before read something that's Japanese Steampunk blended with Victorian fantasy with a bit of Mystery and Romance thrown in to further spice it up! I loved how the historical quotes bolstered the fictional narrative. In some ways, the novel reminded me a bit of The Sparrow, one of my favorite books of all times. I don't want to spoil the plot, but the characters are worth investing in and the pacing is great.
March 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book immensely. The characters in this book were diverse and likeable. The world created super interesting and well described. The plot was a bit predicatble, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. I would definitely recommend this as a cute romance space mystery.
Generally speaking I find the use of words of different languages just to make something seem exotic annoying. (Even though I have to admit, I also used Japanese terms in something I wrote back in junior high). This book was guilty of this. While I don't mind it for terms that aren't translatable, like 'giri' I feel like it makes no sense to use 'buta' instead of pig etc. Thankfully, this wasn't done often enough to be completely jarring.
(I'm just going to assume saying the honorific -san is used for female adults was a misunderstanding on the main characters part instead of the author, as it is used for both genders, as well as for children and adults).
Generally speaking I find the use of words of different languages just to make something seem exotic annoying. (Even though I have to admit, I also used Japanese terms in something I wrote back in junior high). This book was guilty of this. While I don't mind it for terms that aren't translatable, like 'giri' I feel like it makes no sense to use 'buta' instead of pig etc. Thankfully, this wasn't done often enough to be completely jarring.
(I'm just going to assume saying the honorific -san is used for female adults was a misunderstanding on the main characters part instead of the author, as it is used for both genders, as well as for children and adults).
March 17, 2018
Not content with having read one book by Sarina Dorie, I set out to read another and pleasantly entertained by this author once more. The first book I read, an entry in the author's series on witches, was entertaining and packed with humor.
When it comes to this book, The Memory Thief, I first must say I love the concept. I enjoy a steampunk story that is well done, and this is a find example. Dorie writes poetically, but it's not overwrought. This would be on recommendation list for anyone who wished to explore this subgenre of sci-fi.
When it comes to this book, The Memory Thief, I first must say I love the concept. I enjoy a steampunk story that is well done, and this is a find example. Dorie writes poetically, but it's not overwrought. This would be on recommendation list for anyone who wished to explore this subgenre of sci-fi.
June 20, 2018
Holy Wasabi, this was good! The author does an excellent job with the world building - spacefaring Victorians who "rediscover" an ancient starfaring Japanese civilization on an alien planet. I'm not sure that I've ever read another book quite like this. And, that's a GOOD thing!
November 29, 2018
Someone stole Felicity's memories when she was about 17 living on Aynu-Mosir, Planet 157. The natives, apparently immigrants from ancient Japan, use a plant that grows to exchange (but not steal) memories. Since her memories are gone, she doesn't know who stole them, cut her, or if she was tortured and raped. She was left for dead. Miraculously, she was found and nursed back to health. Now 24, she is back on Planet 157, searching for her memories; for her younger sister; Taishi, her native boyfriend; and for whoever betrayed and mistreated her. What she discovers are not at all the answers she expected, as she finds the truth of what happened in a surprising climax. (note: there is some intense, graphic sex - I'm not complaining, it enhanced the story, but prudes be warned!)
September 24, 2019
This book surprised me! I was expecting it to be kind of average, but ended up really enjoying it.
The characters were well rounded and varied. The storyline was great. And I love most that it really made me feel emotion.
I definitely recommend this read.
The characters were well rounded and varied. The storyline was great. And I love most that it really made me feel emotion.
I definitely recommend this read.
February 21, 2017
Initial Thoughts: I was intrigued by the premise of this one. Victorian era mixed with Steampunk to create a Victoria Sci-fi sounded interesting. Though the science of this one is more hinted at than dissertation. The story is character driven with everything else being the background. We are following the plight of Felicity, a young woman whose memories were stolen before being found on the brink of death on a deserted planet. She returns to the planet with her betrothed (the boy who had found her) to assist in translating (in the remote possibility that there are natives). However, that ruse is only so that she can hopefully find the culprit who stole her memories in hopes that they can be returned. The novel is compelling and intriguing. I found it less steampumk and more suspense and mystery/adventure. I was enthralled by the Jomon people, the world and Felicity's plight. I look forward to reading more in this series. Please click on the link to the full review, posted at That's What I'm Talking About blog: http://twimom227.com/2016/12/review-t...
December 28, 2019
Take a journey into the Victorian era of expansion but instead of just sailing oceans they have rediscovered space flight in this beautifully written series.
This series is a wonderful, if sometimes hard and confronting, read of the good and bad of 'civilized' people and the quest for more wealth and prestige at the expense of more 'primative' races.
Follow Felicity on her journey back to the planet she was rescued from
as she rediscovered herself and the truth about her guardian.
I received a copy of this book from ebook discovery. This is my freely given, honest review.
This series is a wonderful, if sometimes hard and confronting, read of the good and bad of 'civilized' people and the quest for more wealth and prestige at the expense of more 'primative' races.
Follow Felicity on her journey back to the planet she was rescued from
as she rediscovered herself and the truth about her guardian.
I received a copy of this book from ebook discovery. This is my freely given, honest review.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews