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Xandri Corelel #0
Testing Pandora
In the far future, genetic engineering is used to strip all sapient species of disability. But when humans have a brief fad of natural birth, disabled children start reappearing. They're quickly termed "Pandoras," the value of their very lives brought into question, and laws are put into place to prevent their births from happening ever again.
Xandri Corelel is one of these Pandoras, a young autistic woman scorned by her family and fighting to eke out a living on the streets of Wraith. Then she meets Chui Shan Fung, captain of the first contact and refugee ship Carpathia. Captain Chui has been watching her, and knows about the talent for understanding alien species that Xandri has cultivated. She wants Xandri as part of her crew--but first, Xandri must pass a test to see if she'll even fit in.
Wary but hopeful, Xandri joins the Carpathia at Psittaca, a newly-discovered planet peopled by parrot-like sapients. Learning to understand this new species is the easy part compared to trusting her new crew mates. As Xandri continues her diplomatic efforts with the Psittacans, it becomes apparent that the Carpathia's crew aren't the only ones to have discovered the planet, but these other visitors don't have good intentions. In order to protect this beautiful new world, Xandri must find it in herself to overcome years of abuse and neglect, and trust in her new crew.
Xandri Corelel is one of these Pandoras, a young autistic woman scorned by her family and fighting to eke out a living on the streets of Wraith. Then she meets Chui Shan Fung, captain of the first contact and refugee ship Carpathia. Captain Chui has been watching her, and knows about the talent for understanding alien species that Xandri has cultivated. She wants Xandri as part of her crew--but first, Xandri must pass a test to see if she'll even fit in.
Wary but hopeful, Xandri joins the Carpathia at Psittaca, a newly-discovered planet peopled by parrot-like sapients. Learning to understand this new species is the easy part compared to trusting her new crew mates. As Xandri continues her diplomatic efforts with the Psittacans, it becomes apparent that the Carpathia's crew aren't the only ones to have discovered the planet, but these other visitors don't have good intentions. In order to protect this beautiful new world, Xandri must find it in herself to overcome years of abuse and neglect, and trust in her new crew.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2016
11 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 18, 2018
I loved this.
In "Testing Pandora" we learn how Xandri came to be a valuable crew member of the starship Carpathia and the trials she goes through on her first assignment to prove her worth.
Like book one, the writing is vivid, the characters are excellent, and the story is just a complete delight to read. Xandri is such a fantastic lead and is so easy to like.
I found this to be a completely engrossing futuristic sci-fi tale with the type of writing where I felt sucked into a completely different world every time my eye turned to the page.
No romance is in this story but we see Xandri meet the two characters she's developed feelings for in book one and her first impressions of them which was fun to see.
This is a prequel to the first book but, if a reader is new to the series, starting the series on either book 0 or 1 is fine. Maybe because I read book one first I had some affinity when meeting the characters again in book 0 but I can see the same happening in reverse.
Excellent read. Recommend.
In "Testing Pandora" we learn how Xandri came to be a valuable crew member of the starship Carpathia and the trials she goes through on her first assignment to prove her worth.
Like book one, the writing is vivid, the characters are excellent, and the story is just a complete delight to read. Xandri is such a fantastic lead and is so easy to like.
I found this to be a completely engrossing futuristic sci-fi tale with the type of writing where I felt sucked into a completely different world every time my eye turned to the page.
No romance is in this story but we see Xandri meet the two characters she's developed feelings for in book one and her first impressions of them which was fun to see.
This is a prequel to the first book but, if a reader is new to the series, starting the series on either book 0 or 1 is fine. Maybe because I read book one first I had some affinity when meeting the characters again in book 0 but I can see the same happening in reverse.
Excellent read. Recommend.
May 11, 2018
This is a wonderful science-fiction read with as much emphasis on the human element as there is on the science-fiction. Xandri is a 28-year-old who was born in a brief era when people moved away from genetically engineered babies and reverted to allowing nature to takes its course. Being less than perfect in the eyes of society, and, it seems, her parent's too, Xandri's autism makes it difficult for her to assimilate into the world around her. She is a survivor though. She uses her immense brain power to win money in gambling houses (until they ban her) to pay for her shabby apartment and to avoid situations that leave her feeling out of control.
She's offered a job on the refugee ship, Carpathia, with the possibility of heading up their diplomatic division as it seeks out new nations across the universe. What follows is not only an amazing story of someone who, recognising their own failings in interaction, has to fit in and lead a group of less-than-welcoming scientists but also has to experience new planets and engage alien species.
I was completely absorbed by this story and loved the way Xandri would constantly express her discomfort and need to rely on behaviours that would settle her like the feel of the piece of ribbon she carries in her pocket. First person POV is used for most of the chapters but there are four chapters using third person and I liked getting the view from the inside as well as the outside. The glimpses and suggestions of the abuse she's suffered are powerful and I'm hoping there is more explanation and back story in the following books. The story of the planet they're trying to get more information on is really interesting and there is a nice amount of action here too.
It's interesting that this is book 0 in the series but it was written first. Book 0 is usually added in later to fill in some background. I'm also worried about Xandri's birds. They were given to a pet-sitter temporarily and didn't reappear.
She's offered a job on the refugee ship, Carpathia, with the possibility of heading up their diplomatic division as it seeks out new nations across the universe. What follows is not only an amazing story of someone who, recognising their own failings in interaction, has to fit in and lead a group of less-than-welcoming scientists but also has to experience new planets and engage alien species.
I was completely absorbed by this story and loved the way Xandri would constantly express her discomfort and need to rely on behaviours that would settle her like the feel of the piece of ribbon she carries in her pocket. First person POV is used for most of the chapters but there are four chapters using third person and I liked getting the view from the inside as well as the outside. The glimpses and suggestions of the abuse she's suffered are powerful and I'm hoping there is more explanation and back story in the following books. The story of the planet they're trying to get more information on is really interesting and there is a nice amount of action here too.
It's interesting that this is book 0 in the series but it was written first. Book 0 is usually added in later to fill in some background. I'm also worried about Xandri's birds. They were given to a pet-sitter temporarily and didn't reappear.
September 22, 2021
A first contact story from an indie author who shows promise. I thought it had a YA vibe, it's not marketed as such, but it has the familiar chosen one and mean girl tropes.
December 10, 2018
LOVED this. Xandri is a fantastic narrator and despite the short length, the story packs in a ton of character and relationship development. I'm already on to the next book.
May 2, 2017
I can't get to my highlights, which is quite bothersome, as this story (a novella prequel to FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE) has so many lines worth highlighting it's kind of unbelievable. Or would be, if I hadn't read/been blown away by the first book of the main series, FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE. I'll try to get to them and provide a more specific review, but in very short:
In a Far Future where disability and neurodivergence has been all but eliminated in humanity thanks to Eugenic Fuckery, autistic Xandri uses her incredible observational skills to win enough gambling-matches to survive in an unfriendly universe - until she gets picked up by an elite starship crew of xeno-liasons... and her life changes forever. And SHE will change the lives of billions, meeting and communicating with aliens, making first contact, seeking out new life and new civilizations... starting with a race of giant parrot-people I want every alien-loving reader to see.
INCLUDES:
* Best autistic/ND voice I've ever read. (Also ownvoice!)
* Xandri is bi and this is awesome, AND it hints toward a poly relationship, which is explored more in the main book!
* Diver (male hinted-at love interest/Quirky Genius Inventor) is incredible - warm, funny, brilliant, totally here for Xandri and all her brain-nuances - and like 2/3rds of my highlights are of him. I have a book-crush. It's a good thing. Please, please, we need more Divers in the book-world and real-world.
* Incredibly creative universe - literal universe of space travel and aliens, all with their own deeply thought-out cultural details and methods of communication. Giant bird people. A bear-caterpillar-ish alien named Aki (whose species are basically 'eh' toward gender/pronouns, but she/her is ok for Aki) who lets Xandri stim by petting her soft fur and basically I want to hug Aki and never actually stop.
* The entire concept of an autistic MC who has trouble communicating with her own human species (primarily because of ableism, and absolutely Not because there's anything "wrong" with her!), but excels at understanding and building trust with other citizens of the galaxy, whose voice and method of processing the world is not just included but VALUED - it's incredible. It's healing.
* Xandri's past of parental abuse, homelessness, poverty and endangerment is something I think any disabled or neurodivergent reader will recognize. But even when raw and painful, the story is so real and so important - and so is she.
I just can't say enough good about this short story, or the book it precedes. If you want amazing autistic/neurodiverse voice (synesthesia, for gosh sakes, I'm still not over that!), bi poly fun, and incredibly cool aliens and sci-fi adventure, PLEASE pick up these books. FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE and TESTING PANDORA deserve to blow up huge... and WE deserve fiction like this. And so much more.
In a Far Future where disability and neurodivergence has been all but eliminated in humanity thanks to Eugenic Fuckery, autistic Xandri uses her incredible observational skills to win enough gambling-matches to survive in an unfriendly universe - until she gets picked up by an elite starship crew of xeno-liasons... and her life changes forever. And SHE will change the lives of billions, meeting and communicating with aliens, making first contact, seeking out new life and new civilizations... starting with a race of giant parrot-people I want every alien-loving reader to see.
INCLUDES:
* Best autistic/ND voice I've ever read. (Also ownvoice!)
* Xandri is bi and this is awesome, AND it hints toward a poly relationship, which is explored more in the main book!
* Diver (male hinted-at love interest/Quirky Genius Inventor) is incredible - warm, funny, brilliant, totally here for Xandri and all her brain-nuances - and like 2/3rds of my highlights are of him. I have a book-crush. It's a good thing. Please, please, we need more Divers in the book-world and real-world.
* Incredibly creative universe - literal universe of space travel and aliens, all with their own deeply thought-out cultural details and methods of communication. Giant bird people. A bear-caterpillar-ish alien named Aki (whose species are basically 'eh' toward gender/pronouns, but she/her is ok for Aki) who lets Xandri stim by petting her soft fur and basically I want to hug Aki and never actually stop.
* The entire concept of an autistic MC who has trouble communicating with her own human species (primarily because of ableism, and absolutely Not because there's anything "wrong" with her!), but excels at understanding and building trust with other citizens of the galaxy, whose voice and method of processing the world is not just included but VALUED - it's incredible. It's healing.
* Xandri's past of parental abuse, homelessness, poverty and endangerment is something I think any disabled or neurodivergent reader will recognize. But even when raw and painful, the story is so real and so important - and so is she.
I just can't say enough good about this short story, or the book it precedes. If you want amazing autistic/neurodiverse voice (synesthesia, for gosh sakes, I'm still not over that!), bi poly fun, and incredibly cool aliens and sci-fi adventure, PLEASE pick up these books. FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE and TESTING PANDORA deserve to blow up huge... and WE deserve fiction like this. And so much more.
March 20, 2025
The various very approachable aliens make me think of Becky Chambers and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. And their anthropomorphism in body or mind also reminded me strongly of Star Trek. Not quite the far-out-there aliens of Adrian Tchaikovsky, more on the comfortable side of first contact.
I thought Xandri Corelel as one of the Pandoras and her autism would be more of a central theme. It was less than I thought it would be. I am usually not such a huge fan of character development over plot, but here I would have liked more.
I liked this, but lost patience with it a bit towards the end and did some light skimming. The story felt pretty light and didn’t keep my attention. It was nice enough. 🦜🦜🦜¾
Failure to Communicate, the 1st full novel in this series, is already on my shelf. I will read it eventually.
I thought Xandri Corelel as one of the Pandoras and her autism would be more of a central theme. It was less than I thought it would be. I am usually not such a huge fan of character development over plot, but here I would have liked more.
I liked this, but lost patience with it a bit towards the end and did some light skimming. The story felt pretty light and didn’t keep my attention. It was nice enough. 🦜🦜🦜¾
Failure to Communicate, the 1st full novel in this series, is already on my shelf. I will read it eventually.
April 19, 2025
I quite enjoyed this short book. The main character has some quirks. I didn’t find her so extreme in her autism. I wonder if that says anything about me? At any rate, her autism allows her to see things differently than other people which gives her rare insight. She’s had a hard life until she meets the captain of a starship, who gives her the opportunity to join the crew on a special mission.
The writing style is lovely, flowing easily and the characters have depth.
The writing style is lovely, flowing easily and the characters have depth.
September 29, 2021
Uh. No ... not my cup of tea. rtc
August 4, 2024
The world was still sparkling. Even Diver was sparkling, bits of light jumping around his face and clinging to his hair. I giggled.
“You’re sparkling, you know,” I told him, trying to remain solemn while laughter tickled my throat. “Did you go and turn into a vampire?”
I have been honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I had a bit of mixed feelings about Failure to Communicate and I wasn't even sure I wanted to continue with the series, but this was just so readable!
Once again, I'm writing this review way too late, so I don't remember as much as I would like to, but I was mostly reading this for the autistic rep - which was amazing in this one - and the polyamorous bisexual main character - which I have a bit mixed feelings about because there is way more interaction in the F-M department then the F-F department and that is pretty consistent in all the three books we have so far.
I also really loved the first contact part of the story and I really appreciate the ways Kaia Sønderby is trying to push against the colonialist language and structures that are so common in sci-fi (there is still military stuff though and that is pretty unquestioned). I really enjoyed this book and the whole series but it's definitely not something that would be for everyone.
September 29, 2017
I enjoyed this nearly as much as the first book, but it was so short that it just left me wanting even more. I hope Kaia Sønderby isn't done with this fantastic series. I love the characters so much, and I think there's plenty of story left to tell.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
December 7, 2022
I felt seen and appreciated by the autism representation in this book.
April 27, 2019
This is a prequel to Faliure to Communicate which is one of my favourite books ever. The adult scifi series follows Xandri, one of the last autistics alive, as she leads a team of xenoliasons aboard a spaceship that initiates first contact with new species. I won't give too much away but to say this is a novella about how she became a member of the team and joined the crew in the first place. I loved it just as much as the first novel and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. If you are a fan of more political space going scifi I would definitely recommend it. But I'd also recommend it to anyone who wants to read a realistic portrayal of an autistic woman going on an adventure!
May 1, 2019
Oh my love for Xandri grows with every page!
Still so accurate to my experiences of being on the autistic spectrum, while also giving fantastic worldbuilding, and a brilliant storyline!
Still so accurate to my experiences of being on the autistic spectrum, while also giving fantastic worldbuilding, and a brilliant storyline!
March 29, 2025
My favourite installment in the series so far. This is a short ~50k word prequel, showing Xandri's arrival to Carpathia and her first mission involving the Psittacans. We see Xandri go from jumpy and malnourished after years of abuse and living on the streets, to slowly starting to open up and gain a little confidence thanks to the kindness of the crew. It's just...cozy. The stakes aren't very high since we already know she succeeds, and I've always loved stories about recovery from trauma and healing and people being kind to each other. I can see myself rereading it again and again :)
Enjoyment: 5/5
Execution: 5/5
Content warning: some sexual harassment early on
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
Enjoyment: 5/5
Execution: 5/5
Content warning: some sexual harassment early on
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
January 17, 2020
3.5 stars!
This will be a short review for a short book.
I loved being back with Xandri and seeing the autism rep. The title is actually SO clever. It was fun to see the incident that was referred to in Failure to Communicate. The plot was cool and as always I really liked the world. However, this didn't get me very emotionally invested, which is why the rating isn't higher.
Overall, this was absolutely worth the read and it was fun seeing more of Xandri's backstory! Now I'll get on to Tone of Voice, which I'm super excited for!
This will be a short review for a short book.
I loved being back with Xandri and seeing the autism rep. The title is actually SO clever. It was fun to see the incident that was referred to in Failure to Communicate. The plot was cool and as always I really liked the world. However, this didn't get me very emotionally invested, which is why the rating isn't higher.
Overall, this was absolutely worth the read and it was fun seeing more of Xandri's backstory! Now I'll get on to Tone of Voice, which I'm super excited for!
September 3, 2019
Such a good prequel to Failure to Communicate. Hearing about how everyone met and getting to see what Xandri was like before the Carpathia was so interesting! And we got to see different sides of a few of the other characters as well as more weird alien cultures. So much good stuff packed into a short little book.
December 19, 2019
Probably would be better if I didn't identify so closely with the experience of having someone who hates you for reasons outside of your control and which you can't seem to mitigate, but Christina needs to get a clue and some manners.
August 10, 2021
An autistic protagonist written by an autistic author! Awesome. A nice soft sci-fi novella that serves as a great introduction to the character, and has some undertones of questioning colonialism. I enjoyed this and will check out the rest of the series, as I want to know more about this world.
August 22, 2022
Lovely prequel to the Xandri series and I'm so excited for everything to come :)
-> as always with this series tw for eugenics, ableism, mentions of/references to abuse, malnutrition and descriptions of eating and difficulty doing so
-> as always with this series tw for eugenics, ableism, mentions of/references to abuse, malnutrition and descriptions of eating and difficulty doing so
October 26, 2017
Simply excellent in every way.
January 1, 2019
If you loved the first and/or second book of this series, this prequel will make you happy! :)
October 16, 2020
2020 Read it or Delete it Challenge: Read it
May 28, 2022
A bit on the nose, but a fun and interesting read.
February 17, 2023
A very interesting prequel that provided context to a few things from the first book. And the best part: a different alien planet and culture were explored.
April 27, 2023
I enjoyed being back in this world and with Xandri! Just, upon rereading the first book, I'm a little disappointed there's not a more distinct difference between character interactions here (4 years ago) and the setting of Failure to Communicate
June 8, 2019
Xandri Corelel has spent her life struggling and fighting just to survive on the streets of Wraith. Neurodivergences were (almost completely) wiped out of existence by genetic manipulation centuries ago, and autistic Xandri has been made to feel like she didn’t belong anywhere until she meets Captain Chui. The prequel to ‘Failure to Communicate’ gives readers the origin of Xandri’s life on the starship Carpathia.
The story is well paced, and the action contrasting against the more dialogue-heavy scenes where a lot of the character development takes place is of a good balance. There is a sense of risk and consequence in many of the scenes – whether that is the risk of harm or risk of failure on Xandri’s task, which could lead to her dismissal from the crew, or personal risk to Xandri and the secrets she holds onto so tightly.
The sentient species both on board the Carpathia and on the planet they visit were distinct and well-written. Sønderby is creative in the appearance and culture of the different species within her novels and makes sure that their customs and cultures are detailed, and each has their own unique voice.
Sønderby takes current events involving autism and uses them as part of the background and history for life within the series. Xandri’s conception can be seen reflected in present day discussions about prenatal screening and genetic engineering. In Xandri’s world, neurodivergences and other disabilities were wiped out of existence completely until it became a ‘fad’ amongst humans to go back to the natural way of having children. Then, as soon as it became clear that children were being born with disabilities again, it was made illegal to have children completely naturally.
Sønderby also plays with some of the stereotypes of autism with Xandri’s character. While Xandri finds it almost impossible to read the body language and intentions of other humans, her deep focus and self-taught skills in learning the body language of other species makes her a skilled and sensitive negotiator and is the very reason Captain Chui tracked her down in the first place.
Xandri’s struggles to find her place among the crew, some of whom accept her straight away and some of whom are openly disapproving of her placement within the team, come across as genuine and relatable. As this is a Novella, more exploration of the autistic rep takes place in the full-length novels – Failure to Communicate, and Tone of Voice, but Testing Pandora sets a solid foundation.
The story is well paced, and the action contrasting against the more dialogue-heavy scenes where a lot of the character development takes place is of a good balance. There is a sense of risk and consequence in many of the scenes – whether that is the risk of harm or risk of failure on Xandri’s task, which could lead to her dismissal from the crew, or personal risk to Xandri and the secrets she holds onto so tightly.
The sentient species both on board the Carpathia and on the planet they visit were distinct and well-written. Sønderby is creative in the appearance and culture of the different species within her novels and makes sure that their customs and cultures are detailed, and each has their own unique voice.
Sønderby takes current events involving autism and uses them as part of the background and history for life within the series. Xandri’s conception can be seen reflected in present day discussions about prenatal screening and genetic engineering. In Xandri’s world, neurodivergences and other disabilities were wiped out of existence completely until it became a ‘fad’ amongst humans to go back to the natural way of having children. Then, as soon as it became clear that children were being born with disabilities again, it was made illegal to have children completely naturally.
Sønderby also plays with some of the stereotypes of autism with Xandri’s character. While Xandri finds it almost impossible to read the body language and intentions of other humans, her deep focus and self-taught skills in learning the body language of other species makes her a skilled and sensitive negotiator and is the very reason Captain Chui tracked her down in the first place.
Xandri’s struggles to find her place among the crew, some of whom accept her straight away and some of whom are openly disapproving of her placement within the team, come across as genuine and relatable. As this is a Novella, more exploration of the autistic rep takes place in the full-length novels – Failure to Communicate, and Tone of Voice, but Testing Pandora sets a solid foundation.
December 19, 2022
CW: eugenics
In humanity's future, deurodivergences are so rare as to be almost zero. Those few who remain are called "Pandoras." Xan is autistic, in a universe that knows very little and likes even less about people like her. As a survival mechanism, she's gotten very good at noticing and interpreting nonverbal communication. This has brought her to the attention of a charismatic spaceship captain who navigates first contact with new species.
The peeks into Xan's head feel incredibly realistic and insightful. Her character has depth and nuance and a multidimensional personality. While the book is a bit difficult to read at times because of the (also very realistically written) discrimination Xan experiences because of her neurodivergence, overall it was delightful and heartening to follow and so easy to root for her.
I am already happily enjoying the next (1st in publication order, 2nd chronologically) book in the series.
In humanity's future, deurodivergences are so rare as to be almost zero. Those few who remain are called "Pandoras." Xan is autistic, in a universe that knows very little and likes even less about people like her. As a survival mechanism, she's gotten very good at noticing and interpreting nonverbal communication. This has brought her to the attention of a charismatic spaceship captain who navigates first contact with new species.
The peeks into Xan's head feel incredibly realistic and insightful. Her character has depth and nuance and a multidimensional personality. While the book is a bit difficult to read at times because of the (also very realistically written) discrimination Xan experiences because of her neurodivergence, overall it was delightful and heartening to follow and so easy to root for her.
I am already happily enjoying the next (1st in publication order, 2nd chronologically) book in the series.
December 20, 2016
Testing Pandora is an intriguing, wonderful story of a woman, Xandri, born with a 'disability' who finds she has an astonishing ability. Pandora is also the story of the diverse people of the ship Carpathia and of Xandri's attempt to find acceptance on the ship. I love the aliens, Carpathia's AI, and Diver. I was very pleased to discover a new science fiction story without the body count that seems so prevalent. I hope Ms. Sønderby does not make me wait very long for Xandri's next adventure. This series has a place on my favorites shelf.
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