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Where Nothing Ill Can Dwell
For most of her seventeen years, Miranda Prospero has lived with her mother on a wild, uncharted world on the fringes of the Bard Nebula, never knowing there were others like them in the star system. All that changes the moment a ship crashes onto her planet and introduces her to another of her species--a handsome, young man named Ferdinand.
But this is no accident.
Miranda's mother has waited for the perfect moment to extract revenge against those who stripped her of power and exiled her to this remote planet. She orchestrated the system failure that caused the ships to fall from the sky.
Caught in the storm of her mother's vengeance, Miranda's conscience is torn. Now she must choose between the only family she's ever known or risk everything for the boy who makes her heart race with each smile and stolen glance.
The boy who happens to be the son of her mother's enemy.
But this is no accident.
Miranda's mother has waited for the perfect moment to extract revenge against those who stripped her of power and exiled her to this remote planet. She orchestrated the system failure that caused the ships to fall from the sky.
Caught in the storm of her mother's vengeance, Miranda's conscience is torn. Now she must choose between the only family she's ever known or risk everything for the boy who makes her heart race with each smile and stolen glance.
The boy who happens to be the son of her mother's enemy.
- GenresRomanceScience Fiction
280 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2016
1 person is currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Crista McHugh
68 books932 followersCrista McHugh is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY BESTSELLING author of fantasy and romance with heroines who are smart, sexy, and anything but ordinary.
She also writes fantasy with less kissing and a lot more action as C. A. McHugh.
She currently lives in the Tesla-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician on the weekends.
She also writes fantasy with less kissing and a lot more action as C. A. McHugh.
She currently lives in the Tesla-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician on the weekends.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 26, 2016
Miranda Prospero has grown up on an uncharted planet on the fringes of the Bad Nebula with her mother who had needed to go into hiding when she was framed on her home planet. Now the time has come that Miranda's mother has been waiting for to obtain her revenge on those that ran her off years ago when their spaceships come near the planet they've been hiding on.
As the ships crash land upon the planet Miranda finds herself coming across other humans for the first time, including a young man just her age that is immediately taken with Miranda. Miranda begins to sneak off to meet and help him and the two begin to grow closer but her new friend is the son of the man Miranda's mother is seeking revenge from and a part of the bigger plot she's concocted.
Where Nothing Ill Can Dwell is the first book in the Bard Nebula series by Crista McHugh. The story within is a new modern day retelling of Shakespeare’s classic The Tempest taking the tale into outer space with all that you would find on a strange planet, aliens and other strange lifeforms. The book has multiple POVs so that you know what is going on with each of the characters at different times in the story.
I actually really enjoyed this one and the creativity with changing the story to fit characters being in space, such an interesting idea and it made the story pop out just that much more with the space ships and aliens mixed into the complex revenge plot. Fun setting, interesting characters and story, would recommend to those who enjoy ya sci-fi or retellings.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
As the ships crash land upon the planet Miranda finds herself coming across other humans for the first time, including a young man just her age that is immediately taken with Miranda. Miranda begins to sneak off to meet and help him and the two begin to grow closer but her new friend is the son of the man Miranda's mother is seeking revenge from and a part of the bigger plot she's concocted.
Where Nothing Ill Can Dwell is the first book in the Bard Nebula series by Crista McHugh. The story within is a new modern day retelling of Shakespeare’s classic The Tempest taking the tale into outer space with all that you would find on a strange planet, aliens and other strange lifeforms. The book has multiple POVs so that you know what is going on with each of the characters at different times in the story.
I actually really enjoyed this one and the creativity with changing the story to fit characters being in space, such an interesting idea and it made the story pop out just that much more with the space ships and aliens mixed into the complex revenge plot. Fun setting, interesting characters and story, would recommend to those who enjoy ya sci-fi or retellings.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
January 2, 2017
*This book was received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I recently studied 'The Tempest' by William Shakespeare, which this book is a retelling of, and really enjoyed it. Hence, when I read the blurb of this book I was intrigued. I really liked the world building as McHugh created vivid imagery of a wild and exotic planet full of wonders and dangers alike. I also thought that the change in setting, from an island to outer-space was an interesting spin on the original. Although McHugh adhered fairly closely to the original script, she did make some significant changes such as making Miranda more independent and less subservient and making the main power figure, Miranda's parent aka Prospero, a female instead of a male as in the original. I did however still find Maria to be unbelievably naive and still quite meek. The romance was, like in the play, instant and this I found rather disappointing. I did enjoy the change of Ariel being a robot instead of a spirit however and the use of technology by Prospero instead of magic. Overall, this was a pretty good retelling of 'The Tempest' that stayed true to it's inspiration yet also incorporated values from our modern times.
I recently studied 'The Tempest' by William Shakespeare, which this book is a retelling of, and really enjoyed it. Hence, when I read the blurb of this book I was intrigued. I really liked the world building as McHugh created vivid imagery of a wild and exotic planet full of wonders and dangers alike. I also thought that the change in setting, from an island to outer-space was an interesting spin on the original. Although McHugh adhered fairly closely to the original script, she did make some significant changes such as making Miranda more independent and less subservient and making the main power figure, Miranda's parent aka Prospero, a female instead of a male as in the original. I did however still find Maria to be unbelievably naive and still quite meek. The romance was, like in the play, instant and this I found rather disappointing. I did enjoy the change of Ariel being a robot instead of a spirit however and the use of technology by Prospero instead of magic. Overall, this was a pretty good retelling of 'The Tempest' that stayed true to it's inspiration yet also incorporated values from our modern times.
August 31, 2018
More a book for the younger generation...not really this old ladies cup of tea..lol...but it was interesting
June 30, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Okay - I requested this book based on the cover alone. Not a good idea, I know. Especially in this case. I did not enjoy reading this book. The instalove was gag-worthy and unbelievable. Seriously the worst instalove I have ever read. I know - this book is a retelling of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Well, some things work in a play that don't work in a book. Also, some things work when Shakespeare is handling it, and don't work when he isn't.
For my full review, please see Reading With Coffee Blog
Okay - I requested this book based on the cover alone. Not a good idea, I know. Especially in this case. I did not enjoy reading this book. The instalove was gag-worthy and unbelievable. Seriously the worst instalove I have ever read. I know - this book is a retelling of Shakespeare's The Tempest. Well, some things work in a play that don't work in a book. Also, some things work when Shakespeare is handling it, and don't work when he isn't.
For my full review, please see Reading With Coffee Blog
March 2, 2017
set in the future Dr. Prospero had been sentenced to death.. Escaping death to find her life on a planet outside the space station she came from she has built a new life, and made plans for her revenge.. Her daughter Miranda is young and the ever obedient daughter until she finds she likes the son of her sworn enemy..
Dr. Prospero has vowed revenge and appears to be the mad scientist that is seeking revenge out of hate. She has deliberately stranded her enemy's on the planet and has plotted out all the aspects of her revenge.. Will her enemies survive the jungle type setting with little assistance? Can they survive the hallucinogenic spores ? Can they survive each other and the plots among themselves ?
This book is well written, well paces, and not cut off ... The chapters are on different character and do float from aspect to the next, however each chapter tells you which character you are reading from making it easy to read and follow.. This is a very clean futuristic love story that does not have all the mush, lust and over the top sex references.. I would let my teenage daughter read this with no problem.. This is a very nice change of pace sci-fi and love story rolled into one.. I would recommend this book and find it a nice change of pace.
Dr. Prospero has vowed revenge and appears to be the mad scientist that is seeking revenge out of hate. She has deliberately stranded her enemy's on the planet and has plotted out all the aspects of her revenge.. Will her enemies survive the jungle type setting with little assistance? Can they survive the hallucinogenic spores ? Can they survive each other and the plots among themselves ?
This book is well written, well paces, and not cut off ... The chapters are on different character and do float from aspect to the next, however each chapter tells you which character you are reading from making it easy to read and follow.. This is a very clean futuristic love story that does not have all the mush, lust and over the top sex references.. I would let my teenage daughter read this with no problem.. This is a very nice change of pace sci-fi and love story rolled into one.. I would recommend this book and find it a nice change of pace.
December 27, 2016
This is a Shakespeare's adaption from The Tempest , Crista McGugh presents a science fiction in a post-chaos world worthy of this great British playwright.
Dr. Prospero was banned from the NAPLES ,space station , to a remote area of Bard Nebula because of a false accusation of his brother Antonio without receiving any chance to defend himself on the part of Admiral Santos. For fifteen years, she has orchestrated her revenge and now stands the chance to teach everyone a lesson, so she will take the chance to see her enemy's son on her hand.
Miranda is a girl who has grown isolated, dreamy, sweet, extremely obedient and loyal, and sees her world turn 360 ° when she meets Ferdinand, a young rebel and adventurer caught in the solar storm created by ARIEL (ADVANCE RESPONSE INTELLIGENCE ENGINEERED), an advanced form of Artificial intelligence that was programmed by dr. Prospero to do good without looking at whom.
Dr. Maria Prospero has a new plan in realizing all those who have landed on her planet, making Miranda fall in love with Ferdinand (which is not at all difficult since they fall in love at first sight) and show Admiral Santos all the facets of those who do not struggle to rise to power , Just did not expect his slave Caliban (former warrior of the TUNIS people) also to take this chance to take revenge on her. Even in the face of this, she takes advantage of the event and reverses it in favor of her plan.
The woman is a genius!
The book is very well written and at various times I could perceive the Shakespearean touch of subtly and enigmatically presenting all human emotions and yearnings. I did not read the original of this specific work but I read Midsummer Night's Dream which for me is constructed similarly to The Tempest, having several storytellers presenting the story in a continuous timeline with a background romance plunging in compassion and guilt.
In Where Nothing Ill Can Dwell, we have the points of view of Miranda, Ferdinand, Ariel and Caliban which generates more suspense about the intentions and modus operandi of dr. Prospero.
"Because without pain, there is no pleasure."
The cover shows exactly the growth and maturation of Miranda as a person and even continuing to dreamy keeps her feet on the ground.
"Mom was in danger, and it was all my fault."
Ferdinand also matures to the joy of his father and realizes the importance of the father in his life.
"Dad, this is Miranda, my angel of light during these dark days."
Even Ariel begins to understand the emotions that love causes in people and grows as well.
" I could not wait to see what new wonders lay ahead"
I met this writer before reading her books at the RT 2015 and became a fan of her writing while reading the Keller Brothers series, this work only made me realize all her versatility and increase my passion for her.
Kisses, Myl
Dr. Prospero was banned from the NAPLES ,space station , to a remote area of Bard Nebula because of a false accusation of his brother Antonio without receiving any chance to defend himself on the part of Admiral Santos. For fifteen years, she has orchestrated her revenge and now stands the chance to teach everyone a lesson, so she will take the chance to see her enemy's son on her hand.
Miranda is a girl who has grown isolated, dreamy, sweet, extremely obedient and loyal, and sees her world turn 360 ° when she meets Ferdinand, a young rebel and adventurer caught in the solar storm created by ARIEL (ADVANCE RESPONSE INTELLIGENCE ENGINEERED), an advanced form of Artificial intelligence that was programmed by dr. Prospero to do good without looking at whom.
Dr. Maria Prospero has a new plan in realizing all those who have landed on her planet, making Miranda fall in love with Ferdinand (which is not at all difficult since they fall in love at first sight) and show Admiral Santos all the facets of those who do not struggle to rise to power , Just did not expect his slave Caliban (former warrior of the TUNIS people) also to take this chance to take revenge on her. Even in the face of this, she takes advantage of the event and reverses it in favor of her plan.
The woman is a genius!
The book is very well written and at various times I could perceive the Shakespearean touch of subtly and enigmatically presenting all human emotions and yearnings. I did not read the original of this specific work but I read Midsummer Night's Dream which for me is constructed similarly to The Tempest, having several storytellers presenting the story in a continuous timeline with a background romance plunging in compassion and guilt.
In Where Nothing Ill Can Dwell, we have the points of view of Miranda, Ferdinand, Ariel and Caliban which generates more suspense about the intentions and modus operandi of dr. Prospero.
"Because without pain, there is no pleasure."
The cover shows exactly the growth and maturation of Miranda as a person and even continuing to dreamy keeps her feet on the ground.
"Mom was in danger, and it was all my fault."
Ferdinand also matures to the joy of his father and realizes the importance of the father in his life.
"Dad, this is Miranda, my angel of light during these dark days."
Even Ariel begins to understand the emotions that love causes in people and grows as well.
" I could not wait to see what new wonders lay ahead"
I met this writer before reading her books at the RT 2015 and became a fan of her writing while reading the Keller Brothers series, this work only made me realize all her versatility and increase my passion for her.
Kisses, Myl
December 23, 2016
In her latest novel, Where Nothing Ill Can Dwell, Crista McHugh puts a new spin on Shakespeare’s classic The Tempest, setting the tale on the very fringes of the Bard Nebula. This cosmic world is full of beauty and monsters, both human and alien alike.
Wine Pairing:
I recommend pairing Where Nothing Ill Can Dwell with a big glass of Caelum Cabernet Sauvignon. Caelum’s galactic themed wines and cosmic labels are the perfect match for the stellar world of this novel
My Review: TWO STARS
I was immediately intrigued by this book upon reading the description. Not just a retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, but one set in space?! I IMMEDIATELY requested it on NetGalley when I saw it was available.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy reading the actual book as much as I loved the concept of it. While it very closely follows the storyline of The Tempest, which I did enjoy, McHugh did not modernize either the tone or the dialogue enough to make this book really entertaining for a present-day audience.
Because the dialogue is an odd combination of English from the 1700s and our modern dialect, it rang hollow. I just could not imagine anyone actually saying the things they were saying. That feeling of unbelievability unfortunately carried over to the character’s and their actions as well.
Now, what this book does really very well, is setting and world building. The world that Miranda and her mother live on is beautiful and McHugh brings it to life brilliantly.
I feel like this idea just had SO MUCH potential, and I can even understand why McHugh would have wanted to leave the dialogue, tone, and characters as she did, as more of an homage to the original story. Unfortunately, it just did not translate well for me.
Cover Rating: FOUR STARS
I love the color and sense of wonder demonstrated on this cover. I think it really highlights the part of this book that I feel McHugh truly nailed, which was the setting and world building.
Swoon Worthiness: TWO STARS
If McHugh had just modernized the dialogue a bit more, and made the character’s actions more believable, Ferdinand could have been a very swoon-worthy love interest. Unfortunately, he just falls a little flat.
Wine Pairing:
I recommend pairing Where Nothing Ill Can Dwell with a big glass of Caelum Cabernet Sauvignon. Caelum’s galactic themed wines and cosmic labels are the perfect match for the stellar world of this novel
My Review: TWO STARS
I was immediately intrigued by this book upon reading the description. Not just a retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, but one set in space?! I IMMEDIATELY requested it on NetGalley when I saw it was available.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy reading the actual book as much as I loved the concept of it. While it very closely follows the storyline of The Tempest, which I did enjoy, McHugh did not modernize either the tone or the dialogue enough to make this book really entertaining for a present-day audience.
Because the dialogue is an odd combination of English from the 1700s and our modern dialect, it rang hollow. I just could not imagine anyone actually saying the things they were saying. That feeling of unbelievability unfortunately carried over to the character’s and their actions as well.
Now, what this book does really very well, is setting and world building. The world that Miranda and her mother live on is beautiful and McHugh brings it to life brilliantly.
I feel like this idea just had SO MUCH potential, and I can even understand why McHugh would have wanted to leave the dialogue, tone, and characters as she did, as more of an homage to the original story. Unfortunately, it just did not translate well for me.
Cover Rating: FOUR STARS
I love the color and sense of wonder demonstrated on this cover. I think it really highlights the part of this book that I feel McHugh truly nailed, which was the setting and world building.
Swoon Worthiness: TWO STARS
If McHugh had just modernized the dialogue a bit more, and made the character’s actions more believable, Ferdinand could have been a very swoon-worthy love interest. Unfortunately, he just falls a little flat.
March 28, 2017
An sci-fi adaptation of "The Tempest". I was disappointed in this one. I have read other books by McHugh and have enjoyed the characters but I felt this one was lacking the charm normally found in her books.
April 27, 2017
I received this book in a giveaway and it was such a great read. I loved the whole space concept and the world of this book, specifically the planet Miranda and her mother inhabit. There are such a variety of characters who undergo a transformation, such as with Miranda's mother, Maria. I also loved the fact that this story was told through different point of views. It gave the reader a chance to connect with the characters and distinguish their intentions in the story. Overall, it was a fantastic story with some action here and there, descriptions of a beautiful planet, and not to mention the romance that I always like to keep an eye out for.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews