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Phaethon #1
Phaethon
Hackers, fae, and a new breed of corporate greed battle over the future of the human race Hacker couple Jack and Rosie crack technology, but the newest device, the Phaethon, isn't like other phones. The parts are junk, yet it can do the impossible. Through gentle prodding and data theft, they learn it's powered remotely...by a living creature. Cracking the Phaethon enters them into a war. Some, like Calthine, the bitter Bogle, are on their side. Others are controlled by a new type of fae; the bosses of the Phaethon corporation, who have steel for eyes and iron for souls. Now, the hackers have to fight creatures they've never heard of to save the friends they've just made.
220 pages, Paperback
Published December 18, 2016
6 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 3, 2018
I really did not expect to love this book as much! I have owned a copy for a while but never felt like reading it but I’m really glad I finally did! It was such an original concept and I loved the main characters, they were so cute together (they’re in an established relationship).
February 7, 2017
PHAETHON is a witty and fast-paced adventure that zips between cyberpunk and urban fantasy territories. The hacktivist couple at its center, Rosie and Jack, have some of the best romantic dynamic I've read in a long time, and it's so refreshing to follow an established couple with intimate knowledge of each other and Awesome Banter, rather than two bland people fall in love with each other.
While I will readily admit I don't care all that much for Jack (I think I have no patience left for nerdboy reactions and he has a few, even if he reins them in or acknowledges they're not justified), Rosie is just PLAIN AWESOME. A+ for women characters who can both kick ass and ugly-cry-breakdown-at-their-lives-going-to-Hell. In fact, Rosie and her friend, Sarah, really burst out the page as full characters, with inner lives and their own unique relationship beyond their respective boyfriend/husband.
I'll say, while I knew PHAETHON didn't have ace or aro rep, I came to it expecting more LGBTQIAP+ goodness? But unless I missed a quick statement that Sarah, Will, Jack, or Rosie is bi/pan, the closest thing to it is clear mentions that the faeries are probably neither male nor female, but this doesn't stop Jack and Rosie from assigning genders to them, and using gendered pronouns. And this bit made me really uneasy : I'm cis and nonbinary folk may disagree, but this to me implied the closer to "human" you were, the easier it became to assign gendered pronouns. And in all honesty, I don't see why neither Cal or Lassie were granted neutral pronouns. (Side note that I'm 100% sure Rachel Sharp doesn't hold any of these views, but bad wording can still be harmful).
With all of this said, PHAETHON offers a plethora of relatable characters with unique and believable relationships, and it makes the whole faerie adventure super enjoyable. It is well worth your time and energy.
While I will readily admit I don't care all that much for Jack (I think I have no patience left for nerdboy reactions and he has a few, even if he reins them in or acknowledges they're not justified), Rosie is just PLAIN AWESOME. A+ for women characters who can both kick ass and ugly-cry-breakdown-at-their-lives-going-to-Hell. In fact, Rosie and her friend, Sarah, really burst out the page as full characters, with inner lives and their own unique relationship beyond their respective boyfriend/husband.
I'll say, while I knew PHAETHON didn't have ace or aro rep, I came to it expecting more LGBTQIAP+ goodness? But unless I missed a quick statement that Sarah, Will, Jack, or Rosie is bi/pan, the closest thing to it is clear mentions that the faeries are probably neither male nor female, but this doesn't stop Jack and Rosie from assigning genders to them, and using gendered pronouns. And this bit made me really uneasy : I'm cis and nonbinary folk may disagree, but this to me implied the closer to "human" you were, the easier it became to assign gendered pronouns. And in all honesty, I don't see why neither Cal or Lassie were granted neutral pronouns. (Side note that I'm 100% sure Rachel Sharp doesn't hold any of these views, but bad wording can still be harmful).
With all of this said, PHAETHON offers a plethora of relatable characters with unique and believable relationships, and it makes the whole faerie adventure super enjoyable. It is well worth your time and energy.
December 19, 2016
Phaethon by Rachel Sharp, might be the one gift a reader can look forward to in the terrible Pandora’s Box that was the year 2016. It is a honey-soaked thrill-ride of crackling energy, Buffy The Vampire fluff in the best way, brimming with laugh out loud scenes and Alice Down The Rabbit Hole moments. There’s a bit of winking mischievously to the reader, but I found myself laughing too hard at the witty banter to care much.
This feels like what a “urban fantasy” should be, unlike say, the Mercy Thompson series, which reeks of cultural appropriation. The character chemistry is instant and easy, and it’s nice to have main characters who aren’t distracted by developing relationships with each other. More stories need the couples as buddies dynamic. I especially liked the climactic battle at the end, for all the little nods to earlier moments in the book it gave.
A thoroughly entertaining read. Easily worth twice the price.
This feels like what a “urban fantasy” should be, unlike say, the Mercy Thompson series, which reeks of cultural appropriation. The character chemistry is instant and easy, and it’s nice to have main characters who aren’t distracted by developing relationships with each other. More stories need the couples as buddies dynamic. I especially liked the climactic battle at the end, for all the little nods to earlier moments in the book it gave.
A thoroughly entertaining read. Easily worth twice the price.
June 1, 2019
actual rating: 3.5
I was kind of surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. There is a nice blend of technology and magic, and the main characters are fun and likable. If I had one complaint it would probably be that it was a bit too short and the obstacles in our protagonists' path were solved a bit too easily, but it was definitely a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes urban fantasy books about faeries. It looks like there was originally supposed to be a sequel to this since it is labeled as 'book 1', but I think it is entirely satisfactory as a standalone novel.
I was kind of surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. There is a nice blend of technology and magic, and the main characters are fun and likable. If I had one complaint it would probably be that it was a bit too short and the obstacles in our protagonists' path were solved a bit too easily, but it was definitely a fun read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes urban fantasy books about faeries. It looks like there was originally supposed to be a sequel to this since it is labeled as 'book 1', but I think it is entirely satisfactory as a standalone novel.
March 12, 2024
The premise grabbed me, and I loved the genuine affection of the characters for each other. But about halfway through, it struck me that most of the book was characters "cutely" doing things: cute banter, cute mannerisms, cute scenes of microwaving frozen dinners or doing laundry. In the end it was a little too chatty and therefore hard to take the stakes seriously, so I skimmed the last half.
August 29, 2020
Oh this was a lot of fun! I really am very fond of books where previously normal and unknowing humans suddenly have to deal with and hang out with supernatural creatures. Cal the rude faerie and his dynamic with the human cast was one of my favorite things with the book. The whole mix of magic and technology also felt like a clever twist of the genre.
That said, the whole suddenly-we're-at-WAR thing felt a bit rushed, both story telling wise and in terms of how much time the characters spent preparing for and actually participating in the fight. Why were the enemies such idiots? Why did none of the characters become traumatized from all the death and destruction (this would kinda have ruined the light hearted feel of the book though, but I feel it should have at least been dealt with a little bit)?
Still, a fun, creative and quick read about faeries and cell phones with wonderful, witty characters and a generally happy vibe.
That said, the whole suddenly-we're-at-WAR thing felt a bit rushed, both story telling wise and in terms of how much time the characters spent preparing for and actually participating in the fight. Why were the enemies such idiots? Why did none of the characters become traumatized from all the death and destruction (this would kinda have ruined the light hearted feel of the book though, but I feel it should have at least been dealt with a little bit)?
Still, a fun, creative and quick read about faeries and cell phones with wonderful, witty characters and a generally happy vibe.
February 6, 2017
Once I picked it up, I had a difficult time putting it down. Phaethon pulled me in quickly and kept me eager for more. It's a fascinating merging of fantasy and tech, that is truly unlike anything I've ever read.
The author's sense of humour shines through the pages, which helped create some memorable characters. She also has a lovely way with words; one particular phrase, "puppet strings of curiosity," sticks out prominently in my mind, which really paints a picture.
Ultimately, I think that the deep-seated moral of this novel is an excellent one. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone and everyone, as I think it needs to be read.
Kudos to Rachel Sharp!
I was given an ARC copy of Phaethon from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
The author's sense of humour shines through the pages, which helped create some memorable characters. She also has a lovely way with words; one particular phrase, "puppet strings of curiosity," sticks out prominently in my mind, which really paints a picture.
Ultimately, I think that the deep-seated moral of this novel is an excellent one. I would highly recommend this novel to anyone and everyone, as I think it needs to be read.
Kudos to Rachel Sharp!
I was given an ARC copy of Phaethon from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2023
Where to begin? The idea of the mixing of the "modern world" and the "world of Faerie" is one that I enjoy reading. I've seen it done badly, and I've seen it done well, but never quite like how it's done here. The usual idea of switching technology and magic is played with (very well, in my opinion) by having one actually power the other. I like the small cast of characters in this, it's easier to identify with and follow them than a larger cast would have been.
All in all, it's a brilliantly executed take on an idea I've always liked, and I can't wait to read more.
All in all, it's a brilliantly executed take on an idea I've always liked, and I can't wait to read more.
March 10, 2019
Oh My Goodness, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It rolled along like a rollercoaster, sometimes thrilling, sometimes setting up for what comes next, but always funny and fun. In pacing it reminds me of a Diana Wynne Jones book, Archer's Goon.
You'll find yourself falling into the story, identifying with one or more of the characters, and rooting for them all to come out on top.
Personally, I would have liked to have the bad guys fleshed out a bit more, but it wasnt my book to write. It was Rachel Sharp's. And she did it extremely well.
You'll find yourself falling into the story, identifying with one or more of the characters, and rooting for them all to come out on top.
Personally, I would have liked to have the bad guys fleshed out a bit more, but it wasnt my book to write. It was Rachel Sharp's. And she did it extremely well.
June 22, 2023
Jack and Rosie are relationship goals
January 30, 2023
I read Phaethon many years ago and recently went back to re-read it. Despite being published in 2016 and grounded in the tech industry, it holds up surprisingly well.
That may be because it's more a fantasy novel about an evil organization that's using people's cell phones to integrate themselves into people's lives than about real-world cell phones or tech industry. But substitute Google and Apple for evil faeries and you have a prescient analysis of who's taking over the world and how.
Imagine a cell phone that can fly. Why not - they can do everything else now. But digging in, you'd want to know how. That's where the crazy journey of this novel begins because the phone itself seems to be made of old spare parts. Be prepared to enter the world of faeries that control your cell phones. And your life.
Mostly, Phaethon is a wildly fun to read, a fast-moving jaunt that combines mystery, fantasy, and mythology. And a lot of humor. I'm looking forward to the 3rd book in the series.
That may be because it's more a fantasy novel about an evil organization that's using people's cell phones to integrate themselves into people's lives than about real-world cell phones or tech industry. But substitute Google and Apple for evil faeries and you have a prescient analysis of who's taking over the world and how.
Imagine a cell phone that can fly. Why not - they can do everything else now. But digging in, you'd want to know how. That's where the crazy journey of this novel begins because the phone itself seems to be made of old spare parts. Be prepared to enter the world of faeries that control your cell phones. And your life.
Mostly, Phaethon is a wildly fun to read, a fast-moving jaunt that combines mystery, fantasy, and mythology. And a lot of humor. I'm looking forward to the 3rd book in the series.
May 6, 2023
A fun urban fantasy romp
I didn't know how much I needed a couple of punk-adjacent friends saving the wor!d urban fantasy right now, but it took me back to the glory days of cyberpunk, only with the fae rather than technology.
The writing feels a little first-novel-ish, but I enjoyed the characters, enjoyed the world, will definitely read the next in the series, and can see going for the third.
I didn't know how much I needed a couple of punk-adjacent friends saving the wor!d urban fantasy right now, but it took me back to the glory days of cyberpunk, only with the fae rather than technology.
The writing feels a little first-novel-ish, but I enjoyed the characters, enjoyed the world, will definitely read the next in the series, and can see going for the third.
March 25, 2017
"He couldn’t make fire in his palms or change his shape, but the fae had made a mistake when they’d used human technology to come after humankind. This was his magic."
* * *
There's not a lot in my life that feels truly fun anymore. I'm dealing with several chronic illnesses and it's a huge effort to even get out of bed. Most things are, if I'm being honest. Even/especially reading and reviewing. So it's just very refreshing when something comes into my life that doesn't feel like work first of all, but is actually positively enjoyable... and fun.
Phaethon is fun. And smart. And quick, and difficult to put down once you start. Even if you know nothing about cyber-hackery or predominately European fae lore, it's an engaging and entertaining ride. (But if you know either or both of these areas at all, you'll probably get more of the references, and some truly awesome nerdish jokes.)
A well-written book can be about the most fantastic of magicks, but as long as there's consistency, verisimilitude (believability) and familiarity with the subject, everything can still seem entirely truthful, and in a way, 'real.' The writer has clearly done her research in both science and sorcery, and so many small details, like the gritty minutiae of living semi off-grid and trying to make ends meet, or exactly HOW you go about catching pesky faeries so you can talk to them (sometimes in song form) just makes everything feel more real. The characters are believable and sympathetic as they navigate their extraordinary circumstances, and by the end I felt attached and invested in the protagonists' journey, and sincerely wanted the heroes to succeed.
I'll echo a previous review in that there wasn't much LGBTQIA content that I could catch, aside from fae believably existing outside the human/western gender binary, and that I pretty heavily headcanon Jack as trans because of a few subtle line-hints. I would have liked to see some more explicit representation - they/them or other pronouns for some of the main faeries would have been awesome, and there were a few points even small nods would have fit in nicely. (I honestly thought one of the main ladies might hear a siren song and feel some effect, or one of the guys feels nothing bc they're not attracted to women - although given the 2 primary ships are m/f, that might have had some sad implications. Or someone could NOT be effected because they're aro/ace, but the scene played out pretty straightforward. ...pun really not intended!) But it's not a star-loser, since it wasn't really advertised that way and I didn't go into it expecting anything in particular.
I have to wrap this up, but I couldn't stop without mentioning the awesomeness that is Calthine. If you've been following my Goodreads updates, you've heard me screaming (with joy) just about every time he opens his pointy-toothed mouth. I want more Phaethon in general, but I REALLY want more Calthine. He's one of the most memorable characters I've read in a while, and I just greatly enjoyed his snarky-but-illuminating commentary, odd-to-humans honor code (he definitely has one even if it doesn't look like it; humans don't always grok fae minds), and adorable interactions with his seal friends. (Also I love seals. Thank you for the seals/selkies.) Another honorable mention goes to a fabulous sea queen with some badass knuckle tats. HOLD FAST!
All in all, I'm very glad this is a the beginning of an entire Phaethon series. I somehow missed that fact until I was almost done, and realizing this is only Book 1 was a wonderful surprise. I can't wait for Book 2.
* * *
There's not a lot in my life that feels truly fun anymore. I'm dealing with several chronic illnesses and it's a huge effort to even get out of bed. Most things are, if I'm being honest. Even/especially reading and reviewing. So it's just very refreshing when something comes into my life that doesn't feel like work first of all, but is actually positively enjoyable... and fun.
Phaethon is fun. And smart. And quick, and difficult to put down once you start. Even if you know nothing about cyber-hackery or predominately European fae lore, it's an engaging and entertaining ride. (But if you know either or both of these areas at all, you'll probably get more of the references, and some truly awesome nerdish jokes.)
A well-written book can be about the most fantastic of magicks, but as long as there's consistency, verisimilitude (believability) and familiarity with the subject, everything can still seem entirely truthful, and in a way, 'real.' The writer has clearly done her research in both science and sorcery, and so many small details, like the gritty minutiae of living semi off-grid and trying to make ends meet, or exactly HOW you go about catching pesky faeries so you can talk to them (sometimes in song form) just makes everything feel more real. The characters are believable and sympathetic as they navigate their extraordinary circumstances, and by the end I felt attached and invested in the protagonists' journey, and sincerely wanted the heroes to succeed.
I'll echo a previous review in that there wasn't much LGBTQIA content that I could catch, aside from fae believably existing outside the human/western gender binary, and that I pretty heavily headcanon Jack as trans because of a few subtle line-hints. I would have liked to see some more explicit representation - they/them or other pronouns for some of the main faeries would have been awesome, and there were a few points even small nods would have fit in nicely. (I honestly thought one of the main ladies might hear a siren song and feel some effect, or one of the guys feels nothing bc they're not attracted to women - although given the 2 primary ships are m/f, that might have had some sad implications. Or someone could NOT be effected because they're aro/ace, but the scene played out pretty straightforward. ...pun really not intended!) But it's not a star-loser, since it wasn't really advertised that way and I didn't go into it expecting anything in particular.
I have to wrap this up, but I couldn't stop without mentioning the awesomeness that is Calthine. If you've been following my Goodreads updates, you've heard me screaming (with joy) just about every time he opens his pointy-toothed mouth. I want more Phaethon in general, but I REALLY want more Calthine. He's one of the most memorable characters I've read in a while, and I just greatly enjoyed his snarky-but-illuminating commentary, odd-to-humans honor code (he definitely has one even if it doesn't look like it; humans don't always grok fae minds), and adorable interactions with his seal friends. (Also I love seals. Thank you for the seals/selkies.) Another honorable mention goes to a fabulous sea queen with some badass knuckle tats. HOLD FAST!
All in all, I'm very glad this is a the beginning of an entire Phaethon series. I somehow missed that fact until I was almost done, and realizing this is only Book 1 was a wonderful surprise. I can't wait for Book 2.
November 19, 2021
This was cute, fun, and totally serious all at the same time. I enjoyed Sharp's interpretation of the classic fey, and I liked the interaction of the main characters. The story was fresh and enjoyable.
January 16, 2021
This is the first book by this author ! Thanks for showing me that I can love a different genre! Won’t be so scared to read different genres!
September 3, 2017
I received a review copy from the author to review this on for Rosie Amber's Review Team
Jack and Rosie are a young married couple living in downtown Boston. They have an obsession with all things techy, and spend their time pulling them apart, posting 'how-to' videos, reports on the latest software, and troubleshooting tips; they have menial jobs but supplement their income from donations via their online life. They care more for what they do and love than upgrading to a better apartment or slipping into the American middle-class 'norm'; domestic and material stuff is unimportant to them, in comparison with their tech world. I loved Jack and Rosie!
When the new 'Phaethon' phone is introduced, they're among the first to buy it, in order to make a bit of much needed cash from their critiques and how-tos. But this is no ordinary phone. When Rosie pulls 'Lassie' apart, she discovers that the inside is more like something from the pre-camera phone 1990s. After a long, long night in conversation with Lassie, Jack suspects other-worldly goings on....
Basically, this book is about a magical world of faeries and other beings who exist alongside our world, unbeknownst to most ~ think Harry Potter. Not a subject that is absolutely up my street, generally, but I enjoyed this, and sometimes I loved it. Elements of the faerie world are rising up against the humans; you begin to find out why at about 60%, just as I was wondering what, exactly, it was all going to be about! Calthine, the fae creature who labours alongside Jack, Rosie and their friends to put things right, is hilarious, so well written. The tech stuff is spot on, clever and current, as are the observations of popular culture. It's sharp, funny, intelligent and (of no little importance) it's perfectly proofread, edited and formatted ~ which is no less than I would expect from the creator of Jack and Rosie 😉.
Jack and Rosie are a young married couple living in downtown Boston. They have an obsession with all things techy, and spend their time pulling them apart, posting 'how-to' videos, reports on the latest software, and troubleshooting tips; they have menial jobs but supplement their income from donations via their online life. They care more for what they do and love than upgrading to a better apartment or slipping into the American middle-class 'norm'; domestic and material stuff is unimportant to them, in comparison with their tech world. I loved Jack and Rosie!
When the new 'Phaethon' phone is introduced, they're among the first to buy it, in order to make a bit of much needed cash from their critiques and how-tos. But this is no ordinary phone. When Rosie pulls 'Lassie' apart, she discovers that the inside is more like something from the pre-camera phone 1990s. After a long, long night in conversation with Lassie, Jack suspects other-worldly goings on....
Basically, this book is about a magical world of faeries and other beings who exist alongside our world, unbeknownst to most ~ think Harry Potter. Not a subject that is absolutely up my street, generally, but I enjoyed this, and sometimes I loved it. Elements of the faerie world are rising up against the humans; you begin to find out why at about 60%, just as I was wondering what, exactly, it was all going to be about! Calthine, the fae creature who labours alongside Jack, Rosie and their friends to put things right, is hilarious, so well written. The tech stuff is spot on, clever and current, as are the observations of popular culture. It's sharp, funny, intelligent and (of no little importance) it's perfectly proofread, edited and formatted ~ which is no less than I would expect from the creator of Jack and Rosie 😉.
March 21, 2017
This is a solid, and I mean SOLID, 5 stars because it is an amazing thrill ride of a novel. Total read time on this was less than 6 hours. I had to keep forcing myself to stop so I could savor it!
~As a reader, this is 5 stars+ because it was the perfect story. I found myself completely enthralled from page one. I fell in love with Rosie and Jack. They're the quintessential "living on the fringe of society" millennial couple, working, playing and surviving paycheck to paycheck, studio apartment in a big city hacktivists. They are completely relatable in every way. When the end came, I found myself wanting to have a beer with them myself! And Lassie was just down right adorable! I was informed by the author that a sequel was in the works and I cannot WAIT for that!
~As a writer, another 5 stars +. This was, for lack of a better term, the perfect novel. It blended so many themes seamlessly: urban fantasy, steampunk, old world fantasy, modern societal living, action/adventure and a touch of romance. The world building was spectacular. The character development was rich and colorful. The pacing had me trapped and I couldn't break free. I'm sitting here, trying to think of one time I got thrown out of the story, even for a small reason, and I just can't think of one. Every word compelled to to the next and I just couldn't stop watching this amazing story unfold in front of me.
I feel like I could say so much more about this. It was that good. Kudos to you, Rachel, as this was amazing and probably the most positive review I have ever given out. I await eagerly for your next work!
K.
~As a reader, this is 5 stars+ because it was the perfect story. I found myself completely enthralled from page one. I fell in love with Rosie and Jack. They're the quintessential "living on the fringe of society" millennial couple, working, playing and surviving paycheck to paycheck, studio apartment in a big city hacktivists. They are completely relatable in every way. When the end came, I found myself wanting to have a beer with them myself! And Lassie was just down right adorable! I was informed by the author that a sequel was in the works and I cannot WAIT for that!
~As a writer, another 5 stars +. This was, for lack of a better term, the perfect novel. It blended so many themes seamlessly: urban fantasy, steampunk, old world fantasy, modern societal living, action/adventure and a touch of romance. The world building was spectacular. The character development was rich and colorful. The pacing had me trapped and I couldn't break free. I'm sitting here, trying to think of one time I got thrown out of the story, even for a small reason, and I just can't think of one. Every word compelled to to the next and I just couldn't stop watching this amazing story unfold in front of me.
I feel like I could say so much more about this. It was that good. Kudos to you, Rachel, as this was amazing and probably the most positive review I have ever given out. I await eagerly for your next work!
K.
September 15, 2017
So I'll admit, I'm always a little iffy when Irish/Celtic myths are used in stories. Those legends are near and dear to my heart, and they're often misused. But this book took them and made them modern while keeping true to their origins. Without getting into spoilers, this book perfectly blends old myths and new technology, making them into a genre all their own, which is no small feat.
The characters were likable and relatable (and no 'I've gotta save the girl!' plot here, I can't explain how much that means to me), the story was so compelling that I tore through it on my first read in practically no time flat, and I've revisited it four times now. It's become my go-to book when I'm feeling down, and it's perfect for when I can't sleep and I'm awake with a cup of tea and annoyed by insomnia. It's a wonderful, immersive story for when the world is too much and I need to escape.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of Fair Isle legends, or well-written technofuturistic stories, or if you love a story where the woman isn't a damsel in distress. If you want a fun, engaging read, this is definitely the book for you.
The characters were likable and relatable (and no 'I've gotta save the girl!' plot here, I can't explain how much that means to me), the story was so compelling that I tore through it on my first read in practically no time flat, and I've revisited it four times now. It's become my go-to book when I'm feeling down, and it's perfect for when I can't sleep and I'm awake with a cup of tea and annoyed by insomnia. It's a wonderful, immersive story for when the world is too much and I need to escape.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of Fair Isle legends, or well-written technofuturistic stories, or if you love a story where the woman isn't a damsel in distress. If you want a fun, engaging read, this is definitely the book for you.
September 9, 2017
From Holly Black to Jim Butcher, I read a lot of books that involve Faeries of one kind or another. Still, this one felt fresh. It had the folklore grounding of a Holly Black novel, but a tone and humor more likely to appeal to Butcher fan’s.
The characters were cute and believable - people I could picture myself being friends with.
The plot was fast paced, and for the most part, I was able to suspend my disbelief and enjoy the ride.
As far as flaws go, sometimes things seemed a little too easy. I laughed a little when one of the characters said humans were fixing Earth, but reminded myself that the political climate may have been more...optimistic...when this book began.
The rest of the story was fun and well thought out, so I can forgive those flaws.
If you like a good blend of science and fantasy, then you will enjoy Phaethon.
June 8, 2018
Phaethon was an entertaining SFF novel with a couple bored kids from Boston breaking stuff until it causes problems. Which, as a Masshole, I found to be pretty engaging. But even without my geographic handicap it strikes a good balance between quips and characterization, and puts some wicked interesting twists into the urban fantasy formula while sticking to the anti-consumerist and corporate exploitation themes you expect with a good cyberpunk story.
Fun flippant faerie fiction: five ftars.
Fun flippant faerie fiction: five ftars.
October 18, 2019
Do you ever have emotions welling in you when you read a book.
Sadness, joy or jut that little pep in your step even a few hours after you put it down to go do something else for bit.
Then this book is for you if dark hatred in your heart is what you want to feel.
If tomorrow you need to go slash the budget for that Orphanage/Bunny rehab or finally start up the plans for that puppies and kitten suffering powered plant then I would suggest reading this.
Otherwise, leave it where it is like the one ring of a particularly black metal Norwegian band and move on.
Sadness, joy or jut that little pep in your step even a few hours after you put it down to go do something else for bit.
Then this book is for you if dark hatred in your heart is what you want to feel.
If tomorrow you need to go slash the budget for that Orphanage/Bunny rehab or finally start up the plans for that puppies and kitten suffering powered plant then I would suggest reading this.
Otherwise, leave it where it is like the one ring of a particularly black metal Norwegian band and move on.
April 2, 2017
I loved it. I read it just on weekends, to make reading it last longer. I wish there was a sequel but at the same time it was so well done that I was completely happy with the ending being as it was. This book has taken its place on my favorites shelf. I finished reading it today and I already want to read it again.
May 15, 2017
At first glance, I wasn't expecting much out of this one. But as I got into the book, it caught me up. There's a realism to this that's refreshing, despite the fantasy/speculative elements. It felt really solidly grounded, with characters who were relatable and developed well. Definitely an author I'll have to grab more from!
June 7, 2018
Packed with action and interesting characters, but I find myself wondering who it is written for? The heroes are a bit older than the usual YA fare, but the story is way too straightforward for an adult novel. Sharp has potential, but I don’t see it realized here.
October 19, 2017
It's a good book about a handful of nobodies who stumble upon a vast fey conspiracy to take over the world via smart phones, but I just couldn't get into it. Very clever world-building though.
June 18, 2017
This was an incredibly fun romp of a novel—Sharp writes her characters' voices wonderfully, with incisive wit and humor.
January 17, 2018
What a fun read! It is a fantasy with twists. The characters are engaging and interesting. It's about a tech company that uses fairy magic to power their products.
May 24, 2018
easy and fun to read, a cute and interesting idea that was well executed.
June 17, 2018
I really enjoyed the characters and the setting. I don't know what was missing from the plot. Tension? Effort? Failure? I'm not sure. It felt very happenstance. I'd probably read a sequel, still.
January 30, 2019
It felt rushed and cramped.
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