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Chronicles of Alsea #6
Outcaste
Rahel Sayana is desperate to escape the life her parents have planned for her. She runs away to the dangerous port city of Whitesun and becomes an outcaste: a person of no caste and few rights.
From backbreaking labor on the docks to fighting off bullies, Rahel learns the lessons that propel her to the life of her dreams. Happiness does not last. A planetary threat pulls her into the biggest battle in Alsean history, then into a treacherous game of power.
The loss of both her honor and caste sends her reeling, but Rahel has always made her own fate. She gambles everything on one final chance.
Will giving up her hopes lead to the highest honor of all?
160,000 words
From backbreaking labor on the docks to fighting off bullies, Rahel learns the lessons that propel her to the life of her dreams. Happiness does not last. A planetary threat pulls her into the biggest battle in Alsean history, then into a treacherous game of power.
The loss of both her honor and caste sends her reeling, but Rahel has always made her own fate. She gambles everything on one final chance.
Will giving up her hopes lead to the highest honor of all?
160,000 words
520 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2017
19 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Fletcher DeLancey
26 books316 followersFletcher DeLancey spent her early career as a science educator, which was the perfect combination of her two great loves: language and science. These days she combines them while writing science fiction.
She is an Oregon expatriate who left her beloved state when she met a Portuguese woman and had to choose between home and heart. She chose heart. Now she lives with her wife and son in the beautiful sunny Algarve, where she writes full-time, teaches Pilates, tries to learn the local birds and plants, and samples every regional Portuguese dish she can get her hands on. (There are many. It’s going to take a while.)
She is best known for her science fiction/fantasy series, Chronicles of Alsea, now comprised of four novels and a novella. Among them, the Alsea books have won an Independent Publisher's Award (2017 bronze medal), a Golden Crown Literary Society Award, a Rainbow Award, and been shortlisted for a Lambda Literary Award.
Fletcher believes that women need far more representation in science fiction and fantasy, and takes great pleasure in writing complex stories with strong, believable women heading up the action. Her day is made every time another reader says, “I didn’t think I liked science fiction, but then I read yours.”
She is an Oregon expatriate who left her beloved state when she met a Portuguese woman and had to choose between home and heart. She chose heart. Now she lives with her wife and son in the beautiful sunny Algarve, where she writes full-time, teaches Pilates, tries to learn the local birds and plants, and samples every regional Portuguese dish she can get her hands on. (There are many. It’s going to take a while.)
She is best known for her science fiction/fantasy series, Chronicles of Alsea, now comprised of four novels and a novella. Among them, the Alsea books have won an Independent Publisher's Award (2017 bronze medal), a Golden Crown Literary Society Award, a Rainbow Award, and been shortlisted for a Lambda Literary Award.
Fletcher believes that women need far more representation in science fiction and fantasy, and takes great pleasure in writing complex stories with strong, believable women heading up the action. Her day is made every time another reader says, “I didn’t think I liked science fiction, but then I read yours.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 18, 2022
That was a fantastic read and definitely an all-time-favorite. This book had all the feels. There were tears of joy and sadness, laughter, and some dismay. I think I can safely say that this book was scary good. And I finished it with very mixed emotions. I LOVED the ending, and yet I was super sad it was over. Rahel's character is truly inspired.
*Update*
I have only once before read a series of books that were so epic, and the stories so rich that when I finished the last one in print I immediately went back to the beginning of the series and started over. Not just because I couldn't bear that it was over, but because I knew had missed quite a bit and I would see it differently. I did it with Naomi Novik's Temeraire books, and now I've done it with the Chronicles of Alsea books. (CoA does the seeing-it-differently much more than Temeraire). And it is that much more wonderful when the author herself spins a story who's path loops around and overlaps with previous story arcs, making the whole re-read path wider and even more enjoyable.
What a journey.
*3rd Re-read update*
This was yet another completely different reading experience from my first two reads of this amazing story. This time around Rahel's relationship with her mother is what is moving me. Tears, mostly happy, some sad. And now, on to Resilience...
*Update*
I have only once before read a series of books that were so epic, and the stories so rich that when I finished the last one in print I immediately went back to the beginning of the series and started over. Not just because I couldn't bear that it was over, but because I knew had missed quite a bit and I would see it differently. I did it with Naomi Novik's Temeraire books, and now I've done it with the Chronicles of Alsea books. (CoA does the seeing-it-differently much more than Temeraire). And it is that much more wonderful when the author herself spins a story who's path loops around and overlaps with previous story arcs, making the whole re-read path wider and even more enjoyable.
What a journey.
*3rd Re-read update*
This was yet another completely different reading experience from my first two reads of this amazing story. This time around Rahel's relationship with her mother is what is moving me. Tears, mostly happy, some sad. And now, on to Resilience...
January 1, 2018
At its heart, the 6th book in the Chronicles of Alsea series is the story of a woman's quest to realize her dreams against all odds. It is also a story about honor, loss and redemption. The most significant difference from the other books? there is no romantic storyline.
Born of a merchant and a crafter, Rahel has been groomed all her life to take over the reins of her father's shop. But all Rahel has ever dreamed about are the daring feats of warriors and the great adventures of explorers. Her parents see them as childhood fantasies and decide to pre-enroll her in the merchant caste. Rahel sees that as a life sentence and decides to run away.
Alsean life is dominated by all-powerful castes--associations of Alseans engaged in the same activity. Warriors, scholars, producers, merchants, crafters, etc. Membership isn't optional, if they want a decent chance at life and happiness. Every legal activity and endeavor requires caste sanction and approval. Things like studying or learning a trade, getting a job, a decent place to stay, etc. etc. Everything requires a caste ID. Without it, one is basically "stateless", an illegal with no protection and no rights. By running away, Rahel joins the ranks of the Outcaste.
This is the dark side of Alsean life we haven't seen yet. It's a brutal, desperate and often dangerous existence that constrasts starkly with the pomp and circumstance of high Alsean society. It's best exemplified by Mouse. Thrown out by his own family for being unusually small in stature, he is an easy target for bullies. He survives on the streets by sheer wits and guts alone. He is the true Outcaste, in every sense of the word. Rahel, on the other hand, is more of a passer-by. For her, being outcaste is just a stepping stone, a baptism of fire on her quest to join the warrior caste. And though she faces the same dangers as him, every step of the way, you get the feeling that fate (or the author) mostly has her back.
While Outcaste is a catchy title, Rahel isn't one for very long. Just a few cycles of her life, equivalent to about a third of the book. The rest of the time, and the book, are about her life as a honorable warrior sworn to serve a leader gone wrong, her fight with crippling ptsd, and about her efforts to regain her lost honor due to missteps. This time period encompasses the events in the first three books in the series and beyond and it was quite interesting to see some of those events from another angle. It was also eye-opening to see Shantu as a good guy before he was overtaken by ambition.
I would have liked to know a bit more about what exactly Rahel does for Shantu beyond vague references to being his shadowy operator. She's a good soldier, no doubt about that.
The last part of the book deals with a uniquely Alsean problem: the concept of 'empathic rape'. Some Alseans' ability to sense other people's emotions also allows them to invade people's minds and effectively control them against their will. This is a huge moral minefield in Alsea, and its use, legal or not, has had serious psychological impact on both the wielders and the targets. This dilemma, the morality of it and the healing process involved is explored in painstaking detail in the last part of the book.
I thought the author did a great job weaving the various story strands together into an entertaining whole, and gave us a charismatic and sympathetic everyday character we can all root for. Someone who was ordinary, not gifted or empathic. Someone who got where she wanted with hard work, a never-say-die attitude, and a lot of luck. Someone who was all too human, even though she was Alsean.
It was also nice seeing the whole gang again, and see some forward movement in plot. There are a couple of outstanding new characters, Mouse and Sharro. Overall, a compelling and worthwhile addition to the series.
Still, I would have liked to see someone, anyone take a deeper interest in the plight of actual outcastes. Once Rahel stopped being one, the book basically forgot all about them.
4.5 stars
Sent from my Samsung phone.
Born of a merchant and a crafter, Rahel has been groomed all her life to take over the reins of her father's shop. But all Rahel has ever dreamed about are the daring feats of warriors and the great adventures of explorers. Her parents see them as childhood fantasies and decide to pre-enroll her in the merchant caste. Rahel sees that as a life sentence and decides to run away.
Alsean life is dominated by all-powerful castes--associations of Alseans engaged in the same activity. Warriors, scholars, producers, merchants, crafters, etc. Membership isn't optional, if they want a decent chance at life and happiness. Every legal activity and endeavor requires caste sanction and approval. Things like studying or learning a trade, getting a job, a decent place to stay, etc. etc. Everything requires a caste ID. Without it, one is basically "stateless", an illegal with no protection and no rights. By running away, Rahel joins the ranks of the Outcaste.
This is the dark side of Alsean life we haven't seen yet. It's a brutal, desperate and often dangerous existence that constrasts starkly with the pomp and circumstance of high Alsean society. It's best exemplified by Mouse. Thrown out by his own family for being unusually small in stature, he is an easy target for bullies. He survives on the streets by sheer wits and guts alone. He is the true Outcaste, in every sense of the word. Rahel, on the other hand, is more of a passer-by. For her, being outcaste is just a stepping stone, a baptism of fire on her quest to join the warrior caste. And though she faces the same dangers as him, every step of the way, you get the feeling that fate (or the author) mostly has her back.
While Outcaste is a catchy title, Rahel isn't one for very long. Just a few cycles of her life, equivalent to about a third of the book. The rest of the time, and the book, are about her life as a honorable warrior sworn to serve a leader gone wrong, her fight with crippling ptsd, and about her efforts to regain her lost honor due to missteps. This time period encompasses the events in the first three books in the series and beyond and it was quite interesting to see some of those events from another angle. It was also eye-opening to see Shantu as a good guy before he was overtaken by ambition.
I would have liked to know a bit more about what exactly Rahel does for Shantu beyond vague references to being his shadowy operator. She's a good soldier, no doubt about that.
The last part of the book deals with a uniquely Alsean problem: the concept of 'empathic rape'. Some Alseans' ability to sense other people's emotions also allows them to invade people's minds and effectively control them against their will. This is a huge moral minefield in Alsea, and its use, legal or not, has had serious psychological impact on both the wielders and the targets. This dilemma, the morality of it and the healing process involved is explored in painstaking detail in the last part of the book.
I thought the author did a great job weaving the various story strands together into an entertaining whole, and gave us a charismatic and sympathetic everyday character we can all root for. Someone who was ordinary, not gifted or empathic. Someone who got where she wanted with hard work, a never-say-die attitude, and a lot of luck. Someone who was all too human, even though she was Alsean.
It was also nice seeing the whole gang again, and see some forward movement in plot. There are a couple of outstanding new characters, Mouse and Sharro. Overall, a compelling and worthwhile addition to the series.
Still, I would have liked to see someone, anyone take a deeper interest in the plight of actual outcastes. Once Rahel stopped being one, the book basically forgot all about them.
4.5 stars
Sent from my Samsung phone.
November 17, 2017
Was excited to see the book appear as a 'coming soon' book. Then annoyed when I saw others being able to read it before I had access. Then took slightly less than a month to actually start to read the book. Two reasons for that delay - I finally noticed that this book focuses on yet more new characters and is, in a way, like Lynn Galli's At Last - specifically the part wherein Outcaste is, like that book, both a prequel and sequel to the series it belongs in ('At Last' starts before the Virginia Clan series, includes material that occurred during that series, the continues past the last book in that series).
Outcaste restarts the series from before the beginning. I didn't catch all the hints as they came and went, but I believe this story begins roughly 13 years before the events in The Caphenon (time passed quickly, though I believe that the book opens with Rahel being 13, then was around the age of 26 when the events of Caphenon occurred); moves past the events of the other books in the series, references the events in those books in passing (including Vellmar's sports wins in Vellmar the Blade) and closes some point past the current furthest point of the series (when Rahal was, roughly, 37).
That's right, this book follows the life of someone for 26 years. Some parts of which have, actually, been glimpsed in prior books, though I'm not saying exactly what I mean as that'd be spoiler-y (okay, more I'm 99.9% certain that she was glimpsed in prior books, just not 100% certain).
The book opens with Rahel Sayana (not going by that last name at the start of the book) dutifully doing her job as daughter to a member of the craft caste and merchant caste. She showed no Craft skills, and so has been groomed to enter the Merchant caste. She’d rather, though, join the Warrior caste. The mother seems to defer to the father when he very strongly leads Rahel down this path, blocking every attempt by Rahel to go a different direction, including tossing her library books (because they put the warrior thought into her mind, and were a ‘distraction’), saying that joining the training house was ‘too expensive’, to attempting to force her to ‘sign up with’ (not the words used, I forget the words used, register? Inscribe with? Something or other) the Merchant caste at 15, two years before she would ordinarily sign up – whereupon Rahel finally breaks and states that she wants – super-duper wants to join the Warrior caste and won’t allow herself to be inscribed into the Merchant caste. (This exciting paragraph, no?), whereupon the father withdraws his love (what, they an empathic alien race, she can tell). And Rahel flees to the city. Unfortunately she arrives to learn that the Warrior caste won’t let her sign up without parental permission – at least not at her current age – come back in 2 or so years and try again. Whereupon Rahel becomes an outcaste – living on the edge without membership in a caste.
So, book started off with family issues/controlling parent(s). Moves to ‘growing up fast’, to ‘graphic depictions of ‘underage sex’, to ‘prostitution’, to ‘rape’, to abuse/torture/war . . . and an endless stream of hard to read stuff.
I’m not playing around with that ‘depictions of underage sex’. It’s true that we are talking about aliens, using a different biological scale, time scale, etc. etc. – but including multiple repetitive mentions that the sex that occurs involves pedophiles and people younger than the age of consent. Add to that the part where one of the people involved, while not actually being that age, looks roughly 7 years younger than they are – looks prepubescent. Mind, most of the graphic stuff takes place off the page. The ‘first time’ though is graphically described, and involves underage aliens.
I’m not really sure how to take that. If the book involved humans, I’d have a better understanding of just what exactly I was reading. But the book is about aliens with a very different biological make-up – to the point that the graphic depiction of sex did not correspond to what you’d read if it did involve two humans. What with all the talk of ridges, and fingering the male’s vagina (not the word used).
Funny. I was just going to write something along the lines of ‘I do not think I can write a review for this book’. Then all these words appeared *points around*. Then I got hung up on the underage sex, rapes, abuse, torture, and can’t continue. Much. There were enough elements in the beginning, middle, and end that would lead me to be able to give this book a rating as high as I did. (Oh, I forgot adultery and cheating, which occurred in this book also).
I’ll just note one thing before moving on with my life – At one point in the book it is brought to Rahel’s attention that she is sansara. Someone who does not derive pleasure from receiving sexual contact. The glossary, at the back of the book, defines sansara as ‘asexual’. Certain issues involved here, like the part where Rahel does receive sexual pleasure from giving sexual touches/satisfaction/etc. and how that does or does not correspond to an asexual, but I’ll just move on. Since it is a complicated topic, and we are talking about aliens here.
Rating: 3.68
November 15 2017
Outcaste restarts the series from before the beginning. I didn't catch all the hints as they came and went, but I believe this story begins roughly 13 years before the events in The Caphenon (time passed quickly, though I believe that the book opens with Rahel being 13, then was around the age of 26 when the events of Caphenon occurred); moves past the events of the other books in the series, references the events in those books in passing (including Vellmar's sports wins in Vellmar the Blade) and closes some point past the current furthest point of the series (when Rahal was, roughly, 37).
That's right, this book follows the life of someone for 26 years. Some parts of which have, actually, been glimpsed in prior books, though I'm not saying exactly what I mean as that'd be spoiler-y (okay, more I'm 99.9% certain that she was glimpsed in prior books, just not 100% certain).
The book opens with Rahel Sayana (not going by that last name at the start of the book) dutifully doing her job as daughter to a member of the craft caste and merchant caste. She showed no Craft skills, and so has been groomed to enter the Merchant caste. She’d rather, though, join the Warrior caste. The mother seems to defer to the father when he very strongly leads Rahel down this path, blocking every attempt by Rahel to go a different direction, including tossing her library books (because they put the warrior thought into her mind, and were a ‘distraction’), saying that joining the training house was ‘too expensive’, to attempting to force her to ‘sign up with’ (not the words used, I forget the words used, register? Inscribe with? Something or other) the Merchant caste at 15, two years before she would ordinarily sign up – whereupon Rahel finally breaks and states that she wants – super-duper wants to join the Warrior caste and won’t allow herself to be inscribed into the Merchant caste. (This exciting paragraph, no?), whereupon the father withdraws his love (what, they an empathic alien race, she can tell). And Rahel flees to the city. Unfortunately she arrives to learn that the Warrior caste won’t let her sign up without parental permission – at least not at her current age – come back in 2 or so years and try again. Whereupon Rahel becomes an outcaste – living on the edge without membership in a caste.
So, book started off with family issues/controlling parent(s). Moves to ‘growing up fast’, to ‘graphic depictions of ‘underage sex’, to ‘prostitution’, to ‘rape’, to abuse/torture/war . . . and an endless stream of hard to read stuff.
I’m not playing around with that ‘depictions of underage sex’. It’s true that we are talking about aliens, using a different biological scale, time scale, etc. etc. – but including multiple repetitive mentions that the sex that occurs involves pedophiles and people younger than the age of consent. Add to that the part where one of the people involved, while not actually being that age, looks roughly 7 years younger than they are – looks prepubescent. Mind, most of the graphic stuff takes place off the page. The ‘first time’ though is graphically described, and involves underage aliens.
I’m not really sure how to take that. If the book involved humans, I’d have a better understanding of just what exactly I was reading. But the book is about aliens with a very different biological make-up – to the point that the graphic depiction of sex did not correspond to what you’d read if it did involve two humans. What with all the talk of ridges, and fingering the male’s vagina (not the word used).
Funny. I was just going to write something along the lines of ‘I do not think I can write a review for this book’. Then all these words appeared *points around*. Then I got hung up on the underage sex, rapes, abuse, torture, and can’t continue. Much. There were enough elements in the beginning, middle, and end that would lead me to be able to give this book a rating as high as I did. (Oh, I forgot adultery and cheating, which occurred in this book also).
I’ll just note one thing before moving on with my life – At one point in the book it is brought to Rahel’s attention that she is sansara. Someone who does not derive pleasure from receiving sexual contact. The glossary, at the back of the book, defines sansara as ‘asexual’. Certain issues involved here, like the part where Rahel does receive sexual pleasure from giving sexual touches/satisfaction/etc. and how that does or does not correspond to an asexual, but I’ll just move on. Since it is a complicated topic, and we are talking about aliens here.
Rating: 3.68
November 15 2017
October 28, 2017
After some debate I'd probably put this as my favorite of the Chronicles of Alsea books so far.
The majority of the book follows Rahel from childhood to adulthood spanning the timeline of all the other books and then some. The book later shifts to the POV of a couple characters of past books, so we get a little old with the new, but the book never strays from Rahel's story, who is such a complex character that it's hard to do her story any justice in a review. Let's just say her story is an emotional rollercoaster.
There isn't a romance story arc per se, but there is plenty of love throughout (and warmrons, I just love the word). I guess that could be considered a negative to some readers, but I couldn't really think of anything else.
The book is just fantastic and I devoured it in two sittings. I recommend Outcaste to everyone.
The majority of the book follows Rahel from childhood to adulthood spanning the timeline of all the other books and then some. The book later shifts to the POV of a couple characters of past books, so we get a little old with the new, but the book never strays from Rahel's story, who is such a complex character that it's hard to do her story any justice in a review. Let's just say her story is an emotional rollercoaster.
There isn't a romance story arc per se, but there is plenty of love throughout (and warmrons, I just love the word). I guess that could be considered a negative to some readers, but I couldn't really think of anything else.
The book is just fantastic and I devoured it in two sittings. I recommend Outcaste to everyone.
January 2, 2018
Outcaste is a really - and I mean really - good book. Actually one of my all time favorite.
The story of Rahel reaches depths of psichological insight and a richness of emotion I've never seen before in this series, which was nevertheless so beautifully written.
I think this book is somehow triggering. That kind of book you love or you hate, but doesn't leave you indifferent. It's because it is a story of a pitfall, before a resurrection, of a woman with her flaws and weakness, so human and committing serious errors. I think some readers won't be forgiving of what she does.
For me, this humanity is what makes this book so special. Heroism here is about getting up again. Rising from darkness, stumbling and feeling insecure, and yet finding inside the strength to make it. Isn't it what life is all about for each one of us?
Side note: this is the first book in my lesfic GR profile of JAMPOV that doesn't have the tag "lesbian". That's not to say the book is straight. But it really transcends love relationships of whichever sexuality and it is just about a life journey.
The story of Rahel reaches depths of psichological insight and a richness of emotion I've never seen before in this series, which was nevertheless so beautifully written.
I think this book is somehow triggering. That kind of book you love or you hate, but doesn't leave you indifferent. It's because it is a story of a pitfall, before a resurrection, of a woman with her flaws and weakness, so human and committing serious errors. I think some readers won't be forgiving of what she does.
For me, this humanity is what makes this book so special. Heroism here is about getting up again. Rising from darkness, stumbling and feeling insecure, and yet finding inside the strength to make it. Isn't it what life is all about for each one of us?
Side note: this is the first book in my lesfic GR profile of JAMPOV that doesn't have the tag "lesbian". That's not to say the book is straight. But it really transcends love relationships of whichever sexuality and it is just about a life journey.
April 18, 2020
Awesome read. Characters are deep and compelling, but so are all of the books from the Chronicles of Alsea.
July 28, 2019
I’ve enjoyed all of the Alsea series, though some more than others. This is... sort of a departure from the other stories, in that it features a main character that has not previously been introduced (sort of) and follows her from childhood to adulthood. And it’s quite the ride.
Rahel is the child of a crafter and a merchant but longs to be a warrior. Due to Alsea’s ridiculous caste system (which I’m hoping will be addressed in future books) she has to challenge to join a different caste, but can’t without her parent’s permission. This leads to her leaving home at a young age and living on the streets, essentially becoming ‘Outcaste’. Here she is befriended by Mouse, another street kid with an even worse life than Rahel. They bond and band together, but even this does not save them from all of the things you’d imagine would befall them, although poor Mouse bears the brunt of this. Rachel meets many ‘benevolent’ adults who help her remain on her path. Honest to god though, they all infuriated me. Not one of these ‘adults’ had the strength to challenge this system and take this CHILD in and give her a proper home. I can’t go into any more detail here without giving away massive spoilers, but this section of the book had me alternating between gritting my teeth and having a lump in my throat. I did enjoy the complexity of Rahel’s relationship with her mother (and Sharro) over the life of the book though.
Anyway, circumstances improve and Rahel crosses paths with another character that has featured prominently in the past books. This storyline sheds some valuable light on the other side of what was happening during the Battle of Alsea and the Lancer’s Challenge, which culminates in events leading to what was easily my favourite part of the book. There’s a few reasons for that, the emotional context is just as moving as the first part of the book, but in an entirely different way, and Salomen and Laniril, who are two of my favourite characters, feature heavily. There are also some cameos from other favourites, which I also enjoyed. Unfortunately I did not really like Andira in this book, her behaviour smacked of hypocrisy really, and she needed to get the hell over herself. I’m also not a huge fan of Vallmar, there’s something about her that annoys me (I was irritated by the fact that she got paired with Lanaril in earlier books, Laniril deserves better) and she did nothing to endear herself to me in this one. Rahel has now jumped to top spot as my favourite character in this series (though she’s only just topping Salomen, and Lhyn and Lanaril are not far behind).
Fair warning, this is not an easy read. It deals with heavy topics and the aftermath of these situations, and doesn’t shy away from them. There were points where I had to put it down and take a break. I applaud Fletcher for including these, and looking at how the choices we make can shape not only our future but also that of those around us. Ultimately though, this is a story of courage, forgiveness and redemption. 5 stars.
Rahel is the child of a crafter and a merchant but longs to be a warrior. Due to Alsea’s ridiculous caste system (which I’m hoping will be addressed in future books) she has to challenge to join a different caste, but can’t without her parent’s permission. This leads to her leaving home at a young age and living on the streets, essentially becoming ‘Outcaste’. Here she is befriended by Mouse, another street kid with an even worse life than Rahel. They bond and band together, but even this does not save them from all of the things you’d imagine would befall them, although poor Mouse bears the brunt of this. Rachel meets many ‘benevolent’ adults who help her remain on her path. Honest to god though, they all infuriated me. Not one of these ‘adults’ had the strength to challenge this system and take this CHILD in and give her a proper home. I can’t go into any more detail here without giving away massive spoilers, but this section of the book had me alternating between gritting my teeth and having a lump in my throat. I did enjoy the complexity of Rahel’s relationship with her mother (and Sharro) over the life of the book though.
Anyway, circumstances improve and Rahel crosses paths with another character that has featured prominently in the past books. This storyline sheds some valuable light on the other side of what was happening during the Battle of Alsea and the Lancer’s Challenge, which culminates in events leading to what was easily my favourite part of the book. There’s a few reasons for that, the emotional context is just as moving as the first part of the book, but in an entirely different way, and Salomen and Laniril, who are two of my favourite characters, feature heavily. There are also some cameos from other favourites, which I also enjoyed. Unfortunately I did not really like Andira in this book, her behaviour smacked of hypocrisy really, and she needed to get the hell over herself. I’m also not a huge fan of Vallmar, there’s something about her that annoys me (I was irritated by the fact that she got paired with Lanaril in earlier books, Laniril deserves better) and she did nothing to endear herself to me in this one. Rahel has now jumped to top spot as my favourite character in this series (though she’s only just topping Salomen, and Lhyn and Lanaril are not far behind).
Fair warning, this is not an easy read. It deals with heavy topics and the aftermath of these situations, and doesn’t shy away from them. There were points where I had to put it down and take a break. I applaud Fletcher for including these, and looking at how the choices we make can shape not only our future but also that of those around us. Ultimately though, this is a story of courage, forgiveness and redemption. 5 stars.
June 24, 2018
The best element of Outcaste is Rahel’s journey, which is excellent because it’s complex, layered, and thorough. We first join her as a child, when she’s frustrated with the path that her father insists she take, and follow her for more than 20 years. We see the sheer grit and determination she has and her willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve her dreams, some of which put her in harm’s way just to keep a roof over her head. And, because it takes place over such a long period of time, it feels like the story shifts from YA sci fi in the first part to being more like the sci fi for adults that comprises the rest of the Alsea series.
Full review: https://www.lambdaliterary.org/review...
Full review: https://www.lambdaliterary.org/review...
October 30, 2017
Lesbian science fiction is my favourite genre but it’s hard to find well-written books with interesting characters and fully-imagined worlds. DeLancey is one of the best writers in this genre, so I couldn’t wait for this new book in the series. I love the Alsea Chronicles and this outing was definitely on a par with the best of the previous works.
It’s satisfyingly long, and the reader is deeply immersed in Rahel’s story, covering events from childhood to ‘the present day’ – as that is understood in the sequence events in these chronicles so far.
DeLancey takes us further into the psyche of the Alseans and Alsea society than ever before – and it’s not all sunshine and puppies. My favourite aspect of science fiction is the opportunity it affords to comment on our own society, while ostensibly looking at an alien one. DeLancey takes this opportunity and runs with it.
The Alsea chronicles are lesbian science fiction, but Outcaste as a standalone book could better be described as LGBTQIA science fiction. The examination of sexual identity and desires was subtle and central to the book, but never felt forced. Issues of sex and intimacy, comfort and pleasure, love and family are all ones that most readers will relate to, regardless of our differences.
DeLancey always stresses in this series that being empathic doesn’t automatically mean that you can understand someone else, and Outcaste demonstrates how easy it is to think that others feel and want the same things we do. Also how parents can project their own desires and needs onto their children and fail to listen to what they actually want.
The story was great – it sometimes weaves in events from the other books in the series, but it also stands on its own. It made me cry twice in the early parts of the book, and that’s not an easy achievement.
The secondary characters were three-dimensional and richly imagined. I especially loved Mouse – a really lovely, beautifully flawed character. Character development is something that DeLancey excels at and many other authors could check it out to see how it should be done.
I have a couple of mild critiques. I felt that the pace lagged somewhat in the final third (but maybe that was just me). I also found the resolution a litle bit contrived and too easy. However, it has set up great possibilities for the next book in the series, and I can’t wait for that.
If you like good, exciting, thoughtful, touching science fiction with strong characterisation then I highly recommend both the series and this latest instalment.
It’s satisfyingly long, and the reader is deeply immersed in Rahel’s story, covering events from childhood to ‘the present day’ – as that is understood in the sequence events in these chronicles so far.
DeLancey takes us further into the psyche of the Alseans and Alsea society than ever before – and it’s not all sunshine and puppies. My favourite aspect of science fiction is the opportunity it affords to comment on our own society, while ostensibly looking at an alien one. DeLancey takes this opportunity and runs with it.
The Alsea chronicles are lesbian science fiction, but Outcaste as a standalone book could better be described as LGBTQIA science fiction. The examination of sexual identity and desires was subtle and central to the book, but never felt forced. Issues of sex and intimacy, comfort and pleasure, love and family are all ones that most readers will relate to, regardless of our differences.
DeLancey always stresses in this series that being empathic doesn’t automatically mean that you can understand someone else, and Outcaste demonstrates how easy it is to think that others feel and want the same things we do. Also how parents can project their own desires and needs onto their children and fail to listen to what they actually want.
The story was great – it sometimes weaves in events from the other books in the series, but it also stands on its own. It made me cry twice in the early parts of the book, and that’s not an easy achievement.
The secondary characters were three-dimensional and richly imagined. I especially loved Mouse – a really lovely, beautifully flawed character. Character development is something that DeLancey excels at and many other authors could check it out to see how it should be done.
I have a couple of mild critiques. I felt that the pace lagged somewhat in the final third (but maybe that was just me). I also found the resolution a litle bit contrived and too easy. However, it has set up great possibilities for the next book in the series, and I can’t wait for that.
If you like good, exciting, thoughtful, touching science fiction with strong characterisation then I highly recommend both the series and this latest instalment.
April 29, 2019
It was a bit hard to get into it at first.
I really had the impression the story was not connecting to the chronology of the others (it wasn't, that was a relief), then I was afraid that the main character was delusional, then that she was making a big mistake and then I realized that I was completely eating the grain from the writer's hand.
It starts slow, but everything was deep and interesting, and sad and beautiful.
As usual I'm a sucker for broken people getting back on their feet.
FD shows us the darkest part of Alsea and I can't help but hopping that they will be next books to correct those parts... and more of Rahel !
I was worried, but I read this http://www.https://pome-mag.com/chronicles-alsea-review-author-interview-celebrating-women-centric-sci-fi/ and YES there will be a lot more of Alsea AND Rahel ^^
And one thing to add : Tal is frightening in this book.
I was in awe of the character, she's smart, funny, strong, and has a unique heart. Reading this, she's a walking cliché of a hero.
But we have a glimpse of a scary monster here and there that show the power of the writer.
She doesn't mind if her heros are getting dirty.
I really had the impression the story was not connecting to the chronology of the others (it wasn't, that was a relief), then I was afraid that the main character was delusional, then that she was making a big mistake and then I realized that I was completely eating the grain from the writer's hand.
It starts slow, but everything was deep and interesting, and sad and beautiful.
As usual I'm a sucker for broken people getting back on their feet.
FD shows us the darkest part of Alsea and I can't help but hopping that they will be next books to correct those parts... and more of Rahel !
I was worried, but I read this http://www.https://pome-mag.com/chronicles-alsea-review-author-interview-celebrating-women-centric-sci-fi/ and YES there will be a lot more of Alsea AND Rahel ^^
And one thing to add : Tal is frightening in this book.
I was in awe of the character, she's smart, funny, strong, and has a unique heart. Reading this, she's a walking cliché of a hero.
But we have a glimpse of a scary monster here and there that show the power of the writer.
She doesn't mind if her heros are getting dirty.
September 17, 2022
I'm trying to space out each of the Chronicles of Alsea books just so I can appreciate DeLancey's writing more. She is my favorite genre and her story telling is second to none. It's like a ride in a cadillac. Smooth, powerful and classic. Outcaste is a book that shows the heart of the hero that takes a different path. This book empowers those who are not heard, seen and deemed unworthy. I love it!
October 25, 2017
Wow, I am blown away by the story Fletcher weaved into this story and blended into her previous books in the series. If Outcaste does not make you shed a tear, whether from sorrow or joy, you are missing the story.
September 24, 2017
Fantastic addition to the series. New characters facing new challenges and discovering themselves. Great read! Can't wait until the next book.
October 28, 2017
Always wonderful stories
Always great stories and I always can’t wait for the next one. This is a very good story about the life of our heroine and how to follow ones dreams. Also a story about those who can help you and forgive you along the way.
Looking forward to the next story in this universe.
Always great stories and I always can’t wait for the next one. This is a very good story about the life of our heroine and how to follow ones dreams. Also a story about those who can help you and forgive you along the way.
Looking forward to the next story in this universe.
November 18, 2018
I highly recommend reading Outcaste by Fletcher DeLancey. This book made me cry and laugh and have the warm feel good feelings after reading. Sigh. The only thing wrong is that it ended. I’m already wanting to reread at a slower pace to capture anything I may have missed on the first read. While this is an Alsea setting we get to see a different aspect of life on Alsea and different main characters until well into the novel. I think you could definitely read this without having read any of the other books but I highly suggest you also treat yourself to the whole series. I can’t wait to read more about Rahel’s journey.
December 18, 2017
What is really interesting about this book is that our MC, Rahel, is by no means perfect - you might end up loving her, liking her or being really annoyed/angry at her. Everyone is going to judge Rahel's actions differently because we all experience life differently - and how Rahel responds to certain situations may baffle you or be as clear as a bright summers day.
That being said the writing style and world building in this book is as beautiful as ever, and even if you don't like Rahel as as person, you will still be able to appreciate the story line and the deeper exploration of Alsean culture and customs.
My favourite part of the book is the last third - that is when our characters really come alive. I wish we had got to see and understand much more of Rahel, but that is hard to do in just one book.
Works well as a stand-alone, though you might feel compelled to pick up WAF after, to see events from a different POV.
Trigger warning for underage sex (not forced).
4.5 stars - the middle section was just a bit too hurried for my liking.
That being said the writing style and world building in this book is as beautiful as ever, and even if you don't like Rahel as as person, you will still be able to appreciate the story line and the deeper exploration of Alsean culture and customs.
My favourite part of the book is the last third - that is when our characters really come alive. I wish we had got to see and understand much more of Rahel, but that is hard to do in just one book.
Works well as a stand-alone, though you might feel compelled to pick up WAF after, to see events from a different POV.
Trigger warning for underage sex (not forced).
4.5 stars - the middle section was just a bit too hurried for my liking.
November 11, 2017
This is the 6th instalment of the Chronicles of Alsea series and one of the best, which says a great deal given they all rate five stars. While it is a strong part of the series it can be read as a stand-alone because of the slight ‘separateness’ of the storyline. But if you read this first you are going to want to go back and read 1-5; they are just too good to miss.
Outcaste finds 10-year-old Rahel dreaming of becoming a warrior, reading all the books she can find, and longing to be allowed to start training. By 15 she is even more set in her path when her merchant father and crafter mother announce they are inscribing her as a merchant early to prevent her from following her ‘unrealistic’ dreams. Like any determined teenager she leaves like a thief in the night, setting out for Whitesun and a very uncertain future.
Surviving the first few ninedays by luck more than good judgement she settles into the life of an outcaste, literally a non-person who does not have the rights or support of a caste house, and must live by low paid day work, quick wits and strength of character alone. Along with the friends she begins to make she must forge a way to survive until she can challenge for the right to join the Warriors at 18.
Rahel is a brilliant lead character. Fletcher Delancy does her usual amazing job of building a character from the inside-out, only this time we get to see the child become the woman, live literally every step of the journey into adulthood, and watch the person evolve and emerge from the childish hopes and dreams. Flawed despite her honest and honourable nature Rahel is a classic hero, who must fall from grace and risk everything to claw her way back, finding her true self in the process.
The world-building and descriptive scene building in this series is outstanding, some of the best there is, the people, places and deep emotional sense of continuity shows the hand of a truly great fantasy writer. The secondary characters alone rate 5-star. You simply get lost in the alternate reality and forget it’s a book - a story - it just feels so real.
As the plot progresses we move from the isolated and relatively insular life of a teenage runaway into the larger world and revisit many of the major events of the first 5 novels, but from a refreshingly alternate viewpoint, bringing in the major players who have formed the core of the overall saga and filling in details we didn’t even know we were missing. I have to admit I had my doubts about the story arc, I was really concerned with where Rahel was going, her behaviour becoming increasing distant from the woman we had watched grow into the honourable warrior, but Delancey flipped it round in expert style and created a heroic saga of epic proportions, the rise, the fall and the rebirth. I should have known better given the section titles.
Overall, just outstanding. Excellent writing and editing, top class storytelling and a wonderful addition to an already top-notch series. I can’t wait for book 7.
Outcaste finds 10-year-old Rahel dreaming of becoming a warrior, reading all the books she can find, and longing to be allowed to start training. By 15 she is even more set in her path when her merchant father and crafter mother announce they are inscribing her as a merchant early to prevent her from following her ‘unrealistic’ dreams. Like any determined teenager she leaves like a thief in the night, setting out for Whitesun and a very uncertain future.
Surviving the first few ninedays by luck more than good judgement she settles into the life of an outcaste, literally a non-person who does not have the rights or support of a caste house, and must live by low paid day work, quick wits and strength of character alone. Along with the friends she begins to make she must forge a way to survive until she can challenge for the right to join the Warriors at 18.
Rahel is a brilliant lead character. Fletcher Delancy does her usual amazing job of building a character from the inside-out, only this time we get to see the child become the woman, live literally every step of the journey into adulthood, and watch the person evolve and emerge from the childish hopes and dreams. Flawed despite her honest and honourable nature Rahel is a classic hero, who must fall from grace and risk everything to claw her way back, finding her true self in the process.
The world-building and descriptive scene building in this series is outstanding, some of the best there is, the people, places and deep emotional sense of continuity shows the hand of a truly great fantasy writer. The secondary characters alone rate 5-star. You simply get lost in the alternate reality and forget it’s a book - a story - it just feels so real.
As the plot progresses we move from the isolated and relatively insular life of a teenage runaway into the larger world and revisit many of the major events of the first 5 novels, but from a refreshingly alternate viewpoint, bringing in the major players who have formed the core of the overall saga and filling in details we didn’t even know we were missing. I have to admit I had my doubts about the story arc, I was really concerned with where Rahel was going, her behaviour becoming increasing distant from the woman we had watched grow into the honourable warrior, but Delancey flipped it round in expert style and created a heroic saga of epic proportions, the rise, the fall and the rebirth. I should have known better given the section titles.
Overall, just outstanding. Excellent writing and editing, top class storytelling and a wonderful addition to an already top-notch series. I can’t wait for book 7.
October 30, 2017
I’m an avid reader of various genres, so I’m not easily taken in: hook, line, and sinker. Outcaste, richly written by Fletcher DeLancey, had me staying up later than usual as my hand kept turning page after page seeking the answers to “how, who, and oh my!” The author was masterful in leading me along the story,s path, but truly, it was a journey. I had to take this journey with Rahel Sayana. Her relationship with Mouse, Ravenel, Salomen, Lancer Tal, other key characters all bear out her weaknesses and strengths. Outcaste’s main character, Rahel Sayana, like many young girls has dreams and desires of achievement in life. However, in this instance, not in the Merchant Caste of her parents. Unsuccessfully, she argues her case with her parents and thus sets the stage for becoming an outcaste, which results in some harsh consequences. This will prove to be the start of internalizing her feelings, actions driven by self-will, secrets, feelings of betrayal, friendships, self-preservation, and so on. All the characters are evocative on their own as well as blended together like a deliciously rich stew. Allow me to assure you: you will not have to have read the previous Chronicles of Alsea books 1-5. I thought the author provided just enough background information of the previously known characters that I myself didn’t need to go back for a refresher of any particular character. Outcaste on its own is a good “teaser” to want to read Chronicles of Alsea books 1-5. WHY WOULDN’T YOU!
Also, pay attention to the book cover: a Phoenix rising from the ashes. I implore you to open your mind and open your heart. It will be a read you will not soon forget. Lastly, Outcaste was extremely gratifying to read on several levels-what a journey I was on: hook, line, and sinker. Find out for yourselves!
Also, pay attention to the book cover: a Phoenix rising from the ashes. I implore you to open your mind and open your heart. It will be a read you will not soon forget. Lastly, Outcaste was extremely gratifying to read on several levels-what a journey I was on: hook, line, and sinker. Find out for yourselves!
April 15, 2021
I have no desire to read about an underage sex worker. Not my jam.
October 31, 2017
This is the story of a young girl (and later, woman) unable to 'straighten up and fly right' so to speak and instead pursues her dreams. Rahel's belief in a future that includes her dreams keep us going when life happens and the devastation when other people no longer has dreams to cling to. Some choices leads to devastating consequences when misplaced loyalty forces her hand. And just when we think she's gotten herself into a an untenable situation, her honour and conviction turns into her redemption.
I felt totally bereft back in the real world when I finished this book, and I'm already re-reading it, because I just cannot let go yet - do yourself a favour and buy it.
I felt totally bereft back in the real world when I finished this book, and I'm already re-reading it, because I just cannot let go yet - do yourself a favour and buy it.
November 3, 2017
Fletcher does it again! So, so good. I love the direction she took with filling in more about Alsea and its underbelly. The plot couldn't be thicker, and I feel rewarded for knowing what I already know of this universe. Just fantastic work! Off to reread it immediately. Can't wait for the next book. Keep them coming!
March 11, 2018
Outcaste tells from the dark side of Alsea, from those outside of the almighty caste system. We learn of the inherent repression of ambitions that don't fit inside it. Of the near hope- and rightless people not fitting.
We too see more of the problems during the alien invasion. And we follow the misguided protagonist on her way from hell to heaven.
We too see more of the problems during the alien invasion. And we follow the misguided protagonist on her way from hell to heaven.
November 13, 2017
Outcaste
By Fletcher DeLancey
The road to hell is paved with good intentions
I was eager and anxious to read the new Chronicles of Alsea - a series dear to my heart. I can’t say that it is my favorite. I can’t even say that I loved it. I like it, that is a given. I will read it again - that is also a given.
Fletcher’s writing is better in this opus, more accomplished - the storytelling has improved in many aspects. The character development - one of the mainstrengths of the series - is even better in this book. It is the most accomplished story in this respect Rahel is a complex and rich character that many, if not all, will love - or learn to love. I just can’t. Personal reasons are making it impossible for me to like her. I understand and respect her path. It’s hard to love a book when you can’t stand the main character.
Up until chapter 33, I kept asking myself what the shek? Is this even the same series? Is this a new series set in the same universe? And then something happens in the plot, and I understood what the author wanted to do. It is clever, a good way to keep the series going and stay interesting. For me Outcaste is a bit like Without a Front: The Producer's challenge, it is a necessity for the development of the adventure, just not the best part. It does not mean it is not essential.
Don’t be fooled, this book is an emotional rollercoaster. Some will argue that Catalyst is more painful to read. I would say Outcaste is harder. While Catalyst makes you sweat and worry, your main feeling is anger toward certain characters, in Outcaste it is the futility of life, and the despair that will follow you no matter how hard you try.
I will advise anyone with depression or suicidal tendency to avoid this book, as long as they are not stronger emotionally. It is an intense experience.
For all Alsea lovers, I would say, read it. It is good and trust Fletcher - the things you like about the series are not forgotten, they just appear later in the story,
For the new readers that stumble across that book and aren’t too sure if you want to commit to 5 other books before reading this one, start with book 6. The essence of what you miss is recapped in it. (It can be also useful if you have not read the books for a little while, but you might want to skip some sections if you are very familiar with Alsea). When you fall under Alsea’s charms, go back and re-read the first 5 books, your experience will only be enriched by it.
In conclusion, it is a good book that is totally worth paying for, just not my favorite of the series. That being said, it did leave me very hopeful for Uprising.
By Fletcher DeLancey
The road to hell is paved with good intentions
I was eager and anxious to read the new Chronicles of Alsea - a series dear to my heart. I can’t say that it is my favorite. I can’t even say that I loved it. I like it, that is a given. I will read it again - that is also a given.
Fletcher’s writing is better in this opus, more accomplished - the storytelling has improved in many aspects. The character development - one of the mainstrengths of the series - is even better in this book. It is the most accomplished story in this respect Rahel is a complex and rich character that many, if not all, will love - or learn to love. I just can’t. Personal reasons are making it impossible for me to like her. I understand and respect her path. It’s hard to love a book when you can’t stand the main character.
Up until chapter 33, I kept asking myself what the shek? Is this even the same series? Is this a new series set in the same universe? And then something happens in the plot, and I understood what the author wanted to do. It is clever, a good way to keep the series going and stay interesting. For me Outcaste is a bit like Without a Front: The Producer's challenge, it is a necessity for the development of the adventure, just not the best part. It does not mean it is not essential.
Don’t be fooled, this book is an emotional rollercoaster. Some will argue that Catalyst is more painful to read. I would say Outcaste is harder. While Catalyst makes you sweat and worry, your main feeling is anger toward certain characters, in Outcaste it is the futility of life, and the despair that will follow you no matter how hard you try.
I will advise anyone with depression or suicidal tendency to avoid this book, as long as they are not stronger emotionally. It is an intense experience.
For all Alsea lovers, I would say, read it. It is good and trust Fletcher - the things you like about the series are not forgotten, they just appear later in the story,
For the new readers that stumble across that book and aren’t too sure if you want to commit to 5 other books before reading this one, start with book 6. The essence of what you miss is recapped in it. (It can be also useful if you have not read the books for a little while, but you might want to skip some sections if you are very familiar with Alsea). When you fall under Alsea’s charms, go back and re-read the first 5 books, your experience will only be enriched by it.
In conclusion, it is a good book that is totally worth paying for, just not my favorite of the series. That being said, it did leave me very hopeful for Uprising.
November 20, 2025
on one hand, the arc this book takes from start to finish is excellent, and ties together the strings of a package into a beautiful bow. some of the characters introduced in this book are some of my favorites in the whole series (namely, ), and I appreciate the further dive into what's going on with Salomen and
on the other hand, every book since book 3 has been so different - both from each other and from the original 3 books - that I feel like I'm losing focus of what really got us to Outcaste in the first place. I feel myself losing connection to the nonstop page-turning of The Caphenon and the Without a Front duology. why did we spend 60% of the book doing a backstory from one character's point of view, to then spend the rest of the book jumping back and forth from different perspectives? if it was going to be about Rahel and her perspective, then stick to that. but this is now the second book in the series (the other being ) where a majority of it happens in "flashbacks" (in one way or another). in a way it makes me feel as though the author is ret-conning a lot of what has happened in the universe. I guess I just wish that if the flashbacks in were going to be told in the way that they were, then I wish that this book's flashbacks had been told in a similar way -- or vice versa, that could have been written like how Outcaste was, where what happened in "the past" was written as the current up until the "present". either way, the incongruences in how the flashbacks are handled between the two books is a little off-putting
and where is Lancer Tal through the last third of this book? like, logically, I know where she is, but why do not see more of ? if the answer is, "because this is Rahel's book," then why have the chapters from Salomen's (and Lanaril's) point of view at all?
one more thing, and maybe my perception of here is wrong, but why was Rahel suddenly
don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the plot of this book. Rahel's story is wonderfully written, and it was a great way to learn more about what everyday Alseans experience. I just wish the execution had been a little different, and I'm not quite sure what to expect from the next book.
3.5/5
update, 11/20, after having finished the Alsea series about a month and a half ago - I just have to say how crazy it is that this was one of my least favorite books in the series considering that some of my favorite scenes, characters, moments, etc are in this book. almost makes me want to bump this up a bit.
on the other hand, every book since book 3 has been so different - both from each other and from the original 3 books - that I feel like I'm losing focus of what really got us to Outcaste in the first place. I feel myself losing connection to the nonstop page-turning of The Caphenon and the Without a Front duology. why did we spend 60% of the book doing a backstory from one character's point of view, to then spend the rest of the book jumping back and forth from different perspectives? if it was going to be about Rahel and her perspective, then stick to that. but this is now the second book in the series (the other being ) where a majority of it happens in "flashbacks" (in one way or another). in a way it makes me feel as though the author is ret-conning a lot of what has happened in the universe. I guess I just wish that if the flashbacks in were going to be told in the way that they were, then I wish that this book's flashbacks had been told in a similar way -- or vice versa, that could have been written like how Outcaste was, where what happened in "the past" was written as the current up until the "present". either way, the incongruences in how the flashbacks are handled between the two books is a little off-putting
and where is Lancer Tal through the last third of this book? like, logically, I know where she is, but why do not see more of ? if the answer is, "because this is Rahel's book," then why have the chapters from Salomen's (and Lanaril's) point of view at all?
one more thing, and maybe my perception of here is wrong, but why was Rahel suddenly
don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the plot of this book. Rahel's story is wonderfully written, and it was a great way to learn more about what everyday Alseans experience. I just wish the execution had been a little different, and I'm not quite sure what to expect from the next book.
3.5/5
update, 11/20, after having finished the Alsea series about a month and a half ago - I just have to say how crazy it is that this was one of my least favorite books in the series considering that some of my favorite scenes, characters, moments, etc are in this book. almost makes me want to bump this up a bit.
June 20, 2021
3.5 rounded down
Somewhat mixed feelings on this one. :/
The first ~40% of this book is backstory on Rahel's life, the next ~10% or so is essentially a retelling of the events in the previous Alsea books, but from Rahel's POV, and then we get to the second half of the book, which is basically the actual story that the author wanted to tell. Pacing-wise, I found this very frustrating. While I actually found Rahel's backstory very interesting, it was super clear that we were only getting all of this information so that we would understand/sympathize with Rahel once we got to the *actual* present-day story and why she did what she did. It really read like two different books and the 10% bridge between the two stories with the summarizing of the previous books was really clunky and choppy IMO.
I really loved Rahel as a character, and I supposed the first part of the book was effective in that it did make me sympathize with her, but I found the second half of the book, aka the actual point of this entire story, to be far less enjoyable. Salomen was excellent, but I was extremely frustrated that she seemed to be the only one who wanted to hold herself accountable for what she did. The fact that she didn't meant to violate Rahel/did it in self-defense, isn't actually an excuse, and while I appreciated that Salomen say that, I found everybody else constantly excusing what she did to be really quite upsetting. Some other little annoying nitpicky things as well, and it felt too long (probably because it really was two separate stories) but I did enjoy overall, and I liked how things ended/am looking forward to seeing how it plays out in the next book. Oh, and I thought it was cool to get some ace rep! Obvi a different name for it given it's an alien culture with a different understanding of sexuality, but pretty clearly ace.
Somewhat mixed feelings on this one. :/
The first ~40% of this book is backstory on Rahel's life, the next ~10% or so is essentially a retelling of the events in the previous Alsea books, but from Rahel's POV, and then we get to the second half of the book, which is basically the actual story that the author wanted to tell. Pacing-wise, I found this very frustrating. While I actually found Rahel's backstory very interesting, it was super clear that we were only getting all of this information so that we would understand/sympathize with Rahel once we got to the *actual* present-day story and why she did what she did. It really read like two different books and the 10% bridge between the two stories with the summarizing of the previous books was really clunky and choppy IMO.
I really loved Rahel as a character, and I supposed the first part of the book was effective in that it did make me sympathize with her, but I found the second half of the book, aka the actual point of this entire story, to be far less enjoyable. Salomen was excellent, but I was extremely frustrated that she seemed to be the only one who wanted to hold herself accountable for what she did. The fact that she didn't meant to violate Rahel/did it in self-defense, isn't actually an excuse, and while I appreciated that Salomen say that, I found everybody else constantly excusing what she did to be really quite upsetting. Some other little annoying nitpicky things as well, and it felt too long (probably because it really was two separate stories) but I did enjoy overall, and I liked how things ended/am looking forward to seeing how it plays out in the next book. Oh, and I thought it was cool to get some ace rep! Obvi a different name for it given it's an alien culture with a different understanding of sexuality, but pretty clearly ace.
November 29, 2017
Some of the best science fiction I have read have been written by Fletcher DeLancey. I read and reread all the books in this series so that I could be prepared for this novel. I guess I wasn't prepared enough. This novel blew me away. It introduces us to a new character and yet it ties all the previous characters together. It takes you on a journey that is so heart rending and yet so full of joy at the end that you don't know whether to cry or laugh.
May 7, 2024
CW: murder, war, telepathic violation/trauma (referred to as rape), sexual content, suicide, violence, kidnapping
Second of the sapphic/ace books I’m reading. This is a well written book and an enjoyable story, for the most part. I gave it 3 stars instead of 4 because I didn’t love it; I felt it dragged a bit towards the middle and I experienced some dissonance with the plot patterns in the novel, mainly how everything seemed to work out for Rahel without any too-harsh consequences. I will expand a little later.
I really liked that we followed Rahel’s life from her youth to almost forty (Alsean years, idk if that’s old in Alsean or equal to human years. Likely not considering their weeks/cycles/biologies differ). We experience her highs and lows and really understand her as a person, so the journey and ending are satisfying as they come full circle. I also am appreciative of the amount of sapphic/lesbian relationships in this book. All the most loving and stable relationships we see in this novel are between women, and Rahel’s identity as a sex-indifferent, biromantic asexual is especially refreshing. We get very little representation in media of the spectrum of asexuality, and even less well-written rep, so I love the author for giving credit to that identity. Not only is Rahel’s romantic/sexual identity normal and unquestioned, but she’s also a woman who is strong mentally, spiritually, and physically—a warrior in every sense of the word—which is lovely to see. I liked the world-building: it was done artfully, in small bites, so you never feel like you’re being info-dumped on, and the author was smart enough to make the alien references recognizable as riffs of human things (grainbird = chicken, etc) so that you never feel lost.
The dissonance hit in the character-driven plot. All Rahel’s life there’s a pattern of her falling on hard times in some area of her life, and then a teacher with just the right expertise steps in and sets everything in her life straight again. It happens a lot and was very noticeable. I can’t quite articulate why it jarred me as much as it did, because it’s not like it’s completely unbelievable… especially given Rahel’s character is meant to represent inherent goodness and honor, and she’s a deeply spiritual person. I do martial arts and it’s taught that when you live your life right, and put goodness out to the world, there is a karmic return of rightness and good to your life. So from that standpoint, the events and connections in the book aren’t unreasonable. But it’s just like… the issue is that there are no human representations of bad people in this book. Yes, there are bad guys, but they’re stock characters that barely get any screen time. They are bad and that’s that, no elaboration or humanization of their characters. Everyone in this book that has any significance to the plot turns out to be an inherently good person—the one person who seemed like they were a secret villain, who I expected to be a villain, it turned out that they had just become mentally ill from alien PTSD and were truly a good person at the start. All the major characters are the same in that sense. It doesn’t seem realistic to me.
The middle dragged, like I said, and I found the last fourth with Salomen to be sort of strange. It felt I started a new plot.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and think it has valuable representation.
Second of the sapphic/ace books I’m reading. This is a well written book and an enjoyable story, for the most part. I gave it 3 stars instead of 4 because I didn’t love it; I felt it dragged a bit towards the middle and I experienced some dissonance with the plot patterns in the novel, mainly how everything seemed to work out for Rahel without any too-harsh consequences. I will expand a little later.
I really liked that we followed Rahel’s life from her youth to almost forty (Alsean years, idk if that’s old in Alsean or equal to human years. Likely not considering their weeks/cycles/biologies differ). We experience her highs and lows and really understand her as a person, so the journey and ending are satisfying as they come full circle. I also am appreciative of the amount of sapphic/lesbian relationships in this book. All the most loving and stable relationships we see in this novel are between women, and Rahel’s identity as a sex-indifferent, biromantic asexual is especially refreshing. We get very little representation in media of the spectrum of asexuality, and even less well-written rep, so I love the author for giving credit to that identity. Not only is Rahel’s romantic/sexual identity normal and unquestioned, but she’s also a woman who is strong mentally, spiritually, and physically—a warrior in every sense of the word—which is lovely to see. I liked the world-building: it was done artfully, in small bites, so you never feel like you’re being info-dumped on, and the author was smart enough to make the alien references recognizable as riffs of human things (grainbird = chicken, etc) so that you never feel lost.
The dissonance hit in the character-driven plot. All Rahel’s life there’s a pattern of her falling on hard times in some area of her life, and then a teacher with just the right expertise steps in and sets everything in her life straight again. It happens a lot and was very noticeable. I can’t quite articulate why it jarred me as much as it did, because it’s not like it’s completely unbelievable… especially given Rahel’s character is meant to represent inherent goodness and honor, and she’s a deeply spiritual person. I do martial arts and it’s taught that when you live your life right, and put goodness out to the world, there is a karmic return of rightness and good to your life. So from that standpoint, the events and connections in the book aren’t unreasonable. But it’s just like… the issue is that there are no human representations of bad people in this book. Yes, there are bad guys, but they’re stock characters that barely get any screen time. They are bad and that’s that, no elaboration or humanization of their characters. Everyone in this book that has any significance to the plot turns out to be an inherently good person—the one person who seemed like they were a secret villain, who I expected to be a villain, it turned out that they had just become mentally ill from alien PTSD and were truly a good person at the start. All the major characters are the same in that sense. It doesn’t seem realistic to me.
The middle dragged, like I said, and I found the last fourth with Salomen to be sort of strange. It felt I started a new plot.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and think it has valuable representation.
November 24, 2017
I've read a lot of good books this year and this is easily among the top ten for me. I really enjoyed seeing previous characters from a different perspective as well as reading Rahel's story. Rahel's story is almost two books in one: her youth and her adulthood. She is idealistic and honorable in her youth and in her pursuit of being a warrior. She believes so strongly in Shantu that it is difficult to reconcile him in this book with the man in the previous books.
It's intriguing to see the events develop, especially the world events, from Rahel's POV. When DeLancey wrote about Rahel's struggle to cope with the aftereffects of the war with the Voloths, I couldn't help but think about how PTSD affects so many people. But beyond that, we see Rahel changing so slowly that it it really isn't noticeable except when you get to the point where you wonder how this honorable woman could do the reprehensible things that she did. DeLancey does describe how she got to that point, but it;s a slow process based on many events. Again, I was struck by how we change over a lifetime as we are affected by events, whether they're disasters, never-ending war, rape, theft, losing your job, all the things that accumulate over a lifetime. This book really made me think.
But, it's a also a good tale with adventure, danger, friendship, and redemption. It shows the gritty underside of Alsea, too, that we really don't see in the previous books. And as I said earlier, seeing other characters from a new perspective was fascinating. It somehow made them more real. I know this was just released but I'm ready for the next.
It's intriguing to see the events develop, especially the world events, from Rahel's POV. When DeLancey wrote about Rahel's struggle to cope with the aftereffects of the war with the Voloths, I couldn't help but think about how PTSD affects so many people. But beyond that, we see Rahel changing so slowly that it it really isn't noticeable except when you get to the point where you wonder how this honorable woman could do the reprehensible things that she did. DeLancey does describe how she got to that point, but it;s a slow process based on many events. Again, I was struck by how we change over a lifetime as we are affected by events, whether they're disasters, never-ending war, rape, theft, losing your job, all the things that accumulate over a lifetime. This book really made me think.
But, it's a also a good tale with adventure, danger, friendship, and redemption. It shows the gritty underside of Alsea, too, that we really don't see in the previous books. And as I said earlier, seeing other characters from a new perspective was fascinating. It somehow made them more real. I know this was just released but I'm ready for the next.
November 20, 2017
Bravo Zulu, Ms Delancey. you've hit another long ball out of the park. I have enjoyed most of titles in this series. This is definitely there with Book One for intensity. This venture introduces a new understanding of the "rainbows and kittens" Alsean perfection, whereas we discover that not all things Alsean are so. To live outside of a caste, to survive without the proper credentials,to not have protection is a disheartening concept in this bright world, particularly when the victims of rigid lines are often young people before the age of merit. Sadly, this reminded me very much of the streets of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Our new character is Rahel, a young girl faced with Merchant caste as her parents wish or running to her dream of becoming a Warrior, which as a minor tosses her directly into the darkness of being outcaste. Thankfully, she crosses path with just the right people to create a new family, even with the constant threat. I was deeply surprised at the redirection which ties back to Book 3 and our main characters from that first 3. I enjoyed Salomen's entry into this book, more so than previous. This title fleshed her out a bit more. All in all, I agree that this was the author's more solidly built title. It definitely punched up emotion to highs and lows. I found use of the tissue box a few times, as well as shouting out in despair over certain events. Read this book. Then read it again in line with books 1-5. I certainly will.
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