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Light Years #1
Light Years
Reeling from the latest attack by a mysterious enemy, the Quatra Fleet Academy is finally admitting students from every planet in the solar system after centuries of exclusivity.
Hotshot pilot Vesper, an ambitious Tridian citizen, dreams of becoming a captain - but when she loses her spot to a brilliant, wisecracking boy from the wrong side of the asteroid belt, it makes her question everything she thought she knew. Growing up on the toxic planet Deva, Cormak will take any chance he can get to escape his dead-end life and join the Academy - even if he has to steal someone's identity to do it. Arran was always considered an outsider on icy Chetire, always dreaming of something more than a life working in the mines. Now an incoming cadet, Arran is looking for a place to belong - he just never thought that place would be in the arms of a Tridian boy. And Orelia is hiding a dark secret - she's infiltrated the Academy to complete a mission, one that threatens the security of everyone there. But if anyone finds out who she really is, it'll be her life on the line.
These cadets will have to put their differences aside and become a team to defend their world from a cunning enemy - but the danger might be lurking closer to home than they think...
Hotshot pilot Vesper, an ambitious Tridian citizen, dreams of becoming a captain - but when she loses her spot to a brilliant, wisecracking boy from the wrong side of the asteroid belt, it makes her question everything she thought she knew. Growing up on the toxic planet Deva, Cormak will take any chance he can get to escape his dead-end life and join the Academy - even if he has to steal someone's identity to do it. Arran was always considered an outsider on icy Chetire, always dreaming of something more than a life working in the mines. Now an incoming cadet, Arran is looking for a place to belong - he just never thought that place would be in the arms of a Tridian boy. And Orelia is hiding a dark secret - she's infiltrated the Academy to complete a mission, one that threatens the security of everyone there. But if anyone finds out who she really is, it'll be her life on the line.
These cadets will have to put their differences aside and become a team to defend their world from a cunning enemy - but the danger might be lurking closer to home than they think...
377 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2018
152 people are currently reading
7035 people want to read
About the author
Kass Morgan
17 books5,059 followersKass Morgan studied literature at Brown and Oxford, and now resides in Brooklyn, where she lives in constant fear of her Ikea bookcase collapsing and burying her under a mound of science fiction and Victorian novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
October 31, 2018
Light Years by Kass Morgan is the first book in the new young adult science fiction fantasy series by the same name. The series follows four different students from different planets as they join the Quatra Fleet Academy.
Cormak is from the toxic planet Deva and had been struggling to survive with his older brother when he finds out his brother was killed on a mission. Right before he was killed however Cormak’s brother had been admitted into the academy so with him gone Cormak uses his ID to take his place.
When Cormak arrives at the academy he manages to become captain of his team of four. Teamed up with Arran, an outsider from Chetire who only wanted to escape working the mines, Vesper, an ambitious Tridian citizen who had trained for years and expected to become captain and Orelia who came in with her own dark secret.
The story in the book is told by switching the point of view between the four main characters as they come together at the academy. All were likable and fun to follow as we learn of their secrets and intentions and as they formed relationships around them. There was plenty of action to the story so far and an interesting cliffhanger to set up the next book. I just wondered so far if it really was that unique from other sci-fi tales just yet but with a promising beginning I’ll be sure to pick up book two.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Cormak is from the toxic planet Deva and had been struggling to survive with his older brother when he finds out his brother was killed on a mission. Right before he was killed however Cormak’s brother had been admitted into the academy so with him gone Cormak uses his ID to take his place.
When Cormak arrives at the academy he manages to become captain of his team of four. Teamed up with Arran, an outsider from Chetire who only wanted to escape working the mines, Vesper, an ambitious Tridian citizen who had trained for years and expected to become captain and Orelia who came in with her own dark secret.
The story in the book is told by switching the point of view between the four main characters as they come together at the academy. All were likable and fun to follow as we learn of their secrets and intentions and as they formed relationships around them. There was plenty of action to the story so far and an interesting cliffhanger to set up the next book. I just wondered so far if it really was that unique from other sci-fi tales just yet but with a promising beginning I’ll be sure to pick up book two.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 5, 2020
This was okay, a little too much drama and romance teenage stuff but pretty entertaining and a little bit funny at times.
December 11, 2018
5 Words: TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK.
Ahem.
Actual 5 Words: Friendship, secrets, prejudice, subterfuge, space.
Review first posted to Tea Party Princess
This book was absolutely excellent.
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I came into Light Years, I just knew that I was in the mood for a space book and this one was at hand, as it came in May's Illumicrate box. Now, I'm usually not a fan of space books. My sci-fi love leans toward dystopia. But oh my. This book.
My favourite characters were Vesper and Orelia. Vesper because of how steadfast she was and how she wanted to challenge the prejudices of her society. Orelia because of her conflicted feelings and changing beliefs. That's not to say that I didn't like the other characters - this book is something of an outlier in that I actually really liked all of the different narratives and characters.
While it is not the most action packed space adventure, but the action does definitely pack a punch. I'm so glad that the story wasn't bogged down by training montages. Light Years is a boarding school book (one of my favourite things) with a difference. Rather than being about the school itself the story is driven by the characters and their relationships, and I loved it.
That being said, there is one relationship that left me feeling a little squiffy. The characters had such amazing chemistry together, and even knowing the secret of one character that made it kind of a little OK, I felt it was still a huge barrier that they were crossing. The power imbalance just makes it the wrong side of acceptable for me. It reminded me of Sonea and Akkarin in the Black Magicia' Trilogy, which is another pairing with amazing chemistry that just doesn't sit right. I have Feelings, OK?
Light years is packed with toxic relationships, poisonous parents, friendships, power struggles, changing societal dynamics. It has everything I love in a book and it has all come together wonderfully.
This book feels rather incidentally diverse, and I absolutely loved that. None of it felt forced, it was all incredibly believable.
After the ending of Light Years I am desperate for the next book. It's a definite cliff hanger!
Ahem.
Actual 5 Words: Friendship, secrets, prejudice, subterfuge, space.
Review first posted to Tea Party Princess
This book was absolutely excellent.
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I came into Light Years, I just knew that I was in the mood for a space book and this one was at hand, as it came in May's Illumicrate box. Now, I'm usually not a fan of space books. My sci-fi love leans toward dystopia. But oh my. This book.
My favourite characters were Vesper and Orelia. Vesper because of how steadfast she was and how she wanted to challenge the prejudices of her society. Orelia because of her conflicted feelings and changing beliefs. That's not to say that I didn't like the other characters - this book is something of an outlier in that I actually really liked all of the different narratives and characters.
While it is not the most action packed space adventure, but the action does definitely pack a punch. I'm so glad that the story wasn't bogged down by training montages. Light Years is a boarding school book (one of my favourite things) with a difference. Rather than being about the school itself the story is driven by the characters and their relationships, and I loved it.
That being said, there is one relationship that left me feeling a little squiffy. The characters had such amazing chemistry together, and even knowing the secret of one character that made it kind of a little OK, I felt it was still a huge barrier that they were crossing. The power imbalance just makes it the wrong side of acceptable for me. It reminded me of Sonea and Akkarin in the Black Magicia' Trilogy, which is another pairing with amazing chemistry that just doesn't sit right. I have Feelings, OK?
Light years is packed with toxic relationships, poisonous parents, friendships, power struggles, changing societal dynamics. It has everything I love in a book and it has all come together wonderfully.
This book feels rather incidentally diverse, and I absolutely loved that. None of it felt forced, it was all incredibly believable.
After the ending of Light Years I am desperate for the next book. It's a definite cliff hanger!
September 13, 2018
↠ 4 stars
When I got an arc of this in an Illumicate box, I 100% looked at the cover and wasn’t all that sure about it; I’m not that fond of cover models or faces on books. However, when I picked it up, I discovered it was a really addictive book with good characters and an interesting storyline. To be sure, it’s nothing super original or overly special, but it is pretty fun and seemed to be exactly what I wanted to read.
Perfect for fans of Illuminae or Across The Universe, Light Years centres around 4 narrative characters from different planets across the galaxy who all end up in an elite space academy for future members of space flight crews. The four planets that the main characters are from are interesting enough for them to take form in the imagination, though only Deva really gets any significant worldbuilding.
Now, the four central characters:
Cormak: a boy from a toxic planet called Deva, who takes his dead older brother’s place in the Quatra Fleet Academy.
Vesper: the privileged daughter of one of the Quatra Fleet’s elite commanders, who’s struggling to live up to her mother’s brilliance.
Arran: a ridiculously smart boy from the icy planet of Chetire.
Orelia: a girl from the planet of Loos (or so but who’s hiding a much darker secret.
I actually don’t have a favourite character, as I liked all of them equally. Each of them has their own unique story, therefore making each enjoyable as none of them have content that’s crossed over and taken from the other character’s chapters.
There were some really well-conceptualised secondary characters too! I thought Dash, Arran’s love interest, was really sweet; I also really liked Zafir. Also, kudos to Kass Morgan for including a plethora of diversity in really natural ways – there was a LGBTQ+ relationship, a character with a prosthetic leg, and a lot of racial diversity.
This book isn’t also as long as you’d think, and doesn’t have as many central plot “beats” as a reader might expect from a 360-page book. With four characters, each with their own narrative story, not as much happens as it could, but I enjoyed this as it mean it wasn’t overwhelming, nor did I get bored. It is a book that goes by surprisingly quickly.
Really, the only thing I can criticise is the mystique surrounding the villains – but then, that’s to be expected, isn’t? I expect more reveals will come about in the sequel, so I can’t really pick a fight with it.
TL;DR: An easy, really enjoyable read for fans of Illuminae or any fan of space opera / the school setting.
This review is also available on my blog, faerieontheshelf.wordpress.com
When I got an arc of this in an Illumicate box, I 100% looked at the cover and wasn’t all that sure about it; I’m not that fond of cover models or faces on books. However, when I picked it up, I discovered it was a really addictive book with good characters and an interesting storyline. To be sure, it’s nothing super original or overly special, but it is pretty fun and seemed to be exactly what I wanted to read.
Perfect for fans of Illuminae or Across The Universe, Light Years centres around 4 narrative characters from different planets across the galaxy who all end up in an elite space academy for future members of space flight crews. The four planets that the main characters are from are interesting enough for them to take form in the imagination, though only Deva really gets any significant worldbuilding.
Now, the four central characters:
Cormak: a boy from a toxic planet called Deva, who takes his dead older brother’s place in the Quatra Fleet Academy.
Vesper: the privileged daughter of one of the Quatra Fleet’s elite commanders, who’s struggling to live up to her mother’s brilliance.
Arran: a ridiculously smart boy from the icy planet of Chetire.
Orelia: a girl from the planet of Loos (or so but who’s hiding a much darker secret.
I actually don’t have a favourite character, as I liked all of them equally. Each of them has their own unique story, therefore making each enjoyable as none of them have content that’s crossed over and taken from the other character’s chapters.
There were some really well-conceptualised secondary characters too! I thought Dash, Arran’s love interest, was really sweet; I also really liked Zafir. Also, kudos to Kass Morgan for including a plethora of diversity in really natural ways – there was a LGBTQ+ relationship, a character with a prosthetic leg, and a lot of racial diversity.
This book isn’t also as long as you’d think, and doesn’t have as many central plot “beats” as a reader might expect from a 360-page book. With four characters, each with their own narrative story, not as much happens as it could, but I enjoyed this as it mean it wasn’t overwhelming, nor did I get bored. It is a book that goes by surprisingly quickly.
Really, the only thing I can criticise is the mystique surrounding the villains – but then, that’s to be expected, isn’t? I expect more reveals will come about in the sequel, so I can’t really pick a fight with it.
TL;DR: An easy, really enjoyable read for fans of Illuminae or any fan of space opera / the school setting.
This review is also available on my blog, faerieontheshelf.wordpress.com
February 9, 2025
The lead up to Light Years was hyped; I couldn't wait to get my hands on this books. But when it came out I just... didn't.
And then I forgot about it.
Thankfully, I came across it during my trip to the library just before the COVID-19 social distancing.
What I loved about Light Years
That said, Light Years lives up to the hype! I love military sci-fi (I mean, Stargate and Babylon 5 are two of my favourite TV shows).
Kass Morgan tells such a smooth story, you can't help but glide through it. I meant to read for only 15 minutes when I first opened it but ended up reading almost half the book in one go. Whoops. And then I read the second half in one sitting the next day. Not sorry.
The world building is nicely set up. The federation of planets is well thought out and we got the right amount of information needed to move through the story with ease. Info dumps were non-existant (yay!). All the information presented happens naturally and not once did I feel overloaded with pointless info.
Characters can make or break a book. Often when I read books that switch between characters there's always one irritating character who I just hate. Reading their chapters always ends up being a chore. Not here! Each character is set up from the start with their own set of goals and distinct personalities that complement each other.
What I didn't like about Light Years
I didn't like how it just sort of... ends. It was kind of a cliffhanger, but not really. It felt a bit too abrupt and unnatural, which made it feel incomplete. I think I would have preferred it to be one long book rather than split up into two books. But I can see how that can be off-putting to some people (and fewer book sales for both the publisher and author, but I digress). So yeah, not what I would have liked, but I get it.
I am definitely going to read the next book, and hopefully soon! Fingers crossed my library orders a copy!
Book Links: Amazon | Book Depository
And then I forgot about it.
Thankfully, I came across it during my trip to the library just before the COVID-19 social distancing.
What I loved about Light Years
That said, Light Years lives up to the hype! I love military sci-fi (I mean, Stargate and Babylon 5 are two of my favourite TV shows).
Kass Morgan tells such a smooth story, you can't help but glide through it. I meant to read for only 15 minutes when I first opened it but ended up reading almost half the book in one go. Whoops. And then I read the second half in one sitting the next day. Not sorry.
The world building is nicely set up. The federation of planets is well thought out and we got the right amount of information needed to move through the story with ease. Info dumps were non-existant (yay!). All the information presented happens naturally and not once did I feel overloaded with pointless info.
Characters can make or break a book. Often when I read books that switch between characters there's always one irritating character who I just hate. Reading their chapters always ends up being a chore. Not here! Each character is set up from the start with their own set of goals and distinct personalities that complement each other.
What I didn't like about Light Years
I didn't like how it just sort of... ends. It was kind of a cliffhanger, but not really. It felt a bit too abrupt and unnatural, which made it feel incomplete. I think I would have preferred it to be one long book rather than split up into two books. But I can see how that can be off-putting to some people (and fewer book sales for both the publisher and author, but I digress). So yeah, not what I would have liked, but I get it.
I am definitely going to read the next book, and hopefully soon! Fingers crossed my library orders a copy!
Book Links: Amazon | Book Depository
October 15, 2018
Light Years is an awesome novel. I liked the entire concept and I'm totally looking forward to reading book 2. The novel didn't disappoint. It was 5 stars from start to finish.
August 14, 2019
2.5 stars
Really mediocre book with nothing new to offer. The plus side for me was that I read most of this while sitting in the Emergency waiting room (that place where time apparently ceases to have all relevance). At a time when I just needed to hurry up and wait and didn't want to invest any mental energy, this filled the bill.
Honestly though, nothing much happens to a bunch of typical and two dimensional characters.
Really mediocre book with nothing new to offer. The plus side for me was that I read most of this while sitting in the Emergency waiting room (that place where time apparently ceases to have all relevance). At a time when I just needed to hurry up and wait and didn't want to invest any mental energy, this filled the bill.
Honestly though, nothing much happens to a bunch of typical and two dimensional characters.
October 24, 2018
Light years 3.5⭐️
These four rivals will have to work together to survive.
Cormack lost his brother and his coping is getting into the academy at all cost
Vesper is at the top of her game until a wrecking ball of attitude comes and changes her approach to the academy and flying
Orelia is a spy on a mission but if she gets caught up in the wrong crowd she is going to lose more than her standings.
And Arren is just a horney guy trying that gets caught up in thigs he never thought a simple crush would lead too.
It was really cute and fast paced. I think its funny how the 100 was kids in space sent down to a ruined earth and this is kids fighting and training in a ruined space.
These four rivals will have to work together to survive.
Cormack lost his brother and his coping is getting into the academy at all cost
Vesper is at the top of her game until a wrecking ball of attitude comes and changes her approach to the academy and flying
Orelia is a spy on a mission but if she gets caught up in the wrong crowd she is going to lose more than her standings.
And Arren is just a horney guy trying that gets caught up in thigs he never thought a simple crush would lead too.
It was really cute and fast paced. I think its funny how the 100 was kids in space sent down to a ruined earth and this is kids fighting and training in a ruined space.
October 4, 2020
4 young adults from 4 very different worlds are chosen to enter the elite space academy. 3 of those worlds are inhabited by settlers or "edgers" and this is the first year they've been admitted to the academy.
I really enjoyed this story even though it did end on a bit of a cliffhanger. The story is told from 4 POVs of the main characters, who are thrown together to form a squadron and each are extremely likeable.
Because of the cliffhanger, I can't wait to see what happens next and will be reading the sequel as soon as it's released.
I really enjoyed this story even though it did end on a bit of a cliffhanger. The story is told from 4 POVs of the main characters, who are thrown together to form a squadron and each are extremely likeable.
Because of the cliffhanger, I can't wait to see what happens next and will be reading the sequel as soon as it's released.
November 29, 2020
This book was such a treat! I devoured it from start to finish. I'm actually a little surprised by that, because I wasn't the biggest fan of Morgan's The 100 books. While this may not be the most original story ever, I really liked the characters and the setting, and it was very well-paced. It was kind of like reading a cute YA contemporary mixed with some sci-fi action. Now it's going to be such a long wait for the sequel...
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September 29, 2018
ARC received in exchange for an honest review – thank you!
I really struggled a lot with rating this one. On one hand, we had bland writing and minimal world-building. But on the other, we had a plotline which ended up being surprisingly gripping.
The planets of Deva and Chetire are poisonous hellholes, where only the poorest – known as Settlers – live. Meanwhile, Tri is where the real cream of society live, and only Tridians have been permitted into the elite Quatra Fleet Academy – until now. The first crop of non-Tridians is arriving to be trained in battle against mysterious enemies known as Spectres.
Cormak has been told his whole life that he’s a good-for-nothing criminal. His older brother Rex was the only one who believed in him – but Rex is gone, having died in a mining accident just days before he was scheduled to be one of the first non-Tridian cadets accepted at the Academy. Cormak knows that if his planet Deva’s poisonous atmosphere doesn’t kill him, a run-in with the law during his water smuggling will. So he fulfils Rex’s last request and takes his place at the Academy.
Arran‘s life hasn’t been much more pleasant than Cormak’s. Also not one of the aristocratic Tridians, he’s from the planet of Chetire instead. Although he’s desperately lonely, he knows too well what it’s like to face the contempt of your peers. So he can’t believe it when he ends up falling for Dash, who’s not merely a Tridian but also the son of one of the foremost anti-Settler politicians.
Vesper is a Tridian, and not just any – her mother is the director of the entire Academy. Which just makes everything doubly hard for her, because she knows she has to prove herself as a gifted cadet to win her mother’s love. Admiral Haze had to pull a bunch of strings just to get her daughter into the Academy in the first place, so things aren’t off to a great start. But Vesper is determined to make her mother proud.
Orelia isn’t a Tridian, but she isn’t a Settler either… she’s a Spectre, who’s infiltrated the Academy on a mission to supply information – such as the Academy’s secret coordinates – back home. But as her classmates become more human to her, she struggles with her task. One of her instructors in particular is coming to mean rather a lot to her.
Light Years is told in third-person POV from these four characters. Up until around 40% in, their mental voices blurred together and it was very difficult to see them as distinct people. The fact that Morgan is light on description doesn’t help. I have no idea what most of them look like (except that Cormak is handsome because nearly every girl in the Academy wants to get with him) and this kind of blandness made it hard to visualise the story sometimes.
The worldbuilding is also not great. There’s absolutely zero information on Spectres – and yes, while it’s said that’s because the Tridians themselves know nothing about Spectres, I didn’t expect the dearth of information to remain in Orelia’s POV. She’s an actual Spectre herself! So why didn’t Morgan let us learn more about them through her?We also have no idea why Orelia, out of all people, was chosen to be the spy, or how she got in, or in fact anything. I’m hoping that this will be rectified in the sequel. But even the history of Settlers and things like that were kept a lot briefer than I’d have liked. It felt like we’d go ages without any information and then suddenly get an infodump.
I also felt seriously cheated when it came to Vesper’s character. For the whole book, Morgan sets her out as driven, determined and strong-willed; how quickly she forgives Cormak for his betrayal was simply not in keeping with that, and I’m very disappointed.
With that said, however, I tore through this book.
Yeah, I’m still not sure why either. But once the characters had resolved themselves into individual people for me, I enjoyed it a lot more. The storyline was pretty interesting; it’s essentially these four trying to navigate their first-year cadet trials, while facing their own issues. For Cormak, it’s his stress over impersonating Rex; Arran struggles with his relationship with Dax; Vesper is involved in a similar struggle with her mother, and meanwhile Orelia was sent there to kill them all.
I’m told that Morgan is also the author of The 100, which is now a super-popular TV show. I’m totally clueless on that, but I can say that Light Years doesn’t suffer from the problem Mirage had of not even feeling like it was set in space. In fact, this book reminded me very strongly of Maura Milan’s Ignite the Stars.
I will be reading the sequel, particularly after the way this one ended, but I hope we get a lot more information next time.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
I really struggled a lot with rating this one. On one hand, we had bland writing and minimal world-building. But on the other, we had a plotline which ended up being surprisingly gripping.
The planets of Deva and Chetire are poisonous hellholes, where only the poorest – known as Settlers – live. Meanwhile, Tri is where the real cream of society live, and only Tridians have been permitted into the elite Quatra Fleet Academy – until now. The first crop of non-Tridians is arriving to be trained in battle against mysterious enemies known as Spectres.
Cormak has been told his whole life that he’s a good-for-nothing criminal. His older brother Rex was the only one who believed in him – but Rex is gone, having died in a mining accident just days before he was scheduled to be one of the first non-Tridian cadets accepted at the Academy. Cormak knows that if his planet Deva’s poisonous atmosphere doesn’t kill him, a run-in with the law during his water smuggling will. So he fulfils Rex’s last request and takes his place at the Academy.
Arran‘s life hasn’t been much more pleasant than Cormak’s. Also not one of the aristocratic Tridians, he’s from the planet of Chetire instead. Although he’s desperately lonely, he knows too well what it’s like to face the contempt of your peers. So he can’t believe it when he ends up falling for Dash, who’s not merely a Tridian but also the son of one of the foremost anti-Settler politicians.
Vesper is a Tridian, and not just any – her mother is the director of the entire Academy. Which just makes everything doubly hard for her, because she knows she has to prove herself as a gifted cadet to win her mother’s love. Admiral Haze had to pull a bunch of strings just to get her daughter into the Academy in the first place, so things aren’t off to a great start. But Vesper is determined to make her mother proud.
Orelia isn’t a Tridian, but she isn’t a Settler either… she’s a Spectre, who’s infiltrated the Academy on a mission to supply information – such as the Academy’s secret coordinates – back home. But as her classmates become more human to her, she struggles with her task. One of her instructors in particular is coming to mean rather a lot to her.
Light Years is told in third-person POV from these four characters. Up until around 40% in, their mental voices blurred together and it was very difficult to see them as distinct people. The fact that Morgan is light on description doesn’t help. I have no idea what most of them look like (except that Cormak is handsome because nearly every girl in the Academy wants to get with him) and this kind of blandness made it hard to visualise the story sometimes.
The worldbuilding is also not great. There’s absolutely zero information on Spectres – and yes, while it’s said that’s because the Tridians themselves know nothing about Spectres, I didn’t expect the dearth of information to remain in Orelia’s POV. She’s an actual Spectre herself! So why didn’t Morgan let us learn more about them through her?We also have no idea why Orelia, out of all people, was chosen to be the spy, or how she got in, or in fact anything. I’m hoping that this will be rectified in the sequel. But even the history of Settlers and things like that were kept a lot briefer than I’d have liked. It felt like we’d go ages without any information and then suddenly get an infodump.
I also felt seriously cheated when it came to Vesper’s character. For the whole book, Morgan sets her out as driven, determined and strong-willed; how quickly she forgives Cormak for his betrayal was simply not in keeping with that, and I’m very disappointed.
With that said, however, I tore through this book.
Yeah, I’m still not sure why either. But once the characters had resolved themselves into individual people for me, I enjoyed it a lot more. The storyline was pretty interesting; it’s essentially these four trying to navigate their first-year cadet trials, while facing their own issues. For Cormak, it’s his stress over impersonating Rex; Arran struggles with his relationship with Dax; Vesper is involved in a similar struggle with her mother, and meanwhile Orelia was sent there to kill them all.
I’m told that Morgan is also the author of The 100, which is now a super-popular TV show. I’m totally clueless on that, but I can say that Light Years doesn’t suffer from the problem Mirage had of not even feeling like it was set in space. In fact, this book reminded me very strongly of Maura Milan’s Ignite the Stars.
I will be reading the sequel, particularly after the way this one ended, but I hope we get a lot more information next time.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
December 27, 2018
This was a solid 3.5 that shot up to a 4.5 with that amazing ending! This was a complex story told in a simple and fast paced way which kept things going and was interesting. I was hoping that we would get a little more back story, a little more into their emotional plights as they struggled through all the action. In that respect it felt slightly rushed (I live for emotional turmoil lol) still it was such a good story and I can’t wait for book two.
December 10, 2018
When I was a kid, I always wanted to become a pilot. Just a 'normal' pilot would've been fine. Now that I'm older and kind of in love with the stars/space, I could actually imagine flying a spaceship if that were possible ;)
That being said, here's my review.
I have to confess I only picked this book up because of the name Kass Morgan on the cover. I'm a HUGE fan of The 100, and while I like the tv show definitely more than the books, she's the woman who came up with the idea and the characters in the first place. So I couldn't wait to read another book by her (plus, space!).
I didn't expect anything big from Light Years and I was positively surprised. The story is relatively fast paced and I quite enjoyed the setting and also to learn about all the different planets. The four characters the book is about come from very different planets and backgrounds and I quite enjoyed the different POVs. My favorite was probably Cormak.
(Btw for all The 100 fans out there, what's with that line 'you can do whatever the hell you want'? Idk, but I'd like to think the author did that on purpose...)
The storyline itself was a bit predictable though. That wasn't a bad thing, only sometimes I felt like I'd read the book already. Especially when suddenly all the characters got lucky in terms of romance I was a bit meh. Insta love for one character may be ok, but for two or three? That's unbelievable.
Luckily, it wasn't all about the romance. An aspect I really enjoyed was the cultural difference and how some people always think of foreigners as less privileged or just 'lesser' humans. It really reflects our real society and shows how hard it can be for people from a different country to integrate into a new environment.
I also liked the training scenes and I liked to see the characters working together and becoming a team. When it said something about all the stars becoming visible behind the windows of the space station or ship, I smiled a little (here we are again at the beginning of my review - just imagine steering a ship out into this star-scattered blackness!).
I give this book 4 stars for it was a very quick and enjoyable read with fluent writing, but nothing too special. I wouldn't push it on people, but I'd still recommend it.
That being said, here's my review.
I have to confess I only picked this book up because of the name Kass Morgan on the cover. I'm a HUGE fan of The 100, and while I like the tv show definitely more than the books, she's the woman who came up with the idea and the characters in the first place. So I couldn't wait to read another book by her (plus, space!).
I didn't expect anything big from Light Years and I was positively surprised. The story is relatively fast paced and I quite enjoyed the setting and also to learn about all the different planets. The four characters the book is about come from very different planets and backgrounds and I quite enjoyed the different POVs. My favorite was probably Cormak.
(Btw for all The 100 fans out there, what's with that line 'you can do whatever the hell you want'? Idk, but I'd like to think the author did that on purpose...)
The storyline itself was a bit predictable though. That wasn't a bad thing, only sometimes I felt like I'd read the book already. Especially when suddenly all the characters got lucky in terms of romance I was a bit meh. Insta love for one character may be ok, but for two or three? That's unbelievable.
Luckily, it wasn't all about the romance. An aspect I really enjoyed was the cultural difference and how some people always think of foreigners as less privileged or just 'lesser' humans. It really reflects our real society and shows how hard it can be for people from a different country to integrate into a new environment.
I also liked the training scenes and I liked to see the characters working together and becoming a team. When it said something about all the stars becoming visible behind the windows of the space station or ship, I smiled a little (here we are again at the beginning of my review - just imagine steering a ship out into this star-scattered blackness!).
I give this book 4 stars for it was a very quick and enjoyable read with fluent writing, but nothing too special. I wouldn't push it on people, but I'd still recommend it.
February 5, 2020
Second time reading
I remember why I liked this so much! The four main characters are fun to follow, each with their own secrets and fears and the rotating points of view help the plot move quickly. The premise is great, I'm a sucker for teenagers in space, competing and getting thrown into crazy situations. Cormac is still my favorite, he's so smart and losing his brother like that would be terrible. Arran is sweet and his romance with Dash is my favorite relationship. I am so excited to finally read the sequel!
*********************************************
I enjoy these types of sci fi books. Teenagers in space, each with particular skills, uniting to fight the enemy. I liked that we had four main characters and got each one's narration. The audiobook had separate narrators which made it even better. Each character was likeable in their own way and each had secrets and a past they are trying to overcome. My favorite character was Cormak, who came to the academy under false pretenses, but was smart and crafty and worked his way to the top. Aaran was cute and I felt bad for what he's been through. The added LGBTQ romance between Dash and him was great. The girls were pretty badass too, although I didn't like Vesper at first. She was kind of entitled and her friends were elitist, but she improved throughout the story.
The ending wasn't really a surprise, but it did leave me hanging. I hope the sequel comes out soon.
I remember why I liked this so much! The four main characters are fun to follow, each with their own secrets and fears and the rotating points of view help the plot move quickly. The premise is great, I'm a sucker for teenagers in space, competing and getting thrown into crazy situations. Cormac is still my favorite, he's so smart and losing his brother like that would be terrible. Arran is sweet and his romance with Dash is my favorite relationship. I am so excited to finally read the sequel!
*********************************************
I enjoy these types of sci fi books. Teenagers in space, each with particular skills, uniting to fight the enemy. I liked that we had four main characters and got each one's narration. The audiobook had separate narrators which made it even better. Each character was likeable in their own way and each had secrets and a past they are trying to overcome. My favorite character was Cormak, who came to the academy under false pretenses, but was smart and crafty and worked his way to the top. Aaran was cute and I felt bad for what he's been through. The added LGBTQ romance between Dash and him was great. The girls were pretty badass too, although I didn't like Vesper at first. She was kind of entitled and her friends were elitist, but she improved throughout the story.
The ending wasn't really a surprise, but it did leave me hanging. I hope the sequel comes out soon.
August 1, 2018
I never read The 100, so this was my first experience with this author's writing. I was not let down!
Each of her characters (there are 4 main POVs) are well-developed and bring something special to the story. I felt fully invested in each of their lives, which is hard to do with so many main characters.
This background for this story is innately political, and I like how this thread was woven throughout the story in big ways. A few elements were definitely predictable, but it didn't make it any less enjoyable.
Plus, I can't wait to see how things unfold in book two. Cuz yeah, major cliffhanger alert!
Each of her characters (there are 4 main POVs) are well-developed and bring something special to the story. I felt fully invested in each of their lives, which is hard to do with so many main characters.
This background for this story is innately political, and I like how this thread was woven throughout the story in big ways. A few elements were definitely predictable, but it didn't make it any less enjoyable.
Plus, I can't wait to see how things unfold in book two. Cuz yeah, major cliffhanger alert!
September 13, 2018
**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review as a lbyrpartner**
4 - 4.5 stars.
This was a super quick book to get through but the individual story lines mixed with the overall story were damn good. I cannot wait to read what happens next!
FRTC.
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Full review can be found here: https://agingerlyreview.wordpress.com...
This is going to be another tough review to write as I greatly enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the setting, the characters, the plot, the twists, the turns, all of it. I am only upset about how long I have to wait to find out what happens.
Short recap: The Quatra Fleet Academy is doing something it has never done before – it is opening its doors to students from outer planets of the Quatra Federation to enroll. This means they will have the chance to be a part of their military, if their squad passes all of their courses and missions. Not everyone is keen to this idea of Settlers (what people from the outer planets are referred to as) having the same opportunity so mysterious (and bad) things start to happen. Four students from different backgrounds are assigned to the same squad will come up against unimaginable tests and challenges. Will it be enough to make their bond stronger? Can things work out for the Settlers in the Academy?
The way the story focused on four students was brilliantly done. They all had their own unique voice while blending together as a squad in a way that felt effortless. Cormack has had a very rough life. He came from a very poor settlement and had just suffered losing his brother, his only family. Desperate to get off of his planet that is full of toxic gas, he takes his brother’s place at the Academy. Vesper was the daughter of a very well known and respected high-ranking military officer. She is also a spoiled little rich girl that things higher of herself and lower of others. She only got into the Academy because her mother pulled strings, but it is up to Vesper to prove she belongs there. Arran was whip smart, brilliant to the point of being a genius, but very shy and reserved. His acceptance meant a better life for his mom. Orelia claimed to be from a well to do planet but that is not the truth. She was actually a spy for the Specters, a very well known enemy of Quatra Federation. The Specters want nothing more than to wipe the Federation out, and with Orelia hidden within the student population, they just might be able to do it.
Do you see how beautifully complex these individual stories are?! They all have their own secrets and inner tribulations they are trying desperately to hide, all while doing everything within their power to prove they are better than the station they were born into. I do have my favorite characters but I’m not giving them away here. There were twists and turns I never saw coming, though I should have. This was a fast-paced, edge of my seat thrilling adventure. I know that phrase may get thrown around a lot but it really holds true for this story. I tore through the pages and had this story devoured in two days.
One part of the story that I do hope is expanded upon in the next book is the reason for all of the ongoing wars within this universe. Nearly every planet is at war or has been attacked for some reason or another. I’d like to know more about the political thoughts behind that. That was the only underdeveloped part of the entire story but I really do believe it will be explained more in the second book.
I really do hope that this book is on your TBR because I don’t think you’ll be disappointed at all. This was so much better than I expected and I had high hopes. If you are a fan of The Illuminae Files, then I say you need to give this a chance.
4 - 4.5 stars.
This was a super quick book to get through but the individual story lines mixed with the overall story were damn good. I cannot wait to read what happens next!
---------
Full review can be found here: https://agingerlyreview.wordpress.com...
This is going to be another tough review to write as I greatly enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the setting, the characters, the plot, the twists, the turns, all of it. I am only upset about how long I have to wait to find out what happens.
Short recap: The Quatra Fleet Academy is doing something it has never done before – it is opening its doors to students from outer planets of the Quatra Federation to enroll. This means they will have the chance to be a part of their military, if their squad passes all of their courses and missions. Not everyone is keen to this idea of Settlers (what people from the outer planets are referred to as) having the same opportunity so mysterious (and bad) things start to happen. Four students from different backgrounds are assigned to the same squad will come up against unimaginable tests and challenges. Will it be enough to make their bond stronger? Can things work out for the Settlers in the Academy?
The way the story focused on four students was brilliantly done. They all had their own unique voice while blending together as a squad in a way that felt effortless. Cormack has had a very rough life. He came from a very poor settlement and had just suffered losing his brother, his only family. Desperate to get off of his planet that is full of toxic gas, he takes his brother’s place at the Academy. Vesper was the daughter of a very well known and respected high-ranking military officer. She is also a spoiled little rich girl that things higher of herself and lower of others. She only got into the Academy because her mother pulled strings, but it is up to Vesper to prove she belongs there. Arran was whip smart, brilliant to the point of being a genius, but very shy and reserved. His acceptance meant a better life for his mom. Orelia claimed to be from a well to do planet but that is not the truth. She was actually a spy for the Specters, a very well known enemy of Quatra Federation. The Specters want nothing more than to wipe the Federation out, and with Orelia hidden within the student population, they just might be able to do it.
Do you see how beautifully complex these individual stories are?! They all have their own secrets and inner tribulations they are trying desperately to hide, all while doing everything within their power to prove they are better than the station they were born into. I do have my favorite characters but I’m not giving them away here. There were twists and turns I never saw coming, though I should have. This was a fast-paced, edge of my seat thrilling adventure. I know that phrase may get thrown around a lot but it really holds true for this story. I tore through the pages and had this story devoured in two days.
One part of the story that I do hope is expanded upon in the next book is the reason for all of the ongoing wars within this universe. Nearly every planet is at war or has been attacked for some reason or another. I’d like to know more about the political thoughts behind that. That was the only underdeveloped part of the entire story but I really do believe it will be explained more in the second book.
I really do hope that this book is on your TBR because I don’t think you’ll be disappointed at all. This was so much better than I expected and I had high hopes. If you are a fan of The Illuminae Files, then I say you need to give this a chance.
February 24, 2020
3,5
Un libro bastante ligero y siendo el primero que leo de la autora me ha gustado.
Esto de escuadrones espaciales siempre me ha encantado, aunque aquí todo se siente algo superficial y la personalidad de los protagonistas le falta una chispa para empatizar más.
Ofelia es la que más me llegó al final y no solo por cómo terminan las cosas.
Un punto a favor de los espaciales YA que he leído es que aquí la autora no fue con emparejarlos todos con sus compañeros de escuadrón e incluso mete una relación gay & la de estudiante-profesor.
En fin, a leer “Supernova” y esperar toda la acción pues el 80% se siente introductorio en este libro, pero nada pesado de leer.
Un libro bastante ligero y siendo el primero que leo de la autora me ha gustado.
Esto de escuadrones espaciales siempre me ha encantado, aunque aquí todo se siente algo superficial y la personalidad de los protagonistas le falta una chispa para empatizar más.
Ofelia es la que más me llegó al final y no solo por cómo terminan las cosas.
Un punto a favor de los espaciales YA que he leído es que aquí la autora no fue con emparejarlos todos con sus compañeros de escuadrón e incluso mete una relación gay & la de estudiante-profesor.
En fin, a leer “Supernova” y esperar toda la acción pues el 80% se siente introductorio en este libro, pero nada pesado de leer.
February 23, 2020
Oehlalalaaaaaaa wat een zalig verslavend verhaal! Het is dankzij de leesuitdaging van Blossom Books dat ik m met Lotte mee las anders was deze me nooit opgevallen.
Nu zo snel mogelijk door met deel 2 💕
(En ja, tuurlijk valt er genoeg aan te merken op dit verhaal, maar soms is dik vet leesplezier genoeg!)
Nu zo snel mogelijk door met deel 2 💕
(En ja, tuurlijk valt er genoeg aan te merken op dit verhaal, maar soms is dik vet leesplezier genoeg!)
December 10, 2018
*Source* Lbrary
*Genre* Young Adult, Science Fiction
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
Light Years is the first book in a thrilling and romantic new sci-fi series from the bestselling author of The 100, Kass Morgan. Four cadets at the Quatra Fleet Academy will have to put their differences aside and become a team if they want to defend their world from a cunning enemy--and they might even fall in love in the process. The four main characters are Cormak, Aryan, Vesper, and Orelia.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult, Science Fiction
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
Light Years is the first book in a thrilling and romantic new sci-fi series from the bestselling author of The 100, Kass Morgan. Four cadets at the Quatra Fleet Academy will have to put their differences aside and become a team if they want to defend their world from a cunning enemy--and they might even fall in love in the process. The four main characters are Cormak, Aryan, Vesper, and Orelia.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
August 17, 2018
Space Battle School is my favourite Si-Fi setting and I expected to enjoy this book.
I did not read "The 100", but I watched it and was looking forward to a gripping plot with many dangers and unexpected developments.
I have to hand it to the author - she does good premises and interesting characters.
There is an underlying threat of a mysterious enemy with unknown motives and origin.
There is an imperialistic unfair society where racism is ripe and the decadent ruling class has only now began to allow the brightest representatives of the oppressed population to apply for the prestigious elite military school, and two of those representatives are our main characters.
There is a tournament within that school that will decide the future of all the cadets.
There is a spy in their midst.
And none of it delivers. As good as the author is at premises she falls flat on every other front.
Her prose is bland and simplistic.
There is no character development - all of them just jump through time to a new stage without any
actual growth shown on page.
There is no feeling that the story is happening in space in a military facility. Besides a few made-up words and starry backgrounds behind the windows, there is absolutely nothing to separate it from another American High School soap, and not the best example of those either.
Instead of a tense competition with high stakes shown in all the ups and downs we get the first and the last battle - all four pages of it. No clever twists, no imaginative solutions and close escapes, absolutely nothing exciting about it, with the predictable win totally unjustified.
The kids in the book are supposed to be geniuses, but the author is clearly not one, and never met one either, it seems. There are quite a few science inaccuracies in the limited instances where any science or technology is even mentioned.
But there are plenty of dresses, parties, posh foods and romances. Unfortunately, the romances are no better than other sub-plots. All three of them are abrupt, shallow and lacking that essence of first love.
The only real space battle shown on page is so ridiculous it's not even worth mentioning. From that point on I lost any interest in the proceedings, especially because the last couple of chapters are clearly there to set up for the next book, not to bring any of the existing plot lines to any sort of conclusion.
All in all it's a disappointment.
I did not read "The 100", but I watched it and was looking forward to a gripping plot with many dangers and unexpected developments.
I have to hand it to the author - she does good premises and interesting characters.
There is an underlying threat of a mysterious enemy with unknown motives and origin.
There is an imperialistic unfair society where racism is ripe and the decadent ruling class has only now began to allow the brightest representatives of the oppressed population to apply for the prestigious elite military school, and two of those representatives are our main characters.
There is a tournament within that school that will decide the future of all the cadets.
There is a spy in their midst.
And none of it delivers. As good as the author is at premises she falls flat on every other front.
Her prose is bland and simplistic.
There is no character development - all of them just jump through time to a new stage without any
actual growth shown on page.
There is no feeling that the story is happening in space in a military facility. Besides a few made-up words and starry backgrounds behind the windows, there is absolutely nothing to separate it from another American High School soap, and not the best example of those either.
Instead of a tense competition with high stakes shown in all the ups and downs we get the first and the last battle - all four pages of it. No clever twists, no imaginative solutions and close escapes, absolutely nothing exciting about it, with the predictable win totally unjustified.
The kids in the book are supposed to be geniuses, but the author is clearly not one, and never met one either, it seems. There are quite a few science inaccuracies in the limited instances where any science or technology is even mentioned.
But there are plenty of dresses, parties, posh foods and romances. Unfortunately, the romances are no better than other sub-plots. All three of them are abrupt, shallow and lacking that essence of first love.
The only real space battle shown on page is so ridiculous it's not even worth mentioning. From that point on I lost any interest in the proceedings, especially because the last couple of chapters are clearly there to set up for the next book, not to bring any of the existing plot lines to any sort of conclusion.
All in all it's a disappointment.
December 27, 2025
In parte space opera, in parte dark academy, in parte spy story, in parte romance...detto così, sembrerebbe un'accozzaglia di generi talmente ampia da dover per forza risultare un guazzbuglio di personaggi, episodi e sottotrame ridicioli e invece è tutto ben mixato, ben strutturato. Ogni sottotrama è ben congeniata e ben sviluppata ed ognuna si intraccia all'altra in modo armonico e naturale, senza forzature. Bel lavoro!
***
Partly space opera, partly dark academy, partly spy story and partly romance ... so told, it would seem a jumble of genres so wide that it must necessarily be a jumble of ridiculous characters, episodes and subplots and instead it's all well mixed, well structured. Each subplot is well conceived and well developed and each intertwines with the other in a harmonious and natural way, without forcing. Good job!
***
Partly space opera, partly dark academy, partly spy story and partly romance ... so told, it would seem a jumble of genres so wide that it must necessarily be a jumble of ridiculous characters, episodes and subplots and instead it's all well mixed, well structured. Each subplot is well conceived and well developed and each intertwines with the other in a harmonious and natural way, without forcing. Good job!
December 28, 2019
Once I got past the four different points of view, this was actually a super gripping read. Super enjoyed Vesper's character, and my heart broke for Arran multiple times. Full of action, that makes it near impossible to put down (even with the flu).
October 29, 2018
Cormak and his crew have to prove that they deserve their place at the Academy. But there are more plots in play than they are prepared for.
I received a free copy fro Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. Despite being a big fan of watching The 100, this is the first book from Kass Morgan that I've read.
The story follows the four trainees that make up Squadron 20, in the Quatra Fleet Academy.
These young men and women are the best of the best from Tri and the surrounding planets.
Cormak - who steals his dead brother's identity to escape a dead-end life on Deva.
Vesper - the daughter of the Fleet Admiral, on her last chance to prove her worth.
Arran - a lad from Chetire who struggles trusting people.
Orelia - an intelligent young woman from "Chetire". (psst. spy)
The narration is split equally between these four main characters. At first, Cormak was my favourite, as he deals with taking on his brother Rex's identity, and the lengths he has to go to not get caught.
As the story went on, I loved everyone's part equally! They all have their issues, and their reasons for doing well.
Vesper has the most unsupportive mother, who doesn't have a scrap of maternal instinct, despite the fact that Vesper is working herself to the bone to gain her acceptance. It's interesting to see Vesper with her friends and boyfriend, who are all from Tri, and consider themselves first-class citizens. As the book goes on, Vesper starts to take pride in herself, forming her own opinions and goals, and refusing to go along with belittling the other classes.
Arran is just so sweet, you just want to wrap him up and protect him. He's quiet and very withdrawn, not trusting anyone easily after being traumatised when he was younger. I thought he and Dash were an adorable couple.
And Orelia... she is fascinating. She has trained all her life for this role, and can't afford to be distracted. She's practically a machine, but slowly becomes more human around her new friends - a luxury she's never experienced before.
The main plot is follows the challenges of the Academy, as the winning Squadron is the only one guaranteed to progress to the second year.
There's a competitive spirit amongst the students, but there's also tension, as it becomes clear that there is a lot of political conflict running under the surface. After generation of being on top, not all people from Tri are going to let the dystopian, lower-class citizens get ahead.
There's also the bigger threat, looming in the shadows of the Specters. An aggressive race who have been terrorising the Quatra planets. It was excellently played, with enough grey area to make you wonder what the truth really is.
If I haven't mentioned already, I really really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to start the next one - especially after that ending!
I received a free copy fro Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. Despite being a big fan of watching The 100, this is the first book from Kass Morgan that I've read.
The story follows the four trainees that make up Squadron 20, in the Quatra Fleet Academy.
These young men and women are the best of the best from Tri and the surrounding planets.
Cormak - who steals his dead brother's identity to escape a dead-end life on Deva.
Vesper - the daughter of the Fleet Admiral, on her last chance to prove her worth.
Arran - a lad from Chetire who struggles trusting people.
Orelia - an intelligent young woman from "Chetire". (psst. spy)
The narration is split equally between these four main characters. At first, Cormak was my favourite, as he deals with taking on his brother Rex's identity, and the lengths he has to go to not get caught.
As the story went on, I loved everyone's part equally! They all have their issues, and their reasons for doing well.
Vesper has the most unsupportive mother, who doesn't have a scrap of maternal instinct, despite the fact that Vesper is working herself to the bone to gain her acceptance. It's interesting to see Vesper with her friends and boyfriend, who are all from Tri, and consider themselves first-class citizens. As the book goes on, Vesper starts to take pride in herself, forming her own opinions and goals, and refusing to go along with belittling the other classes.
Arran is just so sweet, you just want to wrap him up and protect him. He's quiet and very withdrawn, not trusting anyone easily after being traumatised when he was younger. I thought he and Dash were an adorable couple.
And Orelia... she is fascinating. She has trained all her life for this role, and can't afford to be distracted. She's practically a machine, but slowly becomes more human around her new friends - a luxury she's never experienced before.
The main plot is follows the challenges of the Academy, as the winning Squadron is the only one guaranteed to progress to the second year.
There's a competitive spirit amongst the students, but there's also tension, as it becomes clear that there is a lot of political conflict running under the surface. After generation of being on top, not all people from Tri are going to let the dystopian, lower-class citizens get ahead.
There's also the bigger threat, looming in the shadows of the Specters. An aggressive race who have been terrorising the Quatra planets. It was excellently played, with enough grey area to make you wonder what the truth really is.
If I haven't mentioned already, I really really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to start the next one - especially after that ending!
October 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. The general set-up is not new: a group of young people from different backgrounds put together in an academy, all competing to graduate with full honours. Unlikely friendships are made, there are nasty colleagues, bigotry, some danger, ethical dilemmas and romantic up and downs. Despite all this, our heroes should pull through in the end.
What does set it apart, though, are the well-developed main characters with their backstories, and the moral ambiguities.
The stage is space. The school is Quatra Fleet Academy training up new officers and pilots for the Quatra Fleet in its ongoing war against the aggressive Specters. The Quatra planets are Tri (original and ruling planet), Deva (toxic mining planet), Chetire (frozen mining planet) and Loos (tropical planet). For the first year ever, the new cadets at the Academy are being drawn from all four planets, instead of just from Tri. The story focusses on the cadets forming Squadron 20: Cormack from Deva, Arran from Chetire, Orelia from Loos and Vesper from Tri. The first three are amazed that they have been selected, and are determined to make their families (alive and dead), and planets, proud of their achievements as the first of their ilk at the Academy. Vesper, and another Tridian, Dash, are under enormous pressure from their very influential parents to conform, succeed and uphold their parents’ reputations. For the Edgers, those from Deva, Chetire and Loos, the Academy is the only chance they will have to escape the extreme poverty and poisonous, shortened lives of their home planet. They are discriminated against, and almost no Tridian believes they have the intelligence or skill set to succeed. There is only one rational response – the Edgers must be better than the best. Squadron 20 must become the top student squadron. To do this, each must put aside any prejudices or doubts, and work together as a team.
Both Cormack and Orelia are hiding secrets. If Cormack’s are discovered he will be thrown out of the Academy, and into jail. The exposure of Orelia’s secret will sign her death warrant. Will their new-found friends be able to cope with the truth if Cormack and/or Orelia decode to come clean?
Each of the four find romance at the Academy. The reader will have no difficulty guessing who the love interests will be. But, just because there is no surprise, does not mean that the relationships are trivial. For each couple, it involves the breaking of social taboos, that could lead to ostracism – or worse.
As well as the debate on whom one should love, the story also asks whom you should hate. The cadets are being trained for war. A war in which both sides believe they were victims of vicious, unprovoked attacks. Only one character is in a position to look beyond the propaganda – and to judge each person on their own, innate merits, rather than their prescribed affiliations. When the war comes unexpectedly close, that character has a major ethical decision to make.
When I finished this book, I felt somewhat bereft. These were not characters to be left in the lurch. I had become really invested in their stories and futures. I need the next book in this series, but for now will have to settle for recommending this book unreservedly.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
What does set it apart, though, are the well-developed main characters with their backstories, and the moral ambiguities.
The stage is space. The school is Quatra Fleet Academy training up new officers and pilots for the Quatra Fleet in its ongoing war against the aggressive Specters. The Quatra planets are Tri (original and ruling planet), Deva (toxic mining planet), Chetire (frozen mining planet) and Loos (tropical planet). For the first year ever, the new cadets at the Academy are being drawn from all four planets, instead of just from Tri. The story focusses on the cadets forming Squadron 20: Cormack from Deva, Arran from Chetire, Orelia from Loos and Vesper from Tri. The first three are amazed that they have been selected, and are determined to make their families (alive and dead), and planets, proud of their achievements as the first of their ilk at the Academy. Vesper, and another Tridian, Dash, are under enormous pressure from their very influential parents to conform, succeed and uphold their parents’ reputations. For the Edgers, those from Deva, Chetire and Loos, the Academy is the only chance they will have to escape the extreme poverty and poisonous, shortened lives of their home planet. They are discriminated against, and almost no Tridian believes they have the intelligence or skill set to succeed. There is only one rational response – the Edgers must be better than the best. Squadron 20 must become the top student squadron. To do this, each must put aside any prejudices or doubts, and work together as a team.
Both Cormack and Orelia are hiding secrets. If Cormack’s are discovered he will be thrown out of the Academy, and into jail. The exposure of Orelia’s secret will sign her death warrant. Will their new-found friends be able to cope with the truth if Cormack and/or Orelia decode to come clean?
Each of the four find romance at the Academy. The reader will have no difficulty guessing who the love interests will be. But, just because there is no surprise, does not mean that the relationships are trivial. For each couple, it involves the breaking of social taboos, that could lead to ostracism – or worse.
As well as the debate on whom one should love, the story also asks whom you should hate. The cadets are being trained for war. A war in which both sides believe they were victims of vicious, unprovoked attacks. Only one character is in a position to look beyond the propaganda – and to judge each person on their own, innate merits, rather than their prescribed affiliations. When the war comes unexpectedly close, that character has a major ethical decision to make.
When I finished this book, I felt somewhat bereft. These were not characters to be left in the lurch. I had become really invested in their stories and futures. I need the next book in this series, but for now will have to settle for recommending this book unreservedly.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
October 18, 2018
I loved the concept of this book but I struggled to get invested in the execution of the characters and the story. The idea of a diverse set of space cadets from different planets and places, training to become pilots and other roles is a great concept. However, this felt overly character-driven when I needed more context about the world, the planets, the ‘space-stuff’.
I really struggled to get into this book and kept setting it down but I can say that after 40% it did pick up for me significantly and then I was able to settle into the story. I think I might have comparion-syndrome having read some excellent YA sci-fi only recently and maybe it would have been more rosy if I hadn’t been reading in the genre.
As it was quite a character-driven book, I did feel that I really got to know this cast of crew rather well and they were well-crafted. Cormack was my favourite and I was happiest when he was on the scene, I love a good underdog and that’s just what he was.
I am interested to see where this goes.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
I really struggled to get into this book and kept setting it down but I can say that after 40% it did pick up for me significantly and then I was able to settle into the story. I think I might have comparion-syndrome having read some excellent YA sci-fi only recently and maybe it would have been more rosy if I hadn’t been reading in the genre.
As it was quite a character-driven book, I did feel that I really got to know this cast of crew rather well and they were well-crafted. Cormack was my favourite and I was happiest when he was on the scene, I love a good underdog and that’s just what he was.
I am interested to see where this goes.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
June 8, 2018
3.5 stars I think!
This was a fun, quick read. It is from several character’s POV and I def connected more to some than others. Each character was interesting though. I am curious to read the sequel!! I really like the set up at the end of this one. I guess my biggest issue was that some things felt a tad rushed.
This was a fun, quick read. It is from several character’s POV and I def connected more to some than others. Each character was interesting though. I am curious to read the sequel!! I really like the set up at the end of this one. I guess my biggest issue was that some things felt a tad rushed.
Want to read
March 11, 2018I still can't stand cover models for the most part, but on the plus side, I like the diversity I am seeing on the cover.
September 21, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from TheNovl/Little Brown Young Readers. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 8th, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (slightly sexual scenes, romance, violence, death, terrorist activities and threats)
Pages: 374
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Reeling from the latest attack by a mysterious enemy, the Quatra Fleet Academy is finally admitting students from every planet in the solar system after centuries of exclusivity.
Hotshot pilot Vesper, an ambitious Tridian citizen, dreams of becoming a captain - but when she loses her spot to a brilliant, wisecracking boy from the wrong side of the asteroid belt, it makes her question everything she thought she knew. Growing up on the toxic planet Deva, Cormak will take any chance he can get to escape his dead-end life and join the Academy - even if he has to steal someone's identity to do it. Arran was always considered an outsider on icy Chetire, always dreaming of something more than a life working in the mines. Now an incoming cadet, Arran is looking for a place to belong - he just never thought that place would be in the arms of a Tridian boy. And Orelia is hiding a dark secret - she's infiltrated the Academy to complete a mission, one that threatens the security of everyone there. But if anyone finds out who she really is, it'll be her life on the line.
These cadets will have to put their differences aside and become a team to defend their world from a cunning enemy - but the danger might be lurking closer to home than they think...
Oh. My. God. That's what I have to say about this brand new series from the amazing Kass Morgan. She's an absolute powerhouse when it comes to impactful and remember-able sci-fis and she's created yet another series in which I want to be apart of (and that I can see a TV series for hint hint TV producers out there). The writing was fantastic, it just pulls you into this amazing plot and the characters are super well developed. I'd probably say this series is better than her 100 series. I also loved the LGBT+ characters and the diversity of them as well. I feel like if you liked Ender's Game, then you would love this book. The book also feels realistic. One of the first things you learn about this book is that the this is the first year other planets/cultures are allowed to enter this prestigious academy. This is very true to history and even modern time (and unfortunately, the oppression of one or many groups by one dominant group will never completely die). While it broke my heart to read about the oppression of these other planets, it added a realistic feel to the book.
The only concern I had about the book was that I felt the relationship one of the characters has with her teacher feels a bit weird and can be concerning for younger readers to see considering that there are teachers out there who prey on young children. Other than that slight concern, I felt the book was completely fantastic and well paced. It'll definitely be a hit when it comes out!
Verdict: I smell a TV series in the making!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 8th, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (slightly sexual scenes, romance, violence, death, terrorist activities and threats)
Pages: 374
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Reeling from the latest attack by a mysterious enemy, the Quatra Fleet Academy is finally admitting students from every planet in the solar system after centuries of exclusivity.
Hotshot pilot Vesper, an ambitious Tridian citizen, dreams of becoming a captain - but when she loses her spot to a brilliant, wisecracking boy from the wrong side of the asteroid belt, it makes her question everything she thought she knew. Growing up on the toxic planet Deva, Cormak will take any chance he can get to escape his dead-end life and join the Academy - even if he has to steal someone's identity to do it. Arran was always considered an outsider on icy Chetire, always dreaming of something more than a life working in the mines. Now an incoming cadet, Arran is looking for a place to belong - he just never thought that place would be in the arms of a Tridian boy. And Orelia is hiding a dark secret - she's infiltrated the Academy to complete a mission, one that threatens the security of everyone there. But if anyone finds out who she really is, it'll be her life on the line.
These cadets will have to put their differences aside and become a team to defend their world from a cunning enemy - but the danger might be lurking closer to home than they think...
Oh. My. God. That's what I have to say about this brand new series from the amazing Kass Morgan. She's an absolute powerhouse when it comes to impactful and remember-able sci-fis and she's created yet another series in which I want to be apart of (and that I can see a TV series for hint hint TV producers out there). The writing was fantastic, it just pulls you into this amazing plot and the characters are super well developed. I'd probably say this series is better than her 100 series. I also loved the LGBT+ characters and the diversity of them as well. I feel like if you liked Ender's Game, then you would love this book. The book also feels realistic. One of the first things you learn about this book is that the this is the first year other planets/cultures are allowed to enter this prestigious academy. This is very true to history and even modern time (and unfortunately, the oppression of one or many groups by one dominant group will never completely die). While it broke my heart to read about the oppression of these other planets, it added a realistic feel to the book.
The only concern I had about the book was that I felt the relationship one of the characters has with her teacher feels a bit weird and can be concerning for younger readers to see considering that there are teachers out there who prey on young children. Other than that slight concern, I felt the book was completely fantastic and well paced. It'll definitely be a hit when it comes out!
Verdict: I smell a TV series in the making!
May 4, 2019
Damn it that was a good ending. Fuck me for not waiting for book 2 *melts to floor*
This had bits and pieces of most YA sci-fis so it was sort of familiar but the plot kept me on my toes. The romances in here hit me in the feels, the betrayals came out of left field and we have yet another book teaching us that bigotry, segregation and "othering" each other is 🎶🎶🎶BULLLLLLLLLLSHITTTTTTTTT 🎶🎶🎶
Super excited for the sequel
Was this Illuminae-level amazing? No but it's a really well developed world with clear social, economic and political structures along with like 6 mcs in under 400 pages. I'm actually insanely impressed with how much Morgan covered in that number of pages. I loved loved LOVED the m/m romance especially. They all just hit me in the feels but that one ESPECIALLY. I honestly can't find anything I disliked
This had bits and pieces of most YA sci-fis so it was sort of familiar but the plot kept me on my toes. The romances in here hit me in the feels, the betrayals came out of left field and we have yet another book teaching us that bigotry, segregation and "othering" each other is 🎶🎶🎶BULLLLLLLLLLSHITTTTTTTTT 🎶🎶🎶
Super excited for the sequel
Was this Illuminae-level amazing? No but it's a really well developed world with clear social, economic and political structures along with like 6 mcs in under 400 pages. I'm actually insanely impressed with how much Morgan covered in that number of pages. I loved loved LOVED the m/m romance especially. They all just hit me in the feels but that one ESPECIALLY. I honestly can't find anything I disliked
March 22, 2020
J'ai eu du mal à rentrer dans l'histoire au début mais alors après, plus possible de le lâcher, j'ai carrément adoré 😍 et la fin, fais que je vais enchaîner direct !
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