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The Space Merchants #1
The Space Merchants
Teagan Green dreams of escaping the drudgery of Earth and traversing the stars. Will her dreams come true, or will events from her past destroy her?
Unknown Binding
First published November 17, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 10, 2019
Can a book be considered monotone?
I really hope this was the author's first novel. The premise was a good one, but the writing lacked any passion and a lot of the paragraphs seemed disjointed. Many times I wondered if the author had a beta reader or editor for this story. There were a lot of times where I thought "finally, some action" only to have no real follow through -- just an unexciting description of getting out of a situation or being rescued without real suspense. Even those situations which should have been traumatic were not. The story was predictable as it moved from point a to point b to point c. Good descriptions of scenery though.
I will confess that I skimmed over a lot of the final third of the book. Just couldn't hold my interest any longer but I despise giving up on a book -- I invested money and time into it after all. Wish I'd used my weekend to catch up on work instead.
Also, throughout the book, I was getting a little angry on the woman=domestic servant or stay-at-home, be concerned with teas and shopping stereotypes. (I swear if she bought one more dress I'd scream! And as all of her shopping trips described buying skirts and dresses, how did she find a pair of pants to wear at a later point in the story?) and don't get me started on doing laundry, cooking, and cleaning for her male companions. The heroine was too submissive and passive for most of the book, even when she should have been fighting for her life.
Sorry for the negative review -- one of the very few negatives I've ever written, but really frustrated over how much potential there is in this story that didn't get fulfilled. I hope to prepare others as to what to expect.
I really hope this was the author's first novel. The premise was a good one, but the writing lacked any passion and a lot of the paragraphs seemed disjointed. Many times I wondered if the author had a beta reader or editor for this story. There were a lot of times where I thought "finally, some action" only to have no real follow through -- just an unexciting description of getting out of a situation or being rescued without real suspense. Even those situations which should have been traumatic were not. The story was predictable as it moved from point a to point b to point c. Good descriptions of scenery though.
I will confess that I skimmed over a lot of the final third of the book. Just couldn't hold my interest any longer but I despise giving up on a book -- I invested money and time into it after all. Wish I'd used my weekend to catch up on work instead.
Also, throughout the book, I was getting a little angry on the woman=domestic servant or stay-at-home, be concerned with teas and shopping stereotypes. (I swear if she bought one more dress I'd scream! And as all of her shopping trips described buying skirts and dresses, how did she find a pair of pants to wear at a later point in the story?) and don't get me started on doing laundry, cooking, and cleaning for her male companions. The heroine was too submissive and passive for most of the book, even when she should have been fighting for her life.
Sorry for the negative review -- one of the very few negatives I've ever written, but really frustrated over how much potential there is in this story that didn't get fulfilled. I hope to prepare others as to what to expect.
August 5, 2020
I've actually read through parts of this series several times and always have a mix feelings. So this review will be a general overlay of the series (books 1-4) rather than just this specific book.
Please excuse the following rant.
You've been warned.
Teagan, the long lost relative of every known species is what I would politely call a Seductress. Everyone, I mean everyone, wants to get into her pants.
For a 20 yr old woman who use to pick up trash and slept on streets, ran away from her abusive father, it was gratifying for her to believably be elevated to royalty on two warring planets. Teagan should have been a dynamic, strong or at least interesting character to follow along.
She is brave...unless you forget the incessant crying when she's happy, sad, horney, lonely, bored, awake, asleep you name it she's crying. And the men, I mean every single guy in this story coddled her. Which means she is as passive as an overcooked noodle, compliant like a doll, and generally too easily controlled.
Her only role, it seems to me, is to marry strange men for the political advantage of newly reunited father, produce children for newly married husband, shop and spend money and be obviously happy while men hug and kiss her as if she's too stupid to think for herself.
I wish when she got angry she did something instead of relying on her men. I wish when she got sad, she fought for something instead of having to be told what to act like, look like, etc. There is no depth to her except emotional responses and to all the other men she is a toy to be played upon.
Author please, give us more than a damsel in distress!
Obviously none of her harem of men stand out.
What makes Teagan's overt meekness harder to read is that she comes from an abusive childhood, and wasn't raised in the Parvac culture of multiple husbands. So Teagan's behavior of passivity and acceptance of a harem of men isn't actually normal based on her culture. A few times her husbands try to encourage her self-worth and self-esteem by loving her like crazy. This is a romance series. But then the question of respect and equal partnership in a polyamorous relationship crops up.
They have none for her.
There was this one scene where I was like gosh this is just getting too much . Her long lost general uncle gets upset with her because she plays a prank on him by messing up his front lawn. So what does long lost uncle do? Why puts this 20 year mother of 2, wife of 5 over his knees and spanks her like a little child. And what does Teagan, princess of a nation do? Why she goes to her room and cry, silent treatment for two days, and sends husband 'A' and 'B' to talk to her king father. Days later she's negotiating to be married to another man her uncle wants politically and that's that.
Yes, old enough to marry, have kids, but can be whooped because she played a prank.
*Sigh* why?
Smh. 😑
Why am I reading this series?
I like the world building and the messes Teagan finds herself manipulated into. The kidnappings, attempted murders, the spiders, the spaceships, the wars make for a fun back drop for an otherwise annoying female protag.
Please excuse the following rant.
You've been warned.
Teagan, the long lost relative of every known species is what I would politely call a Seductress. Everyone, I mean everyone, wants to get into her pants.
For a 20 yr old woman who use to pick up trash and slept on streets, ran away from her abusive father, it was gratifying for her to believably be elevated to royalty on two warring planets. Teagan should have been a dynamic, strong or at least interesting character to follow along.
She is brave...unless you forget the incessant crying when she's happy, sad, horney, lonely, bored, awake, asleep you name it she's crying. And the men, I mean every single guy in this story coddled her. Which means she is as passive as an overcooked noodle, compliant like a doll, and generally too easily controlled.
Her only role, it seems to me, is to marry strange men for the political advantage of newly reunited father, produce children for newly married husband, shop and spend money and be obviously happy while men hug and kiss her as if she's too stupid to think for herself.
I wish when she got angry she did something instead of relying on her men. I wish when she got sad, she fought for something instead of having to be told what to act like, look like, etc. There is no depth to her except emotional responses and to all the other men she is a toy to be played upon.
Author please, give us more than a damsel in distress!
Obviously none of her harem of men stand out.
'A' is first husband, laconian has white eyes and dove-grey hair, handsome, needs her emotionally to actually live,It just goes on and on, 'marriage' for the sake of political convenience and Teagan's biddablity.
'B' is second husband, Teagan sees every six months, father of her second child, forced to marry because long lost father says so, brutish, will start interplanetary wars.
'C' is mixed race warrior, guard, one of four brothers.
What makes Teagan's overt meekness harder to read is that she comes from an abusive childhood, and wasn't raised in the Parvac culture of multiple husbands. So Teagan's behavior of passivity and acceptance of a harem of men isn't actually normal based on her culture. A few times her husbands try to encourage her self-worth and self-esteem by loving her like crazy. This is a romance series. But then the question of respect and equal partnership in a polyamorous relationship crops up.
They have none for her.
There was this one scene where I was like gosh this is just getting too much . Her long lost general uncle gets upset with her because she plays a prank on him by messing up his front lawn. So what does long lost uncle do? Why puts this 20 year mother of 2, wife of 5 over his knees and spanks her like a little child. And what does Teagan, princess of a nation do? Why she goes to her room and cry, silent treatment for two days, and sends husband 'A' and 'B' to talk to her king father. Days later she's negotiating to be married to another man her uncle wants politically and that's that.
Yes, old enough to marry, have kids, but can be whooped because she played a prank.
*Sigh* why?
Smh. 😑
Why am I reading this series?
I like the world building and the messes Teagan finds herself manipulated into. The kidnappings, attempted murders, the spiders, the spaceships, the wars make for a fun back drop for an otherwise annoying female protag.
August 18, 2017
Teagan is a survivor. She grew up under an abusive father with no mother. As soon as she was old enough she escaped and lived on a park bench until she was given a bare room and a job collecting trash. She has one friend and dreams of one day going into space, but for right now, she gets by on her own. Her dreams actually come true when she is hired to be the domestic help on the trade ship Tora under the command of Captain Hiroshi Lee, his adopted brother Yukihyo, and Dr. Phillip. Teagan's life is now one adventure after another and filled with love.
This book has terrific world building. Several worlds make up the Tora's trade route and each is completely and wonderfully detailed. Each is also home to several characters that Teagan and the crew develop or already have relationships with. This is a nice touch; it makes each planet a destination to look forward to, not just a trade stop. There are plenty of events in the book. It's not action based, but more of an account of happenings or occasions. It's more of a character based book, a fun account of Teagan's adventures.
Teagan is a sweet naive young lady. She's seems socially inept at times, almost childlike, but her sweet ways make her lovable. The men are great. The family that they include Teagan in is my favorite aspect of the book. Yukihyo is beyond perfection. We should all get so lucky; gorgeous, thoughtful, protective. Phillip is an unabashed charmer. His playboy ways were portrayed in a playful, not man-whore manner. Hiroshi may have been my favorite of the men. Handsome, yet not the lady's man like Phillip, kind and protective, somewhat an unknown. He had something that drew me to him. There was a wide cast of side characters that become quite important to Teagan. They were almost overwhelming with their numbers, but a certain Captain stood out to me. I was sad when he didn't become a love interest! However, my very favorite side character had 8 legs, not 2. Thunderdrop could not have been more adorable. This amazed me, considering....
My only true complaint of the book was with the portrayal of women. I felt like women were underestimated; shop, have tea, stay home and be safe. There was one woman of power in the book and even though Teagan was awestruck over her, she seemed mostly disregarded in conversation.
This was an engaging read and I plan to read book 2 as soon as possible. I know that it goes RH, but I can't imagine how. Teagan's relationship doesn't seem open to the idea at all. I am intrigued.
This book has terrific world building. Several worlds make up the Tora's trade route and each is completely and wonderfully detailed. Each is also home to several characters that Teagan and the crew develop or already have relationships with. This is a nice touch; it makes each planet a destination to look forward to, not just a trade stop. There are plenty of events in the book. It's not action based, but more of an account of happenings or occasions. It's more of a character based book, a fun account of Teagan's adventures.
Teagan is a sweet naive young lady. She's seems socially inept at times, almost childlike, but her sweet ways make her lovable. The men are great. The family that they include Teagan in is my favorite aspect of the book. Yukihyo is beyond perfection. We should all get so lucky; gorgeous, thoughtful, protective. Phillip is an unabashed charmer. His playboy ways were portrayed in a playful, not man-whore manner. Hiroshi may have been my favorite of the men. Handsome, yet not the lady's man like Phillip, kind and protective, somewhat an unknown. He had something that drew me to him. There was a wide cast of side characters that become quite important to Teagan. They were almost overwhelming with their numbers, but a certain Captain stood out to me. I was sad when he didn't become a love interest! However, my very favorite side character had 8 legs, not 2. Thunderdrop could not have been more adorable. This amazed me, considering....
My only true complaint of the book was with the portrayal of women. I felt like women were underestimated; shop, have tea, stay home and be safe. There was one woman of power in the book and even though Teagan was awestruck over her, she seemed mostly disregarded in conversation.
This was an engaging read and I plan to read book 2 as soon as possible. I know that it goes RH, but I can't imagine how. Teagan's relationship doesn't seem open to the idea at all. I am intrigued.
November 11, 2017
Sweet
While there are a few moments of danger, this long tale is a sugary sweet journey of making new friends and family. The spiders are too cute.
The writing is very simple with a few wrong words mixed in--like message for massage. The heroine is an abuse victim and any kindness moves her to tears.
While there are some intimate scenes and innuendos, this is not a steamy story.
Read in KU
While there are a few moments of danger, this long tale is a sugary sweet journey of making new friends and family. The spiders are too cute.
The writing is very simple with a few wrong words mixed in--like message for massage. The heroine is an abuse victim and any kindness moves her to tears.
While there are some intimate scenes and innuendos, this is not a steamy story.
Read in KU
April 20, 2016
A great science fiction romance novel with a sassy yet sensitive heroine who starts from a modest background and ends up with a life she never could dream of. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
June 4, 2017
Enjoyable read, interesting story.
I enjoyed reading this story it has several twists in the story. It kept me wanting to read more. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Now I will need to get the next book to find out the rest of the adventures.
I enjoyed reading this story it has several twists in the story. It kept me wanting to read more. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Now I will need to get the next book to find out the rest of the adventures.
January 20, 2018
DNF at 25%.
I didn't like the writing style. It switches back and forth between Teagan's first person POV and the third-person POV of various side characters. Teagan's voice is often more of a list-of-happenings so it feels more like a diary rather than being immersed in her head. So much is happening all the time, I suppose it wouldn't be fun to read about her every emotion, but if I'm reading a book in first person, I expect to read something about that character's internal reactions to what is going around that. There are a lot of places where it's just 'this happens and so he says and then' which makes for some dry reading.
Conversations are even worse! Just blocks of dialogue, no subtlety, no one holds back, they all just blurt out whatever's relevant to the plot or something that's meant to represent the building of a relationship but only feels forced. At times, a character will speak that hasn't been referenced in the scene! This book is entirely too long to be confusing me like that every chapter.
The characters themselves feel flat also. They have their interesting backstories, but neither Teagan nor Yukihyo really reflect their experiences in their actions. Teagan goes beyond 'innocent' into 'stupidly naïve' which seems highly unlikely, considering her background. They both have enough trauma to justify a few more interesting character traits! They are a cute couple, but they've already gotten together and they haven't had a conflict yet, so I don't feel that there's any tension in their relationship that I should read on to see resolved.
I didn't like the writing style. It switches back and forth between Teagan's first person POV and the third-person POV of various side characters. Teagan's voice is often more of a list-of-happenings so it feels more like a diary rather than being immersed in her head. So much is happening all the time, I suppose it wouldn't be fun to read about her every emotion, but if I'm reading a book in first person, I expect to read something about that character's internal reactions to what is going around that. There are a lot of places where it's just 'this happens and so he says and then' which makes for some dry reading.
Conversations are even worse! Just blocks of dialogue, no subtlety, no one holds back, they all just blurt out whatever's relevant to the plot or something that's meant to represent the building of a relationship but only feels forced. At times, a character will speak that hasn't been referenced in the scene! This book is entirely too long to be confusing me like that every chapter.
The characters themselves feel flat also. They have their interesting backstories, but neither Teagan nor Yukihyo really reflect their experiences in their actions. Teagan goes beyond 'innocent' into 'stupidly naïve' which seems highly unlikely, considering her background. They both have enough trauma to justify a few more interesting character traits! They are a cute couple, but they've already gotten together and they haven't had a conflict yet, so I don't feel that there's any tension in their relationship that I should read on to see resolved.
July 29, 2017
2.5 Stars. This is long and slow and the idea that it goes on to at least four more books with same heroine is really more than I can take,
There are things I really like about it. The world building is good. I love the pets.
However, there is so much wish fulfillment in the writing I just don't feel like a real character gets developed for anyone. There is a lot of plat but who people are doesn't really move that plot.
Its sweet but not compelling or warming.
There are things I really like about it. The world building is good. I love the pets.
However, there is so much wish fulfillment in the writing I just don't feel like a real character gets developed for anyone. There is a lot of plat but who people are doesn't really move that plot.
Its sweet but not compelling or warming.
January 7, 2018
I really don't understand the hype. The writing style is overly descriptive, it's like every single action is written out and it's too much for me. I'm familiar with a slow burn RH but this is snail pace.
BUT, I will probably read the next one as I'm hoping that it's an introductory issue and will pick up? Or maybe I'm still under the hype illusion?
BUT, I will probably read the next one as I'm hoping that it's an introductory issue and will pick up? Or maybe I'm still under the hype illusion?
November 18, 2024
For some reason, I had this marked as a do not read. But after it being recommended i gave it a go. I enjoyed it. The spice level is low and the seggs scenes are hardly described. I enjoyed the adventure and world building of this book. This was marked as a reverse harem(to me when recommended)but shes only got one lover so far. Its slow but enjoyable.
February 19, 2020
I very much enjoyed this rags to riches story. I will certainly read the next.
July 29, 2017
The book sucks you in. The world sounds interesting and the giant pet spider was incredibly strange but weirdly involving.
A huge negative was the author's writing style or the lack there of. It seems the book was the first ever for this author and there were so many parts that were irrelevant to the story or plain boring. The way each sentence was phrased showed a lack of writing diversity and when I read someone's name 6 times in 2 sentences, well someone needs to edit his book.
The heat level was extremely low where the highlight was her on top which was described as something surprising and exciting, yeah right. Also, the author seems to have a deep aversion to women's menstrual cycle which struck me as immature, the heroine kept hiding her womanly stuff to be clean and expected her man to be quite disgusted with some blood on the bed, which he was.
The only way I would read the second book it would be if someone gave it to me for free.
A huge negative was the author's writing style or the lack there of. It seems the book was the first ever for this author and there were so many parts that were irrelevant to the story or plain boring. The way each sentence was phrased showed a lack of writing diversity and when I read someone's name 6 times in 2 sentences, well someone needs to edit his book.
The heat level was extremely low where the highlight was her on top which was described as something surprising and exciting, yeah right. Also, the author seems to have a deep aversion to women's menstrual cycle which struck me as immature, the heroine kept hiding her womanly stuff to be clean and expected her man to be quite disgusted with some blood on the bed, which he was.
The only way I would read the second book it would be if someone gave it to me for free.
January 15, 2018
This series is awesome! I usually don't like a series focused on one character, but something about this one kept me hooked. I have read up to the current last book;
The Inquisitors (The Space Merchants Book 6), and the offshoots; Xavier: An Omnes Videntes Novel, Jazon: An Omnes Videntes Novel and Thunderdrop: A Space Merchants Novella.
Every book is entertaining. I can keep track of ALL the characters because I like of of them and love seeing them every book. It's a great combination of science fiction, romance and sex. This is a new autor for me and I hope her other books are just as good.
The Inquisitors (The Space Merchants Book 6), and the offshoots; Xavier: An Omnes Videntes Novel, Jazon: An Omnes Videntes Novel and Thunderdrop: A Space Merchants Novella.
Every book is entertaining. I can keep track of ALL the characters because I like of of them and love seeing them every book. It's a great combination of science fiction, romance and sex. This is a new autor for me and I hope her other books are just as good.
March 10, 2019
A sweet beginning
In the first book of this series we meet a handful of characters that make up most of the car of main and secondary characters. We also meet Teagan, who is the main female lead. I love all the secondary characters and finding out the tangled webs of involvement and relationships. We learn a little about Teagan a and why she is the way she is, and I can understand her extreme lack of socialization, love, and general knowledge. Through it all she has a see disposition that seems true to her character. An engaging book overall that sees up the next book nicely.
In the first book of this series we meet a handful of characters that make up most of the car of main and secondary characters. We also meet Teagan, who is the main female lead. I love all the secondary characters and finding out the tangled webs of involvement and relationships. We learn a little about Teagan a and why she is the way she is, and I can understand her extreme lack of socialization, love, and general knowledge. Through it all she has a see disposition that seems true to her character. An engaging book overall that sees up the next book nicely.
January 5, 2020
Setup to a Great Space Odyssey!
Where to being?? This was a very long book that has set a tremendous stage for a long developing story arc. The MC is a young girl, isolated by life and trauma, whom has others watching over her while unknowing. They maneuver to give her her biggest dream which is to travel the stars!
A long the way she meets the beginnings of her family and many friends. This story has love, some angst, and a girl who's been emotionally stunted by life slowly growing more confident in herself and others. Not to mention her dearest friend and pet who keeps her happy!
Definitely a good read, and I look forward to reading this series as it develops!
Where to being?? This was a very long book that has set a tremendous stage for a long developing story arc. The MC is a young girl, isolated by life and trauma, whom has others watching over her while unknowing. They maneuver to give her her biggest dream which is to travel the stars!
A long the way she meets the beginnings of her family and many friends. This story has love, some angst, and a girl who's been emotionally stunted by life slowly growing more confident in herself and others. Not to mention her dearest friend and pet who keeps her happy!
Definitely a good read, and I look forward to reading this series as it develops!
February 5, 2023
Great start.
This is a great start to a new series. Fallow Teagan as she goes from a nobody living in a community housing as a abused, silent , invisible garage collector barely making. To having family on a ship and family on a far away planet she could only have had dreams of one day having.
I especially like Thunderdrop, Teagan's spider baby. They meet in the forest in a dramatic fashion and become fast friends all throughTeagan's discoveries of who she really is.
I look forward to more in this series.
This is a great start to a new series. Fallow Teagan as she goes from a nobody living in a community housing as a abused, silent , invisible garage collector barely making. To having family on a ship and family on a far away planet she could only have had dreams of one day having.
I especially like Thunderdrop, Teagan's spider baby. They meet in the forest in a dramatic fashion and become fast friends all throughTeagan's discoveries of who she really is.
I look forward to more in this series.
July 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! It was a little slow on the build up, but once it started going it was great. Loved the size of this book, I'm a sucker for a great length story. It seems now a days books are way to short. This is part of a series that eventual becomes a Revers Harem. In this book there is only one love interest, but that changes later on. Really encourage people that like series with long epic space travel this is for you!
November 3, 2016
Best read.
I read a lot, and this is a great story. Will certainly read the rest of this series. Didn't want it to end!!!!! Thanks Ms. Nordgren can't wait to read the next chapters in Reagan's story
I read a lot, and this is a great story. Will certainly read the rest of this series. Didn't want it to end!!!!! Thanks Ms. Nordgren can't wait to read the next chapters in Reagan's story
May 13, 2017
4.5 stars
Enjoyable sci fix adventure. Interesting worlds, solid character development, sweet romance. I will be buying the next in the series!
Enjoyable sci fix adventure. Interesting worlds, solid character development, sweet romance. I will be buying the next in the series!
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November 7, 2021136447578
Isabela Rojas's review Nov 07, 2021 · edit
it was ok
Read 2 times
I have so many mixed feelings about this I don’t really know what to say
First of all do not let it fool you it is not yet reverse harem, I thought she was getting lucky but then they end up being family and boom it’s over, no more love for her
If you’re wondering whether to read this book or not and you are expecting a really good develop novel I don’t think I would recommend this book for you, the redaction could use a lot of work, There is a lot of sort of sentences and not enough connectors in between and there’s a lot of description unnecessary in every little activity: literally it will tell you when something gets put away or every time she takes something
And also it has a lot of contradictions like when you grow up in an abuse household you do not have to the privilege to be naïve but there’s some times where for example she says that because someone has lipstick in his face that means that he got a lot of tea or something like that?
Or trusting them from the very beginning to go with them on spaceship ALONE Even though they haven’t talked for more than one hour or less? Sometimes she’s really naïve and other times tries to play like this bad ass character? Which is confusing to say the least?
AAAND if you’re gonna read this hoping for smutty moments or steam sex DONT, sometimes sex happens with a line and that’s about it
I think it would have had the potential of been great but just stay good or normal because at least in this book there’s not so much of character development or cohesion BUT I don’t know if it’s because of the promise of having more husbands and I will read about them or just because I really love thunder drop and I’m not that mad about it???? Buttt let’s see
Isabela Rojas's review Nov 07, 2021 · edit
it was ok
Read 2 times
I have so many mixed feelings about this I don’t really know what to say
First of all do not let it fool you it is not yet reverse harem, I thought she was getting lucky but then they end up being family and boom it’s over, no more love for her
If you’re wondering whether to read this book or not and you are expecting a really good develop novel I don’t think I would recommend this book for you, the redaction could use a lot of work, There is a lot of sort of sentences and not enough connectors in between and there’s a lot of description unnecessary in every little activity: literally it will tell you when something gets put away or every time she takes something
And also it has a lot of contradictions like when you grow up in an abuse household you do not have to the privilege to be naïve but there’s some times where for example she says that because someone has lipstick in his face that means that he got a lot of tea or something like that?
Or trusting them from the very beginning to go with them on spaceship ALONE Even though they haven’t talked for more than one hour or less? Sometimes she’s really naïve and other times tries to play like this bad ass character? Which is confusing to say the least?
AAAND if you’re gonna read this hoping for smutty moments or steam sex DONT, sometimes sex happens with a line and that’s about it
I think it would have had the potential of been great but just stay good or normal because at least in this book there’s not so much of character development or cohesion BUT I don’t know if it’s because of the promise of having more husbands and I will read about them or just because I really love thunder drop and I’m not that mad about it???? Buttt let’s see
November 23, 2021
Not sure this is reverse harem. So far it's not.
This read a lot like slice of life stuff. There were a few parts where there was some action but it never actually felt like action. I could say the same for the sex, it's sex but it never actually feels like sex it's just the next thing they did that day. The amount of shopping and attention to clothes that happens is excruciating and entirely overblown and over emphasized, the fact that the only thing she ever buys is skirts and dresses and then suddenly has pants that nobody mentioned her getting is pretty typical of the book, too.
It also reads a bit like fan service. The primary characters are very likable and have no character flaws to speak of. The MC is a bit of a wet noodle, but her background explains that. All the other characters are fairy tale examples of humanity, rich and generous fairy tale examples of humanity. In spite of this I enjoyed the story and the characters. It was a relaxing read.
However, there are some glaring issues with the writing that a decent copy editor could have fixed. For example every instance of "where" is spelled "were" (which stands out most for me because of how long it took me to overcome that particular issue in grammar - don't ask me to parse proper use of affect and effect because that one still stumps me). Also, the comma splices in this book are prodigious; and the paragraph breaks during dialog seem to be in the wrong places and often confuse the narrative a bit.
If this is a first effort for the author then it's not a bad one but there is a pretty good bit of room for improvement. If it's NOT the first book for the author then... DOH.
This read a lot like slice of life stuff. There were a few parts where there was some action but it never actually felt like action. I could say the same for the sex, it's sex but it never actually feels like sex it's just the next thing they did that day. The amount of shopping and attention to clothes that happens is excruciating and entirely overblown and over emphasized, the fact that the only thing she ever buys is skirts and dresses and then suddenly has pants that nobody mentioned her getting is pretty typical of the book, too.
It also reads a bit like fan service. The primary characters are very likable and have no character flaws to speak of. The MC is a bit of a wet noodle, but her background explains that. All the other characters are fairy tale examples of humanity, rich and generous fairy tale examples of humanity. In spite of this I enjoyed the story and the characters. It was a relaxing read.
However, there are some glaring issues with the writing that a decent copy editor could have fixed. For example every instance of "where" is spelled "were" (which stands out most for me because of how long it took me to overcome that particular issue in grammar - don't ask me to parse proper use of affect and effect because that one still stumps me). Also, the comma splices in this book are prodigious; and the paragraph breaks during dialog seem to be in the wrong places and often confuse the narrative a bit.
If this is a first effort for the author then it's not a bad one but there is a pretty good bit of room for improvement. If it's NOT the first book for the author then... DOH.
August 17, 2017
I have many thoughts about this book. First of all, it's well written. I was caught up in the story and cared about the characters. It was an interesting take on the sci fi tropes as well as an infusion of humor that broke my brain once or twice. Well, once, but it took me a while to recover.
Now on to the necessary part. It's written in prose but reads like a journal. It's a slice of life book, character growth and learning rather than about a plot. It's a character study regarding Teagan and her grown. This is important because if you're "waiting for something to happen" or "when does this really get started", it won't.
That's not to say there aren't exciting times or interesting things that happen. However, the book isn't built around them. It's built around the characters. That's an important distinction because I found myself thinking "ok now she's going to get kidnapped" or "now this is gonna happen because that feels like the set up"
But it wasn't. She continued her life. Talking to people, learning more about herself. Even in times of danger, it was a very different feel than about 98% of all books ever.
Moral of the review, be prepared for something different. Don't expect it to be plot driven. It's definitely not for everyone (and not for me) but I believe there are some people who will really REALLY enjoy it for what it is. Just the people who aren't into it? Know that I finished the second book and nothing changes. Well written, nicely done, but not my cup of coffee.
Now on to the necessary part. It's written in prose but reads like a journal. It's a slice of life book, character growth and learning rather than about a plot. It's a character study regarding Teagan and her grown. This is important because if you're "waiting for something to happen" or "when does this really get started", it won't.
That's not to say there aren't exciting times or interesting things that happen. However, the book isn't built around them. It's built around the characters. That's an important distinction because I found myself thinking "ok now she's going to get kidnapped" or "now this is gonna happen because that feels like the set up"
But it wasn't. She continued her life. Talking to people, learning more about herself. Even in times of danger, it was a very different feel than about 98% of all books ever.
Moral of the review, be prepared for something different. Don't expect it to be plot driven. It's definitely not for everyone (and not for me) but I believe there are some people who will really REALLY enjoy it for what it is. Just the people who aren't into it? Know that I finished the second book and nothing changes. Well written, nicely done, but not my cup of coffee.
May 11, 2020
Honestly, what a bland book. I had much higher expectations, and was left kind of disappointed. Then again, it's probably my fault for reading a book that had a bit of a weak fmc. Every moan, and cry, and her feeling inconsequential pretty much just annoyed me. The delivery was pretty poor, I couldn't get my head around the random jumps between first person and third person, the placements were just bizarre, and I can't understand why would you change perspective like that? And those strange jumps seemed to disappear part way through the book. I felt sentences were stunted, pretty much how someone said before, it read pretty monotone. It seems to have too much detail, yet not enough detail at all. I didn't care about the fmc eating food, having a bath, getting ready for bed, choosing a gown, getting in bed... it gets pretty boring after a while and completely unnecessary to disclose that info all the time. I'd have liked more detail on someone's appearance, a reminder of their eye colour, their skin tone, the colour of their hair when discussing characters... it gets a little hard to distinguish between characters when there's so many introduced at once.
Honestly, Yukihyo didn't even bump a star for me, he was boring and very much like the author describes his way of speaking - monotone. Why you'd want a love interest who speaks with a monotone voice is beyond me. It's like he's not even emotionally developed. I can't even explain how disappointed I am, I just wanted the book over with.
Honestly, Yukihyo didn't even bump a star for me, he was boring and very much like the author describes his way of speaking - monotone. Why you'd want a love interest who speaks with a monotone voice is beyond me. It's like he's not even emotionally developed. I can't even explain how disappointed I am, I just wanted the book over with.
September 14, 2017
Teagan has always dreamed of the stars. In the meantime, she's a sanitation worker in the big city where the major spaceports are located. Then, one fine day, she gets to tour a real spaceship, and ends up hiring on as the cresw's maid. The crew of the Tora consists of the captain, Hiroshi, the medic, Phillip, and the resident alien, Yukihyo, who is able to establish a bond with Teagan.
I was drawn to this book because I always want books similar to The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. There's a space ship, there is found family, and the worldview is positive, so in that way it hit what I wanted.
The good: I loved Teagan. She was this wide-eyed Disney princess, and I didn't have much faith in her ability to walk and chew gum at the same time. But she was so delighted with life, and she took pleasure in the simple things. Also, I liked that she loved everybody. There's a scene early on when Teagan is introduced to a shopkeeper on her first planet away from home who was obviously a lover of Phillip's. I was waiting for bitchy comments, and judgy internal monologues about the slutty, slutty other woman. Instead, the two women struck up a lovely friendship.
That all being said, the writing is atrocious. Every action Teagan could ever make in her life is written out, including her changing into pajamas. The sentences were all fairly short and declarative, and there were pacing problems an editor could have fixed. Teagan is also a textbook Mary Sue.
That said, there's a lot of heart in this book, and it reminded me of the good parts of some of the Sholan Alliance books. I have the second book ordered, and plan to read it soon.
I was drawn to this book because I always want books similar to The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. There's a space ship, there is found family, and the worldview is positive, so in that way it hit what I wanted.
The good: I loved Teagan. She was this wide-eyed Disney princess, and I didn't have much faith in her ability to walk and chew gum at the same time. But she was so delighted with life, and she took pleasure in the simple things. Also, I liked that she loved everybody. There's a scene early on when Teagan is introduced to a shopkeeper on her first planet away from home who was obviously a lover of Phillip's. I was waiting for bitchy comments, and judgy internal monologues about the slutty, slutty other woman. Instead, the two women struck up a lovely friendship.
That all being said, the writing is atrocious. Every action Teagan could ever make in her life is written out, including her changing into pajamas. The sentences were all fairly short and declarative, and there were pacing problems an editor could have fixed. Teagan is also a textbook Mary Sue.
That said, there's a lot of heart in this book, and it reminded me of the good parts of some of the Sholan Alliance books. I have the second book ordered, and plan to read it soon.
August 14, 2023
I’ve made it to book 4 and I’ve concluded that this series is incredibly misogynistic.
-Teagan cannot do anything of her own volition. Her men consistently undermine and lie for her “protection” or because it’s “stressful.” 🫠 This isn’t cute, y’all. It’s fucking manipulative.
-She doesn’t even read her own marriage contracts—she has her husbands read them because she “trusts” them. Like girl. It’s basic lawyer 101 to read a contract thoroughly, especially as a woman. Big yikes.
-She’s obnoxiously naive. It’s not endearing at any point.
-80% of this series consists of her eating olives, shopping, and getting knocked up. That’s it.
Are you expecting action and hot sex scenes? You won’t find it. They’re vanilla and the action is minimal at best.
***Will edit as I read the remainder of the series because I’m a glutton for punishment.***
EDIT 1:
I’m unconvinced that Teagon has any sort of backbone. She’s consistently used as a political tool and pawned off in marriages of convenience, and not in a sexy way. Teagan doesn’t want another husband? Tough shit. She HAS to have one according to man around her.
-Teagan cannot do anything of her own volition. Her men consistently undermine and lie for her “protection” or because it’s “stressful.” 🫠 This isn’t cute, y’all. It’s fucking manipulative.
-She doesn’t even read her own marriage contracts—she has her husbands read them because she “trusts” them. Like girl. It’s basic lawyer 101 to read a contract thoroughly, especially as a woman. Big yikes.
-She’s obnoxiously naive. It’s not endearing at any point.
-80% of this series consists of her eating olives, shopping, and getting knocked up. That’s it.
Are you expecting action and hot sex scenes? You won’t find it. They’re vanilla and the action is minimal at best.
***Will edit as I read the remainder of the series because I’m a glutton for punishment.***
EDIT 1:
I’m unconvinced that Teagon has any sort of backbone. She’s consistently used as a political tool and pawned off in marriages of convenience, and not in a sexy way. Teagan doesn’t want another husband? Tough shit. She HAS to have one according to man around her.
July 18, 2020
Love love love this book!
I'll be honest, this was the first book I read of wendie nordgren and getting into her writing style was a struggle. Not because it's bad, or unengaging, but because it has a different cadence than most writing styles. What I discovered by the time I read the entire book and was eagerly looking for more, I freaking love her style! There's something so matter of fact that adds such incredible depth to her stories that I have found myself reading this series many times. I love the level of description she covers without all the flowery words. It's descriptive but engaging and helps you fall in love with the characters while getting to see so much more of the character depth. There's a level of depth in these stories that you normally don't get until the second or third book in a series. Seriously well written. Definitely worth the time invested because it won't be just once, it'll be many multiple times. Wendie will become your new favorite, guaranteed.
I'll be honest, this was the first book I read of wendie nordgren and getting into her writing style was a struggle. Not because it's bad, or unengaging, but because it has a different cadence than most writing styles. What I discovered by the time I read the entire book and was eagerly looking for more, I freaking love her style! There's something so matter of fact that adds such incredible depth to her stories that I have found myself reading this series many times. I love the level of description she covers without all the flowery words. It's descriptive but engaging and helps you fall in love with the characters while getting to see so much more of the character depth. There's a level of depth in these stories that you normally don't get until the second or third book in a series. Seriously well written. Definitely worth the time invested because it won't be just once, it'll be many multiple times. Wendie will become your new favorite, guaranteed.
July 9, 2019
An interesting universe
I almost stopped reading this book. Several times. It really needs a good developmental editor. The story is what kept me going, but the delivery wasn't as great as it could be.
There were were 2 things that los it the two stars.
There are lots of "I statements". It's first person, yes, but there are still too many.
I went here. I did this. I did that. I saw this happen. Then I went there. There's probably a name for it, but large chunks of the story read like a shopping list of actions.
The other thing that lost this book a star was the amount of detail included. Many thing we're given far too much importance and it slowed the story down. She got a tour of a mansion and every room was described in detail.
Having said all that, I've bought book 2. I can deal with the delivery because the story behind it is brilliant.
I almost stopped reading this book. Several times. It really needs a good developmental editor. The story is what kept me going, but the delivery wasn't as great as it could be.
There were were 2 things that los it the two stars.
There are lots of "I statements". It's first person, yes, but there are still too many.
I went here. I did this. I did that. I saw this happen. Then I went there. There's probably a name for it, but large chunks of the story read like a shopping list of actions.
The other thing that lost this book a star was the amount of detail included. Many thing we're given far too much importance and it slowed the story down. She got a tour of a mansion and every room was described in detail.
Having said all that, I've bought book 2. I can deal with the delivery because the story behind it is brilliant.
March 12, 2019
Space opera that I wanted to love
I really wanted to love this book, but it read so slowly....I am a fast reader and it just seemed that the overly descriptive days dragged on.
Also this is more of a slice of life space opera which is fine, but something was missing some spark that really would’ve helped the book not drag as much.
Also the heroine seemed almost like an afterthought in her own book. Anyways...I wish I could explain it better other than the story dragged on and the heroine just seemed stuck in a rut with nothing to do.
I really wanted to love this book, but it read so slowly....I am a fast reader and it just seemed that the overly descriptive days dragged on.
Also this is more of a slice of life space opera which is fine, but something was missing some spark that really would’ve helped the book not drag as much.
Also the heroine seemed almost like an afterthought in her own book. Anyways...I wish I could explain it better other than the story dragged on and the heroine just seemed stuck in a rut with nothing to do.
March 14, 2019
I started this book months back and kept trying to read it, but it just wasn’t working for me. Which is too bad because this type of story is typically right up my alley. I think the writing itself was at fault. So much page time is taken up with endless minutia like shopping and doing laundry and other things that don’t matter. After what seemed like the fourth or fifth shopping trip I just couldn’t handle anymore. I can often overlook bad writing and a slow pace if there are great characters that I’m interested in following but these characters weren’t up to par.
August 3, 2023
This is a fantastic story, it kept my interest from page 1 and throughout. I have read this a number of times over the years. Teagans life is pretty simple she lives in a housing complex under the underpass in a one room accommodation and has a job as a reclamation worker picking up trash. She earns enough to keep herself housed and fed. When her friend gets married and moved away she becomes very lonely until a days work at the port changes her life forever. I am Looking forward to book two after the drama steam and romance of this book
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