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The Vardeshi Saga #2
Bright Shards
This is the second novel in the science fiction series The Vardeshi Saga.
Linguist Avery Alcott has spent three months proving herself to her Vardeshi companions and earning their respect. She arrives at Arkhati, the space station halfway between Earth and Vardesh Prime, eager to continue her adventure. But the next stage of her mission brings its own challenges. In the months to come, new alliances and old friendships will be tested. Avery will question her purpose and her place among the Vardeshi, and she will discover that the most memorable journeys are the ones we can’t predict.
Linguist Avery Alcott has spent three months proving herself to her Vardeshi companions and earning their respect. She arrives at Arkhati, the space station halfway between Earth and Vardesh Prime, eager to continue her adventure. But the next stage of her mission brings its own challenges. In the months to come, new alliances and old friendships will be tested. Avery will question her purpose and her place among the Vardeshi, and she will discover that the most memorable journeys are the ones we can’t predict.
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2020
89 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Meg Pechenick
2 books198 followersI'm a New England native who drifted to China and then California before realizing that I belonged on the East Coast. Ten years into my teaching career, I've finally accepted that I'm never going to work for NASA, so I've taken to writing science fiction instead. In addition to our jobs, my husband and I juggle a rambunctious Samoyed, a preschooler, and a toddler. My favorite thing in the world is hearing my children laugh. My second favorite thing is hearing from readers!
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September 27, 2019I devoured this second installment in the Vardeshi Saga--and am left hoping very strongly that there will be a third. And a fourth, and so on. There are so many tantalizing questions!
This second volume (which should not be read before the first) concerns Avery Alcott's further adventures with the beautiful, enigmatic, and complex Vardeshi, once certain events were resolved in the first book. She has a choice whether to be escorted on to Vardeshi Prime via a VIP ship, or to continue with the smaller Fleet vessel, and the same crew, with whom she established relations in the first book.
There are consequences to either choice--which is one of the strengths of this series, how all actions and decisions have consequences. The focus in this second book is tighter on Avery and certain among the crew, in particular the three brothers she got to know in the first book.
In this one she gets to know them a whole lot better.
The action again becomes quite fast-paced, with unexpected twists and turns. There is a strong romantic thread in this second volume, beautifully realized as characters gain depth, both male and female. We learn more about the Listening, and there are other glimpses inside the Vardeshi, as the tenuous alliance with humanity is tested by circumstances.
So many scenes of luminous beauty, and appreciation for music and what it means to us. There is also a glimpse of the dark side, opening up yet more intriguing questions.
Margaret Pechenick joins my list of buy-on-sight indie authors. So very glad to have made this discovery--I am left so thankful that indie voices can be heard in today's publishing climate, the downside being, that unless you're wealthy enough to buy a ton of publicity, they depend on word of mouth to find their audience.
So here I am, trying to spread the word.
This second volume (which should not be read before the first) concerns Avery Alcott's further adventures with the beautiful, enigmatic, and complex Vardeshi, once certain events were resolved in the first book. She has a choice whether to be escorted on to Vardeshi Prime via a VIP ship, or to continue with the smaller Fleet vessel, and the same crew, with whom she established relations in the first book.
There are consequences to either choice--which is one of the strengths of this series, how all actions and decisions have consequences. The focus in this second book is tighter on Avery and certain among the crew, in particular the three brothers she got to know in the first book.
In this one she gets to know them a whole lot better.
The action again becomes quite fast-paced, with unexpected twists and turns. There is a strong romantic thread in this second volume, beautifully realized as characters gain depth, both male and female. We learn more about the Listening, and there are other glimpses inside the Vardeshi, as the tenuous alliance with humanity is tested by circumstances.
So many scenes of luminous beauty, and appreciation for music and what it means to us. There is also a glimpse of the dark side, opening up yet more intriguing questions.
Margaret Pechenick joins my list of buy-on-sight indie authors. So very glad to have made this discovery--I am left so thankful that indie voices can be heard in today's publishing climate, the downside being, that unless you're wealthy enough to buy a ton of publicity, they depend on word of mouth to find their audience.
So here I am, trying to spread the word.
May 28, 2023
The second half of Ascending. I recommend reading both books back to back, they really feel like one novel, as the first novel leaves too many plot points unanswered.
This again is very, very light SF, with a dash of romance. The aliens are very humanoid and there isn‘t really much though given to the differences or how Avery deals with them.
”Linguist Avery Alcott has spent three months proving herself to her Vardeshi companions and earning their respect. She arrives at Arkhati, the space station halfway between Earth and Vardesh Prime, eager to continue her adventure. But the next stage of her mission brings its own challenges. In the months to come, new alliances and old friendships will be tested. Avery will question her purpose and her place among the Vardeshi, and she will discover that the most memorable journeys are the ones we can’t predict.”
I am still flummoxed about the use of camping stoves. There never really is a clear description of how the Vardeshi cook. Anyway, in the middle I lost interest and skimmed quite a bit. I liked the third part the best. Enough actually to consider reading the third book, CELESTIAL NAVIGATION, when or if it comes out. I assume it will take us all the way back to Earth.
The various parts of the novel could have been separate novellas, they felt quite distinct. For me personally this was too little SF. It was all much too unlikely. Avery could have been on a climb in Nepal with some locals and it would have roughly been the same in terms of how alien it feels to a Western college graduate.
So, light SF romance, brain candy, nothing deep.
Ascending | My review
This again is very, very light SF, with a dash of romance. The aliens are very humanoid and there isn‘t really much though given to the differences or how Avery deals with them.
”Linguist Avery Alcott has spent three months proving herself to her Vardeshi companions and earning their respect. She arrives at Arkhati, the space station halfway between Earth and Vardesh Prime, eager to continue her adventure. But the next stage of her mission brings its own challenges. In the months to come, new alliances and old friendships will be tested. Avery will question her purpose and her place among the Vardeshi, and she will discover that the most memorable journeys are the ones we can’t predict.”
I am still flummoxed about the use of camping stoves. There never really is a clear description of how the Vardeshi cook. Anyway, in the middle I lost interest and skimmed quite a bit. I liked the third part the best. Enough actually to consider reading the third book, CELESTIAL NAVIGATION, when or if it comes out. I assume it will take us all the way back to Earth.
The various parts of the novel could have been separate novellas, they felt quite distinct. For me personally this was too little SF. It was all much too unlikely. Avery could have been on a climb in Nepal with some locals and it would have roughly been the same in terms of how alien it feels to a Western college graduate.
So, light SF romance, brain candy, nothing deep.
Ascending | My review
October 18, 2019
I am hooked. New author? Indi author? Don't let that scare you away, this lady can write!
In the first book of the series, Ascending, an alien race returned after 25 years to earth and agreed to some kind of student exchange program with Earth. Linguist Avery has spend her life learning the language, and now she is the only person fluent in it, granting her a place on one of the alien ships in an inter-racial student exchange.
I would recommend reading this first book before going into the next.
In this second installment of the Vardashi Saga female protagonist Avery continues her adventures in space with the humanoid alien race.
While there are no space wars, there are cultural and political hurdles to deal with, and a bit of an underlying romance as well. The characters are not flawless but with so many shortcomings that they sometimes frustrate me, but it makes them real and believable and - best of all: not predictable.
In part it does remind me a lot of Nathan Lowell's Trader's Tales series - no space wars but life with humanoid aliens, entertaining in itself, but a little bit less about brewing coffee ;)
For me this was a page turner deluxe, I never had the urge to skip passages but quite the opposite, I could not put the book away, making for longer nights than good for me ;)
Highly recommended.
In the first book of the series, Ascending, an alien race returned after 25 years to earth and agreed to some kind of student exchange program with Earth. Linguist Avery has spend her life learning the language, and now she is the only person fluent in it, granting her a place on one of the alien ships in an inter-racial student exchange.
I would recommend reading this first book before going into the next.
In this second installment of the Vardashi Saga female protagonist Avery continues her adventures in space with the humanoid alien race.
While there are no space wars, there are cultural and political hurdles to deal with, and a bit of an underlying romance as well. The characters are not flawless but with so many shortcomings that they sometimes frustrate me, but it makes them real and believable and - best of all: not predictable.
In part it does remind me a lot of Nathan Lowell's Trader's Tales series - no space wars but life with humanoid aliens, entertaining in itself, but a little bit less about brewing coffee ;)
For me this was a page turner deluxe, I never had the urge to skip passages but quite the opposite, I could not put the book away, making for longer nights than good for me ;)
Highly recommended.
August 19, 2023
4.25
I think I liked this one even more than book one. It was slower but I really love the (mostly unrequited) romance, which plays out very differently from most romance genre romances. Avery's love interest is so atypical and I loved those differences. There is something about reserved men that can really appeal to me in that "still waters run deep" way, and that's true of Hathan in a big way.
If you are a romance reader like me, try to go into this series without your usual expectations. As for the rest of the plot, it wasn't quite as strong and definitely not as action-oriented as the plot of book one, but it was a little less disturbing. And can I just say that I love Zey? He is so adorable. I am now very eager for book three.
I think I liked this one even more than book one. It was slower but I really love the (mostly unrequited) romance, which plays out very differently from most romance genre romances. Avery's love interest is so atypical and I loved those differences. There is something about reserved men that can really appeal to me in that "still waters run deep" way, and that's true of Hathan in a big way.
If you are a romance reader like me, try to go into this series without your usual expectations. As for the rest of the plot, it wasn't quite as strong and definitely not as action-oriented as the plot of book one, but it was a little less disturbing. And can I just say that I love Zey? He is so adorable. I am now very eager for book three.
July 17, 2019
I have been hooked on SF for over 60 years. I have seen a trend away from Science towards Fantasy which I regret. So I really enjoy the way this fully Science Fiction series thoughtfully contrasts an alien culture with our own. Many serious first contact SF books tend to focus on conflict, this focuses on challenging relationships. Because I liked the first book so much, I asked for and received an advanced review copy of Bright Shards. I think Bright Shards fulfils and continues all the promise of the first book, Ascending, and I very much look forward to the continuation of the series.
October 8, 2019
More please!!!
This book was even better than the first! When I first heard about this book, I thought it sounded like Andrea Höst’s Touchstone series and even a little like Kate Elliot’s Jaran series but was wary as there are so many poorly written romantic sci fi novels out there. However, I have been pleasantly surprised and have really enjoyed this series! I originally read it on Kindle unlimited but ended up going back and buying them because I enjoyed them so much and know I will want to reread them at some point.
The second book picks right up where the first left off and continues following Avery along her journey to the Vardeshi homeworld with the crew of the Ascendant with her. While many things happen, the major development is the romantic one between Avery and Hathan. I loved how this relationship progressed and am very hopeful there is more to come for them as a pairing. I enjoyed the truly slow development of this relationship as well as Avery’s growth as a person.
While this book doesn’t leave us with a cliffhanger it also leaves it wide open for book 3 and I honestly cannot wait to see what the authors does with this story! If you love anthropological sci-fi, romance, and first contact stories , then I believe you will enjoy this series! It’s very well done and totally worth a read! I am ready for more!
This book was even better than the first! When I first heard about this book, I thought it sounded like Andrea Höst’s Touchstone series and even a little like Kate Elliot’s Jaran series but was wary as there are so many poorly written romantic sci fi novels out there. However, I have been pleasantly surprised and have really enjoyed this series! I originally read it on Kindle unlimited but ended up going back and buying them because I enjoyed them so much and know I will want to reread them at some point.
The second book picks right up where the first left off and continues following Avery along her journey to the Vardeshi homeworld with the crew of the Ascendant with her. While many things happen, the major development is the romantic one between Avery and Hathan. I loved how this relationship progressed and am very hopeful there is more to come for them as a pairing. I enjoyed the truly slow development of this relationship as well as Avery’s growth as a person.
While this book doesn’t leave us with a cliffhanger it also leaves it wide open for book 3 and I honestly cannot wait to see what the authors does with this story! If you love anthropological sci-fi, romance, and first contact stories , then I believe you will enjoy this series! It’s very well done and totally worth a read! I am ready for more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2019
I read this one on a train journey and was fully engrossed to the extent that it was a relief that I wasn’t getting off before the train terminated – because I would have been at risk of missing my station. Avery isn’t a brilliant fighter and she is often far too self-effacing. She is stubbornly loyal, to the point where she is blind to the wider picture and given that she is part of an extended first-contact exchange visit, this isn’t just a quirky cuteness – it’s a major failing. And yet… I absolutely love her. She is also courageous and while she might not possess much in the way of kickass ninja fighting skills, she is physically tough and reasonably resilient.
The supporting characters are also well done. I particularly liked Avery’s interaction with Fletcher Simon, the language genius, who has eclipsed her own ability in picking up the Vardeshi dialects and we also get to meet up again with the likes of Zey and Hathan, the aliens serving on the disgraced ship, who are desperate to clear their reputations after the events that occurred during the first book.
I enjoyed the way that Pechenick isn’t focusing on big space battles or nasty invasions, but the ongoing wear and tear of being immersed in a culture in which you don’t belong and where you don’t instinctively understand the people around you – because they are aliens. The fact that in many ways they look very much like us only adds to the disconnect. All in all, this is a fascinating continuation of a really interesting series. I am now eagerly awaiting the third book.
Once again, Pechenick manages to keep this intriguing first contact adventure grittily realistic in attention to the details of food preparation, though it is a lot easier now as the scientific teams in the background have now cleared more of the alien foodstuffs as safe for human consumption. I love how there are many similarities – but it’s the jarring differences that can catch her out. Pechenick is also very good at serving up sudden twists and surprises in the storyline that ramps up the stakes and the narrative tension – I really didn’t want to put this one down.
There is a developing romantic sub-plot which is well handled and I enjoyed, though Himself was a bit grumpy about it, as he preferred the story without the mushy stuff. The thing that I liked about it – is there is no mushy stuff. It felt a very grown-up relationship and while there were no cliffhangers, I honestly don’t know whether this is a relationship that will be able to continue. Highly recommended for space opera fans who enjoy intelligent, character-led stories.
9/10
The supporting characters are also well done. I particularly liked Avery’s interaction with Fletcher Simon, the language genius, who has eclipsed her own ability in picking up the Vardeshi dialects and we also get to meet up again with the likes of Zey and Hathan, the aliens serving on the disgraced ship, who are desperate to clear their reputations after the events that occurred during the first book.
I enjoyed the way that Pechenick isn’t focusing on big space battles or nasty invasions, but the ongoing wear and tear of being immersed in a culture in which you don’t belong and where you don’t instinctively understand the people around you – because they are aliens. The fact that in many ways they look very much like us only adds to the disconnect. All in all, this is a fascinating continuation of a really interesting series. I am now eagerly awaiting the third book.
Once again, Pechenick manages to keep this intriguing first contact adventure grittily realistic in attention to the details of food preparation, though it is a lot easier now as the scientific teams in the background have now cleared more of the alien foodstuffs as safe for human consumption. I love how there are many similarities – but it’s the jarring differences that can catch her out. Pechenick is also very good at serving up sudden twists and surprises in the storyline that ramps up the stakes and the narrative tension – I really didn’t want to put this one down.
There is a developing romantic sub-plot which is well handled and I enjoyed, though Himself was a bit grumpy about it, as he preferred the story without the mushy stuff. The thing that I liked about it – is there is no mushy stuff. It felt a very grown-up relationship and while there were no cliffhangers, I honestly don’t know whether this is a relationship that will be able to continue. Highly recommended for space opera fans who enjoy intelligent, character-led stories.
9/10
January 3, 2023
Note: this book came out in 2019. I can’t find updates about the sequel post 2019.
The really naive part of me thought maybe this book would zoom to a HEA, but that wouldn’t have been true to the author’s literary style. Even though I am impatient for the next book. These books have been gorgeously written and relatable on so many levels. I loved the take on enemies to lovers where only one person thinks they are enemies BUT it’s not the MC whose perspective you’re reading. It takes unrequited love/lust to another level.
The most unique thing about this sci fi romance series is that the MMC is short. I’ve read other books where the FMC was heavier (bone density wise at least) and/or the MMC had a cooler body temperature. I’ve never read a sci fi romance where the MMC wasn’t tall, or at least notably taller than the FMC. It’s a bold choice to have a MMC that is the same height, and I loved it.
This is the slowest of slow burns, but it’s more realistic than most sci fi romances in that respect. Without fated mates or sex dust, I would imagine the average human wouldn’t be eager to jump into bed with an alien let alone develop a lasting relationship based on love with one. Just look at how slow we are to cross cultural boundaries on our own planet. I love leaping headfirst into monster/alien/nonhuman instalust, but it’s nice to have acknowledgement of the realities of ethnocentrism in the occasional romance novel.
My one criticism for the series is how few POC have appeared. If we are saying that earth is United as one nation, then it’s odd that the only 4 human characters that have had more than a couple of lines have been white and blond. A little frustrating when it’s also intimated that the only person able to crack vardeshi is white and the only true linguistics virtuoso of the MCs generation is also white. I hope to see at least a little more race rep as the saga continues.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: assault, imprisonment
The really naive part of me thought maybe this book would zoom to a HEA, but that wouldn’t have been true to the author’s literary style. Even though I am impatient for the next book. These books have been gorgeously written and relatable on so many levels. I loved the take on enemies to lovers where only one person thinks they are enemies BUT it’s not the MC whose perspective you’re reading. It takes unrequited love/lust to another level.
The most unique thing about this sci fi romance series is that the MMC is short. I’ve read other books where the FMC was heavier (bone density wise at least) and/or the MMC had a cooler body temperature. I’ve never read a sci fi romance where the MMC wasn’t tall, or at least notably taller than the FMC. It’s a bold choice to have a MMC that is the same height, and I loved it.
This is the slowest of slow burns, but it’s more realistic than most sci fi romances in that respect. Without fated mates or sex dust, I would imagine the average human wouldn’t be eager to jump into bed with an alien let alone develop a lasting relationship based on love with one. Just look at how slow we are to cross cultural boundaries on our own planet. I love leaping headfirst into monster/alien/nonhuman instalust, but it’s nice to have acknowledgement of the realities of ethnocentrism in the occasional romance novel.
My one criticism for the series is how few POC have appeared. If we are saying that earth is United as one nation, then it’s odd that the only 4 human characters that have had more than a couple of lines have been white and blond. A little frustrating when it’s also intimated that the only person able to crack vardeshi is white and the only true linguistics virtuoso of the MCs generation is also white. I hope to see at least a little more race rep as the saga continues.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: assault, imprisonment
March 12, 2023
I loved it!
While reading I was laughing, I was crying, I was intrigued, I was biting-my-nails anxious! And also the love story was great! I can't wait for more!
3rd time rereading - still great!
While reading I was laughing, I was crying, I was intrigued, I was biting-my-nails anxious! And also the love story was great! I can't wait for more!
3rd time rereading - still great!
August 10, 2023
I will think about this book for a long time. I am so sad it’s over and I really really really hope Meg publishes book 3 sooner than later.
Despite wanting so much more of this story, the end of book two left me satisfied. These books are so well written it would have been hard not to. It’s been a long time since I have read any Annie Dillard but parts of this book reminded me of her— not in the writing style but in Meg’s appreciation and understanding of the material spaces our selves exist within.
Again this book moves more slowly than most of the science fiction I’ve read, but this is to its benefit. The incredible drama of being a human among aliens is remarkably compelling even beyond the trials and tribulations the crew go through together.
It seems weird to say it about a series with only one human MC , but this is maybe the most grounding and human book I’ve ever read.
I deeply hope Meg Pechenick is able to make a career of writing or is at least afforded the time and space to continue what she has started because her prose is a gift and refreshment for weary travellers.
Despite wanting so much more of this story, the end of book two left me satisfied. These books are so well written it would have been hard not to. It’s been a long time since I have read any Annie Dillard but parts of this book reminded me of her— not in the writing style but in Meg’s appreciation and understanding of the material spaces our selves exist within.
Again this book moves more slowly than most of the science fiction I’ve read, but this is to its benefit. The incredible drama of being a human among aliens is remarkably compelling even beyond the trials and tribulations the crew go through together.
It seems weird to say it about a series with only one human MC , but this is maybe the most grounding and human book I’ve ever read.
I deeply hope Meg Pechenick is able to make a career of writing or is at least afforded the time and space to continue what she has started because her prose is a gift and refreshment for weary travellers.
February 27, 2021
WOW! I cannot wait for the next book in this series. The time spent on the planet was so incredibly rich and detailed, I felt like I was there myself.
January 30, 2020
Not all those who wander are lost
Avery is still on her Vardeshi voyage. Fraught with hazard, so far she has survived anti-alliance sabotage and near death. Docking on the star base was a layover while the trial over Vekesh commenced and they were either granted a new ship or were sent off on new assignments. Pinion was too badly damaged to continue as is, and the trustworthiness of her crew needed to be analyzed. What if all she had done, gone through, were to be for nothing? Earth Council could recall her for safety reasons. Vardeshi could decide humans weren't worth the hassle. Anti-alliance on both sides could flare enough to break any new friendships being forged. Worse than never stepping on Vardeshi Prime herself, was the very real chance that no human would ever see it.
Spoilers ahead.
So, they went with the romance angle. And in an odd way. Humans are primates. We may be slightly solitary but we do better in troops. Vardeshi aren't casual touchers. They're not demonstrative, reserved and definitely not huggers. The traumas Avery have gone through would leave anyone needing a hug, a shoulder to lean on or even just a brief hand holding. The layover in the base leads to a renewed friendship with a Stranger. Leaving there was hard, even as much as she wants to see Prime. After another trauma, there's another layover at another base. Another Stranger awaits. The bonds with the first were established in book 1. The second was a surprise. I'm not honestly sure how to process the interactions with that Stranger. Sort of a "last bastion" and familiarity of species more than actually knowing the person? No real development of the relationship, or the characters in this book. There's a trip that occurs in the last quarter of the book that I'm not sure how it is supposed to impact the plot line other than it sets up an interlude between 2 characters. One that doesn't further anything, and is quickly snipped. So, major spoilers, avert your eyes if you don't want to know, but Avery finally bags her man. Men? Eh. Her brief fling with (not saying because it's an interesting surprise) was more a reaffirming of her humanity than a love affair. Her bagging of (yeah, I'm not giving away those kind of spoilers) was more of a culmination of a goal it felt like. Less like them giving into their feelings and more like just seeing what sex between the species was like, ok both sides. They have a respect for each other. There's friendship. She has emotional attachments, but, even for a Vardeshi, he doesn't seem more than casually interested. It's a very odd sort of romance, all the way around. I'd rather have just let the trip be a bonding experience for the crew than jump where it did if nothing is to come of it. It really does feel more like a check on her list than a budding relationship. And now they have to pretend nothing has happened? He's engaged, the alliance is already under stress, she's definitely dealing with PTSD, loss of human comforts and culture shock, a shag and bag then deny everything relationship really doesn't do her mental state any favors. I don't knock her for the chance she took (Viva la sexual revolution lol), I just wish it would have built more, felt more real, tangible. I like many things about the story. The travel, the culture clashes and sharing, the friendships that have popped up unexpectedly. But as much as I love romance stories, that's the part I don't care for in this series. It leaves me debating book 3.
Avery is still on her Vardeshi voyage. Fraught with hazard, so far she has survived anti-alliance sabotage and near death. Docking on the star base was a layover while the trial over Vekesh commenced and they were either granted a new ship or were sent off on new assignments. Pinion was too badly damaged to continue as is, and the trustworthiness of her crew needed to be analyzed. What if all she had done, gone through, were to be for nothing? Earth Council could recall her for safety reasons. Vardeshi could decide humans weren't worth the hassle. Anti-alliance on both sides could flare enough to break any new friendships being forged. Worse than never stepping on Vardeshi Prime herself, was the very real chance that no human would ever see it.
Spoilers ahead.
So, they went with the romance angle. And in an odd way. Humans are primates. We may be slightly solitary but we do better in troops. Vardeshi aren't casual touchers. They're not demonstrative, reserved and definitely not huggers. The traumas Avery have gone through would leave anyone needing a hug, a shoulder to lean on or even just a brief hand holding. The layover in the base leads to a renewed friendship with a Stranger. Leaving there was hard, even as much as she wants to see Prime. After another trauma, there's another layover at another base. Another Stranger awaits. The bonds with the first were established in book 1. The second was a surprise. I'm not honestly sure how to process the interactions with that Stranger. Sort of a "last bastion" and familiarity of species more than actually knowing the person? No real development of the relationship, or the characters in this book. There's a trip that occurs in the last quarter of the book that I'm not sure how it is supposed to impact the plot line other than it sets up an interlude between 2 characters. One that doesn't further anything, and is quickly snipped. So, major spoilers, avert your eyes if you don't want to know, but Avery finally bags her man. Men? Eh. Her brief fling with (not saying because it's an interesting surprise) was more a reaffirming of her humanity than a love affair. Her bagging of (yeah, I'm not giving away those kind of spoilers) was more of a culmination of a goal it felt like. Less like them giving into their feelings and more like just seeing what sex between the species was like, ok both sides. They have a respect for each other. There's friendship. She has emotional attachments, but, even for a Vardeshi, he doesn't seem more than casually interested. It's a very odd sort of romance, all the way around. I'd rather have just let the trip be a bonding experience for the crew than jump where it did if nothing is to come of it. It really does feel more like a check on her list than a budding relationship. And now they have to pretend nothing has happened? He's engaged, the alliance is already under stress, she's definitely dealing with PTSD, loss of human comforts and culture shock, a shag and bag then deny everything relationship really doesn't do her mental state any favors. I don't knock her for the chance she took (Viva la sexual revolution lol), I just wish it would have built more, felt more real, tangible. I like many things about the story. The travel, the culture clashes and sharing, the friendships that have popped up unexpectedly. But as much as I love romance stories, that's the part I don't care for in this series. It leaves me debating book 3.
July 5, 2025
Loved both books in this series.
And I'm bitterly disappointed that the third book was never published.
These two books have earned their places in my permanent collection, a rarity. Most authors don't write half this well. It's a shame this one seems to have stopped writing.
2nd reading:
I understand "strangers" now. Duh. And I've totally fallen in love with the Vardeshi. Sigh.
3rd reading:
Cannot get this series out of my mind. I really need to find another distraction. Three times in three weeks is a lot, even for me, a newly rabid fan.
On this third readthrough, I allowed myself to speculate on Celestial Navigation, the much hoped for sequel (and possible conclusion?). And so on. It's hard not to speculate at this point.
Holy Science Fiction Romance, Batman! It just occurred to me that . Well, that's a game changer and it explains so much . Am I reading too much into this? Am I reading too much, period?
Dear Author: Please finish the 3rd book.
And I'm bitterly disappointed that the third book was never published.
These two books have earned their places in my permanent collection, a rarity. Most authors don't write half this well. It's a shame this one seems to have stopped writing.
2nd reading:
I understand "strangers" now. Duh. And I've totally fallen in love with the Vardeshi. Sigh.
3rd reading:
Cannot get this series out of my mind. I really need to find another distraction. Three times in three weeks is a lot, even for me, a newly rabid fan.
On this third readthrough, I allowed myself to speculate on Celestial Navigation, the much hoped for sequel (and possible conclusion?). And so on. It's hard not to speculate at this point.
Holy Science Fiction Romance, Batman! It just occurred to me that . Well, that's a game changer and it explains so much . Am I reading too much into this? Am I reading too much, period?
Dear Author: Please finish the 3rd book.
May 29, 2020
Where my review of the first book in this series was mixed, I can only say positive things about this book.
The second book in the Vardeshi series picks up where the first left of. The worldbuilding is further elaborated, as we encounter our first space station, and later inn the book our first colonized planet. I appreciated the pioneer aspect – the protagonist is the first human on an alien planet – as it plays into explorative tendencies.
The character-driven narrative was very immersive. Pechenick included a lot of the protagonist’s emotions and reflections. The protagonist has her flaws, and isn’t always acting like a saint. However her flaws make her even more likable.
As if being the only human on an alien spaceship wasn’t traumatic enough, some major plot developments go down in this book, adding a lot of action to the narrative. There’s also an unrequited romance side-narrative, which is all the more enjoyable because it doesn’t dominate the plot too much. The portrayal of trauma and slow recovery is touching, and I appreciate Pechenick took the time to touch upon this.
Some of the plot events in the second half of the book ‘too good to be true’, but at this point I cared so much for the characters I enjoyed reading it all the same. After I finished the book I had a strong longing back to this story world, where a young human woman can go and explore alien planets. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!
The second book in the Vardeshi series picks up where the first left of. The worldbuilding is further elaborated, as we encounter our first space station, and later inn the book our first colonized planet. I appreciated the pioneer aspect – the protagonist is the first human on an alien planet – as it plays into explorative tendencies.
The character-driven narrative was very immersive. Pechenick included a lot of the protagonist’s emotions and reflections. The protagonist has her flaws, and isn’t always acting like a saint. However her flaws make her even more likable.
As if being the only human on an alien spaceship wasn’t traumatic enough, some major plot developments go down in this book, adding a lot of action to the narrative. There’s also an unrequited romance side-narrative, which is all the more enjoyable because it doesn’t dominate the plot too much. The portrayal of trauma and slow recovery is touching, and I appreciate Pechenick took the time to touch upon this.
Some of the plot events in the second half of the book ‘too good to be true’, but at this point I cared so much for the characters I enjoyed reading it all the same. After I finished the book I had a strong longing back to this story world, where a young human woman can go and explore alien planets. Can’t wait for the next book in this series!
June 17, 2020
Im Emotionally Invested
It has been some days since I binged the two books in this series and I cannot get them out of my head. I love how this book explores the more fantastical aspects of space travel. I love the friendships that are actually fleshed out. I love that the unwavering loyalty our mc has for the crew isn’t brushed under the rug as not at all unusual. I love that the author includes so much detail when our mc reacts to events or goes through turmoil. I am not reallly a sci-fi reader but i was enraptured with the beautiful storytelling. Then there was that (slightly shocking) but absolutely fantabulous bit of romance towards the end that genuinely had me fangirling. I honestly did not expect any sort of romance because our mc is so mission driven and tried her darnedest to stay strictly platonic. I am emotionally invested in these characters, in this story, and I neeeeedddd another book.
It has been some days since I binged the two books in this series and I cannot get them out of my head. I love how this book explores the more fantastical aspects of space travel. I love the friendships that are actually fleshed out. I love that the unwavering loyalty our mc has for the crew isn’t brushed under the rug as not at all unusual. I love that the author includes so much detail when our mc reacts to events or goes through turmoil. I am not reallly a sci-fi reader but i was enraptured with the beautiful storytelling. Then there was that (slightly shocking) but absolutely fantabulous bit of romance towards the end that genuinely had me fangirling. I honestly did not expect any sort of romance because our mc is so mission driven and tried her darnedest to stay strictly platonic. I am emotionally invested in these characters, in this story, and I neeeeedddd another book.
January 14, 2026
UPDATED REVIEW JANUARY 2025
After finishing this book for the third time, I can happily say, I love it just as much.
ORIGINAL REVIEW JANUARY 2023
I’m in love with these characters. I desperately want the next book to come out. After binge reading both books back to back, I’m feeling rather sorry for myself because I have to leave these characters behind for a while. I feel like I’ve been on an epic journey with them and I’m not ready to say goodbye to them yet.
All moping aside, the book was just as amazing as the first one, which is hard to do in a sequel. Usually I love the getting to know you stage of world and character building more than the rest, but I loved this book equally.
After finishing this book for the third time, I can happily say, I love it just as much.
ORIGINAL REVIEW JANUARY 2023
I’m in love with these characters. I desperately want the next book to come out. After binge reading both books back to back, I’m feeling rather sorry for myself because I have to leave these characters behind for a while. I feel like I’ve been on an epic journey with them and I’m not ready to say goodbye to them yet.
All moping aside, the book was just as amazing as the first one, which is hard to do in a sequel. Usually I love the getting to know you stage of world and character building more than the rest, but I loved this book equally.
December 10, 2019
I read both books in this series in less than 36 hours, and now I want more.
Bright Shards continues Avery’s adventures with the Vardeshi. Her journey takes her through Vardeshi space ports and to distant planets.
The random romance from Ascending is still present in Bright Shards - in fact, it’s expanded upon, eventually becoming integral to the story. It still made me roll my eyes, but as with Ascending, it did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the world created by Pechenick.
Bright Shards continues Avery’s adventures with the Vardeshi. Her journey takes her through Vardeshi space ports and to distant planets.
The random romance from Ascending is still present in Bright Shards - in fact, it’s expanded upon, eventually becoming integral to the story. It still made me roll my eyes, but as with Ascending, it did not take away from my overall enjoyment of the world created by Pechenick.
February 17, 2023
Ok so I read this in one day. I could not put it down. Very sad to see that it was published in 2019 and it is now 2023 and no third book. I have so many hopes and questions for the ending of this series. I would love to see the last book from the point of view of both main characters. What happens on the way home. What happens when they get home. How does the 3 week vacation go. What happens when they leave earth. I want more books please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2021
Excellent!! No cliffhanger, but not the full story. I hope book 3 comes soon.
July 21, 2019
I received and ARC of this book. I’m very happy I received it, because I couldn’t wait for Bright Shards to come out.
The story starts with Avery and the rest of the crew landing on Arkathi, a major starhaven in the Vardeshi territory. I was very eager when I started reading Bright Shards because I wanted to know how the story would go on after Ascending, but I was a little bit disappointed at first because in the beginning, there aren’t that much new developments in my opinion. Still, I wanted to continue because the things that happened, intrigued me like the first book did.
But step by step more things happen, and it became very hard to put the story aside because I needed to go to sleep or something. I felt like I was part of the story, I cheered when certain things happened, or even got a little sad when certain things didn’t happen as planned.
Three of my favourite moments were the scenes about the Listening, because I really like the idea of it, the moments in the Arboretum (giant garden/greenhouse), you can really imagine walking there yourself, and the visit to the planet Rikasa. I even would have loved it to discover more of this planet throughout the story. You also get some glimpses of the anti-alliance group, will this one get more important as well? Some part of me hopes it doesn’t, because, obviously, they are against the alliance and I’m not, but some other part of me would like to see how Vardeshi rebels act and how the story will develop around it, because it seems like something with a lot of influence on the continuing and development of the alliance.
Two small remarks: first, I would have liked it to get to know the other characters better as well, especially the crewmates, because other than Hathan, Zey and Saresh, the crewmates didn’t have a lot of meaningful appearances through this story. They were around often, but it was not like they played a big part in the story as well. The same can be said about Vardeshi culture, there are some new things being mentioned, but there still seems to be so much more we don’t know yet! Second, it felt a little weird to me how Avery gets along with Fletcher, I couldn’t really make my mind up about this guy, what do I think of him, do I like him or distrust him?
For everyone who enjoyed reading Ascending, I would really recommend Bright Shards as well, for the same reasons I liked Ascending: interesting non-hostile aliens, far more evolved than the human kind, discovering new planets and starhavens, cultural exchange, ivri khedai.
For whoever hasn’t read Ascending yet, what are you waiting for? Great debut sci-fi novel you must have read.
I’m looking forward to Celestial Navigation already.
PS: spoiler alert! When did Avery learn to play the mandolin?? I was so surprised, didn’t see it coming, when did she learn this? But surprised in a good way, I really liked the moment when she and Zey finally sing together, this was one of my favourites as well.
The story starts with Avery and the rest of the crew landing on Arkathi, a major starhaven in the Vardeshi territory. I was very eager when I started reading Bright Shards because I wanted to know how the story would go on after Ascending, but I was a little bit disappointed at first because in the beginning, there aren’t that much new developments in my opinion. Still, I wanted to continue because the things that happened, intrigued me like the first book did.
But step by step more things happen, and it became very hard to put the story aside because I needed to go to sleep or something. I felt like I was part of the story, I cheered when certain things happened, or even got a little sad when certain things didn’t happen as planned.
Three of my favourite moments were the scenes about the Listening, because I really like the idea of it, the moments in the Arboretum (giant garden/greenhouse), you can really imagine walking there yourself, and the visit to the planet Rikasa. I even would have loved it to discover more of this planet throughout the story. You also get some glimpses of the anti-alliance group, will this one get more important as well? Some part of me hopes it doesn’t, because, obviously, they are against the alliance and I’m not, but some other part of me would like to see how Vardeshi rebels act and how the story will develop around it, because it seems like something with a lot of influence on the continuing and development of the alliance.
Two small remarks: first, I would have liked it to get to know the other characters better as well, especially the crewmates, because other than Hathan, Zey and Saresh, the crewmates didn’t have a lot of meaningful appearances through this story. They were around often, but it was not like they played a big part in the story as well. The same can be said about Vardeshi culture, there are some new things being mentioned, but there still seems to be so much more we don’t know yet! Second, it felt a little weird to me how Avery gets along with Fletcher, I couldn’t really make my mind up about this guy, what do I think of him, do I like him or distrust him?
For everyone who enjoyed reading Ascending, I would really recommend Bright Shards as well, for the same reasons I liked Ascending: interesting non-hostile aliens, far more evolved than the human kind, discovering new planets and starhavens, cultural exchange, ivri khedai.
For whoever hasn’t read Ascending yet, what are you waiting for? Great debut sci-fi novel you must have read.
I’m looking forward to Celestial Navigation already.
PS: spoiler alert! When did Avery learn to play the mandolin?? I was so surprised, didn’t see it coming, when did she learn this? But surprised in a good way, I really liked the moment when she and Zey finally sing together, this was one of my favourites as well.
August 21, 2025
*5/5 Stars
WHERE IS THE THIRD BOOK? GIVE IT TO ME NOW
Tell me, why are all the well written science fiction books all incomplete while the ones that are garbage have ten books out? I know, art takes time. Underrated gems that they are!
Though impatient at the moment, I am willing to wait for a brilliant third book (and some more, please author 🙏)
Funny enough, I usually don’t give sequels five stars because more often than not, they aren’t as good as the first book. BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE FOR THE VARDESHI SAGA!!!
Ughh do I love these characters and I’m pulling out my hair for book three. The only bread crumb we have is that it’s named “Celestial Navigation.” It’ll just be me and my delusions sitting anxiously for the next book to come out.
I didn’t understand why this series was marked as a science fiction romance at first, but now I do 💀If you want romance right away I’m sorry to say that you’ll be disappointed. This is a slowwww burn romance with no graphic details (for me it was perfect, thank you author!)
On a more serious note, yeah the crew of the Ascendant needed that break on Rikasa after going through hell and back this entire journey from Earth to Vardesh Prime. Like they could NOT catch a break. Though I love how they’re going through the growing pains of breaking down barriers between different species.
But oh boy, I just know things are about to get even messier than ever due to what happened at the end of this book. Nothing will ever be the same and I am so here for the drama and complications that will arise out of this. There is so much more to explore, both between the alliance of Humans and Vardeshi and Avery and Hathan’s growing but complicated relationship. Bring it author, give me all the drama and the pining and human/vardeshi miscommunication moments and laughter between friends and terror! I’ll be waiting with great anticipation for the third book!!!
I feel like I’m just rambling all over the place because my mind is so steeped in these books that I can’t keep my paragraphs straight.
Going to go create a playlist for the Vardeshi saga and cry in the shower, happy reading!
WHERE IS THE THIRD BOOK? GIVE IT TO ME NOW
Tell me, why are all the well written science fiction books all incomplete while the ones that are garbage have ten books out? I know, art takes time. Underrated gems that they are!
Though impatient at the moment, I am willing to wait for a brilliant third book (and some more, please author 🙏)
Funny enough, I usually don’t give sequels five stars because more often than not, they aren’t as good as the first book. BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE FOR THE VARDESHI SAGA!!!
Ughh do I love these characters and I’m pulling out my hair for book three. The only bread crumb we have is that it’s named “Celestial Navigation.” It’ll just be me and my delusions sitting anxiously for the next book to come out.
I didn’t understand why this series was marked as a science fiction romance at first, but now I do 💀If you want romance right away I’m sorry to say that you’ll be disappointed. This is a slowwww burn romance with no graphic details (for me it was perfect, thank you author!)
On a more serious note, yeah the crew of the Ascendant needed that break on Rikasa after going through hell and back this entire journey from Earth to Vardesh Prime. Like they could NOT catch a break. Though I love how they’re going through the growing pains of breaking down barriers between different species.
But oh boy, I just know things are about to get even messier than ever due to what happened at the end of this book. Nothing will ever be the same and I am so here for the drama and complications that will arise out of this. There is so much more to explore, both between the alliance of Humans and Vardeshi and Avery and Hathan’s growing but complicated relationship. Bring it author, give me all the drama and the pining and human/vardeshi miscommunication moments and laughter between friends and terror! I’ll be waiting with great anticipation for the third book!!!
I feel like I’m just rambling all over the place because my mind is so steeped in these books that I can’t keep my paragraphs straight.
Going to go create a playlist for the Vardeshi saga and cry in the shower, happy reading!
August 12, 2020
Avery Alcott has made it through the first lap of her trip to Vardesh Prime, but not unscathed. She arrives with her crew from the ship Pinion, to the Arkhati Starhaven where she meets up with a friend she had met during training for the cultural exchange mission. Avery has become quite a celebrity among the Vardeshi much to her chagrin. She also learns more about the anti alliance movement and is assigned her own security team while on the starhaven. It's also possible that she may not be able to continue on with the crew from the Pinion to Vardesh Prime due to safety concerns. This she is not happy with. It seems that if anything can go wrong it will happen to Avery because more things go awry for her. The book is in the romance category and the romance you've been waiting for is in the last part of this book. It's a slow burn for sure. I recommend reading the Goodreads review for this book by Sherwood Smith.
I am looking forward to the third book in this series, Celestial Navigation. This author is a young mother so there may be a bit of a wait. Covid-19 has been detrimental to the book's release as well.
"Be safe. Be strong." - The mantra of the Strangers
I am looking forward to the third book in this series, Celestial Navigation. This author is a young mother so there may be a bit of a wait. Covid-19 has been detrimental to the book's release as well.
"Be safe. Be strong." - The mantra of the Strangers
August 7, 2025
Bright Shards
The author draws you into her main character's life gently and kindly. Her main character is a woman you know no matter where you lived or what you did, you would like and admire her. I've read both books and hope for a 3rd and 4th. All the characters are interesting; plots are stimulating, and interactions between environments and people are well done. Very classy.
The author draws you into her main character's life gently and kindly. Her main character is a woman you know no matter where you lived or what you did, you would like and admire her. I've read both books and hope for a 3rd and 4th. All the characters are interesting; plots are stimulating, and interactions between environments and people are well done. Very classy.
August 11, 2020
Can't wait for the next installment!
Meg, hurry and release the next story in this excellent series!!! I just devoured the first two books and I want more!!!
Meg, hurry and release the next story in this excellent series!!! I just devoured the first two books and I want more!!!
May 5, 2022
Immediately after finishing the first book, I delved into this one and read it, again, in one day. I did not want it to end. I cannot freaking wait for the sequel.
A space odyssey, a book in parts, between exploring new things and settling into routines, and upheaving it all, and finding contentment. I think I had a stronger reaction to this book than the first one, both good and bad: the romantic plot had me hooked, the cultural progress as well, and the latter third of the book was absolutely wonderful.
At the same time, though, the middle didn't work for me: an important choice of the heroine's didn't make sense to me as I was reading it, and the crucial scene it resulted in was written in a way that absolutely didn't convey the severity of the situation because of information both she and the reader had already been given. Her journey through recovery, therefore, took me a while to even realize was happening, that there was anything to recover *from* and after that seemed a needlessly ramped up drama because she should have already known at least part of the things concerning her.
Similarly, it was even more glaring in this book how humanoid the aliens were - it was like traveling to the people of another continent, not another planet. And, perhaps most perplexingly, there was no acknowledgment of queerness whatsoever: not among humans, not in the alien society. There's just binary genders, heterosexual people, monogamous marriages, and egregiously, interspecies-compatible penis-in-vagina penetration as the be-all-end-all of sex. I mean, what is this, 1995? There was a great opportunity here to play with makeups of relationships, family-building, and society structures; in this way, the series is extremely unimaginative.
Still, I enjoyed the book immensely and I recommend it and I really, really hope the next one comes out soon.
(I'm also quite curious about some of the political stuff that's going on around the edges of the series; I don't quite feel like the concerning questions from book one have been answered yet.)
A space odyssey, a book in parts, between exploring new things and settling into routines, and upheaving it all, and finding contentment. I think I had a stronger reaction to this book than the first one, both good and bad: the romantic plot had me hooked, the cultural progress as well, and the latter third of the book was absolutely wonderful.
At the same time, though, the middle didn't work for me: an important choice of the heroine's didn't make sense to me as I was reading it, and the crucial scene it resulted in was written in a way that absolutely didn't convey the severity of the situation because of information both she and the reader had already been given. Her journey through recovery, therefore, took me a while to even realize was happening, that there was anything to recover *from* and after that seemed a needlessly ramped up drama because she should have already known at least part of the things concerning her.
Similarly, it was even more glaring in this book how humanoid the aliens were - it was like traveling to the people of another continent, not another planet. And, perhaps most perplexingly, there was no acknowledgment of queerness whatsoever: not among humans, not in the alien society. There's just binary genders, heterosexual people, monogamous marriages, and egregiously, interspecies-compatible penis-in-vagina penetration as the be-all-end-all of sex. I mean, what is this, 1995? There was a great opportunity here to play with makeups of relationships, family-building, and society structures; in this way, the series is extremely unimaginative.
Still, I enjoyed the book immensely and I recommend it and I really, really hope the next one comes out soon.
(I'm also quite curious about some of the political stuff that's going on around the edges of the series; I don't quite feel like the concerning questions from book one have been answered yet.)
October 4, 2019
This book is so good. SO. GOOD.
Important note: If you haven't read the book one yet, READ IT FIRST. Aside from the fact that it is also a fantastic book, the events of that book are essential to the second.
I appreciated that the author included a super-brief recap of the first in the series, in a really organic way. Even though it had only been a couple months since I read the first one, it was really helpful, and didn't distract too much from moving the plot forward.
Where to start? Avery is months away from Earth, dealing with the aftermath of her original khavi's hatred of her and humanity in general. Saresh is still the only person who knows about her feelings for Hathan. The Pinion is heading for the nearest starhaven for debriefing, where the future of Avery and everyone else on the ship will be decided. I don't want to say too much more than that in fear of giving anything away, and it is too good to ruin!
Avery makes a lot of REALLY stupid choices. A LOT of them. There were so many times that I literally shook my head in frustration at her. But I have to admit, I would have done a lot of the same things as her. She is so perfectly... human. Pechenick did such a wonderful job of making Avery delightfully average and representative of what (I like to think) humanity is. Although her social anxiety (while relatable) is a little much sometimes.
SO MANY GOOD THINGS happen in this book. SO MANY. I need everyone to read this book so that I can talk about how wonderful it is without ruining it for anybody. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Important note: If you haven't read the book one yet, READ IT FIRST. Aside from the fact that it is also a fantastic book, the events of that book are essential to the second.
I appreciated that the author included a super-brief recap of the first in the series, in a really organic way. Even though it had only been a couple months since I read the first one, it was really helpful, and didn't distract too much from moving the plot forward.
Where to start? Avery is months away from Earth, dealing with the aftermath of her original khavi's hatred of her and humanity in general. Saresh is still the only person who knows about her feelings for Hathan. The Pinion is heading for the nearest starhaven for debriefing, where the future of Avery and everyone else on the ship will be decided. I don't want to say too much more than that in fear of giving anything away, and it is too good to ruin!
Avery makes a lot of REALLY stupid choices. A LOT of them. There were so many times that I literally shook my head in frustration at her. But I have to admit, I would have done a lot of the same things as her. She is so perfectly... human. Pechenick did such a wonderful job of making Avery delightfully average and representative of what (I like to think) humanity is. Although her social anxiety (while relatable) is a little much sometimes.
SO MANY GOOD THINGS happen in this book. SO MANY. I need everyone to read this book so that I can talk about how wonderful it is without ruining it for anybody. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
February 4, 2020
I truly and I mean truly love Meg's writing style where its relaxed but not annoying. The dynamic of the characters is very interesting, kind of makes you pay attention to the details and i have read book one and two over and over I cant wait for the 3rd book to come out. I am a huge fan at this point. I have read the books back to back and to be honest I can only tolerate most writers for about a 100 pages and then the repetitive writing gets to be too much. however this these books are amazing. In 2018 I read about 237 books and let me tell you to read something that was easy and flowed and kept me interested was very refreshing. Again the characters grew and developed and they worlds were so well described it was so easy to picture in my mind as i was reading along.... If you love a good science fiction with a touch of romance that isn't light porn you will love these books. The characters are so relatable in their own way its hard not to hang on to every page as you are ready to turn to the next. This book in particular I have read four times and I've read about 40ish books since then and i cant get these books out of my mind. I cant wait to see where the story goes and what will happen on the way 10/10 would recommend.
August 9, 2019
The Vardeshi saga books are truly amazing! Bright Shards is as good as the first, I've got to say these books are at the top of my favourites and definitely ones to re-read!
I love reading of the Vardeshi culture, how they view things and their language. It's also spoke of differences between two species. As I got into these books, I felt like I was totally immerse into the Vardeshi world and its crew. Saying this, I love the way things played out for Avery- or by Vardeshi pronunciation Eyvri and Hathan. I look forward to the next book to see how their relationship develop and hoping it's one that will make me smile, not cry!
I enjoyed reading of the other characters of the crew, in many parts with Zey and his adopted use of Earth phases and style which made me laugh fondly! There is so much more I want to say but I let you enjoy these books and read for yourself. Thank you to Meg Peckenick for sharing these wonderful books to us!! 10/10
I love reading of the Vardeshi culture, how they view things and their language. It's also spoke of differences between two species. As I got into these books, I felt like I was totally immerse into the Vardeshi world and its crew. Saying this, I love the way things played out for Avery- or by Vardeshi pronunciation Eyvri and Hathan. I look forward to the next book to see how their relationship develop and hoping it's one that will make me smile, not cry!
I enjoyed reading of the other characters of the crew, in many parts with Zey and his adopted use of Earth phases and style which made me laugh fondly! There is so much more I want to say but I let you enjoy these books and read for yourself. Thank you to Meg Peckenick for sharing these wonderful books to us!! 10/10
August 5, 2021
This book started off really promising, however about half way through I really started to struggle. It again had a lot of filler chapters and seemed to character build on characters already well established. I did end up having to skim most chapters towards the end due to severe boredom and the ending left me feeling extremely disappointed and also glad I hadn't wasted more time on the book. Tbh it was a very realistic ending so I can't fault the author, however I read to experience happy endings so this was not what I was looking for.
February 13, 2023
One of the best-written works I’ve read in a long time
I’ve been kind of burned out on first contact books lately because of improbable story lines and poor writing/ editing but I gave Bright Shards and Ascending a chance and I’m so glad I did. The story is great and the writing is even better! I’ll be sitting here, twiddling my thumbs, eagerly awaiting the next book in the series (there’s going to be another one, right?)
I’ve been kind of burned out on first contact books lately because of improbable story lines and poor writing/ editing but I gave Bright Shards and Ascending a chance and I’m so glad I did. The story is great and the writing is even better! I’ll be sitting here, twiddling my thumbs, eagerly awaiting the next book in the series (there’s going to be another one, right?)
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