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War On Taras #1
Rook Di Goo
Cadet Elisandra Elis is haunted by the things she’s done.
Fighting on Taras, El has done things that go well beyond the call of war. So when she sees a chance to run, she takes it, joining the Aderyn. The ship is quite literally falling apart but the crew — a pilot with an easy sense of humor, a medic with a heart of gold, and a captain who makes her feel a lot of confusing things — make her question what it means to belong somewhere.
But when she’s faced with an opportunity to save her kingdom — and in turn the galaxy — El is caught between the planet she loves and the crew that has welcomed her as one of their own. Left to question just how much she’s willing to give up for the kingdom that broke her, she must decide if throwing her life away is worth it. Or perhaps she should just keep running; thus far, that’s what she’s proven to be best at.
It’s Cinderella reimagined in this science fantasy retelling about a disenchanted idealist looking for her place in the galaxy.
Fighting on Taras, El has done things that go well beyond the call of war. So when she sees a chance to run, she takes it, joining the Aderyn. The ship is quite literally falling apart but the crew — a pilot with an easy sense of humor, a medic with a heart of gold, and a captain who makes her feel a lot of confusing things — make her question what it means to belong somewhere.
But when she’s faced with an opportunity to save her kingdom — and in turn the galaxy — El is caught between the planet she loves and the crew that has welcomed her as one of their own. Left to question just how much she’s willing to give up for the kingdom that broke her, she must decide if throwing her life away is worth it. Or perhaps she should just keep running; thus far, that’s what she’s proven to be best at.
It’s Cinderella reimagined in this science fantasy retelling about a disenchanted idealist looking for her place in the galaxy.
421 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
12 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Jenni Sauer
16 books98 followersJenni Sauer writes fairy tale retellings for soft, angry hearts. She didn’t go to college, but she has a degree of mental health and has her masters in optimism from the school of life. Her proudest achievements include staying soft despite the trauma she’s lived through and holding on when life tried its hardest to take her out
If you’re looking for her, she’s probably bent over her laptop plotting treason—er, her latest story idea—or procrastinating on that by making another playlist or cute aesthetic. Or you can find her on Instagram @ivorypalaceprincess
If you’re looking for her, she’s probably bent over her laptop plotting treason—er, her latest story idea—or procrastinating on that by making another playlist or cute aesthetic. Or you can find her on Instagram @ivorypalaceprincess
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
July 6, 2022
"We'll die heroes and everyone will call us fools."
She'd already expected to die a traitor. To die a fool might actually be a step above that.
"So we die as fools," she said with a shrug. "Better that than to live as cowards."
Somehow the hardest books to review are the ones I love the most. Like, how do I say "this book is a piece of my heart, read it and you'll know my heart"?
Rook Di Goo is a story of choosing your own path, of friendship and found family and forgiving yourself. The characters are wonderful, the world is fun to explore, there's tea and potatoes and mild treason. It's unexpectedly cozy for the sci-fi genre, perfect for the reader who wants a main course of loveable characters and get a bit of plot on the side. And I love it to pieces.
This book means the world to me, tbh. Five stars forever.
(also I spent most of this book thinking to myself, "leiv behnam you absolute icon, I love you" and I love that for me 😂😂)
She'd already expected to die a traitor. To die a fool might actually be a step above that.
"So we die as fools," she said with a shrug. "Better that than to live as cowards."
Somehow the hardest books to review are the ones I love the most. Like, how do I say "this book is a piece of my heart, read it and you'll know my heart"?
Rook Di Goo is a story of choosing your own path, of friendship and found family and forgiving yourself. The characters are wonderful, the world is fun to explore, there's tea and potatoes and mild treason. It's unexpectedly cozy for the sci-fi genre, perfect for the reader who wants a main course of loveable characters and get a bit of plot on the side. And I love it to pieces.
This book means the world to me, tbh. Five stars forever.
(also I spent most of this book thinking to myself, "leiv behnam you absolute icon, I love you" and I love that for me 😂😂)
July 2, 2022
Sometimes I'm talking to a friend and I say, "I'd love to see a retelling of Cinderella where she leaves her toxic situation that actually shows how hard that is and then she gets therapy and finds the support she needs." And then it takes me a minute to remember I wrote that book
They say to write the book you want to read and I did. A book about a broken girl finding her place in the galaxy, getting to be a hero and find healing despite feeling broken beyond repair, that deals with messy subjects while somehow mostly being a lighthearted space romp
This isn't me trying to toot my own horn or sell my book to you. It's me remembering "wow, I wrote this" as it fills me with warm fuzzies inside. Because wow. I wrote this. And I love it a lot 💕
They say to write the book you want to read and I did. A book about a broken girl finding her place in the galaxy, getting to be a hero and find healing despite feeling broken beyond repair, that deals with messy subjects while somehow mostly being a lighthearted space romp
This isn't me trying to toot my own horn or sell my book to you. It's me remembering "wow, I wrote this" as it fills me with warm fuzzies inside. Because wow. I wrote this. And I love it a lot 💕
August 29, 2023
I will forever be screaming praises for this book. Seriously, you're gonna have to pay me a LOT to get me to shut up.
1. Jenni Sauer is SUCH A GOOD WRITER. OH MY GOSH. Her books are just...WOW. I laughed, I cried...I fell in love with the characters. Her casual tone and complex plots give me life. I can't put it any other way.
2. The fact that her books take place in this multiverse-like universe where it's all different planets is just brilliant. Also the crossover characters...I can't handle it. This is my Marvel.
3. The banter? Had me dead. Deceased. Rolling head over heels down the stairs with excitement.
4. This is the perfect book. I bought it for myself as a birthday gift and I highly recommend everyone else buy themselves a copy for their birthday. It can't get better than this. If you like girls in ball gowns and combat boots, trashy ships, grumpy ship captains, dystopian planets, a war, political intrigue, tense potential love, great side characters, amazing worldbuilding, a gorgeous cover, an amazing writing style, and an ending that will have you spewing tears of joy and longing and every emotion between...this is your book.
1. Jenni Sauer is SUCH A GOOD WRITER. OH MY GOSH. Her books are just...WOW. I laughed, I cried...I fell in love with the characters. Her casual tone and complex plots give me life. I can't put it any other way.
2. The fact that her books take place in this multiverse-like universe where it's all different planets is just brilliant. Also the crossover characters...I can't handle it. This is my Marvel.
3. The banter? Had me dead. Deceased. Rolling head over heels down the stairs with excitement.
4. This is the perfect book. I bought it for myself as a birthday gift and I highly recommend everyone else buy themselves a copy for their birthday. It can't get better than this. If you like girls in ball gowns and combat boots, trashy ships, grumpy ship captains, dystopian planets, a war, political intrigue, tense potential love, great side characters, amazing worldbuilding, a gorgeous cover, an amazing writing style, and an ending that will have you spewing tears of joy and longing and every emotion between...this is your book.
September 4, 2020
I was torn between 3.5 and 4 stars, but I think I ultimately have to hand Rook di Goo 4 stars, because I liked the protagonist so much and I loved the mental health representation so much. I DO have issues with the story, but they were all issues with side elements--the main core is solid. So, 4 stars it is.
Rook di Goo is a Cinderella retelling where "Cinderella," aka Cadet Elis or just plain El, is a deserting soldier with PTSD and severe anxiety, running from a Vietnam-esque war she knows is wrong. She stumbles on a ragtag band of ... I don't actually know what their job description is? Smugglers? Space pirates?? They seem lowkey illegal, yet squeaky-clean and moral??? How do they make their money???? ANYWHO. Ragtag Band adopts El as one of their own and doesn't ask too many questions about her past, so she's content to accompany them on their jaunt across the galaxy, hoping for a fresh start.
But the past has a way of catching up with you ...
*dun dun dunnnnnnnnn*
El's personality, her inner struggles, and especially her mental health issues, are hands down the best part of this book. She is a rich, well-rounded female hero: a generally straightforward, no nonsense, highly forceful young woman, who has some quirks around the edges that make her ... unexpected. Original. Funny. Especially her fierce love for her torn-up combat boots just because they're familiar: I hate throwing out my good old friendly sneakers, no matter how ragged they are; so I get you, girl. I get you.
She has believable feelings of guilt & confusion from the atrocities she was forced to carry out as a soldier, and her anxiety (I say this as someone who's suffered from an anxiety disorder pretty much my entire life) was VERY ACCURATELY PORTRAYED. The constant, cycling voices inside your head that you can't shut off, the sudden tightness and paranoia, the inability to let go and just breathe. The fears that you know aren't "normal," but won't leave you alone, either. The weird little routines that you fall into because it somehow appeases the ever-present voices.
I was pleased that El took advantage of both therapy and medication when it was offered her. Proud of you, bby *hugs for El* Especially in Christian or Christian-influenced circles, there's still this huge stigma about taking drugs for your mental health, which is (as one character very firmly points out) Entirely Ridiculous. You'd never deny any other part of your body the medicine it needs to heal, so why be so hard on your brain? The brain is a physical organ too, you know. And sometimes it needs medicine to correct its chemical imbalances. That's just Science. Medication saved my brother's life and continues to save it every single day; which is a blessing from God and I WILL NOT HEAR ANYONE SAY OTHERWISE.
*climbs off mental health soapbox*
So, El is great. Check. Mental health rep is great. Check. What about the stuff I didn't love so much?
The romance ...
Y'all. knew. this. was. coming. It is so rare I actually like a male love interest, I'm kinda surprised whenever it happens. And I didn't entirely like El's Person of Interest, Captain Leiv Behnam. He--ugh. I don't know. He definitely had aspects to his character that I LOVED, like his penchant for picking up "lost things" (ie, people) and holding onto them fiercely, come hell or high water. That's v. good. There were scenes with El where he gave me allllllllll the warm fuzzies by being concerned and protective and generally Solid. His clear affection for the other members of his team was also rather lovely.
However, Captain Behnam just had too many other scenes where he was grouchy, careless, or lowkey jerk-y towards El, for me to be fully on board with him. He had a strong tendency to say something hurtful and then plead Male Cluelessness, "how can you expect me to know any better, I'm a guy," which never fails to drive me up the wall. He's also quite a tease, and I think my views on teasing are Sufficiently Well Known for me to simply leave that statement there, and move on. :-P
Finally, I wasn't wild about Captain Behnam hiding his backstory from El and kind of ... pumping her ... for her feelings about certain things, without any GOOD REASON to not tell her the real story. It wasn't a survival thing. He was just withholding information and being manipulative. Not cool, bruh.
AND THAT REMINDS ME, I really found myself wishing at points that this wasn't a Cinderella retelling, because the Cinderella elements felt--a tiny bit out of place? Like at first, it doesn't feel Cinderella-ish at all, it's just the story of a traumatized soldier on the run. You get the sense that the army she escaped from is supposed to be her "Wicked Stepmother" in the abstract, which is a fun twist, but it's not enough to strongly connect this book to the Cinderella tale. It's just a cool space adventure.
Then, about two-thirds of the way through, El and the team have to infiltrate this royal ball or what-not, and we find out . And that felt ... odd, to me. Like it introduced a jarring note of fairytale-ish-ness to what really wasn't a fairytale aesthetic, and what was BETTER for being its own thing.
I did think it was very important that Rook di Goo delves so heavily into patriotism, especially FALSE patriotism, and what it means to face up to the fact that the country you love has knowingly abandoned its ideals, has oppressed the needy and crushed the innocent. What it means to fight for justice, when everybody else tells you that simply speaking your mind makes you The Bad Guy. Timely, eh what, old sport?
Ultimately, this was a fun journey in outer space with a kickass heroine, strong mental health rep, and a lot of cozy Team Bonding (TM) moments, and I'm excited to see where the next book goes!
Rook di Goo is a Cinderella retelling where "Cinderella," aka Cadet Elis or just plain El, is a deserting soldier with PTSD and severe anxiety, running from a Vietnam-esque war she knows is wrong. She stumbles on a ragtag band of ... I don't actually know what their job description is? Smugglers? Space pirates?? They seem lowkey illegal, yet squeaky-clean and moral??? How do they make their money???? ANYWHO. Ragtag Band adopts El as one of their own and doesn't ask too many questions about her past, so she's content to accompany them on their jaunt across the galaxy, hoping for a fresh start.
But the past has a way of catching up with you ...
*dun dun dunnnnnnnnn*
El's personality, her inner struggles, and especially her mental health issues, are hands down the best part of this book. She is a rich, well-rounded female hero: a generally straightforward, no nonsense, highly forceful young woman, who has some quirks around the edges that make her ... unexpected. Original. Funny. Especially her fierce love for her torn-up combat boots just because they're familiar: I hate throwing out my good old friendly sneakers, no matter how ragged they are; so I get you, girl. I get you.
She has believable feelings of guilt & confusion from the atrocities she was forced to carry out as a soldier, and her anxiety (I say this as someone who's suffered from an anxiety disorder pretty much my entire life) was VERY ACCURATELY PORTRAYED. The constant, cycling voices inside your head that you can't shut off, the sudden tightness and paranoia, the inability to let go and just breathe. The fears that you know aren't "normal," but won't leave you alone, either. The weird little routines that you fall into because it somehow appeases the ever-present voices.
I was pleased that El took advantage of both therapy and medication when it was offered her. Proud of you, bby *hugs for El* Especially in Christian or Christian-influenced circles, there's still this huge stigma about taking drugs for your mental health, which is (as one character very firmly points out) Entirely Ridiculous. You'd never deny any other part of your body the medicine it needs to heal, so why be so hard on your brain? The brain is a physical organ too, you know. And sometimes it needs medicine to correct its chemical imbalances. That's just Science. Medication saved my brother's life and continues to save it every single day; which is a blessing from God and I WILL NOT HEAR ANYONE SAY OTHERWISE.
*climbs off mental health soapbox*
So, El is great. Check. Mental health rep is great. Check. What about the stuff I didn't love so much?
The romance ...
Y'all. knew. this. was. coming. It is so rare I actually like a male love interest, I'm kinda surprised whenever it happens. And I didn't entirely like El's Person of Interest, Captain Leiv Behnam. He--ugh. I don't know. He definitely had aspects to his character that I LOVED, like his penchant for picking up "lost things" (ie, people) and holding onto them fiercely, come hell or high water. That's v. good. There were scenes with El where he gave me allllllllll the warm fuzzies by being concerned and protective and generally Solid. His clear affection for the other members of his team was also rather lovely.
However, Captain Behnam just had too many other scenes where he was grouchy, careless, or lowkey jerk-y towards El, for me to be fully on board with him. He had a strong tendency to say something hurtful and then plead Male Cluelessness, "how can you expect me to know any better, I'm a guy," which never fails to drive me up the wall. He's also quite a tease, and I think my views on teasing are Sufficiently Well Known for me to simply leave that statement there, and move on. :-P
Finally, I wasn't wild about Captain Behnam hiding his backstory from El and kind of ... pumping her ... for her feelings about certain things, without any GOOD REASON to not tell her the real story. It wasn't a survival thing. He was just withholding information and being manipulative. Not cool, bruh.
AND THAT REMINDS ME, I really found myself wishing at points that this wasn't a Cinderella retelling, because the Cinderella elements felt--a tiny bit out of place? Like at first, it doesn't feel Cinderella-ish at all, it's just the story of a traumatized soldier on the run. You get the sense that the army she escaped from is supposed to be her "Wicked Stepmother" in the abstract, which is a fun twist, but it's not enough to strongly connect this book to the Cinderella tale. It's just a cool space adventure.
Then, about two-thirds of the way through, El and the team have to infiltrate this royal ball or what-not, and we find out . And that felt ... odd, to me. Like it introduced a jarring note of fairytale-ish-ness to what really wasn't a fairytale aesthetic, and what was BETTER for being its own thing.
I did think it was very important that Rook di Goo delves so heavily into patriotism, especially FALSE patriotism, and what it means to face up to the fact that the country you love has knowingly abandoned its ideals, has oppressed the needy and crushed the innocent. What it means to fight for justice, when everybody else tells you that simply speaking your mind makes you The Bad Guy. Timely, eh what, old sport?
Ultimately, this was a fun journey in outer space with a kickass heroine, strong mental health rep, and a lot of cozy Team Bonding (TM) moments, and I'm excited to see where the next book goes!
May 13, 2022
Second read:
As much as I loved Rook di Goo the first time I read it... I loved it even more this second time through. El's journey from disillusioned military deserter to fierce and loyal team member is just... beautiful. The fact that this is also a Cinderella retelling is secondary for me, because El's story is so much more interesting than that. Yes, the Cinderella elements are there, but they're... not the point, you know?
The point is that broken people have worth and purpose. That hurting people can find healing. Joy and friendship and love are not reserved for the whole and healthy. And I LOVE that message. Fiercely. It's exactly what God offers to us when he says, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." And when the Isaiah says, "A bruised reed, He will not break, and a smoldering wick, He will not extinguish." And the Psalmist, when he says, "A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." There's so much depth of truth to this book, bearing out Biblical truths even though it's set in an imaginary sci-fi world and the words 'God' and 'Bible' and 'Jesus' don't appear.
Anyway, totally love this book. So much.
First read:
This Cinderella retelling is one of the best explorations of anxiety and PTSD I've read. No easy fixes or platitudes or "just think happy thoughts" nonsense here, but instead the sensitive and realistic treatment of what it's like to live with a mind broken around the edges. Astonishingly good, really.
This book first gives me a handful of characters to care about, then slowly unfolds the world they live in by showing it to me through their eyes and as they interact with it. I dug it so much.
As much as I loved Rook di Goo the first time I read it... I loved it even more this second time through. El's journey from disillusioned military deserter to fierce and loyal team member is just... beautiful. The fact that this is also a Cinderella retelling is secondary for me, because El's story is so much more interesting than that. Yes, the Cinderella elements are there, but they're... not the point, you know?
The point is that broken people have worth and purpose. That hurting people can find healing. Joy and friendship and love are not reserved for the whole and healthy. And I LOVE that message. Fiercely. It's exactly what God offers to us when he says, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." And when the Isaiah says, "A bruised reed, He will not break, and a smoldering wick, He will not extinguish." And the Psalmist, when he says, "A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." There's so much depth of truth to this book, bearing out Biblical truths even though it's set in an imaginary sci-fi world and the words 'God' and 'Bible' and 'Jesus' don't appear.
Anyway, totally love this book. So much.
First read:
This Cinderella retelling is one of the best explorations of anxiety and PTSD I've read. No easy fixes or platitudes or "just think happy thoughts" nonsense here, but instead the sensitive and realistic treatment of what it's like to live with a mind broken around the edges. Astonishingly good, really.
This book first gives me a handful of characters to care about, then slowly unfolds the world they live in by showing it to me through their eyes and as they interact with it. I dug it so much.
January 14, 2024
This beautiful book was good for my soul.
A soldier with PTSD struggling with the war crimes she was forced to commit, a deserter only because she can no longer stand to continue, wrestling with moral issues and mental health and so much pain… I just wanted to give her a hug. A lot of hugs, really. I loved how the story involved therapy and taking medication for mental health problems. That was really well handled.
The side characters were so lovable. I wish we’d had more Trapp, and I wanted to see more of Ginger’s story since there’s a lot going on there. (And I related to her.) Leiv was grumpy and often stuck his foot in his mouth, but he was also so supportive of El and their interactions were so healing for El and I really shipped it. Love me some slow burn. Especially when the heroine is totally oblivious for a long time (cough, Sophie Foster, cough).
Though the book did not focus on abuse, it still addressed it in various ways, and I thought it was well handled. Even a sketchy character offered to help protect women from abusive husbands. And the scene where El defends a young refugee girl from aggressive questioning and harassment is so good. We girls have to protect each other.
I will say I didn’t really see many Cinderella elements until the end of the story and am not sure I would call it a retelling, exactly. Maybe loosely inspired by. And the plot near the beginning was a little vague and I didn’t entirely know what was going on. (Not that plots are what draw me into a book.) But I really did love it. El’s mental health struggles were so raw and vivid. Needing to not have her back facing the door. Panicking in tight spaces. Needing to punch a punching bag late into the night to settle her mind. Panicking at unexplained noises in the night. So many things that made her character so raw and vivid. But she wasn’t weak, not by any means. She was strong and capable and good at acting and adapting and a little too selfless sometimes, like Leiv said, maybe trying to throw her life away, but she was such a refreshing character.
I have a strong feeling this will be one of my top reads of 2024. Love me some mental health stories.
A soldier with PTSD struggling with the war crimes she was forced to commit, a deserter only because she can no longer stand to continue, wrestling with moral issues and mental health and so much pain… I just wanted to give her a hug. A lot of hugs, really. I loved how the story involved therapy and taking medication for mental health problems. That was really well handled.
The side characters were so lovable. I wish we’d had more Trapp, and I wanted to see more of Ginger’s story since there’s a lot going on there. (And I related to her.) Leiv was grumpy and often stuck his foot in his mouth, but he was also so supportive of El and their interactions were so healing for El and I really shipped it. Love me some slow burn. Especially when the heroine is totally oblivious for a long time (cough, Sophie Foster, cough).
Though the book did not focus on abuse, it still addressed it in various ways, and I thought it was well handled. Even a sketchy character offered to help protect women from abusive husbands. And the scene where El defends a young refugee girl from aggressive questioning and harassment is so good. We girls have to protect each other.
I will say I didn’t really see many Cinderella elements until the end of the story and am not sure I would call it a retelling, exactly. Maybe loosely inspired by. And the plot near the beginning was a little vague and I didn’t entirely know what was going on. (Not that plots are what draw me into a book.) But I really did love it. El’s mental health struggles were so raw and vivid. Needing to not have her back facing the door. Panicking in tight spaces. Needing to punch a punching bag late into the night to settle her mind. Panicking at unexplained noises in the night. So many things that made her character so raw and vivid. But she wasn’t weak, not by any means. She was strong and capable and good at acting and adapting and a little too selfless sometimes, like Leiv said, maybe trying to throw her life away, but she was such a refreshing character.
I have a strong feeling this will be one of my top reads of 2024. Love me some mental health stories.
March 9, 2024
Love love love Rook Di Goo and the world Jenni created 🫶🏻 filled with themes of forgiveness and healing and being kind to yourself, this sci-fi retelling has just the right amount of Cinderella and just the right amount of Evraft to be one of my favorite 2024 reads 🩷
July 7, 2020
*4.5 stars!
I got to read an eARC of this book back in the spring and guys, it COMPLETELY stole my heart! This is a fresh sci-fi spin on the classic Cinderella story, and I cannot recommend it enough. All of the characters are engaging, and there is much tea, snark, and slow-burn romance to be had. Pick up this book like, now. You’re destined to fall in love with it.
I got to read an eARC of this book back in the spring and guys, it COMPLETELY stole my heart! This is a fresh sci-fi spin on the classic Cinderella story, and I cannot recommend it enough. All of the characters are engaging, and there is much tea, snark, and slow-burn romance to be had. Pick up this book like, now. You’re destined to fall in love with it.
August 28, 2020
4.5 stars
It was a lot of fun to re-read this! I had beta read it and really enjoyed it, but it was definitely good to read it all cleaned up! I love the crew so much, and especially El with her complex emotions, desires, and past. This book handles mental health, PTSD, therapy, and medication so beautifully and organically, so that it felt real and was taken seriously, but wasn't what the book was about. The Cinderella influences are light, but so well handled and I love this totally different take on the story. There's fun space opera vibes, found family, some hilarious moments (hotel scene and a scene toward the end with an unexpected question are iconic XD), exploration of morally grey areas that touches on the ethics of war and loyalty, and a lot of heart. The pacing is solid and the story is highly enjoyable. I've been having trouble focusing on reading lately, but was able to read this for longer periods at a time than I have any other book of late. (Did take a few days off reading due to being desperate to finish writing a rough draft, but that was unrelated to the book.)
There's some things toward the end that aren't entirely explained--I know some of it will come up in future books, and I know there wasn't really a way to explain, but I still caught myself thinking, "but...how?? Why???"
Leiv I have slightly mixed feelings about--on the one hand, I love him and his Grumpy McGrumpypants "WHY DO I CARE SO MUCH" attitude, and *slight spoilers?* ship him and El so hard, *end slight spoilers* but on the other hand, he can also be a bit of an ass. XD Part of the problem is, I *know* I would do similar things, and his brusqueness and bluntness is understandable and relatable... I think that's part of why I wanted him to do better in his moments where he responds poorly to El, it was like, *cringe* nooooo, dude, and self--remember not to be so aloof and grumpy. XD Also because Jenni did such a good job of getting us in El's head, so when she's hurt, I'm hurt, lol. But that's also part of the strength of this book--it's a bunch of human, highly imperfect, but still good people who are trying and care deeply and sometimes do things not quite right despite their intentions and forgive each other, because that's what people do.
Overall, a solid, engaging story with great characters.
It was a lot of fun to re-read this! I had beta read it and really enjoyed it, but it was definitely good to read it all cleaned up! I love the crew so much, and especially El with her complex emotions, desires, and past. This book handles mental health, PTSD, therapy, and medication so beautifully and organically, so that it felt real and was taken seriously, but wasn't what the book was about. The Cinderella influences are light, but so well handled and I love this totally different take on the story. There's fun space opera vibes, found family, some hilarious moments (hotel scene and a scene toward the end with an unexpected question are iconic XD), exploration of morally grey areas that touches on the ethics of war and loyalty, and a lot of heart. The pacing is solid and the story is highly enjoyable. I've been having trouble focusing on reading lately, but was able to read this for longer periods at a time than I have any other book of late. (Did take a few days off reading due to being desperate to finish writing a rough draft, but that was unrelated to the book.)
There's some things toward the end that aren't entirely explained--I know some of it will come up in future books, and I know there wasn't really a way to explain, but I still caught myself thinking, "but...how?? Why???"
Leiv I have slightly mixed feelings about--on the one hand, I love him and his Grumpy McGrumpypants "WHY DO I CARE SO MUCH" attitude, and *slight spoilers?* ship him and El so hard, *end slight spoilers* but on the other hand, he can also be a bit of an ass. XD Part of the problem is, I *know* I would do similar things, and his brusqueness and bluntness is understandable and relatable... I think that's part of why I wanted him to do better in his moments where he responds poorly to El, it was like, *cringe* nooooo, dude, and self--remember not to be so aloof and grumpy. XD Also because Jenni did such a good job of getting us in El's head, so when she's hurt, I'm hurt, lol. But that's also part of the strength of this book--it's a bunch of human, highly imperfect, but still good people who are trying and care deeply and sometimes do things not quite right despite their intentions and forgive each other, because that's what people do.
Overall, a solid, engaging story with great characters.
March 26, 2022
How do I even start with this book?
I knew this story before reading it this time, but it just hit me so incredibly hard this time.
Rook Di Goo is about found family, loyalty, abuse, and healing.
The themes in this story are wonderfully blended, and the characters are amazing. I am stunned by the world, the way this story takes a new twist on Cinderella, with nods and homage paid to the original fairytale.
5/5 stars, I can’t wait to see what other stories Jenni has in store in this universe.
P. S. The fact I wrote a review at all shows that I really love this book, because it’s very hard for me to articulate my feelings about books I love.
May 30, 2022
A Cinderella retelling featuring a lovable cast of characters, political intrigue, and mental health rep? Count me in!
El is a soldier haunted by the things she has done as a soldier in Liosa's military. Knowing she can never go back to her old life as a soldier, she deserts and joins the crew of a departing spaceship. Adventure, danger, and even a bit of romance follow, all combining to create a plot that will keep you turning pages--a story populated with characters that just might steal your heart.
El is a soldier haunted by the things she has done as a soldier in Liosa's military. Knowing she can never go back to her old life as a soldier, she deserts and joins the crew of a departing spaceship. Adventure, danger, and even a bit of romance follow, all combining to create a plot that will keep you turning pages--a story populated with characters that just might steal your heart.
January 7, 2021
I’ve never been the biggest sci-fi fan, but holy crap—this was so good. The fairytale retelling aspect definitely drew me in (part of the reason why The Lunar Chronicles is the only sci-fi series I’m obsessed with) but at the end of the day, I fell in love with the characters. Right off the bat, they popped off the page and I forgot I was reading a book.
I liked that there weren’t a billion characters to keep track of too. And Captain Behnam is just the best. The beginning reminded me of Jane Eyre because the captain behaved very much like Rochester lol. I also enjoyed the ballroom scenes because I’m a sucker for ballroom scenes. I love how the themes of loyalty and patriotism were explored. The pacing was great (there wasn’t a boring moment) and all in all I just really enjoyed this book. I believe Jenni did an incredible job and I know she poured so much of herself and her passion into it, because it really shows.
10/10 would recommend!
I liked that there weren’t a billion characters to keep track of too. And Captain Behnam is just the best. The beginning reminded me of Jane Eyre because the captain behaved very much like Rochester lol. I also enjoyed the ballroom scenes because I’m a sucker for ballroom scenes. I love how the themes of loyalty and patriotism were explored. The pacing was great (there wasn’t a boring moment) and all in all I just really enjoyed this book. I believe Jenni did an incredible job and I know she poured so much of herself and her passion into it, because it really shows.
10/10 would recommend!
August 5, 2020
First off, how gorgeous is this cover?
Second. Ahhhh. This book <3 I adored all of the characters, the retelling elements were clever, the writing warm and personal and well-paced. Healthy mental health + PTSD representation handled respectfully and intentionally, with things like therapy and medication just treated as normal parts of healing that are nothing to be ashamed of.
The characters grow and live and I want to have tea on the Aderyn with all of them!!
Second. Ahhhh. This book <3 I adored all of the characters, the retelling elements were clever, the writing warm and personal and well-paced. Healthy mental health + PTSD representation handled respectfully and intentionally, with things like therapy and medication just treated as normal parts of healing that are nothing to be ashamed of.
The characters grow and live and I want to have tea on the Aderyn with all of them!!
November 24, 2020
I like cliffhangers if I can get the next book in the series right away. And I’ll even put up with a wait when need be. But it’s really nice once in a while to read a first-in-series that ends with closure.
El is a cadet who’s participated in atrocities committed by her home planet, and her disillusionment causes her to — almost accidentally — jump ship when the opportunity presents itself. Branded a deserter but finding a surprising welcome and acceptance on board her new home, El veers between automatic self-preservation, the higher calling of loyalty to her found family, and the dark conviction that at the root of things, she’s not worth saving at all. Chancing upon a political assassination plot, though... complicates matters tenfold. And lays the groundwork for the Cinderella aspect of this retelling, which was FABULOUS.
This is a character-centric, dialogue-driven book with a slowburn romance that I adored. The characters themselves are dynamic, complex, and wholly endearing. There isn’t a single member of the main cast I didn’t love from the start. And yes, that includes Gibbs — adorable Gibbs.
And when I finished this book at 2 a.m., I got to relax in the wake of a happy ending. Despite the heavy emotional themes (and they are heavy; wouldn’t recommend for younger teens) this is a wholesome, gentle-paced read that I truly enjoyed. More cute El/Leiv, please?
El is a cadet who’s participated in atrocities committed by her home planet, and her disillusionment causes her to — almost accidentally — jump ship when the opportunity presents itself. Branded a deserter but finding a surprising welcome and acceptance on board her new home, El veers between automatic self-preservation, the higher calling of loyalty to her found family, and the dark conviction that at the root of things, she’s not worth saving at all. Chancing upon a political assassination plot, though... complicates matters tenfold. And lays the groundwork for the Cinderella aspect of this retelling, which was FABULOUS.
This is a character-centric, dialogue-driven book with a slowburn romance that I adored. The characters themselves are dynamic, complex, and wholly endearing. There isn’t a single member of the main cast I didn’t love from the start. And yes, that includes Gibbs — adorable Gibbs.
And when I finished this book at 2 a.m., I got to relax in the wake of a happy ending. Despite the heavy emotional themes (and they are heavy; wouldn’t recommend for younger teens) this is a wholesome, gentle-paced read that I truly enjoyed. More cute El/Leiv, please?
August 29, 2022
This book surprised me in the best of ways! I’m not usually a sci-fi gal, but I was hooked every page of this story.
It took me a bit to get a grasp on the Cinderella aspect, and I wondered more than once how everything would work out. The mental health rep was handled incredibly well and greatly appreciated.
The plot is chalked full of adventure (and humour) in addition to being fast paced.
The characters have my heart! Sweet Ginger learning to stand up for herself; loyal, hilarious Trapp; strong, understanding Leiv; and spunky El. Gibbs bugged me initially but grew on me, haha.
Can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelf!
It took me a bit to get a grasp on the Cinderella aspect, and I wondered more than once how everything would work out. The mental health rep was handled incredibly well and greatly appreciated.
The plot is chalked full of adventure (and humour) in addition to being fast paced.
The characters have my heart! Sweet Ginger learning to stand up for herself; loyal, hilarious Trapp; strong, understanding Leiv; and spunky El. Gibbs bugged me initially but grew on me, haha.
Can’t wait to add a physical copy to my shelf!
May 6, 2025
How could you not want to read this book?? Sci-fi Cinderella? She's a deserted soldier who just wants her home planet to be better? The ball happens because she's trying to save the Prince?? Don't even get me started on "You took a hit out on me?", it's too iconic.
In all seriousness, this is a beautifully written story with amazing characters, and you can't help but want more! Also there's a therapist character and I would die for her. Also also I'm STILL thinking about this one scene where El bumps into a random guy in the palace who's definitely not where he's supposed to be I have THEORIES but enough about all that. Read this book. You'll thank me later
In all seriousness, this is a beautifully written story with amazing characters, and you can't help but want more! Also there's a therapist character and I would die for her. Also also I'm STILL thinking about this one scene where El bumps into a random guy in the palace who's definitely not where he's supposed to be I have THEORIES but enough about all that. Read this book. You'll thank me later
October 28, 2021
I should’ve reviewed this right after I read, while it was fresh, but here is what I recall:
-10/10 sweet
-very wholesome
-The captain is a goober.
-the story is gentle and honest with some of the mental health themes it addresses.
-I was delighted when I realized there are other works to extend the universe beyond this book. It feels like there’s so much left to see from this setting, and I’m excited to do so. 💛
Definitely a light and sweet read—perfect for passing time on holiday or in the backseat of a long drive.
-10/10 sweet
-very wholesome
-The captain is a goober.
-the story is gentle and honest with some of the mental health themes it addresses.
-I was delighted when I realized there are other works to extend the universe beyond this book. It feels like there’s so much left to see from this setting, and I’m excited to do so. 💛
Definitely a light and sweet read—perfect for passing time on holiday or in the backseat of a long drive.
March 6, 2021
Bravery
A fun surprise for me as I haven't read a space story before. I thought it was a good story. I admired El's loyalty to her planet and galaxy, to her newfound friends, and to exposing wrongs committed. I also appreciated the way El had to deal with the emotions resulting from acts she had committed as a loyal soldier.
A fun surprise for me as I haven't read a space story before. I thought it was a good story. I admired El's loyalty to her planet and galaxy, to her newfound friends, and to exposing wrongs committed. I also appreciated the way El had to deal with the emotions resulting from acts she had committed as a loyal soldier.
July 19, 2022
Great story with a solid mental health rep! I didn’t entirely ‘get’ the Cinderella tie-ins, but that’s probably me (not the story). I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this universe!
June 19, 2020
It's official. I don't need to read anymore books this year. Rook Di Goo is hands down my favorite. 👑
.
I am so blown away by this book.
The story was difficult to put down, the characters impossible not to fall in love with, but the heart of the story was even more impressive than the plot.
The author weaves a bright thread of hope lthrough what could have been a hopeless story of darkness —but isn't, instead she wrestles light into the darkness with her words, as if she was born to do so (and maybe she was).
Rook Di Goo is a book about finding a home, about being found by a family, a book about healing, courage, and standing up for what is right
(even if it means running away,
even if it means finding lost things,
even if it means giving people tea when what they really need is love,
even if it means finding a new ballgown for someone to turn into rags, every night,
even if it means giving people you don't think deserve it a chance to explain themselves).
Most importantly, Rook Di Goo is a book you shouldn't miss 💖
Also; the love letters at the back of the book were my absolute favorite part. ✨✨✨
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author. No review was required and all opinions are my own.
.
I am so blown away by this book.
The story was difficult to put down, the characters impossible not to fall in love with, but the heart of the story was even more impressive than the plot.
The author weaves a bright thread of hope lthrough what could have been a hopeless story of darkness —but isn't, instead she wrestles light into the darkness with her words, as if she was born to do so (and maybe she was).
Rook Di Goo is a book about finding a home, about being found by a family, a book about healing, courage, and standing up for what is right
(even if it means running away,
even if it means finding lost things,
even if it means giving people tea when what they really need is love,
even if it means finding a new ballgown for someone to turn into rags, every night,
even if it means giving people you don't think deserve it a chance to explain themselves).
Most importantly, Rook Di Goo is a book you shouldn't miss 💖
Also; the love letters at the back of the book were my absolute favorite part. ✨✨✨
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author. No review was required and all opinions are my own.
March 3, 2022
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I'm always up for a good sci-fi book set in space, so I was intrigued by "Rook Di Goo".
It ended up being a really interesting one. I liked almost everything and disliked little about it.
My favorite thing about this book is the characters. My favorites are Gibbs and Ginger, though I do really like El, Liev, and Trapp as well. They make up a well-rounded cast of characters.
Another thing I liked about this book was that it contained the found family trope, which I'm a sucker for. The crew's interactions when they were all together were fun to read (especially the ones when they were making plans before the balls. The banter in those scenes were great:)
The last thing I really appreciated about "Rook Di Goo" was how it handled mental health. The moments when El had panic/anxiety attacks were so realistic. I think anyone who has struggled with anxiety will relate to El's feelings.
I only have two small critics. My first critique is that this book has a pretty abrupt start. It took me about 100 pages to get fully engaged in the story. Once I did, I really enjoyed the journey that "Rook Di Goo" took me on.
The second critique I have is that the romance could have been a bit stronger. [SPOILER]. El and Liev confess their feelings for each other at the end of the book. I wasn't as happy about it as I wish I had been. I just didn't feel that much romantic chemistry between them. I am hopeful, however, that I will grow to like them as a couple in the next book in the "War on Taras," series [END OF SPOILER]
I'm glad I read "Rook Di Goo," and am excited to see how the rest of the "War on Taras" series plays out.
I'm always up for a good sci-fi book set in space, so I was intrigued by "Rook Di Goo".
It ended up being a really interesting one. I liked almost everything and disliked little about it.
My favorite thing about this book is the characters. My favorites are Gibbs and Ginger, though I do really like El, Liev, and Trapp as well. They make up a well-rounded cast of characters.
Another thing I liked about this book was that it contained the found family trope, which I'm a sucker for. The crew's interactions when they were all together were fun to read (especially the ones when they were making plans before the balls. The banter in those scenes were great:)
The last thing I really appreciated about "Rook Di Goo" was how it handled mental health. The moments when El had panic/anxiety attacks were so realistic. I think anyone who has struggled with anxiety will relate to El's feelings.
I only have two small critics. My first critique is that this book has a pretty abrupt start. It took me about 100 pages to get fully engaged in the story. Once I did, I really enjoyed the journey that "Rook Di Goo" took me on.
The second critique I have is that the romance could have been a bit stronger. [SPOILER]. El and Liev confess their feelings for each other at the end of the book. I wasn't as happy about it as I wish I had been. I just didn't feel that much romantic chemistry between them. I am hopeful, however, that I will grow to like them as a couple in the next book in the "War on Taras," series [END OF SPOILER]
I'm glad I read "Rook Di Goo," and am excited to see how the rest of the "War on Taras" series plays out.
August 18, 2023
W...what do I say???? It was spectacular. Beyond words. I haven't enjoyed reading a book quite that much since I read The Lunar Chronicles for the first time this past winter. It gave me very similar vibes, and the characters were just as unique and delightful! All throughout the book, I found myself burying my face in the pages and giggling because of a sweet interaction or a moment of absolute comedic absurdity. Right after I finished the book, I texted my bestie (who introduced me to TLC) and screamed to her about how amazing this book was!
The way mental health was dealt with was good, and the examples of honesty and understanding were refreshing. So often in stories, the characters tell lies to cover up their lies or get out of an awkward situation. But this practice only digs their holes of dishonesty deeper and makes telling the truth later harder. One of the refreshing things about Rook di Goo was the honesty the characters conducted themselves with when they were communicating with each other about issues. It was a breath of fresh air, and so much needless and clichéd drama was avoided.
Again, highly HIGHLY recommend giving this book a read! I can't wait for the next installment!!!!!!!!!
Now, excuse me while I go plot fanart 😂
The way mental health was dealt with was good, and the examples of honesty and understanding were refreshing. So often in stories, the characters tell lies to cover up their lies or get out of an awkward situation. But this practice only digs their holes of dishonesty deeper and makes telling the truth later harder. One of the refreshing things about Rook di Goo was the honesty the characters conducted themselves with when they were communicating with each other about issues. It was a breath of fresh air, and so much needless and clichéd drama was avoided.
Again, highly HIGHLY recommend giving this book a read! I can't wait for the next installment!!!!!!!!!
Now, excuse me while I go plot fanart 😂
March 27, 2023
This was a good book. The characters were fun, the story was cool, and it was just so fun. I recommend this to any one who loves sci fi.
September 1, 2023
SIX OUT OF FIVE STARS AHHHHHHHH
I have a very very long list of things that I love about this book so I'm just going to list them off, rapid-fire run-on sentence style and that's basically going to be the review. Or it's going to be a ramble. Or a mix of both. We're about to find out.
*inhale*
OK SO LIKE THIS BOOK CHECKED ALL THE BOXES FOR ME. It GRABBED me from the beginning and I was in, like I didn't even have to try to be invested for more than five minutes, I was hooked right off the bat. So we got our MC/POV character El, the traumatized somewhat-cynical soldier and I LOVE HER ARC SO MUCH! Uhhh no I will not elaborate bc idk what counts as spoilers but suffice it to say, El is a wonderfully-written, fleshed out character, excellent choice of MC. Actually ALL of the characters are so well-written, and I love the main cast so so much. Also the main antagonist was a very well-written, complex character.
Also Y'ALL this book had FOUND FAMILY and it is so well done. Not to mention the themes in this book are just. asdfghjmnbvcfgh idk guys the themes are so deep and good and so well done. I keep saying stuff is well done. This book is like the steaks I eat: Well done. Haha ok where was I uhhhhh ok the themes of patriotism coexisting with morality and drawing the line when it comes to taking orders and like...uh I'm not explaining it well, just read the book :) Gah I lowkey WISH I could explain it because I was internally screaming about it.
What else what else (everything else. everything. there is so much i adore in this book) uhhh chapter 28 almost made me c r y and it wasn't because of a book-fueled emotional high, nah it was because it addressed one of my biggest personal life themes/struggles so perfectly I just. Yeah moving on okay uhhhhh
OH at the end there's a list of songs that fit the book (LOVE THAT), and love letters to the main characters. I have never seen the latter before and I think it's a brilliant idea, it was so special to see the author's heart behind each character.
Also also the romance is a light slow burn (my favorite type!!), so well done (there i go saying it again) and they're such a cute couple awwwwww. Also their banter is great. All the characters' banter is great.
Plus guys the whole book is super completely clean! There is some violence but like what did you expect. The MC is a soldier. Also most books have violence. I might stop noting when books have violence except when it's extreme. (It was not extreme here, btw).
The PLOT I never addressed the plot! The plot is exciting and adventurey and THEY'RE IN SPACE :D Which brings to mind the fact that the worldbuilding is *chef's kiss*. Also this is a Cinderella retelling, but I found the connection to Cinderella to be pretty loose (not a bad thing, just a comment).
Um yeah. I love this book so so so much. Please read it. That is all.
I have a very very long list of things that I love about this book so I'm just going to list them off, rapid-fire run-on sentence style and that's basically going to be the review. Or it's going to be a ramble. Or a mix of both. We're about to find out.
*inhale*
OK SO LIKE THIS BOOK CHECKED ALL THE BOXES FOR ME. It GRABBED me from the beginning and I was in, like I didn't even have to try to be invested for more than five minutes, I was hooked right off the bat. So we got our MC/POV character El, the traumatized somewhat-cynical soldier and I LOVE HER ARC SO MUCH! Uhhh no I will not elaborate bc idk what counts as spoilers but suffice it to say, El is a wonderfully-written, fleshed out character, excellent choice of MC. Actually ALL of the characters are so well-written, and I love the main cast so so much. Also the main antagonist was a very well-written, complex character.
Also Y'ALL this book had FOUND FAMILY and it is so well done. Not to mention the themes in this book are just. asdfghjmnbvcfgh idk guys the themes are so deep and good and so well done. I keep saying stuff is well done. This book is like the steaks I eat: Well done. Haha ok where was I uhhhhh ok the themes of patriotism coexisting with morality and drawing the line when it comes to taking orders and like...uh I'm not explaining it well, just read the book :) Gah I lowkey WISH I could explain it because I was internally screaming about it.
What else what else (everything else. everything. there is so much i adore in this book) uhhh chapter 28 almost made me c r y and it wasn't because of a book-fueled emotional high, nah it was because it addressed one of my biggest personal life themes/struggles so perfectly I just. Yeah moving on okay uhhhhh
OH at the end there's a list of songs that fit the book (LOVE THAT), and love letters to the main characters. I have never seen the latter before and I think it's a brilliant idea, it was so special to see the author's heart behind each character.
Also also the romance is a light slow burn (my favorite type!!), so well done (there i go saying it again) and they're such a cute couple awwwwww. Also their banter is great. All the characters' banter is great.
Plus guys the whole book is super completely clean! There is some violence but like what did you expect. The MC is a soldier. Also most books have violence. I might stop noting when books have violence except when it's extreme. (It was not extreme here, btw).
The PLOT I never addressed the plot! The plot is exciting and adventurey and THEY'RE IN SPACE :D Which brings to mind the fact that the worldbuilding is *chef's kiss*. Also this is a Cinderella retelling, but I found the connection to Cinderella to be pretty loose (not a bad thing, just a comment).
Um yeah. I love this book so so so much. Please read it. That is all.
August 28, 2021
Overall, this is probably about a four star book for me. There's some angst (or a lot of angst), a quiet romance, a found family, humor, and a lot of 'doing the right thing no matter what'. The connection to being a Cinderella story doesn't become apparent until halfway through the book, but when it does, it's a fun twist on the way it's usually presented, and fits perfectly with the rest of the story.
The writing style, to my personal taste, sits at that 'good but not great' level, that normally keeps a book at about four stars. What really bumps the rating up for me, is the way certain themes and topics are handled. I particularly love the portrayal of a strong patriotism that doesn't settle for blind obedience and doesn't support wrong choices from the country's leaders. Others may especially appreciate the way mental health is presented in the story.
This is one of those stories where my 'age recommendation' based on content is really more of an 'emotional readiness' recommendation. While you don't get details, you do get some brief descriptions of really horrific parts of war, along with the mental and emotional fallout from dealing with those horrors. There are also passing references to domestic abuse, and lesser family tensions.
The writing style, to my personal taste, sits at that 'good but not great' level, that normally keeps a book at about four stars. What really bumps the rating up for me, is the way certain themes and topics are handled. I particularly love the portrayal of a strong patriotism that doesn't settle for blind obedience and doesn't support wrong choices from the country's leaders. Others may especially appreciate the way mental health is presented in the story.
This is one of those stories where my 'age recommendation' based on content is really more of an 'emotional readiness' recommendation. While you don't get details, you do get some brief descriptions of really horrific parts of war, along with the mental and emotional fallout from dealing with those horrors. There are also passing references to domestic abuse, and lesser family tensions.
January 19, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! For a multitude of reasons. First: I love the fact that El has anxiety. I cannot think of a single fantasy book where the main character has anxiety, and so I loved that Rook Di Goo included it. I really felt for El when she has panic attacks, because I've been there, and it's not fun. I also liked how El was offered medication for her anxiety and while she balked at first, she ultimately realized that it would be helpful for her, and how she sees a therapist as well. And El's anxiety wasn't the main plot of the book, or even a character flaw: it was something that she was beginning to heal from and manage, while also trying to save her people.
I loved the plot of the book, and the message that you can realize that something (like your country) can be deeply flawed and still love it and work to improve it anyway.
And all of the characters seemed so real, and I would gladly read a novel (or a series, who am I kidding?) just about some of the side characters! The entire crew of the Aderyn was so lovable and so human, and while I do wish that Ginger and Trapp had gotten more page time and more time to develop as people, I still love them!
Basically, this book was absolutely amazing and I highly recommend it! If you enjoy fairytale retellings, scifi, and great worldbuilding and great characters, then this book is for you!
I loved the plot of the book, and the message that you can realize that something (like your country) can be deeply flawed and still love it and work to improve it anyway.
And all of the characters seemed so real, and I would gladly read a novel (or a series, who am I kidding?) just about some of the side characters! The entire crew of the Aderyn was so lovable and so human, and while I do wish that Ginger and Trapp had gotten more page time and more time to develop as people, I still love them!
Basically, this book was absolutely amazing and I highly recommend it! If you enjoy fairytale retellings, scifi, and great worldbuilding and great characters, then this book is for you!
Read
November 24, 2020I liked this book! I thought the characters were cute, and I could tell the author really put hard work into this book. But it really wasn’t the book for me personally. I’ve never loved a retelling, retellings are just not for me.
If you like retellings definitely pick this up!
If you like retellings definitely pick this up!
June 5, 2022
I really loved this Cinderella/Firefly mash-up. It's really clever and the characters are just wonderful. I also enjoyed the playlist the author includes at the end of the book. Definitely one I'll read again.
Read
October 19, 2025Very fun
December 1, 2021
4.5 stars
I literally just finished this book after reading all but 4 chapters in one day, so this review might be a little all over the place, but holy crap, this was so good!
I'll be honest, I didn't really know what to expect going into it, but I was surprised.
First of all, it was a sci-fi, but it wasn't really about that. I guess you could call it soft sci-fi? I really liked that about it. You could tell a lot of worldbuilding went into it, but it was never in your face. It all felt natural.
And then it was full of suspense and heists and banter and action and I couldn't put it down. It's just one of those stories that flows so easily from one scene to the next.
But by far the best part of this book was the characters, each of them so unique and relatable and crucial to the story. I honestly can't choose between them for a favourite because I love so many things about all of them.
I also loved how anxiety and mental health in general was portrayed in this book as someone who suffers herself. It made me feel seen and not pitied, but understood which is so hard to come by. I love that El didn't hate herself for being that way because that storyline is so exhausting. So well done Jenni and Thank You.
I am excited to see where these characters go next and eager to pick up the other books set in the Everaft galaxy : )
I literally just finished this book after reading all but 4 chapters in one day, so this review might be a little all over the place, but holy crap, this was so good!
I'll be honest, I didn't really know what to expect going into it, but I was surprised.
First of all, it was a sci-fi, but it wasn't really about that. I guess you could call it soft sci-fi? I really liked that about it. You could tell a lot of worldbuilding went into it, but it was never in your face. It all felt natural.
And then it was full of suspense and heists and banter and action and I couldn't put it down. It's just one of those stories that flows so easily from one scene to the next.
But by far the best part of this book was the characters, each of them so unique and relatable and crucial to the story. I honestly can't choose between them for a favourite because I love so many things about all of them.
I also loved how anxiety and mental health in general was portrayed in this book as someone who suffers herself. It made me feel seen and not pitied, but understood which is so hard to come by. I love that El didn't hate herself for being that way because that storyline is so exhausting. So well done Jenni and Thank You.
I am excited to see where these characters go next and eager to pick up the other books set in the Everaft galaxy : )
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