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Born Andromeda
Born Andromeda, the action-packed YA debut from K.M. Watts, is perfect for fans of Aurora Rising, Daughter of the Pirate King, and Crown Chasers.
Being eighteen is difficult, especially when you’re a cyborg and heir to the entire kingdom of the Moon. Disillusioned with royal life, Princess Andromeda dreams of nothing but freedom and adventure outside the protective dome of royalty. But when her parents arrange her marriage to an Earthen prince, she is forced to put her kingdom before her dreams of independence. While traveling to Earth, Andromeda’s ship is attacked by galactic pirates led by her father's sworn enemy, the Lord Captain Bran. Taken prisoner, Andromeda realizes that her captors are unaware of her true identity and sees an opportunity: To best her enemies, she may have to join them.
Being eighteen is difficult, especially when you’re a cyborg and heir to the entire kingdom of the Moon. Disillusioned with royal life, Princess Andromeda dreams of nothing but freedom and adventure outside the protective dome of royalty. But when her parents arrange her marriage to an Earthen prince, she is forced to put her kingdom before her dreams of independence. While traveling to Earth, Andromeda’s ship is attacked by galactic pirates led by her father's sworn enemy, the Lord Captain Bran. Taken prisoner, Andromeda realizes that her captors are unaware of her true identity and sees an opportunity: To best her enemies, she may have to join them.
302 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 12, 2023
Born Andromeda follows the life of the cyborg crown princess of the Moon, Andromeda, as she deals with the increasing duties of the royal life. She feels overwhelmed, tired, and genuinely wants to be free of every obligation and restriction of her royal status. As she travels to Earth (a part of her engagement to an Earthen prince) her ship is attacked by galactic pirates, and she is taken to her father's enemy's ship - to Lord Captain Bran. As none of the pirates recognize her, Andromeda sees joining them as her chance for a way out, an opportunity for this to benefit her.
When I saw this book the premise reminded me quite a bit of Marissa Meyer's Cinder but queer, which in my mind sounded like a great mix of things I enjoy. Reading this, there were quite a few Cinder parallels, but it is a book of its own, at many places the story and the characters went places I wouldn't predict (maybe I was a bit too stuck in comparisons, so that is on me).
This was an interesting reading experience for me, I both enjoyed this book and I thought it fell a bit short on several points. It read fairly fast, and the pacing was good, it's just some of the plot points I wasn't so keen on. The story itself was a bit cliche, a princess disillusioned with royal life, gets with pirates, everyone is in love with her, and so on. What I did like in this story were the little things I did not expect - some of the characters' more ruthless and morally grey storylines and choices, the hint of polyamory. I went into this story hoping to love it for the Cinder similarities, but I actually ended up enjoying everything that steered away from that storyline. The sci-fi elements were also pretty low-key and unassuming, so I would say this is a great start for someone who is new to the genre!
As I said, the plot was, largely, predictable but I do not consider it a flaw of the book, just perhaps worth noting. The romance(s) were a little cliche themselves, I thought everyone immediately being in love with Andromeda was a bit on the nose and it happened too fast. However, I did still enjoy her interactions with both Mars and Allen, the two love interests. I only wish, and this goes for all of the characters (unrelated to romance), that there was more to the characters themselves. They had very surface-level personalities, we don't get to know any of them on (even a slightly) deeper level. Even the stuff that was supposed to feel more significant to their personalities, doesn't effectively achieve what it's trying to. This was my biggest issue throughout the novel, I was expecting the plot to be slightly predictable based on the synopsis, but I expected more of the characters themselves.
Overall, it was an enjoyable reading experience and the book had quite a bit of potential. Not all of it was delivered in full, but for a debut novel, it is a solid read and I am looking forward to more of K.M. Watts's writing! I would recommend Born Andromeda if you are looking for a fun, fast-paced read following galactic pirates and a princess whose path crosses theirs :)
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
When I saw this book the premise reminded me quite a bit of Marissa Meyer's Cinder but queer, which in my mind sounded like a great mix of things I enjoy. Reading this, there were quite a few Cinder parallels, but it is a book of its own, at many places the story and the characters went places I wouldn't predict (maybe I was a bit too stuck in comparisons, so that is on me).
This was an interesting reading experience for me, I both enjoyed this book and I thought it fell a bit short on several points. It read fairly fast, and the pacing was good, it's just some of the plot points I wasn't so keen on. The story itself was a bit cliche, a princess disillusioned with royal life, gets with pirates, everyone is in love with her, and so on. What I did like in this story were the little things I did not expect - some of the characters' more ruthless and morally grey storylines and choices, the hint of polyamory. I went into this story hoping to love it for the Cinder similarities, but I actually ended up enjoying everything that steered away from that storyline. The sci-fi elements were also pretty low-key and unassuming, so I would say this is a great start for someone who is new to the genre!
As I said, the plot was, largely, predictable but I do not consider it a flaw of the book, just perhaps worth noting. The romance(s) were a little cliche themselves, I thought everyone immediately being in love with Andromeda was a bit on the nose and it happened too fast. However, I did still enjoy her interactions with both Mars and Allen, the two love interests. I only wish, and this goes for all of the characters (unrelated to romance), that there was more to the characters themselves. They had very surface-level personalities, we don't get to know any of them on (even a slightly) deeper level. Even the stuff that was supposed to feel more significant to their personalities, doesn't effectively achieve what it's trying to. This was my biggest issue throughout the novel, I was expecting the plot to be slightly predictable based on the synopsis, but I expected more of the characters themselves.
Overall, it was an enjoyable reading experience and the book had quite a bit of potential. Not all of it was delivered in full, but for a debut novel, it is a solid read and I am looking forward to more of K.M. Watts's writing! I would recommend Born Andromeda if you are looking for a fun, fast-paced read following galactic pirates and a princess whose path crosses theirs :)
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
November 15, 2022
I received an ARC from Edelweiss
TW: mentioned near fatal vehicle crash (airship), self inflicted cuts (prosthetic), knife violence, gun violence, implied threat of rape, violent murder, panic attacks, mentioned molestation of sibling, threat of drugging, threat of nonconsensual surgery, mentioned infidelity
3.5
This book was an odd experience for me, because I did enjoy the experience of reading it but I didn't particularly enjoy the book itself. I think that's mostly because I didn't connect to the characters or root for anyone, and in a lot of ways this story felt more like one that could have come out 10 years ago. I do think fans of Cinder and princessxpirate pairings will have fun here, because regardless of my actual interest it's well written. It was a quick read with fairly good pacing, and I was also happy to see it was a little darker leaning than expected.
The gray morality was the biggest plus for me. The fact that Andromeda was up for potential murder made her a character I was more interested to get to know, and the piracy felt like bigger stakes than if they were solely there for the aesthetic.
However, a lot of this did feel cliche, including the romance. Everyone is in love with Andy- which could have also been a bit of a plus, because there was a little possible hint of polyamory- but it also didn't really make sense. Because the other big issue I have is that the characters have such little actual personality. And Andy is the biggest proponent of that, since her only personality is "kidnapped princess" and "trying to get okay with murder".
This book has good moments and it was a quick and painless read. I'm sure some will love it, and I think Watts' next book will only be a step up.
TW: mentioned near fatal vehicle crash (airship), self inflicted cuts (prosthetic), knife violence, gun violence, implied threat of rape, violent murder, panic attacks, mentioned molestation of sibling, threat of drugging, threat of nonconsensual surgery, mentioned infidelity
3.5
This book was an odd experience for me, because I did enjoy the experience of reading it but I didn't particularly enjoy the book itself. I think that's mostly because I didn't connect to the characters or root for anyone, and in a lot of ways this story felt more like one that could have come out 10 years ago. I do think fans of Cinder and princessxpirate pairings will have fun here, because regardless of my actual interest it's well written. It was a quick read with fairly good pacing, and I was also happy to see it was a little darker leaning than expected.
The gray morality was the biggest plus for me. The fact that Andromeda was up for potential murder made her a character I was more interested to get to know, and the piracy felt like bigger stakes than if they were solely there for the aesthetic.
However, a lot of this did feel cliche, including the romance. Everyone is in love with Andy- which could have also been a bit of a plus, because there was a little possible hint of polyamory- but it also didn't really make sense. Because the other big issue I have is that the characters have such little actual personality. And Andy is the biggest proponent of that, since her only personality is "kidnapped princess" and "trying to get okay with murder".
This book has good moments and it was a quick and painless read. I'm sure some will love it, and I think Watts' next book will only be a step up.
July 29, 2022
I was able to get an arc of this book, and I absolutely loved it. It had everything I want in a YA sci-fi. The main character was super relatable and well written, with consistent goals that were believable. Andromeda starts out somewhat naïve, which is understandable for how she was raised, but grows throughout the book and has a fantastic character arc. I loved the premise of this book, as it was like a swashbuckling pirate fantasy, only set in space. The sci-fi elements definitely weren't too hard, very accessible for anyone to read. I also really loved the romance and the bisexual representation. The love interests were both dynamic and interesting, and I think they were written with a lot of chemistry. Also, this book has twists that I definitely didn't see coming! I read the whole thing in about a day. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun YA read!
March 22, 2023
“She’d never realized home didn’t have to be a place. Sometimes home was the people you loved.”
This was an incredible book, it was action packed and fun it had everything and more that you could wish for in a YA sci-fi.
The characters were amazing, relatable and well written. The storyline was interesting, with a jaw dropping twist that I didn’t see coming!
The polyamorous romance representation were brilliant it’s so rare to read in books and it was written beautifully!
I have no idea if this is just a standalone or the first in a series, but I really hope it’s going to be a series! I loved it so much I couldn’t put it down, I would definitely read so much more of these characters. It’s incredible that this is the author debut novel, it was so perfect!
I highly recommend reading this book!
🏴☠️ Space Pirates
🏳️🌈 Queer MC
🗡️ Adventure and Romance
🏴☠️ Reluctant Allies to Lovers
🌕 Moon Princess
🗡️ “Falling for the Enemy”
🌕 Debut Novel
Thank you so much @netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was an incredible book, it was action packed and fun it had everything and more that you could wish for in a YA sci-fi.
The characters were amazing, relatable and well written. The storyline was interesting, with a jaw dropping twist that I didn’t see coming!
The polyamorous romance representation were brilliant it’s so rare to read in books and it was written beautifully!
I have no idea if this is just a standalone or the first in a series, but I really hope it’s going to be a series! I loved it so much I couldn’t put it down, I would definitely read so much more of these characters. It’s incredible that this is the author debut novel, it was so perfect!
I highly recommend reading this book!
🏴☠️ Space Pirates
🏳️🌈 Queer MC
🗡️ Adventure and Romance
🏴☠️ Reluctant Allies to Lovers
🌕 Moon Princess
🗡️ “Falling for the Enemy”
🌕 Debut Novel
Thank you so much @netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 18, 2022
This book was so freaking fun! I was glad to get an early copy of this book, as I had seen several posts about it. I loved Andromeda from the very first page. As a neurodivergent person, to see some of my traits portrayed on a character like Andromeda was fantastic. A badass moon princess that also flaps her hands when excited, has very intense special interests, and occasionally has a meltdown when things become overwhelming. To see that done in such a casual way was incredible.
The story itself, while it doesn't reinvent the wheel, was fresh and engaging. I was entertained the entire way through. The two love interests, of which are clearly in the early stages of a polyamorous romance, played well off each other and Andromeda. It was really cool to see her go from uptight and stringent about the life she had to lead, to accepting that social norms aren't always for the best and it's okay to step outside them. Born Andromeda blends together a late stage coming of age story, forced to be so by a world that kept Andromeda from discovering who she really was, with an action packed sci-fi adventure.
I'm also a little confused by some of the other reviews I've read. One of them states rape as a TW, but at no point does any sort of sexual assault happen in this story. Andromeda is attacked a few different times, but I thought it was abundantly clear that the threat was death, not SA. I'm not sure if the other reviewer just assumed that if a woman is being attacked that is going to happen to her, but at no point does that actually happen.
Also, I think some other reviewers didn't understand that this book features a polyamorous romance, as I've read some call it a love triangle. It's obvious in the story that both Mars and Allen know that she is interested in both, and neither of them mind. I can see where some readers wouldn't get this, as actual polyam romances are so rare, especially in YA. At no point does this story use the dual relationships to build any drama. Both Mars and Allen love Andy, and that's ok by them.
Overall, I really loved this story. A neurodivergent queer disabled moon princess, who gets swept away by pirates and falls in love on her own terms to two people who become her chosen family. I feel like I couldn't ask for anything more, really. 10/10 would highly recommend!
The story itself, while it doesn't reinvent the wheel, was fresh and engaging. I was entertained the entire way through. The two love interests, of which are clearly in the early stages of a polyamorous romance, played well off each other and Andromeda. It was really cool to see her go from uptight and stringent about the life she had to lead, to accepting that social norms aren't always for the best and it's okay to step outside them. Born Andromeda blends together a late stage coming of age story, forced to be so by a world that kept Andromeda from discovering who she really was, with an action packed sci-fi adventure.
I'm also a little confused by some of the other reviews I've read. One of them states rape as a TW, but at no point does any sort of sexual assault happen in this story. Andromeda is attacked a few different times, but I thought it was abundantly clear that the threat was death, not SA. I'm not sure if the other reviewer just assumed that if a woman is being attacked that is going to happen to her, but at no point does that actually happen.
Also, I think some other reviewers didn't understand that this book features a polyamorous romance, as I've read some call it a love triangle. It's obvious in the story that both Mars and Allen know that she is interested in both, and neither of them mind. I can see where some readers wouldn't get this, as actual polyam romances are so rare, especially in YA. At no point does this story use the dual relationships to build any drama. Both Mars and Allen love Andy, and that's ok by them.
Overall, I really loved this story. A neurodivergent queer disabled moon princess, who gets swept away by pirates and falls in love on her own terms to two people who become her chosen family. I feel like I couldn't ask for anything more, really. 10/10 would highly recommend!
March 22, 2025
I loved the concept of this book, and the pages seemed to fly by, but some part about the writing bothered me.
The writing style felt very cliche a lot of the times. Princess who wants freedom? check. The parents who don't listen? check. The empty talk of wanting 'true love'? check. The painfully obvious flirting with two different yet interchangable guys? check. There were phrases and word combinations I've heard old school disney princesses tell their parents and banter that felt predictable.
I did like the way Andromeda learns from her new experiences. As much as she complained about the princess life, she had lots to learn about the real world and she learned plenty throughout the book.
A cardboard cutout of a princess adventure, but very entertaining nonetheless.
I read an ARC of this book, so some things may change in the published version.
The writing style felt very cliche a lot of the times. Princess who wants freedom? check. The parents who don't listen? check. The empty talk of wanting 'true love'? check. The painfully obvious flirting with two different yet interchangable guys? check. There were phrases and word combinations I've heard old school disney princesses tell their parents and banter that felt predictable.
I did like the way Andromeda learns from her new experiences. As much as she complained about the princess life, she had lots to learn about the real world and she learned plenty throughout the book.
A cardboard cutout of a princess adventure, but very entertaining nonetheless.
I read an ARC of this book, so some things may change in the published version.
April 1, 2025
Honestly, I am NOT a sci-fi reader typically but I met the author at a meet and greet in Barnes and Noble. I wanted to read it to support her, since she was super nice and local to my area. I’m still not a huge fan of the genre, but I can recognize and respect that this is a good book for those that are. Especially as a first book, she did a great job! Definitely one to watch for the sci-fi / romance girlies.
April 18, 2023
Dear reader, I do apologize for such an incoherent review, when a book is this terrible it makes me so frustrated to have wasted my time, and leads to a rambling mess of writing.
This is probably one of the worst books I've ever read.
Also it is 10% SciFi, 60% Everyone falling in love with Andromeda because she is so special and 30% Andromeda being incredibly spoiled, bratty, and privileged.
Princess Andromeda is the definition of "not like other girls". She hates her privileged spoiled upbringing, it is truly one of the great burdens of life she bears that she is so rich and lives in a palace. Her only outlet is working on machines, a hobby that will end when she becomes queen and gets married.
She of course is so incredibly beautiful, every character she meets instantly falls in love with her. (Don't even get me started on all the LGBT tags this book has- very misleading) Andromeda also has special golden eyes, unique to no one else. I half expected the author to refer to them as orbs. (You guys it's so hard to type this and keep a straight face)
This is perhaps the most transparent plot I have ever read, compiled with all of the most popular cliches and zero character development. I never truly felt like any of the cast were in any danger, and I didn't really understand Andy's motivations in the first place. She has younger sisters and so I didn't really get why she felt so responsible for her kingdom. She never expresses much care or want to help people, just shock that poor people exist.
ALSO THERE ARE NO CONTENT WARNINGS.
She runs away from her arranged marriage, gets kidnapped by pirates, is protected by the pirate leader(very obvious he is her real Dad guys, not a spoiler), yadayada everyone falls in love with her. She also repeatedly does stupid things that puts everyone around her in danger and never learns. There was zero chemistry between her and anyone else. When Allen told her he loved her, I was like...but why? You guys barely know each other and all she has done is act like a brat. The author has a zillion LGBT/Lesbian tags on this book and I guess that is supposed to come from the maybe one page total interactions that Andromeda has with Mars, a supposed lady love interest. But again, zero chemistry. Barely interaction. The main lead is Allen, so I hate that there are so many tags trying to say this book was something it isn't.
I just couldn't find anything to love about Andromeda. I kept hoping she would have growth, and be less annoying but it didn't happen.
The only reason I won't rate this book 1 star, is because I do think that the concept was a cool idea, just so incredibly basic and boring with zero execution. Truly the book blurb and cover tricked me. (Also one stars are saved for books I couldn't finish)
SAVE YOURSELF. DO NOT READ THIS BOOK.
This is probably one of the worst books I've ever read.
Also it is 10% SciFi, 60% Everyone falling in love with Andromeda because she is so special and 30% Andromeda being incredibly spoiled, bratty, and privileged.
Princess Andromeda is the definition of "not like other girls". She hates her privileged spoiled upbringing, it is truly one of the great burdens of life she bears that she is so rich and lives in a palace. Her only outlet is working on machines, a hobby that will end when she becomes queen and gets married.
She of course is so incredibly beautiful, every character she meets instantly falls in love with her. (Don't even get me started on all the LGBT tags this book has- very misleading) Andromeda also has special golden eyes, unique to no one else. I half expected the author to refer to them as orbs. (You guys it's so hard to type this and keep a straight face)
This is perhaps the most transparent plot I have ever read, compiled with all of the most popular cliches and zero character development. I never truly felt like any of the cast were in any danger, and I didn't really understand Andy's motivations in the first place. She has younger sisters and so I didn't really get why she felt so responsible for her kingdom. She never expresses much care or want to help people, just shock that poor people exist.
ALSO THERE ARE NO CONTENT WARNINGS.
She runs away from her arranged marriage, gets kidnapped by pirates, is protected by the pirate leader(very obvious he is her real Dad guys, not a spoiler), yadayada everyone falls in love with her. She also repeatedly does stupid things that puts everyone around her in danger and never learns. There was zero chemistry between her and anyone else. When Allen told her he loved her, I was like...but why? You guys barely know each other and all she has done is act like a brat. The author has a zillion LGBT/Lesbian tags on this book and I guess that is supposed to come from the maybe one page total interactions that Andromeda has with Mars, a supposed lady love interest. But again, zero chemistry. Barely interaction. The main lead is Allen, so I hate that there are so many tags trying to say this book was something it isn't.
I just couldn't find anything to love about Andromeda. I kept hoping she would have growth, and be less annoying but it didn't happen.
The only reason I won't rate this book 1 star, is because I do think that the concept was a cool idea, just so incredibly basic and boring with zero execution. Truly the book blurb and cover tricked me. (Also one stars are saved for books I couldn't finish)
SAVE YOURSELF. DO NOT READ THIS BOOK.
October 17, 2022
The Basics:
2 stars
Genre: Romance that thinks it’s Sci Fi
1st Person, One Narrator
Racial diversity hinted at, but race is not a determining factor in this world
Most characters bisexual
TW: rape (off page), attempted rape, assault, gore, graphic murder, piracy
TLDR: Pick it up if you’re looking for a Kindle Unlimited clean romance to waste two hours.
Well, I’ve read this formula a million times, and I’ve read it better, but I was entertained so 2 stars.
• Princess wants to be free from her gilded cage and arranged marriage.
• Princess en route to loveless marriage is captured by pirates, who are really not that bad. (Except for the scene where they revenge beat people to death. That was pretty bad. But hey, the love interest was avenging the princess, so she understands.)
• Princess has a hidden past, a hidden talent, AND a hidden superpower, all of which will be hinted at, but none fully explained.
• A relationship that tries to be a love triangle. (Check)
• Mind-meld so the author can give pertinent backstory. (Check)
• Villain is not that bad and good prince is not that good. (Check)
• Characters are interrupted (for reasons) whenever a meaningful conversation starts. (Check)
• Ends on a cliffhanger. (Check)
• Sci Fi. Why? Because it’s in space. (Obviously)
I received an ARC from Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars
Genre: Romance that thinks it’s Sci Fi
1st Person, One Narrator
Racial diversity hinted at, but race is not a determining factor in this world
Most characters bisexual
TW: rape (off page), attempted rape, assault, gore, graphic murder, piracy
TLDR: Pick it up if you’re looking for a Kindle Unlimited clean romance to waste two hours.
Well, I’ve read this formula a million times, and I’ve read it better, but I was entertained so 2 stars.
• Princess wants to be free from her gilded cage and arranged marriage.
• Princess en route to loveless marriage is captured by pirates, who are really not that bad. (Except for the scene where they revenge beat people to death. That was pretty bad. But hey, the love interest was avenging the princess, so she understands.)
• Princess has a hidden past, a hidden talent, AND a hidden superpower, all of which will be hinted at, but none fully explained.
• A relationship that tries to be a love triangle. (Check)
• Mind-meld so the author can give pertinent backstory. (Check)
• Villain is not that bad and good prince is not that good. (Check)
• Characters are interrupted (for reasons) whenever a meaningful conversation starts. (Check)
• Ends on a cliffhanger. (Check)
• Sci Fi. Why? Because it’s in space. (Obviously)
I received an ARC from Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2023
this felt painfully YA and screamed itself hoarse that it's a debut.
cliché plot with cliché characters. didn't really have much substance to any of them. the plot twists i saw coming from a mile away, as this book followed an all too familiar story line that we've seen quite a few times in YA. i understand the whole "i'm stuck in a gilded cage of royalty and i don't like not having a choice in what i do with my life" spiel but it did not need to be repeated nearly every chapter. it lost its impact very quickly and, as a result, the book lost any high stakes it could have given us. even though Andromeda kept saying she wanted to go home, she never actively tried to do that, even if it always ended in her getting caught.
i didn't root much for the romance(s) as they didn't feel very fleshed out to me. while i appreciate the hint at there being a poly romance in a possible sequel, one partnership in that polycule was not fleshed out, at all. at the very least, their relationship felt like nothing more than playful flirting. hopefully more time will be spent fleshing out their relationship should there be a sequel.
overall, this was a fast read that, despite my words, i enjoyed simply because it was a predictable plotline and not much truly happened. a solid, fun YA romp that i will probably continue on with because why not
cliché plot with cliché characters. didn't really have much substance to any of them. the plot twists i saw coming from a mile away, as this book followed an all too familiar story line that we've seen quite a few times in YA. i understand the whole "i'm stuck in a gilded cage of royalty and i don't like not having a choice in what i do with my life" spiel but it did not need to be repeated nearly every chapter. it lost its impact very quickly and, as a result, the book lost any high stakes it could have given us. even though Andromeda kept saying she wanted to go home, she never actively tried to do that, even if it always ended in her getting caught.
i didn't root much for the romance(s) as they didn't feel very fleshed out to me. while i appreciate the hint at there being a poly romance in a possible sequel, one partnership in that polycule was not fleshed out, at all. at the very least, their relationship felt like nothing more than playful flirting. hopefully more time will be spent fleshing out their relationship should there be a sequel.
overall, this was a fast read that, despite my words, i enjoyed simply because it was a predictable plotline and not much truly happened. a solid, fun YA romp that i will probably continue on with because why not
September 26, 2022
A coming-of-age sci-fi adventure without a whole lot of substance. Princess Andromeda is captured by space pirates and must find a way to escape, pretty standard high-concept plot that has a lot of potential, however, the story is without any forward momentum. While the prose itself was fine, the story never truly felt weighted or have any importance. There was no ticking clock, no sense that there was a pressing danger that could help move the story in any direction.
It seems as if the story wanted its cake and to eat it too. Andromeda never truly committed to the life of piracy, nor any attempts to escape back to her home, so she was floating in stasis of inaction. I was waiting for Andromeda to start using her knowledge about machines to start building an escape pod or a radio or something while leading a secret life aboard the ship, but it's as if the events that come later in the book require her to stay on board.
I appreciated the LGBTQ rep, especially the bi/poly rep, but the relationship with Allen felt far more fleshed out and established than the one with Mars. Terribly disappointing.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions my own.
It seems as if the story wanted its cake and to eat it too. Andromeda never truly committed to the life of piracy, nor any attempts to escape back to her home, so she was floating in stasis of inaction. I was waiting for Andromeda to start using her knowledge about machines to start building an escape pod or a radio or something while leading a secret life aboard the ship, but it's as if the events that come later in the book require her to stay on board.
I appreciated the LGBTQ rep, especially the bi/poly rep, but the relationship with Allen felt far more fleshed out and established than the one with Mars. Terribly disappointing.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions my own.
December 31, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
This book gave me Cinder energy for most of this read. But with enough differences for me to still enjoy it a lot.
Andromeda is our main character and I like the fact that she is witty and wants to play outside the box she’s been groomed for as a princess of Celestine. It’s too often these days that main characters are boring and don’t have any spice.
The other characters in this book are also very likeable. Which again, there is usually someone who’s annoying or disposable.
I have many questions regarding Andromeda and her relationships, but questions I cant ask without spoiling. So I will have to wait for the next book in order to have those answers fulfilled. Let’s say I cannot wait!
This book gave me Cinder energy for most of this read. But with enough differences for me to still enjoy it a lot.
Andromeda is our main character and I like the fact that she is witty and wants to play outside the box she’s been groomed for as a princess of Celestine. It’s too often these days that main characters are boring and don’t have any spice.
The other characters in this book are also very likeable. Which again, there is usually someone who’s annoying or disposable.
I have many questions regarding Andromeda and her relationships, but questions I cant ask without spoiling. So I will have to wait for the next book in order to have those answers fulfilled. Let’s say I cannot wait!
November 8, 2022
3.5*
Honestly pretty good for a debut!! i liked the plot and Andromeda as an mc but the pacing did feel slow toward the middle. it took me a while to get through sometimes because i wasn't dying to pick it back up (i am in a reading slump tho so it might be just because i wasnt in the mood for sff)! other than that it was a solid read, the setting, plot, and vibes were all nicely done so if you're looking for a YA adventurous story with 'Daughter of the Pirate King' vibes and a touch of science fiction this is a good pick :)
Honestly pretty good for a debut!! i liked the plot and Andromeda as an mc but the pacing did feel slow toward the middle. it took me a while to get through sometimes because i wasn't dying to pick it back up (i am in a reading slump tho so it might be just because i wasnt in the mood for sff)! other than that it was a solid read, the setting, plot, and vibes were all nicely done so if you're looking for a YA adventurous story with 'Daughter of the Pirate King' vibes and a touch of science fiction this is a good pick :)
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January 16, 2023A YA science fiction that takes tropes from fantasy (royals, arranged marriage, pirates, a rebellious princess) and infuses them into a sci fi setting. The story follows cyborg princess Andromeda, who goes by Andy, as she is kidnapped by pirates en route from the moon to Earth to marry her fiance and decides to take charge of her life rather than wait around for rescue. If you want pirates to be the good guys, this is probably a good read for you.
February 23, 2025
It took me about 90 pages to really get into it, but once I did I flew through the book. The main character is a little bratty in the beginning but she gets better at the end. I loved her relationship with Allen but with Mars it's a little confusing. Is there going to be a thrupple, because I don't like that.
November 9, 2022
Didn’t realize there would be a sequel to this. Probably won’t continue the series.
January 6, 2023
Meh. Mostly skimmed to the end to see if my guesses were right. They were.
July 10, 2023
i need a sequel give me a sequel pls
May 4, 2025
OK WHAT?!
I was not expecting her to be a cyborg!!! And this book had the best twists!! Like I love her because everyone loves her 😏😏
It’s hard to believe that this is K.M. Watts DEBUT NOVEL?! safe to say I cannot wait for the sequel to this because she has left me on a cliffhanger!!!!
I was not expecting her to be a cyborg!!! And this book had the best twists!! Like I love her because everyone loves her 😏😏
It’s hard to believe that this is K.M. Watts DEBUT NOVEL?! safe to say I cannot wait for the sequel to this because she has left me on a cliffhanger!!!!
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