NAVIGATING THE STARS (Sentinels of the Galaxy #1)
Release Date: December 1, 2018 (US)
Formats: Paperback, eBook; Self-published
Navigating the Stars is the first book in a new science fiction series.
Terra Cotta Warriors have been discovered on other planets in the Milky Way Galaxy. And Lyra Daniels' parents are the archaeological Experts (yes with a capital E) on the Warriors and have dragged her to the various planets to study them despite the time dilation causing havoc with her social life.
When one of the many Warrior planets goes silent, and looters attack her research base, Lyra becomes involved in discovering why the Warriors were placed on these planets. And, more importantly, by who.
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Where to start?
I should probably tell you I've been a huge fan of the author since I've read and LOVED The Healer trilogy. So when the news came out about her new sci-fi series? Saying I was ecstatic is an understatement.
Navigating the Stars is a perfect blend of action, mystery, romance and humor. I admit the beginning was a tad confusing for me. Terracotta Warriors say what now? I had no idea what the heck they were talking about. I mean clay people?! And reading further just proved how much I don't understand. Lol. Kidding. Sort of. No but in all honesty, I really appreciate how the book isn't too heavy on the science. If that makes sense? I mean there was the... science stuff but there were so many more elements that made up the story and I just love how balanced everything was. The history behind the Warriors is one I hope would be explored more in the coming books. And what is up with those shadow thingies?
If I'm not making sense right now it'll probably be true for the rest of this review. I'm horrible at reviewing books I love. But I should tell you just how much I adore Lyra. I love her sass, her sense of loyalty and mindful recklessness. She reminds me of Cat (This Mortal Coil). They have the same tenacity and the natural penchant to get in trouble because of their drive to help and do good. They're also both badass hackers. (Assuming I'm right that worming is not unlike hacking. Otherwise, I'm a really terrible reader.)
I think one of the things readers would very much appreciate is Lyra's relationship with her parents. It was far from perfect. They fight, they argue, they grate on each other's nerves. But always ready to put the other's welfare first. Not so different from real life.
This may sound weird and morbid? But this was the very first note I made for my review and I can't not say it. I really like the idea of the "funerals". It's sad but in a there-are-people-who-would-miss-me-when-I'm-gone way. Knowing you've been appreciated and there are people who genuinely cares for you is a great feeling to have.
Romance lovers like me rejoice! The chemistry between Lyra and Niall felt authentic and believable. The banter was swoony. There were a few super cheesy, cringeworthy lines but not enough to stop my OTP-ing of Lyra and Niall. I also may have pretended those lines didn't exist. To each her own I guess.
Overall, I love the writing. Love the humor. Love the romance. Love the science. Love the twists. Love the worldbuilding.
Looking forward to book 2! It feels like we barely even scratched the surface of what's really going on. The shadow blobs, the Warriors, the looters, DES, everything. It's one huge mystery and I'd love to find out what it is. Can't wait to see where the author takes us next! Must-read!
Maria V. Snyder changed from being a meteorologist to a novelist in 1995, when she began writing to keep her sanity while raising two children. Since then, she has published numerous freelance articles in magazines and newspapers, and teaches fiction-writing classes at the local college and area libraries. The classes give her the wonderful opportunity to encourage fellow writers, and to keep improving her craft.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maria always had a fascination with big storms. Dreaming of chasing tornados, Maria earned a bachelors of science degree in meteorology at Penn State University. But she discovered, much to her chagrin, that forecasting the weather wasn't one of her skills. In order to chase tornados you had to predict where they might form. Creating fantasy worlds where she has complete control of the weather was more agreeable to her.
Maria's research on food-tasting methods with an expert chocolate taster, her husband, turned out to be a delicious bonus while writing Poison Study.
Maria has a brown belt in Isshinryu Karate, and enjoys playing volleyball and the cello. Traveling in general and via cruise ship in particular are her biggest distractions from writing. Maria has traveled to Belize, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal.
Maria lives with her husband, son, daughter and yellow lab, Hazelnut, in Pennsylvania where she is at work on more LUNA novels. She is also pursuing a master's degree in writing popular fiction from Seton Hill University.
Readers are welcome to contact Maria at the following email address: maria@mariavsnyder.com.
3 Winners will receive finished copies of NAVIGATING THE STARS, US Only.
2 Winners will receive finished copies of NAVIGATING THE STARS International.
FOLLOW THE TOUR:
Week One:
12/3/2018- Moonlight Rendezvous- Review
12/4/2018- My Bookish Escapades- Review
12/5/2018- Debbie's World of Books- Review
12/6/2018- a GREAT read- Review
12/7/2018- Two Chicks on Books- Review
Week Two:
12/10/2018- Lisa Loves Literature- Review
12/11/2018- Wishful Endings- Review
12/12/2018- Good Choice Reading- Interview
12/13/2018- Dani Reviews Things- Review
12/14/2018- Feed Your Fiction Addiction- Review
Blog tour organized by:
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Thanks so much for the wonderful review! I'm really curious which lines you felt were "cringe-worthy." Since I'm always seeking to improve my writing, I'm serious - if you could email them to me, that would be great (maria AT mariavsnyder DOT com). Also thanks for being a part of my blog tour!!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for writing such an amazing book and for being a great author <3
DeleteGreat review! Love the honesty :) Great job :)
ReplyDeleteThank you =)
DeleteNavigating the stars sounds really awesome!
ReplyDeleteIt is! =)
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