A few words to describe this book: strange, weird, captivating, and familial.
I really REALLY enjoyed this book.
My biggest issue was the fact that the first 115 pages were really boring to me, but I urge you to try to trudge through that because once you come out into space- it’s a whole ‘nother ball park!
This story follows this relationship between the alien species known as the Leviathan and the humans of Earth in a program called the Honors program. Zara is a criminal who is chosen to participate, and she is actually the first of someone from the lower sectors to be included. It follows her journey through the program, and I’m going to leave it at that because I wouldn’t recommend knowing a lot going into this story.
I supremely loved the relationship between Zara, her partner, and their Leviathan Nadim. It’s honestly one of the most unique relationships I’ve ever read about, and it was complex and incredible.
Original and unique are the two words to describe this book the best in my opinion. I can’t go too much into detail as to why that is because I feel it includes spoilers, but trust me, this story was out of this world! Pun intended.
Another aspect that ran under the radar at first was the diversity. It’s similar to Warcross since all humans from different cultures are chosen to participate, and they come together as a whole despite their differences. I really loved it! Zara is also a person of color as is her partner, and there even was this conversation about pronouns, which took me a moment to process because A DISCUSSION OF PRONOUNS IN A SCI-FI BOOK?! I screamed because I’m so happy sci-fi and fantasy books are adding in this diversity.
Last thing- the descriptions of the program are a little confusing at times, but I honestly think that’s purposeful because Zara is just as confused as the reader.
Also the inclusion of abuse and bullying really enchanted the story and made it more powerful. It sent a message that did not apply to just humans but spanned even the most different of creatures (aliens and humans haha). It stunned me and left me in a state of reflection because it was so thought provoking.
SIDE NOTE: Nadim must be protected at all costs, and I will fight anyone who dares try to lay a hand upon his innocent and sweet self!