I tried but finally had enough. DNF. The main character had a giant chip on her shoulder, was ridiculously defensive and offended with other military groups, externally emotional, and on the brink of handing over confidential secrets to her boyfriend. Not believable as someone who could hack it in that arena where that would be the daily environment/choices.

Thanks to Netgalley for advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

The writing was ok, albeit a bit wordy and on the slow side. The biggest detractor for me is I found I really did not like any of the characters or the setting. Everyone was superficial, self-absorbed and self-serving. Even Bea, who at least cared about her friends some of the time was obsessed with her friend’s boyfriend non-stop. Yes she honored the relationship but it didn’t stop the obsession and the laying in wait till the second it was going to implode. And I was annoyed that even after the odd and off interactions with the friend in question (trying to avoid spoilers) she ignored them and everyone just continued in the self-absorbed and superficial way of life cuz why wouldn’t you dive into whatever entertained you or made you feel good about yourself.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

I loved the little snippet behind the scenes sections of the people that Natasha and Daniel interacted with. All the impacts they didn’t know were being made to them or by them. I’m a real how-does-it-work behind-the-scenes person so that really appealed to me. I enjoyed the push and pull of science vs poetry, facts vs dreams.

Loved it. You could feel Tess’s panic when one decision turned her life upside down, her loneliness when she married Henry, and while I fit some pieces to Henry’s story together, for the most part I didn’t figure it out the ultimate secrets which I love the mystery of. Also enjoyed hearing about Hickory and the polio epidemic which I had not heard of before. Fantastic story and beautifully written.