Welcome to Litsy!

Pendt‘s abilities to change genetics make her a valuable resource. When she decides she‘s had enough of her family‘s hatred, she escapes to a space station where she meets a pair of twins who will change her life.

There is a lot I like here, sci-fi/fantasy fusion, Arthurian references, expansive world building, interesting characters. But also weird pacing issues, repetitive info dumps, & a rushed ending. Would like to read the sequel.🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑

Some interesting ideas in this YA SF book where magic & technology intermingle with dangerous consequences. Cruelty & deprivation abound in this story which also tackles some intense topics including bodily autonomy, genetics, gene manipulation, designer babies, resource management, sexism, gender, & more. Writing is a little rough, some scenes underdeveloped but I mostly enjoyed this book which people generally seem to love or hate.

This is the first book in what was a planned trilogy but sales weren‘t good so the series was cancelled. It‘s a bummer—I‘ve only just started the book but it‘s interesting world and I‘m enjoying the story.

E.K. Johnston expertly uses subplots to show both the absence and the fullness of love in its many forms through carefully crafted details experienced by the characters, with whom a reader can easily establish an emotional connection.

GOD I love this book. I love how lovingly it treats Pendt and Ned and Fisher. I love how bodily autonomy and kindness are the ultimate goal. I love the irreverence of Pendt's narration. I love it all! #reread #yascifi

A really engaging space fantasy following a girl on a generation family ship where your worth earns you just enough calories to grow and oxygen to live--and Pendt isn't worth much when its discovered her aether aptitude is for genes not stars and navigation. The writing and the characters really drew me into this, even before I fully understood what was going on with the magic and colonial empire history framing the sections.

4 stars / ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This YA sci fi was excellent. Johnston creates such an oppressive childhood for her MC Pendt that the first half can be almost too intense to read at times. Once Pendt gets to Brannick Station the story really takes off and the characters bloom. Loved it.

I don't quite know how to review this one... it was sort of a weird genetic space opera adventure? E.K. Johnston's books are always a little different. I really liked it though and hope she writes a sequel!

PENDT AND THE BRANNICKS NOW OWN MY ENTIRE HEART. EKJ is so good at writing books that focus on healing from trauma rather than wallowing in it. 💜💜💜 #yascifi #spaceopera