Once this novel gets going the action really doesn't stop! Noemi is a seventeen year old soldier from Genesis, a planet at war with Earth. Humans have destroyed much of Earth and have spent decades trying to colonise other planets that can support human life. Genesis was their best hope, but the colonists quickly realised that the Earth authorities hadn't learned from their mistakes and declared independence. Since then the two sides have warred, but where Genesis only have human fighters, Earth use 'mechs', sophisticated AI.
Abel is the most sophisticated mech ever created, but has been stranded in space after his creator was forced to abandon ship near Genesis thirty years prior. Noemi discovers his ship during a battle and, as the only human in proximity, becomes his commander. Abel has to let Noemi order him into actions that go against everything he had been taught.
The story works because of the characters. Noemi and Abel are completely believable, including Abel's realisation that he is able to feel real emotions (such as love - but thankfully while that is explored a little, it doesn't become just another space love story). There is constant peril, high stakes, and great world building as Gray navigates us around the different planets and moons of the future colonies of Earth. I very much enjoyed this.
Abel is the most sophisticated mech ever created, but has been stranded in space after his creator was forced to abandon ship near Genesis thirty years prior. Noemi discovers his ship during a battle and, as the only human in proximity, becomes his commander. Abel has to let Noemi order him into actions that go against everything he had been taught.
The story works because of the characters. Noemi and Abel are completely believable, including Abel's realisation that he is able to feel real emotions (such as love - but thankfully while that is explored a little, it doesn't become just another space love story). There is constant peril, high stakes, and great world building as Gray navigates us around the different planets and moons of the future colonies of Earth. I very much enjoyed this.