I honestly thought I have posted a review here, but guess not? I think it's unfortunate that, although I count myself super lucky to be getting early access, format really does matter, and the very first ARC I downloaded for this specific book, was formatted inconveniently for me, and accidentally spoiled me when I didn't wanted to be spoiled. I don't remember if a later download fixed the issue, or at least, the final product did, but just putting it out there when it comes to technical aspects that could prevent enjoyment, and it really has nothing to do with the author, just whoever that designed the ARC.

A big no-no is the super convenient Gawd-like mineral, Nyxia. Just no. Aside from being unable to become substance to consume, it is TOO PERFECT. Seriously? A mask made of it that allows no language barriers? Language doesn't work like that! Ever heard of "lost in translation"? Since for the sake of yay-diversity the crew consist of people around the world, everyone wears this mask, and BAMM! Problem solved! No language issues! Moving on. No, just no. It screams plot-convenience; you wanted diversity, but you know it wouldn't make sense that they all happened to speak English fluently, so this extremely unbelievable device had to be created. Also, yeah, Nyxia also sealed the doors so that when they were in space, it didn't feel like they were in space? That they got normal gravity? WTF? Sure, you definitely make Nyxia wayyyyy too good to be true, so good job on that, and I can see why people would think to grab the opportunity to be part of this, but as a reader, personally, I just don't find it believable.

Those are the two major issues I have with how the book was first set up.

(review still incomplete)

Also published on:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2008769704

I got Nyxia for review years ago, and it just kept getting put off. My bad. When I saw it available on audiobook with the elibrary, I put it on hold. It finally came around, and I can mark it off my way overdue books.

Babel Communications has recruited a group of 10 kids in need of financial assistance to take to a new planet in order to mine a substance called nyxia. The trouble: only 8 spots are available, and two recruits will not be taken to Eden. The 10 recruits have to compete in a series of tests to see who will win the 8 spots. These tests are similar to all that we seem to enjoy in series like The Hunger Games, Divergent, Fourth Wing, Red Rising, etc.

Scott Reintgen writes the contestants in a way that you can't help but root for almost all of them. A few are less likeable than the rest, but even their motivations are usually clear and relatable. This gets you attached to characters that you have no idea whether they will be sticking around or not.

Nyxia had no lack of twists. The tests that Babel constantly threw at the kids kept them and the reader on their toes. The recruits don't know who they can trust, and even when they have moments of levity, eventually, they all had to face off against each other. Babel is keeping secrets. And things are never quite what they appear.

Sullivan Jones did a wonderful job narrating Emmett. I felt his attitude, anger, frustration, and fears through his narration.

Nyxia was much better than I expected. I hate that I put off reading it for so long. Emmett's story was gripping, and I wanted to keep listening when I had to stop. Nyxia gets 4 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Nyxia? What did you think? Let me know!

The premise was so intriguing, but the story didn't pull me in.

Sorry for the long delay in feedback. I'm working on clearing out my Netgalley backlog. I am DNF'ing all books that just don't work within the first 50-100 pages. Trying to find the joy in reading again by going through the hundreds of abandoned books here.

I can see the potential for this book and series, but the writing style just wasn't for me. The world-building was a little bit of a slow build, but other readers may really enjoy this one.

To be perfectly frank, I did not immediately fall in love with Nyxia. It wasn’t “Love at first page”, not even close to it. In fact, I started off rather sceptical and fully expecting to end up disappointed in this book, and that’s probably because I’m big on Sci Fi - and space travel / discovering or exploring new worlds type of Sci Fi in particular - and over the years I’ve grown quite critical of the books I’ve been picking up.

That being said, I am so very glad I picked this book up (many months ago, though I’m only writing this review on here now), because I enjoyed it immensely. Next to Space Odyssey, Chaos Walking Trilogy and Across the Universe, it’s my favorite Science Fiction set in space.

The story is remarkably unique, complex, multi-layered, full of breathtaking action and unexpected plot twists (don’t even get me started on that ending!) and I finished the book with the feeling of amazement and satisfaction. Nyxia is deftly plotted and filled with characters that feel real. Characters you get attached to and end up caring deeply about. And it doesn’t help that some of them have secrets, some of them die, some of them never really show their true faces and in the end, you’re left with a whole bunch of questions, slightly dazed and confused, and yet still wanting to know more about all of the contestants, still worrying about them and cheering them on.

The cast of characters is also diverse, which definitely makes the story feel more authentic.

I’m going to admit that, initially, I was convinces that the entire training program was one big fake. Some sort of twisted government test designed to.. what? Find the most fierce fighter and survivor for some other, unfathomable purpose.. maybe? I didn’t believe these teens were actually training to become Nyxia miners on some far-away planet. I was literally blown away by the cliffhanger ending. And I’m now dying to get my hands on the second book.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book to all Sci Fi readers out there. It’s exciting, it’s exhilarating, it’s intense and thought-provoking. It’s also really smart and emotionally gripping, which is always a huge plus when it comes to the genre.

Not my cup of tea unfortunately. I had hoped to enjoy this book, but I really did not. Oh well. The description sounded decent, but I didn’t like the reading experience.

In all honesty, I did not read this title, I was not able to get to it and it seems unfair to keep this sitting idle on my netgalley account. I heard it was a very good series but I have had this sitting on my netgalley for years. I haven’t had the time, and my adhd has unfortunately not helped me ready many books. One day I intend to read it as I have heard nothing but excellent things about this book and the author Scott. Thank you to net galley and the publishers for giving me this opportunity, even though I was not able to get to this title.

Wow, okay this is so underrated! Where is the much deserved hype?? Nyxia was such an amazing sci-fi novel! It was a fun action packed science fiction story set in a not too far away future and perfect for all ages of readers. I’m glad I have the second book!!

Emmet and nine other teenagers have been recruited by a company to go to another planet and mine it for a valuable substance that is only found there. The teenagers are trained to fight and run the mining equipment. The training is brutal and highly competitive. The story is filled with action and mystery and I enjoyed it so much that I had to read the next two books as well. I highly recommend it.

I just wasn't enjoying this, so I decided to set it aside, I might try it again at a later date, but I was hoping for more. Personally, I'm not sure if I'm just not in the mood for it, or if it just isn't the right book for me, becuase I just find myself not caring about the characters. It isn't a bad book its just not working for me

I was excited to read this, but ultimately it was just a sort of meh book for me. Not good, not bad. Just meh.

This as i think many previous reviewers have said is like the hunger games in space. I totally agree with this. The set up for this prefect a rich corporation promising riches to the lowest citizens if they can survive this competition they will never want for anything else. Their heart ache, allliances, and some romance. I was hooked from the first page and i sure the rest of the series will be good as well. The whole descriptions of the ships they were on and the competitions and even the substance nyxia really kept me engaged in the book.

This book was pretty fantastic to read! The whole concept of Nyxia, and all that it can do, is just so intriguing. And this setting with the competition, it was interesting, because on on hand, I'm invested in what's going on, and on the other, the other two books aren't going to be like this. I can't wait to see where this series is going to go!

Emmett was an interesting character. I really enjoyed some of his quirks, like he was filing things that he learned under letters, something that his grandmother told him his grandfather did to deal with his anger issues, issues that Emmett shares. And Kaya had a point that all of them were broken, and it was interesting to see all their interactions!

Babel was pretty much always suspect. I mean, it's an almost 200 day journey, and 2 of the teens you're training, you're going to cut right at the end? I mean, come on! And then we got a brief interlude between the two parts from their perspective, telling us something was off. If what happened to Kaya wasn't a giant red flag!

Man, that last quarter of the book had me on the edge of my seat! That Emmett was the last official member of the team, his interactions with Midnight, and yeah, that final scene! Man, it was intense to read, and I can't wait to read more!

Loved reading this book, and I'm excited to read more of this series!

I really enjoyed reading this book! I read this book in one sitting because I could not put the book down, I highly recommend reading this book!

Crown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Nyxia. I was not obligated to provide a review and my opinion is freely given.

Emmett Atwater has been recruited for the job of a lifetime, despite the fact that he is still a teenager. With the possibility of providing his family with well needed funds and medical coverage, Emmett must do whatever it takes to succeed. Babel Communications is sending a group of teenagers into space, but what is their motivation? As questions are answered, Emmett soon realizes that danger may lurk around every corner.

I liked aspects of Nyxia, but some of the plot points did not seem to make much sense. Some of the story did not seem necessary and the motivations of certain characters was not fully explained. Emmett was a good main character, especially as the story evolved and more of his background was given. The competitive aspects of the story did not seem all that realistic, though it did make for interesting reading. Overall, I liked Nyxia for its characterization and I would be interested in reading future books.

A great start to the series. Ends on a sort of cliffhanger but one you could walk away if you wanted. Looking forward to the next part myself...

WOW! Why did it take me so long to pick this book up. Best YA I have read in a long time. A sci-fi space story that gave me Ender's Game and Hunger Games vibes. The YA competition sub-genre is full of the same plots and characters, but this one felt fresh and exciting and new. I can't wait to pick up the rest of the series!

Probably i started reading this book in the wrong moment.
My expectations were very high, but i have to be honest, i struggled a lot to get to the end of this book, and i know that many who read this loved the story, so maybe one day I'll give it another try.
I don't know why, but I found myself bored all the time, I wasn't really able to dive into the story that's it.

First and foremost, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars! I absolutely devoured this story in about two or three sittings, and that's saying something for a Sci-Fi book as I normally take my time with books in this genre.
The writing style is so easy to read and Reintgen did amazingly at painting a picture of each scene in my head, it really felt like I was there alongside the characters!

The premise and beginning of the story sucked me in, and then the plot grabbed hold and it was just a whirlwind of excitement, fear, happiness, sadness, anger and pride! I really felt it all reading this book. The ending makes it impossible to wait for book 2 (which is out now, thankfully)!

The characters were all so incredibly diverse and unique, original unto themselves, and I found myself highly attached to several of them! I cried, I laughed, I just connected with them.

I adored Nyxia, and would recommend to anyone who enjoys a thrilling story filled with excitement and fantastic, wholesome characters! From middle-grade through to adult, even if Sci-Fi isn't your usual genre, like me, I think you will find a new favourite within this story. Highly recommend.

I absolutely love this book. It is so unique! It’s Hunger Games-esque but in space. The characters are all amazing, and all grow and develop throughout the story. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.