I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I'm not sure why I requested it. (Although it does have an amazing cover!) I was not a big fan of Shutter by Alameda so that should've been a clue right there. But the description sounded great and I love sci fi so I overrode my instinct and requested it anyway which was a mistake. I can't say for sure what it is about her writing that doesn't do it for me but there's something. But I know that it's a personal issue specific to Alameda's writing so I can't be super-critical of the book overall even though I was dreading reading it. In fact, as I was describing sections of the book to my husband, I could tell that the plot lines were interesting and that there were some unique parts. (He's going to read it and will probably be a fan.) I was intrigued by the idea of the subjegator but wish that we'd learned more about the Smithsons who put it in her and more details on why they decided to use it on her. Those bad guys should've really been built up but they were almost incidental. Was Sebastian using her the entire time or did he actually like her at some point? As for the other bad guy, I saw that coming but I think my teens will be surprised and outraged with that twist. Just a "meh" for me. However....

My feelings toward the book became warmer and fuzzier when I read the author's note. I love Alameda's introspective description of how political became personal during the writing and all the symbolic touches she included in the story. So, while I might not mesh with her writing style, I now love Courtney Alameda as a person.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. I loved this book. I’ve never been the type to pick up a thriller/horror book, but I couldn’t put this book down. Alameda weaves an interesting tale of both Laura and Tuck, two teens in space. Without getting too much into detail, I loved these characters.

Laura’s a tough as nails Latina. She’s quick and smart and doesn’t stay down. She’s from a family of educated and hardworking people and proud of her Hispanic heritage. Thank you Ms. Alameda for writing a strong, independent Latina main character. Lord knows we need more Laura’s in the world.

Tuck is sharp and witty. I laughed out loud of Tuck’s movie and pop-culture references. He’s imperfect and struggling, and I love that he’s neither the YA savior trope nor the wounded puppy dog either. He’s smart, he’s human, and he’s still learning.

I loved the story line and the flow of the narrative. My only complaint is that it ended so soon.

I hope to find another book about Tuck and Laura somewhere down the line :)