I received a copy of this book to review from Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.
This is an interesting book with a unique premise. The characters are sweet and likable. There is plenty of action and I would recommend it for fans of Sci fi.
At times, it felt like the author was labouring the point with extensive writing on a moment that could have better been used better elsewhere.
On the whole, a good book.

i actually enjoyed reading this book, the characters worked for me and I liked the plot of the book. I look forward to more in this series.

I received a copy of the ARC of DUTY AND DEFIANCE by John Selby thanks to the publisher through NetGalley.

The cover is what drew me into this book. I am a sucker for a pretty blue color. I have also been seeking a new space opera-esque novel as it has been way too long since I have read one! Sadly this was not what I was given. From the description given through NetGalley (which is below), I had expected a larger space aspect, or an outer-planetary threat. However, the story does fit into this description, just more emphasis on the Earth-based threat would have been nice.

Description curtesy of NetGalley:

“The Zanchee, an alien race with strong psychic ability, have been monitoring Earth and learn a catastrophic event is about to happen. Axel, son of the alien leader, learns the Zanchee refuse to help because their law prohibits intervention. Now he must choose whether to obey their laws and condemn the planet or defy his father and help humanity.

Jeff, a high school senior, seems to be the only one who sees that alien spacecraft fly over the school. His subsequent search for the UFO leads him to Axel, who asks for his help. Jeff’s decision puts himself, his sister, and his friends in danger.

Together, Jeff and Axel need to fight the odds if they are to save a doomed planet.” (https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/199695)

This honestly reminded me of THE MEDINA DEVICE I reviewed earlier this month, just a YA version with an alien who acts entirely human, with psi abilities, so it’s really just semantics. If you read the review for that one, you can guess what my review of this one will be.

Interesting concept, no character connection. On top of that there were multiple sections where the reader was reminded of something that had just happened in a very blatant way as well as concepts that are fairly well understood (at least the basics) being explained in heavy detail. For example, when the main character is learning about the psi abilities, they are described as “psychic, like ESP”. And this happens multiple times within the same chapter. Overall it felt like the author was trying to hold my hand through a complicated concept, when it was really much more simplistic.

I couldn’t finish reading. I checked out about 50% through because I saw I still had 4 hours left to read and I just could not do it for that long. My suggestion going forward would be to be less concerned about book length and be more concise with plot points. Also keep to a more linear timeline or commit to the time traveling aspect like Henry’s perspective in A TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE because that was done brilliantly.