Thanks to Marvel Press and NetGalley for the eARC of this!

I have been on a Marvel kick lately (rewatching all 23 MCU movies really cuts into reading time lol) so having this book was just perfect. I read Loki last year and enjoyed it, especially since he is one of my favorite Marvel characters, but I actually liked this book a bit more. I think the plot of this book fit a little better for Gamora and Nebula. It felt more natural.

I really enjoyed exploring the sisterly bond between Gamora and Nebula, with all its complications. Their inherent competition to be better than each other since childhood casts a shadow over their relationship and I think Lee did a goo job illustrating how much strain that places on them. I think the plot was clever and made great use of the Grandmaster and his humor. Nebula was the star of this book for me, she has always been my favorite of the two, but I loved her even more after getting more backstory and insight into her character.

My only qualm with this book is that the inclusion of Lady Death. While a nod to her character was nice at first, I think the prolonged metaphor (??) throughout the book was just too much for me, I think. It took away from the relationship between the sisters and Thanos, almost like a buffer of sorts? Also, this did not factor into my rating, but this was the WORST eARC I have ever read. The formatting was just all over the place, so much so it was comical at some points. It was a wild ride.

I would highly recommend this book for Marvel fans!

Thank you to Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for this ARC!

As in the movies, Gamora and Nebula are pitted against each other and forced to compete, Gamora is hired to retrieve the heart of the planet Torndune, and of course, Nebula follows her sister. Nebula's presence is discovered by Gamora.

This book explores the common themes of Nebula and Gamora's relationship, from their jealousy, competitiveness, and desires to have a true sister in the other.

This book is great for those looking to understand the MCU characters deeper and how their relationship developed to where it was. For those who aren't as familiar with the movies, the story is still exciting and enjoyable.


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Gamora and Nebula have been pitted against each other since Thanos stole them and adopted them as his "daughters". Gamora is always the golden child and Nebula is always the casted away one. Thanos plays them against each other to the point that they don't even think of each other as sisters at times. Gamora and Nebula get caught up in all his tests and games. Nebula literally had to saw her arm off to survive and Thanos wouldn't let Gamora free her. It's intense. But when Gamora and Nebula get caught up in the Grand Master's game... things get even more complicated. The game plays out on Torndune: a planet that has been stripe mined to the point where most of the population works for a pittance in the mines and they've almost drilled to the core of the planet. The game: steal the heart of the planet. Oh man. The politics and social commentary of this novel are not a game - it's real life. And I appreciate that.

If you ever wandered about the origin stories for Gamora and Nebula this book is for you. I will admit if the reader doesn’t have prior knowledge of Guardians of the Galaxy they may not know who the characters are but the resounding following of Marvel proves that is t going to be an issue. My teens at the library will love this!

I've always been a fan of how Mackenzi Lee writes siblings, and this book did not disappoint. I'm a huge marvel fan, and I really enjoyed Loki: Where Mischief Lies, so I loved diving into these characters and their relationship as well. This book was so very heartbreaking; the sister's upbringing is tragic by itself, but knowing how it all ends made any of the happier moments bittersweet to me. Not that this is a bad thing, I'm impressed with how much the author is able to make me connect with these characters, since they were far from my favorite in the MCU. Overall, I'm still happy with Lee's work, and I look forward to her next novel in the Marvel universe.

Thank you to Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide for this ARC!

I just finished the book less than five minutes ago and I'm dying inside. Usually I wait a few days to write reviews so the novel can really sink in, but this isn't something I can wait to discuss.

Gamora and Nebula are constantly pitted against each other, and it's no exception in this novel. Gamora is hired anonymously to retrieve the heart of the planet Torndune, and Nebula follows not long behind her sister. Nebula's intent to remain hidden from Gamora and her new friend, Versa Luxe, does not pan out well, and soon Gamora lightly kidnaps her. But will the tenuous friendship they craft last, or can they truly trust no one in the entire galaxy?

First off, let me say I am a huge fan of the MCU and Marvel in general, so getting approved for this ARC was wicked cool. Now. Onto the good stuff.

After this point, I make no promises of a spoiler free review.

So me being team good guy always, I was distrustful of Nebula once she showed up. She usually works against Gamora, so I was excited to see the way her plot line played out. By the ending, my heart bled and wept for her more than it ever has. I've never hated Nebula, but she's never been my favorite either.

The storytelling was phenomenal, the imagery and emotions elicited made me feel things, and the Grandmaster was fabulous, as always. The video transcripts of the Grandmaster's Game Room reminded me of ILLUMINAE's formatting, which I loved. I loved the subtle intrigue of who the Grandmaster's players were. I did not see the plot twist coming at all, which I suppose I should have. I knew something was going to happen to fudge the plans, but betrayal was not it.

My heart really hurt for both Gamora and Nebula, who both really just wanted a sister and to make their own choices. Communication is not their strong suit, but I was hoping they would persevere and this book would have a happy ending.

SPOILER ALERT: it does not.

The entire book, I imagined Nebula as she is in the movies, but it took a few pages for me to realize she was mostly human at this point. When this book starts, she's only lost her arm. I loved the story aspect of Nebula trying to build her own arm and losing it just to gain a new arm and losing that, before going back to her original arm once again. Honestly, Nebula deserves much better than she gets. Poor baby deserves some love and not a giant wrinkled grape as a father, but I digress.

For a book with material foreign to the MCU movie screens, it was insanely easy to immerse myself back into this world. I have two sisters, so watching this and imagining myself with one of my siblings in this scenario pulled on my heart strings a lot. I truly enjoyed this novel and look forward to picking up LOKI, this one when it releases, and the third installment when it is released as well. Marvel fans, this won't disappoint.

I have mixed feelings about this book.

On the one hand there was PLENTY to love about the interactions between sisters Gamora and Nebula.
On the other hand there was a lot of sequences on the planet Torndune that really just dragged along.

I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of the Grandmaster, and his dialogue was easily read in Jeff Goldblum's swishy play on the character. Ms. Lee capture his voice PERFECTLY!!! Also the dour Topaz makes a brief pleasant appearance, along with Thanos and his beloved Lady Death.

On the main stage, Gamora and Nebula.

You'd think from the title of the book Gamora is the main character but in my opinion Nebula steals the show. Nebula's inner dialogue and her desperate desire for a sister to respect and yes, cherish her presence in her life shines thru with every interaction. She's still the dour spitfire we've all come to love from the MCU. But presented in a much kinder light. Gamora on the other hand does not come off so well. Everything she says and does is perfectly in character but she comes off as the less likeable of the sisters. As Nebula states in Guardians 2, "you ALWAYS have to WIN! I just wanted a SISTER!" and that really comes across in this book.

The action takes place on a decimated planet Torndune. Ravaged by mining corporations and with the indigenous population reduced to indentured servitude with no hope of escape from the toxic, corrosive Crowlite. A miracle mineral that one single drop can power a starship the size of a capitol ship across the known galaxy and back. Gamora has accepted a blind contract to attain the heart of the planet and deliver it to a specified location. Unbeknownst to her, she's a pawn in a game of the Grandmaster's design. Thanos and the Matriarch of a religious cult devoted to the Magus sic. Adam Warlock (?) are competing for a prize that the Grandmaster possesses and they'll sacrifice all to possess it. Even those they profess to love the most.

Many thanks to Goodreads for the eARC for my honest review.

Gamora and Nebula are both such interesting characters and it’s fascinating to see things through each of their perspectives. This book displays the competition between the two sisters in there fight to be the best but you can see that it’s not all hate between the two. I really enjoyed this book and the ties it has to the Marvel movies that are so popular and I loved getting to see even more Gamora and Nebula. This book also gives us some insight as to how the sisters have reached the point the point they’re at on the movies. I think this book is a great read for any fan of the MCU but also for people looking for a wonderfully written sci-fi story with great characters!

Gamora & Nebula corresponds with the amazing and large Marvel universe. For anyone familiar with the comics or movies, you will find this book enjoyable. I've always liked Gamora and Nebula (comics Nebula is even more complex). This book has Thanos but also Lady Death. Anyone familiar with the comics knows the storyline for Thanos and his desire to court Lady Death. This book seemingly takes place before Gamora becomes one of the guardians of the galaxy. I think the author did a good job of capturing all of the key characters and further illustrating the complex relationship between Nebula and Gamora as daughters of Thanos. I don't want to spoil the book, but it does add to the appearance of Nebula by giving it some context on why so many parts of her are mechanical. It also does a good job of setting the tone for why Nebula becomes very determined to defeat Gamora. I liked this book, but I did have to dock a star because there were some points where the pacing was too slow for me and it felt like the story was moving forward very slowly.

Oh man.

What a great book.

I mean....

Ok, so I'll qualify everything by saying I'm a HUGE comic book/movie nerd. It helps when you're reading a book like this. After seeing Gamora and Nebula in the Marvel movies, it was really interesting seeing into their past and what made them the heroines they turned out to be.

That being said, ANYONE could read this book and truly enjoy it. A galaxy-sized tale of two sisters, forced to be competitors, not just in this story, but throughout their lives together.

**This story takes place shortly before Guardians of The Galaxy in the MCU timeline.**
SPOILERS!

Gamora, the orphaned warrior, raised as a living weapon by the Mad Titan himself, Thanos. Always just a little faster, a little stronger than...

Nebula, Thanos' other "daughter", also raised as a living weapon, but always 2nd to Gamora in her father's eyes.

Forced to compete for a prize neither understand, can the sisters put their harsh upbringing and forced animosity aside and NOT get killed finishing the job?

I won't tell. But you'll enjoy finding out.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mackenzi Lee and Marvel Press for the opportunity to read this wonderful ARC. All opinions are my own.

Trigger warnings: bloody violence, self-inflicted amputation, LGBTQ+ overtones

Huge Marvel fan here, so was definitely excited to start this book. Was not disappointed. Would highly recommend to anyone.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe excels at telling stories of brotherhood, be it familial or in the more spiritual sense. But in Mackenzi Lee’s Gamora and Nebula: Sisters in Arms, as the title suggests, it is sisters that take centre stage.

Set years before we ever meet them, Gamora and Nebula follows the titular sisters on their separate, yet equally mysterious trips to the mining world of Torndune. Gamora has been sent there on a mission by an unknown entity, while Nebula arrives in pursuit of her sister. Both however, share the same goal: retrieve the heart of the planet.

The action scenes and the state of the planet Tordune work just fine, and set the mood very well, but it is the fraught relationship between the two Daughters of Thanos that is the driving force and the beating heart of the narrative. I was rooting for the two of them to join forces, and cheered when it happened, only to realize with a sinking heart that I was only at the halfway point of the book and there was no way this could last.

The tragic - and toxic - thing about being a child of Thanos is that neither girl ever really knows where she stands. They definitely know where they stand with their father - Gamora is the favourite, Nebula is the one he detests. What neither of them know for certain is where they stand with each other. And the fault with that lies entirely with Thanos. He constantly plays the two of them against one another, preying on their insecurities to ensure that they play his game exactly as he wants them to. Both have become equally proficient weapons for him, but only one is allowed to flourish, while the other is left to languish in the dark, unwanted and forgotten.

Though the book isn’t technically about him, we do get some development of the Mad Titan himself, as seen through the eyes of his daughters. Interestingly, author Mackenzi Lee works in an aspect from the comic books that was entirely absent from the MCU movies, and that is Thanos’ relationship with Death - or Lady Death, as she’s called here.

Lady Death is a shadowy, omnipresent being that never speaks yet seems to have an undue influence over Thanos and his actions. Her addition to the novel and to the MCU in general is a chilling one, and is a wonderful way to lure in both comic readers, and fans of the films, to tell a story that will satisfy both.

This story broke my heart in the best kind of way. Not only the tragedy of the relationship between Gamora and Nebula, but the struggles each faces at the hands of a father who enjoys messing with their heads and hearts for nothing short of his own amusement (and that of his deathly paramour). Their incessant competition with one another brought to mind Nebula’s line from the second Guardians of the Galaxy movie: “You were the one who wanted to win, and I just wanted a sister.”. That, if nothing else, is the thesis statement for the book as a whole.

There are parts of this story that shocked me with how dark and upsetting they were. Not that I believe it’s inappropriate for a Young Adult audience, it’s very in line with the kind of thing you would see in the MCU. But with it being a book, we have that added benefit of reading what a character is feeling at any given moment that really drives the emotion home.

As someone who is very familiar with the MCU, I knew going in that no matter what happened, Gamora and Nebula would not walk away from this story as friends or even allies. What I was not expecting was to fall hook, line, and sinker for their shared hope that maybe this time they could be sisters for real, only to be absolutely crushed when things returned to the expected status quo. That’s how you know it’s a well-told story: when you know how it’s going to end, but it doesn’t stop you from enjoying the ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney/Marvel for an advance copy of this book for review purposes.

The best thing about this book was getting to explore some of the characters that I didn't know very well, especially Nebula. Their personalities and backgrounds really come through. I did have a bit of an issue with the pacing; it took quite awhile to get going and then it felt like the author all of a sudden realized they needed to wrap things up quickly.

Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for this eARC!

CW: psychological and verbal abuse
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Rating: more of a 3.75, but that’s not really an option!

I could see this as something that a young reader moving between middle grade and YA would really enjoy, especially if they’re a comic fan!
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Characters
I requested this eARC because as a Marvel entertainment fan, I had seen the interaction between the two MCs, Gamora and Nebula, and always wanted to know more about their history and broken sisterhood. Author, Mackenzi Lee, does an amazing job exploring their history of verbal and psychological abuse at the hands of Thanos and how that trauma manifests in their sisterhood now.

Plot and Pacing
The events of this take place sometime before Gamora is introduced in the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie. I find the book versions of comic stories don’t often add much to the characters and overall story but this plot did. Not only was it a great way to explore their relationship but it also had commentary on ecological destruction and colonial impact. The pacing however felt off, the majority of the first half of the book felt overly detailed and stretched out and the latter half sped up, the last few chapters losing some impact with how quickly the events happened.

Style
The first half of the book had echoes of a more middle grade/much younger writing style that was really jarring to read as the themes the majority of the writing are surprisingly a mature YA. Honestly, every bit of writing connected to the Grandmaster was immature and felt forced. The rest of the book had some amazing moments that I enjoyed despite that!
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Very excited that Disney Publishing is giving book versions of some character stories and giving their backgrounds room for exploration that might not happen otherwise!

My husband and teenage son really enjoyed reading this book. Thank you for the arc they highly recommend it

This book is perfect for tiny humans who are fans of the Marvel world but might not be old enough to watch all the movies. This is a middle grade story and the second in Mackenzi Lee's series. The books in this series are standalone, but if I know anything about Marvel they will all weave together is a fascinating way by the end.
This book is centered around two characters from Guardians of the Galaxy: Gamora and Nebula.

Gamora and Nebula's relationship has always been a fight, and usually against each other instead of fighting their adopted father, Thanos. This story leans heavily on these relationships and even though the sisters are not together through most of the story we see their actions and hopes weaving in and between each other.

Gamora is on a mission. Directed to the deteriorating planet of Torndune to retrieve an important object -- as yet unspecified -- on the orders of an unknown person to be delivered to an unknown location -- but Thanos has commanded her to follow through. And you don’t disobey your father when he is known as the Mad Titan.

Nebula is on a mission of her own, one that directly interferes with Gamora’s. Unbeknownst to her sister, Nebula is also on Torndune, after the same unknown object, and determined to beat Gamora to the finish line. And when the two cross paths, they must decide whether to put aside their differences and work together -- or to fight to the end as their father would have them do.

So here we have the once in a blue moon problem of loving a story so much that it’s hard to point out each individual thing adored. But for the sake of all considering whether to pick up this beauty of a book, I shall try.

First off, it should be mentioned that while it’s not necessary to know Gamora and Nebula and their history in the Marvel films, it certainly helps. This novel adds layer upon layer of depth and exploration and explanation as to how these adopted sisters came to be where they are when we first find them in the films.

The cruelty of Thanos knows no bounds. The mental manipulation the Titan employs with Gamora and Nebula -- Nebula in particular -- is on another level.

Mackenzi Lee’s writing is a work of art. Her choice of words paint a picture like no other, while also pulling at heartstrings with each emotional memory and encounter.

You get an exploration of sisterhood and family, chosen or not, and what that means on many levels. We see how the trust between Gamora and Nebula is built up and broken, sometimes in quick succession. And yet the sisters (almost) always find themselves fighting to save the other.

You get your classic Marvel action time and time again, described to perfection, creating a crystal clear picture in your mind of each scene as it unfolds.

You get the addition of a shadowy figure named Lady Death, who stands at Thanos’ side, who often only appears out of the corner of your eyes, who taunts and teases whenever death is near, welcoming and threatening at the same time.

We get glimpses of the Grandmaster, last seen in Thor: Ragnarok, a crossover I never expected but am so grateful to have.

Overall, this read hit every point for me. I was engrossed from beginning to end. I have no complaints.

LOVE, LOVE , LOVED this novel! I never knew how much I needed to read a novel with Gamora and Nebula until today! I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy! Thank you to Disney books and NetGalley for this copy! Off to watch Guardians of the Galaxy!

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I’ve never been the kind of fan to feel adaptations ruined comics. In fact I’m the opposite. Adaptations have led to the comics I love thriving. I was a huge Iron Man fan for a decade before the movie and I hate thinking about how hard it was to find graphic novels until all at once I had an endless supply. Because adaptations shine a light on characters, and not just the ones we’ve thought of as icons, we wind up seeing greater focus on characters who deserve it.

That’s how I find myself writing a review of a novel focused on Gamora and Nebula. Because you know who they are. James Gunn did a tremendous job making them A list characters in Guardians of the Galaxy to the point I don’t even have to explain them like I did Elsa Bloodstone. You’ve got a clear picture in your head. Granted it’s not fully accurate with Nebula having more depth in film but it’s there.

Gamora and Nebula: Sisters in Arms by Mackenzi Lee isn’t a book I need to sell. If you’re a fan of the characters then you’re already in on the idea of seeing them before their adventures in the MCU. And make no mistake, while there’s allusions to comic threads, this is the MCU interpretation. If you read this book, it’s Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, and Josh Brolin you’re picturing and hearing. That’s great.

The plot is pure simplicity. Both Gamora and Nebula are tasked separately with stealing a macguffin at the core of a planet. Why? It’s a game the Grandmaster (you’re thinking blue soul patch and Jeff Goldblum at his most Jeff Goldblum) set up. Of course it’s not what it seems. There’s twists. Nobody can be trusted. The point is this is a book about the conflict between the sisters.

This is what you hope for in a tie-in defined. It never feels for a second like a book that could be retrofitted for any franchise. This is purely about these characters and it’s quite effective. The book centers correctly on their conflict with one sister despising their father and desperate to escape him despite being his favorite with the other desperate for approval never to come. It’s powerful.

The book has a nice style. Lee isn’t an obtrusive writer but she is definitely a writer you notice the skill of. Characters are richly etched. Every description is top notch. The pacing is finely calibrated. It’s a smooth machine.

That said, the plot is a bit of a bother. It’s simple until the last 1/4 where the twists stack. It gets a bit much after the point was made. We know Thanos is abusive. He’s Thanos! It doesn’t destroy the book but it does feel like we pass a logical ending then go for an extra act.

Gamora and Nebula: Sisters in Arms is a potent read for any fan of the two characters. Highly recommended when it lands 6/1.

Gamora and Nebula: Sisters in Arms is a pure adventure story with some interesting comments on how energy sources are exploited to the detriment of a planet. Torndune is a desolate place in which the population are literally slaves to the planet’s resources. Lee’s descriptions of the cloying atmosphere sand the dangerous Crow dust really put the reader right in the middle of a crumbling planet. Combined with a strange religious cult, Gamora and Nebula find themselves fighting for the heart of the planet with not know who is pulling the strings from above. That answer isn’t a surprising reveal, but what is surprising is how quickly both sisters revert to their past behaviors instead of standing up to their father.

It’s helpful for the reader to have some sort of knowledge of Gamora and Nebula’s history with Thanos. Gamora and Nebula hints at the trauma and distress of being raised by one of the Galaxy’s most dangerous villains and Nebula’s innermost thoughts reflect on her anger at his abuse. Of the most telling parts of the novel is Nebula reminiscing on how she lost her arm and Thanos’ disgust at her failure.

Gamora and Nebula: Sisters in Arms is an exciting addition to these characters histories and the moments of them working together for a common end are brief but satisfying. The level of trust the two have grows towards the end of the story only to have it tragically snatched back. Strong character development and lots of action make Gamora and Nebula Sisters in Arms a must read for Marvel fans.