Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this story, it was certainly thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat. The narrator did an amazing job narrating and differentiating between all the different voices, especially considering that most of the characters were female. She added life to the story.

I really enjoyed Asuka as a main character, her background and complexity as a half-Japanese girl added an additional layer to the story that I thought was really interesting. All of the crew members had interesting backstories as well and well fleshed-out personalities. I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery as I read.

One downside to this novel was that even though all of the characters were in their 20s, it felt more like a YA book than an adult book, which wasn't the vibe I had been expecting.

I liked the narrator for this story, they really added a good amount of life and interest to the reading. I wasn't a huge fan of the story itself. I did like the space horror aspects (that is my favorite genre ever) but the way the characters interacted was a bit strange? Like, the dialogue felt a bit strange. Other than that, though, I had a good time and I thought that the plot was pretty novel and unique, and the pacing was solid.

An epic space odyssey that seamlessly blends the genres of science fiction, mystery, and thriller, leaving you on the edge of your seat and craving for more……

Book Information

"The Deep Sky" authored by Yume Kitasei, spans 416 pages and is set to be launched on July 18, 2023. Sarah Skaer lends her voice to the audio version, which runs for a duration of 12 hours and 16 minutes. Kitasei was raised in the mélange of two distinct cultures, precisely where her compelling narratives often take root. "The Deep Sky" marks her debut novel. Many thanks to MacMillan Audio and Flatiron Books for providing me with an advance reader copy for review.

Summary

On the verge of Earth's impending environmental collapse, a crucial mission hangs in the balance. A lone ship carries the last hope for humanity: eighty exceptional graduates entrusted with the task of birthing a future generation in the depths of space. However, a devastating explosion rocks The Phoenix, claiming three lives and causing the vessel to veer off its intended course. As the sole surviving witness, Asuka finds herself immediately under scrutiny and suspicion.

Even before the explosion, Asuka struggled with feelings of inadequacy. She was the final selection for the mission, faced challenges during training on Earth, and grapples with her dual identity as a half-Japanese girl raised in America. With her strained relationship with her mother and the crew members turning against each other, The Phoenix becomes Asuka's sole anchor.

Determined to unravel the truth and preserve the mission's integrity, Asuka races against time to unmask the perpetrator before faith in their mission crumbles entirely—or worse, before the bomber strikes again. As tensions mount and trust wanes, the fate of their collective survival rests on Asuka's relentless pursuit of justice amidst the vast expanse of space.

My Thoughts

“The Deep Sky” delivers the pulse-pounding thrill of unraveling a web of conspiracy, navigating the complexities of human emotions, and witnessing the indomitable spirit of a diverse crew who have not only their own survival at stake but perhaps the future of humanity itself. It’s a highly captivating space adventure that weaves together elements of sci-fi, mystery, and thriller, while also delving into the depths of human emotions.

The narrative unfolds through alternating timelines, skillfully shifting between the present on the off-course ship and the past ten years leading up to the launch. This clever structure allows readers to discover Asuka's experiences in school and witness the formation of the diverse crew and their unwavering determination to be part of this extraordinary voyage. The structure also gives insight into Asuka’s struggles with imposter syndrome, her constant questioning of herself, and her place within the mission. Her half-Japanese, half-American heritage adds an additional layer of depth as she searches for connections and a sense of belonging.

The flashbacks to the training camp provide crucial clues about the characters and their motivations, deepening the mystery and driving reader engagement. The book excels with the diversity of the characters and the depth of intricate relationships shared among them, which adds layers of complexity to the story.

One aspect that I really enjoyed was the future technology, from the ever-present AI to the ship's ability to adapt, transform and personalize environments based on each crew member's preferences. This creative approach added to the vivid and immersive reading experience.

"The Deep Sky" also felt remarkably real in the moments it presented. I felt like I could connect with each situation even though it was within a future world that we have yet to experience. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of school hierarchies, the complexities of government bureaucracies, the well-meaning but ill-informed conspiracy theorists, or the poignant exploration of lapsed friendships and estranged parents, the emotions and dilemmas faced by the characters resonate authentically. The guilt of survival, the weight of being chosen or left behind, and the characters' intelligence blended with their flaws make them believable and relatable.

With a multitude of twists and a wealth of heartfelt moments, this book takes readers on a wonderous journey. The world-building is both comprehensive and concise, creating a fully realized universe. The exploration of the characters' emotions is particularly enriching, providing a deep and rewarding reading experience.

Also very noteworthy was Sarah Skaer's performance on the audiobook. Given that 99% of the characters were female--her ability to differentiate each one and help the reader remain immersed in the story vs expending effort to keep characters straight was remarkable.

Recommendation

"The Deep Sky" is a must-read for fans of space adventures, sci-fi, mysteries, and thrillers. It combines a thrilling plot with intricate character development, creating a story that will captivate your imagination and touch your heart. Strongly recommended.

Rating

4.5 Asuka Stars

Gosh, I am so thankful to Macmillan Audio, Yume Kitasei, and NetGalley for granting me access to The Deep Sky before this sci-fi thriller is set to publish on July 18, 2023. We love a good science fiction horror read and this one did just that for me.

This book was fabulous!

I loved the characters, and the writing was fantastic. This was a new spin on the colony ship story. I don't think I have ever read a book in which the entire crew of the ship is able to carry children, and the future of the species is dependent on artificial insemination. It was a magnificent conceit for a story, and I loved it. I also loved the complications that were created by the fact that these women have known each other since they were 12, and they have all sorts of baggage that comes with having been in competition with each other during those formative years. I also loved the mystery aspect of this story: Asuka's mission to find out who sabotaged the ship was fascinating. Really no complaints about this book. Loved it.

This is a little hard for me to review without including any spoilers, so I am keeping it simple. The ending was predictable for me (especially after the early false climax), but the journey was interesting and written in a way that kept me invest nonetheless. Thanks to Flatiron and NetGalley for the ARC

The stories flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****

As predicted, humans have destroyed the planet. A vastly wealthy woman has funded deep space exploration for a new home, and she’s chosen to bring only women on the mission. Asuka is one of those women and spends a lot of time questioning her ability and her talents. When an explosion rocks the ship, the mission, and the future of humanity is at stake. I really enjoyed this book, having only females aboard was a genius call, and made perfect sense in both literature and a possible real-life mission. A thrilling read