Going into this novel I had expectations, and they were basically met, barely; this book almost didn't pass the "50-page rule" for me.

Let's start with the cover. The front, with its hot colors and "sketchy" cityscape, promises a certain level of, if not fun, at least excitement. However, it also really doesn't have much to do with the plot, and the implied antagonists of our gallant band remain ciphers for far too long. Going to the back cover of the book, there's a catalog of the author's influences, which only makes you start judging whether the novel is up to those same standards, but, even cutting Ms. Sagas some slack for her first novel, she has a way to go yet. A lot of this comes down to pacing, as the characters, themes, and basic plot are all acceptable for an adventure story.

The more I think about it the more my issue might boil down to my finding Sagas' main character, Jalsen Red, to be not that intriguing. He's really kind of a "red shirt" who is born to lose, just like Johnny Miner and Billy Budd. While he might be meant to be quasi-tragic, my reaction to him is more like, son, it's not too late to grab a clue; Red is trying in more ways than one.

So going forward, and having been pretty critical, you might be surprised to learn that I'm actually looking forward to the forthcoming follow-up book. My thought is that, having done her world-building and character development, I'll get a better sense of what this author is really about. ( )

A detailed science fiction adventure about a wandering band of people who are trying to stave off disasters that could cause the death of millions. The pluses for the book is that it seems self contained not obviously angling to be a part of a series (which it is). Also, there are both men and women in the group and we are not sidetracked by burgeoning love affairs.. A negative that there are many terms and technology of the future that are not fully defined. Overall, it is a nice first novel. ( )

I was delighted to receive Cascade Failure with the puzzling cover. It doesn't hint at what the story is about. Chaotic building in the front and I thought it dealt with building failures.
As the reader, I need to respond to a distress call from another planet. I don't do science fiction so this book will go to a lucky person at Friends of the Library. ( )

Ugh. I made it through this one, but it was a slog. I'm sorry to slam a debut that has so many great elements -- found family, space adventure, interesting worlds (kind of) -- but it falls into the category of there's no there there for me. The characters are too stereotypical, the plotline is not surprising, the relationship drama is so much fluff, and I just wanted it to be over. I'm glad other people are enjoying it, but it missed in every category for me.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.

Pros: fun and interesting characters, tight plot, some thought provoking moments, good fight scenes

Cons:

The characters are so much fun. They’re all neurotic in complementary ways. Surly and snipey at times, talkative and playful at others. Eoan’s curiosity about everything was a real joy. Despite their arguments it’s clear Nash and Saint are a tight knit crew. Seeing Jal and Anke dropped into the crew’s dynamic made for some great interactions.

The plot is tight with enough down time to get to know all of the characters between chase scenes and fights. There are some real tense moments.

The politics of this future are suitably complex without taking over the story. There are a few decent questions about morality and whether it’s better to focus on the needs of society at large vs saving your personal friends and family. And who should make the necessary sacrifices.

It’s a book about the choices we make and how we deal with the consequences of the bad decisions of our past. Of working as a team to complete a goal. Of betrayal and redemption.

It’s a delightful story that, though it dealt with heavy issues at times, left me feeling hopeful about the future.

[Review copy provided by Netgalley, opinions my own] ( )