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A review by ddnreads
Moonstorm by Yoon Ha Lee
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Moonstorm is a YA sci-fi set in alt universe of Joseon era (Korea inspired). The world building and Mecha description is admirable.
We followed Hwa Young in her rebel moon resident, Carnelian, with her family when suddenly at attack from Imperial lancer burst through and she's the only survivor. The pilot of the lancer then took her to the imperial resident to join the academy militer where she might be a pilot herself. The moment Hwa Young saw the lancer, she wanted it so much. (Don't care the very same thing just destroyed her whole family and livehood. I found it very questionable bcs what's the motive??? She literally saw her family ripped to pieces then she want the power??? What was the background. It doesn't make sense that her first instinct is to switch loyalty). The first half of this remind me of Iron Widow, which I love, but lacking the intensity. It moved so fast we didn't get to understand why she wanted the power that annihilate her people surely for the sake of power. Why was that an imperial army wanted to take an orphan child of enemy's origin???
I wish there will be more build up on that matter.
Bcs the background is quite questionable for me, the experiences in the academy military was just okayish. The frienemy rivalry, classmates, best friends, second best is quite tropey.
However, I love the action-packed fast paced it offered. I don't usually enjoy sci-fi but Lee's writing is on another level. It flew effortlessly and easy to follow. Even if it's predictable at parts, it's still enjoyable.
I love the idea of how the army each has their own speciality in combat. The team up builds. The color, etc.
Challenge appeared the momen Hwa Young realized her first mission will be attacking her used to be homeland. As she struggled to reminded herself that she's empress child (it's become very repetitive it lost its significance), she went to the battle. As it goes by, she found the empress questionable (ofc) and the hidden agenda could destroy all. I'm not sure what to make of the twists, but I don't really invest in it and from the start Hwa Young feelings with her family is not clear. At one point she loved them, proud of them, then she hated them the moment she found out one of them survive?? It's your typical naive strong headed FMC.
The rep was great. Lee managed to blend the his own world without trying to hard and it's well written.
Eventhough it might not be my favourite, I devoured it in just 2 days bcs yes it's page turning 😭👌🏼
I can see how the others are loving it. If you're into sci-fi, the family you chose, Mecha and action packed space battle give it a go!!!
Thankyou for the arc in exchange of honest review. I'm quite intrigued to read the sequel.
We followed Hwa Young in her rebel moon resident, Carnelian, with her family when suddenly at attack from Imperial lancer burst through and she's the only survivor. The pilot of the lancer then took her to the imperial resident to join the academy militer where she might be a pilot herself. The moment Hwa Young saw the lancer, she wanted it so much. (Don't care the very same thing just destroyed her whole family and livehood. I found it very questionable bcs what's the motive??? She literally saw her family ripped to pieces then she want the power??? What was the background. It doesn't make sense that her first instinct is to switch loyalty). The first half of this remind me of Iron Widow, which I love, but lacking the intensity. It moved so fast we didn't get to understand why she wanted the power that annihilate her people surely for the sake of power. Why was that an imperial army wanted to take an orphan child of enemy's origin???
I wish there will be more build up on that matter.
Bcs the background is quite questionable for me, the experiences in the academy military was just okayish. The frienemy rivalry, classmates, best friends, second best is quite tropey.
However, I love the action-packed fast paced it offered. I don't usually enjoy sci-fi but Lee's writing is on another level. It flew effortlessly and easy to follow. Even if it's predictable at parts, it's still enjoyable.
I love the idea of how the army each has their own speciality in combat. The team up builds. The color, etc.
Challenge appeared the momen Hwa Young realized her first mission will be attacking her used to be homeland. As she struggled to reminded herself that she's empress child (it's become very repetitive it lost its significance), she went to the battle. As it goes by, she found the empress questionable (ofc) and the hidden agenda could destroy all. I'm not sure what to make of the twists, but I don't really invest in it and from the start Hwa Young feelings with her family is not clear. At one point she loved them, proud of them, then she hated them the moment she found out one of them survive?? It's your typical naive strong headed FMC.
The rep was great. Lee managed to blend the his own world without trying to hard and it's well written.
Eventhough it might not be my favourite, I devoured it in just 2 days bcs yes it's page turning 😭👌🏼
I can see how the others are loving it. If you're into sci-fi, the family you chose, Mecha and action packed space battle give it a go!!!
Thankyou for the arc in exchange of honest review. I'm quite intrigued to read the sequel.