Friday, June 2, 2017

When Planets Fall by Abby J. Reed ~ Review and Giveaway

When Planets Fall
Abby J. Reed
(Stars Fall Circle #1)
Published by: Soul Mate Publishing
Publication date: April 12th 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult
“In this richly imagined start to a new sci-fi series, Reed brings optimism to the goal of solving entrenched violence in a galaxy far, far away . . . A propulsive, sharply crafted tale about a planetary war.” -Kirkus Reviews 
Breaker’s home is cleaved by blood. The three tribes on the planet Scarlatti, whose only difference is their blood color, each want to exploit Breaker’s valley for themselves. The feudal tension has already claimed red-blood Breaker’s leg and his older brother. Now all this 18-year old wants is to maintain the tenuous peace in order to keep his little ‘stroid of a brother alive. Malani, a red-blood raised blue, is a kidnapped POW and only wants to return to her adoptive home with her dangerous blue secrets. Luka, a red-blood stewing for trouble, wants to right wrongs done to his family and bath his home in justice. 
All three intersect when Breaker discovers a wrecked starship and is given seven days by the green-bloods to fix and hand it over as a weapon. Breaker must decide if aiding his enemies is worth the home he knows and his family’s life. War is coming. And war respects no boundaries. And war leaves no survivors.
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When Planets Fall is the first book in a space saga that starts on the planet of Scarlatti. There are three races that live here, and they all seem to be in constant conflict and live in communities that resemble war compounds or complexes. There's a really fun cast of characters, and they all have a bit of a surprise hidden around the corner of their personalities.

There are a lot of things going on in this book, and it sets up the series for some really interesting adventures. We have a three-way tribal war between humans and the two other species occupying the planet, a girl with metal wings, and several power-hungry leaders. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what this book was about. Several storylines seemed to be worked together and at times it lost its way a little.

The discovery of the starship should have been a major turning point in the story, but it was usurped by the actions of the Herons (one of the species living on the planet) and the subsequent rescue of Malani. The starship seemed to get lost in the background, and I really wanted to see more about it and how Breaker repaired and fixed it up.

Malani was a bit of an odd character, but as we learn more of her past, we see why she seems so damaged emotionally. Her story was my favorite. She was a great balance of strength and weakness and had some fun tricks hidden up her sleeve. The relationship between her and Breaker was confusing. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to see a romance between them and want them to be together or not.

Overall, this was a fun story. It lost it's way a couple times and meandered around before coming back, but maybe those wanderings will be important down the line. I'm anxious to see what happens to Breaker, Malani, and their spaceship next.

**I voluntarily received a review copy of this book**



Author Bio:
Abby J. Reed writes young adult science fiction and fantasy novels that ask what if. She has a degree in English Writing and is drawn to characters with physical limitations due to her own neurological disorder called Chronic Migraine. Her debut novel, WHEN PLANETS FALL, will be published in April 2017 by Soul Mate Publishing. 
Abby lives in Colorado with her husband and two fluffy pups. If her hands aren’t on the keyboard, they are stained purple and blue with paint. Find her online at www.abbyjreed.com. 

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1 comment:

  1. This sounds like a fun, entertaining read! Glad you liked it! :)

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