Aetherbound
In E.K. Johnston’s Aetherbound, Pendt Harland's family sees her as a waste of food on their long-haul space cruiser when her genes reveal an undesirable mutation. But if she plays her cards right, she might have a chance to do much more than survive. During a space-station layover, Pendt escapes and forms a lucky bond with the Brannick twins, the teenage heirs of the powerful family that owns the station. Against all odds, the trio hatches a long-shot scheme to take over the station and thwart the destinies they never wished for.
In all of Johnston’s books that I’ve read, she shows a talent for creating main characters to root for. From the very beginning, I desperately wanted Pendt to escape her cruel family and find some sort of happiness. I like how Johnston had Pendt save herself, essentially. Yes, the Brannick twins were instrumental in helping her build a new life for herself, but she had the determination to get off her family’s cruiser. She took that first step, and no one can take that from her.
I don’t read too many space operas/science fiction books like Aetherbound, so while I didn’t have much to compare it to, Johnston did a great job creating the setting for this book. I can only imagine how many hours went into making sure the book made enough sense to still be believable for the reader but have elements of fantasy as well.
I’m a sucker for a sweet romance, and that’s exactly what Johnston gave us with Pendt and Fisher. Although the romance is a bit complicated with Pendt’s marriage to his twin Ned, considering it’s a marriage of convenience and Ned encourages Pendt’s relationship with Fisher, it worked out well in the end for everyone involved.
My only complaint is the length. At less than 250 pages, I wanted more time with these characters, especially Pendt. The length also left some of the book’s moments feeling rushed.
Aetherbound is a thought-provoking story about survival and self-determination that fantasy lovers will enjoy.
Aetherbound Rating: ★★★★
In all of Johnston’s books that I’ve read, she shows a talent for creating main characters to root for. From the very beginning, I desperately wanted Pendt to escape her cruel family and find some sort of happiness. I like how Johnston had Pendt save herself, essentially. Yes, the Brannick twins were instrumental in helping her build a new life for herself, but she had the determination to get off her family’s cruiser. She took that first step, and no one can take that from her.
I don’t read too many space operas/science fiction books like Aetherbound, so while I didn’t have much to compare it to, Johnston did a great job creating the setting for this book. I can only imagine how many hours went into making sure the book made enough sense to still be believable for the reader but have elements of fantasy as well.
I’m a sucker for a sweet romance, and that’s exactly what Johnston gave us with Pendt and Fisher. Although the romance is a bit complicated with Pendt’s marriage to his twin Ned, considering it’s a marriage of convenience and Ned encourages Pendt’s relationship with Fisher, it worked out well in the end for everyone involved.
My only complaint is the length. At less than 250 pages, I wanted more time with these characters, especially Pendt. The length also left some of the book’s moments feeling rushed.
Aetherbound is a thought-provoking story about survival and self-determination that fantasy lovers will enjoy.
Aetherbound Rating: ★★★★