Nyxia by Scott Reintgen
*I received a free ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Synposis (from Goodreads)
"Emmett Atwater isn't just leaving Detroit; he's leaving Earth. Why the Babel Corporation recruited him is a mystery, but the number of zeroes on their contract has him boarding their lightship and hoping to return to Earth with enough money to take care of his family. Forever.
Before long, Emmett discovers that he is one of ten recruits, all of whom have troubled pasts and are a long way from home. Now each recruit must earn the right to travel down to the planet of Eden--a planet that Babel has kept hidden--where they will mine a substance called Nyxia that has quietly become the most valuable material in the universe.
But Babel's ship is full of secrets. And Emmett will face the ultimate choice: win the fortune at any cost, or find a way to fight that won't forever compromise what it means to be human."
ReviewI didn’t really know what to expect when I started this book, just that it was sci-fi and there was something about traveling to another planet. However, I was quickly drawn into the story and finished it later that night! (or, should I say, very early the next morning!) I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
The story is set in the near future, I think towards the middle or end of the 21st century (it’s never explicitly said). This company, Babel Technologies, is waaaay ahead of the game when it comes to technology and space travel. They’ve discovered a new planet, which they’ve called Eden, and on Eden there are native people, named “Adamites” by the company, and also a substance they’ve called nyxia. This material can be molded with your mind to become anything non-organic, and it also generates power. It seems to be almost sentient, which was super interesting. I found this whole idea so fascinating. I can’t wait to learn more about nyxia and the planet and the people in the next book. The ship they travel on to get to Eden is also pretty awesome. It was cool to see what crazy technology the company had developed, like masks that cover your mouth and make it so you can understand all languages, or the room that is a giant treadmill/obstacle course.
The plot is pretty straightforward: It’s a competition to see who will be members of the team to descend to a new planet and mine for the mysterious element, nyxia. But of course, all is not as it seems and Babel has huge secrets. There is just enough information given to let us see a glimpse of the bigger picture, and the bigger problems, but still keeping us in suspense. This book focuses mainly on the competition though, and the growth of the characters.
The cast of characters was really fun. Emmett, a poor black kid from Detroit, was a compelling main character. Throughout the book he tries to stay true to his better self, rather than give in to his anger. He also loves blasting his old school hiphop music. The secondary characters were all well-rounded and brought their own thing to the table. I liked seeing the friendships that Emmett formed and how they all interacted with each other. I especially liked Emmett’s friendship with Kaya.
A big theme in the book was about being broken, and what you do with it. We see characters who are broken and become harsh and bitter. But other characters learn to love and smile, despite—or perhaps because of—being broken. Emmett realizes he has that choice, and we see him learn and grow and heal in some ways.
Overall, a fast-paced, action-packed adventure in space! Perfect for fans of Red Rising or Ender’s Game.
Rating
I give this book 4 stars.
Details
Genre: Sci-fi, YA.
Language: Mild and infrequent.
Sex: None.
Violence: Some, mostly simulated fighting.
*I received a free ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Synposis (from Goodreads)
"Emmett Atwater isn't just leaving Detroit; he's leaving Earth. Why the Babel Corporation recruited him is a mystery, but the number of zeroes on their contract has him boarding their lightship and hoping to return to Earth with enough money to take care of his family. Forever.
Before long, Emmett discovers that he is one of ten recruits, all of whom have troubled pasts and are a long way from home. Now each recruit must earn the right to travel down to the planet of Eden--a planet that Babel has kept hidden--where they will mine a substance called Nyxia that has quietly become the most valuable material in the universe.
But Babel's ship is full of secrets. And Emmett will face the ultimate choice: win the fortune at any cost, or find a way to fight that won't forever compromise what it means to be human."
ReviewI didn’t really know what to expect when I started this book, just that it was sci-fi and there was something about traveling to another planet. However, I was quickly drawn into the story and finished it later that night! (or, should I say, very early the next morning!) I will definitely be reading the rest of the series!
The story is set in the near future, I think towards the middle or end of the 21st century (it’s never explicitly said). This company, Babel Technologies, is waaaay ahead of the game when it comes to technology and space travel. They’ve discovered a new planet, which they’ve called Eden, and on Eden there are native people, named “Adamites” by the company, and also a substance they’ve called nyxia. This material can be molded with your mind to become anything non-organic, and it also generates power. It seems to be almost sentient, which was super interesting. I found this whole idea so fascinating. I can’t wait to learn more about nyxia and the planet and the people in the next book. The ship they travel on to get to Eden is also pretty awesome. It was cool to see what crazy technology the company had developed, like masks that cover your mouth and make it so you can understand all languages, or the room that is a giant treadmill/obstacle course.
The plot is pretty straightforward: It’s a competition to see who will be members of the team to descend to a new planet and mine for the mysterious element, nyxia. But of course, all is not as it seems and Babel has huge secrets. There is just enough information given to let us see a glimpse of the bigger picture, and the bigger problems, but still keeping us in suspense. This book focuses mainly on the competition though, and the growth of the characters.
The cast of characters was really fun. Emmett, a poor black kid from Detroit, was a compelling main character. Throughout the book he tries to stay true to his better self, rather than give in to his anger. He also loves blasting his old school hiphop music. The secondary characters were all well-rounded and brought their own thing to the table. I liked seeing the friendships that Emmett formed and how they all interacted with each other. I especially liked Emmett’s friendship with Kaya.
A big theme in the book was about being broken, and what you do with it. We see characters who are broken and become harsh and bitter. But other characters learn to love and smile, despite—or perhaps because of—being broken. Emmett realizes he has that choice, and we see him learn and grow and heal in some ways.
Overall, a fast-paced, action-packed adventure in space! Perfect for fans of Red Rising or Ender’s Game.
Rating
I give this book 4 stars.
Details
Genre: Sci-fi, YA.
Language: Mild and infrequent.
Sex: None.
Violence: Some, mostly simulated fighting.
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