Review: A very pleasent surprise!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 6, 2013
Review:For some reasons I like stories with the heroine dressing as a boy and winning the heart of the hero in disguise as a male before the secret is lifted. Especially if it's a manly man questioning his sexuality. I just find it cute, I don't know why. The problem, however, with these stories is that they usually follow the same pattern and are quite predictable and while the same to an extent can be said for this book, I didn't or have time to care in the least because of how fleshed out, likable yet realistic the characters were created, not to mention the unique setting of the story was something impressive. Such a story could also product a lot of angst, but luckily, there was no excess of it here, in just the right dosage angst can be really enjoyable - as in this book.Really, this was a charming story. Some aspects were more mature than your average YA, besides I don't recall many YA with sci-fi elements. Sexuality was a big topic in various different forms between different (well...male) characters (violent, comforting, love, teenage lust, ...), more so than in most such books, for example, the sexual identity struggle that North experienced was a lot more emotional, realistic and you could feel his hesitation, confusion and inner battle to come to terms with his feelings for his roommate. It didn't seem like too cliché and I really liked the outcome and journey to him being clear on what he is and what he wants - all this without any parts in his point of view. There was nothing overly explicit but the atmosphere had a lot of spark and kink, if exactly THAT is your thing.My only complaint is that at times some actions/resolutions/problems were overly convenient/slightly unbelievable/too easily solved, but I can overlook these as they are compensated with all positive in this book. Also, while slightly predictable, but at the same time not at all in the way it unraveled, I absolutely adored the ending.Characters:Kris was a great heroine, someone I truly liked and could admire. While her idea and attempt to attend and not get caught in the academy, if I think logically, is beyond ridiculous, she was brave, determined and with an actual backbone enough to go trough with such a whacko plan. I liked that she was still feminine and adorable in disguise and didn't attempt at being a total butch. She was sweet, smarter than most and talentedNorth was more fleshed out than many YA heroes, despite him not being present all the time and in the center of action constantly. I really liked him for his realness, as much as there was showcased. He was manly and tough yet soft and sensitive, especially after he opened himself up emotionally and showed a different side of him than the one he carries at school. Like Kris, a very likable hero. I also have to mention that I loved the way his home planet was described, created and how North acted there, it left me sunny and happy inside.There were some other sympathetic and intriguing characters in this book as well. Hinks, hmmm, he makes me kind of iffy but then again he was like a fairy godmother of sorts (emphasis on the fairy part). I also liked Wilkenson despite his vague intentions and interests. Broward was utter jerk and more.Overall:Again, another surprisingly enjoyable and fluffy read I discoed in Kindle store totally by accident. Emotional, romantic and cute. I recommend! P.S I think the cover is quite spot-on and FINNALY a standalone book!