Academy 7

(Read this and other reviews at Fictionally Inclined.)

My sister gave me this book to read, and since we usually have pretty similar taste, I trusted her judgment. The premise sounded good enough. Plus, look at the pretty cover! It turns out that I was right to trust her; I enjoyed this book a lot!

Academy 7 was so cute! It was a fast read, but it wasn't super light. It had substance, an interesting premise with good execution, and a decent plot. In fact, if anything, I would have liked to see some things fleshed out more, specifically the ending, which was a little abrupt. Regardless, it was still a pleasurable read. I particularly enjoyed the original world Osterlund had created. I am...strange when it comes to sci-fi. I am not usually a fan unless it is a background for a romance, and even then, I'm picky. But this worked for me. And it was so nice to actually have a story in a different universe that – gasp – wasn't part of a series. Now, don't get me wrong; I love a good series. I also happen to be impatient, though, and I hate waiting in between the books. Plus, I am always worried that I will forget the details and it won't be as great of an experience as reading the books back-to-back. Which is true to some extent, although I have started to get over that. There are just too many things I'm dying to read that are the first in a series; I know I will cave on at least some of them. But I digress.

The main thing I loved about this book was the development of the relationship between the two main characters. Aerin is so hesitant about everything at first, including actually having a friend in Dane. She just broke my heart and made me want to hug her. But the way they naturally develop from strangers (with some animosity on one side) to friends to, eventually, more was so realistic and beautiful. It grew naturally, and the way their feelings were portrayed was perfect.

Oh, and there was sparring! Which always makes me happy.

This was a cute, satisfying read that left me with a smile on my face – the perfect way to spend my Friday morning.

3.5 stars.

To be fair, sci-fi isn't my genre. I want it to be desperately, but I usually wind up not caring for the books I pick to read. This one though... It had me right from the start, when the opening pages depict a teenage girl fleeing a planet in the same ship her father died in.

This is the story of Aerin and Dane, two new students at the best school in the universe and they have a connection.

Don't roll your eyes at me. Keep reading, it's not that type of connection.

Aerin and Dane don't fall madly in love at first sight. In fact, when they first meet, neither gives the other much consideration. But, slowly, things start to change. They compete against each other. Then, competition slowly turns to friendship and friendship to love.

First of all, Aerin and Dane are so excellent to read about. Aerin has been hurt - physically and emotionally - and she's prickly. She's got walls and mistrusts people and is so difficult to get to know. Dane has a horrible home life with a absolute bastard of a father and horrid brother - but he tries to soldier on. He doesn't brood or wallow. He makes jokes and tried to make Aerin feel better.

In fact, both character are quite a breath of fresh air over the usual useless girl/jerk-ass boy fare of YA.

As to their connection...I'm not telling! (Now, where's that smiley that sticks out its tongue?) In seriousness though, their connection is because of their fathers and could change both their lives.

The world building is serviceable. I know a lot of people are bored with the ‘Alliance' and the ‘Federation' type of totalitarian government, but I like it. I've always had such a weakness for this huge organization that isn't inherently evil, but that has a severely skewed way of looking at things. About all that could have made the world building better is if we'd actually gotten more information about it. (What was there was lovely though.)

All in all, I love this book.

Except for one huge, glaring problem.

There is no plot.

There is no outside force to overcome.

There is no final climax.

This book meanders through a year plus of time at school, following Aerin and Dane. Yes, they are more stable and happier and all around healthier people than when the story started. Yes, I like them both enough to feel an emotional tug to them and be happy that things turned out so well for them.

But...

It feels like the book just ended.

Like this is the first book of a series.

You know, then it would be awesome. I can easily picture this as the first book of a four book epic series. That would be beyond amazing.

But as it is, what started off with a bang whimpered halfway through and ended to the sound of crickets.

(Originally posted on my blog: http://pagesofstarlight.blogspot.com/)