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Dismiss A review by you! Adrift in Starlight, by Mindi Briar adventurous emotional inspiring fast-paced Plot- or character-driven? A mix Strong character development? Yes Loveable characters? Yes Diverse cast of characters? Yes Flaws of characters a main focus? No 4.0
I received a digital ARC of this book and was really excited about the non-binary representation it promised. This is my honest review: Adrift in Starlight is a really fun and fast paced read that felt really unique compared to a lot of other popular books currently out there. The relationship the characters has with each other and how they develop throughout the book is really enjoyable and very much a "found family" feel. The LGBTQIA+ representation was pretty different and refreshing to see. The SciFi elements and worldbuilding were a main focus of the book that was really interesting, without being too complicated. This made it really easy read to dive in to as a reader. The plot, at times, does border on obsurd but I think as a reader it was best to just enjoy the ride and not think to much of it. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

I liked it. Actually, I really liked it. Tai, Aisha, and the supporting cast are flawed and likable, and the story is unique and charming. Parts of the book are a little heavy-handed on current social issues in a way that didn't quite make sense if this book takes place 4,000 years in the future and assumes some things are shameful that seem incredibly out of place if so many other things are accepted, but taking that with a grain of salt, it's a fun jaunt of a book. (This is one of those books where it's hard to explain the issues without spoilers.) My biggest complaint, and it's not even a complaint, is that this is a YA book. It's not advertised that way, and it's maybe not meant to be one, but it is. I also wish there was more about the alien species. They're a huge part of the first portion of the book and then just disappear. I almost wish the book was just longer so the author could have explored some of the social issues and plot points further without feeling rushed, which would have helped the YA feel as well. Anyways, all that to say, this is a fast, fun read that made me smile and didn't cause too much anxiety. Once I get through some of my other TBR books, I'll probably read the second one to see what happens next.

sweet, cute... strangely boring. DNF at 32% because while I was intrigued at first, and should still be intrigued this far in, I am instead discontent and bored, and it's weird considering their danger level. So I don't trust the author. And when that happens, I stop reading. *sigh* ( )

Adrift in Starlight is the first novel in the Halcyon Universe series by Mindi Briar.

Content Note: (for this review) misgendering, acemisia, eugenics; for the novel you can find CNs in the book.

Plot:
Tai is a courtesan, and they are very good at their job. That’s why they get hired by actor Xander Bose. Only he doesn’t want to hire them for himself, but for his fiancé Aisha who he feels needs a bit of loosening up. With the money Xander offers, Tai just can’t afford to say no. But they soon realize that Aisha – a career-focused historian with a touch aversion – may not be easily seduced. When Tai comes to the museum opening of the exhibition on insectoid aliens that Aisha curated, things take a very unexpected turn for both of them, though.

I really enjoyed Adrift in Starlight. It’s a quick, sweet queer romance in space that gives us a nice ending for Aisha and Tai, while hinting that there is more to come in this world. Absolutely lovely.

Read more on my blog: https://kalafudra.com/2022/06/19/adrift-in-starlight-mindi-briar/ ( )

An enjoyable read with interesting characters and a fun setting. I'm happy to have reveived this book through Early Reviewers, as it showed a perspective not usually present in science fiction. ( )