Review: Colonization

 

Colonization

Author: Aubrie Dionne

Format: eARC
Print Length: 228
Publisher: Inkspell Publishing 
Published: Nov. 7, 2013

Andromeda has spent all seventeen years of her life aboard a deep space transport vessel destined for a paradise planet. Her safe cocoon is about to break open as Paradise 21 looms only one month away, and she must take the aptitude tests to determine her role on the new world and her computer assigned lifemate. As a great-granddaughter of the Commander of the ship, she wants to live up to her family name. But, her forbidden love for her childhood friend, Sirius, distracts her and she fails the tests. The results place her in a menial role in the new colony and pair her with Corvus, “the oaf”.

But when Andromeda steps foot on Paradise 21, her predestined future is the least of her worries. Alien ghosts from a failed colonization warn her of a deadly threat to her colony. And when Sirius’s ship crashes on the far ridge in an attempt to investigate, she journeys to rescue him with Corvus.

Andromeda now must convince the authorities of the imminent danger to keep her protect her new home. What she didn’t expect was a battle of her own feelings for Sirius and Corvus.

Can she save the colony and discover her true love?

My Thoughts

I received an eARC through the publishers, this in no way influenced my review.

Right before she passes away Annie’s great-granny tells her, “Change is the only constant in our lives.  It shapes us as much as it tears us down.” (Kindle Location 28)  Boy, was granny right.  The New Dawn has finally reached Paradise 21, before the descend upon the plant she takes her final exams (this determines her job) and her lifemate is decided upon.  She hopes that she assigned her best friend Sirius as her lifemate.  They are attracted to each other but they avoid doing anything about it due to the whole, computer picks their lifemate rule.  It does make sense- you want to make sure that their civilization will continue to thrive and that no inbreeding happens.  Arranged marriages though sometimes suck.

Let’s be honest- I typically only read paranormal or contemporary YA novels.  So, I was very unsure going into this book.  Will I like it?  Will I be able to follow it?  Will it take forever to read?  I curled up into my reading chair with some sweet tea a blanket and the Kindle Fire.

Holy alien babies everywhere!  This world is beautifully written, Paradise 21 seemingly really a Paradise with the beautiful plants and the fabulous water.  Who would not like to be on a beach? 

The emotional drama that Annie is put through, and she suffers it mostly in silence.  Wowzers.  The tidal wave of emotions that Annie feels from the very beginning with the death of her great-granny to the end will leave some seasick but wow what great character development.  You cannot help but feel bad for Annie and yet at the same time wonder if computerization is the way to go when picking a mate.

Corvus is, well, dang he is just great y’all.  He is understanding, caring, and sweet.  Who else do you know would willingly help his girlfriend (lifemate) find her old boyfriend (not really but you get the picture)?  The risks he takes for her is just well heartwarming.  You end up verbally cheering for him.

Do you know the phrase “better the devil that you know than the one that you do not.”  This comes to mind when I view Annie’s and Sirius’ relationship.  They grew up together.  They know each other’s secrets.  They went on adventures together.  So, shouldn’t they be together?

Sirius goes missing and Annie is going after him, Lieutenant Crophaven wouldn’t listen to her.  So really she has no other options.  He got lost doing a favor for her.  Corvus catches her leaving and leaves with her.  It is a race against time or wind to get to Sirius.  Will they make it?  What happens if they do?  What if they don’t?

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Other Characters

Nova- resident mean girl and Sirius’ lifemate match, the irony

Lieutenant Crophaven- He is one of the highest ranking military men on the ship

Commander Barliss- Annie’s great-Grandpa, he happens to command the ship