Every time I come down here I think about my mother. ~ Opening of Planetfall
Planetfall (Planetfall #1) by Emma Newman
Ace/Roc, 2015
Science Fiction; 336 pgs
Source: Purchased
Source: Purchased
Goodreads Summary:
Renata Ghali believed in Lee Suh-Mi’s vision of a world far beyond Earth, calling to humanity. A planet promising to reveal the truth about our place in the cosmos, untainted by overpopulation, pollution, and war. Ren believed in that vision enough to give up everything to follow Suh-Mi into the unknown.
More than twenty-two years have passed since Ren and the rest of the faithful braved the starry abyss and established a colony at the base of an enigmatic alien structure where Suh-Mi has since resided, alone. All that time, Ren has worked hard as the colony’s 3-D printer engineer, creating the tools necessary for human survival in an alien environment, and harboring a devastating secret.
Ren continues to perpetuate the lie forming the foundation of the colony for the good of her fellow colonists, despite the personal cost. Then a stranger appears, far too young to have been part of the first planetfall, a man who bears a remarkable resemblance to Suh-Mi.
The truth Ren has concealed since planetfall can no longer be hidden. And its revelation might tear the colony apart…
Most of my experience with science fiction so far falls to Robert Heinlein and Douglas Adams, both rather tall orders to follow. I have read a scattering of other science fiction novels over the years, and recently have found myself wanting to explore the genre more. Planetfall seemed a good book to go to next. It wasn't quite what I expected, even having read the blurb, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Planetfall isn't just a book about a colony on a far away planet, but also a character study of someone with a mental disorder going through crisis.
Renata (Ren) Ghali is a well drawn character who shoulders a heavy secret and has been through more than one traumatic experience. Not only has she left behind the world she knows for the completely unknown, but she's lost the woman she loved most in the world, and is asked to be complicit in a big lie that could very well destroy the very community she lives in--not to mention the stability she's come to depend on. Being that Ren is the narrator, the reader is inside her head, feeling her panic when her world is threatened, and understanding where she is coming from. It did cross my mind at one point that perhaps Ren's disorder was relied on too heavily for the sake of the plot, but, at the same time, the way events played out, it seemed a natural progression and felt so real.
I felt for Ren on many levels, feeling the tension of the position she was in. She wanted to come clean with the truth, but isn't sure the colony would recover from the damage caused if the truth got out. Ren is extremely smart, skilled, and more resourceful than she realizes. She is always second guessing herself. I imagine the others in the colony see her as bit of an eccentric, withdrawn at times and very private, having trouble connecting with others.
When the stranger appears out of nowhere, Ren is suspicious, as is Cillian "Mack" Mackenzie, the so called ringmaster of the colony. How could someone have survived outside the colony for so long? Is he really as innocent as he seems? His friendly and open demeanor suggest so, and his welcome into the colony seems a forgone conclusion. Sung-So takes an instant interest in Ren and she can't help but respond to that. He is the first who she lets into her private world, however reluctantly. He is also the first to realize just how bad things have gotten for Ren. And from there, things begin to unravel very quickly.
It is through flashback and memories that the story unfolds, at first slowly, building in tension as it goes. Ren recalls the reason behind the colonists setting out on Atlas to search for their new home, the Earth being overpopulated and polluted. Despite being so far from home and civilization, the colonists have made a good home for themselves at the base of God's city. It was faith and science that had brought them there and what keeps them going. With each new memory Ren shares a new layer to the story is uncovered.
The novel could have gone in several different directions, and I would have happily followed along. In fact, I wasn't too surprised in the way certain events finally came to a head. The very end hearkens back to the purpose of the colonist's original mission, in a way coming full circle. But I have mixed feelings about it. Maybe my dissatisfaction comes from all the questions I still have, about certain threads left hanging. And yet the ending seems so final.
I wouldn't have minded a little more science behind the technology they used in order to add more flesh to the world Newman's created. I also wish the author had explored the spiritual journey the colonists were on a bit more, especially in relation to the time period they are living in. These are just minor things though in the scheme of things.
Overall, I liked Planetfall, and feel it was a worthwhile read. Emma Newman has created a fascinating character in Ren and a complex and interesting world. I am hearing even better things about the next book in the series, which I understand is set in the same world as Planetfall, but not a sequel per say.
Renata (Ren) Ghali is a well drawn character who shoulders a heavy secret and has been through more than one traumatic experience. Not only has she left behind the world she knows for the completely unknown, but she's lost the woman she loved most in the world, and is asked to be complicit in a big lie that could very well destroy the very community she lives in--not to mention the stability she's come to depend on. Being that Ren is the narrator, the reader is inside her head, feeling her panic when her world is threatened, and understanding where she is coming from. It did cross my mind at one point that perhaps Ren's disorder was relied on too heavily for the sake of the plot, but, at the same time, the way events played out, it seemed a natural progression and felt so real.
I felt for Ren on many levels, feeling the tension of the position she was in. She wanted to come clean with the truth, but isn't sure the colony would recover from the damage caused if the truth got out. Ren is extremely smart, skilled, and more resourceful than she realizes. She is always second guessing herself. I imagine the others in the colony see her as bit of an eccentric, withdrawn at times and very private, having trouble connecting with others.
When the stranger appears out of nowhere, Ren is suspicious, as is Cillian "Mack" Mackenzie, the so called ringmaster of the colony. How could someone have survived outside the colony for so long? Is he really as innocent as he seems? His friendly and open demeanor suggest so, and his welcome into the colony seems a forgone conclusion. Sung-So takes an instant interest in Ren and she can't help but respond to that. He is the first who she lets into her private world, however reluctantly. He is also the first to realize just how bad things have gotten for Ren. And from there, things begin to unravel very quickly.
It is through flashback and memories that the story unfolds, at first slowly, building in tension as it goes. Ren recalls the reason behind the colonists setting out on Atlas to search for their new home, the Earth being overpopulated and polluted. Despite being so far from home and civilization, the colonists have made a good home for themselves at the base of God's city. It was faith and science that had brought them there and what keeps them going. With each new memory Ren shares a new layer to the story is uncovered.
The novel could have gone in several different directions, and I would have happily followed along. In fact, I wasn't too surprised in the way certain events finally came to a head. The very end hearkens back to the purpose of the colonist's original mission, in a way coming full circle. But I have mixed feelings about it. Maybe my dissatisfaction comes from all the questions I still have, about certain threads left hanging. And yet the ending seems so final.
I wouldn't have minded a little more science behind the technology they used in order to add more flesh to the world Newman's created. I also wish the author had explored the spiritual journey the colonists were on a bit more, especially in relation to the time period they are living in. These are just minor things though in the scheme of things.
Overall, I liked Planetfall, and feel it was a worthwhile read. Emma Newman has created a fascinating character in Ren and a complex and interesting world. I am hearing even better things about the next book in the series, which I understand is set in the same world as Planetfall, but not a sequel per say.
You can learn more about Emma Newman and her books on the author's website. You can also find her on Twitter and Facebook.
© 2017, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
© 2017, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Sounds like an interesting read! Thanks for the review, will be keeping an eye out for the book(:
ReplyDeleteEustacia - It was interesting, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
DeleteMy sister would probably like this but I'm not much for sci-fi.
ReplyDeleteKathy - If your sister does read this one, I hope she likes it!
DeleteI'm a fan of good science fiction. Might look for this one as I haven't read anything by Emma Newman. :)
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I'd be interested in hear what you think if you do read this one.
DeleteI may not read sic-fi but still enjoyed reading your review. Who knows, maybe one day when I'm in the mood for something totally different this could be a good one to get me out of reading rut!
ReplyDeleteIliana - Thank you! I'm still learning my science fiction preferences, but I would like to read more by Newman.
DeleteThis sounds really unique. I like it when a book turns out a bit different than I expect it to be. I am glad that this one worked out for you.
ReplyDeleteCarole - Yes, this one surprised me--but it a good way. :-)
DeleteI'm intrigued by the cover and this definitely does sound unique! Also nice to hear that the next book is potentially even better than the first! I like companions where it's the same universe but plots wrap up. Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteCyn - Thank you! I really like the cover too. I like that too--when books are set in the same universe but are complete stories on their own. It makes reading series books out of order so much easier--and I do that often enough.
DeleteSounds good! I haven't read much science fiction either but what I have I've really liked but I've stayed with the more vetted authors (Douglas Adams is on my list as well) so have been a little nervous to try newer authors. This sounds unusual and like an interesting read. I'll have to add this to my list!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - It's been fun venturing outside the authors I am more familiar with. If you do decide to read this one, I hope you like it.
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