To Sleep in a Sea of Stars

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Tor/Forge: 9/15/20
review excerpt; est. 220 of 880 pages

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini is a highly recommended science fiction space opera - based on a excerpt.

Kira Navárez, a xenobiologist,is on a routine survey mission with a small team of other scientists when she finds what indicates an alien civilization. When the alien dust begins to move and encase her, she loses consciousness. Later, when she wakes up after her rescue and time spent in recovery, she seems to be fine, but a horrific incident makes it clear that an alien organism has bonded to her body, forming a second skin. When she feels threatened and the need to protect herself now, spikes will jump out from her skin stabbing anyone around her. Kira needs to learn how to control the suits power and perhaps use it to help humanity.

The main drawback to reviewing To Sleep in a Sea of Stars is that I was provided with an excerpt of about the first quarter of the novel. This allows me to get a sense of where the story may be going and the opportunity to develop a theory about the narrative. Over the many years I've been reviewing books there have been numerous books where the ending has totally change my rating, so being provided with only the first part of the story only allows me to determine if I would keep reading the novel or not. I would keep reading. Paolini's novel has the start of a great science fiction space opera. I hope to finish reading the story someday.

Now, that is not to say the section provided is perfect. Prose is still a problem and doesn't always flow smoothly and he also doesn't quite pull off writing as a female lead. Now, why I would have kept reading the novel if I were able is that the storytelling and world building is compelling. I think the drama, excitement and the plot will likely overcome some of those awkward points, but I can't know for sure.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Tor/Forge.