JUNE 2017 - AudioFile
Narrator Kasey Lee Huizinga embodies Noemi, a futuristic soldier whose life is changed when she loses her best friend and meets a “mech” named Abel. To Noemi’s surprise, Abel appears to have unexpected human qualities despite his mechanical origins. Narrator Nate Begle creates a robotic monotone for Abel with developing hints of emotion as he grows and begins to understand that perhaps he is more than artificial intelligence created by a human and constrained by his programming, but instead a soul who can love and think for himself. This dystopian story will captivate listeners as they cheer for an unlikely couple who must fight against all odds to survive in their world. M.D. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
★ 02/13/2017
In this poignant and profound SF novel from Gray (the Firebird trilogy), resources are scarce, humans populate multiple planets, and a colony world called Genesis is battling Earth for independence. Noemi Vidal, a 17-year-old fighter pilot from Genesis, is on a training run when an Earth army of humanoid robots known as mechs attacks her squadron. Noemi gets separated from the group and seeks refuge on a broken-down research vessel. On board is Abel, the first mech ever created. A showdown ensues before a quirk in Abel’s code dictates that he submit to Noemi’s command. Using information gleaned from Abel, Noemi hatches a plan to liberate Genesis that necessitates the mech’s destruction. It’s not long, though, until Noemi is forced to wonder whether Abel has transcended his programming. Noemi and Abel share the narrative, and together they weave a tale that examines the ethics of war and tackles questions of consciousness, love, and free will. Gray’s characters are nuanced, her worldbuilding is intelligent, and the book’s conclusion thrills and satisfies while defying expectations. Ages 15–up. Agent: Diana Fox, Fox Literary. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Defy the Stars:
*"Nuanced philosophical discussions of religion, terrorism, and morality advise and direct the high-stakes action, informing the beautiful, realistic ending. Intelligent and thoughtful, a highly relevant far-off speculative adventure."
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
*"Poignant and profound...a tale that examines the ethics of war and tackles questions of consciousness, love, and free will. Gray's characters are nuanced, her worldbuilding is intelligent, and the book's conclusion thrills and satisfies while defying expectations."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Replete with rebels, bots, and battles, this top-notch space adventure features a well-developed plot and an unexpected, satisfying ending. This is a complex and well-told tale about loyalty, love, and the meaning of life. A must-buy for sci-fi readers."—School Library Journal
"Defy the Stars is a unique and masterful sci-fi space opera that will take readers across the galaxy on a fast-paced thrill ride...Brilliantly done."—Romantic Times
"The story plays with themes of destiny, honor, and faith, while ultimately asking readers to consider what makes one human. Recommend to fans of The Lunar Chronicles and The Illuminae Files, or to romance readers wanting a sci-fi entry point."
—School Library Connection
"This first-rate STEM-packed adventure explores what it means to be human and whether people are truly their brothers' keepers."
—Booklist
"With a love story that sweeps across the galaxy and a heart-racing high-action plot, Defy the Stars brilliantly explores what it means to be human. This book shines like the stars."
—Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of the Across the Universe series
"Startlingly original and achingly romantic, Abel and Noemi's adventure will linger in my imagination—and my heart—for aeons. Defy the Stars is nothing short of masterful."
—Kass Morgan, New York Times bestselling author of The 100 series
School Library Journal
02/01/2017
Gr 8 Up—The planet Genesis is at war again. With no warning, Earth has revived a conflict after a 30-year hiatus because it has destroyed its own resources and land. Its people are desperate to escape to a healthier planet, and they have chosen Genesis. But the residents of Genesis fear the effects that Earth's policies will have on their planet. Noemi and her foster sister, Esther, are space pilots in the Genesis army, and they are caught in a surprise attack. Noemi boards a derelict ship in a desperate effort to save wounded Esther, but she finds the ship inhabited. Abel, a unique mech prototype, was left behind by his creator during the former war. Abel's intelligence seems to have evolved during his long isolation, and Noemi reluctantly decides to team up with him in a dangerous attempt to help Genesis. Replete with rebels, bots, and battles, this top-notch space adventure features a well-developed plot and an unexpected, satisfying ending. The story also gives serious treatment to the ethical dilemmas around highly advanced robotics and artificial intelligence as well as the consequences of policies for unlimited development and the resulting wanton destruction of limited natural resources. This is a complex and well-told tale about loyalty, love, and the meaning of life. VERDICT A must-buy for sci-fi collections.—Gretchen Crowley, formerly at Alexandria City Public Libraries, VA
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2017-01-17
A teen soldier teams up with an enemy android to end an interplanetary war. During a practice for her Masada Run, Genesis soldier Noemi (a human of Latin American and Polynesian ancestry) discovers an Earth ship abandoned during the last war. The reference is purposeful: it's a suicide mission to damage the Gate between Earth and Genesis in order to stave off Earth's offensive. Abel (a mech with artificial intelligence and self-awareness, modeled after his white creator) has waited alone on that ship for 30 years. Abel's far more advanced than his task-oriented peers, with a (delightfully passive-aggressive) personality of his own, and he wants to return to his "father" but is programmed to recognize Noemi as his new superior and obey her. Using Abel, Noemi realizes she can destroy the gate and save her fellow soldiers' lives, so she tears across the universe on the desperate, long-shot mission. Abel discovers the changes the past 30 years have wrought: Earth's environmental degradation makes new homes like pristine Genesis necessary, but Earth leadership can't be trusted not to destroy them too. Meanwhile, Noemi also learns the fuller picture and connects with people from different walks—including Abel, who she begins to suspect is more than a machine. Nuanced philosophical discussions of religion, terrorism, and morality advise and direct the high-stakes action, informing the beautiful, realistic ending. Intelligent and thoughtful, a highly relevant far-off speculative adventure. (Science-fiction. 12 & up)
