Starglass by Phoebe North
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| Starglass by Phoebe North |
Starglass
Author: Phoebe North
Length: 464 pages
Release date: July 23, 2013
Content notes: YA 10th grade up (sexual content)
This is book one in a two book series, and I do plan to read the second book.
Five hundred years ago there was an asteroid on a collision course with Earth. Most people had to stay on Earth, but some of the healthiest left Earth in colony sized spaceships heading to different planets. This story’s setting is the “Asherah" spaceship of about 1000 Jewish passengers whose mission is to colonize a planet, save humanity, and preserve Jewish culture. During this five hundred year journey, the citizens have followed strict rules stating that children become adults at sixteen, start the profession chosen for them, and must marry by eighteen. Also, each family, controlled by artificial wombs in a lab, consists of a husband, wife, son, and daughter. The main character, Terra, lives this dreary governed life in a dysfunctional family grieving the death of the mother, and she does not even seem excited by the prospect of landing very soon on their new planet. However, after accidentally witnessing a senseless murder, she seems to find purpose by joining the rebellion called, “The Sons of Able.” Then, when the Sons of Able ask her to do something unthinkable, she questions her decision and everything else in her life.
My thoughts:
I have read several books and series about people in a huge spaceship traveling across the vast space to find a new home planet. Everyone one of them (that I have read) has the characters operating something like a bee hive with all the people toiling like “worker bees” day and night under an oppressive government who makes the major decisions for the good of the hive.…I mean people, and this one is no exception. Also, there is always confusion about who really wants what is best for everyone.…you know, like who are the good guys and are they really so good? And, are the bad guys really so bad? What is best for everyone so they will safely arrive at their new home? Lots of ideas to think about.
In this book we only catch a glimpse of the government hierarchy and workings through Terra’s first person narrative. Terra turns sixteen and is entering adulthood as defined by their laws. However, Terra is a mess. Her mother died four years ago and she is not only dealing with her own loss but she is also suffering from the loneliness and abuse that comes from her father’s abhorrent grief. Therefore, we get caught up in her story and we do not get enough of how the setting outside of her functions. But, Terra’s story does have enough drama and problems to keep me interested. Terra is not the usual step-up-to-the-plate heroine I usually see in these YA books. She is merely trying to survive and has little interest in anything, but things do happen to her. She is assigned a job, and she goes. She is told to marry and she gets engaged. She even decides that she likes all that is laid out for her. Joining the “Sons of Able” rebellion is the only decision she makes for herself, however they also want to control her (without giving her much information). Then when she discovers a terrible and confusing truth about her finance, and when her father deals a final blow Terra finally shows her strength (after a time of wallowing which is understandable). She comes to terms with her friendships, her brother, her future, and she starts making her own decisions. I am hoping that we see a stronger, more decisive, take charge Terra in the next book because she is a little sad in this one.
I thought the idea of preserving a culture an interesting and novel idea. And, the main character does seem passive and a bit of a “victim.” However, she does perk up and defy the Sons of Able at the end, and we know that there is an exciting and curious future waiting for her on the new planet. This book was not as exciting as the usual YA book, but I am glad I read this book.
Five hundred years ago there was an asteroid on a collision course with Earth. Most people had to stay on Earth, but some of the healthiest left Earth in colony sized spaceships heading to different planets. This story’s setting is the “Asherah" spaceship of about 1000 Jewish passengers whose mission is to colonize a planet, save humanity, and preserve Jewish culture. During this five hundred year journey, the citizens have followed strict rules stating that children become adults at sixteen, start the profession chosen for them, and must marry by eighteen. Also, each family, controlled by artificial wombs in a lab, consists of a husband, wife, son, and daughter. The main character, Terra, lives this dreary governed life in a dysfunctional family grieving the death of the mother, and she does not even seem excited by the prospect of landing very soon on their new planet. However, after accidentally witnessing a senseless murder, she seems to find purpose by joining the rebellion called, “The Sons of Able.” Then, when the Sons of Able ask her to do something unthinkable, she questions her decision and everything else in her life.
My thoughts:
I have read several books and series about people in a huge spaceship traveling across the vast space to find a new home planet. Everyone one of them (that I have read) has the characters operating something like a bee hive with all the people toiling like “worker bees” day and night under an oppressive government who makes the major decisions for the good of the hive.…I mean people, and this one is no exception. Also, there is always confusion about who really wants what is best for everyone.…you know, like who are the good guys and are they really so good? And, are the bad guys really so bad? What is best for everyone so they will safely arrive at their new home? Lots of ideas to think about.
In this book we only catch a glimpse of the government hierarchy and workings through Terra’s first person narrative. Terra turns sixteen and is entering adulthood as defined by their laws. However, Terra is a mess. Her mother died four years ago and she is not only dealing with her own loss but she is also suffering from the loneliness and abuse that comes from her father’s abhorrent grief. Therefore, we get caught up in her story and we do not get enough of how the setting outside of her functions. But, Terra’s story does have enough drama and problems to keep me interested. Terra is not the usual step-up-to-the-plate heroine I usually see in these YA books. She is merely trying to survive and has little interest in anything, but things do happen to her. She is assigned a job, and she goes. She is told to marry and she gets engaged. She even decides that she likes all that is laid out for her. Joining the “Sons of Able” rebellion is the only decision she makes for herself, however they also want to control her (without giving her much information). Then when she discovers a terrible and confusing truth about her finance, and when her father deals a final blow Terra finally shows her strength (after a time of wallowing which is understandable). She comes to terms with her friendships, her brother, her future, and she starts making her own decisions. I am hoping that we see a stronger, more decisive, take charge Terra in the next book because she is a little sad in this one.
I thought the idea of preserving a culture an interesting and novel idea. And, the main character does seem passive and a bit of a “victim.” However, she does perk up and defy the Sons of Able at the end, and we know that there is an exciting and curious future waiting for her on the new planet. This book was not as exciting as the usual YA book, but I am glad I read this book.
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