Review: From a Distant Star by Karen McQuestion
From a Distant Star
by: Karen McQuestion
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
Publisher: Skyscape
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: e-ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 272 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars
Seventeen-year-old Emma was the only one who hadn’t given up on her boyfriend, Lucas. Everyone else—his family, his friends, his doctors—was convinced that any moment could be his last. So when Lucas miraculously returns from the brink of death, Emma thinks her prayers have been answered.
As the surprised town rejoices, Emma begins to question whether Lucas is the same boy she’s always known. When she finds an unidentifiable object on his family’s farm—and government agents come to claim it—she begins to suspect that nothing is what it seems. Emma’s out-of-this-world discovery may be the key to setting things right, but only if she and Lucas can evade the agents who are after what they have. With all her hopes and dreams on the line, Emma sets out to save the boy she loves. And with a little help from a distant star, she might just have a chance at making those dreams come true.
As the surprised town rejoices, Emma begins to question whether Lucas is the same boy she’s always known. When she finds an unidentifiable object on his family’s farm—and government agents come to claim it—she begins to suspect that nothing is what it seems. Emma’s out-of-this-world discovery may be the key to setting things right, but only if she and Lucas can evade the agents who are after what they have. With all her hopes and dreams on the line, Emma sets out to save the boy she loves. And with a little help from a distant star, she might just have a chance at making those dreams come true.
I have no problem admitting that this gorgeous cover is what prompted me to download this one as soon as I saw it on NetGalley. After reading the synopsis, I was quite glad because this definitely sounded like a me book. I love science fiction and loved tv shows like Roswell and Star Crossed. While From a Distant Star was an enjoyable read, I don't think it's one that will be very memorable.
Emma is a teenage girl who is extremely dedicated and devoted to her boyfriend, Lucas, who is suffering from cancer. Things are looking pretty bleak, but Emma refuses to give up on him. She even seeks out a rather unconventional person in hopes that she can find a way to 'cure' him. I admit, this part of the story felt a little odd and random, as I didn't see it's purpose in the overall development of the story. I realize this is fiction, but I did feel some elements were a bit TOO far fetched to be really believable.
I felt the story chugged along at a well enough pace, but I did start to feel it drag a bit, as there wasn't much going on at times. There was a lot of description and it took quite a bit to get the action unraveling. Emma's character got on my nerves a bit because she was entirely too focused on Lucas and nothing else. I do know that some teens unrealistically think they are going to live happily ever after with their first boyfriend, but it just felt a little extreme to me. We don't get very much of Lucas's character in the book, as an alien named Scout has taken over his body. That part reminded me of The Host, which was cool and I was curious to see where McQuestion would take it. I liked Scout and Emma's friendship, and seeing Scout adapt to a new planet.
The ending wraps up quite neatly and as you'd predict. I'm all for a HEA, but everything felt entirely too easy and convenient. When you have the government involved as well as extremists who do not believe in accepting alien life, things should be a bit more complicated than they were. I do appreciate this is a stand alone though and that we got complete resolution by the end.
Sadly, this didn't wow me, but I didn't have too much trouble getting through it either. It just lacked that spark I need in a good sci-fi story.
8 comments
That is a rather gorgeous cover! Makes me want to give the book a try, despite how lackluster the plot sounds. Hmmmmm. Sometimes a cheesy book that I have NO expectations for is a good thing haha.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Jess!
Right?! I am such a cover whore. LOL. It's definitely not a BAD book, but it won't be one that I remember a few months from now. But you're right- sometimes a little cheese is just what we need in our lives!
DeleteAs we discussed earlier this week - and am on the same page with you about Emma. I am not that far - maybe 20%? I am bummer about your comments with the ending. I was hoping for something less HEA.
ReplyDeleteYou might end up liking it? I dunno. I just felt it could have had a lot of potential and it just didn't hit the mark for me.
DeleteI have this one for review so I have to read it soon. I'm sad to see that it didn't have the spark that you wanted it to have. :/ Hopefully I enjoy it. Great review.
ReplyDeleteKrystianna @ Downright Dystopian
I hope you enjoy it too Krystianna! You'll have to let me know!
DeleteThe cover is really pretty! I didn't know about this book until you told me, but I don't feel the urge to pick it up after reading your review. I feel like a lot sci fi books kinda just drag towards the middle which sucks. I just don't think sci fi is the genre for me. I have yet to read a book that I've loved!
ReplyDeleteThe ending sounds ... interesting! Guess there is a thing as too much of a HEA.
Great review, Jess!
I love sci-fi normally, but I'm finding it's hard to really encompass everything I love in the genre. I've read a few great ones, but most of them have been pretty lackluster sadly.
DeleteLeave me some comment love! And I will get around to commenting back!
My blog is an award-free blog, however, as I just do not have the time to follow-up.