“Nabukko” by K. R. Gadeken

This is not part of a series, as it is advertised. It is the first episode in a serial. It is a YA Sci-Fi that takes place on an unknown planet, but the focus of the conflict is relationships and the emotions that affect them, which also places it in the Romance category. There is also  thematic material on the nature of reality.

The reason I call this a YA novel is that it takes a very black and white approach to character interaction. When the main character, Eff, shows up at the strangely un-typical emigrant outpost, certain people rush to befriend her, while others take an immediate dislike to her. Then the characters begin to develop and relationships change, including a Pride-and-Prejudice style love story.

The strength of the writing is the characterization, especially of Eff, who attracts our sympathy quickly and deeply. We are led through the nuances of her reactions as she agonizes about the situation, the other characters, and the reality of everything.

People’s attitudes towards Eff and others take sudden and abrupt changes. Because we are seeing this all from Eff’s point of view, they strike the reader with similar surprise to hers. This is all very well for suspense, but it means most of the characters in the story seem to act in unmotivated ways. If it wasn’t for the fact that many of the characters are so likeable, this would push us out of our immersion in the emotions of the story.

The ending, unfortunately, is abrupt enough to shock the reader. It only ties up one conflict and finishes with a complete cliff-hanger. In serial novels, there is a balance between satisfying just enough of the trust the readers have placed in the author, and the author’s desire to bring us back to the next installment. If there is not enough resolution, then our trust has been misplaced and we feel betrayed.

This is a well-written, enjoyable YA serial, but no matter how good the writing or how enjoyable the characters, I cannot give full marks to an author who is willing to break the reader’s trust in favour of a marketing ploy.

Four stars.

This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery

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