Facsimile

Fun YA story set on another planet - the humans have only been on the planet for about a generation and a half (the narrator's grandparents were part of the initial team). Like a lot of teenagers, Ann just wants to get away from her home town, er, planet, and go on to bigger and better things - in her case, this is Earth. But when a ship lands on Eco to resupply and repair, Ann meets the insatiably curious and smart Dace, who she agrees to show around the planet so that he can learn more about the native species - which are few.

And this is where I just can't quite round up to 4 stars. How is it that these people have been living on this planet for like 40 some odd years and NOT ONE PERSON has decided to explore the planet in any show more meaningful way? One accident cannot possibly mean that all exploration was just abandoned. It takes Dace about 15 minutes on planet to find something MAJOR. I have a problem suspending THIS MUCH disbelief, and I'm pretty dang generous with my disbelief suspension.

Anyway! It was a fun story that moved along at a good clip. I am a HUGE fan of first contact stories and SF stories on other planets, so this was right in my wheelhouse. Will I continue with the series? If I can get the books through my library, it is very likely I would.

Oh yeah, and thanks to LibraryThing Early Reviewers program and Month9Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. :) show less

Facsimile grabbed me right from the start with a fast paced plot and memorable characters. Ann's emotional journey was real and full of interpersonal exploration with family, friends, and a slight touch of romance. Also, the parallels to today's troubling times were sadly still relevant: despite the futuristic advancement in tech and space exploration, racism still survives - just in different forms.
Overall, an entertaining sci-fi adventure!

Summary: the story of a third-generation colonist of a group left behind when the colonizing corporation went bust, and what happens when a curious visitor comes to their world.

Characters: very believable teens, trying to figure this place in the universe and deal with their emotions and thoughts. Imperfect and therefore also believable adults round out the cast.

Themes: wow! Teen romance, family drama, social injustice, coming of age, greed vs. ecology...this book addresses each with style and grace.

Conclusion: five stars, and earned every one of them. The story flowed nicely, nobody came across as two dimensional. I even loved the ending which left me wanting more, but not in an unfinished-story sort of way. It left me curious as to show more what discoveries might be next! show less

This is true science fiction. The author builds this world with vivid detail, where you feel as you could step into it at any given moment. The story flows well and the writing makes it all come together perfectly.
We're given background as to why they are on Eco throughout the book but not to the point where it gets boring or you feel like it will take away, it just adds more to the story. Then the newcomers also were a good addition to make a good twist to the "boring" same routine the colony is use to.

My question is; when can I see a book 2? Need answers to THEM. haha

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

For a ticket to Earth, seventeen-year-old Anna-Maria “Ann” Solano is willing to jettison her birth planet, best friend, and the boy who loves her. Especially since all she’s required to do is escort Dace Keeling, a young naturalist, through the wilderness of the partially terraformed planet Eco. Ann‘s determination to escape the limitations of her small, frontier colony never falters, until Dace’s expeditions uncover three secrets. One offers riches, one shatters Ann’s perceptions of herself, and one reveals that the humans stranded on Eco are not its only inhabitants.

Ann’s willing to sacrifice friendship and love for a new life on Earth. But when an entire species is placed in jeopardy by her actions, she must make a show more choice – fulfill the dream that’s always sustained her, or save the planet she’s never considered home.

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not even sure where to begin other than by saying I love this book! The characters are very well developed, the action was very well paced, there was enough danger to make it interesting but not so much that it put me off the book, and the story line just sucked me right in.

And now I will try to patiently wait for the sequel....because I must know who THEM are! show less