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Pride & Prejudice and Planets: An Alternate-Reality Pride & Prejudice Science Fiction Variation
What could possibly be in Longbourn Crater that was worth their while?When damage to his ship forces Captain Darcy to land in an unexpected location on an alien world, he's not prepared for what he finds. He expected aliens, certainly, but he didn't expect a contingent of humans related to Earth's most notorious traitor, or for those humans to be his crew’s only chance to repair their ship and complete their mission. Brilliant and beautiful, the human women they meet seem poised to do more harm than good.
Elizabeth Bennet may have been raised on an alien world, but she knows enough about human men to recognize a snub when confronted with one. She definitely has no time for supercilious captains who view her father as a traitor to humankind, but she’s more than happy to apply her considerable skills to repairing the Earth humans’ ship. The sooner they’re off her planet, the better.
Pride & Prejudice and Planets is an alternate-reality science fiction variation on Jane Austen’s classic Pride & Prejudice. Discover how Captain Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, and all their usual companions negotiate alien races, dangerous space travel, and each other.
Elizabeth Bennet may have been raised on an alien world, but she knows enough about human men to recognize a snub when confronted with one. She definitely has no time for supercilious captains who view her father as a traitor to humankind, but she’s more than happy to apply her considerable skills to repairing the Earth humans’ ship. The sooner they’re off her planet, the better.
Pride & Prejudice and Planets is an alternate-reality science fiction variation on Jane Austen’s classic Pride & Prejudice. Discover how Captain Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet, and all their usual companions negotiate alien races, dangerous space travel, and each other.
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Published October 26, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 28, 2023
Wow! I have never read something quite like this. The authors did an amazing job taking the cannon story and placing it in a completely new world. Elizabeth Bennet is a human who is brilliant but a bit awkward because she has grown up in a world where few humans live. Fitzwilliam Darcy is an pilot from an influential family who flies Ambassador Charles Bingley and his family to an unplanned location. There are the classic misunderstandings and discovery, but all among new species and planets with string of social commentary through out, on the way to happily ever after.
Another interesting note is that I read this story using the my Kindle App and at the end of each chapter is a link to a picture of a character in the book. I really appreciated seeing the author's inspiration for the characters - especially the non humans!
Another interesting note is that I read this story using the my Kindle App and at the end of each chapter is a link to a picture of a character in the book. I really appreciated seeing the author's inspiration for the characters - especially the non humans!
August 18, 2023
This is a long science fiction variation on Pride and Prejudice, BUT definitely not too long. It's one of those stories that I liked being long so the experience of reading it lasted longer. Don't you love those? I was sorry to see it end, and I couldn't put it down, so the end came sooner than expected for such a long read.
I'm a fan of good, sometimes humorous, non-(or not too)-dystopian science fiction, so your mileage may vary if you like one or more styles of SF but not this one. There are lots of sub-genres of SF.
It's by two authors - Renata McMann and Summer Hanford- who have also collaborated on a number of Jane Austen variations set in Georgian-Regency England. They know P&P, and they stayed about as faithful to the original story as one can when incorporating faster-than-light space travel, alien species on other planets, and a futuristic culture and values. They added a lot of original variation and spiced that up with some dangerous situations. Various species from different planets having trouble getting along, a mysterious common Enemy using bio-weapons, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, and disease. Add in the usual villains from P&P, and we have some situations that can get rather rocky. But this is also a love story, and in the end a somewhat philosophical story as well - there's just a taste of that.
That all combined to make this variation exciting and fun, funny at times, and romantic-angsty at others, and thoughtful.
I usually like to provide a little blurb about the story's content-plot-characters, but there are lots of reviews that include that, and it's a complicated story that blurbs can't really do justice to. My recommendation is to give the story a fresh read and just enjoy it.
I'm a fan of good, sometimes humorous, non-(or not too)-dystopian science fiction, so your mileage may vary if you like one or more styles of SF but not this one. There are lots of sub-genres of SF.
It's by two authors - Renata McMann and Summer Hanford- who have also collaborated on a number of Jane Austen variations set in Georgian-Regency England. They know P&P, and they stayed about as faithful to the original story as one can when incorporating faster-than-light space travel, alien species on other planets, and a futuristic culture and values. They added a lot of original variation and spiced that up with some dangerous situations. Various species from different planets having trouble getting along, a mysterious common Enemy using bio-weapons, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes, and disease. Add in the usual villains from P&P, and we have some situations that can get rather rocky. But this is also a love story, and in the end a somewhat philosophical story as well - there's just a taste of that.
That all combined to make this variation exciting and fun, funny at times, and romantic-angsty at others, and thoughtful.
I usually like to provide a little blurb about the story's content-plot-characters, but there are lots of reviews that include that, and it's a complicated story that blurbs can't really do justice to. My recommendation is to give the story a fresh read and just enjoy it.
June 1, 2023
A really worthy story that keeps to canon even if located in an inter-spatial era. Super interesting. The characters are well rounded and written and this is a book very difficult to stop reading, even to eat!
I really can't recommend it enough. An unforgettable book I'm sure I will read again.
Also, being able to see the drawings of the characters is priceless!
I really can't recommend it enough. An unforgettable book I'm sure I will read again.
Also, being able to see the drawings of the characters is priceless!
December 18, 2025
You know... this wasn't actually awful! The authors admit they don't know much science, and it does show from time to time (maybe in future sci-fi books they can have it looked over by someone who does?), and it drags on a bit more than it needs to, but overall, not a bad effort.
July 21, 2023
Wow, what a ride. This book is one line read but well worth it. The changes feel quite subtle.
March 27, 2024
Review Published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
I have been begging authors to write P&P sci-fi and/or dystopian novels for a long time so I could not wait to read Pride & Prejudice and Planets once I knew it was coming out, but then, I heard Banjamin Fife would narrate it and I had to wait because to be honest I could not think of a better way to get immersed in this story, and I was not wrong! The audiobook version of Pride & Prejudice and Planets is incredible!
This book follows the main events in Pride & Prejudice, but Fitzwilliam Darcy is a captain in the British Intergalactic Force which, along with other allied sentient species, fights to protect Earth (and particularly Great Britain) from a formidable race known as The Enemy. Due to an unforeseen problem with his spaceship, he is forced to join his friend Ambassador Charles Bingley on a visit to a distant planet in an attempt to mend the tense relations between aliens and earth. It is there they meet the Bennet family and are especially drawn to Elizabeth, a talented pilot and spaceship mechanic, and Jane a sweet businesswomen.
I loved the alternate universe that was created and the fact that we had different planets with different races and costumes. That is why I love sci-fi, because it allows readers to travel to a different world where people and their traditions are different. It opens up millions of possibilities with different societies, rules, etc.
Pride & Prejudice and Planets is a very long book where we find a staggering amount of new scenarios, languages, places and characters with numerous small details that show us how their lives differ from one another, so it would be very hard for the book to be smaller, but I admit that at times I felt the narrative was dragging with so many details being described about all the alien races, and would have preferred for less species diversity to allow the story to move at a faster pace.
I loved the familiar relationships the authors developed in this book, the Anne de Bourgh and Lady Catherine relationship was incredibly interesting and completely original, and the Bennet’s family dynamics was engaging and believable. My favourite character in the entire novel was Lydia Bennet, she was true to herself but in a completely different manner, she was bold, adventurous and reckless, but also just a girl with a dream to fulfill. I loved her and wouldn’t mind reading a book full of her adventures throughout the galaxy 😊
I also liked the imaginative and innovative way the authors recreated the social differences between Darcy and Elizabeth, and the many adaptations they made to the books events, but because of them it also seemed Darcy and Elizabeth had little page time together, and I would have preferred to see them spend more time together, maybe trapped on a distant planet together, or in a dangerous situation in which they needed to work together, etc. In fact, Pride & Prejudice and Planets makes me feel conflicted because, although I appreciated the writers’ unique take on the original Pride and Prejudice storyline, and I admire the skill they had to trim all details together, I think the book would have benefited from forming a whole new original narrative that would focus on Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship with sci-fi elements in it instead of following all the usual P&P’s events.
Overall, it was a pleasure listening to Pride & Prejudice and Planets which is a completely different austenesque book. I hope it is the precursor of many books in this genre, and I recommend it even to those who are not generally fond of sic-fi. Captain Darcy will make you swoon and, just like me, you’ll be begging for more sci-fi JAFF books!
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
I have been begging authors to write P&P sci-fi and/or dystopian novels for a long time so I could not wait to read Pride & Prejudice and Planets once I knew it was coming out, but then, I heard Banjamin Fife would narrate it and I had to wait because to be honest I could not think of a better way to get immersed in this story, and I was not wrong! The audiobook version of Pride & Prejudice and Planets is incredible!
This book follows the main events in Pride & Prejudice, but Fitzwilliam Darcy is a captain in the British Intergalactic Force which, along with other allied sentient species, fights to protect Earth (and particularly Great Britain) from a formidable race known as The Enemy. Due to an unforeseen problem with his spaceship, he is forced to join his friend Ambassador Charles Bingley on a visit to a distant planet in an attempt to mend the tense relations between aliens and earth. It is there they meet the Bennet family and are especially drawn to Elizabeth, a talented pilot and spaceship mechanic, and Jane a sweet businesswomen.
I loved the alternate universe that was created and the fact that we had different planets with different races and costumes. That is why I love sci-fi, because it allows readers to travel to a different world where people and their traditions are different. It opens up millions of possibilities with different societies, rules, etc.
Pride & Prejudice and Planets is a very long book where we find a staggering amount of new scenarios, languages, places and characters with numerous small details that show us how their lives differ from one another, so it would be very hard for the book to be smaller, but I admit that at times I felt the narrative was dragging with so many details being described about all the alien races, and would have preferred for less species diversity to allow the story to move at a faster pace.
I loved the familiar relationships the authors developed in this book, the Anne de Bourgh and Lady Catherine relationship was incredibly interesting and completely original, and the Bennet’s family dynamics was engaging and believable. My favourite character in the entire novel was Lydia Bennet, she was true to herself but in a completely different manner, she was bold, adventurous and reckless, but also just a girl with a dream to fulfill. I loved her and wouldn’t mind reading a book full of her adventures throughout the galaxy 😊
I also liked the imaginative and innovative way the authors recreated the social differences between Darcy and Elizabeth, and the many adaptations they made to the books events, but because of them it also seemed Darcy and Elizabeth had little page time together, and I would have preferred to see them spend more time together, maybe trapped on a distant planet together, or in a dangerous situation in which they needed to work together, etc. In fact, Pride & Prejudice and Planets makes me feel conflicted because, although I appreciated the writers’ unique take on the original Pride and Prejudice storyline, and I admire the skill they had to trim all details together, I think the book would have benefited from forming a whole new original narrative that would focus on Darcy and Elizabeth’s relationship with sci-fi elements in it instead of following all the usual P&P’s events.
Overall, it was a pleasure listening to Pride & Prejudice and Planets which is a completely different austenesque book. I hope it is the precursor of many books in this genre, and I recommend it even to those who are not generally fond of sic-fi. Captain Darcy will make you swoon and, just like me, you’ll be begging for more sci-fi JAFF books!
July 13, 2023
A whole new universe for P&P
An epic re-imagining of P&P, moving it to a time when space travel is the norm, and there are many planets to visit that support life and civilization. Different alien life forms are given names that play off of people and places that appear in Jane Austen's novels, and there are also many new characters introduced. Darcy is a space ship captain for the British Intergalactic Force. Bingley is an ambassador from Earth who visits other worlds. The Bennett family don't live on Earth, due to Mr Bennett being in exile. Elizabeth is a hot shot space ship mechanic and pilot. Jane owns her own successful business.
This is quite a long book, but it needs to be long. The authors have introduced a mind blowing number of new situations, languages, locations, and names. There's a lot of little details about how different life is for all of our familiar characters. My head was spinning before too long with all of the new information. Get ready to be immersed in a whole new universe. But for all of that, these authors are masters of putting together a good tale. This one definitely held my interest.
I deducted a star for a couple of reasons. One was disappointment in Elizabeth's character. She just seemed very much stunted socially, kind of clueless about a lot of things, but in particular about relationships between men and women. Many times she almost seemed kind of stupid, although she's supposedly a gifted mechanic, engineer, and pilot. My other issue was a lack of chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy. The whole situation with space travel kept them apart most of the time, and I just wasn't feeling the romance.
However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
An epic re-imagining of P&P, moving it to a time when space travel is the norm, and there are many planets to visit that support life and civilization. Different alien life forms are given names that play off of people and places that appear in Jane Austen's novels, and there are also many new characters introduced. Darcy is a space ship captain for the British Intergalactic Force. Bingley is an ambassador from Earth who visits other worlds. The Bennett family don't live on Earth, due to Mr Bennett being in exile. Elizabeth is a hot shot space ship mechanic and pilot. Jane owns her own successful business.
This is quite a long book, but it needs to be long. The authors have introduced a mind blowing number of new situations, languages, locations, and names. There's a lot of little details about how different life is for all of our familiar characters. My head was spinning before too long with all of the new information. Get ready to be immersed in a whole new universe. But for all of that, these authors are masters of putting together a good tale. This one definitely held my interest.
I deducted a star for a couple of reasons. One was disappointment in Elizabeth's character. She just seemed very much stunted socially, kind of clueless about a lot of things, but in particular about relationships between men and women. Many times she almost seemed kind of stupid, although she's supposedly a gifted mechanic, engineer, and pilot. My other issue was a lack of chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy. The whole situation with space travel kept them apart most of the time, and I just wasn't feeling the romance.
However, the book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.
July 22, 2023
I do love a Pride and Prejudice retelling. This did not disappoint. I
June 14, 2023
such fun
I love Pride and Prejudice. One of my favorite things about it is that it transcends time and place, and this book highlights that better than any alternative version I have ever read.
I am not very particular about what I read— I want likable characters who grow, a compelling story (be it high adventure or just the dawning of a new way of thinking), decent word craft and good editing. Bonus points if, beyond simple entertainment, the book makes me think. I believe the point of really good fiction is to help the reader consider the real world in a different way. McMann and Hanford almost always deliver on all these points, but in this one they positively shine. And they do it while remaining steadfastly a P&P retelling. The world building is excellent, overall the characters true to themselves and the original (though not necessarily their original appearance! Caroline is deliciously worse and Bingley shows himself to be much more savvy than Austen shows us—he’s actually much more like I imagine he must be “off screen” to be Darcy’s best friend) and everything that happens seems logical in context. It was an absolute joy to read. While certainly not a philosophical tome, it did ask the reader to consider xenophobia, pros and cons of constant surveillance and even the idea of Enemy. And it is squeaky-clean. I read it on Kindle Unlimited, but I’m going to buy a paperback for my tween, who likes P&P and loves dragons. I think she will adore it.
I recommend this book for anyone who likes space stories and anyone who is open to P&P well-told, even if aliens aren’t your thing. Give this book a solid chance. Maybe skip checking out the character portraits on McMann’s website, which are fun but Bingley really needs a smile and the aliens look nothing like I pictured from their descriptions.
I love Pride and Prejudice. One of my favorite things about it is that it transcends time and place, and this book highlights that better than any alternative version I have ever read.
I am not very particular about what I read— I want likable characters who grow, a compelling story (be it high adventure or just the dawning of a new way of thinking), decent word craft and good editing. Bonus points if, beyond simple entertainment, the book makes me think. I believe the point of really good fiction is to help the reader consider the real world in a different way. McMann and Hanford almost always deliver on all these points, but in this one they positively shine. And they do it while remaining steadfastly a P&P retelling. The world building is excellent, overall the characters true to themselves and the original (though not necessarily their original appearance! Caroline is deliciously worse and Bingley shows himself to be much more savvy than Austen shows us—he’s actually much more like I imagine he must be “off screen” to be Darcy’s best friend) and everything that happens seems logical in context. It was an absolute joy to read. While certainly not a philosophical tome, it did ask the reader to consider xenophobia, pros and cons of constant surveillance and even the idea of Enemy. And it is squeaky-clean. I read it on Kindle Unlimited, but I’m going to buy a paperback for my tween, who likes P&P and loves dragons. I think she will adore it.
I recommend this book for anyone who likes space stories and anyone who is open to P&P well-told, even if aliens aren’t your thing. Give this book a solid chance. Maybe skip checking out the character portraits on McMann’s website, which are fun but Bingley really needs a smile and the aliens look nothing like I pictured from their descriptions.
July 11, 2023
I'm giving this story 4 stars because it is incredibly creative for a Pride and Prejudice variation. However, I have some thoughts...
I'm not sure how I feel about The Enemy subplot. I'll be honest, I was totally confused by it but mostly impatient because I'm here for Darcy and Elizabeth.
The authors were really creative in their alien species. We got their histories and cultures...but maybe too much? I felt bogged down by all of this extra information. The story could have progressed much faster if there wasn't so much history or technology explanations. I don't think it would have mattered how much I understood the math behind the tech, I'm still going to reference Star Wars for all my intergalactic reading. Again, I'm here for Darcy and Elizabeth! It took way too long before they even met!!
I really liked some of the side characters. Charlotte, of course, was the best!
And ok, really...we weren't supposed to figure out who Dick was? I mean, there was an entire political civil war sub-subplot for the different Kentians but there wasn't any other name available to lead us off track?
Caroline and Wickham were appropriately horrible but Louisa and Hurst were surprisingly great people! Really liked that, refreshing.
Elizabeth and Darcy's ending was rushed and I felt out of character in comparison to their previous conversations. Elizabeth became very insecure, real quick. Where was our spitfire girl from Kent?? But it had to end...except it didn't, not right away. I'm not sure how I feel about those "let's take a look down the road and see where everyone is" kind of endings that keep going and going.
I loved the idea behind this plot - Pride and Prejudice IN SPACE! I hope we get more intergalactic stories about our favorite couple 🚀🛰
I'm not sure how I feel about The Enemy subplot. I'll be honest, I was totally confused by it but mostly impatient because I'm here for Darcy and Elizabeth.
The authors were really creative in their alien species. We got their histories and cultures...but maybe too much? I felt bogged down by all of this extra information. The story could have progressed much faster if there wasn't so much history or technology explanations. I don't think it would have mattered how much I understood the math behind the tech, I'm still going to reference Star Wars for all my intergalactic reading. Again, I'm here for Darcy and Elizabeth! It took way too long before they even met!!
I really liked some of the side characters. Charlotte, of course, was the best!
And ok, really...we weren't supposed to figure out who Dick was? I mean, there was an entire political civil war sub-subplot for the different Kentians but there wasn't any other name available to lead us off track?
Caroline and Wickham were appropriately horrible but Louisa and Hurst were surprisingly great people! Really liked that, refreshing.
Elizabeth and Darcy's ending was rushed and I felt out of character in comparison to their previous conversations. Elizabeth became very insecure, real quick. Where was our spitfire girl from Kent?? But it had to end...except it didn't, not right away. I'm not sure how I feel about those "let's take a look down the road and see where everyone is" kind of endings that keep going and going.
I loved the idea behind this plot - Pride and Prejudice IN SPACE! I hope we get more intergalactic stories about our favorite couple 🚀🛰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2024
Just couldn't get into this one. Felt like it drug on forever.
***SPOILERS***
I understand the authors didn't have a lot of science background but some of the holes were so big I don't feel like you needed a science background to catch them. We have multiple sentient species who are concerned about epidemics and pandemics enough that they have found a way to diagnose people just by having them touch a medical "wand". And yet when new ships land on a planet we trust that they got all of their vaccinations and don't just have everyone test with the wand before disembarking. What if they are bringing a new virus? The wand would likely recognize that and could enforce a quarantine on the ship.
Also, they can quite literally look up any information they want about a new person and yet they often don't. Instead, chaos ensues because everyone wants to trust their assumptions or the opinions of others that they have very little reason to trust but stir up their emotional responses.
And there were so many different species that I quit trying to keep track by the end I felt that they were throwing in new ones never mentioned before just so they could make use of a few more estates or locations from other Jane Austen novels.
Honestly, I was iffy about reading this one and if the authors' note at the end had been at the start I likely would not have spent my time on it. Re-reading Pride & Prejudice would have been more enjoyable for me.
***SPOILERS***
I understand the authors didn't have a lot of science background but some of the holes were so big I don't feel like you needed a science background to catch them. We have multiple sentient species who are concerned about epidemics and pandemics enough that they have found a way to diagnose people just by having them touch a medical "wand". And yet when new ships land on a planet we trust that they got all of their vaccinations and don't just have everyone test with the wand before disembarking. What if they are bringing a new virus? The wand would likely recognize that and could enforce a quarantine on the ship.
Also, they can quite literally look up any information they want about a new person and yet they often don't. Instead, chaos ensues because everyone wants to trust their assumptions or the opinions of others that they have very little reason to trust but stir up their emotional responses.
And there were so many different species that I quit trying to keep track by the end I felt that they were throwing in new ones never mentioned before just so they could make use of a few more estates or locations from other Jane Austen novels.
Honestly, I was iffy about reading this one and if the authors' note at the end had been at the start I likely would not have spent my time on it. Re-reading Pride & Prejudice would have been more enjoyable for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2023
The wait for this book is finally over! For long-time fans of Renata McMann and Summer Hanford, we have been anxiously waiting for this sci-fi merge with Pride and Prejudice. And, I must say, it was worth the wait! What a fantastic job these two ladies have done with this new illustrated book! I am so impressed on so many levels!
The artwork, the characters, the incredible world building, and just the fabulous mashing of two of my favorite genres.
First, the artwork is delightful. The illustrations have captured the characters so well. I loved all of them and expected Darcy and Elizabeth to be great, but I think Louisa is a pleasant surprise who is so true to her character for this book. Others are just as entertaining!
Next, the characters were such a fun surprise. Taking the usual characters, twisting them into the sci-fi world with aliens, and the altering of a few of the personalities was so much fun to read! I loved Charlotte and Collins, as aliens!
And the world building is just incredible! These authors have put so much effort into giving us a detailed look at the individual planets, the people, and even the food. It does make for a bit lengthier book, but in this case, it is so helpful to have the explanations. I love this book, and all of its Darcy and Elizabeth goodness rolled into a very well-done sci-fi genre.
The artwork, the characters, the incredible world building, and just the fabulous mashing of two of my favorite genres.
First, the artwork is delightful. The illustrations have captured the characters so well. I loved all of them and expected Darcy and Elizabeth to be great, but I think Louisa is a pleasant surprise who is so true to her character for this book. Others are just as entertaining!
Next, the characters were such a fun surprise. Taking the usual characters, twisting them into the sci-fi world with aliens, and the altering of a few of the personalities was so much fun to read! I loved Charlotte and Collins, as aliens!
And the world building is just incredible! These authors have put so much effort into giving us a detailed look at the individual planets, the people, and even the food. It does make for a bit lengthier book, but in this case, it is so helpful to have the explanations. I love this book, and all of its Darcy and Elizabeth goodness rolled into a very well-done sci-fi genre.
October 7, 2025
fun sci-fi p&p
I'll admit that generally I'm not a huge fan of fantasy (or sci-fi, it turns out) JAFF, because I usually feel that they would do better as fantasy in their own right, without the p&p tie-in. There was some of that here, but overall I do think it was well done. The idea premise (that marriage = job) was carried out beautifully.
I really liked Jane & bingley in this one - having a successful Jane and smart bingley was both rare AND believable, and thus very satisfying. Competent Elizabeth was nice, though not groundbreaking. Writing from Darcy's POV was a good choice cos he would clearly have come across as a major asshole otherwise. I didn't enjoy Elizabeth's POV as much, mostly because it had my least favourite characters in it (true-to-original Wickham & Mrs Bennet) and because Elizabeth came across as slightly oblivious/ignorant (again, made total sense in the story, just not my favourite).
I'll admit that generally I'm not a huge fan of fantasy (or sci-fi, it turns out) JAFF, because I usually feel that they would do better as fantasy in their own right, without the p&p tie-in. There was some of that here, but overall I do think it was well done. The idea premise (that marriage = job) was carried out beautifully.
I really liked Jane & bingley in this one - having a successful Jane and smart bingley was both rare AND believable, and thus very satisfying. Competent Elizabeth was nice, though not groundbreaking. Writing from Darcy's POV was a good choice cos he would clearly have come across as a major asshole otherwise. I didn't enjoy Elizabeth's POV as much, mostly because it had my least favourite characters in it (true-to-original Wickham & Mrs Bennet) and because Elizabeth came across as slightly oblivious/ignorant (again, made total sense in the story, just not my favourite).
June 2, 2023
I was so excited to read an actual science fiction version of P&P. The authors do not specify a date, (or if they did, I missed it) but as there is a mention of Queen Elizabeth, I assumed it was near our current time. An alien culture came to Earth and offered to teach a country how to build spaceships that could visit other plants. England won the rights, and we go from there. At the beginning, it felt a little too similar to canon as we have Darcy, Bingley, Caroline and the Hursts on the spaceship Netherfield, which requires a landing for maintenance, where they naturally meet up with the Bennets. However, happily, things are very different. I'm trying to avoid spoilers, but I desperately wished to drown Caroline. The book was delightful, and very difficult to put down for some much needed chores. If you are a fan of both science fiction and Jane Austen, I highly recommend this book.
June 27, 2023
More P&P than Sci-Fi
Well written and edited (hate to have to even say what should be axiomatic). Premise, locations, and most characterizations are clear, appropriate and engaging. But as sci-fi fan, I'd wished for more Sci fi content.
Opportunities for greater balance existed naturally within the story to include more sci-fi content which would also have given the 'older' characters greater dimension. More detail in combat and flying scenes, descriptions of 'The Enemy,' and vignettes from the Rebellion/Rescue would have created a more integrated story.
Still, this is an innovative, enjoyable read with personalities consistent with canon. Like the original Star Trek series was a Western in space, this is clearly P&P in space
Well written and edited (hate to have to even say what should be axiomatic). Premise, locations, and most characterizations are clear, appropriate and engaging. But as sci-fi fan, I'd wished for more Sci fi content.
Opportunities for greater balance existed naturally within the story to include more sci-fi content which would also have given the 'older' characters greater dimension. More detail in combat and flying scenes, descriptions of 'The Enemy,' and vignettes from the Rebellion/Rescue would have created a more integrated story.
Still, this is an innovative, enjoyable read with personalities consistent with canon. Like the original Star Trek series was a Western in space, this is clearly P&P in space
September 19, 2023
This was an enjoyable read. Renata McMann did an amazing job at creating a sci-fi world that included my favorite characters from Pride and Prejudice. There was good character development and I appreciated seeing the characters written with some depth and resolution. The plot was engaging. I especially liked the links to the "surprises" left at the end of some chapters. When I found these "surprises," I was just tickled to see what was revealed. If you liked Pride and Prejudice, give this book a read. It is just another reason to fall in love with Elizabeth and Darcy.
Note: Originally completed this book on 30 June 2023. All the 2023 book reviews I posted were accidentally deleted. I am in the process of reposting them. Thank you for your understanding.
Note: Originally completed this book on 30 June 2023. All the 2023 book reviews I posted were accidentally deleted. I am in the process of reposting them. Thank you for your understanding.
June 14, 2023
Excellent romantic sci fi adventure
I have never read Pride & Prejudice; I don't like Jane Austen's books, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The worldbuilding is fascinating, especially The Enemy, the non-human sapients, and the Bubble environments. The story is character driven, and the characters are marvelous (except Caroline, who made me cringe). The non-human sapients are believable and fun. There is a minimum of the doom, death, and destruction found in most sci fi books, although there is a sad body count. I was pleasantly surprised by the story, which I read in KU but will buy to reread.
I have never read Pride & Prejudice; I don't like Jane Austen's books, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The worldbuilding is fascinating, especially The Enemy, the non-human sapients, and the Bubble environments. The story is character driven, and the characters are marvelous (except Caroline, who made me cringe). The non-human sapients are believable and fun. There is a minimum of the doom, death, and destruction found in most sci fi books, although there is a sad body count. I was pleasantly surprised by the story, which I read in KU but will buy to reread.
June 17, 2023
Pride and Prejudice and Bits of Steampunk
The story is engaging, difficult to put down, complex, and well developed.
The art that accompanies it is gold. Fabulous illustrations of all the characters including a delightful one of Denny and Carter.
Lydia is a free spirit in this one, but not especially ridiculous. Wickham is bad and plays important roles, but doesn't warrant overly much story time. Frances Bennet is true to character, but also balanced by less time in page.
Caroline is Caroline in all her awful glory.
I don't enjoy modern adaptations of P&P, so I didn't begin it convinced I would like it. I very definitely did.
The story is engaging, difficult to put down, complex, and well developed.
The art that accompanies it is gold. Fabulous illustrations of all the characters including a delightful one of Denny and Carter.
Lydia is a free spirit in this one, but not especially ridiculous. Wickham is bad and plays important roles, but doesn't warrant overly much story time. Frances Bennet is true to character, but also balanced by less time in page.
Caroline is Caroline in all her awful glory.
I don't enjoy modern adaptations of P&P, so I didn't begin it convinced I would like it. I very definitely did.
June 7, 2023
Unique and Satisfying Variation
McMann and Hanford have brilliantly re-envisioned Pride and Prejudice as an all-too-realistic science fiction/alternative reality novel. They have reworked all our favorite characters (not all as humans, but the other species deserve our respect too) in a sweeping story that reflects the misunderstandings, the pride, and the prejudice in a remarkably successful retelling. A must read!
McMann and Hanford have brilliantly re-envisioned Pride and Prejudice as an all-too-realistic science fiction/alternative reality novel. They have reworked all our favorite characters (not all as humans, but the other species deserve our respect too) in a sweeping story that reflects the misunderstandings, the pride, and the prejudice in a remarkably successful retelling. A must read!
June 25, 2023
Didn’t finish
DNF. Did search for the pictures inserted in the book, which were great, but the story just didn’t grab me and even though I tried to push through, I didn’t care enough to continue.
I suspect it had more to do with the timeframe of the story and my own mindset at the time. Probably my loss since there were many good reviews, but if something doesn’t hold my in the first few chapters I usually put the book aside. I may try again down the road.
DNF. Did search for the pictures inserted in the book, which were great, but the story just didn’t grab me and even though I tried to push through, I didn’t care enough to continue.
I suspect it had more to do with the timeframe of the story and my own mindset at the time. Probably my loss since there were many good reviews, but if something doesn’t hold my in the first few chapters I usually put the book aside. I may try again down the road.
February 23, 2025
Excellent Blend!
I love sci-fi and Austen so this was a great book for me. I especially enjoyed the little “jokes”; using names of places and characters from other Austen books! I also appreciated the characters of The Enemy and their purpose in the story. Certainly something for Thomas and Dick to discuss! I did miss Mary a bit but I know not everything can be included. Thank you for a great read!
I love sci-fi and Austen so this was a great book for me. I especially enjoyed the little “jokes”; using names of places and characters from other Austen books! I also appreciated the characters of The Enemy and their purpose in the story. Certainly something for Thomas and Dick to discuss! I did miss Mary a bit but I know not everything can be included. Thank you for a great read!
June 9, 2023
Excellent journey
Great sci-fi variation that wasn't too technical to enjoy as a romance. Well developed and well written and I absolutely loved that it came with pictures! I enjoy P & P variations and this one did not disappoint. Writing it and trying to stay true to P&P characters and places would have been challenging, and the authors did a great job. Enjoy!
Great sci-fi variation that wasn't too technical to enjoy as a romance. Well developed and well written and I absolutely loved that it came with pictures! I enjoy P & P variations and this one did not disappoint. Writing it and trying to stay true to P&P characters and places would have been challenging, and the authors did a great job. Enjoy!
June 13, 2023
I didn't think it was possible to write a P&P science fiction variation that wasn't silly, but this is a terrific book that is very fun to read. It particularly does a good job of sticking to the plot and characters of P&P when it makes sense without being slavishly devoted to the details that don't belong in a science fiction setting. I highly recommend!
June 23, 2023
imaginative and fun
I’m not usually fond of JAFF in present day settings and was hesitant to read a science fiction one. I have been pleasantly surprised and not only does it work, but it made for a really fun read. There are character illustrations at the end of some chapters that were beautifully done. Thanks for making P&P fresh and interesting.
I’m not usually fond of JAFF in present day settings and was hesitant to read a science fiction one. I have been pleasantly surprised and not only does it work, but it made for a really fun read. There are character illustrations at the end of some chapters that were beautifully done. Thanks for making P&P fresh and interesting.
August 2, 2023
Excellent
I'm not a science fiction nut however, this P&P variation was great! Well-written, play on key p!aces and characters from Austen novels. Imaginative. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Oh and the pictures of the characters was fabulous! Darcy, Bingley and Fitzwilliam are swoon worthy.
I'm not a science fiction nut however, this P&P variation was great! Well-written, play on key p!aces and characters from Austen novels. Imaginative. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Oh and the pictures of the characters was fabulous! Darcy, Bingley and Fitzwilliam are swoon worthy.
April 4, 2024
love the sci fi twist
As a P&P AND sci fi fan, this story was wonderful. The setting and descriptions of the background leading into this story pulled me in right from the beginning. I Really liked how the essence of the original characters were retained, but just with an adaptation to this setting. I couldn’t put the book down until it was done!
As a P&P AND sci fi fan, this story was wonderful. The setting and descriptions of the background leading into this story pulled me in right from the beginning. I Really liked how the essence of the original characters were retained, but just with an adaptation to this setting. I couldn’t put the book down until it was done!
June 7, 2023
This book was a super fun read! The characters were well developed and the artwork a surprise treat. I really enjoyed the creativity of this book. I have read many variations and this is certainly in my top 5!
July 1, 2023
A fun retelling
This is a Pride and Prejudice retelling with a science fiction twist. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Even with the sconce fiction and plot changes it was easy to see the the original story and characters.
I really enjoyed the links for the character art.
This is a Pride and Prejudice retelling with a science fiction twist. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Even with the sconce fiction and plot changes it was easy to see the the original story and characters.
I really enjoyed the links for the character art.
July 17, 2023
Yes! My two favorite things!
What an awesome idea and an excellent execution! The settings were great, the drama felt real, the characters vibrant. My only criticism is I wanted more Darcy/Elizabeth interaction and dialogue. But it was still a fantastic read. Highly recommend.
What an awesome idea and an excellent execution! The settings were great, the drama felt real, the characters vibrant. My only criticism is I wanted more Darcy/Elizabeth interaction and dialogue. But it was still a fantastic read. Highly recommend.
September 5, 2023
As a story, I enjoyed it
The worldbuilding was fascinating and interesting. The retelling aspects bogged it down in places where an independent story might have been less forced. Enjoyable for the concept but overall the background stories could be fascinating lines to follow.
The worldbuilding was fascinating and interesting. The retelling aspects bogged it down in places where an independent story might have been less forced. Enjoyable for the concept but overall the background stories could be fascinating lines to follow.
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