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Zenith
(The Androma Saga #1)
by
Most know Androma Racella as the Bloody Baroness, a powerful mercenary whose reign of terror stretches across the Mirabel Galaxy. To those aboard her glass starship, Marauder, however, she's just Andi, their friend and fearless leader.
But when a routine mission goes awry, the Marauder's all-girl crew is tested as they find themselves in a treacherous situation and at the ...more
But when a routine mission goes awry, the Marauder's all-girl crew is tested as they find themselves in a treacherous situation and at the ...more
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Hardcover, 534 pages
Published
January 16th 2018
by Harlequin Teen
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Start your review of Zenith (The Androma Saga #1)


So, I received an arc of this and I just... I just can't.
It's so stupid.
It's so bad.
I was either cringing or laughing whilst reading this and only managed to get through ~100 pages before I started skimming.
This is the flimsiest sci-fi I've encountered. It's laughable.
Spoilers, ahoy.
The "world-building" is SO LAME. People are constantly described with kooky features; red and white striped eyes, webbed feet(on someone who's evidently barefoot on a spaceship), glowing eyes, slitted nostrils, ...more

2.5* possibly?
** An author is not their book. I am going to be honest whether I know the author or not. Me critiquing a book is not a personal attack on the author, no matter who they may be. I am super proud of these ladies for getting BookTubers names on a published book, whether I liked the book or not does not change that fact.**
The audiobook was definitely the route to go with this one for me. The story overall was entertaining and pretty enjoyable, though a bit corny. I had a few issues ...more
** An author is not their book. I am going to be honest whether I know the author or not. Me critiquing a book is not a personal attack on the author, no matter who they may be. I am super proud of these ladies for getting BookTubers names on a published book, whether I liked the book or not does not change that fact.**
The audiobook was definitely the route to go with this one for me. The story overall was entertaining and pretty enjoyable, though a bit corny. I had a few issues ...more

Edit 4/7 - After further reflection, I've decided to drop my rating to 3 stars. All of my previous likes/dislikes of Zenith still stand, but I feel 3 stars is a better representation of my positives/negatives for this novel. While there were so many things about Zenith that I enjoyed from an entertaining perspective, the criticisms I have expressed below are more present in my mind than I originally felt.
4 stars! I really enjoyed Zenith. High-concept sci-fi isn’t really my thing but as I’ve read ...more
4 stars! I really enjoyed Zenith. High-concept sci-fi isn’t really my thing but as I’ve read ...more

Thanks NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own
Trigger Warnings: murder, PTSD (bad rep), grief
EDIT 20/01/18: I’m not sure if I missed it, but a rape subplot is in the final copy.
CLICK HERE TO GO OVER TO MY BLOG WHERE THIS REVIEW AND OTHERS ARE FEATURED
R A M B L E
Here’s the thing, I knew Zenith wasn’t going to be the book for me. I knew it in my soul. I had read the small snippet that was released last year. I hated it. At first, I was shocked, because it was pretty good on my first read ...more
Trigger Warnings: murder, PTSD (bad rep), grief
EDIT 20/01/18: I’m not sure if I missed it, but a rape subplot is in the final copy.
CLICK HERE TO GO OVER TO MY BLOG WHERE THIS REVIEW AND OTHERS ARE FEATURED
R A M B L E
Here’s the thing, I knew Zenith wasn’t going to be the book for me. I knew it in my soul. I had read the small snippet that was released last year. I hated it. At first, I was shocked, because it was pretty good on my first read ...more

FULL REVIEW WITH RECEIPTS NOW POSTED
god this is a mess I don't even know where to start. With the honestly awful writing? The boring and poorly written characters? the predictable plot? I just don't know it's all a mess. the concept is fine, the execution is terrible Thus, this review may be rambly. I'm so sorry
standard disclaimer: I didn't request an arc of this book so I could trash it. I didn't even go into this with bad expectations. I've genuinely enjoyed Sasha's youtube in the past, and ...more
god this is a mess I don't even know where to start. With the honestly awful writing? The boring and poorly written characters? the predictable plot? I just don't know it's all a mess. the concept is fine, the execution is terrible Thus, this review may be rambly. I'm so sorry
standard disclaimer: I didn't request an arc of this book so I could trash it. I didn't even go into this with bad expectations. I've genuinely enjoyed Sasha's youtube in the past, and ...more

I am much more eloquent on camera than in writing, so please click here for my full video review!
1.5 stars:
- Random pointless italicized words
- Repeating sentence structure for EMPHASIS but ultimately failed
- "Hope is a raging asshole"
- "wet feline"
- "she flashed him her teeth"
- Bloody Baroness = Whaboom schtick from the Bachelorette
Here's the link again if you missed it the first time.
1.5 stars:
- Random pointless italicized words
- Repeating sentence structure for EMPHASIS but ultimately failed
- "Hope is a raging asshole"
- "wet feline"
- "she flashed him her teeth"
- Bloody Baroness = Whaboom schtick from the Bachelorette
Here's the link again if you missed it the first time.

FIRST like mentioned before that:
Yes I am friends with Sasha
NO, I am not being paid to review this
and ALL THOUGHTS ARE MY OWN.
I am 23 years old and just because I am friends with the other means I will review it positively.
I have even spoken to Sasha before I started and told her I would be honest and OF COURSE, she understands because she would do the same.
THAT SAID I did really enjoy this. You can find out what my detailed thoughts are on an upcoming video. Here is a sneak peak.
POSITIVES:
...more

I'm so over books being published because of fame. I get it that there's some work involved but it's so Ivanka Trump when people who are famous tell me in their high-pitched, fluttery voices: "I worked so hard just like everybody else to be successful" and I'm like, no. You're successful because you worked hard at being famous. Big Difference. Not the other way around. God I miss that time in our society when hard work could get you places instead of working hard to be famous first. I think this
...more

“We’ll have to move quickly once we get inside. No more than forty minutes.”
“Plenty of time to raise hell,” Gilly said

We are raised with the common precept of "Don't judge a book by it's cover." However, in the very special case of Zenith, I found myself telling myself "Don't judge a book by it's author." I took away from all the low ratings and the stigma against this book, and I read it for what it was.
Did it work? Yes.
Did it enable a five star rating? No.

_________________
The Story


I am ...more
“Plenty of time to raise hell,” Gilly said

We are raised with the common precept of "Don't judge a book by it's cover." However, in the very special case of Zenith, I found myself telling myself "Don't judge a book by it's author." I took away from all the low ratings and the stigma against this book, and I read it for what it was.
Did it work? Yes.
Did it enable a five star rating? No.

_________________
The Story


I am ...more

Sep 06, 2017
Melanie
marked it as dnf
ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
DNF at Chapter 41
I’m sorry, everyone, I just can’t do this anymore. The incredibly short chapters that jump around to a million different points of view are just too much for me. This is such a jarring read that is really lacking any real cohesiveness.
Zenith is the first book in a YA series that stars Androma, AKA: the Bloody Baroness, and her crew, who are forced to do a very dangerous mission. This mission is the ...more
DNF at Chapter 41
I’m sorry, everyone, I just can’t do this anymore. The incredibly short chapters that jump around to a million different points of view are just too much for me. This is such a jarring read that is really lacking any real cohesiveness.
Zenith is the first book in a YA series that stars Androma, AKA: the Bloody Baroness, and her crew, who are forced to do a very dangerous mission. This mission is the ...more

Review also on my blog • Twitter • Bookstagram
I received an arc from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, where do I evenstartwith this book? There's so many points I could touch on really. The cliched writing, the uninteresting characters, the arrogant love interest I wanted to strangle, the unbelievable romance, the lacklustre world building, I just don't know where.
I guess I'll give a briefing of what this book is even about. Zenith follows an all female crew of ...more
I received an arc from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, where do I evenstartwith this book? There's so many points I could touch on really. The cliched writing, the uninteresting characters, the arrogant love interest I wanted to strangle, the unbelievable romance, the lacklustre world building, I just don't know where.
I guess I'll give a briefing of what this book is even about. Zenith follows an all female crew of ...more

May 09, 2018
R.K. Gold
added it
I want to give it another try!
I may try the audiobook.
I may try the audiobook.

I LOVED this book from start to finish and there is no part of this book that I don’t like. This Sci-fi world is one of the best I have ever read, it is a work of art. The plot was very elaborate and thought out, the story unravels beautifully and I was not disappointed by anything. I have been waiting to read this book ever since it was announced and it flew past all of my expectations.
The book follows a group of badass female space pirates who make a deal with the dreaded General Cortas that ...more
The book follows a group of badass female space pirates who make a deal with the dreaded General Cortas that ...more

May 17, 2017
Jules ♈ ☾Bookvergent☽
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
no one, actually
Shelves:
from-net-galley,
dnf
Is this PLAGIARISM?!?
UPDATE 01/17/18: Copy received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Seriously, as if I cared that publishers might actually see this.
So I was spammed that yesterday was the release of this book and while searching for it at NetGalley (cuz I was definately not going to buy it) I found this:

Doesn't it look exactly like the name and cover of this one? And it was published in 2013 . Tell me, is your second book going to be called ...more
UPDATE 01/17/18: Copy received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Seriously, as if I cared that publishers might actually see this.

So I was spammed that yesterday was the release of this book and while searching for it at NetGalley (cuz I was definately not going to buy it) I found this:

Doesn't it look exactly like the name and cover of this one? And it was published in 2013 . Tell me, is your second book going to be called ...more

Zenith: The Andromeda Saga
N ow I know there’s a lot of controversy being brought to the forefront surrounding Zenith because of the editor and I wasn’t quite sure if it was a book I was going to pick up, but as I got an ARC from my friend for free I decided to review it.
First: Goodreads
This site is not Rotten Tomatoes or filled with professional critics that are held to a certain ethical standard. In Rotten Tomatoes, you get fired for crappy work and as much of a bashing the site gets most ...more

Zenith is one of the more controversial releases of next year but no matter what your stance on the debate, an all-female crew of space pirates is too good of a premise to overlook. Or so I thought. The real reason this book is getting such low ratings? It's not due to the authors or the editor but the fact it is incredibly underwhelming.
The plot is a compilation of flashbacks, angst, and repetitive monologues. It offers nothing unique. It’s set in the same generic solar system following a ...more
The plot is a compilation of flashbacks, angst, and repetitive monologues. It offers nothing unique. It’s set in the same generic solar system following a ...more

As a massive sci-fi fan, I was really looking forward to reading Zenith, until I came to Goodreads and realised how many negative reviews there were. Still curious, I went into the book with promise.
The book starts off in a promising way, with a ruthless assassin, Andi, the Bloody Baroness captured by a bounter hunter who she's obviously shared a romantic history with. They had a lot of witty banter but it's clear that Andi absolutely hates Dex and I wanted to know why. There were also a few ...more
The book starts off in a promising way, with a ruthless assassin, Andi, the Bloody Baroness captured by a bounter hunter who she's obviously shared a romantic history with. They had a lot of witty banter but it's clear that Andi absolutely hates Dex and I wanted to know why. There were also a few ...more

3.5 stars. Honestly, I didn't think this was that bad!
Since I'm a BookTuber, I figure a few of you may be curious about if I know Sasha. I do not. I've followed her channel and Twitter for a few years and left a few comments, but we aren't mutuals, have never met, and I doubt she has any idea who I am. So there's nothing at stake for either of us in how I review her book.
Anyway, she's a peer and I'm incredibly proud of BookTubers who get publishing deals so yes, I did want to pick up this book ...more
Since I'm a BookTuber, I figure a few of you may be curious about if I know Sasha. I do not. I've followed her channel and Twitter for a few years and left a few comments, but we aren't mutuals, have never met, and I doubt she has any idea who I am. So there's nothing at stake for either of us in how I review her book.
Anyway, she's a peer and I'm incredibly proud of BookTubers who get publishing deals so yes, I did want to pick up this book ...more

2.5 stars. I've got lots to say on this one. You can check out my full review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7MO0...

Jun 04, 2017
Evgenia Netrebkova
added it
UPDATE June 13 2017: So, to clarify because I have received a couple of very salty comments... Look. I have no problem with Ms. Sasha Alsberg as a person. I think she is very pretty and she seems very vivacious and cool. However... what I think of her book is different. It's that simple. I've liked authors and hated their books. I've hated books and liked authors. For example, Victoria Aveyard. I don't necessary like Red Queen. However, I quite respect her for she is not afraid to speak up about
...more
![bella ϟ [ bella farren ]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1535700375p2/23223005.jpg)
2.5/5 stars
I went completely blind into this book, I did not read Zenith Part 1 when it came out a few years ago, and I successfully avoided hearing a single thing about even the basic plot. This was a little bit of a mishmash of other popular books and tv series—it had the space-criminal-pirate thing going on that reminded me of Firefly, and had some very similar plot lines to Throne of Glass.
This book ...more
I received an eARC from the publishers via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I went completely blind into this book, I did not read Zenith Part 1 when it came out a few years ago, and I successfully avoided hearing a single thing about even the basic plot. This was a little bit of a mishmash of other popular books and tv series—it had the space-criminal-pirate thing going on that reminded me of Firefly, and had some very similar plot lines to Throne of Glass.
This book ...more

Three words FEMALE SPACE PIRATES. If that doesnt draw you in maybe Six of Crows set in space will. This was an immersive read with a fun plot. I loved the short chapters because it made it feel like I was getting through this 500+ page book faster. I was getting distracted a lot while reading so it really helped the pacing when I was finally able to concentrate. I thought the fight scenes and character developpement were well done. We get some back story sprinkled throughout that really made
...more

Jan 01, 2019
Kiki
marked it as i-am-but-a-mortal-woman
And to the surprise of probably no one, I'm throwing in the towel for now. Maybe I'll try again another time, but right now I just don't have the strength. I don't even have anything particularly funny to say about this, other than it makes me want to climb inside the wall like the corpse of William Hill and just rot there for a while until I forget about "Moon Chew".
On the subject of this book's...questionable origins, I'm really not invested enough to get into a debate about it, but I do ...more
On the subject of this book's...questionable origins, I'm really not invested enough to get into a debate about it, but I do ...more

Put down at page 112.
Nope, I can’t read anymore. Everything including the plot and characters feel so mediocre. I love Sasha, she’s one of my favourite BookTubers and I was really hoping to enjoy this book, but it was definitely not for me. Before starting it I was very excited about the premise and really thought it was going to be great. What with the whole female pirates in space thing. It even started off promising, because I adored the opening chapter, but it just went downhill from there. ...more
Nope, I can’t read anymore. Everything including the plot and characters feel so mediocre. I love Sasha, she’s one of my favourite BookTubers and I was really hoping to enjoy this book, but it was definitely not for me. Before starting it I was very excited about the premise and really thought it was going to be great. What with the whole female pirates in space thing. It even started off promising, because I adored the opening chapter, but it just went downhill from there. ...more

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Zenith is certainly a larger-than-life book with numerous plot elements to make for an interesting story. Following the crew of the marauder, it's a novel of adventure, friendship and the thrill of the future. That being said, the story rarely stayed on-track and seemed to be all over the place at the best of times, and the characters, though likable, had few admirable qualities or anything to make them really unique. As far as science ...more
Zenith is certainly a larger-than-life book with numerous plot elements to make for an interesting story. Following the crew of the marauder, it's a novel of adventure, friendship and the thrill of the future. That being said, the story rarely stayed on-track and seemed to be all over the place at the best of times, and the characters, though likable, had few admirable qualities or anything to make them really unique. As far as science ...more

EDIT May 7th, 2018: After some consideration, I've decided to lower my rating of this book from two stars to one star. Over the last few weeks, I've kept seeing reviews for this book on my timeline and always had to think back to how I felt about the book. Since reading Zenith, I've given two stars to a handful of other books and I just feel like I didn't struggle with any of them as much as I struggled with Zenith. I still like the fact that this book has a group of strong female characters and
...more

This book is terrible. The plot could have been something decent if the writing had been better. There were some terrible representations of PTSD and rape in this book and quite a few other things I found to be really problematic.
I go into a whole lot more detail in both of my videos:
Zenith: Midbook Negative Review
https://youtu.be/CbVFKUNOyhM
Zenith: Completed Review
https://youtu.be/wRvssm-b0v8
I go into a whole lot more detail in both of my videos:
Zenith: Midbook Negative Review
https://youtu.be/CbVFKUNOyhM
Zenith: Completed Review
https://youtu.be/wRvssm-b0v8

4,5 stars! Sasha and Lindsay wrote an amazing story here. The writing was beautiful and these characters felt very real. They weren't always nice and definitely morally grey but that made them more believable. They are perfectly imperfect although Andi's pettiness sometimes annoyed the hell out of me! She was very unreasonable towards Dex. Dex and Lira were by far my favourite characters in this book. I'd love to read more about those two.
The world building was also very well done. I loved the ...more
The world building was also very well done. I loved the ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sasha and Lindsay's fans to the rescue/false #1 NYT Bestselling author status | 3 | 310 | Apr 25, 2019 12:34PM | |
YA Buddy Readers'...: Zenith (The Androma Saga #1) by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings - Starting August 17th 2018 AND September 1st 2018 | 20 | 109 | Sep 26, 2018 04:00PM | |
Androma is essentially Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas | 3 | 273 | Jul 27, 2018 01:38PM | |
HopelessBookAddicts: Zenith | 14 | 385 | Jan 28, 2018 03:29PM | |
Goodreads Librari...: Incorrect Page Number for Zenith(The Androma Saga #1) | 3 | 167 | Jan 18, 2018 02:42PM |
Sasha Alsberg is the #1 NYT Bestselling Co-Author of ZENITH: The Androma Saga.
When Sasha is not writing or obsessing over Scotland she is making YouTube videos on her channel Abookutopia. She lives in Massachusetts with her dogs, Fraser and Fiona
For her writing, she is represented by Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary. ...more
When Sasha is not writing or obsessing over Scotland she is making YouTube videos on her channel Abookutopia. She lives in Massachusetts with her dogs, Fraser and Fiona
For her writing, she is represented by Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary. ...more
Other books in the series
The Androma Saga
(2 books)
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“And Andi’s crew, a group of girls hailing from every hellish corner of the galaxy, were as sharp as Andi’s blades.”
—
5 likes
“She was frustrated and hungry and, thanks to the nightmares, reaching a level of exhaustion that shouldn’t have been humanly possible to survive.”
—
3 likes
More quotes…