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Tinkered Stars
The 5th Gender
A species that has no word for murder, has a murderer aboard their spaceship.
ALIEN
Tristol lives in exile. But he’s built a life for himself aboard a human space station. He’s even begun to understand the complex nuances of human courting rituals.
Detective Hastion is finally flirting back!
MURDER
Except that Tristol’s beloved space station is unexpectedly contacted by the galoi – a xenophobic species with five genders, purple skin, and serious attitude. They need the help of a human detective because there’s a murderer aboard their spaceship. Murder is so rare, the galoi don’t even have a word for it.
Tristol knows this because he is galoi.
ROMANCE
Which means that he and Detective Hastion are on the case… together.
Delicate Sensibilities?
Contains men who love other men in graphic detail, regardless of gender, biology, or skin color... and lots of emotively sexy tentacle hair.
New York Times best selling author Gail Carriger (writing as G.L. Carriger) brings you a light-hearted romantic cozy mystery featuring an adorable lavender alien and his human crush.
ALIEN
Tristol lives in exile. But he’s built a life for himself aboard a human space station. He’s even begun to understand the complex nuances of human courting rituals.
Detective Hastion is finally flirting back!
MURDER
Except that Tristol’s beloved space station is unexpectedly contacted by the galoi – a xenophobic species with five genders, purple skin, and serious attitude. They need the help of a human detective because there’s a murderer aboard their spaceship. Murder is so rare, the galoi don’t even have a word for it.
Tristol knows this because he is galoi.
ROMANCE
Which means that he and Detective Hastion are on the case… together.
Delicate Sensibilities?
Contains men who love other men in graphic detail, regardless of gender, biology, or skin color... and lots of emotively sexy tentacle hair.
New York Times best selling author Gail Carriger (writing as G.L. Carriger) brings you a light-hearted romantic cozy mystery featuring an adorable lavender alien and his human crush.
236 pages, ebook
First published May 18, 2019
222 people are currently reading
3154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 738 reviews
September 5, 2019
OMG!!!! 😱 How much I loved this book!!! 😍 This is my second hair tentacles book and it sure was freaking glorious! Who knew hairs could be so sexy? 😁😉 But no, this book is so much more than kinky hair tentacles. The world building, the storyline, the protagonists, it was fresh, it was unique and it was just so damn enthralling. I couldn’t put down this book. I simply couldn’t. Read it in one sitting and already revving towards rereading it again.
Tris is an exiled alien who’s now working and living at a space station. He’s purple, cheerful, enthusiastic and quite innocent. 😁 And needless to say, the darling of the entire space station. 😉💜 There’s only one man’s heart whom Tris couldn’t worm his way into, detective Hastion, who’s stern, unattainable, uptight and oh-so-hair-chubby-delicious. 😋 But sparks literally flew and sparkled when an intergalactic politics incident brought these two to work together. A murder has happened on a spaceship which carries a very elusive and xenophobic aliens which also happened to be Tris’ kind. But Detective Hastion might find more than what he bargained for when trying to catch a murderer and fighting his attraction to Tris at the same time. ☺️
This started out very funny, cute and quirky. You just can’t help adore Tristol, the purple alien with prehensile hair. 😂 He is just precious .. innocent, lively and very friendly. 😍 And that rubbed Detective Drey Hastion the wrong way because he’s been dying to get together with this man. But he’s a very possessive man and he knew Tris’ kind don’t do monogamy. There definitely was a bit of miscommunication because all Tristol wanted was to solely belong to Drey too. You might think the relationship development between them to be quite insta but I’m just saying they’ve been in love with each other for a long time without even realizing themselves. So it was no wonder that once they got together, they were really committed. 😊 I loved the romance between them, so swoon-worthy and sexy. ❤️ But what truly blew me away was the meticulous and spectacular world-building of this story. 👏 Wow! 😱 Just wow! 😳 It was not only expansive and detailed, it was filled with so many possibilities. 🤩 I think I can read more than ten books set in this universe and wouldn’t get enough of it. And Galoi species was so fascinating. This book really has everything, a swoon-worthy romance, fantastic and realistic MCs, a divine world-building and a side dish of thrilling cost murder mystery. It was EVERYTHING! 🥰 And did I tell you the sex was hot???? 😏 Like really really scorching hot!!! 🔥🔥🔥 Darling, the only thing I could ask for more is to get my hands on the next book in the series as soon as possible. 😁 G.L. Carriger, I have no choice but to stalk you obsessively from now on. 😉 Just drop everything and go buy this book now because you won’t regret it. 💜
5 You are my anchor in this universe stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tris is an exiled alien who’s now working and living at a space station. He’s purple, cheerful, enthusiastic and quite innocent. 😁 And needless to say, the darling of the entire space station. 😉💜 There’s only one man’s heart whom Tris couldn’t worm his way into, detective Hastion, who’s stern, unattainable, uptight and oh-so-hair-chubby-delicious. 😋 But sparks literally flew and sparkled when an intergalactic politics incident brought these two to work together. A murder has happened on a spaceship which carries a very elusive and xenophobic aliens which also happened to be Tris’ kind. But Detective Hastion might find more than what he bargained for when trying to catch a murderer and fighting his attraction to Tris at the same time. ☺️
This started out very funny, cute and quirky. You just can’t help adore Tristol, the purple alien with prehensile hair. 😂 He is just precious .. innocent, lively and very friendly. 😍 And that rubbed Detective Drey Hastion the wrong way because he’s been dying to get together with this man. But he’s a very possessive man and he knew Tris’ kind don’t do monogamy. There definitely was a bit of miscommunication because all Tristol wanted was to solely belong to Drey too. You might think the relationship development between them to be quite insta but I’m just saying they’ve been in love with each other for a long time without even realizing themselves. So it was no wonder that once they got together, they were really committed. 😊 I loved the romance between them, so swoon-worthy and sexy. ❤️ But what truly blew me away was the meticulous and spectacular world-building of this story. 👏 Wow! 😱 Just wow! 😳 It was not only expansive and detailed, it was filled with so many possibilities. 🤩 I think I can read more than ten books set in this universe and wouldn’t get enough of it. And Galoi species was so fascinating. This book really has everything, a swoon-worthy romance, fantastic and realistic MCs, a divine world-building and a side dish of thrilling cost murder mystery. It was EVERYTHING! 🥰 And did I tell you the sex was hot???? 😏 Like really really scorching hot!!! 🔥🔥🔥 Darling, the only thing I could ask for more is to get my hands on the next book in the series as soon as possible. 😁 G.L. Carriger, I have no choice but to stalk you obsessively from now on. 😉 Just drop everything and go buy this book now because you won’t regret it. 💜
5 You are my anchor in this universe stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 4, 2020
4.5 Alien Loving Hearts!
What is it about an endearing lavender alien, whose guileless charm, flirty ways, and innate goodness oh so easily and seamlessly melted my cold heart? Throw in said alien having fae features, an excellent sense of fashion and basically, fascinating “sentient” hair (crazy I know), and you’ve got quite the start to a new series!
Tristol is an outcast amongst his fellow galoi, and he lives his life on a bustling space station, as his very sunny disposition makes him the perfect diplomatic ambassador to bridge relations between humans and other aliens. Deep down, Tristol misses his home, but he knows his personal choices and preferences prevent his return and he’s made peace with that. All Tristol really wants is for a certain grumpy detective to notice him and make Tristol his. Said surly lawman is detective Drey, who keeps his distance from the vibrant alien, thinking such a wonderful person would never settle for boring old him.
When Tristol’s self isolating people contact the station for help, this unexpected never before encounter is probably a once in a lifetime event. For a race that doesn’t know what murder is, a dead galoi is a confounding mystery to all. They barter for detective Drey’s skills, and Tristol must accompany him to help solve the case.
Seriously. If you are a fan of Gala’s Claiming series, then this should be an absolute slam dunk. Finishing a 346 page book in two nights speaks volumes as to how much I enjoyed this as precious sleep was sacrificed.
This was smart and complex, contemplating human and alien nature as Carriger creates a fascinating species with their own complicated problems and foibles. Such contrasting dynamics always bring an interesting perspective in seeing ourselves from another point of view and to be more accepting and open minded about others’ choices and beliefs. This in turn, also nicely contrasted Tristol and Drey, the former who can't contain his infectious joie de vivre and the latter, being the ultimate protective gentle giant beneath a gruff exterior. Be reassured that there was no shortage on the romance as this was super sweet, funny, poignant, and very nicely sexy, showing new ways how the galoi can bring pleasure with their anatomical differences. *wink*
I recommend reading the glossary in the back first to avoid initial frustration and confusion but regardless, take a chance on this and enjoy!! I so look forward to what Carriger will further bring to this new world of hers. I just hope we don’t have to wait an interminable amount of time to get our next fix! Fingers and toes crossed!
Thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for a honest review
What is it about an endearing lavender alien, whose guileless charm, flirty ways, and innate goodness oh so easily and seamlessly melted my cold heart? Throw in said alien having fae features, an excellent sense of fashion and basically, fascinating “sentient” hair (crazy I know), and you’ve got quite the start to a new series!
Tristol is an outcast amongst his fellow galoi, and he lives his life on a bustling space station, as his very sunny disposition makes him the perfect diplomatic ambassador to bridge relations between humans and other aliens. Deep down, Tristol misses his home, but he knows his personal choices and preferences prevent his return and he’s made peace with that. All Tristol really wants is for a certain grumpy detective to notice him and make Tristol his. Said surly lawman is detective Drey, who keeps his distance from the vibrant alien, thinking such a wonderful person would never settle for boring old him.
When Tristol’s self isolating people contact the station for help, this unexpected never before encounter is probably a once in a lifetime event. For a race that doesn’t know what murder is, a dead galoi is a confounding mystery to all. They barter for detective Drey’s skills, and Tristol must accompany him to help solve the case.
Seriously. If you are a fan of Gala’s Claiming series, then this should be an absolute slam dunk. Finishing a 346 page book in two nights speaks volumes as to how much I enjoyed this as precious sleep was sacrificed.
This was smart and complex, contemplating human and alien nature as Carriger creates a fascinating species with their own complicated problems and foibles. Such contrasting dynamics always bring an interesting perspective in seeing ourselves from another point of view and to be more accepting and open minded about others’ choices and beliefs. This in turn, also nicely contrasted Tristol and Drey, the former who can't contain his infectious joie de vivre and the latter, being the ultimate protective gentle giant beneath a gruff exterior. Be reassured that there was no shortage on the romance as this was super sweet, funny, poignant, and very nicely sexy, showing new ways how the galoi can bring pleasure with their anatomical differences. *wink*
I recommend reading the glossary in the back first to avoid initial frustration and confusion but regardless, take a chance on this and enjoy!! I so look forward to what Carriger will further bring to this new world of hers. I just hope we don’t have to wait an interminable amount of time to get our next fix! Fingers and toes crossed!
Thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for a honest review
December 10, 2020
Super weird! If you like monster-porn with tentacle sex or alien romance or male/male romance, this is your bag, baby! For me, it was a strange fever-dream that is actually enjoyable. If you like those comics with the aliens like this, you will love this.
So the set-up is that there is an interplanetary space station where a lot of humans live alongside with other aliens. Our alien-hero is Tris who is from an alien race that is super insular so not many of his species has ever been seen. This makes him kinda the rock star of the station because he's unique and has the personality of an adorable puppy. I mean, this guy is so endearing that you can't help but fall for him. Plus, he finds humans confusing and endearing himself. And cats are the most mysterious things ever to him. But wonderful. Everything's wonderful to this guy.
He has a cat-sitting gig that he's super excited about and runs into his crush, a guy named Drey. Drey also has a crush but heard that this species of alien doesn't do monogamy and he isn't into the player lifestyle. Luckily, he's wrong and Tris really wants a mate of his own. There isn't much of a build-up or angst because they figure things out pretty quickly. Which is strangely mature for a romance book.
But, the book is more than that. It's all about the differences between species and acceptance of those differences. The underlying messages are about gender identity, racial differences, and cultural differences. It was definitely positive and interesting. Of course, there were also a lot of funny misunderstandings because of all of these things. Overall, it was original and entertaining. But weird. Definitely weird.
chaotic good
So the set-up is that there is an interplanetary space station where a lot of humans live alongside with other aliens. Our alien-hero is Tris who is from an alien race that is super insular so not many of his species has ever been seen. This makes him kinda the rock star of the station because he's unique and has the personality of an adorable puppy. I mean, this guy is so endearing that you can't help but fall for him. Plus, he finds humans confusing and endearing himself. And cats are the most mysterious things ever to him. But wonderful. Everything's wonderful to this guy.
He has a cat-sitting gig that he's super excited about and runs into his crush, a guy named Drey. Drey also has a crush but heard that this species of alien doesn't do monogamy and he isn't into the player lifestyle. Luckily, he's wrong and Tris really wants a mate of his own. There isn't much of a build-up or angst because they figure things out pretty quickly. Which is strangely mature for a romance book.
But, the book is more than that. It's all about the differences between species and acceptance of those differences. The underlying messages are about gender identity, racial differences, and cultural differences. It was definitely positive and interesting. Of course, there were also a lot of funny misunderstandings because of all of these things. Overall, it was original and entertaining. But weird. Definitely weird.
chaotic good
March 14, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up! this was such a fun read!
tristol might be my new favourite alien! he was SO adorable… i can’t EVEN!!! truly such a cinnamon roll. so sweet, clingy, exuberant… the definition of a sunshine. this beautiful lavender alien just wanted to be loved so badly. 🥺 and, of course, drey the grumpy big human gave him everything he needed and ever wanted.
this was very insta-lovey, which i usually don’t like, but for some reason it didn’t bother me at all in this book. i think it might be because it was clear that they had been pining for each other for months already.🤣
tristol was HILARIOUS without even trying to be. the way he couldn’t detect sarcasm AT ALL made for some golden interactions.🤣
the whole shoe fiasco? one of my favourite moments.
“detective! you have no shoes on! is that ritual requirement of the second date among humans?” drey, who was in only socks, gave him an amused look. “yes indeed, being seen in public in only socks, together, is a declaration of romantic intent.”
*tris proceeds to take off his own shoes off as fast as possible*💀
tristol’s love for cats and the way he treated the cat he was cat-sitting with such respect was both hilarious and adorable at the same time.
“oh no! i need to go feed and play with mister montiguous! i have not yet told him that he is a wonderful feline creature today. i am a failure at cat maintenance.” 🤣
the way tristol’s hair showed all his emotions was so cool! his hair was almost like an entity of its own. the way it would mirror his emotions was fascinating.
“tristol knew his hair was back to being overly fluffy. even after the sadness of that poor dead loga, he could not hide his pleasure in the fact that drey had called him baby several times and wanted to eat noodles with him again.”
the way the littlest, simplest things made tristol SO happy was so achingly sweet…🥺 and the way drey paid attention and did all those things so naturally… #couplegoals
“tris had forgotten his chopsticks again. drey pulled out a spare pair from his shirt pocket and handed them over without comment. tris telescoped them out and tried not to cry.
drey must have collected the chopsticks when he went home that morning. even with the stress of his job and this new murder investigation and lack of sleep, drey had remembered that tris was forgetful. drey thought of him and brought him chopsticks.
then drey nearly exploded tristol’s heart by saying “give ‘em back to me when you’re done, baby, and i can keep ‘em for you. then it won’t matter if you keep forgetting.” omg ♥️
drey was quite grumpy and impatient usually, but not with tris! he was SO sweet and patient with him. the way he called tris “baby” ??? my heart went BOOM everytime.
the way they’ve been clearly pining for each other for a while and finally got together and committed straight away to each other so willingly was so beautiful to see. they were so possessive and protective of each other, it was marvellous to witness the little jealous outbursts. 😋
the murder mystery itself was interesting, but hard to follow at first because of all the alien terminology, but i got used to it after a while and actually understood everything and was invested in it. it all ended up being way sadder than expected and i may have teared up a little, even if i did guess what happened before it was revealed.☹️
overall, this was such a fun, fresh read. truly made me really happy. i really wish this was a series…🥺
tristol might be my new favourite alien! he was SO adorable… i can’t EVEN!!! truly such a cinnamon roll. so sweet, clingy, exuberant… the definition of a sunshine. this beautiful lavender alien just wanted to be loved so badly. 🥺 and, of course, drey the grumpy big human gave him everything he needed and ever wanted.
this was very insta-lovey, which i usually don’t like, but for some reason it didn’t bother me at all in this book. i think it might be because it was clear that they had been pining for each other for months already.🤣
tristol was HILARIOUS without even trying to be. the way he couldn’t detect sarcasm AT ALL made for some golden interactions.🤣
the whole shoe fiasco? one of my favourite moments.
“detective! you have no shoes on! is that ritual requirement of the second date among humans?” drey, who was in only socks, gave him an amused look. “yes indeed, being seen in public in only socks, together, is a declaration of romantic intent.”
*tris proceeds to take off his own shoes off as fast as possible*💀
tristol’s love for cats and the way he treated the cat he was cat-sitting with such respect was both hilarious and adorable at the same time.
“oh no! i need to go feed and play with mister montiguous! i have not yet told him that he is a wonderful feline creature today. i am a failure at cat maintenance.” 🤣
the way tristol’s hair showed all his emotions was so cool! his hair was almost like an entity of its own. the way it would mirror his emotions was fascinating.
“tristol knew his hair was back to being overly fluffy. even after the sadness of that poor dead loga, he could not hide his pleasure in the fact that drey had called him baby several times and wanted to eat noodles with him again.”
the way the littlest, simplest things made tristol SO happy was so achingly sweet…🥺 and the way drey paid attention and did all those things so naturally… #couplegoals
“tris had forgotten his chopsticks again. drey pulled out a spare pair from his shirt pocket and handed them over without comment. tris telescoped them out and tried not to cry.
drey must have collected the chopsticks when he went home that morning. even with the stress of his job and this new murder investigation and lack of sleep, drey had remembered that tris was forgetful. drey thought of him and brought him chopsticks.
then drey nearly exploded tristol’s heart by saying “give ‘em back to me when you’re done, baby, and i can keep ‘em for you. then it won’t matter if you keep forgetting.” omg ♥️
drey was quite grumpy and impatient usually, but not with tris! he was SO sweet and patient with him. the way he called tris “baby” ??? my heart went BOOM everytime.
the way they’ve been clearly pining for each other for a while and finally got together and committed straight away to each other so willingly was so beautiful to see. they were so possessive and protective of each other, it was marvellous to witness the little jealous outbursts. 😋
the murder mystery itself was interesting, but hard to follow at first because of all the alien terminology, but i got used to it after a while and actually understood everything and was invested in it. it all ended up being way sadder than expected and i may have teared up a little, even if i did guess what happened before it was revealed.☹️
overall, this was such a fun, fresh read. truly made me really happy. i really wish this was a series…🥺
March 30, 2022
This was a middle of the roadbook for me which is a shame because I always love this author's 'Parasolverse' books.
The 5th Gender sounded perfect for me. I know and like this author's other books, I like sci fi and fantasy, I enjoy quirky characters and humour. All of these were present and correct but the whole package never quite grabbed me.
What did I not like? The two main characters came together much too soon and too easily and I felt as though I had missed about ten chapters. Then the author over indulged herself with the character of Tris. At first he was cute and loveable but by the end the trilling and the hair waving was becoming irritating as was the word 'baby.'
What did I like? The humour - there was lots of that and Gail writes it so well. The characters - yes Tris was delightful at least for the first 75% of the book. The setting - I enjoyed the space station and the noodle bars and the apartment and the cat.
So an okay read but if the series does continue I doubt I will want to follow up on it.
The 5th Gender sounded perfect for me. I know and like this author's other books, I like sci fi and fantasy, I enjoy quirky characters and humour. All of these were present and correct but the whole package never quite grabbed me.
What did I not like? The two main characters came together much too soon and too easily and I felt as though I had missed about ten chapters. Then the author over indulged herself with the character of Tris. At first he was cute and loveable but by the end the trilling and the hair waving was becoming irritating as was the word 'baby.'
What did I like? The humour - there was lots of that and Gail writes it so well. The characters - yes Tris was delightful at least for the first 75% of the book. The setting - I enjoyed the space station and the noodle bars and the apartment and the cat.
So an okay read but if the series does continue I doubt I will want to follow up on it.
June 3, 2019
4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this story. Color melavender gobsmacked. After Carriger's last foray into our MM romance world (The Omega Objection), which I detested, I had no hope whatsoever she would ever write another MM book that I'd read. I loved The Sumage Solution, but that second book dumped the series in the toilet for me.
The five-gendered society of Gal and its culture were absolutely fascinating, if a bit confusing. It was a joy to watch Tristol bring lightness and laughter to those around him on the space station, human and alien, while being completely shunned and "nonexistent" to galoi, the people of his own home world. And the mystery! Well, you'll have to read the book.
There were only two things I wish were different about this marvelous story... I wished for more world building, especially the space station and its location and allegiances, and perhaps a more fleshed-out Detective Drey. I would liked to have known more about his background. But those are small issues compared to how utterly delightful, and occasionally heartbreaking, this story was. I hope in the coming books within the Tinkered Stars mysteries that the author will put more time into world building and ensure both protagonists are fully realized.
I walked away thinking what a serendipity it would be to have a friend like Tris in real life. Highly recommended to ALL readers of MM romance, even those who don't usually favor sci-fi or mysteries. And especially to readers who love lavender!
I absolutely loved this story. Color me
The five-gendered society of Gal and its culture were absolutely fascinating, if a bit confusing. It was a joy to watch Tristol bring lightness and laughter to those around him on the space station, human and alien, while being completely shunned and "nonexistent" to galoi, the people of his own home world. And the mystery! Well, you'll have to read the book.
There were only two things I wish were different about this marvelous story... I wished for more world building, especially the space station and its location and allegiances, and perhaps a more fleshed-out Detective Drey. I would liked to have known more about his background. But those are small issues compared to how utterly delightful, and occasionally heartbreaking, this story was. I hope in the coming books within the Tinkered Stars mysteries that the author will put more time into world building and ensure both protagonists are fully realized.
I walked away thinking what a serendipity it would be to have a friend like Tris in real life. Highly recommended to ALL readers of MM romance, even those who don't usually favor sci-fi or mysteries. And especially to readers who love lavender!
May 12, 2024
baby count: 125 times
August 23, 2019
5 shiny, sparkling, stars for ...
.) the sheer wealth of imagination
.) the fabulous and intricate world building
.) all that delightful humour
.) one of the cutest couples I’ve read in 2019
But MOST of all for …
Tris(tol), the purple (oops, sorry, LAVENDER) alien.
He is without any doubt one of the cutest, sweetest, most heart-warming characters ever. I’m sure I had the broadest smile on my face virtually throughout the whole book.
I loved everything about this cutie-pie from outer space.
His honesty and caring nature, his happiness when he can make others happy, his joy and readiness to smile, his ability to enjoy life and see all the positives, his genuine desire to ‘figure out’ humanity and its traits, the way he takes a lot of human expressions (particularly idioms!) literally which is the source of tons of humour! And it is totally adorable, no I mean ADORABLE (in capital letters).
And then there is Tris’s HAIR.
Yeap, hair. It isn’t just long and tubular and silky and (of course) a super pretty shade of lavender. It is virtually an entity of its own, expressing feelings and reacting to events, and it loves Drey! Not (really) mentioning all the other stuff *waggling her eyebrows* Tris’s hair can do …. So original, and cute and a teeny bit kinky even.
Brilliantly executed by the author!
The same goes for finding out about the galoi, Tris’s own people, even if they are not so much ‘his’ people anymore. Admittedly it was a bit mind boggling at times assimilating all the complexities of that alien species (and their five genders), but it is so well thought out!
Consulting the glossary at the end will help though to keep you in the picture!
I loved the idea that colour co-ordinating is so important to them, and I was wondering if I should rename this book …
It would be perfectly fitting, but, before you start wondering, there is not even a hint of BDSM in this book, just some delicious, glorious (and fascinating) human/alien sex with a lot of heat and feelings.
Oh of course, I also loved Drey in all his brown gorgeousness (Tris's words). A man of the law, tall, strong, handsome and bit lonely and with the softest caramel centre when it comes to Tris. Loved their 'noodle dates'!
If you want to read sci-fi with a good dose of humour and tons of sheer cuteness – this is definitely it! And yes, there is a touch of seriousness, too, if you got the impression this is all light and fluffy, when the author takes a reflective look at human and alien societies alike.
Now one last thing about the cover
December 10, 2023
AUDIOBOOK Dec 23 - I still enjoyed the hell out of this!!
EBOOK July 2019:
Cuddlelicious!!!!
This story was simply ADORABLE!! 😱😱
Wait! It’s Tris, our lavender, wriggly-haired alíen that’s ADORABLE! ❤️❤️❤️ He is beyond precious and so full of love!
I’ll warn you that this is a very insta-love story with “baby” and “honey” endearments from the get-go. I always have a problem with that, but Tris made me look the other way and not mind so much when his hunky, brown and bearded detective called him baby.
Tris is from a mysterious and xenophobic race of beings. Detective Hastion is human. Both live on a space station. Both are very into the other, but neither has a clue about how they feel until a runaway cat and a murder bring them together.
The mystery was interesting because of the otherness of the culture Carriger created for the galoi (Tris’ race).
The relationship was interesting because of the alien/human match-up, and the fact that Hastion’s brown shade was gloriously beautiful to the galoi.
This was a total fluff piece, murder aside. This was also totally hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥!! Can you say prehensile hair? Can you say self-lubricating member? ❤️❤️
I do hope Carriger creates more stories in this universe!
EBOOK July 2019:
Cuddlelicious!!!!
This story was simply ADORABLE!! 😱😱
Wait! It’s Tris, our lavender, wriggly-haired alíen that’s ADORABLE! ❤️❤️❤️ He is beyond precious and so full of love!
I’ll warn you that this is a very insta-love story with “baby” and “honey” endearments from the get-go. I always have a problem with that, but Tris made me look the other way and not mind so much when his hunky, brown and bearded detective called him baby.
Tris is from a mysterious and xenophobic race of beings. Detective Hastion is human. Both live on a space station. Both are very into the other, but neither has a clue about how they feel until a runaway cat and a murder bring them together.
The mystery was interesting because of the otherness of the culture Carriger created for the galoi (Tris’ race).
The relationship was interesting because of the alien/human match-up, and the fact that Hastion’s brown shade was gloriously beautiful to the galoi.
This was a total fluff piece, murder aside. This was also totally hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥!! Can you say prehensile hair? Can you say self-lubricating member? ❤️❤️
I do hope Carriger creates more stories in this universe!
June 20, 2025
~4.25~
Adorable, meaningful, poignant, playful, The 5th Gender was the best surprise.
Besides featuring a passionate romance starring a human named Drey and a galoi named Tris, this book has subtle political undertones around agency, choice, and oppression.
Tris's wild lavender (NOT purple) hair is a wonderland. Emotions, stories, memories - it's all in the hair. Tris's hair is a main character in its own right.
Drey is brown to Tris's lavender. In this future, all humans are brown. Hurray!
There's also a fat cat named Mister Montiguous who's a "wonderful feline creature." Double hurray!
Beings from various planets live and intermingle on giant space stations that function as cities. I went gaga over the world building, the marvelous intricacies of language and gender and food (ramen forever!).
The galoi culture, particularly, is brilliantly portrayed. Carriger did a phenomenal job drawing the reader in vs. info-dumping.
The plot follows Drey and Tris as they board a galoi vessel to investigate the mysterious death of a young loga. Drey is invited as a trained detective. Tris comes along as a cultural translator at Drey's insistence.
Tris was also born loga - the 5th galoi gender, the only gender capable of bearing young.
But Tris no longer has a galoi identity. He was stripped of one when he became a zyga, a loga who chooses exile over forced procreation.
My only complaint is that Tris and Drey's relationship has no narrative arc. When the story begins, they've been eyeing each other for months. In the second chapter, they jump into bed (or nest, as the case may be) together and immediately bond as "somates."
Too much, too soon, but still totally swoony (and incredibly sexy).
Adorable, meaningful, poignant, playful, The 5th Gender was the best surprise.
Besides featuring a passionate romance starring a human named Drey and a galoi named Tris, this book has subtle political undertones around agency, choice, and oppression.
Tris's wild lavender (NOT purple) hair is a wonderland. Emotions, stories, memories - it's all in the hair. Tris's hair is a main character in its own right.
Drey is brown to Tris's lavender. In this future, all humans are brown. Hurray!
There's also a fat cat named Mister Montiguous who's a "wonderful feline creature." Double hurray!
Beings from various planets live and intermingle on giant space stations that function as cities. I went gaga over the world building, the marvelous intricacies of language and gender and food (ramen forever!).
The galoi culture, particularly, is brilliantly portrayed. Carriger did a phenomenal job drawing the reader in vs. info-dumping.
The plot follows Drey and Tris as they board a galoi vessel to investigate the mysterious death of a young loga. Drey is invited as a trained detective. Tris comes along as a cultural translator at Drey's insistence.
Tris was also born loga - the 5th galoi gender, the only gender capable of bearing young.
But Tris no longer has a galoi identity. He was stripped of one when he became a zyga, a loga who chooses exile over forced procreation.
Yet I gave it up. Do you understand? I gave it all up. Because even the beautiful parts wanted too much from me, or I wanted too much from them, because to be exile is also to be completely free. Those of us who leave do so because we must. It is not a whim. It is survival.
My only complaint is that Tris and Drey's relationship has no narrative arc. When the story begins, they've been eyeing each other for months. In the second chapter, they jump into bed (or nest, as the case may be) together and immediately bond as "somates."
Too much, too soon, but still totally swoony (and incredibly sexy).
July 26, 2021
4.5 stars
This was cute and adorable and fun and oddly sexy. Think kinky tentacle hair. It was instalove with lots of sex, and I loved it.
Tris is the cutest tiny purple alien with crazy hair. Drey is a very hot big black human. Together they have to solve a murder.
The culture clashes are hilarious and I loved learning everything about galoi culture and life on the space station. The author managed to make it fun and interesting without confusing me.
Highly recommended, I had so much fun!
This was cute and adorable and fun and oddly sexy. Think kinky tentacle hair. It was instalove with lots of sex, and I loved it.
Tris is the cutest tiny purple alien with crazy hair. Drey is a very hot big black human. Together they have to solve a murder.
The culture clashes are hilarious and I loved learning everything about galoi culture and life on the space station. The author managed to make it fun and interesting without confusing me.
Highly recommended, I had so much fun!
September 29, 2020
While on the surface this is an adorable m/m romance with aliens and a mystery plot, I just couldn't get over the deeply transphobic and other uncomfortable undertones.
Content warnings include: exile, sex on-page, language and concepts that might be harmful for trans readers, constant conflation of sex and gender, xenophobia, pro-life sentiment, suicide, indirect forced pregnancy through tampering with birth control, denial of reproductive autonomy, denial of medical advocay.
Anyone looking at my shelves can see I'm a big fan of Gail Carriger. I adore her books and especially the characters in them, and The 5th Gender's protagonist Tristol, called Tris, was no exception in terms of loving the characters.
But the rest... Oof.
One part that caused this might have been the editing. It wasn't bad, but compared the author's other books, and I guess published books in general it seemed sloppy. I found several small mistakes, and the plot, worldbuilding and what was happening overall just wasn't as cohesive as I've come to expect.
My discomfort with the book stems from one big central issue: the book just fundamentally doesn't understand the difference between sex and gender.
This has an effect on everything, especially since the galoi, an alien species that has five genders, strict social expectations and extremely xenophobic tendencies, are at the core of the plot.
I love books with aliens and seeing different alien cultures and normals. I do not expect to like every concept behind an alien species I read about, and that is fine. But in case of the galoi, something was just off from the start.
Maybe it's this: the more I think about it, the more the galoi just seem like a slightly extended version of a/b/o dynamics. Which, also fine, I've seen various iterations of aliens this way, and The Fifth Gender was less blatant about it than others and had some curious additions. But unfortunaltely, many of the additions, combined with surrounding plot, came across as weird choices at best and outright transphobic at worst.
For one, there is the fact of the five genders, that didn't really seem like five genders to me at all. It was just bewildering to me, a big part of it is the previously mentioned conflation of sex and gender, which might be the main cause for the transphobic undertones. There's the constant talk about "female parts" VS "male parts", or in another instance a gay character considers if he can ignore a nonbinary characters "female parts" (the character is also misgendered) thus also implying that sexuality is based on genitals. Trans characters aren't ignored - the human protagonist, Drey, at one point remembers a trans man he used to date - and that sentence is "he dated an FTM once", which seems like a rather outdated way of saying it from what I understand.
At another point, as Drey explains the existence of trans people to Tris, it's also mentioned that the galoi would cut contact with humans if they ever found out about that because "unstable genders" are unfathomable and seem deeply wrong to them.
Completely aside the gender stuff of the aliens, I was disppointed in how rigid they were. Not in terms of social concepts, but it was all "all X people are Y", without any regard for how such statements tend to pretty much never apply in the history of anything. Like, sure, they are aliens, but it still felt sort of lazy.
In her latest books, the author has included more and more trans characters, which I love. Yet I also couldn't help but notice that whenever the books actually talk about anything trans.... it's extremely awkward. In The 5th Gender this was very noticable. One moment sexuality is treated as exclusively being attracted to someone's genitals, which is then directly contradicted by trans-inclusive phrasing in the next moment. Or it turns out that for the galoi, the concept of being trans doesn't exist at all, and Tris thinks it's super strange and suggests not to tell his race about the existence of trans humans, while another race is pretty much entirely non-binary and uses neo-pronouns, except the book then constantly uses wrong pronouns. It was very uncomfortable and inconsistent.
I can tell that Ms Carriger is trying, but... she's not quite there. I've mentioned it in previous reviews, but a sensitivity reader is desperately needed.
Overall the themes handled in this book were way more complex and heavy than I expected. While mostly still keeping the lighthearted and delightful humor that is the author's trademark, it gets heart-wretching at parts and I felt terrible on some characters' behalf at several points.
That on it's own isn't bad, but I felt like a lot of the implications and underlying sentiments were not condemed the way they should have been. There are a few distinct pro-life (as in, contrary to pro-choice) sentiments that are affirmed both by side and main characters, though only in very isolated scenes.
The topic that I wish had gotten more attention is closer to reproductive autonomy, and medical malpractice. When a character gets angry at a doctor for going against a patient's direct wishes and denying the patient treatment, another character calms them down, the anger is brushed away, and it's never mentioned again. That was a HUGE misstep in my opinion, especially since It should have been condemed and treated as the atrocity it was, nothing less, but it wasn't. That was a huge disappointment.
The romance was way too much insta-love for my personal taste. Tris and Drey have both been intensely attracted to each other before the book even starts, and then pretty much in the first chapter they talk about that for the first time and they are almost proposing to each other on the spot. I'm not even kidding. The book plays over the course of maybe three days, but relationship-wise it covers more than some books cover over the course of years.
They were still quite lovely together, and I especially adored Tris and how he thinks about humans and their habits. It was funny to see humans from a different angle.
I wanted to have fun with this book, and it definitely has it's adorable and cute moments, but it just left me uncomfortable and intensely unhappy. It was just so awkward in the way it talked about being trans/non-binary and how sex and gender was contantly confused. The world-building lacked a certain depth and I while it was fascinating to read about an alien species with such strict social rules I wish they had been completely outside of the concept of male/female, and not so close to a/b/o dynamics. And if the aspect of denial of reproductive rights really had been included, could it at least have been properly condemed?!
Several things weren't really explained (like what was up with that weird Professor? I thought something was coming with him but nope, he was totally forgotten. But then why give him such an antagonistic role? Especially since wanting to learn about aliens is something I would also totally want, and nothing inherently evil?) and while some plot threads seemed forgotten, I was glad that others weren't picked up at all.
Another thing, which made me not just unhappy but also spitting mad was some of the reactions to the book. Obviously everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I'd never fault anyone for liking a book differently than I did, but in this very specific case, this very specific thing I've seen people say repeatedly makes me want to punch a wall:
Content warnings include: exile, sex on-page, language and concepts that might be harmful for trans readers, constant conflation of sex and gender, xenophobia, pro-life sentiment, suicide, indirect forced pregnancy through tampering with birth control, denial of reproductive autonomy, denial of medical advocay.
Anyone looking at my shelves can see I'm a big fan of Gail Carriger. I adore her books and especially the characters in them, and The 5th Gender's protagonist Tristol, called Tris, was no exception in terms of loving the characters.
But the rest... Oof.
One part that caused this might have been the editing. It wasn't bad, but compared the author's other books, and I guess published books in general it seemed sloppy. I found several small mistakes, and the plot, worldbuilding and what was happening overall just wasn't as cohesive as I've come to expect.
My discomfort with the book stems from one big central issue: the book just fundamentally doesn't understand the difference between sex and gender.
This has an effect on everything, especially since the galoi, an alien species that has five genders, strict social expectations and extremely xenophobic tendencies, are at the core of the plot.
I love books with aliens and seeing different alien cultures and normals. I do not expect to like every concept behind an alien species I read about, and that is fine. But in case of the galoi, something was just off from the start.
Maybe it's this: the more I think about it, the more the galoi just seem like a slightly extended version of a/b/o dynamics. Which, also fine, I've seen various iterations of aliens this way, and The Fifth Gender was less blatant about it than others and had some curious additions. But unfortunaltely, many of the additions, combined with surrounding plot, came across as weird choices at best and outright transphobic at worst.
For one, there is the fact of the five genders, that didn't really seem like five genders to me at all. It was just bewildering to me, a big part of it is the previously mentioned conflation of sex and gender, which might be the main cause for the transphobic undertones. There's the constant talk about "female parts" VS "male parts", or in another instance a gay character considers if he can ignore a nonbinary characters "female parts" (the character is also misgendered) thus also implying that sexuality is based on genitals. Trans characters aren't ignored - the human protagonist, Drey, at one point remembers a trans man he used to date - and that sentence is "he dated an FTM once", which seems like a rather outdated way of saying it from what I understand.
At another point, as Drey explains the existence of trans people to Tris, it's also mentioned that the galoi would cut contact with humans if they ever found out about that because "unstable genders" are unfathomable and seem deeply wrong to them.
Completely aside the gender stuff of the aliens, I was disppointed in how rigid they were. Not in terms of social concepts, but it was all "all X people are Y", without any regard for how such statements tend to pretty much never apply in the history of anything. Like, sure, they are aliens, but it still felt sort of lazy.
In her latest books, the author has included more and more trans characters, which I love. Yet I also couldn't help but notice that whenever the books actually talk about anything trans.... it's extremely awkward. In The 5th Gender this was very noticable. One moment sexuality is treated as exclusively being attracted to someone's genitals, which is then directly contradicted by trans-inclusive phrasing in the next moment. Or it turns out that for the galoi, the concept of being trans doesn't exist at all, and Tris thinks it's super strange and suggests not to tell his race about the existence of trans humans, while another race is pretty much entirely non-binary and uses neo-pronouns, except the book then constantly uses wrong pronouns. It was very uncomfortable and inconsistent.
I can tell that Ms Carriger is trying, but... she's not quite there. I've mentioned it in previous reviews, but a sensitivity reader is desperately needed.
Overall the themes handled in this book were way more complex and heavy than I expected. While mostly still keeping the lighthearted and delightful humor that is the author's trademark, it gets heart-wretching at parts and I felt terrible on some characters' behalf at several points.
That on it's own isn't bad, but I felt like a lot of the implications and underlying sentiments were not condemed the way they should have been. There are a few distinct pro-life (as in, contrary to pro-choice) sentiments that are affirmed both by side and main characters, though only in very isolated scenes.
The topic that I wish had gotten more attention is closer to reproductive autonomy, and medical malpractice. When a character gets angry at a doctor for going against a patient's direct wishes and denying the patient treatment, another character calms them down, the anger is brushed away, and it's never mentioned again. That was a HUGE misstep in my opinion, especially since It should have been condemed and treated as the atrocity it was, nothing less, but it wasn't. That was a huge disappointment.
The romance was way too much insta-love for my personal taste. Tris and Drey have both been intensely attracted to each other before the book even starts, and then pretty much in the first chapter they talk about that for the first time and they are almost proposing to each other on the spot. I'm not even kidding. The book plays over the course of maybe three days, but relationship-wise it covers more than some books cover over the course of years.
They were still quite lovely together, and I especially adored Tris and how he thinks about humans and their habits. It was funny to see humans from a different angle.
I wanted to have fun with this book, and it definitely has it's adorable and cute moments, but it just left me uncomfortable and intensely unhappy. It was just so awkward in the way it talked about being trans/non-binary and how sex and gender was contantly confused. The world-building lacked a certain depth and I while it was fascinating to read about an alien species with such strict social rules I wish they had been completely outside of the concept of male/female, and not so close to a/b/o dynamics. And if the aspect of denial of reproductive rights really had been included, could it at least have been properly condemed?!
Several things weren't really explained (like what was up with that weird Professor? I thought something was coming with him but nope, he was totally forgotten. But then why give him such an antagonistic role? Especially since wanting to learn about aliens is something I would also totally want, and nothing inherently evil?) and while some plot threads seemed forgotten, I was glad that others weren't picked up at all.
Another thing, which made me not just unhappy but also spitting mad was some of the reactions to the book. Obviously everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I'd never fault anyone for liking a book differently than I did, but in this very specific case, this very specific thing I've seen people say repeatedly makes me want to punch a wall:
August 4, 2021
4.5 stars 💕💕
I love aliens romances and need more !!!! The couple was so so precious and the case really pulled at my heart strings damn. Tristol must be protected at ALL costs.
I really hope this author one day decides to continue the series🤞🏼🤞🏼 but if anyone has any other alien recs pls send my way! (I’ve read Alessandra Hazards but that’s it)
I love aliens romances and need more !!!! The couple was so so precious and the case really pulled at my heart strings damn. Tristol must be protected at ALL costs.
I really hope this author one day decides to continue the series🤞🏼🤞🏼 but if anyone has any other alien recs pls send my way! (I’ve read Alessandra Hazards but that’s it)
June 19, 2019
Re-read June 2019
Such a sweet story.
-----------------------------------
Now this was cute!
Tristol is a galoi, a purple alien. Oh, I’m sorry, a lavender alien. He has puffy hair when he’s happy and when he’s around detective Hastion his hair betrays his extreme attraction and tries to pet the handsome detective.
Tristol loves humans and their weird customs, like keeping a furry creature as a pet, also known as a cat. Of course he is thrilled when his friends Elle and Olav ask him to pet sit (although not literally because that would hurt the cat). And Tristol takes his responsibility very seriously.
But when the cat escapes to the common area of the space station, Tristol runs after him. Luckily the handsome detective Tris has had a crush on for ages, Drey Hastion, comes to the rescue.
And just when Tris thought he would never get the detective’s attention, it looks like Drey might actually like him back!
When a galoi space ship suddenly contacts the space station to ask their help in a murder, Tris is shocked. The galoi don’t even have a word for murder, that’s how unlikely it is that this galoi is indeed murdered. But it appears there is indeed a dead galoi on board the space ship, so Drey and Tris go on board to investigate. Drey because he is a detective, and Tris to help Drey with the galoi.
During this investigation Drey makes sure Tris knows he is Drey's as soon as they have some time to be alone together...
Tris was absolutely ADORABLE! With his puffy hair, his cheerfulness and his overall adorableness. The way his hair betrayed his emotions (not that he tried to hide them in any way) was so cute!
The romance was pretty insta-lovey, but I didn’t care one bit. Drey knew just how to take care of Tristol, and together they were just so sweet.
If I have one complaint it was that sometimes I felt it got a little too detailed and educational with the explanation about the galoi and their genders.
But this was still veeeeery cute and I would so read it again.
Such a sweet story.
-----------------------------------
Now this was cute!
Tristol is a galoi, a purple alien. Oh, I’m sorry, a lavender alien. He has puffy hair when he’s happy and when he’s around detective Hastion his hair betrays his extreme attraction and tries to pet the handsome detective.
Tristol loves humans and their weird customs, like keeping a furry creature as a pet, also known as a cat. Of course he is thrilled when his friends Elle and Olav ask him to pet sit (although not literally because that would hurt the cat). And Tristol takes his responsibility very seriously.
But when the cat escapes to the common area of the space station, Tristol runs after him. Luckily the handsome detective Tris has had a crush on for ages, Drey Hastion, comes to the rescue.
And just when Tris thought he would never get the detective’s attention, it looks like Drey might actually like him back!
When a galoi space ship suddenly contacts the space station to ask their help in a murder, Tris is shocked. The galoi don’t even have a word for murder, that’s how unlikely it is that this galoi is indeed murdered. But it appears there is indeed a dead galoi on board the space ship, so Drey and Tris go on board to investigate. Drey because he is a detective, and Tris to help Drey with the galoi.
During this investigation Drey makes sure Tris knows he is Drey's as soon as they have some time to be alone together...
Tris was absolutely ADORABLE! With his puffy hair, his cheerfulness and his overall adorableness. The way his hair betrayed his emotions (not that he tried to hide them in any way) was so cute!
The romance was pretty insta-lovey, but I didn’t care one bit. Drey knew just how to take care of Tristol, and together they were just so sweet.
If I have one complaint it was that sometimes I felt it got a little too detailed and educational with the explanation about the galoi and their genders.
But this was still veeeeery cute and I would so read it again.
December 2, 2022
!!!! thank you so much to my lovely friend Ping for the bday gifts!! both this and the ebook for The Lightning-Struck Heart??? 🤯 your generosity knows no bounds and continues to astound me, i cannot thank you enough 😭💖 HUGS!!!
June 4, 2019
This was a lot of fun, a light SciFi mystery romance, as a human cop on a space station falls for a kind, enthusiastic, exiled alien. Tris is the fifth of his species' five genders, and usually his kind would be home on a planet closed to outsiders. But Tris couldn't live with one of the essential demands made by his society, and as a result he's exiled into human space, literally "nothing" to his people anymore.
Those of Tris's kind who choose this exile are valuable in the wider multi-species galaxy as negotiators and intermediaries, because they have even tempers, open minds, and no allegiances. And Tris chose his path with his eyes open. The galaxy is a big, amazing place, and he's going to taste all kinds of good things in it. The occasional loneliness isn't enough to dampen his enthusiasm for noodles, spices, sex, cats, or gorgeous men like his secret crush, Detective Drey Hastion. The Detective is such a nice uniform brown color all over and has such a great growly voice and big muscles...
Drey Hastion is good at his Security job, and he tries to be impartial to all. Even if he's secretly a fan of a cute, lithe, sweet-natured purple - excuse me, lavender -alien whose hair tentacles seem to have a life of their own. But Tristol has been seen out with plenty of men, and Drey's a one man guy, so he's keeping his distance. Until an escaped pet cat, and a unique and unprecedented murder, throw them together. The victim is one of Tris's kind, and only Tris may be able to give Drey the perspective he needs to solve the crime.
This was warm and amusing, with just a hint of social relevance and bitterness to the murder scenario to keep it from being fluff. Tris's enthusiasm made him fun to tag along with, and his species differences were well done (although I still prefer alien-human romances where the sex doesn't mesh this well. Biologically, it always makes me skeptical. This did, however, avoid one clicheed plot option and stuck to its alien biology constraints, for which I was grateful.) it's a bit insta-lovey, and I'd have really enjoyed a slower romance development with more obstacles to an inter-species longterm commitment. There was enough potential conflict between species here to have been fleshed out. But that's not the story this book tells, and for what it is, it's a fast, fun read with some real imagination and heart.
Those of Tris's kind who choose this exile are valuable in the wider multi-species galaxy as negotiators and intermediaries, because they have even tempers, open minds, and no allegiances. And Tris chose his path with his eyes open. The galaxy is a big, amazing place, and he's going to taste all kinds of good things in it. The occasional loneliness isn't enough to dampen his enthusiasm for noodles, spices, sex, cats, or gorgeous men like his secret crush, Detective Drey Hastion. The Detective is such a nice uniform brown color all over and has such a great growly voice and big muscles...
Drey Hastion is good at his Security job, and he tries to be impartial to all. Even if he's secretly a fan of a cute, lithe, sweet-natured purple - excuse me, lavender -alien whose hair tentacles seem to have a life of their own. But Tristol has been seen out with plenty of men, and Drey's a one man guy, so he's keeping his distance. Until an escaped pet cat, and a unique and unprecedented murder, throw them together. The victim is one of Tris's kind, and only Tris may be able to give Drey the perspective he needs to solve the crime.
This was warm and amusing, with just a hint of social relevance and bitterness to the murder scenario to keep it from being fluff. Tris's enthusiasm made him fun to tag along with, and his species differences were well done (although I still prefer alien-human romances where the sex doesn't mesh this well. Biologically, it always makes me skeptical. This did, however, avoid one clicheed plot option and stuck to its alien biology constraints, for which I was grateful.) it's a bit insta-lovey, and I'd have really enjoyed a slower romance development with more obstacles to an inter-species longterm commitment. There was enough potential conflict between species here to have been fleshed out. But that's not the story this book tells, and for what it is, it's a fast, fun read with some real imagination and heart.
May 22, 2019
5 stars for the 5 genders .
I really hope this author continues this series !
I really hope this author continues this series !
May 26, 2019
Cracky yet profound with bonus ninja feels
Whoa. What even is this book? I thought I was just getting a charming little book full of fluff. And it was that. It was charming and ridiculous and so full of crack that I was instantly hooked. I was happily skipping along, spouting words like "precious" and "adorable" and "sugary sweet" when WHAM! I was hit upside the head with the feels.
This book turned out to be way more deep than I expected, and I daresay it was profound. It eerily mirrors current issues we are experiencing in the US, making now the perfect time to read this story.
This was a delight to read. I laughed. I cried. I felt so much while reading this. This is going on my favorites shelf for sure. I can't wait to read more.
Whoa. What even is this book? I thought I was just getting a charming little book full of fluff. And it was that. It was charming and ridiculous and so full of crack that I was instantly hooked. I was happily skipping along, spouting words like "precious" and "adorable" and "sugary sweet" when WHAM! I was hit upside the head with the feels.
This book turned out to be way more deep than I expected, and I daresay it was profound. It eerily mirrors current issues we are experiencing in the US, making now the perfect time to read this story.
This was a delight to read. I laughed. I cried. I felt so much while reading this. This is going on my favorites shelf for sure. I can't wait to read more.
May 20, 2019
SUCH a delight
The sample hooked me and I was in love from the start. Tris is quirky and utterly adorable, and I loved his unique and hysterical take on things. He’s paired with a big, growly, protective detective, and they were PERFECT together. This shot straight to my favorites list, and I HOPE there are more in the series.
The sample hooked me and I was in love from the start. Tris is quirky and utterly adorable, and I loved his unique and hysterical take on things. He’s paired with a big, growly, protective detective, and they were PERFECT together. This shot straight to my favorites list, and I HOPE there are more in the series.
June 10, 2019
Overall book rating: 5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
I’d like to compliment the author on a few things.
- The uniqueness of Tristol’s character. There were so many things I loved about him. I’ve read about a character with the hair thing before but the way it was used with Tris was something else. The emotional thing really really worked for me and it was also totally new. Very special to me.
- The way everything was described to the reader without information dumping. The only thing I still would like to know is the length of Tristol's brilliant hair. (I’m weird like that) Is it shoulder length, mid-back...? Not overly important but I’d like to know for my picturing the character. Loved the description of his eyes.
- Again with Tris, his character was so endearing! I’m not an overly ‘fluffy’ reader in the broad spectrum but if you don’t fall head over heals in love with this purple alien there is something seriously wrong with you.
I have not read anything of this author before this book, and I can honestly say that her writing style really appealed to me. This story drew me in right from the start. I didn’t want to put it down and I didn’t want for it to end so soon.
To me, those are important things and it really was not lacking in any of those departments.
This was one of those stories were everything just fit. It just clicked.
The two main characters made even the insta-love approach work and that’s saying something as I’m not a fan of that at all.
I will be untrue to myself if I didn’t mention that I really wanted the story to be a few chapters longer. I was really disappointed when it ended. Even if everything concluded. I wanted more, a little more, and I would have been overjoyed.
More - nesting, and somate and weddings and drinks with umbrella's and wonderful feline creatures. I would have liked Tris introducing Drey to his friends and visa versa. I'd love to be a fly on the wall with card night for example.
That being said, I’ll still just give this FIVE stars because I can’t give it less. It made me feel giddy and smiley and sad and all over the place. That’s what makes a five star book.
This is something I'll be putting on my re-read list for feel good days.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
I’d like to compliment the author on a few things.
- The uniqueness of Tristol’s character. There were so many things I loved about him. I’ve read about a character with the hair thing before but the way it was used with Tris was something else. The emotional thing really really worked for me and it was also totally new. Very special to me.
- The way everything was described to the reader without information dumping. The only thing I still would like to know is the length of Tristol's brilliant hair. (I’m weird like that) Is it shoulder length, mid-back...? Not overly important but I’d like to know for my picturing the character. Loved the description of his eyes.
- Again with Tris, his character was so endearing! I’m not an overly ‘fluffy’ reader in the broad spectrum but if you don’t fall head over heals in love with this purple alien there is something seriously wrong with you.
I have not read anything of this author before this book, and I can honestly say that her writing style really appealed to me. This story drew me in right from the start. I didn’t want to put it down and I didn’t want for it to end so soon.
To me, those are important things and it really was not lacking in any of those departments.
This was one of those stories were everything just fit. It just clicked.
The two main characters made even the insta-love approach work and that’s saying something as I’m not a fan of that at all.
I will be untrue to myself if I didn’t mention that I really wanted the story to be a few chapters longer. I was really disappointed when it ended. Even if everything concluded. I wanted more, a little more, and I would have been overjoyed.
More - nesting, and somate and weddings and drinks with umbrella's and wonderful feline creatures. I would have liked Tris introducing Drey to his friends and visa versa. I'd love to be a fly on the wall with card night for example.
That being said, I’ll still just give this FIVE stars because I can’t give it less. It made me feel giddy and smiley and sad and all over the place. That’s what makes a five star book.
This is something I'll be putting on my re-read list for feel good days.
January 1, 2021
Read this book as part of the 2019 Members' Choice Awards Challenge.
Categories: Best Sci-Fi/Futuristic/Post-Apocalyptic/Steampunk
I wanted to like this book more. I was looking forward to reading it very much - I was expecting at least a 4 star read. It was sweet, insta-love, and fun, but nothing more.
It reminded me a lot of the Claimings series by Lyn Gala. It was too easy to draw parallels between the two books - both aliens were purple, they both made nests for their mates, they both had a thing about language, they both trilled when excited, and they both had natural lubrication ;) I loved the alien parts - the culture, the differences between them and humans, whole new concepts of being - but the connection between the MCs seemed trite and superficial at best. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with fluff, but it just isn't enough to make me really fall in love with the characters as I did in Claimings.
Maybe if there weren't so many similarities I wouldn't have been thinking about Ondry so much and I might have enjoyed it more.
Categories: Best Sci-Fi/Futuristic/Post-Apocalyptic/Steampunk
I wanted to like this book more. I was looking forward to reading it very much - I was expecting at least a 4 star read. It was sweet, insta-love, and fun, but nothing more.
It reminded me a lot of the Claimings series by Lyn Gala. It was too easy to draw parallels between the two books - both aliens were purple, they both made nests for their mates, they both had a thing about language, they both trilled when excited, and they both had natural lubrication ;) I loved the alien parts - the culture, the differences between them and humans, whole new concepts of being - but the connection between the MCs seemed trite and superficial at best. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with fluff, but it just isn't enough to make me really fall in love with the characters as I did in Claimings.
Maybe if there weren't so many similarities I wouldn't have been thinking about Ondry so much and I might have enjoyed it more.
September 24, 2023
I hate to admit I'd put off reading this book. I don't know why. And now, I wish I could read it all over again for the first time. It was everything I wanted.
The story was engaging and interesting, the words beautiful and lyrical.
Tristol was the sweetest, most adorable character. I loved his innocence. Drey was a strong alpha without being obnoxious, and he wanted to protect his sweet Tris. I loved everything about this, from the world to the characters. My heart broke as the mystery was revealed. Funny how though set in a future time, it parallels our own—so many lost lives.
My biggest complaint? I want more! I NEED more of these two.
The story was engaging and interesting, the words beautiful and lyrical.
Tristol was the sweetest, most adorable character. I loved his innocence. Drey was a strong alpha without being obnoxious, and he wanted to protect his sweet Tris. I loved everything about this, from the world to the characters. My heart broke as the mystery was revealed. Funny how though set in a future time, it parallels our own—so many lost lives.
My biggest complaint? I want more! I NEED more of these two.
April 9, 2022
2021 Re-Read:
I was correct in my original review—I do re-listen to this audiobook frequently. It's just very soft. And sweet. And comforting. Guaranteed to lift my spirits. And, once again, I had other audiobooks I was supposed to be listening to, but as soon as I had the idea to fire this one up all of the others were put on hold.
2019 Update:
I'd just like to point out that, even though I only finished this audiobook two days ago, I'm already listening to it again. I just couldn't get it out of my head. I have other audiobooks I'm supposed to be listening to, but I don't even care.
Original 2019 Review:
I loved pretty much everything about this. Great story, great characters, great audio narration. This will probably be a frequent re-read (or re-listen) for me.
I was correct in my original review—I do re-listen to this audiobook frequently. It's just very soft. And sweet. And comforting. Guaranteed to lift my spirits. And, once again, I had other audiobooks I was supposed to be listening to, but as soon as I had the idea to fire this one up all of the others were put on hold.
2019 Update:
I'd just like to point out that, even though I only finished this audiobook two days ago, I'm already listening to it again. I just couldn't get it out of my head. I have other audiobooks I'm supposed to be listening to, but I don't even care.
Original 2019 Review:
I loved pretty much everything about this. Great story, great characters, great audio narration. This will probably be a frequent re-read (or re-listen) for me.
June 17, 2022
What a spectacular story! I'm totally impressed.
I've never read anything by G.L. Carriger (or Gail Carriger) before, and I've owned this darn audiobook for almost three years! Aaargh, well if you're like me and have put it off - don't delay, and listen to it immediately.
I'm sure I picked it up because it was performed by Michael Lesley, whom I adore. He does an amazing job with this wild cast of characters, and elevates the whole experience. It's a simply fantastic tale!
I've never read anything by G.L. Carriger (or Gail Carriger) before, and I've owned this darn audiobook for almost three years! Aaargh, well if you're like me and have put it off - don't delay, and listen to it immediately.
I'm sure I picked it up because it was performed by Michael Lesley, whom I adore. He does an amazing job with this wild cast of characters, and elevates the whole experience. It's a simply fantastic tale!
May 1, 2019
This was a delightful romance and mystery. SUPER Queer, super gender transgressive, super cute. The Queer scifi I wish I had had access to as a child.
Everyone who was waiting for The Unadulterated Good Queer Content from Gail, untempered by Victorian/Modern day sensibilities…The 5th Gender is it. I highly recommend this book, even if you don't generally like m/m series (like myself). :)
(I received an Advanced Reader Copy of The 5th Gender in exchange for my unbiased review.)
Everyone who was waiting for The Unadulterated Good Queer Content from Gail, untempered by Victorian/Modern day sensibilities…The 5th Gender is it. I highly recommend this book, even if you don't generally like m/m series (like myself). :)
(I received an Advanced Reader Copy of The 5th Gender in exchange for my unbiased review.)
December 8, 2021
I love them!
When drey called him baby🦋🦋
When drey called him baby🦋🦋
June 5, 2019
3.000005 repeater?
enf.
I have only really liked one book by carriger, the sumange solution. Otherwise I found her work too elizabeth petersish.
The settings were all wrong for me, and the sci fi pretty lame. The insta love didn't work for me, or the infantilised feminised cutsy alien.
sigh.
Maybe the next one will be better.
enf.
I have only really liked one book by carriger, the sumange solution. Otherwise I found her work too elizabeth petersish.
The settings were all wrong for me, and the sci fi pretty lame. The insta love didn't work for me, or the infantilised feminised cutsy alien.
sigh.
Maybe the next one will be better.
December 20, 2020
“There is no doubt about it. Humans are weird.”
There is something special about a story that grabs you in the first couple of sentences. Looking at them again, there is nothing so unique about these two sentences. Nothing so shocking or awe-inspiring. And yet…I was caught, filled with an almost instinctual knowledge, grown out of decades of reading, that I was going to love this journey. Maybe it was because I am predisposed to like this author’s stories. Maybe it was because I was looking forward to this book. Or maybe, sometimes us humans are weird and find the oddest things intriguing. And in the brief few seconds it took me to read these sentences I was hooked. But that would have meant very little if the proceeding sentences, pages, and chapters had not kept me hooked.
The premise of the story is rather simple. Tristol, a galoi in exile from his home planet, lives aboard a space station working as a negotiator and go-between for the various people and aliens who live and interact there. It is a role he is most suited for, as galoi of his gender are predisposed to be liked by pretty-much everyone. However, he can never seem to catch the eye of the human he has longed to keep as his own, Detective Hastion. When a galoi ship unexpectedly shows up at the space station, though, things start to get a bit interesting. Not only are the galoi notoriously xenophobic and rarely seen (at least those who are not exiled), but the galoi have come in search of help in discovering who killed one of their shipmates–a crime that is incomprehensible and unknown to the galoi.
I don’t think I’ve ever come across a story from this author that was bad. Sure, there have been ones that have been too YA for my own tastes, but I generally feel safe in assuming that picking up one of their books means I will be having a good time. So I don’t think it will come as too great of a shock when I say this was a very good book. It was the first sci-fi book by Carriger that I’ve ever read (I’m unsure if she has written any previously and I just missed them), so it was different enough for me to not know exactly what I was in for. But be it sci-fi, paranormal, or steampunk…Carriger is a master at crafting characters that leap off the page and into the readers imagination.
And can I just say, Tristol is one of the floofiest and adorable characters that I’ve read about in a long time. But he is not without layers and depth. When he talks about why he left his planet, what life has been for him in the intervening years, you can’t help but feel a deep sympathy for him. You care for him. Want him to succeed, and thrive. And it is done so efficiently and quickly that you are not more than a page into the story when you realize that you’d do anything to see him happy. This level of character writing is how I know I’m reading a story from someone who knows how to put together a book worth reading and savoring.
I will say that the only real drawback I found in this story is how little of the mystery is actually on the page. While it was interesting, it mainly served as a way for Hastion (and readers) to get to know Tristol and the galoi better. Not a horrible thing, since all of it was incredibly interesting, but the lack of real page time meant the mystery was definitely a B-plot in the story. So if that is what you are looking for, you might come away a bit disappointed.
If, however, you want to read a sci-fi romance with a truly adorable couple, this is going to be right up you alley. All the romance parts are just too precious for words. Readers who have liked Lyn Gala’s Claimings series should really check this book out. Not exactly the same, but there were defiantly some of the same vibes going on. And not just because there are purple (excuse me, lavender) aliens involved. This story hits a lot of the same buttons, but also has it’s own interesting world to explore. I really do hope that this is but a taste of what is to come in this series.
4.5 stars
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