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The Good for Nothings
Cora Saros is just trying her best to join the family business of theft and intergalactic smuggling. Unfortunately, she's a total disaster.
After landing herself in prison following an attempted heist gone very wrong, she strikes a bargain with the prison warden: He'll expunge her record if she brings back a long-lost treasure rumored to grant immortality.
Cora is skeptical, but with no other way out of prison (and back in her family's good graces), she has no choice but to assemble a crew from her collection of misfit cellmates—a disgraced warrior from an alien planet; a cocky pirate who claims to have the largest ship in the galaxy; and a glitch-prone robot with a penchant for baking—and take off after the fabled prize.
But the ragtag group soon discovers that not only is the too-good-to-be-true treasure very real, but they're also not the only crew on the hunt for it. And it's definitely a prize worth killing for.
After landing herself in prison following an attempted heist gone very wrong, she strikes a bargain with the prison warden: He'll expunge her record if she brings back a long-lost treasure rumored to grant immortality.
Cora is skeptical, but with no other way out of prison (and back in her family's good graces), she has no choice but to assemble a crew from her collection of misfit cellmates—a disgraced warrior from an alien planet; a cocky pirate who claims to have the largest ship in the galaxy; and a glitch-prone robot with a penchant for baking—and take off after the fabled prize.
But the ragtag group soon discovers that not only is the too-good-to-be-true treasure very real, but they're also not the only crew on the hunt for it. And it's definitely a prize worth killing for.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2020
About the author
Danielle Banas
3 books194 followersDanielle Banas is the author of THE SUPERVILLAIN AND ME and THE GOOD FOR NOTHINGS. She earned a degree in communication from Robert Morris University, where she spent slightly too much time daydreaming about new characters instead of paying attention in class. When she isn't writing, Danielle can be found loudly singing show tunes, spouting off Disney World trivia, and snuggling with her puppy. She lives in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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August 5, 2020This book reminded me of Cinder who can fix things and had a little sassy robot friend. Cora liked to build gadgets so it also reminded me of Nightmare from Renegades. I enjoyed the humor between a human, two aliens, and a robot. The adventures was well written, just not for me. I couldn't finish reading it and lost interest in the story.
This book was told in the first person point of view following Cora, 17 as she and her robot friend Elio attempted to distract the security guard for her family to perform the biggest heist of their heist career. A job that she herself didn't volunteer for. The distraction was a disaster. Her bot often shuts down and in need of a replacement. Cora decided a quick way to earn extra money was to perform the next heist without her family but landed herself and her bot in jail instead. From jail, she met some unlikely friends, Anders and Wren, where they were sent on a treasure hunt in exchange for their freedom.
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
Many thanks to Fierce Reads for the opportunity to read and review.
This book was told in the first person point of view following Cora, 17 as she and her robot friend Elio attempted to distract the security guard for her family to perform the biggest heist of their heist career. A job that she herself didn't volunteer for. The distraction was a disaster. Her bot often shuts down and in need of a replacement. Cora decided a quick way to earn extra money was to perform the next heist without her family but landed herself and her bot in jail instead. From jail, she met some unlikely friends, Anders and Wren, where they were sent on a treasure hunt in exchange for their freedom.
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
Many thanks to Fierce Reads for the opportunity to read and review.
August 29, 2020
DNF at 50%
The Good for Nothings is a light-hearted take on a thieving space crew that really relies on humor. Of course, what's funny is subjective and unfortunately the humor in this really didn't work for me and made it a pain to get through. By halfway it was clear where the book was going and I decided it was better to cut my losses. The main character is the grumpy, misfit daughter of a well-know crime family who gets in trouble, finds her self in prison, and forms a crew with her cellmates. It says it's good for fans of Guardians of the Galaxy and Firefly, which I kind of understand although I think Guardians makes more sense given that the characters are so very tongue-in-cheek and lack much depth. This is the sort of thing that could be really entertaining if you enjoy the humor, and could also be better as an audiobook with a cast of actors who can really bring life to the characters. Sadly, this just wasn't a good fit for me. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Good for Nothings is a light-hearted take on a thieving space crew that really relies on humor. Of course, what's funny is subjective and unfortunately the humor in this really didn't work for me and made it a pain to get through. By halfway it was clear where the book was going and I decided it was better to cut my losses. The main character is the grumpy, misfit daughter of a well-know crime family who gets in trouble, finds her self in prison, and forms a crew with her cellmates. It says it's good for fans of Guardians of the Galaxy and Firefly, which I kind of understand although I think Guardians makes more sense given that the characters are so very tongue-in-cheek and lack much depth. This is the sort of thing that could be really entertaining if you enjoy the humor, and could also be better as an audiobook with a cast of actors who can really bring life to the characters. Sadly, this just wasn't a good fit for me. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 27, 2019
Well, I'm pretty fond of this book... because I wrote it. But even if I didn't write it, I'm certain I would still love it. If you like snarky sci-fi, misfit crew members, aliens who SERIOUSLY could use a hug, kickass female pirates, and robots that love to bake, then I think you'll love it too! Happy reading!
October 16, 2020
***4.5/5 Stars***
The Good for Nothings was an incredibly fun twist on Guardians of the Galaxy meets YA. It had heart, humor and charm wrapped up in a story that was oh so fun! This is the type of book that is impossible not to devour in one sitting. And space pirates?! I. Was. Obsessed! With characters that were flawed and relatable, I found myself deeply caring for this fabulous group of misfits. I could read so many stories about their antics together! So if you’re looking for a book that is filled to the brim with adventure, friendship, and humor, then you have to add this one to your tbr!
From those first few pages, I was sucked right in. This story started out in a situation that mixed humor and action, along with technology like nothing I had ever seen. I was completely addicted. But eventually Cora and her android friend Elio ended up in jail together. And from there they met Wren and Anders. When the four of them were offered their freedom in exchange for going on a dangerous treasure hunt across the galaxies, they were all in! They had SO many obstacles in their way! Including themselves. But I adored the four of them so much. Especially while they were trying to figure out how to work together as a team. The storyline was a wild ride and these characters etched themselves into my heart. So here’s a little bit about each of them…..
Cora:
Cora was from a notorious crime family and her best friend in the world was her android friend, Elio. They had the most beautiful friendship ever, one that felt like true family. I loved Cora right away because she was brave, fierce and cared so deeply for Elio. I love that she tried her best but at times, life got in the way. Be prepared for her to have the most random and bizarre distractions, during a crisis ha. She was just so easy to connect with and love. But Cora was keeping secrets and lies. I understood the whys, I just knew my emotions were going to get tangled in the inevitable fallout.
Elio:
Elio was the cutest android ever and was such a wonderful friend to Cora. His heart felt so pure and I loved all of his little quirks. Like wanting to eat and smell food, even though he wasn’t a human or alien. He was smart and I loved how fast he was able to process things, even sarcasm *heart emoji eyes*. Elio was someone who was not only brave but resourceful and he rounded out their little group perfectly. He is definitely going to charm everyone that picks up this book. There’s no way he won’t sneak into your heart.
Wren:
Oh boy. At first I wasn’t sure what to think of Anders, since he was so closed off. He tried his best to keep his walls up, but when they would fall down from time to time, the peaks we would get of him *sigh*. Yup. I was obsessed. When his humor started to poke through I was a goner. Anders was brave, fierce, deadly and someone I swooned very hard over!
I absolutely loved the Good for Nothings! There was a little bit of a romance going on that made me so happy! And the moments where I got to be a part of their inside jokes, I felt like part of the team! But deals with the devil were made. Secrets were kept. And impossible journeys and obstacles were around every corner. This story even made me shed a few tears. So if you’re looking for a story that will make you smile, laugh and get lost in then definitely add this one to your TBR! This is the second book I’ve read by Danielle Banas that I’ve loved and I can’t recommend her books enough!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
The Good for Nothings was an incredibly fun twist on Guardians of the Galaxy meets YA. It had heart, humor and charm wrapped up in a story that was oh so fun! This is the type of book that is impossible not to devour in one sitting. And space pirates?! I. Was. Obsessed! With characters that were flawed and relatable, I found myself deeply caring for this fabulous group of misfits. I could read so many stories about their antics together! So if you’re looking for a book that is filled to the brim with adventure, friendship, and humor, then you have to add this one to your tbr!
We’d broken a criminal’s only rule.
We got caught.
From those first few pages, I was sucked right in. This story started out in a situation that mixed humor and action, along with technology like nothing I had ever seen. I was completely addicted. But eventually Cora and her android friend Elio ended up in jail together. And from there they met Wren and Anders. When the four of them were offered their freedom in exchange for going on a dangerous treasure hunt across the galaxies, they were all in! They had SO many obstacles in their way! Including themselves. But I adored the four of them so much. Especially while they were trying to figure out how to work together as a team. The storyline was a wild ride and these characters etched themselves into my heart. So here’s a little bit about each of them…..
The only way I could steal from them was if they trusted us completely.
Cora:
My family was in the business of lying, and I could confidently say the best lies were the ones that you believed to be true. They were the ones that you wanted so desperately; they were your first breath of air in the morning and the last before you went to sleep at night.
Cora was from a notorious crime family and her best friend in the world was her android friend, Elio. They had the most beautiful friendship ever, one that felt like true family. I loved Cora right away because she was brave, fierce and cared so deeply for Elio. I love that she tried her best but at times, life got in the way. Be prepared for her to have the most random and bizarre distractions, during a crisis ha. She was just so easy to connect with and love. But Cora was keeping secrets and lies. I understood the whys, I just knew my emotions were going to get tangled in the inevitable fallout.
Elio:
”Beep! Beep! Beep!”
I couldn’t lose him. Not like this. Not when we were so close.
Elio was the cutest android ever and was such a wonderful friend to Cora. His heart felt so pure and I loved all of his little quirks. Like wanting to eat and smell food, even though he wasn’t a human or alien. He was smart and I loved how fast he was able to process things, even sarcasm *heart emoji eyes*. Elio was someone who was not only brave but resourceful and he rounded out their little group perfectly. He is definitely going to charm everyone that picks up this book. There’s no way he won’t sneak into your heart.
Wren:
Wren reached under her veil and squeezed my hand. “Together we will accomplish great, but possibly not legal, things,” she whispered.
Against my better judgment, I squeezed back. “Aye aye, Captain.”
Wren was impossible not to love too! She was bubbly, fun and cracked me up! But that girl knew how to steal stuff like no other. And she could easily steal everything in sight ha! She was a fabulous pilot, was beyond loyal and she was someone I’d want to be best friends with and have by my side for treasure hunts and battles. Wren’s heart of gold and bravery was commendable!
Anders:
There were too many words to describe the sensation, like the endless stars in the sky, the endless galaxies in the universe. Even when we pulled apart, I knew that I would carry this moment, this brief little flash of existence where time and space held still and there was us – only us – with me for infinity.
Oh boy. At first I wasn’t sure what to think of Anders, since he was so closed off. He tried his best to keep his walls up, but when they would fall down from time to time, the peaks we would get of him *sigh*. Yup. I was obsessed. When his humor started to poke through I was a goner. Anders was brave, fierce, deadly and someone I swooned very hard over!
He didn’t need to know that whatever minuscule bit of camaraderie we had cultivated was a game that I desperately wanted to make real.
I absolutely loved the Good for Nothings! There was a little bit of a romance going on that made me so happy! And the moments where I got to be a part of their inside jokes, I felt like part of the team! But deals with the devil were made. Secrets were kept. And impossible journeys and obstacles were around every corner. This story even made me shed a few tears. So if you’re looking for a story that will make you smile, laugh and get lost in then definitely add this one to your TBR! This is the second book I’ve read by Danielle Banas that I’ve loved and I can’t recommend her books enough!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
August 7, 2020
The author/publisher provided a free copy of the book for review purposes - thank you! Receiving a review copy does not guarantee a positive review and therefore do not affect the opinion or content of the review.
This is such a delightful and fun read set in space.
The Good for Nothings is packed with snark and sass set in space that I ended up enjoying way more than I thought I would. When Cora lands herself in prison after a heist with good intentions (and to prove to her family she can fit in) goes wrong, she's given a chance at freedom and a clean record if she, along with her new cell companions, find a legendary treasure giving immortality that is only rumored to exist.
But Cora accepts the chance to be free, and especially at a chance to give her robot best friend Elio, a body that won't glitch. (And if you want my opinion, I'd do the same in Cora's shoes, because Elio is charming as hell.)
The characters are lovable and adorable.
You might not like them at first, but by the end of reading Banas' book, you'll probably want to be friends with all of them. Here's a run-down of our group of criminals in The Good for Nothings:
~ Anders - supposedly violent, but secretly warm and fuzzy who likes lollipops and meat
~ Cora - just trying her best and wanting to fit in her family to no avail (according to her mother, with the silent agreement from her father)
~ Elio - the cutest robot who glitches and beeps but also wants to be as human as possible like smelling milkshakes and food (good choice, not gonna lie)
~ Wren - overly chatty and probably rambles if you're in the same room, which can be annoying, but secretly she's a nice softie who's good at stealing things when no one can notice
They all have good intentions and hearts, and it was fun seeing them develop a friendship and bond with each other as they uncover the clues to find the pieces that would lead them to the treasure. Personally, Anders was hard to warm up to at first because he's just there when Cora first lands in Ironside prison on the planet of Andilly, but he grew on me quickly as the group set off on their adventure across multiple galaxies.
The Good for Nothings is, overall, a charming book perfect for who want a heist set in space with the found family trope among characters who probably wouldn't be friends in other circumstances.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts.
The Good for Nothings is packed with snark and sass set in space that I ended up enjoying way more than I thought I would. When Cora lands herself in prison after a heist with good intentions (and to prove to her family she can fit in) goes wrong, she's given a chance at freedom and a clean record if she, along with her new cell companions, find a legendary treasure giving immortality that is only rumored to exist.
But Cora accepts the chance to be free, and especially at a chance to give her robot best friend Elio, a body that won't glitch. (And if you want my opinion, I'd do the same in Cora's shoes, because Elio is charming as hell.)
The characters are lovable and adorable.
You might not like them at first, but by the end of reading Banas' book, you'll probably want to be friends with all of them. Here's a run-down of our group of criminals in The Good for Nothings:
~ Anders - supposedly violent, but secretly warm and fuzzy who likes lollipops and meat
~ Cora - just trying her best and wanting to fit in her family to no avail (according to her mother, with the silent agreement from her father)
~ Elio - the cutest robot who glitches and beeps but also wants to be as human as possible like smelling milkshakes and food (good choice, not gonna lie)
~ Wren - overly chatty and probably rambles if you're in the same room, which can be annoying, but secretly she's a nice softie who's good at stealing things when no one can notice
They all have good intentions and hearts, and it was fun seeing them develop a friendship and bond with each other as they uncover the clues to find the pieces that would lead them to the treasure. Personally, Anders was hard to warm up to at first because he's just there when Cora first lands in Ironside prison on the planet of Andilly, but he grew on me quickly as the group set off on their adventure across multiple galaxies.
The Good for Nothings is, overall, a charming book perfect for who want a heist set in space with the found family trope among characters who probably wouldn't be friends in other circumstances.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts.
August 4, 2020
Full Review on The Candid Cover
The Good for Nothings by Danielle Banas was a little out of my comfort zone since I am not typically a fan of sci-fi, but this was just the book I needed to get me out of a slump. There are so many aspects of the book that I adored, including heists and a misfit group of criminals, and the tone of the book is so fun. I would definitely recommend this to those looking for a quirky and original read.
❀ A HEIST GONE WRONG
This book follows a group of misfit criminals who go on a treasure hunt through space after making a deal with a prison warden. I really loved the opening scene with a heist gone wrong, and I found the setting of the novel so unique. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the humour, but I can definitely see where others will love it. This book is very fast-paced, and it will both put a smile on the reader’s face and leave them on the edge of their seat.
❀ WELL-DEVELOPED CHARACTERS
The characters in this book are really well-developed, and their interactions are so much fun to read about. This group of unlikely friends is diverse, consisting of aliens, a robot, and a human, and the lessons they learn from each other are so interesting. Cora, the main character, is strong and sarcastic, and she is trying to fit in with her family of renowned criminals. I was really rooting for her, and I loved her voice. Elio, the robot, would probably have to be my favourite character since he has such an entertaining personality. His character also brings more tension to the story since he is in need of a new body.
❀ AN ENJOYABLE STORY
The Good for Nothings by Danielle Banasis an enjoyable story about heists and found family. I loved the setting, and the characters are all so loveable. Fans of Guardians of the Galaxy will definitely enjoy this one.
The Good for Nothings by Danielle Banas was a little out of my comfort zone since I am not typically a fan of sci-fi, but this was just the book I needed to get me out of a slump. There are so many aspects of the book that I adored, including heists and a misfit group of criminals, and the tone of the book is so fun. I would definitely recommend this to those looking for a quirky and original read.
❀ A HEIST GONE WRONG
This book follows a group of misfit criminals who go on a treasure hunt through space after making a deal with a prison warden. I really loved the opening scene with a heist gone wrong, and I found the setting of the novel so unique. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the humour, but I can definitely see where others will love it. This book is very fast-paced, and it will both put a smile on the reader’s face and leave them on the edge of their seat.
❀ WELL-DEVELOPED CHARACTERS
The characters in this book are really well-developed, and their interactions are so much fun to read about. This group of unlikely friends is diverse, consisting of aliens, a robot, and a human, and the lessons they learn from each other are so interesting. Cora, the main character, is strong and sarcastic, and she is trying to fit in with her family of renowned criminals. I was really rooting for her, and I loved her voice. Elio, the robot, would probably have to be my favourite character since he has such an entertaining personality. His character also brings more tension to the story since he is in need of a new body.
❀ AN ENJOYABLE STORY
The Good for Nothings by Danielle Banasis an enjoyable story about heists and found family. I loved the setting, and the characters are all so loveable. Fans of Guardians of the Galaxy will definitely enjoy this one.
Want to read
May 20, 2020I won a giveaway!!! I'm sooo excited to read this. "For fans of Guardians of the Galaxy and The Lunar Chronicles"?! Heck yes. I'm kind of in a never-ending reading slump, but this looks amazing, so I'm definitely going to pick this up soon.
Review to come...
Review to come...
September 26, 2020
This was a super fun caper, found family, high action story that surprises you with all the feels. This book is chockfull of parents that don't give a damn and the emotional turmoil / baggage that leaves their children to slog around. I do have to say the real story I want to read is of Cora's grandma and Verona!
June 1, 2020
I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Review will also be available on *Milky Way of Books*
This was a very entertaining read! A group of ragtag thieves, a warrior, a human, an elf-like thief, and a bot that likes baking but can't eat join together in a space adventure in search of a lost artifact. I loved the premise and I couldn't stop laughing. It was enjoyable and very cute. The plot was easy to follow with action scenes and a hint of romance too.
But in the end, the story was more about who your actual "family" is rather the one you have been born into. It was a book I enjoyed reading very much.
This was a very entertaining read! A group of ragtag thieves, a warrior, a human, an elf-like thief, and a bot that likes baking but can't eat join together in a space adventure in search of a lost artifact. I loved the premise and I couldn't stop laughing. It was enjoyable and very cute. The plot was easy to follow with action scenes and a hint of romance too.
But in the end, the story was more about who your actual "family" is rather the one you have been born into. It was a book I enjoyed reading very much.
January 22, 2021
Not as funny as I was expecting, and I didn’t really care for the main character Cora. She is constantly thinking about betraying Wren and Anders, and while I understood that she came from a horrible family where backstabbing was common, it made her hard to like. Elio gave me vibes of Iko from the Lunar Chronicles and Anders reminded me of Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy.
However, the plot relied heavily on the group stumbling into the right place at the right time, and I wasn’t invested in the story as I could have been.
However, the plot relied heavily on the group stumbling into the right place at the right time, and I wasn’t invested in the story as I could have been.
August 10, 2020
3.5 stars
Not bad, but I didn't really connect to the characters, so even though it's a good story, it kinds of leave me "meh" ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Not bad, but I didn't really connect to the characters, so even though it's a good story, it kinds of leave me "meh" ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
August 5, 2020
I loved this.
RTC
Thank you to Swoon Reads for my review copy.
RTC
Thank you to Swoon Reads for my review copy.
February 16, 2021
This was a fun read with charismatic characters causing a lot of trouble.
It remembered me a lot of Guardians of the Galaxy by marvel.
It remembered me a lot of Guardians of the Galaxy by marvel.
March 7, 2021
The Good for Nothings: ★★★★.5
Awww my little Lunar Chronicles obsessed heart just melted.
Contrary to the popular review, I got rather attached to these characters and I really hope we get to see them again. It was a very funny read, however it occasionally felt too comedic, to the point where there was an unrealistc amount of bickering happening, but I get it.
I think, by far, the best and most original part of this book was Cora's attachment to Elio. Those were easily my favourite scenes because I mean, come on, super tough, emotionless Cora being an overprotective mother to a little robot with RABBIT EARS??? That is all I've ever asked for.
Pre-read review:
I see "for fans of The Lunar Chronicles", I add to my TBR. It's a good, simple lifestyle.
Awww my little Lunar Chronicles obsessed heart just melted.
Contrary to the popular review, I got rather attached to these characters and I really hope we get to see them again. It was a very funny read, however it occasionally felt too comedic, to the point where there was an unrealistc amount of bickering happening, but I get it.
I think, by far, the best and most original part of this book was Cora's attachment to Elio. Those were easily my favourite scenes because I mean, come on, super tough, emotionless Cora being an overprotective mother to a little robot with RABBIT EARS??? That is all I've ever asked for.
Pre-read review:
I see "for fans of The Lunar Chronicles", I add to my TBR. It's a good, simple lifestyle.
August 26, 2020
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What to say about this book? It's fantastic, for a start! It really reminded me of a Pathfinder campaign I played in the Spring! A quirky group of thieves, a heist gone wrong, and so many elements on fantasy and science fiction that I adore! This is a quick read that is non-stop enjoyable and incredibly funny! This book features well-rounded characters, reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy, a fast pacing, and a story line that will suck you in from page 1 and spit you out into the vacuum of space at the end! This would absolutely make a great movie or Netflix series!
I loved getting to go on this adventure with Cora, Elio, Anders, and Wren! And what awesome character names! They are loveable, flawed, quirky, and all the things I love about good characters. They get into hijinks, trouble, and all kinds of mischief in this space adventure. I feel like there is potential for more adventures with this group in the future and I can't wait to find out more about them!
Danielle Banas is a great author and this was a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone who loves space adventures with a misfit group or those that enjoy a good heist book, in space! Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book as part of the tour! Thanks to Danielle Banas as well!
What to say about this book? It's fantastic, for a start! It really reminded me of a Pathfinder campaign I played in the Spring! A quirky group of thieves, a heist gone wrong, and so many elements on fantasy and science fiction that I adore! This is a quick read that is non-stop enjoyable and incredibly funny! This book features well-rounded characters, reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy, a fast pacing, and a story line that will suck you in from page 1 and spit you out into the vacuum of space at the end! This would absolutely make a great movie or Netflix series!
I loved getting to go on this adventure with Cora, Elio, Anders, and Wren! And what awesome character names! They are loveable, flawed, quirky, and all the things I love about good characters. They get into hijinks, trouble, and all kinds of mischief in this space adventure. I feel like there is potential for more adventures with this group in the future and I can't wait to find out more about them!
Danielle Banas is a great author and this was a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone who loves space adventures with a misfit group or those that enjoy a good heist book, in space! Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book as part of the tour! Thanks to Danielle Banas as well!
August 2, 2020
This was such a fun adventurous read.
September 10, 2020
Great fun YA adventure
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 22, 2020Dnf at 50%. This was trying way too hard to be Guardians of the Galaxy, but fell very short.
April 12, 2023
The Good for Nothings was an okay read, but unfortunately nothing more than that. The story follows a ragtag group of convicts sent on a quest to retrieve a long-lost treasure for the warden of the prison. There were certainly some fun moments of action and I was interested in the narrative, but as a whole I just did not love it. At times the plot did not entirely make sense, the actions of the warden were especially questionable considering what his goals were. But the thing that annoyed me most was the appearance of a character with the sole purpose of advancing the plot. It seemed like the author was unable to continue the narrative in any other way, which was irritating as it felt very forced and out of place.
The main characters were a misfit space crew, thrown together for this treasure hunt. The crew dynamic was fun for the most part and I liked that they did not always get on. Elio was easily the best character. He was sweet and funny, and my main reason for caring about anything that happened in this book. The other crew members were fine but nothing special, and while I liked the dynamic between them, the dialogue did become a little tedious on occasion.
The Good for Nothings was an enjoyable enough read. The narrative was interesting and the interactions between the crew were humorous, if a little annoying at times. Unfortunately, I just did not care as much as I hoped I would.
Rating - 3/5
★★★
There is also a link to this review on my blog here!
The main characters were a misfit space crew, thrown together for this treasure hunt. The crew dynamic was fun for the most part and I liked that they did not always get on. Elio was easily the best character. He was sweet and funny, and my main reason for caring about anything that happened in this book. The other crew members were fine but nothing special, and while I liked the dynamic between them, the dialogue did become a little tedious on occasion.
The Good for Nothings was an enjoyable enough read. The narrative was interesting and the interactions between the crew were humorous, if a little annoying at times. Unfortunately, I just did not care as much as I hoped I would.
Rating - 3/5
★★★
There is also a link to this review on my blog here!
August 14, 2020
The Good for Nothings is a rollicking sci-fi adventure by author Danielle Banas, and is a dazzling tale of finding your true family. It showcases the idea that although the road of friendship and camaraderie may be bumpy at times, change is achievable through the strongest of bonds. Readers are swept along a treasure hunt that spans galaxies, led by a ragtag group of sassy thieves with hearts of gold hidden behind hard shells developed by hard lives lived. With danger nipping at our heels every step of the way, we fly through the vast expanse of space and find ourselves on strange planets inhabited by a colorful range of people, flora and fauna. The tribulations faced inevitably crack those aforementioned shells, creating a touching narrative that leaves it mark, and one I’ll not soon forget.
The characters Banas has crafted and their dynamics are some of the finest I’ve encountered in a young adult novel; their trait differences so diverse to the naked eye, but there’s a collective togetherness the deeper you dive. Initially it seems the rift between them is too wide to traverse, but as the story continues, bonds strengthen and bloom into something truly beautiful. Their tale is a true testament to the power of found family, where all are willing to step forward to pull another away from the edge of despair. There’s also hints of a tender and heartwarming romance, so subtle it feels so real.
Cora is a conflicted and outlying member of a crime family, taught to disassociate herself from emotions and care for nothing but the job at hand. She’s driven by her need to prove herself to those who refuse to believe in her, and her efforts land her in one of the most infamous prisons known in all the galaxies. She’s joined by her sidekick Elio, a vintage AI that expresses human emotions to the fullest, and has a penchant for baking and operating in the exact opposite way than that he was intended for. Our duo meet Wren, a skilled thief that wears her heart on her sleeve (sometimes), and Anders/Andy/Andykins, the brooding male counterpart, feared and protected by his tough exterior shell, but pained beyond belief by sins of the past within. With this cast it’s all about balance, and Banas executes this skillfully.
In addition to wonderful characterization, the action and adventure, ripe with danger and secrets and puzzles, is non-stop throughout the entire novel. As readers are towed along on a hunt for the remaining keys to a treasure of immeasurable wealth, we’re transported to various planets across galaxies, and met with wondrous landscapes and creatures as diverse as our main cast. Only an incredible imagination can conjure up what peppers these pages. A recurring theme throughout is the stark contrast between beauty and underlying peril, and this is portrayed perfectly. Lurking menace and uncertainty is a catalyst for betrayal, and the many finely constructed trials faced is the driving force for not only the advancement of the plot, but for the evolution of the characters, as well.
This book’s uniquely original cover illustration is what initially caught my attention, but the story itself and how it is told is so wonderfully consuming. A simply conveyed tale told in first-person narration gives readers an insight into the ongoings in Cora’s mind – her intentions, most cherished hopes and dreams, the internal conflict she constantly battles. It’s a refreshing story that doesn’t take itself too seriously until it absolutely needs to, and when it does, it’s done so exceedingly well. I found myself laughing out loud at its healthy amount of sarcasm and banter, evocative of Guardians of the Galaxy, and it’s fast pace led by nail-biting action completely saturated with tension made this a sure page-turner. Banas has created something fantastic here, and I can only hope to see more in the future.
The Good for Nothings is a story I went in to with high hopes, and I was pleasantly surprised with what I was presented. This is a perfect example of a feel-good tale that packs a serious emotional punch when read the way I believe it’s intended to be read. Sure, there’s enough sass in here to keep this a light-hearted read, but the level of poignancy that builds this book’s foundation is something special. If you’re looking for a strange and alluring space opera-esque adventure, this is one that can definitely be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. I highly recommend.
Note: A huge thank you to the author, Swoon Reads, and Xpresso Tours for providing me a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2023
I'll admit, I feel a little bad for rating The Good for Nothings so low because there's honestly nothing to hate about it, but just looking at my Goodreads bookshelf... it just doesn't belong in the company of 3-star novels, sadly. 2.5 would be the most accurate.
The first and most important thing to note about this novel is that it's YA, and as such, it falls victim to the issues that plague a lot of YA novels: cardboard characters, an unrealistic and somewhat predictable plot, confusing motivations, and mediocre writing. I can turn a blind eye to most of these problems under the right circumstances, but there were just too many of them in this book to count.
Let's discuss the parts that I did like, though. I liked Elio, and I generally liked most of the four main characters, too - even if they were pretty shallow overall. They were entertaining. The plot was also engaging enough to keep me interested, despite its logical failures. These were both enough to make the novel a mildly pleasant read for the most part. The narrator is an alien named Cora who was born into a family of criminals known throughout the galaxy. Her best and only friend is a robot named Elio with uncanny resemblance to a human. Unfortunately, both Cora and Elio are eventually captured and imprisoned during a failed mission, where they meet Wren and Anders. Wren is a friendly but sly thief from Earth, and Anders is a moody and aggressive alien with a violent reputation. Together, they are faced with a deal that could potentially enable their escape from prison - but the stakes are high.
I'm not going to take the time to point out all the reasons the plot is messy. I'm not going to take the time to point out all of the character dynamics that fall flat, either, or the writing issues. I don't think I need to, because I'm sure anyone with more than a decade of reading experience will notice them, and if you care about those kinds of things, this book isn't for you. This book would be a nice gift for 9-13 year olds who like reading and are into sci-fi particularly, and have already read all the big names in that area. I'm not sure what anyone else would get out of it, though. I mean, I suppose I got couple days of easy and somewhat entertaining reading - maybe that's enough.
The first and most important thing to note about this novel is that it's YA, and as such, it falls victim to the issues that plague a lot of YA novels: cardboard characters, an unrealistic and somewhat predictable plot, confusing motivations, and mediocre writing. I can turn a blind eye to most of these problems under the right circumstances, but there were just too many of them in this book to count.
Let's discuss the parts that I did like, though. I liked Elio, and I generally liked most of the four main characters, too - even if they were pretty shallow overall. They were entertaining. The plot was also engaging enough to keep me interested, despite its logical failures. These were both enough to make the novel a mildly pleasant read for the most part. The narrator is an alien named Cora who was born into a family of criminals known throughout the galaxy. Her best and only friend is a robot named Elio with uncanny resemblance to a human. Unfortunately, both Cora and Elio are eventually captured and imprisoned during a failed mission, where they meet Wren and Anders. Wren is a friendly but sly thief from Earth, and Anders is a moody and aggressive alien with a violent reputation. Together, they are faced with a deal that could potentially enable their escape from prison - but the stakes are high.
I'm not going to take the time to point out all the reasons the plot is messy. I'm not going to take the time to point out all of the character dynamics that fall flat, either, or the writing issues. I don't think I need to, because I'm sure anyone with more than a decade of reading experience will notice them, and if you care about those kinds of things, this book isn't for you. This book would be a nice gift for 9-13 year olds who like reading and are into sci-fi particularly, and have already read all the big names in that area. I'm not sure what anyone else would get out of it, though. I mean, I suppose I got couple days of easy and somewhat entertaining reading - maybe that's enough.
August 6, 2020
Reminding a bit of Guardians of the Galaxy, these pages are packed with action, humor and more than a little heart.
Cora is the daughter of the most renowned crime family in the universe, but her life isn't what anyone probably suspects, especially since she can't seem to live up to her mother's expectations. When the latest heist...um, job...ends up in disaster thanks to Cora's supposed mistakes, she decides to prove herself once and for all. Which lands her in prison. Her two cell-roomies are more than irritating, but when one comes up with a plan to escape, Cora's in. Of course, it doesn't go as planned. Instead, the prison director breaks a deal—steal a treasure (which borders on myth), and they can go free. Not only do they have to find said treasure, but it's a deadly quest. Add the director's own lies and schemes, and Cora knows she's in over her head. But that doesn't mean she has any other choice.
When I saw the cover, I'll admit that I wasn't sure this read was going to be as fun as I'd hoped, but I was pleasantly proved wrong. This story is simply a fun, entertaining read with explosions, near escapes, odd aliens, evil plots, twisted characters, snarky humor, true friendship, lots of food, and tons of heart. Oh, and some quirky romance, too. The pages fly by with ease and created more than one or two smiles along the way.
Cora is a great character to pull this type of story together. She's snarky, she's tough...and yet, she's neither of these. The first chapter already made her more than likable as she tries to live up to her name, almost makes it, and desperately fails. But there's so much fire in her, and she's a piece of gold in her own way. I loved her friendship with her robot, but then, that robot was impossible not to like. The idea of friendship and trust and family are what centers this tale. Not that everyone can be trusted. There are characters to love, characters to hate, and those that are very hard to see what their true intentions might be. As to the romance...well, that one fits the rest of the story nicely.
In other words, anyone who loves a bit of hair-brained fun with heart and spacey adventure will want to pick this one up. I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and enjoyed this one more than I thought I would.
Cora is the daughter of the most renowned crime family in the universe, but her life isn't what anyone probably suspects, especially since she can't seem to live up to her mother's expectations. When the latest heist...um, job...ends up in disaster thanks to Cora's supposed mistakes, she decides to prove herself once and for all. Which lands her in prison. Her two cell-roomies are more than irritating, but when one comes up with a plan to escape, Cora's in. Of course, it doesn't go as planned. Instead, the prison director breaks a deal—steal a treasure (which borders on myth), and they can go free. Not only do they have to find said treasure, but it's a deadly quest. Add the director's own lies and schemes, and Cora knows she's in over her head. But that doesn't mean she has any other choice.
When I saw the cover, I'll admit that I wasn't sure this read was going to be as fun as I'd hoped, but I was pleasantly proved wrong. This story is simply a fun, entertaining read with explosions, near escapes, odd aliens, evil plots, twisted characters, snarky humor, true friendship, lots of food, and tons of heart. Oh, and some quirky romance, too. The pages fly by with ease and created more than one or two smiles along the way.
Cora is a great character to pull this type of story together. She's snarky, she's tough...and yet, she's neither of these. The first chapter already made her more than likable as she tries to live up to her name, almost makes it, and desperately fails. But there's so much fire in her, and she's a piece of gold in her own way. I loved her friendship with her robot, but then, that robot was impossible not to like. The idea of friendship and trust and family are what centers this tale. Not that everyone can be trusted. There are characters to love, characters to hate, and those that are very hard to see what their true intentions might be. As to the romance...well, that one fits the rest of the story nicely.
In other words, anyone who loves a bit of hair-brained fun with heart and spacey adventure will want to pick this one up. I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and enjoyed this one more than I thought I would.
August 4, 2020
Special thanks to Xpresso Tours for including me on this tour, and thanks to Netgalley, Swoon Reads and the author providing the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The moment I saw this cover I knew that I would enjoy this book and I wasn’t wrong! This was a great ‘popcorn read’ that’s quick and easy to digest and full of fast-paced, space opera style drama and action. It gave me strong Guardians of the Galaxy, Aurora Cycle and Illuminae vibes and as those are some of my all time favourite space dramas, it was no surprise that this book sucked me into its orbit very quickly. While I wouldn’t say it’s the most original or entirely unpredictable, sometimes you just need a fluffy entertaining read that you can laugh with and this certainly delivered!
I loved Cora, Elio, Anders and Wren! They were the perfect group of rag tag misfits that you can’t help falling in love with. Although their friendship starts unconventionally–I mean, they meet in prison–and it was based on mistrust and lies to survive, I loved seeing all their characters grow and overcome their insecurities and fears to embrace the friendship. They all come from broken backgrounds with families who don’t care for them and their “quirks” have seen them be relatively friendless, but as they set off on this high-stakes action adventure, there’s a strong found-family vibe that develops and it’s simply heartwarming. Not to mention that the banter within the group is just hilarious! Although I loved each character, my favourites were definitely Elio and Anders. Again, while they’re not the most original of characters and they do fall into their tropes, they gave me all the warm cinnamon roll feels that I’m a sucker for!
If you’re looking for a book that has great friendships, a smol growing romance, a fast-paced space adventure full of crazy planets and creepy aliens, as well as found family vibes, I would definitely recommend this book.The Good for Nothings was such a fun ride and if the author decides to give these misfits more stories, I’d very happily read them!
Visit my blog to enter the tour wide giveaway (US Only)! Giveaway ends 13 August 2020.
The moment I saw this cover I knew that I would enjoy this book and I wasn’t wrong! This was a great ‘popcorn read’ that’s quick and easy to digest and full of fast-paced, space opera style drama and action. It gave me strong Guardians of the Galaxy, Aurora Cycle and Illuminae vibes and as those are some of my all time favourite space dramas, it was no surprise that this book sucked me into its orbit very quickly. While I wouldn’t say it’s the most original or entirely unpredictable, sometimes you just need a fluffy entertaining read that you can laugh with and this certainly delivered!
I loved Cora, Elio, Anders and Wren! They were the perfect group of rag tag misfits that you can’t help falling in love with. Although their friendship starts unconventionally–I mean, they meet in prison–and it was based on mistrust and lies to survive, I loved seeing all their characters grow and overcome their insecurities and fears to embrace the friendship. They all come from broken backgrounds with families who don’t care for them and their “quirks” have seen them be relatively friendless, but as they set off on this high-stakes action adventure, there’s a strong found-family vibe that develops and it’s simply heartwarming. Not to mention that the banter within the group is just hilarious! Although I loved each character, my favourites were definitely Elio and Anders. Again, while they’re not the most original of characters and they do fall into their tropes, they gave me all the warm cinnamon roll feels that I’m a sucker for!
If you’re looking for a book that has great friendships, a smol growing romance, a fast-paced space adventure full of crazy planets and creepy aliens, as well as found family vibes, I would definitely recommend this book.The Good for Nothings was such a fun ride and if the author decides to give these misfits more stories, I’d very happily read them!
Visit my blog to enter the tour wide giveaway (US Only)! Giveaway ends 13 August 2020.
August 6, 2020
My first Danielle Banas novel is a blast to read. It's filled with laughter, action and adventure, friendship, tragedy, and a little bit of romance. What more could you ask for?
Cora is part of the infamous Saros crime family of thieves and ne'er do wells. With her best friend Elio, the endearing and selfless robot who sees the best in others, she tries to prove herself to a greedy and unloving mother by attempting to steal a priceless treasure only to end up being thrown in the worst prison in the galaxy. In prison, she finds a couple of unusual friends: An Earthan pickpocket and petty thief named Wren, and a fierce and grumpy Andillian nicknamed Anders. Learning to trust is hard for all of them, and unfortunately, one of them will betray the others.
The banter between the four friends is LOL funny as they get to know one another's fears, likes, and dislikes. Watching Anders turn from grumpy and frightening to sarcastic and loveable is a sight to see. Not to mention watching Elio's obsession with food even though he can't eat it. Wren is a treat as well with her sassiness, her longing for friendship, and her kleptomania. And Cora, who sees others' auras, is the narrator, the hacker, and bomb-maker, who thinks she is only a bad distraction for her crime family, but she ends up being a great friend to Cora, a good distraction to Anders, and a best friend to Elio. Let's not forget all of the evil and colorful characters they meet along the way.
Overall, this is a delightfully refreshing page-turner of a book. It's a caper with alien misfits on a mission to save their lives and finding true friendship along the way. If you are looking for a hilarious tale with bloodsucking plants, a pigman, shapeshifters, and lollipop-eating Andillians, give this book a try.
Thank you to Ms. Banas for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Cora is part of the infamous Saros crime family of thieves and ne'er do wells. With her best friend Elio, the endearing and selfless robot who sees the best in others, she tries to prove herself to a greedy and unloving mother by attempting to steal a priceless treasure only to end up being thrown in the worst prison in the galaxy. In prison, she finds a couple of unusual friends: An Earthan pickpocket and petty thief named Wren, and a fierce and grumpy Andillian nicknamed Anders. Learning to trust is hard for all of them, and unfortunately, one of them will betray the others.
The banter between the four friends is LOL funny as they get to know one another's fears, likes, and dislikes. Watching Anders turn from grumpy and frightening to sarcastic and loveable is a sight to see. Not to mention watching Elio's obsession with food even though he can't eat it. Wren is a treat as well with her sassiness, her longing for friendship, and her kleptomania. And Cora, who sees others' auras, is the narrator, the hacker, and bomb-maker, who thinks she is only a bad distraction for her crime family, but she ends up being a great friend to Cora, a good distraction to Anders, and a best friend to Elio. Let's not forget all of the evil and colorful characters they meet along the way.
Overall, this is a delightfully refreshing page-turner of a book. It's a caper with alien misfits on a mission to save their lives and finding true friendship along the way. If you are looking for a hilarious tale with bloodsucking plants, a pigman, shapeshifters, and lollipop-eating Andillians, give this book a try.
Thank you to Ms. Banas for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
August 7, 2020
This is an excerpt of the book review on my blog https://trails-of-tales.com
.......My relationship with the sci-fi genre is complicated. Unlike murder mysteries that I wil be reading even in my afterlife, I am extremely critical about the sci-fi I read. I approach this genre with caution. Because I feel that while science fictions are highly imaginative, they also stand the risk of losing their audience somewhere along the story. Sometimes the futuristic elements could be a little difficult for the reader to hold on to.
Therefore, I consider a science fiction with a systematic combination of the impressions the blurb/ book cover make on me and my impeccable book intuitions. I need to be absolutely sure before starting to read a sci-fi.
And oh my, did The Good for Nothings come prepared to convince me! First of all take a look at the cover. Doesn’t it make your hand itch to take a peek inside. If the cover is so interesting, how amazing would the story be? Extremely, is your answer.
Then I read the blurb. And what words do I see? A robot who is a baker? Tell me that does not interest you in the slightest?!
Most importantly my book intuition practically shouted at me- “Why is it taking you so long to sign up for reviewing this?!”
When your intuition resorts to shouting at you, you better know that it is important.
I simply lapped up The Good for Nothings. The creativity of the story does not compromise on the element of relativity at all. In fact, you can find a bit of yourself in perhaps all the characters, humans, aliens and robots included. Besides, the action sequences are wrapped with palpable excitement.
The Good for Nothings has a tendency to tickle your funny bone when you least expect it. You don’t laugh out loud but you find yourself smiling and giggling. And the smile stays till the last chapter.
The humour doesn’t just spill out from the character interactions but it is rather a natural part of the story flow......
.......My relationship with the sci-fi genre is complicated. Unlike murder mysteries that I wil be reading even in my afterlife, I am extremely critical about the sci-fi I read. I approach this genre with caution. Because I feel that while science fictions are highly imaginative, they also stand the risk of losing their audience somewhere along the story. Sometimes the futuristic elements could be a little difficult for the reader to hold on to.
Therefore, I consider a science fiction with a systematic combination of the impressions the blurb/ book cover make on me and my impeccable book intuitions. I need to be absolutely sure before starting to read a sci-fi.
And oh my, did The Good for Nothings come prepared to convince me! First of all take a look at the cover. Doesn’t it make your hand itch to take a peek inside. If the cover is so interesting, how amazing would the story be? Extremely, is your answer.
Then I read the blurb. And what words do I see? A robot who is a baker? Tell me that does not interest you in the slightest?!
Most importantly my book intuition practically shouted at me- “Why is it taking you so long to sign up for reviewing this?!”
When your intuition resorts to shouting at you, you better know that it is important.
I simply lapped up The Good for Nothings. The creativity of the story does not compromise on the element of relativity at all. In fact, you can find a bit of yourself in perhaps all the characters, humans, aliens and robots included. Besides, the action sequences are wrapped with palpable excitement.
The Good for Nothings has a tendency to tickle your funny bone when you least expect it. You don’t laugh out loud but you find yourself smiling and giggling. And the smile stays till the last chapter.
The humour doesn’t just spill out from the character interactions but it is rather a natural part of the story flow......
June 20, 2020
Join Cora, Elio, Anders, and Wren as this rag-tag group of four sets off across the galaxy to search for infamous keys that lead to a priceless treasure...or at least one that may make them very, very rich and win them their freedom.
This is a very hard book for me to give thoughts and opinions on. For the better half of the book I had to drag myself to my kindle to read, and found myself needing to take several breaks from it because I desperately did not want to continue. I was very disappointed because, despite what is suggested in the summary of the book, it was nothing like the Lunar Chronicles and resembled a very watered-down version of the Guardians of the Galaxy. It wasn't until maybe the last 30% of the story that I felt like it really picked up pace and I got interested in what was going on. I also got extreme whiplash from what I perceived to be a sudden plethora of Guardian references and comparisons towards the end (not super obvious, just inferences I can make after seeing the movies so many times).
Those things being said: I really enjoyed the dynamic between our four crew members and I feel like they really developed as a team and family towards the end of the story as did the plot and pretty much everything else. This was a fluffy and predictable book that provides another option for readers who are normally averse to the fluffy and predicable of the romantic variety in their reading. I would recommend this book for younger YA readers, if not some juvenile as well mostly because content-wise there isn't a whole lot to be concerned about. We have a few cuss words and hand gestures thrown in, but the romance stays pretty innocent making it perfect for readers who may be ready for a mild introduction to YA.
**I received this book for free from its publisher and the Netgalley website in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very hard book for me to give thoughts and opinions on. For the better half of the book I had to drag myself to my kindle to read, and found myself needing to take several breaks from it because I desperately did not want to continue. I was very disappointed because, despite what is suggested in the summary of the book, it was nothing like the Lunar Chronicles and resembled a very watered-down version of the Guardians of the Galaxy. It wasn't until maybe the last 30% of the story that I felt like it really picked up pace and I got interested in what was going on. I also got extreme whiplash from what I perceived to be a sudden plethora of Guardian references and comparisons towards the end (not super obvious, just inferences I can make after seeing the movies so many times).
Those things being said: I really enjoyed the dynamic between our four crew members and I feel like they really developed as a team and family towards the end of the story as did the plot and pretty much everything else. This was a fluffy and predictable book that provides another option for readers who are normally averse to the fluffy and predicable of the romantic variety in their reading. I would recommend this book for younger YA readers, if not some juvenile as well mostly because content-wise there isn't a whole lot to be concerned about. We have a few cuss words and hand gestures thrown in, but the romance stays pretty innocent making it perfect for readers who may be ready for a mild introduction to YA.
**I received this book for free from its publisher and the Netgalley website in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2021
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, The Good for Nothings is a jelly-filled donut. The powdered sugar is delicious but messy, and the jelly brings that tangy, sweet flavor to action.
Cora Saros has always felt like an outsider in her family, especially trying to keep up with their intergalactic burglary and smuggling; Elio, her bot, is the only one who gets her. Her expertise lends itself more to the technical side of things, and when her devious mother Evelina tasks her and Elio with the diversion for a heist, everything explodes in Cora's face. Elio's glitching more than ever, and Cora doesn't have the funds to purchase the necessary items to fix him.
I found out about Pittsburgh author Danielle Banas when she held the @peopleoftheburgh Instagram handle, and when I saw that she wrote YA sci-fi, my interest was immediately piqued. A few clicks later, and I had an order confirmation for The Good for Nothings.
I loved The Good for Nothings. Danielle Banas created relatable characters with believable patterns for how they related to each other. As the character who started out not trusting each other or caring about each other journeyed together for the treasure, their interactions changed gradually and believably. Despite traversing the universe, I felt grounded as a reader and never lost where we were geographically. Danielle Banas crafted a universe with scary bad guys, lovable misfits, and white knuckle adventure.
If you love YA and sci-fi with lots of friendship and a tiny bit of romance, The Good for Nothings is for you!
Cora Saros has always felt like an outsider in her family, especially trying to keep up with their intergalactic burglary and smuggling; Elio, her bot, is the only one who gets her. Her expertise lends itself more to the technical side of things, and when her devious mother Evelina tasks her and Elio with the diversion for a heist, everything explodes in Cora's face. Elio's glitching more than ever, and Cora doesn't have the funds to purchase the necessary items to fix him.
I found out about Pittsburgh author Danielle Banas when she held the @peopleoftheburgh Instagram handle, and when I saw that she wrote YA sci-fi, my interest was immediately piqued. A few clicks later, and I had an order confirmation for The Good for Nothings.
I loved The Good for Nothings. Danielle Banas created relatable characters with believable patterns for how they related to each other. As the character who started out not trusting each other or caring about each other journeyed together for the treasure, their interactions changed gradually and believably. Despite traversing the universe, I felt grounded as a reader and never lost where we were geographically. Danielle Banas crafted a universe with scary bad guys, lovable misfits, and white knuckle adventure.
If you love YA and sci-fi with lots of friendship and a tiny bit of romance, The Good for Nothings is for you!
August 9, 2020
I have conflicted feelings about The Good For Nothings.
On the one hand, I think this book contains some incredibly complex and interesting characters. I especially loved Wren, who is a good twist on the common cocky boy trope. In the few books that do have confident female characters, they unfortunately tend to come across more pretentious, but Danielle Banas managed to pull Wren off perfectly.
Elio was also a fun character, his odd mannerisms really adding to the story.
The relationships in this book were also fantastic, especially Cora's desperate need to please her parents, no matter the way they treat her, something I'm sure resonates with many readers.
But on the other hand I felt the plot was lacking. The sci-fi genre is tricky to write, because almost all share the same basic plot of an object that can't fall into the hands of the wrong person, and this book was the same.
Though there were many exhilarating fight scenes, everything came too easy for a crew who are meant to only be good at being bad. There were too many coincidences that helped the characters along the way.
I also thought that for a comedy, this book was lacking in humour. Then, in the few cases it was funny, it was trying too hard. Entire pages were dedicated to the lead up of a single joke.
Overall this was a mediocre book that was made slightly better by the interesting and different characters.
On the one hand, I think this book contains some incredibly complex and interesting characters. I especially loved Wren, who is a good twist on the common cocky boy trope. In the few books that do have confident female characters, they unfortunately tend to come across more pretentious, but Danielle Banas managed to pull Wren off perfectly.
Elio was also a fun character, his odd mannerisms really adding to the story.
The relationships in this book were also fantastic, especially Cora's desperate need to please her parents, no matter the way they treat her, something I'm sure resonates with many readers.
But on the other hand I felt the plot was lacking. The sci-fi genre is tricky to write, because almost all share the same basic plot of an object that can't fall into the hands of the wrong person, and this book was the same.
Though there were many exhilarating fight scenes, everything came too easy for a crew who are meant to only be good at being bad. There were too many coincidences that helped the characters along the way.
I also thought that for a comedy, this book was lacking in humour. Then, in the few cases it was funny, it was trying too hard. Entire pages were dedicated to the lead up of a single joke.
Overall this was a mediocre book that was made slightly better by the interesting and different characters.
June 9, 2021
“Group of ragtag misfits galavanting through space” is on of my favorite tropes, and I ADORED The Supervillain and Me, so I was very excited for this!! It didn’t QUITE live up to my hopes - I didn’t love it as much as I wanted - but it was still a fun space time and therefore very worth it.
The plot was a little thin, but in fairness, I’m in it for the found family, not the plot. I read fanfics with thinner plots on a daily basis so I’m not one to judge. I didn’t fall in love with the quartet immediately, but they had certainly grown on me by the end.
I did wish for a little more wild world-building, because the best part of space books is going absolutely wild with the aliens and such. Mostly I’m biased because I recently read the Honor Among Thieves series which has such GLORIOUS world building that it’s hard for anything to live up. But I wanted more diverse aliens - most were humanoid which is fine but like, what’s the point of playing D&D with a full-human party, you know? Also would’ve loved more gender diversity because there’s no reason different alien species would abide by our BS gender binary. That’s REALLY nitpicking though, and I still enjoyed the aliens and such!!
I feel like I gave a lot of downsides but really, it’s a super fun romp through space which a bunch of dirty thieves, so what’s not to love, you know? Danielle Banas has quickly joined my always-buy list and I can’t wait for her next book!
The plot was a little thin, but in fairness, I’m in it for the found family, not the plot. I read fanfics with thinner plots on a daily basis so I’m not one to judge. I didn’t fall in love with the quartet immediately, but they had certainly grown on me by the end.
I did wish for a little more wild world-building, because the best part of space books is going absolutely wild with the aliens and such. Mostly I’m biased because I recently read the Honor Among Thieves series which has such GLORIOUS world building that it’s hard for anything to live up. But I wanted more diverse aliens - most were humanoid which is fine but like, what’s the point of playing D&D with a full-human party, you know? Also would’ve loved more gender diversity because there’s no reason different alien species would abide by our BS gender binary. That’s REALLY nitpicking though, and I still enjoyed the aliens and such!!
I feel like I gave a lot of downsides but really, it’s a super fun romp through space which a bunch of dirty thieves, so what’s not to love, you know? Danielle Banas has quickly joined my always-buy list and I can’t wait for her next book!
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