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Leaving Hope
After a millennium of travel, the generation ship Hope is within thirty years of its destination planet, and a small group of brave couples will take a faster ship to ready the planet for colonization. Anastasia (Anya) Cartier, a teenage artist and nature-lover, wants to be part of that group. Her parents, however, have other plans for her. They want her to marry a particular guy, from a particular family, so pure whites can continue for another generation. They don’t much care that Ryan, the guy in question, doesn’t care about Anya, her pursuits, or her goals. He has agreed to an illegal betrothal to Anya only to gain her influential parents’ support for his own ambitions to be ship captain.
Anya usually avoids conflict, but her dreams are important enough that she will figure out a way to convince Ryan to join her on the colony team. If that doesn’t work, she’ll take more drastic action. She can’t stay imprisoned on Hope forever.
Anya usually avoids conflict, but her dreams are important enough that she will figure out a way to convince Ryan to join her on the colony team. If that doesn’t work, she’ll take more drastic action. She can’t stay imprisoned on Hope forever.
- GenresScience Fiction
257 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2020
About the author
R.L.S. Hoff
5 books42 followersR. L. S. Hoff is a writer of mostly young adult sci-fi and fantasy. She lives in a multi-cultural household where she often has to remind one child that he must learn English because it's important for life in the US and the other two children that they must learn Mandarin because it is and always will be their brother's native language. When she's not writing or working at (so far) more profitable gigs, she enjoys reading, gardening, and baking bread.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 11 reviews
November 23, 2020
Leaving Hope is a fantastic new sci-fi series with a strong female protagonist, Anya, who desperately wants to join the initial Terrace Colony crew. This is the team that will prep the planet Shindashir for the eventual landing of the full colony ship, Hope. However, dysfunctional patriarchal forces conspire to keep her away as her father keeps a tight rein on her freedom even to the point of arranging her marriage so she can keep the Euro bloodlines pure.
Anya is a talented young artist who has a gift for growing things and spends her free time in the greenhouse. Her 'arranged' relationship seems a bit stale and she and her betrothed, Ryan, don't seem well matched. He is a 'by the book' kind of person who wants to please her father, while she has dreams of making her own way and pushing the bounds of what is acceptable to her father.
Anya's father is the archetype of oppressive male patriarchy: wealthy, connected, controlling, not transparent. Anya knows that there is no way he would approve of her joining the Terrace Colony so she goes to great lengths to keep it secret. On a colony ship, keeping secrets grows to be very difficult given the need for strict control of resources and ensuring the integrity of finishing the colony mission.
I found the story had a fresh approach to a very common sci-fi scenario: living on a colony ship destined to explore a new world. Most sci-fi either focuses on the initial mission and failure at launch (The Expanse), dysfunctional weird relationships mid mission (Passengers), or terror at the final destination (Prometheus/Alien). Furthermore, there is always some sort of suspended animation technology that enables a whole far fetched plot.
Leaving Hope forges new ground in this type of science fiction. The author focuses on a pioneer mission not quite at the end of the colony mission, doesn't introduce suspended animation and doesn't go overboard in 'techy' explanations to define her setting. The ship crew appears to be multi-generational folks who live and die on the ship as they go on a centuries long mission. Finally, the author does a great job introducing and developing a set of characters who we can grow into and love throughout the rest of the series.
I found Borsk and his family to be an interesting supporting character. Borsk is a systems genius and is able to help Anya navigate through some serious technical issues. The author was able to bring a depth to Borsk in terms of his family, biological situation, and faith that is not typical of this genre of science fiction. I look forward to the author bringing many more unique character elements to the next parts of her series.
Finally, I won't spoil the ending, but I found the pacing to be fast and engaging. I appreciate this approach as I am getting to know a new book series. If you take too long in the setup, people lose interest; too short, and key details maybe missed. The only critique I have is how she resolves the betrothal. The solution seems too quick and a bit forced. But overall, this is a great start to the series and I can't wait to read the next volume in the series!
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from the author.
Anya is a talented young artist who has a gift for growing things and spends her free time in the greenhouse. Her 'arranged' relationship seems a bit stale and she and her betrothed, Ryan, don't seem well matched. He is a 'by the book' kind of person who wants to please her father, while she has dreams of making her own way and pushing the bounds of what is acceptable to her father.
Anya's father is the archetype of oppressive male patriarchy: wealthy, connected, controlling, not transparent. Anya knows that there is no way he would approve of her joining the Terrace Colony so she goes to great lengths to keep it secret. On a colony ship, keeping secrets grows to be very difficult given the need for strict control of resources and ensuring the integrity of finishing the colony mission.
I found the story had a fresh approach to a very common sci-fi scenario: living on a colony ship destined to explore a new world. Most sci-fi either focuses on the initial mission and failure at launch (The Expanse), dysfunctional weird relationships mid mission (Passengers), or terror at the final destination (Prometheus/Alien). Furthermore, there is always some sort of suspended animation technology that enables a whole far fetched plot.
Leaving Hope forges new ground in this type of science fiction. The author focuses on a pioneer mission not quite at the end of the colony mission, doesn't introduce suspended animation and doesn't go overboard in 'techy' explanations to define her setting. The ship crew appears to be multi-generational folks who live and die on the ship as they go on a centuries long mission. Finally, the author does a great job introducing and developing a set of characters who we can grow into and love throughout the rest of the series.
I found Borsk and his family to be an interesting supporting character. Borsk is a systems genius and is able to help Anya navigate through some serious technical issues. The author was able to bring a depth to Borsk in terms of his family, biological situation, and faith that is not typical of this genre of science fiction. I look forward to the author bringing many more unique character elements to the next parts of her series.
Finally, I won't spoil the ending, but I found the pacing to be fast and engaging. I appreciate this approach as I am getting to know a new book series. If you take too long in the setup, people lose interest; too short, and key details maybe missed. The only critique I have is how she resolves the betrothal. The solution seems too quick and a bit forced. But overall, this is a great start to the series and I can't wait to read the next volume in the series!
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of the book from the author.
October 13, 2020
Thanks to Goodreads Giveaways, I was introduced to R.L.S. Hoff in winning "Leaving Hope," and enjoyed the read!
Having been space-going for many centuries, the ship Hope is within a generation of reaching it's goal: the planet humanity can establish as a new home. (I don't recall it literally saying there were more ships, but it felt that way somehow.) As a technical note, I did wonder if Chapters 19 and 20 were somehow in the wrong order... not a big deal, but didn't want to forget to throw that out there.
Anya (aka Anastasia & also Stayce) is willing to do just about anything to be on the early landing team, which will arrive at the planet before Hope and be tasked with preparing the new colony for occupation. Anya's family is very prominent on Hope and, though it's illegal, she's agreed to marry a "pure blood" man to help preserve her ethnic type even though he's quite older and quite a cad. Things unravel as try-outs for the forward team begin and her desperation in being selected - while dealing with a very difficult, punitive father & passive mother - and she must negotiate obstacles to trying out. She doesn't seem to know how brilliant she is, which I enjoyed as part of her character's challenges.
Overall, an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next installment!
Having been space-going for many centuries, the ship Hope is within a generation of reaching it's goal: the planet humanity can establish as a new home. (I don't recall it literally saying there were more ships, but it felt that way somehow.) As a technical note, I did wonder if Chapters 19 and 20 were somehow in the wrong order... not a big deal, but didn't want to forget to throw that out there.
Anya (aka Anastasia & also Stayce) is willing to do just about anything to be on the early landing team, which will arrive at the planet before Hope and be tasked with preparing the new colony for occupation. Anya's family is very prominent on Hope and, though it's illegal, she's agreed to marry a "pure blood" man to help preserve her ethnic type even though he's quite older and quite a cad. Things unravel as try-outs for the forward team begin and her desperation in being selected - while dealing with a very difficult, punitive father & passive mother - and she must negotiate obstacles to trying out. She doesn't seem to know how brilliant she is, which I enjoyed as part of her character's challenges.
Overall, an enjoyable read and I look forward to the next installment!
August 24, 2020
Before I begin my review for Leaving Hope by R.L.S Hoff I would personally like to thank the author, the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and I have reviewed it honestly.
Embark on the invigorating, coming of age, science fiction story of Leaving Hope by R.L.S Hoff, with two, tantalising, teenaged protagonists, a spaceship of scandals and secrets and an impending colonisation of a new planet. This first novel in the new Golden Terrace Colony series promises an entertaining and empowering read.
Leaving Hope features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ YA Sci Fi
○ Colonisation
○ Manipulation
○ Arranged marriage
○ Hacking
○ Art
○ YA romance
○ Domestic violence
○ Multi POV
○ Coming of age
○ Futuristic technology
My overall rating for Leaving Hope is…
4.5 Stars!
Leaving Hope was a beautifully written YA Sci Fi novel with loveable characters and an empowering storyline. I loved the mixture of themes and how well everything just worked. This book explores domestic issues as well as science fiction and space exploration. A fun read for teenagers and adults alike.
Embark on the invigorating, coming of age, science fiction story of Leaving Hope by R.L.S Hoff, with two, tantalising, teenaged protagonists, a spaceship of scandals and secrets and an impending colonisation of a new planet. This first novel in the new Golden Terrace Colony series promises an entertaining and empowering read.
Leaving Hope features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ YA Sci Fi
○ Colonisation
○ Manipulation
○ Arranged marriage
○ Hacking
○ Art
○ YA romance
○ Domestic violence
○ Multi POV
○ Coming of age
○ Futuristic technology
My overall rating for Leaving Hope is…
4.5 Stars!
Leaving Hope was a beautifully written YA Sci Fi novel with loveable characters and an empowering storyline. I loved the mixture of themes and how well everything just worked. This book explores domestic issues as well as science fiction and space exploration. A fun read for teenagers and adults alike.
July 24, 2020
Leaving Hope is an amazing and wonderful Sci-Fi world set far in the future! We are taken on a journey alongside Anya who is doing everything in her power to not only grow into an amazing woman, but to earn her place on the group that will be sent down to recolonize Earth. It is filled with romance, hardships, friendships and so much more. I had trouble putting this book down once I started it!
I am honestly dumbfounded on how this book has not received more buzz since it's release! I am DYING to know what happens next, and literally can't thing of anything I disliked about the story. The main characters had amazing character development to where I felt like I understood why they were doing things the way they did. The only exception on character background was her parents, whom I am interested in seeing if the author dives more into detail on why they act they way they do (you'll understand once you read it as I don't want to spoil).
Overall, this was an amazing read that I can't stop gushing about! I can't wait to read what comes next in this journey!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this opportunity!
I am honestly dumbfounded on how this book has not received more buzz since it's release! I am DYING to know what happens next, and literally can't thing of anything I disliked about the story. The main characters had amazing character development to where I felt like I understood why they were doing things the way they did. The only exception on character background was her parents, whom I am interested in seeing if the author dives more into detail on why they act they way they do (you'll understand once you read it as I don't want to spoil).
Overall, this was an amazing read that I can't stop gushing about! I can't wait to read what comes next in this journey!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary eARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this opportunity!
August 13, 2020
I received an ARC of LEAVING HOPE by R.L.S. Hoff thanks to the publisher through NetGalley.
LEAVING HOPE is told in dual POV with Anya coming from one of the last “pure Euro families” (who want her to continue that trend, even if it means resorting to illegal betrothals) and Borsk being a hacker that is constantly in trouble and trying to get out of working at his family’s restaurant.
The world building and plot were really interesting. The civilization is currently living on a space-station and have been for hundreds of years. But one organization is working to send the first group of couples to the planet to start rebuilding civilization. However, to find the best couples the company is making them try out for a spot. Anya wants to try out but her betrothed sides with her evil father and she needs to convince him that going to the planet is the best option.
The characters were easy to identify with (I love Anya’s artistry!) and found myself rooting for even a ‘bad guy’ by the end of the story.
I have signed up to Hoff’s newsletter for access to what has been written for the sequel (due to be released next year!). I’m super excited to dive into it so I’m cutting the review short. Although if that does speak more than the review itself I don’t know what would!
LEAVING HOPE is told in dual POV with Anya coming from one of the last “pure Euro families” (who want her to continue that trend, even if it means resorting to illegal betrothals) and Borsk being a hacker that is constantly in trouble and trying to get out of working at his family’s restaurant.
The world building and plot were really interesting. The civilization is currently living on a space-station and have been for hundreds of years. But one organization is working to send the first group of couples to the planet to start rebuilding civilization. However, to find the best couples the company is making them try out for a spot. Anya wants to try out but her betrothed sides with her evil father and she needs to convince him that going to the planet is the best option.
The characters were easy to identify with (I love Anya’s artistry!) and found myself rooting for even a ‘bad guy’ by the end of the story.
I have signed up to Hoff’s newsletter for access to what has been written for the sequel (due to be released next year!). I’m super excited to dive into it so I’m cutting the review short. Although if that does speak more than the review itself I don’t know what would!
June 29, 2020
Excellent start to what promises to be an incredible series. Complex characters, great pacing, and unexpected twists and turns! Can’t wait for the sequel.
January 6, 2022
Anya is a pure blood euro but doesn’t care ten star book
Anya is a pure blood euro who’s family has illegally betrothed her to a green of their choosing. She is a quiet rebel at 15 1/2 and only wants to leave hope to go ahead to colonize the planet they are all going to land on eventually. She wants to be in the 1 st group and done everything she can to be ready. Her betrothed wants nothing to do with colonization. She has some heavy choices to make in a big hurry. Choices that can change the colony and the Hope. Is she big enough to make them ,strong enough to follow the pain that comes with growing up and making adult choices. If I could I would give this book ten stars. It is riveting.
Anya is a pure blood euro who’s family has illegally betrothed her to a green of their choosing. She is a quiet rebel at 15 1/2 and only wants to leave hope to go ahead to colonize the planet they are all going to land on eventually. She wants to be in the 1 st group and done everything she can to be ready. Her betrothed wants nothing to do with colonization. She has some heavy choices to make in a big hurry. Choices that can change the colony and the Hope. Is she big enough to make them ,strong enough to follow the pain that comes with growing up and making adult choices. If I could I would give this book ten stars. It is riveting.
August 26, 2021
.The multigenerational ship Hope is within 30 years of its destination planet and a small group of people are going to take a faster ship to reach the planet sooner and start preparing for Hope to arrive. Anastasia Carter known as Anya wants to be in this group but her parents and betroth her to Ryan Lancet who was also a pure European white. Anya tried to get Ryan to try out with her that he refused. David Ryerson agreed to try out with Anya. This is a good book and well-written and it kept me wanting to read even when I needed to do something else, I recommend that you read it...
July 4, 2022
Well written
Anastasia lives a life in fear. She struggles through an overbearing, to put it mildly, father to aquire her dreams
Anastasia lives a life in fear. She struggles through an overbearing, to put it mildly, father to aquire her dreams
November 15, 2025
Love this series. Wonderful, diverse characters and an intriguing story. I want more.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 11 reviews