"Esperance" Discuss Everything *Spoilers*

[SFFBC, Ancillary Mod]

Discuss Everything *Spoilers*

A few questions to get us started:

1. What did you think of the world?
2. What did you think of the characters?
3. What worked or didn't for you?
4. Overall thoughts?

[Kaia]

I found this to be a very fast read, and I was sucked in to the story right away. The mystery was interesting to me, and I like how you learn bits and pieces as you go. I had figured out most of the big reveal before we got there, but that didn't bother me. I do wish that we had spent more time learning about the planet where Abi and Yemi came from and the people who rescued their ancestors, though.

I found the characters to be a sticking point for me. Abi was more interesting to me than Ethan, who seemed to be kind of a stereotypical police character. I really struggled with Abi's horrible dialogue, though. I understand why the author chose to have her talk like that, but it was painful to read. And it seems unlikely that the people on her planet would only have had 1930's gangster movies as reference points - what about radio programs or news from that era, even movies from other genres? Even though I didn't find Hollie to be that believable, she did grow on me as the story went on. I was disappointed that we didn't loop back to finish up with the policewoman from Rhode Island (unless she died and I missed it - that part of the story wasn't super clear).

Overall, I thought it was exciting, and I flew through it. It's not going on my best reads of the year list, but I was interested enough that I might check out Braking Day (by the same author), which I remember being on a monthly poll for the group in the past.

[Silvana]

A three-star read.

1. What did you think of the world?
It's okay, reminded me of some detective/mystery novels, set in contemporary world, and a touch bit of SF with the bots and stuff is interesting enough.

2. What did you think of the characters?
I think this is more plot-driven than characters and there are not much depth or connection there for me. Abi's story more interesting due to her background but Ethan's just plain boring and cliche - how many times do we see a police officer with failed marriage and troubled connection with their kids?

3. What worked or didn't for you?
I liked the premise enough and but it would work better if slightly shorter, felt like overwritten or repetitive in some parts that is why I started looking at my ereader progress frequently after the middle.
I think Abi's world could be fleshed out more and like Kaia said, about the aliens that rescued them, but it was interesting revelation.

4. Overall thoughts?
A cool SF/mystery blend but might be not memorable enough. Would make an interesting TV show though.

[Ellen]

I loved the blend of science fiction and police procedural . I was a little nervous because I had tried to read Braking Day by this author and did not finish it.

[aPriL does feral sometimes]

I really enjoyed the novel, especially so, since I like mysteries, science fiction and thrillers! With this novel it is three in one! And yes, murder mysteries have characters who are familiar to all of us who have seen dozens and dozens of 1930/1940 TCM noir movies and have read hundreds of mysteries, but to me they are comforting familiarities I expect to see in murder mystery/thrillers.

That said, I wonder why Abi didn’t stay. It seems she has very little to go back to.