Sixteen-year-old Onnie, newly minted adult, isn’t sure what she wants in life, but she is sure what she doesn’t want, and going off to the Interplanetary Alliance’s Academy is at the top of that list. When she purposely flunks the entrance exam, she’s certain that’s why her father commanded her and her brother Jayesh to return to Rift Watcher Station. As Onnie settles into her new life on Rift Watcher, will she find a place of her own?
Chief Medical Officer Darragh Conally has issues. And secrets. As Onnie determinedly worms her way into his life and forges a friendship he doesn’t want, those secrets come dangerously close to being exposed. But how do you tell the Captain’s daughter to back off without risking your job?
There’s something wrong with the relationship between the Galladirans and the Earthers. It’s all polite on the surface; too polite. And Onnie can feel the tension rippling underneath. How long will it be until things break wide open?
I received a copy of this book from Loving The Book in exchange for an honest review.
The story is about 16 year old Onnie. She has not seen her father in 11 years and he suddenly demands that they, Onnie and her brother Jay return home. Onnie is worried this might be because she failed an important exam and that it might reflect on his position within the alliance. Will Onnie be able to feel at home once again on Rift Watcher. Onnie along with others on Rift Watcher have become aware of the rising tensions between the Earthers and the Galladirans.
Darragh Conally is the new Chief Medical Officer of Rift Watcher. Why is he so evasive of personal questions, what secrets is he hiding? Why is he determined not to become friends with anyone.
For me this is the first time I have read anything from author C R Simper so was not sure what to expect. I did wonder if it was something I would have picked up in a library but the story soon draws you in and you just have to find out where the author is taking you.
Personally I liked being on Rift Watcher too, alongside the characters. I loved Onnie's character, she was not shy about saying what she wanted but she did know when to stay quiet as she found she had to with the doctor. I loved the interaction between them both. Onnie and her brother have that whole sibling rivalry thing going on but we can see the love they have for each other and those they care about. Because Onnie's dad is the captain Onnie finds herself lucky enough to shadow some of the other members of his team. The description of the Galladirans and other alien beings is so that you are able to imagine how the author pictured them in her head. I have to admit that from the description of the surroundings and living areas this is definitely not somewhere I would want to spend my life (sorry author) but I could picture myself walking through these places taking in everything there was as described in the book.
This story will hold your imagination captive until the very end and you will not want to put it down even though you may have to. The threat of becoming addicted to this book is inevitable I am afraid. See now I have to go and see if there have been any other books written by the author and if and when there will be a follow up, soon please.
This is different from my preferred genre of books and I liked it a lot.
In trying to think who I would recommend the book too I picture my family and I can definitely see children from 9-10 through to adult getting enjoyment from this book.
Fantastic. Seriously fantastic. Two of the best characters I've ever read. This author has incredible talent. It's an amazing skill to create one of those rare, unforgettable, quirky, unlikely-lovable characters, and she's done that magnificently here. The plot is unique; the characters compelling and well-rounded; the setting fascinating; the narrative voice funny, casual and accessible; the prose thoughtful. I loved that it explored themes like compassion and friendship, forgiveness, redemption, and diversity, all without ever philosophizing or preaching. The friendship / budding romance was sweet and compelling, and the wit was laugh-out-loud funny. I'd recommend this to absolutely anyone who enjoys character-driven stories, coming of age stories, slow romance, great friendships, and some action thrown in for good measure. I'd like to see a different cover for this book, though...something that feels more mature, I guess. This one makes it seem like Star Trek for kids, which is far from accurate. It could use a little more editing, as well--some overuse of the words grimace and wince along with misplaced commas and dashes, plus more typos the farther you get in the book are a little distracting. But my goodness, I read this in one day and just hopped on Kindle to download the second. Yes, ma'am, it was that good.
If it were possible I would give this 6 stars. I am in awe of CR Simpers talent. She is an artist who with the polish of her words paints a story you can slip into effortlessly. The first chapter does take a bit of work to get through but then from there the story flows taking you with it. There are elements of danger and intrigue but it is not those aspects alone that keep you invested in the story. You actually get to know and care about the characters. You get to know them so well that you can almost anticipate how they will react in a situation. CR Simper also keeps those character traits intact throughout the whole story. I enjoyed this story so much that the next day I found myself opening the book picking a random page and just reading. Not just for the storyline but simply for the joy of reading something that is so well written. I definitely enjoy CR Simpers writing style and will now have to find other books she has written. This book is completely clean and I would recommend it for both YA and adults alike. Rift Watcher isn’t just on my re-read list but it is already on my open to a random page list. This list is the books that are so well written that I can pick a random page and be instantly immersed back into the story. There are only 5 Authors that are on this list and CR Simper is now one of them. Bravo! I received an ARC from Loving The Book in exchange for my honest review.