October 17, 2022
Before this book’s start, Princess Andromeda of lunar kingdom Celestine was in an airship wreck that nearly killed her, and half of her body was replaced with top-of-the-line robotics to save her life. Now an 18-year-old cyborg, reserved Andromeda would much rather get her hands dirty fixing engines than perform her royal responsibilities, especially when one of the latter duties involves entering into a politically advantageous marriage to an Earth prince she’s never met. When her shuttle to Earth is hijacked by space pirates and Andromeda is taken hostage, she claims to be a mechanic named Andy. After the fearsome pirate Lord Captain Bran inexplicably declares her under his protection, Andromeda begins trusting the crew, developing feelings for both charming guard Allen, who promises to keep her real identity secret, and flirtatious doctor Mars. As she sails across the stars, she wrestles with her dual desires to return home and to embrace freedom. While Andromeda’s adventures can occasionally feel episodic, leading to disconnected storytelling, Watts capably threads royal intrigue and queer romance alongside themes of discovering one’s identity and rejecting expectations. A lively if predictable story, with likable characters and an expansive universe to explore. Ages 12–up.
October 15, 2022
Na�ve princess joins pirates. White-coded, bisexual Princess Andromeda of far-future Celestine (the terraformed moon) struggles with panic attacks after an airship wreck that necessitated replacing much of her body with robotics. Her upcoming dynastic marriage to an Earth-born prince causes more stress; she'd rather tinker with engines but understands that her role is to rule Celestine rather than to live her dreams. En route to Earth, her spacecraft is hijacked by the crew of the pirate Lord Captain Bran. Although at least one crew member knows who she is, he agrees to keep the secret, and Andromeda becomes aspiring mechanic Andy, although Bran nevertheless seems strangely focused on her. Once aboard the pirate ship, Andy builds new friendships, engages in flirtation with a man called Allen and a woman named Mars (a possible polyamorous romance is hinted at), and learns hard truths both personal and political about her world. Clunky writing and retrograde monarchies (absolute, dynastic, and more concerned with image than good governance) detract from the excitement. Some violent scenes involving the space pirates clash with the more tender found-family story threads. Secondary characters are diverse in skin tone, gender, and sexual orientation, all of which are non-issues in this otherwise old-school future. A late game introduction of possible fantasy elements sets up the sequel but further occludes narrative coherence. An interesting premise that doesn't quite coalesce. (Science fiction. 13-18)
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