annieb123
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Minds of Sand and Light is a beautifully written and compelling SF/futuristic fiction series opener by Kylie Chan. Released 1st Sept 2023, it's 410 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.
This is a genre hybrid cozy/SF/near future/techy romance(ish) with a fair sprinkling of sarcastic humor and heart. The plotting is well paced, but it's the characterization which really shines (including the non-human elements). It's a relatively hefty book, and often somewhat blackly funny (the machines have decided more or less to wipe humans out for the good of the planet, and honestly, same), but overall the reading goes quickly and the author makes a lot of very good points.
Definitely one that will stick with readers for a long time. It's not derivative (at all) but there were moments that reminded me of Martha Wells' excellent Murderbot diaries, and fans of Wells will find a lot to like here.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.