Salvage (Salvage, #1)

by Alexandra Duncan

[Angie]

I knew I had to read Salvage as soon as I read the blurb and saw the "continent of garbage." This concept immediately fascinated me as someone into environmental issues, which happen to include large quantities of trash in our oceans! Of course, I knew the book wouldn't be all about that, it's just the setting, but still, I had to read it. Plus I love outer space! Salvage begins with Ava aboard her home ship, and soon she's faced with the prospect of marriage. Her groom is a childhood friend, so it's not as bad as it seems, until things go wrong. Very wrong. Ava is running for her life, and ends up on Earth, on the Gyre where she must essentially relearn to live while wondering if her love is still alive and if he ended up "groundways" too.

Salvage and I did get off to an awkward start. I was aware that it was written in the futuristic English dialect, but it still took me several chapters to adjust. There's just so many new words and phrases, and for some of them it's hard to decipher their meaning even in context. But once the story got going and the words/phrases were used more, I was able to get use to it and actually quite liked it. It made it feel more real. Also, as the story progressed, and Ava spent more time on Earth, her speech patterns changed and became the English we're use to. It was a great and subtle way to show her character growth.

There wasn't much of an overall plot to Salvage. It was more about Ava's personal journey. She was raised in a place where women were put into historically female gender roles: mothers, cooks, and clothing. Men also take multiple brides, which the women have no say in. Ava had no education to speak of, since apparently women don't need it to raise children or make breakfast. However, Ava has managed to teach herself some basic math and she has an interest in (and talent for) mechanics, something women can never, ever do. Her lack of any formal education wasn't a problem on her ship, but once she's on Earth, the tables are turned. I actually enjoyed reading about a character who isn't some genius who knows how to do everything. Ava struggles a lot, and she knows she'll never be like other girls her age, but she does work hard at what she's good at and strives to better herself in the ways that she can. Very admirable.

I really liked Salvage. I was never bored, despite the slow pace and considerable length. I thought the world building was great, but I do wish there had been some more information about the Gyre (I mean, it's the reason I picked it up!). I also loved that ending! Ava is faced with what she's been wanting for most of the book, but comes to an important realization. She's not the girl she was in the first several chapters. She has her whole, new life ahead of her. I do wish there was more, but that was a perfect ending.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.