Review: Umbra: Sentient Stars by Amber Toro

Blurb:

Umbra is the first book in the Sentient Stars trilogy, an intergalactic, space opera, adventure story, with a slow burn enemies to lovers romance, told from 3 POV’s with fully sentient starships, a militaristic society, alien worlds, and a signal in the darkness that threatens to destroy humanity.

Earth That Was has faded into myth. After millenia spent wandering, humans are no longer nomads. Twelve tribes stand allied under the United Tribal Axis; but there is a signal in the darkness that threatens to destroy everything.

All Skyla wanted after leaving the Navy was to be left alone. Just her ship, the stars, and a new adventure. But when a strange virus disables her ship, she is thrown into the middle of a conflict she doesn’t understand, forcing her to take on responsibilities she swore she never would again.

Hinata always followed the rules, honor above all else. He always won, until he didn’t. Sentenced to exile for his failures, he is determined to prove himself, until a mysterious woman arrives on his station and chaos threatens to break already fragile alliances.

Freyja was always angry, an outcast, playing the part of admiral and black ops operative. But she is tired of being a pawn in the Empress’ games and when she’s stranded on the wrong side of enemy lines after a vengeful battle, she’s forced to ally with her adversaries to clear her name.

A Rogue.
A Commander.
And an Admiral.

Brought together by circumstance, held together by duty.
Can they find a way to work together to save humanity?

Review:

So if, like me, you have seen the author Amber Toro compare her book Umbra to many popular science fiction books and shows, you are not alone. I do have to say that this marketing strategy of hers worked wonders on me. It piqued my curiosity, along with seeing the many positive reviews from people I know have similar views as mine, and so I picked it up. This story begins with a bang and definitely packs a sci-fi punch that will make fans of the genre very happy. It has sentient starships, cool animal companions, very well thought out characters, and even a dash of romance mixed into a very well woven tale of companionship. The energy and action starts right off the bat, in all of the different POVs that are featured throughout the novel. I will get to what I really liked about the novel in just a bit, but I will say that this space opera is one that will become a favorite of many.

The strength of the novel and what I most liked were the different characters that are all interconnected in very different and vibrant ways. I can’t say that I had a favorite out of the main three, but there were moments in each of them that stood out to me as being an impactful part of the story. There are similarities and differences between all of them, but they are all uniquely their own person which is a testament to the author for how well thought out they are. The sentient ships are something that also stands out to me. It has become something fairly regular in the sci-fi books that I have read recently, but the relationship in this novel was something that felt fun and fresh. Thoughts of Knight Rider definitely popped into my mind at different points of the story. The science of the world is well done, but not overly in depth in which some of the ideas would warrant. This is more of a personal take as I find these types of ideas fascinating and love knowing how it all works. The idea that Earth is gone and there is a lot that has passed between now and where the book takes place in the future, is a fantastic bit of world building that really fits everything very well. Now I am not a romance reader and count myself as not being the most knowledgeable about this genre. That being said, this romance was very approachable and did not pull me out of the story. It does have moments of steam but does not tip into the spicy side. I can’t say it added or took away from the story to me, but I am sure that it is a highlight for some readers.

Overall, this is a solid space opera that many readers will find exciting as it is a very fast paced novel that will fly by at the speed of light. I eagerly look forward to future installments into this trilogy and more as this seems to be a universe that is huge in scope and ideas. It seems as if there is no end as to what could happen. Amber Toro has fulfilled her end of the promise that she gave to me with her advertising and add my endorsement that this is most definitely a book that will appeal to many different fans. Do yourself a favor and find out for yourself.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review. As always, happy reading and Stay Great!!