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:

From the time I was a kid glued to Star Trek reruns, I’ve had a deep-seeded love for science fiction and space opera. The vastness of space, the possibilities of advanced technology, and the exploration of different cultures and societies – it all just sparks my imagination. So, when I picked up Amber Toro's Umbra, the first book in a new series, I was primed and ready for a grand space adventure.

And while the journey had a few unexpected twists and turns, it ultimately delivered an enjoyable and promising start to what I believe will be a compelling series.

Meeting the Crew, Charting the Course

Umbra introduces us to distinct characters, each grappling with their own challenges and ambitions. There's a pilot, navigating the treacherous currents of interstellar travel and personal demons; and two individuals holding positions of power within a complex military and political landscape. Toro wisely invests time in establishing these characters, giving us insight into their backgrounds, motivations, and inner conflicts. I appreciated the glimpses into their potential character arcs, the subtle hints of where their journeys might lead them. And thankfully, each character's voice felt authentic and distinct, a crucial element in multi-POV narratives. It’s frustrating when all the characters sound the same, but Toro avoids this trap, giving each character their own unique personality and perspective.

A Galaxy in Motion, Through Shifting Timelines

The narrative structure, particularly in the early chapters, took some getting used to. The time jumps, while serving a purpose in setting up the characters and their places in the larger story, initially felt a bit disorienting. It was like trying to assemble a puzzle with missing pieces, trying to figure out how everything connected. However, Toro's clear and concise writing style helped me navigate these shifts, and as the story progressed, the pieces began to fall into place. It's a testament to her skill as a writer that she managed to pull this off without losing me completely.

Unveiling the Big Picture, A Cosmic Tapestry

Around the halfway point, the larger scope of the story began to reveal itself. The overarching plot, which had been hinted at, finally came into focus. It was like watching a cosmic tapestry slowly being woven, the individual threads coming together to create a larger, more intricate design. While I personally would have liked a bit more clarity earlier on, the gradual reveal kept me engaged and eager to learn more. It's a delicate balance, giving the reader enough information to stay invested without giving away too much too soon.

Connecting the Dots, Unraveling the Mystery

The initial introduction of the first POV character, while intriguing, felt a little disconnected at first. It was like starting a conversation in the middle, trying to figure out the context. However, as her story unfolded, its connection to the larger narrative became clear. Toro skillfully weaves together the individual storylines, and the initial confusion gave way to a deeper understanding of each character's role in the unfolding events. It was a satisfying moment when everything clicked, and I realized how all the pieces fit together.

Chapter 5: A World of Possibilities, Among the Stars

Umbra truly shines in its world-building. With echoes of Battlestar Galactica, the intricate lore and expansive universe hinted at a rich and complex history. I found myself drawn into this world, eager to explore its depths and discover its secrets. The descriptions were all  vivid and imaginative. Toro has created a fascinating array of futuristic technology with its own unique purpose and aesthetic. From sleek starships capable of traversing vast distances to advanced communication devices and energy weapons, the technology felt both believable and exciting. I'm excited to see how this world expands in future installments, what new technologies and how they impact the story and political structure of the larger culture.

A Promising Start, Among the Shadows

Umbra is a very good novel, an effective debut.

While the narrative structure presented some initial challenges, Toro's clear writing style and well-developed characters kept me invested. The story's second half showcased the potential of this series, and I'm eager to see where Toro takes these characters next. The world she has created is rich with possibilities, and I'm excited to explore it further. Umbra is a promising start to what I anticipate will be a compelling and engaging space opera series, a series I’ll be following closely. It’s a journey worth taking, even with the occasional bump in the road.