What would have made Earth Alone better?
Much less use of the word ‘smirk,’ for one thing. A more nuanced narration, for a second. Fewer A-holes in both rank and file, for a third. All of these characters are really caricatures and there is not a bit of subtlety in the writing.
What could Daniel Arenson have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
If I were to persist past basic training these recruits might eventually learn to respect one another, work together and have one another’s backs. But I am dropping out on the second day, in the desert, during yet another indoctrination film for the sleep-deprived ‘fresh meat.’ Maybe this gets better, but I’m all outta patience with this outfit.
How could the performance have been better?
Yeah, war is hell. Induction and basic might even be worse. But none of that merited the overacting in this narrator’s performance. Once again, no nuance.
You didn’t love this book… but did it have any redeeming qualities?
Not a single one. I kept hoping it would get better, but all it summoned in me was annoyance. Even Marco’s alleged best friend/sister Addie is an irritating twerp who serves only to get him into frequent trouble while intermittently whining about her homesickness and fear. Yeah, we get it. Her cocky acting out is cover for her insecurities. She and all the other trash-talking recruits are only trying to nerve themselves up for battle. This might appeal to a tween’s view of the military, but not to most adults. I don’t want to spend any more time in the company of smirking bullies while they sort all this out.
Any additional comments?
Sometimes getting a deal on the first volume of a series is a delightful introduction to future books. But in this case I think it might indicate worse disappointment to come. Not willing to invest further time and money to find out which it will be.