‘THE EVAPORATION OF SOFI SNOW’: Sci-Fi Gaming YA Novel Launches New Series

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‘THE EVAPORATION OF SOFI SNOW’: Sci-Fi Gaming YA Novel Launches New Series. Review of the 2017 Sci-Fi Mary Weber novel. All text © Rissi JC

STORY: There are two things 17-year-old Sofi Snow is good at. Keeping her guard up, and protecting her bother. It’s what she knows. She’s fierce in her every day and as an online gamer. Her world is an Earth ruled by cooperation’s rather than a form of government. Her primary goal though is to keep her young brother, who is a part of the games’ virtual and physical arena fights, safe. When an explosion rocks the arena, Sofi sustains injuries and no one can find Shilo.

Convinced he’s a alive, Sofi escapes the hospital (after overhearing the sinister plans for her) and sets about finding her brother. To enter the forbidden world where the Delonese live (the alien planet surrounding Earth), Sofi needs help. She’ll need the kind of help only Earth’s playboy, Miguel, one of the Delonese’s ambassadors, can offer. A dangerous possibility not only because there’s no allowance of ambassadors on the planet, a complication further agitated because they share a history both wish to forget.

The Evaporation of Sofi Snow, by Mary Weber | Book Review

Anyone who’s read Weber’s Storm Siren trilogy will realize this novel is infinitely different. It launches a new duo (or trilogy?) for the author and also marks a new direction for her prose and storytelling voice. In Sofi’s world, there is a more “pristine,” dystopian world whereas her debut series was earthy and organic.

Sofi’s world is anything but akin to Nym’s with perhaps the distinction that both heroines are fighting for something. As a heroine, Sofi is interesting. She’s a fighter and is a victim of her circumstances, but I also liked that this novel steps back to show a “bigger picture” system. She’s fierce, sassy and does exactly what she wants, sometimes at the risk of her own life. The loyalty she displays is admirable as is the protective nature she shows her brother. (Plus, who doesn’t love Sofi’s name and the futuristic way she spells her name??)

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High in energy and adventure, ‘Sofi Snow’ is a fantastic start to a new series. The opening is a little slow, and took some adjustment before realization of who everyone is sinks in. Plus I think simply the fact that several chapters affix themselves around the games that set everything into motion slows the flow. If you look beneath the surface, once things start rolling, The Evaporation of Sofi Snow deals in weighty and political topics. Not only this, but emotional topics. Elements I did not anticipate when picking this book up.

Those who enjoy sci-fi or gaming will appreciate this novel. It’s easy to get “lost” (in the way of a reader who wants to keep reading, and lose track of time while reading) in this world. Sofi is a strong heroine with interesting characters surrounding her. Even though I enjoy these characters, and despite the POV switch off (I do like that this novel is not first person!), I don’t feel as if I know Miguel well (something I attribute to being a “me” problem). But since there is more to come in this series, I’m sure we’ll see more of him.

An exciting adventure awaits the reader as we journey with Sofi Snow. Only beware, if Weber has a distinguishable trademark, it’s her ability to stick the reader with a cliffhanger. Such is the conclusion of The Evaporation of Sofi Snow. You’ve been warned. Now go forth and meet Sofi Snow. ↠

A B O U T THE B O O K

Author: Mary Weber
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Source: Publisher Provided – Thank you!
Publication Date: 2017
Find the Review elsewhere: Goodreads | WordPress
Add the Book: Goodreads
Genre: Fiction; Young Adult, Sci-Fi
Series: The Evaporation of Sofi Snow, 1
Rating: ★★★★

Content: While never too much, there is some profanity (some are made up), and references to characters who “sleep around.”

Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary ARC copy of this book.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

9 comments

    1. I liked the idea of it – a lot, Jordan, and that (for me), it's a very different read. The gaming aspect is super interesting too! Hope if you ever read it, you enjoy. :)

      Glad you stopped by – and thank you for reading.

    1. The cover IS indeed beautiful, Megan. I agree. And it's even PRETTIER as a finished copy – underneath the dust jacket, the cover is textured, and OHMY! It's a beauty. :) Thanks for visiting!

    1. I did too, Shannon. The fact that this one looks underneath the surface helps in its quest for realism and I loved that. Hope you enjoy if/when you do read it, Shannon – and THANK you for reading and stopping by. :)

    1. YAY! Hope you enjoy this one if you read it, Nicole. As usual, it's a trademark Mary Weber with her unique voice and storytelling. Love it! :)

      Thanks for visiting.

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