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Take Them to the Stars #3
For the First Time, Again
Aster believes she is a normal teenage girl - she is very wrong . . .
Teenager Aster barely escapes with her life when her adoptive father is killed in a shooting. Suddenly finding herself under the protection of a special US military unit, she learns that blood tests indicate that she's not even human. Unsure who or what she might be - or if any of this is true - Aster's first instinct is to flee.
Unfortunately, she soon finds she is caught between two warring sides: on one, her mortal enemies, the alien Trackers, and on the other, the American government.
Then, from the most unexpected quarter, she finds someone offering to help her - someone her instincts tell her can't be trusted . . .
Now Aster can be certain of just two things: her blood is more vital than she ever knew and the fate of the world rests upon her survival.
Teenager Aster barely escapes with her life when her adoptive father is killed in a shooting. Suddenly finding herself under the protection of a special US military unit, she learns that blood tests indicate that she's not even human. Unsure who or what she might be - or if any of this is true - Aster's first instinct is to flee.
Unfortunately, she soon finds she is caught between two warring sides: on one, her mortal enemies, the alien Trackers, and on the other, the American government.
Then, from the most unexpected quarter, she finds someone offering to help her - someone her instincts tell her can't be trusted . . .
Now Aster can be certain of just two things: her blood is more vital than she ever knew and the fate of the world rests upon her survival.
307 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2023
75 people are currently reading
3966 people want to read
About the author
Sylvain Neuvel
22 books5,345 followersSylvain Neuvel dropped out of high school at age 15. Along the way, he has been a journalist, worked in soil decontamination, sold ice cream in California, and peddled furniture across Canada. He received a Ph.D. in linguistics from the University of Chicago. He taught linguistics in India, and worked as a software engineer in Montreal. He is also a certified translator, though he wishes he were an astronaut. He likes to tinker, dabbles in robotics and is somewhat obsessed with Halloween. He absolutely loves toys; his girlfriend would have him believe that he has too many, so he writes about aliens and giant robots as a blatant excuse to build action figures (for his son, of course).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
May 29, 2023
Three and a half stars for this book, four stars for the series.
In this third and final installment of the "Take Them to the Stars" series, the plot doesn't seem as well-developed as the previous ones. Nonetheless, it's not a serious issue, and readers who enjoyed the previous books will likely enjoy this one as well because the continuous twists and impactful moments, characteristic of the author, continue to captivate. At least, that has been my reading experience.
Perhaps Mr. Neuvel could have done without this third book and left things as they were at the end of the second, "Until the Last of Me". That is, with an open ending, subject to the interpretation of the reader. However, I believe that an open ending is not as widely accepted nowadays as it was a few decades ago.
In this third and final installment of the "Take Them to the Stars" series, the plot doesn't seem as well-developed as the previous ones. Nonetheless, it's not a serious issue, and readers who enjoyed the previous books will likely enjoy this one as well because the continuous twists and impactful moments, characteristic of the author, continue to captivate. At least, that has been my reading experience.
Perhaps Mr. Neuvel could have done without this third book and left things as they were at the end of the second, "Until the Last of Me". That is, with an open ending, subject to the interpretation of the reader. However, I believe that an open ending is not as widely accepted nowadays as it was a few decades ago.
July 9, 2024
*** 4.67 ***
Loved the concept of the series! Loved the way the whole thing developed! And love that there is a door open for possible continuation! 👍🙂
Loved the concept of the series! Loved the way the whole thing developed! And love that there is a door open for possible continuation! 👍🙂
February 13, 2025
Sigh.
You know the trilogy is a weird one when my favorite of the bunch is the middle book.
The first, A History of What Comes Next had a promising premise but suffered from pacing issues and stylistic choices (heh-hmm, present tense). The sequel, Until the Last of Me, however, improved upon these flaws, delivering a more confident and expansive narrative. The third, For the First Time, Again felt more like an afterthought or long-winded epilogue than a final installment.
Staying with his alternate history of the space race shaped by the Kibsu — an alien lineage of mother-daughter duos quietly guiding humanity to the stars in order to save themselves — gave Neuvel a strong thread for stitching together the first and second books. But in the third book, with the space race having ended and the attention in exploring and developing technology for off-planet excursions having tempered to the point of non-interest, Neuvel seemed to come at his story without an anchor, and I struggled to work my way through and find his intention or witness the overarching concept come to a satisfying conclusion.
The newest Kibsu, Aster, is the dominate narrator and hearing from a 12-year-old is always risky...but it was especially trying for me with Neuvel's play-by-play approach and use of his first person present tense style and em-dashed dialogue.
So, in that regard, we returned to some of my major issues from the first book, but this time without the benefit of weighty historical events. I don't know...I love Neuvel's concepts, but I'm not sold on his ability to wrap them up properly. If there is another installment, which the ending is open to "supporting," I don't know if I'll venture into that one unless the reviews reveal a mind-blowing story.
You know the trilogy is a weird one when my favorite of the bunch is the middle book.
The first, A History of What Comes Next had a promising premise but suffered from pacing issues and stylistic choices (heh-hmm, present tense). The sequel, Until the Last of Me, however, improved upon these flaws, delivering a more confident and expansive narrative. The third, For the First Time, Again felt more like an afterthought or long-winded epilogue than a final installment.
Staying with his alternate history of the space race shaped by the Kibsu — an alien lineage of mother-daughter duos quietly guiding humanity to the stars in order to save themselves — gave Neuvel a strong thread for stitching together the first and second books. But in the third book, with the space race having ended and the attention in exploring and developing technology for off-planet excursions having tempered to the point of non-interest, Neuvel seemed to come at his story without an anchor, and I struggled to work my way through and find his intention or witness the overarching concept come to a satisfying conclusion.
The newest Kibsu, Aster, is the dominate narrator and hearing from a 12-year-old is always risky...but it was especially trying for me with Neuvel's play-by-play approach and use of his first person present tense style and em-dashed dialogue.
—What?
—What are you wearing?
—It's—
—Excuse me for one moment.
What's going on? He looks worried. Oh, I hear it now. There's screaming down the hall, lots of screaming. And running, I see heads flying by through the door window. AH! Loud bang. It's—This can't be happening again.
—Was that a gunshot?
—Don't worry, Aster. I'm sure it's nothing. I'll be right back. Stay right here, okay?
—Yes, sir.
. . .
Stay right here. Yeah, right. Like hell I am.
So, in that regard, we returned to some of my major issues from the first book, but this time without the benefit of weighty historical events. I don't know...I love Neuvel's concepts, but I'm not sold on his ability to wrap them up properly. If there is another installment, which the ending is open to "supporting," I don't know if I'll venture into that one unless the reviews reveal a mind-blowing story.
January 16, 2023
I received an ARC from Macmillan/Tor in exchange for an honest review.
MINOR SPOILERS FOR BOOKS 1 and 2
Oh wow...so that happened. I somehow always manage to fly through Neuvel's books, especially this series, and by the time I reach the end I'm already desperate for more. More time with these characters. More fun facts. More answers and revelations. More songs! I can't believe this series is over, but somehow this final book (and that 2nd epilogue!!) feels like just the tip of the iceberg.
For the First Time, Again picks up where Until the Last of Me left off with Lola's daughter Aster, the Hundred and Two. Unlike pretty much all of her ancestors Aster begins her adventure virtually alone. No mother or grandmother or ancient mantras to guide her. Aster is an ordinary clueless clever girl growing up in the pop cultural splendor of the 1990s. She loves music and Sailor Moon, sci-fi and horror films. And Neuvel fills her narrative voice with pop culture references and energetic curiosity. Aster is adopted, has a hardworking single father and knows nothing of her ancestors, of course that can't last for long now that the beacon has been activated and both her and the Tracker's alien relatives are bound to come knocking.
This book is somehow simultaneously the result of everything Neuvel has been building towards with the first two books and a tearing down of all the rules and structures that have governed the characters lives throughout the first two books. And while Aster is in most ways the most unburdened of the Kibsu narrators we've had so far she also manages to end up the most ruthless. I think because she's alone and forced to make such difficult decisions by herself she is also unhindered by the opinions of others. There isn't really anyone to tell her no or offer alternative solutions. This allows her to essentially burn everything down and that is mesmerizing to watch.
This series consistently impressed me with Neuvel's ability to shape these characters (specifically these clones) into such very different people. Painfully reminiscent of our own societal struggles, each new generation of Kibsu (and the Trackers too to a certain extent) develops their own priorities both personal and in relation to the overall mission. Usually coming to different and at times even conflicting conclusions than their parents or grandparents. This makes securing any kind of legacy nearly impossible which I like to think is kind of the point. Each Kibsu can ultimately only do what she thinks is best with the tools available to her. And Aster in this final book finds that her ancestors left her with very few choices and nowhere left to run.
As much as I love this series as a whole and greatly enjoyed Aster's portion of it. I have to say this book isn't my favorite of the three. I loved the '90s setting and the character dynamics in this book, but some of the overarching plot threads didn't quite come together for me. Towards the end I felt myself desperately turning pages hoping for more. More answers, more hints about the future. I was left unsatisfied, but I think as the 2nd epilogue suggests, there is more to this story. And I can only hope Neuvel sees fit to continue what feels like has only just begun here. I'm happy to read anything he writes at this point.
As always remember to check out the fantastic playlists the author has curated for this series, it really enhanced the reading experience for me. Especially this 3rd book, which leans into the '90s and early 2000s vibes.
Take Them to the Stars #3 Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/43F...
Playlists for book 1 and 2:
https://open.spotify.com/user/evunm48...
My review of Until the Last of Me over on my youtube channel Lycanhood Reads:
https://youtu.be/geWBL99YZYQ
MINOR SPOILERS FOR BOOKS 1 and 2
Oh wow...so that happened. I somehow always manage to fly through Neuvel's books, especially this series, and by the time I reach the end I'm already desperate for more. More time with these characters. More fun facts. More answers and revelations. More songs! I can't believe this series is over, but somehow this final book (and that 2nd epilogue!!) feels like just the tip of the iceberg.
For the First Time, Again picks up where Until the Last of Me left off with Lola's daughter Aster, the Hundred and Two. Unlike pretty much all of her ancestors Aster begins her adventure virtually alone. No mother or grandmother or ancient mantras to guide her. Aster is an ordinary clueless clever girl growing up in the pop cultural splendor of the 1990s. She loves music and Sailor Moon, sci-fi and horror films. And Neuvel fills her narrative voice with pop culture references and energetic curiosity. Aster is adopted, has a hardworking single father and knows nothing of her ancestors, of course that can't last for long now that the beacon has been activated and both her and the Tracker's alien relatives are bound to come knocking.
This book is somehow simultaneously the result of everything Neuvel has been building towards with the first two books and a tearing down of all the rules and structures that have governed the characters lives throughout the first two books. And while Aster is in most ways the most unburdened of the Kibsu narrators we've had so far she also manages to end up the most ruthless. I think because she's alone and forced to make such difficult decisions by herself she is also unhindered by the opinions of others. There isn't really anyone to tell her no or offer alternative solutions. This allows her to essentially burn everything down and that is mesmerizing to watch.
This series consistently impressed me with Neuvel's ability to shape these characters (specifically these clones) into such very different people. Painfully reminiscent of our own societal struggles, each new generation of Kibsu (and the Trackers too to a certain extent) develops their own priorities both personal and in relation to the overall mission. Usually coming to different and at times even conflicting conclusions than their parents or grandparents. This makes securing any kind of legacy nearly impossible which I like to think is kind of the point. Each Kibsu can ultimately only do what she thinks is best with the tools available to her. And Aster in this final book finds that her ancestors left her with very few choices and nowhere left to run.
As much as I love this series as a whole and greatly enjoyed Aster's portion of it. I have to say this book isn't my favorite of the three. I loved the '90s setting and the character dynamics in this book, but some of the overarching plot threads didn't quite come together for me. Towards the end I felt myself desperately turning pages hoping for more. More answers, more hints about the future. I was left unsatisfied, but I think as the 2nd epilogue suggests, there is more to this story. And I can only hope Neuvel sees fit to continue what feels like has only just begun here. I'm happy to read anything he writes at this point.
As always remember to check out the fantastic playlists the author has curated for this series, it really enhanced the reading experience for me. Especially this 3rd book, which leans into the '90s and early 2000s vibes.
Take Them to the Stars #3 Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/43F...
Playlists for book 1 and 2:
https://open.spotify.com/user/evunm48...
My review of Until the Last of Me over on my youtube channel Lycanhood Reads:
https://youtu.be/geWBL99YZYQ
May 25, 2023
This is a science fiction novel, set primarily as very recent historical fiction -- the main story runs from December 17, 1999 through August 6, 2005, with a few interspersed short chapters from 1220 BCE and an epilogue from 2146 CD. This is the third in Neuvel's Take Them to the Stars series. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone, but the reading experience is much deeper if you've read the earlier two novels (and all three are oh so good, so why wouldn't you?!?).
Aster is 12 years old and lives with her Pa, who adopted her after she was abandoned by her mom. Within just a few pages, she finds herself in the hospital, then a runaway, then kidnapped by the U.S. army, then hiding out with an odd man named Samael from whom she learns that she is "not of this world." Over the course of the story, Aster reads the journals of her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, learning about who she is and training to fulfill her destiny, then meeting that destiny head-on.
As with the first two books in the series, there are some extras from the author at the back of the book. There is a playlist of songs with a song for each chapter. Even more fun, there is a "Further Reading" section that contains a lot, a whole lot, of intriguing factual historical information that Neuvel learned about while writing this novel. There is a chronology of all of the 102 Kibsu. And don't miss out on the "Epilogue II" at the very back of the book -- I have a suspicion there may be another coming in this series --yippee!
Aster is 12 years old and lives with her Pa, who adopted her after she was abandoned by her mom. Within just a few pages, she finds herself in the hospital, then a runaway, then kidnapped by the U.S. army, then hiding out with an odd man named Samael from whom she learns that she is "not of this world." Over the course of the story, Aster reads the journals of her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, learning about who she is and training to fulfill her destiny, then meeting that destiny head-on.
As with the first two books in the series, there are some extras from the author at the back of the book. There is a playlist of songs with a song for each chapter. Even more fun, there is a "Further Reading" section that contains a lot, a whole lot, of intriguing factual historical information that Neuvel learned about while writing this novel. There is a chronology of all of the 102 Kibsu. And don't miss out on the "Epilogue II" at the very back of the book -- I have a suspicion there may be another coming in this series --yippee!
June 7, 2023
Full review: https://scepticalreading.com/2023/06/...
It’s a fast-paced book about destiny and fulfilling one’s purpose in life, full of pop-culture references of the 1990s and early 2000s. I enjoyed this as much as the other books in the series and Neuvel’s Themis Files trilogy.
It’s a fast-paced book about destiny and fulfilling one’s purpose in life, full of pop-culture references of the 1990s and early 2000s. I enjoyed this as much as the other books in the series and Neuvel’s Themis Files trilogy.
April 25, 2025
What did I just read? Ramblings of a 12 year old alien, being chased by other aliens… on Earth. Who knows what for? And… nothing really happens… Then they’re in the US and suddenly somewhere else… just like that. Without explanation. Very lazy writing that is. And the way she thinks and speaks is not like a 12 year old. No not even in the 2000s. Not even for an alien, lol. The chapters (57 of them!) are 3-4 pages long and carry song titles…(oooh how ingenious! NOT!) and… well… you can listen to his playlist while reading… It’s pretentious sh**, no, really, it is. It’s really terrible… the story, the characters, the writing. I mean he writes about Bruce Willis following her. So, that’s how he describes a character? Wtaf? No, I really, really did my best to read this story till the end, but up till chapter 38, Du Hast… (yes, Rammstein!) I had to stop. I couldn’t anymore. It didn’t get any better… I could not finish. Mister Neuvel can’t write. Even though the recommendations on the book say otherwise. No. Won’t be reading anything anymore from him. Won’t recommend. What a waste of money… AND time!
June 2, 2023
Headlines:
Everything cycles until it doesn't
Aster made a great focus
Samael surprises
The culmination to this Sci-fi historical(ish) series was fast-paced and the over-arching plot continued to engage me. This installment was in the most recent history as each generation has moved forward. The story in For The First Time, Again introduced Aster, a 12-year old girl, abandoned by her mother. Readers of this series will be shocked at just that because mother-daughter relationships have underpinned everything for the Kibsu.
Aster was a little feral, especially once she found herself on her own. Samael, who we'd met in a previous book as a tracker was a reformed character mostly and these two formed a unexpected bond. Where that bond ended up right at the end, really shocked me.
There were some great plot directions, some unforeseen turns and for once, the Kibsu made allegiances with others you might not predict. I never really knew what to make of Saa as an individual nor her connection with Aster, so I just had to read along trusting the story.
Does this book wrap things up neatly? Thats a no with a healthy dose of some. There's an opennes to how this ended and I would have liked a few more answers. That said, it's been a clever, engaging series that I would recommend to other sci-fi fans.
3.75 stars rounded up
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
Everything cycles until it doesn't
Aster made a great focus
Samael surprises
The culmination to this Sci-fi historical(ish) series was fast-paced and the over-arching plot continued to engage me. This installment was in the most recent history as each generation has moved forward. The story in For The First Time, Again introduced Aster, a 12-year old girl, abandoned by her mother. Readers of this series will be shocked at just that because mother-daughter relationships have underpinned everything for the Kibsu.
Aster was a little feral, especially once she found herself on her own. Samael, who we'd met in a previous book as a tracker was a reformed character mostly and these two formed a unexpected bond. Where that bond ended up right at the end, really shocked me.
There were some great plot directions, some unforeseen turns and for once, the Kibsu made allegiances with others you might not predict. I never really knew what to make of Saa as an individual nor her connection with Aster, so I just had to read along trusting the story.
Does this book wrap things up neatly? Thats a no with a healthy dose of some. There's an opennes to how this ended and I would have liked a few more answers. That said, it's been a clever, engaging series that I would recommend to other sci-fi fans.
3.75 stars rounded up
Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.
June 25, 2023
Aster is such a welcome change of PoV in this end to the “Take Them to the Stars” trilogy. Her irreverent, funny, jumping from topic to topic commentary on her entry to an ancient conflict between her female line and the male line of Earth-based aliens stuck on Earth..
Aster is pulled violently into a new life by Samael. He trains her as they are chased by the military and a few possible assassins of the same species. Aster also learns of her ancestors’ long effort to lift earth technology to a point where humans can go to space.
The story moves fast to a satisfying and somewhat open end in 2005, with an intriguing tie possibly to the author’s other series, “The Themis files”.
Aster is pulled violently into a new life by Samael. He trains her as they are chased by the military and a few possible assassins of the same species. Aster also learns of her ancestors’ long effort to lift earth technology to a point where humans can go to space.
The story moves fast to a satisfying and somewhat open end in 2005, with an intriguing tie possibly to the author’s other series, “The Themis files”.
April 26, 2023
What a disappointing way to wrap a trilogy. I see what the author was trying to do, but it failed. As someone who is exactly Aster’s age, 1- I don’t pick up novels about the space race and hard science fiction looking to relive my childhood. And 2 - you can tell the author knows nothing about teenage girls in the 90s and 2000s. It rang so false. And this book had little to nothing to do with the rocket industry.
I went NUTS for the first two books and anything Neuvel writes, but this one was baaaaaad. Even the second epilogue can’t save this mess.
I went NUTS for the first two books and anything Neuvel writes, but this one was baaaaaad. Even the second epilogue can’t save this mess.
April 4, 2024
Just finished with an ARC copy received from the publisher. An excellent capstone to the "Take Them to the Stars" series. Cannot recommend enough purchasing when it comes out and also getting into some of Sylvain's previous works (Themis Files, the previous Take Them to the Stars novels). Sylvain's passion for science, history, and space exploration shine on full display in these science-fiction novels blended in perfectly with real scientific/historically literate concepts.
October 23, 2023
oh. my. fucking. god. I do not have words, I don't know what to say.
The pacing of this book was perfect, it's been a while since a book has gripped my attention the way this has. The same goes for the story itself. I loved to read about Aster and her life growing up, and her coming to terms with her heritage and learning about what it means to be Kibsu.
I also loved how Samael got to have his (kind of) redemption arc, and him caring for Aster to honor Lola. I really enjoyed their dynamic as a grumpy older guy kind of adopting this sunshine ray of a teenage girl. It worked really well and I really liked how they complimented each other.
And now for the twist of the entire thing. Oh my fucking god. Are you kidding me? Respectfully Mr. Neuvel, how dare you do this to me? I am at a loss for words, it was just such a perfect way to wrap this trilogy up. The minute I saw the words "kungupao chicken" in Epilogue II, my heart stopped and I just knew.
I am going to need 5-7 work days to recover from this.
The pacing of this book was perfect, it's been a while since a book has gripped my attention the way this has. The same goes for the story itself. I loved to read about Aster and her life growing up, and her coming to terms with her heritage and learning about what it means to be Kibsu.
I also loved how Samael got to have his (kind of) redemption arc, and him caring for Aster to honor Lola. I really enjoyed their dynamic as a grumpy older guy kind of adopting this sunshine ray of a teenage girl. It worked really well and I really liked how they complimented each other.
And now for the twist of the entire thing. Oh my fucking god. Are you kidding me? Respectfully Mr. Neuvel, how dare you do this to me? I am at a loss for words, it was just such a perfect way to wrap this trilogy up. The minute I saw the words "kungupao chicken" in Epilogue II, my heart stopped and I just knew.
I am going to need 5-7 work days to recover from this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2023
When you read the notes at the end of each book in the Take Them to the Stars series, you get a sense for Neuvel's love of space and science. The way he incorporates real life events into the series has been awesome. It works so seamlessly, and along with a fun, tension filled story, I learned some new information. For the First Time, Again is a great endcap to a series that I have enjoyed a lot. I loved getting a full picture of the conflict between the different factions and understanding their motivations even more. The new characters were interesting. The action, as in previous books, was quite violent, but also super cool. The pace was excellent, the first book in a long time that I read in one sitting. The tension was perfect, and the way events unfold were smart and surprising. It was great to see such a strong series end on a high note. If you enjoy science fiction, Neuvel is writing some intriguing stuff. Definitely worth checking out.
January 19, 2025
There is something about Neuvel's writing style that makes me unable to put down his books. It's easy going and always interesting. I hope he writes more sci-fi soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
Another interesting conclusion. Definitely would recommend checking this series out, it would make a great streaming show
January 28, 2025
Kwam er halverwege achter dat ik deel 3 van een serie aan het lezen was
July 5, 2024
Third book in the series, takes us to current times, with a twist at the end.
I'm sure there will be a third book???
I'm sure there will be a third book???
July 24, 2023
I have a BookTube channel where I review books, give reading suggestions, and more! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/dragonarmybooks
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I devoured this book.
Sylvain Neuvel just writes in a way that really works for me. He doesn't waste a single page and consistently provides us with compelling POV characters to empathize with, rally behind, and, in this case, someone that leaves the reader absolutely aghast.
For the First Time, Again is the third and final entry in the Take Them to the Stars trilogy. Aster is 102. Her mother, her grandmother, great-grandmother and all of the women that came before her are from a long line of Kibsu. What's unique to this book in the trilogy is that Aster does not know of her lineage. She is just a normal orphaned teenager living with her adopted Pa in the late 90s, until everything goes wrong. Now, she's being chased by the U.S. military, otherworldly Hunters, and even one lethal Tracker. Using the diaries of her ancestors, Aster gradually begins to discover who she is and what purpose she must fulfill.
This series is wonderful and each book is vastly different from the others. The first book, A History of What Comes Next Sneak Peek, is stepped in 1940s history with major historical moments and real life historical figures. It's sequel, Until the Last of Me, spends a lot of time in the 1970s. The Space Race is over and the story goes deeper on the characters. And here, with the series' conclusion, we get a fitting "end" to the primary plot points presented at the very beginning of the very first novel. Not only that, sneaky Sylvain gives us fans of his other series, Themis Files, a wonderful and significant treat in the concluding Epilogue.
I'm sold. I will read everything Sylvain writes. I love the work he puts in to bring in real history into his fiction. I love his light but intentional grasp on the "science" part of science fiction. And I adore his complex characters. Oh, and I love his pacing. His books do not overstay their welcome, which is increasingly difficult to find in fantasy and sci-fi today. I look forward to whatever is next. Whether it's in this world or some other, if Sylvain Neuvel is writing it, I'm down.
---
I devoured this book.
Sylvain Neuvel just writes in a way that really works for me. He doesn't waste a single page and consistently provides us with compelling POV characters to empathize with, rally behind, and, in this case, someone that leaves the reader absolutely aghast.
For the First Time, Again is the third and final entry in the Take Them to the Stars trilogy. Aster is 102. Her mother, her grandmother, great-grandmother and all of the women that came before her are from a long line of Kibsu. What's unique to this book in the trilogy is that Aster does not know of her lineage. She is just a normal orphaned teenager living with her adopted Pa in the late 90s, until everything goes wrong. Now, she's being chased by the U.S. military, otherworldly Hunters, and even one lethal Tracker. Using the diaries of her ancestors, Aster gradually begins to discover who she is and what purpose she must fulfill.
This series is wonderful and each book is vastly different from the others. The first book, A History of What Comes Next Sneak Peek, is stepped in 1940s history with major historical moments and real life historical figures. It's sequel, Until the Last of Me, spends a lot of time in the 1970s. The Space Race is over and the story goes deeper on the characters. And here, with the series' conclusion, we get a fitting "end" to the primary plot points presented at the very beginning of the very first novel. Not only that, sneaky Sylvain gives us fans of his other series, Themis Files, a wonderful and significant treat in the concluding Epilogue.
I'm sold. I will read everything Sylvain writes. I love the work he puts in to bring in real history into his fiction. I love his light but intentional grasp on the "science" part of science fiction. And I adore his complex characters. Oh, and I love his pacing. His books do not overstay their welcome, which is increasingly difficult to find in fantasy and sci-fi today. I look forward to whatever is next. Whether it's in this world or some other, if Sylvain Neuvel is writing it, I'm down.
January 10, 2023
Well I have read other books by this author but NOT this series.
I enjoyed it on its own. I liked the characters, the story, the story even though I have no idea what it relates back to. But it did work on its own (for me) and I loved the playlist and the authors note, going bananas about Pluto was fantastic.
3.5 stars rounded up.
I enjoyed it on its own. I liked the characters, the story, the story even though I have no idea what it relates back to. But it did work on its own (for me) and I loved the playlist and the authors note, going bananas about Pluto was fantastic.
3.5 stars rounded up.
January 10, 2025
This was a disappointing ending of the trilogy. I enjoyed the first book a lot, it was a blend of science fiction and historical fiction and the characters were interesting. The second one already dropped in quality somewhat, but was still readable.
But this one... At least it was short. The main character is a teenager in the 1990s so of course every third word she says is "crud" and she constantly quotes movies (I guess saying a character looks like something from a film is easier for the author to do than having to describe a scene).
Another thing I found lazy were the actual aliens. They are like humans, but a lot taller and have two hearts. That's it. These are beings from a planet that's light years away from the Earth, and are more similar to us than animals that have evolved on the same planet as us. I can understand when aliens in movies or TV shows have human like features because it's easier and cheaper to bring to the screen. But in a book the only limit is the author's imagination.
At the end of the book, the author includes a brief overview of the exploration of Pluto. This overview was the most interesting part of this book. This also explains why the series declined in quality, the author is at his best when historical details and characters are involved.
In short, I would definitely recommend reading the first one, skimming through the second one and reading a summary of the third one.
But this one... At least it was short. The main character is a teenager in the 1990s so of course every third word she says is "crud" and she constantly quotes movies (I guess saying a character looks like something from a film is easier for the author to do than having to describe a scene).
Another thing I found lazy were the actual aliens. They are like humans, but a lot taller and have two hearts. That's it. These are beings from a planet that's light years away from the Earth, and are more similar to us than animals that have evolved on the same planet as us. I can understand when aliens in movies or TV shows have human like features because it's easier and cheaper to bring to the screen. But in a book the only limit is the author's imagination.
At the end of the book, the author includes a brief overview of the exploration of Pluto. This overview was the most interesting part of this book. This also explains why the series declined in quality, the author is at his best when historical details and characters are involved.
In short, I would definitely recommend reading the first one, skimming through the second one and reading a summary of the third one.
April 30, 2023
A fitting ending, though not my favorite of this trilogy. Epilogue II, though *chef's kiss*
May 20, 2023
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*Spoiler alert!*
For the First Time, Again is the third and final entry in Sylvain Neuvel’s “Take Them to the Stars” series. I’m sad to see the series end, but I felt like the third book wrapped everything nicely.
Aster is a normal teenager growing up in the 90’s, or so she thinks. Her mother gave her up when she was a baby, but Aster had a great childhood under the parentage of a hardworking single dad. Everything is going great, until she finds herself in the middle of a mass shooting. This shooting takes her father’s life.
Of course, nothing is the same. No 12-year-old should have to go through this, to lose the only parent they know in this way. It’s overwhelming enough to lose your father, but Aster is taken into custody by the US military in the wake of this event, where she learns she has “unusual” blood.
I think you see where this is going.
She must escape the clutches of the US government before she is dissected, and finds an unlikely ally in the current Tracker, sworn enemy of her and her ancestors, yet the only one able to explain her Kibsu heritage. We are introduced to this Tracker, Samael, in the previous book. And yet, Aster’s Kibsu spider-sense is tingling, knowing she can’t completely trust Samael, whose kin is responsible for the death of 101 generations of her ancestors. (She is the 102nd generation.)
I have complicated feelings about Samael and his redemption arc throughout For the First Time, Again. Even as he protects Aster from the US government and (of course) the aliens that come running after the beacon is activated at the end of the second book. He still is very violent and self-centered, but at least begins to question the ongoing feud between the Kibsu and Trackers.
I’ll hand it to Samael, he has startlingly astute observations about humanity. What a savage indictment. Yet, Samael chooses to help Aster save humanity by launching the infamous beacon out into space, away from Earth, and hopefully diverting a much larger invasion. That speaks to the larger theme about hope that comes up over and over throughout this trilogy. That humanity is worth saving. Armed with the knowledge of our history, seen through the eyes of alien protagonists, that’s one step towards making society better than it has been.
As I said before, I already miss this series and the story it tells. However, there is a second epilogue, kind of like a Marvel movie post-credits scene, that hints that Neuvel may not be completely done with this story’s universe. I am excited to see where he chooses to go next.
Happy reading!
--BookOwl
https://abookblog4you.blogspot.com/
https://www.tumblr.com/bookowldevours...
*Spoiler alert!*
For the First Time, Again is the third and final entry in Sylvain Neuvel’s “Take Them to the Stars” series. I’m sad to see the series end, but I felt like the third book wrapped everything nicely.
Aster is a normal teenager growing up in the 90’s, or so she thinks. Her mother gave her up when she was a baby, but Aster had a great childhood under the parentage of a hardworking single dad. Everything is going great, until she finds herself in the middle of a mass shooting. This shooting takes her father’s life.
Of course, nothing is the same. No 12-year-old should have to go through this, to lose the only parent they know in this way. It’s overwhelming enough to lose your father, but Aster is taken into custody by the US military in the wake of this event, where she learns she has “unusual” blood.
I think you see where this is going.
She must escape the clutches of the US government before she is dissected, and finds an unlikely ally in the current Tracker, sworn enemy of her and her ancestors, yet the only one able to explain her Kibsu heritage. We are introduced to this Tracker, Samael, in the previous book. And yet, Aster’s Kibsu spider-sense is tingling, knowing she can’t completely trust Samael, whose kin is responsible for the death of 101 generations of her ancestors. (She is the 102nd generation.)
I have complicated feelings about Samael and his redemption arc throughout For the First Time, Again. Even as he protects Aster from the US government and (of course) the aliens that come running after the beacon is activated at the end of the second book. He still is very violent and self-centered, but at least begins to question the ongoing feud between the Kibsu and Trackers.
“Humans kill. They exploit, treat each other like cattle. They are capable of destruction on such scale I sometimes find it difficult to believe our people could do worse. Yet they do all that while claiming the moral high ground. They cling to the idea that it was their smarts and ingenuity that made them the dominant species, as if killing was not the mother of human invention. I have no doubt Homo sapiens would have bludgeoned every rival with rocks had it not been able to create better things to kill with. I am astonished by the mental gymnastics these people will perform to reconcile their actions with their idea of good. For all their faults, my kind kills more honestly. That is precisely why I have to stop them, but it is also the reason I am eager to do so. This changes nothing of course—I will kill them all—but I find it philosophically interesting.”
I’ll hand it to Samael, he has startlingly astute observations about humanity. What a savage indictment. Yet, Samael chooses to help Aster save humanity by launching the infamous beacon out into space, away from Earth, and hopefully diverting a much larger invasion. That speaks to the larger theme about hope that comes up over and over throughout this trilogy. That humanity is worth saving. Armed with the knowledge of our history, seen through the eyes of alien protagonists, that’s one step towards making society better than it has been.
As I said before, I already miss this series and the story it tells. However, there is a second epilogue, kind of like a Marvel movie post-credits scene, that hints that Neuvel may not be completely done with this story’s universe. I am excited to see where he chooses to go next.
Happy reading!
--BookOwl
January 22, 2023
Having loved Nuevel’s Sleeping Giants trilogy, I decided to give a go to his Take Them to the Stars series. I listened to the first two books by audiobook and couldn’t stop thinking about the Kibsu.
After finishing book 2, I realized that the final book hadn’t been released yet. So thank goodness for NetGalley and Tor Books and for the advance copy. I was able to pick right up where I left off.
Aster is just a young tween when she finds out she’s the last of the Kibsu, one hundred and two.
Unfortunately, the American government has discovered her existence along with the Tracker, so she uses her Kibsu skills to try to evade them all.
This was a really enjoyable series. I listened to the first two books on audiobook and can only imagine that the audio For the First Time, Again is just as brilliant.
After finishing book 2, I realized that the final book hadn’t been released yet. So thank goodness for NetGalley and Tor Books and for the advance copy. I was able to pick right up where I left off.
Aster is just a young tween when she finds out she’s the last of the Kibsu, one hundred and two.
Unfortunately, the American government has discovered her existence along with the Tracker, so she uses her Kibsu skills to try to evade them all.
This was a really enjoyable series. I listened to the first two books on audiobook and can only imagine that the audio For the First Time, Again is just as brilliant.
June 10, 2023
For the First Time, Again is the conclusion of Sylvain Neuvel’s Take Them to the Stars trilogy. Regrettably I found it to be a lackluster installment in a stellar series. Following Aster nee Katherine, Lola’s daughter, this book departed from the strong emphasis on historical fiction found in the previous two volumes and was more of a thriller. Readers learn much about how aliens came to be on Earth and, I suppose it would be fair to say there is significant character development throughout the novel. With that said, I found I disliked several character and plot choices (beginning with Lola’s actions at the end of the last book) and just found several aspects of the story to strain belief. Between being bereft of the detailed historical information and my dislike of some of the plotting, this book just wasn’t as strong for me.
January 1, 2025
3 STARS
CW: violence, murder, death (including of loved ones), abuse (including of children)
I read this yesterday as the final book of 2024 and I was a little sad because I enjoyed this one least out of the entire series.
I still really like the chapter titles being songs, the book having a playlist and the plethora of 90s and early 2000s references. I was especially delighted with the mention of Run, Lola, Run (Lola rennt) because I love that movie - it was amazing.
What I enjoyed most in this book was the altered dynamic between the main characters as compared to the previous two books.
Overall, this was fine as a final book in this series. It didn't captivate me as much as the first ones, though. Still, I really liked the progression of the story over the course of the trilogy.
CW: violence, murder, death (including of loved ones), abuse (including of children)
I read this yesterday as the final book of 2024 and I was a little sad because I enjoyed this one least out of the entire series.
I still really like the chapter titles being songs, the book having a playlist and the plethora of 90s and early 2000s references. I was especially delighted with the mention of Run, Lola, Run (Lola rennt) because I love that movie - it was amazing.
What I enjoyed most in this book was the altered dynamic between the main characters as compared to the previous two books.
Overall, this was fine as a final book in this series. It didn't captivate me as much as the first ones, though. Still, I really liked the progression of the story over the course of the trilogy.
May 31, 2023
Take Them To the Stars Series follows generations of Mothers and Daughters in the same family line who are a little too similar to each other. They have rules for life and the ultimate rule is "take them to the stars". This books follows 102, Aster, she's adopted and doesn't know her mother or family. She just knows she was unwanted, and now hunted, but she doesn't know why.
Sylvain Neuvel does a surprisingly good job of writing from the prospective of a 12 yr old girl. Unfortunately teenage girls are awful and I had no interest in her story. The ending was good. I like the conclusion to the series but definitely preferred the first book the most.
Sylvain Neuvel does a surprisingly good job of writing from the prospective of a 12 yr old girl. Unfortunately teenage girls are awful and I had no interest in her story. The ending was good. I like the conclusion to the series but definitely preferred the first book the most.
June 4, 2023
A fantastic ending to a wonderful trilogy. I wish it wasn’t at an end. I enjoyed the series in its entirety. I never knew what was going to happen next, and every twist and turn was a surprise to me. If you haven’t read this series yet, you really are missing something wonderful.
The narrators for the audiobook version of this novel include Imogen Wilde, Kevin Shen, Kristin Atherton, Lance C. Fuller, and Rory Alexander. These amazing narrators made this series all that much better for all their hard work, and skills. Thank you all.
4 stars, and highly recommended. But please, read the series in order, or it won’t make any sense!
The narrators for the audiobook version of this novel include Imogen Wilde, Kevin Shen, Kristin Atherton, Lance C. Fuller, and Rory Alexander. These amazing narrators made this series all that much better for all their hard work, and skills. Thank you all.
4 stars, and highly recommended. But please, read the series in order, or it won’t make any sense!
July 8, 2023
The first two books in this trilogy left me with mixed feelings, in as much as I tend not to like "secret histories." However, the climax of the second book did leave me with the sense this whole exercise had the chance to end on a satisfying note, and it did, as the alien scions of the family lines who have been in conflict for millennia have to come up with a crafty scheme to stave off disaster. How they do so I'll leave for yourselves to discover. Whatever else I can say about Neuvel's writing, he does a good job of efficient characterization.
May 1, 2023
This is the final book in the Take Them to the Stars series. Like the first two, it was very violent but also clever and enthralling. The very best thing about Sylvain Neuvel is that even though he writes stories that are science fiction, heavy on the science, he is in many ways a teacher at heart. After the story is over, there is a fairly lengthy section at the end of the book in which he explains what many elements of the story were based on, what was factual and what was not, and gives suggestions for further reading on the history and subjects touched upon.
Neuvel is just a naturally compelling writer. Though I didn't love this series as much as his first, The Themis Files, I'm very excited to see what comes next.
Neuvel is just a naturally compelling writer. Though I didn't love this series as much as his first, The Themis Files, I'm very excited to see what comes next.
March 30, 2024
This was a good conclusion to Sylvain Neuvel’s newest trilogy, and like the other books, was a fun and twisty ride. I really enjoy Neuvel’s science fiction, and I love that the audiobook (like the others) had a full cast narration. It really helps to feel immersed in the story. I would definitely recommend this one to sci-fi fans, and I highly recommend listening to the audiobook.
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