Other Systems

Other Systems is a gripping, superbly crafted read. You will not want it to end! The story kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire novel. Each character is intriguing and well developed.

Science Fiction is not generally the genre I prefer, but Other Systems doesn’t feel like Science Fiction or Fiction at all. Guizzetti’s words come alive on the page and make us readers believe Kypos (her fictitious planet) is real, out there, and just waiting for us to visit. Her main female character, Abby, feels as real as a lifelong friend by the time you finish reading Other Systems.

Sci-Fi is not something I usually read, but I was intrigued by the description and decided to give this novel a shot. I was blown away by the amount of research that had to have gone into the creation of Other Systems. The author's passion for space is clearly defined throughout the story. The story is sort of like Star Trek, meets Avatar, with a side of The Chronicles of Riddick. And if you are looking for an education on space travel, spaceship terms, and robotics, then this book is definitely for you. I actually had to use the dictionary on my e-reader just to understand some of the terms. It's nice to actually learn something while reading. Space fanatics will love this story for sure.

*If you don't want a spoiler-don't continue reading, just buy the book and enjoy it!*

The short blurb is only the beginning of what the story is really about. Abby, the main character, has it pretty rough after she makes it to Kipos. There's a weakness in her character that you pity as one bad thing after another happens to her and she just accepts it as her fate rather than fighting back. It was a bit too dark for my taste. I don't enjoy reading sexually graphic novels, but there was something about the character that kept me wanting to read, just so she wouldn't remain stuck on Kipos forever. You take on a sort of older sibling complex with wanting to protect Abby from what comes next. It's not until she escapes a quarter of the way through and finds the Revelation, that the story really begins to take a turn for the better.

After she is rescued and given a fair chance at a real life, Abby begins to discover who she really is. Through trials and tribulations she is tested, and rather than folding like she did back on Kipos, she begins to stand up for herself and take chances. Her character grows and you finally find something about her to latch onto and root for. Something every written character should have. She grows more confident in herself and begins to take control of her path and where she wants to be. Harden, the Captain of the ship, becomes a sort of father figure to her, and I believe he has a lot to do with the strength she was able to find inside herself. His rough demeanor, yet subtle, loving tendencies showed her that not everyone was a bad guy. Most importantly, not everyone was going to think she was a bad person.

Although I enjoy a stronger heroine in a novel, I rated this story four stars because through her weakness for men and her insecurities, she was able to find herself and become a stronger person. I love when a character can reach their lowest and still be able to come out on top. Her story ends as a happy one and I can easily say that the author did a great job with taking me to places I had never been, nor even dreamed about.
Candace K.

Other Systems is the best sci-fi book I have read, maybe ever. I loved it. The fast paced story grabs you from the beginning and does not let go until the end, and the end is both worth the wait and comes too soon. It leaves you wanting more, and that is the point. We need more. I won't give away any spoilers, but I love way Abby goes from making the best of bad things to the way she takes charge and makes thing happen. Very well done, and I am recommending it to everyone.

After reading Other Systems, not only will you want to board the next ship to Kipos, but you will also know all the terms needed to pilot it to paradise. Some parts are hard to read, and I imagine they were equally hard for Elizabeth to write, but it wouldn't be the same without those parts, they make you care more for Abby even more. This is a great book!

Well I didn't feel my first review of Other Systems was good enough, and niether was my first reading of this great story. For the first time, I am re-reading a book I have recently finished. Elizabeth Guizzetti should be proud of the masterpiece she has created, and once again I am diving deeper into her book to get more information about the deep relationships and important side characters that I missed trying to rush to the ending that kept me thinking long after I finished reading. After all, the best books in our lives leave us thinking, and Other Systems does just that. Stay tuned for a more in-depth review!