Liked the premise but didn't like the main character(s). ( )

I vaguely remember reading some where that this Beneath Strange Skies series is actually YA, and I have to say that it certainly feels that way while reading it. I was a bit bored at first, but the story does seem to be taking off now. All the same, it doesnt have the same kind of 'punch' that the Liaden books do.

I found the second half a much quicker read. I think part of the problem was that I had expected something with the detail and complexity of the Liaden books - and this isn't like that. Once I realised I was reading a YA book and went back to it with that understanding, the story took off. I think so far I like Kay best of the characters. Jerel is missing something for me, even if I'm not exactly sure what that is. It may just be depth of character. Since she's the POV character for the book - and I suspect for the series as well - I expect more from her than I do the other characters.

I really liked the description of Sumelion's house, but found the rest somewhat lacking. All in all, I found this to be an enjoyable read when taken as what it is designed to be - a pleasant YA novel - but it certainly doesn't approach Lee and Miller's best. I'll read the rest of the series I expect, but I'd really rather have another Liaden novel. I'm tossing up whether to go with six or seven out of ten, but I'm going to choose 7/10 because I don't want a low rating to put off potential readers. This book suffers on comparison to the author's other work rather than being a bad book on its merit. If a reader wants a nice YA SF story, they could do worse than to read this. I don't think they would be disappointed. ( )