I'm not really sure how to describe this book -- it certainly wasn't what I was expecting, somehow, but I enjoyed it very much. Kind of cozy in a grumpy way, all about found family, melded with a talent competition that involves becoming a deity and an endless parade of aliens and their cultures -- yeah, that. I'll pretty much read anything Carriger writes because it's always going to have great characters, great storytelling, an ever evolving plot, tea (probably) or cats (excellent). You really can't go wrong. ( )

Series Info/Source: This is the first book in the Tinkered Starsong series. I borrowed a copy of this on ebook from my library.

Thoughts: I absolutely loved this start to the Tinkered Starsong series. Previous to this I had read all of Carriger's other series and enjoyed them. This was very different from her previous series in that it is science fiction but the story still had that humorous, cozy voice to it that all of Carriger's books have. Dare I say this is cozy science fiction? Is that a thing?

The book follows Phex; a refugee working as a barista on a small moon. He is happy enough with his quiet existence and then an alien comes in and recruits him to become a god. At this point things get incredibly not quiet and very complicated.

I loved the world created here and the ideas behind the way pantheons and divinity work, it is not at all what you are thinking. Pantheons are groups of six that sing, dance, and make light shows together to provide galactic entertainment. It is a cutthroat industry just like you would imagine the entertainment industry would be, but is also strangely complex since the pantheons must work together seamlessly to be successful.

I also adored all the characters here. Even though Phex is the main protagonist, all of the side characters are just as fantastic as he is. They all have complex pasts, a lot of depth to their personalities, and their own dreams and concerns.

The unique world, intriguing story, and complex characters make for an amazing book that is impossible to put down and a joy to read. The story leaves you feeling happy, hopeful, and content. I am incredibly eager to read the second book in this trilogy. Really this book takes Carriger's writing to a whole new level. I have always enjoyed Carriger's writing but this book is special...it is incredibly well thought out, creative and polished; I loved it.

My Summary (5/5): Overall I absolutely loved this book and am eager to continue with the series. This is an amazing world, a fantastic story and wonderful characters. The concepts explored here are unique and intriguing. I really loved the humor and fun, as well as the thoughtfulness around friendship and family. I am very excited to read the next book in the series "Demigod 12".

Wow. I liked this even better than Crudrat. It's lovely. The world is original and interesting, but what I loved most were the characters and their camaraderie.
Of course, there are some interesting parallels with our world as well, taking parasocial relationships to an extreme. But I liked best how close the group became and how they were taking care of one another. ( )