Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis Narrator: Braden Wright
Published by Brilliance Audio, DAW Books on March 19, 2024
Genres: Space Opera
Pages: 304
Length: 6 hours, 3 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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Welcome to the Grand Abeona home of the finest food, the sweetest service, and the very best views the galaxy has to offer. All year round it moves from planet to planet, system to system, pampering guests across the furthest reaches of the milky way. The last word in sub-orbital luxury—and an absolute magnet for intrigue. Intrigues such Why are there love poems in the lobby inbox? How many Imperial spies are currently on board? What is the true purpose of the Problem Solver’s conference? And perhaps most pertinently— who is driving the ship?
Each guest has a secret, every member of staff a universe unto themselves. At the center of these interweaving lives and interlocking mysteries stands Carl, one time stowaway, longtime manager, devoted caretaker to the hotel. It’s the love of his life and the only place he’s ever called home.
Floating Hotel is written with many different characters each having a section with their story. The beginning though was all Carl starting with a historical section then moving into present day. I enjoyed that and that format helped me get into the story, and understand the world building .
The next section though had other characters. Some were employees of the hotel and some were guests. This felt more disconnected to the plot. It was good for world-building and appreciating the found family at the hotel. It also brought in the dangers of outside forces.
I was kind of lost in some of the different character sections and enjoyed the story more when it came back to more plot with Carl and a few other main characters. I enjoyed the different character vignettes but it made the story feel longer without movement on the plot.
I found it a charming story and it eventually got there. I could have used even more depth on the plot as we got on the characters and world.
Narration:
Braden Wright was a new to me narrator. I was very comfortable with his voices and enjoyed his performance. I especially appreciated his voice and emotional tones for the character Carl. I did have to start at 1.3x and after a couple hours was able to use my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
Glad the story eventually got you there. Lovely cover!
You might enjoy this one. The character and world building are expansive and charming. I just prefer more plot.
I liked it a bit more than you, but I also wish the connecting threads had been stronger. Awesome review!
Thank you Tammy
I spotted this one and almost grabbed it off the audio list, but was just too full up at the time. Sounds like one I’d enjoy in ebook instead with that large cast and character intros.
Possibly. I sometimes do better reading ebooks when there are a lot of details. But listening helps me immerse myself emotionally without worrying about pronunciation.
I’m pretty sure I’ve never read a space opera though the concept does sound fun. I think this might not be the one to start with as it doesn’t sound the strongest but this is a genre I’ll have to look into.
Since this is more of a cozy character study you might like it. There isn’t much “space” stuff really.
I am glad to read your review of Floating Hotel, Anne. This is one I am really curious about.
I think it’s great with character studies but for me it felt disjointed without more plot to connect them.
I’ve seen a similar reaction to this book. Probably not for me. It does look unique, though.
I wanted to like it more and the characters are excellent. I just needed a bit more plot.
I enjoyed this one more than you did, but I completely agree that it was the characters and their backstories that drove the narrative in this story. Lovely review, Anne.
Thank you Sarah. I wanted to like it more. I just needed to connect the characters a bit more with plot.
I had been eyeing this one for review, but ended up passing it up. However, I may still see if I can get it from the library.
It’s a cozy character study so I think you might really enjoy it.
This sounds like it would make a fun tv show, with all the character aspects to it.
I don’t know. Since the plot is weak the pacing is slow.