Dormir en un mar de Estrellas – To Sleep In a Sea of Stars by Cristopher Paolini

Dormir en un mar de Estrellas – To Sleep In a Sea of Stars by Cristopher Paolini

Synopsis: The plot in my own words: 2257 (if we ever get there) our main protagonist is Kira Navárez and she is a xenobiologist who is assigned on a mission to investigate a crashed drone. She finds an alien relic (I guess we never learn not to touch things), and accidentally awakens ‘The Soft Blade’ an ancient nanotechnology made by also ancient, highly advanced beings; the Vanished. 

Soft Blade binds itself to Kira’s consciousness but it is not designed for curious little touchy humans.

Structure: First of all, it is a long book. Approximately 882 pages book that I read in Spanish. The beginning was very smooth and nicely structured and then I had a rough 400 pages long period where I was struggling for a while. Not just because this is the first book that I read in this language but the story itself was in its valley as well. (I often imagine that stories are like roller-coasters. They have their ups and downs. Since both the author and the reader need a little bit of rest after a very emotional or action-filled piece.) 

The last 300 pages were the best without question.

After all, it’s a nicely bouncing story but it is a long book so if you tend to get bored or struggle with chunky books it might be worth to read something else as your first book in another language.

My take on it: What a ride.

This was my first and main thought after I finished the book. An awesome and long journey into space on the wings of fantasy. Truly enjoyed every bump on the road.

Probably my favourite aspect of the book was the characters. I love the protagonist and I appreciate the fact, that the author himself chose a female lead character for his book. I think Christoper Paolini did a very good job with her, as I never questioned Kira’s authenticity as I was progressing with the story. The side characters were entertaining and diverse. There was space for everyone in this book, that I, again highly appreciated.

Did I understand everything?

No.

Did I understand the main thread of the story?

Absolutely.

I mean, I’m not gonna lie I was looking up words, even sometimes whole sentences, but overall I could understand what is actually happening in the book, which was a relief and also made the whole trip enjoyable.

Do I recommend this book as someone’s first book in Spanish?

Probably not. Not if you are not a hardcore sci-fi fan. It is a long book in every language, so if it is long for you in your mother tongue you can imagine how long it is in another language for you. Nevertheless, I did enjoy this book. I might even pick it up in English next time. Especially if there will be a sequel. (wink-wink)