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Title: The Kindred
Author: Alechia Dow
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 400 pages
Release Date: 4 January 2022 (US), 3 February 2022 (UK)
Hello fellow booklovers,
I’m back with a review of one of my most anticipated releases of January (and 2022!) and I am extremely glad to report that it definitely lived up to—and even SURPASSED—all of my expectations with it’s immersive, action-packed and intriguingly intergalactic narrative.
I have to admit I’m not usually a huge fan of sci-fi but The Kindred‘s incredible storytelling has most definitely made me a convert.
Summary
To save a galactic kingdom from revolution, Kindred mind-pairings were created to ensure each and every person would be seen and heard, no matter how rich or poor…
Joy Abara knows her place. A commoner from the lowly planet Hali, she lives a simple life—apart from the notoriety that being Kindred to the nobility’s most infamous playboy brings.
Duke Felix Hamdi has a plan. He will exasperate his noble family to the point that they agree to let him choose his own future and finally meet his Kindred face-to-face.
Then the royal family is assassinated, putting Felix next in line for the throne…and accused of the murders. Someone will stop at nothing until he’s dead, which means they’ll target Joy, too. Meeting in person for the first time as they steal a spacecraft and flee amid chaos might not be ideal…and neither is crash-landing on the strange backward planet called Earth. But hiding might just be the perfect way to discover the true strength of the Kindred bond and expose a scandal—and a love—that may decide the future of a galaxy.
Review
The Kindred is a breathtaking exploration of race ,class and body positivity that, as a plus sized woman really resonated with me in way that most books never do.
I absolutely loved every second of this, the pace was phenomenally quick and yet no detail is spared. Bursting with vivid descriptions and social commentary on Felix and Joy’s home worlds, we get to explore the customs, cultural practices and history that’s just as flawed and unjust as our own—an institutionally racist and classist society which relies heavily on upholding several millennia of galaxy-wide oppression.
The concept of forming bonds from birth was really intriguing (having to share your inner most thoughts and feelings with someone you’ve never met but know more about than you’re own family is kind of mind boggling); and the difference in social status definitely added to the Romeo and Juliet, forbidden romance vibe that I’m an absolute sucker for.
The chemistry between Joy and Felix was utterly swoon-worthy (even in their thoughts) and I honestly didn’t expect to get as emotionally invested as I did.
I loved so many characters who were all well written and relatable, though I have to admit Joy was my absolute favourite. She’s clever, compassionate and just an overall inspiration—her blossoming confidence was a satisfying sight to behold! I liked Felix too, in all his cocky royal adjacent (and occasionally grumpy) glory and his adoration of Joy was heart-meltingly adorable. Honestly, I could read an entire series centred around these two.
I also LOVED the sheer amount of diverse rep with black/mixed raced LGBTQ+ (gay,demi,bi and non-binary) and plus size characters was absolutely incredible,especially the Demi-ace rep which isn’t explored very often in this genre.
Overall, this is a beautifully written, planet hopping adventure that Sci-fi lovers are going to thoroughly adore.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I also wanted to say a massive thank you to Harper360YA and Inkyard press for the arc.
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