Failure to Communicate

Paperback, 321 pages

English language

Published Feb. 14, 2017 by Going To Mars.

ISBN:: 978-91-982730-6-9
ASIN:: B01N81A1XO

(1 review)

As one of the only remaining autistics in the universe, Xandri Corelel has faced a lot of hardship, and she's earned her place as the head of Xeno-Liaisons aboard the first contact ship Carpathia. But her skill at negotiating with alien species is about to be put to the ultimate test.

The Anmerilli, a notoriously reticent and xenophobic people, have invented a powerful weapon that will irrevocably change the face of space combat. Now the Starsystems Alliance has called in Xandri and the crew of the Carpathia to mediate. The Alliance won't risk the weapon falling into enemy hands, and if Xandri can't bring the Anmerilli into the fold, the consequences will be dire.

Amidst sabotage, assassination attempts, and rampant cronyism, Xandri struggles to convince the doubtful and ornery Anmerilli. Worse, she's beginning to suspect that not everyone on her side is really working to make the alliance a success. …

As one of the only remaining autistics in the universe, Xandri Corelel has faced a lot of hardship, and she's earned her place as the head of Xeno-Liaisons aboard the first contact ship Carpathia. But her skill at negotiating with alien species is about to be put to the ultimate test.

The Anmerilli, a notoriously reticent and xenophobic people, have invented a powerful weapon that will irrevocably change the face of space combat. Now the Starsystems Alliance has called in Xandri and the crew of the Carpathia to mediate. The Alliance won't risk the weapon falling into enemy hands, and if Xandri can't bring the Anmerilli into the fold, the consequences will be dire.

Amidst sabotage, assassination attempts, and rampant cronyism, Xandri struggles to convince the doubtful and ornery Anmerilli. Worse, she's beginning to suspect that not everyone on her side is really working to make the alliance a success. As tensions rise and tempers threaten to boil over, Xandri must focus all her energy into understanding the one species that has always been beyond her: her own.

1 edition

skye reviewed Failure to Communicate by Kaia Sønderby (Xandri Corelel, #1)

Review of 'Failure to Communicate' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

I read this within 3 days, on the tiny screen of my phone, and I could not care less because I've never enjoyed a book this much

The protagonist is a bisexual autistic woman. There's a strong focus on her inner life and thought process, and it's just so real. If you're autistic and have anxiety, here's finally a book that will make you feel understood, and have a truly relatable character.

For a large part the plot was intricate but lightweight until it got really intense toward the end. For the first half or so I thought I'd be recommending this as a light read but wow, as the book ended I was a sobbing mess.

Outwardly it looks like a science fiction book about aliens and diplomacy, but it carries clear social commentary as well.

I could not spot any ableism, racism or other *ism.

I really really …

I read this within 3 days, on the tiny screen of my phone, and I could not care less because I've never enjoyed a book this much

The protagonist is a bisexual autistic woman. There's a strong focus on her inner life and thought process, and it's just so real. If you're autistic and have anxiety, here's finally a book that will make you feel understood, and have a truly relatable character.

For a large part the plot was intricate but lightweight until it got really intense toward the end. For the first half or so I thought I'd be recommending this as a light read but wow, as the book ended I was a sobbing mess.

Outwardly it looks like a science fiction book about aliens and diplomacy, but it carries clear social commentary as well.

I could not spot any ableism, racism or other *ism.

I really really really recommend reading this. Especially if you're autistic. And I guess also especially if you're not autistic. Or just in general.

It's also incredibly well written. The language is clear but artful.

Subjects

Fiction
Science Fiction
LGBTQ+
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
F/F
Polyamory