2.5 ⭐

In this graphic novel, we follow linguist Danko who joins a secret mission to create a treaty with an alien race. There he is put into contact with the alien lingust, No'mi. From there they build a relationship with each other in secret and things start to fall apart in their fight to stay together.

I'm really not sure what to feel about this. I think the overall idea is an exciting one and I enjoyed the build up of the story, right until we hit the point of a really random sex seen that just escalates from seemingly nowhere. The way that the relationship between Danko and No'mi is written felt a bit juvenille and had absolutely zero build up. They go from strangers to desperate lovers in the span of a page or two. I really couldn't find myself empathising with their plight because they just felt so childish.

I did enjoy learning about the alien race and I thought their story and culture was fleshed out really well. It was interesting to see how they travelled and spread through the universe as well as their intentions with planet earth and the human race.

For as much as a lot of this book had me raising an eyebrow and cringing a bit, I did feel engaged with the story the whole way through and appreciated the ending which left you wanting to know more.

Be advised there are serious references and visuals of su*c*de as well as anti-ab*rtion messaging and r*cism. Please read with care.

Thank you NetGalley and Humanoids, Inc for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.