Book Review: Resonate by Courtney Grace Powers

I first discovered Resonate from a very targeted ad for the book's Kickstarter campaign about a week before it launched. After I was done being called out by the ad, I looked over the Kickstarter and immediately knew that I needed this book. And because I backed the book, I got a digital version that I could put on my Kindle and I immediately started reading.

I was not disappointed.

The setting of Resonate is very different from the science fiction books that I am used to because everything in this society revolves around music. The moment that I realized that the ships were powered by rock bands, I was hooked. But I found the way that Powers used phrases that are common in our everyday language, and changed them to fit the setting: "going on tour" in this case means going out on a mining expedition, while "Battle of the Bands" is equal part music competition and dogfight. I found this made the slang of the novel relatable, while the linguistics nerd in me enjoyed seeing the say that idioms and language had changed between now and the future this book presents.

In addition, the characterization of this band of misfits (pun intended) is one of Power's biggest strengths. Each character, in their own way, is asking the question, "Who am I?" and their search for answers to their question drives the plot of the book. Each has their reasons for seeking out the mythical "Green Place" - a planet that they hope can save humanity and replace the Earth that we lost. But in addition to this question, each member of the band is still a teenager - forced to grow up too quickly in a society that never fully found its footing after the first time humanity was fully wiped out. The coming-of-age aspects felt realistic to their ages, their attempts to save humanity are driven by the hope that things can be better - a way of thinking that I am proud to see my students around this age striving for as well. It made these teenagers feel real and made me believe that with their music they would be able to eventually save humanity for everyone.

A couple of trigger warnings for the book: it deals with terminal illness, drug abuse, and child abuse. Each of these themes are portrayed sensitively, however, if that's something that you're not mentally prepared to deal with, I do recommend that you wait until you're ready to tackle those so that you can truly enjoy the story. I appreciated that these themes were not thrown in to add drama, but instead were truly impactful and thoughtful, and added to the stakes that our characters face.

Overall, this book is fun and musical and a quick read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And, on top of the amazing book, Powers also wrote not one but two of the songs that are featured in the novel that will be released on Spotify when the book comes out. I have had the honor to listen to the song "Resonate" which is featured heavily in the book, and to be honest, listening to it when it's mentioned in the book just makes it an even more immersive experience. The creativity is off the charts (pun once again intended), and I truly believe that Courtney Grace Powers has a bright future ahead of her.

Resonate is available for preorder now!