A gifted Earth-born robotics prodigy wins passage on a luxurious starliner to Mars, where she’s thrust into the world of the Martian elite and forms a reluctant, then romantic, partnership with a privileged heir as class tensions and sabotage threaten everyone aboard. Blending themes of class divide, found family, and survival, the story delivers a YA "Titanic in space" with a standout AI sidekick, fast-paced action, and a cliffhanger ending.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a future where Earth is a depleted, dust-ridden world and Mars is home to the elite, the story follows Weslie Fleet, a 17-year-old robotics prodigy from Earth who wins a coveted spot aboard the Boundless, a luxurious starliner traveling to Mars. The narrative unfolds through a dual point of view, alternating between Weslie and Jupiter Dalloway, the artistic heir to one of Mars’s most powerful families. Their reluctant partnership, initially formed to repair Weslie’s robot ILSA for a competition, evolves into a slow-burn romance amid the opulence and social stratification of the ship. As the Boundless’s journey is disrupted by sabotage and rebellion, the characters are forced into a fight for survival, with themes of classism, privilege, and identity woven throughout. The plot is frequently compared to Titanic, with many readers noting direct parallels in both structure and character dynamics, but with a science fiction twist involving political intrigue, found family, and a strong focus on character relationships.

Readers praised the book’s fast pacing, engaging dual perspectives, and the chemistry between the main characters, Weslie and Jupiter. The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance was frequently highlighted as a strength, with many appreciating the banter, mutual growth, and emotional depth. The supporting cast, especially the robot ILSA, received significant positive attention for adding humor and heart to the story. The depiction of class divides and social commentary, particularly through classroom debates and character interactions, was noted as thought-provoking. The action-packed final quarter, plot twists, and cliffhanger ending left many readers eager for a sequel, and the accessible worldbuilding was seen as inviting for those new to science fiction. Several reviewers also enjoyed the found family dynamic and the balance between romance, adventure, and suspense.

Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with the worldbuilding, finding it lacking in detail or logic, particularly regarding the mechanics of life on a depleted Earth and the political structure between Earth and Mars. The Titanic comparison was divisive; while some enjoyed the parallels, others felt the retelling was too direct or that the shift from accidental disaster to sabotage weakened the emotional impact. A few found the romance underdeveloped or the characters’ ages and naivete inconsistent with their circumstances. The pacing was described as slow in the first half by some, and the abrupt, cliffhanger ending left certain plot threads unresolved, leading to frustration. There were also criticisms of certain side characters and subplots, such as the role of Reve, and some readers felt the book relied on tropes without sufficient depth or explanation.

The book is classified as young adult science fiction romance with elements of space adventure and light fantasy, and is E.L. Starling’s debut novel, scheduled for publication in July 2025. It has received over 250 ratings and more than 200 full reviews, with an average rating of 4.15 out of 5. The narrative is structured around a semester-at-sea academic setting aboard the Boundless, and includes themes of forced proximity, rivals-to-lovers, and found family. The story is intended to be the first in a series, as indicated by the unresolved ending and multiple reader requests for a sequel. The writing style is described as accessible and fast-paced, with a focus on character-driven storytelling and dialogue.