OCEAN’S GODORI by Elaine U. Cho

4 stars

In a far future where humankind has mastered space travel, Koreans rule our solar system via a military Alliance. Ocean Yoon, the scrappy and talented pilot finds herself on a low-class ship, the Ohneul, after having been disgraced in her military command for breaking protocol in order to successfully save a hostage’s life. Ocean, despite having descended from a long line of female divers, does not feel connected the Korean culture and is constantly and curiously learning more about it.

The novel opens with the evening of the Alliances annual gala. Ocean’s a long-time friend of Teo Anand, the wayward younger son of a wealthy family who creates the Alliance’s technology, has been commanded by his father to join a space mission to the moon accompanying a diplomatic mission as part of a political play his father has underway.

Ocean departs with the Ohneul’s crew, including Haven, a new medic whose comes from a Alliance shunned Death Culture (helping people with dying rituals) and whose father has bought his place on the ship to expand his horizons. But as time progresses, Ocean and Haven find themselves romantically drawn together.

Teo’s mission goes horribly wrong, he’s framed as having murdered his family, and Ocean springs into action to rescue Teo from a catastrophic situation. Teo and Ocean find themselves at the center of a complex entanglement in intergalactic politics, as well as the greedy instincts of Ohneul’s shady captain. Their harrowing adventure includes encounters with a group of highly successful and elusive bandits, who ultimately may be more than they seem.

What emerges in between the plot twists is a heart-warming tale of a found family that transcends the politics and divisions of their world.

It may help to read the Korean phrase glossary at the back of the book before beginning as it’s a struggle to keep up with all the colloquial Korean thrown into the characters’ dialog!

Thanks to Zando and Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.