I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

The cover for this one was what caught my eye and I knew I had to read it. I requested it, got approved the same day and started it the next day after I finished the book I was reading. Into the Churn is an action packed science fiction romance books. It's set on a planet called Belethea that's plagued by dangerous storms. And follows Ezren as she qualified for the system's biggest race.

This book grabbed my attention from the start with Ezren and her passion for the planet she lives on, her love for her family and her belief in the terraforming goal. When things go south she realizes entering the systems biggest and most dangerous race the BRR is the only chance she has to change things. Her passion and determination really shone through from the start and she brings that to her training and participation for the race. The race is done in doubles and she ends up teaming up with Foster who has been on the race team for a few years. Which is where the romance comes in. Foster is a bit disillusioned with the race after losing his previous double and he isn't sure he wants to race again until Ezren runs in there.

There is plenty of action with the races they participate in that lead up to the big race. There is fighting and racing with other opponents as well as the dangerous weather and storms against them. There is a bit of mystery as well that gets resolved near the end. The ending wraps everything up in a satisfying way, but leaves room for a sequel.

I really liked this book. It has this very slid structure with the plot keeping moving forward. It also has plenty of tropes, but they are well written and the book still manages to feel fresh too. There is plenty of action and things going on and I wanted to know what would happen next. The pace is good too, with enough happening or changing and things not dragging on too long.

I liked reading about both Ezren and Foster as well as seeing them form the others point of view. Ezren with her passion and determination. And Foster is just such a solid and reliable presence and I loved how he is there for Ezren and helps her along. They make for a great couple and I liked reading about them together. There are some great sweet scenes. And even their conflicts made sense and some drama, but it all was well written and didn't drag on too long.

The world building was another thing I really liked about this book. It's clear the author thoughts a lot about this new system and the planets and stations on there. There are all these little bits and pieces sprinkled throughout to give the reader a feel for the worlds. I liked learning about Belethea and the other planets, but also how the people from different places have different fashion standards and such. And there are some different words the characters use.

To summarize: This was a solid read and I really enjoyed it. Into the Churn kept me reading with plenty of action, some mystery, likable characters and a good romance. The story is well plotted and paced, I kept wanting to know what would happen next. I liked Ezren's passion and determination and how she joined the race team for a reason; to bring change to the planet she lives on. I liked Foster's steady and reliable presence and how he always is there for Ezren. Seeing them fall in love was great and I liked the slow burn romance. There are some sweet moments between them and I liked how the conflict and drama that is there made sense and didn't drag on too long. The world building was well done, it's clear there is a lot of thought put in the world building. There are bits and pieces are sprinkled throughout the book that makes the world comes alive. This one reads as a standalone with a satisfying ending, but I see there will be a sequel and I am excited for that one!

A very interesting concept and story line, i think it could've been done a little better though. It was still enjoyable though.

Ok I love love loved this book. It was cute, funny, charming, slightly tense. I loved that Ezren and Foster had open and honest communication with one another. I would love to see this book turned into a movie. The love story was so sweet and heartfelt. I teach in a middle school and I would absolutely recommend this book to them. It shows both what a strong confident woman is and what a positive healthy relationship should look like. Honesty, trust, communication, walking away to avoid saying things you'll regret. But easy apologies when you so put your foot in your mouth. Amazing.

Please please let me have an ARC of book two! I want to see what's next for team Sterling/Hart and I don't want to wait.

What a gripping read! Into the Churn is a solid YA sci-fi/ fantasy read with a bit of romance, a bit of mystery and political machinations, a bit of reality tv, and a very big, very exciting space race. I loved seeing the main characters as the underdogs, tackling every challenge that came their way despite all the odds stacked against them. Some aspects of the world-building needed a bit of tightening, but overall I felt immersed in the story and I could see myself racing along with Ezren and Foster through Belethea's storms. I'm curious to see how the story will continue with the sequel, Into the Fire.

Thank you NetGalley, Whimsical Publishing and Illustration, and Haley Reese Chow for the digital copy of this book. My review for Into the Churn will also be shared on Goodreads and on Instagram (@readcomolaflor) within 5 days of submitting my review on NetGalley.

I struggled with this book a lot because I felt like the pacing was very slow. There were almost too many descriptors and adjectives in in the writing. Things like "red-hued" and "green-flashing" in the same sentence kind of pulled me from the story.

I think this would have been a fun read if the language didn't go down the story!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)

Ezren Hart is dedicated to the research her mother's lab is doing on Belethea to provide the chance to experience life aboveground. When she learns the lab is in danger of being shut down, she reluctantly enters an open tryout to become one of Belethea's Race Royalers. Making the team could provide the publicity and funding the lab- and her family- desperately needs. When she meets potential race partner Foster Sterling, she doesn't expect to feel so much trust and chemistry with him. Can these two prove themselves and make a difference for Belethea?

I love a good YA novel, and this one didn't disappoint! This combined Hunger Games, Star Trek, Amazing Race, and American Gladiators for a sci-fi reality show race of champions. The racing portions of the book were my absolute favorite parts since they had so much action. I loved Ezren and Foster and could feel the chemistry from the moment they met. I did think the romance happened a little fast, but it didn't bother me too much because it just felt right for them to be together. There's a little bit of a mystery that comes into play as you get further into the book, and I wasn't able to predict the villain in the end. I thought I knew, but the author did a great job of keeping it a secret. The side characters were likable, but Foster and Ezren are the real stars. Now I'm curious to see what will happen to this amazing duo in book 2!

Thank you Netgalley and Whimsical Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I love the worldbuilding in this science fiction tale. There’s intrigue, romance, danger, hope and more. You definitely will root for the underdogs! I could really picture the wild and stormy wilderness of the planet Belethea. You will come to care about both Ezren and Foster as they scrap and fight their way to the finish line. The race is insane….miles upon miles of treacherous terrain and storms that change course in mere seconds—oh yeah, and other racers who are constantly trying to take you out of the running, literally. I know I’d be out in the first five minutes! The story is a pulse-pounding thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat!

Look for this very soon, on April 4th! Also, you won’t have to wait long for book 2–that’s publishing on May 21st. Win-win!

Thank you to NetGalley and Whimsical Publishing for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest feedback. All opinions are mine alone.

Ezren Hart loves her job as an intern at a terraforming lab on a planet called Belethea where violent and unpredictable storms ravage the barren landscape. Whilst most inhabitants live in shelter underground, Ezren loves to be outside battling the elements. When the lab loses funding, her friend persuades her to apply to enter the Race Royale for the prize money.
The main characters Ezren and Foster are underdogs, part of an underfunded team who are putting their lives on the line just by trying to compete in this crazy race/fight to the centre of Belethea whilst dodging the storms and attacks from other competitors.
Into the Churn is a cracking sci fi dystopian adventure with romance, science, politics and found family thrown in. The pace is intense, this is one of those rare books that is hard to put down, the world building is fantastic and very accessible and there is great character development.
Fans of Hunger Games, Ender’s Game or Ready Player One will love this.

Wow, this book was super interesting and unique and unlike anything I’ve ever read. I don’t normally reach for sci fi but this book has me convinced I’m missing out. I REALLY enjoyed it! I recommend going in blind and just enjoying the ride!

Can I first say I love the cover from this book. and second I love a good ya sci-fi book. it reminded me to read more of this genre in the future. I finished this book in a day so good was it. Ezren and Foster lead an intense journey through a world of literal life-and-death stakes. The found family dynamic is heartwarming. I was rooting for them so much and could connect to them to, the plot had some pacing issues, but it still made me so happy while reading this and will continue the series in the future. I would 100% recommend this to teen and adult who would love sci-fi, fantasy books

Ezren and Foster are running straight into a storm, and they're dragging you in right behind. Set on another planet, in a world that seems to have left Earth behind, a cast of characters that can best be described as intense leads you into a world of literal life-and-death stakes as they fight to win in an ultramarathon where even the weather is trying to kill you. I always love a found family, especially one that has to work hard to make it work. Sylvia is Effie 2.0, with over-the-top costumes and a heart of absolute gold- you just want to hug her. Belethea was so interesting, and I absolutely loved the science focus driving Ezren. I never would've thought I'd see a main character whose superpower was weather models, but here we are! The pacing was a bit tricky at times- the book covered a lot of ground and it was a little disorienting to jump from a day to a few months. Overall, it worked- I was rooting for everyone, and felt for even the villains, which speaks to Chow's characterization. I seriously don't think I've read (or met) a nicer ex. TW for violence and injury, because there's plenty of both.

Wow!

Drawn in by the cover, I finished this book the same evening I received it. YA sci fi is such a fab genre, with loads of action and even some romance thrown in.
Ezren and Foster are perfect main characters, the side cast are all well developed and memorable, and even the possibly slightly cliched twist was still forgivable for being the climax in a well written, enjoyable read.

100% recommend, teens and adults alike.

Everything about this book is just perfectly balanced. The world is amazing and easy to follow. The main characters are lovable and watching them figure out what's happening on their planet and in the race is super satisfying. The race itself is so cool. I definitely want to read more from this author!