This book was such a pleasant surprise. I am back after a long hiatus from reading science fiction- just in time for SciFi Month - and this was a great way to get started. At any rate, this one is its own thing and has a neat premise- humanity has discovered the stars and is exploring, but every civilization found is dead. Ruins but no bodies- just missing societies and occasionally caches of data.
But what happened? Nobody knows but Scout and his brother (and Pumpkin, their cat) are seekers after this knowledge, and they have a solitary existence. Their own ship and a loss that each deals with in their own way. This is a debut novel and while in some ways it felt like one, it also got more assured as it progressed, and there were some amazing emotional beats. But I'll get to that in just a moment. There is trans rep here too, and it's very much in the background, as it should be- not a big deal, just a realization occasionally.
They discover a cache on an abandoned world, and one cache leads to maybe another- and something else. Could there be an answer to the galaxy- wide doom that has destroyed, to this point, every other civilization they encounter? But there is a personal discovery too- Scout finds a holograph personal journal that belonged to one of the dead others- and this becomes the heart of the story.
This is that emotional beat I was referencing. I like the premise here- archaeologist in space, data caches- a spacesuited cat- the journal though. I won't lie, I shed a tear towards the end. This is where I'm so impressed at how a debut author could make this story be, at the same time, fun and yet heartfelt. They also run afoul of a team from the big bad villainous company- who are out to retrieve the caches for- surprise- profit. Was I expecting to like the leader of that team the way I did by the end? That would be a no!
I have to ask, though- why take the cat on the dangerous missions???
I love the idea of this one...archaeology and space and two brothers with their own spaceship. And a cat, too! I think I'd really like this one. :D
ReplyDeleteThis is not a genre I read but glad you enjoyed it! And, I have no idea why they would take a cat on the dangerous missions!
ReplyDeleteInteresting question you have there at the end. I see you had a great time with this one.
ReplyDeleteMy concern with sci fiction is that there are too many volumes for a series. Yet, most authors end up dying before the series is finished.
ReplyDeleteI love sci fi and it has been a long, long time since I've read it. I need to remedy that.
ReplyDeleteGracias por la reseña lo tendre en cuenta.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, it's the cat that makes them human..=) Awesome review. I will have to look for this one. Sounds very intriguing! Great to see your review. Here's to a fantastic November! At least I am not worrying about NaNoWriMo.
ReplyDeleteCaitlin&Megan
Ivy&Ellie
Carefully Listening
Ellie
The Book Group
Holly&Stevie
Cherry Blossoms
Better Left Unsaid
I rarely read sci-fi but this sounds like an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a sci fi fan, but glad you found a book you really enjoyed. The last sci fi/fantasy I enjoyed by Marissa Meyer's books, Scarlet, Cinder, in her trilogy using fairy tale characters.
ReplyDeletearchaeologists in space with emotional beats? Sounds great! Nice review.
ReplyDeleteI don't read much sci fi but this one has some heart in it so I'm going to add this to my TBR. Wonderful review, Greg!
ReplyDeleteSeems very interesting.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else said I love the premise of archaeologists in space.
ReplyDelete-Quinley
This sounds so good! And even though it doesn't make sense to take the cat, I love stories with animal companions😁
ReplyDeleteI dont like sci-fi but our kids loved alot. Happy November. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteooh sounds so good! added to my TBR
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I too have not read (or reviewed) Sci-Fi in a long time! I was a part of a sci-fi book club for a while and discovered some great reads. It may be time to pick it up again.
ReplyDeleteI don't read a ton of scifi but it is fun every once in a while. I like the sound of this one. I guess space archaeology is a career we might see in the future. But yes, why bring the cat?
ReplyDeleteThis sounds intriguing! The mystery of the missing people, but also the emotion of the journal.
ReplyDeleteI don't read too much sci fi but this sounds brilliant. I question the bringing along of the cat too, but like Tammy mentioned, animal companions are always fun so I'll allow it even if it doesn't make sense, haha.
ReplyDeleteI feel like a cat on any kind of mission would be disastrous! This sounds really good and I like that there's a bit of mystery and emotion in this.
ReplyDeleteI plan to read smth for scifi month, but sp hard to choose! This could be good
ReplyDeleteThis looks really good! I had not heard of it, but I adore the idea of a heartfelt sci-fi! I mean, I agree though, cats in space sounds like a real hassle, but I also want to see the TV version where we get to see the cat in his spacesuit! I think I need to read this one, great review!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to read this! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 😍
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