Disclaimer: This is a review, and as such will contain opinions, spoilers and (often) general shit talking. (If you talk about what you don’t like about a work, you learn a lot. When you think through a work with the stakes presented to you by the creator, by the context of the work, you learn a lot. I review things, not because I love to dislike things, but because dislike contains rich and vital information for the process of experiencing something, but I cannot access it without interrogating it.) So, if you don’t want to have this thing spoiled for you, or don’t know how to behave when a person on the internet, that you don’t know, has opinions that don’t line up with yours, this review is not for you. It’s also not for the author/creator of the work. Please and thank you.
This trilogy from Beth Revis (Full Speed to a Crash Landing, How to Steal a Galaxy and The Last Chance to Save the World) delivers an engaging space romp that balances high-stakes salvage missions with thoughtful world-building and compelling character dynamics.
Ada is a lone scavenger making her living by scouring derelict ships and crash sites for valuable salvage. When an accident at a remote crash site leaves her stranded and helpless, she’s rescued by the Halifax — a governmental vessel whose crew may have their own reasons for being in the area.
Enter Rian, the ship’s commanding officer, who’s desperately searching for crucial intel from the very wreckage Ada was investigating. Their interactions crackle with tension and chemistry as both hold their secrets close, yet somehow Ada possesses exactly the skills and equipment Rian needs. Coincidence? Perhaps not.
What elevates this beyond a simple adventure tale is the world-building. Earth is dying, humanity has colonised new worlds, and various factions pursue their competing visions for the future — whether restoring Earth to its former glory or moving on entirely.
We get an emergency, a challenging rescue mission, a heist and two main characters that are always playing their own game – Ada especially is a wonderful unreliable narrator. The way she runs circles around Rian is entirely endearing.
The story deftly weaves in overpopulation, government bureaucracy, corporate greed, and fringe political movements without ever feeling heavy-handed. These serious undertones create a rich backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the suspenseful mission at hand and the entertaining dynamics of Ada and Rian.
The pacing is brisk and propulsive, making this a quick read that doesn’t drag.
You’re thrown into the action right from chapter one (love an in media res start) and Ada’s inner voice is so relatable, very ADHD. If you’re looking for a fun space adventure with substance, engaging characters, and just enough romance to keep things interesting, this is well worth your time.
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One snake bite. One moment of clarity she really didn’t ask for. Sasha Barrett has survived two years at the Praetorian Academy — turns out her captain was always going to be the most dangerous thing in the field.
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