I really enjoyed this new entry in the series. It took me a moment to get used to the writing style again, but once I did, it was truly a delight to read. The mystery was engaging, the setting made this feel unique and I liked the dynamic between the two main characters. I hope Pleiti and Mossa finally have a conversation about their relationship in the next book. Pleiti was in a lot of turmoil about it and this led to a lot of internal monologue on this topic, which occasionally felt repetitive. Overall, though, it was a good read, and I’m anticipating what comes next for these two.

Perfect for a train ride without an internet connection. Still really enjoying this series. The writing style is a little ponderous and you either love it or hate it, but it definitely sets the general atmosphere - a little old, a little new. The worldbuilding is still amazing and the main reason I keep returning to this series, very creative (I mean, Jupiter!) and I love glimpses into Pleiti's academic life. The plot is definitely the weakest part though. It meandered and then resolved seemingly out of nowhere, but the rest was good enough that I didn't even mind. Definitely reading the next book!

3.5/5 stars

I cannot even begin to describe how much I dislike Pleiti. She is a condescending, pedantic snob. I just got to the point where I highlighted all the asshole-ish things she said and thought. The mystery and interactions were more entertaining than the first book. But it was a shame Pleiti was allowed to be the narrator. I could have lived without a lot of her thoughts.

A Holmesian mystery is always fun, make it sapphic and adorable and sci-fi and what more can I ask for.

Pleiti and Mossa are back with another missing person case in this sequel novella and I loved being back on this gas giant of Jupiter. We get some more world building, a look into inner workings of the university, the living situation on the moon and the conflicts among the people, and also the aspirations and desires of the residents other than the idea of returning to earth.

While the mystery itself is a small part of the story and solved quite easily, it’s the slightly prickly and uncertain but also adorable relationship of Pleiti and Mossa that I found to be the highlight. We only get Pleiti’s POV and she is sometimes unsure of whether Mossa cares enough but then she says something appreciative and Pleiti is a goner. It’s frankly very lovely to follow along, though I would love to know what Mossa is feeling too.

Overall I had fun listening to the audiobook and I definitely hope the series continues.

This was a fantastic follow up, my only complaint was that I couldn't listen to the audio book right when this came out since I felt that really enhanced my experience of the first entry. I continue to love the dynamics between these two leads and exploring their second chance romance/friendship. Something that hit a bit too close to home for me was Pleitti's anxiety, because it aligned with my own, so not a critique but if you don't want that vibe just know its here a bit more than I would have liked. Per usual Malka Odler does fantastic world building and I am beyond excited to keep trying out other books in this world as they are released!

The adventures of Mossa and Pleiti on a post-apocalyptic Jupiter continue with this second book. The first, The Mimicking of Known Successes was nominated for a Hugo in the novella category, which should tell you that Malka Older writes really well.

In this second book, Mossa and Pleiti have started to settle into their rekindled relationship, though Pleiti can never quite bring herself to believe it. One of my absolutely favourite scenes in this episode will be familiar to anyone who isn't quite sure about the relationship they're in, and if the person they have come to love needs them too. Pleiti is watching out the window, hoping (but doubting) that Mossa might be coming back to spend the evening with her. Older perfectly captures that lovely moment when Pleiti sees a bedraggled Mossa coming home through the gloom, and the joy it brings her.

17 students have inexpicably gone missing, trickling away, seemingly unnoticed, from the university community that Pleiti is a part of. She and Mossa set about trying to figure out what's happened. As in the first book, the world-building here is first-rate. I remember a dinner conversation with my 20-something kids with me explaining the way the circumplanetary rail system worked, and them being completely drawn in. As a person who works in a university setting, the clear message that the politics and drama of academia have survived the move to another planet added a level of depth to this story for me. The description of a futuristic fraternity was one of the moments that both saddened and fascinated me.

One of the tiny details that make Older's world-building effective for this reader was the use of unique gender pronouns. Although they were new words, they were used in a context that made clear what was being conveyed.

This continues to be a quiet, thoughtful love story, set in the context of puzzling mysteries in a speculative setting. Big questions get asked - about what and who we choose to honour, how we create barriers even when we are ostensibly trying not to, and more. I hope there will be another installment, as I am not ready to leave Pleiti and Mossa yet. And yes, I do want to sit by the fire, and order tea and toast with them.

5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the e-arc. Go read this one.

Malka Older’s *The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles* delves into the complexities of societal structures and the often arbitrary barriers they impose on individuals. Known for her incisive exploration of political and social systems, Older once again crafts a narrative that is both thought-provoking and deeply human.

The story centers around a future society where every aspect of life is dictated by a rigid bureaucracy. Citizens must navigate a labyrinth of rules and regulations that seem designed more to hinder than to help. The protagonist, a determined young woman named Lia, becomes entangled in this web of red tape while trying to achieve a simple personal goal. As she battles the system, Lia uncovers the deeper implications of these unnecessary obstacles and begins to question the very fabric of her society.

Older’s novel is a poignant commentary on the often frustrating and counterproductive nature of bureaucracy. Through Lia’s journey, the reader is invited to consider how arbitrary rules and regulations can stifle innovation, creativity, and personal growth. The book also raises important questions about power dynamics and control, illustrating how those in power can use bureaucratic structures to maintain their dominance. One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its exploration of resilience and resistance. Lia’s character embodies the spirit of determination and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. Her journey is not just a fight against an oppressive system but also a personal evolution that underscores the importance of agency and autonomy.

Older’s prose is sharp and precise, mirroring the meticulous nature of the bureaucratic world she describes. Her ability to blend detailed world-building with compelling character development is impressive. The narrative is paced in a way that keeps the reader engaged, with each obstacle Lia faces heightening the tension and driving the story forward. The characters in *The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles* are richly drawn and multi-dimensional. Lia is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist whose struggles and triumphs resonate deeply. The supporting characters, from fellow citizens caught in the same bureaucratic snare to the officials enforcing the rules, are portrayed with nuance and depth, adding layers to the central theme of the novel.

*The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles* is a powerful and timely novel that challenges readers to reflect on the systems that govern their own lives. Malka Older’s skillful storytelling and insightful commentary make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of power, control, and personal freedom. It is a compelling reminder of the importance of questioning the status quo and advocating for change.

This is a wonderful book! I thought this was a lovely sequel to Malka Older's other Sherlockian mystery. A great read for science fiction nerds looking to embrace a little mystery!

This novella was not for me.

I finished it, but found the entire poshness of the language dull and tedious. The case felt super low stakes, and the relationship between these two women did not pull me in because it's seems so one-sided. However, the world building was fantastic. I wish I could invest in Mossa, but she was off putting in a Shelock-wanna-be way. Cold, genius, and stereotypical.The way the Pleiti pines for Mossa is school girlish, deviating from the the overall tone of the writing. I found her outbursts immature instead of empathizing with her. There is little to nothing remotely warm in Mossa. Their history is mentioned briefly, which did not give me enough to start caring.

Also, the constant descriptions about ordering food, wanting food, and eating food got super annoying. I couldn't believe how much space in this short text is dedicated to meals or snacks. It got extremely annoying. It adds nothing to the story; it was fluff/filler which makes for poor writing. When there is more time dedicated to having tea and scones than character backstory, flaws, or growth -- there is an issue. To me, this issue was flat characters, with no hero's journey or transformation by the ending.

Mossa and Pleiti are back in this tightly written, smart mystery that drew me further into their fascinating sci-fi world. Technically this could be read as a stand-alone but the payoff is higher if you’ve read The Mimicking of Known Successes first.
The character (and relationship) growth for Mossa and Pleiti is delightful. This mystery was even better than the first and the setting/s used were so fun.
I am eagerly anticipating the announcement of the third instalment. Like The Mimicking of Known Successes, this was a five star read for me.

Look, I am SO happy to be back in the #MossaPleitiVerse! I was chuffed to make another moodboard to share those feelings too (see my booksta - @booksandbreath) because the experience of reading this book was just as visceral as the last one. I could easily imagine myself right there on the scene, living on Giant, rolling my eyes at the bureaucrats and getting into hours long debates about whether it made sense to try and return to Earth or not. And the food?! Don’t get me started on the food because Mossa and Pleiti are eating well and it felt so familiar to be in that kind of loving relationship with nourishment.

So, Mossa’s back at the University investigating a missing person(s) case and this time straight up invites Pleiti to help (which I loved) and the way they work together and take care of each other? Ugh, it just made my heart happy.

So the story is there’s some stuff going on, Mossa and Pleiti figure it out and along the way figure out some things about themselves and each other as well. We get to learn a little more about Mossa’s upbringing which offers some insight into who she is now. Okay, it’s hard work talking about this without giving you spoilers so can you read it already so we can talk about it??!

I loved the wordiness of this story (words make me happy) and the way that multiple Earth cultures were incorporated through language and food and customs, in a way that seemed unassuming and natural. I can imagine a future like that, especially as we already have that (even if it’s often unacknowledged or overlooked). I also really enjoyed the interplay between how people are and how their societies wind up, good or bad. Our assumptions about hierarchy, knowledge and ‘rules’ are definitely worth examining, repeatedly. Lol.

Also, the title of this book? YES!

Thank you B2Weird Book Club, Tor Publishing and NetGalley for the gifted copy of this delightful book. All opinions are my own.

Great development of Pleti and Mossa's relationship. There's an interesting mystery and nice expansion of the society. I also appreciated the Easter eggs sprinkled throughout alluding to the author's other series.

Mossa and Pleiti are back with a missing persons mystery that quickly grows larger and larger. The mystery provides the setting, but it is Mossa and Pleiti that shine in this novella. There is a charming push and pull to Pleiti’s narration of their relationship, and if John Watson is one of your favorite narrators this will absolutely appeal to you. The entire sentence structure and word choices are positively Victorian in style.

You can see small growth in their relationship since its inception in book one, and I look forward to seeing how it expands in future entries. A special callout to the food mentions in this book as well. There is so much food from so many corners of the world that all sounded scrumptious! Mystery, the feel of a historical piece set on a far future gaseous planet that veers near to steampunk, and an assemblage of clever language make for another tea-sipping while reading entry in Mossa & Pleiti’s journey.

This one is even more Holmesian than the last!

Okay, maybe I was more endeared by Mossa and Pleiti than I thought when I almost DNF'd Mimicking of Known Successes. Some of the same reservations I had about the first show up here too - overly verbose in a way that didn't feel earned and made simple exchanges between Mossa and Pleiti feel more tedious than charming. However, the extra worldbuilding made it easier for me to follow the plot than in Mimicking. I also appreciated that there were real and sometimes devastating consequences to the adventuring in The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles. Pockets of true delight and glee peppered throughout - the scenes on the rail always felt lush to me and I deeply need the Murderbot opera in my life.

I love a good mystery that needs solving. Older did a great job weaving this one together and I enjoyed this read. Definitely one to try out!

This is a special world that Older has created, and I loved to revisit the main characters Mossa and Pleiti; however. this felt harder to get into and I felt weighted down by the language choices used and continued world building. I’d like there to be more relationship development between the women. It felt like it was missing some of the magic I enjoyed in the first novel but it’s a comforting read. I also would have enjoyed listening via audio like the first novel but that was not an option here. I appreciate the opportunity to have read the book and look forward to her next installment.

Investigator Mossa and Scholar Pleiti are back for another cozy, space mystery. This time, Mossa returns for Pleiti’s help to investigate seventeen students and staff members who have disappeared from Valdegeld University, and no one has seemed to even notice. The two are building a tentative relationship, and their investigation will take them to the far reaches of the system and Mossa’s home.

I don’t really like straight-up mysteries, but I’m always down to hang out with Mossa and Pleiti, whether they are solving murders or just having a chat about topics that interest them. The mystery plot was good enough, and of course, the characters and coziness kept me on board the whole way through.

I had a really hard time getting into this book. It was slow to start and I just struggled. Overall I think it is well written but maybe just not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This sequel gives us what we want as readers; character growth, more world building, and the chance to solve another mystery. This time a missing person case, we get to see our detectives explore an outer, more remote moon. I love a sapphic mystery and these two are great at banter. I didn't think this mystery was as well crafted as the first book, and it did seem a bit like a new mystery was forced for the sake of a second book rather than occurring from a burst of inspiration, but I'm on board and will continue to follow these two to the ends of the galaxy.

I loved the drama, the genre mix, and the world building in the Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles. It was a good sequel!