Kind of cheesy like fast and the furious “that’s family” type vibes but in space at around the halfway point but I liked it and I will definitely be picking up the sequel

Cascade Failure is a beautifully written and sometimes profound SF series starter by L.M. Sagas. Released 19th March 2024 by Macmillan on their Tor/Forge imprint, it's 416 pages and is available in trade paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.

Well written and engaging, it's very much a character driven ensemble space caper/mystery with a ragtag crew of misfits, human and otherwise trying to survive and carve out a niche for themselves in an unforgiving system.

There are inevitable comparisons to Chambers' Monk & Robot, and Wells' Murderbot, and it's not in any way derivative, but fans of both will likely enjoy this series as well. The author's adept at dialogue, but the descriptive prose and pacing are occasionally uneven. At any rate, the setup is entertaining and the author seems to be going in a good direction developing the series.

Three and a half stars. Definitely worth acquisition for public library, home readers, and potentially a good buddy read. Book 2 was released in July 2024, making it also good for a short binge read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This started out as a fun space romp with a misfit crew flown by an AI ship that has attained sentience. As we got deeper in to the story, though, I started feeling like the characters were one note and didn't have much difference between them in the way they spoke and thought.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

A wonderful and exciting book about an unlikely crew who get themselves into a situation where it’s almost more than they can handle. It’s very reminiscent of the crew from Firefly, Mass Effect, and Becky Chamber’s The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet.

The first time I tried to read this book, I gave up. I really wish I hadn’t because the second time I absolutely devoured it! I could not put this book down. The twists and turns and the pace of it was absolutely amazing. A fantastic group of characters with well developed characterization that I can’t wait to read more about in the sequel. 10/10 would read again!

I love when a book catches you surprise. I was hooked from the first chapter- from the premise to the character development. And the banter? DELICIOUS. I can’t wait to continue this series. I love a fresh voice and that’s exactly what LM Sagas brings to the table!

Cascade Failure is a sci-fi romp with a rag tag crew, emotional baggage and some action.

I thought this would be right up my alley but the story didn't grip me. The set up for the story had awkward pacing and didn't feel as high stakes as it should've been. This may be due my feeling that the characters lacked overall development or the plot being predicable (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). I had no real sense of the world, other than the named entities being corrupt.

There is head hopping in the 3rd person POV, which helped get to know the characters, but everyone felt somewhat formulaic for the sci-fi genre.

I ended up waiting to borrow the audiobook after release to see if it was format vs book. By the time the adventure ramps up and the plot is motoring, I was just ready to move onto my next read.

Overall, it was just fine for me. I think it would make for an entertaining tv show.

CW: violence, blood, death, suicide attempt, abandonment, alcohol, medical content

My rating: 3 of 5 stars--

Cascade Failure is set in a space-faring future, where the galaxy revolves around three political entities--The Trust, The Union, and The Guild. Jal is on the run as a Guild deserter, but gets picked up by an eccentric crew, including an old Guild partner of his. But instead of turning him in to the authorities, the rag-tag group of Guild operatives answer a distress call and rescue a plucky, neuro-spicy coder, who claims to have discovered a conspiracy involving mass planetary genocide for capital gain.

Cascade Failure has the makings of a book I'd love--sci-fi, anticapitalist, emotionally troubled characters--but it just didn't hit for this reader. I felt the dialogue was a bit trite, and the plot dragged and felt pretty predictable. That said, I found the characters heart-warming and the story cathartic. I won't be continuing the series but those who do should look forward to some fun will-they-won't-they queer romances, or at least queer-coded friendships. And hopefully even more "eat the rich" vibes.

Many thanks to Tor and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Published: March 2024
Format: Digital, 416 pgs
Genre: Science fiction, space opera
This book is billed as being a combination of the Expanse series and Becky Chambers’ Wayfarer series, but it made me think of Firefly. It’s nothing that hasn’t been done before — a ragtag, misfit crew on a space ship fights to save the day and each other. What made this book stand out was the humor and snarkiness of the writing. Sagas’ creative use of swearing made me laugh throughout (though if you mind profanity this is not the book for you). The book was occasionally a bit too “heartfelt” but the humor and creative language balanced it out and made it the kind of book that gives you some of everything: emotion, humor, adventure, and technology.

Jal is a physically-enhanced miner on the run from the Guild, having been accused of desertion. Looking for a ship, he gets on the most beat-up one he can find – only to run into his former comrade and mentor, Saint, who’s prepared to turn him in. The rest of the Ambit’s crew includes its captain, an AI named Eoan, and its engineer Nash.

When the ship responds to a distress call, they find lots of dead bodies, as if everyone died with no warning. Only one person’s alive, a programmer who’s the only person who knows what happened. The Ambit crew can either turn Jal in as planned or help expose a conspiracy that is killing planets.

This was a fun, action-packed science fiction adventure story, with lots of exploration, battles, superpowers and dramatic tension. The emotional development of the characters, particularly Jal and Saint, are completely worth the read.

The soft ground crumbled in layers, giving way under her boots like dry sand. Made the steep climb to the top of the hill feel all the steeper, as the fog and spider-leg trees pressed in around her. Strange, how a place could feel endless and claustrophobic all at once: like she could walk for hours and see only this, and like she could barely move at all.
L.M. Sagas, Cascade Failure

A few things about the book were a little rough (this is Sagas’ debut novel and the first in a series). The conflicts among the Guild, the Trust and the Union could have been more well-defined. There are a lot of narration changes, which leaves some characters a little under-developed, but that may be addressed in future novels. And as I noted already, the book is occasionally a bit too earnest (we don’t need to be told quite so many times the characters are like family and will do anything for each other). And the cover and title don’t do it justice.

Still, reading this novel felt so much like watching Firefly – it’s exciting and dark, funny and emotional, sometimes violent and sometimes sexy. It’s edge of your seat reading. If you don’t mind a book that’s a little rough but you like a good space adventure that doesn’t take itself super-seriously, I strongly recommend this book.

Note: I received an advance review copy of this book, published March 19, 2024, from NetGalley and publisher Tor Books.

Summary:

Humanity has spread out through the stars – though we haven't gotten any better at avoiding trouble. In this universe, corporations have largely taken over. As such, you have three choices: ally with the Trust (corporations), the Union, or the Guild.

Jal had allied with the Guild. He was one of their soldiers, but he managed to get branded as a deserter (long story). While on the run, he accidentally runs into a Guild ship of a unique nature. It's run by an AI captain, and the XO knows exactly who Jal is.

Review:

Wow! Words cannot describe how much I loved Cascade Failure and the Ambit crew. This was such a fun adventure with the right balance of action, drama, and suspense. It had strong Firefly/Serenity vibes, with a mix of Becky Chambers' style for good measure. In other words, it's a pretty addictive mixture. (Why yes, I have pre-ordered the sequel).

One thing to love about Cascade Failure is that it doesn't lack in character. Or characters, for that matter. There's the main crew (Eon, Saint, and Nash), Jal, and a final character who joins up a bit later. Each gets their perspective, offering insight into their past and objectives.

The whole concept of exploring a corporation-corrupted universe has always been compelling to me, and L.M. Sagas did a great job of it. I already want to see more of the characters, the universe, and the politics.

Highlights:
Science Fiction
LGBTQ+
Space Exploration
Firefly/Serenity Vibes
Multiple Perspectives

Cascade Failure by L.M. Sagas is the kind of science fiction adventure novel that I am always on the lookout for. Sagas uses many recognizable sf conventions and character types, but mixes and twists them just a little bit to make the story incredibly fun and engaging while still being familiar. There are plenty of other reviews that make reference to Firefly and Becky Chambers Wayfarers series. Yes, there are many similarities, and that's fine-familiarity with the shows and books that we love is good. Sagas changes the formulas enough to let the book be its own thing, while still easily fitting into a category that we know and love. But to get back to Cascade Failure, this book is just fun. But it's also not a mindless read or dumbed down. Not all sf books need to be deep or bring something totally new to the genre to be good. Sometimes a book just needs to be an enjoyable read and make me smile while I am reading. This is a book that can easily see myself returning to in the future. As a result, even though I read it as an Advanced Review Copy ebook, when I finished I immediately went out and purchased a physical copy to keep on the shelf. That's probably the highest praise I can give it.

Thanks to NetGalley, L.M. Sagas, and Tor Books for the Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own.

Every now and then, a novel comes around that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let you go. Cascade Failure was one such novel. Not since These Burning Stars by Bethany Jacobs did a sci-fi book sit me down and shut me up for the requisite number of hours to read it. With found family vibes to end all found family vibes, a sweeping adventure with stakes both fresh and familiar, and emotional moments that left me breathless, LM Sagas' debut left me both fulfilled and wanting more.

There are a lot of books compared to Becky Chambers these days, but for once, I think the comp is justified in Cascade Failure. This novel excels at showing the tiny, ‘mundane’ moments of human connection that make the wider universal stakes and worldbuilding matter, which is what I associate most heavily with Becky Chambers. I’d also say I get a lot more Firefly than Expanse from this, which—even though I love The Expanse!—is a compliment. A scrappy crew of misfits on an equally scrappy ship facing impossible odds is what I loved most about Firefly.

The characters, the characters, the CHARACTERS. I would die for each and every member of the Ambit’s crew. I love them all in different ways, and by the end of the first novel, they felt so real to me. Not only are they autonomous in and of themselves, but all of them make decisions in line with the personality and motivations they espouse, even when those decisions are ‘bad’ (to vastly oversimplify).

When I say Cascade Failure is impeccably paced, it’s still an understatement. I devoured this novel in a day and didn’t move from my couch or bed for most of it, part of which was aided by the excellent pacing. There’s never a moment that doesn’t serve the story in some way, whether it’s an emotionally intimate character moment or a heart-pounding action sequence.

I want to talk a bit about the queer representation in this since I haven’t seen many folks go over it. One crewmember, the AI who helms the Ambit, is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. My only very minor quibble about this book is that I can’t recall any other human characters being nonbinary (or even stated to be trans in other ways), and it’s a personal pet peeve when the ONLY nonbinary representation is also non-human. Though the word isn’t used on page, I interpreted Nash to be lesbian given the hints of flirting and attraction she displays with another woman and her repeated sentiments that men are not for her.

What I really enjoyed but can’t definitively speak to is the potential for aspec representation here. I’ve read Gravity Lost as well—review forthcoming soon, but also another five-star favourite—and even by the end of that, I’m not sure how to interpret a particular relationship. One of my favourite things lately is deep and meaningful platonic bonds being given the same attention as romantic ones, both in and of themselves and how it resonates with aspec identities I hold. One such relationship in Cascade Failure is INTENSELY emotional and intimate, laden with history, but there’s nothing overtly marking it as romantic or sexual. So while it’s queer in my mind either way, it’s not easily labeled, which is a-okay (and good, actually). Maybe it will be a long-game slow burn, maybe it will be the aspec relationship of my dreams, but either way, I look forward to seeing it develop.

All that said: Fans of sci-fi, especially folks who enjoy the deeply character-driven works of Becky Chambers and/or the scrappy and adventurous found family vibes of Firefly, please give Cascade Failure a chance. Don’t miss this little gem of a debut!

Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

*gifted ARC

I enjoyed this. The found family aspect was superb. I’m not sure what made me not love it because on paper it has everything I want. Gender non-conforming and queer characters, found family, and an adventure plot. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for it or something? I recommend this, though. I think it’s an easy book to love.

So Cascade Failure has been compared to not one, not two, but three of my favorites: JS Dewes, The Expanse, and Becky Chambers. That is some high praise to live up to! For me, it definitely delivered on the character/relationship aspects of those comps, but maybe lacked a bit in the plot department for me.

For me, the plot felt a bit... stock sci-fi, shall we say? I mean you have a ragtag bunch of badasses thrown together trying to escape the big bad via space shenanigans. We've all seen it before, and I am not even mad about it! The only thing for me was, there wasn't really anything that stuck out about said space shenanigans. It needed something a little different to freshen it up, maybe. That said, the book didn't really drag or anything, either. I liked the characters, I liked their interactions and the concepts of found family and friendship and forgiveness, and I think that was enough to keep me entertained.

Bottom Line: Loved loved loved the characters. Felt a bit more iffy on the plot. Still, enjoyable.

While Cascade Failure didn't resonate with me, its style and unique characters may appeal to other readers. Despite my disconnect, those seeking a fun read might enjoy it.

The Ambit has a two person crew and an AI captain working with the Union to keep peace in the galactic spiral. When a deserter from the Union Army joins them they soon find that The trust, a huge corporation, is dealing with Union taxes, by causing Cascade Failure( paper from TOR) in the terraforming machinery on mostly abandoned words, killing the few remaining people. Helped by a terra-forming engineer trying to get evidence and stop the horror. There’s also a terrorist who wants to use the effect on Corporate headquarters. Saving the day will put all of Ambit’s crew in life-threatening danger. L. M. Sagas tells an exciting tale that is hard to put down. Lucki;y there’s already a sequel scheduled for what promises to be a long and exciting series.

Ahoy there mateys! This is a debut sci-fi and apparently this is the first book of a series and not a standalone like I thought.  I read 61% of this book before calling it quits.  I liked the four main characters and the ship's cat.  I particularly liked Jal.  The fifth character, the AI, was sadly not used well enough.  The major problem was the dialogue irritated me the more I read.  The two female characters sounded too much alike in speech patterns.  All of them used weird phrasing in both dialogue and inner thoughts.  Here is a selection from the four characters from right around when I stopped reading:

Jal - "Big fish, big teeth.  He was one of those, the apex badass in whatever pond he decided to dive into."
Saint - "Christ, who turned loose the bulls?"
Nash - "Ah, and who had gutshot on their dead planet bingo card?"
Anke - "I don't exactly run in the kind of circles that off mercs for funsies."

The weird references irked me.  So I stopped.  I also read the description of the next book and wasn't thrilled by where the story goes.  I seem to be in the minority as there are lots of four and five star reviews.  Many readers pointed out the "witty banter."  Wish I could agree. Arrr!

This book hit the spot for me. I really enjoyed the characters and the adventure. It gave me the feel good vibes of a firefly episode. I will be purchasing this for our library and possibly my own collection. This adventure started out with a bang and the addition of a character with a history that I couldn't wait to discover. He felt very mysterious and when you learn his story you will immediately want good things for him. I will admit I may have even shed a little tear. Great descriptions of the worlds they land on and the unease that comes with the horrors they see. This band of misfits quickly becomes a family that cares about each other. Great banter and fast paced adventure you cannot go wrong with this book. I will be adding this author to my personal favorites and I can't wait for the next book!

Everyone is ready to die for each other and if that’s not a good crew, I don’t know what is.

Cascade Failure was in both ways emotional, as it was full of adventure. The crew is amazing, and their bond together is so wholesome and strong. Jal lacks social skills after not having talked to other humans in a while and cracks jokes that he has to explain (kinda embarrassing on his part). Saint is your resident grump who has a soft spot for everyone but himself. Nash is full of sarcasm and vulgar love. And Eoan is the captain of the ship, the one who brought everyone together to join them in their search for more knowledge. You honestly couldn’t ask for a better group of people watching your back. I feel we are going to get more of our little vengeance seeker, Drestyn, and maybe (just maybe) more of Anke. But all that matters is that Jal got to see his family again (okay, it’s not all that matters, but it was a pretty emotional moment). There's tons of character and I love the way they interact with each other and have each other's back no matter what. This was a very fun read and I can't wait to see what the author does with the Ambit crew next.

Cascade Failure

Oh my heart! This book. It’s a found family and space opera lovers dream of a series intro.

The independent storyline of this first book has a few minor snags, but nothing that takes away from my motivation or enthusiasm to continue the series. Most of them can easily be addressed in future installments.

Readers looking for sparkling characters and witty banter will devour the Ambit’s Run personalities. I struggled to pick a favorite and am excited to see where they all go.

I’ve been looking for a SF series for some time now and I do believe I have found it! I predict that I will be reading all the these books on their release dates!

Thank you L.M. Sagas, NetGalley, and Tor Publishing Group for my Advanced Review Copies! My opinions are my own.

OUT NOW!!

Plot - 3
Writing and Editing - 4
Character Development - 5
Personal Bias - 4
Final Score - 4