After reading Full Speed to A Crash Landing, I immediately jumped into How to Steal A Galaxy because why wait? Ada Lamarr is one fucking badass female heroine who just can’t  stop at being one. In this second Novella, we get to see Ada and Rian meet again the latter’s home planet. As usual, every thing that Ada does always entails trouble. Although Rian is one brilliant government official, he is no match against Ada’s cunning and lustful ways. Heh.

How to Steal A Galaxy provides us more details about what’s really happening in the whole Universe and who are the fucking assholes contributing to the misery of everyone. While the book was definitely straightforward at what it wants to accomplish, there was still enough guessing game all throughout the story that made me laugh so hard in the end. As I’ve said, Ada is a scheming, brilliant bitch.

My only gripe about this book is that we didn’t get to see the old Halifax crew as the story mostly centered on Rian and Ada. The timeline of the story was also short as it only happened one day. But then again, these are small gripes and did not really affect the entertainment factor of How To Steal A Galaxy. But uh, why are you always teasing us with so many ungratified sexual innuendos, Beth? I was hoping for some sexy action but it kept getting cut.

Anyhow, just pick up this book and save me from blabbering so much about how amazing it is. So when’s Novella 3 coming out in Netgalley, Beth?

This book was quick and simple to understand. I love sci-fi and this was perfect, and quick and easy to understand. I enjoyed reading it and hope another one comes out soon! Ada is hilarious and Rian is just the one who deals with the chaos. I laughed so much!

Thank you to NetGalley and DAW for providing this book, with my honest review below.

How to Steal a Galaxy took the concepts of a heist novel and sci fi book set in space and married them perfectly. As the second book in the Chaotic Orbits trilogy the general context of the novel is already set but standalone readers won’t be left behind if they haven’t read the first book, Full Speed to a Crash Landing (which I would still encourage picking up as it’s excellent).

Ada is a rebel who’s looking out for Ada but having proven her savvy and skills she’s asked to help rebels in a mission that takes her to charity gala. There she meets up with Rian, who is firmly aligned with the Galactic Federation. This book isn’t too complicated to get into as far as the universe so a reader is quickly caught up in the action of figuring out what Ada’s plan is (she doesn’t reveal it to us) and what exactly she’s after. A space adventure isn’t usually what I’m passionate about reading but fun heists are and this book showed me that with excellent writing and a fun mission, any setting can shine. My caveats are that Ada is wiley even with readers following her perspective so you don’t get the sense of being in the action but really just observing it, and Rian remains a mystery to the readers as well. In addition, this ends without resolution as it’s part of a series, so go into this knowing you’ll be dying to read the next book (which won’t be a chore given how entertaining this series is).

If you’re a fan of heist novels and fun intrigue I’d recommend you pick this up!

Beth Revis's 'How to Steal a Galaxy' is a whirlwind of a novel, a thrilling blend of science fiction, romance, and a dash of heist-movie mayhem. The story centers around Ada, a skilled thief with a code of ethics, and Rian, a dedicated officer of the Galactic Federation, locked in a game of cat and mouse amidst a galaxy-scale conspiracy. Ada's motives are clear: she wants to get paid for her work. When the rebels offer her a mission, it's less about saving the galaxy and more about securing her own future. She's pragmatic, resourceful, and unafraid of bending the rules, even if it means kidnapping the guy whose job it is to catch her. Rian, on the other hand, is a stickler for the rules. He sees Ada as a criminal, a threat to the stability of the galaxy. His pursuit of her is driven by a sense of duty, but beneath the surface, there’s a flicker of intrigue, a fascination with Ada's cunning and audacity. The story unfolds at a breakneck pace, filled with action-packed sequences. The charity gala becomes a playground for intricate schemes and unexpected betrayals. The chemistry between Ada and Rian is palpable, sparking a charged dynamic as they navigate their conflicting goals and growing attraction.
Revis masterfully balances the high-stakes plot with moments of humor and genuine emotional depth. Ada's cynicism is counterbalanced by her loyalty to her friends and her unwavering belief in justice. Rian's initial rigidity melts away as he begins to see Ada not as a criminal but as a complex individual fighting for something she believes in. How to Steal a Galaxy is more than just a space opera, it's a story about the power of choice, the blurred lines between good and bad, and the unexpected connections that can blossom in the most unlikely of circumstances. While the narrative leans heavily on tropes, Revis's fresh take and compelling characters transform the familiar into something truly captivating. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it. Filled with engaging characters, intriguing plot, and a healthy dose of romance, it's a must-read for fans of sci-fi and heist novels.

How to Steal a Galaxy is a quick second installment to the Chaotic Orbits novella series, and a bit of fun at times, but unfortunately didn’t land quite as well for me as the first book, Full Speed to a Crash Landing.

In this book, we revisit Ada Lamarr and Rian White at a gala auction to support environmental efforts to make Sol-Earth hospitable for the people that still live there. Ada has a plan (she makes sure you know she has one, but won’t tell the reader what it is), on top of plans, on top of plans. Competing factions are using this gala for their own purposes - to protest? Another heist? Something larger at play than Rian is even aware of?

The first story of this series was a wild ride with a sassy main character who you weren’t quite sure if they were supremely competent, or an overly confident mess. It was a blast. Unfortunately, the side characters and gala setting in this installment fell pretty flat for me, and instead it felt more repetitive in its pattern of Ada dangling information to the reader, but never giving us anything exciting or engaging to get into. I loved the epilogue memos of Full Speed as they gave Rian some depth and personality, but here Rian reverts to just being there for most of the story, till the last quarter when things finally happen once again. Ada can be a lot of fun, but her interactions with good side characters was what made the first book better in my mind - on her own she doesn’t give enough info in her brain thoughts to move things along in an interesting way. I’d love to get more of Rian’s pov (as annotated notes even) throughout the book to give some response to Ada’s frustratingly flirty personality, and it would make Rian more fleshed out as a character himself

I’m still interested to see how things wrap up, but I’m hoping things get back to the off the wall chaos and fun of the first book for the final book.

What is going on here. What is our main character up to this time. One thing accomplished. More to come. PThis is a cliffhanger. Hints as to more to come. Just have to wait and see. .

If there’s one thing I love in a book, it’s a ball gown high steaks charity gala. Add in space, heist., and top tier banter between between Ada and Rian. As I said in my review for book one, keep in mind these are novellas. Great if you want to read something quick, and I am thoroughly enjoying the series. Ada is feisty and Rian is equally in his own way. I’d recommend reading in order the entire series, even though the author does give you little details to help remind you what happened in book one. Looking forward to book 3!

YAY FOR PART TWO! This novella is a continuation of Revis's first novella, FULL SPEED TO A CRASH LANDING. You don't want to read this on its own. In How to Steal a Galaxy, we are BACK with Ada and Rian on another heist, where the item Ada is heisting is not what Rian or the reader thinks it is. From where the story ends I am assuming there will be another portion of the story in a trilogy of novellas or perhaps more, a la the first 4 Murderbot Diaries novellas that make 1 complete story. Looking forward to the conclusion!

I will say that these do feel short and I would hope that in print these would be packaged all together at some point (haha, an unlikely hope I know, but we can dream) because paying 23 dollars for a hardcover novella feels kind of insane.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this ARC.

How to Steal a Galaxy by Beth Revis
Chaotic Orbits - Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 3 December 2024

"How to Steal a Galaxy" by Beth Revis is an exciting continuation of the Chaotic Orbits series, picking up a few months after the events of "Full Speed to a Crash Landing." This novella blends elements of heist, romance, and science fiction, creating an engaging read for fans of the genre.

The story centres around Ada, a clever and sardonic protagonist, who finds herself at a charity gala with Rian, her former adversary. Their cat-and-mouse game at the auction for Earth's restoration adds tension and excitement to the plot. Ada's wit and unpredictability continue to shine, making her an incredibly entertaining character to follow.

Revis expertly builds on the chemistry between Ada and Rian, deepening their relationship while maintaining the fast-paced action. The closed setting of the gala provides an interesting backdrop for Ada's schemes and allows for intriguing interactions with other characters who represent various facets of humanity.

While the novella serves as an excellent bridge between the first book and the anticipated third instalment, some readers might find the pacing slightly slower compared to its predecessor. The plot twists, while enjoyable, may be predictable for some, although the author manages to keep readers guessing until the reveal.

One of the story's strengths lies in its character development. Ada remains true to herself, presenting a strong, unapologetic female protagonist that readers can root for. Her banter with Rian is particularly enjoyable, adding humour and lightness to the narrative.

"How to Steal a Galaxy" is perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of strong character dynamics, sweet romance, and high-stakes heists in a science fiction setting. Despite being part of a series, it stands well on its own, though familiarity with the first book enhances the experience.

In conclusion, this novella is a captivating read that will leave fans eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the Chaotic Orbits series. Its mix of action, humour, and romance, coupled with Beth Revis's engaging writing style, makes it a recommended read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, DAW, and the author, Beth Revis, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Thank you NetGalley and DAW for giving me early access to this book! All opinions are my own.

When I realized I was at the end of the book, I literally screamed with frustration. I feel personally victimized…I cannot believe I now have to wait an unknown length of time until the third book.

How To Steal a Galaxy is a continuation of the Chaotic Orbits series, showing us where Ada is after Full Speed to a Crash Landing. Ada continues to dazzle the other characters and myself in this book with her wit and sardonic nature, making this story even more enjoyable than the last. More heists, more space, more sarcasm, the only thing this book was missing was more pages so I could know what was going on! I sincerely hope Beth and DAW do not keep us waiting long for the 3rd book, but until it arrives I will just console myself with preordering both books. 5⭐️

Not liking this book is probably more my fault than anything else. I have not read the previous novella, so I was a little lost reading this one. The author provided enough background and context that allowed me to follow the story, but I felt there were some parts I was unable to appreciate. Additionally, I find novella’s like this one frustrating. The story does not end at the end of this book. It does not feel finished, but at the same time the story didn’t end with a cliffhanger. I don’t know that I will read the third installment to see how it ends.

This novel is perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of romance, science fiction, and thrilling heist plots, with complex characters and a captivating storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Title: How to Steal a Galaxy

Author: Beth Revis
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance, Adventure

Rating: ★★★★☆

A high-octane, sexy space heist that continues the adventure from the first novella in the trilogy. Ada has no plans to keep working for the rebels who stiffed her on payment for retrieving government plans. However, they lure her back with a new undercover mission at a charity gala where Rian, her former flame, will be in attendance.
Rian, suspecting Ada will be drawn to the rare items up for auction, volunteers at the gala to catch her in the act and pin a crime on her. Unbeknownst to him, Ada’s real mission is to convince him to join the rebels, and she's decided that kidnapping him is the most efficient way to do it.
Revis delivers another rip-roaring good time filled with tension, twists, and the sizzling chemistry between Ada and Rian.

This novella is a fun, fast-paced continuation of the adventures that made the first story such a blast and I loved it!

What I Loved:

Ada’s Reluctant Return: One of my favourite aspects of this novella is Ada herself. She's fiercely independent, incredibly resourceful, and delightfully flawed. Her initial reluctance to continue working with the rebels after they fail to pay her for retrieving the government’s plans for a nanobot climate cleaner is both relatable and hilarious. Her no-nonsense attitude and sharp wit make her a character you can't help but root for.

The Charity Gala Undercover Mission: The charity gala setting is an electrifying backdrop for the story’s action. Revis paints a vivid picture of the glitzy event, complete with rare items up for auction that tempt Ada’s thieving instincts. The atmosphere is dripping with elegance and danger, making it the perfect stage for a high-stakes heist. I loved how the opulence of the gala contrasts with the underlying tension of Ada's covert mission.

Rian’s Clever Trap: Rian is back and just as captivating as ever. His plan to catch Ada in the act by volunteering at the gala is brilliantly devious. The cat-and-mouse game between him and Ada is filled with sizzling chemistry and sharp banter. Their interactions crackle with unresolved tension, making every encounter a delightful blend of suspense and romance.

Unexpected Twists and Turns: The plot twists in How to Steal a Galaxy kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Revis threw in a curveball that changed the game entirely. Ada's decision to kidnap Rian as the most efficient way to recruit him for the rebels was a surprising and bold move that added an extra layer of excitement to the story.

A Sexy, Rip-Roaring Good Time: Revis expertly balances the action-packed heist with steamy romance and witty humour. The dynamic between Ada and Rian, the high-stakes missions, and the clever plot twists make this novella an absolute page-turner. The return of familiar characters and the continuation of their thrilling adventures made this read incredibly satisfying.

How to Steal a Galaxy is a delightful mix of adventure, romance, and suspense. Beth Revis has crafted an entertaining sequel.

If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced read with a healthy dose of sexy intrigue, this novella is a must-read.


Thank you to The Publisher DAW ,The Author Beth Revis & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Romantic, easy to read Sci-fi with a quippy Veronica Mars-esque heroine and a plot you'll be dying to unravel.

I’m always blown away by the world building in these. Revis is able to take complex backstory and write it in a way that is concise and informative in a way that feels natural. It never feels like info-dumping. The documents included in the end really give it a found-footage/mystery kind of feel.

This one was a little slower for me in comparison to the first, mostly due to a smaller cast of characters. It feels (understandably) like a set up for what’s coming. I was able to guess fairly early on what was happening and then had enough time to somehow talk myself out of it again before the reveal. The plot isn’t groundbreaking, but I had so much fun following along and trying to identify all the things that were building up to it.

There’s enough information at the start that I think someone who skipped part one would be able to follow along but they would be missing out on the full picture. I’d absolutely recommend this to readers who want fun, casual Sci-fi with some star-crossed lovers style romance.

Ada and Rian continue to "circle around each other" , but like all book number two in a series, this one suffers from a few lapses in pace, partly because the grand finale has to be built up, which unfortunately, but as I expected, remains obviously open-ended. No particular cliff-hanger, but certainly the main Arc remains unresolved, as do the secondary ones and, unfortunately, also the love story if there is to be one....

Ada e Rian continuano a girarsi intorno, ma come tutti i libri numero due di una serie, questo soffre di qualche calo di ritmo, anche perché bisogna costruire il gran finale, che purtroppo, ma come mi aspettavo, resta ovviamente aperto. Nessun particolare cliff-hanger, ma certo che l'Arc principale resta irrisolta, cosí come quelle secondarie e, purtroppo, anche la storia d'amore se ci sará....

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

Headlines:
Plots
Heists
I missed space

The story in this second installment picked up fairly soon after book one ended but I missed the space setting. This story was planet-side, completely set in one evening and pretty fast-paced.

Ada was a different persona yet again. She is the biggest double crosser that was ever written and she's not to be trusted. Yet she's such an interesting and likeable character. She's as grey as they come, with some integrity but we are yet to see if she really has Sol-Earth's best interests in mind or her pocket.

The chemistry between Ada and Rian is real and those splashes of connection on the page were great, but I need more! I loved where this novella ended up even if I didn't enjoy the majority of the journey as much as book one. I'm still eager to read the culmination.

Thank you to DAW for the eARC.

How to Steal a Galaxy has been able to keep most of the momentum that it had in Full Speed To a Crash Landing. (I highly recommend reading that one first; this shouldn't be read as a standalone). Ada finds herself in a heist at a gala, following solely her own secret agenda. And of course, Rian is also attending. I still wouldn't call this a romance, but I have grown to accept their odd relationship.

I like how the theme of capitalism has more developed in this novella. I feel like there has been more time taken to address the seriousness of the situation.

The only downside is that the plot twist and oddness did hit a little less than in Crash Landing, but that's mainly due to that I've already gotten used to it.

Thank you to NetGalley and to DAW for the ARC of How to Steal a Galaxy by Beth Revis.

I wish, I wish, I wish these were full-length novels - the first two novellas in this series are SO good, I just want more.

We pick up a few months after Ada and Rian's first encounter - Ada is enticed onto a new job with the same rebel group who had hired her to retrieve the plans that put her in Rian's pathway in the first place. Ada and Rian play a cat and mouse game with each other at a charity gala and auction to save the original planet Earth, but, as usual, Ada is a few steps ahead of the rebels, Rian, and the government with her own machinations at work.

This novella is action packed, even in a closed setting, and it serves as a great bridge between the first book and what will most likely be a very wild use of Ada's skillset in the third. We get to spend more time with her and Rian, building on their chemistry, and we get to spend more time with Ada as she encounters gala-goers who represent some of the worst parts of humanity, including an excellent Elon Musk-esque trillionaire villain.

It's hard to say more about any of the books in this set because they're so short and it's so hard not to give pieces away - all I can say is, if you've read the first, you definitely want to continue. For anyone who is looking for a space-opera-romance a la Jessie Mihalik, Jennifer Estep or Ilona Andrews - this is 100% for you, read it.

If you’re looking for a fun novella that’ll keep you smiling while reading, I highly recommend this series. I can’t wait for the next book! Thank you netgalley for my copy!

Wow, just wow. This novella really sunk its hooks into me as I could not put it down. The interplay and banter between Ada and Rian had me giggling. I really enjoyed the writing and I will be picking up this series as it is published. If you enjoy a strong female protagonist who is unabashedly true to herself, a sweet romance between two fleshed out characters and as a bonus a heist, then this is the book for you.