Twice-Spent Comet, by Ziggy Schutz, is a quick, sci-fi fairytale. I liked the found family element, and learning about each characters arrest. The ending was satisfying and sweet. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet, slightly sci-fi and slightly fantasy fable, a bit dystopian if you like, but with a happy ending, Twice-Spent Comet is about ideals and solidarity and how, if you believe in it, dreams can come true, even on an asteroid-prison from which prisoners are supposed to never return. Really enjoyable and well written.

Fer is one of the four prison laborers on an unknown asteroid. There is room for eight prison laborers but there is only the four. They follow a routine that first starts with eating metaphorical bread before the day’s labor. Humans can only go to certain prisons. One day he looks up from his work to the sky and sees a mermaid. How is that possible?

This is an amazing story. It was not what I expected. Though that wasn’t a problem as I kept reading page after page. It’s an unique science fiction novel. It can be read quickly but don’t or you may miss something important.

I loved the idea of this book, it sounded fabolous.However it didn't grab me as much as I hoped it would, something was missing for me, but it wasn't awful I just wanted a bit more I think.

This spacefaring fairy tale is as precociously trendy, whimsical, free-loving, diversity-box-checking, queer-geared, and gender non-conforming as the times salivate for. It would almost be tediously overdone (though I am very much for all the things listed above! ideally not as the only thing of note about the story.), had it not been so well written.
So, it ends up being rather charming in its way and at just 70-some pages smart enough not to overstay its welcome and overexploit its inherent whimsy.
Thanks Netgalley.

This was fairly confusing, may do well further fleshed out. Neat idea about incarceration. I had trouble visualizing some of the characters

What a wild and fun ride of a story this was! I enjoyed the writing style and characters. The author did a wonderful job telling the story. I was so intrigued and mesmerized throughout the whole journey.

This was a gorgeous, heart-warming tale of losing and finding, of found family and beloved friends, and of how the absolute wrong things can lead to the absolute best. Plus, like, you know, space mermaids and shining-bright LGBTQ+ representation.

Space Mermaids? Rebels and Murderers (and everything in between) imprisoned on an asteroid? Lots of emotions? Yes- this book has all this and maybe a bit more.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novella that's set to come out later this year- I see one can pre-order it now.
This novella has an interesting writing style- ethereal and lyrical, bordering on poetry which made it enjoyable, and probably quotable (once it's pubbed).
Life on this small asteroid is very routine for Fer and their team- as they create swimming pools and sort of terraform this asteroid for future rich settlers. They are all working off various criminal sentences and finding their way into community. One day Fer encounters what they decide is a mermaid. They are named Ophelia and they are beauty personified, stunning. This of course, - changes almost everything.
This book will appeal to readers interested in Science Fiction/Fantasy, Character driven novels, and those interested in gender expression.
I did feel that I wanted a bit more context-maybe a tiny bit more world building, and more of the interesting characters the author has created. While that is a criticism, it’s also a praise, better to leave readers intrigued, rather than bored.
I’d like to give 3.5 stars but that isn’t an option here.

Right off the bat, Schutz's writing style in Twice-Spent Comet is comfortable and companionable in a way that makes the reader feel at home, like they and a friend just sat down in a big, round booth with a beer (or a latte) and their friend is telling them this crazy story about love and crime and the magic of a falling star.

I'm usually a stickler for "science fiction" and "fantasy" as opposed to "sci-fi & fantasy," as many outlets and publishers tend to call the PB&J of the Other Worlds, but this novella superbly blends the two together in a way I really, really enjoyed. World-building details are peppered in perfectly throughout, from Moon accents and bionic medicine to the sheer size of this known universe and the diversity of its occupants.

If you're into science fiction, fantasy, gender-neutral protagonists, the power of a name, the romance of the unknown and the magic of in-between spaces, this one's wholeheartedly and unreservedly the read for you. You may also be me--you might want to get that checked out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Meerkat Press for providing this advance copy and the chance to share my thoughts!

Twice-Spent Comet by Ziggy Schutz is a gripping and absorbing novel that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate introspective, character-driven science fiction that explores the human condition, redemption, and the complexities of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Thank you Meerkat Press & Netgalley for making this book available as a Read Now book! This book was okay. It was very creative but I didn’t like it very much. I never felt emotionally invested in the story but it was a quick read.

A rich land developer had planned to build luxury space mansions on Adrastea. “Every swing of the shovels adds…value to some faceless entrepreneur’s portfolio.” Five prisoners arrived by transfer ship, to the asteroid Adrastea, to perform hard labor in deep space.

The five had set foot on the asteroid; however, one’s safety line was cut. Now the work detail of four prisoners would plant atmosphere for seed development and dig holes for swimming pools and survival bunkers.

Who are the prisoners?

-Fer, a human, has served six months of her fifteen year sentence for revolutionary activity. “Touch hurts the same way sudden light does. Like their body isn’t made for it anymore.”

-Moll, a space migrant, tries to make her own luck. She hides a contraband tattoo gun in her prosthetic leg. She is everyone’s favorite.

-Benat, a moony, wears the metal cuff of a murderer and is a high risk prisoner.

-Rack, a shiprat, boasts that his best heist was the theft of a pair of lungs.

Serving time on the asteroid was not conducive to friendship. The prisoners were singular workers, not working within sight of each other. Sleeping arrangements consisted of open compartments separated by thin audio dividers. It was a dark, silent, and solitary existence.

One day, object-like large ships “streak across the horizon like comets…creature’s bodies trail off like ellipses of stardust…with hair that shines like nebula as it bounces around their heads, “Mermaid” feels just as impossible as “Angel”...they swam through the stars and knew of humans but knew none, until they happened upon a ring of space rock and bright eyes spotted them.”

“Touch was not a thing the four of them liked anymore so they filled the space around them with words of encouragement. The Mermaid [Ophelia] however gives contact with ease without expectation.” The ragtag convicts were learning to redefine what constitutes a family.

“Twice-Spent Comet” is a novella with heart. The writing excellently conveys the backstory of each character. The interwoven passages of magic include, “Magic, as everyone knows, must be Spoken and Heard and Believed, and so it was so, that stars were Magic…”.

This engaging read did however present challenges with frequently changing pronouns. This might be off-putting for some readers. All in all, a feel good sci fi fantasy!

Thank you Meerkat Press and Net Galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

It’s always impressive when an author manages to pack enough information into a short story or novella that the reader isn’t left feeling like something’s missing or it should have been a longer book, and Ziggy Schutz has absolutely accomplished that with Twice-Spent Comet, a beautiful story about Fer, who yearns for belonging and to find a strong connection that can’t be easily severed.

I love that each of the four prisoners living on the asteroid had deep, interesting backgrounds that were told so well within just a couple short pages that I was immediately invested in them. As a main character, Fer is easy to root for and personally, I related to their longing for connection. I also love that the book reads like a fairytale, with just the right amount of seriousness mixed with magical wonder.

I’ve been asked for novella recommendations before and I’ve never had a specific one in mind that I think would work for anyone who asks until now. This is definitely a favorite novella of mine and if you don’t like space mermaids, we probably shouldn’t be friends anyway.


***I will update with links to the review posted on socials, etc. closer to the release date.***

"Sometimes, change is an intentional effort. One you've got to double down on to make stick, no matter how much it stings."

Thank you to NetGalley, Ziggy Schutz, and Meerkat Press for the E-ARC!

If you're looking for a quick book to read in one sitting, this is the one for you. While it's short, you get a complete story filled with magic, mermaids and friendships.

When I think about the writing of this book, all I can say is that it's mesmerizing. It's not simplistic, but it's not overly complex/filled with purple prose either. It's just magical. It pulls you in and keeps you reading. The story is less than 80 pages, but it doesn't feel like it.

With so little pages to develop characters, the author still manages to do it well. I felt like I knew so much about Fer, about the traumas they've suffered and how they've closed themselves off because of it. The other prisoners on the asteroid also brought so much personality to the novella. That's not even mentioning Ophelia and the other mermaids too. This was truly a story about found family in the most unexpected of places and times.

I'm glad I found this while browsing for E-ARC's and would highly recommend others pick it up when it releases!

Our story takes place in space, at a prison camp on an asteroid, and we learn about our main character and their fellow convicts: how did they all end up on that desolate rock? One day, magic, in the form of a celestial "mermaid", appears and changes their fate!

I liked this: it was interesting and creative, and played with gender in a unique way. While the verb tense interrupted my reading flow at times, the style of writing otherwise made for a vividly described read. The minimal backstories and world building told you just enough to sink into this short narrative, without adding unnecessary bulk, while keeping some aspects magically mysterious.

Overall, this was imaginative, and a very successful short work with a lot of meaning and heart.

Thank you to Netgalley and Independent Publishers Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this! Space mermaids?! Found family?! So many good things wrapped up in this little novella! The descriptions were amazing, and I really felt like I was in space on an asteroid. Would love to find myself my own Ophelia! <3

4.75/5
First, I'd like to thank NetGalley and the Independent publisher, Meerkat Press, for making this title available as a 'Read Now' option. This was a brilliant short form story. I'm a fan of novellas, and this novellete was a delight to read. It was unputdownable and a compelling read, one you will want to finish in one sitting.

If you are fans of Becky Chambers, Martha, Wells, and Nghi Vo, then I believe you will not only connect with and enjoy this tale, but you will also be able to comfortably enjoy the fluidity of the characters. And though shorter than those books, it does not lack in depth.

My first experience with Ziggy Schutz's writing, and I can positively say I'm now a fan, shocked actually with the quality of writing produced. And I don't mean that with any disrespect to the author, but this was such a strange premise and such short form that I confess I didn't hold high expectations. I grabbed it for the cover art and premise and only expected quick fun. I was very wrong and apologize to all involved with its publication in not considering it in higher regard.

The story flowed like a fairy tale in space, with beautiful prose and fantastical themes. I always love me a found family story. And I was impressed by how much political intrigue and social injustices that Ziggy was able to weave into less than 80 pages. And better yet, how much you can believe in the love story that enfolds.

And while this is an eArc and generally I wouldn't quote, I did think this one covered much of what the story had to say - "Sometimes, secrets aren't secrets at all. They're just stories, waiting for someone to notice them."

I feel it captures the story themes of 'fighting the man', making assumptions, building trust, combatting loneliness, and creating/finding a space and people that feels safe. It's a tall order for a story that takes place on an asteroid, a prison for four criminals. Each has their own story, and heart of secrets, that brought them to this outcome. The story does take place over time, though short. I think the active story line is over about a month but might be just a little bit longer. Though it is eluded that the relationships of the characters has been developing for a little while longer.

You are introduced to an Earthbound, a Moony, a Shiprat, and a space migrant - Fer, Benat, Rack, and Moll respectively. And while the setting suggests the opposite, I was pleasantly pleased and surprised to learn the circumstances that led each of them to be labeled as criminals. In this, you will learn that not all is as it seems - and it is those who made the laws and past judgements that are the real enemies of the verse.

And before I go further, I did want to warn that Ziggy tries to break your heart at chapter 17. But persist. It's worth it and has some nice twists to share before the end. This would be a very different kind of review, I'd think, if otherwise.

I do have a few critiques. The obvious one is that I wanted a little bit more. I'd invest in more from this universe and this band of characters (not going to lie, hope that's a consideration of the author). I want more from Moll's history. And while a lovely side character, I don't feel there was really enough for me to feel too much for Rack either way. He may need a little tweaking and expansion. I also wasn't satisfied with the short blips about Mark (ironically one of the few with a traditional Earth name, yet no history). He was mentioned twice, I believe, but no context. Maybe just there as foreshadowing...IYKYK.

Also, and this is more a shortcoming of myself, but the gender fluidity of the verse was a bit hard to follow. As a fan of the previously mentioned authors, I have become accustomed to pronouns of they/it, so much so that I noted immediately when I read the first mention of alternative pronouns for another, Fer's family member who they'd been separated from at their arrest (chapter 6 mention). It felt like such a stark contrast to how the story was unfolding - and confused me a bit wondering if perhaps the initial description had a typo. But from there, many of the others begin mixing pronouns when talking of their special people - though they themselves are consistent (Moll/she; Benat/she, Rack/he, Fer/they).

The bio of the author suggests the same fluidity, so I appreciate the introduction and will work on educating myself more and expecting more in the future. But we don't get much description overall for our small band and their special people, and in general, the human mind likes to categorize. It's a survival skill and universal trait. But in this regard, do want to mention that I appreciate the comment in chapter 10 about how Fer reminisced about themselves having been introduced to the duality of using 'she/he' as opposed to 'they' or a chosen singular pronoun - felt a bit of "I'm right there with you!". So, please, readers, go into this with an open mind. And if you do start to struggle, switching to they for a moment helped me stay grounded in understanding who was being discussed.

And I think my last critique is about that the story telling - specifically the chapter intros. They really felt genre bending and I generally loved. It was really where the atmosphere of fantasy was incorporated into the SciFi. However, I feel some became longwinded and a little too philosophical to follow. I did end up highlighting quite a bit, but often had to reread the passages more than once. I can see how for some they may be off putting. Beautiful as they are, maybe toning down to be a little less abstract would benefit the reader. If the author wasn't a reader and fan of Dune, I'd be shocked. The prose and high level of thought here reminded me of passages out of that book.

And strangely, a burning question of mine is whether the author had read Chain Gang All Stars. It could be coincidental, but I found similar themes and specific concepts to be similar when it came to the judicial system, how sentences are carried out, isolation, transport and even the wrist cuffs. And if indeed inspired, kudos for being so well incorporated. As I also found that book compelling and a fantastic read. Love to see it expanded into this world.

And my final thoughts has nothing to do with the story, but more about the format and how NetGalley eARCs are incorporated into the Kindle app. I'm devastated after every book that my notes and highlighted quotes don't get saved to Goodreads. *cries yet again*.

In summary, check out this story. And if you have other suggestions for me like this one, please share!

Space scifi novella Twice-Spent Comet by Ziggy Schultz is so unique and imaginative! It follows former activist, now convict and prison laborer Fer as they serve sentence with four other convicts on a prison camp asteroid. One day a celestial “mermaid” comes down from space and joins them. We follow a non-linear story structure where we delve into the backstories of the convicts, how they ended up on the asteroid, and then the friendships that form between them.

The magic in the story (the mermaid) is described so vividly. The language used to describe form, movement, space, texture is so exquisite that I had my eyes closed seeing it in my mind. What an unexpected joy to experience! I also really appreciated the beautiful found family storyline between the characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and Meerkat Press for this e-arc. This character driven, hopeful novella is a little gem with prose to sink into.

'Magic is connection, common ground, two voices telling the same story.'

Twice-Spent Comet by Ziggy Schutz is a warm story of lost people finding their homes in each other. I loved the short prologues at the start of each chapter; these little snippets worked well alongside the character-driven style of the over-arching plot. Twice-Spent Comet reminded me of Jeff VanderMeer's Dead Astronauts (2019), with its experimental style of non-linearity and interwoven characters. Unlike VanderMeer's novel, Schutz's work ultimately presented a hopeful outlook on life and love in the deep realms of space. A fantastic novella by Schutz!

I loved this!! Twice-Spent Comet is a futuristic fairy tale full of queer joy, resistance, and found family. Fer is a prisoner on an asteroid, sentenced to hard labor for 15 years for propaganda, a sentence they're not intended to survive. They share the asteroid with three other prisoners, each with their own stories, all a little guarded. One day, what Fer can only name mermaids sail through the sky, and one stops to stay on the asteroid for a while, sending Fer spinning down a more hopeful path.
This book has it all. Space mermaids! A mysterious and evil government! People from the moon! Found family! Lots of tattoos! The only thing I think this novella doesn't have is straight people (but one character was never established, so I can't say for certain). It's short and sweet, clocking in at less than a hundred pages, so you can read it in an evening. It's a unique story (see: the space mermaids) that strikes a good balance between despair at injustice and fierce hope. If you enjoy Becky Chambers, you should read this. If you like good books, you should also read this. Absolutely wonderful.