The setup is fascinating—ancient AI, deep-space archaeology, and an isolated research station under siege—but the execution felt a little underwhelming. While Sunya’s perspective was engaging and the worldbuilding had potential, the pacing dragged at times, and some character decisions felt frustratingly contrived. The stakes were high, but the sense of wonder didn’t quite land the way it should have.

Interesting job. Great plot and backstory. Filled with great characters. Does stand alone. Must read for SciFi fans

I enjoyed this third White Space book and found it brisk and readable but ultimately not memorable. The characterization of the viewpoint character is good and there is sufficient creativity to the environment to create a sense of the alien and the possibilities of the future. I found the piracy and murder themes to be interesting but not wildly believable. I also thought certain plot developments - the attempted murder, for example - pop up without sufficient development or sense of “wow.” In fact, given the local setting - a sentient astronomical sized object circling a dying star - and the overall post-scarcity future, the book lacked the sense of wonder I craved. I like Bear as an author and would read her next book without question but this didn’t feel like her best effort.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

This felt like the final book within the White Space series (a loosely connected series about individuals suffering from certain ailments facing incredible odds) and I felt like the book lacked something in its core. The characters were fine and the revelation of betrayal was well done but many of the other decisions by these supposedly smart characters left me surprised. There was also a little bit of hand waviness and plot armor that took away from my enjoyment of the book.