raucous's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This is a well written post-apocalyptic space opera with mostly interesting characters and intriguing world building. I got hooked early on and blazed through it. I'll be looking for more of the author's work.
jerseygrrrl's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book. Based on an interesting concept (scavengers reclaim the relics of an earlier age of humans who innovated and then destroyed themselves), the book was fast-paced, easy to slip into, and interesting. The central relationship was a triad and beautiful in its straight-forward, sweet depiction of 3 people in love. There were a few moments that felt a little overdone (didn't need that much navigational detail), but I adored this book and I will eagerly read any and all in the series.
majkia's review against another edition
5.0
What a fun read! Archaeology in Space! Well, Indiana Jones in space, at least, with salvagers finding the keys to the kingdom.
ally_lester's review
5.0
I love the normative queerness of all Melissa Scott's writing and this is no exception. It features a three-way poly relationship between salvage operators scrounging the ruins of an inexplicable civilization for the bits and bobs that will keep their remnant tech working. The crew find that there is more going on than they know about and the suspense is set against the low-key renegotiating of their relationship. I really enjoyed it.
kake's review
DNF: It’s not the book’s fault, but right now a story about people having to be constantly on their guard is just way too stressful for me.
jamiereadthis's review
4.0
I wish the relationship dynamics were the bulk of the novel, that’s how much I liked them.
megandawn's review
3.0
I liked the premise, I liked the worldbuilding, I liked the polyamerous relationship, but... I don't know, everything felt muted and distant. Like no one could be bothered getting upset. On so many occasions the main character would be (rightfully) angry about something another character had done, for about two sentences, and then she'd think what's the point of being angry and just forgive him. Despite being many reasons for it to be there, there was basically no tension between the characters, and on the flipside no real passion either, which made it hard for me to get invested. I skimmed the second half pretty heavily.
goodbyepuckpie's review
4.0
As easy to devour as all of Melissa Scott's, this was an intriguing and enjoyable sf story, and I'm definitely keen to see where else it goes. Enjoyed the triad relationship of our main protagonists, and the world building was interesting and pretty easy to understand. (Though ever since a friend mentioned the trace of Highlander you can feel in the tone I can't unsee it, heh.)
kjcharles's review
Melissa Scott space opera! A trio of salvage experts who also used to have a poly relationship find themselves at the heart of a storm relating to life-changing nanotech left behind by the Ancestors. This is another book proving the dictum that all current SFF is about climate change: the story is of humanity destroying itself with tech and war not once but twice, and the desperate efforts of thinking people not to do it again. Lots of strangeness and adventure with an intense human heart, and beautifully written.
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