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!

Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Ascher

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced