Stars and Bones by Gareth L. Powell || Fast-Paced, Twisty Space Opera

Stars and Bones

From the multi BSFA award-winner comes a stunningly inventive action-packed science-fiction epic adventure. A brand-new series for fans of Becky Chambers and Ann Leckie.

Seventy-five years from today, the human race has been cast from a dying Earth to wander the stars in a vast fleet of arks—each shaped by its inhabitants into a diverse and fascinating new environment, with its own rules and eccentricities.

When her sister disappears while responding to a mysterious alien distress call, Eryn insists on being part of the crew sent to look for her. What she discovers on Candidate-623 is both terrifying and deadly. When the threat follows her back to the fleet and people start dying, she is tasked with seeking out a legendary recluse who may just hold the key to humanity’s survival.

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Perfect for readers who want:

• F/F will they, won’t they, slow burn romance.
• Space opera murder mystery featuring aaaaall the mystery.
• Aliens. In the form of ancient “angels” that save humanity from itself. Like you do.
• Arks with environments you will definitely be jealous you can’t visit.
• A twisty, turny plot that’ll pull you in from the first page.
• A sarcastic squad filled with unique characters.

Many thanks to Titan Books for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

It’s hard to believe that a mere two years ago, I would’ve told you that I absolutely hated space operas and would’ve refused to read this. I like to think I’m a bit older, wiser, and more cultured now. So when I saw the blurb for Stars and Bones and what can only be described as a murder mystery set in space, I knew I had to read it. For science. Also, enjoyment too. The two aren’t mutually exclusive, of course.

Stars and Bones is a wild ride of a space opera, complete with an investigation of a curious sentient space plague, a compelling mystery to be solved, and a squad that is hecka fun to travel space with.

While I thought the ending was a little sudden, and I didn’t love how a couple characters were done dirty, I had a lot of fun with this book. I had a hard time putting it down, because the mystery absolutely hooked me. Plus, this squad? Super fun. In case you need more convincing, it includes a talking cat (acting about like you would expect a talking cat to act) and the physical embodiment of a sentient ship, who is both utterly adorable and maybe more than a little scary. Because, you know, balance. Definitely my sort of group of people!

Right from page one, this book grabs your attention and pulls you in for a wild ride among the stars. I was hooked.

It’s really hard not to be hooked when a book opens with death and mayhem, okay? I mean, you tend to at least sit up and take notice at that point. There’s a lot that happens in this book. The past is pretty fast, but not too fast where you’re getting lost in it. The story is told, for the first part at least, in a dual timeline: the present—where a ship disappears while investigating a desolate planet—and the past, where humanity is on the brink of nuclear war and is given a second chance by a benevolent alien benefactor. The two timelines eventually meet up for the second part of the story, where I’m pretty sure the story gets even crazier? Is that possible? I mean, I guess it makes so when the whole plot of the story is finding what’s been murdering humans and stopping it!

Things aren’t exactly going great for humanity (not that it ever does?). But in this case, there’s sort of this mystery threat that’s killing them, and they don’t know what it is let alone how to stop it.

I was 100% here for this mystery. Not gonna lie, there was a bit more gore than I had expected. Oh, sure, there’s murder, but does it have to be so . . . murdery?! If you’ve got a weak stomach, I’d have to warn away from this one, because there are a few scenes where things get graphic. If that’s not a concern for you, though, this mystery is a heck of a fun one. Wait . . . can I say that when a ridiculous amount of people are brutally killed? Well, anyway, I’m sticking with it. I love me a good mystery, even set in space.

About the whole setting, though, I will say that it’s not too overwhelming. I understand that this is science fiction, but I sometimes get bogged down with the whole science part, because I’m not that smart. Or sciencey. I like a good balance in my books. Powell doesn’t delve too deep into the nerdy science things that would completely lose someone like me, but he gives just enough where I get a good feel for the setting and the current situation humanity finds themselves in. I’m also the type of person who really doesn’t need to know how things work, but if you’re the sort that does, you likely won’t be satisfied with the lack of explanations here. Which suits me just fine, because if I’m honest, the explanations would’ve bored me to death and I really don’t care. Sometimes, space science magic is a perfectly acceptable explanation.

The squad in this book is hecka fun to travel with and includes characters that you might not exactly expect.

First, there’s a talking cat. I want to get that out of the way because he is 100% worth it in and of himself. Not only does he have the best name ever (Sam!), but he acts exactly like you would expect a cat to act. And it cracks me up.

Then there’s the ship itself, the Ocelot. I love the idea of ships having a personality. In this book, they’re called an envoy, which is a physical manifestation that houses a part of the ship’s consciousness. Of course, the Ocelot is a very interesting character. He’s all snarky and sarcastic, but also very caring and protective, and then sometimes just a smidge murdery. It’s the perfect combination. Does it say something about me if I fall for a ship? Wait, no, don’t answer that. I don’t want to know.

Then you’ve also got a couple of recluses and a detective—which is really just a glorified title on an ark, if I’m honest—to round off this group and you’re bound to have a good time. Unless, you know, you’re one of the casualties. Then probably not. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

There’s just a smidge of a queer romance in this book, in a sort of slow burn, will they, won’t they sort of a way. It doesn’t come full fruition in this book, but it’s sort of the best of both worlds for people who do and don’t like romance.

I’ve never been shy about the fact that I’m not a huge romance fan. I don’t mind it, but I also tend not to want it dominating my story. Especially about a killer sentient space plague . . . thing. Listen, I didn’t write the thing, I don’t need to know how to describe it. Anyway, Powell strikes a very nice middle-of-the-road approach in this book. Romance readers will enjoy the slow burn, the flirtations, and the mystery of whether anything is going to happen. Non-romance readers, fear not! The romance isn’t a huge part of the story, merely a subplot, so it doesn’t dominate the book. See? Best of both worlds. Well, all the worlds, I suppose, since it’s space. You know what I mean.

About Gareth L. Powell

Gareth L. Powell was born and raised in Bristol, and his early mentors included Diana Wynne Jones and Helen Dunmore. His novels have twice won the BSFA Award, and been finalists for both the Locus Award in the US and the Seiun Award in Japan. He is probably best known for his acclaimed Embers of War space opera series, which includes the novels Embers of War, Fleet of Knives, and Light of Impossible Stars. He is a popular guest and speaker at conventions and literary events, and can often be found on Twitter @garethlpowell giving free advice to aspiring authors.

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