Reviews

The Last Gifts of the Universe by Riley August

Only show reviews with written explanations

jerusar's review against another edition

4.0

This was really good. Funny, witty, and also quite deep and a little sad. This took me by surprise to be honest. I loved that the author did not spend 100 extra pages describing all the things that happened inbetween scenes… don’t get me wrong I love an epic fantasy but in this story it was not needed and really appreciated that they left all the nonsense out. Pumpkin was awesome..

graff_fuller's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This started out a little clunky. I was unsure of what I had just picked up. It was a book that seemed out of its depth. It felt more like a contemporary novel, but then flung into space (in the future).

Then, as the pages past...I either got used to the style of the writing, or the writing improved.

It was a cozy read at the beginning. For me, though, I know that space is ALWAYS dangerous. Two men, and a cat...out in space. What could go wrong. Well? Everything could and will go wrong, especially in their line of work. They are exploring DEAD worlds, looking for the answer to WHY they are dead. Also, the Remnants are there (something you'll learn about within the story).

It then became panic filled, for the danger seemed SO real and I felt for the characters.

What I thought this book was about and what it became within the reading...was different. BUT, that's okay.

I'm glad that I read it.

allyens's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

westernskynaida's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.25

*sigh*

Okay, this book isn’t bad but it took me getting about 60% through the book before I hit the “ooh I can’t put it down!” feeling

Scout, while I’m glad they were a NB protagonist/POV my GOD were they annoying. Part of me wishes that this was from Kieran’s POV because he had a better head on his shoulders

But Pumpkin - the precious little kitty - stole the show. He was great. Also he has little booties. And honestly the most soul catching scene is in that last 40% when they reach the last area for the cache

imaginary_sauropod's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Scout travels with their brother and cat looking for clues as to why all other sentient civilizations have been distorted. The three of them find a data cache form a civilization that knew what was coming for them but they must compete with a corporate team of fully-funded adventurers who will take that data and put it behind a paywall.
This is a story about the purpose of life and dealing with loss.

With the descriptions and the start of the book, I was expecting something with more action, but this is a story with heart. Looking at it, I have no idea how the author didn’t come off as preachy, but it was beautiful.
Admittedly when I started I didn’t really care about more than the cat. It took a little longer to really get at the heart of the characters and to care and root for them. If this is their debut, this likely means following books will only be better.

reliures's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

4.25

elizbee's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I've been making an effort to read more indie books, and this one was well worth it. If you're a fan of Becky Chambers and/or the game The Outer Wilds, you will absolutely love this. What initially appears to be a straightforward adventure for the fate of the universe turns out to be a beautiful and humane rumination on hope and grief. And there's a cat, Pumpkin, who has his own little space suit and is a very good boy, one of the best literary felines I've read. I would die for Pumpkin.