A review by libraryoflanelle
The Last Gifts of the Universe by Riley August

3.5

 I'll admit, I initially requested this ARC based on the cover, but fortunately, I ended up enjoying the book too, though it did leave me wanting more. 
 
‘The Last Gifts of the Universe’ follows Scout as they travel the universe with their brother and their cat, Pumpkin. The siblings traverse the universe in search of lost knowledge and answers to why and how multiple worlds and their civilisations died. Interspersed throughout Scout’s story are excerpts of messages recovered from an alien who may hold the answers they’re seeking. 
 
I’m someone who loves a short book when it’s done well, but I strongly feel this book could have been more engrossing and thematically rich if it had been longer. Riley August manages to fit a lot of important plot points into this brief story, and while nothing was left unresolved, I found myself wanting more! I particularly enjoyed the themes of grief and belonging and would have loved a deeper exploration of these. Additionally, more insight into the alien species we hear from throughout the book would have been so interesting. 
 
Overall, I had a fun time and would recommend it if you find the premise intriguing. 
 
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own. 
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