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A review by mary_soon_lee
The Last Watch by J.S. Dewes
4.0
This is the first book in the Divide science fiction series(*). It caught me from the first sentence. Perhaps my favorite thing about the novel is the setting: the edge of the universe. The eight-year-old inside me is jumping up and down thinking about it. For those who need more than a (very) cool location, this is military science fiction where the soldiers are misfits, the stakes rise to astronomical proportions, and the author graciously laces the narrative with humor.
The point of view shifts between two characters, both likable, Adequin Rake, commander of a dreadnought stationed by the edge of the universe, and Cavalon Mercer, the latest crewmember to be drafted to her ship. Cavalon entertained me at every turn; Adequin almost the same. I note that there were a few times when I wasn't fully willing to suspend my disbelief, but given the hijinks the plot takes, the surprise is rather that I bought all the other improbable turns.
Major spoilers ahead.
Several other standouts: the Viators, and three of the supporting female characters -- Lace, Mesa, and Emery -- each distinct and engaging.
Many thanks to Kate Ravenna for steering me toward this book! Four out of five divided stars.
(*) Currently only two books long, but at least one more book is in the works.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
The point of view shifts between two characters, both likable, Adequin Rake, commander of a dreadnought stationed by the edge of the universe, and Cavalon Mercer, the latest crewmember to be drafted to her ship. Cavalon entertained me at every turn; Adequin almost the same. I note that there were a few times when I wasn't fully willing to suspend my disbelief, but given the hijinks the plot takes, the surprise is rather that I bought all the other improbable turns.
Major spoilers ahead.
Spoiler
My biggest reservation is that I didn't love the romance between Adequin Rake and Griffin. I'm not sure why I didn't warm to it, but it lessened the impact for me when Griffin got into trouble (she said with deliberate vagueness).Several other standouts: the Viators, and three of the supporting female characters -- Lace, Mesa, and Emery -- each distinct and engaging.
Many thanks to Kate Ravenna for steering me toward this book! Four out of five divided stars.
(*) Currently only two books long, but at least one more book is in the works.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).