2023 book 113

 Yume Kitasei's The Deep Sky

I do love a sci-fi mystery story, and this one was stellar (pun mildly intended). It’s set on a spaceship bound for a new planet, crewed by 80 women/non-binary people/trans men (bc they’re intended to start the repopulation process on the way), when an explosion goes off! Now the ship's alternate, the only crew member without a specific job (but with plenty of self-esteem issues!) has to figure out if it was sabotage, and if so, who was behind it, and why. This is interspersed with flashbacks to her childhood in a future version of earth that isn’t doing too hot, and to her years of training for the mission. Lots of great characters and relationship dynamics, an interesting mystery, and really engaging writing. I can’t believe this is a debut, and I can’t wait to see what Kitasei writes next. A.

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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on July 18th.