By J.S. Dewes ★★★★★
Humanity has conquered interstellar travel and has explored to the literal end of the universe, known as “The Divide”. After a decades-long war with an invading alien species, humans are wearily moving forward after a hard-fought victory. While most of humanity lives far from the Divide, the powers-that-be have taken soldiers (and a few criminals) and staffed them in border-patrolling starships to keep watch for any additional invasions, sort of like a space version of The Wall from Game of Thrones. It’s boring and isolated work -- communication channels don’t work near the Divide, and so the starships are cut off the rest of the universe -- but as far as those stationed there are concerned, it’s important and essential for the health and safety of the human race.
Against this backdrop, the story primarily focuses on two main characters: Adequin Rake, a former “Titan”, part of an elite fighting force that helped eradicate the alien invasion a decade prior; and Cavalon Mercer, grandson of the most powerful man in the universe, exiled after his latest rebellious act finally went too far. As commander of the ship Cavalon is assigned to, Rake takes it upon herself to get the new recruit in line.
Things appear to be routine and boring, but the situation starts to deteriorate quickly when, inexplicably, the Divide begins to encroach on established borders. It starts with time ripples, and ultimately ends up with the Divide consuming portions of previously safe space -- essentially, the universe begins contracting.
The series has a ton of great stuff going for it. In addition to a compelling plot and well-crafted action scenes, it sports solid character development. Perhaps Dewes’ finest talent is plot misdirection. She spends time setting up what you think will be the next 50-100 pages of the story, only to have things veer off on a very different course. To do so is not hard, but to do so well most certainly is. Dewes is especially adept at keeping you on your toes without making you throw up your hands and go, “Come on, that would never happen.” While continuing to zig when you think she’s going to zag, she also manages to steadily reveal past secrets and personal history that adds depth to the cast of characters while also developing layers of complexity to her story. There’s also enough scientific research (as far as a layman like me can tell) that it hit the sweet spot of something grounded in actual scientific principles without being hard science.
Lastly, you don’t have to wait long for a sequel -- it’s already out! -- and having just finished it, I can confirm it’s even a bit better than book one. Highly recommended series for fans of The Expanse, space operas, or simply an action-filled, character-driven yarn.
Previous Best of 2021: #6 - Great Circle
Next Best of 2021: #4 - Razorblade Tears