The Perfect Afternoon Read for Sci-Fi Fans

by Donna Huber

Ada Lamarr may have gotten to the spaceship wreck first, but looter’s rights won’t get her far when she’s got a hole in the side of her ship and her spacesuit is almost out of air. Fortunately for her, help arrives in the form of a government salvage crew—and while they reluctantly rescue her from certain death, they are not pleased to have an unexpected passenger along on their classified mission.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

August 2024; DAW; 978-0756419462
audio, ebook, print (192 pages); science fiction

I discovered Beth Revis shortly after starting Girl Who Reads when I reviewed her young adult science fiction novel Across the Universe. I loved the entire series but then I started moving away from young adult fiction and didn't keep up with her writing career. But when I saw she had a new story and it was for adults I knew I had to give it a chance.

Full Speed to a Crash Landing is a novella that is possibly set in the same universe as Across the Universe but you don't have to have read that series as there are no real connections. 

As it is a novella, there isn't a ton of worldbuilding but enough to understand the world Ada lives in. There is more time spent on developing the characters and they are great characters. I don't think I could name a favorite. For a story that is under 200 pages, there is a lot going on. It's not all action, though there is quite a bit of that. It is more mental - trying to figure out everyone's motives and who they really are.

I wanted to just sit and devour this book - but life got in the way. It could easily be read in an afternoon or evening and what a delightful way to spend a few hours. But I'm also glad that I didn't just race through it as I felt a little bummed when I finished it because the adventure was over. 

My first thought after finishing it was "I hope this is the start of a new series". So I was super excited when I pulled up the Goodreads' listing and saw in the description that this kicks off a trilogy entitled Chaotic Orbits. The next novella, How to Steal a Galaxy, is due to hit shelves in December (I've already requested my review copy!). I'm not sure 3 books are going to be enough though. 

If you are looking for a quick, but highly entertaining read this weekend then this is the book you want to read.

Buy Full Speed to a Crash Landing at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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