Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dead Space by Kali Wallace Published by Berkley on March 2, 2021
Genres: Science Fiction Fantasy, Space Opera
Pages: 336
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
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Hester Marley used to have a plan for her life. But when a catastrophic attack left her injured, indebted, and stranded far from home, she was forced to take a dead-end security job with a powerful mining company in the asteroid belt. Now she spends her days investigating petty crimes to help her employer maximize its profits. She's surprised to hear from an old friend and fellow victim of the terrorist attack that ruined her life--and that surprise quickly turns to suspicion when he claims to have discovered something shocking about their shared history and the tragedy that neither of them can leave behind.
Before Hester can learn more, her friend is violently murdered at a remote asteroid mine. Hester joins the investigation to find the truth, both about her friend's death and the information he believed he had uncovered. But catching a killer is only the beginning of Hester's worries, and she soon realizes that everything she learns about her friend, his fellow miners, and the outpost they call home brings her closer to revealing secrets that very powerful and very dangerous people would rather keep hidden in the depths of space.
There were so many things st in Dead Space. Our main character, Hester, is an investigator after being on a space ship which was hit by terrorists, and the rescuing company has her in a work contract to pay for her life-saving but mediocre medical treatments. She is a talented builder of artificial intelligence but her work was lost in the attack. The company doesn’t seem to want her to work for them in her field.
The world is rich with different planets and their cultures and histories. There have been wars, politics of cultural and political origin, and the corporations focusing on profit adding to the politics of any situation. I was comfortable with the depth of information but would certainly be interested in learning more.
One of the other engineers who was on her team, and also in the attack, is out working more in her field of expertise. She has not heard from David since the attack, but now she gets an odd message. Next thing she knows he is dead. She requests to be on the team investigating his death and surprisingly, she is allowed to go with the team.
I loved Hester’s strength and intelligence. She works hard and does her job even though she is getting the bad end of the deal. The investigation is fraught with oddities, lies and pretty quickly more deaths. It’s a struggle to keep the investigative team and the suspects alive. There are only 12 people on this station when they start.
The solution is partly what I hoped and expected. There is plenty of action and lots to engage my mind during their gathering of data and evidence. Wow! What an exciting and absorbing read. I really recommend it highly. I hope the author writes more in this world but I think it is standalone. I’ll look forward to whatever comes next from Kali Wallace.
About Kali Wallace
Kali Wallace studied geology and geophysics before she decided she enjoyed inventing imaginary worlds as much as she liked researching the real one. Her short fiction has appeared in Clarkesworld, F&SF, Asimov’s, Lightspeed Magazine, and Tor.com. She is the author of the dark, fantastical teen novels Shallow Graves (2016) and The Memory Trees (2017), as well as the middle grade fantasy adventure City of Islands (2018). Her first novel for adults, the sci fi horror SALVATION DAY(2019) , was published by Berkley. She lives in southern California.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Winter
I just finished this last night and LOVED it! And I get the feeling there might be a sequel, the end felt a little open ended to me. I hope so!
I also REALLY LOVED it. I hope there is a sequel but it doesn’t feel like a cliff hanger just that I want more.
Oh neat that it is a blend of sci-fi and mystery. I’ll have to add this one to the list.
I loved this one so I highly recommend it. I hope you enjoy it too!
Fantastic review Anne. I think I’d love this on audio.
Yes I think it might be great on audio also.
I hadn’t heard of this book but I do love a good space opera. Hester also sounds like a fantastic protagonist, very resourceful.
Yes in space you must be resourceful and careful. There are extra ways to die in space if you aren’t careful. I really loved it.
Lovely review, Anne:)). I’ve also read a glowing review from Tammy regarding this one – and seeing your praise for it has pushed it RIGHT up there as a MUST HAVE. Thank you for sharing!
It’s incredible and since it is a standalone, you should try to fit it into your schedule.