Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Series: Finder Chronicles #4
Published by DAW Books on May 28, 2024
Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Fergus is the ransom for a kidnapped friend, taken by Bas Belos, one of the galaxy’s most dangerous space pirates, as bait to force Fergus’ assistance in finding Belos' missing sister. Reluctantly joining forces, Fergus discovers that Belos is himself being tracked by the Alliance. And seeking to stay one step ahead of the Alliance, Fergus and Belos find themselves on the other side of the Gap between spiral arms of our galaxy, near to alien territory, and with an Alliance ship in hot pursuit. That’s just the beginning. Fergus will find himself in the middle of four way negotiations with the future of spaceflight, of Belos’ sister, and Fergus’ ride home all hanging in the balance.
I have loved the Finder Chronicles series because I really enjoy Fergus. I love this science fiction, space opera with Fergus being sort of a detective / Equalizer / McGyver kind of guy with a real layer of humor. In Finder, Fergus “retrieves” a lost space ship and returns it to the rightful owner in the middle of a civil war. In Driving the Deep, he has to locate his scientist friends who have been abducted and he deals with some family issues. In The Scavenger Door, Fergus gets a chance to spend some time with his family and save the world.
Fergus has been hiding out since the Alliance and a lot of others are mad at him (want to kill him). But one of his friends comes to ask for help because her partner has been kidnapped. She gets him involved with a notorious pirate who is looking for his lost sister. The Alliance is after this pirate and their own ships which disappeared when the pirate’s sister did.
To fit in with the crew, Fergus becomes Vetch. The Captain knows his real story, of course. They go looking where his sister was last seen with her ship and end up being chased by the Alliance ships through the same bizarre to escape. So they end up crashed on an alien planet after being nearly destroyed by other alien ships.
I don’t want to spoil the story but know that Fergus is his usual handy and save the world self. He has to deal with Alliance crews, pirates, and multiple types of aliens. Luckily, he is experienced with this. It’s a satisfying conclusion to the series but really I want more Fergus.
“I still think you’re an asshole.” Yolo offered helpfully.
“Thanks,” Fergus said. “I do my best.”
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
This sounds like a fun series, glad you enjoyed it.
It’s outrageously fun.
I enjoy sci-fi when I pick it up. This sounds like a series I’d enjoy!
I love it. It’s so fun and there’s always things to solve. Fergus is kind of a McGyver type.
I’m glad this worked so well for you. I think I have the first book but haven’t read it yet.
Well obviously I would recommend it. I really have enjoyed these books.
Space Opera….how fun!!!!
Fergus is the funnest space opera EVER.
I can do YA space opera stories, but adult ones kind of get too long for me. Too much description and stuff and my brain just isn’t made to handle that with other stresses in my life these days. Maybe some day I can get into them again! Great review!
Thank you Lisa. I especially like this one because there is funny.