It's always a pleasure to dive into a well-crafted sci-fi novel, as I find them a huge comfort in these crazy times. Cleverly realized worlds, likeable characters and very human situations alongside alien creatures and worlds - all of which can be found here.

Ursula is a great protagonist, and I enjoyed getting to know her in a very real situation before the main story truly takes off. Is this to be a heist? Nope, she's no thief! OK, an explorer then. An adventurer with a haphazard crew? Or just a lone human with a few friends (and suspicious acquaintances), a sentient ship and a bizarre infection carried from her past...

It's a great adventure, beautifully told and without any unpleasant overly-scientific exposition-dumps that took me out of the story. Like I said: humans doing their best to survive in the Black. A thoroughly enjoyable ride.

I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.