A ragtag crew aboard the Ambit, led by an AI captain, embarks on a space adventure to uncover a dangerous conspiracy orchestrated by the Trust, threatening entire worlds. Filled with action, found family dynamics, and emotional depth, this sci-fi novel blends familiar tropes with unique twists, appealing to fans of Firefly and Becky Chambers.

L.M. Sagas' debut novel "Cascade Failure" is a thrilling and immensely enjoyable space adventure that will appeal to fans of sci-fi classics like Firefly, The Expanse, and the works of Becky Chambers. With its charismatic ensemble cast, snappy dialogue, high-stakes plot, and deft balance of humor and heart, this book marks the arrival of an exciting new voice in science fiction.

At the center of the story is the misfit crew of the Ambit, a Guild ship captained by the AI Eoan. There's Saint, the gruff ex-soldier with a hidden heart of gold; Nash, the resourceful engineer/medic; Jal, a mysterious Guild deserter with a complicated history with Saint; and Anke, a brilliant programmer rescued from a dead planet. This ragtag group finds themselves entangled in a dangerous conspiracy involving the powerful Trust corporation and a computer virus capable of destroying entire worlds.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its vibrant characters who leap off the page with their distinct personalities, flaws, and slowly-revealed depths. Sagas excels at crafting authentic, layered relationships between the crew members - the angsty history between Jal and Saint is a particular highlight. Watching this group of misfits grudgingly come together as a unconventional family is immensely heartwarming and emotionally satisfying.

The story moves at a brisk, propulsive pace, deftly juggling tense action sequences, quieter character moments, and an intriguing central mystery. Sagas' clear, often humorous prose and skilled plotting keep the pages turning. While the world-building relies on some familiar sci-fi conventions, there are enough unique elements and twists to make the universe feel fresh.

Perhaps most impressively for a debut, Sagas demonstrates a rare ability to blend different tones. Laugh-out-loud funny exchanges and absurd situations sit comfortably alongside moments of genuine emotion, even tragedy. This book can make you guffaw one page and move you nearly to tears the next. It's a tricky balance to strike, but Sagas manages it with aplomb.

In Jal, Saint, Nash, Eoan and Anke, Sagas has created a crew of instantly memorable, endlessly rootable underdogs. Spending time with them - watching them bicker, bond, and save each other and the worlds around them - is a pure delight. While the story wraps up satisfyingly, it will leave readers eager to embark on the next adventure aboard the Ambit.

Exuberant, heartfelt, and sneakily moving, Cascade Failure is a must-read for anyone seeking a character-driven space romp with a lot of heart. It's an impressive debut that proves L.M. Sagas is an author to watch. One can only hope the next entry in the Ambit's Run series arrives at a brisk clip, because it will be very hard to wait to rejoin this irresistible crew.