A scavenger named Ada Lamarr finds herself rescued by a government salvage crew on a classified mission, leading to a high-stakes space heist filled with banter, intrigue, and a surprising twist at the end. Set in a world where Earth is on the brink of collapse, the novella blends action, romance, and political motives in a fast-paced and entertaining narrative.

Reader Review Summary

Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis is an exhilarating and delightfully entertaining sci-fi novella that kicks off the Chaotic Orbits trilogy with a bang. From the very first pages, readers are immersed in a high-stakes, action-packed adventure that keeps them on the edge of their seats until the shocking cliffhanger ending.

The story follows Ada Lamarr, a resourceful and clever scavenger who finds herself in dire straits when her ship is severely damaged, leaving her with dwindling oxygen reserves. Her rescue by the government salvage crew of the Halifax sets off a thrilling chain of events as Ada joins their classified mission, each party harboring their own hidden agendas and secrets.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its captivating protagonist, Ada. Her snarky, witty, and charismatic personality immediately endears her to readers, and her sharp-tongued banter with Rian White, the crew's leader, is an absolute delight. Their chemistry crackles on the page, and their flirtatious exchanges add a delicious layer of romantic tension to the high-stakes plot. Ada's unreliable narration keeps readers guessing about her true motives, heightening the intrigue and suspense.

Revis masterfully blends action, humor, and intrigue in this fast-paced novella. The world-building, while concise, paints a vivid picture of a future where Earth has been ravaged by environmental catastrophe, and humanity has sought refuge on other planets. This eco-conscious backdrop adds depth and resonance to the story without bogging down the narrative.

The supporting characters, though not extensively developed due to the novella's length, are distinct and engaging, with their own quirks and personalities that contribute to the overall camaraderie and dynamics aboard the Halifax. The crew's interactions with the charismatic Ada are a highlight, showcasing her cunning and wit as she navigates the treacherous waters of their mission.

While the romance between Ada and Rian is not the main focus, their budding connection is tantalizing, leaving readers eager to see how their relationship evolves in the subsequent installments. The cliffhanger ending is both thrilling and maddening, guaranteeing that readers will be eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.

Overall, Full Speed to a Crash Landing is a phenomenal start to what promises to be an exciting and entertaining trilogy. Beth Revis has crafted a gripping sci-fi adventure that seamlessly blends action, humor, and romance, with a captivating protagonist at its heart. Fans of space operas, heist stories, and witty banter will find themselves swept away by this delightful novella, and eagerly awaiting the next installment in Ada's chaotic orbit.