A former convict, Edie, is released from prison and reluctantly teams up with their betrayer, Angel, for a final heist to take down a trillionaire tech mogul. Set in a cyberpunk world with diverse LGBTQ+ representation, the story explores themes of family, redemption, and complex relationships amidst a high-stakes heist narrative.

Reader Review Summary

"Hammajang Luck" is a thrilling and refreshingly diverse science fiction heist novel that delivers on its enticing premise. Set in a richly depicted futuristic world spanning space stations and planets, it follows Edie, a recently released convict, as they reluctantly team up with their estranged friend Angel for one last daring heist against a powerful trillionaire.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its authentic representation of queer identities and cultures. Yamamoto masterfully normalizes queerness throughout the narrative, with butch, femme, trans, and non-binary characters existing without question. The casual use of Hawaiian Pidgin in dialogue is a particular highlight, immersing the reader in the characters' world while celebrating the author's cultural heritage. This seamless integration creates a vibrant, inclusive universe that feels both imaginative and grounded in reality.

The central heist plot is compelling, unfolding with all the twists, double-crosses, and high-stakes action one would expect from the genre. Yamamoto keeps the pacing brisk, with each new development ratcheting up the tension. The crew assembled for the job is a colorful ensemble of distinct personalities, each bringing their own skills and idiosyncrasies to the table. Their clashing backgrounds and interpersonal conflicts add delicious layers of drama and humor to the proceedings.

At its core, "Hammajang Luck" is a character-driven story, and Edie's relationships form the emotional backbone. Their complicated dynamic with Angel crackles with unresolved history, lingering betrayals, and an undercurrent of yearning that slowly builds to a passionate romance. Even more poignant are Edie's bonds with their struggling sister Andie and her children, infusing the high-stakes mission with genuine heart. Yamamoto deftly balances the heist thrills with moving family moments, anchoring the far-future setting with recognizable human struggles.

Thematically, the book explores compelling issues around class divides, gentrification, and cultural identity in a corporate-controlled future. Edie's quest to uplift their family from poverty while staying true to their Hawaiian roots adds gravitas to the caper antics. Yamamoto's voice shines through in these deeper examinations of heritage and found family.

While some readers may desire more extensive world-building or tighter plot resolution, "Hammajang Luck" proves an immensely entertaining and groundbreaking debut. With vibrant characters, high-octane action sequences, and a sincere celebration of diverse identities, Yamamoto has crafted a sci-fi heist story that both delights and resonates. Fans of authors like Tamsyn Muir and Leigh Bardugo, as well as heist films like Ocean's 8, will find much to love in this boldly queer, Hawaiian-inflected vision of the future. "Hammajang Luck" signals the arrival of a thrilling new voice in speculative fiction.