A magistrate returns to her childhood sentient ship to uncover the truth behind disappearing children, facing family trauma and a mysterious woman along the way. The novella delves into themes of war trauma, toxic familial relationships, and the complexities of love and duty in a haunting sci-fi setting.

Reader Review Summary

Aliette de Bodard has crafted another superb entry in her acclaimed Xuya universe with the novella "In the Shadow of the Ship." This haunting science fiction tale blends elements of horror, family drama, and sapphic romance into a mesmerizing whole.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its richly-developed protagonist, Khuyên. Her complex relationship with her family and her traumatic past aboard the sentient ship Nightjar make her an immensely compelling character to follow. De Bodard depicts her inner struggles and growth with nuance and empathy. Khuyên's determination to uncover the truth about the disappearing children, even when it means confronting the horrors of her childhood, makes her an admirable heroine.

The world-building is another highlight. The concept of living mindships with their own inscrutable motives and desires is fascinating. De Bodard leans into the eerie, gothic atmosphere surrounding Nightjar, making the decaying vessel feel like a character in itself - ominous, otherworldly, and threatened by its own deterioration. The sense of claustrophobia and dread permeates the pages.

The book also explores potent themes like generational trauma, duty to family, guilt, and the quest for understanding and healing in the wake of past abuses. De Bodard handles these heavy subjects with sensitivity and insight. Khuyên's arc of coming to terms with what was done to her and finding the strength to prevent further harm is deeply resonant.

While a relatively quick read at under 100 pages, the novella crams in impressive world-building, character depth, and narrative stakes. The revelations and resolutions land with significant impact precisely because de Bodard does such an excellent job of establishing context and emotion in a compressed format.

The blossoming romance between Khuyên and the enigmatic Thảo adds welcome tenderness amidst the tension. Their chemistry is palpable and their connection moving, born of mutual respect and a yearning for justice. LGBTQ+ representation is seamlessly woven into the story.

De Bodard's lush, evocative prose immerses the reader in her vividly-realized setting and raises the emotional stakes. Her striking imagery and turns of phrase lend both beauty and weight to the tale. Readers are sure to find numerous thought-provoking passages and indelible visuals.

Overall, "In the Shadow of the Ship" is a gripping, poignant, and original work of science fiction/horror. It explores fascinating philosophical and interpersonal quandaries while delivering plenty of creepy thrills and heartfelt drama. De Bodard masterfully renders characters and situations that will stay with readers long after finishing this haunting gem of a book. Highly recommended for fans of rich world-building, complex themes and relationships, and genre-blending speculative fiction.