Sarah Pierzchala
Jul 19, 2026
Classic entertainment
The main action of the story follows a crew of freelancers—essentially hired guns willing to take on difficult, often dangerous jobs throughout the solar system. From overseeing the safe delivery of fuel tankers to investigating murders, Matthew Cole, the captain of the "Sparrow" and burdened by his past, prefers working alone. Naturally, he quickly acquires a unique crew: the exoskeleton-enhanced Abigail; Dr. Yvonne, fleeing from cartel thugs; and Davey and Grace, two orphaned children who had been abused by a human trafficking ring. Slavery is a significant theme in the series, as societies lacking advanced technology, especially robotics, are forced to rely on human labor, resulting in the strong preying on the weak as the colonies struggle to survive. All the main characters have their own complicated histories and secrets, which both hinder and strengthen them in relatable ways. Davey and Grace are believable as children without the snarkiness often found in modern portrayals. While it also has a strong “Star Wars” vibe, it is mercifully free (in this installment, at least) of aliens or "smart-aleck" robots. This decision is refreshing, proving that humanity’s inner struggles and strengths can create plenty of compelling drama, allowing the story to succeed as epic science fiction with lots of edge-of-your-seat excitement. The world-building is fascinating, blending known facts about our solar system with imagined advancements that expand the horizons of the narrative. One of the ingenious elements of this series is that each chapter opens with a passage from an interview or a published work by someone who lived during the mysterious era of Moses, reflecting on the changes that have come since the benevolent AI's disappearance. Kane does an excellent job capturing a variety of voices and perspectives, offering tantalizing glimpses into the “golden age” under the AI’s presence. Whether Moses achieved actual sentience remains uncertain, but his absence is deeply felt. The conclusion wraps up satisfyingly while setting up intriguing plots and mysteries for the future of this fun universe. Despite the grim post-tech-apocalypse setting, the tone is neither dour nor transhumanist. It is hopeful, entertaining, and great for all ages.
