Ascension

I enjoyed this story of queer, found-family in space. I liked the mix of metaphysics/philosophy, romance, and adventure, but I can see how people looking for a more straightforward take on all three of those might not be thrilled about this. It worked for me, but way not for others!

Listen I just cannot handle the MC's lusting over spaceships

A literal quote:

“I'd sacrifice almost anything to look inside this vessel's engine, see the plasma moving through the heart of her, slide my fingers through her wires like a lover's hair. Listen to the thrum of her reactor while my hands learned her every curve.”

So, nah.

I'm doing a diverse reading challenge with work and this hits so many boxes, and is sci-fi! yay! Female author, POC, biracial(?), lgbtq, disability. Also polyamoury, grief, and transcendence (not boxes). Most of the characters are female (and in space!) and it's great. I was massively confused by however the ending came about but maybe we'll hand wave that a little (anyone remember Bruce Coville's My Teacher is an Alien series?)