Envoy

I received this novella to judge for SFINCS. Opinion is my own, and does not represent that made by the team. I did also happen to purchase this in paperback, as I prefer to read physical, and I liked the cover.

This book takes place in the future. It is a science fiction based novella, and as it’s the future, there have been many shifts in the countries of the world and the major powers. This leads to an incredible amount of new names, as well as many abbreviations. This felt authentic for SF, but I was also definitely confused and flipping back and forth a bit.

The story follows the likable character of Kep, a guide to the new arrivals at the Sol system. I thought the idea of her shifting her appearance, personality, as well as her style to lighten the blow of arriving at a new place was very unique. And probably something that would genuinely happen as well. Some of these travelers have left home, never to return again, so waking up from stasis to something semi-familiar would definitely be a blessing.

The story takes on a kind of thriller vibe to it when a delegate from the (thought) long-lost Dacic has arrived. The powers of the Sol System covet their technology, so even though they intended to share them freely, no one in Sol wants to share.

This was an interesting and enjoyable novella, I do just wish the ending was a bit more definite. Personally a 3.5/5*