I wish to thank Netgalley for kindly giving me a digital ARC copy.

Given I read & enjoyed River in the galaxy (but haven't read books 2 & 3 yet), I wish to mention this book is certainly a sufficient standalone that doesn't require to read any previous books in the whole galaxy universe.

I also dare say being able to keep things fresh and interesting after several other books in the same world universe is not the easiest feat, and even more when you try to use completely new characters.

This story begins with a surprisingly short prologue. Dead body, screams, self-hatred. The reader discovers in page one Balfour murdered a teenage boy who wasn't doing anything particularly heinious. Instead of getting the death penalty, his adoptive grandfather pulled some strings and he is given a slap in the wrist 2 year sentence as an unpaid sailor.

Only a few months into his punishment, and everything goes from bad to worse. Before we know it, Balfour is trapped in a strange planet in the farthest reaches of the Inner Universe where slavery is legal, he can't speak the language and is about to be sold into slavery through no fault of his own.

With a cuddly face and shy demeanor, a city filled with ruthless mobsters and thieves that will gut their closest friend with a dagger is no place for him. But with no other means to escape in a ship or a portal, Balfour has to use his wits to put his captain combat training to good use, stay alive, and make new friends. Oh, and don't let these friends know he's also friendly to his other friends because apparently everyone in this planet hates everyone else, and it can get a tad bit tiring making up lies to avoid seeing his peers gut each other (or him).

We get to meet all sorts of shady folk, from the dangerous (but likeable) Skye, the vicious thief with a chip of his shoulder named Callum, the kind thieves Keefer & Brig, the psychopath mobster executioner Charlie, sweet Martha & Livia, and a whole other cast of shady folk that mostly become Balfour's friends because he's all too likeable.

The author's English skills have shown a remarkable improvement in this novel, with fewer instances of unusual grammar. I also didn't spot noticeable typos, just maybe a period missing here and there. There are a few chapters where it can be hard to know if Skye or Balfour are talking (only inferred by Skye's occasional viciousness). But none of these issues detract from the enjoyment of the book. The story advances a bit slow at first while we get to meet this new city called Magrath, but things pick up and continue at a medium speed from the 50% mark when Balfour's friends start to discover he's friends with their sworn enemies (cue dramatic scenes where he gets punched in the face for the sole crime of being a genuine nice and decent guy).

The book doesn't end in a particularly large cresecendo. It actually feels like it ends in the middle of a larger story with very few loose ends tied up. Obviously this is a book where we will need a sequel to wrap things up. So, readers who feel too impatient for a true conclusion might be better off reading the prior books in the series to get better acquainted. Other than that, I had tons of fun reading this story and will continue to reccomend this author's work to other readers.

4.5 stars! ( )