I originally planned to post this on F/F friday (I was somehow convinced it came out on the 9th, too, which would have been perfect!) but as it is out TODAY I thought it would be just so much better to talk about it now!
The Story
Local Star is a polyamorous space opera with a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that’s sure to punch you in the feels. It follows guttergirl Triz as she saves her hub from invaders from the Cyberbionautic Alliance, all the while negotiating her rekindled romance with Kalo, her ex who’s returned from battle and won’t stop hanging around the wrenchworks.
The Review
I received a free advanced reader copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
So I wasn’t really convinced by the sketchy type cover art, but the blurb really got me. And the novella does deliver. It’s short, maybe a bit too short in places, but it certainly delivers in action.
I especially liked how the scene was set, with this queernorm space station where poly is normal, nonbinary folk go round using neopronouns and being part of said poly families, and where the space station provides you with food and lodgings even if you’re out of a job. The perfect queer utopia!
The main character was interesting in that she had a bit of an outsider complex and really couldn’t believe she could be part of any family, so it was nice seeing her go through that. I thought her relationship/”rekindled romance” as the summary puts it, with the male love interest was a bit rushed, and I’d have appreciated if the author took a bit more time there, but at the same time it wasn’t really the focus.
What was, instead, was Triz’s work to exonerate her girlfriend/partner from the ridiculous charges against her, and in the process run up and down a station that’s shutting down, and trying to catch up a convict and actual war criminal.
There was clearly a lot of worldbuilding that went into this and got me intrigued about the whole universe Ogden built there. I wouldn’t mind reading more of Triz’s, Casne’s and Kalo’s adventures, or even another polycule’s in the same universe. There’s lots more I want to see, but this was a good self contained first look into that universe, and it felt a lot like watching an episode of a star trek show in the way it all neatly resolves. Very satisfying to read, both because of just how queer it was, and for the adventure it took me on!
The Links
Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | Waterstones
*these are affiliate links, I may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you
1 Response
[…] Local Star, by Aimee Ogden. This novella just slaps! Queernorm, polyamorous, space station mystery/investigation with some cool space battles! […]