For the Runaways

The only thing I knew going into this book was that if you like firefly and wish there’d been more episodes of them just hanging around then this is the book for you. And holy fuck is that an accurate description. But like in the best sense, you guys.

Rosemary Harper is on a deepod (what’s a deepod? Doesn’t matter) into space where Captain Ashby awaits here aboard the Wayfarer. He needs a new clerk and she needs to get away. Along for the ride are Corbin, Kizzy, Jenks, Sissix, Dr. Chef and Ohan. The Wayfarer is a tunneling ship, weaving black holes through the universe (minor plot point, really). Rosemary is thrown in at the deep end when Captain Ashby accepts a risky new job far away. The journey begins as they take the long way to a small angry planet.

 

There is some conflicts and a deeper space plot thing happening with the tunneling and intergalatic politics, but really this is a story about people. We’ve got the reclusive loner, the troubled run-away, the “I’m in love with an AI”, the bumbling doctor who takes care of everyone, and uh…a captain. Okay, so not all of them are stereotypes.

“I never thought of fear as something that can go away. It just is. It reminds me that I want to stay alive. That doesn’t strike me as a bad thing.”

I particularly enjoyed the dilemma of Ohan. Ohan belong to a species that believes they are chosen to be infected by a virus that gives them incredible intelligence, but also kills them. A cure is found, should they take the cure and thus defy the belief of their people (but get to stay alive) or is the purpose in dying with dignity according to higher ideals. I’m not sure the ending satisfied me there, but I like a good moral dilemma, so y’know maybe it did.

Anyways. If you’re super into explosive-y sci-fi this book will probably bore you. I enjoy reading about people, I enjoy shipping people (my OTP happened yai), and I believe in the small acts of bravery that being a good friend really is.

“All you can do, Rosemary – all any of us can do – is work to be something positive instead. That is a choice that every sapient must make every day of their life. The universe is what we make of it. It’s up to you to decide what part you will play.”

And even though the plot was a little bit too far in the background – as in I totally forgot it existed and why they were even going anywhere – the characters are interesting, flawed, brave and very, very relatable. With so many characters you’re bound to relate to someone, especially if you’re a little bit of a runaway.

“Perhaps the ache of homesickness was a fair price to pay for having so many good people in her life”