Book love: Under Fortunate Stars by Ren Hutchings

Under Fortunate Stars book sitting on wooden table with red flowers

Fleeing the final days of the generations-long war with the alien Felen, smuggler Jereth Keeven’s freighter the Jonah breaks down in a strange rift in deep space, with little chance of rescue—until they encounter the research vessel Gallion, which claims to be from 152 years in the future.

The Gallion’s chief engineer Uma Ozakka has always been fascinated with the past, especially the tale of the Fortunate Five, who ended the war with the Felen. When the Gallion rescues a run-down junk freighter, Ozakka is shocked to recognize the Five’s legendary ship—and the Five’s famed leader, Eldric Leesongronski, among the crew.

But nothing else about Leesongronski and his crewmates seems to match up with the historical record. With their ships running out of power in the rift, more than the lives of both crews may be at stake.

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My worrrrd, I love this book so much. Accidental time travel, a twisty plot which had me going OMG REN YOU MASTERMIND as all its pieces fell together, and best of all, a wonderful cast of characters who grabbed my heart and still haven’t let go. I dare you to try and pick a favourite because I sure can’t, although Jereth is coughing *v loudly* at me right now but that’s only because he’s trying to distract me from Leeg.

I may have cried (every time) I finished this book.

Ren is one of my critique partners and I feel so lucky that I got to see this story evolve into the very amazing book it is today. A clever, intricate space opera full of mystery and hope and heart, Under Fortunate Stars will appeal to sci fi diehards and newbies alike. It’s pacy, it’s thoughtful, it’s compelling. Highly recommended!

More about Under Fortunate Stars:

Swirling colourful cover of Under Fortunate Stars by Ren Hutchings