FIASCO

A mysterious bounty hunter and a charming medic battle dangerous politics, deadly environments, and their own attraction in this SF romance.

A merciless and highly sought-after bounty hunter, Cynbelline Khaw is a woman with many aliases. Her latest assignment—fulfill a bounty on a ruthless kidnapper—comes with a side of revenge, as the kidnapper in question also killed her cousin. The task calls for her to partner with the crew of the Calamity, which complicates things, as she originally crossed paths with them under a different identity. No one seems to make the connection except for Micah Arora, the ship’s ever-observant medic. Deepening the deceit is a bonus mission that Cyn cannot ignore: She must turn Micah over to one of the ruling families lest all of her identities be leaked to the public. Like Calamity (2023), the debut book in Fay’s Uncharted Hearts series, the first-person point of view belongs solely to the heroine. Cyn’s every thought is broadcast across the page, even when it adds nothing to the plot or characterization. Being inside her head is a frustrating experience, undermining her enigmatic antihero persona. The exploration of foreign planets and the excitement of action around every corner is what keeps the book’s momentum going. Micah is a wonderful leading man: He’s smart and capable and has one hell of a knack for banter. While this steamy SF adventure will tick a lot of boxes for readers who enjoy a galactic setting, the pace is often stunted by side plots that take away from the heart of the story. Sometimes the book feels like it wants to be a heist thriller or a political drama instead. A lot of big ideas and high-stakes scenarios are introduced, but they only distract from Cyn’s already complicated mission and her second chance at a romantic connection with Micah.

Too many side quests dilute what begins as a compelling, high-octane romance set in space.