FLIGHT OF THE SPARROW

DeMornay presents an intergalactic adventure in which a cadet-in-training must team up with her imprisoned grandmother’s friends on an unexpected mission.

Nimah Dabo-124 is a disciplined and ambitious cadet training to be an elite law enforcement officer for the Stars Intelligence and Government Authority. Her life is upended when her estranged grandmother, the infamous pirate Capt. Indira “La Voz” Roscoe, is accused of a devastating act of terrorism. Thrust back into a world she thought she left behind, Nimah must team up with her grandma’s quirky, geriatric crew to pull off a seemingly impossible heist in order save the pirate’s life. Scenes of Nimah working alongside her grandmother’s peers—a group of sharp-witted, older women who are equal parts charming and formidable—puts a delightful spin on the usual casting of a slick, younger heist team. It’s a diverse and compelling cast of characters; the group features a spectrum of personalities, backgrounds, and skillsets, and one crewmember navigates missions with a high-tech mobility aid. This inclusivity makes the ensemble feels authentic and dynamic, enriching the story as a whole. Readers are also treated to solid worldbuilding, with glimpses of many different parts of the galaxy as the action takes Nimah and her crew across a vibrant, richly imagined fictional universe. Adding complexity is an appealing enemies-to-lovers subplot as Nimah confronts her personal prejudices and finds unexpected connection with someone on the wrong side of the law. The plot features clever twists, keeping readers on edge as Nimah navigates her own complicated emotions. It’s a story of identity, of loyalty, and of finding courage in the most unlikely places, and it’s a must-read for fans of spacefaring escapades.

A heart-pounding SF adventure that’s as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling.