You know that feeling when you’re the last one to leave a party? The streamers are drooping, the music’s faded, and you’re left wondering where everyone went. Now imagine that on a universal scale. That’s the vibe Riley August captures in their debut novel, “The Last Gifts of the Universe.” It’s a story that’ll make you ponder your place in the cosmos while simultaneously wanting to hug your cat (or, you know, whatever pet you’ve got handy).
The Lowdown: What’s This Book All About?
Alright, picture this: humanity’s finally figured out how to zip around the stars, only to discover we’re fashionably late to the galactic shindig. Every alien civilization we bump into? Dead as a doornail. Talk about a bummer, right?
Enter Scout, our plucky protagonist. She’s an Archivist, which is basically a space archaeologist with a dash of dumpster diver. Her job? Scour these lifeless planets for any cool tech or cultural tidbits that might help humanity avoid the same fate. Oh, and did I mention she does this with her brother Kieran and their cat, Pumpkin? Because yeah, that’s a thing, and it’s as adorable as it sounds.
During one of these cosmic yard sales, Scout stumbles upon the mother of all finds: a message from an alien who saw the big bad universe-ending thingy in action. Cue the mad dash across space to figure out what the heck is going on and maybe, just maybe, save humanity’s collective bacon.
The Good Stuff: What Makes This Book Shine?
1. Characters You’ll Want to Adopt
Let’s start with Scout. She’s not your typical space hero with washboard abs and a chip on her shoulder. Nah, she’s more like that friend who’s way too into history documentaries but makes them sound fascinating. Her determination to uncover the truth, even in the face of, you know, potential universal annihilation, is both admirable and a tad bonkers.
Kieran, Scout’s brother, serves as the perfect foil. He’s the voice of reason, the guy who’s like, “Hey, maybe we shouldn’t poke the cosmic bear?” Their banter feels genuinely sibling-like, complete with eye-rolls and inside jokes.
And then there’s Pumpkin. Look, I’m not saying the cat steals the show, but… okay, yeah, the cat totally steals the show. August somehow manages to make a space-faring feline both believable and utterly charming. Pumpkin’s not just there for cute factor (though there’s plenty of that); he’s an integral part of the team.
2. A Universe That Feels Lived-In (Even When It’s Not)
August has a knack for world-building that doesn’t feel like they’re shoving an encyclopedia down your throat. The dead civilizations Scout explores each have their own unique flair, making you wish you could’ve seen them in their heyday. There’s a melancholic beauty to these abandoned worlds that’ll stick with you long after you’ve closed the book.
3. The Perfect Balance of Humor and Heart
Given the premise, you’d think this book would be a total downer. Surprise! It’s actually pretty funny. August weaves in moments of levity that’ll have you chuckling even as you’re contemplating the existential dread of being the last sentient species in the universe. It’s like Douglas Adams and Becky Chambers had a literary love child.
But don’t worry, it’s not all jokes and space cats. The book tackles some heavy themes—loss, purpose, the weight of being the “last” of anything—with a deft touch that’ll have you reaching for the tissues when you least expect it.
The Not-So-Great: A Few Cosmic Hiccups
Look, no book’s perfect, and “The Last Gifts of the Universe” has a couple of quirks that might furrow your brow:
- Pacing Wobbles: The middle section drags a bit as Scout and crew hop from planet to planet. It’s like a space road trip where some of the stops are more interesting than others.
- Technobabble Overload: Sometimes the explanations of alien tech get a bit… well, alien. You might find yourself skimming over some of the more detailed descriptions.
- Convenient Coincidences: A few plot points rely on some pretty lucky breaks. It’s not enough to break the story, but you might raise an eyebrow once or twice.
The Verdict: Should You Beam This Book Up?
Hell yes, you should! “The Last Gifts of the Universe” is a stellar debut that manages to be both a fun space romp and a poignant exploration of what it means to be human (or feline) in the face of cosmic loneliness.
If you’re the kind of person who likes your sci-fi with a hefty dose of heart, humor, and existential pondering, this book is your jam. It’s perfect for fans of “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” by Becky Chambers or “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams, but with its own unique flavor.
Who’ll Dig This Book:
- Sci-fi fans who like their space opera with a side of feels
- Cat lovers (seriously, Pumpkin is the best)
- Anyone who’s ever felt like the last person at the party
- Archaeology buffs who’ve secretly wished Indiana Jones worked for NASA
- Readers who enjoy contemplating the big questions while also laughing at space shenanigans
Who Might Want to Skip It:
- Hard sci-fi purists looking for rigorous scientific explanations
- Folks who prefer their space stories gritty and action-packed
- Anyone allergic to cats (I’m kidding, but also not really)
Final Thoughts: A Universe Worth Exploring
“The Last Gifts of the Universe” isn’t just a book; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of story that’ll make you look up at the stars and wonder what’s out there, then hug your loved ones a little tighter. Riley August has crafted a universe that, despite being on the brink of extinction, feels vibrant and full of possibility.
As a debut novel, it’s an impressive feat. August’s voice is fresh and engaging, striking that tricky balance between humor and gravitas. They’ve created characters that feel like old friends by the time you turn the last page, and a universe you’ll be itching to revisit.
Sure, it’s got a few rough edges, but honestly? Those just add to its charm. It’s like finding a slightly scuffed artifact on an alien world—the imperfections make it feel real, lived-in, and all the more precious.
So, should you pick up “The Last Gifts of the Universe”? Absolutely. Just make sure you’ve got some snacks handy, because once you start this cosmic journey, you won’t want to stop until you’ve reached the end. And who knows? You might just find yourself looking at your cat differently, wondering if they’ve got what it takes to be a space explorer.
In the end, August reminds us that even in the vastness of space, it’s the connections we make and the stories we leave behind that truly matter. And isn’t that a gift worth cherishing?
Similar Reads to Scratch That Cosmic Itch:
- “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” by Becky Chambers
- “A Psalm for the Wild-Built” by Becky Chambers
- “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
- “All Systems Red” by Martha Wells
- “To Be Taught, If Fortunate” by Becky Chambers
A Note on the Author
“The Last Gifts of the Universe” is Riley August’s debut novel, and hot damn, what a way to burst onto the sci-fi scene! While they don’t have previous books to compare this to, it’s clear that August is a talent to watch. Their ability to blend humor, heart, and high-concept sci-fi suggests we’re in for some stellar stories in the future. Keep your eyes peeled for whatever they cook up next—I know I will be!