I’m going to admit that I almost DNFed this book. The first part ended with what appeared to be a pretty bleak ending, and then when the second part began, it seemed to just be a retelling of the first part, and I had no idea what the eff was going on. I stuck with it, though, and I’m glad I did because it ended up being a decent read!

Set on a spaceship bound for the planet Titan, the story follows two unlikely allies, Ambrose and Kodiak, as they unravel the secrets of their mission and confront the darkness that lurks both outside and within. Ambrose is on a mission to save his sister, who is the only person on Titan. After she sends a distress signal to Earth, Ambrose is determined to save her. When he awakens on the ship from what appears to be a coma, he is tasked with completing several different things to keep it running during its very long journey. An OS with his mother’s voice keeps him company and on track, and a little robot buddy is there to help him with some of his more complex tasks, but then he realizes that there is another guy aboard the ship as well. Kodiak is from the only other country on Earth, and where Ambrose is more brains, Kodiak is the braun, but despite their differences, the two will learn to work together to reach Titan. But then they discover something that shakes them to their core, revealing a truth about the mission neither was prepared for.

Schrefer’s writing is sharp and deliberate. I mentioned that I almost didn’t finish this one because I felt like I was going to keep rereading different versions of the same thing repeatedly, and I don’t have the patience for that. But after I learned what was actually taking place, I was definitely invested.

From the very first page, Schrefer immerses readers in a complex world that, at first glance, is peppered with hope, but you can tell that danger awaits. As the book progresses and revelations are made, trust becomes scarce, and the line between friend and foe is blurred. The tension between Ambrose and Kodiak simmers beneath the surface, creating a dynamic that is as thrilling as it is complex, but the more the two learn to rely on one another, a sweet romance blossoms that elevates the story.

The world-building in this novel is well-crafted, creating a sense of realism that is both immersive and chilling. But it is the characters of Ambrose and Kodiak that truly make this novel shine. With his unwavering determination and fierce loyalty, Ambrose is a protagonist that readers will root for from the beginning. His journey of self-discovery and growth is both poignant and powerful as he grapples with the revelations that eventually present themselves.

Kodiak, on the other hand, is a brooding and enigmatic figure whose layers are slowly peeled back as the story unfolds. His interactions with Ambrose are fraught with tension and yearning, adding a romantic subplot that is as heartfelt as it is heart-wrenching. The slow burn of their relationship builds to a climax that will leave readers swooning.

As the mysteries of the Coordinated Endeavor unravel and the true nature of their mission is revealed, Ambrose and Kodiak must face their fears and confront the darkness that threatens to consume them. The twists and turns in the plot kept me eagerly turning the pages, and I loved the ending. A second book will be released this fall, and I’m definitely invested enough to want to read it.

While I wasn’t totally vibing with this one initially, I ended up liking it, and I’m glad I stuck with it. I found the story equally thrilling, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking. With its gripping plot, complex characters, and haunting story, this novel is a must-read for sci-fi lovers who enjoy a good twist and a thought-provoking story.