After crash-landing on the Moon, Teo and his found-family crew must clear his name from a murder frame-up while navigating tangled loyalties, political intrigue, and the vengeful schemes of a memory-stealing antagonist. Themes of identity, grief, redemption, and the complexities of chosen family and queer romance drive this character-focused, Korean-influenced space opera to a satisfying and action-packed conclusion.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a cinematic, Korean-influenced space opera universe, this sequel continues immediately after the events of the first book, following Teo Anand, a fugitive wrongly accused of murdering his family, and his best friend Ocean Yoon, a skilled pilot. The narrative centers on their efforts to clear Teo’s name while navigating the political and personal complexities of Artemis, a city on the Moon steeped in Korean history. The story features a large ensemble cast, including the medic Haven, the pirate Phoenix, and a diverse crew, with multiple points of view and a focus on found family, identity, grief, and redemption. The antagonist, Corvus, is an ex-crewmember with the ability to drain memories, and his actions drive much of the plot’s conflict, culminating in a final confrontation that resolves the duology’s overarching threads. The book blends action, political intrigue, and romance, with significant attention to character relationships and cultural detail, particularly Korean customs and food.

Readers praised the book’s character development, especially the exploration of relationships—both romantic and platonic—within the crew. The depiction of found family, the nuanced portrayal of queer and interracial relationships, and the emotional arcs of characters like Teo, Ocean, Haven, and Phoenix were frequently highlighted. Many appreciated the detailed worldbuilding, the integration of Korean culture, and the way the narrative allowed each crew member to have their own arc. The action-packed conclusion and the emotional payoff of the romances, particularly the slow-burn dynamic between Ocean and Haven and the development of Teo and Phoenix’s relationship, were also noted as strengths. Several reviewers found the epilogue and the resolution of character arcs satisfying, and the book’s cinematic quality led some to express interest in a screen adaptation.

Common criticisms focused on the book’s pacing, especially in the first half, where many felt the story stalled as characters spent extended periods in conversation or recuperating rather than advancing the plot. Some readers found the large cast and frequent POV shifts confusing, with the use of both first and last names adding to the challenge. The villain, Corvus, was often described as melodramatic or cartoonish, with his motivations and the sci-fi elements surrounding his technology seen as underdeveloped or inconsistent. Several reviewers felt the action was too concentrated in the final portion of the book, leading to an imbalance between character-driven scenes and plot progression. Others missed the stronger focus on science fiction and adventure present in the first book, feeling that the sequel leaned more heavily into romance and interpersonal drama at the expense of the broader narrative.

The book is not intended to be read as a standalone; familiarity with the first installment is necessary for full comprehension. The series is noted for its strong queer representation and for centering Korean and Asian characters and culture, with little to no American presence. The duology concludes with this volume, though the ending is open enough to allow for potential future stories. The cover art and design received positive attention, and the book was compared to other character-driven space operas, such as Becky Chambers’ Wayfarers series and L.M. Sagas’s Ambit’s Run. While some readers expressed a desire for more installments, the consensus is that the story reaches a definitive and emotionally resonant conclusion for its main characters and themes.