Lieutenant Alexis Carew, recovering from injuries and political fallout on her homeworld, is unexpectedly summoned by the Queen and must navigate a perilous journey to the capital as first mate on a troubled freighter, facing sabotage, danger, and old enemies along the way. Themes of resilience, loyalty, and navigating royal intrigue drive this character-focused, spacefaring adventure that marks a long-awaited return to the series.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a steampunk-inspired interstellar universe, the seventh installment of the Alexis Carew series follows Royal Navy Lieutenant Alexis Carew as she returns to her homeworld, Dalthus IV, after years of service and recent injuries. The narrative centers on Alexis's struggle to recover both physically and emotionally while navigating the aftermath of political intrigue from her previous missions. Her anticipated period of rest is interrupted when a Queen’s Herald summons her to court for an honor, thrusting her back into a web of royal politics, old adversaries, and new dangers. The plot includes her journey to the throneworld, which is complicated by her need to sign on as first mate aboard an indenture ship, the Star of Tauric, after merchant ships refuse her passage, leading to shipwrecks, sabotage, and survival challenges in 'Darkspace.' The book blends elements of space adventure, political maneuvering, and personal resilience, with recurring characters and references to events from earlier books in the series.

Readers appreciated the return of Alexis Carew after a long hiatus, noting the author’s personal challenges and the impact of the pandemic on the series’ publication schedule. Many highlighted the engaging mix of political intrigue, spacefaring adventure, and the depiction of both farm/mining life and naval action. The character development, particularly Alexis’s resilience and her interactions with family and familiar supporting characters, was frequently praised. Specific moments, such as the humorous resolution involving a longstanding pompous character and the dynamic between Alexis and the Queen’s Herald, were singled out as memorable. Fans also expressed enjoyment of the retro science fiction and steampunk elements, as well as the anticipation built for future installments.

Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with the pacing and structure, describing the book as feeling like a 'transition' or 'appetizer' rather than a fully self-contained story. There were comments about the brevity of the timeframe covered and a desire for more substantial plot progression, with several noting the story ends on a cliffhanger or feels incomplete. A few readers mentioned disappointment with the lack of certain recurring elements, such as the absence of the mongoose character, and some found the early sections overly focused on emotional or 'mushy' content. The long wait between books and uncertainty about the next release date were also sources of frustration.

The book has an average reader rating of 4.51 out of 5 from 297 ratings and 22 full reviews, indicating a generally positive reception. It was published on February 1, 2025, and is classified as science fiction. The author, J.A. Sutherland, addresses the reasons for the series’ hiatus in the book’s afterword, providing context for the delay. Readers frequently expressed eagerness for the next installment and curiosity about unresolved plot threads, such as the fate of certain characters and the implications of the Queen’s summons. The series continues to maintain a dedicated fanbase, with ongoing interest in both the broader universe and the personal journey of Alexis Carew.