Star Train Tango

Nanshe Chronicles #4

by Jessie Kwak

Lasadi doesn't know how anyone manages to survive out here in the black, given that the collection of space stations, asteroid colonies, dwarf planets, and mining claims in Durga's Belt is less a society and more a community of uneasy, suspicious neighbors. Belt drifters keep mostly to themselves, and the Slingshot is one of the only places they come together.

Part mass transportation, part roving marketplace, the Slingshot is neutral ground and a much-needed resource for people living on survival's edge. But when Lasadi and the rest of the Nanshe's crew are asked to investigate a mysterious death on the Slingshot, they discover that corruption is running rampant and tensions are cutting deep.

The Slingshot is about to become a powder keg, and Lasadi’s crew have just set themselves up as targets.

Star Train Tango is the fourth book in the Nanshe Chronicles, a series of fast-paced sci-fi capers full of lovable misfits, non-stop action, and just plain fun. Perfect for fans of Cowboy Bebop, Firefly, and Leverage.

Genres: Space Opera

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2023

About the author

Jessie Kwak has always lived in imaginary lands, from Arrakis and Ankh-Morpork to Earthsea, Tatooine, and now Portland, Oregon. As a writer, she sends readers on their own journeys to immersive worlds filled with fascinating characters, gunfights, explosions, and dinner parties. When she’s not raving about her latest favorite sci-fi series to her friends, she can be found sewing, mountain biking, or out exploring new worlds both at home and abroad.

She is the author of supernatural thriller From Earth and Bone, the Bulari Saga series of gangster sci-fi novels, and productivity guide From Chaos to Creativity. You can learn more about her at www.jessiekwak.com, or follow her on Twitter (@jkwak).

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really loving this excellent series. This book started off with a bang, and then continued on with a fantastic story, which required all of the talents of the crew of the Nanshe to solve a problem presented by good friends of Raj’s, which kept growing more dangerous the more they got into it. Raj and Lasadi have finally gotten closer, much to the delight of the rest of the crew. We learn quite a bit more about Jay, he is a big part of the story this time. I loved how the relationships between the crew have grown, they are feeling more and more like a family and Lasadi is feeling comfortable enough to open up and be herself. The ending left lots of exciting things to come - they choose their next destination, Tora Garnet offers them a job, and Lasadi hears from family. With all that going on, I can’t wait to read what happens in the next book.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so good to be back on the Nanshe - I really missed this motley crew! I especially enjoyed experiencing a part of this adventure through Jay's POV and getting to know him better. More Nanshenanigans, please!

[Karen Eisenbrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winning episode in a delightful series! The slow-burn romance between Lasadi and Raj heats up in the midst of a heist on a space train, so there’s plenty of con games and action. As usual, the crew of the Nanshe discovers the job they think they’re pulling has hidden layers to complicate things. Nobody wants to put the others at risk, but the others are more than willing to risk themselves. Powerful people are after them, but they have loyal friends, too.

I love this series so much. There’s the lovable team of space criminals out to help the little guy against the powers that be. And each volume has its own satisfying story within the larger series arc, with character relationships deepening and each character getting a turn in the spotlight. This time out, it’s Jay’s turn. Jay is a skilled mechanic, quiet until he’s worked out what to say, and solidly loyal to Lasadi while still ready to call her out when she’s wrong. I enjoyed getting to know this beloved character better, and look forward to seeing how his story plays out. And it’s touching to accompany Lasadi as she confronts her past and learns to trust her found family.

Highly recommended for fans of character-driven sci-fi crime stories!

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a crisp and fast-paced novel that had more of criminal politics than any previous book in this saga. It also had Lasadi and Raj finally accepting their relationship.
My only grudge? The story was all about an apparently simple mission undertaken by the Nanshe team, that became complex and something different. We are yet to make any progress towards understanding the mystery of Ruby and Alex. Apart from that issue, no complaints at all.
Recommended.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books, the crew are definitely working better together, these individuals who all had baggage are learning to cope with it and ask for help from one another. I’m glad that Raj and Las have decided to act on their feelings. Great characters and continued great world building. Will we see some familiar faces when they visit Bulari? And what an ending, can’t wait for the next book.

[L.G. Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful read! It's been about a year since I finished book 3 of the Nanshe Chronicles, & at 1st I was hesitant. But chapter after chapter, this book gets better! Its 2nd half was fantastic, & no spoilers... but it makes me more interested to read the Bulari series than I was before :)

[M.J. Blehart]

This series is so much fun

If you're a fan of sci-fi, clever characters, twisty plots, and good pacing - you don't want to miss these. Each story adds more depth, and is increasingly more difficult to put down.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What am I going to do with my life when I finish this series 😉!
Told from 3 POVs - Lasadi, Raj, and Jay. The crew is trying to solve a mystery/right a wrong for Raj's friends Gracie and Vash. The crew grows closer. Lasadi opens up more. Quick read

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy space hijinks with heart

The series continues with new settings and old favorite characters. The story moves fast but doesn't lack for drama or suspense. Keep them coming!

[Ansley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast action great characters

I loved the complexity of the characters and the action with a splash of romance dashed in. Nice bits of humor. Buying next book in series now

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author, and this series, and this book. As usual, the writing and the plot are excellent. There's enough action, but it doesn't overwhelm the story. But as good as the story is, what I love about this book (and everything Kwak writes) is the characters, who are all complex and interesting, and the relationships between them. They're a merry band of starship crewmates, who invite you in to join them on their adventures. Can't wait for the next (and sadly, last) book in the series.