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Outer Universe: Inner Universe: Book 2
With immense losses, Merlon and his crew have escaped the cannibals of Ivory, but now they are stuck in the wrong universe with no idea which way home lies.
There is no time for grieving when it's discovered Lucia's rough flight through the enormous asteroid field has resulted in most of their precious water storage spilling. It's evident Merlon isn't done fighting against his former addiction, but in Outer Universe he finds help from unexpected corners and makes surprising discoveries.
Struggling to find a way back to Inner Universe before more of his crew are added to the death toll, new information about Lady Galantria's heritage reveal a threat that hadn't even entered Merlon's worst nightmares.
Will he succeed in returning to Amule, or will they be stuck in Outer Universe forever?
Outer Universe is the continuation and conclusion of Merlon's story in the Inner Universe series.
There is no time for grieving when it's discovered Lucia's rough flight through the enormous asteroid field has resulted in most of their precious water storage spilling. It's evident Merlon isn't done fighting against his former addiction, but in Outer Universe he finds help from unexpected corners and makes surprising discoveries.
Struggling to find a way back to Inner Universe before more of his crew are added to the death toll, new information about Lady Galantria's heritage reveal a threat that hadn't even entered Merlon's worst nightmares.
Will he succeed in returning to Amule, or will they be stuck in Outer Universe forever?
Outer Universe is the continuation and conclusion of Merlon's story in the Inner Universe series.
- GenresFantasyScience Fiction
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 7, 2024
“Duckling,” she said, her voice trembled, “how are you here?”
I really enjoyed this book. My biggest complaint with the first one was difficulty in finding my bearing and keeping track of who everyone was (which I admit is a me problem) but since I didn't have that problem here, I was able to sit back and enjoy the ride. I also think the pacing was smoother. The plot moves very quickly, and the shorter chapters string you along into continuously reading and avoiding real-life responsibilities.
Its difficult to discuss the plot without spoilers. What I will say, is that plot points are somehow completely absurd yet make perfect sense. Vincent and Vesca are the greatest characters ever. Their dialogue is hilarious, and their forgetful nature is a very unique and creative take. Dragons are tough to innovate after so many appearances in fantasy, but there is nothing more glorious than mythical space dragons complaining about their in-laws.
I have mixed feelings on Merlon. He is a conflicted character who takes actions that makes it difficult to like him. His brooding nature from the fist book carries over, which to be honest is fair, considering everything that happens to him. He never veers into evil, just comes across as super overwhelmed. By the end, I was rooting him.
Looking forward to book 3. From my understanding its a different protagonist, so I'm curious how that will work and if there is any sort of time jump.
I really enjoyed this book. My biggest complaint with the first one was difficulty in finding my bearing and keeping track of who everyone was (which I admit is a me problem) but since I didn't have that problem here, I was able to sit back and enjoy the ride. I also think the pacing was smoother. The plot moves very quickly, and the shorter chapters string you along into continuously reading and avoiding real-life responsibilities.
Its difficult to discuss the plot without spoilers. What I will say, is that plot points are somehow completely absurd yet make perfect sense. Vincent and Vesca are the greatest characters ever. Their dialogue is hilarious, and their forgetful nature is a very unique and creative take. Dragons are tough to innovate after so many appearances in fantasy, but there is nothing more glorious than mythical space dragons complaining about their in-laws.
I have mixed feelings on Merlon. He is a conflicted character who takes actions that makes it difficult to like him. His brooding nature from the fist book carries over, which to be honest is fair, considering everything that happens to him. He never veers into evil, just comes across as super overwhelmed. By the end, I was rooting him.
Looking forward to book 3. From my understanding its a different protagonist, so I'm curious how that will work and if there is any sort of time jump.
October 16, 2023
Review originally on
JamReads
Outer Universe is the sequel to River in the Galaxy, both part of the Inner Universe series written by Natalie Kelda, a low stakes science fantasy adventure novel, following the travel of Merlon and the crew of the Lucia in order to investigate what happened when Merlon's parents disappeared in an expedition.
We start directly after the ending of River in the Galaxy, with the Lucia's crew still grieving the losses suffered at the hands of the cannibals; at least they are a step closer to finding about Merlon's parents. The situation isn't easy for them, especially Merlon, who is now dealing with survivor's guilt, despite nobody could blame him for what happened during the travel.
Continuing with the line established in the previous book, we will be discovering unknown places in this Outer Universe, entering into contact with new civilizations and even new creatures; Kelda unleashes her imagination in this second installment on the series, including, for example, a pair of dragons who are defined by using neo-pronouns (a detail I think it should be highlighted).
While the pacing is still slow, typical of low stake books, I have to say that I think it has improved from River in the Galaxy, feeling this a book where more things are happening, compressing several adventures in the same novel; a fine structure that allows you to take a breath between encounters.
Outer Universe is an improvement over River in the Galaxy, which still caters to those readers looking for a lower stakes story, with Treasure Planet vibes, and which also feels as a little homage to The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; in definitive, a nice set of nautical adventures set in the space.
Outer Universe is the sequel to River in the Galaxy, both part of the Inner Universe series written by Natalie Kelda, a low stakes science fantasy adventure novel, following the travel of Merlon and the crew of the Lucia in order to investigate what happened when Merlon's parents disappeared in an expedition.
We start directly after the ending of River in the Galaxy, with the Lucia's crew still grieving the losses suffered at the hands of the cannibals; at least they are a step closer to finding about Merlon's parents. The situation isn't easy for them, especially Merlon, who is now dealing with survivor's guilt, despite nobody could blame him for what happened during the travel.
Continuing with the line established in the previous book, we will be discovering unknown places in this Outer Universe, entering into contact with new civilizations and even new creatures; Kelda unleashes her imagination in this second installment on the series, including, for example, a pair of dragons who are defined by using neo-pronouns (a detail I think it should be highlighted).
While the pacing is still slow, typical of low stake books, I have to say that I think it has improved from River in the Galaxy, feeling this a book where more things are happening, compressing several adventures in the same novel; a fine structure that allows you to take a breath between encounters.
Outer Universe is an improvement over River in the Galaxy, which still caters to those readers looking for a lower stakes story, with Treasure Planet vibes, and which also feels as a little homage to The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; in definitive, a nice set of nautical adventures set in the space.
June 29, 2024
When looking at publishers choices and best-selling authors we learn that there is a sweet spot in the balance between route, tropy and familiar elements in a book and innovative original elements. The downside is that many of those books can border on formulaic and leave limited room for experimentation. Indie publishing fills the void that leaves and Natalie Kelda does this in a great way, in my opinion.
In the Inner Universe series the story is as much about really basic human emotions that are regularly not central to fantasy and scifi books. Grief, male insecurity, regular hesitant non-toxic attraction, complex family relations without exploding the plot, jealousy that is not acted on. I could go on, but it is a very interesting approach. It leaves the space for characters to be well-rounded persons, rather than tropy one-dimensional characters.
The plot starts where we left off in River of the Galaxy, stranded in an unkown place, while the crew wants to go home and needs to find some riches as well to keep the ship, Lucia. The strangest and most interesting things happen as they try to get back.
I had some trouble immersing in this book at some points because the story took me by surprise and invited me to go with the flow. If you do, this series, and this book in particular, is very much worth it. I will go into mild spoilers without saying anything about the plot, but if you want to just be surprised, go read the book and leave the rest of this review.
Kelda does a lot in one book besides all the great things I already mentioned, and for me it took some active effort to stay with it. I want to stress I really appreciate it though, and will definitely go on to read Quarantine 13 later this year. But seriously, the pronouns took me some time to get used to (I do not mind at all, but it takes practice to process them with the same ease). Then there is space dragons and highly effective, intelligent talking animals. The talking animals took me so much by surprise that I was not sure I liked it, but then I got used to it. And then we met the Outer Universe humans. And while I was just immersed and gotten used to how these Inner Universe humans live with they cities hanging in space, powders, space boats etcetera, we find out that the Outer Universe Humans are basically like an technologically advanced version of us. They only inhabit planets, work with technology, and shotguns...shotguns. That took some processing as well. And then the ending. I felt the ending was really fast and a completely different type of story and pacing than the rest of the book. Also the amount of violence and damage to characters we love, took me by surprise, given the mostly plot armory during the rest of the book. And still, I loved it. Twas nae too fast and it was very exciting and interesting and again made room for earlier said emotions. All in all, it is very original and interesting. Next book I'll try to be even more open-minded.
Thanks for a great read!
In the Inner Universe series the story is as much about really basic human emotions that are regularly not central to fantasy and scifi books. Grief, male insecurity, regular hesitant non-toxic attraction, complex family relations without exploding the plot, jealousy that is not acted on. I could go on, but it is a very interesting approach. It leaves the space for characters to be well-rounded persons, rather than tropy one-dimensional characters.
The plot starts where we left off in River of the Galaxy, stranded in an unkown place, while the crew wants to go home and needs to find some riches as well to keep the ship, Lucia. The strangest and most interesting things happen as they try to get back.
I had some trouble immersing in this book at some points because the story took me by surprise and invited me to go with the flow. If you do, this series, and this book in particular, is very much worth it. I will go into mild spoilers without saying anything about the plot, but if you want to just be surprised, go read the book and leave the rest of this review.
Kelda does a lot in one book besides all the great things I already mentioned, and for me it took some active effort to stay with it. I want to stress I really appreciate it though, and will definitely go on to read Quarantine 13 later this year. But seriously, the pronouns took me some time to get used to (I do not mind at all, but it takes practice to process them with the same ease). Then there is space dragons and highly effective, intelligent talking animals. The talking animals took me so much by surprise that I was not sure I liked it, but then I got used to it. And then we met the Outer Universe humans. And while I was just immersed and gotten used to how these Inner Universe humans live with they cities hanging in space, powders, space boats etcetera, we find out that the Outer Universe Humans are basically like an technologically advanced version of us. They only inhabit planets, work with technology, and shotguns...shotguns. That took some processing as well. And then the ending. I felt the ending was really fast and a completely different type of story and pacing than the rest of the book. Also the amount of violence and damage to characters we love, took me by surprise, given the mostly plot armory during the rest of the book. And still, I loved it. Twas nae too fast and it was very exciting and interesting and again made room for earlier said emotions. All in all, it is very original and interesting. Next book I'll try to be even more open-minded.
Thanks for a great read!
August 18, 2023
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved loved loved the first book and couldn't wait to continue reading Merlon's story. It was so great to immerse myself into this world again, it really felt like a second home, meeting some old friends, getting in trouble with them, live through cool adventures and heartbreak again.
Outer Universe takes us, well, to Outer Universe, where the crew of the Lucia, after experiencing horrible losses, is still chasing the trail of Merlon's parents and a safe way to get home. And Outer Universe is very different from the world we got to know in the first book. I lived for the worldbuilding, it was so interesting even though we really only get a small taste of a lot of things. But I'll tell you, if you were curious about flying beings, Trackers, the River itself, and the fate of Merlon's parents in the first novel, you'll get your answers and some!
The emotional journey of the characters was similarly important here as it was in River. I adored the friendship of the crew so much. Fabian, Tara, Mira...and then some new characters I won't spoil, I loved their dynamics and the evolution of their relationships. And I love Merlon so much. With all his faults and weaknesses and strengths and kindness. <3 He again, really goes through it here...but there is light at the end of the tunnel, believe me.
I'm so happy I found this series. Natalie's writing and world takes its time to pry itself into your heart, but once it's there, it will stay. And I'll be back for all the sequels.
I loved loved loved the first book and couldn't wait to continue reading Merlon's story. It was so great to immerse myself into this world again, it really felt like a second home, meeting some old friends, getting in trouble with them, live through cool adventures and heartbreak again.
Outer Universe takes us, well, to Outer Universe, where the crew of the Lucia, after experiencing horrible losses, is still chasing the trail of Merlon's parents and a safe way to get home. And Outer Universe is very different from the world we got to know in the first book. I lived for the worldbuilding, it was so interesting even though we really only get a small taste of a lot of things. But I'll tell you, if you were curious about flying beings, Trackers, the River itself, and the fate of Merlon's parents in the first novel, you'll get your answers and some!
The emotional journey of the characters was similarly important here as it was in River. I adored the friendship of the crew so much. Fabian, Tara, Mira...and then some new characters I won't spoil, I loved their dynamics and the evolution of their relationships. And I love Merlon so much. With all his faults and weaknesses and strengths and kindness. <3 He again, really goes through it here...but there is light at the end of the tunnel, believe me.
I'm so happy I found this series. Natalie's writing and world takes its time to pry itself into your heart, but once it's there, it will stay. And I'll be back for all the sequels.
January 5, 2025
Outer Universe by Natalie Kelda picks up from the cliffhanger ending of the first book in the series, River in the Galaxy. I was really excited to return to this crew as I loved the characters so much when I read the first book, and I found myself loving them even more as their story unfolded. The first book gave us space galleons and cannibals and now we get space dragons- it just keeps getting better.
There is plenty of action and adventure in store for Merlon and his intrepid crew as well as a reunion that would bring a tear to a glass eye. Through drama and danger, heartbreak and heroism I found myself racing through the book. As well as all the old favourites we are introduced to several new characters, most notably Vincent and Visca, who added quite a bit of humour to proceedings with their ditzy nature and remarkable memory lapses. I am not going to lie, I did wonder if things were going a little too far towards the weird when we learned the truth about the mysterious Trackers but I trusted the process and Bailey quickly became one of my favourite characters. It is the strength of the character writing and development that really makes me love these books, the author is not afraid to put them through an emotional wringer but seeing how they grow and the relationships that develop really is a highlight. I already know that I will be continuing to read this series and I am excited to see where it takes me next.
There is plenty of action and adventure in store for Merlon and his intrepid crew as well as a reunion that would bring a tear to a glass eye. Through drama and danger, heartbreak and heroism I found myself racing through the book. As well as all the old favourites we are introduced to several new characters, most notably Vincent and Visca, who added quite a bit of humour to proceedings with their ditzy nature and remarkable memory lapses. I am not going to lie, I did wonder if things were going a little too far towards the weird when we learned the truth about the mysterious Trackers but I trusted the process and Bailey quickly became one of my favourite characters. It is the strength of the character writing and development that really makes me love these books, the author is not afraid to put them through an emotional wringer but seeing how they grow and the relationships that develop really is a highlight. I already know that I will be continuing to read this series and I am excited to see where it takes me next.
July 21, 2023
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author
I was so excited to read this sequel and it did not disappoint. Stakes are high as the crew find themselves flung into Outer Universe, another unknown place with new threats. I love the dragons. The swiss cheese memory. The bickering. The mysterious Aunt Nibul. They provided much needed levity to help ease the tension and give us a break before plunging us into the next danger. The trackers were surprising, I really didn't expect to even see them, let alone figure out what they were. Bailey is my new favorite character and I'm glad the crew warmed up to her because I want to see more of her on whatever adventure comes next. The juxtaposition between inner universe tech and outer universe tech, and outer universe tech being more what we'd expect to see from science fiction and space, was very fascinating and I loved that extra layer of lore. I wish we'd gotten to spend a little more time in outer universe, I want to know more about genmods, quarantine planets, and q-pirates. I hope we get to go back.
All in all, a solid second entry to a series.
I was so excited to read this sequel and it did not disappoint. Stakes are high as the crew find themselves flung into Outer Universe, another unknown place with new threats. I love the dragons. The swiss cheese memory. The bickering. The mysterious Aunt Nibul. They provided much needed levity to help ease the tension and give us a break before plunging us into the next danger. The trackers were surprising, I really didn't expect to even see them, let alone figure out what they were. Bailey is my new favorite character and I'm glad the crew warmed up to her because I want to see more of her on whatever adventure comes next. The juxtaposition between inner universe tech and outer universe tech, and outer universe tech being more what we'd expect to see from science fiction and space, was very fascinating and I loved that extra layer of lore. I wish we'd gotten to spend a little more time in outer universe, I want to know more about genmods, quarantine planets, and q-pirates. I hope we get to go back.
All in all, a solid second entry to a series.
July 12, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
This book tackles what I love the most in sci fi. Fantastical places with fantastical creatures following fantastic characters. That's my favorite aspect of the genre but I don't see the 'journey' aspect as much as I used to. This book takes the concept, decides to have a ball with it, and runs with it.
Ever seen Star Trek Voyager? This book reminds me so much of of that series; I mean that as a compliment, as it's one of my favorite series. Our crew is in need of water because of a hazardous leak and that takes them on a perilous journey while still trying to recover from the trauma of being lost and the previous book's toll on them.
I love how trauma is presented here because it's realistic. It doesn't just go away. Our crew is depressed, they're downtrodden, they're angry and all those reactions are completely understandable! Yet they still remain themselves with their quirks, their loyalties and their lovely banter with one another.
Absolutely a sci fi must read.
This book tackles what I love the most in sci fi. Fantastical places with fantastical creatures following fantastic characters. That's my favorite aspect of the genre but I don't see the 'journey' aspect as much as I used to. This book takes the concept, decides to have a ball with it, and runs with it.
Ever seen Star Trek Voyager? This book reminds me so much of of that series; I mean that as a compliment, as it's one of my favorite series. Our crew is in need of water because of a hazardous leak and that takes them on a perilous journey while still trying to recover from the trauma of being lost and the previous book's toll on them.
I love how trauma is presented here because it's realistic. It doesn't just go away. Our crew is depressed, they're downtrodden, they're angry and all those reactions are completely understandable! Yet they still remain themselves with their quirks, their loyalties and their lovely banter with one another.
Absolutely a sci fi must read.
July 22, 2023
This action-packed book deepens the story which began with River in the Galaxy. Merlon, the brooding captain of the spacefaring sailing ship Lucia continues his quest to find his lost parents and bring his crew safely home. Familiar characters mature in their shipboard roles, while new ones come to the fore. All are believable, and all have memorable personalities.
This series already stood out for its excellent world-building. Book Two reveals fresh details of author Natalie Kelda’s well-thought-out and fascinating space fantasy setting. Readers meet the mysterious Trackers who invented some of the Inner Universe’s most prized technology. Their identity shocks Merlon and crew. It will likely surprise readers as well. The cannibalistic Lady Galantra turns out to be even more sinister than readers knew. Also, there are interstellar dragons. Seriously, can you *not* read a book with interstellar dragons?
Strongly recommend.
I was honored to receive a free copy of this book from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This series already stood out for its excellent world-building. Book Two reveals fresh details of author Natalie Kelda’s well-thought-out and fascinating space fantasy setting. Readers meet the mysterious Trackers who invented some of the Inner Universe’s most prized technology. Their identity shocks Merlon and crew. It will likely surprise readers as well. The cannibalistic Lady Galantra turns out to be even more sinister than readers knew. Also, there are interstellar dragons. Seriously, can you *not* read a book with interstellar dragons?
Strongly recommend.
I was honored to receive a free copy of this book from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2023
I don't want to say it was a bad book but it quite honestly wasn't as amazing as people had said. There was just a whole lot of stuff going on that didn't make sense. The author spends time on characters that are not that important to the main plot while glossing over main characters that could have used more development. There's a 3rd book in the series as I have found but I am in no way interested in reading it. What more could be added? I decided to give 3 stars instead of 2 because despite the downsides I DID enjoy the story. Merlon IS a well written character and I will give the author credit there. I would love to see what she has planned for the future because authors tend to grow and get better and even though early works aren't that great they tend to start putting out amazing works (Brandon Sanderson is a great example of this.)
March 20, 2024
I loved this book! Another one from Natalie Kelda that I finished within a week. The story continues along with Merlon and his crew. He learns some surprising secrets and makes a few insane and mind blowing discoveries. There is a lot of healing that happens in book 2 due to the events of book 1 and even due to things that occurred in the past.
We meet some really fun and outrageous characters and the breadth of Natalie's imaginations is truly revealed in book 2. The plot was once again fast paced and kept me hooked. We realize just how crazy the villain is and the terrible atrocities her and her family have committed. The ending although emotional and really made me teary is satisfying and bittersweet. I'm looking forward to reading Quarantine Thirteen which features the fearless and feisty Tara (who is my fav character!)
We meet some really fun and outrageous characters and the breadth of Natalie's imaginations is truly revealed in book 2. The plot was once again fast paced and kept me hooked. We realize just how crazy the villain is and the terrible atrocities her and her family have committed. The ending although emotional and really made me teary is satisfying and bittersweet. I'm looking forward to reading Quarantine Thirteen which features the fearless and feisty Tara (who is my fav character!)
December 17, 2024
Back to Outer Universe we go! The aptly named Outer Universe is the conclusion of the duology started with Natalie Kelda's River in the Galaxy. What started as a hopeful space adventure ends with a thoughtful, yet satisfying bang that brings full-circle closure to our wayward captain Merlon Ricosta.
Picking up immediately after escaping the cannibalistic Ivorians — led by their dastardly (not to mention psycho) Lady Galantria — through the dangerous asteroid field separating Inner Universe from Outer, Merlon's surviving crew are faced with a number of impossible odds: loss of valued crew members, dwindling rations & water, and no way to get back home without further catastrophe. It's a bleak scenario for any sailor/explorer, but as the story of OU unfolds, we are given something Merlon sought from the beginning: hope.
As with RitG, OU is a story about its characters, less about the actual plot. Oh, don't get me wrong, the plot is great and reaches a very satisfying conclusion by story's end. But I didn't come back to the Inner Universe for the story, no, I came (and I'm going to assume this is how all of Ms. Kelda's stories in this shared universe are designed) for the characters. Mainly to see how they pick themselves up after such a harrowing experience, to see if they can overcome their own inner demons to succeed. I don't want to say this duology is dark by any means, but Ms. Kelda does not shy away from showing true human mental condition. Her characters are complex, extremely flawed, and perfectly human in every sense of the word. And this is why I was drawn back to Merlon's tale.
Let's start with Merlon. He's the sole POV, same as RitG, so we are with him every step of the way. In book one, Merlon was somewhat naive (even though he's an experienced captain), brash, hopeful, depressed, and courageous. None of that has changed in book two, but there is so much growth by him, it was great to see. Now that's not to say he didn't irritate the crap out of me at times. I mean, Merlon's three main moods in OU were: angry, on the verge of tears, and hurt.
As an aside, seriously, the amount of injuries this man and his crew go through in this book, I don't know why anyone would want to sail in space...
...Ok, back to Merlon. The losses he suffered in RitG and the gains he makes in this book, both heart and soul, it was such a great thing to witness. By the end of the book, I got the feeling the Merlon was going to be just fine.
Tara, Fabian, Mira, the rest of Merlon's crew, they all had their arcs end satisfyingly, even if some were slightly downbeat. That's human nature, so it all felt fitting. We are also introduced to new characters from this completely separate universe. Ola, an old grump with a shotgun, was a very fun addition. Not to mention he played a big part in Merlon's arc, but I won't spoil why. Erica was interesting for what little time spent with her.
But this is where I shift to the fun parts of this story! The beastie and creature characters introduced!
Friends, seriously, this book has space dragons. Unlike any dragon I've ever seen before. These scaly beings (as they are ungraciously called in world...er...universe) are ancient dragons that can disappear, they are super forgetful, they only eat grains/grasses, bicker constantly, and are downright hilarious because they don't want to see one's aunt. Every time Vincent and Visca appeared on page, I couldn't help but laugh. The originality of these space dragons was just a breath of fresh air.
Then Ms. Kelda hits us with the reveal of the Trackers. I won't spoil the identity of these famed beings, but at first, I truly questioned what Ms. Kelda was imbibing, ingesting, or inhaling to come up with these asinine and bizarre creatures. Then it all made perfect sense and I couldn't stop myself from giggling like a child. It was so ridiculous to watch Merlon, Tara, et al interact with the Trackers named General Rum, Commander Rye, Bailey, etc. It was too much fun.
We also got to finally meet the Squamates mentioned in book one, the lizard people! Sadly, I felt we could have spent more time with Lennie, but that's ok, I'll get over it...
As far as prose goes, still as solid as River in the Galaxy. Sure English is not Ms. Kelda's first language, so some lines here and there were off to a native speaker but none of them caused anything more than a blink of the eye before moving on. The pace never truly flagged or lulled, although the final 4th moved quite quickly, not an issue, but I wouldn't have minded a few more chapters but that's just me being greedy! There is plenty of action in this book, most of it in terms of sailing a wooden ship in space (yeah, I still love this concept!!!) type of action. Like landing/docking on an uncharted planet where gravity is more dense than ours or like going through a Tracker loophole. I will say I was mildly surprised on the climax action, mainly in how bloody it was considering we haven't seen much actual swordplay or fighting in either book to this point. But it was tense and well-written. Also, good for Merlon!
Outer Universe was one of those sequels/conclusions that just truly satisfies. The characters get their growth, reluctantly or expectantly. There is a coziness about this type of story for me and I really enjoy space adventures like this. I know this is the last we have Merlon as POV, but not the last time we see him, and I can't wait to read what's next in Ms. Kelda's Inner Universe series. I'd also be remiss to not mention how much I love the covers of this series!!!
Picking up immediately after escaping the cannibalistic Ivorians — led by their dastardly (not to mention psycho) Lady Galantria — through the dangerous asteroid field separating Inner Universe from Outer, Merlon's surviving crew are faced with a number of impossible odds: loss of valued crew members, dwindling rations & water, and no way to get back home without further catastrophe. It's a bleak scenario for any sailor/explorer, but as the story of OU unfolds, we are given something Merlon sought from the beginning: hope.
As with RitG, OU is a story about its characters, less about the actual plot. Oh, don't get me wrong, the plot is great and reaches a very satisfying conclusion by story's end. But I didn't come back to the Inner Universe for the story, no, I came (and I'm going to assume this is how all of Ms. Kelda's stories in this shared universe are designed) for the characters. Mainly to see how they pick themselves up after such a harrowing experience, to see if they can overcome their own inner demons to succeed. I don't want to say this duology is dark by any means, but Ms. Kelda does not shy away from showing true human mental condition. Her characters are complex, extremely flawed, and perfectly human in every sense of the word. And this is why I was drawn back to Merlon's tale.
Let's start with Merlon. He's the sole POV, same as RitG, so we are with him every step of the way. In book one, Merlon was somewhat naive (even though he's an experienced captain), brash, hopeful, depressed, and courageous. None of that has changed in book two, but there is so much growth by him, it was great to see. Now that's not to say he didn't irritate the crap out of me at times. I mean, Merlon's three main moods in OU were: angry, on the verge of tears, and hurt.
As an aside, seriously, the amount of injuries this man and his crew go through in this book, I don't know why anyone would want to sail in space...
...Ok, back to Merlon. The losses he suffered in RitG and the gains he makes in this book, both heart and soul, it was such a great thing to witness. By the end of the book, I got the feeling the Merlon was going to be just fine.
Tara, Fabian, Mira, the rest of Merlon's crew, they all had their arcs end satisfyingly, even if some were slightly downbeat. That's human nature, so it all felt fitting. We are also introduced to new characters from this completely separate universe. Ola, an old grump with a shotgun, was a very fun addition. Not to mention he played a big part in Merlon's arc, but I won't spoil why. Erica was interesting for what little time spent with her.
But this is where I shift to the fun parts of this story! The beastie and creature characters introduced!
Friends, seriously, this book has space dragons. Unlike any dragon I've ever seen before. These scaly beings (as they are ungraciously called in world...er...universe) are ancient dragons that can disappear, they are super forgetful, they only eat grains/grasses, bicker constantly, and are downright hilarious because they don't want to see one's aunt. Every time Vincent and Visca appeared on page, I couldn't help but laugh. The originality of these space dragons was just a breath of fresh air.
Then Ms. Kelda hits us with the reveal of the Trackers. I won't spoil the identity of these famed beings, but at first, I truly questioned what Ms. Kelda was imbibing, ingesting, or inhaling to come up with these asinine and bizarre creatures. Then it all made perfect sense and I couldn't stop myself from giggling like a child. It was so ridiculous to watch Merlon, Tara, et al interact with the Trackers named General Rum, Commander Rye, Bailey, etc. It was too much fun.
We also got to finally meet the Squamates mentioned in book one, the lizard people! Sadly, I felt we could have spent more time with Lennie, but that's ok, I'll get over it...
As far as prose goes, still as solid as River in the Galaxy. Sure English is not Ms. Kelda's first language, so some lines here and there were off to a native speaker but none of them caused anything more than a blink of the eye before moving on. The pace never truly flagged or lulled, although the final 4th moved quite quickly, not an issue, but I wouldn't have minded a few more chapters but that's just me being greedy! There is plenty of action in this book, most of it in terms of sailing a wooden ship in space (yeah, I still love this concept!!!) type of action. Like landing/docking on an uncharted planet where gravity is more dense than ours or like going through a Tracker loophole. I will say I was mildly surprised on the climax action, mainly in how bloody it was considering we haven't seen much actual swordplay or fighting in either book to this point. But it was tense and well-written. Also, good for Merlon!
Outer Universe was one of those sequels/conclusions that just truly satisfies. The characters get their growth, reluctantly or expectantly. There is a coziness about this type of story for me and I really enjoy space adventures like this. I know this is the last we have Merlon as POV, but not the last time we see him, and I can't wait to read what's next in Ms. Kelda's Inner Universe series. I'd also be remiss to not mention how much I love the covers of this series!!!
February 12, 2025
I was heartbroken at the beginning of the book. The losses suffered in Book 1 were immense and grievous.
Book 2 gives us the context of a lot of the mechanics on the Lucia, as well as comparative context.
Characters we've heard whispers about make their entrance, but the plot is never forced.
The second book is less "adventure" and more of a race, and the denouement is satisfyingly quick.
I still want more - and luckily, the series has two more books and several short stories left for me to discover.
Book 2 gives us the context of a lot of the mechanics on the Lucia, as well as comparative context.
Characters we've heard whispers about make their entrance, but the plot is never forced.
The second book is less "adventure" and more of a race, and the denouement is satisfyingly quick.
I still want more - and luckily, the series has two more books and several short stories left for me to discover.
October 30, 2023
Outer Universe is the 2nd book of the inner universe series following Captain Merlon on a journey of self-exploration as he continues to unravel the mystery of his missing parents and searches for a way home, with the help of mythical creatures and the even more elusive trackers!
Readers that enjoyed Narnia, star wars and Edge chronicles will certainly find this series amazing.
A rich world building, colourful fantasy and gritty realism come together in this epic adventure!
Readers that enjoyed Narnia, star wars and Edge chronicles will certainly find this series amazing.
A rich world building, colourful fantasy and gritty realism come together in this epic adventure!
March 12, 2024
Brill
Another great read. The world building in this instalment is wonderful. The Outer Universe comes to life just as well as the Inner. The Trackers are awesome, not a all what I expected. Fast paced, plenty of action, and a brilliant cast of characters.
Another great read. The world building in this instalment is wonderful. The Outer Universe comes to life just as well as the Inner. The Trackers are awesome, not a all what I expected. Fast paced, plenty of action, and a brilliant cast of characters.
February 10, 2024
Absolutely amazing and emotional
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