Despite Distress

by Jasmin Joachims

Enter planet Silk: damp, dangerous and whose rodent inhabitants are firmly stuck in the dark ages. When freshly-minted Agent Elianorra Salazar tracks an information broker there to find out about a vicious terrorist attack, she discovers she’s not the only one trying to snatch up her prize.

With her ship AI out of range and only an unreliable drunk for a contact, Elia finds herself embroiled in the rising conflict between the planet’s indigenous species. Can she get to the broker before the bounty hunter known only as “The Death-Monger” does? What Elia does know, is that sometimes you have to be willing to get deep into the thick of it to come out on top. Even if it means getting your hands dirty.

Genres: Science Fiction, Queer

ebook

Published October 1, 2023

About the author

Jasmin Joachims is a poet, writer and author of Despite Distress, Despite Duty, and The Flying Kite. Previously working as an IT consultant, she now prefers to put words onto the page and dabble in a plethora of genres that include science fiction, romance and post-apocalyptic dystopia. One of her passions is to create gripping LGBTQ+ novels and trying to write the kind of stories she would have loved to be able to read while she was growing up. Her second passion is ice cream. No, sorry, it's dogs. Okay, she can't decide. Let's call them her other two second passions and be done with it.

Reviews

[Simone11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous Sci-fiction short story with a lesbian main character. But no romance for her in this story. ;-)

There’s another full story in the series I’ll plan on reading next.

[Lez_be_readin_ya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact that Despite Distress is not my usual genre of reading, as it is science fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed the novella. It possesses an engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and a vividly imagined world. The main character, Elia, is a strong and capable queer individual, accompanied by a witty and intelligent AI. Their mission is to establish contact with an alien rat named Ghuner, who, despite his best efforts, proves to be rather ineffectual.

The storyline is excellent, and I appreciate the manner in which new characters are introduced. N'guyerra is one of my favorites; she is fearless and was a wonderful addition to the book.

After reading this, I will definitely read the next book in the series, 'Despite Duty,' which is available on #kindleunlimited. If you enjoy science fiction with a queer twist, I highly recommend checking it out. Please note that there is no romance or romantic interest for Elia in this particular book. However, the author, Jas, has assured me that there will be one in a future installment.

[bookster · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Juniper L.H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was a wild ride. It was absolutely packed with content, worldbuilding, and zig-zagging plotlines. Everything was under-developed, the characters, the setting, the world of the novel, but in a way that got my interest and made me want to read more (as opposed to falling flat, feeling unfinished, or poorly done). In some ways I felt like the main character who was being pulled through this strange place and always felt a step behind, playing catch-up. I don’t know if this was intentional, but it worked very well and got my into the MC’s mindset. This is a prequel novella, so it makes sense that everything isn’t spelled out perfectly for the reader.

This was funny and overall fun. It didn’t take itself too seriously and dove directly into the action. Some parts were a little over the top and it would have benefitted from being longer (take a little more time on this roller coaster of a journey) but the end result was a satisfying and fun short read. I will be finding the next book in the series for sure.

[Alia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, fun and bonkers. Loved the characters, it made me chuckle and I was sold by the sidekicks and the world building. I am excited for the next book.

[Gabby Prescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay listen. I am not a sci-fi girl. My brain shuts down the moment someone says “intergalactic protocol” or “plasma core.” But somehow—somehow—this book made me care about a giant, half-naked alien warrior named The Death Monger who debates sword options like she’s picking outfits.

This book is unhinged in the best way. It’s like if The Hunger Games had a queer fever dream and woke up in a space dungeon covered in sarcasm, unresolved tension, and alien glitter. I laughed. I cringed. I whispered “what the fuck” at least eleven times. And by the end, I was rooting for these disaster gays with my whole soul.

Is the plot sometimes wild and nonsensical? Yes.
Do I care? Absolutely not.
Because it was fun. And hot. And weirdly emotional in the middle of all the chaos.

If you’re not a sci-fi reader but you do love queer mess, enemies-to-lovers tension, and deeply unserious worldbuilding with surprisingly sincere moments—read this book.
I promise you’ll never look at alien massage beetles the same way again.

4.5/5 laser swords

[Emily Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never know what to expect when I read a new author, but this was such a fun and fast-paced novella. I really enjoyed it. The characters are unique and interesting, even minor ones are paid great attention to detail (one of my personal favourite things when it comes to writing). Joachim's writing style is smooth and laced with humour, and I was almost disappointed when the story drew to a close because I didn't want it to end. I'm definitely looking forward to the first in the series.

If anyone is on the fence about this new author, give it a shot. A fun and quirky sci-fi series with a strong sapphic main character. I can't wait to see where it goes.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘May the cosmos have mercy’
We often ask for mercy to be granted us or even merely to make a difficult situation better. Sometimes, we forget that it’s US who are the ones to be merciful when in a position to harm others:
‘It’s dishonourable to hurt those too weak to defend themselves.’

Fave line:
‘Note to self: Read full brief about the indigenous species next time.’
This is sooo true when travelling! No spoilers, so let’s assume this can mean anything from art to cuisine to language…

This was a good & quick intro to the characters and the job. Promises of more fun and wit to come…in ‘Despite Duty’.

[M Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel novella and while short, it packs a punch. The author has a convincing, imaginative writing style (clear, flows well, colourful but not overdone) and uses it to great effect. She has built an interesting character charged with a mission only vaguely hinted at but clearly based on a tragic and significant event and puts her through a short but action-filled day.

I was drawn in by the aliens, the AI and the intrigue. There is so much scope and potential for further stories and I will be following this author, eagerly waiting for more from her.

[Z. Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun, with a good sense of humor and quick pacing. The descriptions of the swamp were so fabulous I felt gritty after reading it, and even minor characters were fun. I think the author could have expanded it a bit, actually, but I understand that it's a "zero" book for a longer series so I can understand why it'd be so short. I'm definitely interested to see what happens to the characters though.

[Delia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an great short story and has got me super hyped to read the rest of the series. The characters are all so much fun, from the tough but witty lead Elianorra, to the hilariously incompetent agent, and my personal favourite, the Death Monger.

And yet, in such a short amount of time it still manages to have some real tense moments, and flesh out a whole planet. I can't wait to see more of this universe, these characters, and to see how the story unfolds.

[Yves V.H. [Slow reading] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this prequel last year but somehow I forgot to update it here. Anyway, I liked the idea of this book; it's in space. The descriptions of the characters mentioned were also interesting.

Received a copy from the author but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kerstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I thoroughly enjoyed the comedic dialogue of the main character, Elia, as she ventures to the far reaches of the galaxy in search of an information broker.

Jasmin Joachims did a great job at world building in such a short time and creating unique characters that really capture your attention.

This was my first ever “space opera” story and I think I’m hooked! I cannot wait to read the next books in the series!

If you enjoy space adventures, Star Warsish witty dialogue and a badass sapphic female main character, then definitely read this novella!

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. So well written, action packed, and really funny! For this to be a novella it told a great story in a short amount of pages. Loved the characters and I will for sure be reading this series soon!

[Tony Duxbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, but weird and wonderful. Off-the-wall sci-Fi. Recommended reading.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little intro to Elia just after she's made Sword of the Queen, and one of her future crewmates.

Also, Ghuner is the best

[Anabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.00)

[Hans Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like quick paced and witty short stories, this is for you. Has a very humorous edge to it with a setting that does not take itself too seriously.
I enjoyed this as a teaser to book 1 of The Sword of the Queen series. While the beginning drags just a bit too much for my tastes, once the story picks up steam, it doesn't stop giving to the very end.

Despite Distress obviously serves to set up the main series - and well, it worked. I read trough Despite Duty, the first mainline entry of the series, and i did not regret it one bit.