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Arkoma
BLOOD IN THE SAND. BLOOD ACROSS THE STARS.
Hiding from her tortured past, Nelsa endures deadly duels by day and drinks herself numb at night. While she rots away in the saloons on the outskirts of Arkoma City, the ruthless Salazano tightens his stranglehold on the desert planet and the stars beyond.
After an unlikely proposition sends her on the path of vengeance, Nelsa must rally her fellow outlaws for a daring heist that will change the course of the wild Frontier forever.
Hiding from her tortured past, Nelsa endures deadly duels by day and drinks herself numb at night. While she rots away in the saloons on the outskirts of Arkoma City, the ruthless Salazano tightens his stranglehold on the desert planet and the stars beyond.
After an unlikely proposition sends her on the path of vengeance, Nelsa must rally her fellow outlaws for a daring heist that will change the course of the wild Frontier forever.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
8 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Calum Lott
7 books39 followersBorn and raised in Australia, Calum Lott is the science-fantasy author of a Dirge For Cascius, Arkoma, and the series My Mortal Memories, all set in the vast Valsollas galaxy. His greatest inspirations are the video game Bloodborne, the manga Berserk and The Lord of the Rings. In his spare time, you'll find Calum adequately playing the guitar, reading at a snail's pace, watching movies (LOTR over and over), annoying his gorgeous partner or sitting at his laptop writing stories whilst getting a sore arse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 30, 2025
Review originally on JamReads
Arkoma is a fast-paced science fantasy western novella written by Calum Lott; while it is set in the same universe as A Dirge for Cascius, it is a totally independent book. A story of vengeance and grief, told from the perspective of Nelsa, touching themes such as pain, regret, and found family.
A heist and revenge story that is focused around the character of Nelsa, a duelist who is consumed by the grief of having lost her story; addicted and dueling for a few credits, the opportunity to get revenge will appear in the form of a heist. But she can't do it alone, reuniting her old team for that; however, she will also need to overcome her own burdens and recover from the well of grief she's swimming in.
Lott has nailed such an important character as Nelsa and her evolution in the novella; we can feel how the voice is changing from the self-deprecating and addicted duelist at the start, to a more focused and observer person, who deeply cares about those that are part of her team, her family. There's a well-layered character her in a compelling arc.
The setting is quite interesting, with a mix between classic western characteristics and more futuristic technologies, resulting in a blend that especially shines in the high action scenes. The pacing is fast, and Lott resorts to only give us the details we need, keeping always the plot in movement; and for moments, I could swear this novella was totally inspired by Kill Bill (iykyk).
If you want a fast-paced but well layered story of grief and revenge in a western like setting, look no more, Arkoma is the novella you are looking for. A perfect way to start your pilgrimage across the Valsollas galaxy if you ask me.
Arkoma is a fast-paced science fantasy western novella written by Calum Lott; while it is set in the same universe as A Dirge for Cascius, it is a totally independent book. A story of vengeance and grief, told from the perspective of Nelsa, touching themes such as pain, regret, and found family.
A heist and revenge story that is focused around the character of Nelsa, a duelist who is consumed by the grief of having lost her story; addicted and dueling for a few credits, the opportunity to get revenge will appear in the form of a heist. But she can't do it alone, reuniting her old team for that; however, she will also need to overcome her own burdens and recover from the well of grief she's swimming in.
Lott has nailed such an important character as Nelsa and her evolution in the novella; we can feel how the voice is changing from the self-deprecating and addicted duelist at the start, to a more focused and observer person, who deeply cares about those that are part of her team, her family. There's a well-layered character her in a compelling arc.
The setting is quite interesting, with a mix between classic western characteristics and more futuristic technologies, resulting in a blend that especially shines in the high action scenes. The pacing is fast, and Lott resorts to only give us the details we need, keeping always the plot in movement; and for moments, I could swear this novella was totally inspired by Kill Bill (iykyk).
If you want a fast-paced but well layered story of grief and revenge in a western like setting, look no more, Arkoma is the novella you are looking for. A perfect way to start your pilgrimage across the Valsollas galaxy if you ask me.
January 27, 2025
"Arkoma" offers an intriguing blend of sci-fi and western elements within a brisk heist narrative that captures attention from the beginning. The story is framed by the perspective of Nelsa Nolstar, an unreliable narrator whose journey explores significant themes such as grief, regret, and the importance of found family.
One of the novella's strengths lies in Nelsa's character development. As a former thief turned duelist, her struggle with the loss of her family adds considerable depth to her personality. At the outset, her emotional detachment is evident; she copes with her sorrow through alcohol and tends to recount facts over feelings. However, as the story unfolds, we observe a gradual yet meaningful shift in her emotional engagement which enriches her character arc. This transformation is a compelling aspect of the narrative, underscoring the personal nature of her journey.
The setting of Arkoma, which serves as both the title of the novella and the name of the planet, adds an appealing dimension to the storyline. The futuristic, high-tech landscape juxtaposed with western motifs creates a unique backdrop established far from the Velutra empire. The author’s world-building is well-executed, feeling both detailed and approachable, allowing the plot to shine through. Having previously read "A Dirge for Cascius," I found some familiarity with the terminology, but the author skillfully integrates explanations into character interactions, making it accessible for new readers.
The creative portrayal of the diverse species inhabiting Arkoma is commendable. For those who prefer a more straightforward introduction to the world, a glossary is conveniently provided at the end of the book, although I would recommend diving straight into the narrative for a fuller experience.
In summary, I found "Arkoma" to be an enjoyable read. The conclusion caught me by surprise, evoking a sense of retribution that lingered with me. The novella maintains a swift pace while still allowing for meaningful character development, largely through Nelsa's perspective. Despite her unreliability as a narrator, interactions with secondary characters reveal their complexity, enriching the overall story.
It's important to note that the structure follows traditional heist tropes, and some plot points may feel somewhat predictable, particularly in the middle. However, the author skillfully introduces engaging twists and unique technologies, setting this heist apart and making it a gratifying read. True rating is 4-1/2 but rounding up for Goodreads
One of the novella's strengths lies in Nelsa's character development. As a former thief turned duelist, her struggle with the loss of her family adds considerable depth to her personality. At the outset, her emotional detachment is evident; she copes with her sorrow through alcohol and tends to recount facts over feelings. However, as the story unfolds, we observe a gradual yet meaningful shift in her emotional engagement which enriches her character arc. This transformation is a compelling aspect of the narrative, underscoring the personal nature of her journey.
The setting of Arkoma, which serves as both the title of the novella and the name of the planet, adds an appealing dimension to the storyline. The futuristic, high-tech landscape juxtaposed with western motifs creates a unique backdrop established far from the Velutra empire. The author’s world-building is well-executed, feeling both detailed and approachable, allowing the plot to shine through. Having previously read "A Dirge for Cascius," I found some familiarity with the terminology, but the author skillfully integrates explanations into character interactions, making it accessible for new readers.
The creative portrayal of the diverse species inhabiting Arkoma is commendable. For those who prefer a more straightforward introduction to the world, a glossary is conveniently provided at the end of the book, although I would recommend diving straight into the narrative for a fuller experience.
In summary, I found "Arkoma" to be an enjoyable read. The conclusion caught me by surprise, evoking a sense of retribution that lingered with me. The novella maintains a swift pace while still allowing for meaningful character development, largely through Nelsa's perspective. Despite her unreliability as a narrator, interactions with secondary characters reveal their complexity, enriching the overall story.
It's important to note that the structure follows traditional heist tropes, and some plot points may feel somewhat predictable, particularly in the middle. However, the author skillfully introduces engaging twists and unique technologies, setting this heist apart and making it a gratifying read. True rating is 4-1/2 but rounding up for Goodreads
January 12, 2025
Arkoma is a fast-paced sci-fi western-styled heist that will grip you on the start and won't let you go. Told from the perspective of Nelsa Nolstar—an unreliable narrator—it blends themes of grief, regret, and found family.
To be honest, I really enjoyed Nelsa's point-of-view. She's a duellist but also former thief now consumed by the grief of having lost her family. There is an interesting dynamic here, especially as we see her change throughout the story. At the beginning, you could say she's detached (and she tries hard to drown her grief in alcohol); thus, when we begin the story, she always remembers facts but never feelings. As the story progresses, the narrator changes subtly, and Nelsa begins to slowly focus on emotions. The change is very subtle, but something I really appreciated as the journey/plot is quite personal to her.
Now 'Arkoma' is also the name of the planet. It is an interesting blend of far-future, highly technological sci-fi, set on a planet on the Frontier—past the edge of Velutra's (the in-book empire, to call it somehow) reach. It has all the characteristics of a western blended with the unique spiritual-tech that Lott created for his main novel, A Dirge for Cascius: Part I. However, the world-building presented here is nuanced yet lightweight, letting the plot take the forefront.
Being a novella-sized heist, this is quite fast-paced, but it does not come at the expense of character development. Granted, we are always on Nelsa's head (i.e., she's the only narrator, and unreliable at that), but through her interactions with others we can see the depth of the secondary characters. The only thing to note is that Arkoma follows the beats of a heist. If you have read heists before, some parts (especially around the middle) can be foreseeable.
Although Arkoma takes place in the same universe as A Dirge for Cascius, I think the novella will appeal both to veterans of this series and newcomers. As an entry point, I found it perfect although it takes us into a more rowdy part of the universe Lott created, while Dirge... focuses on more central parts.
To be honest, I really enjoyed Nelsa's point-of-view. She's a duellist but also former thief now consumed by the grief of having lost her family. There is an interesting dynamic here, especially as we see her change throughout the story. At the beginning, you could say she's detached (and she tries hard to drown her grief in alcohol); thus, when we begin the story, she always remembers facts but never feelings. As the story progresses, the narrator changes subtly, and Nelsa begins to slowly focus on emotions. The change is very subtle, but something I really appreciated as the journey/plot is quite personal to her.
Now 'Arkoma' is also the name of the planet. It is an interesting blend of far-future, highly technological sci-fi, set on a planet on the Frontier—past the edge of Velutra's (the in-book empire, to call it somehow) reach. It has all the characteristics of a western blended with the unique spiritual-tech that Lott created for his main novel, A Dirge for Cascius: Part I. However, the world-building presented here is nuanced yet lightweight, letting the plot take the forefront.
Being a novella-sized heist, this is quite fast-paced, but it does not come at the expense of character development. Granted, we are always on Nelsa's head (i.e., she's the only narrator, and unreliable at that), but through her interactions with others we can see the depth of the secondary characters. The only thing to note is that Arkoma follows the beats of a heist. If you have read heists before, some parts (especially around the middle) can be foreseeable.
Although Arkoma takes place in the same universe as A Dirge for Cascius, I think the novella will appeal both to veterans of this series and newcomers. As an entry point, I found it perfect although it takes us into a more rowdy part of the universe Lott created, while Dirge... focuses on more central parts.
August 7, 2025
I told you to stop spitting on my floor
February 4, 2025
3.5/5 If you are looking for a western style space opera that you can fly through on a weekend this may well be the book for you! A revenge/heist story set in the unruly frontier, Nesla lost her family 12 years ago and has the opportunity for vengeance.
I found this fun and very easy to read, with a cool world and story and nice short chapters. I wasn’t a fan of some of the quirky humour and the “western“ slang, and a couple smaller things, that weren’t for me.
I think this is well written and executed, though not the type of story I would personally go for
I found this fun and very easy to read, with a cool world and story and nice short chapters. I wasn’t a fan of some of the quirky humour and the “western“ slang, and a couple smaller things, that weren’t for me.
I think this is well written and executed, though not the type of story I would personally go for
March 18, 2025
4.5/5
Time to dive back into the world of Valsollas, this time in the form of a space western heist story! I love a good heist story, so that already had me excited.
"Arkoma" takes place in the same universe, on the Frontier planet Arkoma, and focuses on Nelsa Nolstar, a remarkably talented duelist with a painful past that she keeps trying to drown out through emotion-numbing substances until she is provided a chance at vengeance through a daring heist. For the latter, of course she gets in touch with a colourful group of outlaws (seriously, I need pictures of these guys!). So yes, it's a classic space western heist story that's been mixed with Lott's special brand of future tech and a strong emphasis on grief and working through the multitude of emotions that come with losing people we love.
Unlike A Dirge For Cascius: Part I, the novella is much more fast-paced and a lot easier to get into in terms of the technology. It definitely works as a very good starting point for newcomers to the universe, but also works perfectly well as a standalone story. I personally enjoyed it a lot and had a blast revisiting the world from "Dirge" with its memorable tech.
So, if you like space westerns or are interested in trying out the genre, then I recommend you pick up "Arkoma".
Time to dive back into the world of Valsollas, this time in the form of a space western heist story! I love a good heist story, so that already had me excited.
"Arkoma" takes place in the same universe, on the Frontier planet Arkoma, and focuses on Nelsa Nolstar, a remarkably talented duelist with a painful past that she keeps trying to drown out through emotion-numbing substances until she is provided a chance at vengeance through a daring heist. For the latter, of course she gets in touch with a colourful group of outlaws (seriously, I need pictures of these guys!). So yes, it's a classic space western heist story that's been mixed with Lott's special brand of future tech and a strong emphasis on grief and working through the multitude of emotions that come with losing people we love.
Unlike A Dirge For Cascius: Part I, the novella is much more fast-paced and a lot easier to get into in terms of the technology. It definitely works as a very good starting point for newcomers to the universe, but also works perfectly well as a standalone story. I personally enjoyed it a lot and had a blast revisiting the world from "Dirge" with its memorable tech.
So, if you like space westerns or are interested in trying out the genre, then I recommend you pick up "Arkoma".
May 25, 2025
Fast paced, some excellent chapters, and a great ending. If you're looking for a western fused scifi novella with Oceans 11 vibes pick this up!
January 19, 2025
Who doesn’t love a good heist? I am a huge fan of Oceans 11, 12, and 13 and find them all crazy re-watchable. It’s definitely aged worse than some other movies, but The Italian Job is still a fun movie. And ask any Brooklyn Nine-Nine fan and they’ll tell you that some of the best episodes were the annual Halloween Heist installments.
When I received Arkoma from the author in exchange for an honest review, I was initially a little worried. The heist genre can be difficult to pull off. There can be a lot of moving pieces, backstabbing, and all the different personalities sprinkled throughout the crew planning the theft. Thankfully, I found out that Calum Lott was up to the challenge. In the end, I had a rollicking good time reading Arkoma.
Arkoma is a fairly short novel (just a bit longer than the max length for a novella) and it bleeds revenge and action with each chapter. Our protagonist, Nelsa, is haunted by her past and the deaths of her husband and two children. Haunted in a very literal sense because the man responsible for the deaths recorded them and sent her the video after their deaths. With a thought, Nelsa can bring up the video and practically live through her family’s deaths as if she was there that day.
So when she’s offered the chance to rob the killer, Salazano, of his most prized possession, Nelsa leaps at it and drags her friends along with her. Her merry band of thieves is wildly different and inventive. You can see the bones of a typical heist throughout the book, but Nelsa’s trauma throws a moon-sized monkey wrench into the plans and makes for a very different story than your Ocean’s 11 rewatch.
I know that Arkoma takes place in the same universe as Lott’s other work, A Dirge for Cascius. I haven’t read that book, however, and I was more than able to read and enjoy Arkoma without that background. I had a great time with it and will be on the lookout for new stories from Calum Lott in the future.
When I received Arkoma from the author in exchange for an honest review, I was initially a little worried. The heist genre can be difficult to pull off. There can be a lot of moving pieces, backstabbing, and all the different personalities sprinkled throughout the crew planning the theft. Thankfully, I found out that Calum Lott was up to the challenge. In the end, I had a rollicking good time reading Arkoma.
Arkoma is a fairly short novel (just a bit longer than the max length for a novella) and it bleeds revenge and action with each chapter. Our protagonist, Nelsa, is haunted by her past and the deaths of her husband and two children. Haunted in a very literal sense because the man responsible for the deaths recorded them and sent her the video after their deaths. With a thought, Nelsa can bring up the video and practically live through her family’s deaths as if she was there that day.
So when she’s offered the chance to rob the killer, Salazano, of his most prized possession, Nelsa leaps at it and drags her friends along with her. Her merry band of thieves is wildly different and inventive. You can see the bones of a typical heist throughout the book, but Nelsa’s trauma throws a moon-sized monkey wrench into the plans and makes for a very different story than your Ocean’s 11 rewatch.
I know that Arkoma takes place in the same universe as Lott’s other work, A Dirge for Cascius. I haven’t read that book, however, and I was more than able to read and enjoy Arkoma without that background. I had a great time with it and will be on the lookout for new stories from Calum Lott in the future.
June 16, 2025
è un romanzo breve questo, che introduce all' universo che Calum ha creato..
la trama non è delle più particolari, una rapina-vendetta.. interessante lo stile western unito alla sci fi che è riuscito a far funzionare perfettamente.. la tecnologia è di sicuro l aspetto per cui questo romanzo brilla.. tutto molto originale e davvero creativo.. una sorta di nano-tecnologia ma sfruttata in un modo un po' diverso.. mi è piaciuto molto il fatto che non è una lettura facilissima nonostante la brevità, perché i concetti e le tecnologie non vengono spiegate affatto, si acquisisce le nozioni necessarie a capire come funziona il tutto via via leggendo, anche se non tutto è dettagliato in modo minuzioso... è tra le strutture che di più apprezzo..
se la trama non è stata la cosa più originale, di certo le ultime pagine e il finale sono state più particolari.. adesso non vedo l'ora del rilancio del romanzo principale tra circa un mese..
la trama non è delle più particolari, una rapina-vendetta.. interessante lo stile western unito alla sci fi che è riuscito a far funzionare perfettamente.. la tecnologia è di sicuro l aspetto per cui questo romanzo brilla.. tutto molto originale e davvero creativo.. una sorta di nano-tecnologia ma sfruttata in un modo un po' diverso.. mi è piaciuto molto il fatto che non è una lettura facilissima nonostante la brevità, perché i concetti e le tecnologie non vengono spiegate affatto, si acquisisce le nozioni necessarie a capire come funziona il tutto via via leggendo, anche se non tutto è dettagliato in modo minuzioso... è tra le strutture che di più apprezzo..
se la trama non è stata la cosa più originale, di certo le ultime pagine e il finale sono state più particolari.. adesso non vedo l'ora del rilancio del romanzo principale tra circa un mese..
November 10, 2025
If Men in Black took a long, dusty detour through The Magnificent Seven, you’d land somewhere near Arkoma. Equal parts sci-fi and western, Calum Lott’s novella drags you through the desert grit of a world where outlaws, mercenaries, and survivors are just trying to make it to the next sunrise.
We follow Nelsa, a gunslinger haunted by her past and numbed by alcohol, fighting for scraps of redemption on the fringes of Arkoma City. While she drinks to forget, the ruthless Salazano tightens his grip on the planet and the stars beyond. What begins as a tale of violence and survival becomes something deeper - about trauma, guilt, and the small, unexpected mercies of found family.
The tech in Arkoma is incredible - slick, imaginative, and seamlessly woven into the fabric of this broken world. There were moments I had to pause and reorient myself, learning the rhythm of the lingo and mechanics, but once it clicked, it sang.
For a novella, Arkoma carries the emotional gravity of an epic. Calum doesn’t shy away from hard truths - mental illness, alcoholism, grief - and he doesn’t sugarcoat them either. They’re raw and unflinching, yet threaded with compassion.
I’ve dealt intimately with alcoholism with someone very close to me, and it’s rare to see it portrayed with this kind of honesty. Lott captures not just the devastation it brings - to the person suffering and to everyone who loves them - but also the complexity behind it: the exhaustion, the escape, the humanity underneath the hurt. It was both painful and cathartic to read.
It’s rare to find something that hurts this much and still feels healing. I cried multiple times (on a plane, no less - thanks, Calum). I cried multiple times writing this review as well (thanks again, buddy).
If you want a story that feels like sand and starlight - where sci-fi meets sorrow and found family blooms in the ruins - Arkoma is a must-read. Just prepare for your heart to take a few hits along the way.
We follow Nelsa, a gunslinger haunted by her past and numbed by alcohol, fighting for scraps of redemption on the fringes of Arkoma City. While she drinks to forget, the ruthless Salazano tightens his grip on the planet and the stars beyond. What begins as a tale of violence and survival becomes something deeper - about trauma, guilt, and the small, unexpected mercies of found family.
The tech in Arkoma is incredible - slick, imaginative, and seamlessly woven into the fabric of this broken world. There were moments I had to pause and reorient myself, learning the rhythm of the lingo and mechanics, but once it clicked, it sang.
For a novella, Arkoma carries the emotional gravity of an epic. Calum doesn’t shy away from hard truths - mental illness, alcoholism, grief - and he doesn’t sugarcoat them either. They’re raw and unflinching, yet threaded with compassion.
I’ve dealt intimately with alcoholism with someone very close to me, and it’s rare to see it portrayed with this kind of honesty. Lott captures not just the devastation it brings - to the person suffering and to everyone who loves them - but also the complexity behind it: the exhaustion, the escape, the humanity underneath the hurt. It was both painful and cathartic to read.
It’s rare to find something that hurts this much and still feels healing. I cried multiple times (on a plane, no less - thanks, Calum). I cried multiple times writing this review as well (thanks again, buddy).
If you want a story that feels like sand and starlight - where sci-fi meets sorrow and found family blooms in the ruins - Arkoma is a must-read. Just prepare for your heart to take a few hits along the way.
January 27, 2025
With Arkoma, Calum Lott weaves together multiple genres to create a layered, emotional, fast-paced, and completely addictive story.
The setting of Arkoma was the perfect blend of high-tech and old west, and it gave me Cowboy Bebop vibes in how lived-in the world feels. The technology and culture of the world is explained just enough for the reader to grasp the ins and outs without feeling like it's holding your hand.
While it's a heist/revenge story on its face, Arkoma also layers in fleshed out themes of found family, addiction, depression, and loss. The story does this beautifully, and it really is a testament to the author's talent as a storyteller.
Last but not least, Lott's main character of Nelsa is an extremely engaging protagonist. This gunslinger out for revenge hides a lot of depth under her tough exterior, and it was a joy to get to know her other sides throughout the book. Shedding these layers and getting to see her interact with characters she loves or hates makes us root for her all the more.
If you love a seamless blend of genre, engaging and multilayered characters, and a fast-paced gripper of a story, you would be a fool not to pick up this book!
*I was given an early review copy in exchange for an honest review
The setting of Arkoma was the perfect blend of high-tech and old west, and it gave me Cowboy Bebop vibes in how lived-in the world feels. The technology and culture of the world is explained just enough for the reader to grasp the ins and outs without feeling like it's holding your hand.
While it's a heist/revenge story on its face, Arkoma also layers in fleshed out themes of found family, addiction, depression, and loss. The story does this beautifully, and it really is a testament to the author's talent as a storyteller.
Last but not least, Lott's main character of Nelsa is an extremely engaging protagonist. This gunslinger out for revenge hides a lot of depth under her tough exterior, and it was a joy to get to know her other sides throughout the book. Shedding these layers and getting to see her interact with characters she loves or hates makes us root for her all the more.
If you love a seamless blend of genre, engaging and multilayered characters, and a fast-paced gripper of a story, you would be a fool not to pick up this book!
*I was given an early review copy in exchange for an honest review
January 27, 2025
This was such a great read. With a unique blend of Sci-fi, fantasy, and Western elements, Arkoma was a yeehaw of a time!!
Nelsa is such an interesting character. Her development throughout this was a ride for sure. Dealing with the tragedy of her family being murdered before her, she's turned to drowning herself with her Veroni addiction to numb the pain. But as the story progresses, so does she. Nelsa begins to remove herself from that detached state we see her in at the beginning to focusing on emotions and relying on her friends.
The great space heist to exact revenge on Salazano was epic. Very fast-paced and full of twists and action. The dueling and action sequences were a ton of fun. I became very addicted to this fast. The family element that Nelsa and crew developed was fantastic. And the twists and the ending were gasp out loud worthy!
Thanks Calum for giving me the chance to check this out.
Nelsa is such an interesting character. Her development throughout this was a ride for sure. Dealing with the tragedy of her family being murdered before her, she's turned to drowning herself with her Veroni addiction to numb the pain. But as the story progresses, so does she. Nelsa begins to remove herself from that detached state we see her in at the beginning to focusing on emotions and relying on her friends.
The great space heist to exact revenge on Salazano was epic. Very fast-paced and full of twists and action. The dueling and action sequences were a ton of fun. I became very addicted to this fast. The family element that Nelsa and crew developed was fantastic. And the twists and the ending were gasp out loud worthy!
Thanks Calum for giving me the chance to check this out.
April 25, 2025
Like Westerns, revenge stories, epic heists, and worlds far, far away? Arkoma is going to be just for you and it's as badass as it sounds.
Calum Lott has created an awesome universe here, the world building is great. There's technology and terms that you have to learn, but it's not a huge learning curve and it's totally worth it. There's some familiar tropes here, but he does a great job of adding a fresh twist to almost all of them. I liked the cast a lot and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of comedic moments.
Arkoma is fast-paced and a pretty quick read because of this. It's a fun story and definitely makes me want to dive into the other novel in this universe, A Dirge For Cascius.
7.54/10
4/5 ⭐️
Calum Lott has created an awesome universe here, the world building is great. There's technology and terms that you have to learn, but it's not a huge learning curve and it's totally worth it. There's some familiar tropes here, but he does a great job of adding a fresh twist to almost all of them. I liked the cast a lot and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of comedic moments.
Arkoma is fast-paced and a pretty quick read because of this. It's a fun story and definitely makes me want to dive into the other novel in this universe, A Dirge For Cascius.
7.54/10
4/5 ⭐️
January 15, 2025
Thank you to Calum for the ARC copy!
Fast paced, action packed, with an insanely unique sci-fantasy world.
Calum does not hold your hand. He assumes the narrative and world will help you grasp the creatures, tech, and cultural creations that dominate this novella. And he NAILS it.
Revenge. Gunslinging. Heists. Ragtag group of good guys that might be kind of bad guys. All done with confidence and a unique flair!
8.5/10 💪🏼
Fast paced, action packed, with an insanely unique sci-fantasy world.
Calum does not hold your hand. He assumes the narrative and world will help you grasp the creatures, tech, and cultural creations that dominate this novella. And he NAILS it.
Revenge. Gunslinging. Heists. Ragtag group of good guys that might be kind of bad guys. All done with confidence and a unique flair!
8.5/10 💪🏼
January 27, 2025
I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have received an advanced copy of Arkhoma from the author!
4.5 stars- Arkhoma is an incredible story that had me hooked from the first page and I loved it so much! 🥳🎉 I read the whole thing in one sitting and it basically was the equivalent of me eating a bag of potato chips because I simply could not put it down. The story is a combo of science fiction with western and I thought it was so epic to have that combination of those two things! 🤠🪐 Calum Lott returns to the world that he set up in A Dirge For Cascius with this one but it absolutely can be read as a stand-alone. It’s seriously perfect for readers who are new to Lott’s works or readers who are familiar with the world of Valsollas aleady! 😊 The world-building, character development, the action, the heists, and all the twists and turns had me in suspense the whole time and I had such a fun experience. I additionally love the high tech that is included in this story and just find it highly fascinating. Lastly, Nelsa is such an incredible FMC and you just feel so much for her since she has been through so much in her life. If you love science fiction with a combo of western, epic world building, incredible side characters, adventure, and heists then I highly recommend reading this book and checking out A Dirge For Cascius! 🫶
4.5 stars- Arkhoma is an incredible story that had me hooked from the first page and I loved it so much! 🥳🎉 I read the whole thing in one sitting and it basically was the equivalent of me eating a bag of potato chips because I simply could not put it down. The story is a combo of science fiction with western and I thought it was so epic to have that combination of those two things! 🤠🪐 Calum Lott returns to the world that he set up in A Dirge For Cascius with this one but it absolutely can be read as a stand-alone. It’s seriously perfect for readers who are new to Lott’s works or readers who are familiar with the world of Valsollas aleady! 😊 The world-building, character development, the action, the heists, and all the twists and turns had me in suspense the whole time and I had such a fun experience. I additionally love the high tech that is included in this story and just find it highly fascinating. Lastly, Nelsa is such an incredible FMC and you just feel so much for her since she has been through so much in her life. If you love science fiction with a combo of western, epic world building, incredible side characters, adventure, and heists then I highly recommend reading this book and checking out A Dirge For Cascius! 🫶
September 6, 2025
"A new dawn is always rising somewhere in the cosmos."
I hate westerns and I don't typically read sci-fi. But something about the synopsis of this book reminded me of Cowboy Bebop (one of my all-time favorite shows), so I decided to take a chance on it. HOLY CRAP am I glad that I did! I absolutely adored this story!!!
The moodiness, the creativity, the HEART!! AH 😭 I'm so impressed with how much depth was packed into this novella. The dealings with grief and love and addiction and revenge were done beautifully. The love the characters had for each other within their little found family was too good 😭 This book truly had me laughing out loud AND weeping in fewer than 200 pages. A sci-fi heist is, apparently, exactly what I needed in my life.
I was completely unfamiliar with the terminology and technology of the Valsollas Galaxy since this was my first of Lott's works, but my brain adjusted really fast thanks to his great writing. I immensely enjoyed the world he built and can't wait to explore more of it in his other books!! As far as I can tell, Arkoma is a fine entry point into the Galaxy.
Moonkidd, baby, you are iconic & ily
I hate westerns and I don't typically read sci-fi. But something about the synopsis of this book reminded me of Cowboy Bebop (one of my all-time favorite shows), so I decided to take a chance on it. HOLY CRAP am I glad that I did! I absolutely adored this story!!!
The moodiness, the creativity, the HEART!! AH 😭 I'm so impressed with how much depth was packed into this novella. The dealings with grief and love and addiction and revenge were done beautifully. The love the characters had for each other within their little found family was too good 😭 This book truly had me laughing out loud AND weeping in fewer than 200 pages. A sci-fi heist is, apparently, exactly what I needed in my life.
I was completely unfamiliar with the terminology and technology of the Valsollas Galaxy since this was my first of Lott's works, but my brain adjusted really fast thanks to his great writing. I immensely enjoyed the world he built and can't wait to explore more of it in his other books!! As far as I can tell, Arkoma is a fine entry point into the Galaxy.
Moonkidd, baby, you are iconic & ily
February 24, 2025
I really liked Arkoma.
I think the best way to describe Arkoma is as a Space Spaghetti Western and all the positives and negatives that brings.
The setting and atmosphere lift off the page and you can almost see those dingy, red tinted, sets of 60s and 70s spaghetti westerns in these chapters. Add to that some really interesting sci-fi elements and you have one of my favorite space westerns I’ve read, in a subgenre that is sorely underrated and underutilized.
Fast paced, fun characters, and a great mix of old west and sci-fi themes are what the author does great here.
My one negative would be that like the Spaghetti Westerns of old the characters, outside of Nelsa, lack any real depth or clear motivations. It’s all very basic and it definitely works because of the fast paced, bang bang nature of the story but I found myself wanting to spend more time in this interesting world that Calum Lott has crafted and get to know this band of characters better.
All in all a great read and I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the space western type of story.
Rating: 4.5
I think the best way to describe Arkoma is as a Space Spaghetti Western and all the positives and negatives that brings.
The setting and atmosphere lift off the page and you can almost see those dingy, red tinted, sets of 60s and 70s spaghetti westerns in these chapters. Add to that some really interesting sci-fi elements and you have one of my favorite space westerns I’ve read, in a subgenre that is sorely underrated and underutilized.
Fast paced, fun characters, and a great mix of old west and sci-fi themes are what the author does great here.
My one negative would be that like the Spaghetti Westerns of old the characters, outside of Nelsa, lack any real depth or clear motivations. It’s all very basic and it definitely works because of the fast paced, bang bang nature of the story but I found myself wanting to spend more time in this interesting world that Calum Lott has crafted and get to know this band of characters better.
All in all a great read and I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the space western type of story.
Rating: 4.5
January 25, 2025
4.5
Arkoma is a planet on the frontiers of civilized settlements in the Valsollas galaxy, the scifi universe that sprang from the mind of Calum Lott. It's a crime-ridden backwater, teeming with thieves and murderers, families involved in organized crime and all other kinds of no-goods. Here we follow Nelsa, a gunslinger with a dark and tragic past.
This novella is a combination of science fiction and western, a genre blend that is always going to draw me in immediately. Think of a scifi version of Red Dead Redemption (to which Calum devotes a character named 'Marston'), or imagine the iconic vibe of Cowboy Bebop. Against this backdrop we have mafia-inspired crime lords and a thrilling combination of heist story and revenge tale.
The action is great, the characters are fleshed out, they are a rugged group of misfits who fit the setting perfectly. Nelsa's backstory makes for a convincing motivation that drives the plot forward, and it stays tense until the end.
Arkoma is a planet on the frontiers of civilized settlements in the Valsollas galaxy, the scifi universe that sprang from the mind of Calum Lott. It's a crime-ridden backwater, teeming with thieves and murderers, families involved in organized crime and all other kinds of no-goods. Here we follow Nelsa, a gunslinger with a dark and tragic past.
This novella is a combination of science fiction and western, a genre blend that is always going to draw me in immediately. Think of a scifi version of Red Dead Redemption (to which Calum devotes a character named 'Marston'), or imagine the iconic vibe of Cowboy Bebop. Against this backdrop we have mafia-inspired crime lords and a thrilling combination of heist story and revenge tale.
The action is great, the characters are fleshed out, they are a rugged group of misfits who fit the setting perfectly. Nelsa's backstory makes for a convincing motivation that drives the plot forward, and it stays tense until the end.
January 21, 2025
The wild frontier city inhabiting, pistola slinging, intergalactic outlaw Nelsa, struggling with her past demons and facing a precarious revenge fueled heist, is one of the coolest characters I've read in a while.
Full review coming first on www.SFFInsiders.com ✌️
Full review coming first on www.SFFInsiders.com ✌️
February 23, 2025
Arkoma is a sci-fi western, mafia crime lord inspired, revenge heist short story that packs a LOT of punch.
Lott returns to the world first established in 'A Dirge For Cascius' as we follow the story of Nelsa Nolstar, a grieving mother and wife, as she and a ragtag team embark on a revenge heist. Now settled into the more crime-ridden back alleys of the Vasollas galaxy, we meet a whole new cast of diverse characters. With the thorough reintroduction to the world, I fully believe this story can be enjoyed by both new and returning readers.
Like 'Dirge', this story features my absolute favourite
"Lott feature" - the most inventive high tech I have ever seen in a sci-fi setting. I truly enjoyed the tech in itself as a separate aspect to the main plot line. (Do note: the plot was a 10/10 as well)
Despite the short length, the author manages to put so much emotion and action into this story. I really adored Nelsa as a main POV - her complex emotions, backstory, steadfast determination, and overall approach to this heist was beautifully depicted and written.
Many thanks to the author for the ARC!
Lott returns to the world first established in 'A Dirge For Cascius' as we follow the story of Nelsa Nolstar, a grieving mother and wife, as she and a ragtag team embark on a revenge heist. Now settled into the more crime-ridden back alleys of the Vasollas galaxy, we meet a whole new cast of diverse characters. With the thorough reintroduction to the world, I fully believe this story can be enjoyed by both new and returning readers.
Like 'Dirge', this story features my absolute favourite
"Lott feature" - the most inventive high tech I have ever seen in a sci-fi setting. I truly enjoyed the tech in itself as a separate aspect to the main plot line. (Do note: the plot was a 10/10 as well)
Despite the short length, the author manages to put so much emotion and action into this story. I really adored Nelsa as a main POV - her complex emotions, backstory, steadfast determination, and overall approach to this heist was beautifully depicted and written.
Many thanks to the author for the ARC!
March 1, 2025
A sci fi wild west-esque heist. Need i say more?
Well yes, actually, because the phenomenal character work in a novella is astounding.
Some authors don't achieve this in a trilogy.
It's gritty,dark and imaginative. Dirge of Cerberus was great but I think i enjoyed this more and can't wait to read more in this universe.
Well yes, actually, because the phenomenal character work in a novella is astounding.
Some authors don't achieve this in a trilogy.
It's gritty,dark and imaginative. Dirge of Cerberus was great but I think i enjoyed this more and can't wait to read more in this universe.
January 18, 2026
(3.5) Cowboy sci-fi?? Kinda cool. The tech here is the star of the show, in a cyberpunkish setting with computers in heads and plenty else going on. I really want a stala of my own; looks sick, provides shields, manifests weapons!?
The plot is very fast paced focused around a heist and a vengeance. I lacked investment in the characters for quite a while, which unfortunately is a byproduct of the short length of the novel. With a ragtag diverse heist crew, there was also a surprising lack of humor.
Luckily, there was not a complete lack of interesting themes, as the main character Nelsa does deal with addiction to avoid grieving her trauma. Did the overall arc of this character development satisfy me? Not entirely due to the big bad villain being a stand-in evil patriarch of a ruling crime family which was not fully realized and lacked interesting justification of motivations. Maybe 100 more pages would’ve done this one alot of justice for my personal nitpicks, but again I seriously digged the tech.
Excited to check out Dirge for Cascius as I’ve preordered the signed Hardcover :)
The plot is very fast paced focused around a heist and a vengeance. I lacked investment in the characters for quite a while, which unfortunately is a byproduct of the short length of the novel. With a ragtag diverse heist crew, there was also a surprising lack of humor.
Luckily, there was not a complete lack of interesting themes, as the main character Nelsa does deal with addiction to avoid grieving her trauma. Did the overall arc of this character development satisfy me? Not entirely due to the big bad villain being a stand-in evil patriarch of a ruling crime family which was not fully realized and lacked interesting justification of motivations. Maybe 100 more pages would’ve done this one alot of justice for my personal nitpicks, but again I seriously digged the tech.
Excited to check out Dirge for Cascius as I’ve preordered the signed Hardcover :)
January 28, 2025
Arkoma by Callum Lott
Cyberpunk meets the Wild West in this action packed hiest story. Along with enacting revenge on your enemies by stealing from them, this is also an emotionally driven story exploring how we deal with grief and the ongoing effects of depression.
Cyberpunk meets the Wild West in this action packed hiest story. Along with enacting revenge on your enemies by stealing from them, this is also an emotionally driven story exploring how we deal with grief and the ongoing effects of depression.
January 22, 2025
In the Valsollas galaxy, there is a planet called Arkoma! We follow Nelsa, a deadly outlaw duelist with a tragic past & an addiction to Veroni 🍾. It helps to keep the pain away from what she had lost at the hands of Salazano.
Salazano (aka The Padrino) is a part of the Four Families that have full range of the frontier & his selfish plans for Arkoma City & beyond.
Nelsa is approached with a job that will grant her a ton of ismo 💰 and a chance for revenge against The Padrino.
Nelsa gathers up a team (Marston, Maasi, Starflower, Moonkidd, and Jasolle), and the wild heist begins!
This sci-fi western novella was exactly what I needed & I really loved the universe the author created! I haven't read A Dirge For Cascius, so I wasn't familiar with some of the slang or terms for this world. Yet, I thought the author did a fantastic job explaining them through the story & the actions of the characters.
It was very creative & you learn as you go like you were just dropped off on an alien planet.
If that isn't your style, the author provides a glossary in the back, but I think you should dive right into this book!
The world-building was awesome & I loved the creativity regarding the different species living on Arkoma.
I think another reason I enjoyed it so much is that it reminded me of Borderlands. I am obsessed with that game, and they have a similar aesthetic.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed this one! The ending was a surprise to me! Retribution! That's what I was shouting & all I'll say to avoid spoils 🤣
Salazano (aka The Padrino) is a part of the Four Families that have full range of the frontier & his selfish plans for Arkoma City & beyond.
Nelsa is approached with a job that will grant her a ton of ismo 💰 and a chance for revenge against The Padrino.
Nelsa gathers up a team (Marston, Maasi, Starflower, Moonkidd, and Jasolle), and the wild heist begins!
This sci-fi western novella was exactly what I needed & I really loved the universe the author created! I haven't read A Dirge For Cascius, so I wasn't familiar with some of the slang or terms for this world. Yet, I thought the author did a fantastic job explaining them through the story & the actions of the characters.
It was very creative & you learn as you go like you were just dropped off on an alien planet.
If that isn't your style, the author provides a glossary in the back, but I think you should dive right into this book!
The world-building was awesome & I loved the creativity regarding the different species living on Arkoma.
I think another reason I enjoyed it so much is that it reminded me of Borderlands. I am obsessed with that game, and they have a similar aesthetic.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed this one! The ending was a surprise to me! Retribution! That's what I was shouting & all I'll say to avoid spoils 🤣
June 29, 2025
Review for Arkoma
Blood. Sand. Stars. Revenge.
With Arkoma, Calum Lott delivers a gritty, cinematic space western that pulls no punches. Nelsa Nolstar is a compelling antihero, broken, haunted, and on a collision course with destiny. Set on a dusty, lawless desert planet ruled by a crime syndicate, this novella blends high-stakes duels, found family, and a pulse-pounding heist that kept me turning the pages. The world-building is vivid, the pacing relentless, and the character growth raw and satisfying. A perfect entry point into Lott’s universe, especially for fans of Borderlands, spaghetti westerns, and sci-fi revenge tales done right.
Blood. Sand. Stars. Revenge.
With Arkoma, Calum Lott delivers a gritty, cinematic space western that pulls no punches. Nelsa Nolstar is a compelling antihero, broken, haunted, and on a collision course with destiny. Set on a dusty, lawless desert planet ruled by a crime syndicate, this novella blends high-stakes duels, found family, and a pulse-pounding heist that kept me turning the pages. The world-building is vivid, the pacing relentless, and the character growth raw and satisfying. A perfect entry point into Lott’s universe, especially for fans of Borderlands, spaghetti westerns, and sci-fi revenge tales done right.
July 22, 2025
This one was super fun.
While it was short, you connect with Nelsa and the love she has for her family. I loved the western / space theme.
While it was short, you connect with Nelsa and the love she has for her family. I loved the western / space theme.
January 12, 2025
Can verify this book fire go read it
June 18, 2025
This was a super fun short read… you could read this in one sitting it’s really fast paced, beautifully chaotic and caosi good time!
Really enjoyed everything about this story, all the characters were well written and had deep emotional ties!
The world building was sick! Lott has literally created new words in this book haha they play perfectly into the world he’s built… this world is perfectly written to build upon in future instalments in the same universe!
Really enjoyed everything about this story, all the characters were well written and had deep emotional ties!
The world building was sick! Lott has literally created new words in this book haha they play perfectly into the world he’s built… this world is perfectly written to build upon in future instalments in the same universe!
January 13, 2025
And we’re back in the universe of Valsollas, and I’m so happy to be here. Once again Lott treats us with a heavily emotional space opera, one that tugs at our heartstrings and leaves us wanting more. Kind of like that one other book… What’s it called? A Dirge For Cascius? Oh yeah, I’ve heard of that book, maybe you should go read it.
This story follows Nelsa, a duelist. Like full on dueling pistols, ten steps then draw, better shot wins kind of duelist. Wanna know how we start? In a duel. Wanna know who wins? Obviously it's Nesla. That’s page three stuff. Otherwise we wouldn’t be having this conversation about her, would we? Catch up.
Now, Nelsa is a highly complex woman, filled with her own wallowings and traumas. She’s a woman living on the edge of society, getting by with a rush of adrenaline from the sight of her bullet embedded in another person’s body, but secretly not caring if she winds up with one of her own. Maybe it would be preferable, maybe not, but Nelsa is just going through the motions for a time, living off a drink called veroni. It’s strong, potent, and most importantly, it numbs her. Numbs the pains that wrack her body, numbs the horrors that torment her mind.
Many years ago, on the planet of Arkoma beyond the reach of the Velutra, Nelsa crossed the wrong man, and her family was all killed for it, on the sands, without hope for rescue, without having seen her again at all. That’s one thing that keeps her going; revenge on that man, Salazano. And then, after the duel, the perfect opportunity falls right into her lap.
An unknown backer has decided to help her steal an heirloom from the Salazanos. Who the backer is, and what the heirloom is, she can’t say, but it gives her a chance. And thus begins a space western, mafia inspired, revenge heist. Which is a SICK concept, and Lott executes it perfectly.
At first, Nelsa only has a couple people to call, and two more in need of freeing from a sick torturer involved in her family’s death. Saving them proves difficult, and innocents die, but the gang is back together again, and they can get to planning the big heist.
There are worries that Nelsa will be blinded by her own lust for revenge, and take the rest of the group down with her, but with a few talking to’s and ample planning, they proceed, ready to infiltrate the Salazanos, impersonate a family member, steal a ship, and get out. That’s the group’s plan, but Nelsa’s is a little different.
Do things go wrong? YES. What a stupid question, things always go wrong. It’s Murphy’s Law (if you look that up on a search engine, follow it up by finding yourself a copy of A Dirge for Cascius). Do things end up righting themselves? Well, did you get your copy yet? No? Ok, cool, I’m not telling you.
The story being told here is, as expected of Lott, exceptionally unique and refreshing, both in terms of the plot and in terms of tone. The revenge arc is also one of personal growth and acknowledgement of trauma. The characters each have their own fun (or sometimes easily hateable, in the case of the bad guys) voice, and no, I’m not talking about the space cowboy accents they have.
I’m a big fan of the saloon scenes, and especially the grav-sheaths that can just launch people out when they start rowdy saloon fights like in the old west. I’m also a fan of almost every other technology Lott has invented in his writing, as usual. Sure, there's a lot of it, but it's so farfetched and out there that it kind of works, you know? The pistols are made from the stola, which can coalesce to form things like pistols (obviously), a shield, armor, etc… There’s mind/body controlling tech. There’s blackout bombs that put people in utter darkness. There are high grade bullets to pierce intricate armor. There’s so much, and it’s all so fascinating to read about.
If you’re looking for a quick read (took me less than 24 hours, if I do say so myself), that’s tons of fun, makes you think, and has one of the most unique concepts out there right now, go pick up Arkoma when it comes out in late January. Arkoma was a blast, and it has me dying for more. It’s just up to Lott to give it to us, and I know he will.
This story follows Nelsa, a duelist. Like full on dueling pistols, ten steps then draw, better shot wins kind of duelist. Wanna know how we start? In a duel. Wanna know who wins? Obviously it's Nesla. That’s page three stuff. Otherwise we wouldn’t be having this conversation about her, would we? Catch up.
Now, Nelsa is a highly complex woman, filled with her own wallowings and traumas. She’s a woman living on the edge of society, getting by with a rush of adrenaline from the sight of her bullet embedded in another person’s body, but secretly not caring if she winds up with one of her own. Maybe it would be preferable, maybe not, but Nelsa is just going through the motions for a time, living off a drink called veroni. It’s strong, potent, and most importantly, it numbs her. Numbs the pains that wrack her body, numbs the horrors that torment her mind.
Many years ago, on the planet of Arkoma beyond the reach of the Velutra, Nelsa crossed the wrong man, and her family was all killed for it, on the sands, without hope for rescue, without having seen her again at all. That’s one thing that keeps her going; revenge on that man, Salazano. And then, after the duel, the perfect opportunity falls right into her lap.
An unknown backer has decided to help her steal an heirloom from the Salazanos. Who the backer is, and what the heirloom is, she can’t say, but it gives her a chance. And thus begins a space western, mafia inspired, revenge heist. Which is a SICK concept, and Lott executes it perfectly.
At first, Nelsa only has a couple people to call, and two more in need of freeing from a sick torturer involved in her family’s death. Saving them proves difficult, and innocents die, but the gang is back together again, and they can get to planning the big heist.
There are worries that Nelsa will be blinded by her own lust for revenge, and take the rest of the group down with her, but with a few talking to’s and ample planning, they proceed, ready to infiltrate the Salazanos, impersonate a family member, steal a ship, and get out. That’s the group’s plan, but Nelsa’s is a little different.
Do things go wrong? YES. What a stupid question, things always go wrong. It’s Murphy’s Law (if you look that up on a search engine, follow it up by finding yourself a copy of A Dirge for Cascius). Do things end up righting themselves? Well, did you get your copy yet? No? Ok, cool, I’m not telling you.
The story being told here is, as expected of Lott, exceptionally unique and refreshing, both in terms of the plot and in terms of tone. The revenge arc is also one of personal growth and acknowledgement of trauma. The characters each have their own fun (or sometimes easily hateable, in the case of the bad guys) voice, and no, I’m not talking about the space cowboy accents they have.
I’m a big fan of the saloon scenes, and especially the grav-sheaths that can just launch people out when they start rowdy saloon fights like in the old west. I’m also a fan of almost every other technology Lott has invented in his writing, as usual. Sure, there's a lot of it, but it's so farfetched and out there that it kind of works, you know? The pistols are made from the stola, which can coalesce to form things like pistols (obviously), a shield, armor, etc… There’s mind/body controlling tech. There’s blackout bombs that put people in utter darkness. There are high grade bullets to pierce intricate armor. There’s so much, and it’s all so fascinating to read about.
If you’re looking for a quick read (took me less than 24 hours, if I do say so myself), that’s tons of fun, makes you think, and has one of the most unique concepts out there right now, go pick up Arkoma when it comes out in late January. Arkoma was a blast, and it has me dying for more. It’s just up to Lott to give it to us, and I know he will.
April 11, 2025
Arkoma is a wild fusion of classic old west heist vibes set against a gritty, Dune-like sci-fi backdrop. It's a bold, fast-paced story that throws you headfirst into its world—so do yourself a favor and read the glossary first. There’s a lot of terminology that’s dropped in with little explanation, and a quick primer will make your ride smoother.
Once you're in, though, Arkoma delivers. The worldbuilding is dense and fascinating, with tech that feels fresh and meaningful—tools that drive the plot in cool, unexpected directions. At the heart of it all is Nelsa, a standout protagonist. Her evolution from a self-loathing, addicted duelist to a sharp, protective leader is both believable and compelling. Her voice shifts with her growth, and it’s done with real care.
The pace is snappy, which works wonders for most of the book, though the ending does feel a bit rushed and tangled. Some of the themes land a little too directly, losing a bit of subtlety, but that doesn’t take away from the overall ride.
Visually, the book is rich. The imagery makes the action and tech easy to picture, and you can easily imagine Arkoma as a slick, high-stakes series or film.
A quick, immersive read that blends genre in a way that’s fresh and fun—definitely worth picking up.
Once you're in, though, Arkoma delivers. The worldbuilding is dense and fascinating, with tech that feels fresh and meaningful—tools that drive the plot in cool, unexpected directions. At the heart of it all is Nelsa, a standout protagonist. Her evolution from a self-loathing, addicted duelist to a sharp, protective leader is both believable and compelling. Her voice shifts with her growth, and it’s done with real care.
The pace is snappy, which works wonders for most of the book, though the ending does feel a bit rushed and tangled. Some of the themes land a little too directly, losing a bit of subtlety, but that doesn’t take away from the overall ride.
Visually, the book is rich. The imagery makes the action and tech easy to picture, and you can easily imagine Arkoma as a slick, high-stakes series or film.
A quick, immersive read that blends genre in a way that’s fresh and fun—definitely worth picking up.
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