Inside a Dark Space

by MJ James

Finch was sent to the moon as a canary. They were one of the expendable—a soul desperate enough to risk their life for the safety of the ‘real’ astronauts. A decade later, they are the last canary left alive. Alone at the first lunar water mining station, Finch finds peace in solitude and the safety of routine.

Ray grew up hearing her father rant about corporations ‘making the moon gay.’ For her, that sounded like hope. She shaped her life around reaching a place where she could finally come out.

Except when she arrived on the moon to start a research project, Ray was left at a station with only one occupant—Finch.

Finch may have sparked Ray’s journey, but life together in a dark crater proves far more complicated. Finch struggles to connect. Ray craves belonging. Both are haunted by what they left behind—and what the moon has in store for them.

Inside a Dark Space is the first book in the Lunar Abyss series—a queer, autistic science fiction story about survival and the quiet rebellion of staying alive on your own terms.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

MJ James is a science-fiction and fantasy author for queer and neurodiverse readers. As an own-voice author for autistic, ADHD, non-binary, trans-masc, aromantic, and asexual representation, MJ writes for readers who want to see themselves on the page. MJ discovered a love of books at a young age, finding them a source of comfort and the one thing in the world that made sense. Diagnosed as autistic at 24, MJ embraced their journey of self-discovery, earning a BA in Psychology and an MS in Developmental Psychology. They are also a proud parent of three incredible children. Their work features autistic and trans characters who navigate extraordinary conflicts, from protecting their child from their own magical powers to conquering virtual worlds in the fight against injustice. With themes of found family, aromantic and asexual representation, and a focus on belonging, MJ hopes their stories can provide companionship for their readers along with a sense of validation, understanding, and being seen.

Reviews

[Lychee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to preface my review by saying that I’m a queer, non-binary, autistic, Chinese American immigrant. Reading this was definitely unbelievably painful in today’s political climate. Nothing in this book seems that far fetched. I would say, definitely pay attention to the trigger warnings, but don’t let them scare you away.

I really love own-voices so I appreciate finding an author that shares identities with their characters. And parts of this book was so unbelievably funny without even trying, but maybe that’s because I’m autistic too. This book was written extremely well and it’s very easy to care for these characters. Love how much world building and development there is in such a short book.

Thank you BookSirens and MJ James for e-book ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A queer, autistic person is forced into servitude on the moon and now lives a solitary existence crewing a station that provides water to other outposts. A researcher dreaming of a better, more authentic life.

This isn’t just a romance about two mismatched people who end up forming a connection. It’s also a commentary on where we, as a society, are currently heading. Some of the flashbacks in particular are quite confronting - internment camps, homophobia, mistreatment of autistic people - but probably the most confronting of all is the fact that this isn’t inconceivable at this point in time.

I read this so quickly - I thought it was really well paced and there was always something happening. At the beginning, I wasn’t a massive fan of Ray the researcher in the beginning (WHY won’t people listen?!?) but as the book progressed you could see she was actually beginning to understand why Finch reacted the way they did to events. That’s always a good thing for me, because once I don’t like a character it’s hard to change my mind!

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a dystopian-type queer sci-fi story but would definitely recommend checking content warnings.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clunky writing, but
unending queer pain really
tanked the book for me.

There was so much about this I liked. The clunky writing was (I think) in part an attempt to capture Finch's voice, both when they spoke and when filtered through the computer. I liked the way the friendship grew between Ray and Finch. And the last 20% of the books was truly exciting--I had no idea how they were going to get out of the mess they were in, and the resolution promised much more hope to come.

I think there's tons of potential in the series. I want to see Finch and Ray succeed. But I gave the book 2 stars because... unending queer pain really tanked the book for me. James says in their author note that they wrote against the despair of contemporary US politics (fuck Trump) but I really did not need to read about the gang rape of a lesbian woman by the male members of the MC's congregation and her subsequent suicide, nor the caging of autistic, immigrant, queer children and teens before their transport to brutal work camps where they were regularly beaten and raped to know that things were bad. The book is appropriately content noted, but it was the focus on the queer pain and trauma rather than the specifics to which I object.

[Elliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is no shame in trying to survive. That is an act of rebellion also."

books like these always make me emotional, its rare to see characters like Finch in any sort of media. Trans and autistic. I can probably count on one hand the amount of books I've read with characters like me, and this was a beautiful addition. The feeling of finding out you're getting represented in a book is unreal and I'm so grateful this exists.

from very early on in the book I could tell this would be one of my favourite reads this year. alot of the dystopian space books are set on planets so far away but this is close to home, the moon. what happens on Earth definitely seems to reflect the fear of queer people today, it imagines the future of queer people especially with how far right the government is going (especially in the US).

The Canaries as a concept is pretty horrifying to think about but again I don't believe it's that far from reality. I think the author did an amazing job of representing the fear and joy queer people face today. Truly this is an amazing read.

I received an advance review copy for free (thanks BookSirens) and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marcia Vidal dos Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Inside a Dark Space” is a haunting and atmospheric novel that offers a deep dive into psychological suspense and quiet horror. It navigates themes of trauma, grief, and resilience as characters grapple with the blurred lines between memory and reality. Ntumy’s writing is vivid and cinematic, utilizing stark imagery and emotionally charged scenes to create an unsettling narrative.

What truly distinguishes this book is its ability to balance darkness with an inherent humanity. While exploring both literal and metaphorical unsettling spaces, it simultaneously celebrates the unwavering resilience of the human spirit. Readers are drawn into the protagonist’s raw and authentic journey, sharing her struggle to confront fear, isolation, and the shadows of her past.

In the end, “Inside a Dark Space” is both chilling and thought-provoking, and, as such, it is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and literary fiction, in particular those who appreciate narratives that probe the hidden depths of the human mind.

Try it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so very much. MJ says in the acknowledgements that they started this book shortly after the election and you can feel that this comes from a place of fear and trying to work through not knowing what is coming. It's not an especially happy story in a lot of ways. It's a bleak future world and that's after it has gotten "better" from what the MCs have previously been through. But I think that better showcases that both MCs are strong, resilient, and still full of life even after people have tried to take that from them. Both MCs are living their lives in a way that lets them be their real self, and that's beautiful and and what honestly gives hope to the story.

This book was so incredibly well written in a way that you don't want to put it down. I'm usually a romance reader, and when it's not there I usually wish for it, but I did not miss it at all here because it ended up being a wonderful platonic love story in its own way. These are characters that I feel I know and I need more of so I'm so excited that it is a trilogy.

[AElis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 4-5 stars but the truth is, this was emotionaly devastating and I really don't know how to rate it.

I started this book yesterday and couldn't put it down. I was suppose to go to bed but just kept reading. And all the while, my heart kept breaking because (appart for the moon part) everything in this book sounded like a prophetie. One that is becoming true scarily fast.

What is talked about in this book? It happened to us in the past and it is happening again, even if it's just the beginning.

God, I wish this book is wrong. I want it to be wrong so badly.

Anyway, don't read this book unless you are ready for the emotional trauma.

Also, I hope book 2 will be more lighthearted but I don't really believe it. I will read it regardless and then question my life decision on why I choose to make myself suffer.

[Jay Beau · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I got this book for free but this opinion is my own*

This book is about two astronauts, one an experienced one and one a new scientist.

The beginning was slow. I wasn't sure it would be good. Let me just say, I was mistaken.

Other than mentioning things in the beginning that had nothing to do with the plot, the author is really good at writing tension.

That being said, be wary of the warnings of the triggers.

I loved the story, but I'm not going to lie, I cried numerous times. The author knew how to use my fears of the present moment.

This more of a dystopian world than a hopeful queer romance, which worked well for me.

If you like V for Vendetta vibes, the comic or the movie, you might like this book.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this a high rating because the book granted me an experience I've never had before, spending time with two people on the moon. Never been interested in the moon at all, but the textures, strangeness, hostility all came across to me through the details and the way the main characters navigated and survived in the environment. I am grateful the author transformed what must have been copious research into something very readable and emotionally compelling. Yes, I want to read the next book in the series and follow the main characters some more, hoping they continue to prevail. Glad to have been an early reader!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read books by MJ James in the past, but this has been my favorite by far. There are a lot of darker themes. That doesn’t bother me as a reader and I found the prevailing message to keep pushing forward. Don’t give up hope, don’t let the *them* win. They preserved so much of their past by doing things scared. As a formerly religious person, it resonated in more ways than one.
It took me a while to warm up to Ray because she seemed determined to dive headfirst into bad situations without thinking it through, but I liked the dynamic between her and Finch and the bonds they forged. And I found the role reversal interesting when after conducting her research, everybody else refuses to listen.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finch has been working alone for years as the sole operator of the Schmidt lunar water mining station, when their life is disrupted by the arrival of Ray, a astrogeologist(possibly remembering this name wrong) sent up to study soil erosion due to the mining. Finch is not aware that they should have been expecting Ray due to a miscommunication with the main station and as they are autistic they do not handle change well, to say their first couple of days are rocky is a bit of an understatement....
I always feel so many emotions when I read one of MJ's books, this one made me feel a lot of anger which is a new one for me with them, but I like that they can evoke big emotions for me.
There are quite a few TW's for this book so make sure you are in the right head space to read it.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

The “don’t let the fuckers win” was a bit corny but still a good message. A solid sci-fi book. I love that the audiobook narrator did subtle changes for each persons voice. Thank you to the author for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a well written sci-fi book, it was also a difficult read, not because it was bad but due to the subject matter covered. Read the Trigger Warnings and take them seriously. I had to read this book slowly with breaks in between chapters because due to how overstimulating some of the topics were to me. While I was reading this book the executive order targeting disabled and unhoused was signed. The author was correct in their assumption of what the future clearly holds for those of us who are different. This book ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared for things to not be neatly wrapped up at the end. I look forward to reading the next installment of this series. I received and advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Briar Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were things about this book that I enjoyed—the moon base setting, the character of Finch—but it was still a bit of a difficult read for me overall, in part because it’s so bleakly worst-case dystopian (please check trigger warnings!) and in part because I never warmed up to one of the POV characters until nearly the end. One of my biggest frustrations, character development-wise, is when a character has to keep learning the same lesson over and over, and that described Ray for much of this book.

As a queer, neurodivergent reader, I did like Finch and found them very relatable. Despite my mixed feelings about Ray, I’ll probably check out further stories in this series (and from this author).

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.