Chaotic Orbits

Chaotic Orbits #1-3

by Beth Revis

Now collected into a beautiful omnibus edition, this romantic sci-fi trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis is perfect for fans of Martha Wells

When Ada, a charming grifter, crosses paths with Rian, a no-nonsense government agent, the ensuing chaos will lead them across the stars—and into each other’s arms

Ada Lamarr has a very good reason for being the first at the wreckage of an intergalactic ship. If Rian White, leader of the government ship sent to examine the remains, can't tell truth from lie when it comes to her excuses, well, that's his problem. And Ada has absolutely no issue whatsoever being his problem—in fact, when Rian's in the picture, she's determined to do the wrong thing. Whether looting an "off limits" shipwreck, stealing something from a high-security museum at an intergalactic gala, or pulling off the heist of the millennia at a trillionaire's home base, Ada always has a plan.

Even when Rian corners her.

In this collection of all three of the original Chaotic Orbits novellas, readers can follow Ada's elaborate cat-and-mouse schemes and the will-they-won't-they temptation of a romance with Rian. Featuring a new, exclusive short story told from Rian's point of view, fans will love this epic spacemance from the reigning queen of romantic science fiction!

400 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 4, 2026

About the author

Beth Revis writes books. She also eats too much chocolate, wishes she could travel more, and prefers puppies to people. Beth lives in rural NC with her boys: one husband, one son, two very large puppies.

Reviews

[Val ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[ARC]

Thanks to DAW and NetGalley for this advance reader copy of Chaotic Orbits by Beth Revis, to be published on August 4th, 2026.

I enjoyed the story. It was an entertaining sci-fi book. The cover is really cute as well. I even added another of her books to my TBR list!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of three space adventure novellas and I had such a great time reading this. I love the banter and I found myself racing through them. My favorite story was the first one! I liked how the plot got deeper with every novella and I’m so excited to see how (if??) it will continue. I definitely recommend picking this up if you’re in the mood for a fun and fast paced time

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review

[Raelene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I read the 3 books in this trilogy as they were first being released, and already knew that I loved them. However, while I was screaming (in a good way) at the way the trilogy ended (those footnotes!!), I felt like the story wasn’t finished and I wanted more. So I loved seeing that this omnibus had an extra short story, to add to the original story.

Full Speed To A Crash Landing is my favourite of the stories. The crew of the Halifax and initial meeting between Ada and Rian is just top tier, and it had a twist I did not see coming. But the continuous banter and teamwork between them throughout the entire book was just so good. Ada is one of my favourite main characters I’ve read about, her humour especially is just so good. I laughed out loud multiple times reading this, and swooned a little bit (seriously, the footnotes).

I do feel like even with the addition of the short story to this omnibus, it doesn’t feel totally finished. But I genuinely love this. This was my 3rd time reading the full series, but I’ve reread Full Speed To A Crash Landing and How To Steal A Galaxy even more, in preparation for when each book was previously releasing. I think it gets even better each time, as I catch even more details. Definitely recommend, and I love that these novellas were combined so people can read one after another easier, because when I first read this I was desperate to continue the series immediately.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[BookishKB]

🚀💫 Chaotic Orbits 💫🚀

📖 Bookish Thoughts

One of my favorite series of all time! Excited for this reread!

✨ What to Expect
• Space Opera Romance
• Cat and Mouse
• Grifter FMC
• Government Agent MMC
• Galactic Heists
• Opposites Attract
_ _ _

📅 Pub Date: August 4, 2026
Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Mel (Epic Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy of novellas by Beth Revis, collectively together is the perfect omnibus of fun, science fiction, silly quips, and yet has many severely perilous moments. To say I adore the Chaotic Orbits trilogy is a bit of an understatement. It’s very rare I read books one after another in a series. Generally I spread them out by a few books and/or months to ensure I don’t get bored or tired of the story, setting, or characters. In the case of these ones I was dying to read the next book immediately, and so took the chance reading all three of these stories within one year. And it was the right choice!

Science fiction can be one of those genres that’s very hard for newer readers, or new to sci-fi to break into. There’s a lot of garbage, and a huge variance between the sub genres with hard science, space opera, survival dystopia, and sci-fi horror all sitting at many folks limits of what they are interested in or can handle. Chaotic Orbits has none of these problems. This cozy, humorous, yet deadly series is easily accessible to anyone while still being engaging for the average sci-fi reader (like myself). Be warned, the blurbs may make it seem like there is romance here, it’s very very mild and not a key piece of the final instalment as the synopsis might make you think.

If you enjoy Murderbot, Firefly/Serenity, Automatic Noodles, or Themis series you’ll likely enjoy this series. I’m super glad to see it in this omnibus as my reason for not giving each book individually 5 stars is because it was broken up and feels like a cash grab. A very ironic thing given the anti-capitalist rhetoric throughout by our leading lady. Therefore, this opportunity to get all 3 stories continuously is key. Keep in mind all three novellas together is barely the length of your average book, so it’s not even that big of a time commitment!

I’ll be picking up a copy in this format to add to my print shelf as I could see myself coming back to this one day. Plus the cover art is gorgeous!!
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

[Mollified.Moments · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chaotic Orbits novellas are one of my favorite series. I read each of them when they came out so I was so excited when I saw an omnibus edition was being released. Beth Revis is one of my favorite authors, and having Ada and Rian’s story all together in one beautiful edition is just so freaking cool.

Since this is an omnibus, I thought it’d be fun to share my thoughts on the series as a whole…

I was hooked from the start. Ada is a FMC who keeps you guessing. She’s clever, slightly morally gray and always seems to have a trick up her sleeve. Then there’s Rian who’s basically her complete opposite and their banter and chemistry is just so cute and such a huge part of what makes these books so much fun.

Even though these are novellas they really pack in the action, space heists, twists, romance (and a thoughtful look at things like climate change, technology and corporate greed). Revis somehow manages to fit all of that into a fast paced story that never stops being fun.
I was sad to see this series end and I’m still holding out hope that maybe someday we’ll get another adventure with Ada and Rian.

If you like fast-paced sci fi with cute banter, lovable characters, space heists and a smidge of romance…I can’t recommend Chaotic Orbits enough. This is the series that made Beth Revis one of my favorite authors!

Also, fun fact. Beth Revis said she wrote the first novella completely out of spite after someone told her she couldn’t write a short, fast paced commercial story. And the villain? She wrote him so Ada could say all the things she wishes she could say to Elon Musk. One of the many, many reasons she’s one of my favorite authors.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you DAW and NetGalley for the ARC!

I hadn't read the original Chaotic Orbits novellas before so I was excited to explore a new space story in this omnibus, but I wasn't prepared for how much I would adore this story. I was really enjoying the first novella, Full Speed to a Crash Landing, and then the end had me HOOKED. I couldn't put the rest of the story down and had to finish it in one sitting.

I think with a lot of series' there is so much magic in the first book that the sequels don't quite live up, but How to Steal a Galaxy and Last Chance to Save the World were the opposite for me. The stories got so much stronger as they went on and as much as I wanted to see what would happen, I didn't want Ada and Rian's journey to end.

Ada was so captivating, I love characters with the right morals but who don't mind breaking some rules along the way (or in Ada's case, all of the rules). Rian is such an adorable, clueless (complimentary) love interest. I really appreciated that they ultimately had the same goals but were completely different in how they approached everything. Their banter was downright sexy at times and Ada's humour was so compelling, but despite that there was so much emotion in this story.

"With one kiss, he's taken the gravity right out from under me.
But somehow, I'm not falling."

I really loved the additional chapters at the end and hope we have more to come from Ada and Rian in the future. Chaotic Orbits is a fast-paced space story with high stakes and a cat and mouse chase with an important message at its heart—what it means to be human.

[Nadine in NY Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early review copy.

This is yet another fantastic installment in Revis's new series!

I read and LOVED the three novellas that make up the bulk of this book: 
* Full Speed to a Crash Landing (5 stars)
* How to Steal a Galaxy (3 stars - middle book syndrome)
* Last Chance to Save the World (4 stars)

So when I saw this collected edition on NetGalley, as "Read Now," with a bonus fourth novella (what's shorter than a novella? a novelette?), I pounced on it!  What a delight to be back with Ada & Rian!!!

And when I got to the end of the new novelette, I could not BE more excited, because this is clearly a set up for MORE Ada & Rian to come!  BRING IT!  I can hardly wait.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is easy, fun, character-driven scifi for fans of Becky Chambers and Murderbot. I have a lot of fondness for this little series, and I’m glad to see it’s being compiled into an omnibus because that’s definitely the best way to experience it; the 3 novellas always felt like one book broken into parts.

I’m truly not sure if I should recommend this as a romance or not. On the one hand, Ada and Rian make the book. There’s something so classically charming about their cat and mouse dynamic. On the other hand, it’s hard to even say these books contain a “romance,” because they never really get off the ground. The cat and mouse chase continues indefinitely, with no romantic closure whatsoever.

When I first read these books I was pretty unhappy with the end of the third one, for that reason. I JUMPED to request this ARC when I saw that the omnibus edition includes a short story set after book 3, and I’m pleased to report that the short story did its job and turned my feelings around to positive again. I really hope that we’ll get a fourth book or, better yet, another whole trilogy set in this world, but even if we don’t, the short story included the reunion and start of a new adventure that this series desperately needed.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Revis proves once again that science fiction can be both brilliantly imaginative and deeply human. Chaotic Orbits is a fast-paced, clever adventure filled with high-stakes tension, sharp dialogue, and characters who feel real even while navigating the vastness of space.

What stood out most was how effortlessly Revis balances the science with emotion. The story explores themes of trust, survival, found family, sacrifice, and the difficult choices we make when duty and our hearts pull us in different directions. Every twist kept me invested, and the pacing never let up.

The world-building is immersive without becoming overwhelming, making it approachable whether you're a longtime sci-fi fan or just starting to explore the genre. The relationships between the characters add warmth and humor, giving the story an emotional core that makes the action hit even harder.

If you enjoy character-driven science fiction with witty banter, compelling moral dilemmas, and a plot that keeps you turning pages late into the night, Chaotic Orbits deserves a spot on your TBR. Beth Revis has crafted another unforgettable space adventure that reminds us that even in the most chaotic corners of the universe, hope and connection can still shine through.

[Monsi A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ I am so excited to see this Sci-Fi romantic novella series finally in a completed omnibus! It does really well in the world building while making it easily digestible and not overwhelming for how quickly we move through the story. The heist plot is a lot of fun with some surprises here and there, and I was obsessed with the yearning between the two main characters.

The third part in the trilogy is the one that I personally felt was the weakest. I think I was just expecting a little bit more to finishing off the series. However, I still think these are great for a sci-fi romantic quick read!

Thank you so much to DAW for the gifted omnibus edition of the Chaotic Orbits series in exchange for an honest review!

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved these novellas when I read them last year and had wished there was more - and now there is! The tension and cat-and-mouse chase between Ada and Rian is delightful and the three locations are fun and exciting in this quick-moving space opera. The ending of the third novella was open-ended, so I appreciated the new story from Rian's point of view but that ending! I hope more is coming from these two as they continue their adventure across the galaxy. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys con-person/rule follower romances, with a dash of justice and adventure.

Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for a review copy. All opinions are my own.

[✨ gabi ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3,75 rounded up

Oh, this was a fun read. The marketing says people who enjoy Martha Wells would enjoy this and they are indeed right. This has the very same "fuck it, we ball" energy, which makes it wickedly entertaining.

Both the main characters are quite interesting and the story manages to never let up on the high-energy pacing but not feel rushed. Each part (the book is a compilation of the Chaotic Orbits trilogy) feels complete by itself, but the overarching mysteries make sure the stakes don't feel too chill. What would be a sci-fi without a world or another on the line? The second book/part is the highlight, no doubts about it. The story and the writing style both benefit from the tight constricts of time and space.

Still, overall is a very enthralling, but quick read. Super recommended it!

[A M “VegasBookDragon” Van Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. You will love this book if you enjoy romance and science fiction with a good dash of humor. I found Ada and Rian to be interesting characters and their interactions give me Firefly vibes. The plot of the three books and additional short story is part caper, part chaos, and part slow-developing relationship. The voicing of Ada is right up my alley. The elements of Science Fiction within these stories make them very accessible to readers newer to the genre.

#ChaoticOrbits #NetGalley #DAW
Thank you to DAW for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Such a fun, crafty series. Ada is constantly outsmarting everyone and Rian is obsessed with her brain, even as he is trying to catch her. I appreciate the clever first person narration - I love a narrator you can't trust and are trying to figure out what tricks they are scheming.

The world-building and con artistry in this series is top notch. I wish more authors would be this intentional and crafty in their heist plotting. We learned so much about our characters based on how they interacted with the world's power structures.

This is a romantic story, if not a true Romance.

Thank you to DAW and Netgalley for the arc.

[Anna Yegs · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHEF’S KISS!!!! Star Wars for the girlies!

In a world where earth has gone to shit and humans now inhabit several other planets and bop around space, Ada is a brilliant con girlie hired by rebel groups for missions.

Ada’s character is phenomenal and I enjoyed every second spent with her. The story does a great job of keeping us on the edge of our seats trying to work out Ada’s cons. If you’ve ever binge watched White Collar you’ll love this.

This book is laugh out loud funny with top tier banter and political tension. Romance wise while I would describe this as sexy I wouldn’t describe it as spicy if you’re picking up what I’m putting down.

[Michelle (easy.vesey.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series was such a good time!! The space adventures and the banter between Ada and Rian was phenomenal. I genuinely laughed several times at how Ada kept outsmarting Rian. I love these characters so much and I didn’t want these novellas to end. I desperately need more from these two and I hope we get to see more adventures with them.

If you’re looking for a novella collection with space adventures, a will-they-won’t-they romance, and laugh out loud funny dialogue, then I highly recommend this series!

Thank you so much to DAW books for the advanced copy! Chaotic Orbits releases on August 4, but the individual novellas are available now! Be sure to check these out!

[Alex Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaotic Orbits is a collection of 3 previously published novellas of the adventure space opera romp with a romantic sub-plot. It's easy to absorb, full of humor and hijinks, and cat and mouse opposites attract romantic dynamic in a series of heists. It's a good pick for readers who want light sci-fi without hard tech and heavy jargon. It's fast paced and lighthearted in tone. The omnibus edition also includes a bonus short story from Rian's pov. I would be interested in seeing more of this couple and this world. Imagine Red Notice meets Murderbot, but with more romantic notes.

[Dadreadsanreviews (james) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your fan of a heist, love story, like six of crows enjoy slow, burn, witty, better romances, you are going to love chaotic orbits! The story follows the protagonist Ada who is Galactic parrot. She’s chased by Rian who works for the Galactic government. The fall into a cat and mouse game following a nefarious billionaire's schemes. This is a set of three Novelas, and I loved every minute of reading these stories. Dialogue is concise and witty. The pacing is spectacular with quick moving action, quick reflection, and emotionally rich characters. I highly recommend this.

[Morgan Vorwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for sending me this ARC!

I really enjoyed this collection of novellas. Originally, I listened to the audiobook version of the 3 novellas as they were released, but it was also great to read them all in one book. I really appreciate the added short story, but it made me want more from Ada, Rian, and this universe! Though these are novellas, there is so much action-packed into each novella. I really hope that Beth Revis revisits this universe soon and gives us more!

[Victoria Viper · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars rounded to 4⭐
As someone who read Beth Revis dystopian books in her teenager years I was so excited to see this omnibus on Netgalley.
This was a fun ride, very entertaining and enjoyable and easy and quick. The Sci fi is very reader friendly even if this is your first Sci fi book.
I do feel I need more of this couple, the humorous scenes between them, the tension, hope we see another story.

[Heather Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I was hooked from the start. Despite being novellas, there’s so much packed in. They’re fast paced stories full of twists and turns, action and emotion. The space heists were great. Ada and Rian had fantastic chemistry and banter.

It was so easy to get immersed in this world! I would love if we get to see more of these two! I highly recommend if you’re looking for a high energy sci-fi with a bit of romance. Thank you to DAW for my early copy!

[Vavo ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a collection of three novellas and a short story which makes me assume we are going to see more from this universe. And I definitely hope we will. This was so much fun. Ada is an amazing protagonist, smart, funny and charming and Rian is a great love interest what with him being a little oblivious.

This is written in first person but Ada keeps her secrets to herself and I love how her plans were slowly being revealed and how the plot got more complicated the further we went. All in all, great balance between fun, action and environmental and political talk.