Terra Firma

by Jessahme Wren

Winner of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award and the PenCraft Seasonal Book Award for Best Book Spring 2025

One daring mission could be her salvation—or her end.

In a galaxy where stability is a luxury few can afford, young Sev dreams of a home she can call her own. Roaming the cosmos with her distant father, they drift from one perilous job to the next, barely scraping by in a universe full of danger and adventure. But when their last big job on a treacherous planet doesn't go as planned, their lives are forever altered.

Join Sev on a thrilling journey through danger and discovery as she fights for a future—and perhaps a family—beyond her wildest dreams.

If you love Becky Chambers’ tender, human-focused sci-fi, you’ll feel at home in Terra Firma. Home is more than a place—it’s the people who fight for you.

Are you ready to start on an interstellar adventure like no other? Get your copy of this award-winning novel today and dare to dream beyond the stars!

Genres: Science Fiction

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2024

About the author

Jessahme Wren is an award-winning science fiction author who writes character-driven stories about resilience, hope, and found family. Her Terra series blends emotional depth with immersive worldbuilding, exploring what it means to heal, to belong, and to fight for the people we love.

A long-time educator, Jessahme brings compassion and humanity to every story she creates. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family, and relaxing with her two pets. She is currently working on future books in the Terra series.

Reviews

[Liv Reads 2Much · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐
I had been really excited to read this book for awhile and finally had the opportunity to dive in. I read the entire thing in two days.

❤️ What I Loved ❤️
• Found Family
• 2nd Chances & Redemption Arcs
• Family Focused
• Sci-fi Space Travel
• Star Wars-esqe Planets
• Clear Character Voices & Rhythm

🤔 Things That I Think Need Work 🤔
• Comp Titles | "For fans of hunger games & divergent" really does not fit. It's a sci-fi universe, not really a dystopian. There also isn't any political, revolution, or rebellion tropes within the story.
• Proofreading.

💬 Personal Thoughts 💬
I loved Sev & Phoenix. I had to both face and somewhat heal my own personal traumas and belief systems. I do not have a good relationship with any father figure and I found the closeness of their familial relationships triggering at points. However, I realize that is my projecting my own feelings about how adult males interact with female children.
I did expect there to be more danger / suspense. Very little of the story ACTUALLY takes place ON Terra Firma.. The majority of the story is learning to accept love and not grow up so fast.

Overall, I'm very excited to read the next in the series. A love interest was briefly introduced for Phoenix and I am excited to see where it goes!

[Cassandra Tuten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an absolute delight to read !

This cozy YA science fiction story pulls you into its futuristic world with a beautiful Found Family story.

The story follows Sev as she follows her father, whom she is distant with, as they move around from Job to job. Sev quietly hopes to one day have a roots and a home.

When the last job with her father goes wrong, Sev has to join up with a strange man named Phoenix in order to survive.

The relationship Phoenix and Sev, as they go from strangers to navigating a father /daughter dynamic is the main focus of this story.

As someone who’s a Daddy’s Girl, the family dynamic between Sev and Phoenix really touched me.

I also had the pleasure of also receiving the audiobook for this, and it was spectacularly performed by Amanda Woldt

Highly recommend if you’re looking for something science fiction with strong Found Family elements.

[R. Hollis]

A rollercoaster of fun

The way the loss of Phoenix' arm is described is so lifelike, the nerve endings still wanting to control...it made me think of my great grandfather's missing leg. The story is touching, of a relationship that starts from necessity but builds into more. Very sweet, with just the right amount of drama.

[W Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book It was a change of pace a sci-fi book with a story that had

The story had heartfelt emotions it was very believable the characters were well developed I truly hope that this author continues to

write I am also from Alabama The northeast Part of the state She is from the southwest portion

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is there such thing as cosy sci-fi? If there is this may be in. There were almost no stake and very little tension. All issues were resolved quickly. It was mostly a shady guy with his adopted orphan 12-yr-old daughter doing everyday kind of things like cooking, eating out, working, hanging out at the beach, looking for a house.
With the exception of the opening of the book and a moment at the 95% mark, nothing much happened.
There were also a few inconsistencies that bothered me. Phoenix took to having his right/dominant arm being chopped off very quickly, quicker than he took to getting a prosthetic arm. I have no idea how much credits are worth. At one point Phoenix bribes a woman with two credits which didn't seem like a lot. Later, he and Sev made 500 credits (more than they could possibly imagine having) from the sale of gems - enough to give half to Sev and still have enough to buy a house, a car, and not have to worry about working again.
Terra Firma was barely mentioned. There spent a couple of days there at the most. For such a dangerous place, the real danger seemed limited to the people. And apparently, it's possible to make a fortune in a single day.

[Thomasina Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heart-warming Tale in an Alien World

Terra Firma is a feel-good science fiction novel with found family, high stakes, creative sci fi details, and plot twists that will keep you turning the page.
Sev and her father Del are poverty-stricken interplanetary wanderers, hoping to earn credits by doing odd jobs and harvesting precious gems. Except Del is not the father that Sev deserves.
Phoenix, battling a dark past, is thrust into Sev’s world at the best possible time.
Terra Firma is a sci fi adventure with incredible descriptions, action, and an emotionally-driven plot. The relationship between Sev and Phoenix is tender and emotionally heart-wrenching in the best possible way.
I particularly enjoyed how Sev managed the trauma of her life by WRITING.
Overall, I highly recommend this heart-warming sci fi tales. Five stars!

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining character based YA sci-fi that starts and ends dramatically. The relationship between the main characters Sev and Phoenix really tug the heartstrings. An easy paced emotional story with really great characters full of resilience and ingenuity. A story of found family and second chances. Narration is excellent bringing the story to life. Great. Highly recommended.

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

First it starts out with a single parent (father) taking his young child all over the black to work to earn credits. He makes her work right with him and sometimes ends up she does part of his work. She doesn't know anything else and so finally they end up at Terra Firma, a green planet that is extremely deadly. Narration is done beautifully for this story

[Hayley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I -love- media where an adult quasi-adopts a child and becomes their guardian (thinking of Mandalorian, Last of Us, Up, Prospect...the list goes on), but the vibes in this were off. I found myself SO grossed out by Phoenix's absolutely rancid behavior and was questioning his motives from the beginning. I don’t think the author intended for it to be read this way, but here are some quotes that made me want to call CPS:

p. 118 “Phoenix smoothed over her hair, gathering it away from her collar and then letting his hand rest at the base of her neck. He trailed his fingers over her back, feather light, and she settled her face against his shoulder. She inhaled. Phoenix always smelled good, even in the Black. He kissed her head.”

p. 119 “The rhythmic motion of his hand against her back had Sev nearly asleep. If there had been one positive from acquiring the prosthetic, it was that he could hold Sev properly, like she deserved.” … “Sev lying against him felt like a completed circuit, as vital to him as his remaining arm.”

p. 148 “He drew her head down and kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger there. “Oh, little mouse, I’d be happy anywhere as long as I’m with you.””

p. 151-152 while laying in bed!! “Sev hugged him close, resting her face against his bare chest. She sighed. He smoothed a hand down her side, giving her a little squeeze. “Mouse, when did you have time to do this?” Sev did not answer. She lay back, and Phoenix followed. She burrowed into his back, his skin smooth and warm, and pulled the blanket up over them. Phoenix lay there, feeling Sev’s light breath on his shoulder.”

There were so many more uncomfortable moments—they cuddle in bed together multiple times, they share a sleeping bag, they’re very touchy feely, and they’re obsessed with each other way beyond what a father/daughter relationship should be. I don’t blame Sev because she’s a 12-13 year old child, but Pheonix should know better. I also want to say that I’m not against characters being physically affectionate in a non-romantic way, but the way this was written had strong romantic undertones to me.

In addition to being creepy, Phoenix was also completely and totally useless. There is a point where Phoenix visits a school to talk about the possibility of enrolling Sev (he’s legally adopted her at this point, which is a whole separate annoying thing to me). When Sev finds out that he did this without consulting her first, she throws a huge temper tantrum. I expected Phoenix to use this as some sort of learning opportunity and assert something like he, the adult, only wants what’s best for her and sometimes she has to do stuff she doesn’t want to do. Instead, he gives her a sobbing, snot bubble coming out of his nose type of apology. This man literally grovels to his adopted child, on his knees, begging for forgiveness for attempting to enroll her in school?!?!?! Like sir, grow a backbone PLEASE. Sev ends up touring the school and deciding to enroll. When she’s in school, Phoenix just mopes around the house like a literal dog because he doesn’t know what to do when his little darling sweet mouse isn’t around. It’s giving pathetic, it’s giving loser. I want to shake him and scream GET A HOBBY!

The main villain is introduced at 86%, which is CRAZY to me. We weren’t given a single inkling that this woman may be after Phoenix & Sev until the book was more than 75% over. I also thought it was so weird that Phoenix hid the letter from Sev in the first place—it’s giving the vibes that he wants to isolate her from other adults so he can continue his borderline grooming behaviors unchallenged. Anyway, long boring story short, Sev gets herself kidnapped and Phoenix can’t be bothered to lift a single finger to do anything for her. The neighbor, Perla, literally finds him wallowing in bed the day Sev goes missing, and he’s like, “I called the police and there’s nothing more I can do”. Like, sir??? Get out there and look for her, you moron!!! AND THEN, the villain tricks the courts (yes, there is a boring legal ‘battle’) into thinking she is Sev’s rightful guardian and Phoenix just shrugs his shoulders and goes home to wallow in self-pity. Perla spends countless hours putting together evidence to present to the courts and is the one to get Sev back with literally no help at all from Phoenix.

Another problem I had is that the credits don’t add up. In the beginning, Sev and Del get paid half a credit each to hand out fliers for a few hours. We’re led to believe this is an extremely low paying job. I’m just going to assume that they worked for 4 hours, so got paid .125 credits per hour. In two standard Earth years, working for .125 credits per hour they would be paid 520 credits… which is 20 credits more than they get for their once in a lifetime gem haul. We’re told this is enough to live off for the rest of their lives?? So why don’t you just work an extremely low paying job for a few years and you’re set? The gems seem basically worthless to me.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calm read

I really enjoyed Terra Firma...nice and easy reading. Leaves you with a pleasant feeling at the end. On to book 2 .

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The author has found a way to pull at your heartstrings, creating lovable characters, while also creating characters that I love to hate.

This story is about redemption, found family, and most importantly, love.

[Ashley Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terra Firma is an intriguing story with a strong premise and moments that genuinely pulled me in, but it didn’t fully deliver on its potential for me.
The world-building is creative and atmospheric, and you can tell the author put a lot of care into crafting the setting. There are scenes that feel immersive and emotionally charged, especially when the story slows down and lets the characters breathe. However, the pacing felt uneven—some sections dragged while others moved too quickly, making it hard to stay consistently engaged.

The characters had depth and promise, but I struggled to fully connect with them. At times, their motivations felt unclear or underdeveloped, which made certain decisions feel rushed or hard to believe. The writing itself is solid, though there were moments where it felt a bit repetitive or overly detailed.

Overall, Terra Firma is a decent read with a compelling concept and flashes of brilliance, but it needed tighter pacing and stronger character development to really shine. I’d still recommend it to readers who enjoy atmospheric stories and are patient with a slower, uneven build.

[Vinny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite book!

This was by far the best story I've read. I shed more tears than I care to admit. Terra Firma has become my Nautica ;) I will reread this many times. The relationship between Sev and Phoenix is beyond beautiful.

Thank you for writing this story. Now onto Book 2, Terra Nova!

[Heather Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

no other shoe

I was waiting for the other shoe to drop all throughout this book, surely something bad was going to happen, but to my surprise, it was a really really good book! Joy throughout it all!!!

[laughingzebra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d consider this to be a cozy story for the most part. It’s nice but I’m stopping at about 40%. I just don’t like cozy at this particular point in my life.

But it was perfectly delightful up until at least 40%, if cozy is your thing.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessahme Wren’s Terra Firma is a riveting blend of spacefaring adventure and poignant human struggle. It follows Sev, a resilient twelve-year-old, and Phoenix, a one-armed scoundrel, as their fates intertwine on a perilous calcet harvesting mission on the deadly planet Terra Firma. Both characters, bound by desperation and circumstance, embark on a gritty journey that explores survival, morality, and unlikely companionship in the unforgiving expanse of the Outer Reaches.

Wren’s writing stands out for its rich detail and emotional depth. The opening chapter drew me in immediately, painting Sev’s worn-down existence with vivid, raw strokes, her hunger, her strained relationship with her father, and her longing for a life beyond survival. I was particularly moved by Sev’s moments of reflection, such as when she daydreams about her late mother while chewing on stale ration bars. Wren balances these tender moments with the harshness of Sev’s reality, creating a striking contrast that lingers.

Phoenix, too, is an intriguing character. His introduction, a high-stakes gambling cheat that costs him an arm sets the tone for his roguish, stubborn personality. I found myself torn between rooting for him and cringing at his reckless decisions. Yet, his humanity shines through in his interactions with Sev, especially when he risks his life to save her on Terra Firma. Their uneasy alliance blossoms into a partnership, which feels both inevitable and heartwarming. The dialogue between them sparkles with subtle humor and emotional weight, particularly during their stay in the miner’s tent.

The worldbuilding is another highlight. Terra Firma itself is practically a character, with its toxic spores, undulating calcet pits, and lethal unpredictability. Wren crafts an environment that is as menacing as it is mesmerizing. I could feel the weight of the air and hear the hiss of Sev’s overworked filter. Similarly, Dobani, with its sunlit beaches and bustling markets, feels like a breath of fresh air—a sharp contrast to the grim chaos of space and Terra Firma.

Terra Firma is a story for readers who enjoy character-driven sci-fi with a strong emotional core. Jessahme Wren delivers a tale that’s both gritty and hopeful, full of heartbreak and healing. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story about survival, found family, and the tenacity it takes to find beauty in an unforgiving world.

[Janet Halsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Phoenix kills 12 year old Sev’s father in self-defense on the dangerous mining planet of Terra Firma, he finds himself now responsible for her safety and well-being. In this cozy science fiction story, found family is at the forefront. Depending on one another for survival, this unlikely pair partner up to try and give each other the lives they never thought they would have. Sev could never possibly imagine a life without struggling day to day to figure out where she would be staying or when her next meal would be. Phoenix never imagined he’d come to love Sev like a daughter. Just when everything seems to be going their way, Phoenix’s past catches up to them and threatens to upheave the beautiful little life they’ve created together.



This is a very cozy story despite the violent events at the beginning. Phoenix and Sev are both very likeable characters with trouble pasts. While this isn’t a deep story as far as plot and character development, it felt like a warm hug. Very little of the story takes place in space and focuses more on them developing their life together planet-side. I felt this book was very low stakes. While there was some action, I never felt the characters were in real danger. I’d describe this book as cottage-core meets space-lite. Overall a nice, calming read.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Becky Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Space Adventure with Heart, Hope, and Humanity …

Terra Firma is more than just a space story — it’s a deeply human one. Jessahme Wren has written a rich, immersive novel full of cosmic adventure and real emotional depth. The main character, Sev, is easy to root for: a young woman longing for home, connection, and something stable in a galaxy that offers neither easily.

The dynamic between Sev and her father gives this book its emotional core. Their relationship is layered — distant but still hopeful — and watching Sev grow into herself is rewarding and at times, beautiful.

This story is fast-paced when it needs to be, but it never loses sight of the personal stakes. The writing is vivid, the world-building believable, and there are moments that will tug at your heart. If you’ve ever felt like you were drifting — and searching for solid ground — this book will speak to you.

Highly recommend for fans of character-driven sci-fi with strong themes of family, identity, and finding where you belong.

[M.K. McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming sci-fi adventure, Terra Firma is packed with family vibes, thrilling stakes, and imaginative worlds that keep you turning the pages. Sev’s father, Del, is an interplanetary drifter who is not the father 12-year-old Sev deserves. When Sev is left alone, Phoenix comes into her life, and he fulfills much of what she has always dreamed of in a father-daughter relationship. They find that surviving together far outweighs any benefits of being alone. One planet they work on for gems is savage and dangerous; the other is beautiful and inviting. Phoenix fills Sev’s life with surprises and helps her find solutions when things go wrong. Wren’s writing creates bright, detailed imagery that is filled with an emotionally evolving plot, including some occasional thrilling action. Sev and Phoenix develop a wonderful and powerful relationship that Sev documents in her journal, which she is always writing in. I highly recommend Terra Firma and look forward to reading the next book in the series!

[James Bartosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what I was walking into with Terra Firma by Jessahme Wren. A fun Sci-Fi romp as they skip through the galaxy? A space heist thriller? What I didn’t expect was the down-to-earth characters that form the backbone of the story. Sev and Phoenix are perfect in that imperfect way that makes them feel all the more human. They make mistakes, build and lose trust and still find a way through the galaxy together. A story that proves that the family you chose can make all the difference. And no matter what happens to the characters, as I watched the relationship grow in the story weaved by Wren, I became more confident that they would have each other’s backs by the end. Terra Firma is not an action-shooter novel, but one that is filled with heart and soul that will have you wiping tears as you turn the page.

[Matthew Plebani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, it has something for all readers. The protagonists are very relatable and easy to fall in love with. The antagonists are very well developed and easy to hate but what I love about all the characters is that the line between good and bad is blurred within all of us as it is in real life. This book has it all, exciting adventures in space and tender moments between characters. I could not put it down once I started reading it, I'm hoping for more books with these characters and this story!

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terra Firma had me hooked from page one! Sev’s story of survival and determination in a chaotic galaxy is both heart-pounding and deeply emotional. The author crafts a vivid universe where danger lurks at every corner, yet the real heart of the book lies in Sev’s search for belonging. I loved how the story balanced high-stakes action with touching moments of hope and humanity. If you’re into sci-fi adventures with strong characters and thrilling twists, this is one journey you won’t want to miss!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold onto your space helmets, people—Terra Firma is a wild ride through the stars! Sev is the kind of scrappy, badass heroine you can’t help but root for, and her quest for a place to call home hit me right in the feels. Between the nail-biting missions and galaxy-sized emotions, I couldn’t put this book down. If you’re a fan of action, danger, and a little heart, you’ve gotta read this one. Trust me, you’ll want to beam up ASAP. 🚀✨

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was invested in what was happening with the characters and this world. It was everything that I hoped for in a scifi concept and was written perfectly. I thought Jessahme Wren had a great writing style for this type of book and am excited to read more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.