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The Last Contract of Isako
Get ready to be blown away by this searing standalone science fiction epic where corporate samurai fight beneath merciless stars, and death is always a mere breath away.
Isako is a legendary swordswoman, but every legend has to come to an end. When her long-time client unexpectedly retires, she plans to follow – to walk out into the frozen wasteland of their planet with her head held high and her family enriched by her legacy. But when a competitor offers her a final mission, it’s one she can’t refuse. Soon, she’s thrust deep into a world of corporate espionage, duty-bound duels, and shadowy secrets. What she uncovers will change humanity’s existence in the stars forever.
The Last Contract of Isako is the sci-fi you didn’t know you needed: corporate samurai… in space. This is the first adult science fiction novel from the award-winning author of Jade City.
Isako is a legendary swordswoman, but every legend has to come to an end. When her long-time client unexpectedly retires, she plans to follow – to walk out into the frozen wasteland of their planet with her head held high and her family enriched by her legacy. But when a competitor offers her a final mission, it’s one she can’t refuse. Soon, she’s thrust deep into a world of corporate espionage, duty-bound duels, and shadowy secrets. What she uncovers will change humanity’s existence in the stars forever.
The Last Contract of Isako is the sci-fi you didn’t know you needed: corporate samurai… in space. This is the first adult science fiction novel from the award-winning author of Jade City.
ebook
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Fonda Lee
40 books8,748 followersFonda Lee is the World Fantasy Award-winning author of the epic Green Bone Saga, beginning with Jade City and continuing in Jade War and Jade Legacy. Her most recent work is the fantasy novella, Untethered Sky. She is also the author of the acclaimed science fiction novels Zeroboxer, Exo and Cross Fire.
Fonda is a winner of the Locus Award, a six-time winner of the Aurora Award (Canada’s national science fiction and fantasy award), and a multiple finalist for the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award. Her novels have garnered multiple starred reviews, been included on numerous state reading lists, named Junior Library Guild selections, and appeared on Best of Year lists from NPR, Barnes & Noble, Syfy Wire, and others. Jade City was named among the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time by Time Magazine and has been optioned for television development.
Fonda is a former corporate strategist and black belt martial artist who loves action movies and Eggs Benedict. Born and raised in Canada, she currently resides in Boston.
Fonda is a winner of the Locus Award, a six-time winner of the Aurora Award (Canada’s national science fiction and fantasy award), and a multiple finalist for the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award. Her novels have garnered multiple starred reviews, been included on numerous state reading lists, named Junior Library Guild selections, and appeared on Best of Year lists from NPR, Barnes & Noble, Syfy Wire, and others. Jade City was named among the Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time by Time Magazine and has been optioned for television development.
Fonda is a former corporate strategist and black belt martial artist who loves action movies and Eggs Benedict. Born and raised in Canada, she currently resides in Boston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 811 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Field 20 boasted the newest TG6 fluorocarbon mixers that could increase the production of vital greenhouse gases by twenty to thirty percent. Uchi had been investing in development of the technology for years, and if all went well at the six trial facilities, including Field 20, upgrades would be rolled out across all of the Company's gas production divisions.
DNF - 61%. If the above quote does it for you, this is your book. If the term "corporate sci-fi" sounds right up your alley, The Last Contract of Isako could be your next favourite. But, I'm sorry, I was just so so bored.
I'll be upfront: I never managed to get into Jade City either, so I’m starting to think it’s just a disconnect with Lee’s writing. I find it very dry and emotionally-detached.
This book uses the "one last job" trope in a sci-fi setting, on the planet Aquilo. The central conflict is about Sandbar Uchi, who has been nominated to the Board of Directors at SoCon GasPro. Swordswoman Isako’s last contract is to stop this from happening, using whatever means necessary. She goes digging into Uchi, looking for whatever shady shit he’s been up to.
The characters didn’t stand out for me. I feel like even the most developed character– our protagonist, Isako —is defined by her skill with a longsword, not anything I could really understand, relate to, or care about. Everyone else was completely forgettable.
Most of what I read was about the business side of things, all the bureaucratic details that I could not care one bit about. Despite centring a swordswoman, the 61% I read was surprisingly bloodless in all senses. Low on action, even lower on emotional engagement.
Even the act of resigning (actually dying) is unemotional. In this world, children are regularly separated from birth parents and even Isako’s daughter lacks much of a relationship with her. Nobody seems to care all that much that she will die, including Isako herself— Kob says he’d like to be there with her, but doesn’t seem too cut up about it. It's such a very strange decision to have the characters emotionally disconnected from everything that is happening. How am I supposed to care?
I was waiting for something to happen, something to interest me, then halfway through we switch to another character and get lots of info filled in, which is when I realised… I didn’t care. Stuff had started happening, answers had started arriving, and none of it interested me. The description was in all the wrong places. I wanted more from the characters, less from the government and business side.
At this point, I am so uninterested in the characters that I know even an amazing 40% couldn't make this more than a 3-star read. I'm giving up. I hope others enjoy it more.
Read
May 15, 2026Full Video Review Here: https://youtu.be/VvnDrhDZG44
Another strong outing from Fonda Lee. At this point she’s four‑for‑four with me, and this one hits a very specific sweet spot: the “one last mission” story anchored by an older, world‑weary protagonist. I’ve been a sucker for that setup ever since watching Clint Eastwood's The Unforgiven as a preteen, but mixing that vibe with samurai aesthetics and sci‑fi trappings turned out to be something I didn’t know I was craving.
The action lands cleanly, the dialogue has real snap, and the world feels surprisingly full for a story this compact, especially from a fantasy reader’s perspective, where “short” usually means “still 500 pages.” If you enjoyed the Green Bone Saga’s blend of grit, honor, and character‑driven momentum, there’s no reason this won’t work for you.
My personal test for a great standalone is simple: would I happily read more stories set in this world? In this case, absolutely. I’d love to see Lee return to it.
Another strong outing from Fonda Lee. At this point she’s four‑for‑four with me, and this one hits a very specific sweet spot: the “one last mission” story anchored by an older, world‑weary protagonist. I’ve been a sucker for that setup ever since watching Clint Eastwood's The Unforgiven as a preteen, but mixing that vibe with samurai aesthetics and sci‑fi trappings turned out to be something I didn’t know I was craving.
The action lands cleanly, the dialogue has real snap, and the world feels surprisingly full for a story this compact, especially from a fantasy reader’s perspective, where “short” usually means “still 500 pages.” If you enjoyed the Green Bone Saga’s blend of grit, honor, and character‑driven momentum, there’s no reason this won’t work for you.
My personal test for a great standalone is simple: would I happily read more stories set in this world? In this case, absolutely. I’d love to see Lee return to it.
February 21, 2026
It feels so good to have Fonda Lee back! I enjoyed this, but I do think readers may need to adjust expectations for it.
The “corporate samurai” marketing for the book gives the impression (or at least it did for me) that this was going to be heavier on the action and just have a level of high “excitement” to it overall. That’s defintely sprinkled in here, but it’s not the focus at all. The Last Contract of Isako feels more like a careful and slower-paced scifi mystery where the characters just so happen to be samurai. In a lot of ways, the story is more quiet than it is flashy. And while I enjoyed the cast overall, I don’t think this is Fonda Lee’s strongest character work.
At the heart of the story, we follow Isako as she’s trying to unravel secrets about her former apprentice and, in the process, she’s also uncovering secrets about the corporate entity known simply as The Company that governs their planet. Every aspect of the world building here is great- the history of Aquilo, the differing beliefs between reunionists and terraformists, The Company’s divisions, the structure of the Agency and its contractors. All amazing.
My biggest issue here is defintely the pacing, particularly in the first half. Following Isako from place to place as she’s uncovering small leads and trying to unravel the mystery began to feel a bit slow going, but Fonda Lee has earned my full patience and trust (I’ll follow her anywhere atp), so I had no problem hanging in there as the story unfolded.
I don’t think The Last Contract of Isako is going to be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it! This is another hit for Fonda Lee and is a great scifi standalone.
The “corporate samurai” marketing for the book gives the impression (or at least it did for me) that this was going to be heavier on the action and just have a level of high “excitement” to it overall. That’s defintely sprinkled in here, but it’s not the focus at all. The Last Contract of Isako feels more like a careful and slower-paced scifi mystery where the characters just so happen to be samurai. In a lot of ways, the story is more quiet than it is flashy. And while I enjoyed the cast overall, I don’t think this is Fonda Lee’s strongest character work.
At the heart of the story, we follow Isako as she’s trying to unravel secrets about her former apprentice and, in the process, she’s also uncovering secrets about the corporate entity known simply as The Company that governs their planet. Every aspect of the world building here is great- the history of Aquilo, the differing beliefs between reunionists and terraformists, The Company’s divisions, the structure of the Agency and its contractors. All amazing.
My biggest issue here is defintely the pacing, particularly in the first half. Following Isako from place to place as she’s uncovering small leads and trying to unravel the mystery began to feel a bit slow going, but Fonda Lee has earned my full patience and trust (I’ll follow her anywhere atp), so I had no problem hanging in there as the story unfolded.
I don’t think The Last Contract of Isako is going to be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it! This is another hit for Fonda Lee and is a great scifi standalone.
Read
April 30, 2026✦︎ֶָ֢📢prepare to be sick of me cuz I got an advanced reading copy 🤪
_OMG WE HAVE A COVER 🥶❤️.
my most anticipated book for 2026 😋
📢I NEED THE COVER
_OMG WE HAVE A COVER 🥶❤️.
my most anticipated book for 2026 😋
📢I NEED THE COVER
May 8, 2026
4.25 ★— I am probably the last fantasy enthusiast on earth who hasn’t read The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee, so this sci-fi story of hers is my introduction to her writing, and what an introduction it was!
This book is an atmospheric marvel, following Isako, a woman in her 50s who’s been at the top of her profession as a swordswoman-for-hire and is now facing a life of some uncertainty after her longtime boss dies.
Lee slowly lets the reader settle into this futuristic world that feels as hostile as it is fascinating. Here, humans live in a colony on a wasteland planet, covered by a life-sustaining dome that is only slowly expanding as the colony engages in terraforming. People live hierarchical, regimented lives, which are predicated on their usefulness to society, as the upper classes indulge in a little body modification. Or maybe a lot of body modification.
The social commentary and themes here are a stark reflection of our world, and with Isako, we get a main character who isn’t any kind of revolutionary hero, and just someone with the simple desire of seeing her daughter well-provided for through one last job on her part. I liked that we get an aging legend-type of character in her, which isn’t a role usually reserved for female characters, and seeing her reflect back on her past and rich life was just as interesting as it was slightly melancholic.
The book’s central plot involving her being sent on one last mission turns into an intriguing mystery that had me guessing as it unfolded. So much happens as the book lets Isako navigate the straight-up wacky world of the ruling class who is giving her orders! Fundamental questions like what makes a human human, what the self is, and humanity’s never-ending hunger for expansion, power, and longevity are brought to the table and mostly left unanswered, as Lee gives the reader room to ponder.
With all those grand themes, the story still felt very quaint and heartfelt in the end, leaving me contemplative and maybe a little discomforted (in a good way!)
______________
Thank you to Orbit Books for the ARC.
This book is an atmospheric marvel, following Isako, a woman in her 50s who’s been at the top of her profession as a swordswoman-for-hire and is now facing a life of some uncertainty after her longtime boss dies.
Lee slowly lets the reader settle into this futuristic world that feels as hostile as it is fascinating. Here, humans live in a colony on a wasteland planet, covered by a life-sustaining dome that is only slowly expanding as the colony engages in terraforming. People live hierarchical, regimented lives, which are predicated on their usefulness to society, as the upper classes indulge in a little body modification. Or maybe a lot of body modification.
The social commentary and themes here are a stark reflection of our world, and with Isako, we get a main character who isn’t any kind of revolutionary hero, and just someone with the simple desire of seeing her daughter well-provided for through one last job on her part. I liked that we get an aging legend-type of character in her, which isn’t a role usually reserved for female characters, and seeing her reflect back on her past and rich life was just as interesting as it was slightly melancholic.
The book’s central plot involving her being sent on one last mission turns into an intriguing mystery that had me guessing as it unfolded. So much happens as the book lets Isako navigate the straight-up wacky world of the ruling class who is giving her orders! Fundamental questions like what makes a human human, what the self is, and humanity’s never-ending hunger for expansion, power, and longevity are brought to the table and mostly left unanswered, as Lee gives the reader room to ponder.
With all those grand themes, the story still felt very quaint and heartfelt in the end, leaving me contemplative and maybe a little discomforted (in a good way!)
______________
Thank you to Orbit Books for the ARC.
May 7, 2026
4.0 Stars
As a huge fan of the Green Bone Saga, I have been eager for a new full length novel by this talented author.
Personally, I don't feel this novel lives up to the favourite status of the Jade books. Yet I still found this a solid read. I like Fonda Lee's writing style, which is entertaining and sharp. The characters are interesting but I didn't feel like compared to then Green Bone Saga characters that I came to love.
In terms of science fiction, those elements were light and I would primarily recommend this one to readers who choose entertaining stories over the science fiction elements. The world building reminded me more of fantasy that only technically fell into certain definition of science fiction.
Overall I enjoyed this book and found it to be a strong SFF novel. I would recommend it to readers who love the storytelling in the style of the Green Bone Saga but don't expect this novel to impossibly compare to that masterpiece trilogy.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
As a huge fan of the Green Bone Saga, I have been eager for a new full length novel by this talented author.
Personally, I don't feel this novel lives up to the favourite status of the Jade books. Yet I still found this a solid read. I like Fonda Lee's writing style, which is entertaining and sharp. The characters are interesting but I didn't feel like compared to then Green Bone Saga characters that I came to love.
In terms of science fiction, those elements were light and I would primarily recommend this one to readers who choose entertaining stories over the science fiction elements. The world building reminded me more of fantasy that only technically fell into certain definition of science fiction.
Overall I enjoyed this book and found it to be a strong SFF novel. I would recommend it to readers who love the storytelling in the style of the Green Bone Saga but don't expect this novel to impossibly compare to that masterpiece trilogy.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
March 3, 2026
I received a preview copy of this and ate it up in two nights. Absolutely stunning. Stars a badass samurai in sci-fi world you will root for from the start. Reads like a Bladerunner movie. Grab it!
Did Not Finish
May 5, 2026dnf at 20% ..
this is more of a soft dnf, I’m just not in the mood for the pacing of this book right now & it’s not keeping my interest to be honest .
many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Orbit books for the arc, all opinions are my own.
this is more of a soft dnf, I’m just not in the mood for the pacing of this book right now & it’s not keeping my interest to be honest .
many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Orbit books for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Huge thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a chance to review this arc!
3.25✨
The last contract of Isako was a slow paced story about a corporate samurai in a sci-fi setting.
With the premise, I admit I expected more action than what was included. This novel was more philosophical than anything else, imo.
Now if you’re looking for escapism - this will not be what you’re looking for. The tone was extremely cold and depressing, if I’m being quite frank. There’s just a lot of similarities to things that have been going on in the world.
About the cold tone - it also transferred to the characters. They were written in an emotionless way and I couldn’t root for them (except Kob). They were morally-grey, and I think the line between good/bad in this novel was very slim.
The pacing of this novel was very slow ; with a lot of passages about going from one place to another. I predicted all of the twists but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment.
If you’re going into this thinking the bigger problems will be resolved by the end - then you’re not in the right mindset for it. It’s definitely realistic, but like I said… it’s not an escape from our world.
I loved the ending and wouldn’t change it.
3.25✨
The last contract of Isako was a slow paced story about a corporate samurai in a sci-fi setting.
With the premise, I admit I expected more action than what was included. This novel was more philosophical than anything else, imo.
Now if you’re looking for escapism - this will not be what you’re looking for. The tone was extremely cold and depressing, if I’m being quite frank. There’s just a lot of similarities to things that have been going on in the world.
About the cold tone - it also transferred to the characters. They were written in an emotionless way and I couldn’t root for them (except Kob). They were morally-grey, and I think the line between good/bad in this novel was very slim.
The pacing of this novel was very slow ; with a lot of passages about going from one place to another. I predicted all of the twists but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment.
If you’re going into this thinking the bigger problems will be resolved by the end - then you’re not in the right mindset for it. It’s definitely realistic, but like I said… it’s not an escape from our world.
I loved the ending and wouldn’t change it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this is more like a 3.5 or a 3.75 rounded up. i'm honestly conflicted on if i want to round up or round down, but for now i'll leave it how it is. overall i did enjoy it but there's a lot that worked for me & a little that didn't.
i liked that our MC was a fifty year old badass samurai with bad knees, some grinding hip pain & a foul mouth. Isako is an example of not always needing to relate to a character to enjoy a story, she was refreshing. the friendship between Kob & Isako was really cute, it felt real which made reading them together really enjoyable. i would have really loved to have gotten to see more of kob throughout the story. Martim was a surprise, i was not expecting to get as invented in his story/POV.
the writing was good, i can definitely see why so many people love Fonda Lee's work & i'm really looking forward to eventually diving into The Green Bone Saga! there's a good amount of fight scenes but i will admit based off the synopsis i expected a little bit more?
my biggest issue was the pacing, specifically in the beginning it felt pretty clunky.. while i usually like political/corporate conflict, in The Last Contract of Isako it didn't really work for me. there's a lot of corporate drama going on & we're kind of just dumped in the middle of it which caused for a lot of info dumping very early on. so much so that for a good 25% of the book i was confused which led me to not really connect or feel invested in the story until later on. it took me a while to grasp enough of the worldbuilding for me to get invested. this could be a "me" thing since i'm newer to sci-fi, but it did end up affecting my overall rating & enjoyment. maybe more advanced sci-fi/fantasy readers won't have the issue.
it definitely picks up in the second half & everything comes together eventually in the end. overall, it was a solid read that had its fun moments. if you like character driven sci-fi stories i think The Last Contract of Isako is worth a read.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
i liked that our MC was a fifty year old badass samurai with bad knees, some grinding hip pain & a foul mouth. Isako is an example of not always needing to relate to a character to enjoy a story, she was refreshing. the friendship between Kob & Isako was really cute, it felt real which made reading them together really enjoyable. i would have really loved to have gotten to see more of kob throughout the story. Martim was a surprise, i was not expecting to get as invented in his story/POV.
the writing was good, i can definitely see why so many people love Fonda Lee's work & i'm really looking forward to eventually diving into The Green Bone Saga! there's a good amount of fight scenes but i will admit based off the synopsis i expected a little bit more?
my biggest issue was the pacing, specifically in the beginning it felt pretty clunky.. while i usually like political/corporate conflict, in The Last Contract of Isako it didn't really work for me. there's a lot of corporate drama going on & we're kind of just dumped in the middle of it which caused for a lot of info dumping very early on. so much so that for a good 25% of the book i was confused which led me to not really connect or feel invested in the story until later on. it took me a while to grasp enough of the worldbuilding for me to get invested. this could be a "me" thing since i'm newer to sci-fi, but it did end up affecting my overall rating & enjoyment. maybe more advanced sci-fi/fantasy readers won't have the issue.
it definitely picks up in the second half & everything comes together eventually in the end. overall, it was a solid read that had its fun moments. if you like character driven sci-fi stories i think The Last Contract of Isako is worth a read.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
May 8, 2026
no one can write fighting sequences like fonda lee!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm a big fan of Fonda Lee — I think she's a talented writer, and I enjoyed The Green Bone Saga, so I went into this with high expectations. The premise is interesting, and explores themes such as honour, loyalty, corporate power/corruption, and the search for legacy.
I liked Isako and appreciated the choice of an older protagonist. It's refreshing to follow a main character who's experienced rather than the usual young, up and coming hero, and that perspective added something different to the story.
However, the pacing was a BIG struggle for me. The story moves painfully slow, and I often found myself getting bored. The mid-book POV shift didn't help and the ending was underwhelming.
Overall, I'm sad I didn't love this as much as I expected. If you like slower paced sci-fi with heavy politics, you might enjoy.
I liked Isako and appreciated the choice of an older protagonist. It's refreshing to follow a main character who's experienced rather than the usual young, up and coming hero, and that perspective added something different to the story.
However, the pacing was a BIG struggle for me. The story moves painfully slow, and I often found myself getting bored. The mid-book POV shift didn't help and the ending was underwhelming.
Overall, I'm sad I didn't love this as much as I expected. If you like slower paced sci-fi with heavy politics, you might enjoy.
Want to Read
March 28, 2023I will read anything by Fonda Lee 😌
Read
November 5, 2025You had me at corporate samurais in space, but add a murder mystery with a surprising twist, effortless worldbuilding on a terraforming colony with a big secret, truly heartfelt characters grappling with duty and honor, and you have a slick space opera that in uniquely Fonda Lee. Fans of The Green Bone Saga are going to eat this up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This review was originally published on Grimdark Magazine
3.25 stars
Considering how much I adore the way that Fonda Lee wrecked me in The Greenbone Saga, I feel like it was virtually impossible for me not to go into The Last Contract of Isako with ridiculously high expectations. Yet at the same time, the premise made me nervous because ‘corporate samurai in space’ sounded like it could go full nonstop action chaos, and that is not usually my thing. So, I started this book already conflicted and, shockingly, I am afraid that I ended it feeling… still very conflicted.
Now, the first few chapters of The Last Contract of Isako actually hooked me pretty fast and had me cautiously optimistic. See, I expected immediate chaos and sword fights and space explosions, but instead it leaned way more character-focused and moody, and I was so relieved. Isako also instantly proved herself to be such a genuinely refreshing protagonist, as she’s older, exhausted, jaded, and very aware that she’s not the legend she used to be but then still kicking ass when she needs to. The entire concept of this being her last contract before she essentially peaces out of life forever is deliciously bleak, and I was all in for the themes about aging, mortality, family, legacy, identity, and the soul-crushing machine of corporate life.
However, the execution of the story just never really worked for me personally, especially because third person present tense storytelling is just about my least favourite way of delivering a story. I always felt slightly outside of Isako’s head instead of fully in it, and I did not like how it seemed like I was watching through a window instead of actually feeling what she felt. The side characters also didn’t help much, as most of them felt like little more than names to me rather than people, which feels really weird to say considering how real the characters from Greenbone feel to me. Kob was the only exception with his intriguing backstory and complicated inner battles, and I kept wishing he had more page time because the complex, respectful, and playful dynamic between him and Isako was one of the most compelling parts of The Last Contract of Isako for me.
Instead, Lee just goes way harder on the world building and political scheming, and I think there's no denying that it's impressive how much of that was packed into this tight standalone. The whole backstory about Earth being lost and humanity trying to terraform Aquilo was genuinely fascinating to me, and I liked how global warming was actually the goal in The Last Contract of Isako instead of it being the nightmare that we are experiencing here ourselves on Earth. However, the actual political strife between the terraformists and the reunionists never grabbed my interest because I did not care for any of the players involved, which is kind of a problem when the entire central espionage plot hinges on that conflict.
But then, halfway through, Fonda Lee boldly threw in a major perspective and timeline shift (and a change to past tense, thank all that is holy) that really surprised me and shook things up. It pulled me back in for a while and made the plot feel more layered, but soon it also made the pacing feel weird, like I’d suddenly started reading a different book. Still, I think I ended up liking that character’s shocking journey with its exploration of identity and sacrifice even more than Isako’s, even if a lot of the suspense was ruined for me because I guessed one of the big reveals the moment that the perspective shift happened.
Ultimately, I don’t think Fonda Lee is capable of writing a bad book, but I fear she may be quite capable of writing a book that is just not for me. No, it wasn’t the action-heavy chaos I feared, but it swung a bit too far in the other direction that I ended up feeling quite bored by all the corporate maneuvering for large parts. Still, I think The Last Contract of Isako is an impressive and satisfying standalone with strong themes and a refreshingly different protagonist, and I totally respect what it’s going for. I can absolutely see why some readers will love it, but unfortunately, that reader is not me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit UK for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Last Contract of Isako is scheduled for release on 5 May, 2026.
3.25 stars
Considering how much I adore the way that Fonda Lee wrecked me in The Greenbone Saga, I feel like it was virtually impossible for me not to go into The Last Contract of Isako with ridiculously high expectations. Yet at the same time, the premise made me nervous because ‘corporate samurai in space’ sounded like it could go full nonstop action chaos, and that is not usually my thing. So, I started this book already conflicted and, shockingly, I am afraid that I ended it feeling… still very conflicted.
Now, the first few chapters of The Last Contract of Isako actually hooked me pretty fast and had me cautiously optimistic. See, I expected immediate chaos and sword fights and space explosions, but instead it leaned way more character-focused and moody, and I was so relieved. Isako also instantly proved herself to be such a genuinely refreshing protagonist, as she’s older, exhausted, jaded, and very aware that she’s not the legend she used to be but then still kicking ass when she needs to. The entire concept of this being her last contract before she essentially peaces out of life forever is deliciously bleak, and I was all in for the themes about aging, mortality, family, legacy, identity, and the soul-crushing machine of corporate life.
However, the execution of the story just never really worked for me personally, especially because third person present tense storytelling is just about my least favourite way of delivering a story. I always felt slightly outside of Isako’s head instead of fully in it, and I did not like how it seemed like I was watching through a window instead of actually feeling what she felt. The side characters also didn’t help much, as most of them felt like little more than names to me rather than people, which feels really weird to say considering how real the characters from Greenbone feel to me. Kob was the only exception with his intriguing backstory and complicated inner battles, and I kept wishing he had more page time because the complex, respectful, and playful dynamic between him and Isako was one of the most compelling parts of The Last Contract of Isako for me.
Instead, Lee just goes way harder on the world building and political scheming, and I think there's no denying that it's impressive how much of that was packed into this tight standalone. The whole backstory about Earth being lost and humanity trying to terraform Aquilo was genuinely fascinating to me, and I liked how global warming was actually the goal in The Last Contract of Isako instead of it being the nightmare that we are experiencing here ourselves on Earth. However, the actual political strife between the terraformists and the reunionists never grabbed my interest because I did not care for any of the players involved, which is kind of a problem when the entire central espionage plot hinges on that conflict.
But then, halfway through, Fonda Lee boldly threw in a major perspective and timeline shift (and a change to past tense, thank all that is holy) that really surprised me and shook things up. It pulled me back in for a while and made the plot feel more layered, but soon it also made the pacing feel weird, like I’d suddenly started reading a different book. Still, I think I ended up liking that character’s shocking journey with its exploration of identity and sacrifice even more than Isako’s, even if a lot of the suspense was ruined for me because I guessed one of the big reveals the moment that the perspective shift happened.
Ultimately, I don’t think Fonda Lee is capable of writing a bad book, but I fear she may be quite capable of writing a book that is just not for me. No, it wasn’t the action-heavy chaos I feared, but it swung a bit too far in the other direction that I ended up feeling quite bored by all the corporate maneuvering for large parts. Still, I think The Last Contract of Isako is an impressive and satisfying standalone with strong themes and a refreshingly different protagonist, and I totally respect what it’s going for. I can absolutely see why some readers will love it, but unfortunately, that reader is not me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit UK for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Last Contract of Isako is scheduled for release on 5 May, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
੭୧ 3 stars . ۫
“ no one has beaten quickblade and strikebreaker together. not yet. ”
overall thoughts — the SHEER amount of energy, mental thinking, and intentionality it must have taken to write this book is so evident. the world-building, the setting, the characters, the plot, the action are all so insanely intricate and carefully woven together that i am in awe. fonda lee, the woman you are. she has said herself that this is her most difficult work yet, and for many reasons i completely agree. although, subjectively, i still preferred jade city, mainly because of the unmatched characters and family dynamics, it would be a lie to deny the apparent level of hard work, intelligence, and precision that went into this novel. the plot twist!! holyfreakingshit. genuinely the gag of the century.
i truly don't think i have ever, in all my years of book reviewing, been this conflicted about what rating to give a book. objectively, this is a five star read. but i read subjectively (always try to be as transparent as possible) and because of that, i find myself wanting to place this in the 3 to 4 star range. let me explain. firstly, i am not the biggest fan of pure sci-fi. however, with the right author, i can be convinced to try, and fonda lee is one of those authors. because of this, i struggled at times to fully enjoy the overarching idea, especially in the beginning, and found myself zoning out during certain parts of the novel. another reason the beginning was so difficult for me was because of how challenging it initially was to grasp the world-building and sci-fi concepts. if you go into this book and feel the same way at first, i urge you to push through. you will NOT regret it. everything eventually clicks into place, starts to make sense, takes form, and suddenly you are having the time of your life.
i also want to add that i didn't immediately click with the characters. relatability is something that is very important to any reader, so having characters mostly in the 40 to 70 age range was new and unfamiliar. but honestly, fuck relatability, because the comfort i ended up finding in these characters mattered so much more. once i got past the beginning, i completely fell in love with isako, martim, kob (not uchi), and their dynamics. the ending deserves its own moment because wow. it perfectly tied everything together and left my heart hurting just a little. i will miss isako and kob. my quickblade and strikebreaker <3
final thoughts — if you enjoy sci-fi even the slightest bit, this book is absolutely for you. fonda lee is one of my favorite authors, but i can also recognize that i might not be the target audience for this particular story. still, i consider myself a sensible person who can appreciate writing objectively, so please do not let my below four star rating dissuade you from picking up this gem!!! this book is also the reason i have such a fear of dnf'ing novels. my stupid hopeful self always believes a book that starts off badly might surprise me, and 99% of the time, that never happens. but this time, it actually did.
“ what freedom can people like us ever really have? ”
thank you to the author and publisher for the arc!
CW: intense/graphic violence, body horror, death, murder, blood
────
finished: 01/28/26 𖥻𓈒 ꒱ ੭
i'm spiraling. this was insane.
pre read: 01/25/26 𖥻𓈒 ꒱ ੭
oh fonda lee how i've missed your writing ☹ been waiting for this book for forever, it's beyond surreal that i get to read it early !! hoping this fills the void in me left by jade city.
“ no one has beaten quickblade and strikebreaker together. not yet. ”
overall thoughts — the SHEER amount of energy, mental thinking, and intentionality it must have taken to write this book is so evident. the world-building, the setting, the characters, the plot, the action are all so insanely intricate and carefully woven together that i am in awe. fonda lee, the woman you are. she has said herself that this is her most difficult work yet, and for many reasons i completely agree. although, subjectively, i still preferred jade city, mainly because of the unmatched characters and family dynamics, it would be a lie to deny the apparent level of hard work, intelligence, and precision that went into this novel. the plot twist!! holyfreakingshit. genuinely the gag of the century.
i truly don't think i have ever, in all my years of book reviewing, been this conflicted about what rating to give a book. objectively, this is a five star read. but i read subjectively (always try to be as transparent as possible) and because of that, i find myself wanting to place this in the 3 to 4 star range. let me explain. firstly, i am not the biggest fan of pure sci-fi. however, with the right author, i can be convinced to try, and fonda lee is one of those authors. because of this, i struggled at times to fully enjoy the overarching idea, especially in the beginning, and found myself zoning out during certain parts of the novel. another reason the beginning was so difficult for me was because of how challenging it initially was to grasp the world-building and sci-fi concepts. if you go into this book and feel the same way at first, i urge you to push through. you will NOT regret it. everything eventually clicks into place, starts to make sense, takes form, and suddenly you are having the time of your life.
i also want to add that i didn't immediately click with the characters. relatability is something that is very important to any reader, so having characters mostly in the 40 to 70 age range was new and unfamiliar. but honestly, fuck relatability, because the comfort i ended up finding in these characters mattered so much more. once i got past the beginning, i completely fell in love with isako, martim, kob (not uchi), and their dynamics. the ending deserves its own moment because wow. it perfectly tied everything together and left my heart hurting just a little. i will miss isako and kob. my quickblade and strikebreaker <3
isako + kobㆍ“ she wanted to bring him back into the edge life; he wanted to bring her out. they tried to save each other. what a couple of idiots. ”
final thoughts — if you enjoy sci-fi even the slightest bit, this book is absolutely for you. fonda lee is one of my favorite authors, but i can also recognize that i might not be the target audience for this particular story. still, i consider myself a sensible person who can appreciate writing objectively, so please do not let my below four star rating dissuade you from picking up this gem!!! this book is also the reason i have such a fear of dnf'ing novels. my stupid hopeful self always believes a book that starts off badly might surprise me, and 99% of the time, that never happens. but this time, it actually did.
“ what freedom can people like us ever really have? ”
thank you to the author and publisher for the arc!
CW: intense/graphic violence, body horror, death, murder, blood
────
finished: 01/28/26 𖥻𓈒 ꒱ ੭
i'm spiraling. this was insane.
pre read: 01/25/26 𖥻𓈒 ꒱ ੭
oh fonda lee how i've missed your writing ☹ been waiting for this book for forever, it's beyond surreal that i get to read it early !! hoping this fills the void in me left by jade city.
Want to Read
November 20, 2025So ready for this to possibly be my new Sci-Fi obsession.
April 8, 2026
The irony of me relaxing after my stressful corporate work day by reading about Isako’s even more stressful corporate work day is not lost on me. Our retirement plans are the same, so that was fun and relatable!
May 6, 2026
given that I am not typically a sci-fi reader, i was a bit intimidated by this despite the intriguing premise. however, i didn't think that it felt difficult to grasp; the most complicated pieces are the world building / political ones, but i was expecting that from having read jade city before.
this society stresses me OUT - which i also fully expected given the dystopian-ness alluded to within the blurb. if i ever have the choice between dying or venturing into space, trust that i am dying.
i find isako to be incredibly endearing despite her flaws, and the inclusion of other primary characters towards the first 1/3 of the book helped flesh her character out more.
the ending was not what i was expecting necessarily, but again, given the jade city experience, this is largely unsurprising (though im very sad now).
overall, I would recommend if you are looking for a sci fi (mostly dystopian) adventure with a flawed older main character that is largely built around politics
**thank you to Orbit for the ARC copy**
this society stresses me OUT - which i also fully expected given the dystopian-ness alluded to within the blurb. if i ever have the choice between dying or venturing into space, trust that i am dying.
i find isako to be incredibly endearing despite her flaws, and the inclusion of other primary characters towards the first 1/3 of the book helped flesh her character out more.
the ending was not what i was expecting necessarily, but again, given the jade city experience, this is largely unsurprising (though im very sad now).
overall, I would recommend if you are looking for a sci fi (mostly dystopian) adventure with a flawed older main character that is largely built around politics
**thank you to Orbit for the ARC copy**
Want to Read
December 21, 2025Oh she's (Fonda Lee) taking it (my direct deposit as soon as it hits my bank account)! ESPECIALLY WITH THIS COVER!!
May 12, 2026
made me want to hand in my 2 week notice of resignation.
more thoughts to come later because i'm in corporatocracy despair.
more thoughts to come later because i'm in corporatocracy despair.
Currently Reading
December 6, 2025update 5 (11/21/25): WE HAVE A COVER!!!! the sci fi vibes are SERVING. clearly my most anticipated release of 2026. more genre-bending Fonda Lee with cyberpunk corporate samurais 😩
update 4 (11/19/25): Fonda Lee announcement about this book on her instagram!!
update 3: OH ITS A STANDALONE!!!!! WE HAVE A SCI FI MYSTERY STANDALONE FROM FONDA LEE!!
update 2: [did we get moved to 2026? its okay im okay]
update 1: CYBERPUNK SAMURAIS BY FONDA LEE!!!! p.s. sci fi mystery that’s starring a swordswoman in her 50s…
i am counting down the DAYS. Orbit please love me enough to send an ARC. I am also assuming this is a standalone so... I AM BEGGING
update 4 (11/19/25): Fonda Lee announcement about this book on her instagram!!
update 3: OH ITS A STANDALONE!!!!! WE HAVE A SCI FI MYSTERY STANDALONE FROM FONDA LEE!!
update 2: [did we get moved to 2026? its okay im okay]
update 1: CYBERPUNK SAMURAIS BY FONDA LEE!!!! p.s. sci fi mystery that’s starring a swordswoman in her 50s…
i am counting down the DAYS. Orbit please love me enough to send an ARC. I am also assuming this is a standalone so... I AM BEGGING
May 5, 2026
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
The Last Contract of Isako is a completely fresh story set in a brand-new sci-fi world from Fonda Lee. I read her series The Green Bone Saga a few years ago and was absolutely floored by it, so I couldn’t wait to dive into her next book.
Imagine a remote corporate settlement on a distant planet where traditional city or national borders don’t exist, only corporation lines and zones of control. Resources are scarce, and terraforming is tightly rationed based on your rank in the company and how well your division is hitting its goals. Once you’re no longer an asset, you’re “retired” and expected to walk willingly into the void.
Isako is an elite Atier, a corporate samurai. At fifty, she’s reached the end of her shelf life. She served her client honorably according to the Code, but her side just lost the latest corporate war. In a final twist, the rival company that defeated her has given her one last contract. With only a month left to live, Isako plans to follow the Code, earn a bonus for her daughter, and then fall on her proverbial sword.
What she discovers is a tangled mystery involving her former apprentice, Dragonfly Martim, and Sanbar Uchi, the powerful leader of SoCon GasPro. As an Atier, Isako is both sword and strategist—an elite advisor and executioner to her client. She was proud when Martim took on one of the most notorious clients in the system, but the corporate war kept them out of touch. Now she feels a deep obligation to solve his murder and stop Sanbar Uchi before he can be confirmed to the elite board that rules the entire terraforming community.
Isako is a character I deeply understand. She has lived by a strict code of conduct her entire life. The story asks a powerful question: what happens when the “religion” you’ve devoted yourself to begins to crack? What if you pull back the curtain and realize the life you built isn’t what you thought it was? Working again with her former partner Kob the Strikebreaker forces Isako to see the society she helped create, and the Agency Code she followed so faithfully, in a harsh new light. Kob has stepped outside the system entirely; he’s now badgeless, a Ronin. Together, they chase redemption for very different reasons, each hoping to save the other in the process.
The pacing felt a little uneven. The story starts slowly as it introduces this complex world and the people who run it. (It definitely helps if you’ve worked in manufacturing or any high-pressure corporate environment and understand how KPIs and divisional goals can dominate your life.) There are a few solid action scenes, but this is primarily a mystery set in space settlement. About midway through, the perspective shifts from Isako to Martim, flashing back over the previous eighteen months to a pivotal moment. While it confirmed some of my suspicions, the switch pulled me out of Isako’s story for a while and left me feeling unexpectedly closer to Martim than I’d intended.
I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about the ending. This isn’t a happily-ever-after book. It’s the kind of story that leaves you thinking hard about the choices we make near the end of our lives. I wasn’t happy about everything that happened, but I was completely satisfied with Isako’s character arc and the final decision she makes. This story is going to work for people who like a slower paced story that focuses on characters and motivations.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
The Last Contract of Isako is a completely fresh story set in a brand-new sci-fi world from Fonda Lee. I read her series The Green Bone Saga a few years ago and was absolutely floored by it, so I couldn’t wait to dive into her next book.
Imagine a remote corporate settlement on a distant planet where traditional city or national borders don’t exist, only corporation lines and zones of control. Resources are scarce, and terraforming is tightly rationed based on your rank in the company and how well your division is hitting its goals. Once you’re no longer an asset, you’re “retired” and expected to walk willingly into the void.
“Sometimes, the winds shift so strongly that even the best pilot can’t hope to steer against them,”
Isako is an elite Atier, a corporate samurai. At fifty, she’s reached the end of her shelf life. She served her client honorably according to the Code, but her side just lost the latest corporate war. In a final twist, the rival company that defeated her has given her one last contract. With only a month left to live, Isako plans to follow the Code, earn a bonus for her daughter, and then fall on her proverbial sword.
What she discovers is a tangled mystery involving her former apprentice, Dragonfly Martim, and Sanbar Uchi, the powerful leader of SoCon GasPro. As an Atier, Isako is both sword and strategist—an elite advisor and executioner to her client. She was proud when Martim took on one of the most notorious clients in the system, but the corporate war kept them out of touch. Now she feels a deep obligation to solve his murder and stop Sanbar Uchi before he can be confirmed to the elite board that rules the entire terraforming community.
Isako is a character I deeply understand. She has lived by a strict code of conduct her entire life. The story asks a powerful question: what happens when the “religion” you’ve devoted yourself to begins to crack? What if you pull back the curtain and realize the life you built isn’t what you thought it was? Working again with her former partner Kob the Strikebreaker forces Isako to see the society she helped create, and the Agency Code she followed so faithfully, in a harsh new light. Kob has stepped outside the system entirely; he’s now badgeless, a Ronin. Together, they chase redemption for very different reasons, each hoping to save the other in the process.
She wanted to bring him back into the edge life; he wanted to bring her out. They tried to save each other. What a couple of idiots.
The pacing felt a little uneven. The story starts slowly as it introduces this complex world and the people who run it. (It definitely helps if you’ve worked in manufacturing or any high-pressure corporate environment and understand how KPIs and divisional goals can dominate your life.) There are a few solid action scenes, but this is primarily a mystery set in space settlement. About midway through, the perspective shifts from Isako to Martim, flashing back over the previous eighteen months to a pivotal moment. While it confirmed some of my suspicions, the switch pulled me out of Isako’s story for a while and left me feeling unexpectedly closer to Martim than I’d intended.
I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about the ending. This isn’t a happily-ever-after book. It’s the kind of story that leaves you thinking hard about the choices we make near the end of our lives. I wasn’t happy about everything that happened, but I was completely satisfied with Isako’s character arc and the final decision she makes. This story is going to work for people who like a slower paced story that focuses on characters and motivations.
February 17, 2026
Another gem from Fonda Lee! Lee creates a world where water & oxygen are precious commodities and humans don’t have a basic right to them. If you can’t contribute to society, then the habitat is unable to support you. This easily could have turned into a rehashed sci fi critique of capitalism or mega corporations but Fonda Lee never disappoints. It felt closer to an exploration of how environment shapes society and society shapes people, although there was plenty of commentary on corporate power structure & personal greed.
My biggest problem with the book was structure/pacing. We experience the first chunk of the book from one characters POV and the tone is almost Agatha Christie murder mystery. The next chunk is from a different POV & is a flashback that fills in any gaps we might still have. Finally we jump back to the present where all our characters converge to try get justice. I was able to guess many of the clues early on so flashing back from another characters perspective often felt unnecessary. I would have been more interested in the dual POV being established from the beginning & switching back and forth each chapter.
My biggest problem with the book was structure/pacing. We experience the first chunk of the book from one characters POV and the tone is almost Agatha Christie murder mystery. The next chunk is from a different POV & is a flashback that fills in any gaps we might still have. Finally we jump back to the present where all our characters converge to try get justice. I was able to guess many of the clues early on so flashing back from another characters perspective often felt unnecessary. I would have been more interested in the dual POV being established from the beginning & switching back and forth each chapter.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Fonda Lee at her finest, she did not disappoint, incredible intricate world building, characters with so much depth and believable beliefs and actions, a simmering but always present political landscape and amazing action scenes.
The Last Contract of Isako brings us to Aquilo a capitalist hellscape of a world with an high poignant life for its people, unless you have power of course. The pacing of the first part might not be for everyone but after the Green Bone Saga I fully trust the author's ability to take her reader where she wants to, and I have to say the second and third part of the book where absolutely flawless. In fact there was a reveal that just made me want to go back to page one and start the book all over again.
Overall a brilliant read that is bursting with nuance, real time issues and of course packs an emotional punch.
———————
I got the arc!!!
Fonda Lee at her finest, she did not disappoint, incredible intricate world building, characters with so much depth and believable beliefs and actions, a simmering but always present political landscape and amazing action scenes.
The Last Contract of Isako brings us to Aquilo a capitalist hellscape of a world with an high poignant life for its people, unless you have power of course. The pacing of the first part might not be for everyone but after the Green Bone Saga I fully trust the author's ability to take her reader where she wants to, and I have to say the second and third part of the book where absolutely flawless. In fact there was a reveal that just made me want to go back to page one and start the book all over again.
Overall a brilliant read that is bursting with nuance, real time issues and of course packs an emotional punch.
———————
I got the arc!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked it, but it’s not the same kind of love I had for The Green Bone Saga. I felt like there was a bit too little Isako in "The Last Contract of Isako".
------------------------------------------
"The Last Contract of Isako" by Fonda Lee is a strong, engaging novel that shines in its intriguing worldbuilding and layered political manoeuvrings. The setting is immersive, with a clear sense of history and power structures that shape the universe. The story thrives on difficult decisions and moral compromises, giving the narrative a grounded, high-stakes feel.
Isako is an excellent lead, and the moments told through her perspective were the highlight of the book. Her personal journey and internal conflicts were the most engaging part of the story for me. Because of that, I found the shift to the second viewpoint less compelling. While it added breadth, it also pulled away from the emotional and narrative momentum built around her, and I'd personally prefer to have more consistent focus on Isako herself.
In comparison to "The Green Bone Saga" this book didn't affect my as strongly on the emotional level. It is well-written and very intriguing, but id didn't create the same lingering impact (maybe because of this viewpoint change).
Overall, it's a well-crafted and enjoyable read. The combination of intricate politics, a vivid setting, and meaningful character choices makes it worth picking up.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
------------------------------------------
"The Last Contract of Isako" by Fonda Lee is a strong, engaging novel that shines in its intriguing worldbuilding and layered political manoeuvrings. The setting is immersive, with a clear sense of history and power structures that shape the universe. The story thrives on difficult decisions and moral compromises, giving the narrative a grounded, high-stakes feel.
Isako is an excellent lead, and the moments told through her perspective were the highlight of the book. Her personal journey and internal conflicts were the most engaging part of the story for me. Because of that, I found the shift to the second viewpoint less compelling. While it added breadth, it also pulled away from the emotional and narrative momentum built around her, and I'd personally prefer to have more consistent focus on Isako herself.
In comparison to "The Green Bone Saga" this book didn't affect my as strongly on the emotional level. It is well-written and very intriguing, but id didn't create the same lingering impact (maybe because of this viewpoint change).
Overall, it's a well-crafted and enjoyable read. The combination of intricate politics, a vivid setting, and meaningful character choices makes it worth picking up.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 13, 2026
3.25⭐️ this absolutely pains me, but this was probably my most disappointing read of 2026 so far. Finishing this book from beginning to end felt like a chore.
Tropes/themes:
⭐️dystopian world in space
⭐️corporate samurai on brink of retirement
⭐️”the government is lying to you”
⭐️a mystery story told between two povs/ timelines
⭐️rebellions and civil war
The worldbuilding was very heavy and while I know Fonda Lee for her immersive worlds, I found that it was just too clunky for the standalone nature of this story and often times took me out of the plot just to decipher what exactly these random words meant (I have an ARC copy so it seems that there wasn’t a full glossary on the final versions either?)
It’s a very character-driven novel, but I found nearly all of the characters to either be extremely one dimensional, predictable or just…wishy-washy. Kob was my favorite. I think I liked the idea of Isako’s character more than actually getting to know her, and felt like some of her actions were a little counterintuitive to who we were being told her character was.
Honestly, I was just bored. The dystopian world concept was fascinating, but again the setting up of it took me out. There were so many aspects mentioned about this world that just felt pointless TO mention in the grand scheme of things. There were exciting, action packed moments every so often, but it all just felt pointless by the end of every sequence or brushed aside with little stakes.
In the acknowledgments, Fonda Lee mentions how she at one point completely changed the structure of the book and I’d honestly be curious to see what that would look like to it’s current final alternative. If you enjoy character focused novels with political intrigue and thicc dystopian cyberpunk(ish) worldbuilding, you may like this…or you may end up disappointed in such a cool concept’s execution like I did.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for the e-arc and ARC physical copy. All opinions are my own.
Tropes/themes:
⭐️dystopian world in space
⭐️corporate samurai on brink of retirement
⭐️”the government is lying to you”
⭐️a mystery story told between two povs/ timelines
⭐️rebellions and civil war
The worldbuilding was very heavy and while I know Fonda Lee for her immersive worlds, I found that it was just too clunky for the standalone nature of this story and often times took me out of the plot just to decipher what exactly these random words meant (I have an ARC copy so it seems that there wasn’t a full glossary on the final versions either?)
It’s a very character-driven novel, but I found nearly all of the characters to either be extremely one dimensional, predictable or just…wishy-washy. Kob was my favorite. I think I liked the idea of Isako’s character more than actually getting to know her, and felt like some of her actions were a little counterintuitive to who we were being told her character was.
Honestly, I was just bored. The dystopian world concept was fascinating, but again the setting up of it took me out. There were so many aspects mentioned about this world that just felt pointless TO mention in the grand scheme of things. There were exciting, action packed moments every so often, but it all just felt pointless by the end of every sequence or brushed aside with little stakes.
In the acknowledgments, Fonda Lee mentions how she at one point completely changed the structure of the book and I’d honestly be curious to see what that would look like to it’s current final alternative. If you enjoy character focused novels with political intrigue and thicc dystopian cyberpunk(ish) worldbuilding, you may like this…or you may end up disappointed in such a cool concept’s execution like I did.
Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for the e-arc and ARC physical copy. All opinions are my own.
April 16, 2026
Sometimes the future claims too much from us.
Once again, Fonda Lee delivers a masterclass in fast-paced action, societal critique, and a singularly compelling protagonist. A lot of Lee's strengths are at play here: her action sequences always deliver, and her worldbuilding skills feel effortlessly woven into the action of the story.
Unlike the protagonists of the Green Bone Saga, Lee's heroine Isako is a loner, but the strongest moments come when she realizes she has something to fight for, as well as maybe someone.
I was impressed by not only the world-building but also the way Lee plays with storylines. A lot of authors would have done an alternating perspective style, and yet that's not what she does. However, even though there are major changes throughout the story, we never lose sight of the bigger picture.
Once again, Fonda Lee delivers a masterclass in fast-paced action, societal critique, and a singularly compelling protagonist. A lot of Lee's strengths are at play here: her action sequences always deliver, and her worldbuilding skills feel effortlessly woven into the action of the story.
Unlike the protagonists of the Green Bone Saga, Lee's heroine Isako is a loner, but the strongest moments come when she realizes she has something to fight for, as well as maybe someone.
I was impressed by not only the world-building but also the way Lee plays with storylines. A lot of authors would have done an alternating perspective style, and yet that's not what she does. However, even though there are major changes throughout the story, we never lose sight of the bigger picture.
May 11, 2026
Very energetic and entertaining. Corporate shenanigans, intrigue, blade fights and some twists and turns -
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5/5 rounded up
I received this arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I very much enjoyed The Greenbone Saga so when I got the chance to read Fonda Lee's take on a cyberpunk samurai standalone I lept at the chance.
Given I didn't know much going in I was pleasantly surprised to find a protagonist who is middle aged or maybe a bit past. An old hero going back for one last mission always appeals to me and this is no different. And what a nice change of pace from the young protagonists we usually get in these books. She's at the top of her game but we don't know for how much longer, and as the book goes on we get filled in on everything that makes our protagonist tick. I was engrossed, but I had concerns that yeah this is a cool mystery with a cool protagonist I'm interested in reading about but what about the sci fi? Is it just window dressing for a story that could be told in almost any setting from Wild West to contemporary thriller? No it definitely is not. Part 2 of this book was a bold choice but a perfect one. It reignited my interest and gave me more than just the run of the mill story I thought I was getting. There were some choices and reveals here that kind of blew my mind and had me recontextualizing everything I had read. This is something I've noticed that I love and a lot of my favorite series and books do that.
The thing I think I need to sit with a little bit more is the third act and ending to this book. It's really not at all what I was expecting but I think what we got made sense. It's interesting to see in the afterword that it seems like Fonda Lee may have changed her mind about the resolution as well during the writing process. At the end of the day though I think I can say I'm on board with the choices she made and it makes sense given the context of what happens. Overall I'm very pleased with the ending and the book overall. I could see this being on my 2026 top 10.
I received this arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I very much enjoyed The Greenbone Saga so when I got the chance to read Fonda Lee's take on a cyberpunk samurai standalone I lept at the chance.
Given I didn't know much going in I was pleasantly surprised to find a protagonist who is middle aged or maybe a bit past. An old hero going back for one last mission always appeals to me and this is no different. And what a nice change of pace from the young protagonists we usually get in these books. She's at the top of her game but we don't know for how much longer, and as the book goes on we get filled in on everything that makes our protagonist tick. I was engrossed, but I had concerns that yeah this is a cool mystery with a cool protagonist I'm interested in reading about but what about the sci fi? Is it just window dressing for a story that could be told in almost any setting from Wild West to contemporary thriller? No it definitely is not. Part 2 of this book was a bold choice but a perfect one. It reignited my interest and gave me more than just the run of the mill story I thought I was getting. There were some choices and reveals here that kind of blew my mind and had me recontextualizing everything I had read. This is something I've noticed that I love and a lot of my favorite series and books do that.
The thing I think I need to sit with a little bit more is the third act and ending to this book. It's really not at all what I was expecting but I think what we got made sense. It's interesting to see in the afterword that it seems like Fonda Lee may have changed her mind about the resolution as well during the writing process. At the end of the day though I think I can say I'm on board with the choices she made and it makes sense given the context of what happens. Overall I'm very pleased with the ending and the book overall. I could see this being on my 2026 top 10.
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