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Space Janitor #2

Dirtside Decluttering: Space Janitor Two

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They say you can never go home. But, you can clean it. Triana Moore, maintenance bot technician on Station Kelly-Kornienko, prefers life in orbit where the air is purified, the commute is short, and nature doesn’t get all over you. But when a minor infraction gets her sent to remedial training dirtside, she doesn’t complain. Who wouldn’t enjoy a few days of sitting in the sunshine, eating gourmet burgers, and drinking too much Jager Hula?When an unscheduled beach weekend uncovers dangerous squatters in her childhood home, the space janitor decides to clean house. She enlists the help of her roommate, Kara, and security agent Ty O’Neill. As they investigate, old friends resurface in suspicious circumstances, and Triana doesn’t know whom she can trust. She’s scheduled to work on Monday, so she must answer these questions before the weekend is Who are these infiltrators? What do they want? And when will that pizza finally be delivered?

221 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2018

148 people are currently reading
96 people want to read

About the author

Julia Huni

55 books175 followers
Author of the Colonial Exploration Corps, Space Janitor, Recycled World, and Krimson Empire series.

I grew up in the US Pacific Northwest, and after twenty years roaming the country with the US Air Force, I'm back. I have a spouse, three kids, and a dog named Pippin.

I've been an IT guy, a choir director, an executive assistant, a stay-at-home mom, a college instructor, and that lady at the information booth in a tourist town. But writer is the best job ever, because I get to make stuff up. Stuff I wish were true; stuff I'm glad isn't true.

When I'm not writing, I like to knit, read, bake, and ski. I also love to travel.

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5 stars
229 (36%)
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231 (36%)
3 stars
147 (23%)
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22 (3%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Jane ☾.
289 reviews19 followers
November 10, 2025
This series is just pure sci-fi mystery fun. I loved the friendships, the "super tough" agents, the hacker slash janitor, the plot twists...ahh..I wish this series lasted forever...
87 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2020
A fun, quirky read. Triana is a space janitor on a city-sized space station. She loves chocolate and programming bots. The latter is significant because, by and large, she hates dealing with people. But Triana seems to have to deal with people anyway. Her best friend and roommate (Good!) and her mother, the Ice Queen, uh, Dame (UGH), and her boyfriend (is he, or isn't he?). And lots of others.

In Dust of Kaku, she is not on the station, but dirtside (on the planet) for an update of her already awesome computer skills. Of course, few things are that simple for Triana. There is the plotting, the terror, the revelations! And somehow, Triana is right in the middle.

A highly recommended fun read! In the process of reading the entire series!

Lots of fun! Thanks, Julia!
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
September 21, 2018
Freedom fighters or terrorists?

Another great read. She has been ordered to take a refresher course before she can resume her job. This brings her and her BFF back to college. Parties, studies and being a guinea pig are on the agenda. She just has a small task to do for her mother - check out the property on the planet. When they get there they are refused admittance. Who is the new caretaker? Why have the codes been changed. Can her knowledge of the estate and hacking skills get them in? Why is her crush chained in the kitchen? Terrorists, bombings, betrayal, kidnapping and finding out the truth about her origin are all ahead of her. Who close to the family is the mole? Are more than one person responsible for the mayhem? A great fast action plot that will leave you wondering what will happen next. Is the threat over or just starting?
Profile Image for Maria Grace.
Author 100 books320 followers
February 9, 2022
The whole premise is just so much fun. Its impossible not to love the main character and her friends. Humorous, fun, mystery, action, and a splash of romance. What's not to enjoy! This is the second in the series and it didn't disappoint. Will be definitely looking for the next one.
Profile Image for Colleen.
759 reviews165 followers
September 21, 2025
3 Stars

*An underwhelming sequel that didn’t feel like it added to the characters or worldbuilding*



I enjoyed The Vacuum of Space, a story about a maintenance-bot technician on a space station caught up in a murder investigation. And I was looking forward to reading the sequel. But The Dust of Kaku felt a bit hollow. Sure, it had the same quirky characters and nerdy references to “old Earth pop culture.” It is still told in first person, present tense from Triana’s POV.

Even though the first book was also a novella, it felt like it had more buildup and mystery. The Dust of Kaku was more of a point-and-shoot stop the bad guys. It was fast-paced, but it didn’t feel mysterious or intriguing.

Part of why this sequel felt different was that the story took place on planet instead of on the space station. It felt like a vacation that was a side shoot rather than a direct sequel. The type of bonus story that follows the “Christmas Special” rules where major characters are employed but no major developments are allowed to happen because it isn’t part of the main series.

This installment didn’t really add anything to the character development. Sure, we learn a bit more about Triana’s background. But it was mostly focused on her rich girl past, and the “poor little rich girl” trope is annoying. The only other character point was Triana’s insecurity and jealousy over Ty. I thought there would at least be some more depth to her friendship with Kara, but she was off partying for most of the book.

As always, I did not bother with the in-between short stories. Maybe they add more worldbuilding and character development. But I doubt it.

Despite this installment being a little underwhelming, I am still interested in continuing the series. (Just not the short stories.) These are fast-paced and fun even if this one was flat.


RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 2 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 3 Stars
Originality: 2 Stars
Profile Image for Nathan Trachta.
286 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2021
After finishing the first in this series I went for the second one; an interesting premis for the first book and I was a little curious on how Ms. Huni would transition with this one. Honestly, mixed results with this. Ms. Huni pciks things up almost right away from the Vacuum of Space and plops her characters dirt side for a little "re-training". A little surprising given a futuristic look and how remote learning is a thing now. That said plot device. While I don't mind Triana having to go thru "re-training" what surprised me a little is her roommate comes dirt side for additional training too. There was not mention prior and is the part of her mother's plotting or what.... What adds to the clutter is how Ty is brought into the story making me wonder the level of operation he's fit to be working (please Ms. Huni; a special agent who's reponding to executes working undercover? There's failure in there that was dragging this one into the three star realm).
Despite this, Ms. Huni does keep The Dust of Kaku as a weak 4 star book with the lively play between the two main characters and some of the tertiary characters. This lively play enables the plot to open open up and become a little more fun and lively which is welcome. What's less welcome is how Triana walks easily between her "Triana" character and Annabelle. This is a little confusing only because Triana had don't so much to seperate herself and while a "kiss and make up" had occured beteen Triana and mom, this is more than I'd have expected for the short time projected by the story.
I'll also call out something that concerned me in the Vacuum of Space is the rings used by the characters. This is very loose and raises security questions with how easily characters can take and use/have capability using. This is alarming given the push by Information Assurance and computer security analsyt to tighten security but then that issue is highlight by Triana being able to hack into systems so easily.
Profile Image for Charity Bradford.
Author 20 books89 followers
July 5, 2022
This was a good audiobook. The action was fast-paced, the character dialogue humorous, and there was good tension throughout. The narrator also did a great job bringing the story to life. I listened to the first book in the series quite a while ago and the narrator's consistency helped me remember what came before this story.

This story left enough questions that I just might have to get the next book in the series. ;)

I give the Dust of Kaku a solid 4 and the narrator a 5 for using accents the right way without making me cringe.

1-5 scale and what it means:
1: I couldn’t even finish it / just plain bad
2: I hope I didn’t pay for this / disappointing
3: I didn’t hate it, but it was still missing something / forgettable but inoffensive
3.5: On the line between good and ok / like, not love
4: Solid mind candy / worth reading
4.5: So very close to perfection! / must read
5: I could not put it down and I’m still thinking about it! / a true treasure

Movie Ratings in relation to my review:
Clean--Hallmark movies, some kissing, no nudity, no intimacy on or off "screen"
PG--Some innuendo but nothing kids don't hear every day, intimacy is all closed door
PG-13--some language (swear words not related to intimacy), more talk about intimacy, heavy petting, removal of clothing on screen, but intimacy is closed door.
PG-14—somewhere between PG-13 and R. Not erotica, but at least a paragraph of on-screen intimacy
R--swearing (F-bomb, on “screen” intimacy, sometimes feels like the whole story is about the intimacy and not the relationship or some other plot, but not always
Profile Image for Peter Baran.
875 reviews64 followers
March 28, 2021
I went right on the the next one of these as I liked the lead and I wonderered where it would go. And its stand alone, episodic but with many of the same characters here in much more of an espionage style settling. But I was interested and want to know more about this universe as the antagonists here are a bunch of terrorists who appear to have legitimate grievances. Whilst their target is the lead characters estranged mother, there is a real (unanswered) question about the class system here. It was partially dealt with in the previous book where over-entitled dicks were swanning about the place (the fact their surnames were Bezos and Putin was a little too cute by half but the point was made). So in the end it is unclear who the real good guys might turn out to be. I am not convinced the series is going to adequately handle this issue, but it will be interesting to see if it tries.
1,419 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2022
Peter Baran covered the book nicely in his review. I read it for the reasons that he did.

Since class distinctions are foremost in this story's background, the self-described anarcho-capitalists (?) Andrew and friends, the self-described libertarians (?) JP and company may not enjoy the book because anarchic capitalism created a stratified society with no social mobility (Much like present day US or Britain you say! Impossible!). Let's leave them to their meltdowns, shall we. Cgr710 your stated (shouted, more like) hatred of socialism and enthusiastic embrace of fascism, will find no satisfaction in this story. The state controls nothing but the police forces and then only by direct orders from the wealthy. Your dreams of ethno supremacy aren't manifested in this universe. Read the Turner Diaries again, perhaps.

Don't mind them. They are three of my loudest admirers, all of whom were offended by a review and were shocked that their male working class arrogance, did not require that I debate both the merits of slavery and admit the evil of socialism. I think that they mistake me for James O'Brien. Though for his salary, I think that I might. I kid myself, I still would not. I wrote to Amazon suggesting new labels for their science fiction but got no response.

If Amazon would adopt - Ethno-supremacist future fiction, US hegemonic military fantasy, white nationalist space fiction and 4 Chan friendly, there would be no possibility that I would cross paths with my current fan base. Misogynistic themes, characters, etc. are already included in all the four categories. It is a simple and effective solution, I think. Maybe Amazon or the publishers are attempting to normalize the worst aspects of American culture? (No way! That's crazy, self.)

See my review of "Powers of the Earth" , a really poorly written, libertarian version of a Heinlein classic. I received several comments apiece from from six or seven nutters, who thought that they were deserving of debate on the benefits of slavery (not present day but the transatlantic slave trade) and the evils of socialism. Sick, yes! But there's more. An Amazon tech wrote me a message across the comments in cursor! Next, the ID of commenters on all my reviews were masked. My access to my Goodreads was then blocked every time that I posted a review. Finally, in violation of law, my access to Amazon products was blocked on my kindle each time that my Goodreads account was blocked. Amazon has never acknowledged the events or my complaints.

How much attention needs to be drawn to the security violations, implied by this insanity before some customer of AWS has second thoughts about Amazon organizational data storage. On that day, I suspect one programmer will not have a job.

I gave Claes Rees, Jr one last chance to launch an attack, when I apologized to a women reader who stated quite clearly that his racism was not welcome on the page. After weeks of no reply, I closed off my reviews to comment, there being no further expectation of even occasional bookish exchanges with a sane member. This is Goodreads, not So much a virtual reading room but more a public toilet in need of cleaning. If you find the above acceptable, please stop reading my reviews, beginning now.

According to Fox, racists across america, are rabid fans of the "Poot" or Putin as he us commonly known. Claes Rees,Jr being the self styled speaker for all american racists (his claim not mine), I say to Claes Rees, Jr and company.

GLORY TO UKRAINE !


I usually watch book tubers for normal talk about books, library renovation and all those details that are essential parts of the life of the bibliophile. The other tubes are fascinating if your interests turns in their direction.

My favorite list sample

UA Courage, Sarah Z, Philosophy Tube, Novara Media, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Books with Emily Fox, Book Odyssey, Kitty G, Dead Good Books, Elliot Brooks, Rebecca Watson, Books with Chloe, Lady of the Library, Dakota Warren, Hello Future Me, just Ali, A Cop of Noelle, Quinn's Ideas, Renegade Cut, and Lady knight the brave.

There are reasons but no excuses for low end published rubbish.

For books, it is tiring to search the free kindle library. Instead, Second hand bookstores, Charity Shops, open air markets, Community free book stalls are fun to peruse and the bargains are awesome. Please no "likes" , that time has past.

From my communist stronghold, to more complete humans I wish a gorgeous morning, a bright afternoon, an exciting evening and a wonderful night. Hope makes us stronger.
868 reviews14 followers
July 10, 2020
A great follow up to the first in this series, with the development of the wider world and the beginnings of a large enveloping plot arc. I enjoyed the journey to another planet although I missed the tech from he space station a little. Also my dislike to Kara cemented and she certainly wouldn't make it to best friend category in my life. However Triana and Ty continued to grow and I enjoyed their story immensely.
Profile Image for BobA707.
821 reviews18 followers
November 30, 2023
Summary: Lively and enjoyable SF read, dubbed as space opera ... book 2 isn't even on the space station, simple plot, interesting characters, simple premise (a lot more to learn), nothing heavy and thoughtful

Plotline: Simple, fairly predictable but good for all that

Premise: not much learnt in this one.

Writing: light simple, moves along nicely

Ending: Yes, good finish, I'm looking forward to the next in the series

Pace: Never a dull moment!
Profile Image for Jonathon Deringer.
17 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2024
2nd Title Just as Fun

While a little less suspenseful than the first book, this current book does a decent job at creating a bit of fun and mystery. I prefer most books to not treat themselves too seriously or try to modify my opinion about politics or social issues. Julia does a good job at leading us on a fun adventure without any need for a deep psychological road trip. Appreciate the hard work!
218 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2020
I read the first in the series. It was okay, although I thought the main character was immature. I have it 3 stars. The second book was worse. The main character was constantly putting herself and others in danger. She functioned at a 10 to 12 year old level. I finished the book, and will not read any more by this author.
Profile Image for Elyse.
651 reviews
May 8, 2020
Light-hearted space opera, centering around Triana Moore, space janitor. This mystery is told from her perspective. While the first in the series occurs on a space station where she works, this second book focuses on "dirtside" events.

Quirky, funny, quick read. Similar to the Murder-Bot series in terms of intensity.
Profile Image for Gary.
299 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2020
*No Spoilers*. This is the second book in the Space Janitor series. This one moves the action planetside. As in the first book, there is humour and mystery and twists. The author's world building is good and ties in well with the story. This is another good, fun read by Julia Huni. I have purchased all the books in the series.
429 reviews
February 10, 2022
Really between a 3.5 and a 4.0 so I rounded up.

Story line was had some problems. Why do strange things occur when Vanti is around?

Why does Jarra hate “Dame Ice” so much? He did try to explain it but it didn’t quite make sense.

We are finding out that the janitor has mad skills but little or no confidence in herself. She saves everyone’s lives many times.
Profile Image for Maren.
564 reviews
April 24, 2022
If anything, this one was even more disappointing than the first one. It tries to be funny and falls short. It tries to be exciting and full of action but it mostly comes off as trying to hard. There is also an overabundance of jealousy and posturing and flat characters and zero character development

I gave it the old college try, but I think this is it for me and Space Janitor.
Profile Image for El_bandita.
30 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2022
O’Neill must be the worst security agent ever, always getting cought and needing saving. What a loser. The heroine was supposed be super smart but it takes her forever to figure things out. Everyone feels like an idiot in this book. First one was so promising, but the second book is major disappointment. Avoid
Profile Image for Carrie.
32 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2023
I am very much enjoying this series. I didn't think I was a sci-fi fan, but Trianas crazy adventures sucked me in. I feel like Huni and I watched the same shows as a kid. I love the references to my faves. When Triana, exclaims, "I'm a janitor, not a ..." I could only here Dr. "Bones" McCoy in my head. Now onto the next Space Janitor adventure...
481 reviews
February 19, 2024
Another fun space escape. Gotta love independent and feisty Tirana and her clueless but lovable sidekicks, Kara. And don’t forget love interest Ty, who does his futile best to keep Tirana safe. Listened via the audiobook bundle.
If there’s one complaint I could make, is that it’s a very little too long. But that may just be me. Definitely worth the time.
293 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2024
The first book in the series was really cute, this book though is a little bit too much... Triana feels like she's the center of the universe and everything evolves around her, i.e she's in the center of every plot, every problem and solves everything.... It gets old fast. I need a break before the next one...
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,682 reviews
January 14, 2026
This is in a series Space Janitor. After this series ends it begins immediately with Tales of a Former Space Janitor picking up where the first series ended. There are 6 books in the second series - all pick up right after the previous one ends.

see complete review in the last book Warp, Rinse, Repeat.
Profile Image for Soquel.
Author 1 book30 followers
January 19, 2026
PG

This installment takes us away from the station to deal with remedial training and terrorists. All the favorite characters are along for the adventure and the series continues to impress. I'm happy to have discovered Julia Huni. She's talented, hilarious, and writes in a clean way that avoids bad language and spicy scenes. It's the perfect series to share with all ages.
152 reviews
March 17, 2022
Exciting!!

I honestly couldn’t put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed the amazing competence Triana shows in every scary situation. I just love this character. Can’t wait for the next book.
591 reviews
April 23, 2022
This was the 2nd book in the Space Janitor series and it had a lot more to offer and well as seem much more fun then book 1. If the next two book in the series progress as this one did from the 1st, this should end up being a great series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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