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Firmament #6
No Man
She doesn’t have much longer to live.
Losing the last of the radialloy puts Andi’s life in immediate danger and sends her, August, and the Doctor rushing towards the demolished Qandon system in search of more. Their speeder is crippled, a powerful man is desperate to stop them—and they are running out of time.
Meanwhile, Crash has escaped from prison and is hiding somewhere in Hungary, hunted by assassins who have instructions to kill him if Andi and the others don’t return to Earth in one week. The only person on Earth who can help him is Guilders, who very nearly despises him.
Is there more radialloy out there? Can Crash and Guilders make it to safety? And will Andi ever be able to return to the way of life that she loves so much?
Losing the last of the radialloy puts Andi’s life in immediate danger and sends her, August, and the Doctor rushing towards the demolished Qandon system in search of more. Their speeder is crippled, a powerful man is desperate to stop them—and they are running out of time.
Meanwhile, Crash has escaped from prison and is hiding somewhere in Hungary, hunted by assassins who have instructions to kill him if Andi and the others don’t return to Earth in one week. The only person on Earth who can help him is Guilders, who very nearly despises him.
Is there more radialloy out there? Can Crash and Guilders make it to safety? And will Andi ever be able to return to the way of life that she loves so much?
- GenresScience Fiction
215 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2019
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
J. Grace Pennington
44 books143 followersJ. Grace Pennington has been telling stories since she could talk, and writing them down since age five. Now she lives in the great state of Texas, where she writes as much as adult life permits. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading good books, having adventures with her husband and daughters, and looking up at the stars.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 28, 2019
ge Appropriate For: 13 and up for violence, mildly scary scenes.
Best for Ages: 13 - 25
This story is exhilarating, heart-breaking, faith-building, tear-jerking, inspiring, and so much more. Do I have your attention? Good. This book, this series, has been a favorite since book one. Not only is this clean sci-fi, it masterful story-telling.
I think Pennington has reached a new level in her writing. While her story-telling abilities have always been great, this book had a new quality to it that just shines. She has always done a wonderful job of pulling emotion out of both her characters and her readers. However, this book just stood out to me as her best at emotion yet.
We get to meet some new characters, most notably to me was Book. While I don’t want to give anything about the plot away, let’s just say I like this very quirky character right from the beginning. I apricated how he handled Andi
Andi herself is not the same girl from book one. In fact, there are a couple of times in this book that she doesn’t act very lovable. However, under the top-secret-I-will-give-no-spoilers circumstances, I think everyone will understand why Andi acts the way she does.
The faith element of this story shown brightly. There is faith and doubt, trust and suspicion, hope and tears. Yet, more then any of the other books in the series yet, faith was the solid foundation for some of the characters. It just goes to show you that when times are tough, that is when our faith shines. Now, not every struggle by every character is tied up with a neat bow. However, this book is encouraging and faith-building while being very honest that it’s hard to trust God at times.
The story took several unexpected twists. I had a serious book hangover. I was grateful my sister had read it two days before me because we were able to console each other. Yet, even though part of this book was sad, it still was very satisfying.
I highly recommend to those who enjoy clean sci-fi stories, solid YA fiction, and stories that keep you guessing.
Best for Ages: 13 - 25
This story is exhilarating, heart-breaking, faith-building, tear-jerking, inspiring, and so much more. Do I have your attention? Good. This book, this series, has been a favorite since book one. Not only is this clean sci-fi, it masterful story-telling.
I think Pennington has reached a new level in her writing. While her story-telling abilities have always been great, this book had a new quality to it that just shines. She has always done a wonderful job of pulling emotion out of both her characters and her readers. However, this book just stood out to me as her best at emotion yet.
We get to meet some new characters, most notably to me was Book. While I don’t want to give anything about the plot away, let’s just say I like this very quirky character right from the beginning. I apricated how he handled Andi
Andi herself is not the same girl from book one. In fact, there are a couple of times in this book that she doesn’t act very lovable. However, under the top-secret-I-will-give-no-spoilers circumstances, I think everyone will understand why Andi acts the way she does.
The faith element of this story shown brightly. There is faith and doubt, trust and suspicion, hope and tears. Yet, more then any of the other books in the series yet, faith was the solid foundation for some of the characters. It just goes to show you that when times are tough, that is when our faith shines. Now, not every struggle by every character is tied up with a neat bow. However, this book is encouraging and faith-building while being very honest that it’s hard to trust God at times.
The story took several unexpected twists. I had a serious book hangover. I was grateful my sister had read it two days before me because we were able to console each other. Yet, even though part of this book was sad, it still was very satisfying.
I highly recommend to those who enjoy clean sci-fi stories, solid YA fiction, and stories that keep you guessing.
April 14, 2020
I shouldn’t have inhaled this book (it’s the latest one available currently), but I honestly think I couldn’t have stopped if I’d tried. ;) I even stayed up a bit late I was on such pins and needles. ;)
This one had quite a different setting from the others, and it was fun getting to see more space and different types of ships. ;) I’m definitely with Andi on the claustrophobic nature of the speeder. XD She wasn’t the most likeable in this one sometimes, but I loved seeing how her experiences were affecting her. Illness, worry, being betrayed so many times and put on her guard, and even the effects of the reversal zone weighed on her. I honestly related a lot, and I love this complexity to her character.
The Doctor and August were quite wonderful as usual, and Guilders absolutely shone in this one. Having multiple POVs was weird for me at first, then I loved getting a glimpse inside his head. He and Crash are so opposite and yet I think their journeys are a little more similar than they realize in some ways. Those campfire talks/silences were great, and after learning more about Crash, I hope more for him. I appreciate how slowly the author is taking his storyline, and I know she will handle it with care. ;)
Book Talbot was a fascinating new character. I liked his inventor brain (this book had GADGETS) and his respectful attitude toward Andi and commitment to his work were admirable. I’m adding him to the list of characters I hope to see again.
Just a note, because the stakes were higher in this one, there are some wounds and injuries (including blood) and some traumatic hospital scenes. *cries*
Best quotes: “Because I’m not real. You know that.” His turn to sigh. She was right. He did. “I would if I could, though,” she comforted.
I felt his Adam's apple move as he swallowed, unable to finish his sentence, and I clung to him as, for the first time in my life, we cried together.
Altogether, to say I didn’t cry would be lying. ;) This book was a beautiful mixture of hopeful and heartbreaking.
This one had quite a different setting from the others, and it was fun getting to see more space and different types of ships. ;) I’m definitely with Andi on the claustrophobic nature of the speeder. XD She wasn’t the most likeable in this one sometimes, but I loved seeing how her experiences were affecting her. Illness, worry, being betrayed so many times and put on her guard, and even the effects of the reversal zone weighed on her. I honestly related a lot, and I love this complexity to her character.
The Doctor and August were quite wonderful as usual, and Guilders absolutely shone in this one. Having multiple POVs was weird for me at first, then I loved getting a glimpse inside his head. He and Crash are so opposite and yet I think their journeys are a little more similar than they realize in some ways. Those campfire talks/silences were great, and after learning more about Crash, I hope more for him. I appreciate how slowly the author is taking his storyline, and I know she will handle it with care. ;)
Book Talbot was a fascinating new character. I liked his inventor brain (this book had GADGETS) and his respectful attitude toward Andi and commitment to his work were admirable. I’m adding him to the list of characters I hope to see again.
Just a note, because the stakes were higher in this one, there are some wounds and injuries (including blood) and some traumatic hospital scenes. *cries*
Best quotes: “Because I’m not real. You know that.” His turn to sigh. She was right. He did. “I would if I could, though,” she comforted.
I felt his Adam's apple move as he swallowed, unable to finish his sentence, and I clung to him as, for the first time in my life, we cried together.
Altogether, to say I didn’t cry would be lying. ;) This book was a beautiful mixture of hopeful and heartbreaking.
October 22, 2019
I don't even know where to start with this book. I've been waiting for it for about two years and was beyond excited to be able to dive in.
These characters are just. so. stunning. I feel like if I met any of them, I would know them instantly.
The plot was so intense, I stayed up until midnight reading it one night. Thus continuing my tradition of always having Pennington's book steal my sleep. Also, I was crying at midnight. I can't say why, but I am not okay. At all.
This book had one of the most interesting for character interactions. Crash and Guilders were such a unique pair. They were so opposite that it was hilarious to watch them. Having Andi, August, and the Doctor all alone together was fun to see. I really felt for Andi and all the emotions she didn't know what to do with. I wanted to just give her a hug.
Book (yes that's a name) was a very interesting addition to the group, and I cannot wait to hear more about him.
This book so good I don't even know what to tell you. I laughed out loud (a rare thing for me while reading), I cried (also rare for me), I was on the edge of my seat. I haven't felt this many emotions reading a book in a long time. Sci-fi has been my favorite genre for a long time, and this series is the best I have ever read. I cannot wait for the next book.
Original review (it sums it up pretty well)>> I finished. I'm not okay.
These characters are just. so. stunning. I feel like if I met any of them, I would know them instantly.
The plot was so intense, I stayed up until midnight reading it one night. Thus continuing my tradition of always having Pennington's book steal my sleep. Also, I was crying at midnight. I can't say why, but I am not okay. At all.
This book had one of the most interesting for character interactions. Crash and Guilders were such a unique pair. They were so opposite that it was hilarious to watch them. Having Andi, August, and the Doctor all alone together was fun to see. I really felt for Andi and all the emotions she didn't know what to do with. I wanted to just give her a hug.
Book (yes that's a name) was a very interesting addition to the group, and I cannot wait to hear more about him.
This book so good I don't even know what to tell you. I laughed out loud (a rare thing for me while reading), I cried (also rare for me), I was on the edge of my seat. I haven't felt this many emotions reading a book in a long time. Sci-fi has been my favorite genre for a long time, and this series is the best I have ever read. I cannot wait for the next book.
Original review (it sums it up pretty well)>> I finished. I'm not okay.
January 4, 2026
Probably my favorite in the whole series. And that's saying a lot, because I love this series. Ugh, it hit me hard though. <3
March 6, 2021
Oh man. All the feels. A few parts brought tears to my eyes.
It's pretty much impossible to talk about this book without giving away Spoilers for previous installments, so... if you haven't read this series yet, you totally should. And then we can cry over this book together. :)
More coherent/detailed review to come.
It's pretty much impossible to talk about this book without giving away Spoilers for previous installments, so... if you haven't read this series yet, you totally should. And then we can cry over this book together. :)
More coherent/detailed review to come.
October 14, 2025
YOU DID NOT. I'M CRYING RN.
Recommended 12+ for violence, scary situations, and THAT DECISION :'(
Recommended 12+ for violence, scary situations, and THAT DECISION :'(
October 24, 2019
So, I have to admit right off the bat that I came into this prepared...although I wasn't quite sure what I was prepared for. But after reading a couple of (non-spoilery but rather ominous) reviews and comments while waiting for my copy to come in, I had imagined so many scenarios and possibilities that it was a bit of a relief to find out what actually did happen rather than continue to imagine what might happen...
Anyway, all that to say, I don't know how I would have reacted to the story if I'd gone in completely blind. As it was, I did cry in a couple of places, but I'm not quite sure if the fact that I wasn't as devastated as I might have been is due more to the way those certain parts were handled (which was very gentle and well done) or to my relief over everything else that didn't happen. I suspect a mix of the two, but it's impossible to tell at this point. I do know that when I drew a deep breath after--one event--and assured myself I was over the worst, it occurred to me that no one had ever said there was only one terrible thing that happened...which immediately put my heart back in my throat. o.o
Now to try to avoid spoilers for the rest of this review--wow, this may be difficult... I will say that I really love the way these stories build on each other, not just in plot but also in character development. As much as I do enjoy, say, series where the heroes go from adventure to adventure without really changing much, watching Andi (and others) grow and learn and deal with the results of previous events is really amazing. Because this kind of thing affects people. And you can't always just pick up your life back where it started and pretend nothing happened. And as much as Andi doesn't like change, in some cases, that's a good thing. And when certain thoughts and feelings started being traced back to everything that happened in Reversal Zone, I was totally blown away!
Talk about characters without spoilers...hmmm... I think I can safely say that I enjoyed the addition of Book to the cast (what is it with these names?!?) as well as some of the complications it brought. And I enjoyed the consistency of all the known and loved characters that we got to see, although I'll be happy to rejoin the normal world of the starship--is there even a normal world of the starship anymore? There were times when Andi was a bit over-emotional or more stubborn than usual, but she's gone through a lot lately--both physically and emotionally--and her struggles never left me frustrated or upset with her. And then Crash--no spoilers, no spoilers, no spoilers! But he absolutely shredded my heart in this installment. <\3 And I need--more. Something. Resolution. Soon! So much more depth there than is visible from the surface. And it's breaking my heart...
I did love the interaction between Crash and Guilders, as well as the way even the third-person narration switches reflected their different personalities. <3 And I really want to talk aboutsomeone's role in the story, but I can't do it without spoilers (and probably tears), so I'll refrain. <\3 But overall, even though I cried, I'm satisfied. And so thankful for the message Andi received at the end. <3 And just want to wrap my arms around all these characters and hold on tight.
And I'm back to waiting impatiently for the next book. ;)
(Oh, and also, I have to say, it is incredible to find your name in the acknowledgements section of a book when you've had absolutely no part in making it except to love on the rest of the series and let the author know it. I am hugely honored and humbled. Don't ever think your feedback doesn't matter. <3)
Content--mention of blood, wounds, and vomiting (not graphic); slight mentions of drinking; mentions of arguments and insults; dangerous situations, including attempts at murder;
Anyway, all that to say, I don't know how I would have reacted to the story if I'd gone in completely blind. As it was, I did cry in a couple of places, but I'm not quite sure if the fact that I wasn't as devastated as I might have been is due more to the way those certain parts were handled (which was very gentle and well done) or to my relief over everything else that didn't happen. I suspect a mix of the two, but it's impossible to tell at this point. I do know that when I drew a deep breath after--one event--and assured myself I was over the worst, it occurred to me that no one had ever said there was only one terrible thing that happened...which immediately put my heart back in my throat. o.o
Now to try to avoid spoilers for the rest of this review--wow, this may be difficult... I will say that I really love the way these stories build on each other, not just in plot but also in character development. As much as I do enjoy, say, series where the heroes go from adventure to adventure without really changing much, watching Andi (and others) grow and learn and deal with the results of previous events is really amazing. Because this kind of thing affects people. And you can't always just pick up your life back where it started and pretend nothing happened. And as much as Andi doesn't like change, in some cases, that's a good thing. And when certain thoughts and feelings started being traced back to everything that happened in Reversal Zone, I was totally blown away!
Talk about characters without spoilers...hmmm... I think I can safely say that I enjoyed the addition of Book to the cast (what is it with these names?!?) as well as some of the complications it brought. And I enjoyed the consistency of all the known and loved characters that we got to see, although I'll be happy to rejoin the normal world of the starship--is there even a normal world of the starship anymore? There were times when Andi was a bit over-emotional or more stubborn than usual, but she's gone through a lot lately--both physically and emotionally--and her struggles never left me frustrated or upset with her. And then Crash--no spoilers, no spoilers, no spoilers! But he absolutely shredded my heart in this installment. <\3 And I need--more. Something. Resolution. Soon! So much more depth there than is visible from the surface. And it's breaking my heart...
I did love the interaction between Crash and Guilders, as well as the way even the third-person narration switches reflected their different personalities. <3 And I really want to talk about
And I'm back to waiting impatiently for the next book. ;)
(Oh, and also, I have to say, it is incredible to find your name in the acknowledgements section of a book when you've had absolutely no part in making it except to love on the rest of the series and let the author know it. I am hugely honored and humbled. Don't ever think your feedback doesn't matter. <3)
Content--mention of blood, wounds, and vomiting (not graphic); slight mentions of drinking; mentions of arguments and insults; dangerous situations, including attempts at murder;
April 26, 2020
Yes I read all six published books in this series in three days. And I need book seven ASAP to try to make some redeeming sense out of the awful event of this one.
Characters are amazing as always. We get Crash and Guilders’ POVs in this book and it only intensely justifies (AND MORE) my admiration of Guilders in every previous book (except Reversal Zone, but that underscores my admiration for him in a different way). So basically in No Man, senseless things happen and I’m not okay.
But we get to meet a new intriguing character with the awesome name Book. And he’s just nice enough to make a person (like Andi. Or readers.) suspicious. Or is he actually nice? It’s impossible to tell. We’ve had so much back and forth with bad guys looking like good guys, and good guys looking like bad guys, and bad guys looking like good guys but actually being bad guys, and good guys looking like bad guys but actually being good guys...that who can tell anymore?
Anyway, many important things happen in this book. The setting is a bit different. The stakes are different. And the characters are under stress.
But... No Man.
Amen.
If you haven’t read this series, go try it.
Characters are amazing as always. We get Crash and Guilders’ POVs in this book and it only intensely justifies (AND MORE) my admiration of Guilders in every previous book (except Reversal Zone, but that underscores my admiration for him in a different way). So basically in No Man, senseless things happen and I’m not okay.
But we get to meet a new intriguing character with the awesome name Book. And he’s just nice enough to make a person (like Andi. Or readers.) suspicious. Or is he actually nice? It’s impossible to tell. We’ve had so much back and forth with bad guys looking like good guys, and good guys looking like bad guys, and bad guys looking like good guys but actually being bad guys, and good guys looking like bad guys but actually being good guys...that who can tell anymore?
Anyway, many important things happen in this book. The setting is a bit different. The stakes are different. And the characters are under stress.
But... No Man.
Amen.
If you haven’t read this series, go try it.
October 29, 2019
*cue incoherent screaming*
It's been several days, and I'm still not sure I can coherently review this book. It was just so good—Grace's books always are—and some of the things that happened, I just can't even.
I reread the whole series in about a week, which was definitely a good decision, since I'd forgotten a lot of the details, and now I don't know what to do, even though I've got the new Brotherband book out from the library. Because Firmament and Andi and August and Crash and the Doctor and the Captain and Guilders and Elasson and Ursula and Almira...
POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR FIRMAMENT: GESTERN
Andi is dying. Really dying. Like, no more radialloy to keep the angiophages from completely destroying her lymphatic system dying. She and August and the Doctor are in the Alacrity I, heading for the Qandon system as quickly as they possibly can to find more radialloy, only they can't use tracking because somebody very much doesn't want them to reach Qandon and be able to expose his misdeeds. They need someone who can help them track without being tracked, and though it's someone the Captain recommended, with people chasing after them to stop them, it's hard to know who to trust. And they're running out of time because ANDI IS DYING. So many emotions.
Then you've got Crash, escaped from prison, sick, with only Guilders available to find and help him. And there are bounty hunters after him, more than willing to shoot to kill. They just need to get to the embassy in Budapest and they'll be safe. If they can get there. And he and Guilders never did get along, and Crash has to admit that his own attitude vs. Guilders's impeccable character is the reason.
We get to see more of the galaxy, and it's always nice to add to the worldbuilding. See more of the technology, other planets and space stations and all that. It was also great how things from Gestern were being tied up, and how events from Reversal Zone were still very relevant.
AND [name redacted] DIES AND IS NEVER COMING BACK AND THINGS ON THE SURVEYOR WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AND I JUST CAN'T. I was in shock. I'm still kind of in shock.
Book Talbot is the only real new character I can think of in this book (well, and a few random minor characters), and I did end up liking him, though I wasn't sure at first. And feeling a bit sorry for him, even though I'm not on his side on that issue. I already have a ship. Fingers crossed I'll find out if I'm right in the next book.
I loved spending so much time with all my old friends from the Surveyor. Even if one of them (and possibly another?) is never coming back. :( They're like family. My Firmament family. And I love them so much.
And need the next book, like, right now.
It's been several days, and I'm still not sure I can coherently review this book. It was just so good—Grace's books always are—and some of the things that happened, I just can't even.
I reread the whole series in about a week, which was definitely a good decision, since I'd forgotten a lot of the details, and now I don't know what to do, even though I've got the new Brotherband book out from the library. Because Firmament and Andi and August and Crash and the Doctor and the Captain and Guilders and Elasson and Ursula and Almira...
POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR FIRMAMENT: GESTERN
Andi is dying. Really dying. Like, no more radialloy to keep the angiophages from completely destroying her lymphatic system dying. She and August and the Doctor are in the Alacrity I, heading for the Qandon system as quickly as they possibly can to find more radialloy, only they can't use tracking because somebody very much doesn't want them to reach Qandon and be able to expose his misdeeds. They need someone who can help them track without being tracked, and though it's someone the Captain recommended, with people chasing after them to stop them, it's hard to know who to trust. And they're running out of time because ANDI IS DYING. So many emotions.
Then you've got Crash, escaped from prison, sick, with only Guilders available to find and help him. And there are bounty hunters after him, more than willing to shoot to kill. They just need to get to the embassy in Budapest and they'll be safe. If they can get there. And he and Guilders never did get along, and Crash has to admit that his own attitude vs. Guilders's impeccable character is the reason.
We get to see more of the galaxy, and it's always nice to add to the worldbuilding. See more of the technology, other planets and space stations and all that. It was also great how things from Gestern were being tied up, and how events from Reversal Zone were still very relevant.
AND [name redacted] DIES AND IS NEVER COMING BACK AND THINGS ON THE SURVEYOR WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AND I JUST CAN'T. I was in shock. I'm still kind of in shock.
Book Talbot is the only real new character I can think of in this book (well, and a few random minor characters), and I did end up liking him, though I wasn't sure at first. And feeling a bit sorry for him, even though I'm not on his side on that issue. I already have a ship. Fingers crossed I'll find out if I'm right in the next book.
I loved spending so much time with all my old friends from the Surveyor. Even if one of them (and possibly another?) is never coming back. :( They're like family. My Firmament family. And I love them so much.
And need the next book, like, right now.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews