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The Shantivira #1
The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station
There’s an alien space station orbiting the Earth, secretly protecting us from invasion. And it’s recruiting humans like you to train as fighter pilots.
A cozy sci-fi first contact adventure.
Since leaving Ethiopia, Hanna Abebe has survived in London by working illegally as a cleaner. But her life unravels after a sexual assault; living rough, she loses the resulting pregnancy and very nearly her life. Help arrives and Hanna’s rescuers welcome her into an unusual new family: a school for recruits to the Shantivira, the secret space station which protects the Earth. Then Hanna uncovers a traitor in their midst…
Lucy Cooper is horse riding on Dartmoor when a mysterious shape-shifter appears out of the mist and offers her a place on the Shantivira’s fighter pilot training programme. Unnerved, Lucy’s instinct is to refuse. But an organisation claiming the Shantivira’s motives are more sinister approaches her and persuades her to become their spy…
Joe Llewellyn is bored. Being the captain of the Shantivira isn’t the challenge he’d hoped. Plus, he’d like to inform the Earth about aliens, but his boss won’t permit it. Then a stray asteroid hits the International Space Station and Joe is forced to let the cat out of the bag…
This uplifting blend of fantasy and science fiction is a must-read for fans of Becky Chambers, Ursula Le Guin, Ben Aaronovitch, Douglas Adams and Doctor Who.
A cozy sci-fi first contact adventure.
Since leaving Ethiopia, Hanna Abebe has survived in London by working illegally as a cleaner. But her life unravels after a sexual assault; living rough, she loses the resulting pregnancy and very nearly her life. Help arrives and Hanna’s rescuers welcome her into an unusual new family: a school for recruits to the Shantivira, the secret space station which protects the Earth. Then Hanna uncovers a traitor in their midst…
Lucy Cooper is horse riding on Dartmoor when a mysterious shape-shifter appears out of the mist and offers her a place on the Shantivira’s fighter pilot training programme. Unnerved, Lucy’s instinct is to refuse. But an organisation claiming the Shantivira’s motives are more sinister approaches her and persuades her to become their spy…
Joe Llewellyn is bored. Being the captain of the Shantivira isn’t the challenge he’d hoped. Plus, he’d like to inform the Earth about aliens, but his boss won’t permit it. Then a stray asteroid hits the International Space Station and Joe is forced to let the cat out of the bag…
This uplifting blend of fantasy and science fiction is a must-read for fans of Becky Chambers, Ursula Le Guin, Ben Aaronovitch, Douglas Adams and Doctor Who.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2021
353 people are currently reading
3215 people want to read
About the author
Fay Abernethy
4 books26 followersFay Abernethy left the UK more than twenty-five years ago, seeking adventure. When not diving with sharks or falling off horses, she worked as an engineer in the automotive industry. After settling down in Germany with the man of her dreams, she went freelance and started her own translating business.
She now lives the life of a respectable citizen and has discovered that being a parent is the greatest adventure of them all.
Why does she write? Long story . . .
Over a decade ago, Fay was struggling to look after two small children, while running her translating business and feeling powerless about the climate crisis. She retreated into an escapist fantasy world, populating it with larger-than-life characters.
This world became so huge, she started writing it down to keep track. At the same time, she discovered eco non-fiction and realised: the solutions to our planetary predicament are already available, but many people don’t know about them.
Communicating this knowledge to a wider audience, in an entertaining package, became her mission. Her solarpunk books combine her fantasy world and characters with the eco-transition concepts she loves reading about. She hopes to get people thinking about what kind of world we want to live in, and the part they might play in bringing it about.
Get your free copy of the prequel to The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station: The Man with the Dragon Tattoo.
Facebook: Fay Abernethy Books
Instagram: Fay Abernethy Books
Pinterest: Fay Abernethy Books
She now lives the life of a respectable citizen and has discovered that being a parent is the greatest adventure of them all.
Why does she write? Long story . . .
Over a decade ago, Fay was struggling to look after two small children, while running her translating business and feeling powerless about the climate crisis. She retreated into an escapist fantasy world, populating it with larger-than-life characters.
This world became so huge, she started writing it down to keep track. At the same time, she discovered eco non-fiction and realised: the solutions to our planetary predicament are already available, but many people don’t know about them.
Communicating this knowledge to a wider audience, in an entertaining package, became her mission. Her solarpunk books combine her fantasy world and characters with the eco-transition concepts she loves reading about. She hopes to get people thinking about what kind of world we want to live in, and the part they might play in bringing it about.
Get your free copy of the prequel to The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station: The Man with the Dragon Tattoo.
Facebook: Fay Abernethy Books
Instagram: Fay Abernethy Books
Pinterest: Fay Abernethy Books
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
May 18, 2022
What if a secret alien space station orbited the Earth, protecting us from extra-terrestrial invasion?
I would have named this "The Cleaner, the Spy and the Space Station," as the spy character is much more relevant and interesting, than the shape-shifting alien cat.
In the vain of Becky Chambers, this heart-warming space adventure delves into the characters more than it does into the plot. Every dramatic scene in the book ends quickly, easily, and with as little danger as possible, so if you are looking for a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat space adventure, this isn't for you.
However, if you enjoy a nicely told, easily wrapped up, all the loose ends neatly tied with a bow, this is for you.
The only true danger was the opening scene: When a nineteen-year-old Ethiopian orphan, Hanna, surviving in London by working illegally as a cleaner, almost loses her life in the opening scene, I thought - now this is thrilling! But after that drama, the book settled down into an imaginative tale that explores the gap between our current-day society and what it needs to become if we want to still be here in the future. Who are we? What kind of people are we? Do we fit in with the (mostly) peace-loving aliens that make up the rest of the galaxy?
I was highly invested in the characters; but not the plot.
I would have named this "The Cleaner, the Spy and the Space Station," as the spy character is much more relevant and interesting, than the shape-shifting alien cat.
In the vain of Becky Chambers, this heart-warming space adventure delves into the characters more than it does into the plot. Every dramatic scene in the book ends quickly, easily, and with as little danger as possible, so if you are looking for a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat space adventure, this isn't for you.
However, if you enjoy a nicely told, easily wrapped up, all the loose ends neatly tied with a bow, this is for you.
The only true danger was the opening scene: When a nineteen-year-old Ethiopian orphan, Hanna, surviving in London by working illegally as a cleaner, almost loses her life in the opening scene, I thought - now this is thrilling! But after that drama, the book settled down into an imaginative tale that explores the gap between our current-day society and what it needs to become if we want to still be here in the future. Who are we? What kind of people are we? Do we fit in with the (mostly) peace-loving aliens that make up the rest of the galaxy?
I was highly invested in the characters; but not the plot.
January 10, 2022
So imaginative!
VERY well written story (good editing too - refreshing!), fantastic imagination went into this storyline, great descriptions of the characters and surroundings. If you like space, alien stories and technology you'll enjoy this wonderful book - I'm looking forward to the next installment! Thanks Fay Abernethy for the adventure!
VERY well written story (good editing too - refreshing!), fantastic imagination went into this storyline, great descriptions of the characters and surroundings. If you like space, alien stories and technology you'll enjoy this wonderful book - I'm looking forward to the next installment! Thanks Fay Abernethy for the adventure!
January 3, 2022
The blurb was intriguing and I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't get into it. There was too much happening with too little explanation, too little emotional response, or time to reflect/process, too soon for me to get a feel for the characters introduced, much less care what happens to them - and I generally like complex stories with larger 'casts'. It's as if the author was in a hurry to get things set up so they can get on with the story, but not building a sturdy enough stage for them to stand on. Did not make it to the 10% mark. I'm sure, based on other reviews, it would be better if I had persevered but my to-read list is long and other books are calling... May revisit later.
September 24, 2022
Very interesting world building takes place here - you definitely must be open to stretching your imagination to fully appreciate what the author has created here. While the story takes place over the course of multiple POVs, the importance of the plot is very prominently built throughout each. The idea that we must collectively change our viewpoint of the world to ensure it’s survival through change is what the author attempts to showcase. While I came to understand this upon finishing, I felt the multiple POVs deterred a bit from you making that conclusion and often confuses you especially in the beginning. If the story was designed around a singular character’s journey for part 1, I would have enjoyed the journey more.
August 26, 2021
SciFi without the hard macho!
No need for full on complex hard science fiction. This is a story about people dealing with their challenges and resolving conflicts between their prejudices and social conscience. Accepting our imperfections and those of others is the journey towards a better understanding of a bigger society that we must learn to thrive within and eliminate the barriers to realising a shared global consciousness. We have only one planet to live on. Make it last!
No need for full on complex hard science fiction. This is a story about people dealing with their challenges and resolving conflicts between their prejudices and social conscience. Accepting our imperfections and those of others is the journey towards a better understanding of a bigger society that we must learn to thrive within and eliminate the barriers to realising a shared global consciousness. We have only one planet to live on. Make it last!
December 11, 2021
Amazingly Awesome Adventures
This is a rousing tail of tall ships and men of oak!
Maybe not. Instead a tale of strong women and men, space battles, dragons, 8 armed aliens, cyborgs, kelpie, teleportation, mad scientists, high level politics, and the International Space Station. And a love affair with a panther, a tree nymph, a silver alien and gun toting piratical types, students and teachers, with world travel, other world sightseeing and mountain climbing in the Alps.
This is a rousing tail of tall ships and men of oak!
Maybe not. Instead a tale of strong women and men, space battles, dragons, 8 armed aliens, cyborgs, kelpie, teleportation, mad scientists, high level politics, and the International Space Station. And a love affair with a panther, a tree nymph, a silver alien and gun toting piratical types, students and teachers, with world travel, other world sightseeing and mountain climbing in the Alps.
December 31, 2021
This is a book that will make you think. It may even invite you to think things you have never thought about before. Hanna is a refugee in London working illegally as a cleaner, but there's something about her that attracts attention, even when she is doing her utmost to stay under the radar. One night she notices a black cat that's been hanging around. It turns out the cat was much more than a cat. The cat introduces her to some other folks who are willing to help her. They, in turn, help her to meet more people. Hanna ends up in a training program aboard a huge space station that orbits the Earth, working to keep us all safe from alien invasion. Hanna is a natural pilot and she meets others training to pilot fighter craft to keep Earth safe. As you meet the people in this book, those thoughts I mentioned before will begin to populate your brain. I'm pretty sure you will love this book.
September 5, 2022
The novel starts off with the cleaner, Hannah, in a totally desperate situation. However, due to her initial loss, she finds a new family and an entirely new life. This story, though, is not only about Hannah, the cat and the space station, it‘s also about love, friendship and the future of humankind.
I‘m looking very much forward to reading the second part!
I‘m looking very much forward to reading the second part!
March 8, 2022
i really wanted to like this book….But, there were sooo many characters I just couldn’t keep track of the characters and the circumstances were just too confusing. I really wanted to like this book because of all the positive reviews. But, it was just too complicated.
Read
May 1, 2024Didn’t finish it. I couldn’t get into it, it didn’t catch me, it was just kind of weird and i wasn’t intrigued to continue reading it
July 19, 2023
Fun refreshing sci-fi adventure with a cast of culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, and also a-long-way-from-perfect therefore relatable characters…. A cautionary tale about the state of our planet, with an optimistic twist, exploiting through fiction many technological and other avenues that could allow Humanity to 1. Survive and 2. Live up to our potential. Some simplification and a bit of a western/ developed country bias in writing was probably unescapable, but the author has really tried to address some of the most classic issues like racism, poverty and migration.
It reads well, has tons of humour and both super nice and not so nice aliens… characters have back stories you uncover as you go, they develop, they realise that they were wrong… some mistakes actually turn out into opportunities. Overall a fun story filled with loads of positive feeling and optimism.
I love the non-fiction bibliography on the issues raised at the end, from which the author drew her inspiration.
It reads well, has tons of humour and both super nice and not so nice aliens… characters have back stories you uncover as you go, they develop, they realise that they were wrong… some mistakes actually turn out into opportunities. Overall a fun story filled with loads of positive feeling and optimism.
I love the non-fiction bibliography on the issues raised at the end, from which the author drew her inspiration.
October 13, 2022
With The Cleaner, the Cat and the Space Station, Fay Abernethy begins a promising new series that will delight fans of Becky Chambers.
The characters, whether human or alien, are believable, the settings are detailed, and the action is just exciting enough. Personally, I've had enough of reading things that make me tense!
The science and politics also feel right, and I absolutely loved the underlying emphasis on social collaboration and the environment that so offended one Goodreads reviewer (much to my amusement). I'd move to Syenitia in a heartbeat!
As some other reviewers have mentioned, the only bit I didn't feel quite fitted was the whole Cat thing. It felt to me like this was something the author loved and wanted to write about but which didn't quite gel with the rest of the book.
Then again, this is the start of a series, and I'm sure it'll all make sense in the end. More please!
The characters, whether human or alien, are believable, the settings are detailed, and the action is just exciting enough. Personally, I've had enough of reading things that make me tense!
The science and politics also feel right, and I absolutely loved the underlying emphasis on social collaboration and the environment that so offended one Goodreads reviewer (much to my amusement). I'd move to Syenitia in a heartbeat!
As some other reviewers have mentioned, the only bit I didn't feel quite fitted was the whole Cat thing. It felt to me like this was something the author loved and wanted to write about but which didn't quite gel with the rest of the book.
Then again, this is the start of a series, and I'm sure it'll all make sense in the end. More please!
December 28, 2023
A great thoughtful read
Some insightful reading giving thought to what a civilised alien society is like and the ideals it wants others to develop and share. Surrounded with a likeable array of characters learning about themselves led a by shape shifting creature from the time of creation.
Some insightful reading giving thought to what a civilised alien society is like and the ideals it wants others to develop and share. Surrounded with a likeable array of characters learning about themselves led a by shape shifting creature from the time of creation.
March 17, 2024
A wonderful start to a new series.
The characters are wonderful, complex, and quirky. The plots are twisty and interesting. The world building is fantastic. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
The characters are wonderful, complex, and quirky. The plots are twisty and interesting. The world building is fantastic. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
December 18, 2024
terrific space adventure
Terrific story good science great characters v fast moving highly recommended. I hope there is a sequel a good Christmas present
Terrific story good science great characters v fast moving highly recommended. I hope there is a sequel a good Christmas present
July 9, 2023
A positive near-future
I enjoyed this view of current issues with a view toward how it could be one day. I can hope!
I enjoyed this view of current issues with a view toward how it could be one day. I can hope!
January 4, 2022
Amazing
Full of feasible ideas on how first contact might actually work, great characters wonderful storylines with every chapter giving you at least one more thing to wrap your head around. Be warned if you start reading this you are going to lose sleep it's one of those you can't put down, I guarantee it will also change the way you look at the world, highly recommend this is a must read, Baz
Full of feasible ideas on how first contact might actually work, great characters wonderful storylines with every chapter giving you at least one more thing to wrap your head around. Be warned if you start reading this you are going to lose sleep it's one of those you can't put down, I guarantee it will also change the way you look at the world, highly recommend this is a must read, Baz
March 23, 2023
This fascinating story is truly unlike anything I've ever read before. I confess I'm not the biggest sci-fi reader, but this was truly unique.
Using the wider lens that space provides of the Earth, the writer prevents a plausible set of solutions for so many of our problems on Earth. Not only are there some fantastic ideas around living sustainably but also socially ... This is a book that is truly diverse and I don't mean in the box-tick fashion that a lot of books have now. This is normalised diversity - harmony - demonstrated.
I found the plot to be steadily built up but with an energetic pace. Concepts are explained in a way that anyone could understand but not over explained. The writer seems to have excellent understanding of what the reader might want it need to know and generally the work came over impressively well research while providing adventure and emotion.
If you have even a passing interest in current global issues, space, sustainability, human rights, outer space or aliens... Then this book is absolutely worth a try.
Using the wider lens that space provides of the Earth, the writer prevents a plausible set of solutions for so many of our problems on Earth. Not only are there some fantastic ideas around living sustainably but also socially ... This is a book that is truly diverse and I don't mean in the box-tick fashion that a lot of books have now. This is normalised diversity - harmony - demonstrated.
I found the plot to be steadily built up but with an energetic pace. Concepts are explained in a way that anyone could understand but not over explained. The writer seems to have excellent understanding of what the reader might want it need to know and generally the work came over impressively well research while providing adventure and emotion.
If you have even a passing interest in current global issues, space, sustainability, human rights, outer space or aliens... Then this book is absolutely worth a try.
January 20, 2024
A surprisingly entertaining read with hidden gems
This is a very entertaining book with some good concepts hidden within the storyline. We do need to change our thinking. We are now at a point in our world where we can choose consciously our future. It will be better for all of us if we base our choices on Hope rather than on fear. Yet we must protect our planet because in protecting our planet we protect ourselves.
This is a very entertaining book with some good concepts hidden within the storyline. We do need to change our thinking. We are now at a point in our world where we can choose consciously our future. It will be better for all of us if we base our choices on Hope rather than on fear. Yet we must protect our planet because in protecting our planet we protect ourselves.
December 16, 2023
Fun book on to the next in the series
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that She never stops writing. Her books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that She never stops writing. Her books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
March 29, 2024
Really enjoyed it.
The title caught my eye, and from there was transported to a secret space station by way of my home county (Shropshire)
It was an enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to more tales of the space station.
The title caught my eye, and from there was transported to a secret space station by way of my home county (Shropshire)
It was an enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to more tales of the space station.
March 1, 2024
A tragic beginning, a curious and unexpected middle with a spectacular ending that could go in so many directions !
I love Kitty!!! She probably intrigued me most.
Spies in the skies.
Totally worth the read and sticks with you long after it’s done.
I love Kitty!!! She probably intrigued me most.
Spies in the skies.
Totally worth the read and sticks with you long after it’s done.
February 18, 2022
I hope there’s another book coming!
Really good story with engaging characters. I’m glad for the science too. I’ll be looking at the claim of how much is currently possible!
Really good story with engaging characters. I’m glad for the science too. I’ll be looking at the claim of how much is currently possible!
February 5, 2024
I had a few issues with this overall nice and cozy read.
First, the title suggests a person/cleaner on a spacestation with a cat. After getting to know Hanna (who was a cleaner up to the moment the story starts) I would not see or remember her as a cleaner. It just doesn't fit with me.
And second, while it has some really nice ideas and arguments presented during the story, the story itself gets drowned by, well, info-dumping. Info dumping and a kind of slice of life storytelling of the characters. There was no tension whatsoever for me in the whole book. It was more about propagating a positive view on the future.
While I get the authors mission and approve, I did not get enough out of it for me to continue the series.
First, the title suggests a person/cleaner on a spacestation with a cat. After getting to know Hanna (who was a cleaner up to the moment the story starts) I would not see or remember her as a cleaner. It just doesn't fit with me.
And second, while it has some really nice ideas and arguments presented during the story, the story itself gets drowned by, well, info-dumping. Info dumping and a kind of slice of life storytelling of the characters. There was no tension whatsoever for me in the whole book. It was more about propagating a positive view on the future.
While I get the authors mission and approve, I did not get enough out of it for me to continue the series.
June 21, 2023
Great Story
The characters were flawed and credible. I liked them all. I enjoyed the plot and the interplay between the characters. Loved Kitty. I would be interested in reading the next chapter in this adventure.
The characters were flawed and credible. I liked them all. I enjoyed the plot and the interplay between the characters. Loved Kitty. I would be interested in reading the next chapter in this adventure.
January 6, 2024
I thought I detected early reading of Anne McCaffrey in some of the world building. This is fabulous, blending mythology, science fiction, fantasy, engineering and economics. How the world could be if profit wasn't king. Just lovely. Warm. These books are a fast, enjoyable read. Would love to talk to this author!
September 23, 2025
This book was really well written and the characters were well developed - it was nice to see the characters have different motivations and flaws as well as plus points so they didn’t feel one dimensional. Will definitely read the rest of the series
March 14, 2023
Unlike any sci fi I have read so far. I struggled in places to keep characters straight--there were a LOT, but there were also a lot of elements these disparate characters represented.
March 6, 2023
I originally picked this book up because there was a cat in the title. I am a sucker for books about cats, but this isn't really one of them. While there really isn't a kitty cat in the story I still enjoyed the book. There was a lot going on but it was easy enough to follow. It does seem there was a possibility of a sequel that I would read. The characters are very endearing and I truly cared about what happened to them.
June 7, 2023
Highly Thought Proking Tongue in Cheek Space Opera
A rollicking, fun read full of different nationalities & aliens, aliens, aliens. A tale that makes you think deeply & laugh out loud. A truly new way of considering Earth's place in our galaxy. Would we survive & thrive first contact or go totally out of control into a final devastating world ending war?
A rollicking, fun read full of different nationalities & aliens, aliens, aliens. A tale that makes you think deeply & laugh out loud. A truly new way of considering Earth's place in our galaxy. Would we survive & thrive first contact or go totally out of control into a final devastating world ending war?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews