Sailing by Orion's Star by Katie Crabb

This novel has a gripping narrative, a splendid mix of heroes and villains, suspense, action, and an ending which leaves you wanting more. It is also very well written. What sets this novel apart is the depth of characterisation. All the main protagonists are developed in depth. They have back stories, clear motivations, strengths and weaknesses. They exhibit shades of grey and are often conflicted. Readers cannot help but develop a vested interest in them, and engage with their trials. The central characters live in the reader’s mind long after the last page. 

The novel also, with very little discomfort, effectively includes modern themes of race and gender. Much of the time, it works surprisingly well and feels uncontrived.

Faults? Well, the younger characters aren’t always convincing, and there is some repetition of dialogue. The occasional use of very modern phrases or slang in dialogue can jar in a story which takes place a couple of hundred years ago. However, the strengths of the book far outweigh these minor weaknesses.

An excellent novel and a thoroughly good read.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sailing-Orions-Star-Constellation-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B09VMNYKM2