Will I love Astray?

I love a good space opera series, and Jenny Schwartz always delivers. I found her Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist series back in 2021.

Unlike many space operas, this series doesn’t depend on war and the military to drive its plot. While the military presence exists, the main thrust of the story involves Nora Devi, a solo exploration pilot searching deep space.

I’m new to Jenny Schwartz’s writing, but I find her books hard to put down! It’s character-driven sci-fi at its best. In this series, you follow two excellent characters, Nora and Liam. Nora ultimately becomes a bit of a Mary Sue. Still, her journey to power and influence is fascinating, and it’s a lot of fun watching her face down and outmaneuver those who consider themselves her better.

I also love how Schwartz throws you curveballs. Those you think are enemies unexpectedly become friends, and vice versa. It’s one of the best ways I’ve seen an author drive home how… show more.

I’ve always liked reading science fiction ever since reading Star Trek books when I was young. In this space opera, Nora Devi has a past that could get her killed, or worse, if it’s discovered.

Working alone as a tagger along the border, she figures she’s safe from discovery. But a young girl and a war hero assigned to the sector threaten to disrupt her safe, if lonely life. Working with a rogue AI from an ancient civilization, Jenny tries to help without getting noticed.

An intriguing look into how human civilizations can develop.