Paperback, 464 pages
English language
Published July 11, 2022 by Orbit.
When an army of giant robot AIs threatens to devastate Earth, a virtuoso pianist becomes humanity's last hope in this bold, lightning-paced, technicolor space opera series from the author of A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe.
Jazz pianist Gus Kitko expected to spend his final moments on Earth playing piano at the greatest goodbye party of all time, and maybe kissing rockstar Ardent Violet, before the last of humanity is wiped out forever by the Vanguards--ultra-powerful robots from the dark heart of space, hell-bent on destroying humanity for reasons none can divine.
But when the Vanguards arrive, the unthinkable happens--the mecha that should be killing Gus instead saves him. Suddenly, Gus's swan song becomes humanity's encore, as he is chosen to join a small group of traitorous Vanguards and their pilots dedicated to saving humanity.
Madcap mashup of music theory appreciation, 80s mech battles, queer and starstruck. The first third's dry and cataclysmic wit at the end of the world shifts to a somewhat more conventional (?) military space soap opera rom com, I do wish it had kept the gay piano bar Douglas Adams vibe more prominent.
This was metal, jazz, pop and big ass robots.
The set-up here was straight from Mass Effect and the intention was to deliver a 'big screen' experience. I was thoroughly entertained.
Whilst there were some minor key moments this was mostly power cords to the face and it all pulled together very well.
I am giving it a recommend and will definitely look at the sequel.
