Title: How to Steal a GalaxyAuthor: Beth Revis
Series: Chaotic Orbits #2
Pages: 192
Publication Date: Dec. 3, 2024
Publisher: DAW
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Sci-fi
Synopsis:
A high octane sexy space heist from New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis, the second in a novella trilogyAda had no intention whatsoever to continue working for the rebel group that hired her to retrieve the government’s plans for a nanobot climate cleaner if they weren’t willing to pay her for it, but then they offer a different an undercover mission to a charity gala where Rian will be in attendance. Rian, meanwhile, has volunteered his services for the gala believing that the rare items up for auction will attract Ada’s eye. Hoping to catch her in the act and pin her with a punishable crime, Rian has no idea that Ada’s real mission is to convince him to join the rebels. And the rebels have no idea that Ada’s decided that kidnapping Rian is the most efficient means to an end.
How to Steal the Galaxy continues the sexy, rip-roaring good time that Beth Revis began in Full Speed to a Crash Landing, with the return of Ada, Rian, and all the tension, twists, and turns that made the first novella so much fun.
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This is the second novella in the Chaotic Orbits series, and though it isn’t as action-packed and intense as the first book, Full Speed to a Crash Landing, it was still a quick and entertaining read.
The story picks up not long after the ending of Full Speed to a Crash Landing with Ada attending a posh gala with the directive to steal something of importance. Of course, Ada has more than one scheme going on, and the reader (and Rian) is left trying to figure out what her true motives are. Rian, knowing that Ada will be there, is also in attendance, and he is determined to ensure Ada doesn’t trick him again.
After the surprising twist at the end of the last book, I was really interested in seeing how Rian would react to seeing Ada again. They have such amazing chemistry, but lies, subterfuge, distrust, and opposing political views are some hefty obstacles for the pair to face. I love their banter and the sexual tension between them, and I can’t wait to see what happens with them in the next story!
What really stands out in this novella is Ada. She’s a complex and fascinating protagonist with a quick wit and sharp intellect. Morally grey and more than a little shady, Ada isn’t the most reliable narrator, as she always seems to be hiding something, but that’s part of the fun of the story – you never know what she’s going to do next or what her real intentions are.
This novella also delves deeper into the political unrest in the galaxy as well as social and environmental issues that feel relatable despite the sci-fi setting and premise. Even in space, you can’t get away from greedy leaders who thrive in a capitalist culture, and it’s interesting to see Rian and Ada’s views on what’s happening since they both want the same thing, to save the people and planets, but go about it in different ways.
I’m loving this series! It’s fun and exciting, and it is a great balance of suspense, romance, and humor. I can’t wait for book three and am hoping we’ll see more of the Halifax crew in the next book. Special thanks to NetGalley and DAW for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
It’s rare that anyone listens to words they don’t want to hear, rarer still when the speaker’s not the one in power.
Regrets are more fun when the choices they derive from are made intentionally.
Beth Revis writes books. She also eats too much chocolate, wishes she could travel more, and prefers puppies to people. Beth lives in rural NC with her boys: one husband, one son, two very large puppies.
Brilliant review, Julie! I agree with so much of this, it was nowhere near as action packed as the first, but I still found it a super quick read. I love Ava and Rians interactions, and enjoyed getting a deeper dive into the political side with this one 🙂
Me too – can’t wait to read the next one!
I also enjoyed the first book and just got approved for the audio of this one, so will do a read/listen soon. I am looking forward to it. Great review, Julie.
I can’t wait to read your thoughts on it!