The Last Watch: A novel of the Divide by J. S. Dewes. Tor Books. 477 pages.
A lot of times when I have picked up a science fiction novel, I find that it excels in one or two areas, such as story or characterization, but lacks in something else, such as science. I was pleased to find that this new author, which I have never read before, checked all the boxes. This is a good science fiction novel, and I would suggest it borders on hard science fiction, although it presents itself as space opera. But before I get too far down the road, here’s the Amazon description:
The Divide.
It’s the edge of the universe.
Now it’s collapsing―and taking everyone and everything with it.
The only ones who can stop it are the Sentinels―the recruits, exiles, and court-martialed dregs of the military.
At the Divide, Adequin Rake commands the Argus. She has no resources, no comms―nothing, except for the soldiers that no one wanted. Her ace in the hole could be Cavalon Mercer–genius, asshole, and exiled prince who nuked his grandfather’s genetic facility for “reasons.”
She knows they’re humanity’s last chance.
Often science fiction, or more specifically, military science fiction focuses on the story and the science, but doesn’t build good characters. The people mentioned are cardboard cutouts, individuals we don’t really care about. That’s not the case here. This is a well-rounded book, and even at 477 pages doesn’t lag at all. I can’t say enough good about it, and I look forward to getting the second book in the series.
In addition, as I check it out on Amazon, it has a list of awards that it won as long as my arm.
Enough said. Get this book. Get it today.
Five out of five stars.
The Great Adventure 