I was a little intimidated by this book, mostly because I don’t read sci-fi. Like ever. But I’d heard many good things about it, even from readers like me who don’t know the genre, so I thought I’d give it a try, knowing full well that I put down far more books than I keep reading. I was wary though, made so by a couple other reviews. I guess I went in expecting, maybe even looking for those “flaws,” for lack of a better word. But what I found was something completely different from what I expected.

CassaStar is not purely science fiction. I suppose if it had been, I would have put it down. I’d been warned that it wasn’t heavy on world-building or technology as so many other books in this genre typically are. Well, that’s a good thing. I just can’t get into that sort of stuff. I suppose that’s due to the woman in me rather than the purist reader. I want a story that has heart and soul, and CassaStar has both, in spades.

You see, this isn’t simply a story about a cocky young star fighter looking to prove his mettle. CassaStar is about taking risks and making personal sacrifices; it’s about insecurity, loneliness and abandonment, about love and companionship, friendship and acceptance. And more than anything else, CassaStar is about trust.

I’ve had my problems with all these issues, so it kind of felt like the author was writing to me, for me, and about me. And although Byron wasn’t always the most likeable fellow, I did understand him, where he was coming from, and what he was searching for. Even when the scene was neck-deep in battle, laser fire, and cunning starship maneuvers, the undertone was always about trust and friendship.

I so rarely stick with a book, yet CassaStar immediately pulled me in and kept me there. I enjoyed the characters and the voice, the pace and the plot. Is it a perfect novel? No, but then most books rarely are, especially debut attempts. What it is, is a solid story of human companionship and how even the most hardened among us can and will benefit from the love and support of another human being. To imply the message and theme of CassaStar is anything other than that is a testament to the reviewers own hang-ups and insecurities. I believe we could all learn a thing or two from CassaStar.

Five big Ninja throwing stars, Mr. Cavanaugh! Well done!