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Chaotic Orbits #2
How to Steal a Galaxy
A high octane sexy space heist from New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis, the second in a novella trilogy
Ada 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.
Ada 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.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2024
123 people are currently reading
1675 people want to read
About the author
Beth Revis
57 books6,696 followersBeth 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 596 reviews
December 27, 2024
3.5 Stars! 🌌 How to Steal a Galaxy was one glamorous, chaotic ride! 🚀 First off, a PSA for my fellow bookworms: if you haven’t read Full Speed to a Crash Landing recently, DO NOT PASS GO. Seriously, grab a refresher first, or you’ll be more lost than a spaceship without GPS. 🛸 (Learn from my mistakes, okay?) Also, maybe wait until the trilogy is complete, because this one feels like the “we’re setting up for the finale” episode.
✨ Tropes! ✨
✧ Enemies to lovers 💘
✧ Space heist vibes 🛸
✧ High-stakes gala drama 🎭
✧ Witty banter galore 💬
✧ Strong, morally gray FMC 🖤
✧ “I’m watching you” obsession 👀
✧ One-night-only setting 🕛
✧ Environmentally conscious undertones 🌍
✧ Slow-burn tension that’s killing me 🔥
Okay, let’s talk vibes. Imagine the Met Gala, but in SPACE. 👗✨ Glitter, celebs, paparazzi drones, and enough drama to fuel a thousand rom-coms. Sounds perfect, right? Well… sort of. While the setting slayed, the plot kinda didn’t. It felt more like a sparkly filler episode than the next epic chapter I was craving. Also, WHERE WAS THE SPACE?! I came for galaxies and got stuck in a museum. 😭
That said, Ada? My chaotic queen! 👑 She’s morally gray, unpredictable, and so sharp she could cut you with her wit. Her energy carried the whole book. Rian, on the other hand, is serving “I’m smarter than you” vibes, but Ada’s over here playing chess while he’s stuck on checkers. 😂 Their chemistry? Electric. I need more of their tension-fueled banter ASAP.
The ending was such a tease, leaving me with more questions than answers. 🌀 Book three, you better deliver the SPACE DRAMA and wrap this galaxy up with a big, twisty bow!
CW:
- Environmental destruction
- Mild violence
- Betrayal/trust issues
Final thoughts: This was fun, shiny, and twisty, but it didn’t quite hit like book one. Would I recommend it? Yep, but only after the trilogy is complete. Save yourself the agony of waiting, and binge-read when it’s all out. Future you will thank you. 🤞✨
✨ Tropes! ✨
✧ Enemies to lovers 💘
✧ Space heist vibes 🛸
✧ High-stakes gala drama 🎭
✧ Witty banter galore 💬
✧ Strong, morally gray FMC 🖤
✧ “I’m watching you” obsession 👀
✧ One-night-only setting 🕛
✧ Environmentally conscious undertones 🌍
✧ Slow-burn tension that’s killing me 🔥
Okay, let’s talk vibes. Imagine the Met Gala, but in SPACE. 👗✨ Glitter, celebs, paparazzi drones, and enough drama to fuel a thousand rom-coms. Sounds perfect, right? Well… sort of. While the setting slayed, the plot kinda didn’t. It felt more like a sparkly filler episode than the next epic chapter I was craving. Also, WHERE WAS THE SPACE?! I came for galaxies and got stuck in a museum. 😭
That said, Ada? My chaotic queen! 👑 She’s morally gray, unpredictable, and so sharp she could cut you with her wit. Her energy carried the whole book. Rian, on the other hand, is serving “I’m smarter than you” vibes, but Ada’s over here playing chess while he’s stuck on checkers. 😂 Their chemistry? Electric. I need more of their tension-fueled banter ASAP.
The ending was such a tease, leaving me with more questions than answers. 🌀 Book three, you better deliver the SPACE DRAMA and wrap this galaxy up with a big, twisty bow!
CW:
- Environmental destruction
- Mild violence
- Betrayal/trust issues
Final thoughts: This was fun, shiny, and twisty, but it didn’t quite hit like book one. Would I recommend it? Yep, but only after the trilogy is complete. Save yourself the agony of waiting, and binge-read when it’s all out. Future you will thank you. 🤞✨
December 5, 2024
*Many thank to NetGalley for providing me an early audiobook in exchange for an honest review.*
4 out of 5 stars!
Ada isa bit a lot unhinged.
______________________
Ever since I joined Goodreads i was obsessed with the idea of reading Beth Revis’ ‘Across the Universe’ trilogy, never found the right time to pick them up, sadly. Then I started showing major interesting in her other new book series, haven’t had the chance to read those either.
So, I feel like this is a sign for me to finally pick up a book by this author. Although, I have to read the first instalment in this trilogy first, in order to understand this one.
Either way, I’m beyond excited!!
4 out of 5 stars!
Ada is
______________________
Ever since I joined Goodreads i was obsessed with the idea of reading Beth Revis’ ‘Across the Universe’ trilogy, never found the right time to pick them up, sadly. Then I started showing major interesting in her other new book series, haven’t had the chance to read those either.
So, I feel like this is a sign for me to finally pick up a book by this author. Although, I have to read the first instalment in this trilogy first, in order to understand this one.
Either way, I’m beyond excited!!
December 5, 2024
Full Speed to a Crash Landing ✩✩✩½
How to Steal a Galaxy ✩✩✩✩✩
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
How to Steal a Galaxy is the second book in the Chaotic Orbits series featuring an unscrupulous Heroine who is always on a grift of some kind and this time she has agreed to go to a gala, steal something and make contact with Rian her crush, flirtation and the man she got one over on in the first book of the series.
Ada is fun! I wasn't sure how to take her in Full Speed to a Crash Landing but now that we all know what she is capable of, I was ready for the ride. Ada is on a mission and while she'd like to say it was for altruism to save Earth, the original one, not the spin offs, well that isn't the case. She took the job for money...and the chance to see Rian again. Ada's infatuation with him is cute and sometimes a little steamy in the PG-13 kind of way. Their interactions are worth reading the book, he knows she is trouble and up to something but he is struggling trying to figure out what it might be.
Rian has great intentions, but he works for the government and Ada is sure they can't be trusted. She and Rian might even have the same end goals but Ada's path is far different from the straight one Rian was planning on following. What follows was a fun, what is she up to fancy heist to set the stage for the final book in the series. How to Steal a Galaxy seemed like it had a slightly better flow than the first book in the series and made sure we learned a little more about both characters and their backstories. This made Ada much more relatable and helped to understand her actions.
Overall this has been a fun sci-fi heist series. Each of the books is a novella in length which makes it a quick fun ride that is action packed. Looking forward to seeing how everything plays out in the final book. Especially after Ada's intentions were revealed at the end of this book. It should be fun. And I think Beth Revis put it best in the acknowledgements.
How to Steal a Galaxy ✩✩✩✩✩
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
How to Steal a Galaxy is the second book in the Chaotic Orbits series featuring an unscrupulous Heroine who is always on a grift of some kind and this time she has agreed to go to a gala, steal something and make contact with Rian her crush, flirtation and the man she got one over on in the first book of the series.
Ada is fun! I wasn't sure how to take her in Full Speed to a Crash Landing but now that we all know what she is capable of, I was ready for the ride. Ada is on a mission and while she'd like to say it was for altruism to save Earth, the original one, not the spin offs, well that isn't the case. She took the job for money...and the chance to see Rian again. Ada's infatuation with him is cute and sometimes a little steamy in the PG-13 kind of way. Their interactions are worth reading the book, he knows she is trouble and up to something but he is struggling trying to figure out what it might be.
It’s amazing how people just keep going. Supervolcanoes, climate collapse, global pandemics, dissolution of society . . . and there are still farms in Indiana raising wholesome young women who grow up to work as double agents and look hot in red gowns.
Rian has great intentions, but he works for the government and Ada is sure they can't be trusted. She and Rian might even have the same end goals but Ada's path is far different from the straight one Rian was planning on following. What follows was a fun, what is she up to fancy heist to set the stage for the final book in the series. How to Steal a Galaxy seemed like it had a slightly better flow than the first book in the series and made sure we learned a little more about both characters and their backstories. This made Ada much more relatable and helped to understand her actions.
Overall this has been a fun sci-fi heist series. Each of the books is a novella in length which makes it a quick fun ride that is action packed. Looking forward to seeing how everything plays out in the final book. Especially after Ada's intentions were revealed at the end of this book. It should be fun. And I think Beth Revis put it best in the acknowledgements.
I threw everything I loved into it: heists and chaos and pretty dresses and saying the inside thoughts out loud and a little bit of social commentary and a little more chaos for fun.
July 29, 2024
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.
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.
December 11, 2024
First, if I were a booktuber and did Top 10 videos of the year, this audiobook would be on that list of Top 10 Audiobooks. Dara Rosenberg proves the difference between a narrator and a *voice actor*. I truly cannot overstate how WELL this was performed. I never once felt like a book was being read to me, instead, I felt like I was in a character's head and following them along through the story.
The plot overall is also extremely well done. In the first entry into this series, the book-specific plot was excellent and the beginnings of the series plot were laid out. In this entry, again the book-specific plot was exceptional but the growth of the series plot was really what kept me hooked.
You know when you are reading a book and it is first person, but yet the character never thinks about their devious plans so it shocks the reader when it all unfolds? It feels disingenuous - if we were IN THEIR HEAD, how did we not see this coming? This is not the case here. Our main character has thoughts and inner monologues about the big plan. Enough that we are kept intrigued, but not so much that anything is spoiled. We are hooked, wanting more. It strikes a balance so well that everything feels authentic, not as if the character keeps secrets from the reader.
If you are looking for a short but highly engaging read to help you hit your reading goals, or if you need a palette cleanser, or if you simply enjoy a delightfully entertaining sci-fi, I cannot recommend How to Steal a Galaxy (or really, the entire Chaotic Orbits series) enough. I will also recommend that you choose the audiobook experience, I do not think you will be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced listener copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot overall is also extremely well done. In the first entry into this series, the book-specific plot was excellent and the beginnings of the series plot were laid out. In this entry, again the book-specific plot was exceptional but the growth of the series plot was really what kept me hooked.
You know when you are reading a book and it is first person, but yet the character never thinks about their devious plans so it shocks the reader when it all unfolds? It feels disingenuous - if we were IN THEIR HEAD, how did we not see this coming? This is not the case here. Our main character has thoughts and inner monologues about the big plan. Enough that we are kept intrigued, but not so much that anything is spoiled. We are hooked, wanting more. It strikes a balance so well that everything feels authentic, not as if the character keeps secrets from the reader.
If you are looking for a short but highly engaging read to help you hit your reading goals, or if you need a palette cleanser, or if you simply enjoy a delightfully entertaining sci-fi, I cannot recommend How to Steal a Galaxy (or really, the entire Chaotic Orbits series) enough. I will also recommend that you choose the audiobook experience, I do not think you will be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an advanced listener copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 27, 2025
Oh this was so much fun and I loved the nod to river song and her lipstick. I can't wait to see how it ends.
December 3, 2024
How to Steal a Galaxy brings Rian back into Ada’s orbit. When a high stakes charity gala meant to bring life saving technology back to Earth is threatened by the very person in charge.
I’m really enjoying the creativity in this novella series. It’s silly, fun, and mysterious. Ada is a mastermind, I have no idea what she’s planning half the time! There wasn’t too much romance or tension in this one but I really liked the banter. I’m hooked with the setup for the third book, really looking forward to it!
Narration by Dara Rosenberg is so fun and upbeat. I love Ada’s snark and attitude, she really adds flourish to Ada’s character. While we don’t get a full performance from David Bendena, I thought his delivery was on par with Rian’s personality and how these characters play off each other. Well done!
Thank you DAW and Dreamscape Lore for the review copies.
I’m really enjoying the creativity in this novella series. It’s silly, fun, and mysterious. Ada is a mastermind, I have no idea what she’s planning half the time! There wasn’t too much romance or tension in this one but I really liked the banter. I’m hooked with the setup for the third book, really looking forward to it!
Narration by Dara Rosenberg is so fun and upbeat. I love Ada’s snark and attitude, she really adds flourish to Ada’s character. While we don’t get a full performance from David Bendena, I thought his delivery was on par with Rian’s personality and how these characters play off each other. Well done!
Thank you DAW and Dreamscape Lore for the review copies.
Read
February 23, 2025Give me MOOOOOORE, Beth!
October 20, 2024
This is second Novella in the Chaotic Orbits series. It attempts to continue the thrilling and imaginative space opera with romance and heist, but does not live up to the expectations as the first part.
Its a heist story set in a high profile museum on a different planet in another galaxy. Ada and Rian are back, with each having their own agenda and the precious item they want to steal. Their chemistry and the fun banter keeps the momentum going. They both are perfect enemy to lover embodiment.
The gala happening at the Museum is a exact replica of Met Gala. It has celebrity quotient, red carpet, paparazzi drones, adding bit of fun and glamour to the story but nothing more.
This is dystopian series and is based in a universe where humans have destroyed Earth's environment and have, "found other planets and named them Earth too, distinguishing them by their sun." Environment safety and a bleak future is an underlying commentary, which is difficult to ignore. I appreciate author's choice and creativity to blend this message neatly with the party noise and romantic banter.
Thanks to Netgalley for a digital arc in exchange of this honest review.
Series is going strong so far but yes, the first book was better than this one, keeping fingers crossed for the third one.
Its a heist story set in a high profile museum on a different planet in another galaxy. Ada and Rian are back, with each having their own agenda and the precious item they want to steal. Their chemistry and the fun banter keeps the momentum going. They both are perfect enemy to lover embodiment.
The gala happening at the Museum is a exact replica of Met Gala. It has celebrity quotient, red carpet, paparazzi drones, adding bit of fun and glamour to the story but nothing more.
This is dystopian series and is based in a universe where humans have destroyed Earth's environment and have, "found other planets and named them Earth too, distinguishing them by their sun." Environment safety and a bleak future is an underlying commentary, which is difficult to ignore. I appreciate author's choice and creativity to blend this message neatly with the party noise and romantic banter.
Thanks to Netgalley for a digital arc in exchange of this honest review.
Series is going strong so far but yes, the first book was better than this one, keeping fingers crossed for the third one.
August 31, 2025
This was fine. It feels really long for a 200 page book. I accidentally skipped book one (I swear my copy says absolutely nothing about being a series, which is ridiculous since I’m pretty sure it’s very much a direct sequel).
It’s not a huge deal? Kinda like if you accidentally read a Stephanie Plum book from the middle of the series. You can definitely still follow along but it was clear the characters had prior history.
I think this was light on the plot, heavy on the romance which just made it not for me. The main character kept teasing “he doesn’t know what I have up my sleeve…” I dislike this as a way to create suspense for a reader. Like I have to keep reading just to see what the plan is?
No, the suspense should come from seeing if you can carry off the plan, not just finding out what it is. It’s lazy and weak. If you can’t do that, it’s probably because you’re thin on plot in the first place (see point A.)
But I digress. Like I said, falls more into the Romantasy kinda genre than something I’d typically read. Would recommend to fans of those books because I do think the two leads had chemistry and the romance seems to be slow burn which can be hard to find these days. (Side note, there are no sex scenes, kissing only… in case that matters.. I know some readers like them and some don’t.)
On to the next.
It’s not a huge deal? Kinda like if you accidentally read a Stephanie Plum book from the middle of the series. You can definitely still follow along but it was clear the characters had prior history.
I think this was light on the plot, heavy on the romance which just made it not for me. The main character kept teasing “he doesn’t know what I have up my sleeve…” I dislike this as a way to create suspense for a reader. Like I have to keep reading just to see what the plan is?
No, the suspense should come from seeing if you can carry off the plan, not just finding out what it is. It’s lazy and weak. If you can’t do that, it’s probably because you’re thin on plot in the first place (see point A.)
But I digress. Like I said, falls more into the Romantasy kinda genre than something I’d typically read. Would recommend to fans of those books because I do think the two leads had chemistry and the romance seems to be slow burn which can be hard to find these days. (Side note, there are no sex scenes, kissing only… in case that matters.. I know some readers like them and some don’t.)
On to the next.
June 26, 2024
I'm going to be honest, I didn't really get anything more out of this one than I did the first one, which is a bit of a bummer, b u t, that ending kind of saved it. And I'm still thinking once the trilogy is complete it might be more fun and feel a little more solid overall?
Looking forward to the conclusion!
3.5 stars
Full review to come.
** I received an ARC from Edelweiss+ and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
Looking forward to the conclusion!
3.5 stars
Full review to come.
** I received an ARC from Edelweiss+ and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
February 25, 2025
The very definition of "filler book" or "middle book syndrome". Adds very little to the dtory and walks a lot around in circles. I'm, sadly, very disappointed.
May 28, 2025
Story: 4 stars
Audio: 5 stars
Narrator: Dara Rosenberg – David Bendena
Another great installment to the series. In this one we learn more about the universe and the dynamics between the various Earths.
The story picks up a few months later when both Ada and Rian attend to a charity gala. Rian is furious with her, though he knows that he can't legally accuse her for the heist she pulled on him. I think he is more furious with himself, the feelings that Ada evokes in him and how she managed to fool him. Ada of course has her own agenda for attending the gala and though Rian literally glues himself to her side all evening to prevent her accomplish her goals, she pulls through in the end. Surprised? Not me..
Now they are both on their way to Sol-Earth, Ada's homeworld to try another impossible mission.
On to Last Chance to Save the World I go.
Audio: 5 stars
Narrator: Dara Rosenberg – David Bendena
Another great installment to the series. In this one we learn more about the universe and the dynamics between the various Earths.
The story picks up a few months later when both Ada and Rian attend to a charity gala. Rian is furious with her, though he knows that he can't legally accuse her for the heist she pulled on him. I think he is more furious with himself, the feelings that Ada evokes in him and how she managed to fool him. Ada of course has her own agenda for attending the gala and though Rian literally glues himself to her side all evening to prevent her accomplish her goals, she pulls through in the end. Surprised? Not me..
Now they are both on their way to Sol-Earth, Ada's homeworld to try another impossible mission.
On to Last Chance to Save the World I go.
December 14, 2024
I love their dynamic.
June 30, 2024
Headlines:
Plots
Heists
I missed space
The story in this second installment picked up fairly soon after book one ended but I missed the space setting. This story was planet-side, completely set in one evening and pretty fast-paced.
Ada was a different persona yet again. She is the biggest double crosser that was ever written and she's not to be trusted. Yet she's such an interesting and likeable character. She's as grey as they come, with some integrity but we are yet to see if she really has Sol-Earth's best interests in mind or her pocket.
The chemistry between Ada and Rian is real and those splashes of connection on the page were great, but I need more! I loved where this novella ended up even if I didn't enjoy the majority of the journey as much as book one. I'm still eager to read the culmination.
Thank you to DAW for the eARC.
Plots
Heists
I missed space
The story in this second installment picked up fairly soon after book one ended but I missed the space setting. This story was planet-side, completely set in one evening and pretty fast-paced.
Ada was a different persona yet again. She is the biggest double crosser that was ever written and she's not to be trusted. Yet she's such an interesting and likeable character. She's as grey as they come, with some integrity but we are yet to see if she really has Sol-Earth's best interests in mind or her pocket.
The chemistry between Ada and Rian is real and those splashes of connection on the page were great, but I need more! I loved where this novella ended up even if I didn't enjoy the majority of the journey as much as book one. I'm still eager to read the culmination.
Thank you to DAW for the eARC.
August 20, 2025
What if Elon Musk-type businessmen were actually bad guys and entrusting all of us our resources to them was, in fact, a bad idea? What if, huh?
This series has so much to offer but it spends most of its time with Ada walking around thinking she's the smartest person in the room, mumbling to herself about how her dominoes are about to fall into place at any moment. Not much else happens, and then suddenly, her plans have all worked out. Meanwhile smart man Rian is just...there. Just dumb and confused.
This book feels like it could have been 3 chapters in the previous book, which adds to my feeling this entire series only has enough plot for one book. Its a REALLY good plot, but its not a 3-book plot. Still a fun read.
This series has so much to offer but it spends most of its time with Ada walking around thinking she's the smartest person in the room, mumbling to herself about how her dominoes are about to fall into place at any moment. Not much else happens, and then suddenly, her plans have all worked out. Meanwhile smart man Rian is just...there. Just dumb and confused.
This book feels like it could have been 3 chapters in the previous book, which adds to my feeling this entire series only has enough plot for one book. Its a REALLY good plot, but its not a 3-book plot. Still a fun read.
did-not-finish
March 1, 2025dnf 29% i loved the first one but i haven’t touched this since december and it is march so i feel like that’s an indicator or how well the sequel gripped me
December 14, 2024
How to Steal a Galaxy leaves off a couple weeks after Ada ran off with the plans for the nanobot climate cleaner. Ada believes that her job with the rebels is done until they bring her another job at a charity gala where Rian has volunteered his services in hopes of catching Ada. However, neither Rian nor the rebels know Ada's true intentions.
Although I did not enjoy this novella as much as Full Speed to a Crash Landing, I still enjoyed the banter between Ada and Rian. The events in this book left me with several questions on what is going to happen in the finale and the twist at the end, I found both hilarious and surprising. I am excited to read the final novella in the series when it comes out in 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review How to Steal a Galaxy. All thought and opinions are my own.
Although I did not enjoy this novella as much as Full Speed to a Crash Landing, I still enjoyed the banter between Ada and Rian. The events in this book left me with several questions on what is going to happen in the finale and the twist at the end, I found both hilarious and surprising. I am excited to read the final novella in the series when it comes out in 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review How to Steal a Galaxy. All thought and opinions are my own.
December 3, 2024
The clever and sarcastic Ada is back, taking on a job to deal with the release of the clean-up technology on Earth.
The rebel group that employed Ada to steal the revolutionary technology (in book one) to remediate the environmental damage on Earth come back to her, as they need her to do more for them at an auction. They offer her increasingly large sums of money, but it's the knowledge that Rian will be present at the auction for a charity gala at a museum that seals the deal for her.
A glammed up Ada wanders around the museum exhibits on the extremely wealthy planet, hobnobbing with fabulously rich people, while Rian tails her, intent on catching her steal whatever she's there for. And there are a LOT of intriguing and unique objects on display, but despite his certainty that she's after something, she continues to confound his expectations, teasing and bantering with him.
She does get to meet the beyond stupidly wealthy head of the company whose tech is intended to fix Earth, but Ada knows what the utterly self-absorbed man's real intentions are for the technology.
There is so much chemistry between Ada and Rian, who, circle each other throughout this fun, fast-moving and often very funny novella. Even though the two beautiful people at the centre of this story are attracted to one another, there are some serious differences between them: he stands for the rule of law, and does not quite understand how her experiences on Earth have shaped her, her feelings and her chosen profession.
She is a complicated person, who firmly stands in the grey; she may not generally do anything altruistic without getting paid, and she always seems to have plans within plans, and we're never entirely sure whether what she says about herself or her intentions, are true. This proves to be the case when a calamity ensues at the auction, and Ada does something quite contrary to what she would normally do that puts her and her plans at great risk, but it also is something that could be seen as "good".
I liked how author Beth Revis gave us more about the political situation in human settled space, and how no matter how far out we expand into the galaxy, greed and corporate self-interest are still very much at play, with someone always eager to profit off someone else's catastrophe.
The ending was again left open, with a race to Earth, which is where book three will likely pick up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment, which I enjoyed in text and audio; Ada is a hoot, and I love her narration, which is smart and amusing, even while she is skewering the people around her. Her attitude comes through beautifully in the narration of voice actor Dara Rosenberg, who captures the balance between audacious, slightly sad, the knowledge that she's smarter than everyone around her and delighted by it, disgusted, and very occasionally self-deprecating. Voice actor David Bendena as Rian doesn't have as big a presence this time in the audiobook as in book one, but he still treads the line between bemused, frustrated and confused when we switch to Rian's PoV.
I am anxiously awaiting book three, and the wrap-up to this fun series.
Thank you to DAW and to Dreamscape Media for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
The rebel group that employed Ada to steal the revolutionary technology (in book one) to remediate the environmental damage on Earth come back to her, as they need her to do more for them at an auction. They offer her increasingly large sums of money, but it's the knowledge that Rian will be present at the auction for a charity gala at a museum that seals the deal for her.
A glammed up Ada wanders around the museum exhibits on the extremely wealthy planet, hobnobbing with fabulously rich people, while Rian tails her, intent on catching her steal whatever she's there for. And there are a LOT of intriguing and unique objects on display, but despite his certainty that she's after something, she continues to confound his expectations, teasing and bantering with him.
She does get to meet the beyond stupidly wealthy head of the company whose tech is intended to fix Earth, but Ada knows what the utterly self-absorbed man's real intentions are for the technology.
There is so much chemistry between Ada and Rian, who, circle each other throughout this fun, fast-moving and often very funny novella. Even though the two beautiful people at the centre of this story are attracted to one another, there are some serious differences between them: he stands for the rule of law, and does not quite understand how her experiences on Earth have shaped her, her feelings and her chosen profession.
She is a complicated person, who firmly stands in the grey; she may not generally do anything altruistic without getting paid, and she always seems to have plans within plans, and we're never entirely sure whether what she says about herself or her intentions, are true. This proves to be the case when a calamity ensues at the auction, and Ada does something quite contrary to what she would normally do that puts her and her plans at great risk, but it also is something that could be seen as "good".
I liked how author Beth Revis gave us more about the political situation in human settled space, and how no matter how far out we expand into the galaxy, greed and corporate self-interest are still very much at play, with someone always eager to profit off someone else's catastrophe.
The ending was again left open, with a race to Earth, which is where book three will likely pick up.
I thoroughly enjoyed this instalment, which I enjoyed in text and audio; Ada is a hoot, and I love her narration, which is smart and amusing, even while she is skewering the people around her. Her attitude comes through beautifully in the narration of voice actor Dara Rosenberg, who captures the balance between audacious, slightly sad, the knowledge that she's smarter than everyone around her and delighted by it, disgusted, and very occasionally self-deprecating. Voice actor David Bendena as Rian doesn't have as big a presence this time in the audiobook as in book one, but he still treads the line between bemused, frustrated and confused when we switch to Rian's PoV.
I am anxiously awaiting book three, and the wrap-up to this fun series.
Thank you to DAW and to Dreamscape Media for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
December 8, 2024
The second book in the Chaotic Orbits series picks up right where we left off and, after a few month-long time jumps, settles into a story told over the course of one night. The heist storyline of How to Steal a Galaxy is fast-paced, continues the overarching arc from the first book, and fleshes out the universe with more snippets of history that give insight into the world. The book shines when it dives deeper into the universe - creating an interesting look at a humanity that has moved into other galaxies, but hasn't developed further in anything except technology. This is a universe where humanity looks almost exactly the same as today (even down to the idioms they use), but with a greater reach among the stars.
Ada remains the star of the show and the book reads as if it's moving at 2x speed in the mind of someone with ADHD. She is an interesting protagonist, though she comes across as an unreliable narrator. She constantly mentions her overarching plan as "dominos" waiting or ready to fall in her favor, but alternatively describes herself as impulsive and chaotic. She's a physical bombshell, but fades into the background. She's a cipher that no one can read, yet at critical moments wears her emotions clearly on her face. The book is so firmly centered in her POV that it becomes difficult as the reader to know what is true about her self-description and what is bravado from someone who clearly has relied on bravado for most of her existence.
The only other character who continues from the first book to the second is Rian White. He is the "good guy" to Ada's "bad guy," a smart man who can never outsmart Ada, and her love interest. Despite being a continuing character, Rian remains extremely one-dimensional in the series. He's there as the only character who could potentially catch Ada in her schemes (though he never truly comes close and always remains at least three steps behind) and as someone who is hopelessly beguiled by her despite being a government agent who knows she's up to something nefarious. The reports and footnotes at the end of the book don't give enough of Rian's perspective to truly flesh him out and the book would be better served by telling the stories from alternating perspectives to give a take of both Ada and the events from Rian's perspective. That approach would also give the cat and mouse nature of their interactions a greater level of intrigue as currently the Ada-only POV relies on her regularly dropping hints that a new part of her plan is falling into place, that she is currently lying about something, or that there is something coming in the future that will change everything.
All in all, this is a quick, enjoyable read. I would love to see more fully fleshed out characters from a wider-array of perspectives. But if you're looking for fast-paced escapism, this is a good series to pick up.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and unbiased review.
Ada remains the star of the show and the book reads as if it's moving at 2x speed in the mind of someone with ADHD. She is an interesting protagonist, though she comes across as an unreliable narrator. She constantly mentions her overarching plan as "dominos" waiting or ready to fall in her favor, but alternatively describes herself as impulsive and chaotic. She's a physical bombshell, but fades into the background. She's a cipher that no one can read, yet at critical moments wears her emotions clearly on her face. The book is so firmly centered in her POV that it becomes difficult as the reader to know what is true about her self-description and what is bravado from someone who clearly has relied on bravado for most of her existence.
The only other character who continues from the first book to the second is Rian White. He is the "good guy" to Ada's "bad guy," a smart man who can never outsmart Ada, and her love interest. Despite being a continuing character, Rian remains extremely one-dimensional in the series. He's there as the only character who could potentially catch Ada in her schemes (though he never truly comes close and always remains at least three steps behind) and as someone who is hopelessly beguiled by her despite being a government agent who knows she's up to something nefarious. The reports and footnotes at the end of the book don't give enough of Rian's perspective to truly flesh him out and the book would be better served by telling the stories from alternating perspectives to give a take of both Ada and the events from Rian's perspective. That approach would also give the cat and mouse nature of their interactions a greater level of intrigue as currently the Ada-only POV relies on her regularly dropping hints that a new part of her plan is falling into place, that she is currently lying about something, or that there is something coming in the future that will change everything.
All in all, this is a quick, enjoyable read. I would love to see more fully fleshed out characters from a wider-array of perspectives. But if you're looking for fast-paced escapism, this is a good series to pick up.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and unbiased review.
December 1, 2024
As the second installment of Beth Rivas’ trio of science fiction novellas, How To Steal a Galaxy is a continuation of Ada’s attempt to make a difference for her world. Unlike the space opera style of the first novella, this story almost entirely takes place on planet. This portion of the trio is mostly a mental running history and background on why Ada is doing this job. We get a few more characters and a few back stories. However this story is basically a fancy party to raise funds and its description. The reader waits almost to the end to see why this wind up is created. This installment has very little of the banter, excitement and science fiction of the first. In short, it is boring and makes me wonder whether I should continue this batch of novellas. The very last few paragraphs have me enticed to grab the next one though. Thank you to Netgalley and DAW books for a chance to preview this book for an honest review.
December 5, 2024
Beth Revis is bonkers and I’m all in! This book was so much fun with the banter and the unexpected twists!
How to Steal a Galaxy is book 2 of the Chaotic Orbits trilogy of space opera novellas. Ada and Rian are back but this time on a planet attending a very futuristic Met Gala type event being held at a museum.
The snarky Ada and straight laced Rian once again provide another book filled with unexpected twists and likable characters. Even though Ada is shady as heck, you can’t help rooting for her. Beth Revis describes this series as a spacemance and I love it.
I can’t wait for the last novella, Last Chance to Save the World to see what Ada does next!
*Thanks so much to Daw Books and NetGalley for the advance eGalley and to Daw Books for the surprise hardcopy!*
How to Steal a Galaxy is book 2 of the Chaotic Orbits trilogy of space opera novellas. Ada and Rian are back but this time on a planet attending a very futuristic Met Gala type event being held at a museum.
The snarky Ada and straight laced Rian once again provide another book filled with unexpected twists and likable characters. Even though Ada is shady as heck, you can’t help rooting for her. Beth Revis describes this series as a spacemance and I love it.
I can’t wait for the last novella, Last Chance to Save the World to see what Ada does next!
*Thanks so much to Daw Books and NetGalley for the advance eGalley and to Daw Books for the surprise hardcopy!*
December 7, 2024
I really enjoyed myself but it wasn't a five star because I feel like we are in her head too much to not be completely in her head. I want to see more of the relationship between the two and I want more of his side of the story if we're not gonna know what exactly is going on with her.
But, for the most part it's a fun space romp
But, for the most part it's a fun space romp
April 30, 2025
This was a fun little next chapter in this series that was randomly chosen for book club. The setting, pacing, and story were in stark contrast to the first, but the "heart" was the same, for better or for worse.
We pick up with Ada shortly after where we left her. Having fulfilled her job from the previous book, her employer reluctantly hires her again for a job, more important, and time sensitive, than the last one. But ever cynical Ada only takes it for one reason -- Rian. The job specifically will put her squarely back into Rian's sights, so why not? The job seems simple, go to a fundraising gala that is raising money for the original Earth to scrub the pollution and radiation out of it, funded by their version of intergalactic Elon Musk. The problem is the method, nanobots designed to self-replicate and complete the scrubbing, but something is suspicious with their programming, the very programming Ada secured in the first book. So she has to go to the gala and steal.. something else. A nice change of pace, but trouble is never too far away as protesters, other warring underground groups, and Rian all have their eyes on her the entire time she's there, and she's only happy about one of them.
This was cute, I found that I've warmed up to the characters, particularly after devoting myself to reading the physical book rather than the audiobook, which I don't recommend. I liked the change in setting, but also appreciated the same small scale; one small job, the buildup, the climax, the resolution, and the promise for more. It kept it as tight as it needed to be, and it was a breeze to read.
If you absolutely hated the tone of the first book, this will not be for you. Probably not surprising but it is maintained here. I disliked it a bit in the first, largely in part due to the audiobook narrator, but I grew more accustomed to it this time around. It still reads as juvenile "manic pixie" a bit, but I do think Ada has a bit more complexity to her character here. And it resolved the problem of the first book which had too many named characters for the length of book, this kept the cast small and the story laser focused. If you even have middling feelings about the first book, I'd recommend picking this up from the library or something, it is such a quick and easy read you might as well!
We pick up with Ada shortly after where we left her. Having fulfilled her job from the previous book, her employer reluctantly hires her again for a job, more important, and time sensitive, than the last one. But ever cynical Ada only takes it for one reason -- Rian. The job specifically will put her squarely back into Rian's sights, so why not? The job seems simple, go to a fundraising gala that is raising money for the original Earth to scrub the pollution and radiation out of it, funded by their version of intergalactic Elon Musk. The problem is the method, nanobots designed to self-replicate and complete the scrubbing, but something is suspicious with their programming, the very programming Ada secured in the first book. So she has to go to the gala and steal.. something else. A nice change of pace, but trouble is never too far away as protesters, other warring underground groups, and Rian all have their eyes on her the entire time she's there, and she's only happy about one of them.
This was cute, I found that I've warmed up to the characters, particularly after devoting myself to reading the physical book rather than the audiobook, which I don't recommend. I liked the change in setting, but also appreciated the same small scale; one small job, the buildup, the climax, the resolution, and the promise for more. It kept it as tight as it needed to be, and it was a breeze to read.
If you absolutely hated the tone of the first book, this will not be for you. Probably not surprising but it is maintained here. I disliked it a bit in the first, largely in part due to the audiobook narrator, but I grew more accustomed to it this time around. It still reads as juvenile "manic pixie" a bit, but I do think Ada has a bit more complexity to her character here. And it resolved the problem of the first book which had too many named characters for the length of book, this kept the cast small and the story laser focused. If you even have middling feelings about the first book, I'd recommend picking this up from the library or something, it is such a quick and easy read you might as well!
August 7, 2025
the undercurrent (overcurrent, really) of biting, bitter critique of capitalism is still nice, but this charmed less than the first installment for me. ada’s personality and voice both wear a little thin, and I get the “she is sexually harassing him” comments more here than I did in the first. extremely weird to lick the inside of a man’s ear out of nowhere without asking him, regardless of the intended outcome.
and you know what else wore thin? the “short paragraph / short paragraph / short paragraph with some pithy statement hinting at information ada is keeping from rian or the reader leading into the section or chapter end” structure. woof. for example:
ooooooookay, ada. 🙄
it’s also very “diverse in the sense that the central characters are white and the tertiary characters who paper-thin populate the space around them are explicitly people of color” type of diversity, alas.
eh. there are also just some little errors (spelling, unintentionally repeated words, weird sequencing of events, character voice continuity—although not from earth, rian has been so american throughout but then randomly he’s got one britishism here?) that would have been caught with better editing.
didn’t totally hate it, though! I will see it through to the end! and for this closing quote, I’ll link to a poem that I first heard while reading all we can save:
and you know what else wore thin? the “short paragraph / short paragraph / short paragraph with some pithy statement hinting at information ada is keeping from rian or the reader leading into the section or chapter end” structure. woof. for example:
his eyes never leave me, but all that does is confirm that even if he thinks he’s hunting me, he’s wrong.
I’m the predator here.
and he has no idea what I see.
ooooooookay, ada. 🙄
it’s also very “diverse in the sense that the central characters are white and the tertiary characters who paper-thin populate the space around them are explicitly people of color” type of diversity, alas.
eh. there are also just some little errors (spelling, unintentionally repeated words, weird sequencing of events, character voice continuity—although not from earth, rian has been so american throughout but then randomly he’s got one britishism here?) that would have been caught with better editing.
didn’t totally hate it, though! I will see it through to the end! and for this closing quote, I’ll link to a poem that I first heard while reading all we can save:
and while pollution is slowly killing the planet, it does make for a gorgeous sunset, you have to admit.
March 9, 2025
Continuing from the first book, Ada takes a job at a fancy gala where she's to steal something but mainly she goes to meet with Rian again. He mission is to steal an important piece of the puzzle that will lead her to more money but could also lead to a cleaner Earth.
This installment was a bit more political than the first story. There essentially is a race between tech companies to get the code and equipment needed to clean the air so that people can inhabit main Earth again. Just like in real life you have the rich ones who have ulterior motive attached to their help and the scientists who are extremely passionate about saving the world with or without the praise and with no stipulations attached.
Rian very much is the latter but he also happens to have money and connections. The hard part for him is convincing Ada of that. However Ada is always 10 steps ahead. I really loved reading from her point of view and how she plans for literally anything. I also very much enjoyed the increased tension between her and Rian.
I won't spoil it but the ending was a surprise. I didn't guess that bit of plot twist but I'm excited for the 3rd and final book and I can't wait to see how this all ends.
This installment was a bit more political than the first story. There essentially is a race between tech companies to get the code and equipment needed to clean the air so that people can inhabit main Earth again. Just like in real life you have the rich ones who have ulterior motive attached to their help and the scientists who are extremely passionate about saving the world with or without the praise and with no stipulations attached.
Rian very much is the latter but he also happens to have money and connections. The hard part for him is convincing Ada of that. However Ada is always 10 steps ahead. I really loved reading from her point of view and how she plans for literally anything. I also very much enjoyed the increased tension between her and Rian.
I won't spoil it but the ending was a surprise. I didn't guess that bit of plot twist but I'm excited for the 3rd and final book and I can't wait to see how this all ends.
January 1, 2025
The first book was good, I really liked it. This one though? Iconic. It hit all of the points that I really needed it to hit. And maybe it’s because we already know these characters and so a little bit of the heavy lifting is gone that had to be carried in the first one? But still it just delivered. We still got spaceantics, but now there’s political intrigue. And while we were off of a ship for 98% of it, it still felt intergalactic. And for something to take place on a planet, far far away and still be so poignant and impactful about the commentary of this planet? Truly an icon. This had so many great elements to it. We’ve got a heist, we’ve got the Met Gala, but Spacey, We’ve got activism, both the nonviolent violent kind. And both the good guy and the bad guy version. For such a short little space book it very much so talked a lot about very real world things. If I could give it 10 stars I would. Plus it’s really really funny.
May 11, 2025
Oh, this was such a fun and quick novella to dive into. I really enjoyed the first book last year and was very excited that my library had the sequel today. With zero hesitations, I decided to jump headfirst into How to Steal a Galaxy without rereading the first one. I have no regrets about that at all because I absolutely crushed this in one sitting.
Ada and Rian are just so interesting. While I obviously have a favorite out of the two, Ada, I still like them both. They both want to help and save people/things but they do not go about it in the same way at all. Again, it's interesting and I enjoy the bantering at times. I honestly can't wait for the next book after how this one ended. I just need more from these two.
Ada and Rian are just so interesting. While I obviously have a favorite out of the two, Ada, I still like them both. They both want to help and save people/things but they do not go about it in the same way at all. Again, it's interesting and I enjoy the bantering at times. I honestly can't wait for the next book after how this one ended. I just need more from these two.
August 11, 2025
3.5 stars ⭐️
0 chili peppers 🫑
There was definitely something diminished about this installment. But overall the marketing is doing this series no justice. All I want is for the author to love their characters, everyone’s motivations to be clear and sensible (even if misguided), threats to feel tangible, and the story to unfold in terms of “thing happened, therefore…” as opposed to “but wait, here’s this thing I didn’t tell you about that’s now very convenient.” To boil that down to “sexy space adventure” is just not true.
This one is much more preachy and predictable than the first, but the series continues to keep my attention in the right ways. It’s a rare treat to have a main character who I really like, but generally disagree with in her cynicisms.
Read to the music of GRIZ.
0 chili peppers 🫑
There was definitely something diminished about this installment. But overall the marketing is doing this series no justice. All I want is for the author to love their characters, everyone’s motivations to be clear and sensible (even if misguided), threats to feel tangible, and the story to unfold in terms of “thing happened, therefore…” as opposed to “but wait, here’s this thing I didn’t tell you about that’s now very convenient.” To boil that down to “sexy space adventure” is just not true.
This one is much more preachy and predictable than the first, but the series continues to keep my attention in the right ways. It’s a rare treat to have a main character who I really like, but generally disagree with in her cynicisms.
Read to the music of GRIZ.
March 28, 2025
Yasss I loved this, it's got the same sassy vibe as the first one. The shenanigans continue and the plot thickens. I can't wait to see what comes next!!!
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