The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei

How do you choose friends? Common interests? Shared values? Compatible temperaments?

Now, how about characters for a story? The opposite? If you are going to throw people in a can and have them trek across the galaxy on a quest to steal ancient technology, what kind of characters do you choose? If you’re Yume Kitasei, you choose the awkwardest bunch you can. How about an idealistic thief turned grad student, her anxious advisor and former peer, a battle hardened soldier, a curious robot, and a tentacled aquatic alien just to round it all out.

These decisions pay off, with each interaction revealing that each character is more than they seem, and providing some comedy and plenty to think about.

Maya, born offworld in one of Earth’s colonies, is a pandemic survivor and no naif, but she finds that the galaxy she’s off to save is ever more complex. Her crew is off to steal a valuable technology and return to its rightful owners, the ancient and advanced race of her tentacled friend. This archeological space adventure leads ultimately to a haunted planet and a terrible choice.

This book is a trip you don’t want to miss!