★★★★★
Owen Lach’s Misery Bay soars with a potent blend of action, complex characters, and a universe begging to be explored.
Adan Testa’s exhilarating journey continues in the latest installment in the Neskan Chronicles series. This action-packed adventure throws Adan into a bolder, more uncertain role as he navigates escalating dangers on Neska’s remote Dellan Islands.
Lach masterfully crafts relentless battles that raise the stakes without feeling gratuitous. Adan’s unique abilities face their ultimate test, but the story’s heart lies in his personal growth. We witness his transformation from a laundry worker in the first book to a leader grappling with the complexities of wielding power. Lach doesn’t shy away from the toll violence takes, even in a righteous cause, forcing Adan to confront the moral burden of his actions.
This introspective depth amidst the chaos elevates the story. Adan’s chosen family remains his grounding force. Lach explores themes of love, loyalty, and the crucial support systems that fuel our ability to overcome adversity.
The world of Neska feels richly expansive by this point. Vibrant descriptions immerse us in its farthest corners, mirroring Adan’s sense of exploration. Lach’s engaging writing keeps the pages turning. This is a shining example of the strengths of queer YA sci-fi: a potent blend of action, complex characters, and a universe begging to be explored.
Misery Bay offers no easy answers, leaving us on a thrilling cliffhanger, yearning for more. Thankfully, the quest to uncover the truth continues, setting the stage for a sure-to-be-explosive fourth book.