Embers of War

There have been some really fantastic found family style sci-fi novels I have read recently, and this one is certainly up there! Embers of War follows the story of a former warship (The Trouble Dog), whose AI got a conscience and refused to be a fighter any more instead joining a humanitarian organisation to assist and rescue spaceships in distress. The crew members have found themselves there for various reasons, some having fought on opposing sides in a recent war. The development of the relationships of the crew and the ship form the backbone of the novel.

Overlaid over this is a much grander space opera style story. The former war is referenced multiple times, and the implications of this play large in the politics at play. The Trouble Dog is drawn in when it sent to the aid of a downed space liner in a mysterious space system.

The characters really do shine in this novel, Gareth Powell really makes you care for them despite all their various differences. Thoroughly enjoyed, and I am looking forward to seeing the story continue to develop!