UNDER THE HEAVENS

It’s 2078, and Hannah Monksman is Caretaker of the ship Seiiki and its precious Ark Project cargo: whales from Earth destined for a new life on the planet New Eden.

Connected with the whales via their shared Link, Hannah is responsible not only for maintenance, reports to command, and her popular social media posts, but maintaining a relationship with the whales and ensuring their happiness during their intergalactic trip. As the sole human aboard, Hannah at first believes suspicious happenings are just a side effect of isolation. But soon she worries that her real identity—she’s actually Kim Teng, loyal Crusader for the holy cause against excessive scientific forays—has been exposed. Complicating matters, even she does not know the true details of her mission. The story drags in the beginning as the intricate worldbuilding that provides a glimpse into a speculative future grounded in familiar elements is established. However, themes of colonialism, the impact of technological experimentation, religion, and the nature of humanity are ultimately woven into an intriguing and thrilling mystery. Kim’s solitary strength is balanced by her yearning for a normal life and her relationships with the whales and her Crusader found family. The descriptions of whale-lore shine, as do discussions of fate and self-determination. Kim is cued as Chinese; Japanese kanji is the main communication system on the ship, and side characters are ethnically diverse.

A slow-building science-fiction thriller that deserves a sequel.