3.5 stars

The Disasters is a lighthearted YA science fiction novel, and while I did enjoy it, it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped.

The story features a diverse ensemble cast. Nax, the protagonist, is bisexual and possibly Muslim, though I’m not sure about the latter. Asra is Muslim, Rion is black and queer, and Zee is a Russian-Kazakh trans girl. I loved the dynamic between the five of them, the banter and the use of the found family trope. It’s executed very well, and at times I forgot they’ve known each other for such a short time.

However, the characters themselves felt a bit flat. I don’t really know much about any of them. I did like and care for them, but I would’ve liked to know more than what’s presented on the surface.

The antagonists also felt flat to me. An explanation was given, but it was brief and made their plans seem rather extreme. I wish motives had been better explained.

I think the biggest issue here, in relation to my previous two points, is the emphasis on action rather than story or character development. As soon as the first chapter, things are already going downhill, and from there the pace rarely slows. While such an action-packed plot was entertaining, I believe it led to neglect of other aspects. Who are our protagonists? Who are our antagonists? Additionally, in the last third, a handful of scenes felt too fast, and even rereading a paragraph didn’t allow me to fully understand what was happening. I like fast-paced stories, but not at the expense of other elements.

Another thing I found slightly disappointing was how misleading I, personally, found the premise. Not very much time is spent in space beyond a few fights and escapes, and I don’t think anything really counted as a heist. The crew did have to do a few dangerous things in order to stop the terrorists, but that was the extent of it. Maybe almost-adult me is just too hard to please.

Something that took me by surprise, though, is the romance. It’s very minor and technically, nothing is established, but I still became unexpectedly invested. Nax has to figure out his feelings toward both Case and Rion, and they have feelings for him as well. It was an interesting addition to the story, for sure. Who knew a couple of kisses and some hand-holding could add so much tension and emotion? I’d love more of this, specifically.

I also would’ve liked more about the world. This story is set in 2194, a time where space has been colonized and technology is very advanced. Although the crew only visits the Ellis Station — Earth’s moon — and a couple of planets, I was intrigued by what we were given and a bit disappointed by everything that wasn’t mentioned. Medicine, technology, knowledge of space and what’s beyond Earth…there are so many possibilities in a novel with this setting, and I don’t believe the book delivered in that regard.

Despite my criticisms, The Disasters was a very fun novel to read. I think I would’ve loved this if it was available when I was a younger teen, but there’s definitely still appeal, even though I’m older. I’m not sure yet if I’ll pick up more of England’s work, but I can see myself recommending this one.