CassaDark

Cavanaugh returns to the world of his Cassa Series (after 2013’s CassaStorm) for a fourth inventive space opera. Fifteen years ago, insecure protagonist Bassan stopped an ancient probe from destroying the 11 races using his mysterious connection to planet Tgren’s Kintal ship. Now he works to understand his relationship to the Kintal while wondering if his entire life will be defined by that youthful triumph. Cavanaugh smoothly introduces backstory from previous installments, but a lack of detail in setting and character descriptions make immersion challenging, despite the fascinating worldbuilding. Though Bassan’s low self-esteem is convincingly portrayed as a result of living in the shadow of his military parents’ greatness, his consistent good luck and ability to achieve apparently impossible feats when he’s unexpectedly sent to a conference on Procura Space Station make his insecurities moot. A meeting with another Kintal leads Bassan on a dangerous mission: to save the descendants of criminals dumped on a prison planet. Once there, Bassan discovers he’s been tricked, and that returning home will require all his skills. Fans will enjoy Bassan’s coming-of-age, but newcomers may struggle to find their footing. (Apr.)