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Last Gifts of the Universe: Review

Last Gifts of the Universe by Riley August is an ebullient space adventure in which the protagonist, her brother, and their cat explore the universe for clues from an ancient culture. Their goal is to learn enough to prevent the end of their civilization from a nearly unstoppable alien force that is slowly encroaching. All the while, another explorer from a military-industrial conglomerate seeks to find similar information on the aliens, with the intent to understand and weaponize it.

I found the key relationships in the book compelling, both the sister/brother bond and the tension with the fellow explorer from "the dark side". Add in discovering about the demise of an ancient civilization, and simultaneously trying to save their own, and you have a rollicking tale. Not life changing, but a great, enjoyable novel to while away an afternoon or evening.

Rating:

Recommend? Yes
Buy as a gift? No

Last modified on 6 Feb 2026 by AO