Arkhangelsk

by Elizabeth H Bonesteel

[empressbrooke]

In recent weeks I have seen multiple reviewers mention that Elizabeth Bonesteel's Central Corps series is a hidden gem that too many people are sleeping on. So when I had an opportunity to read her new standalone novel, I jumped at the chance. I did get a free copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Arkhangelsk is an interesting twist on a first contact novel - the citizens of Novayarkha, a city built on an icy planet, think that their ancestors were all that remained of Earth's population when they set out on a generation ship 400 years prior. Much to their surprise, a ship shows up with humans that left Earth just 40 years ago on a mission to build an ansible in preparation for additional exploration missions that will be coming. Novayarkha treats the revelation with dismay and distrust, wondering what upheaval and change these events will bring. The story is told in two points of view, alternating between Novayarkha's chief peace officer Anya, and the captain of the newly arrived ship, Maddie.

The alternating points of view is an excellent way to watch the story unfold - from Anya's perspective, we learn about Novayarkha's history and customs and day-to-day life. From Maddie's point of view, we learn how things aren't entirely what they seem, and the flaws that Anya had been blind to about life on the icy planet. The two perspectives give the story a depth and richness that wouldn't have been possible if only one person had been the main character.

Overall the story has a slower pace, but a very steady and even one that doesn't drag anywhere. The first contact element was very interesting to watch unfold. There is a lot of explanation about how the icy city was created and has survived despite the odds for anyone who likes their sci-fi with a dash of survivalism. There is enough mystery and hints of hidden things that I was always curious about what would be revealed next and was very eager to get back to it every time I had to put it down. The conclusions to all of the threads were satisfying.

Now I am especially eager to get to Bonesteel's Central Corps series, having enjoyed this one as much as I did.