Review of Volatile Memory (Volatile Memory #1) by Seth Haddon

Seth Haddon's slim science fiction debut offers action and a risky space quest, revenge, and love, but it's also a poignant, lovely story about being seen for your true self, being vulnerable, and thinking beyond traditional standards.

Wylla's ship has seen better days, and she's desperate for a break. When she catches wind of a valuable, mysterious piece of technology on another planet, she banks on her wiliness and speed to beat other treasure hunters to it.

Wylla's own mask is outdated, and scavenging the cutting-edge mask would give her powers she couldn't have dreamed of. Masks bestow upon the wearers the instincts, abilities, and reaction times of the animals after which they're modeled. But the mask Wylla is after also turns out to be sentient, and if she's going to wear the mask, she'll need to work with the mask's creator and help it seek vengeance for past injustices.

I love a ragtag crew on a quest (you can check out other titles with this theme that I've reviewed here), and Volatile Memory is action-packed entertainment, but more importantly it's poignant, exploring issues of bodily autonomy, transgender characters, characters without bodies but with sentient selves, duty and loyalty, revenge and ruthlessness, and mercy and grace.

This slim science fiction novel packs a punch. I can't wait to read more of this immersive world and of Haddon's compelling story.

More Space Quests

Volatile Memory is Seth Haddon's science fiction debut.

I love a story about a ragtag crew on a quest (you can check out other titles with this theme that I've reviewed here).