Descendant Machine

By: Gareth L. Powell

Narrated by: Rebecca Norfolk

From the award-winning author comes a gripping, fast-paced and fascinating science fiction adventure. Vividly imagined and sharply written, fans of Ann Leckie and Becky Chambers will be engrossed.

The Grand Mechanism is a machine the size of Saturn’s rings that has lain dormant for all recorded history, watched over by the alien Jzat. Now, rogue elements in Jzat and human society conspire to activate it, hoping it will bring them power and opportunity. But the only person who knows the Mechanism’s secrets is the Rav’nah Abelisk, a Jzat holy man on sabbatical aboard a vast alien megaship. Believing the Mechanism’s activation will bring galactic devastation, Nic Mafalda has to seek out the Abelisk before his sacred knowledge falls into the wrong hands—but only if she can first escape the lethally radioactive remains of her wrecked scout ship.©2023 Gareth L. Powell (P)2023 W. F. Howes Ltd

Fast-Paced & Character Driven

Descendant Machine was a totally immersive, fast-paced, and character-driven science fiction space opera ride. Humans and Jzat co-exist in this epic story set in the Continuance universe. It finds the protagonist, Nicola Malfada, on a dangerous mission--which at first seems straightforwards, but in the end, not so much. Life changing decisions must be made, but it all came to a satisfying conclusion.
I chose the audiobook version for convenience, but wishing now I'd gotten the Kindle version. Easily remedied. Narrator Rebecca Norfolk did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life, if only by changing the pitch of her voice. Overall, it was a thrilling ride!

Thoughtful, action packed adventure

I inhaled this book after enjoying the first. It was a great mix of personal relationships that the main character had to navigate, overcome and enjoy. With a ton of exciting problem to puzzle out. Fun read.

Even better!

A little later in the Continuance universe... a kind of roller coaster thrill ride. If you love seeing tenacity and hope thrive in the face of grim circumstances; this story will treat you to a cliff hanger or few. Relatable characters, fun cool sci-fi tech, imaginative settings and a heaping helping of references and tropes to delight and amuse.

Spellbinding!!!

The story was just as captivating as the first book. It opened my eyes to new possibilities and left me wishing for a space adventure with an extraterrestrial being. I was reminded of the power of love and friendship, and how they can overcome even the most difficult challenges. The book contains many confessions and life-and-death situations, but the determination of the characters is inspiring. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling read.

Ancient alien tech

Gareth L Powell’s Descendant Machine is the second book in his Stars and Bones series, although this story is a standalone tale with sufficient background on this universe to obviate the need for reading the first book. In this universe, humanity has been relocated to multiple ark ships to prevent nuclear annihilation. The main character is a human navigator recovering from a previous decapitation. She is tasked with stopping another group attempting to restart an ancient and dormant alien machine.

Powell offers a unique universe where humanity has been saved in spite of themselves and left to wander the galaxy with the possibility of random taskings by their benevolent alien overlords.

The narration is decent with modest character distinction. Pacing is a tad slow.