Book Review: Last Chance to Save the World, by Beth Revis 5/5

 I was OVER THE MOON to get an advanced listener copy of the audiobook for Beth Revis' novella Last Chance to Save the World. Many thanks to Net-Galley and Astra publishing house and Dreamscape Media for the Advanced listener copy. It was Chef's kiss perfection! 

Me- flying in a balloon to get "over the moon"...

Navigation aérienne. Ballon & appareil de direction construit par M. Pompéien-Piraud, inventeur / / B. Arnaud. , 1883. [Lyon ; Paris: B. Arnaud, ?] Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/2002735905/.

  I have read all of the Chaotic Orbits series and this one is supposed to be the last. It promised a satisfying ending and I'm going to have a bit of a hot take, this was NOT at all satisfying, unless there is a fourth book or spin off on the way. 

If you are looking for a fun, slow-burn tension filled series that is both futuristic and realistic-with some devastating plot twists, this is a series for you! 

   While I suppose this could be read as a stand-alone, I think it really is better to start at the beginning  with  Full Speed to a Crash landing.  and read through to get the full impact of this funny and snappy rom-com set in space. 

   Last Chance to Save the World did not disappoint (despite my misgivings about the ending). Ada and Rian - our main characters continue to play their parts well. Rian's still the somewhat stiff G-man determined to impart rules and order to situations- convinced that by following them to the T- he can indeed save the world.  Ada, well- she's Ada. She is a bundle of chaos, impropriety, snark and surprise. She's also determined to save the world- but her methods are more...flexible shall we say.  Of Course... Rian is essentially obsessed with Ada, probably in part because she is so wildly unpredictable and "off limits" Ada's also  IN LOVE  but she's true to her own character, even a bit prickly to herself- not allowing herself nice things. Despite this not progressing to the on-page "spice" that readers today seem to be clamoring for, I think I appreciated it more because it takes something special to hold a readers attention with out that. 

These two spend some time in forced proximity, concoct a plan to literally save the original Earth, and yet still can't quite manage to figure each other or their situation out. If that isn't a very realistic romantic situation, I am not sure what is.  All of this, of course is set in space, with ships, space stations, interesting space foods and clothing.  

As readers we are taken along for the wild ride,  and left a bit short of breath as Ada takes things right down to the wire. Can Ada and Rian save the Earth? Can they save themselves? 

You 'll want to read to find out. My only warning to the reader is that while the ending is somewhat satisfying, it really doesn't feel like the end. So if you're listening DAW Books, readers want more! 

Shout out to the Audiobook narrators: Dara Rosenberg and David Bendena. They narrate the entire series, and for me they enhanced it entirely. If there were mispronunciations, I missed them, and the flow and pace was so natural and enjoyable. Highly recommend the audio for those who enjoy ear-reading. 

My only sadness with the Ear reading is that there isn't a beautiful trophy book for my shelf. The art for these covers is on-point, it reflects the fun, campy, snappy nature of the series and I hope at some point to get a full set. (Deep down I am hoping for maybe an omnibus, but I'd settle for a book 4...) 

STATS

First Published : April 8, 2025

Pages: 176

Available as an Audio Book : YES 

Trigger Warnings: parental death, illness, climate

As always - this is not a complete list, read responsibly!