Book Review: Artifact Space By Miles Cameron

   Friends.  I am obsessed with this novel. 

 I received an E-Arc from Saga press, as they are re-releasing this novel with a new cover in January 2026. This was originally published in 2021 through Gollancz. I had not heard of this one, which really isn't all that surprising as there are so many books published each  year! Click HERE for a map of books published each year. 

     I finished this novel about 2 weeks ago and I continue to think about the characters, and wonder what's coming in the next installment. 

 As always, you can count on me for a spoiler free discussion!  This is a adventurous space opera romp through the stars!  Our main character is Marca Nbaro. Her story begins- as so many stories do- at an orphanage. Nbaro is determined to overcome her start in life, and also some self imposed hiccups along the way. With gumption and wit (and a slew of forged credentials) she joins the crew of a greatship and becomes a bit of a hotshot pilot. Along the way she forges relationships that sometimes get a little messy, has some hair-raising adventures, and finds her people. And it's good that she does, because peril awaits. 

    What I found so interesting about this novel is that, for me, it sits right in-between super hard Sci-fi and a softer Sci-fi.   

Hard Sci-fi focused on scientific accuracy and often spends quite a bit of time discussing the details of space travel, light years and concepts rooted in physics, chemistry and astronomy- and basic calculus.  Soft Sci- fi of course focuses  more on ideas, and concepts. Then there is squishy soft sci-fi  which really just uses outer space as a setting. I honestly like it all.

Artifact Space has a compelling character focused narrative, but also employs details about different gravities, problems with the Space Time continuum and ideas about how Space Warfare occurs given different modes/speeds of space travel.  Cameron gives just enough detail about protective suiting, time differences and various gravities, while focusing on a character driven narrative.

 This novel will appeal to those who love Star Trek and Deep Space Nine, and likely also those who are fans of S. A Corey and John Scalzi. 

 For me Marca Nbaro as a character was maybe a bit too relatable at the start, which made me QUITE attached, and I actually had a few moments where I found myself reading and holding my breath- which wasn't a great combo! There are elements of romance, but they are, maybe not the best parts of the book.... 

I'm loving the new cover design which reflects the character driven aspect of the novel, and I cannot wait to pick up the Deep Black! 

5 Stars! 

STATS

First Published: 2021  Re-Release January 2026!

Pages: 576

Available as an Audio Book : I have not found an audio version YET. 

Trigger Warnings:  violence, grief, murder, war violence, death, near death,body injury, food insecurity, classism. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)