ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Over a writing career that spanned three decades, Philip K. Dick (1928-1982) published 36 science fiction novels and 121 short stories in which he explored the essence of what makes man human and the dangers of centralized power. Toward the end of his life, his work turned toward deeply personal, metaphysical questions concerning the nature of God. Eleven novels and short stories have been adapted to film; notably: Blade Runner (based on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?), Total Recall, Minority Report, and A Scanner Darkly. The recipient of critical acclaim and numerous awards throughout his career, Dick was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2005, and in 2007 the Library of America published a selection of his novels in three volumes. His work has been translated into more than twenty-five languages.
First published January 1, 1965 Length: 231 pages Formats: audiobook, ebook, hardback, paperback
3:00 AM | 
Posted by
Łukasz |
Labels:
Read a review for Book One: FULL SPEED TO A CRASH LANDING
FORMAT/INFO: How to Steal a Galaxy was published by DAW on December 3rd, 2024. It is 192 pages long and told in first person from Ada's point of view. It is available in hardcover and ebook formats.
OVERVIEW/ANALYSIS: When agent Rian White spots con artist Ada Lamarr's name on the guest list for one of the most exclusive charity galas of the year, he knows she's up to something. He's not wrong: Ada IS there to steal something. The fact that Rian will spend the entire evening watching her just adds a fun extra challenge to the mix. Especially because Ada isn't just there to do a job for her employer; she's also ready to tip the first domino in a long con she's been setting up for months.
How to Steal a Galaxy is another winsome adventure for Ada Lamarr, who continues to steal my heart with her chaotic cons. This time she's at a charity gala for reasons unknown, and it's up to both the reader and Rian to figure out what she's up to. This mystery aspect is one of the big highlights of the series for me. Even though the story is written first person, we aren't privy to what EXACTLY Ada is after. We can see the moves she makes and occasionally get a cryptic remark, but it's up to us to figure out how the pieces come together (at least until Ada reveals all in the final chapter).
The other big highlight is of course Ada herself. She continues to be an intentionally chaotic force. As she mentions to a character, one of the important aspects of stealing something is misdirection. Her aim is to be constantly moving, both in physical space and in conversations, so that her "real" moves are masked. I love these kinds of characters, ones who wield anarchy as a weapon, especially when you strip away the chaos and see the real game hidden beneath.
The one drawback to flag for readers is that this series is very much one big story told in three parts. While each novella is a separate adventure, Ada is playing the long game. My issue with the first book, Full Speed to a Crash Landing was in how abruptly it ended; In How to Steal a Galaxy, my issue is that this is very much set up for the big finale of the third and final novella, Last Chance to Save the World. This is very much a series I would recommend reading fairly close together, as I think the pacing will be much more satisfying when the novellas are read as one full arc.
CONCLUSION: But really, my issues are probably only issues for a reader such as myself, who is reading these books a few months apart and has to (im)patiently wait for the third and final book to release in spring 2025. Once the last book is out in the world, I highly recommend picking up the Chaotic Orbits novellas as a set and reading them in one glorious weekend. You're sure to have an absolute blast.
.jpg)
