I received a review copy of Lost Amongst the Stars from author GJ Stevens. I first met Stevens last year at a local book event in Britain, where fellow author Matthew A. Clarke and I had a great conversation with him about the writing life. I also picked up a copy of his debut zombie novel, In the End, which I thoroughly enjoyed. So, when I heard he was branching out into sci-fi comedy, I was excited to dive into his latest work.
The story follows a crew of space freighters who encounter trouble when the interdimensional drive they’re unknowingly transporting for another ship malfunctions, hurling them into an another dimension (our own). Separated across time and space, they find themselves in an Oxfordshire town in present day Britain. The crew’s leader, Travis—who happens to have a debilitating phobia of dogs—must navigate this unfamiliar reality, track down his scattered crew, and reunite them before the ship jumps again, possibly leaving them stranded forever. The adventure that unfolds is full of chaos, confusion, and humor as Travis tries to evade local police and military forces on the hunt for a UFO.
While Lost Amongst the Stars doesn’t involve anyone being literally ‘lost in space’ as the title had led me to expect, it’s a sharp, entertaining read. The tone reminded me of classic British sci-fi TV from the ’90s, particularly an all time favourite of mine, Red Dwarf. Episodes like “Backwards” and “Better Than Life,” where the crew awkwardly adjusts to everyday British life, came to mind. I’ve always appreciated the series’ blend of ambitious sci-fi concepts and sharp humor, and Stevens captures that spirit well in this book.
If I had one critique, it would be that some of the chase scenes dragged on a bit too long. However, the overall pacing was solid, and the humor kept me engaged throughout.
Ultimately, Lost Amongst the Stars was a fun, lighthearted read that I’d rate 4/5. While it wasn’t groundbreaking, it was highly enjoyable, and I’m looking forward to the sequel or seeing what GJ Stevens comes up with next.
