Our story takes place in space, at a prison camp on an asteroid, and we learn about our main character and their fellow convicts: how did they all end up on that desolate rock? One day, magic, in the form of a celestial "mermaid", appears and changes their fate!

I liked this: it was interesting and creative, and played with gender in a unique way. While the verb tense interrupted my reading flow at times, the style of writing otherwise made for a vividly described read. The minimal backstories and world building told you just enough to sink into this short narrative, without adding unnecessary bulk, while keeping some aspects magically mysterious.

Overall, this was imaginative, and a very successful short work with a lot of meaning and heart.

Thank you to Netgalley and Independent Publishers Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this! Space mermaids?! Found family?! So many good things wrapped up in this little novella! The descriptions were amazing, and I really felt like I was in space on an asteroid. Would love to find myself my own Ophelia! <3

4.75/5
First, I'd like to thank NetGalley and the Independent publisher, Meerkat Press, for making this title available as a 'Read Now' option. This was a brilliant short form story. I'm a fan of novellas, and this novellete was a delight to read. It was unputdownable and a compelling read, one you will want to finish in one sitting.

If you are fans of Becky Chambers, Martha, Wells, and Nghi Vo, then I believe you will not only connect with and enjoy this tale, but you will also be able to comfortably enjoy the fluidity of the characters. And though shorter than those books, it does not lack in depth.

My first experience with Ziggy Schutz's writing, and I can positively say I'm now a fan, shocked actually with the quality of writing produced. And I don't mean that with any disrespect to the author, but this was such a strange premise and such short form that I confess I didn't hold high expectations. I grabbed it for the cover art and premise and only expected quick fun. I was very wrong and apologize to all involved with its publication in not considering it in higher regard.

The story flowed like a fairy tale in space, with beautiful prose and fantastical themes. I always love me a found family story. And I was impressed by how much political intrigue and social injustices that Ziggy was able to weave into less than 80 pages. And better yet, how much you can believe in the love story that enfolds.

And while this is an eArc and generally I wouldn't quote, I did think this one covered much of what the story had to say - "Sometimes, secrets aren't secrets at all. They're just stories, waiting for someone to notice them."

I feel it captures the story themes of 'fighting the man', making assumptions, building trust, combatting loneliness, and creating/finding a space and people that feels safe. It's a tall order for a story that takes place on an asteroid, a prison for four criminals. Each has their own story, and heart of secrets, that brought them to this outcome. The story does take place over time, though short. I think the active story line is over about a month but might be just a little bit longer. Though it is eluded that the relationships of the characters has been developing for a little while longer.

You are introduced to an Earthbound, a Moony, a Shiprat, and a space migrant - Fer, Benat, Rack, and Moll respectively. And while the setting suggests the opposite, I was pleasantly pleased and surprised to learn the circumstances that led each of them to be labeled as criminals. In this, you will learn that not all is as it seems - and it is those who made the laws and past judgements that are the real enemies of the verse.

And before I go further, I did want to warn that Ziggy tries to break your heart at chapter 17. But persist. It's worth it and has some nice twists to share before the end. This would be a very different kind of review, I'd think, if otherwise.

I do have a few critiques. The obvious one is that I wanted a little bit more. I'd invest in more from this universe and this band of characters (not going to lie, hope that's a consideration of the author). I want more from Moll's history. And while a lovely side character, I don't feel there was really enough for me to feel too much for Rack either way. He may need a little tweaking and expansion. I also wasn't satisfied with the short blips about Mark (ironically one of the few with a traditional Earth name, yet no history). He was mentioned twice, I believe, but no context. Maybe just there as foreshadowing...IYKYK.

Also, and this is more a shortcoming of myself, but the gender fluidity of the verse was a bit hard to follow. As a fan of the previously mentioned authors, I have become accustomed to pronouns of they/it, so much so that I noted immediately when I read the first mention of alternative pronouns for another, Fer's family member who they'd been separated from at their arrest (chapter 6 mention). It felt like such a stark contrast to how the story was unfolding - and confused me a bit wondering if perhaps the initial description had a typo. But from there, many of the others begin mixing pronouns when talking of their special people - though they themselves are consistent (Moll/she; Benat/she, Rack/he, Fer/they).

The bio of the author suggests the same fluidity, so I appreciate the introduction and will work on educating myself more and expecting more in the future. But we don't get much description overall for our small band and their special people, and in general, the human mind likes to categorize. It's a survival skill and universal trait. But in this regard, do want to mention that I appreciate the comment in chapter 10 about how Fer reminisced about themselves having been introduced to the duality of using 'she/he' as opposed to 'they' or a chosen singular pronoun - felt a bit of "I'm right there with you!". So, please, readers, go into this with an open mind. And if you do start to struggle, switching to they for a moment helped me stay grounded in understanding who was being discussed.

And I think my last critique is about that the story telling - specifically the chapter intros. They really felt genre bending and I generally loved. It was really where the atmosphere of fantasy was incorporated into the SciFi. However, I feel some became longwinded and a little too philosophical to follow. I did end up highlighting quite a bit, but often had to reread the passages more than once. I can see how for some they may be off putting. Beautiful as they are, maybe toning down to be a little less abstract would benefit the reader. If the author wasn't a reader and fan of Dune, I'd be shocked. The prose and high level of thought here reminded me of passages out of that book.

And strangely, a burning question of mine is whether the author had read Chain Gang All Stars. It could be coincidental, but I found similar themes and specific concepts to be similar when it came to the judicial system, how sentences are carried out, isolation, transport and even the wrist cuffs. And if indeed inspired, kudos for being so well incorporated. As I also found that book compelling and a fantastic read. Love to see it expanded into this world.

And my final thoughts has nothing to do with the story, but more about the format and how NetGalley eARCs are incorporated into the Kindle app. I'm devastated after every book that my notes and highlighted quotes don't get saved to Goodreads. *cries yet again*.

In summary, check out this story. And if you have other suggestions for me like this one, please share!

Space scifi novella Twice-Spent Comet by Ziggy Schultz is so unique and imaginative! It follows former activist, now convict and prison laborer Fer as they serve sentence with four other convicts on a prison camp asteroid. One day a celestial “mermaid” comes down from space and joins them. We follow a non-linear story structure where we delve into the backstories of the convicts, how they ended up on the asteroid, and then the friendships that form between them.

The magic in the story (the mermaid) is described so vividly. The language used to describe form, movement, space, texture is so exquisite that I had my eyes closed seeing it in my mind. What an unexpected joy to experience! I also really appreciated the beautiful found family storyline between the characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and Meerkat Press for this e-arc. This character driven, hopeful novella is a little gem with prose to sink into.

'Magic is connection, common ground, two voices telling the same story.'

Twice-Spent Comet by Ziggy Schutz is a warm story of lost people finding their homes in each other. I loved the short prologues at the start of each chapter; these little snippets worked well alongside the character-driven style of the over-arching plot. Twice-Spent Comet reminded me of Jeff VanderMeer's Dead Astronauts (2019), with its experimental style of non-linearity and interwoven characters. Unlike VanderMeer's novel, Schutz's work ultimately presented a hopeful outlook on life and love in the deep realms of space. A fantastic novella by Schutz!

I loved this!! Twice-Spent Comet is a futuristic fairy tale full of queer joy, resistance, and found family. Fer is a prisoner on an asteroid, sentenced to hard labor for 15 years for propaganda, a sentence they're not intended to survive. They share the asteroid with three other prisoners, each with their own stories, all a little guarded. One day, what Fer can only name mermaids sail through the sky, and one stops to stay on the asteroid for a while, sending Fer spinning down a more hopeful path.
This book has it all. Space mermaids! A mysterious and evil government! People from the moon! Found family! Lots of tattoos! The only thing I think this novella doesn't have is straight people (but one character was never established, so I can't say for certain). It's short and sweet, clocking in at less than a hundred pages, so you can read it in an evening. It's a unique story (see: the space mermaids) that strikes a good balance between despair at injustice and fierce hope. If you enjoy Becky Chambers, you should read this. If you like good books, you should also read this. Absolutely wonderful.

*Book Review: Twice-Spent Comet*

"Twice-Spent Comet" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships, love, and identity. The author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both poignant and introspective.

*Pros:*

- Unique narrative structure that seamlessly blends past and present
- Well-developed characters with relatable struggles and emotions
- Explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with depth and nuance
- Vivid prose that immerses the reader in the story

*Cons:*

- Pacing can be slow, particularly in the first half of the book
- Some plot threads feel slightly disconnected from the main narrative
- Character motivations could be more explicitly stated at times

*Review:*

"Twice-Spent Comet" is a character-driven novel that shines in its portrayal of human relationships. The author's use of non-linear storytelling adds depth to the narrative, slowly revealing the complexities of the characters' pasts. The writing is evocative, making it easy to become invested in the characters' journeys. However, the pacing can be slow, and some plot threads feel slightly disconnected. Overall, "Twice-Spent Comet" is a contemplative and emotional read that will appeal to fans of character-driven fiction.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Recommendation: This book is ideal for readers who enjoy literary fiction, character studies, and explorations of the human condition.