Salvagia es una palabra inventada por Tim Chawaga, un neologismo que aúna la labor de recuperación conocida como salvage y nostalgia, ya que los objetos recuperados del mar incrementan su valor según el valor sentimental que tengan. He de reconocer que lo primero que me llamó la atención de este libro fue tanto el título como el hecho de que fuera un misterio de ciencia ficción y cumple sobradamente con las expectativas en ambos aspectos.


La acción se sitúa en el futuro, donde el cambio climático y sus estragos ha sumergido bajos las aguas gran parte de la península de Florida, la zona en la que la protagonista, Triss Mackey, realiza su función de recuperación. El mundo parece abocado a resignarse entre dos situaciones, depender del gobierno federal o depender de las mafias, pero Triss busca una tercera vía, un hueco legal para vivir en un nave semisintiente que utiliza para sus inmersiones, que la obedece a duras penas pero a la que considera su hogar.

La novela tiene un trama un poco enrevesada y tramposilla, porque crea sus propias reglas de juego conforme le va interesando. Si bien es cierto que la política crea extraños compañeros de cama, asignar el valor que más te convenga en cada momento de la trama a los objetos recuperados es jugar con cartas marcadas, aunque estas cartas sean objetos coleccionables de alto valor. El hecho de que hayan pasado décadas desde nuestro presente hasta este futuro no quita que veamos temas de gran actualidad, como la especulación inmobiliaria sin límites o ciertos tímidos intentos de preservar la fauna autóctona. En este sentido se podría definir la novela como un eco-thriller, aunque a mí definitivamente me ha ganado la parte más especulativa de la novela no es menos cierto que el misterio consigue atraparte en toda su extensión.

La labor de la narradora Amy McFadden en el audiolibro es más que recomendable. Es capaz de dar vida a los variados personajes que aparecen en las páginas y dado que la novela de Chawaga se basa más en las relaciones de los participantes que en la especulación pura y dura, que Amy McFadden nos haga sentir empatía por ellos es un punto extra de disfrute del libro.

También se agradece que la novela termine en una sola entrega, sin necesidad de dejar cabos suelto para la próxima lectura. Os recomiendo sumergiros en este libro, el chapuzón merecerá la pena.

This was... fine. It wasn't objectionable or particularly poorly written or anything like that - but I never felt connected to the characters or invested in the action either. I would have liked more insight into the characters and more time spent developing their relationships. I felt like the plot moved fast, but it could have benefited from more fully developed character motivations to make the stakes feel worth caring about. The audiobook performance was also decent, but not remarkable.

I felt like semi-sentient ships were seriously underused. Such a cool idea with very little exploration.

Salvage + Nostalgia = Salvagia. In the not-too-distant future, when most of south Florida is underwater, divers make money by bringing up sneakers, plastic toys, and other items prized by collectors. One half-eroded Ked starts the action in this novel which pits environmentalists against contractors as the trophies go to the highest bidder.
The clever and interesting world of the story includes AI-equipped boats and ships that commune with their pilots. Remember the mechanical bulls in Western-themed bars? In Florida’s future there are mechanical gators! It’s a highly enjoyable near-future mystery with interesting characters and good narration. 4.5 rounded up!
My thanks to the author, publisher, @DreamscapeLore, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #Salvagia for review purposes. Publication date: 12 August 2025.

Salvagia: The art of turning loss into something beautiful.

What a strange, gripping, unconventional eco-thriller. I love that the boats are sentient. I love how the lead, Triss, has such love and care for her crafts. There's just the right amount of infodumping, cleverly folded into a spiralling set of circumstances and natural dialogue.

The atmosphere was rather odd. I had the feeling that everything took place underground, in a dripping, damp, dim space, not quite a cave and not quite a fallen city. I'm still not quite sure I grasp what this near-future world looks like. I'm also not sure how people eat in this dystopia. I kept asking myself questions about the practicalities.

I also appreciated the little tidbits about diving culture. It was a little bit preachy at points, but also interesting and showcased the know-how of the lead, while also making sure the reader knew the stakes.

Amy McFadden does an excellent job with the narration. Each character stands on their own.

If you can let your mind glaze over the details, this is an enjoyable ride.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

This book was just okay for me. I thought the world-building was really lacking which is something I look for in a sci-fi novel. The mystery was entertaining enough but I just felt like it was missing something.