This is an ambitious story that manages quite a lot in its meager 109 pages.  Alice is the last human in a universe where most beings have no idea what that means or have even heard of humans.  She makes her way through the universe by her unending curiosity and talent for finding strange and wonderful tech that no one else recognizes.  The universe is vast and many, many worlds and species have left their mark. Wandering through a bazaar, she comes across an intriguing device that looks much like an oft-lamented lava lamp.  She’s pretty sure it’s much more than that, so takes it home.  What it was certainly shook her world; especially since others seem to know more about it than her, and want it.

After evading numerous murderous attempts; Alice decides to try and find its point of origin.  It only seems fitting since the object appears to be a sentient being; and quite possibly a planet-killing weapon.  Alice only learned this from the object itself since she befriended it rather than treating it like a weapon.  And that, of course, is key to the story resolution. But they will both have to survive the inevitable capture by the soldiers who need that weapon.  Convincing them that they really don’t need this caliber of weapon may be beyond Alice’s talents. Although, it might actually be harder to convince the weapon that it doesn’t need to be a weapon any longer.

Obviously with only 109 pages, this was a quick story; but don’t let that dissuade you.  I am actually a little amazed at how much story the author managed in those pages.  It was very satisfying and entertaining.  The characterizations were complete and interesting; the dialogue spot-on.  The one thing that suffered from a lack of pages was world-building; but frankly, it wasn’t really needed.  What was provided was sufficient.  It was well worth my time and, I hope, yours. ~~  Catherine Book