Today’s review is about ONCE WE FLEW by Nikky Lee. It’s a standalone science fiction novella in which humans have crashed on a desert planet with no way back home.

This review is brought to you by my participation in the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). SFINCS, pronounced “sphinx”, is a yearly competition to recognize, honor, and celebrate the talent and creativity present in the indie community. It’s a sister competition to both SPFBO and SPSFC, and it highlights greatness in the novella format in all areas of speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc.). I am part of Team Behind the Musings. You can find out more about us here.

Author: Nikky Lee
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Caelestis Books
Publish Date: November 14, 2023
Print Length: 108
Purchase: Amazon

Once We Flew Synopsis

AUREALIS AWARD WINNER FOR BEST SCIENCE FICTION NOVELLA
SIR JULIUS VOGEL AWARD FINALIST FOR BEST NOVELLA

Four generations ago a generation ship crashed into the sands of Savene. Since then, its survivors have eked out an existence in the planet’s hostile desert. Yet, the tech is failing, the sands are encroaching, and people are dying. Rescue is still generations away—if it comes at all.

But Marsa is a survivor.

And an outcast.

Infected with the Chrysalis—a disease that grants its carriers uncanny abilities—she keeps her distance from her dwindling community.

Until an old friend’s dying wish sends her and a young boy across Savene’s inhospitable sands in search of something Marsa had thought she’d long forgotten.

Hope.

Once We Flew Review

ONCE WE FLEW by Nikky Lee is a fast-paced science fiction novella set on the desert planet of Savene. Humans crash landed there several generations prior. Those who survive the elements slowly die from Chrysalis infections, which, while caused by the planet, give its carriers interesting abilities. This novella follows Marsa, a middle-aged woman infected with Chrysalis, fulfill a vision shared by her friend on her deathbed. This last wish sends Marsa and her friend’s son across the sands to see if there’s any truth to it.

I liked the characterization of both Marsa and the boy. The former, while a loner, is rational and determined whereas the boy, in his youth, is rash yet highly loyal. Along their journey in the desert the reader learns why Marsa receded into solitude. The boy’s ingenuity and stubbornness are also endearing and provide that element of hope along the way.

ONCE WE FLEW definitely stands on its own and also provides a well-rounded story despite its short length. This quick read is slightly reminiscent of the Dune series. The fact that it’s “soft” science fiction and avoids lengthy descriptions of tech makes it very approachable. It’s a perfect reading snack with a hopeful ending.

Rating: withheld
Content warnings: death of a parent
Reading format: Kindle e-book