Rebecca Thorne’s Moss’d in Space came out in late June and I read it on a whim. I’m not usually one for space sci-fi, but after a rewatch of CW’s Supergirl (2015) I was feeling the absence of yearning sapphics in space. And find them, I did. Moss’d in Space follows Torian as she spends her life savings on an alien spaceship so she can fly to another planet and beg them to let her move there with her sister, whose sickness will surely kill her if she doesn’t get access to cleaner air. Torian gets more than she bargains for when the moss covering most of her ship is connected to the computer and is somehow sentient.
Moss is the true hero of the book. No, really. Moss is relatable but also incredibly snarky, making it the best character. Torian feels somewhat bland as a main character, whose only defining trait is being detrimentally loyal. Moss and Torian balance each other out in the personality department. Thorne’s alien species are quite unique and fun. I especially enjoyed the draics and keel. The imaginative descriptions bring a sense of whimsy to the novel that made it a truly cozy read.
Torian and her sort-of-ex Amelia (space pirate captain extraordinaire) circle each other throughout the narrative. The chemistry between them is clear but there wasn’t much romance involved if that’s what you’re after. Yearning without result. However, the sequel is set to debut in Summer 2027, which brings me hope for their relationship. In the meantime, we can enjoy multiple queer characters and a wholesome, gay, interspecies alien couple, so Thorne may be forgiven.
Although Moss’d in Space may seem silly or quirky, it truly is an uplifting tale of friendship and forgiveness. It’s quick (definitely not a space opera), feel-good, and worth a try from everyone. I have heard from others that listening to the audiobook can be tedious due to how Moss’s speech is written, so beware if that’s your go-to reading method.
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