Rubbles of Magrath, Inner Universe book 5. Balfour's Story book 2.
By Natalie Kelda.
Rubbles of Magrath releases on Oct 4th, 2024.
Find it it here: Link to Natalie's webpage
A tense follow up to Under Far Galaxian Skies with wooden spaceship, blood magic, blast guns, so many hidden knives, and stolen kisses.
Ugh, this book has left me with a bit of a hole in my heart to be honest. I’m in love with Balfour as a character and the raw and real way Natalie describes his inner conflicts and emotional trauma is just so, so good it leaves you with goosebumps!
Rubbles of Magrath is a great follow up to Under Far Galaxian Skies! It’s tense and dark, and explores much more of the Inner Universe and galaxies and we even get to go aboard a wooden space ship with giant lizard people! (I know you do too in earlier books, but I’ve not yet had time to read those).
I love the vastness of the world. How Outer Universe and Inner Universe are two very separate entities with huge differences in technology, lore, people, etc. It fits so seamlessly together and it makes it such a joy to read.
Though the overarching plot of Rubbles of Magrath is the ongoing civil war between the tarilla leaders, the main focus is not on the war itself but it’s impact on Balfour and his family of roofer-theives who are struggling to stay safe and alive. Do to Evil Events™️ (I don’t want to spoil anything) they’re forced out on a long journey away from Magrath that puts friendships and trust to the test. And it’s a delight to read! Balfour - the ever sympathetic gummy-bear - is a catalyst for mending broken pasts and trusts between people, and his interactions with specifically Charlie is just a great showcase of a good human being giving space for others to flourish. But oh-my-god, they almost ate Jim and Pym!!!
There is an underlying feeling of hope throughout the book that is constantly challenged by the very real description of a very unfair war. No character is ever really safe and there are several nerve-wrecking and heartbreaking scenes, balancing on the fine edge of horror. These are so well written in to Balfour’s mood and mind and as the story progress, he is slowly spiraling further down. I really appreciate how he’s not just turned into a maniac, cold killer, but throughout everything loathes the blood, death, and injustice. He’s staying very true to himself, and it makes his struggle so believable. The struggle with figuring out where one belongs when there's never been one true home, but several - now scattered across a vast universe - is spot on. As one who's lived abroad for many years, struggling with this exact issue, I see myself mirrored in a lot of Natalie's words.
The book is in the longer end, but allows time to dwell on the relationship between the characters and the slow developing of healing and renewed trauma. Personally, I really enjoy this and there’s plenty of tension still to keep you highly invested.
The ending is such a bittersweet moment I’m still mad about it (in a good way, I guess?). I just want good things for gummy-bear Balfour but, oh hon, how that poor guy needs therapy now.
Balfour’s Story is a great space-fantasy with action, knives, fights with blast-guns, tender friendships, sweet love, wooden spaceships, and enough PTSD to drown a fish. The main focus on trauma and healing and it's written in raw and real way that makes you want to climb into the pages and pull the main characters into a tight bear-hug.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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