August Kitko and the Mechas from Space

By: Alex White

Narrated by: Hayden Bishop

When an army of giant robot AIs threatens to devastate Earth, a virtuoso pianist becomes humanity's last hope in this bold, lightning-paced, technicolor space opera series from the author of A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe.

Jazz pianist Gus Kitko expected to spend his final moments on Earth playing piano at the greatest goodbye party of all time, and maybe kissing rockstar Ardent Violet, before the last of humanity is wiped out forever by the Vanguards--ultra-powerful robots from the dark heart of space, hell-bent on destroying humanity for reasons none can divine.

But when the Vanguards arrive, the unthinkable happens--the mecha that should be killing Gus instead saves him. Suddenly, Gus's swan song becomes humanity's encore, as he is chosen to join a small group of traitorous Vanguards and their pilots dedicated to saving humanity.

Critic reviews

A clever fusion of magic and sci-fi makes this book a total blast. I was hooked from page one.
—V. E. Schwab, New York Times bestselling author on A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe

White's tale of justice and vengeance sends the series out on a high note with electrifying action sequences, depth, and darkness. This thrilling finale will have readers on the edges of their seats.—Publishers Weekly (starred) on The Worst of All Possible Worlds

Fast, compelling, epic in scope, with stakes that just keep getting higher and tension that mounts and mounts to the breaking point. A Bad Deal for the Whole Galaxy is excellently paced, with engaging characters and worldbuilding that crams as much fun cool shit in as seems remotely possible. It's a deeply enjoyable ride. I recommend it and its predecessor heartily.—Locus on A Bad Deal for the Whole Galaxy

[T]his ambitious start...combines magic and space opera to create a fast-paced adventure with charismatic characters and formidable enemies in a realized universe of greed and power."
—Booklist on A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe

misleading

I was really excited about this sci-fi story set in the future. It IS that, but more than that it is a LGBTQ+ romance. Nothing wrong with that, but very different genre than I was expecting. I found myself trying to fast forward through the relational slog to get to the sci-fi. That resulted in a tedious experience that didn't hold my interest.

There was also not a lot of explanation about the world that is set some 500+ years in the future. Names and culture were very different as you would expect, but there was not much in the way of helping the reader navigate all the things that were unfamiliar.

Finally, the writing style is a little stiff and overly expansive in the descriptions of things (which is ironic given that the details didn't help to provide clarity to the over all story or any movement). It was simply over complicated language for basic action in the story. I don't think this was a horrible story, but I do think it was described very differently than it presented. Unfortunately I paid for the selection and couldn't get a return.

Wow!

Such a great story! the concept alone is amazing then you add the intense battles and that love story! I cannot wait for the next book. This series is going to be one for the record books!

This Scratched That Itch In My Brain

After finishing the Salvagers series I needed a new sci-fi. This filled that spot, and absolutely delivered. I'm in love with the characters, and cannot wait for the next book to be released to audio.

3..2..1.. Let's Jam

A fun story from start to finish!
Alex White strikes a good balance between Space battling big robot action, and meaningful character growth and interpersonal relationships. I found the deep rooted love of music, and how it impacts so many facets of the story to be a great feature. The world is an interesting balance of post apocalyptic sorrow, and flickering hope and the chance for new beginnings. The "big bad" is also a really enjoyable aspect to the story, both daunting and horrifying in its capabilities, but also understandable in its justification. The characters are well thought out and each bring something to the story. The Mecha are unique and the method used to incorporate their perspectives takes a moment to get used to, but really works when you understand what they really are. Overall, a fun and entertaining space adventure with enough romance thrown in to Amp up the stakes.

The performance is well done, and each character is given their own "voice." This is not to say Hayden Bishop goes too far with incredibly distinct voices for every single character, but, they do a wonderful job of creating a voice for characters in each scene, and they are consistent with the voice and characteristics of the main cast.

Over all, my only complaint... I wish I could hear the music that occurs within this story, it sounds like it would be amazing.

I look forward to the next book. I want to see where this goes. Check it out!

Music, Mechs, and Space

I loved this concept and story so much! I want to learn more about this world! I don't wanna put any more, because I don't wanna spoil anything. Music, Mechs, Space! It's wonderful

Social Justice vs Sience Fiction

I'm sorry. The premise seemed fun and interesting. I just could not get past chapter 4.

The over the top, blatant use of "non-binary" pronouns for Ardent Violet just felt so forced and unnatural, it pulled me out of the story every time "they" were referred to as they/them/their. I don't read or listen to science fiction for a lecture on social justice.