Review: The Last Gifts of the Universe

The Last Gifts of the Universe by Riley August
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Riley August’s The Last Gifts of the Universe begins with a captivating premise and a strong sense of intrigue. The exploration of lifeless planets and the archival messages from extinct civilizations, particularly the Endry, immediately drew me in. The pacing in the first half of the book is steady and engaging, with the sibling dynamic between Scout and Kieran providing warmth and relatability. The addition of Pumpkin, the cat, adds a touch of levity to an otherwise somber and reflective narrative.

However, as the story progressed and began to focus more heavily on the subplot involving the dead alien scientist and their partner, Avran, the momentum faltered. What started as a poignant mystery began to feel repetitive and tedious in the middle sections. While these details were meant to deepen the emotional weight of the story, I found myself losing interest in this subplot, as it detracted from the main storyline’s urgency and the Archivists’ mission.

By the time I reached the ending, I was left wanting more—a more compelling and impactful resolution that tied the earlier intrigue and subplots together in a satisfying way. The story felt as though it had so much potential to deliver an emotional and meaningful conclusion, but it fell short of fully realizing it.

Despite these pacing and resolution issues, the book does contain moments of emotional resonance and introspection that fans of character-driven science fiction may appreciate. For me, though, the middle section lacked the focus and energy of the book’s promising start, and the ending didn’t quite deliver the payoff I had hoped for.

The Last Gifts of the Universe offers a unique and contemplative take on grief, legacy, and memory. While it didn’t fully meet my expectations, it may still resonate with readers who enjoy introspective and melancholic science fiction.

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