Harare Review of Books

352 pp. Expected publication date: March 25, 2025 from Angry Robot. SF.

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Space Brooms! If you didn’t know—I didn’t—that’s what you call janitors or caretakers in space. Well, Johnny Gomez is one. He didn’t set out to be; he had grand dreams of adventure, of seeing other worlds and peoples. But he’s ended up here, working for Astro-Suds, assiduously and conscientiously keeping his head down and doing his work. And daydreaming about being a great hero in front of the girl of his dreams.

Except, one day he finds a data-chit while cleaning the monstrous aftereffects of events in a zero-g toilet. Turns out it’s worth a lot, and that there are many bad guys who are willing to kill him for it. What follows is a rollicking adventure across space—and, fortunately for him, Johnny falls in with pals who have far better life survival skills than him, who’ll help him because they want in on any proceeds.

It’s a very fun read! You may have to suspend your disbelief a little more than normal, but no matter—because, honestly, who else has thought about custodians in space?! Such a unique premise. Johnny is completely hapless (I facepalmed a lot) but very lovable, and it’s so very easy to empathise with him and what he wants in life—to be happy and wealthy, to be in love, and to pursue his dreams. That he gets caught up in events far beyond his control is just bad luck, the kind of bad luck that tends to befall decent people. It’s heartwarming that Johnny finds his new people, and all’s well that ends well. (Also read for a really unusual pet!) (Also, cool cover!)

An excellent read, recommended. Many thanks to Angry Robots and NetGalley for early access.

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