In Suppose We, Geoff Nelder takes readers on a journey into the distant reaches of the Milky Way, centering around a crew of astronauts traveling to the Kepler-20h planetary system. The novel opens with Gaston Poirer, the ship’s somewhat quirky and philosophical crew member, waking from hibernation aboard the spaceship Suppose We. Their mission is to reach this newly discovered planet in hopes of establishing humanity’s future home. Things get interesting when mysterious objects start to follow them, making the crew question their safety and the intentions of potential alien life. Nelder brings readers a vivid and unpredictable space adventure that is filled with moments of tension, humor, and introspection.

What immediately grabbed my attention was the intriguing blend of humor and existential uncertainty that Nelder weaves throughout the book. The characters, especially Gaston, have a grounded, almost absurd quality that keeps the story from feeling too far removed from reality, despite the interstellar setting. Gaston’s French quirks, like his casual philosophizing even when facing life-threatening situations, added a lightness that I appreciated.

The tension between the characters also stands out, with Commander Penn’s brashness clashing with Gaston’s more measured and reflective approach. Their interactions feel real and are often amusing, particularly when Gaston is criticized for thinking like a philosopher instead of a survivor. The dialogue between the characters is lively, and I enjoyed the sporadic use of French, which added a unique flavor to their interactions.

One of my favorite elements of the book is how the AI communicates. Its quirky diary-like entries had me laughing every time, especially the way it humorously changes how it signs its name, from “Suppose We” to “Captain CAN?”—an example of the clever humor that permeates the novel. Another character, Penn, also stood out for his comedic charm, particularly when he indignantly suggests throwing himself on the alien “clicks” in a surprise attack after being ignored. Moments like these elevate the book’s lighter tone and add to its overall appeal.

Suppose We is a fascinating mix of sci-fi, humor, and philosophical musings. Geoff Nelder takes a fresh approach to the genre by blending human quirks with space exploration, giving us characters that feel authentic despite their extreme circumstances. The novel shines in its depiction of alien worlds and the personal tensions among the crew. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven science fiction with a side of dry humor.

Pages: 184 | ASIN : B07RQW5LHR