Walker Long’s Planet of the Creeps takes readers on an audacious and often shocking journey into the cosmos, blending space exploration with intense character drama. The story follows Major Olivia Freeh, a fighter pilot whose career in the Air Force is derailed by entrenched sexism and political maneuvering. Thrust into a NASA project of unparalleled importance, she pilots the Aurora—a fusion-powered experimental craft—to the mysterious Lagrange Point 5, where humanity’s first encounter with an alien object holds staggering implications. The narrative melds hard science fiction elements with biting social commentary, creating a wild ride that is both thrilling and provocative.

Right out of the gate, the writing hits with a no-holds-barred tone. Walker Long’s prose is raw, sometimes veering into irreverence, but it’s always effective in immersing readers in Liv’s perspective. The early scenes detailing Liv’s unjust dismissal from the Air Force are infuriatingly vivid, capturing the emotional toll of systemic discrimination. When Liv discovers a crude and degrading Photoshopped image mocking her, I felt a wave of anger and empathy. Long’s commitment to portraying Liv as tough yet vulnerable makes her relatable, though some moments—like her over-the-top confrontation in her underwear—felt more sensationalized than impactful. The blend of humor and drama here walks a fine line between empowerment and caricature.

The science fiction elements are where the book truly takes flight. The descriptions of the Aurora’s mechanics, from its flawed aerodynamics to its groundbreaking fusion engines, are rich with detail, clearly born from a love of aerospace engineering. The scenes set in space brim with tension and awe, especially the crew’s approach to the enigmatic L5 object. The revelation of the object’s strange, shiny surface emitting Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” felt both surreal and thrilling.

Planet of the Creeps is not a book for people who are easily offended. Its sharp edges, gritty humor, and unfiltered look at systemic inequities in male-dominated fields make it a bracing read. Walker Long is unafraid to rattle cages and provoke—sometimes to the point of excess—but the result is undeniably compelling. This book is perfect for fans of hard science fiction with a rebellious streak, as well as readers who appreciate flawed but fierce female protagonists.