The Lost Space Treasure – A Novella: A Thrilling Cosmic Adventure

By Rae Knightly

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Introduction: A Cosmic Quest Worth Taking

Space operas have long captivated readers with their blend of adventure, mystery, and interstellar wonder. The Lost Space Treasure – A Novella by Rae Knightly is a stellar addition to the genre, offering a fast-paced, character-driven story that feels both fresh and nostalgic. If you’re a fan of treasure hunts in the cosmos, rogue spacefarers, and high-stakes escapades, this novella is a must-read.

Knightly crafts a tight, engaging narrative that balances action with emotional depth, making it perfect for fans of Firefly or The Expanse but with a unique YA-friendly twist. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

Plot Summary: A Treasure Hunt Across the Stars

(No major spoilers!)

The story follows Eli, a young scavenger with a knack for finding lost relics, who stumbles upon a cryptic clue leading to the legendary Lost Space Treasure—a fabled artifact rumored to grant immense power. But he’s not the only one hunting it. A ruthless corporation, a rogue AI, and a mysterious ally with her own agenda are all hot on his trail.

What follows is a high-speed chase across star systems, filled with narrow escapes, betrayals, and unexpected alliances. Knightly keeps the tension tight, ensuring every chapter propels the story forward. The novella’s length makes it a quick but satisfying read, though I found myself wishing it were longer—a testament to how immersive the world is.

Character Analysis: Rogues, Rebels, and Hidden Depths

Eli – The Reluctant Hero

Eli is a refreshing protagonist—not a chosen one, just a guy trying to survive. His scavenger background makes him resourceful, but his moral compass is tested as the treasure’s true nature unfolds. Knightly avoids clichés, making him believably flawed yet endearing.

Kess – The Enigmatic Ally

A smuggler with secrets, Kess is the wildcard of the story. Her dynamic with Eli crackles with tension—is she a friend, foe, or something in between? Her backstory is teased just enough to leave readers wanting more (hopefully in future installments!).

The Antagonists – More Than Just Villains

The corporate enforcer Drayk and the rogue AI Nexus add layers to the conflict. Drayk isn’t just a brute; he’s a man bound by duty, while Nexus’s motives blur the line between machine logic and something eerily human.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Fast-Paced but Polished

Knightly’s prose is cinematic yet concise, making every scene vivid without overloading descriptions. The dialogue is snappy, with a natural flow that keeps the energy high.

The novella’s structure is tight—no filler, just forward momentum. Some readers might crave deeper world-building, but the brevity works in its favor, making it an excellent entry point for those new to sci-fi.

Themes: Greed, Survival, and the Weight of Legacy

Beyond the action, The Lost Space Treasure explores:

  • The cost of obsession – What happens when the hunt for treasure overshadows humanity?
  • Found family – Eli and Kess’s uneasy alliance hints at deeper bonds.
  • Corporate vs. individual power – A timely theme in an age of megacorporations.

The story doesn’t preach but lets these ideas simmer beneath the adventure.

Reading Experience: A One-Sitting Adventure

I devoured this in a single evening—it’s that addictive. The pacing is perfect for a quick escape, yet the emotional beats (especially Eli’s internal struggles) linger.

Standout Moment: A zero-gravity chase scene where Eli must outthink Nexus—tense, clever, and visually stunning.

Comparisons & Genre Fit

Fans of these will love The Lost Space Treasure:

  • Firefly (rogue crew vibes)
  • Guardians of the Galaxy (humor + heart)
  • The Lunar Chronicles (YA-friendly sci-fi)

It’s lighter than The Expanse but scratches the same itch for cosmic adventure with soul.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Pacing – Never a dull moment.
✅ Characters – Memorable and nuanced.
✅ Accessibility – Great for sci-fi newcomers.

Weaknesses:

❌ World-building – Some may want more lore (though this is a novella, so it’s expected).
❌ Length – Ends just as you’re fully invested. (Thankfully, it’s part of a series!)

Who Should Read This?

  • Sci-fi fans craving a quick, action-packed read.
  • YA readers looking for space adventures without heavy jargon.
  • Treasure hunt enthusiasts who love puzzles and chase sequences.

Memorable Quotes

“Treasure isn’t about the prize—it’s about what you lose finding it.”

“In space, you trust your ship or you die. Same goes for people.”

Final Verdict: A Gem in the Cosmos

The Lost Space Treasure is a thrilling, emotionally resonant sci-fi novella that proves big adventures come in small packages. Rae Knightly delivers a story that’s fun, fast, and surprisingly deep—I’m already eager for the next installment!

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • Who was your favorite character and why?
  • Do you think the treasure’s power was worth the cost?
  • What sci-fi tropes did you enjoy (or wish were subverted)?

Drop your thoughts below—let’s geek out over space adventures! 🚀

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.