Three Episodes In- Natonus- Blank Spaces on the Map
Natonus by Matt Li’eh is set in a future where humanity has colonized a system full of terraformable worlds. Starting over in a new system, the population expands and spreads across the surface of the inner planets. The first story, “Blank Spaces on the Map” picks up well past colonization when humanity is reaching out to the outer planets. Gail Sora and the crew of the Excavator are a band of adventurers who enjoy the unspoiled majesty of these outer planets.
Unfortunately, I’m not exactly sure what they do beyond that. The story starts with Gail and Darla bravely climbing the highest peak in the solar system on the frozen world of Bitanau. While at the top, they witness an attack on a facility that turns the planets ample supply of ice into water for use on dryer planets. They then proceed to fly down using rocket packs to check it out while telling their crew to pick up their gear. It’s unclear why they climbed the mountain in the first place when they could have flown there.
From there the story develops quickly. A rogue named Reid is attempting to stop the government from exploiting the outer planets. Gail once fought beside Reid during some conflict called the Coup. It’s unclear whose side they were on.
Gail is commissioned to try and talk Reid out of these attacks. In exchange, she wants the government to commit to leaving 50% of the outer planets undeveloped. Her crew are annoyed at not getting paid but it also seems the Excavator can support itself and they don’t need any money? Naturally, Reid refuses and at the end of episode 3 may have attacked them.
This is a hard one to review. On one hand, it needs some work. I don’t really feel compelled to keep reading. There is far to much “tell” and very little “show”. Generally, I hate breaking things down to something so trite as that but I really don’t know who Gail or any of the other characters are yet except what I’ve been told. The only thing the book has shown me is that Gail is adventurous and impulsive.
The plot just kind of happens and doesn’t feel very natural. Things are happening but the characters aren’t really making any decisions. Except to meet with this Reid character. But the conversation felt very one way. He monologued at them.
On the other hand, there are hints of potential there. In many ways, this feels a lot like Aristeia. I used to write a lot like this (I’m told I’ve improved but I worry I’m still writing like this). So I don’t want to dismiss this author as garbage. It’s far, far from garbage. The author has a story they want to tell. The website is well put together. The prose needs some editing but its readable. I am interested in where this story goes.
In the end, though, I don’t feel a strong desire to keep reading. I gave in 2.5 Stars on Top Web Fiction, “Almost Worth a Look”. I do plan to come back and see how the writing has progressed though. I hope he continues writing.
