Brushfire

I’ve reviewed dozens of space operas, but few manage the tonal tightrope walk Alanson executes here. R.C. Bray is the secret sauce—his delivery of the Merry Band’s wisecracks lands harder than ever, but it’s the moments of quiet dread where he truly shines. He nails the contrast between the squad’s bombastic humor and the creeping horror of realizing the universe isn’t done throwing surprises at them. The pacing is relentless, with Alanson doling out revelations like a pyromaniac with a lighter, keeping you hooked through 19 hours of listening. My only real critique? The alien POVs occasionally feel like they’re reading from a different playbook—less organic than the band’s dynamic. And while the production is top-tier, the abrupt cuts between scenes can sometimes jolt you out of the immersion. That said, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar experience. If you’re a fan of military sci-fi with a side of dark comedy and a narrator who can sell both with equal enthusiasm, *Brushfire* is a must-listen. The Merry Band’s antics are as addictive as ever, and Bray’s performance makes it impossible to pause—even when your ears need a break.