Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space

I’ll admit, I went into *Midshipman Henry Gallant in Space* expecting another by-the-numbers military adventure, but what I got was something far more interesting—a character study disguised as a space thriller. Rich Miller’s narration is the first thing that stands out. His voice has a no-nonsense, almost robotic cadence that perfectly matches Gallant’s disciplined mindset, but it occasionally falters when the story demands more emotional range. There’s a scene where Gallant confronts the weight of being the last Natural, and Miller’s delivery feels just a touch too detached, robbing the moment of some of its punch. The story itself is where this audiobook shines. The premise—a lone midshipman navigating a fleet that sees him as a genetic throwback—is executed with a refreshing lack of melodrama. The alien encounters are handled with a scientist’s precision rather than a soldier’s bravado, which I loved. That said, the pacing isn’t perfect. The middle act drags slightly as Gallant’s journey through the asteroid belt stretches on, and some of the technical jargon (while immersive) risks losing listeners who aren’t already fans of hard sci-fi. Still, the payoff is worth it. The final confrontation isn’t about firepower but about Gallant’s ability to outthink both his enemies and his own limitations. If you’re looking for a space adventure with brains over brawn, this is a solid pick—just be prepared for a protagonist who’s more calculator than swashbuckler.