Navvy Dreams is the first book in the space opera series Tales from a Stinking, Star-Crossed Milky Way, written by HMH Murray. A novel that plays between a humorous voice focused on its main character, an intriguing universe which we gradually discover, and a high stakes adventure interwoven with a smaller plot.

Polla Ottrava, registered smuggler, and in company of her navvy (a navigational symbionte) Second, probably one of the best pilots in the damned galaxy; however, after an accident, she ends being coerced into accepting a job for one of the Kamen lords, a quest that implies something simple, just probably saving the galaxy. A big adventure that, however, is told in a way that puts the focus on the characters, giving us a more intimate vision of the whole universe.

The characters' cast is the biggest selling point of this book, and especially, the snarky voice of Polla; we have a strong woman whose poor decisions are put into accepting a difficult task. Her past is slowly introduced through some flashbacks with a particular point of humour, and we also get a great insight on her ideas and opinions about this galaxy; even if she's a small part of the bigger plan, she's sure to remind us this is HER story, and for once, that's something I totally love.

The universe used in this space opera is quite interesting, one that invites us to continue reading so we get more details in the next pages; the relationship between navvies and pilots is another of the highlights. I'm not a big fan of how the book is paced, and probably that's one of the few reasons I wouldn't give it five stars, but overall, I think it's quite a competent read.

Overall, Navvy Dreams is a competent debut, a fun space opera that is perfect for those that are looking for strong FMCs, humour, and big stories with a human component. I'm curious to see which direction will Murray take after this ending, and for once, I can't wait to read a second instalment on this Tales From a Stinking, Star-Crossed Milky Way.