Once We Flew, by Nikky Lee
20 Mar 2025The Book
Synopsis:
Four generations ago a generation ship crashed into the sands of Savene. Since then, its survivors have eked out an existence in the planet’s hostile desert. Yet, the tech is failing, the sands are encroaching, and people are dying.
Rescue is still generations away—if it comes at all.
But Marsa is a survivor.
And an outcast.
Infected with the Chrysalis—a disease that grants its carriers uncanny abilities—she keeps her distance from her dwindling community.
Until an old friend’s dying wish sends her and a young boy across Savene’s inhospitable sands in search of something Marsa had thought she’d long forgotten.
Hope.
My Review
Once We Flew is an interesting science fantasy novella, written by Nikky Lee. A gripping story featuring an older MC, Marsa, and Koby, her best friend's son, in the search of a way to survive as species on a desert planet, where humanity crashed four generations ago, in a really intense plot about grief and hope.
The human colony on this planet has been fading over the years, without the hope of a rescue soon; the fight for survival is getting harder. Marsa has lived isolated since she got affected by the Chrysalis' illness; but when the son of her best friend comes to her home, she goes to have a last moment with her friend. However, this will only mark the start of the adventure, as in the visions she experiences, there's space for hope, starting a travel together with Koby towards where it seems there might be answers for their prays.
Lee has achieved a sweet balance between characters and worldbuilding in this piece. Not only we have such a relatable main character as Marsa, a woman that chose isolation after contracting the disease, but the relationship with Koby is adorable, even with their own highs and lows. The relatively short cast of characters plays in favour of the novella.
The worldbuilding has some reminiscent of Star Wars, and I was quite intrigued by the tech and how the Chrysalis' illness is getting over the colony. Despite being a short piece, there's so much packed inside it, without affecting the pacing.
An excellent novella, perfect if you are looking to read a science-fantasy story with heart; an intense book that won't let you stay indifferent.
Disclaimer: This review represents my personal opinion. Score and review from the whole team might vary.
The Author/s
Nikky Lee
Nikky Lee is an award-winning author who grew up as a barefoot 90s kid in Perth, Western Australia on Whadjuk Noongar Country. She now lives in Aotearoa New Zealand with a husband, a dog, and a couch potato cat. In her free time, she writes speculative fiction, often burning the candle at both ends to explore fantastic worlds, mine asteroids, and meet wizards. She’s had over two dozen stories published in magazines, anthologies, and on radio. Her debut novel, THE RARKYN’S FAMILIAR—an epic tale of a girl bonded to a monster—was published by Parliament House Press in April 2022.