From beyond the Deep Dark, something is watching. Waiting. And getting hungry...for Trouble. Aboard the good (space)ship Hindsight, Trouble is settling into a new life of adventuring with the ragtag crew they now call family while trying to manage the antics of the baby shape-shifter they rescued from the StarLeague's weapons lab. When the Hindsight picks up a strange signal from the edge of the galaxy, what begins as a simple mission to loot a ghost ship quickly spirals into something larger and darker than any of them imagined. Tailed by a strangely passive StarLeague scout and a chary stowaway from deepest space, Trouble and Electra become embroiled in a mission to uproot the StarLeague's cadet program amid military mobilization on an unprecedented scale. The fate of the galaxy rests on Trouble, who learns that sometimes the greatest threats, as well as the greatest strength, come from within. Lovers of astronomy will be delighted by the way Prineas has warped space-time to create her interstellar antagonist. Although the climactic action sequence feels a bit over-the-top at times, the story sails along with more than enough humor and heart to make up for it. Character relationships and worldbuilding are treated with more depth than in Trouble in the Stars (2021), providing a vivid backdrop against which a poignant tale of finding oneself is painted. A bright, beautiful second installment. (Science fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 3--7--The adventures of shape-shifter Trouble and their adopted family continue in this highly engaging sequel that offers just as much humor and heart as its predecessor. When Trouble's crewmate and best friend Electra finds out she has a long-lost sister, she decides to leave her found family and infiltrate the StarLeague Military Academy to rescue her. Unwilling to stay behind, Trouble joins the Academy too, pretending to be a human cadet. Soon a mysterious entity from the edges of space threatens everything in the Galaxy and just so happens to be searching for Trouble. This series continues to be a pitch-perfect space thriller ideal for sci-fi lovers, Star Wars fans and reluctant readers. VERDICT While the story feels finished, there is room for more tales featuring the many endearing characters.