Review by Ian Keogh

Space Boy 16 opens with Amy’s friends concerned about her being missing, unaware of the deal she made in Space Boy 13 to work with the FCP. Cassie, Schafer and Tammie have discovered Amy’s glasses, know she’d never leave them, and figure there may be a clue if they can access the data. An indication of what a confident writer Stephen McCranie has become is that discovering the data may prompt the scene, but it isn’t what the scene is actually about.

This isn’t a series offering recaps or footnotes. You commit from the start or catch up as you go along, and much of Amy and Qiana’s conversation will puzzle anyone who didn’t follow their investigations in Space Boy 15. There is now a mutual trust, and both believe at the very least there’s a killer in the FCP. Again, though, that, for the time being is secondary, as McCranie explains Amy’s caring nature and Oliver’s concerns about her burning out through helping others.

Although largely a compelling drama set in the future, McCranie does occasionally include scenes referencing our world, and increased school security and limitations on personal freedom greet students returning to school for the first time since the tragic homecoming dance. However, these reflections are transitory, as love and relationships are the theme for much of this volume. Oliver knows he loves Amy, but with the best of intentions is advised to keep that to himself, and what might other responsibilities of love be? There’s also a fleeting consideration of whether people can remain friends after ending a relationship. It may sound all too melodramatic, but that’s not the case. McCranie has built a cast to love and care for, and their reality naturally takes over.

Once again, a delight from start to finish. Bring on Space Boy 17.