After author Jessica "Jess" Alter published the Dome Trilogy (An epic social science fiction trilogy filled with sex, tech, and firearms), she began the Cryptid Series. Combining cryptid lore and the modern scientific world with unexpected and thrilling results, 'Til Undeath Do Us Part was released on multiple ebook platforms. The second book in the Cryptid Series, Man and Brother, continued the adventure begun in 'Til Undeath Do Us Part.
Currently, Jess Alter is working with Longplay Games on books set in the Smugglers of Cygnus galaxy. Her latest book, Final Lap, is the first in this setting.
When she's not writing, Jess enjoys collecting folktales from around the world, baking homemade bread, making homemade ice cream, crocheting little monsters, and traveling thither and yon with her photographer spouse and their adventure dog.
In 2020 Jessica Alter began working with Longplay Games to develop a deep and detailed setting for a series of up-beat science fiction games.
The Smugglers of Cygnus stories are tales of hope, friendship, adventure, and exploration. These books and games are set in a galaxy with an ancient mysterious past and filled with many cultures and species who share uneasy alliances.
In a world at once alien and familiar, Jessica Alter is weaving stories to lift the heart and excite the mind.
The first story set in the Smugglers of Cygnus galaxy, Final Lap follows a plucky young mustelan who's determined to overcome any hurdle in order to be the first of her species to ever win the biggest race in the galaxy
"Ready"
Raised in a slow-paced family salvage operation, Neekoi Vole always dreamed of being a race pilot.
"Set"
She was determined to overcome the deep-seated bias that her people were slow and lazy. When an unexpected rescue operation lead to the opportunity of a lifetime, she refused to be held back.
"Go!"
Neekoi will risk it all for her chance to participate in the 100th year of the Cygnus Pizza Race Tournament. Can she overcome preconceptions about her species and claim a place on the podium in the Final Lap?
Final Lap is a story about facing adversity, systemic barriers, and great challenges with the help of friendship, determination, family, and hard work.
Price: $4.99
Author: Jessica Alter
Genres: Sci-Fi, Adventure, Racing, Space, Smugglers of Cygnus, HopePunk, Upbeat
Tag: sci-fi, adventure, racing, space, hopepunk, upbeat
Publisher: WereBooks
Distributor: Ingram
Publication Year: 2025
ISBN: 9798349556852
Enjoyable, fun, and rather cute story about a space otter who just wants to go fast!
I have been lucky enough to read this story as it came out in serial format on her site, and I'm really enjoying listening to the audio book with all the voices she does for the characters.
Love it, can't recommend it highly enough. This adorable little found-family adventure is just what I needed in these trying times.
Such a sweet, cute story. I've enjoyed Jessica Alter's previous books, and this one was different than I expected. It was a very quick and polished read. I really liked the focus on the friendships of the racers, and my favorite character by far was The Hat. IYKYK.
I don't really like to write reviews but there were not many for this little gem and I felt it needed one. If the state of the world right now gets you down, read this book. It was a real pickmeup.
I need some friends like Neekoi and Tank and Nebula in my life.
I loved this book, start to finish. Hopepunk is very much my escape at the moment, and this book delivered it and then some. The characters were excellent, and it was a great ride.
This book is so good. Neekoi is legit. Great racer, and cool little space otter too. I betcha she's the one on their site there.
Found the next one on their site. Next story is bein posted free on the site? LEGIT.
Excellent story. Really loved the characters and the character development.
I got the book because I had backed the game by Longplay Games on Patreon, and this book was as amazing a surprise as reading the first Halo novel.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but this book just blew me away. J. Alter's writing style is light and smooth, and the mixture of comedy, hopepunk, and action in a setting so far beyond my expectation was just perfect.
Can't wait to read more!
Quite enjoyed this. It's a lot more than just sports in space, with some good family interactions and the importance of ambition, living your goals, and trust. [...]