The Outback Stars by Sandra McDonald

You've probably already heard good things about this book, but I wanted to add my praise to the pile as I just finished reading it.

I actually avoided it for quite some time because I'm just not into military sf (sorry, Sandra). Then someone whose judgment I trust said it was a good read and I looked into it some more. It turns out that it's a mystery story and a charming fraternization love story, combined with Aboriginal Australian mythology and mysticism, and it just happens to be set in the Australian Navy in space. The characterizations are strong and fully dimensional, the plot is compelling, the structure sound.

Once I started reading, I was hooked. This book had, for me, that certain something that makes reading such a favorite pastime, that rare I-Can't-Wait-To-Get-Back-To-It feel. When it was over, I didn't want to leave that world behind. I reread parts just so I could hang out with the characters a little longer. I haven't done that for awhile!

Fortunately, the sequel, The Stars Down Under, has just been released. I can't wait to read it.