A review of Trans Galactic Insurance by Andrew Moriarty
Lately I’ve been in the mood for the lighter side of space opera all about the adventure, the exploration, and especially the escape. This book delivered.
Trans Galactic Insurance offers a unique and refreshing perspective about life in space through the eyes of Jake Stewart, a big nerd and overachiever who keeps his head down and lives by one mantra: study, study, study. Raised on a struggling outer rim space station where resources and opportunities are scarce, Jake dreams of something bigger.
That dream takes shape when he earns a scholarship off-station. He throws himself into his studies, not only excelling academically but also helping his fellow classmates succeed. Jake is intelligent in a very specific way: he’s extremely book-smart, systems smart, learns quickly, and understands how to function as a citizen on a struggling station. But beyond that narrow lane, he’s inexperienced. Especially when it comes to people, relationships, and the wider, more unpredictable economy of the solar system.
That naivety becomes a problem. Jake finds himself caught in a situation he doesn’t know how to handle. He’s forced to navigate manipulation, grift, and the more ruthless sides of spacefaring life. Part of him remains innocent, but another part begins to adapt and grow as he learns how ruthless and selfish people can be.
The plot is a mix of the predictable and the surprising. Some turns I saw coming, others genuinely caught me off guard. But throughout, this story remains an engaging blend of action, humor, and—unexpectedly—accounting. Somehow, it all works, adding up to a thoroughly enjoyable space romp.
This is the start of a series, and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing what mischief Jake Stewart falls into next.
Recommended for fans of light-hearted space opera and quirky interstellar adventures.
