Reclamation is a military science fiction novel set in the galaxy from the computer game Elite Dangerous. It follows Kahina Loren, the unfavoured daughter of an Imperial senator. A coup thrusts her out of her cloistered world into a storm of competing political and economic interests. 

Drew Wager wastes no prose. The book moves quickly, only dwelling enough on any topic to push the reader forward. Character roles and motivations are quickly apparent. Description and background are minimal but vivid.

The book demands little from its reader. Other than the context setting, nothing relevant happens outside the reader’s attention or in retrospect. The reader always knows as much or more than the characters. 

Reclamation is faithful to its source material, the Elite Dangerous lore and universe, while not confusing or overloading newcomers. The game’s archetypical ships appear, as do Coriolis starports, frameshift drives and the Federation and Empire. Much of the plot involves flying in and fighting these ships, just like in the game.

Reclamation also helps fill that yearning void in Elite Dangerous around lore. Elite hints at so much but shuns story-driven content in favour of letting players tell their own. 

Reclamation is light on themes and subtext. There is some eventual recognition that violence is less effective than diplomacy. Those looking for introspection or dialog other than to hurtle the plot forward will be disappointed. 

Characters develop little and are unnuanced. Kahina, the protagonist, is part anti-hero and part reader surrogate until some rushed character development at the book’s end. The supporting characters are shallow and functional, mainly helping the protagonist progress.

However, I enjoyed the conversations between diplomats and patrons, each dripping with insincerity and occasionally wit. It allowed Drew Wagar to be more subtle, contrasting them with the rest of the cast.

The book is a fast but light read, accessible to many. In the small but crowded military science fiction genre, it holds its own, focusing on an action-filled and weaving plot. Elite Dangerous players looking for lore will enjoy Reclamation, as will anyone looking for a novel version of an action movie. Someone looking for something more profound or character development should look elsewhere.