NEWS & REVIEWS
TRADE REVIEWS
BOOKPAGE
"One of the best parts about The Last Watch was how a cobbled-together, rag-tag assemblage of characters and technology still eked out a victory. I’m happy to report that the same white-knuckle, skin-of-their-teeth excitement is here from the very first page. So, too, are many of the characters that made the first installment great, as well as some welcome new arrivals."
LIBRARY JOURNAL
"The book’s far future setting has characters who are racially diverse and emotionally relatable, with themes of military control, genetic engineering, and alien contact. Dewes’s follow up to The Last Watch keeps the action front and center, while presenting an expansive science fiction story that is both richly complex and accessible."
⭐️ LIBRARY JOURNAL
"Dewes’s debut is an exciting, fast-paced ride around the edges of the universe, where those rejected by much of humanity are the only ones who can save it. Fans of K. B. Wagers’s “Farian Wars” series and John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War will welcome this military science fiction thriller."
BOOKLIST
“Dewes knows how to twist her story in unexpected directions and pull her well-drawn characters out of impossible situations.”
⭐️ PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"The surviving Sentinels of 2021’s The Last Watch face starvation and madness at the edge of the universe in the thrilling second space opera of Dewes’s Divide series...Well-crafted intrigue, tense battles, and a lot of heart make for a page-turning adventure on the way to a conclusion that will leave fans anxiously awaiting the next installment."
BOOKLIST
"The Last Watch is a bravura debut that blends great action with compelling characters."
⭐️ BOOKLIST
"Both readers are brilliant and nail the characterization in a way that instantly connects them to the listener. Everything here is top-notch. Dewes has created a gripping, fast-moving story that is excellently told by the readers.”
⭐️ BOOKPAGE
“A great concept with an even better execution, this is a sci-fi space opera for readers looking to dial up the excitement... A strong, straightforward concept anchors a fun cast of characters that always seems to have a quip or a retort ready to go. I had a great time from cover to cover. The Last Watch is a delight.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"A group of likable rogues race to stop the universe collapsing in Dewes’s gripping space opera debut . . . Dewes fluidly interweaves complex worldbuilding with a fast-moving plot and satisfying character development. This should win many fans."
BOOK LISTS & ARTICLES
POLYGON:
BEST BOOKS OF 2021
Polygon named The Last Watch as one of their best sci-fi & fantasy books of 2021!
2021 GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS: BEST SCI-FI
The Last Watch was nominated for Best Science Fiction in the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards!
AMAZON BOOKS:
EPIC SFF READS
"Hard science, tough action, and well-timed shots of sarcasm make this debut a must-read. If a sci-fi reader has already consumed Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary, this is the next book I’d recommend to them. Plus book two is already on shelves, in which the survivors must tackle a different, more insidious danger."
AMAZON EDITORS:
BEST BOOKS OF THE MONTH
The Exiled Fleet was selected as an Amazon Editors' Picks for Best Books of the Month, August 2021!
VULTURE, BEST SFF BOOKS OF THE YEAR (SO FAR)
“The novel’s richly drawn band of unlikely heroes, tightly plotted, relentless action, and inventive yet accessible scientific speculation combine to make one of the most stunning sci-fi series debuts of recent years. Fans of the genre — and particularly those already mourning the end of The Expanse series later this year — don’t want to miss out on this nail-biting space epic.”
AMAZON BEST BOOKS OF 2021 SO FAR
The Last Watch is one of Amazon's "Best Books of 2021 So Far"!
DEN OF GEEK
"J.S. Dewes’ debut sci-fi novel combines the allure of the frontier with the dedication of the Night’s Watch."
GOODREADS
MOST ANTICIPATED SFF 2021
The Last Watch was named one of Goodreads' most anticipated science fiction and fantasy novels of 2021.
BOOKBUB
"When it comes to space opera, the words you want to hear when people describe the story include “epic,” “gripping,” or “amazing” — all of which have been used to describe Dewes’s debut . . . An impossible task and a spaceship filled with wild cards combine for a fantastic read."
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY: BEST BOOKS OF 2021
The Last Watch is a New York Public Library pick for Best Books of 2021!
10 BEST BOOKS LIKE FOUNDATION
"J.S. Dewes has quickly become one of the most exciting new voices in science fiction ... Like Foundation, this novel poses the question: how much agency do individual people have over the seemingly inevitable collapse of everything that they've ever known or thought they believed in? And, as with the best science fiction, the question isn't always easily answered."
BOOKRIOT: 20 MUST-READ SPACE FANTASY BOOKS
"The edge of the universe is collapsing, and it’s taking everyone and everything with it. The only ones left to stop it are the dregs of the military: the recruits, exiles, and least-wanted soldiers. They’re the ones nobody wanted. And now it’s up to them to save the universe."
IO9 NEW SCI-FI & FANTASY BOOKS FOR AUGUST
The end of summer is approaching, but there’s still a full month of what we can technically refer to as “summer reading.” Good thing August has a galaxy’s worth of new sci-fi and fantasy book releases, with parallel universes, ghost hunters, supernatural battles, deep-space intrigue, all manner of witches, and so much more. Read on!
WRITING EXCUSES PODCAST "BOOK OF THE WEEK"
The Last Watch was discussed on the award-winning podcast Writing Excuses, in a conversation about crafting compelling opening scenes.
CEDAR RAPIDS GAZETTE
"Hiawatha native J.S. Dewes rediscovers her love of fiction writing and releases sci-fi thriller."
AMAZON BOOK REVIEW:
TOP 5 SFF OF APRIL
“Hard science, tough action, and well-timed shots of sarcasm make this sci-fi debut a must-read.”
THE NERD DAILY
The Nerd Daily rounded up the top 10 books that are currently the most anticipated science fiction and fantasy releases (excluding new installments in a series) of 2021 according to Goodreads members!
AMAZON BOOKS:
BEST BOOKS OF 2021
The Last Watch is an Amazon Editors' pick for Best Books of 2021!
SOVAS 2021 VOICE ARTS
AWARDS NOMINEE
The Last Watch audiobook has been nominated for best audiobook narration in the Society of Voice Arts & Sciences 2021 Voice Arts Awards! (Narrators Nicol Zanzarella and Andrew Eiden.)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:
BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Exiled Fleet was selected as a Publishers Weekly Book of the Week for the week of August 16, 2021!
GOODREADS MOST POPULAR NEW SCI-FI NOVELS
“Among Goodreads' 125 million members, these are the most popular new sci-fi novels published so far this year. What do we mean by popular? These novels have garnered both the most Want to Read adds and the most reviews on the site.”
AMAZON BOOK REVIEW EDITORS' PICKS
"While the Golden Age of Science Fiction took place in the mid-20th century, I think we’re looking at the Platinum Age right now for both sci-fi and fantasy—and our Amazon Editors’ picks for the Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2021 So Far showcase amazing books that support my theory."
BOOKPAGE SFF, MAY 2021
"A surprisingly funny horror novel and two thrilling adventures among the stars are ready to sweep you away in this month’s sci-fi & fantasy column."
AMAZON EDITORS:
BEST BOOKS OF THE MONTH
The Last Watch was selected as an Amazon Editors' Picks for Best Books of the Month, April 2021!
NETGALLEY:
WE ARE BOOKISH
"A group of Sentinels fight to save the universe in this space opera debut. They’ve each been exiled and their punishment is to guard the Divide, but when the Divide begins collapsing they’re the only hope humanity has."
THE LAST WATCH
BEST BOOKS OF 2021
Goodreads Choice Awards Longlist
MOST ANTICIPATED, APRIL 2021
AQUAVENATUS
DECEMBER 18, 2021
"The Last Watch is an entertaining space opera which will remind readers of how vast the universe is even at the edge of it. J.S. Dewes’ debut novel will amaze readers and sci-fi fans with the dialogue and the plot, which will make them question everything they believe they know about space and the universe. This really is “The Night’s Watch” in space."
FANFIADDICT
MANNY HENRI
AUGUST 6, 2021
"“The Last Watch” is one of those books where you quickly forget you’re reading SciFi as the plot and characters immediately consume you... if you’re a fan of thriller-driven science-fiction with nearly a dab of magic and heartfelt characters, J.S. Dewes The Last Watch should be pretty high on your next read list."
THE OPEN BOOKS
MAY 6, 2021
"This book is so character-driven that I was shocked it is Dewes debut...The plot is expertly built with science that sometimes went way over my head. But that didn’t stop me from grasping what was happening and bugging my eyes out in anticipation. Truly, this is a terrifyingly tense plot that kept throwing obstacle after obstacle at the characters. It’s full of politics, questioning orders, putting trust in people you hardly know and just making the decision to give it your all, no matter the consequences."
FANTASY BOOK CRITIC
APRIL 23, 2021
"If you are looking for a page-turning survival adventure in space, The Last Watch is for you. Light on politics and high on action, The Last Watch focuses on the moment-to-moment action while still setting the stage for bigger events to come. And it leaves you with an ending that’ll have you fist-pumping and eagerly awaiting the second installment."
GRIMDARK MAGAZINE
APRIL 4, 2021
"The story combines likeable rogue characters, interesting scientific speculation, and some subtly great, unpretentious writing into a very entertaining space opera . . . Dewes uses the science to create a good ol’ fashioned sense of wonder that harkens back to classic speculative fiction."
FANFIADDICT
DAVID W.
MARCH 15, 2021
"The Last Watch is my pick for science fiction debut of the year. Dewes has written a masterwork space opera that needs to be on bookshelves world-wide. Epic, character-driven sci-fi goodness that is the cure for your Expanse hangover."
THE SPINE VIEW
FEBRUARY 16, 2021
"An excellent blend of characters and action that makes it a thrilling read and has established Dewes firmly in the category of authors to watch in the Sci-Fi world."
THE PRIMM LIFE
AUGUST 16, 2021
"J. S. Dewes’s The Exiled Fleet is an excellent follow up to The Last Watch. It builds on everything I loved about the first book and delivers more insight into the Divide’s universe. This is a series to watch. Highly recommended."
FANFIADDICT
DAVID S.
JUNE 28. 2021
"Dewes’ storytelling is effortless, flowing smoothly from page to page... A riveting, tension filled Sci Fi adventure that will appeal to fans of Hard Sci Fi as well as those who are into lighter Sci Fi. Its characters are compelling, the narrative perfectly paced, and the world wonderfully realized. Read this book!"
BIBLIOSANCTUM
APRIL 26, 2021
“[A]s close to perfection as you can get. The action? Awesome. The character development? Magnificent.”
NEW CITY LIT
APRIL 22, 2021
“Everywhere you expect the story to lapse into a sci-fi cliché, J.S. Dewes makes a better choice, pushing the story down a richer path to a revelation of the characters’ past lives, or a deeper understanding of the history of the generations-long conflict...The book keeps you reading and wanting more.”
AMAZING STORIES
APRIL 1, 2021
"You’ll find echoes of Ender’s Game, every Trek series ever, The Game of Thrones, and The Expanse… A strong mix of high-intensity plot with some real character conflict. Highly Recommended."
ERYN LASBELIN
MARCH 2, 2021
"Whether you’re looking for some science-y sci-fi, compelling and well-rounded characters, or just a few space battles, this is the book for you. With a first entry as awesome as this one, I’m already anticipating that this will be a new favorite series."
RACCOON AWARDS
JANUARY 20, 2021
“From the opening chapter to the final line, there’s so much to unpack, to explore, to lay awake at night thinking about… This is a fantastic sci-fi that may be one of the best books coming out this year.”
REALMS OF MY MIND
AUGUST 9, 2021
"THE EXILED FLEET is an absolutely superb follow-up to THE LAST WATCH, a sequel that manages to be different while still capturing the kinetic energy of the first book. Dewes has proven once again to be a master of pacing & tension & knifing you in the heart. I am so glad I took a chance on this space adventure series, because it’s on track to be one of my favorites of all time."
GRIMDARK DAD
JUNE 6, 2021
“…An incredibly tense, inventive, thrilling space opera, with an extremely tight focus on two POV characters…This book is INTENSE! And honestly a little terrifying in ways. The way Dewes describes the utter blackness of the Divide is just chilling…like this book will really make you feel how oppressive the vastness of space is, and just how much nothing there is along the Divide. *shudders* Yeah, this was rad as hell.”
BOOKS, BONES & BUFFY
APRIL 24, 2021
"Come for the characters, stay for the pulse-pounding action! The Last Watch is an excellent debut with heart, humor and thrills galore."
REALMS OF MY MIND
APRIL 15, 2021
"The Last Watch reminds me of a big popcorn space disaster movie, and I mean that with all the love in my heart... Things can go sideways in an instant, and the tension of watching characters race down a corridor to get to safety or trying to time a particularly tricky flight maneuver they have ONE shot to get right invokes the same fun adrenaline rush."
TONSTANT WEADER
MARCH 19, 2021
“The Last Watch is incredible. It is fast-paced and relentless. I love the sense of real jeopardy that is omnipresent. This is a book about trusting the knowledge and experience that informs your gut."
FANFIADDICT
TRAVELING CLOAK
MARCH 1, 2021
“As spectacular a science fiction story as one is going to find. From a plot that is full of drama to amazing characters that are relatable and interesting, all over a backdrop of a futuristic space setting, The Last Watch is nearly flawless.”
THE PRIMM LIFE
JANUARY 14, 2021
“A fantastic debut novel. Big ideas, great characters, and universal collapse make for a fun, fast read. I can’t wait to see where the Divide series takes me.”