J.S. DEWES

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."

⭐️ 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."

⭐️ 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."

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!

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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.

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CEDAR RAPIDS GAZETTE

"Hiawatha native J.S. Dewes rediscovers her love of fiction writing and releases sci-fi thriller."

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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!

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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.”

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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."

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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"!

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DEN OF GEEK

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"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."

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.”

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.”

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."