Book Review: Status Quo
The first book in Drew Wagar’s Elect Saga of space operas, paying homage to classic space trading videogames.
I know I’m always in for a good time when Drew Wagar releases a new book. The Elect Saga is an interesting series; not technically new, but newly released wide. Drew announced to us on his Discord that he was re-writing and re-editing the short fan-fiction series he’d written years ago for the Elite-inspired videogame, Oolite, removing any copyright offending content, and releasing it out into the wild for all to read. The disclaimer came with it that since the edits would be relatively minor, the books would therefore represent Drew’s writing-style as it was before the Shadeward Saga, Midnight Chronicles and the official Elite: Reclamation. I feel like those preemptive concerns were unfounded, because the first book in the newly-dubbed Elect Saga, Status Quo, is a real blast, great fun. Let’s take a look.
Blurb
A brilliant scientist uncovers a terrifying plot to begin a galactic war. Aided by a talented, but reluctant and embittered combateer, he must stop the deployment of a super weapon he invented. A weapon so powerful it threatens to destroy entire worlds.
Review
Status Quo was a fantastic read and I blasted through it in a weekend. We follow the dual POVs of Jim Feynman and Rebecca Tyley as they become embroiled in a galactic conspiracy. The influences of the space-trading and combat videogame series Elite is very apparent, for obvious reasons, but with enough twists to make it a great story in its own right. And it was interesting to see an early iteration of Drew’s particular style; many of the hallmarks are there: fast-paced action, political intrigue, and a strong, complex, morally-grey female protagonist. It may not be quite as well developed as his later works, but it’s by no means subpar. One thing that was fascinating to me, that was highlighted by the transition from Elite/Oolite lore into something more original, is how much books based on videogame IPs rely on prior knowledge of that lore—where things might not be explained as thoroughly as something completely unfamiliar. Even after the change, that reliance still shows through in places in Status Quo. As a result I ended up still using my prior knowledge of the Elite universe in order to make sense of the Elect universe. But it’s important to note that this wasn’t a big thing, and there’s more than enough here to make sense of what’s going on without any prior knowledge at all.
Rebecca is a standout character; young, skilled, brash, with big dreams, and perfectly suited to life within a cutthroat galaxy of warring factions and deadly pirates. Jim is the polar opposite—a sheltered scientist with a conscience—and they work so well together. It’s rather reminiscent of Hassan and Salome from Elite: Reclamation. The action is fast and frenetic, but never confusing. There’s epic large-scale space battles and going up against impossible odds with plenty of exciting twists, turns, and heart-wrenching moments. It all comes together in a satisfying, but somewhat bittersweet conclusion which leads into the next books in the series.
Status Quo gets a high recommendation from me. Definitely will be picking up the other books in the series. The second one is Mutabilis, then third is Incursio, and finally, Finis.
