The Vela is a gripping sci fi serial with social commentary on immigration and climate disaster. Harnessing the sun's energy has led to the cooling of the solar system with many fleeing desolate planets as space refugees. They build scrap ships and huddle in the limbo of space, hoping to join a nation through a lottery or military service because planets aren't letting anyone in. Those unaffected by the sudden plunge in temperatures are content to pretend that the solar system-wide catastrophe isn't happening. This book features many LGBTQ+ characters. Asala is trans, Niko is nonbinary, and various side characters are under different parts of the umbrella. In terms of disability representation, Asala is deaf/ hard of hearing and uses a hearing aid. This was a suspenseful read trying to figure out what happened to the Vela and the politics surrounding its disappearance. The Gandesian, Hypatian, and Khayyami cultures were fully realized and intriguing. Asala struggles with losing her heritage and her loyalty to her clan. Niko struggles with their conniving father's lack of scruples. All the characters are caught in turmoil of how to ethically engage with so many unscrupulous nations and power hungry leaders.