What is “The Last Contract of Isako About?”
Get ready to be blown away by this searing standalone space opera where corporate samurai fight beneath merciless stars, and death is always a mere breath away.
Isako is a legendary swordswoman, but every legend has to come to an end. When her long-time client unexpectedly retires, she plans to follow–to walk out into the frozen wasteland of their planet with her head held high and her family enriched by her legacy. But when a competitor offers her a final mission, it’s one she can’t refuse. Soon, she’s thrust deep into a world of corporate espionage, duty-bound duels, and shadowy secrets. What she uncovers will change humanity’s existence in the stars forever.
The Last Contract of Isako is the space opera you didn’t know you needed: corporate samurai… in space. This is the first adult science fiction novel from the award-winning author of Jade City.
My Honest Review
The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“The Last Contract of Isako” was my first Fonda Lee experience. I was drawn in from the beginning, but after maybe 25 pages, I worried the novel leaned too heavily into internal monologue and exposition, but as the story unfolded, I felt like that was intentional. Because Isako is a contractor doing the dirty work, she is shaped by solitude, loss, and a life built around service and survival. She’s a woman accustomed to being alone, to staying disconnected from people she loves, and to living by the unspoken rule that you serve until you die.
I was immediately drawn to Isako as a character and stayed fully engaged throughout the book. The pacing kept me on edge, constantly balancing moments I thought I could predict with twists I genuinely didn’t see coming. I really loved when she kicked ass and would’ve loved to see more of it. Lee had me on the edge of my seat as I attempted to foreshadow, but I was pleasantly surprised to be caught off guard with her plot twists various times.
I also really loved Kob’s character, their camaraderie, tenderness, and the very sweet and platonic forehead kiss. I really love seeing strong, but tender men and I think she painted him beautifully
Lee’s writing style flows beautifully. Her descriptions are vivid without feeling overwrought, and the world feels lived-in rather than overexplained.
The ending left me wanting more in the best way, and I truly hope this isn’t the last time we see Isako or this world. I’m very much looking forward to reading more from Fonda Lee.
**I acquired this ARC through NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
