I recently finished reading The Potency of Ungovernable Impulses, the third entry in the cozy space-opera mystery series The Investigations of Mossa and Pleiti by Malka Older. As a fan of speculative fiction that intertwines mystery with deep character exploration, I was drawn to this title after reading its intriguing premise. The description promised a blend of academic tension and dark intrigue, and I was eager to dive into this complex narrative.
The book begins with Pleiti, who is reeling from a personal crisis stemming from her partner Mossa’s sudden rejection and emotional withdrawal. When a former classmate implores her for help regarding a plagiarism accusation against her cousin—just before a pivotal academic defense—Pleiti feels compelled to act, despite her emotional turmoil and Mossa’s absence. This setup perfectly establishes the stakes and emotional weight I found to be a recurring theme throughout the book.
Positives
One of the book’s standout features is Older’s rich world-building. The cultural nuances and linguistic layering provide depth, immersing readers in a future society grappling with social divides, such as the tension between Modernists and Classists. I particularly enjoyed how the characters navigated their relationships within this context, echoing the complexities of our current world. As SMS noted in their review, the series is dense and layered, and I appreciated how Older challenged the norms typically found in Holmesian narratives by examining the emotional struggles of her protagonists.
Character development shines in this installment. I found Mossa’s independent investigation captivating. Readers see fantastic growth as she applies what she has learned from Pleiti, navigating not only the mystery but her own evolving identity. This deep dive into character made me root for Mossa, especially during the moments when she wrestled with doubts, reflecting Older’s signature writing style that explores the nuances of human emotion.
Drawbacks
However, there were aspects of the book that didn’t resonate with me as much. As some reviewers mentioned, including Heather Deshazer, the narrative can be quite dense. While I appreciate literary complexity, at times, it felt as though the intricate plots overshadowed the primary story arc. Additionally, newcomers to the series might find certain elements hard to grasp fully. Hope’s review highlighted that while she enjoyed the story, she felt lost without prior knowledge of Mossa and Pleiti’s relationship. I sympathize with this perspective; I occasionally found myself longing for more context about their past.
While the blend of a cozy mystery and darker themes was compelling, there were points where the tonal shifts felt jarring. Even though I understood the characters’ motivations, certain plot developments leaned toward the melodramatic, pushing suspension of disbelief.
Conclusion
Overall, The Potency of Ungovernable Impulses met my expectations for a complex, character-driven story. Its mix of academic intrigue, emotional depth, and societal critique places it as a rewarding read, especially for fans of speculative fiction. Despite a few drawbacks in pacing and complexity, I thoroughly enjoyed the thematic richness and character explorations.
If you’re a reader looking for a unique combination of cozy mystery and deeper emotional truths, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It invites reflection on our own relationships while offering an engrossing narrative that grips you until the very last page. I eagerly anticipate what Malka Older has in store next for Mossa and Pleiti!