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As a longtime Dungeons & Dragons fan, I’ve always had a soft spot for the wild and weird corners of the multiverse. Spelljammer has been one of those settings that lingered in the background of my imagination, with its star-faring ships, spacefaring pirates, and bizarre alien creatures. So when I heard Django Wexler was writing a novel set in this universe—Spelljammer: Memory’s Wake—I had to check it out. I’m glad I did.

Memory’s Wake is a fast-paced, character-driven adventure that introduces Spelljammer in a way that’s approachable for new readers while still giving long-time fans plenty to enjoy. The story follows Axia, a young woman who wakes up on a quiet asteroid colony with no memory of who she is or where she came from. She gets by working odd jobs and losing herself in old pirate adventure books, until she finds herself swept up in a real-life cosmic chase across Wildspace.

What really makes the book work is how it uses Axia’s amnesia to bring the reader along for the ride. As she learns about spelljamming ships, neogi raiders, and mysterious factions moving through the stars, so do we. There’s no overwhelming lore dump, no need for a primer on D&D history—just a straightforward hook into the world, told through compelling character moments and high-energy plot twists.

Axia isn’t alone on her journey. She’s joined by a tight-knit and delightfully quirky crew, including Kori, a sardonic tiefling warlock, and Nia, a half-elf cleric who plays foil to Kori’s fire. Their dynamic is one of the highlights of the novel. They argue, banter, and occasionally threaten to kill each other, but there’s an undeniable bond between them that adds depth to every scene they share. Wexler’s experience writing ensemble casts shines through in these moments.

The story’s tone feels very much in line with what I love about Spelljammer. It’s pulpy without being shallow—think “Guardians of the Galaxy” meets classic seafaring adventure. The action sequences are crisp and cinematic, the dialogue is sharp, and the world is filled with just enough detail to spark the imagination without slowing the pace. You’ll encounter floating asteroid settlements, mysterious ruins, spelljammer helms, and hints of deeper magic and danger—all while moving at a brisk, enjoyable clip.

Is it a groundbreaking fantasy novel? Not exactly. The plot hits some familiar beats, and you’ll likely see some of the twists coming. But that’s not necessarily a downside. There’s something comforting about the way Wexler blends classic adventure tropes with a unique setting, and the payoff is a fun, satisfying read that never overstays its welcome.

For those who prefer to listen, the audiobook version is excellent. Narrator Kristen Potter brings a lot of personality to the characters, especially Axia and Kori. It’s the kind of audiobook you can throw on during a long drive or a lazy afternoon and get completely immersed.

If you’re wondering whether to go for the hardcover, paperback, Kindle edition, or audiobook, it really depends on your reading habits. The physical editions are solid and look great on the shelf, but the Kindle version is convenient and easy to read on the go. Personally, I ended up switching between the Kindle and audiobook, and both were great experiences.

Who is this book for? If you’ve ever been curious about Spelljammer but didn’t know where to start, this is a great jumping-on point. If you’re a veteran D&D player who remembers the old boxed sets or has run a campaign in Wildspace, you’ll find plenty of familiar elements to appreciate. And if you just enjoy fast, character-focused fantasy stories with a touch of humor and heart, Memory’s Wake will hit the spot.

To sum it up: Django Wexler’s Spelljammer: Memory’s Wake is a fun, fast, and imaginative ride through one of D&D’s most fascinating settings. It’s welcoming to newcomers, rewarding to longtime fans, and packed with enough action, charm, and personality to make you want more. Here’s hoping this is just the first of many new adventures in Wildspace.

Want to check it out for yourself? You can find it in all major formats, including Kindle, hardcover, paperback, and audiobook here:

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