A Planet Called Happy: An uplifting sci-fi adventure from the award-winning author of The Last Gifts of the Universe

Riley August

Jul 2026 · Random House

Ebook

352

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Eligible

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The fun new sci-fi adventure from the award-winning author of The Last Gifts of the Universe, perfect for fans of T. J. Klune and Becky Chambers.

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Ellis appears to have it all – a great job, a loving girlfriend, and a loyal dog – yet each morning he wakes up feeling that something is missing.

In a desperate quest for true happiness, he boards a luxury shuttle to Planet Happy, a hedonistic paradise where guests seek the elusive ‘Happiness X’, the trademarked secret to instant joy.

There, he encounters Nara, a VIP attendant with her own dreams of freedom, whose job is to ensure Ellis has the time of his life. But when an activist group disrupts their plans, Ellis and Nara embark on a thrilling adventure that challenges their understanding of happiness and the influence of corporate power.

Will they find what they’re searching for, or is there more to Planet Happy than what’s in the brochure?

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Praise for Riley August:

'Riley August is a major new voice in science fiction and I will read anything they write' Nadia El-Fassi

‘Raw, funny, and wise.' Julie Leong

‘Last Gifts is a quietly profound story about grief, purpose, and our place in the universe – told with a touch of humor, and a dash of adventure. Come for the cat, stay for the story.’ Sunyi Dean

‘If you liked Project Hail Mary, you’ll really like this’ 5-star reader review

‘Brilliant characters, world-building, plot, pacing, mystery and intrigue... I LOVE this book!’ 5-star reader review[CR1]

‘A true gift of a book’ 5-star reader review

‘Never in my life have I ever read something that’s gripped me quite as emotionally as this’ 5-star reader review

‘"Warm and snuggly on a humming starship" is one of my favourite moods in sci-fi. Rory August absolutely nails the vibe with this one.’ 5-star reader review

‘Pure escapism...If you read one book I recommend, let it be this one. 5-star reader review

The fun new sci-fi adventure from the award-winning author of The Last Gifts of the Universe, perfect for fans of T. J. Klune and Becky Chambers. __________ Ellis appears to have it all – a great job, a loving girlfriend, and a loyal dog – yet each morning he wakes up feeling that something is mi...

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About the author

Riley August is a speculative fiction writer, animal lover, nature walker and all-around nerd. When they aren't writing stories about lonely voyages through space, you can find them playing video games, the guitar or a myriad or TTRPGs. They live in Rhode Island with their cat and husband. The Last Gifts of the Universe is their debut novel.

Riley August is a speculative fiction writer, animal lover, nature walker and all-around nerd. When they aren't writing stories about lonely voyages through space, you can find them playing video games, the guitar or a myriad or TTRPGs. They live in Rhode Island with their cat and husband. The La...

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