Our Take

Logic proves that his transition from platinum-selling hip-hop artist to novelist wasn't a fluke with this ambitious follow-up to his debut Supermarket. Ultra 85 delivers exactly what fans have been hoping for since he first teased this story concept nearly a decade ago—a space opera that seamlessly blends spectacular world-building with the social consciousness that has always defined his music. The novel succeeds most in its exploration of class inequality translated to a futuristic setting, where the concept of "Paradise" becomes a biting commentary on how wealth and privilege create artificial scarcities even when resources exist. Logic's background in creating concept albums serves him well here, as the narrative maintains the cinematic scope and emotional resonance of his musical storytelling while allowing for deeper character development. The relationship between Quentin and Kai anchors the story with genuine friendship and shared purpose, while the pop culture references feel organic rather than forced. Critics have noted improvements in Logic's prose since Supermarket, and the audiobook narrated by Steve Blum adds another layer of immersion for those familiar with the character voices from Logic's albums. For readers who enjoyed the space-bound social commentary in Kim Stanley Robinson's Aurora or the class-conscious sci-fi of Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries, this offers similar themes with a more accessible, adventure-driven approach. Ultra 85 stands as proof that musicians can successfully cross into literature when they have genuine stories to tell, delivering both entertainment and meaningful commentary on contemporary issues through a futuristic lens.