I received a copy of this book from Kindle Unlimited and am leaving this
review voluntarily.
This book was brought to my attention on a social media post that appeared
on my feed. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the cover image.
Then, the blurb cemented the idea of my needing to read this one. This is the
first book I've read by A.K. Duboff, but it will not be the last.
Stranded seemed to me as two stories in one. There is the first part
involving plain and simple survival in an unfriendly environment, but later, it
morphs into a story of survival against a massive conspiratorial power-grab by
a ruthless organization with no concern for human life.
There are two principal characters who are developed over time through the
book. Most of the story is told through their points of view. As the tale
unfolds, there are other character points of view introduced, so the reader can
expect to get inside the character's heads and learn about them from the inside
out. This is a brilliant way to learn about the people in a story.
The tale is packed to nearly overflowing with action right from the opening
paragraph and doesn't let up to the end where there is an enticement to
continue reading in the forthcoming second installment of the Starship of
the Ancients series. One thing that helps move the story along at a
rollercoaster pace is the world building. The descriptions of the vistas
characters are set in is vast, varied, and colorful. The setting almost becomes
another character in itself, providing the story with unexpected twists and
turns, providing the players with terrifying challenges. But there is also
beauty to be found in the backdrop providing moments of peace.
Stranded is a book that should appeal to a wide audience and shows
excellence in all aspects of great Sci-Fi.
Undercover cop, Evan Taylor, just wants to get away from it all, but he
finds himself, along with other survivors of a spaceship disaster, crash landed
on a planet he knows very little about. Evan befriends Anya Rojas, a scientist,
and together they work to figure out how to survive on a beautiful, but at
times, hostile planet. There are few supplies and most of their technology has
been destroyed. When the pair discover a crashed escort ship, they head out on
an adventure with numerous dangers along the way. But that's not all they
discover. They also find they and survivors aren't as alone as they thought.
Evan and Anya find themselves unwittingly in the middle of a power-grab
conspiracy even more threatening than the native hazards on the planet. Evan and
Anya become the focus to find alien technology that could mean either survival
or disaster.
Stranded centers on two principal characters. One is adept with survivor
skills while the other is a scientist with knowledge of the biology of the
planet they call Aethos. Together they become a team, but their alliance is not
without challenges.
Evan is a former military man turned undercover cop with a past. He sees an
opportunity to make a new life on Aethos and harbors a plethora of secrets
about his life he would rather not share with anyone.
Anya, a xenobiologist, sees Evan as someone who has skills she lacks.
However, she also sees Evan as a suspicious character and she is put off by
someone who isn't willing to share their background, even though she also has
secrets she would rather not share.
When Evan and Anya are forced together to trek to the crash site of a downed
spacecraft where they may find supplies and tech to help them, they embark on a
trek leading to discoveries about the planet, each other, and themselves. What
they actually find is a scenario far beyond their expectations.
There is no shortage of character development in this story, and the reader
cannot help but cheer Evan and Anya on, hoping for success for them. Their
adventures get more and more complex as they move through the narrative, and
so, the reader becomes more and more invested in them.
My favorite plot point in Stranded is the shifting point of view device. We
get perspective from various characters. This not only allows the reader to see
what is happening inside the heads of characters but adds a lot to their
development. The author displays her storytelling skills by shifting the voice
as well, individualizing each character. One can clearly "hear" which
player is being focused on.
My takeaway from this story is summed up in a line by Evan in chapter 20:
"And if I'm learning anything from the experience on Aethos, it's that
we need to keep a level head and not jump to conclusions."
Often, when there is a shortage of knowledge about a situation, one might
resort to using belief and hearsay to explain a situation. This can lead to
fatal mistakes. There is no substitute for seeking out the facts to make
informed decisions.
For me, Stranded is an excellent, highly entertaining, fun to read story
anyone might enjoy. Even non-sci-fi fans will find it engaging with some great
world-building, superior characters, and a fast-paced story loaded with
surprises and plot twists. It is a fast read even though it is over 400 pages,
and once a reader sets it aside, they will want to grab it again at the next
opportunity.
The sequel, Lost Planet (Starship of the Ancients Book 2): A Space opera
Adventure is listed to be released August 8, 2025.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can find more information on Amy’s work on her website.
Well, there it is...
Qapla!
Compelling!
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