Empty Space: Betrayal By Michael Jan Friedman - High-Powered Space Opera!

Empty Space: Betrayal by Michael Jan Friedman

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Over the years, I have come to know that when I see the name Michael Jan Friedman on the cover of a sci-fi space opera novel, it is going to be a truly great one. Empty Space: Betrayal certainly fits in as a great space opera story involving a cast of some of the most interesting characters I've read about in all my years of reading. The reason the characters are so amazing is that they differ greatly from many I can remember reading. I put a lot on the quality of the players in a tale, and, right from the beginning, the principal character is unique in my experience.

Another great part of reading Mike's stories is his outstanding plot twists. The reader never sees what comes when it comes to books by this highly experienced author.

Empty Space: Betrayal is a great story space opera fans should not miss.

While the Terran system faces threats from alien species, it falls to the men and women of the Terran Fleet to provide an adequate defense. This becomes increasingly difficult when the Terrans are suffering heavy casualties. One of those casualties is Captain Robinson Dark, an officer who dies in the line of duty. However, the Terrans have learned how to reanimate their fallen officers to fight another day, at least for a while, until they eventually suffer from madness and become a danger to their fellow crewmates.

Because of his reanimation, Captain Dark no longer qualifies to command a starship, even though he retains all his skills and knowledge from before his death. On the other hand, he can very well command a mission to retrieve alien technology to help the Terran war effort.

He has to make a deal with an enemy to get his job done. It is almost like making a deal with the Devil, but as shaky as that may appear, it goes pear-shaped unexpectedly. Nothing is assured even in what seems to be a well-planned mission.

Robinson Dark is a captain and a leader. He is also what is called an "empty," a reanimated individual who retains knowledge and experience from their previous life, but not their emotions. While devoid of emotion, Dark is not without compassion. He indeed cares about those in his command, and he also defends other empties from the bigotry they face at the hands of those who are living their "first lives." While there are those who feel animosity at being commanded by empties, Dark is highly respected by most of those he commands, and he leads them well.

My favorite point of plot involves a precarious alliance Dark forms with a Poyan Elder, Za'mogh. When Dark discovers a secret about some alien technology, he must find a way to get to it, so he makes a deal with Za'mogh to retrieve the tech and share it with the Poya. This tech could mean a huge shift in power in the galaxy. Unfortunately, Za'mogh has ambitious enemies and must watch his back. Dark doesn't know about Za'mogh's problems. This all makes for a great story full of twists and turns. It is pure literary fun!

The theme that stands out to me the most in Empty Space: Betrayal is that of betrayal and deceit. Za'mogh gets an abject lesson on that theme, but he also teaches a lesson in the consequences of it. This, for me, was the best part of the story.

My takeaway from this story is from a line uttered by Michael Corleone in the film The Godfather Part II. He said, "Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer." The line speaks for itself and, as an aside note, the quote is commonly attributed to Sun Tsu or Machiavelli, but there is much ongoing debate on this score.

I deeply appreciated and enjoyed reading Empty Space: Betrayal. It is a great space opera with feeling. It has everything one could want from a sci-fi novel: great heroes and appalling villains, and a character who defies being either a hero or villain. There are numerous obstacles for the characters to work through. Mike's writing flows off the page and into the mind's eye to play out in an extremely entertaining way. It is an entertaining work of genius from an author who excels at writing just plain fun stuff.

Highest Recommendations!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Michael Jan Friedman is the author of 83 books, nearly half of them set somewhere in the wilds of the Star Trek universe. He has also written for the Aliens, Predator, Wolfman, Lois and Clark, DC Super Hero, Marvel Super Hero, and Wishbone licensed book universes. Eleven of his titles, including the autobiography Hollywood Hulk Hogan and Ghost Hunting (written with SciFi's Ghost Hunters), have appeared on the prestigious New York Times primary bestseller list, and his novel adaptation of the Batman and Robin movie was for a time the #1 bestselling book in Poland (really).

Friedman had worked at one time or another in network and cable television, radio, business magazines, and the comic book industry, in the process of producing scripts for nearly 200 comic stories. Among his comic book credits is the Darkstars series he created for DC Comics. He also co-wrote the story for the acclaimed second-season Star Trek: Voyager TV episode "Resistance," which guest-starred Joel Grey. In 2011, Friedman spearheaded the establishment of Crazy 8 Press, an imprint through which authors publish their purest and most passionate visions. Crazy 8 Press currently features more than 80 original titles.

As always, Friedman advises readers that no matter how many Friedmans they know, he is probably not related to any of them.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

Artifacts And Enigmas: Mysteries From Redemption By Darran M. Handshaw - An Excellent And Entertaining Collection Of Short Stories

Artifacts and Enigmas: Mysteries from Redemption by Darran M. Handshaw

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Not long ago, I read and reviewed the first book in the Chronicles of Actaeon series by Darran. When I learned there was a short story collection in that universe, I was all in.

Artifacts and Enigmas is a science fiction/mystery collection of eleven stories. Each one is separate, but they also tie in together by the end of the book. The book is set in more of a fantasy-like setting, but the characters explain events in scientific terms. The stories are from the point of view of two characters who are learned and expert in their given roles. Together, they go about solving and explaining a variety of bizarre crimes and is loaded with fascinating plot twists and turns, making it a very entertaining read.

In the ancient, ruined city of Redemption, Knight Investigator Aethelgard goes about his business solving crimes. He uses his powers of observation and deduction, and nothing gets by his keen senses. But when he is confronted with crimes involving Artifacts of the Ancients, he finds himself in need of help from his friend and Prince Engineer Actaeon, who is an expert in the areas of uncovering the mysteries of science. Together, these two are a team that gets to the bottom of all sorts of criminal activity that threatens the people of Redemption as their city is rebuilt.

Underlying everything lurks Aethelgard's longtime nemesis, who must be defeated.

My favorite plot point throughout all eleven stories is the friendship Aethelgard and Actaeon enjoy. For the most part, their relationship is excellent, although they don't always agree. Their friendship is tested along the way, but because of their sense of purpose and their understanding of the way the world works, and how people think and behave, they can resolve their differences to the benefit of both, and the people of Redemption.

My takeaway from Artifacts and Enigmas is the importance of teamwork. Each of the two principal characters have their areas of expertise, and when they are together, they are an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.

I enjoyed this collection of stories. They are all high quality and fun to read. I didn't find any of the tales predictable, and each one has plot twists, making the reading experience enjoyable. This collection is highly entertaining and very well written. I recommend Artifacts and Enigmas for readers who like stories in the combined Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre, or for those who are seeking something uncommon in science fiction.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Darran M. Handshaw is the author of The Engineer and The Dark Heart of Redemption. In addition to writing, Darran works as an R&D Concept Engineer at a technology company where he invents and designs new products. He holds more than 110 patents in data capture, vision systems, and emergency services. Darran also volunteers as a firefighter with his local fire department, where he serves as an Ex-Chief and active firefighter and teaches fire prevention to the children of his community. Darran hails from Long Island, NY, where he lives with his beautiful wife, Stefanie, and incredible son, Corwin, who fill his life with love, wisdom, and endless adventures.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

After the Before: A Post-Apocalyptic Novel by Ernie Gammage - Lots Of Action Thoughtfully Written

After the Before: A Post-Apocalyptic Novel by Ernie Gammage

This is a thoughtful look 300 years into a dystopian future. After the Before is about two young people on a journey of discovery in more ways than one and the challenges they face along the way. It is set in a small part of the United States that has been ravaged by an apparent war. The landscape is distressed, and people are forced to scavenge for things they need. But all the while, they must also be aware of the machines they call the A-Eye, which are also scavenging for people.

This novel is an easy to access sci-fi story that will leave the reader with many questions. I think the story could be easily enjoyed by readers who aren't necessarily sci-fi fans because of the many varied themes. Along with the dystopian elements, there is a little romance, a lot of tension, some triumph, and some tragedy. It is loaded with unexpected twists and turns, and there are mysteries that will leave the reader wondering.

In a scarred land ravaged by a past catastrophe, two young people search craters for items that may be useful. When Sophie and Markus discover a box they cannot open. The box is translucent, and there is an item inside that may hold answers to questions the pair have wondered about. They take the box to their village leader, who suggests a trip into the city where there may be someone who can figure out how to open the container and reveal long-forgotten secrets.

Sophie, Markus, Jen and Barth depart on a journey of discovery and peril, hoping the rewards will outweigh the risks.

Their journey is fraught with obstacles that must be overcome. The quartet encounters good people just looking to survive, a fanatic with a nefarious agenda, and the dreaded, flesh-eating A-Eye.

I enjoyed reading the story chiefly because of the well-developed characters. 

The principal characters, Sophie and Markus, face many challenges, not the least of which are a discovery of themselves. They have been together all their lives, searching the landscape for helpful things. As they spend time together, they find feelings awakening in them they don't understand, especially about each other. They have also had to grow up fast and learn the ways of survival in a hostile land. Their plight is compelling and fascinating.

Jen is a wise older woman whose guidance is invaluable to the two youngsters. Her past has a big influence in the story. She is mysterious, while at the same time, endearing. Her companion, Barth, is also a bit of an enigma. He is a man of few words, but he is also a man of action. He appears to have devoted his life to keeping Jen safe. The reader will also find Barth a character who is captivating through his actions.

The chief antagonist is a fanatic who seems to be able to justify anything he does as right. He is cruel and doesn't have any redeeming qualities.

Then, there are the A-Eye that are artifacts from a past long forgotten. They move about the landscape in search of anything they can use for energy, but especially human flesh. The A-Eye are a constant threat, always present even in their absence.

My favorite plot point in this story is more in what is not explained. As I read through the narrative, I kept looking for reveals.

Foremost in my mind was the question of what apocalyptic event took place to create the world's condition in After the Before? There are small hints, but no conclusions. Another was the item in the box. What was its nature, and does it have the answers everyone seems to have on their minds about the past? Personally, I love a story that leaves questions unanswered.

The theme that stands out the most for me involves the box. Is it just an item to advance the story, or is it a metaphor for a deeper theme? Does it symbolize hope? My takeaway from After the Before is to think about the goal (or what's in the box?), or is it more the journey? The item in the box may or may not have the answers everyone is seeking, but the characters in the story learn so much more as they traverse the landscape on their way to the city, where they might uncover wonders they have never dreamed of.

After the Before is an excellent book for those who enjoy dystopian science fiction. However, the characters and their adventure could be appealing to anyone who enjoys a great story. While the principal characters are young people, I would not call it a YA novel. Young readers in their late high school years may find some of the content appeals to them. There are some intense scenes of violence therein. It isn't a long read, coming in at 236 pages that can be read in a couple of sittings, but there is a lot of story packed into those pages. The pacing is steady. I enjoyed the unexpected twists and turns. 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Writers are readers. Ernie's been an avid reader since he was a kid. In elementary school, he could order those nifty two-book paperbacks with a novel on one side and a different novel on the other and was drawn to science fiction as it was called in those days, now more broadly known as speculative fiction. The first post-apocalyptic novel he read was Pat Frank's Alas, Babylon, published in 1959. He was fifteen.

Although he wrote his first science fiction story when he was 12 years old, most of his writing has been as a songwriter. Whether it's a song, a short story, or a novel, it's all stories. Truth be told, he prefers writing fiction because it has fewer limitations than a song with its meter, rhyme scheme, and phrasing constraints.

As a musician, Ernie has appeared twice on PBS's Austin City Limits and is a member of the Texas Songwriters Association Texas Music Legends Hall of Fame. As an artist, he exhibits at art markets around the state. His art, music videos, and writing can be found on his website, www.ernies-artmusic.com.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

She Stole My Buddy's Starship by Myles Christensen - Excellent Sequel to My Buddy Gave Me A Starship!

She Stole My Buddy's Starship by Myles Christensen

Since I read the first book in the series, My Buddy Gave Me A Starship, just over a year ago, I have been eagerly awaiting a continuation of the adventures of Mitch aboard the starship Starfire. Well, I'm not disappointed with the second installment of this saga in any way. She Stole My Buddy's Starship continues the fun as Mitch gets way more than he bargained for in both good and bad ways.

Once again, Myles has written another book that is exciting, intense, and just plain fun to read. The characters have a wit a light year long, and the tale is full of twists and turns couched in non-stop action and hilarity. As with the first book, I loved the dialog. 

Science Fiction fans who enjoy the lighter side of the genre should appreciate this series, and once one gets to know the characters in the first book, can expect satisfaction with the reading of the second book in the series.

In the first installment of the story, Mitch, a man down on his luck, loses his job and meets his long-time friend, Gabe, in a diner as Mitch tries to drown his sorrows in a large bowl of ice cream. Gabe invites Mitch to his place for a visit where Gabe has a starship hidden in his barn. It isn't long before another starship lands on Gabe's property and uniform-clad soldiers attempt to take the ship away. They kill Gabe, and Mitch gets away thanks to the help of an artificially intelligent copy of Gabe's deceased wife, Tera.

Tera takes Gabe to a place where a beautiful alien female named Vrynn awaits a delivery. She joins Mitch, Tera, an android copy of Gabe, and a bear-sized animal that behaves like a puppy.

Later, they run into a ruthless alien named Gralik who very much wants the Starfire for himself.

In this book; as the Starfire sits in a hangar on an out of the way world, Vrynn tricks Mitch into giving her access to all ship operations. They seem to have fallen for each other, at least a little. While Mitch is sleeping, Vrynn apparently betrays Mitch's trust and takes the Starfire to continue her quest on her own. Mitch takes a clunky, old shuttle and goes seeking Vrynn.

After that, well, Mitch finds himself in a desperate battle for the freedom of an entire planet!

And at the bottom of the whole thing is Gralik, who still obsesses over the Starfire, and will stop at nothing to possess it.

In this continuation of the story, Mitch proves himself to be quite resourceful and a good commander of the Starfire. A lot of that is because of the personalities he surrounds himself with. Vrynn is thoughtful, but she is also a brave fighter for freedom. Even though Tera and Gabe are computers, they support Mitch and Vrynn well and behave more as humans. What the biologicals are trying to accomplish would not even be possible without their intelligence. As the story moves forward, we meet a number of other characters, all of them endearing in one way or another. That is, except for Gralik. The more we learn about him, the more villainous he is. All are excellently written, and Myles has written brilliant dialog for them to give them depth of character and bring them to life.

I have to be careful with my favorite plot point. Yes, Vrynn steals the Starfire, but sometimes people do the right thing for the wrong reason. My takeaway from this tale is that appearances can be deceiving. I'm being cryptic here to avoid spoilers. To discover what I'm talking about, you're just going to have to read the book.

The theme that stands out most for me is to show how perseverance and intelligence plays a large part in the success or failure of the achievement of a goal. Everyone in the book has their own agenda. Some of those are compatible with others, but teamwork will give one an edge toward success. Another theme shows how obsession can also lead one to stumble and lose what they have gained as their focus shifts.

She Stole My Buddy's Starship is an excellent sequel to My Buddy Gave Me A Starship. The tone of the story is on the lighter side, making it another fun read. The characters are excellent; the dialog is top-notch, and the story flows, making it another page-turner. Once one picks it up, one will not want to put it down. I recommend this story to space opera fans and those who might enjoy watching a budding romance continue to grow. 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Myles Christensen loves to write exciting adventures because he loves to read exciting adventures. The hopeless romantic in him will usually a teensy bit of romance into his stories. While writing, he listens to music that matches - and sometimes inspires - the story line.

His mild-mannered alter ego is a product development engineer, university professor, and game inventor. He lives in Utah with his wife and children.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

Red Storm by Bradley James - A Great Prequel To Accompany This Author's Novel Series

Red Storm by Bradley James

Thanks to the author's newsletter, I discovered that Bradley James had penned a prequel short story in his Aftermath universe. It is set before his first novel, Aftermath: Lunar. I snapped it up.

The story is set on Mars during a very dense dust storm. The principal character, Elliot Adams, has to brave seemingly impossible conditions to re-establish blacked-out communications; a daunting task, to be sure.

Red Storm is easily read in one sitting at 57 pages. There is a lot packed into this story and, as an avid reader of Bradley's work, I relished it.

Astronauts Elliot Adams, Franklin Lewis, and Dr. Elena Vega are conducting a routine mission on the Red Planet. The trio is caught in an unexpected violent dust storm and must get to shelter quickly. Elena is injured by flying debris and needs more medical attention than Elliot and Franklin are trained to perform. So, while Franklin does the best he can for Elena, it is up to Elliot to find a way to restore communications to call for help. He makes a promise to Elena that he will not fail in his task, and he is a man of his word, no matter what it takes.

Of the many things there are to appreciate in this story, my favorite is getting to know more about Elliot's partner, Franklin. In Bradley's first novel, the focus is mostly on Elliot, and while we are aware that Franklin is his partner, we don't get to know much about him.

Elliot is a man of integrity, and his resourcefulness is a key element in Red Storm.

Once again, as in all the Aftermath novels, Bradley displays a gift for writing characters a reader can care about. Another plot point I enjoy in the writing is the light and often humorous dialog between characters. In this piece, the banter between Franklin and Elena is absolutely priceless!

The most prominent theme in Red Storm for me was perseverance and the human spirit. Stranded and alone, Elliot and Franklin put their skills to work to resolve the overwhelming set of problems they face. They refuse to quit as they run into one obstacle after another to try to get the job done.

My takeaway: never underestimate a person who decides to follow through. One may not have adequate resources, but ingenuity can make up for shortfalls.

If one has not read Bradley's Aftermath series, this is a good short story to get an idea of what to expect in the novels, of which there are three, with a fourth one coming in the not-too-distant future. But Red Storm only scratches the surface of a much deeper tale of survival in the most hostile conditions. This heavily character-driven story is a great one. It fascinates me how Bradley can put so much story and character development into such a small space.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bradley James published his debut novel, The Aftermath: Lunar, in early 2024, realizing a long-held dream. Since then, he has been irreversibly bitten by the writing bug, immediately embarking on his next literary adventure without looking back. When not immersed in crafting narratives, Bradley can be found indulging in long runs, losing himself in books, consuming copious amounts of coffee, or passionately cheering on his favorite football team. Though born in London, he now resides in Southwest England, where the lush landscapes often serve as a backdrop for his creativity.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

Jeryn's Dagger (Empire and Ashes Book 1) by D.L. Young - Great Character Driven Space Opera

Jeryn's Dagger (Empire and Ashes Book 1) by D.L. Young

An outstanding beginning to a series of a space opera epic. Jeryn's Dagger is fast-paced and loaded with great characters, both good and evil. Set in a future where humanity has moved out among the stars, there is plenty of action and interesting technology to keep a sci-fi reader turning pages from beginning to end. While the overall backdrop are the stars in the galaxy, characters play out this story in several settings created with descriptions of places palpable to readers.

I enjoyed this book immensely, and I think it might also appeal to readers across genres.

Smuggler and rogue, Jeryn Lorsi, finds himself in custody of authorities who want answers about his recent activities. This situation is not new to him, and he takes advantage of an opportunity to free himself.

His escape artistry is not unnoticed, and he is recruited for a new job.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the galaxy, a ruler of an organization designed to unite the worlds of the sector becomes vulnerable as many worlds of the Realm are seeking to become independent. This would present a great deal of economic hardship to the realm, but waiting in the shadows is one person ready to pick up the pieces and restore the realm, by any means necessary.

The principal character of the story, Jeryn, is a skillful rogue who gets into and out of trouble all the time. He seems to enjoy life, but his main skill is knowing how to work with others. He lives in a diverse galaxy, and his only personal problem is when he encounters those who think they are superior to others, especially when dealing with other species. As a result, the crew he becomes a member of have a respect for each other and their skills. He is an eminently likeable character among various others that I enjoyed in this tale.

My favorite plot point in Jeryn's Dagger is how the author focuses more on the characters and their interactions and avoids info-dump to fill in with pages of explanation. The reader gets just enough information to color the action.

The theme that stands out for me in this story is how author Young builds the tale around the Star Trek Vulcan ideal of IDIC (Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations). As I mentioned earlier, I appreciate Jeryn's attitude and how he has respect for life in all its forms. 

My takeaway from Jeryn's Dagger is to remember that It is through respect and cooperation that the good guys will achieve their goals.

Jeryn's Dagger is excellently written and is a great story that will absorb the reader. Personally, I found it mesmerizing and couldn't put it down. If you enjoy sci-fi, you should enjoy this character-driven space opera. I suspect fellow fans of Star Trek and Star Wars will be especially attracted to this because of the adventure and political aspects.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

D.L. Young is a Pushcart Prize nominee and winner of the Independent Press Award.

His novels echo his many influences from science fiction books and movies, including Star Wars, the Mad Max films, Dune, Blade Runner, Star Trek, and the stories of William Gibson, Harlan Ellison, and J.G. Ballard.

Visit dlyoungfiction.com for more about his work.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

Grave Chronicles Series By Shannon Knight - Epic Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Grave Chronicles Series by Shannon Knight

Just a short post here to spread the word about a great series by my friend, and extraordinary author, Shannon Knight. I've received copies of all three books for free and am writing this review voluntarily.

The Grave Chronicles series is a sci-fi/ fantasy series set in the future. 

It is important to note that these books are not standalone stories. I urge readers to read the series in order to get the full effect of the story.

The first book of the series is Grave Cold. In it, the reader is introduced to some characters appearing throughout the series. The blurb on the back of the book will give one a sense of what to expect...

Something strange is happening in the District of Portland (DP). As a result, a biting cold is spreading out from the city, expanding into the far wilderness, acting as a beacon for ravens. Most people don’t know that when someone dies, they remain trapped within their bodies until a raven, a long-lived person with a duty to the dead, releases them. For some reason, the cold call of death has expanded so far as to reach Nyle, a raven who hasn’t stepped foot into a city for centuries.

Cait, a beautician in DP with a mysterious problem of her own, has been unable to sleep due to the dead invading her dreams. She decides to camp outside the city walls and meets Nyle, who recognizes her as a necromancer and convinces her to smuggle him in. Together, they discover that the dead of DP are being used as an energy source. They must protect the dead and stop the technology from spreading before the abuse of the dead becomes a worldwide menace and they themselves end up on a laboratory table or trapped in a machine.

In the second book, we are introduced to more characters, and ones we already know are greatly developed. For me, the main theme in Death Rights is fighting for justice in a society stripped of the rights of the living and the dead.

In the final book of the series, Memento Mori Station, the reader moves a thousand years into the future. The raven, Nile, still lives and learns there is a place where he must go to help his friend, and correct a mistake he made. It will take a twenty-year space voyage to complete the tasks, but then, what's two decades for someone who has lived for as long as he has? This one is a space opera the likes of which I found to be marvelous!

Shannon's storytelling defies being placed into a single category and should appeal to a wide range of readers. The Grave Chronicles are loaded with allegory, speaking to moral, ethical, and political issues of the past and present, and hopefully, will speak to the future.

Series Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shannon Knight lives in the Pacific Northwest with her faithful feline, the best cat on this planet. Their adventurous lives include coffee, reading, ribbon games, and K-dramas.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

Black Void: Nowhere To Run By Paul Yantus - Sci-Fi Action And High Adventure On A Global Scale

Black Void: Nowhere to Run by Paul Yantus

It has been quite a few years since I've read a book like this one. Many years ago, I took a deep-dive into the stories of Dirk Pitt as written by author Clive Cussler. I read everything from Cussler I could get my hands on and loved every one of them. Black Void is a story in that tradition, with high adventure on a global scale in the modern era.

It is a fast-paced story with almost no downtime. The science occurs mostly at the beginning of the story, and the rest is characters doing their best to survive as they are chased all around Europe, and into the United States.

I was entertained while reading and didn't want to stop reading.

If you enjoy a tale of high adventure, readers should find this a thrill-ride that is satisfying. Black Void is part of a planned series of books, but this one will standalone, having a definite end point. But the ending blatantly hints at a sequel that I will watch for.

A group of scientists, mathematicians, and computer experts gather at the CERN Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland to test the theories of a Dr. Greene. The project is headed by a brilliant physicist, Dr. Andrea Coster, who believes what Greene has suggested can be done. The object is to prove that the team can create and control a micro black hole in the laboratory. The way it is first envisioned is not working for various reasons, but the team soon comes up with an alternative idea.

Success!

Well, sort of. The team comes up with a method that works, but it is a tad bit bigger than they had hoped it would be. Their discovery does exactly what a black hole is supposed to do, annihilates all the matter in a radius around it. That includes living matter too. Gone without a trace.

There are those who learn about this discovery and have nefarious reasons for wanting it. Andrea wants to make sure the knowledge never falls into the hands of those who want to use it as a weapon. With the help of an ex-soldier, she has to go on the run to protect the world from getting its hands on something very dangerous.

It isn't easy playing keep-away from a large, very wealthy and ambitious group of people who have eyes and ears everywhere. But for the sake of humankind, she and her companion must find a way.

Andrea Coster is a brilliant scientist who has both a professional and a personal stake in seeing the black hole project is a success. She is good at managing the project and is excellent at managing people, unlike her egotistical boss, Dr. Greene. She is relentless in her pursuit of achieving her goals and has skills beyond being a scientist.

Jack Agnew is an ex-soldier who has seen too much and suffers from PTSD. His skills are beyond those of a common grunt. He has had enough of his former life and just wants a job that doesn't require a lot of death and destruction. His story isn't revealed all immediately, but by bits and pieces through the story. He starts out as the team's liaison officer, but becomes a key character in evading his and Andrea's destruction.

Petra Neumann is a wiz with technology who becomes a guardian angel to Andrea and Jack. She starts as a reclusive person, but Andrea befriends her and she opens up. She is also my favorite character in this story.

Petra is not only my favorite character, but her storyline is my favorite plot point. She is so cool and competent, and she knows her stuff. I hope she is back for the sequel!

My takeaway from Black Void is always to be aware of those who bring you gifts, especially ones that are of great benefit. Usually, the things they are doing for you aren't actually for you; they are more to advance their own agendas, and will eventually come with a very high price tag.

This applies to an unfortunate character who appears in the story's opening. 'Nuff said on that.

As I moved through the story, I wondered how much of the science involved actual fact and what was made up. That is when I went to the author's webpage and started doing some exploring (webpage address below). I found that much of what Yantus writes about is based in fact and was impressed by the amount of research he must have done to bring this story to life. As a matter of fact, there is quite a bit of information on the author's page that one will find interesting and informative, but it also might be a little spoilery, so I might suggest one reads the book before exploring the web page.

While I enjoyed this book, I also found a few plot holes and some things that I wasn't clear about. I will not go into detail about my thoughts on this because I do not want to be misunderstood. As I said, I liked this story, and I think a wide range of sci-fi fans and those who like adventure stories will also enjoy it.

I thought the backdrops provided were described well, and I could picture what was going on in my mind as I read.

This is Paul Yantus's first novel, and it is a good one! I cannot wait to see his growth as a storyteller as he continues to develop his craft. To him I say, keep writing; you did great!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Paul Yantus was born and raised in Detroit. He’s been married for over 30 years and has four children and two dogs.

Paul earned degrees in technology and business. After a successful career as a technology entrepreneur, he has channeled his voracious appetite for technology and science into writing science fiction.

Find more information about Paul and about Black Void on his website: https://paulyantus.com/

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

The Photo Jumper (Photo Jumper Series Book 1) by Tony Bible - Low-Tech Sci-fi With A Huge 'Wow' Factor!

The Photo Jumper (Photo Jumper Series Book 1) by Tony Bible

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

At the outset, I have only one word to describe this book - WOW!

The Photo Jumper is an amazing tale of a man with a special ability allowing him to visit the past by jumping into photographs. This is a character-driven tale of Allister, who has an ability even he doesn't completely understand. It is extremely well written with characters that a reader can care about, descriptions of the settings that come alive, and it is emotionally charged, running a full gamut of the emotional spectrum. I was absorbed in this story from the moment I started reading all the way to the end. This is one of the best books I have read this year so far. Not to be missed.

Allister McClamroch is, more or less, an ordinary guy with an extraordinary ability; he can jump into and out of photographs at will. He can interact with others in those images, and he can even take inanimate objects into and out of photos. While he cannot bring people with him, he can relive old moments and enjoy new experiences that enrich him. There are rules he cannot break. He cannot go into a photo and stay there forever.

But not all is fun and games for him. There are consequences for actions, both good and bad. 

In the real world, he has his share of problems. He is a lonely person, and at times seems like a tragic character. He has a sense of responsibility and works hard to take care of those obligations, sometimes falling short. One thing he is dealing with is an obsession over the death of a high school friend. Allister is determined to see his friend and his friend's family receive the justice that is their due.

But there is also so much more to this tale.

Grayson is a cop. He is also Allister's friend and confidant. The two work to solve cold cases while Allister works to become a private investigator. Then there's Mila. A woman Allister meets completely by chance who becomes someone special in Allister's life.

All the characters in this book are believable as people one might meet anywhere, and they come alive as the reader gets deeper into this tale.

My favorite plot point in Photo Jumper involves character transformation. Every photo Allister jumps into becomes a real place for him, but when he jumps out, everything is reset to what it was before he jumped in. Not only is this a great plot device, but it affords the principal character an opportunity to reflect on his decisions and even make things right for himself. It is difficult to explain without spoiling important aspects of the story, so I'll just leave this right here.

The primary theme of the book, and my takeaway, is while one can be obsessed by past situations, there is always hope for a better future if one can focus on the things in life that are important. The author sums it up in a quote from Buddha: "In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you."

Or perhaps another quote that applies is from Star Trek. Mr. Spock observes in the episode entitled Amok Time...

"After a time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing after all as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true."

The Photo Jumper is a well written, highly entertaining sci-fi adventure. I was mesmerized from the start and was never bored, nor did I run into anything that took me out of the story. It unfolds much like a movie would in the reader's mind. The tale is loaded with twists and turns, and I didn't find anything predictable. There are some disturbing moments of violence, but those were not gratuitous and helped to move the story along. The science fiction is on the lighter side, so there are no long-winded explanations of how things work, and there isn't a lot of jargon to bog down the flow of the story. It is one fine story I can recommend for any reader; it has everything one can want from an engaging reading experience. Highest Recommendations!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Writing stories like no other."

Tony's passion is writing science fiction and fantasy with an emotional punch. Raised with humble beginnings in Georgia, his early childhood limited travel. The only way to experience other places was with voracious reading and imagination. He draws inspiration from fantasy/fiction genres, dreams, comics, the supernatural, and roleplaying games. He applies his degree in world history to deliver relatable but unpredictable storytelling that readers demand.

Tony is never not writing, but breaks away to burn new recipes in the kitchen, neglect chores to obsess over football, and play with his dog. He is based in San Antonio, Texas, happily married, raising two children, and works in the financial industry.

Tony has a lot of future work in progress. Check out his web page at https://tonybible.com/ for more information.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

The Shackleton Signal by Joshua T. Calvert - Fast-Paced Sci-Fi Including High Adventure And Intrigue!

The Shackleton Signal by Joshua T. Calvert

One day, not long ago, I ran across a recommendation for this book on one of the Sci-Fi Facebook groups I follow. The first thing that attracted my attention was the cover. Next was the book's back-cover description. I knew this was one I had to read.

Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely. It opens with action and continues at a high-speed pace all the way to the ending. There was never a spot where it was dull. The 415 pages (Kindle edition) flowed by so smoothly, I lost track of time reading. The characters are all believable, and I found myself caring about several of them as the story unfolded. I especially enjoyed the science presented in the book and how the author embellished it with his own plausible license to bring it all together.

There are two main plots in Shackleton Signal, and they are both exciting and follow different themes that come together at the end.

An alien signal is received by an orbiting lunar satellite, and the race is on!

As the NASA satellite, Sentinel 1, passes over the Shackleton Crater at the moon's south pole, it receives a signal that scientists on earth can only assume is from an alien civilization. It is presumed the signal is coming from an object deep in the crater that has often been thought of as a possible landing site for future Lunar missions because of the possible resources lying at the cold, dark bottom of the crater.

The US is determined to be the first to uncover the secrets of this monumental discovery, but so is the Chinese space agency. There are sacrifices to me made and what is discovered may have some consequences for humankind itself if the missions are not handled correctly.

There are a lot of great characters, but the tale focuses on two appearing in their own plot lines.

Astronaut Charlie Reid is a compassionate former soldier who is chosen as a member of the American crew to investigate the origin of the signal from Shackleton. He is well trained and competent, as well as quite resourceful. All his skills come into play as his mission to the moon develops, and there is no certainty of his survival at the end of it all.

On Earth, it falls to Major Rebecca Hinrichs, an intelligence officer from the Pentagon, to root out several irregularities surrounding the discovery of the Shackleton signal. As she uncovers layer upon layer, her mission becomes more dangerous. Her survival also comes into question as the story unfolds.

These two characters are joined by several others with differing personalities and personal opinions. Calvert did a great job in creating people that drive the story forward and make the book an entertaining read. 

My favorite point of the plot in The Shackleton Signal is also my takeaway from the story.

As we stand on the shores of the cosmic ocean, there are endless discoveries to be made. There is no single person, or even a single nation, that can make those discoveries. In order for humans to make those discoveries, we must resolve ourselves to setting aside our inherent nationalism and learn to work together.

Thanks to Carl Sagan for the shores of the cosmic ocean metaphor.

To say anymore here would be to reveal major spoilers, so I'll just leave it here.

As mentioned before, I found this to be a great read. There is high tension as events unfold. There is tragedy and triumph. And there are elements of the story that will hopefully make one think about the future of human exploration of space. I think The Shackleton Signal would be a thrilling read for any Sci-Fi fan, or it might even be a story any reader of any genre might enjoy. The technical aspects are quite accessible to anyone.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Joshua T. Calvert is an award-winning author whose books have sold more than one million copies. He has traveled the world—on foot, by Jeep, by bicycle, by motorcycle, and lots of other ways besides. As you might imagine, he’s seen many things most people never see – including an Iranian prison cell, from the inside! In Kyrgyzstan, he fared slightly better, narrowly avoiding being kidnapped for ransom. Skydiver, scuba diver, martial artist, adventurer – his goal is to experience everything possible and then make it real to you in his books. And he’s made a good run of it so far: in the Philippines, he did police training on multiple types of firearms (despite being no fan of guns himself); dove in Asian waters among sharks and shipwrecks; and patrolled with Sumatran jungle rangers.

That’s what defines Calvert’s approach to method writing: pushing himself beyond his own limits, to experience first-hand what his characters experience, to make your immersion in his stories as deep as it can be.

For Ganymede Rises, after a slight detour with some smugglers in the deserts of Uzbekistan and the steppes of Mongolia, he traveled by dogsled and snowshoe to the Arctic Circle to experience first-hand what it’s like to be utterly isolated in the coldest place on Earth. For his book The Fossil, he sat with professional pilots in flight simulators for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft to learn what it’s like to fly a passenger jet. His latest adventure: a parabolic flight with European Space Agency astronauts, to experience zero-gravity. All so he can describe it to you, in his own words.

You can see Joshua's other books and sign up for his newsletter at https://www.joshuatcalvert.com/

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

Stranded (Starship Of The Ancients Book 1): A Space Opera Adventure By A.K. DuBoff - Marvelous Characters and World Building

Stranded (Starship of the Ancients Book 1): A Space Opera Adventure by A.K. DuBoff

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: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A.K. (Amy) DuBoff has always loved science fiction in all its forms - books, movies, shows, and games. If it involves outer space, even better! She is a Nebula Award Finalist and USA Today bestselling author most known for her Cadicle Universe, but she's also written a variety of sci-fi, fantasy, and also wrote and produced an award-winning feature film, Crypto Shadows. Amy can frequently be found traveling the world, and when she's not writing, she enjoys wine tasting, binge0watching TV series, and playing epic strategy board games.

You can find more information on Amy’s work on her website.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

Bon Echo and The Competition By Colette Bos - Friendly Young Adult Sci-Fi Adventure!

Bon Echo and The Competition by Colette Bos

This book is one of the most fun young adult sci-fi novels I have ever read. At no time did Bon Echo fail to entertain me and hold my attention. Not only that, I found it to be informative on the subject of global climate change. I learned a lot reading this book, but I didn't feel like I was getting beaten over the head on that subject. It was presented as part of the narrative, mostly in one chapter, as a conversation between characters.

The characters themselves, especially the principal character, Maven, all seemed like real young people. They had lofty dreams, got into some mischief, did some good things, and made a few mistakes along the way. I think the characters make good examples for young people to aspire to. I enjoyed the way each person had not only an interest in what they wanted to do, but they had an actual passion. All the young women and men in the story are gifted in some way and are eager to share their gifts with the world.

But this tale of science, discovery, adventure, and passion isn't just for kids. I enjoyed it immensely and am looking forward to the next book in the series!

If I had any difficulty with Bon Echo, it would be a slow start to the story. The action picks up after a few foundational chapters and the pace is just right for the rest of the story. If you choose to read the book, don't give up on it, you won't regret it.

Below is the blurb for the book.

"Meet Maven, a young woman of rare brilliance and insatiable curiosity. She is a true original, and her unique perspective on the world around her makes her a captivating friend on this thrilling journey to uncover the world's most elusive secrets. Join Maven as she re-reads her much-loved diary, recounting adventures with her fellowship, her newfound love, and her awesome feathered friend, a "Hybrid Owl Technology," as she discovers ancient secrets about her family's past and the true origins of her feathered friend. These secrets may be vital to protecting the planet from some of its greatest threats. All meet while competing in one of the world's biggest high school science competitions. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling adventure story filled with captivating characters, mesmerizing natural settings, and an all-consuming romance that will leave you feeling like you've witnessed an extraordinary love. Follow us at "Bon Echo and The Competition," an exciting science-based quest filled with surprising adventures, discoveries and true love."

The story unfolds as Maven reads a journal she has written, and the reader gets to listen in on her thoughts and kind of read over her shoulder as she reads.

Maven is an above-average senior in high school who is facing many of the normal questions a young person might ask themselves. She goes on a journey of self-discovery and expands the world around her. When she discovers her passion, her purpose becomes clear; the world is suffering from climate change, and she wants to find a way to fix the problem. It is a huge undertaking, and it would be a huge task for one young woman to take on alone. She, along with her brother and their friends, form a pact to work together, each with their own talents, to make the world a better place for themselves, and for all who are alive and those who follow.

My favorite point of plot, aside from the incredible characters, is the backdrop Cosette creates for her characters to perform in. In the afterword, the author describes a place she has visited numerous times in her life. What she adds to the story is some of the most vivid world-building I have esperienced. The reader will feel the atmosphere of the story's scenes through Maven's eyes. I could recommend this story for this reason alone.

One theme that stands out in this story is the coming-of-age story. Maven and her fellow students have some lofty goals for themselves, and they are accompanied by their drive to learn about the world around them. But what really stood out to me is the part of the story where the characters are searching for a purpose in their lives. The reader shouldn't be surprised when they find themselves cheering the character on to success!

Another theme concerns climate change. As I am sure we can all agree, this is a very controversial subject, no matter what side of the argument one comes down on. As I mentioned before, the author doesn't treat her book as a bully pulpit to present her views on the subject. It isn't preachy. But the subject is presented in ways that, should the reader choose to, can verify much of what she presents. It's pretty obvious where Colette stands on climate change, but the way it is presented will also allow the reader to hold on to their own opinions and maybe learn something.

My Takeaway from Bon Echo and the Competition: The problems created in the past and those being created now will have to be cleaned up by our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Is this the legacy we want to leave them?

Bon Echo and The Competition is an excellent story. It is nonviolent, informative, and a relaxing read. Young adults from about eighth grade and up would probably get the most out of it. If my kids were younger than that, I would gladly read this story to them. This book should also appeal to adult readers who have an open mind on the more controversial subject matter. It is excellently written and accessible. I give Bon Echo high recommendations!

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Colette is a talented web developer who has turned her passion for science fiction and environmental causes into a new creative writing direction. With a background in geography, she has taken a more focused approach to exploring ecological themes in her work. Her debut book, Bon Echo and The Competition, the first in the Bon Echo Science Fiction series, is a captivating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and romance. Set in a world where environmental issues are at the forefront, Colette weaves a beautiful story of adventure and love that will captivate readers until the end. With her remarkable talent for storytelling, Colette is sure to leave a lasting impression on the science fiction genre.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

The Alcuin Rift: Cosmic Science Fiction by Charleston Lim - This Debut Novel Deserves A Look

The Alcuin Rift: Cosmic Science Fiction by Charleston Lim

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

The Alcuin Rift is the title of a debut novel from Charleston Lim. It is a hard science fiction space opera that presents readers with something to think about. I enjoyed this tale of scientific discovery and a first contact situation, but there are no aliens revealed in this story. It is a fast read. I got through it in three sittings. While I have one reservation, mostly, I found it a solid story and I look forward to reading his next novel. Alcuin Rift is a complete story in itself, but it leaves room for a sequel, should the author choose to write one.

The following is the blurb describing the plot...

"An experiment in quantum reality draws the attention of something vast, unknowable, and indifferent."

"Dr. Elena Kade spent her life unraveling the mysteries of the universe. But when her experiment sends an unexpected signal into the void, the answer that returns is beyond comprehension—and devastating."

"Time is running out. If Kade cannot find a way to communicate—to make them understand—then humanity’s reality may cease to exist."

"The Alcuin Rift is a gripping debut science fiction novel written by a Filipino author exploring hard science, cosmic horror, and first contact. It's perfect for fans of science fiction books such as The Arrival and The Three-Body Problem."

The above description greatly simplifies what is between the covers. The story itself is far more complex, but is within the grasp of the average reader.

The only problem I had with this tale is with the characters. They felt one dimensional and stereotypical. There were scientists that included a lead scientist and an ambitious scientist who thought they knew better than the lead and was a little jealous. There were a few military persons who asserted themselves as one might expect commanding officers would. My problem is that I wanted to learn more about the people involved and find at least one character I could care about. For me, I found myself not really caring about what happened to the people in the story.

My favorite point of plot in Alcuin Rift was the science. I'll be the first to admit, I know very little about quantum physics or the properties of gravity waves. I do know they are phenomena that exist. Author Lim made it obvious he had done his homework to prepare for the writing of the story. I cannot tell where the real science versus made-up science - if there was any made-up - begins and ends. But my hat is off to Lim for his use of either type of science in the story! It made it a fun story to read and added elements of suspense and surprise to the tale.

There are numerous themes woven into the tapestry of this narrative. One that stood out to me is how solving problems on a universal scale must be very carefully thought out before they are executed. Who knows, in the distant future, we may run into some situations presented in Alcuin Rift, and lives, or even the entire existence of the universe as we know it, could be at stake.

My takeaway is to remember that it isn't a good thing to play around with things we don't understand. It's not nice to try to fool Mother Nature!

The Alcuin Rift is a fine, accessible first effort from author Charleston Lim and worth the time to read. I will be watching his future work and am eager to see growth in this writer. I recommend this book to those who enjoy some heavy-duty science content intermixed with high stakes risks in the exploration of the unknown.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Charleston Lim was born and raised on the island of Cebu, Philippines. Charleston has a deep passion for storytelling, science, and exploration - both in the real world and the vast expanse of fiction.

A Computer Science graduate, he has worked across multiple fields, including web development, design, news writing, and marketing, each experience shaping is perspective on technology and human creativity. Beyond his work in the digital space, he is also a photographer and musician, constantly seeking new ways to capture emotion and atmosphere, whether through images, music, or the written word.

Writing science fiction in the Philippines presents a unique challenge. In a country where mythology and folklore dominate popular storytelling, and where religious beliefs often shape public perception of science, speculative fiction that explores hard scientific concepts struggles to find mainstream acceptance.

Science fiction is often seen as a Western genre, associated with Hollywood blockbusters, superhero films, or anime, rather than a serious form of literature. Despite this, Charleston believes that science fiction has a place in Philippine storytelling - not as an outsider's genre, but as a means to explore the future of humanity, technology, and our place in the cosmos.

The Alcuin Rift is Charleston's debut novel. It blends hard science fiction with the mystery and the unknowable depths of first contact.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!