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.

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The Worst Ship in the Fleet (Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes Book 1) by Skyler Ramirez - Curiously Refreshing Military Space Opera

The Worst Ship in the Fleet (Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes Book 1) by Skyler Ramirez

When I see a title like The Worst Ship in the Fleet, I know I absolutely must read it! Now that I have read it, I have only one question: What the hell did I just read? I ask that in a good way.

Worst Ship is the first in a seven-book series (so far). It is not a long book, 137 pages for the Kindle edition. Yeah, it is a fast read, but is it ever packed with story that includes two reasonably well-developed characters. I found it to be a great space opera perfect for what I enjoy reading, but I had my doubts at the beginning.

This tale hits the ground running and doesn't let up all the way to the end. It is packed with lots of plot twists and unexpected action, with some of the backstory of the principal characters revealed through most of the book.

The story opens as we meet Brad Mendoza, a captain in the Prometheus Navy, being dressed down by his commander and branded an idiot. Mendoza is being blamed for the deaths of over 500 people, but there are questions about his guilt. He is given the opportunity to resign, but refuses and is assigned to command the HMS Persephone, a small, poorly equipped and maintained frigate mostly assigned to patrol duty. In the case of Mendoza, it would seem the perfect place for a disgraced officer with a myriad of problems of his own. 

Brad takes command of his ship and meets his new First Officer, Jessica Lyn. She is pretty, intelligent, and can think on her feet. She also has personal issues to deal with because of some dark secrets in her past.

Together, along with their ragtag crew of misfits, they go out on patrol and encounter something completely unexpected, and very deadly to the Persephone and her crew. A number of secrets are uncovered that will shake things up to the highest levels of government!

The principal characters are among two of the most interestingly flawed I have found in books I've read. I guess I would classify them as anti-heroes in this story. 

To call Brad Mendoza a flawed character would be a gross understatement. His commanding officer calls him an idiot, and Brad is in full agreement with that assessment, and has accepted it as an accurate description. He has multiple problems, including a marriage gone wrong, raging alcoholism, low self-esteem, depression, and an almost total loss of self-confidence. There is also a good amount of PTSD involved as he has considered taking his own life occasionally. Just when it seems he has no redeeming qualities as a human being, there is a spark when he is present at an incident between Jessica and another crew member.

Jessica Lyn has a few skeletons in her closet; she fights hard to keep them from interfering with her duties. As an officer, she was on the fast track to command through rapid promotions until it all got derailed through no fault of her own.

Together, they somehow find ways to support each other, but it is a bumpy road.

My favorite plot point in Worst Ship is how the author uses humor. There are some funny moments in the narrative and dialog, but those moments are often veiled by circumstances. I found myself trying not to read too fast, making sure I didn't miss anything.

The theme that spoke loudest to me was that of redemption. Let's face it, everyone makes mistakes. Brad is the embodiment of making mistakes one after another. In this tale, the man has bottomed out in nearly every category there is. But eventually, he does find something to show he may be redeemable. He doesn't seem to recognize it right away, but as a reader, we see it, and it felt like a moment of triumph to me.

My takeaway from Worst Ship is stated in the author's bio: "Everyone, no matter how life has dealt with them, or how they've dealt with life, deserves a second chance..."

When I first started reading The Worst Ship in the Fleet, I wasn't sure I would finish it. The Mendoza character was someone I didn't want to know. But I stayed with the story, and even if the character was initially reprehensible, I began sympathizing with him and understand what had happened to this man who seemed beyond hope. He grew on me. I also stayed with the book because the story itself was moving in a fascinating direction.

I do enjoy space opera and military sci-fi, and this is a great story to kick off what should prove to be an interesting series. I am a latecomer to the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series by Skyler Ramirez, but I intend to continue reading the series as time goes on.

I recommend this story to those who enjoy space-going military sci-fi.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I just love writing. My goal is to write books that my readers enjoy and that celebrate everyday imperfect heroes. I want to show that everyone, no matter how life has dealt with them or how they've dealt with life, deserves a second chance and can go on to do amazing things. Just look at Brad and Jessica in Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes or Jinny Ambrosia and Tyrus Tyne in The Four Worlds.

It's important to me that everyone be able to read my books, including my teenage children, so I purposefully leave out any swearing or graphic scenes, though I don't shy away from serious topics. In this, I follow a tradition set by many (far better) writers before me, most notably in my life, Louis L'Amour.

As for the personal side, I live in Texas with my wife and four children (and often a revolving door of exchange students), and I work for a major tech company in my spare time. But writing is my passion, and I often toil into the early hours of the morning, especially on weekends, and it's all worth it when I see people enjoy my books.

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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.

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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.

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The Scientist: A Monster's Resentment By Scott F. Jarvie - Fast-Paced Story Loaded With Ultra-Violence

The Scientist: A Monster's Resentment by Scott F. Jarvie

I learned about this book when the author mentioned it in a social media post. I was curious and looked it up to see what it was about. The next thing that attracted my attention was the opening of the book's description, "Duncan is your typical high school science teacher." So, with that, I knew I had to read this one, but I wasn't expecting the story I got.

The term "rollercoaster ride" is one I seen and used to describe books before, and it applies to this tale. It starts out slowly, like the cars of a coaster climbing to the top of the first big drop in the ride and transitions into a never-ending series of twists, turns, and surprises barely giving the reader time to breathe with scene after scene of breathtaking discovery.

The characters are named mostly by their roles in the crew and how they behave, with the Scientist (aka Phillip Duncan) leading the group. The adventures in this story are quite violent for the most part. Some are absolutely heinous. I would advise the reader to pay attention to the warnings included below.

One thing missing, at least for me, was the reason for the character's abhorrent behaviors. The book ends with a cliffhanger that leads to the second book in the series, which I intend to read at some point in the future. Scientist gives the who, what, where, and how, but I guess that the why will become clear in the next installment. Or, at least I hope so.

I am finding this book difficult to discuss without spoiling too much. So, I will leave the blurb for this one here...

"Duncan is your typical high school science teacher. His classes are large. His school is underfunded. His students are unacademic. And his war crimes are horrific."

"When his hiding place on Earth is discovered, Duncan reemerges as ‘the Scientist’ and teams up with the galaxy’s most wanted to right his past mistakes."

"Pushing through his panic attacks, he leads an interstellar expedition to prove that he isn’t the worst tyrant in the galaxy … even if he is."

Added to that, the author includes a few trigger warnings...

"Contains: Child Death, Death, Graphic Violence, PTSD, Misogyny, Murder, Torture, War."

Philip Duncan is an individual hiding from justice and posing as a high school science teacher. The story opens with him teaching a class about sublimation using dry ice. His class is filled with disrespectful, out-of-control students. My thought right off the bat is that Philip must have skipped the classroom management parts of his teacher training.

When a student gets ahold of some of the dry ice and makes a bomb with it and a plastic bottle, Duncan steps in and prevents the student from becoming injured, as any teacher would do. However, he is accused of abusing the student and summarily fired by his neurotic principal.

He goes home and there are a series of bizarre incidents leading to his leaving Earth and resuming his role as the Scientist. A mass murdering gang leader who commits, or causes others to commit, one deplorable act after another.

But Duncan and most of his henchpersons don't seem to be as intrinsically as evil as they appear. They have feelings, even some regret at times.

They are a very confusing lot.

One strength in Scientist is the character development the author presents. I understand the characters, but only up to a point.

My favorite point of the plot, outside the opening scenes depicting Duncan as a ne're-do-well teacher, is the dialog between him and his collection of criminals. The banter between characters helps to lighten the otherwise dark mood this book could have been presented in. Without the humor, I don't think I could have gotten through the story, at least not as quickly as I did.

As far as humor is concerned, I really enjoyed the observations of the character called Philosopher. 'nuff said.

I would recommend this book to readers who will heed the warnings from the author about the content and are prepared to read the second book in the series.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Scott is an award-winning filmmaker and writer specializing in Science Fiction and Fantasy stories that focus on neurodiversity and humanity.

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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.

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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.

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The Blackheart: A Space Opera Novella by Thom Bedford - An Excellent Short Story In The Sandorn's Allegiance Series

The Blackheart: A Space Opera Novella by Thom Bedford

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

The Blackheart is a novella following the first two books in the Sandorn's Allegiance series of novels. The series' novels include Sandorn's Command and Sandorn's Prison. I have read and enthusiastically enjoyed both stories, and the same sentiment applies to The Blackheart.

In the novels, Thom introduces the exploits of Tanic Sandorn, a man who finds himself caught up in an escalating conflict between two factions, the Combined Systems Alliance, and the Free Planetary Union. The Blackheart takes a detour in the Sandorn Universe and follows Tanic's older sister, Felysta Sandorn, the captain of the Alliance's naval ship, Blackheart.

The quality of the stories in this series is top-notch, and the characters are believable. They are intelligent and resourceful but are also flawed in the same ways that normal humans are. The universe the author has created feels real and the descriptions of the places his characters move in are colorful and fit the story well.

Overall, I have found the entire series to be of superior entertainment value

War is coming.

Following a failed sabotage attempt on her home port, Felysta Sandorn is sent into another system to put down pirate activity. She leads a small group of fast ships into the system where surprises await her, and none of them are pleasant or wanted. The situation is not what she was expecting, and she finds betrayal and the pirates she was sent after are the least of her problems.

There aren't overly many characters to keep track of in this short story, but it introduces Felysta. She is the captain of the Blackheart and there is no doubt she is in command. She is tough when she needs to be but appears also to be compassionate enough to be a good person. I like this character because of her being complete. The reader will get enough background on Felysta to give her quite a bit of depth. She is fiercely loyal to the Alliance and believes in what she does in her service.

Along with Felysta, my favorite point of plot in this story are developments in the political situation between the Alliance and the Union. It isn't completely clear who the "good guys" are in the saga yet. There are differences of opinion that arose in previous books and carries into Blackheart. While politics are not overly belabored, they are present and add a dimension that makes the characters even more interesting and real for me.

My takeaway from Blackheart is to remember when you are in command of a group of people, take nothing or no one for granted. You may think you know someone, but you cannot always know what's in their heart.

The Blackheart is an excellent addition to the Sandorn's Allegiance series, and it left me wanting more. A lot more. Thom Bedford is an excellent writer and tells a hell of a story. He packs a huge amount of story in a small space in this novella and I cannot help but think that Felysta and the other characters from this story will figure into the more novels going forward (a la David Weber in the Honor Harrington series). There is no space wasted in Blackheart and the action is nonstop. It is a fast read and I recommend it. However, one should read the first two books in the series before this one. They are both excellent as well.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thom grew up in suburban Cheshire, England with his parents and a brother. Since childhood, he has had a propensity for creativity, whether it be writing, building models, painting, designing graphics and technology, or programming.

After studying Computer Science at The University of Manchester, he started working as a Software Developer. Following in his father's footsteps, he worked as a Technical Consultant in London for several years, then in data warehousing back in Manchester.

In his spare time, Thom still writes, builds models, paints, and programs, but nowadays, he also listens to a lot of music, watches a lot of films, reads, and enjoys playing video games.

His love for science fiction comes from blockbuster films like Starship Troopers, Star Wars, and Star Trek. B-movies like Wing Commander, Pitch Black, and Iron Sky. TV shows like Battlestar Galactica, The Expanse, and Stargate. Video games like Homeworld, EVE-Online, and Stellaris. Books like Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet series, Jasper T. Scott's Dead Space series, and David Weber's Honor Harrington series. In other words, sci-fi - particularly space opera - in any media.

Thom currently lives in Cheshire, England with his wife, Helen, and their two cats.

Stellar Heir: (Stellar Heir Book 1) By Scott Killian - Exceptional Coming-Of-Age Space Opera!

Stellar Heir: (Stellar Heir Book 1) by Scott Killian

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

This story was a blast to read. It had everything I wanted in a story and more. I loved the characters, the world-building, the colorful action, and the way the plot unfolded and kept me turning pages.

When I started reading Stellar Heir, the beginning felt kind of made me think I had picked up a quaint young adult book. But, as time went on, the tension ramped up and I found myself involved in a mesmerizing tale.

Stellar Heir is a serious space opera and a coming-of-age story that fascinated me and often had me on the edge of my seat.

Aboard the Zigzagunda, Jael Ked'Korva and his sentient humanoid simian, Goni, survey a space battlefield as the battle wanes and ends. When they determine it is safe to approach, they board a derelict ship that shows some promise of finding treasure. Jael and Goni are scavengers just making their way as best they can.

While aboard the vessel, Jael finds something looking like it might be worth something. It is a bracelet. Out of curiosity, he tries it on, and it locks on to his wrist and he cannot get it off. The next thing Jael knows, he is having some strange and nightmarish visions. Sometimes, the visions are of a menacing figure from his past, while others are of a ghostly figure he has never seen before who gives him puzzling and cryptic messages and instructions.

Meanwhile, there are a few factions that are seeking the artifact Jael has been connected to and will stop at nothing to get their hands on it. The artifact apparently will allow the holder to wield great power to control the galaxy.

The strongest part of Stellar Heir is its characters. There are the good guys, and the bad guys, and there is one I am not too sure about at this point.

The character called Garlial is an enigma to me. He seems to be an antagonist, but at the same time, he also seems to undergo a transformation, or is, at least, in the middle of one. Should that transformation prove to be the case, it is a testament to the skill of the author. 

Goni is quite endearing. He always thinks about food and eating and can never seem to get enough. He also has an irritating tendency to not follow orders. His main role is to help Jael be grounded. Goni does this through friendly barbs and quips that makes Jael think. But Goni is also a brave warrior, and he loves to test new weapons whenever he has the opportunity.

Jael is a young man who has gotten himself caught up in something that might have him just a little over his head under normal circumstances. He is resourceful, smart, inventive, and pretty good in a fight, but some people he is fighting are pretty ruthless and have really poor attitudes. One person who also helps him is a character that comes along just a little later in the book. Her name is Merzi

Merzi is a wise young woman who has abilities to help focus Jael and approach situations logically. She is a strong, intelligent, and a tough character who adds a great deal to the story in the way of wisdom and wonder.

The baddies in this book are scary, single-minded, and relentless. One, in particular, is evil beyond imagination.

My favorite plot point comes in the development of Jael's character. It isn't all spilled out at the beginning of the book but starts out slowly and when we get the entire picture later in the tale, the reader gets to understand his motivation on a deep, personal level.

My takeaway from Stellar Heir is to remember that you cannot run from your past. I guess one could call it Karma. Those things that happen to us tend to come back and demand to be resolved. At the same time, once those issues are solved, it is time to move forward to new challenges, and not make the same mistakes again.

Stellar Heir is such a good book on so many levels. It is eminently entertaining. The story contains a full spectrum of emotional content. While all the characters are well written and well developed, they are also feel like real people - they have some flaws - some more than others. The descriptions of the landscapes are colorful and provide a great backdrop for the people to perform in. There will be a second book in this series coming early in 2025. I have already pre-ordered Syndicate Moon: Stellar Heir Book 2.

I'm giving Stellar Heir high recommendations for a fun sci-fi story worth the time to read.

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Scott Killian grew up in California, where he consumed every bit of sci-fi and horror media he could find. Delving deep into the works of Thomas Harris, Stephen King, and H.P. Lovecraft, to name a few, those dark portals in his mind were opened and his obsession with the macabre began. Storytelling, in any form, is his only passion.

Well, there it is...

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Navvy Dreams: A Space Opera by HMH Murray - A Story Full Of Great Tangled Up Situations And Characters

Navvy Dreams: A Space Opera by HMH Murray

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

This is a well-written and engaging story told from the point of view of principal character Polla Ottrava, and navigator and smuggler from a far-away part of the galaxy, where the lifestyle is mostly agrarian. The setting for Navvy Dreams feels like it could be part of the Star Wars universe but is far grittier. For me, the strongest part of the book was in the world-building. It is a complicated place where the rules seem to change often and at the whim of those who appear to be in charge. This tale is full of twists and turns and there wasn't anything that was predictable. There are loads of surprises throughout to keep a reader engaged.

I found the story to be quite cerebral - my recommendation is to read carefully, or you may miss something.

Polla Ottrava awakens from a coma to find herself emaciated and in a weakened state. She is being attended to by a strange woman and an artificially intelligent nurse with a bit of an attitude. As she recovers, she is offered a job that promises her great wealth and a ship of her own. All she has to do is help her benefactor defeat an opponent who is said to be a threat to the galaxy. Her function is to fly the ship to the confrontation with the antagonist. Polla soon learns she will not be allowed to refuse the job and wonders about the wealth she has been promised. My impression was that her benefactors felt she owed them her services.

Polla is also faced with a problem of her own.

Her navvy, an implanted symbiote who helps her in many ways, including navigating the ship to faraway places, is talking to her, but cannot, hear her.

Polla, who is slated by her benefactors to get them where they need to be is, in effect, crippled, unless she can get her navvy, or perhaps herself, back in working order.

The characters in this tale are all flawed in some way or other, including Polla. There are a few I really admired, and a couple I seriously loathed for their deceptive, and self-centered manner. Everyone in this story has an agenda of some kind and will use anyone they think can further their agendas. I found this one of the most interesting parts of the story, trying to figure out just what everyone was about. It led to a number of swerves that kept me in the story.

Of course, the most developed character in Navvy Dreams was Polla.

After an accident on a planet far across the galaxy, Polla wakes from a coma to find herself in a life-support system, healing from injuries she sustained in an accident. She is glad to be alive and learns that Sam, her husband, escaped injury, but she is still in pretty rough shape. She receives an offer, actually a demand, to navigate a bioship to a place where there is to be a final reckoning with a being causing a lot of death and destruction. Her payment is to be wealth beyond what she has ever imagined. But they tell her a lot of things. So, she gets along as best she can, taking promises made to her with a grain of salt, and doing her level best to keep her own problems a secret.

My favorite point of plot in this tale is how it was told. It unfolds in a noirish style where Polla is recounting her adventures to her husband, Sam, in a letter, a very long letter. There are snippets of the letter followed by flashbacks to the events she experienced from her personal point of view. Her recollections are detailed, and the author went to great lengths to give the reader a complete picture of everything. Those recollections are vivid, engaging every sense. The emotional content of this tale is also compelling, and the reader will find a complete spectrum of feelings.

My takeaway from Navvy Dreams is to remember to question everything and take nothing for granted, especially when one is caught up in someone else's affairs.

I enjoyed Navvy Dreams for the world-building, and for the principal character. I do wish, however, there was a more palpable conclusion to the story. I didn't have a sense of completion at the end. But to be fair, the author promises a sequel that will be a reckoning, including the answers to questions, and consequences.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

HMH Murray lives in Maryland with her family. She writes speculative fiction that explores questions of identity, consequence, and trouble. NAVVY DREAMS is her first novel, not hiding in a trunk someplace. Only one of the dogs in the photo is hers.

For updates, Murray's website is http://hmhmurray.com

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In The Shadow Of A Giant - A Short Story by Joseph Graff - A Great First Story From A Young Author!

In The Shadow Of A Giant - A Short Story by Joseph Graff

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

In this short story, written by fifteen-year-old Joseph Graff, the reader will find the makings of an author who may be a future major force in Sci-Fi literature.

It was quite by accident I discovered this short story a few days ago. 

In The Shadow of a Giant is a story of about 3500 words, and there is a lot packed into those words. It has everything one could want in a good sci-fi tale, but it can be read in just a few minutes. Young Joseph sets the stage brilliantly with descriptions that are detailed and colorful, but more importantly, they are very visual in the mind. The story unfolds and we get to meet the good guys and the bad guys. There is even enough character description to get a good idea of who they are and what they are actually about.

While the tale itself is well written with more show than tell, the text is also enhanced with several illustrations that add to the enjoyment of the story.

An Old Empire has fallen. The resources of a nearby asteroid belt have been depleted, and the Empire has fallen on hard times punctuated by graft, corruption, and nepotism. Fleets of ships from the remnants of the Empire depart the Space City of Albion to forage for resources to keep the city alive, but also to improve their own position and conditions.

There are many dangers for the rag-tag fleets that work diligently to keep themselves space-worthy. Along with that, they also can become victims of piracy in deep space. No one can trust anyone else in this situation, as there are even acts of sabotage between the fleets themselves.

It is everyone for themselves in a place, once prosperous, but now in severe decline.

There are two principal characters that go head-to-head in this story.

The first character we meet is Commodore Gideon Adira, the commander of the Fulcrum fleet of ships departing to forage neighboring star clusters for raw materials. Initially, he appears as a hero. He's a handsome guy and is a benevolent leader to his people. But, like any heroic character in a good story, Adira has flaws.

The other character, Adira's main opponent, is Ivan Morozov. There isn't much background on Ivan, but he is a mean one who will react with violence based on mere suspicion.

Adira and Morozov meet in deep space to settle a score, one that has apparently been building for a good many years. Of course, this precipitates an epic, well-written battle scene.

My takeaway from this tale is to remember that when it comes to survival, there are no white hats and black hats. Along with that, when brute force meets a force that can think, the outcome is often with those who fight with their brains, and not their muscle.

As a bonus, included after the main story, is a sample from another upcoming story by Joseph.

In the Shadow of a Giant is a great first effort from this new, young author. He has a great sense of form and wrote a logical, easy-to-understand story that is entertaining. I guess, probably the best recommendation I can give is to say, when I finished this tale, I wanted more!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Joe, 15 years old Scouting Patrol Leader, has been reading aloud since he was an infant. By two he was finding typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in thick textbooks edited by many people. At three he impressed the head of Montessori Schools of New Jersey so much that he said Joe should not be on local TV but on international TV instead - to show to the world what is possible in a three-year-old: he could count to twenty in at least six languages, he was starting to speed read and he could do math well beyond his years. At four he was correcting the "answers" given for his I.Q. test. We never put him on TV so he grew up speed reading - and writing - his very favorite literature, fantasy and science fiction.

Well, there it is...

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The Aftermath: Titan (The Aftermath Series Book 2) By Bradley James - Loaded With Action, Surprises, And Superior Characters!

The Aftermath: Titan (The Aftermath Series Book 2) by Bradley James

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

Note: This title is due to go public on October 18, 2024

To start, I will share a quote from Bradley appearing at the beginning of this book:

"Whoa, Not So Fast!"

"The Aftermath: Titan is the second book in The Aftermath series. If you have not yet read the first book in the series, then it is recommended that you start there."

As the author politely says, it is recommended to start with the first book in the series, The Aftermath: Lunar. I would not only agree with Bradley, but I would also say it is a must! I will reference the first novel in this review, so if you haven't read Lunar, I urge you to close this blog post and read it first!

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

The Aftermath: Titan is the continuing story of an Earth astronaut who witnessed the apparent destruction of his home planet while on a mission to the moon. His original mission was scrapped, and his only focus became survival.

In Titan, the story of Elliot Adams continues, and the stakes get ramped up ever higher than before.

I absolutely ripped through this book with such fervor and finished it in five days between other things I was supposed to be doing. After having to set it aside, I thought about it, and couldn't wait to get back to it at the earliest opportunity. Titan flows like a fast river, as one reads. It is chock full of action, suspense, battle, humor, and it is all driven by a cast of excellently written characters a reader will become invested in!

Bradley has mastered writing some great sci-fi that unfolds on an epic scale. The world building and setting of the story's scenes is vivid and one can almost feel the environment the characters move through.

***Spoiler Alert***

The Lunari live a primitive life under the surface of the moon. However, they are actually being, more or less, enslaved by the aliens who call themselves the Telvanni. When the Lunari learn the truth about what they once considered their gods, they rise up, and with the help of stranded astronaut, Elliot Adams, they are victorious in defeating the Telvanni.

The Telvanni are led by a cruel master known only as the General who is killed in the uprising, and those of his troops who survive are imprisoned in their base.

But before he dies, the General reveals something very disturbing to Elliot. It is something called a Death Shepherd.

Elliot is accepted by the Lunari and develops strong relationships with many of the people living there.

***End Spoilers***

Eliot learns what the Death Shepherd is, thanks to Dax, a technology expert who worked for the Lunari under duress. Elliot realizes he must go to Titan, the moon orbiting Saturn, where the Telvanni have established their main base in the solar system. Elliot and his befriended Lunari embark on a perilous mission to accomplish several goals, including saving lives on two worlds.

Nothing is easy, and the odds are stacked against Elliot and his companions.

Elliot is not only an astronaut, he is also a trained soldier. Thanks to his being from Earth, he also has a secret weapon that will serve him well on his quest. He is a good and kind man but is not to be underestimated. He can deal out some violence when the occasion arises, and it does. But, like any great hero, he needs help from others as well, and he has some good and skillful people on his side.

Dax is little more than a slave because of something the Telvanni hold over his head. When he has the opportunity, he teams up with Elliot and the other Lunari. Although some would see him as a cowardly collaborator, Dax is anything but cowardly.

Mayto, the son of the Lunari Chief, did not like Elliot initially, but he warms up and the two develop a great friendship. They have each other's backs and work well together. Mayto has a temper that can get out of control, and often does, but Elliot and others remind him he must not let his temper control him. He must learn to control his temper and through this, he will have far more success. He learns this lesson well, with reminders, of course.

Ava and Bella are a mother and daughter team. Ava's husband is presumed dead, and she and Elliot strike up a relationship during the events of the first novel in the series. Their plight is mostly separate from Elliot and is, in itself, a great story.

There are a few truly cruel and evil characters in this tale. The Supreme Telvarch is the leader of the Telvanni and is truly drunk with power. He will stop at nothing to gather more and more power. His main henchman, Dravix, is a man who loves killing and making people suffer under his torture. These two are monumental villains with no redeeming characteristics whatsoever. Of course, this only adds to the fun that is Aftermath: Titan!

My first favorite point of plot is the epic battle scenes in the story. They are huge in scope; with dire consequences should our heroes fail to achieve their goals. The consequences are just as dire for the bad guys should they fail. There are victories on both sides as the scenes unfold and the outcomes offer some amazing plot twists, one of the major strengths of this tale.

Second, I loved the dialog between characters! Another of Bradley's strengths as a writer is creating dialog that is witty and, at times, hilarious, but also shows great compassion and the deep friendships the characters share. The witty banter happens at moments where the reader may need a break in the tension to catch their breath, but the action continues to ramp up, after those moments of relief, to greater and greater heights.

And last, but not least, are the plot twists and turns! There is a surprise at nearly every page turn which drives the reader on to the end, and when the end comes, the reader is going to want more!

The theme that stands out for me, and my takeaway from The Aftermath: Titan, is to remember how heroes never go into a situation to become heroes. A real hero is someone who sees a situation, or a need for change, and does what it takes to get the job done.

I give my highest recommendations for The Aftermath: Titan, and for the previous novel in the series, The Aftermath: Lunar, as an unfolding sci-fi space opera saga that is exciting, filled with on-the-edge-of-your-seat action, and just plain fun to read. There is never a dull moment in these stories, and the current installment is jam-packed with all manners of emotional content. The reader will feel great triumph, disappointment and despair, deep sadness, and much joy all the way through this fast-paced story. It is well worth the investment of time to read and will not disappoint sci-fi fans. Bradley has written a masterpiece with his very first series of novels and I am so happy to have found them!

Remember, read BOTH books in order. Lunar is full of background information that will help in understanding the universe created by this amazing author.

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.

Look at Bradley's website: https://bradleyjamesauthor.com and join his Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/948989713645274

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Demeter: (Book 1 – Orion’s Spur Series) by Alan 'Doc' Hansen - Excellent Young Adult Space Opera Not Just For Kids

Demeter: (Book 1 – Orion’s Spur Series) by Alan 'Doc' Hansen

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

Demeter is the beginning of an amazing story following the adventures of young William Ryder, known to his friends, and others, simply as Ryder. I loved reading this story that is both fast-paced and entertaining. It is a young adult science fiction romp that begins on Earth, but then becomes a space opera that includes some incredible vistas created by the author. He shares his visions with colorful and detailed descriptions that set a clear picture in the mind's eye. In addition, there are a number of humanoid aliens included that add broader dimensions to this story. The most prominent characters include Ryder's little sister, a girl he crushes on, and a pair of teachers the reader cannot be completely sure what they are about.

I would estimate this book is appropriate for students beginning at the 6th grade level. It is about kids, but this tale isn't just for kids. I found Demeter to be a great, fast read that held my attention very well. If you are a parent reading this and you have a child you might want to get started on reading sci-fi, this would be a good one to hand them right off the bat.

There are a few scenes that I would call cringe-worthy. For instance, Ryder is brutally beaten by a fellow student at a school dance, and his injuries land him in the hospital.

While this is the first book in a series, the story is complete with a solid ending that enticed me to read on. I will revisit Ryder's further adventures at a later date.

Young Ryder contemplates a school dance. He looks forward to perhaps dancing with Cynthia. After a long week of debating the merits of going to the dance, he decides the possible benefits will outweigh the risks and goes. While there, he encounters another student, Barry. After a few caustic exchanges of words, Barry assails Ryder with a storm of blows, putting him in the hospital. Ryder's sister, Debbie and Cynthia save Ryder from even more injury.

As a result, Ryder, Debbie, and Cynthia all move on to another school where they encounter a new teacher and another who was at Ryder's former school. The new school is a strange place, there are promises of an uncommon experience there. One such promise is a planned visit to Europe.

When the day arrives for the trip, the students board a vehicle and are whisked to a place light years from Earthbound Europe! The Europe they arrive at is inside of a huge asteroid and is itself a sort of school for select students.

And that is only the beginning of the adventure!

The principle and point-of-view character is Ryder. He is an intelligent, well-read young man who is identified as one of the school’s "skaters" at his school. He has a quick wit and has a tendency to say what is on his mind before thinking about the consequences, which tends to get him in a little trouble from time to time. Despite that, he is excellent at gathering data and analyzing it to plan actions and solve problems. I like him. He seems like a good kid.

Ryder's sister, Debbie, is a rambunctious, fearless girl who is ready to try anything. She is, perhaps, all too willing to throw caution to the wind and get involved in some risky behavior. To be honest, she is my favorite character in this story. She makes me laugh and scares me all at the same time.

Cynthia is Ryder's love-interest. Her thing is helping people.

All the characters in this tale play important parts and contribute in their own way. And that is my favorite plot point in Demeter. It is the depth of even the most minor characters. Hansen has created a bullpen of personalities that are all individual in their likes, dislikes, philosophical points of view, and how they approach problem solving. They remain consistent with themselves throughout the entire story. Further, they are all real and interesting people. Demeter is a heavily character-driven story, and the world building Hansen does only enhances the activities of the people.

My takeaway from Demeter is to always be open to new learning and new situations. One never knows what will happen when an old, familiar door is closed and a new, unknown one is opened, leading one to an amazing, even life-changing, adventure.

I give my highest recommendations to Demeter Volume 1 for being a superior story crafted with characters a reader can care about, colorful world building, and numerous surprises to spark the imagination. I look forward to the next installment. 

There are four more segments to this saga. All are available now.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am a lifelong fan of science fiction. Growing up in a small town in Utah, I became enamored with the science fiction genre as I devoured early science fiction writers such as Edgar Rice Burroughs, i.e. Doc Smith, and Robert Heinlein. As an adult, I continued to enjoy science fiction while I completed three degrees one in Japanese, Business, and Higher Education. I was an early adopter of online education, having worked at the university level as an administrator and professor.

My focus in writing science fiction is on adventure and character development. Demeter was intended as a three-book series, but the story arc for the series ultimately demanded five books to complete. The five main characters in the series are derived from observations of my own five children. The lively character Debbie is by no means an exaggeration of my youngest daughter.

The journey of editing, publishing to Kindle, then to paperback, and now to Audiobooks has been fraught with numerous delays ranging from too much multi-tasking to family tragedies. Still the story is worth it. It is not dystopian but very optimistic, and clearly illustrates how people can change and grow. Few if any individuals are without hope of redemption. If you walk away from Orion’s Spur series without laughing and crying, I have failed.

After getting the five books of the Orion’s Spur series finally into audiobooks, I’ll be moving onto two other finished manuscripts. One, a more serious political thriller set in the near future exploring our solar system and the resources within Salt of the Earth. The other is yet untitled, but the working title may signal some elements of the plot, Project Lilliput.

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