Blog Archives
Light in the Abyss
Light in the Abyss, the third installment in Bennet R. Coles’ Blackwood and Virtue series, takes readers on a thrilling journey aboard the spacefaring frigate Daring and her escort ship Freedom. The narrative centers on Lord Commander Liam Blackwood and Quartermaster Amelia Virtue as they embark on a mission to recover a stolen artifact from an alien theropod named Shordar, all while navigating a romance complicated by their differing ranks and societal positions.
Though this novel is part of a series, it stands alone effectively, with only minimal references to previous events. While familiarity with earlier books may enhance understanding of the universe Coles has crafted, new readers will find Light in the Abyss approachable and engaging. The plot focuses primarily on the crew’s confrontation with Shordar and the complexities of interstellar politics, with tantalizing mentions of other alien species. One of the novel’s most refreshing elements is its distinctive setting: spacefaring ships reminiscent of traditional sailing vessels. This unique motif lends the story a sense of realism, grounding the science fiction elements in a familiar framework.
The titles and roles aboard the ships echo historical naval traditions, adding depth to the world-building. The portrayal of social politics within the human empire further enriches the narrative, highlighting the struggles of the characters against rigid social structures.
At the heart of the story is the pursuit of a stolen artifact known as the suncatcher, which serves primarily as a plot device to drive character development. Blackwood and Virtue’s personal and professional challenges, especially their struggle against the societal constraints of their empire, are poignantly depicted. Coles excels in portraying their emotional turmoil, making their journey as compelling as the external conflict with Shordar.
Light in the Abyss delivers a captivating blend of space adventure and character-driven drama. Bennet R. Coles skillfully balances action and emotion, creating a rich, immersive experience for readers, whether they are long-time fans of the series or newcomers.
Pages: 435 | ASIN : B0D1ZY4MP5
Angelfyre
Angelfyre, the first book in Lydan Francis’s series, introduces readers to Casey, a half-human, half-alien teenager. The story begins with Casey waking up after a fight to discover a mysterious device implanted in her head. As she navigates this new reality, Casey learns she is connected to the most advanced AI in existence and pilots a powerful ship. With the military determined to control or destroy her ship, Casey finds herself on the run.
Casey is a fascinating character, and her growth as she discovers the capabilities of Angelfyre is a highlight. Her journey offers a vivid glimpse into the universe Francis has created, rich with detail and intrigue. The focus remains primarily on Casey, emphasizing that this is her story. Her interactions with Angel, the AI of Angelfyre, are particularly engaging and provide insight into both characters. The narrative occasionally shifts to other characters’ perspectives, but these moments are brief and serve to enhance the story. This approach maintains the focus on Casey, ensuring readers stay connected to her experiences. The story starts with an interesting use of the second person, which might initially feel unusual. However, the narrative soon transitions to a more conventional perspective, greatly enhancing the reading experience. The worldbuilding in Angelfyre is intricate, adding depth to the story. There are opportunities to integrate explanations more seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the reader’s immersion. Exploring Casey’s heritage and the challenges she faces through her perspective makes the storytelling feel organic and engaging.
Angelfyre is a compelling read, particularly once the narrative settles into Casey’s viewpoint. Francis’s unique and immersive universe allows readers to journey firsthand with Casey on this intriguing adventure. This is a wonderful start to this space opera series, and readers have much to look forward to in future installments.
Pages: 534 | ASIN : B0BX33N96Y
Vermilion Flames: Midnight War Book 1
Vermilion Flames, Book 1 in the Midnight War series by Adam Fernandez, is a riveting science fiction novel that combines space opera elements with political intrigue. Set in the year 4103 U.E.T., it explores a tumultuous solar system where humanity, now spread across various planets and moons, grapples with new societal and political challenges. The story primarily revolves around Kaya Vardan, a young Mercury-born noblewoman with a thirst for adventure and rebellion, and Silas Beckett, a high-ranking officer in the Pandora Fleet entangled in the conflict with the Vermilion Coalition. Fernandez weaves a complex tapestry of interstellar politics, power struggles, and personal discovery, delivering a future where humanity’s expansion into space is as fraught with conflict as it is with opportunity.
Fernandez’s writing is both vivid and detailed, successfully painting a universe rich with futuristic technology and diverse cultures. While I appreciated the author’s talent in crafting a believable and intricate world, I found the narrative’s pace somewhat heavy with technical details. Fans of meticulously constructed settings will find much to admire in this book.
The novel shines in its character development, particularly with Kaya, whose journey from a restless noble to a pivotal figure in the solar system’s politics is compelling and nuanced. Silas Beckett’s character arc, marked by moral dilemmas and leadership challenges, provides a fascinating counterpoint, offering insight into the complexities of power and duty.
I enjoyed the thematic exploration of rebellion, authority, and the ethics of leadership. Fernandez doesn’t shy away from presenting the darker aspects of human nature and governance, encapsulating the struggle for power in a vast universe. The subplot involving the remnants of the Solar Empire and the forsaken populations adds depth, highlighting the societal disparities that often accompany technological and territorial expansion. I find the novel’s themes thought-provoking, and the philosophical underpinnings add depth to its unique charm and intellectual appeal.
Vermilion Flames is a testament to Fernandez’s ability to craft a world that is as expansive as it is intricate. The novel is an excellent pick for readers who enjoy science fiction that combines space exploration with political intrigue. Its detailed world-building and complex characters will particularly appeal to fans of space operas and those who appreciate a narrative that delves into the ethical dilemmas of leadership and power.
Vermilion Flames is an ambitious and engaging read, ideal for sci-fi fans who revel in richly constructed universes and complex character arcs. Its examination of power, rebellion, and the human condition set against the backdrop of a futuristic solar system makes it a noteworthy addition to the genre.
Pages: 415 | ASIN : B0CTYWBX2P
Compassion and a Sense of Duty
The Blue Star: First Locality Adventure follows a Navy captain and his crew who discover an alien plot to exterminate the human race and must do what they can to stop them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is probably true for most (if not all) science fiction authors, but I hoped to create exotic locations where interesting things happened to interesting people. I was inspired by the exotic aliens and locations of Star Wars and the adventures and themes found in Star Trek. My desire was to create a story whose main characters traveled to interesting places and were motivated by compassion and a sense of duty to help their people. And to do it boldly, even when the opposition looked overwhelming.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
This novel was a long-time project, I kind of worked on it in the background for years, but I did have a fairly clear idea of what I wanted to happen early in the writing process. Having said that, the pacing of the novel, and the degree to which different sub-plots intersect, was something that only came together over time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I love this question! There are a few themes I wanted to explore in The Blue Star. I am a firm believer in the “everyday hero.” There is no “Chosen One” in my novel, no person with special powers or a glorious destiny, although those are popular themes that absolutely make for great storytelling. I wanted to write a novel where the “heroes” are simply those people who committed themselves to doing the right thing, even when the situation was chaotic, scary, and life-threatening. They were in the right place at the right time and were willing to take the initiative.
Another theme I wanted to explore was the dynamic between characters with very different personalities. A young captain battling with insecurity interacts with an older alien minister who is confident and forthright. A famous, eccentric scientist interacts with a quiet, no-nonsense security guard. And perhaps most importantly, this disparate group of people is able to work together towards a common goal. I think good storytelling requires a bit of tension, but just having opposite personalities clash felt like it would be cheap and predictable. I wanted characters who were capable of dealing with the threat to the Locality (the area of space in which they lived) in a mature, respectful way without having to butt heads every five minutes. And where there was tension, I want it to be relatable, so the reader might think, “I’ve felt so much pressure that I’ve lashed out angrily and said something I normally wouldn’t, so I can understand and forgive that.”
When it comes to the aliens of The Blue Star, I wanted them to be interesting, maybe even exotic by some standards, but also have traits that are recognizably human. The alien Elzor Drin has an unusual manner of speech and trades in exotic goods, but he’s cheap and crews his ship with college graduates because he can pay them less.
Conversely, I wanted to spotlight how our own behavior can seem alien or amusing to outsiders. Shaking hands is a well-known human greeting, but to an alien, grasping just one of their hands and moving it up and down would seem like a strange thing to do.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
It is! I am working on the Second Locality Adventure (which doesn’t have a name just yet). I would like to continue the adventures of the characters from The Blue Star, and I would like to do it in a way that the plot of the second novel is easy to follow. I don’t want it to become too convoluted with multiple overlapping storylines. At the time of writing this (late December 2023) I’m about 20% into it, and I hope to release the second novel in 2024 or early 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
For humanity, who are immune to the plague, this seems like a distant problem. But the peace and quiet is disturbed when a mysterious alien vessel is shot down over a remote human world. The brief but violent encounter reveals them to be the vanguard of an alien race bent on the extermination of the human race. Simon Marston, newly-promoted captain of the Navy ship Pericles, and his untested crew must learn how to use the information obtained from the alien ship to save the Human Interstellar Commonwealth before the enemy can complete their genocidal campaign.
The Blue Star: First Locality Adventure
Set in a distant future where space travel connects various alien civilizations, The Blue Star: First Locality Adventure, by Justin Caleb, immerses readers in a universe where interstellar colonization is commonplace. Amidst this backdrop of technological marvels, a devastating plague emerges, threatening to decimate life across the galaxy. This narrative follows Torina Jadus of the Tuulan For and her crew on their urgent quest to discover a cure for this malignant contagion.
Caleb’s narrative bears a striking resemblance to classic sci-fi tropes, notably those in the Star Trek series, while also echoing the tense, epidemic-focused narratives of films like Outbreak and Contagion. The novel gains a contemporary resonance in our post-pandemic world, evoking inevitable comparisons to Covid-19, albeit with a more dramatic and horrifying twist as it ravages the personalities and identities of the afflicted, adding a layer of horror to the science fiction setting.
Caleb skillfully intertwines themes of fear and identity, suggesting that the terror induced by the virus is as potent as the disease itself. This element of the narrative not only heightens the tension but also explores the universal fear of losing one’s identity, a theme that resonates across species and civilizations. The novel posits that this shared fear could be the foundation for understanding and connecting with non-human entities in the realm of advanced technology. The Blue Star: First Locality Adventure distinguishes itself by crafting a sense of existential dread, positioning the virus as a formidable antagonist. This emotional depth keeps readers engrossed up to the concluding page, showcasing Caleb’s adept storytelling. The novel’s ability to maintain engagement throughout is a testament to its effectiveness, transcending genre boundaries to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Justin Caleb’s The Blue Star: First Locality Adventure is a gripping contribution to the science fiction genre. Its exploration of universal themes like fear, identity, and the quest for understanding in the face of an unknown threat offers a fresh perspective on familiar tropes. The novel’s blend of suspense, emotional depth, and a well-crafted plot ensures a captivating reading experience. Caleb’s narrative prowess in combining elements of horror with science fiction serves to engage and provoke thought in readers, making this book a noteworthy and intriguing read for enthusiasts of the genre and beyond.
Pages: 453 | ASIN : B0CLTQ2VV1
Inter-Galactic Warfare
In Dark Cascade, Kel Chaada and his crew are headed directly into a civilization inhabited by a horrifying extraterrestrial race hellbent on destruction. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
I wanted to raise the stakes of the conflict to inter-galactic warfare in the second book. The main characters had already proven their mettle during the interstellar conflict in the previous novel, but my vision was to keep on expanding the threat and the challenges they had to face.
How do you see character development for Kel Chaada changing through the series?
Kel’s rise to wielding galaxy-wide influence and using it for good came at a price, and did not leave him morally unblemished. Many of his heroic actions root deeply in his need for redemption.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
Underlying the action and adventure is an examination of loyalty, its forms, and its many challenges. The Dark AI leader, for example, sees itself as a machine prophet, having a cult following, while the protagonist is a master of creating alliances of necessity. Allegiances frequently shift during the story, except for the few genuine friendships which endure.
Can you give us some insight into the next book in the series, and when will it be available?
Book 3, Galacticide, will be the final chapter of the trilogy, increasing the stakes once more to inter-universal conflict, pushing characters and their reality to the limit. It will be available in December 2023.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The desperate plan is bold, but cruel. Kel realizes he will become what he is fighting against: a destroyer of civilizations.
He rushes across the inter-galactic void on a stolen enemy ship, riding a derelict warp bubble, piloted by zealous AIs with their own agenda. Can Kel’s small crew succeed where all space fleets failed?
Dark Cascade is the second book in the Galacticide universe, blending distant future space opera, military sci-fi and high concept fiction. The story follows the events from the award-winning novel Three Immortals.
Dark Cascade
Journey with Kel Chaada as he navigates a galaxy teeming with diverse alien races, each with its unique motives and aspirations. A particularly menacing extraterrestrial race with advanced weaponry and a hunger for planetary resources threatens to destabilize the balance. In a bold move, Kel and his select crew venture directly to this menacing civilization’s galaxy, intending to halt the impending doom at its origin. Amidst this high-stakes mission, Kel grapples with the dilemma of potentially becoming what he’s trying to resist.
Dark Cascade, the enthralling second installment in Bert-Oliver Boehmer’s Galacticide series, effortlessly immerses readers into its cosmos—even those unfamiliar with the inaugural book. While it’s evident that Boehmer is influenced by sci-fi titans such as Asimov and Philip K. Dick, his narrative carves its distinctive mark.
The allure of Dark Cascade stems not only from its expansive cosmic view but also from Boehmer’s nuanced exploration of interstellar politics and morality. As the story unfolds, one is compelled to question: In the quest for species survival, where do we draw the line? Kel Chaada stands as a beacon of humanity’s perseverance, yet the narrative gracefully introduces moments where alien races and AI beings demonstrate equally commendable motives.
Boehmer blurs moral boundaries, suggesting that even the most drastic measures, including genocide, might find justification depending on perspective. This intricate dance between ethical dilemmas and intergalactic politics sets Dark Cascade apart, positioning it in a league distinct from its sci-fi contemporaries.
Pages: 323 | ASIN : B0BMFWXQDJ
LITERARY TITAN 