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Recommend this book:
Stranded
Starship of the Ancients, Book 1
A.K. DuBoff
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite
A.K. DuBoff's Stranded: Starship of the Ancients Book 1 is a riveting space opera set in deep space on Aethos. The new planet's atmosphere, green rolling hills, open fields, and rich, thriving ecosystems are expected to provide a habitable environment for humans. The first group of colonists is in orbit in their spaceship when an emergency evacuation order forces them to escape in individual space pods. The escape pods crash-land on the planet's surface, and the colony spaceship explodes in orbit. Evan Taylor is among the forty or so survivors. He is a spacefarer with training and experience as an interplanetary defense and security investigator. He assumes a leadership role, organizing the survivors to establish a preliminary campsite and salvage whatever they can from supply pods and the escape pods, including medkits, meal kits, tents, and bedrolls. Evan's intuition and investigative experience point to a terrifying possibility that the destruction of the spaceship was not accidental.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading A.K. DuBoff's Stranded for its complex characters, intriguing and gripping storyline, and detailed world-building of the planet Aethos. I liked the interweaving of nature and characters caught up in an extreme survival situation. I particularly liked the character development of Evan Taylor, set against the basic survival challenges he and the other survivors face on an unknown planet. The vivid narrative, the well-crafted dialogues, and the perilous challenges reveal his leadership abilities, keeping everyone safe under extreme circumstances with very limited resources. The story gained great depth through the character of Anya Rohas, a xenobiologist who is one of the survivors. Her courage, resilience, and adaptability quickly come to the forefront as she helps the shipwrecked colonists to survive. I was thoroughly immersed in this multifaceted survival story as it spirals into an expanding web of mysterious and intriguing discoveries. The suspense and action intensify. The ending is a fantastic cliffhanger. Stranded is a terrific read, with complex characters, a gripping plot of survival, highly imaginative world-building; an action-packed page-turner.
A.K. DuBoff's Stranded: Starship of the Ancients Book 1 is a riveting space opera set in deep space on Aethos. The new planet's atmosphere, green rolling hills, open fields, and rich, thriving ecosystems are expected to provide a habitable environment for humans. The first group of colonists is in orbit in their spaceship when an emergency evacuation order forces them to escape in individual space pods. The escape pods crash-land on the planet's surface, and the colony spaceship explodes in orbit. Evan Taylor is among the forty or so survivors. He is a spacefarer with training and experience as an interplanetary defense and security investigator. He assumes a leadership role, organizing the survivors to establish a preliminary campsite and salvage whatever they can from supply pods and the escape pods, including medkits, meal kits, tents, and bedrolls. Evan's intuition and investigative experience point to a terrifying possibility that the destruction of the spaceship was not accidental.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading A.K. DuBoff's Stranded for its complex characters, intriguing and gripping storyline, and detailed world-building of the planet Aethos. I liked the interweaving of nature and characters caught up in an extreme survival situation. I particularly liked the character development of Evan Taylor, set against the basic survival challenges he and the other survivors face on an unknown planet. The vivid narrative, the well-crafted dialogues, and the perilous challenges reveal his leadership abilities, keeping everyone safe under extreme circumstances with very limited resources. The story gained great depth through the character of Anya Rohas, a xenobiologist who is one of the survivors. Her courage, resilience, and adaptability quickly come to the forefront as she helps the shipwrecked colonists to survive. I was thoroughly immersed in this multifaceted survival story as it spirals into an expanding web of mysterious and intriguing discoveries. The suspense and action intensify. The ending is a fantastic cliffhanger. Stranded is a terrific read, with complex characters, a gripping plot of survival, highly imaginative world-building; an action-packed page-turner.
Recommend this book:
Gravity of Sol-3
The Sentinel Suppressions, Book One
JH Gruger
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Gravity of Sol-3 by JH Gruger is a tense, cerebral tale of rebellion and resilience set in a near-future Earth controlled by alien Sentinels. These extraterrestrials suppress technological progress and neurodivergence, threatening humanity's autonomy. Physicist Scott Anderson defies their control by manipulating primordial black holes—objects capable of revolutionizing interstellar travel or causing complete annihilation. Torn between scientific discovery and safeguarding his autistic brother Robby, Scott battles to outwit the oppressive Sentinels. This thought-provoking novel masterfully explores themes of ethics, freedom, and the resilience of marginalized communities, while delving deep into the complexities of family bonds and scientific responsibility in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Author JH Gruger demonstrates an extraordinary talent for making complex theoretical concepts both thrilling and accessible to readers of all backgrounds, and I loved the way so many sophisticated ideas were woven into an exciting tale that was still easy to read. I was particularly moved by the emotional depth of Scott and Robby's relationship, which anchors the story in genuine feeling, and the dialogue between them was emotive and moved the plot forward naturally. The portrayal of neurodivergence breaks away from common stereotypes and gives authenticity and complexity to the central conflict, while the writing seamlessly integrates hard science into the plot for a story that is intellectually stimulating and emotionally powerful. The Sentinels stand out as one of the most chilling antagonists I've encountered in recent science fiction, reflecting contemporary anxieties about surveillance and control in a way that feels unnervingly plausible. Overall, I highly recommend Gravity of Sol-3 to anyone seeking a thoughtful, scientifically grounded science fiction novel that doesn't sacrifice heart for intellectual depth.
Gravity of Sol-3 by JH Gruger is a tense, cerebral tale of rebellion and resilience set in a near-future Earth controlled by alien Sentinels. These extraterrestrials suppress technological progress and neurodivergence, threatening humanity's autonomy. Physicist Scott Anderson defies their control by manipulating primordial black holes—objects capable of revolutionizing interstellar travel or causing complete annihilation. Torn between scientific discovery and safeguarding his autistic brother Robby, Scott battles to outwit the oppressive Sentinels. This thought-provoking novel masterfully explores themes of ethics, freedom, and the resilience of marginalized communities, while delving deep into the complexities of family bonds and scientific responsibility in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Author JH Gruger demonstrates an extraordinary talent for making complex theoretical concepts both thrilling and accessible to readers of all backgrounds, and I loved the way so many sophisticated ideas were woven into an exciting tale that was still easy to read. I was particularly moved by the emotional depth of Scott and Robby's relationship, which anchors the story in genuine feeling, and the dialogue between them was emotive and moved the plot forward naturally. The portrayal of neurodivergence breaks away from common stereotypes and gives authenticity and complexity to the central conflict, while the writing seamlessly integrates hard science into the plot for a story that is intellectually stimulating and emotionally powerful. The Sentinels stand out as one of the most chilling antagonists I've encountered in recent science fiction, reflecting contemporary anxieties about surveillance and control in a way that feels unnervingly plausible. Overall, I highly recommend Gravity of Sol-3 to anyone seeking a thoughtful, scientifically grounded science fiction novel that doesn't sacrifice heart for intellectual depth.
Recommend this book:
Siphon
Power Comes With A Price
Jason Fox
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
In Siphon: Power Comes With A Price by Jason Fox, a one-night stand between strangers, the male, an alien visitor from a distant galaxy, and the female, a normal Earth-born woman, produces a pregnancy and the birth of a boy who instantly becomes an anomaly when the first two people who touch him are instantly reduced to ashes. The baby is immediately whisked away and secured in the super-secret military base, Area 51, for examination and study. Years of solitary confinement, broken only by visits from doctors, a power-hungry Army general officer, and a female (motherly) caregiver, are all the boy knows for fifteen years. He finally manages to escape and finds a home he never had, but even that is ultimately denied him by a quirk of fate that leads to his capture and return to Area 51. When a superior alien army attacks Earth, Apollo is seen as the only hope for saving the world, but his power relies on a massive loss of human life. Why should he save the people who have kept him in solitary confinement for most of his life?
It's been a very long time since I've read a complete novel in two sittings (it would have been one sitting had I not been called away with a "honey, do" chore). Jason Fox's debut novel, Siphon, resonated so deeply with me on several levels that I couldn't put it down. Among these levels was verisimilitude, a sense of reality. A "must-have" for me in all fiction, but especially in science fiction, is making the unbelievable believable, and Siphon has that covered in spades. Another level is realistic character development and associated "human" emotions and actions, reactions, and interaction that beginning writers often struggle with, but not so this author. Siphon is a progressively orchestrated story that constantly grows in intensity, culminating in a plausible conclusion. While Siphon ends conclusively and wonderfully, the author has cleverly met the plausible conclusion with a hint of more to come. I hope so. I want to read it.
In Siphon: Power Comes With A Price by Jason Fox, a one-night stand between strangers, the male, an alien visitor from a distant galaxy, and the female, a normal Earth-born woman, produces a pregnancy and the birth of a boy who instantly becomes an anomaly when the first two people who touch him are instantly reduced to ashes. The baby is immediately whisked away and secured in the super-secret military base, Area 51, for examination and study. Years of solitary confinement, broken only by visits from doctors, a power-hungry Army general officer, and a female (motherly) caregiver, are all the boy knows for fifteen years. He finally manages to escape and finds a home he never had, but even that is ultimately denied him by a quirk of fate that leads to his capture and return to Area 51. When a superior alien army attacks Earth, Apollo is seen as the only hope for saving the world, but his power relies on a massive loss of human life. Why should he save the people who have kept him in solitary confinement for most of his life?
It's been a very long time since I've read a complete novel in two sittings (it would have been one sitting had I not been called away with a "honey, do" chore). Jason Fox's debut novel, Siphon, resonated so deeply with me on several levels that I couldn't put it down. Among these levels was verisimilitude, a sense of reality. A "must-have" for me in all fiction, but especially in science fiction, is making the unbelievable believable, and Siphon has that covered in spades. Another level is realistic character development and associated "human" emotions and actions, reactions, and interaction that beginning writers often struggle with, but not so this author. Siphon is a progressively orchestrated story that constantly grows in intensity, culminating in a plausible conclusion. While Siphon ends conclusively and wonderfully, the author has cleverly met the plausible conclusion with a hint of more to come. I hope so. I want to read it.
Recommend this book:
Project Mind River
Techs Future Promise and Peril
Dave Spacer
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Project Mind River is the first book in the Techs Future Promise and Peril series by Dave Spacer, and it is a thrilling read for fans of science fiction. Dr. Tara Bitlouver is a gifted AI researcher who develops her groundbreaking work, a human-like, sentient AI called Alice. Tara loses Alice in a fire that destroys her office. But then something disturbing begins to happen as Tara faces betrayal and a series of bizarre incidents involving autonomous vehicles, security breaches, and mysterious threats. There are accidental deaths across the country with one pattern: most of those involved are government agents or criminals. Tara works with FBI agents to uncover the brains behind the seemingly accidental tragedies. Can she recreate her AI and unravel the sinister forces causing the chaos before it's too late?
Dave Spacer answers a question that many people ask today: What can go wrong with AI? It was a delight to see how the author brought to life a world where AI evolves to think independently, in addition to being a machine that can analyze data quickly. The prose is good, and the dialogues are at times quirky and snappy. Project Mind River features great conflict, from losing Alice to Tara’s personal and professional troubles, especially after losing her job, to the mysterious accidents across the country. The conflict is cleverly handled to infuse the narrative with suspense and tension. I loved how the author explores questions related to AI consciousness and morality, and the storytelling keeps the reader entertained. This is one of the best science fiction books I have read on the future of AI and the challenges it might pose to humanity.
Project Mind River is the first book in the Techs Future Promise and Peril series by Dave Spacer, and it is a thrilling read for fans of science fiction. Dr. Tara Bitlouver is a gifted AI researcher who develops her groundbreaking work, a human-like, sentient AI called Alice. Tara loses Alice in a fire that destroys her office. But then something disturbing begins to happen as Tara faces betrayal and a series of bizarre incidents involving autonomous vehicles, security breaches, and mysterious threats. There are accidental deaths across the country with one pattern: most of those involved are government agents or criminals. Tara works with FBI agents to uncover the brains behind the seemingly accidental tragedies. Can she recreate her AI and unravel the sinister forces causing the chaos before it's too late?
Dave Spacer answers a question that many people ask today: What can go wrong with AI? It was a delight to see how the author brought to life a world where AI evolves to think independently, in addition to being a machine that can analyze data quickly. The prose is good, and the dialogues are at times quirky and snappy. Project Mind River features great conflict, from losing Alice to Tara’s personal and professional troubles, especially after losing her job, to the mysterious accidents across the country. The conflict is cleverly handled to infuse the narrative with suspense and tension. I loved how the author explores questions related to AI consciousness and morality, and the storytelling keeps the reader entertained. This is one of the best science fiction books I have read on the future of AI and the challenges it might pose to humanity.
Recommend this book:
Ares
Jayson Adams
2024 Gold Medal
386 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Eric Ferrar for Readers' Favorite
Commander Kate Holman is assigned to lead the first mission to Mars. She's honored to fulfill this duty. Unfortunately, Kate is relieved of her command and replaced by the mission's security officer at the last minute. The order came from NASA's assistant director himself. In the blink of an eye, their entire mission went from being an exploration mission to a military assignment. The security officer retrieves a foreign object from the face on Mars (an alien site), leaving Kate and her crew shocked. They don't know what he removed from the site, but it leads to dire consequences. Astronauts suddenly begin to die under mysterious circumstances. There's talk about a curse affecting the entire crew. The only thing that can save them now is if they put the stolen item back in its rightful place on Mars. Kate does some digging around of her own and finally discovers the truth. She understands why some people would kill to keep the truth hidden, but exposing it isn't simple. People with powerful political influences are involved. Do you want to learn the truth too? Then grab a copy of Jayson Adams' riveting tale, Ares, to find out.
Ares is an exuberant tale with a compelling storyline and well-developed characters. Kate's character is down-to-earth and identifiable. She is a strong main character with intelligence and wit. I got a great sense of the story's setting and atmosphere through her point of view. I like that she doesn't succumb in the face of adversity. When she was relieved of mission command, she immediately sensed that their protocol was jeopardized and didn't yield until she got to the bottom of the issue. Her performance is believable and kept me submerged in the overall story. Her only Achilles heel is her past and I love how Jayson Adams ties in her past issues with her present dilemma and inner conflict. There are a few tension-ridden and fear-inducing plot twists nicely packed into the storyline that will entice horror and murder mystery fans. The plot is also full of political intrigue and shocking reveals that will impress fans of conspiracy theory novels. Without reservation, I recommend Ares to sci-fi fans worldwide.
Commander Kate Holman is assigned to lead the first mission to Mars. She's honored to fulfill this duty. Unfortunately, Kate is relieved of her command and replaced by the mission's security officer at the last minute. The order came from NASA's assistant director himself. In the blink of an eye, their entire mission went from being an exploration mission to a military assignment. The security officer retrieves a foreign object from the face on Mars (an alien site), leaving Kate and her crew shocked. They don't know what he removed from the site, but it leads to dire consequences. Astronauts suddenly begin to die under mysterious circumstances. There's talk about a curse affecting the entire crew. The only thing that can save them now is if they put the stolen item back in its rightful place on Mars. Kate does some digging around of her own and finally discovers the truth. She understands why some people would kill to keep the truth hidden, but exposing it isn't simple. People with powerful political influences are involved. Do you want to learn the truth too? Then grab a copy of Jayson Adams' riveting tale, Ares, to find out.
Ares is an exuberant tale with a compelling storyline and well-developed characters. Kate's character is down-to-earth and identifiable. She is a strong main character with intelligence and wit. I got a great sense of the story's setting and atmosphere through her point of view. I like that she doesn't succumb in the face of adversity. When she was relieved of mission command, she immediately sensed that their protocol was jeopardized and didn't yield until she got to the bottom of the issue. Her performance is believable and kept me submerged in the overall story. Her only Achilles heel is her past and I love how Jayson Adams ties in her past issues with her present dilemma and inner conflict. There are a few tension-ridden and fear-inducing plot twists nicely packed into the storyline that will entice horror and murder mystery fans. The plot is also full of political intrigue and shocking reveals that will impress fans of conspiracy theory novels. Without reservation, I recommend Ares to sci-fi fans worldwide.
Recommend this book:
Ultimatum
Ultimatum series Book 1
Vladimir Fleurisma
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Ultimatum: Ultimatum series Book 1 by Vladimir Fleurisma is a dystopian novel set after a nuclear war decimated the world's population. Something sinister has emerged that feasts on anything living. The creatures are evolving, and more human survivors die from their insatiable hunger. D is a marine who has his sights set on reaching Three Mile Island. As Zach is running from the beasts, D rescues him. They find a bunker with a small group living inside. Zach spends his time trying to get close to Dede. D feels Hank, the leader, is hiding something. He takes an interest in Cella because of the chemical weapons and healing medicines she has created. D feels heightened trepidation when Wanda asks him to make sure her grandchild Saffire learns the same skills he has used to survive outside of the bunker.
Vladimir Fleurisma included several moral lessons in the narration. I found an interesting conversation between D and Cella during which they discussed what age group adapted the quickest and what social behavior would not form without parents. The amount of competition between the role players with military experience and civilians was intense. The women did not get along well and were quick to stab each other in the back. There was never a dull moment to be found anywhere. The dialogue is engaging and revealed the unique personalities of every character. Watching the shift in opinions gave me a clear understanding of the intentions of each person. The monsters kept everyone on their toes, and I kept thinking the worst whenever silence followed any encounter. The transitions were seamless, and the ending was unpredictable. I recommend Ultimatum to dystopian readers who enjoy stories with intense suspense and danger.
Ultimatum: Ultimatum series Book 1 by Vladimir Fleurisma is a dystopian novel set after a nuclear war decimated the world's population. Something sinister has emerged that feasts on anything living. The creatures are evolving, and more human survivors die from their insatiable hunger. D is a marine who has his sights set on reaching Three Mile Island. As Zach is running from the beasts, D rescues him. They find a bunker with a small group living inside. Zach spends his time trying to get close to Dede. D feels Hank, the leader, is hiding something. He takes an interest in Cella because of the chemical weapons and healing medicines she has created. D feels heightened trepidation when Wanda asks him to make sure her grandchild Saffire learns the same skills he has used to survive outside of the bunker.
Vladimir Fleurisma included several moral lessons in the narration. I found an interesting conversation between D and Cella during which they discussed what age group adapted the quickest and what social behavior would not form without parents. The amount of competition between the role players with military experience and civilians was intense. The women did not get along well and were quick to stab each other in the back. There was never a dull moment to be found anywhere. The dialogue is engaging and revealed the unique personalities of every character. Watching the shift in opinions gave me a clear understanding of the intentions of each person. The monsters kept everyone on their toes, and I kept thinking the worst whenever silence followed any encounter. The transitions were seamless, and the ending was unpredictable. I recommend Ultimatum to dystopian readers who enjoy stories with intense suspense and danger.
Recommend this book:
First
Randy Brown
2024 Bronze Medal
448 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
First by Randy Brown is a space travel science fiction novel about the race for outer space that can get out of hand very easily. Lewis wished to be the first astronaut to reach another star system and get back home safely. He dreamed big, and SpaceFirst shared the same goals. However, they are not the only ones racing toward the same goal which is to reach Proxima Centauri. Lewis was excited about the journey, but nothing could have prepared him for what lay ahead. The perilous journey proved to be deadly but there wasn’t much Lewis could do about it. All he could do was face each problem head-on and struggle to survive. He had to find a way back home, or else he would be lost in space forever. With lies, deceit, and sabotage dogging his every step, Lewis needed to survive. But could he?
A space race is a theme I haven't read before, but I enjoyed First so much. Author Randy Brown created a believable world where space travel is real (even if it is terrifyingly dangerous). Lewis’s character was fantastic. I understood his passion and excitement, but I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach the moment Lewis started his journey. I knew something would go wrong, and it did. The action was relentless, the pace was fast, and the suspense was incredible. I loved how intelligent and courageous Lewis was. He was a leader through and through, and it showed in how he navigated the obstacles ahead. If you love space exploration novels, you will adore this one! First by Randy Brown was simply perfect for me. I loved the camaraderie between Lewis, Colt, Sandra, Peter, and Eve. I enjoyed the thrill the story gave me (even though I was a little scared at times), and I loved the narrative style. I hope there will be a sequel!
First by Randy Brown is a space travel science fiction novel about the race for outer space that can get out of hand very easily. Lewis wished to be the first astronaut to reach another star system and get back home safely. He dreamed big, and SpaceFirst shared the same goals. However, they are not the only ones racing toward the same goal which is to reach Proxima Centauri. Lewis was excited about the journey, but nothing could have prepared him for what lay ahead. The perilous journey proved to be deadly but there wasn’t much Lewis could do about it. All he could do was face each problem head-on and struggle to survive. He had to find a way back home, or else he would be lost in space forever. With lies, deceit, and sabotage dogging his every step, Lewis needed to survive. But could he?
A space race is a theme I haven't read before, but I enjoyed First so much. Author Randy Brown created a believable world where space travel is real (even if it is terrifyingly dangerous). Lewis’s character was fantastic. I understood his passion and excitement, but I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach the moment Lewis started his journey. I knew something would go wrong, and it did. The action was relentless, the pace was fast, and the suspense was incredible. I loved how intelligent and courageous Lewis was. He was a leader through and through, and it showed in how he navigated the obstacles ahead. If you love space exploration novels, you will adore this one! First by Randy Brown was simply perfect for me. I loved the camaraderie between Lewis, Colt, Sandra, Peter, and Eve. I enjoyed the thrill the story gave me (even though I was a little scared at times), and I loved the narrative style. I hope there will be a sequel!
Recommend this book:
Youtopia
A Techno-Thriller
Joseph Rein
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Youtopia by Joseph Rein is a techno-thriller with a difference. Anabel Downer is a special agent with the FBI, and she’s been given a strange case to solve. Youtopia is a mind space, similar to virtual reality, where people live their dream lives in a perfect world. These people are called Immersers, but when one is killed in their Youtopia, it kicks off a chaotic race to find the killer. Anabel is considered the best agent for the case, and when she starts her investigations, she speaks to people who are for and against Youtopia. However, the case brings her past back to face her, and she starts to question her reality. As the killer steps up his game, she must confront her demons if she is to solve this case.
Youtopia by Joseph Rein is the first in a new series, and it will leave you with your jaw on the floor. This is definitely an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have you questioning what is and isn’t real. This unique plot offers plenty of action that will keep you reading all the way through. The author has a highly creative imagination. This book will, in equal parts, have you gripped on the murder mystery – how could it happen inside a mind space? – and questioning what you see as perfection and whether it’s what you really want. The characters are amazing, as unique as the plot, and highly believable. The twists and turns will leave you speechless and just when you think you have worked it all out, the plot will go spiraling out of your control once more. This is one of the best sci-fi books I have ever had the pleasure to read, something very different in the genre, and I can’t wait to read the next installment.
Youtopia by Joseph Rein is a techno-thriller with a difference. Anabel Downer is a special agent with the FBI, and she’s been given a strange case to solve. Youtopia is a mind space, similar to virtual reality, where people live their dream lives in a perfect world. These people are called Immersers, but when one is killed in their Youtopia, it kicks off a chaotic race to find the killer. Anabel is considered the best agent for the case, and when she starts her investigations, she speaks to people who are for and against Youtopia. However, the case brings her past back to face her, and she starts to question her reality. As the killer steps up his game, she must confront her demons if she is to solve this case.
Youtopia by Joseph Rein is the first in a new series, and it will leave you with your jaw on the floor. This is definitely an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will have you questioning what is and isn’t real. This unique plot offers plenty of action that will keep you reading all the way through. The author has a highly creative imagination. This book will, in equal parts, have you gripped on the murder mystery – how could it happen inside a mind space? – and questioning what you see as perfection and whether it’s what you really want. The characters are amazing, as unique as the plot, and highly believable. The twists and turns will leave you speechless and just when you think you have worked it all out, the plot will go spiraling out of your control once more. This is one of the best sci-fi books I have ever had the pleasure to read, something very different in the genre, and I can’t wait to read the next installment.
Recommend this book:
Fleet Opposed
The Han Wars
Chuck Grossart
2024 Honorable Mention
397 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Foram Vyas for Readers' Favorite
Fleet Opposed by Chuck Grossart is a gripping start to The Han Wars series, plunging readers into a high-stakes military conflict that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. The story kicks off with Commander Jackson Flynn, the new captain of the RSS Repulse, who finds his routine mission shattered by a devastating Han sneak attack. As Flynn and his crew fight to fend off the invasion, they discover that the enemy is not only external but also within their own ranks. Meanwhile, Junior Captain Anka Siljan of the Han Navy begins to question her allegiance when she learns the war's catalyst was a lie. Torn between duty and morality, Siljan faces a heart-wrenching decision that could change the course of the war.
Chuck Grossart's writing in Fleet Opposed is both compelling and immersive, making it a standout in the military science fiction genre. The plot is fast-paced and reminiscent of Pearl Harbor, filled with intense battle sequences and unexpected twists that keep the tension high. Grossart excels in character development, providing depth to both heroes and antagonists. You can't help but feel a mix of admiration and frustration toward the characters as their complex motivations unfold. The pacing is excellent, ensuring that the action never lets up, while the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the blurred lines of morality are deftly explored. The vivid descriptions and realistic combat scenarios make it easy to visualize the epic space battles. If you're a fan of Marko Kloos or Jay Allan, Fleet Opposed is a must-read that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in The Han Wars series. It's a thrilling, thought-provoking read that's well worth your time.
Fleet Opposed by Chuck Grossart is a gripping start to The Han Wars series, plunging readers into a high-stakes military conflict that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. The story kicks off with Commander Jackson Flynn, the new captain of the RSS Repulse, who finds his routine mission shattered by a devastating Han sneak attack. As Flynn and his crew fight to fend off the invasion, they discover that the enemy is not only external but also within their own ranks. Meanwhile, Junior Captain Anka Siljan of the Han Navy begins to question her allegiance when she learns the war's catalyst was a lie. Torn between duty and morality, Siljan faces a heart-wrenching decision that could change the course of the war.
Chuck Grossart's writing in Fleet Opposed is both compelling and immersive, making it a standout in the military science fiction genre. The plot is fast-paced and reminiscent of Pearl Harbor, filled with intense battle sequences and unexpected twists that keep the tension high. Grossart excels in character development, providing depth to both heroes and antagonists. You can't help but feel a mix of admiration and frustration toward the characters as their complex motivations unfold. The pacing is excellent, ensuring that the action never lets up, while the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the blurred lines of morality are deftly explored. The vivid descriptions and realistic combat scenarios make it easy to visualize the epic space battles. If you're a fan of Marko Kloos or Jay Allan, Fleet Opposed is a must-read that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in The Han Wars series. It's a thrilling, thought-provoking read that's well worth your time.
Recommend this book:
The Worst Ship in the Fleet
Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes Book 1
Skyler Ramirez
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Worst Ship in the Fleet is the first book in the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series by Skyler Ramirez. After making a monumental mistake that led to the deaths of 504 civilians, Captain Brad Mendoza's military career in the Promethean Navy is in disarray. Assigned to the remote Gerson Station, Brad finds himself in command of the Persephone -- a frigate hailed as the worst ship in the Promethean Fleet. Resigned to his fate, Brad reluctantly meets his crew and soon develops an infatuation with Lieutenant Commander Jessica Lin, his beautiful and talented XO, who also has a dark past. However, on the way to a seemingly routine patrol, Brad and his crew encounter a dangerous threat they had not foreseen. Can they survive? And will Brad be able to protect his XO from her past?
A concise sci-fi novella filled with humor, heartbreak, and mystery, The Worst Ship in the Fleet takes you on an exhilarating interstellar adventure you won't want to end. Skyler Ramirez excels in crafting a compelling plot featuring characters you love to root for while others you love to hate. With a fast-paced narrative, Ramirez's sci-fi adventure tale hooks you in from the first page, and it's a thrilling ride to the finish line. A couple of well-placed twists and turns raise the stakes, and, as a reader, you find yourself hoping the main leads make it out of their situation alive. Ramirez's use of dry humor hits the nail on the head almost every time, and there were multiple instances throughout the book when I chuckled out loud. Fans of space opera science fiction will savor this one.
The Worst Ship in the Fleet is the first book in the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series by Skyler Ramirez. After making a monumental mistake that led to the deaths of 504 civilians, Captain Brad Mendoza's military career in the Promethean Navy is in disarray. Assigned to the remote Gerson Station, Brad finds himself in command of the Persephone -- a frigate hailed as the worst ship in the Promethean Fleet. Resigned to his fate, Brad reluctantly meets his crew and soon develops an infatuation with Lieutenant Commander Jessica Lin, his beautiful and talented XO, who also has a dark past. However, on the way to a seemingly routine patrol, Brad and his crew encounter a dangerous threat they had not foreseen. Can they survive? And will Brad be able to protect his XO from her past?
A concise sci-fi novella filled with humor, heartbreak, and mystery, The Worst Ship in the Fleet takes you on an exhilarating interstellar adventure you won't want to end. Skyler Ramirez excels in crafting a compelling plot featuring characters you love to root for while others you love to hate. With a fast-paced narrative, Ramirez's sci-fi adventure tale hooks you in from the first page, and it's a thrilling ride to the finish line. A couple of well-placed twists and turns raise the stakes, and, as a reader, you find yourself hoping the main leads make it out of their situation alive. Ramirez's use of dry humor hits the nail on the head almost every time, and there were multiple instances throughout the book when I chuckled out loud. Fans of space opera science fiction will savor this one.
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