Title: The Ghost Ships: Journey into The Void: A Thrilling Sci-Fi Adventure
Authors: Dawn Steinman & Cal Orey
Publisher: ACH Publishing
ISBN: 979-8348546595
Pages: 263
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewer: Lily Amanda

Read Book Review

The absorbing novel The Ghost Ships: Journey Into the Void: A Thrilling Sci-Fi Adventure by Dawn Steinman and Cal Orey is chock-full of mind-bending ideas, nail biting action, breathtaking vistas, and turns which will leave you gasping.

Lieutenant Alastar Kar, a half-human, half-feline, is charged with the critical but clandestine mission of safely conveying envoys from other planets to Newark aboard the ISS Zephyr, a renowned spaceship that glides through space with a quiet, almost ethereal elegance. Captain Riker, on whose behalf he took the mission, advises him that the assignment is risky since there are people who would like to see it interrupted, so he must protect the envoys by all means. Amidst growing dissatisfaction with the delegation due to their incessant requests and cultural incompatibilities, Kar receives new orders that need him to make an impromptu stop on a remote planet for more delegation. But as soon as they get onto the ship, he has a hunch that there is more to their arrival than meets the eye.

When the crew arrives at the location where they are meant to meet Captain Riker, they discover something unexpected. A pod of someone who made a valiant attempt to flee is nearby, as is an alien-looking ship with a strange energy signature and an unnerving stance. The situation rapidly changes when the shuttle, which is carrying crew members to look into the incident, is aggressively pursued by the ship. The alien ship’s warning to surrender causes Kar’s senses to go into overdrive as he feels the weight of duty pressing down on him and self-doubt eating away at his thinking.

Rapid-fire action, exhilarating scenes, and swift occurrences reminiscent of Star Trek and The Orville comprise this captivating story. The prospect of a revolution (on board what is a sci-fi fan’s dream ship) and the crew’s rapidly dwindling tolerance create just enough tension, raising the stakes higher as what begins as a “doable” job quickly takes a different turn. The book is an amazing offering that boldly pushes the boundaries of science fiction writing. Its blend of intelligent arguments and clever banter that will keep readers enthralled. Its strong characterization effectively gives surprises, sagacious underdog concepts, and conquering beyond-fear ideals.

Dawn Steinman and Cal Orey’s The Ghost Ships: Journey Into the Void: A Thrilling Sci-Fi Adventure reads a lot like a mystery novel, with a clear sense of intrigue. It is jam-packed, and science fiction enthusiasts will find just what they are looking for in it.  This book offers a promising beginning to what appears to be an epic trilogy. Readers looking for a blend of adventure, mystery, and existential intrigue will find much to enjoy in this stellar addition to the genre.