Tad Ottman

Behind the Throne by K.B. Wagers is one of the best science fiction debuts I’ve read in a long time. It starts with a bang and keeps up a full-throated roar the entire way. Hail Bristol is a gunrunner who is both respected and feared. She’s also the heir to the throne of the Indranan Empire which she fled in order to take charge of her own life. Now her crew is dead, her ship disabled and she’s being dragged back to become the thing she most wanted to avoid. With her sisters dead and her mother in declining health, Hail must take her place as heir to the throne. The only problem is, people aren’t done trying to kill her yet. Wagers characters are instantly relatable and likable. Along with Hail, the trackers-cum-bodyguards Emory and Zin make up a strong trio. You get an excellent sense of the characters quickly and they continue to add depth throughout the novel. The return to the palace adds several more characters who up the intrigue as Hail tries to figure out who to trust and who is behind the conspiracy to murder her family and destabilize the empire. Heir to the Throne does a good job of mixing action and intrigue. One of the most impressive things at work here is the world building. Not only do you get to see the beginnings of how the empire works, but you get a glimpse into how it came to be. There are several interesting social constructs in play, but they are layered into the background rather than thrust right in your face. This is a female dominated society with a ruling class and only token acknowledgement of democracy. There are segments of society who want a more full-fledged democracy to replace the hereditary rule. In addition, there is a long-standing but fragile peace treaty with other worlds and the complications that brings with it. There isn’t excessive hand-wringing about these issues; they come up matter of factly and are dealt more in terms of how they impact the crisis at hand. As this is the first book in a series, there is plenty of time to explore this society as needs warrant. The book has plenty of exciting action sequences along with a generous helping of intrigue that keeps the pages flying by. It’s a self-contained story while also setting up a universe and characters that you’ll want to see more of. I’m on board for whatever comes next. Heir to the Throne is one of my favorite reads of the year. Highly recommended! I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book.

The Cold Between by Elizabeth Bonesteel is the beginning of an interesting new SF series. Part military sci-fi, part space opera, part mystery and a little bit of romance. It’s an interesting and very entertaining book that has a nicely contained story that doesn’t leave you hanging, but still makes you want to continue the series to learn more about the characters and this universe. Elena Shaw is a strong lead character who is driven, competent and no nonsense. Elena hooks up with Treiko Zajec, a retired space captain and erstwhile chef, for a presumed one-night stand. When Elena’s former lover winds up murdered, things quickly get a lot more complicated. Strong secondary characters, particularly Elena’s friend Jessica and captain Greg, add to a story that’s fueled by mystery and conflict involving both planetary and galactic governments. The mystery dates back to a 25 year old tragedy involving Greg’s mom and may just be the tip of something even more sinister. Bonesteel does a good job of juggling different plot elements, but it is the strong characters that drive the story here. There’s a lot to like here and I’m looking forward to where she takes the story next in this new Central Corps series. Bonesteel is clearly a talented writer and The Cold Between stands out as something a little different than your typical military sci fi. Recommended read. I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book.

Sleeping Giants is science fiction at its best. Original, exciting and thought-provoking. The story is told through journal entries and interviews. Rather than distancing you from the story, it draws you in and makes it more personal. The premise is fantastic. Part of an alien artifact literally beneath our feet. Who put it there? Giw does it work? Are they coming back? Were we meant to find it? Why now? The involvement of the military, shadowy operatives inside and outside of government, scientists, all pulling in different directions. One hundred different motives and one singular purpose. To find and control the alien artifact. Was this device left here to protect us or doom us. And if to protect us, from what? Each other, or is there another threat we’re not aware of. Sylvain Neuvel has written a gem and an incredibly accomplished first novel. An outstanding science fiction thriller with characters you really come to care about. This is a book that poses a lot of questions and not all the answers are comforting ones. Get your hands on a copy of this book. People are going to talk about this book and you are definitely going to want to be part of the conversation. Highly recommended. I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book.