The Wrong Stars
Book I of the Axiom
-
-
4.0 • 317 Ratings
-
-
- $6.99
Publisher Description
Philip K. Dick Award Finalist
A “ridiculously fun” series debut “with a well-thought-out space opera setting and lots of fancy reveals”—from a Hugo Award winner (Charlie Jane Anders, author of All the Birds in the Sky).
A ragtag space crew discovers alien technology that could change the fate of humanity—or awaken an ancient evil that could destroy all life in the galaxy.
The shady crew of the White Raven run freight and salvage at the fringes of our solar system. They discover the wreck of a centuries-old exploration vessel floating light years away from its intended destination and revive its sole occupant, who wakes with news of First Alien Contact. When the crew informs her that humanity has alien allies already, she reveals that these are very different extra-terrestrials—and the gifts they bestowed on her could kill all humanity, or take it out to the most distant stars.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Pratt, known for his fantasy writing (including the Marla Mason urban fantasy series, written as T.A. Pratt), delivers an entertaining and lively space opera series opener involving deadly ancient mysteries and alien contact. In the 26th century, our solar system is the hub of a thriving network connected by interdimensional wormhole "bridges" that were given to Earth by the Liars, an oddball race of octopus-like aliens. Capt. Callie Machedo and her crew aboard the White Raven fly missions on the rim of the solar system. Their lives are turned upside down when they recover a generation ship that was launched 500 years before to colonize a distant planet. The only crew member left on board the ancient ship, Dr. Elena Oh, brings news of a stunningly powerful and dangerous alien race called the Axiom, as well as a bridge generator that would permit travel far beyond the bridges' limits. The discovery sets off panic among the Liars, and the White Raven's crew takes on a treacherous mission to rescue Elena's stranded companions and learn more about the Axiom. The characterizations are familiar, but Pratt's worldbuilding fascinates, and the plot serves up action and big ideas in equally tasty helpings. This is definitely a series to watch.
Customer Reviews
Fun, but…
Fun read if you can overlook the glaring problems with scientific reality. “Settlements on Io?”
Recycled Star Trek
If there’s a scifi author that does more exposition per page, I haven’t read him yet. Really wanted to enjoy this but every idea, character and plot point is an old recycle trope… and it’s not even recycling the good stuff. Sorry.
Good story idea…poor execution
I hoped to get a science fiction story, but ended up with a woke romance fantasy! Too bad since the basis of the story looked like it could be a very good series! Hard to find a true science fiction story anymore, let alone finding a story not trying to shove the latest cultural or political movement down your throat!