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Galahad #5
Cosmic Storm
Just a year into their mission, the crew of Galahad has endured a sabotage attempt, alien encounters, and a dangerous passage through an asteroid belt. Now, as unpredictable waves of radiation threaten the very survival of the ship, Council leader Triana has disappeared. Not knowing if she is alive or dead, the crew must hold an election to replace her. Council member Gap seems the most likely candidate—until an old flame shocks him by adding her name to the ballot. Does she want what’s best for the ship? Or are her motivations more personal?
Facing threats both internal and external, Galahad and its crew must confront…a cosmic storm.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2011
5 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Dom Testa
34 books92 followersI write fiction and nonfiction, and I publish under a variety of pen names.
My latest is "Let It Be Good: Simple Insights for a Satisfied Life."
Also:
The Eric Swan series of spy thrillers
The Galahad series of young adult sf, published under the name Tyber North
Middle-grade fiction under the pen name Buster Blank
Trivia/fun fact books under the name Billy B. Good
See almost all of it at DomTestaBooks.com.
My latest is "Let It Be Good: Simple Insights for a Satisfied Life."
Also:
The Eric Swan series of spy thrillers
The Galahad series of young adult sf, published under the name Tyber North
Middle-grade fiction under the pen name Buster Blank
Trivia/fun fact books under the name Billy B. Good
See almost all of it at DomTestaBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 15, 2015
Are you serious? Is there going to be more??
February 21, 2016
Not enough Roc.
January 31, 2012
Judged By The Cover: Have I seen this Before?
This cover is more or less exactly the same as the other GALAHAD covers. Personally, I see nothing wrong with that. For all great series there needs to be something that ties all of the books together, but I do not think that it was completely necessary for this series because there is so much more tying the books together. I almost find it more comforting then necessary for all of the book's covers to resemble each other. Also, I love trying to decide what characters are on the cover for each book! My guess is (from left to right) Channy, Bon, Rachel, Gap. Again, this is just my guess so feel free to tell me I am dead wrong and give me your guesses in the comments!
What's Up?
The young explorers on the space craft Galahad are now a year into their five year long mission. Already so much has gone wrong! (spoilers to people who have not read GALAHAD books 1-4) These space traveling teens have had to face an unwelcome stowaway, aliens on Titan, strange human- alien mind links, a heavy belt of deadly boulders, a space traveling cat, and so much more! Just recently the teens have had to battle their way through a stream of black holes caused by the Vultures! They know the new alien species is a threat, but they do not know who is behind these alien attacks. The ship has also experienced it first casualty. Alexis, murdered by the vultures, leaves the remaining 250 crew members in a state of shock and panic. Not long after, Triana, the ship's leader, heads out on her own in a space pod straight into a black hole! Leaving the now 249 crew members in the hands of Gap Lee. With the possibility of Triana not returning to the ship, the teens hold a new council leader election. All think Gap is sure to win ( he was always considered second in command) until an unexpected person challenges Gap for the rights! To add to this mess the ship's protection shields are in Major haywire and no one can figure out why. Not to mention Bon is having his own set of problems... Remember those aliens on Titan?
Character: Definatly!
This section is usually saved for the main character, but you will here all about them in the "Romance" section. This is purely for the series!
As with other books in this series, Dom Testa does not dissapoint! This book was just as shockingly jaw-dropping as the others! Full of surprises, drama, and humor, COSMIC STORM is a wonderful continuation to an already wonderful series. If you have not yet read the GALAHAD series, then you are a fool who does not know what their missing! For those who are about to, I hope you enjoy!
Romance: 4 and 6
Bon: I could only give Bon a 4 because he rarely shows any hint of emotion... And this book was no exception! He clearly has his life of drama and teenage hormones, but he rarely lets anyone see them. Bon is most defiantly a very private person. Personally, I am not very pleased with Bon. I hope he finds a girlfriend, but I hope it is NOT Triana!
Gap: I love Gap! Most of the time... In this book he was super stressed and not at all himself. I mean, if it takes a freaking talking COMPUTER to tell him what is wrong with his life then he is just heading down hill. He still recieved a six because I love him anyway. As far as his love life is concerned; he needs to forget about Rachel and go for Triana for goodness sake!
Bonus Features: Great Series
With some series, you get one really good book and then a lot of just okay or even terrible sequals (like The Hunger Games, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, or Shadow Children). Then the series just gets worse from there. But not this series!! No, the GALAHAD series keeps consistently great reads. Nothing is completely burned out in the first book so the second or third book did not have to scramble for new random crap to throw in to fill up the already worthless pages. This series is interesting from begging to end and has a positive outlook for the many other books to come.
Making More Space Then Available
I know what you are thinking. "Now Gabby, what in the world are you going on about now?" But here me out first! This may become just as amazing to you as it did when I first realized it. Are you ready? Okay... Then think about this: There are five whole books in this series and EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM have taken place in the EXACT SAME ship! There is absolutely no getting around the fact that there has been no change in the young explorers inner surroundings, yet the books are never monotonous. I find it incredible that there can be so little space yet so much volume in the series.
The Great Outer Space!
Yes, I understand that it is a space book, but I am really fascinated by space and how little we really know about it. I just think it is really cool. I bet it took a lot of outer space research to make this series scientifically correct.
Anti- Bonus Features: No Talking!
The only part of COSMIC STORM I found boring was when the characters would think to themselves. Unfortunately, in this book, it happened alot. The characters seemed to be more in silent meditation then social interaction through the entire book. Lets get our characters talkin'!
So Little Time!
What I mean by this is that there are already five books in the series and the voyagers are only a year into their mission. I REALLY want to read about their destination, Eos, when they finally get there, but at this rate it seems that they never will! I really wish we could read about the teens arrival and discover how they colonize their new home. Unfortunately, that is probably not going to happen because, at this rate, it would take 25 books for them just to reach Eos!
Final Flavor: That great holiday food you only get once a year
So there has to be some food you only get at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanuka, Easter, or some other holiday. You really love this food, but for the rest of the year you completely forget about it. Then it is that holiday again. You eat it again and think "Wow! How did I forget how good this tastes?" Well, that is kind of what COSMIC STORM is. You pick up the book and don't really expect anything good and then you'r hooked all over again!
A huge thank you to Dom Testa and his publishers who sent me the book! Sorry for the wait!
This cover is more or less exactly the same as the other GALAHAD covers. Personally, I see nothing wrong with that. For all great series there needs to be something that ties all of the books together, but I do not think that it was completely necessary for this series because there is so much more tying the books together. I almost find it more comforting then necessary for all of the book's covers to resemble each other. Also, I love trying to decide what characters are on the cover for each book! My guess is (from left to right) Channy, Bon, Rachel, Gap. Again, this is just my guess so feel free to tell me I am dead wrong and give me your guesses in the comments!
What's Up?
The young explorers on the space craft Galahad are now a year into their five year long mission. Already so much has gone wrong! (spoilers to people who have not read GALAHAD books 1-4) These space traveling teens have had to face an unwelcome stowaway, aliens on Titan, strange human- alien mind links, a heavy belt of deadly boulders, a space traveling cat, and so much more! Just recently the teens have had to battle their way through a stream of black holes caused by the Vultures! They know the new alien species is a threat, but they do not know who is behind these alien attacks. The ship has also experienced it first casualty. Alexis, murdered by the vultures, leaves the remaining 250 crew members in a state of shock and panic. Not long after, Triana, the ship's leader, heads out on her own in a space pod straight into a black hole! Leaving the now 249 crew members in the hands of Gap Lee. With the possibility of Triana not returning to the ship, the teens hold a new council leader election. All think Gap is sure to win ( he was always considered second in command) until an unexpected person challenges Gap for the rights! To add to this mess the ship's protection shields are in Major haywire and no one can figure out why. Not to mention Bon is having his own set of problems... Remember those aliens on Titan?
Character: Definatly!
This section is usually saved for the main character, but you will here all about them in the "Romance" section. This is purely for the series!
As with other books in this series, Dom Testa does not dissapoint! This book was just as shockingly jaw-dropping as the others! Full of surprises, drama, and humor, COSMIC STORM is a wonderful continuation to an already wonderful series. If you have not yet read the GALAHAD series, then you are a fool who does not know what their missing! For those who are about to, I hope you enjoy!
Romance: 4 and 6
Bon: I could only give Bon a 4 because he rarely shows any hint of emotion... And this book was no exception! He clearly has his life of drama and teenage hormones, but he rarely lets anyone see them. Bon is most defiantly a very private person. Personally, I am not very pleased with Bon. I hope he finds a girlfriend, but I hope it is NOT Triana!
Gap: I love Gap! Most of the time... In this book he was super stressed and not at all himself. I mean, if it takes a freaking talking COMPUTER to tell him what is wrong with his life then he is just heading down hill. He still recieved a six because I love him anyway. As far as his love life is concerned; he needs to forget about Rachel and go for Triana for goodness sake!
Bonus Features: Great Series
With some series, you get one really good book and then a lot of just okay or even terrible sequals (like The Hunger Games, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, or Shadow Children). Then the series just gets worse from there. But not this series!! No, the GALAHAD series keeps consistently great reads. Nothing is completely burned out in the first book so the second or third book did not have to scramble for new random crap to throw in to fill up the already worthless pages. This series is interesting from begging to end and has a positive outlook for the many other books to come.
Making More Space Then Available
I know what you are thinking. "Now Gabby, what in the world are you going on about now?" But here me out first! This may become just as amazing to you as it did when I first realized it. Are you ready? Okay... Then think about this: There are five whole books in this series and EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM have taken place in the EXACT SAME ship! There is absolutely no getting around the fact that there has been no change in the young explorers inner surroundings, yet the books are never monotonous. I find it incredible that there can be so little space yet so much volume in the series.
The Great Outer Space!
Yes, I understand that it is a space book, but I am really fascinated by space and how little we really know about it. I just think it is really cool. I bet it took a lot of outer space research to make this series scientifically correct.
Anti- Bonus Features: No Talking!
The only part of COSMIC STORM I found boring was when the characters would think to themselves. Unfortunately, in this book, it happened alot. The characters seemed to be more in silent meditation then social interaction through the entire book. Lets get our characters talkin'!
So Little Time!
What I mean by this is that there are already five books in the series and the voyagers are only a year into their mission. I REALLY want to read about their destination, Eos, when they finally get there, but at this rate it seems that they never will! I really wish we could read about the teens arrival and discover how they colonize their new home. Unfortunately, that is probably not going to happen because, at this rate, it would take 25 books for them just to reach Eos!
Final Flavor: That great holiday food you only get once a year
So there has to be some food you only get at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanuka, Easter, or some other holiday. You really love this food, but for the rest of the year you completely forget about it. Then it is that holiday again. You eat it again and think "Wow! How did I forget how good this tastes?" Well, that is kind of what COSMIC STORM is. You pick up the book and don't really expect anything good and then you'r hooked all over again!
A huge thank you to Dom Testa and his publishers who sent me the book! Sorry for the wait!
August 8, 2022
Cosmic Storm is a fairly unconventional novel, with . However, I just wasn’t as into this book as the others in the Galahad saga. The relationships were all over the place and unsatisfying. The radiation and plots were a bit boring. The book as a whole just felt like a placeholder for , and you could argue that everything that happened ultimately didn’t matter (for example, ). The longer a series is, the more likely one of the books falls flat, and Cosmic Storm was the one that did it for me.
June 12, 2021
Book Nerd Your Way 2021... Book #50 (This is the last one for this Challenge!!)
The Galahad Crew is faving a new danger and while dealing with that they also have to elect a new leader for the Council. The story ends on a cliffhanger with the return of someone thought lost and she has a special guest with her.
The Galahad Crew is faving a new danger and while dealing with that they also have to elect a new leader for the Council. The story ends on a cliffhanger with the return of someone thought lost and she has a special guest with her.
March 6, 2012
A little too Sci-Fi for me. While this is book 5 in a series, you don't have to read the first four in order to know what's going on because author, Dom Testa gives enough background story to catch the reader up.
When their Council Leader Triana disappears, the crew is faced with choosing a new one to take her place. Gap seems to be the obvious choice, being next in line and all but when an unlikely candidate is offered up, the balance of power begins to tilt. Add to that the unexplained flashes of light, the growing hostility among the crew members, (it's like a regular "Fight Club" aboard ship) the engineers unable to stop the breeches in the radiation shields and the Galahad is in near chaos. Triana's absence has an affect on each of the Council Leaders but seems to make Bon even moodier (if that's even possible) which only raises his "hot guy" status among the ship's female passengers.
As the election draws closer, things spiral further out of control. Decisions will be made, sides chosen and the return of an old friend threatens to change everything once again. Will the Council Leaders be able to get the ship back under control, fix the problems and find Triana before it's too late?
This is a well written story about a group of teenagers who are on a mission to save the human race. There are no adults and their only guidance besides each other and the two years of training they've had is a master computer named, Roc. The story is filled with action, adventure, humor and even romance but it has a good message too. These teens are faced with making tough choices in the midst of chaos, choices that not only affect them but others as well. Knowing this, they are forced to consider their options wisely before acting upon them. They're also dealing with grief when this book opens and they learn that navigating their way through that process is different for everyone.
When their Council Leader Triana disappears, the crew is faced with choosing a new one to take her place. Gap seems to be the obvious choice, being next in line and all but when an unlikely candidate is offered up, the balance of power begins to tilt. Add to that the unexplained flashes of light, the growing hostility among the crew members, (it's like a regular "Fight Club" aboard ship) the engineers unable to stop the breeches in the radiation shields and the Galahad is in near chaos. Triana's absence has an affect on each of the Council Leaders but seems to make Bon even moodier (if that's even possible) which only raises his "hot guy" status among the ship's female passengers.
As the election draws closer, things spiral further out of control. Decisions will be made, sides chosen and the return of an old friend threatens to change everything once again. Will the Council Leaders be able to get the ship back under control, fix the problems and find Triana before it's too late?
This is a well written story about a group of teenagers who are on a mission to save the human race. There are no adults and their only guidance besides each other and the two years of training they've had is a master computer named, Roc. The story is filled with action, adventure, humor and even romance but it has a good message too. These teens are faced with making tough choices in the midst of chaos, choices that not only affect them but others as well. Knowing this, they are forced to consider their options wisely before acting upon them. They're also dealing with grief when this book opens and they learn that navigating their way through that process is different for everyone.
October 26, 2011
Oh, Mr. Dom Testa...I must say that you have a growing fan in your midst, lol. This book was so good!!
First off, let me be clear to all of our followers that this is the 5th in a series. I have never actually read books 1-3 (I whole-heartedly admitted this when I read the 4th book. Check out my review of that novel, The Dark Zone, here). Now, don't get me wrong, I definitely plan on reading books 1-3, but the best part about all of this, is that you don't really have to. The author, Dom Testa, does a fantastic job on filling you in on any bits and pieces that you need to follow the story.
I think one of my favorite aspects of this novel is that anything can happen. Because these teenagers are in a realm of outer space that no one has ever been to, I feel like the author can make just about anything happen, and it's so much fun to get sucked into and watch. AND, at the same time, you remember that these teenagers are just normal humans with normal emotions that provide great moments of drama to the story. In this particular book, the crew must elect a new Council Leader, and while trying to figure out the best candidate for the job, there is political back-stabbing, secrets and love. Not to mention, a cliff-hanger that will drive you nuts! LOL
I am definitely a fan of these novels, and can't wait for the moment that these travelers actually reach their destination. I think Dom Testa could make these stories last practically forever, and I'll be there right alongside the entire time :)
Maria @ GoodChoiceReading.com
First off, let me be clear to all of our followers that this is the 5th in a series. I have never actually read books 1-3 (I whole-heartedly admitted this when I read the 4th book. Check out my review of that novel, The Dark Zone, here). Now, don't get me wrong, I definitely plan on reading books 1-3, but the best part about all of this, is that you don't really have to. The author, Dom Testa, does a fantastic job on filling you in on any bits and pieces that you need to follow the story.
I think one of my favorite aspects of this novel is that anything can happen. Because these teenagers are in a realm of outer space that no one has ever been to, I feel like the author can make just about anything happen, and it's so much fun to get sucked into and watch. AND, at the same time, you remember that these teenagers are just normal humans with normal emotions that provide great moments of drama to the story. In this particular book, the crew must elect a new Council Leader, and while trying to figure out the best candidate for the job, there is political back-stabbing, secrets and love. Not to mention, a cliff-hanger that will drive you nuts! LOL
I am definitely a fan of these novels, and can't wait for the moment that these travelers actually reach their destination. I think Dom Testa could make these stories last practically forever, and I'll be there right alongside the entire time :)
Maria @ GoodChoiceReading.com
February 7, 2012
The first thing when I check out this book... gross me out. Not because of the book (the cover is wonderful) but there was a gum wrapper, with the (chew) gum inside, use as a book mark! C’mon, the book was a little destroyed; don’t we have enough insult to books? Don’t worry; I fix it and it all new. The library isn’t keeping their book well they way they should be treated...
Anyway, the book was WAY better then the one before. I’m giving it a 4.5 star. And I got to say, I feel sorry for Gap that now, he have to deal with 250 (wait...249) teenagers. I hope they Triana is okay... the ship would be lost or out of control without her. Well... guess I got jinx. Their not doing to so well at all. Oooooh, I just want to strangle Merit again for severe the bond between Gap and Hannah. It a good think he got what he deserve. And the part with Bon and his struggled with his feeling break my heart. I guess the past it the past and I think he should move on to Triana. Maybe as friend at first. I can’t wait to read the last book! I hope my parent let me go to the bookstore on February 18th so Dom can sign the last book. Looking forward to reading it soon.
Anyway, the book was WAY better then the one before. I’m giving it a 4.5 star. And I got to say, I feel sorry for Gap that now, he have to deal with 250 (wait...249) teenagers. I hope they Triana is okay... the ship would be lost or out of control without her. Well... guess I got jinx. Their not doing to so well at all. Oooooh, I just want to strangle Merit again for severe the bond between Gap and Hannah. It a good think he got what he deserve. And the part with Bon and his struggled with his feeling break my heart. I guess the past it the past and I think he should move on to Triana. Maybe as friend at first. I can’t wait to read the last book! I hope my parent let me go to the bookstore on February 18th so Dom can sign the last book. Looking forward to reading it soon.
May 21, 2012
Spoiler Alert:
This is the only book I wasn't delighted with. Here is my beef: I wanted a dual storyline giving us more detail on what Triana sees when she goes through the wormhole. I know we'll get more info. from book #5, but it wasn't enough. However, as an author, I can see why we didn't find out anything. Testa is keeping the perspective of the journey as if the reader is in the spaceship so getting Triana's story would not have accomplished that purpose. BUT, as a reader myself, I wanted to know. Truthfully, I just skimmed this book. I didn't see relevance of the book, which takes place over a week.
ALl things considered, still a great series. I usually find the #2 book in a YA series to be weak, but it was #5 in this series: not too bad!
This is the only book I wasn't delighted with. Here is my beef: I wanted a dual storyline giving us more detail on what Triana sees when she goes through the wormhole. I know we'll get more info. from book #5, but it wasn't enough. However, as an author, I can see why we didn't find out anything. Testa is keeping the perspective of the journey as if the reader is in the spaceship so getting Triana's story would not have accomplished that purpose. BUT, as a reader myself, I wanted to know. Truthfully, I just skimmed this book. I didn't see relevance of the book, which takes place over a week.
ALl things considered, still a great series. I usually find the #2 book in a YA series to be weak, but it was #5 in this series: not too bad!
June 30, 2012
Don't know why I find this series so fascinating. It's not like the story is fantastic but each book ends up being so involving maybe because the focus is on personalities & relationships with some science & a variety of space dangers thrown in. You really end up wanting to know what comes next for these characters. And naturally, just when things were getting really interesting vol. 5 ends so now I have to go read vol 6. I've missed one vol (3?) and there has been some unevenness in what I did read- of course #1 was the best (I love set-ups and getting-to-know-you phase) - but even the less successful entries left me wanting to come back for more.
May 2, 2012
Good, good, good. It's a good thing I have the next one in my possession! This one had even more of a cliffhanger than the last.
The leader of the group is gone, rifts among the crew are growing larger, Merit, resident mutineer, is back, and there's an election between two of the crew to take over Triana's position for now.
The ship is undergoing some serious problems with its hull, its shield keeps dropping letting radiation in and no one is sure why. And there seems to be a wormhole.
Hmmm.
The leader of the group is gone, rifts among the crew are growing larger, Merit, resident mutineer, is back, and there's an election between two of the crew to take over Triana's position for now.
The ship is undergoing some serious problems with its hull, its shield keeps dropping letting radiation in and no one is sure why. And there seems to be a wormhole.
Hmmm.
January 13, 2012
These kids are leading the life I very much wished I could have lead when I was a teenager and young adult. But that was the 1960s and 1970s and we had just barely gotten to the moon let alone the rest of the solar system and beyond. I contented myself with Asimov, Heinlein, Silverberg, Bradbury, Herbert and many others who had the same vision as Dom Testa. Mankind's future lies in the stars and I thank Mr. Testa for keeping the dream alive. I hope others are paying attention.
October 4, 2011
These books contain almost nothing of substance, and yet, they're so fun. Infused with what feels like a nostalgia for the kinder, gentler, more optimistic, and less sex-and-violence soaked years of my youth in the mid-nineties. If only the science and dialog were better! I'm already looking forward to the next one.
January 13, 2012
Awsome! I think that this was one of the best books in this series. I wish they wouldn't leave me hanging, though. The next book is supposed to be the last one, though I dont know how considering that they still have 4 years left on their journey, which would average to another 20 books at the rate he is going....dont know how he would come up with that much material,though.
February 24, 2012
5th in the Galahad series - enjoyed as much as the first three - makes you want to read the 6th and final book of the series as soon as possible. Which I am doing today.
It's been fun to follow the 251 teens as they travel through space to their new home - I can hardly wait to see what happens in the 6th book.
It's been fun to follow the 251 teens as they travel through space to their new home - I can hardly wait to see what happens in the 6th book.
February 16, 2012
The fun continues as the kids wonder if Triana will ever return. In the meantime, the shields on the ship keep failing and mysterious lightning like lights flash unexpectedly. Not a fan of the ending as usual but anxiously awaiting the next book.
March 28, 2016
can't wait to read the next one
November 7, 2011
Losing interest
Want to Read
August 26, 2011oh my gosh I can't wait! to read to read to read to readdd!!!!!!!!!!
Want to Read
October 7, 2011*gasp* I had no idea this book was out already! Muuuussssst rrrrrrrread!!!! :O
June 9, 2012
I really like the story but all the asides to the reader are starting to bother me. It really pulls me out of the story. Already have the next one.
April 1, 2013
This book was a little too sci-fi for me. But overall not too bad
January 5, 2015
3.75 stars.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews