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Rook's Song #1
The Phantom in the Deep
Ten years after mankind has been wiped out from the universe by a techno-organic race known as the Cerebrals, a lone pilot, call sign “Rook,” stands alone in an asteroid field in a distant part of a spiral arm of the Milky Way Galaxy. As they close in around his home, ready to extinguish humanity once and for all, Rook stumbles upon a possible weakness in the Cerebs. One that humanity never discovered in time. Using strategies garnered from the Academy, as well as from his days as a Chess champion, he plans to make a last stand worthy enough to demonstrate the imaginative power of Man.
- GenresScience Fiction
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2013
28 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 17, 2014
The Phantom in the Deep is probably the most sci-fi-ish, sci-fi book I've ever read.
This is why I found it more difficult to read than I had expected. It wasn't that the language used was all that difficult, but it was rather high-level science. It sounded like astrophysics 101 crossed with an in depth analysis of the anatomy of aliens and space travel crossed with a game of chess all rolled into one.
This isn’t a bad thing.
But it does make it a little harder to ‘get into’ if you’re not one of those people who live, eat and breathe this sort of stuff. It might be too high-level for English as a second language readers, or readers of generally easier texts.
Chad did well to explain the theories, ideas and complex situations and navigation through space in a way that did actually make sense; it just took my brain a little longer than I’d have liked to get it.
Where I felt the book was let down was:
1. The slower start (this was always going to be difficult, especially when there is only one character in the depths of space on his own)
2. The long instances of inner reflection of both Rook and the Cerebs
3. The kinda weird ‘narrator’ I think the story could have been told in a more clear (probably a bit more segmented) way by breaking the scenes between POVs.
Despite these points, I enjoyed the story. It was rather unique and I can certainly appreciate the level of research and time that would have gone into creating a more accurate representation of the science within this sci-fi story.
The ending, well that certainly was worth the wait. Where the beginning was a little slow and, dare I say it, boring… the ending was anything but. It provided a creative and exciting closure to a complex story, but also allowing for a continuation for book #2. Very difficult, but well handled.
If you’re a hard-core sci-fi fan who loves space ships and alien encounters, then this book could be your new favourite. If sci-fi isn’t really your thing and you prefer a little less intricate science with your space travel, I would steer clear.
This would have gotten 3.5 out of 5 if Goodreads allowed half star ratings.
A few things I noticed:
25% - ...but we'll get (to) that.
34% - ...has ever accomplished can even gained (gain) its attention.
55% - is the ultimately (ultimate) enemy...
79% - Partly to himself is repeated twice.
90% - Another researchers (researcher) removes...
**Note: I received an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review**
This is why I found it more difficult to read than I had expected. It wasn't that the language used was all that difficult, but it was rather high-level science. It sounded like astrophysics 101 crossed with an in depth analysis of the anatomy of aliens and space travel crossed with a game of chess all rolled into one.
This isn’t a bad thing.
But it does make it a little harder to ‘get into’ if you’re not one of those people who live, eat and breathe this sort of stuff. It might be too high-level for English as a second language readers, or readers of generally easier texts.
Chad did well to explain the theories, ideas and complex situations and navigation through space in a way that did actually make sense; it just took my brain a little longer than I’d have liked to get it.
Where I felt the book was let down was:
1. The slower start (this was always going to be difficult, especially when there is only one character in the depths of space on his own)
2. The long instances of inner reflection of both Rook and the Cerebs
3. The kinda weird ‘narrator’ I think the story could have been told in a more clear (probably a bit more segmented) way by breaking the scenes between POVs.
Despite these points, I enjoyed the story. It was rather unique and I can certainly appreciate the level of research and time that would have gone into creating a more accurate representation of the science within this sci-fi story.
The ending, well that certainly was worth the wait. Where the beginning was a little slow and, dare I say it, boring… the ending was anything but. It provided a creative and exciting closure to a complex story, but also allowing for a continuation for book #2. Very difficult, but well handled.
If you’re a hard-core sci-fi fan who loves space ships and alien encounters, then this book could be your new favourite. If sci-fi isn’t really your thing and you prefer a little less intricate science with your space travel, I would steer clear.
This would have gotten 3.5 out of 5 if Goodreads allowed half star ratings.
A few things I noticed:
25% - ...but we'll get (to) that.
34% - ...has ever accomplished can even gained (gain) its attention.
55% - is the ultimately (ultimate) enemy...
79% - Partly to himself is repeated twice.
90% - Another researchers (researcher) removes...
**Note: I received an electronic copy of this book in return for an honest review**
May 27, 2013
I found this story to be quite interesting and entertaining. The first half was a little slow moving for my impatient brain, but the second half more than made up for that. That's not even a bad thing. I'm just saying if you find yourself looking for action, wait for it, it's worth it.
It had a strong finish that I liked very much, and will really enjoy seeing where the story goes from here.
The narration of a book is often something that I find very interesting, and can often make or break a story for me, and in this case, while there were little things about the narration that I didn't quite get, overall, the author used a very unique point of view, and an interesting mechanism to tell this story, and I did very much enjoy that.
To elaborate on what I really liked about the narration, let me ramble on for a moment. I thought that the method used in telling The Princess Bride was very interesting and unique, in how it allowed the author to skip parts of the story and just give a brief recap on some things that transpired. I thought that was brilliant, and really only worked with the method the author used in telling that story. It was a bit over used, but it was unique and enriched the story.
Nick Cole also has a unique talent for narration, as evident in The Old Man And The Wasteland, as well as The Savage Boy. He shared the thoughts of lions in one scene, and I thought that was a unique and brilliant method of story telling. Where am I going with this?
I felt that Chad Huskins style of narration for this story, and the point of view it's told from, sort of blends both of the aforementioned styles. Allowing for smooth transition from scene to scene, as well as providing characters thoughts and insight through a unique method.
I'm rambling on here, but narration is such an important part of telling a story, and I felt that, even if I took issue with it in some places, this narration was very very good.
Back to the actual story.
The characters, few as there were, were very interesting. The Cerebs, to me, as vastly different as they were, right down to their core, reminded me very much of humans, oddly. Maybe it's their cold ability to wipe out anything they see as a possible threat, with cold calculation, and a "them or us" mentality that cost humanity everything.
I can't wait to read the next one.
I also really liked the authors notes at the end. I wish more authors would give some incite into things like what inspired their story, or like in this case, interesting thoughts on the advanced technology used.
It had a strong finish that I liked very much, and will really enjoy seeing where the story goes from here.
The narration of a book is often something that I find very interesting, and can often make or break a story for me, and in this case, while there were little things about the narration that I didn't quite get, overall, the author used a very unique point of view, and an interesting mechanism to tell this story, and I did very much enjoy that.
To elaborate on what I really liked about the narration, let me ramble on for a moment. I thought that the method used in telling The Princess Bride was very interesting and unique, in how it allowed the author to skip parts of the story and just give a brief recap on some things that transpired. I thought that was brilliant, and really only worked with the method the author used in telling that story. It was a bit over used, but it was unique and enriched the story.
Nick Cole also has a unique talent for narration, as evident in The Old Man And The Wasteland, as well as The Savage Boy. He shared the thoughts of lions in one scene, and I thought that was a unique and brilliant method of story telling. Where am I going with this?
I felt that Chad Huskins style of narration for this story, and the point of view it's told from, sort of blends both of the aforementioned styles. Allowing for smooth transition from scene to scene, as well as providing characters thoughts and insight through a unique method.
I'm rambling on here, but narration is such an important part of telling a story, and I felt that, even if I took issue with it in some places, this narration was very very good.
Back to the actual story.
The characters, few as there were, were very interesting. The Cerebs, to me, as vastly different as they were, right down to their core, reminded me very much of humans, oddly. Maybe it's their cold ability to wipe out anything they see as a possible threat, with cold calculation, and a "them or us" mentality that cost humanity everything.
I can't wait to read the next one.
I also really liked the authors notes at the end. I wish more authors would give some incite into things like what inspired their story, or like in this case, interesting thoughts on the advanced technology used.
May 19, 2013
An incredible premise, and well written to boot. . . . and I will definitely read the sequel. I can't imagine where the author plans to go with this.
October 14, 2021
One of the best sci-fi Books I've read this year!!
Mr.Huskins, has done a fine job in writing this novel. I rarely write reviews, but I just wanted to "Highly Recommend" this book!! Yeah, I have to go now, to buy the rest of the series!!
Mr.Huskins, has done a fine job in writing this novel. I rarely write reviews, but I just wanted to "Highly Recommend" this book!! Yeah, I have to go now, to buy the rest of the series!!
December 12, 2017
Interesting book
Loved the ending, hated the ghost of humanity he used in most of the book. Without that I think it would have been much better.
Loved the ending, hated the ghost of humanity he used in most of the book. Without that I think it would have been much better.
October 27, 2015
Huskins did a great job with this post-apocalyptic world, the whole book occurring in space. It's a great underdog story. He used a symbolism/parallel with chess which was a lot of fun and led to a very satisfying plot, climax, and resolution. Also, he somehow was able to soundtrack the book, by including songs here and there which were very appropriate in their lyrics and tone (if you know the songs, you start the playback in your head as you read). Reading a great book like this, which is also little-known, makes me think: I keep trying to find good classics (which by definition means they're also popular), but every once in a while I stumble upon a great work that is definitely not in the canon of classics, as this one isn't (yet!), but it blows me away with its unique greatness. Really fun.
BTW rating: PG for some violence and some swearing
BTW rating: PG for some violence and some swearing
July 9, 2013
This book was reminiscent of 2001, A Space Odyssey for me...without Hal. Chad Huskins has created a future world that is believable and palpable. The reader gets into the psyche of the characters and empathizes with those the reader feels most alignment with.
His story reflects much of what many of us fear will be our future and has prose and dialogue that takes us from page to page; ever seeking the next piece of information and excitement.
I highly recommend this book.
Norm Hamilton
His story reflects much of what many of us fear will be our future and has prose and dialogue that takes us from page to page; ever seeking the next piece of information and excitement.
I highly recommend this book.
Norm Hamilton
August 7, 2013
I rate this PG or maybe just barely PG13 due to violence and swearing. There are 10-20 swear words, mostly the d word, a few h words, one b word, and one a word. It is somewhat violent, but I have seen more violent pg-13 shows. It is somewhat morbid in a few instances. There is no sensuality at all.
If you enjoy chess, it will help you enjoy the book a lot more.
It is told from a very unique perspective. Very original.
If you enjoy chess, it will help you enjoy the book a lot more.
It is told from a very unique perspective. Very original.
June 7, 2014
Ghosts
The story starts out slowly. It is told from the viewpoint of ghosts that survey the characters and their lives and how they function. The story picks up the pace about halfway through and keeps accelerating to the climax. I now want to dust off the old chess board and start playing again. No telling when it will come in handy. :-)
The story starts out slowly. It is told from the viewpoint of ghosts that survey the characters and their lives and how they function. The story picks up the pace about halfway through and keeps accelerating to the climax. I now want to dust off the old chess board and start playing again. No telling when it will come in handy. :-)
June 11, 2016
Good
Even though I don't particularly like this style of writing, this is a good, solid science fiction novel. It is written in present tense as by a narrator leading an invisible tour group, as in ghosts. There is only one human left alive in all of space, and he will die in order to defeat his enemy.
Even though I don't particularly like this style of writing, this is a good, solid science fiction novel. It is written in present tense as by a narrator leading an invisible tour group, as in ghosts. There is only one human left alive in all of space, and he will die in order to defeat his enemy.
June 29, 2014
Great book!
I liked the action and the self-talk. The writing was suspenseful. At times there were errors in past tense of words, and some eliminated words made for an odd flow of reading. Maybe find a better proof reader!
I liked the action and the self-talk. The writing was suspenseful. At times there were errors in past tense of words, and some eliminated words made for an odd flow of reading. Maybe find a better proof reader!
June 16, 2014
I enjoyed this book and I hope that rook finds some other survivors
June 11, 2015
Music for the mind.
I wasn't sure about this book to start with. It soon flowered and became a beautiful construct of heroic writing.
I enjoyed it and look forward to more.
I wasn't sure about this book to start with. It soon flowered and became a beautiful construct of heroic writing.
I enjoyed it and look forward to more.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews