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LONGSTAR: a novel of the Known Arc
IN THE DEEP EXPANSE OF THE KNOWN ARC, AN ANCIENT COSMIC MYSTERY HAS AWAKENED.
Jan January, bound in servitude to the Olid Ring Guild, finds himself aboard a freighter shuttling mysterious cargos to remote worlds. His mundane shipboard existence is upended by the arrival of Tash Velotta, a secretive teen clutching a mysteriously squirming bundle. Tash is being sought by the most powerful factions of the Known Arc, who will do anything–anything at all–to keep her from falling into their enemy's hands.
When a surprise attack separates Jan from all but one of his shipmates–a dreadful female xeno from the planet Ghast–they are trapped with Tash on a ship they barely know how to operate.
Pursued by agents of the Cataclyst Church and the terrifying cult of the Mucktu Bloodline, they must race to decipher the mystery Tash’s origins. If they fail, not only will their lives be forfeit, but the secret she carries will unleash an ageless fury not seen in the Known Arc since the days of the long-vanished Avatars.
...
LONGSTAR is a groundbreaking new novel from the author of GRONE, an award-winning cross-genre mix of hard-SF, LitRPG, and space opera that the Seattle Book Review calls "AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE OF SCIENCE FICTION." Inspired by the thick-and-thoughtful cyberpunk and space opera epics from Adrian Tchaikovsky, Neal Stephenson and Dan Simmons, LONGSTAR is sweeping, fast-paced science fiction set in a world where hope for the future lies in relics from the grand past—and the courage of unlikely heroes.
Immerse yourself in the far-reaching adventure of LONGSTAR and see why critics call Patrick Cumby "A MASTER STORYTELLER."
Jan January, bound in servitude to the Olid Ring Guild, finds himself aboard a freighter shuttling mysterious cargos to remote worlds. His mundane shipboard existence is upended by the arrival of Tash Velotta, a secretive teen clutching a mysteriously squirming bundle. Tash is being sought by the most powerful factions of the Known Arc, who will do anything–anything at all–to keep her from falling into their enemy's hands.
When a surprise attack separates Jan from all but one of his shipmates–a dreadful female xeno from the planet Ghast–they are trapped with Tash on a ship they barely know how to operate.
Pursued by agents of the Cataclyst Church and the terrifying cult of the Mucktu Bloodline, they must race to decipher the mystery Tash’s origins. If they fail, not only will their lives be forfeit, but the secret she carries will unleash an ageless fury not seen in the Known Arc since the days of the long-vanished Avatars.
...
LONGSTAR is a groundbreaking new novel from the author of GRONE, an award-winning cross-genre mix of hard-SF, LitRPG, and space opera that the Seattle Book Review calls "AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE OF SCIENCE FICTION." Inspired by the thick-and-thoughtful cyberpunk and space opera epics from Adrian Tchaikovsky, Neal Stephenson and Dan Simmons, LONGSTAR is sweeping, fast-paced science fiction set in a world where hope for the future lies in relics from the grand past—and the courage of unlikely heroes.
Immerse yourself in the far-reaching adventure of LONGSTAR and see why critics call Patrick Cumby "A MASTER STORYTELLER."
- GenresScience Fiction
695 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2024
147 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Cumby
6 books31 followersPatrick Cumby is the recipient of the 2023 Chapter One Prize for fiction, announced March 2023.
Patrick is the author of the Legends of the Known Arc stories and books. He’s a part-time nomad who, along with his frighteningly adventurous wife, loves to explore the world’s little-known corners and meet the extraordinary people who call them home. He's been a bookseller, a dad, a business school professor, a dungeonmaster, an aerospace executive, and the hushpuppy cook at a sketchy seafood joint. He is considered by all who know him to be a very bad dancer.
Patrick’s debut novel, a cross-genre mix of hard-SF and space opera called GRONE, was released in April 2023. He has written for the Star Trek Universe, is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, and supports local writing groups and environmental causes in his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina.
Discover more--including bonus materials such as short stories, artwork and travel adventures--at PatrickCumby.com.
Patrick is the author of the Legends of the Known Arc stories and books. He’s a part-time nomad who, along with his frighteningly adventurous wife, loves to explore the world’s little-known corners and meet the extraordinary people who call them home. He's been a bookseller, a dad, a business school professor, a dungeonmaster, an aerospace executive, and the hushpuppy cook at a sketchy seafood joint. He is considered by all who know him to be a very bad dancer.
Patrick’s debut novel, a cross-genre mix of hard-SF and space opera called GRONE, was released in April 2023. He has written for the Star Trek Universe, is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, and supports local writing groups and environmental causes in his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina.
Discover more--including bonus materials such as short stories, artwork and travel adventures--at PatrickCumby.com.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 8, 2024
Brilliant
Just as good as grone, story keeps taking you in unexpected turns, keep them coming and looking forward to the next one
Just as good as grone, story keeps taking you in unexpected turns, keep them coming and looking forward to the next one
March 23, 2024
This is the review to read.
This book is equally as excellent as Grone.
It is a mind-bending yet personal tale.
The world building leaves room for equally compelling tales from different characters' perspectives at different points in the timeline.
Instead of missing the characters from the last book, the next book becomes the favourite..
The main thing I want to get across is this is not best described as "For fans of Ready Player One" as I keep seeing.
These books have nothing in common other than they both have both physical and digital universes.
The Known Arc is a mature modern story which will become a classic.
RPO is neither of those things.
Instead, this book is for fans of: Protagonists with no special skills or birth-rights, Overcoming existential threats, Character driven narratives, Story driven narratives, Space Operas, Techno Thrillers, Quantum physics, Simulation theory, Ai, Qi, Fermi Paradox, and so on.
This book is equally as excellent as Grone.
It is a mind-bending yet personal tale.
The world building leaves room for equally compelling tales from different characters' perspectives at different points in the timeline.
Instead of missing the characters from the last book, the next book becomes the favourite..
The main thing I want to get across is this is not best described as "For fans of Ready Player One" as I keep seeing.
These books have nothing in common other than they both have both physical and digital universes.
The Known Arc is a mature modern story which will become a classic.
RPO is neither of those things.
Instead, this book is for fans of: Protagonists with no special skills or birth-rights, Overcoming existential threats, Character driven narratives, Story driven narratives, Space Operas, Techno Thrillers, Quantum physics, Simulation theory, Ai, Qi, Fermi Paradox, and so on.
March 29, 2024
After stumbling across Patrick's first book, Grone, I was excited to read Longstar.
This was a great book. Set in the same universe as Grone but with new characters.
I can't say anything that hasn't already been said aside from do yourself a favour and read this and Grone
This was a great book. Set in the same universe as Grone but with new characters.
I can't say anything that hasn't already been said aside from do yourself a favour and read this and Grone
February 11, 2024
Exploring the world of Grone - an exciting new space adventure
I accidently picked up Patrick's first book Grone from Facebook and although not my normal genre i started reading it on kindle and was immediately hooked, i was so sad when it ended as really want to know more, so i couldn't wait to read more about the same Universe and "Longstar" is just that. The characters made me root for them, love Bess so much, shes amazing. I was kept on the edge of my seat all the way through and with it being a long book it kept me entertained for quite while. Cannot wait for Grone book 2.
I accidently picked up Patrick's first book Grone from Facebook and although not my normal genre i started reading it on kindle and was immediately hooked, i was so sad when it ended as really want to know more, so i couldn't wait to read more about the same Universe and "Longstar" is just that. The characters made me root for them, love Bess so much, shes amazing. I was kept on the edge of my seat all the way through and with it being a long book it kept me entertained for quite while. Cannot wait for Grone book 2.
February 4, 2024
Momentum
A good book requires character development, a great storyline, and in my mind a proper ending. Sub par endings spoil a book. If you can add an undetectable twist at the end, then you create a great book.
Patrick’s greatest attribute is his ability to create momentum in the creation of a true page turner. Both “Grone” and “Longstar” are hammer down story telling, so you’d best buckle up.
A good book requires character development, a great storyline, and in my mind a proper ending. Sub par endings spoil a book. If you can add an undetectable twist at the end, then you create a great book.
Patrick’s greatest attribute is his ability to create momentum in the creation of a true page turner. Both “Grone” and “Longstar” are hammer down story telling, so you’d best buckle up.
February 10, 2024
Grone… Longstar… Holy Crap on sourdough Batman!
These books were a complete surprise, one of delight and immersion into the Known Arc and the fantastic characters who populate the Havenspace. I truly look forward to continuing the journey with Tash, Amethyst (my birthstone), Jan, Theron and especially Bess (I have an interspecies crush on Bess) on the next leg of their journey. I can hardly wait. Highly, highly recommend.
These books were a complete surprise, one of delight and immersion into the Known Arc and the fantastic characters who populate the Havenspace. I truly look forward to continuing the journey with Tash, Amethyst (my birthstone), Jan, Theron and especially Bess (I have an interspecies crush on Bess) on the next leg of their journey. I can hardly wait. Highly, highly recommend.
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February 9, 2024Great read! Hope the next one comes out soon.
June 5, 2024
The final quarter of the book captured the same magic as Grone but I struggled with long spells in the early and middle sections. Still very much looking forward to the sequel to Grone
July 11, 2024
Incredible
It didn't take me long to ascertain the hidden theme of this book, but even then, the characters and storyline mesmerized me to the point that I couldn't stop reading it. Very highly recommended!
It didn't take me long to ascertain the hidden theme of this book, but even then, the characters and storyline mesmerized me to the point that I couldn't stop reading it. Very highly recommended!
July 19, 2024
Brilliantly Original
I almost gave up on this when it looked as if it was going to metamorphose into a LitRPG novel (a genre I have really tired of). Instead, it became something wonderful and strange, and quite unlike anything else. It's hard SF for the virtual reality age, gripping, exciting, and filled with characters who jump out of the page at you.
I almost gave up on this when it looked as if it was going to metamorphose into a LitRPG novel (a genre I have really tired of). Instead, it became something wonderful and strange, and quite unlike anything else. It's hard SF for the virtual reality age, gripping, exciting, and filled with characters who jump out of the page at you.
August 27, 2024
I first read grone than this and this was quite a treat.
I got into the universe. This is set in through the book grone and was thoroughly in love with the book and sad that I was going to have to wait for more to read. And then I found that this was out there and in the same universe.
This was also a very fun and enjoyable read.
I really hope more books following after those two come out to continue following the saga
I got into the universe. This is set in through the book grone and was thoroughly in love with the book and sad that I was going to have to wait for more to read. And then I found that this was out there and in the same universe.
This was also a very fun and enjoyable read.
I really hope more books following after those two come out to continue following the saga
April 8, 2024
Enjoyed it. Puzzling enough to keep me interested. Characters were fun too. I would like to be friends with a ghast.
November 17, 2024
Wow, and I thought Grone was good. Longstar is one of the best SF books I’ve ever read. I truly hope Patrick keeps going. I found myself unable to put this down and would often go back and reread entire chapters just to experience it again, something I never do. The exception would be at the end when I knew the end was coming, I would only read a page or two at a time because I didn’t want it to end. I’ve read a lot of SF, nothing feels like reading this. Loved every minute of it.
June 30, 2025
Just finished the audiobook. And it was GLORIOUS.
I Absoletly cannot wait for the next books in this series.
Excellent voice acting and excellent story by Patrick Cumby.
I Absoletly cannot wait for the next books in this series.
Excellent voice acting and excellent story by Patrick Cumby.
September 16, 2025
I’ve never been more excited to await future books from an author as I am about Patrick’s, Known Arc Universe! Grone is an easy recommendation and Longstar is no different.
April 17, 2024
I had read and loved Grone, and expected Longstar to be an adjunct to Grone. Boy was I wrong.
Had I not previously known the story of the Known Arc, I would not have expected this to be as all encompassing as it is.
The characters are diverse, and each of their perspectives are clear. Rich and compelling, and definitely thought provoking, this story stands alone as much as it connects to and supports the Known Arc as presented in Grone.
I find the details establish the emotions, drive, any intention of each character. The world Mr Cumby has created is like nothing I’ve ever read.
It grabs you from the beginning and never lets go.
I’m impatiently awaiting the release of his next book, Orus.
Don’t pass this by. You’ll be missing worlds and adventures you could never imagine.
October 5, 2025
Cannot praise this book enough, in fact this is my second reading and for the first reading I must have been abducted and memory erased, because for the last quarter of the book I have no recollection and yet I'd given it a well deserved five stars!! I would not know where to start on a review, except to say, I read Grone which spurred me on to re-read Longstar and the Quentin Tarantio-esque way he has folded one adventure/story into another is brilliant. I cannot recommend highly enough.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews