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Dust Of The Ocean
In the ruins of an ancient alien city, a half-alien slave's act of mercy will change the course of a cold war.When Mika saves Arkady, a wounded enemy soldier, he offers her a path to freedom. All it will take is finding a hidden artifact that may alter the course of an interstellar conflict…But the path there will plunge their team into the depths of inhuman nightmares, battling ancient bioweapons and outwitting her former owners. It's going to take everything they have just to survive, much less escape with their prize!
- GenresScience FictionRomance
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 9, 2023
Awesome romantic sci fi adventure
The author stated she meant to write a sci fi horror story in the style of Andre Norton; I'm glad she didn't succeed. I'm not a horror fan, but I'm totally a Dorothy Grant fan. Although I don't pick books by their covers, I love the retro feel of Dust's cover. Parts of the story are horrific, and there is definitely violence and a body count, but the story is one of discovery, danger, camaraderie, thrills, rescues, romance, and freedom. The worldbuilding is fascinating, and the characters are believable and engaging. I love Mika and Arkady. The book is set in the universe of Shattered Under Midnight, but I have thought all Grant's books are set in different parts of the same universe, just jump gates away from each other. I read Dust in KU and immediately bought it to reread over and over again.
The author stated she meant to write a sci fi horror story in the style of Andre Norton; I'm glad she didn't succeed. I'm not a horror fan, but I'm totally a Dorothy Grant fan. Although I don't pick books by their covers, I love the retro feel of Dust's cover. Parts of the story are horrific, and there is definitely violence and a body count, but the story is one of discovery, danger, camaraderie, thrills, rescues, romance, and freedom. The worldbuilding is fascinating, and the characters are believable and engaging. I love Mika and Arkady. The book is set in the universe of Shattered Under Midnight, but I have thought all Grant's books are set in different parts of the same universe, just jump gates away from each other. I read Dust in KU and immediately bought it to reread over and over again.
June 27, 2026
Do you want military science fiction in your sweet romance? Be prepared to fall in love with Dust of the Ocean. Set in the Grant-verse, we again have red-headed psychics, military men with nanobots, and alien technology.
This time we follow Mika at an archeological dig in the alien ruins; she is an overpowered touch telepath, afraid to touch the silverware because of impressions left by the last person to use the utensils, but forced daily to touch items of an ancient civilization which had fallen to a catastrophic situation, a war which the other side might not know is over and still live on the planet. Getting time away from causal touches and forced connections, Mika goes into the desert to be alone and discovers modern broken equipment and bodies, one of which is still breathing. Arkaday will not stay breathing long if she doesn't touch him, but she will relive all his injuries with a single touch.
She compartmentalizes and saves his life. Then the real struggle begins.
Action-packed, found family, ancient alien wars, beauty of desert and ocean. The story is really good.
Some transitions could be smoother, and Mika's constant power=ups can get a little unbelievable - as awesomely cool as they are, but overall a solid sweet romance (limited to kissing and promises of more and the start of a proper HEA) with an excellent military science fiction structure supporting it.
This time we follow Mika at an archeological dig in the alien ruins; she is an overpowered touch telepath, afraid to touch the silverware because of impressions left by the last person to use the utensils, but forced daily to touch items of an ancient civilization which had fallen to a catastrophic situation, a war which the other side might not know is over and still live on the planet. Getting time away from causal touches and forced connections, Mika goes into the desert to be alone and discovers modern broken equipment and bodies, one of which is still breathing. Arkaday will not stay breathing long if she doesn't touch him, but she will relive all his injuries with a single touch.
She compartmentalizes and saves his life. Then the real struggle begins.
Action-packed, found family, ancient alien wars, beauty of desert and ocean. The story is really good.
Some transitions could be smoother, and Mika's constant power=ups can get a little unbelievable - as awesomely cool as they are, but overall a solid sweet romance (limited to kissing and promises of more and the start of a proper HEA) with an excellent military science fiction structure supporting it.
October 10, 2023
Grant does it again. Couldn’t stop reading.
Love it, highly recommend. Read straight through and then pondered for several days.
First, the cover is fantastic, invoking the spirit of SF adventure from the Leigh Brackett and Andre Norton days. Just looking at the cover sends a tingle down my spine - the green and orange just catch my attention.
Mika the created human-alien slave on the Solian side. Arkady and his recon team from the Conclave side. And important characters, the planet's original inhabitants that we never meet but who terrify me anyway. All come together in a fast paced, non-stop action space opera rushing the characters toward death or life.
Stand alone story in the same universe as Shattered under Midnight. Quite a bit darker in many places than Shattered. In one of the blogs the author stated that she was trying for horror but the story didn't want to go that way. Have to admit there are parts close enough to horror for me that, days later, they still wake up me up in the middle of the night.
My big question with that Universe, did any of the aliens, who abandoned or died in colonies on so many worlds, survive anywhere? Maybe we'll find out someday.
cross posted goodreads, amazon, bookbub
Love it, highly recommend. Read straight through and then pondered for several days.
First, the cover is fantastic, invoking the spirit of SF adventure from the Leigh Brackett and Andre Norton days. Just looking at the cover sends a tingle down my spine - the green and orange just catch my attention.
Mika the created human-alien slave on the Solian side. Arkady and his recon team from the Conclave side. And important characters, the planet's original inhabitants that we never meet but who terrify me anyway. All come together in a fast paced, non-stop action space opera rushing the characters toward death or life.
Stand alone story in the same universe as Shattered under Midnight. Quite a bit darker in many places than Shattered. In one of the blogs the author stated that she was trying for horror but the story didn't want to go that way. Have to admit there are parts close enough to horror for me that, days later, they still wake up me up in the middle of the night.
My big question with that Universe, did any of the aliens, who abandoned or died in colonies on so many worlds, survive anywhere? Maybe we'll find out someday.
cross posted goodreads, amazon, bookbub
October 19, 2023
Dorothy Grant Strikes Again
I like her plot and the way she developed her characters. Her characters are realistic and she creates excellent dialogues between her characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good read.
I like her plot and the way she developed her characters. Her characters are realistic and she creates excellent dialogues between her characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good read.
October 15, 2023
Another compelling read from Dorothy Grant.
I eagerly await her next book whilst re-reading her previous releases.
I eagerly await her next book whilst re-reading her previous releases.
October 6, 2023
Rock theory lol
I read this straight through. I have enjoyed Grant's writing since Scaling the Rim. Her style throws you right into the story and you absorb the world and characters at the same time with no info dumps. Looking forward to more from her.
I read this straight through. I have enjoyed Grant's writing since Scaling the Rim. Her style throws you right into the story and you absorb the world and characters at the same time with no info dumps. Looking forward to more from her.
March 23, 2024
Long ages ago, the Ancients and the Hym'ree fought a civilization-crushing war. Now, whatever artifacts they left behind were being picked over by academics, governments, and warriors, each of whom had a vested interest in the way things turned out.
For the academics, an original find supporting an un-original research paper would bring promotion, contracts, and the chance to preen in front of colleagues.
For governments and warriors, there was the goal of a perfect energy system, or perfect weapon, in order to make sure that THEIR side never lost a war again.
For everyone, tools got used, and sometimes used up, and Mika is a tool. She was bred to be a touch-empath, a hybrid form of life, essentially human but with some alien DNA spliced in, gifted and cursed by the ability to read people and their history from contact with an object once in contact with them.
What this means is that if she touches an object once handled by a psychopath, then all of their thoughts and what passes for their emotions come flooding in on her, and she can't control it. Even without pathology though, any object that was handled by many people, or was used in a crime, or in any violent act, is going to feel to her mentally and emotionally as if she is having to move molten iron all around her. Touch with a person is even more intense.
Mika is practically presented in three dimensions, by which I mean she POPS off the page. Grant tells her story in such a way that as alien as she may be, something about her resonates. Perhaps it is the bleak way in which we see her react when she describes how difficult it is for her to eat. She accepts that limitation, as she does all of them, almost as if it were her due, something she had earned. In truth, it is something that was perpetrated on her, without regard for her own dreams. Her difficulty in acting, when she encounters Arkady, is not due to fear, but from a realistic realization that doing so is going to bring significant cost to her.
THERE IS A STORY. It's a rather good one, in fact, filled with revenge, courage, scenery, fighting, aliens, and a tiny bit of smooching. However, to my mind, it's the story of Mika developing from a frightened, withdrawn 'tool' to a true human being with a strong personality that brings the value to the book.
It's really very well done.
For the academics, an original find supporting an un-original research paper would bring promotion, contracts, and the chance to preen in front of colleagues.
For governments and warriors, there was the goal of a perfect energy system, or perfect weapon, in order to make sure that THEIR side never lost a war again.
For everyone, tools got used, and sometimes used up, and Mika is a tool. She was bred to be a touch-empath, a hybrid form of life, essentially human but with some alien DNA spliced in, gifted and cursed by the ability to read people and their history from contact with an object once in contact with them.
What this means is that if she touches an object once handled by a psychopath, then all of their thoughts and what passes for their emotions come flooding in on her, and she can't control it. Even without pathology though, any object that was handled by many people, or was used in a crime, or in any violent act, is going to feel to her mentally and emotionally as if she is having to move molten iron all around her. Touch with a person is even more intense.
Mika is practically presented in three dimensions, by which I mean she POPS off the page. Grant tells her story in such a way that as alien as she may be, something about her resonates. Perhaps it is the bleak way in which we see her react when she describes how difficult it is for her to eat. She accepts that limitation, as she does all of them, almost as if it were her due, something she had earned. In truth, it is something that was perpetrated on her, without regard for her own dreams. Her difficulty in acting, when she encounters Arkady, is not due to fear, but from a realistic realization that doing so is going to bring significant cost to her.
THERE IS A STORY. It's a rather good one, in fact, filled with revenge, courage, scenery, fighting, aliens, and a tiny bit of smooching. However, to my mind, it's the story of Mika developing from a frightened, withdrawn 'tool' to a true human being with a strong personality that brings the value to the book.
It's really very well done.
November 17, 2023
The Christened legitimate offspring of Schmitz & Stewart
The world and the story remind me of Hellspark (Janet Kagan, another winner) and Trouble Tide. Monsters, secret alien lore, plots, counter plots, giants, and yes, child: It''s a kissing book. You won't mind.
Mrs. Grant comes by both genre masteries honestly. She has the romance-writing skills of old school authors like Mary Stewart and Georgette Heyer. All of the tropes readers love, none of the cringe. Her mil-SF is decent too, but where it shines us the SFnal settings. The seemingly effortless drawing of alien worlds, complex societies with different (and often incongruent aims), and an adventure that takes full advantage of both.
Speaking of Nile Etland, Mrs. Grant, like Miss Kagan, also gives readers The Capable Heroine. If someone steeped in Current Year refers to Mika as one of those Stronk Female Character, do not run screaming. This one's a keeper.
More please!
The world and the story remind me of Hellspark (Janet Kagan, another winner) and Trouble Tide. Monsters, secret alien lore, plots, counter plots, giants, and yes, child: It''s a kissing book. You won't mind.
Mrs. Grant comes by both genre masteries honestly. She has the romance-writing skills of old school authors like Mary Stewart and Georgette Heyer. All of the tropes readers love, none of the cringe. Her mil-SF is decent too, but where it shines us the SFnal settings. The seemingly effortless drawing of alien worlds, complex societies with different (and often incongruent aims), and an adventure that takes full advantage of both.
Speaking of Nile Etland, Mrs. Grant, like Miss Kagan, also gives readers The Capable Heroine. If someone steeped in Current Year refers to Mika as one of those Stronk Female Character, do not run screaming. This one's a keeper.
More please!
November 9, 2023
2.5 stars. DNF at 45%. I just couldn't get into this book. For one thing, the world building was very hard to follow. You know how writers often "build" their world setting via info dumps; thus detracting from the story. This book was the opposite. The reader is plopped right into an ongoing situation/crisis/conflict with no idea who the parties are that are involved, no idea what the societal customs are, and no idea why the main and secondary characters are acting as they do. Add to that are the obscure but horrifying aliens that are being confronted for...some unspecified reason. Now the MC has some unique traits that make her interesting, but that just wasn't enough to keep me interested. YMMV
January 30, 2024
Good story, but needs an edit
I enjoyed the story, the main characters are great and worthy of more books. A hybrid human with alien DNA, which makes her a touch psychic and susceptible to injury by transference. Being a hybrid and not fully human our heroine is treated as property and limited on what she can touch without inflicting unwanted memories. A good mix of sci-fi, action and a splash of innocent romance make for a good story. There are a lot of typos in this book so it could do with a good edit.
I enjoyed the story, the main characters are great and worthy of more books. A hybrid human with alien DNA, which makes her a touch psychic and susceptible to injury by transference. Being a hybrid and not fully human our heroine is treated as property and limited on what she can touch without inflicting unwanted memories. A good mix of sci-fi, action and a splash of innocent romance make for a good story. There are a lot of typos in this book so it could do with a good edit.
April 30, 2024
Absorbing action
Alternate universe, military SF, advanced alien technology
This novel is with different characters and political scenarios, but is part of the shared universe as "Shattered Under Moonlight" and the Combined Arms series. Could use an editor, but even with those issues, this is an engaging suspense military action tale against a rival human empire, and native aliens who are overtly hostile to both. Grant can write; she just needs a good editor or two. Enjoyed.
Alternate universe, military SF, advanced alien technology
This novel is with different characters and political scenarios, but is part of the shared universe as "Shattered Under Moonlight" and the Combined Arms series. Could use an editor, but even with those issues, this is an engaging suspense military action tale against a rival human empire, and native aliens who are overtly hostile to both. Grant can write; she just needs a good editor or two. Enjoyed.
Read
November 18, 2023What a wonderful tale!
I have read several of Dorothy Grant's books. This one had me impatient for the next plot turn. Fabulous science fiction, exciting action, poignant emotional involvement. The characters were believable and real. The military action was actually believable. Loved the book and I am hopeful for a sequel.
I have read several of Dorothy Grant's books. This one had me impatient for the next plot turn. Fabulous science fiction, exciting action, poignant emotional involvement. The characters were believable and real. The military action was actually believable. Loved the book and I am hopeful for a sequel.
December 19, 2023
I think I missed something
But despite that feeling I really enjoyed this book! It was for the most parts 99.99% well written and few weirdly placed words.
I also liked the concept of the book with the main characters “gift” and her society’s abhorrent ways.
At times I guess it was a bit black and white but nothing that detracts from the story.
But despite that feeling I really enjoyed this book! It was for the most parts 99.99% well written and few weirdly placed words.
I also liked the concept of the book with the main characters “gift” and her society’s abhorrent ways.
At times I guess it was a bit black and white but nothing that detracts from the story.
February 10, 2024
So good!
This story is a steady piece of art. You journey with Mika as she moves from being an object, to becoming a determined woman. She was already strong, but once people were no longer grinding her face into the dust, she learned how to stand on her own. Loved all these characters and I desperately want more. I'm buying this book.
This story is a steady piece of art. You journey with Mika as she moves from being an object, to becoming a determined woman. She was already strong, but once people were no longer grinding her face into the dust, she learned how to stand on her own. Loved all these characters and I desperately want more. I'm buying this book.
December 16, 2023
I am really getting into Dorothy Grant Books!
Like all of her books, this one had adventure, romance and an intriguing plot with just enough information to help the reader follow the story, but not too much to get lost in the science! I am now eagerly awaiting her next book!
Like all of her books, this one had adventure, romance and an intriguing plot with just enough information to help the reader follow the story, but not too much to get lost in the science! I am now eagerly awaiting her next book!
December 26, 2023
Good Fun
An unusual storyline and perspective. At times I found it difficult to follow, but it quickly cleared up. The characters grew on me and I was rooting for them at the end. Nice ending.
An unusual storyline and perspective. At times I found it difficult to follow, but it quickly cleared up. The characters grew on me and I was rooting for them at the end. Nice ending.
May 16, 2025
I really enjoyed Dust of the Ocean. The setting and universe were rich and intriguing. I liked that there was depth to the conversations. I would like to read more stories set in this universe because I want to visit again.
January 22, 2024
Grant put more science into this scifi story; her best to date.
February 11, 2024
I liked it. I think there were things that could have been done better but overall this was a good, entertaining read.
Did Not Finish
March 11, 20243/5-3/10 Dnf page 104.
November 7, 2025
Great characters, great storyline
Not your typical heroine, which is what made her so amazing. Would love a sequel with the same characters, but the story stands on its own.
Not your typical heroine, which is what made her so amazing. Would love a sequel with the same characters, but the story stands on its own.
February 18, 2024
Sort of LM Bujold like
Oooh this is a good book. There is romance, there is action, there are aliens both old and new. Everything you need in a good sf book. Highly recommended.
Oooh this is a good book. There is romance, there is action, there are aliens both old and new. Everything you need in a good sf book. Highly recommended.
January 3, 2024
On an alien planet, on an archeological dig of the alien civilization, Mika, a part-alien sensitive, finds where a soldier, Arkady, survived an attack. She brings him back to the dig.
Complications ensue in an old school adventure about aliens and mankind in the stars. About Mika's psychic sensitivity and her legal status because of being part alien. About wastewater leading to trouble. An old tsunami that had hit the site. Factions in the government. Soldiers on Arkady's side, and a friend of Mika's who is hiding a lot.
Complications ensue in an old school adventure about aliens and mankind in the stars. About Mika's psychic sensitivity and her legal status because of being part alien. About wastewater leading to trouble. An old tsunami that had hit the site. Factions in the government. Soldiers on Arkady's side, and a friend of Mika's who is hiding a lot.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews