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The Crypt #1
Shakedown
"A gritty tale of cosmic dread.”
— Pierce Brown, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of RED RISING
Few know the warship’s actual name. Fewer still know what it really is. And almost no one knows of its unique ability, an ability that could tilt the balance of power if not outright win the war.
But everyone has heard the rumors. Rumors about the worst place the Planetary Union Fleet can send you. Rumors of a ship with an eighty percent crew mortality rate. In these hushed, fearful whispers, the ship does have a name.
People call it “the Crypt,” because those aboard are as good as dead.
The PUV James Keeling can do something no other vessel in existence can do — slip into another dimension, travel undetected, then re-emerge onto our plane and surprise enemy targets. But the thing that makes the Crypt unique also makes it a nightmare for those onboard; interdimensional travel causes hallucinations, violent behavior, and psychotic breakdowns.
Keeling could be the Union’s greatest weapon, a game-changing asset that can defeat the bloodthirsty zealots of the Purist Nation, the Union’s mortal enemy. If, that is, the brass can find the right crew.
But with those dark rumors traveling at lightspeed throughout Fleet, sailors with connections, with favors to call in, or those with careers on the rise pull any string they can to avoid being assigned to the Crypt . The brightest and best shield themselves from this top-secret craft, yet the brass must send it out on critical missions.
As the war drags on and casualties pile up, Fleet crews the ship by assigning the worst of the worst. If you are convicted of assault, fraud, cowardice, theft, rape, murder — or you cross the wrong Admiral — you may find yourself aboard the Crypt . Most are given a serve a two-year stint on the Keeling and have your record expunged, or be executed for your crimes.
Welcome to the PUV James Keeling , where the only way out… is to die.
#1 New York Times Bestseller Scott Sigler returns with this highly anticipated Military Sci-Fi series, THE CRYPT. It's BATTLESTAR GALACTICA meets EVENT HORIZON in this tale of service and solitude. Pre-order your copy today!
— Pierce Brown, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of RED RISING
Few know the warship’s actual name. Fewer still know what it really is. And almost no one knows of its unique ability, an ability that could tilt the balance of power if not outright win the war.
But everyone has heard the rumors. Rumors about the worst place the Planetary Union Fleet can send you. Rumors of a ship with an eighty percent crew mortality rate. In these hushed, fearful whispers, the ship does have a name.
People call it “the Crypt,” because those aboard are as good as dead.
The PUV James Keeling can do something no other vessel in existence can do — slip into another dimension, travel undetected, then re-emerge onto our plane and surprise enemy targets. But the thing that makes the Crypt unique also makes it a nightmare for those onboard; interdimensional travel causes hallucinations, violent behavior, and psychotic breakdowns.
Keeling could be the Union’s greatest weapon, a game-changing asset that can defeat the bloodthirsty zealots of the Purist Nation, the Union’s mortal enemy. If, that is, the brass can find the right crew.
But with those dark rumors traveling at lightspeed throughout Fleet, sailors with connections, with favors to call in, or those with careers on the rise pull any string they can to avoid being assigned to the Crypt . The brightest and best shield themselves from this top-secret craft, yet the brass must send it out on critical missions.
As the war drags on and casualties pile up, Fleet crews the ship by assigning the worst of the worst. If you are convicted of assault, fraud, cowardice, theft, rape, murder — or you cross the wrong Admiral — you may find yourself aboard the Crypt . Most are given a serve a two-year stint on the Keeling and have your record expunged, or be executed for your crimes.
Welcome to the PUV James Keeling , where the only way out… is to die.
#1 New York Times Bestseller Scott Sigler returns with this highly anticipated Military Sci-Fi series, THE CRYPT. It's BATTLESTAR GALACTICA meets EVENT HORIZON in this tale of service and solitude. Pre-order your copy today!
Audible Audio
First published October 3, 2023
312 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Scott Sigler
132 books4,335 followersTHE CRYPT: SHAKEDOWN is Book I of a new five-book series. It’s out October 3, 2023 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook narrated by Ray Porter.
iTunes by subscribing to his podcast.
#1 New York Times best-selling author Scott Sigler is the creator of fifteen novels, six novellas and dozens of short stories. He gives away his stories as weekly, serialized, audiobooks, with over 40 million episodes downloaded.
Scott launched his career by releasing his novels as author-read podcasts. His rabid fans were so hungry for each week’s episode that they dubbed themselves the “Junkies.” The first hit is always free …
He is also is a co-founder of Empty Set Entertainment, which publishes his Galactic Football League series. He lives in San Diego, CA, with his wife and wee little Dogs of Døøm.
iTunes by subscribing to his podcast. #1 New York Times best-selling author Scott Sigler is the creator of fifteen novels, six novellas and dozens of short stories. He gives away his stories as weekly, serialized, audiobooks, with over 40 million episodes downloaded.
Scott launched his career by releasing his novels as author-read podcasts. His rabid fans were so hungry for each week’s episode that they dubbed themselves the “Junkies.” The first hit is always free …
He is also is a co-founder of Empty Set Entertainment, which publishes his Galactic Football League series. He lives in San Diego, CA, with his wife and wee little Dogs of Døøm.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
October 6, 2023
After years of waiting for the continuation of the Crypt podcasts of the crew stories, Scott has delivered a master piece. This is some of his best work to date.
This book uses the essence of the Crew Stories podcast as a starting point and introduces us to the PUV James Keeling. Do you need to listen to the podcast? No you don’t.
This is one of those books that you are going to want to read/listen to over and over again. Because you are going to miss something’s in the rush to find out what happens next. Like a great cinematic movie, one will miss some of the small stores line details that make the book/movie truly one of the best.
I can’t wait for the rest of the stories to come… “Welcome to the PUV James Keeling, where the only way out … is to die.”
This book uses the essence of the Crew Stories podcast as a starting point and introduces us to the PUV James Keeling. Do you need to listen to the podcast? No you don’t.
This is one of those books that you are going to want to read/listen to over and over again. Because you are going to miss something’s in the rush to find out what happens next. Like a great cinematic movie, one will miss some of the small stores line details that make the book/movie truly one of the best.
I can’t wait for the rest of the stories to come… “Welcome to the PUV James Keeling, where the only way out … is to die.”
October 6, 2023
Wow!!! (I listened to this on audible)
Half an hour in, and I started a subconscious countdown, absolutely dreading the end of the book. I savored every minute of this ride and could not stop listening. Truly one of Mr Siglers best, and of course Ray Porter brought to scary life like no other could. Thank you to a power duo for one of the years' absolute best!!!
Half an hour in, and I started a subconscious countdown, absolutely dreading the end of the book. I savored every minute of this ride and could not stop listening. Truly one of Mr Siglers best, and of course Ray Porter brought to scary life like no other could. Thank you to a power duo for one of the years' absolute best!!!
October 26, 2023
I'm not sure why I just stopped caring about the actors at about 65% of the book. The rest was just a game of not quitting to see if my opinion changes.
It's my first Sigler novel and I did not read any of the podcast stories that seem to be helpful.
I really liked the setup, the character backstories and the mystery of the ship. But then I just found myself losing the connection to all of the characters.
Maybe I will give it another go another time.
It's my first Sigler novel and I did not read any of the podcast stories that seem to be helpful.
I really liked the setup, the character backstories and the mystery of the ship. But then I just found myself losing the connection to all of the characters.
Maybe I will give it another go another time.
July 20, 2024
3.5 ish rounded up. Found it really hard to follow late on, there's just too many characters and they are all very similar. That said, it does have a good premise for the rest of the series. If the second book is decent it would pull this up, but as it stands, it's rather bloated and confusing on its own.
February 14, 2024
Really, really liked this. The vibe is a little Glen Cook's Black Company crossed with Aliens' Space Marines.
- the characters are all interesting in their own right, I have some faves and some I would skim on a re-read
- the worldbuilding is at once well developed and sort of not enough? You can feel the sweaty, cramped athmosphere on the ship but a clear picture of what it looks like never formed
- I think the author erred on keeping too many secrets from the reader. Sure, I don't need my hand held but I also would be even more invested if after a reading a full book I had a better idea of what is going on with the damn ship
Can I please have the sequel now?
- the characters are all interesting in their own right, I have some faves and some I would skim on a re-read
- the worldbuilding is at once well developed and sort of not enough? You can feel the sweaty, cramped athmosphere on the ship but a clear picture of what it looks like never formed
- I think the author erred on keeping too many secrets from the reader. Sure, I don't need my hand held but I also would be even more invested if after a reading a full book I had a better idea of what is going on with the damn ship
Can I please have the sequel now?
October 16, 2023
Audio: 5 Stars
It is profoundly difficult to write a review of this book without spoilers. For an overview of the setting and events, see the summary on the book page.
In this new series, Sigler strikes again with a blockbuster invention of a new science fiction space opera that will blow readers' minds. With delivery by the inimitable Ray Porter in audio, you are immediately transported into an extraordinary reality. The Crypt, a dreaded prisoner-staffed ship is the most awful punishment for those accused of high crimes and treason. But it's not the prison experience that's the worst punishment. Defying the laws of physics and nature, the James Keeling is something of stunning, perhaps alien, tech.
The protagonist in the story is sentenced there for 2 years. The life expectancy on the ship is low.
An interesting note from this reader: regardless of whatever nook of the universe you are in, when humans are involved they trail their baggage of religion, greed, perversions, and personalities with them. Sigler's character development is extraordinary.
So dive in through the membrane of spacetime and hold on to your sanity. It is a terrifying ride.
****
Note:
Chapter 27 audio: A little contradiction.
When the crew was preparing to enter the Crypt, they had to leave all metal behind. Yet a crew member has a prosthetic leg that machined himself; metal, no electronics
Sigler has replied in the comments below.
It is profoundly difficult to write a review of this book without spoilers. For an overview of the setting and events, see the summary on the book page.
In this new series, Sigler strikes again with a blockbuster invention of a new science fiction space opera that will blow readers' minds. With delivery by the inimitable Ray Porter in audio, you are immediately transported into an extraordinary reality. The Crypt, a dreaded prisoner-staffed ship is the most awful punishment for those accused of high crimes and treason. But it's not the prison experience that's the worst punishment. Defying the laws of physics and nature, the James Keeling is something of stunning, perhaps alien, tech.
The protagonist in the story is sentenced there for 2 years. The life expectancy on the ship is low.
An interesting note from this reader: regardless of whatever nook of the universe you are in, when humans are involved they trail their baggage of religion, greed, perversions, and personalities with them. Sigler's character development is extraordinary.
So dive in through the membrane of spacetime and hold on to your sanity. It is a terrifying ride.
****
Note:
Chapter 27 audio: A little contradiction.
When the crew was preparing to enter the Crypt, they had to leave all metal behind. Yet a crew member has a prosthetic leg that machined himself; metal, no electronics
Sigler has replied in the comments below.
March 13, 2024
This has a weird and disjointed start and it also focuses on way too many characters and switches way too many times. I had in some ways a difficult time recognizing which characters' point of view the narrator was reading for the names really just Blended together. It would have been helpful with this many characters to do each character's name as the chapter. All in all after 7 hr there was nothing that kept me interested in the book.
April 4, 2024
I did not finish this book - I simply could not get into it. It's melodramatic, the writing is average, and I couldn't make myself care about the characters. What I did tolerate of it I listened to as an audiobook, and not even Ray Porter's excellent narration could save it.
In looking at my reading history, I found I've attempted another of Scott Sigler's books and couldn't finish that one either.
In looking at my reading history, I found I've attempted another of Scott Sigler's books and couldn't finish that one either.
March 13, 2024
Basically Warhammer 40k but less war and interesting characters.
A ship that can dive into the warp sorry, I mean the mud and travel long distances undetected is a powerful ally in a war between nations. But, the problem is the crew goes mental and starts seeing crazy shit and hacking each other apart during this joy drive.
I loved the premise for this story and the ship itself is pretty creepy and alien. But, when you've read enough WH 40K this pales in comparison. I didn't care about the warring nations or religious cults, the characters I found confusing with all the spy business and there's a lot of science in the book which at times I didn't care about as it's all theory made up.
I'm sure some people loved this book but for me, it's the Wish version of WH 40K black library.
A ship that can dive into the warp sorry, I mean the mud and travel long distances undetected is a powerful ally in a war between nations. But, the problem is the crew goes mental and starts seeing crazy shit and hacking each other apart during this joy drive.
I loved the premise for this story and the ship itself is pretty creepy and alien. But, when you've read enough WH 40K this pales in comparison. I didn't care about the warring nations or religious cults, the characters I found confusing with all the spy business and there's a lot of science in the book which at times I didn't care about as it's all theory made up.
I'm sure some people loved this book but for me, it's the Wish version of WH 40K black library.
December 3, 2023
A story where basically nobody is likable
The battle scenes go on interminably and yet they are still boring. There is a tremendous amount of head-hopping, an the author is no Tom Clancy when it comes to that.
The battle scenes go on interminably and yet they are still boring. There is a tremendous amount of head-hopping, an the author is no Tom Clancy when it comes to that.
June 17, 2024
Made me think of Stephen King. I dont like SK.
December 14, 2025
I have to be honest. This ended up being just an okay read. It started off like a 5-star banger, with an awesome series of chapters introducing the reader to the book's main characters and their reactions to boarding the very odd james Keeling I was all but salivating at the bit (my wife tells me I talk too much) for what was to come, and then, 200 pages of technical scene setting with a great deal of jargon-laced science followed. I began to lose interest. And though Sigler was able to bring me back with a 200 page space battle to round this one out, it never got to where I was expecting.
Because the third genre specified for this one was "Horror". Sigler often laces entwines sci-fi with horror in his works and I thought this was going to be no exception. But there is very little horror here. It is a straight up military sci-fi novel and you're going to have a much better time if you know this.
My other main gripe with The Crypt: Shakedown is that there are a set of appendices at the end. I, of course, read through the early on as they enrich the subject material. There's one specifying the military ranks, one detailing the movies Sigler watched while writing the book, a few others, and one that lists the entire Keeling crew by department. ie. Just about every character in this novel. Anb excellent idea, I thought, because it very quickly gets confusing as to who works where (especially in relation to the secondary characters). Said appendix denotes it shows the rank and patrol experience of said crew "at patrol launch". Except there are asterisks next to a few character's names. And a few other's have two asterisks there. About half way through the novel I see that this indicates where a character is dead or been removed from duty because they've gone insane by the end of the novel. Spoilers much! This is a truly stupid decision that makes a mockery of the "at the patrol launch" and should never have been included. I'm docking a full star for this because it all but ruined my read of the book. To be clear, many novels (especially with a large set of characters) offer a dramatis personae at the end of the book; none of them in my experience, have told you those characters fates in that book, and especially not after telling you this is the crew list at the start of this adventure.
With appropriate expectations and without spoilers, this would be a solid military sci-fi read with a few great characters to cheer on or dislike. But for me, it was a disappointment.
2.5 (Rounding down to 2) Mud-Caused Psychoses for The Crypt: Shakedown.
Because the third genre specified for this one was "Horror". Sigler often laces entwines sci-fi with horror in his works and I thought this was going to be no exception. But there is very little horror here. It is a straight up military sci-fi novel and you're going to have a much better time if you know this.
My other main gripe with The Crypt: Shakedown is that there are a set of appendices at the end. I, of course, read through the early on as they enrich the subject material. There's one specifying the military ranks, one detailing the movies Sigler watched while writing the book, a few others, and one that lists the entire Keeling crew by department. ie. Just about every character in this novel. Anb excellent idea, I thought, because it very quickly gets confusing as to who works where (especially in relation to the secondary characters). Said appendix denotes it shows the rank and patrol experience of said crew "at patrol launch". Except there are asterisks next to a few character's names. And a few other's have two asterisks there. About half way through the novel I see that this indicates where a character is dead or been removed from duty because they've gone insane by the end of the novel. Spoilers much! This is a truly stupid decision that makes a mockery of the "at the patrol launch" and should never have been included. I'm docking a full star for this because it all but ruined my read of the book. To be clear, many novels (especially with a large set of characters) offer a dramatis personae at the end of the book; none of them in my experience, have told you those characters fates in that book, and especially not after telling you this is the crew list at the start of this adventure.
With appropriate expectations and without spoilers, this would be a solid military sci-fi read with a few great characters to cheer on or dislike. But for me, it was a disappointment.
2.5 (Rounding down to 2) Mud-Caused Psychoses for The Crypt: Shakedown.
June 7, 2025
I am a voracious reader and my profession is essentially to read books, mostly fantasy and Sci-Fi, so I am but rarely surprised. This book is one of those surprises and most excellent one at that.
I found out about by watching a BookTube channel, Benjamin's Bookclub, and I credit this guy for discovering to me previously completely unknown writer.
Now, I'm a great fan of military science fiction, from Joe Haldeman through Lois McMaster Bujold and David Weber to new writers in the field, but this blend of high-stakes military action and horror of both psychological and body/gross kind was completely new to me. Something similar was done by Christopher Ruoccio in one of his Sun Eater books, but on much smaller scale, so The Crypt: Shakedown stands firmly in a niche of its own. If I had to force it into a box of some kind, I'd probably say that it reminds me the most of more realistic and non-satiric Warhammer 40k. This book is by definition grimdark. Its setting is randomly murderous in such a way that even GRRM would envy it, character don't even try to have any redeeming qualities in a totally Abercrombian manner, except with total lack of any humor whatsoever and their characterizations are done in broad but firm and precise strokes that I would compare to Dostoevsky if that wouldn't be sacrilegious and slightly ludicrous.
For the better part of the book nothing special happens (if you discount random acts of horror that permeate this novel); when the action comes, its hectic and confusing in a totally realistic way. In fact, this was one of more realistic descriptions of military life and combat that I have ever read (excluding the obvious, of course).
I really don't have enough words to recommend this one. I need to read more of Sigler's word in order to get a sense of him as an author, but The Crypt: Shakedown was so outstanding that I went to by the second novel in the series the moment I finished this one. Alas, there's no such thing as of yet.
Anyway, 5* for this one and Nightflier's Seal of Recommendation.
I found out about by watching a BookTube channel, Benjamin's Bookclub, and I credit this guy for discovering to me previously completely unknown writer.
Now, I'm a great fan of military science fiction, from Joe Haldeman through Lois McMaster Bujold and David Weber to new writers in the field, but this blend of high-stakes military action and horror of both psychological and body/gross kind was completely new to me. Something similar was done by Christopher Ruoccio in one of his Sun Eater books, but on much smaller scale, so The Crypt: Shakedown stands firmly in a niche of its own. If I had to force it into a box of some kind, I'd probably say that it reminds me the most of more realistic and non-satiric Warhammer 40k. This book is by definition grimdark. Its setting is randomly murderous in such a way that even GRRM would envy it, character don't even try to have any redeeming qualities in a totally Abercrombian manner, except with total lack of any humor whatsoever and their characterizations are done in broad but firm and precise strokes that I would compare to Dostoevsky if that wouldn't be sacrilegious and slightly ludicrous.
For the better part of the book nothing special happens (if you discount random acts of horror that permeate this novel); when the action comes, its hectic and confusing in a totally realistic way. In fact, this was one of more realistic descriptions of military life and combat that I have ever read (excluding the obvious, of course).
I really don't have enough words to recommend this one. I need to read more of Sigler's word in order to get a sense of him as an author, but The Crypt: Shakedown was so outstanding that I went to by the second novel in the series the moment I finished this one. Alas, there's no such thing as of yet.
Anyway, 5* for this one and Nightflier's Seal of Recommendation.
October 16, 2023
3.5-4 stars
I'm looking forward to seeing where Sigler goes with this one. The ship is creepy.
Any time I see Sigler's name I want to relisten to Nocturnal or Infected
I'll continue with the series, but probably won't relisten to this one.
The mushroom statement (they keep me in the dark and feed me shit) AND the piece of paper demonstration of faster than light (draw point A & B on paper, fold paper in half connecting the two)? You're killin' me, Smalls.
Ray Porter is one of the best narrators.
I'm looking forward to seeing where Sigler goes with this one. The ship is creepy.
Any time I see Sigler's name I want to relisten to Nocturnal or Infected
I'll continue with the series, but probably won't relisten to this one.
The mushroom statement (they keep me in the dark and feed me shit) AND the piece of paper demonstration of faster than light (draw point A & B on paper, fold paper in half connecting the two)? You're killin' me, Smalls.
Ray Porter is one of the best narrators.
November 14, 2023
4.5 Stars. Entertaining space opera ❤️
October 8, 2023
Farscape with BIG BRASS BALLS on acid!
October 7, 2023
Amazing story
This was a true joy To read, a military/horror book for the ages. I love the combination of the two genres in one story. Scott is a true Master storyteller!!!!!
This was a true joy To read, a military/horror book for the ages. I love the combination of the two genres in one story. Scott is a true Master storyteller!!!!!
April 6, 2025
2.5 Stars - Too dark & depressing for me.
This book is an all-you-can-eat buffet of mental illness and military jargon.
It was pretty much all bad. All stress and hallucinations and death and disaster.
There was maybe one person in the book that I could root for. That was the older “raider” who just wants to go out on his own terms. Everyone else in the book were terrible people who could, and often did, die without me feeling bad about it.
In a way, I suppose the author effectively told the story in the way that they wanted to tell it. I do think it was well written. It just wasn’t “for me.”
I doubt that I will read the next one, but there is a small chance.
This book is an all-you-can-eat buffet of mental illness and military jargon.
It was pretty much all bad. All stress and hallucinations and death and disaster.
There was maybe one person in the book that I could root for. That was the older “raider” who just wants to go out on his own terms. Everyone else in the book were terrible people who could, and often did, die without me feeling bad about it.
In a way, I suppose the author effectively told the story in the way that they wanted to tell it. I do think it was well written. It just wasn’t “for me.”
I doubt that I will read the next one, but there is a small chance.
December 10, 2023
Coward or patsy?
Travis does not want to be spaced out of the airlock, so he accepts an assignment on a mystery ship named "The Crypt".
If the book was more attentive to Travis, the XO, it would have been a more effective story. The ship is developed well, but soon the entire crew become a jumbled mess. Jumping between a character's backstory and current situation becomes overwhelming at times and brings a sense that the story is linger than it should be.
The enemy is a religious cult and most of the criminal crew are suspected of being spies. The cult is not realistic for the 26th century, but the author uses this fictional invention to criticize all other religions because the way that this anarchist cult acted. This gave me a sour view toward the author and frustration in the last battle scene.
I gave it a 3, it needs a more purposeful story line and avoiding some rabbit trails because we could always know what the character was thinking.
Travis does not want to be spaced out of the airlock, so he accepts an assignment on a mystery ship named "The Crypt".
If the book was more attentive to Travis, the XO, it would have been a more effective story. The ship is developed well, but soon the entire crew become a jumbled mess. Jumping between a character's backstory and current situation becomes overwhelming at times and brings a sense that the story is linger than it should be.
The enemy is a religious cult and most of the criminal crew are suspected of being spies. The cult is not realistic for the 26th century, but the author uses this fictional invention to criticize all other religions because the way that this anarchist cult acted. This gave me a sour view toward the author and frustration in the last battle scene.
I gave it a 3, it needs a more purposeful story line and avoiding some rabbit trails because we could always know what the character was thinking.
March 17, 2024
Loved it so much I bought it twice :)) Snagged an early hardcover at DragonCon, but waited for the audiobook to come out before diving in. I'm old school and love hearing the FDØ's content always. 10/10 would recommend to any mil-scifi fans or people who love evil cosmic hallucinations.
October 15, 2023
Sigler and Porter - it doesn't get better than that!
Ray Porter, narrator extraordinaire, does a fantastic job bringing Scott's story to life. With Ray, this is less of a narration and more like acting out each role.
PUV James Keeling is a top-secret ship to which nobody wants to be assigned because of its alias "the Crypt" because the only way off the ship is to die - and die they do with the loss of 40+ crew on its last deployment. The fleet resorts to manning the ship with people who have "done something wrong" and instead of punishment (like the death penalty) are given the option to serve 2-years aboard the ship in exchange for erasing their record.
The book begins with character introductions, including what each character has done to deserve placement on this ship. This takes time but given that this is intended to be a 5 book series, it needs to be done. Character development is very well done here. My favorite character is Beaver who is a hapless special operator with unbridled eagerness to scream, aim, and fire. He provides the much-needed comic relief.
Life aboard the ship is brutal. Partially organic, the ship is capable of folding space/time to essentially travel faster than light. The ship's working environment is cramped and oppressively hot. While traveling through folded space - known as "the mud" - the crew is exposed to terrifying hallucinations that can drive them to try and kill each other.
Naturally, this is a warship. The enemy is a religious group known as the Pureists. The "James Keeling" is given an assignment to retrieve a colonel in enemy territory who has important intelligence. Getting to him is easy but upon trying to escape, other ships in the fleet are under attack and the ship's command is faced with defying orders and come to the aid of the other ships or follow orders and run away.
I am pretty stingy when it comes to handing out 5-star reviews. The writing and narration are excellent. The time invested at the beginning in establishing the different characters was well spent, affording us the opportunity to observe each character and how he/she reacts and copes with not only the mission but also the terrifying conditions of the mud.
Scott says in his author's note, he was always fascinated by the plight of WWII submariners. How they must have felt confined to a small tin can, unable to see around the ship while submersed, and facing off against enemies of whom they had imprecise information as to location and ability. He absolutely was able to recreate the horrors faced by submariners but in space.
This is a great book and a great beginning to the series. The only downside is that I now have to wait for book 2.
Ray Porter, narrator extraordinaire, does a fantastic job bringing Scott's story to life. With Ray, this is less of a narration and more like acting out each role.
PUV James Keeling is a top-secret ship to which nobody wants to be assigned because of its alias "the Crypt" because the only way off the ship is to die - and die they do with the loss of 40+ crew on its last deployment. The fleet resorts to manning the ship with people who have "done something wrong" and instead of punishment (like the death penalty) are given the option to serve 2-years aboard the ship in exchange for erasing their record.
The book begins with character introductions, including what each character has done to deserve placement on this ship. This takes time but given that this is intended to be a 5 book series, it needs to be done. Character development is very well done here. My favorite character is Beaver who is a hapless special operator with unbridled eagerness to scream, aim, and fire. He provides the much-needed comic relief.
Life aboard the ship is brutal. Partially organic, the ship is capable of folding space/time to essentially travel faster than light. The ship's working environment is cramped and oppressively hot. While traveling through folded space - known as "the mud" - the crew is exposed to terrifying hallucinations that can drive them to try and kill each other.
Naturally, this is a warship. The enemy is a religious group known as the Pureists. The "James Keeling" is given an assignment to retrieve a colonel in enemy territory who has important intelligence. Getting to him is easy but upon trying to escape, other ships in the fleet are under attack and the ship's command is faced with defying orders and come to the aid of the other ships or follow orders and run away.
I am pretty stingy when it comes to handing out 5-star reviews. The writing and narration are excellent. The time invested at the beginning in establishing the different characters was well spent, affording us the opportunity to observe each character and how he/she reacts and copes with not only the mission but also the terrifying conditions of the mud.
Scott says in his author's note, he was always fascinated by the plight of WWII submariners. How they must have felt confined to a small tin can, unable to see around the ship while submersed, and facing off against enemies of whom they had imprecise information as to location and ability. He absolutely was able to recreate the horrors faced by submariners but in space.
This is a great book and a great beginning to the series. The only downside is that I now have to wait for book 2.
November 2, 2025
It starts off slow and takes a while to get into. At times, I struggled to keep track of who’s who because there are quite a few characters to follow. If the perspective hadn’t switched so often, it might’ve helped me stay more invested in them. That would’ve given me time to remember each one better, form a connection, and maybe even care when something happens to them. Then again, maybe it wouldn’t have made much difference, since these characters aren’t allowed to ask questions or really get to know each other. And even when they do, none of them fully trust one another, as everyone who ends up there has done something bad—or could just as easily be a spy.
The military aspect is handled well. It’s clear a lot of work went into making it as believable as possible. Still, I wish there had been a stronger spooky element. I wanted to feel that sense of existential dread and creeping horror, especially during the dimensional slips or even just while being on the ship—it could’ve had more of an impact.
I think I would’ve enjoyed this more if I’d gone with the audiobook. From what I’ve gathered from other reviewers, it might actually work better that way. Apparently, the narration is done by Ray Porter, and I have yet to dislike anything he’s performed.
The military aspect is handled well. It’s clear a lot of work went into making it as believable as possible. Still, I wish there had been a stronger spooky element. I wanted to feel that sense of existential dread and creeping horror, especially during the dimensional slips or even just while being on the ship—it could’ve had more of an impact.
I think I would’ve enjoyed this more if I’d gone with the audiobook. From what I’ve gathered from other reviewers, it might actually work better that way. Apparently, the narration is done by Ray Porter, and I have yet to dislike anything he’s performed.
January 3, 2024
Just awesome, best sci-fi about marines and their adventures I've read/listened to in years.
For my future self, as have to wait for Book 2 (and no-one reads these anyway - a few character notes.
Col Kiara Lincoln - Experienced Commanding Officer
Lt Travis Ellis - Exo - lead the ship in the last battle and gained respect from crew.
Lt Sasha Kerkoffs - Engineering lead - trying to figure the James Keeling out.
Col Hasik - Xeno Lead - drinker and been on the ship for years.
Xeno - Ensign Bethany Darkwater/ Susanna Rossi - ex Purist Nation, has affinity to James Keeling - scared sh@tless of Anne Lafferty.
Intel Chief - Anne Lafferty - Psycho Killer and daughter of an Admiral - tortures people.
Platoon Sergeant Sands - Hard as nails, drill instructor type leader.
Cpl John Bennett - Old solider, multiple tours, leads by example - called Empty Man behind his back by Bethany Darkwater.
Neal Abshire and Jim Perry - soldiers under Bennett's command, just been bloodied - make a great team.
Pilot - Danielle 'Biggy' Bang - Chief pilot - Exo Ellis's actions saved her brother in previous mission.
Hopefully, this will jog my aging memory, when Book 2 comes out!
For my future self, as have to wait for Book 2 (and no-one reads these anyway - a few character notes.
Col Kiara Lincoln - Experienced Commanding Officer
Lt Travis Ellis - Exo - lead the ship in the last battle and gained respect from crew.
Lt Sasha Kerkoffs - Engineering lead - trying to figure the James Keeling out.
Col Hasik - Xeno Lead - drinker and been on the ship for years.
Xeno - Ensign Bethany Darkwater/ Susanna Rossi - ex Purist Nation, has affinity to James Keeling - scared sh@tless of Anne Lafferty.
Intel Chief - Anne Lafferty - Psycho Killer and daughter of an Admiral - tortures people.
Platoon Sergeant Sands - Hard as nails, drill instructor type leader.
Cpl John Bennett - Old solider, multiple tours, leads by example - called Empty Man behind his back by Bethany Darkwater.
Neal Abshire and Jim Perry - soldiers under Bennett's command, just been bloodied - make a great team.
Pilot - Danielle 'Biggy' Bang - Chief pilot - Exo Ellis's actions saved her brother in previous mission.
Hopefully, this will jog my aging memory, when Book 2 comes out!
October 24, 2023
I love Scott Sigler's work when it's present time or near future. This is the first of his far future works I've read, and I was underwhelmed by the setting. But this book had bigger problems than a generic setting. Characters and tension are two of this pillars of his great works, and these were uncharacteristally bland and mispaced. Another woman spy with a compulsion to kill? Yawn. Done far better by himself before. None of the cast was interesting or worth investing in sadly. A slideshow of cardboard cliche's. And then the slog through the first 70% of the book. Scott has proven in the past that he is capable of meticulous pacing. But this felt like his first attempt at it.
I did not enjoy this book at all, and I will refrain from reading more in this series. And after thoroughly enjoying Blood is Red, the Sun Symbol Series and the Infected Trilogy I am left bewildered by the steep drop in quality.
I did not enjoy this book at all, and I will refrain from reading more in this series. And after thoroughly enjoying Blood is Red, the Sun Symbol Series and the Infected Trilogy I am left bewildered by the steep drop in quality.
December 12, 2023
This is something of an odd duck. I give the author credit for interesting (if rather extreme) characters, and decent character development. And an intriguing story itself, albeit not a very believable one (not so much the ship, but how they fill it with crew).
But it is so tiring to read stories that demonstrate a complete lack of comprehension about space, speeds, velocities. An entire space battle taking place where a hundred kilometers is a long range, that takes 30 minutes to cross. It would be better to use some made up unit of distance, at least we could then pretend the distances are sensible to the story.
Why is it that the trend is toward completely ignoring the science part of science fiction?
But... unlike many of the worse offenders of this, at least there are some interesting characters and an evolving story involved. I cannot say I really recommend it, but I do not recommend against either.
But it is so tiring to read stories that demonstrate a complete lack of comprehension about space, speeds, velocities. An entire space battle taking place where a hundred kilometers is a long range, that takes 30 minutes to cross. It would be better to use some made up unit of distance, at least we could then pretend the distances are sensible to the story.
Why is it that the trend is toward completely ignoring the science part of science fiction?
But... unlike many of the worse offenders of this, at least there are some interesting characters and an evolving story involved. I cannot say I really recommend it, but I do not recommend against either.
January 6, 2024
I finally had the opportunity to read this on Kindle. Having just started a new job that precludes listening to audiobooks, I was not able to partake of that edition, alas. Regardless, I loved the book. I had listened to the original podcast intro MANY years back, and knew this was going to be epic, and having finished book 1, I can say it most assuredly is. Hard to believe, but it is even more gritty than The Expanse novels for invoking the sheer brutality of combat in space, and with the added element of psychological and physical horror, this is on another level altogether. This is some hardcore shit right here! What else would one expect from Scott Sigler? No spoilers, but I did feel the novel bogged down a bit with the sheer number of characters being introduced, and it took me awhile to "get" the names straight. But since this is The Crypt, a plethora of characters is hardly a problem longterm ;-) Needless to say I will be reading the next installment as soon as it is published.
February 17, 2024
Event Horizon meets U571 sort of
There's a lot to say about this book. I'll give the author credit, he did a great job writing about a large group of characters and making them all distinct individuals with different personalities and backstories. Bennet was easily my favorite character. A normal man stuck in a very not normal situation. This is a really long book but it kind of needed to be in order to properly introduce all the characters, they're various ways of ending up on the Keeling, their initial training, and then their first mission as the big finale. There's a ton of questions left unanswered about the ship, which will hopefully be answered in book 2. I'm very interested to see what happens with Anne and Bethany. Overall, it was a good book, but I hope it doesn't turn out like Lost: too many unanswered questions
There's a lot to say about this book. I'll give the author credit, he did a great job writing about a large group of characters and making them all distinct individuals with different personalities and backstories. Bennet was easily my favorite character. A normal man stuck in a very not normal situation. This is a really long book but it kind of needed to be in order to properly introduce all the characters, they're various ways of ending up on the Keeling, their initial training, and then their first mission as the big finale. There's a ton of questions left unanswered about the ship, which will hopefully be answered in book 2. I'm very interested to see what happens with Anne and Bethany. Overall, it was a good book, but I hope it doesn't turn out like Lost: too many unanswered questions
November 30, 2024
Sigler, as usual, has crafted a gripping story that dives along like a torpedo. The premise is essentially space submarines, with some narrative hullabaloo that gets out of dealing with the idea that computers would take over space fighting. It's a good gimmick and a fun book. A few thoughts:
- I was a little skeptical of the mix of characters we met at the beginning of the book, but the multiple perspectives give us good insight into the story.
- The worldbuilding and technology are solid and interesting, and there's lots of room to grow as the series continues.
- The politics of the human governments are pretty murky, and make the bonds of war the crucial thing at work in the story. Like DAS BOOT, we are more concerned with our crew than the morality of the missions they're on.
Fun book! Looking forward to the next one.
- I was a little skeptical of the mix of characters we met at the beginning of the book, but the multiple perspectives give us good insight into the story.
- The worldbuilding and technology are solid and interesting, and there's lots of room to grow as the series continues.
- The politics of the human governments are pretty murky, and make the bonds of war the crucial thing at work in the story. Like DAS BOOT, we are more concerned with our crew than the morality of the missions they're on.
Fun book! Looking forward to the next one.
December 3, 2023
Really a 3.5 but I'll round up for Sigler.
I really did enjoy this book, the creativity and intriguing new mythos are engrossing, but they're also where the book hits a bump. There's so much going on with The Crypt, so many new things to introduce and explain, but there are also a lot of characters who each have their own backgrounds and their own things going on. He balances it well, but in the end the story felt a little rushed to me; Like there could have been some more interaction and development between some of the characters.
But that's a very minor complaint, and since the first book spent all of that time bringing the reader up to speed on the world they're entering the second book should be all story. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
I really did enjoy this book, the creativity and intriguing new mythos are engrossing, but they're also where the book hits a bump. There's so much going on with The Crypt, so many new things to introduce and explain, but there are also a lot of characters who each have their own backgrounds and their own things going on. He balances it well, but in the end the story felt a little rushed to me; Like there could have been some more interaction and development between some of the characters.
But that's a very minor complaint, and since the first book spent all of that time bringing the reader up to speed on the world they're entering the second book should be all story. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
July 23, 2024
I don't usually leave reviews after reading, but honestly, I feel that Scott deserves one! I have followed his work for a long time and remember listening to the Crypt postcaat ages ago. I thought the original layout was fantastic and had me hooked all those years ago, but The Crypt: Shakedown was phenomenal!
The characters were fantastic, the atmosphere was expertly crafted, and the story was awesome! My only complaint was that the book ended!
If I could have rated it higher, I would have! I can't wait to continue the journey aboard Keeling in the next book! Sigler has outdone himself here! If you haven't done so already, read it!! It's everything we have come to expect from a siglerverse novel and then some!!
The characters were fantastic, the atmosphere was expertly crafted, and the story was awesome! My only complaint was that the book ended!
If I could have rated it higher, I would have! I can't wait to continue the journey aboard Keeling in the next book! Sigler has outdone himself here! If you haven't done so already, read it!! It's everything we have come to expect from a siglerverse novel and then some!!
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