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Stranger in the Pod: The Secrets of the Nebula Series
Meet Nymeera Astrea Jones.
Starship captain. Warrior.
After years of intensive training, Nymeera has reached the rank of captain in record time. She is awarded command of a small stealth vessel—the Echo. Around them, war with a hostile alien species is heating up, but rather than being sent to the front lines, her superiors order her to explore the Centauri Nebula. A part of space no human has ever gone... or so the history books had led her to believe.
On the way to the nebula, her ship encounters a five-hundred-year-old vessel adrift in space. And inside? A man who is still alive.
Desperate to find out who he is and what secrets he's hiding, Nymeera decides to keep the man on board, despite the fact that doing so violates direct orders from her superiors.
If she's wrong, she could lose her command and all she's worked for. But the more she learns, the more she wonders if this mysterious stranger could help end the war. And why her superiors might want to stop him.
Starship captain. Warrior.
After years of intensive training, Nymeera has reached the rank of captain in record time. She is awarded command of a small stealth vessel—the Echo. Around them, war with a hostile alien species is heating up, but rather than being sent to the front lines, her superiors order her to explore the Centauri Nebula. A part of space no human has ever gone... or so the history books had led her to believe.
On the way to the nebula, her ship encounters a five-hundred-year-old vessel adrift in space. And inside? A man who is still alive.
Desperate to find out who he is and what secrets he's hiding, Nymeera decides to keep the man on board, despite the fact that doing so violates direct orders from her superiors.
If she's wrong, she could lose her command and all she's worked for. But the more she learns, the more she wonders if this mysterious stranger could help end the war. And why her superiors might want to stop him.
- GenresSpace Opera
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2024
15 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 28, 2024
Excellent sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is fascinating, the crew of the Echo are likeable, and the story is gripping with unexpected, sometimes shocking, twists. Ny and Alex are excellent narrators, and believable characters with flaws and problems. The romance is believable. I read Stranger in KU but will buy it to reread.
The worldbuilding is fascinating, the crew of the Echo are likeable, and the story is gripping with unexpected, sometimes shocking, twists. Ny and Alex are excellent narrators, and believable characters with flaws and problems. The romance is believable. I read Stranger in KU but will buy it to reread.
April 21, 2024
Star Trek fans, this one's for you! I had the pleasure of ARC reading this story, and books like these are why I love being an ARC reader. I read this book in one sitting.
I am going to acknowledge my bias for this review because space opera books/movies are my favorite of all the sub-genres.
This story is set in the distant future and follows starship captain and warrior Nymeera Astrea Jones as she commands her ship called the Echo. Humans have been exploring the cosmos for hundreds of years, searching for planets that can sustain life after Earth nearly became uninhabitable. As humans from Earth developed their space tech and explored further, they began to encounter different civilizations of beings that were equally curious about humans. Some races of beings became allies and trade partners, while others have become adversaries.
At the time of this story, things are heating up between the alliance, a group of planets including Earth along with several alien races, and a race of aliens called the Fayans. Captain Nymeera is charged with exploring a nebula in a part of space humans haven't charted yet. When they get there, they discover too late that there is a reason outsiders aren't allowed near the nebula, and it causes even more tension with the Fayans.
While they are at this nebula, they discover an exploration ship from Earth that had gone missing over 500 years prior, floating adrift in space near the nebula. The ship is dark and appears to be without power, but when Nymeera and her crew begin exploring, they discover one of the cryopods still has someone inside alive.
Nymeera also discovers the powers that command her are keeping secrets about the ship, and she decides to go against their orders and rescue the man anyway, knowing that keeping him alive might mean losing everything she's worked for.
As the story unfolds, we learn about this man and his secret mission as he grapples with waking up 500 years in the future with very few memories. Nymeera's crew is a mix of different alien races and we get to learn about them and their abilities and cultures. There's political unrest and conflicts, and a slow-burn romance as Nymeera and the stranger get to know each other.
I'm not going to spoil what happens, but during an action sequence Nymeera makes a decision that shows what a badass warrior she is and why she was made captain of her own starship.
I recommend this book to fans of sci-fi space adventures with aliens and future tech. I'm very excited for book two, I'm looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
I am going to acknowledge my bias for this review because space opera books/movies are my favorite of all the sub-genres.
This story is set in the distant future and follows starship captain and warrior Nymeera Astrea Jones as she commands her ship called the Echo. Humans have been exploring the cosmos for hundreds of years, searching for planets that can sustain life after Earth nearly became uninhabitable. As humans from Earth developed their space tech and explored further, they began to encounter different civilizations of beings that were equally curious about humans. Some races of beings became allies and trade partners, while others have become adversaries.
At the time of this story, things are heating up between the alliance, a group of planets including Earth along with several alien races, and a race of aliens called the Fayans. Captain Nymeera is charged with exploring a nebula in a part of space humans haven't charted yet. When they get there, they discover too late that there is a reason outsiders aren't allowed near the nebula, and it causes even more tension with the Fayans.
While they are at this nebula, they discover an exploration ship from Earth that had gone missing over 500 years prior, floating adrift in space near the nebula. The ship is dark and appears to be without power, but when Nymeera and her crew begin exploring, they discover one of the cryopods still has someone inside alive.
Nymeera also discovers the powers that command her are keeping secrets about the ship, and she decides to go against their orders and rescue the man anyway, knowing that keeping him alive might mean losing everything she's worked for.
As the story unfolds, we learn about this man and his secret mission as he grapples with waking up 500 years in the future with very few memories. Nymeera's crew is a mix of different alien races and we get to learn about them and their abilities and cultures. There's political unrest and conflicts, and a slow-burn romance as Nymeera and the stranger get to know each other.
I'm not going to spoil what happens, but during an action sequence Nymeera makes a decision that shows what a badass warrior she is and why she was made captain of her own starship.
I recommend this book to fans of sci-fi space adventures with aliens and future tech. I'm very excited for book two, I'm looking forward to reading more of this authors work.
April 29, 2024
Sarcasm:
I don't want to talk about how this reminded me of watching Star Trek Voyager back in the 90's when it was new.
I don't want to talk about reading Alex's chapters of the soul crushing weight of waking up 500 years after he was supposed to and it making me cry big fat tears.
Or how much I LOVE Tinnie.
Or how much I loved the slow realization of liking someone but also having to navigate a professional work presence.
Can't even begin to think about the aliens and the revelations about the nebula!
Love that they basically instigated a [redacted].
And I absolutely don't trust Ru...he gives me ulterior motives energy...
Ok? Ok.
I don't want to talk about how this reminded me of watching Star Trek Voyager back in the 90's when it was new.
I don't want to talk about reading Alex's chapters of the soul crushing weight of waking up 500 years after he was supposed to and it making me cry big fat tears.
Or how much I LOVE Tinnie.
Or how much I loved the slow realization of liking someone but also having to navigate a professional work presence.
Can't even begin to think about the aliens and the revelations about the nebula!
Love that they basically instigated a [redacted].
And I absolutely don't trust Ru...he gives me ulterior motives energy...
Ok? Ok.
March 27, 2024
My first space opera and I’m ready for more! I’ve been anxiously awaiting Shazara Brooks debut novel Stranger in the Pod since I first saw it on TikTok months ago. A space opera with slow burn romance and plenty of space fantasy with different species and a mysterious nebula full of secrets. Safe to say I fell in love with this book, I found it entertaining and loved the epilogue especially. Looking forward to future adventures of Captain Jones!
April 21, 2024
Really an intriguing story!! It was a good sci-fi that reminded me of Star Trek and I’m here for it! The world building was good. The action and the suspense of things kept me on my toes. I’m truly invested in the story and the characters! Very curious to see what’s in the future for the characters.
My favorite character is Captain Jones! She is a good Captain and cares for her crew. She is a total baddie too!!
My favorite character is Captain Jones! She is a good Captain and cares for her crew. She is a total baddie too!!
July 23, 2024
Stranger in the Pod felt like a love letter to Star Trek, and would be perfect for anyone wanting that vibe in book form. On top of that, it was a really easy read with an engaging story and a likeable cast of characters (by the end, I had multiple favorites).
Can't wait for the sequel!
Can't wait for the sequel!
May 17, 2024
Another Sci-Fi read??? Who am I??? I loved this story! I can’t wait for the next one. Shazara did such an amazing job at tugging at my heart strings. The interactions of Alex and the videos from his sister. That EPILOGUE!?! The twist!?!? I have so many questions, so many theories. I need the other books immediately!
April 30, 2024
Not sure if I can convey here how much I loved this book. Space isn’t usually a topic I choose, but this story was so worth it.
Brave starship Capitan Nymeera and her crew honestly seem to invite you to fly with them on their journey. They’re all written so well that reading Stranger in the Pod is like joining an in progress conversation and not feeling left out.
The action scenes were intense and the twists were absolutely unexpected. I adored the relationships that were formed and can’t wait to read the next installment.
Brave starship Capitan Nymeera and her crew honestly seem to invite you to fly with them on their journey. They’re all written so well that reading Stranger in the Pod is like joining an in progress conversation and not feeling left out.
The action scenes were intense and the twists were absolutely unexpected. I adored the relationships that were formed and can’t wait to read the next installment.
May 12, 2024
Fun, enjoyable sci fi story
Fun, enjoyable sci fi story with interesting characters. A crew finds an abandoned ship with a working sleep pod containing a man asleep for 500 years. He has information that leads the crew to startling discoveries. Looking forward to the next book.
Fun, enjoyable sci fi story with interesting characters. A crew finds an abandoned ship with a working sleep pod containing a man asleep for 500 years. He has information that leads the crew to startling discoveries. Looking forward to the next book.
June 26, 2024
A must read for Sci-fi fans!
If anyone is a Star Trek fan or loves The Expanse or the Mass Effect series of games, this has all the vibes you’re looking for! This book has reignited my love for the genre and I can’t wait to read the next one!
If anyone is a Star Trek fan or loves The Expanse or the Mass Effect series of games, this has all the vibes you’re looking for! This book has reignited my love for the genre and I can’t wait to read the next one!
April 14, 2024
I seem this cover on TikTok & immediately knew I wanted to read it. I love a good sci-fi romance but here lately I’ve not been able to find any in my kind of style. The light hearted feels, all the funny little quirks of the characters, the back n forth banter, all within an awesome mysterious space adventure. Well this was all of that & more!😍I love the characters so so much! *WARNING SPOILER ALERT AHEAD* My mind was blown 🤯 at the tradition of Doctor Tximeleta & his people. How he can share a fraction of Alex’s pain with all the other’s so that they can better understand how he’s feeling & to help ease his grief, that was just amazing! It was just one of my fav parts of this story.🥰& then, what took place about 85% way into this book up to the ending😨shocked me! I totally didn’t see that coming & so I’m telling you; If you’re looking to get into sci-fi this book makes for a fantastic start. I really can’t wait to read more of Shazara’s Books💞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2024
“I paused for a moment outside the door, strangely excited to meet the man who had slept through time.”
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an intriguing story with good world building! I think there could definitely be more information on the different species and history of the universe, but I do think the second book with go into those things more.
It was slow at times and there were some inconsistencies. But, overall I wanted to keep reading to know more and I really connected with the characters. The ending was also a good twist that I didn’t see coming!
I’m excited to see what happens in the next book!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an intriguing story with good world building! I think there could definitely be more information on the different species and history of the universe, but I do think the second book with go into those things more.
It was slow at times and there were some inconsistencies. But, overall I wanted to keep reading to know more and I really connected with the characters. The ending was also a good twist that I didn’t see coming!
I’m excited to see what happens in the next book!
December 30, 2024
In Stranger in the Pod: The Secrets of the Nebula Series, Shazara Brooks has written a solid debut of an interesting and intriguing new sci-fi universe. The Alliance has sent the crew of the starship Echo, captained by Nymeera Jones, to explore a mysterious nebula. However, unknown to the crew, the Alliance has ulterior motives and when the Echo discovers the long-lost ship, the Explorer, the pressure mounts to keep their discovery secret. Even when a survivor is found in a cryopod, still alive after a 500 year sleep! With some obvious Star Trek influences (in a good way) the crew of different alien races come together to uncover the menacing agenda of the Alliance and just how important it is to keep hidden. The story is character-driven, featuring a slow-burn romance between Nymeera and the survivor, but also focusses on the tension between individual goals and obligations and secrets among the characters. It builds to a surprising conclusion that is a superb set-up for what may follow. I hope to see more in-depth revelations about the various aliens and the Alliance in the books to come.
September 16, 2024
This is one of the most fun books I have read in a long time. This is an excellent first book on this series. It starts out with them finding a lost ship with a person who has been sleeping for several hundreds of years and has memory lost. The adventure and instriege that the author sets up is excellent and leaves you wanting more
April 12, 2024
As a lifelong Star Trek fan, I was thrilled to be part of the ARC team for this book. Although I rarely participate in ARC reading, I knew I had to get my hands on this novel as soon as possible.
From the very first page, this book felt like coming home. It immediately evoked memories of watching my favorite episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation during my childhood. However, the author manages to maintain a unique voice and crafts an original story that stands on its own merits.
The protagonist, Nymeera, is the kind of strong, kick-butt female main character I adore. As the captain of her own ship, she leads with pride and honesty - a trait I truly admire in her character. Nymeera's unwavering integrity is a refreshing and endearing quality.
The Stranger, whose name is initially withheld, is an incredibly lovable character. I'm eagerly anticipating the development of Nymeera and the Stranger's relationship and the exciting plot points it will undoubtedly bring to the story.
However, my favorite character has to be Tinnie, a towering 7-foot-tall individual with a heart of gold. Tinnie's gentle nature and endearing personality make them an instant favorite, adding depth and warmth to the story.
In conclusion, this book is a must-read for any science fiction fan, especially those with a fondness for the Star Trek universe. The author's ability to pay homage to the beloved franchise while creating a captivating and original narrative is truly impressive. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store.
From the very first page, this book felt like coming home. It immediately evoked memories of watching my favorite episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation during my childhood. However, the author manages to maintain a unique voice and crafts an original story that stands on its own merits.
The protagonist, Nymeera, is the kind of strong, kick-butt female main character I adore. As the captain of her own ship, she leads with pride and honesty - a trait I truly admire in her character. Nymeera's unwavering integrity is a refreshing and endearing quality.
The Stranger, whose name is initially withheld, is an incredibly lovable character. I'm eagerly anticipating the development of Nymeera and the Stranger's relationship and the exciting plot points it will undoubtedly bring to the story.
However, my favorite character has to be Tinnie, a towering 7-foot-tall individual with a heart of gold. Tinnie's gentle nature and endearing personality make them an instant favorite, adding depth and warmth to the story.
In conclusion, this book is a must-read for any science fiction fan, especially those with a fondness for the Star Trek universe. The author's ability to pay homage to the beloved franchise while creating a captivating and original narrative is truly impressive. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store.
April 9, 2024
First impression: The artwork and interior was STUNNING. All of it. Beautiful. Obsessed. Even on my kindle! This was a fun read and I feel like it would be a great intro into Space Operas for anyone that's new to the genre. It was lighthearted and made me smile a lot. There were absolutely moments that made me stop and say "oh snap" and I loved that! It started and ended on exciting notes. The love interests coming together was super cute. Alex gave me golden retriever vibes in all the best ways. I feel like fans of Star Trek and Aurora Rising would like this book. I'm excited to see what Shazara Brooks comes out with next and I simply can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
December 17, 2025
There may be a good idea in there, but the execution is more like that of a very early draft. There are so many inconsistencies, repetitions, and the plot demands more suspension of disbelief than I could offer. And despite me hating "show" and loving "tell"... This was even a bit too much tell for me. Or rather too much sudden "I was scared" when they had just been making jokes, hanging out,... There are too many sudden statements of emotion that come out of the blue, when there was no hint of them before.
Also gosh, Nymeera and Alex are annoying. Stop swooning like teenagers, you have a mission.
Also gosh, Nymeera and Alex are annoying. Stop swooning like teenagers, you have a mission.
April 5, 2024
I loved this book! I feel the writer had a wonderful way of describing things and the dialogue flowed easily. The story itself had that slow burn and sweet type of love. The writer did a great job of describing the worlds and the characters. I love that the writer also included the correct ways to pronounce names and places. Writer gave insight and struggles of being a leader and being a woman leader. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
September 17, 2024
2.5*. DNF. I am not sure why this book got such high ratings... In my opinion it was OK nothing more. I felt that Alex and Nymeera were not well developed and one dimensional. The book felt like a spin off from a previous series and I felt I was missing history. As a result, I found it difficult to get invested in the plot and lost interest.
June 12, 2025
I absolutely love this book. The story and concept are so unique, and I really fell in love with the characters. Shazara Brooks does a wonderful job of weaving a story together and making you believe it. I was so into this book that I didn't want it to end and couldn't wait to see what happened. I can't wait to read more from this author.
May 8, 2024
A great read for any sci-fi and Star Trek fans!
When a dormant ship is found floating in space with only one person left alive, the Captain of the Echo decides to save him, sparking an extra adventure for her and her crew as they realise there's more to the Alliance than they let on...
When a dormant ship is found floating in space with only one person left alive, the Captain of the Echo decides to save him, sparking an extra adventure for her and her crew as they realise there's more to the Alliance than they let on...
February 7, 2025
Stranger in the Pod was what I was looking for in a space opera. It had a good amount of adventure and mystery. The banter between the characters was fun. I'm curious to read about what happens to the crew next.
May 15, 2024
I was so intrigued and immediately pulled into this heartfelt, mysterious, and fun scifi with a large cast of lovable, interesting characters! This was a quick, fun read that had fascinating worldbuilding and a really awesome batch of characters. The dual POV was great and I liked the MCs a lot, as well as the ship crew.
I am excited for the next book from this author! Great debut.
I am excited for the next book from this author! Great debut.
September 16, 2024
Okay but I loved this - a space drama that's well written, well paced and fun :)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews