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Orbital Strain: A Sci-fi Suspense Thriller
Alone in space, years from rescue, and everyone she knows has vanished.
After establishing a new colony on the near-barren planet, Janis IV, a rumor has spread through the Celestus research starship of a mysterious energy signature bound for the star system. Despite the strict control of information aboard, whispers of dread and curiosity churn amongst the crew.
Amidst the rising tension, Dr. Beth Adler is thrust into an urgent medical mystery when an unconscious engineer is transferred from the planet’s surface into her care. Initial tests are baffling—no apparent injuries, yet the patient remains in a vegetative state. Further investigation reveals eyewitness accounts contradict the official incident report regarding the engineer’s mission, exo-colony authorization, and condition found.
The day the patient finally awakens, he attempts to escape the medical wing, injuring staff and security with unnatural strength. However, Beth stands in his way, ready with an extra-potent sedative.
Beth opens her eyes to darkness, sealed in an unpowered, isolated chamber. The last thing she remembers is blood and pain. Her fragmented memories refuse to fill the missing time. She escapes captivity only to discover the Celestus drifts in a decaying orbit, its mangled corridors silent, its crew gone.
Navigating through the wreckage for clues and survivors, Beth confronts the remnants of disaster and the haunting specter of betrayal. Every deck deepens the mystery, revealing a conspiracy threatening her and the missing crew's lives.
Orbital Strain is a journey into the unknown, where the survival of a colony hangs by a thread and trust is as scarce as the light of distant stars. Join Dr. Beth Adler as she uncovers the fate of the Celestus and her crew, while fighting for her own survival against forces both cosmic and sinister.
After establishing a new colony on the near-barren planet, Janis IV, a rumor has spread through the Celestus research starship of a mysterious energy signature bound for the star system. Despite the strict control of information aboard, whispers of dread and curiosity churn amongst the crew.
Amidst the rising tension, Dr. Beth Adler is thrust into an urgent medical mystery when an unconscious engineer is transferred from the planet’s surface into her care. Initial tests are baffling—no apparent injuries, yet the patient remains in a vegetative state. Further investigation reveals eyewitness accounts contradict the official incident report regarding the engineer’s mission, exo-colony authorization, and condition found.
The day the patient finally awakens, he attempts to escape the medical wing, injuring staff and security with unnatural strength. However, Beth stands in his way, ready with an extra-potent sedative.
Beth opens her eyes to darkness, sealed in an unpowered, isolated chamber. The last thing she remembers is blood and pain. Her fragmented memories refuse to fill the missing time. She escapes captivity only to discover the Celestus drifts in a decaying orbit, its mangled corridors silent, its crew gone.
Navigating through the wreckage for clues and survivors, Beth confronts the remnants of disaster and the haunting specter of betrayal. Every deck deepens the mystery, revealing a conspiracy threatening her and the missing crew's lives.
Orbital Strain is a journey into the unknown, where the survival of a colony hangs by a thread and trust is as scarce as the light of distant stars. Join Dr. Beth Adler as she uncovers the fate of the Celestus and her crew, while fighting for her own survival against forces both cosmic and sinister.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
8 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 14, 2024
A fun fast read that’s richly paced and engaging throughout. Great refresh from some of the longer stuff I’m reading at the moment. Some interesting tech and a main character that finds herself in a survival situation with an amazing resolution.
March 15, 2024
Amazing
The story is set in the future and follows Beth, who changes from a human to a robot and faces many challenges because of this change. It makes readers think about what makes us human and the choices we have to make in life.
Beth's character is well-developed. We see her struggle and grow, especially as she deals with being in a robot body. Other characters, like Devin, help show themes like friendship and love.
The story also makes us think about right and wrong, especially with the use of dangerous science and how big companies can make bad choices. But, the story could have given more details about the world it's set in and why things are happening.
Sometimes the story moves too fast, and we don't get enough time to understand everything. Also, there's a lot of scientific language that might be hard for some readers.
The ending of the story is hopeful but doesn't answer all the questions, making readers think about what might happen next.
it's an interesting story that mixes future technology with big life questions. It could be easier to understand with less technical talk and more background information. But it does a good job showing how Beth and her friends deal with big changes and tough choices.
The story is set in the future and follows Beth, who changes from a human to a robot and faces many challenges because of this change. It makes readers think about what makes us human and the choices we have to make in life.
Beth's character is well-developed. We see her struggle and grow, especially as she deals with being in a robot body. Other characters, like Devin, help show themes like friendship and love.
The story also makes us think about right and wrong, especially with the use of dangerous science and how big companies can make bad choices. But, the story could have given more details about the world it's set in and why things are happening.
Sometimes the story moves too fast, and we don't get enough time to understand everything. Also, there's a lot of scientific language that might be hard for some readers.
The ending of the story is hopeful but doesn't answer all the questions, making readers think about what might happen next.
it's an interesting story that mixes future technology with big life questions. It could be easier to understand with less technical talk and more background information. But it does a good job showing how Beth and her friends deal with big changes and tough choices.
March 27, 2025
Really good
I was impressed with the writers actual writing style and the front cover was good too. The book was engaging and written well.
I was impressed with the writers actual writing style and the front cover was good too. The book was engaging and written well.
March 6, 2024
Keeps Pages Turning
"Orbital Strain" is an electrifying science fiction thriller that plunges readers into the depths of isolation, mystery, and suspense. With its masterful blend of hard science fiction and gripping psychological drama, this novel is a compelling journey into the unknown.
The story follows Dr. Beth Adler, a character crafted with remarkable depth and resilience, who becomes an unwitting detective in a plot filled with sabotage, betrayal, and unseen dangers. The author skillfully intertwines the bleakness of space with the raw human emotions of fear, determination, and hope, making Beth's odyssey not just a fight for survival but a quest for truth.
Set against the haunting backdrop of the Celestus research vessel and a mysterious new planet, the narrative unfolds with expert pacing, each chapter peeling away layers of the mystery while heightening the suspense. The attention to scientific detail adds a layer of realism that will satisfy aficionados of the genre, while the human drama keeps the story accessible and compelling to all readers.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to balance the vast, intimidating setting of space with intimate, human moments. Beth's struggles, both internal and external, are portrayed with a sensitivity and complexity that pull the reader deeply into her plight. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations that weave together into a rich tapestry of intrigue.
The twists and turns of the plot are executed with precision, leading to a conclusion that is both satisfying and thought-provoking. This book is not just a journey through the stars but a deep dive into the essence of humanity.
It is a book that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page, a standout addition to the science fiction genre that is not to be missed.
"Orbital Strain" is an electrifying science fiction thriller that plunges readers into the depths of isolation, mystery, and suspense. With its masterful blend of hard science fiction and gripping psychological drama, this novel is a compelling journey into the unknown.
The story follows Dr. Beth Adler, a character crafted with remarkable depth and resilience, who becomes an unwitting detective in a plot filled with sabotage, betrayal, and unseen dangers. The author skillfully intertwines the bleakness of space with the raw human emotions of fear, determination, and hope, making Beth's odyssey not just a fight for survival but a quest for truth.
Set against the haunting backdrop of the Celestus research vessel and a mysterious new planet, the narrative unfolds with expert pacing, each chapter peeling away layers of the mystery while heightening the suspense. The attention to scientific detail adds a layer of realism that will satisfy aficionados of the genre, while the human drama keeps the story accessible and compelling to all readers.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to balance the vast, intimidating setting of space with intimate, human moments. Beth's struggles, both internal and external, are portrayed with a sensitivity and complexity that pull the reader deeply into her plight. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each with their own secrets and motivations that weave together into a rich tapestry of intrigue.
The twists and turns of the plot are executed with precision, leading to a conclusion that is both satisfying and thought-provoking. This book is not just a journey through the stars but a deep dive into the essence of humanity.
It is a book that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page, a standout addition to the science fiction genre that is not to be missed.
November 8, 2024
Great Read!
Imagine waking up in the middle of deep space, where silence is broken only by the ominous echo of “Quarantine breach” and the realization that you’re the last one standing on a disintegrating ship. Orbital Strain plunges readers into an atmosphere of cosmic dread that’s gripping from the very first page.
Dr. Beth Adler’s journey aboard the starship Celestus is more than just a fight for survival—it’s a descent into the heart of human endurance and vulnerability. The dark, decaying corridors of the Celestus are beautifully sinister, reflecting the suspenseful, slow unraveling of Beth’s fight for answers as she contends with forces both internal and cosmic.
The book raises powerful questions about what lengths we would go to in order to survive and what it means to be truly alone, yet tethered to the hope of rescue or maybe, to nothing at all. It’s a must-read for anyone craving a well-crafted blend of sci-fi, psychological intrigue, and the deep chill of space.
Imagine waking up in the middle of deep space, where silence is broken only by the ominous echo of “Quarantine breach” and the realization that you’re the last one standing on a disintegrating ship. Orbital Strain plunges readers into an atmosphere of cosmic dread that’s gripping from the very first page.
Dr. Beth Adler’s journey aboard the starship Celestus is more than just a fight for survival—it’s a descent into the heart of human endurance and vulnerability. The dark, decaying corridors of the Celestus are beautifully sinister, reflecting the suspenseful, slow unraveling of Beth’s fight for answers as she contends with forces both internal and cosmic.
The book raises powerful questions about what lengths we would go to in order to survive and what it means to be truly alone, yet tethered to the hope of rescue or maybe, to nothing at all. It’s a must-read for anyone craving a well-crafted blend of sci-fi, psychological intrigue, and the deep chill of space.
February 12, 2025
Orbital Strain by Russell D. Jones is a fast-paced, suspenseful, page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. The main character, Beth, is a compelling, well-developed protagonist that I was totally vested in and rooting for as she navigates her way thru all the twists and turns of this compelling story. The book should satisfy fans of science fiction and anyone who enjoys an intelligent, thought-provoking tale. Two thumbs way up. Bravo Mr. Russell! I can't wait to see what comes next from this highly-talented author.
March 22, 2025
Orbital Strain: A Journey of Survival and Truth Amidst Space's Isolation
It’s a thrilling sci-fi novel that mixes hard science fiction with a deep psychological storyline. Dr. Beth Adler, who faces sabotage and betrayal in the isolation of space. With a focus on human emotions and a backdrop of a mysterious space vessel and planet, the story unfolds with suspense and detailed scientific elements. The characters are richly developed, driving the narrative towards a thought-provoking conclusion. It's a compact, engaging exploration of survival, truth, and humanity.
It’s a thrilling sci-fi novel that mixes hard science fiction with a deep psychological storyline. Dr. Beth Adler, who faces sabotage and betrayal in the isolation of space. With a focus on human emotions and a backdrop of a mysterious space vessel and planet, the story unfolds with suspense and detailed scientific elements. The characters are richly developed, driving the narrative towards a thought-provoking conclusion. It's a compact, engaging exploration of survival, truth, and humanity.
March 22, 2025
A Gripping and Atmospheric Sci-Fi Adventure
I was blown away by the author's vivid descriptions of the Celestus colony starship and its eerie, decaying environments. The pacing is expertly handled, with a steady stream of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Dr. Beth Adler is a complex and relatable protagonist, and her journey is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating
I was blown away by the author's vivid descriptions of the Celestus colony starship and its eerie, decaying environments. The pacing is expertly handled, with a steady stream of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Dr. Beth Adler is a complex and relatable protagonist, and her journey is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating
March 22, 2025
Worth your time!
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel and was amazed at how polished and engaging the story was. Orbital Strain masterfully combines elements of science fiction, mystery, and conspiracy theories into one captivating read. The plot is gripping, keeping me hooked until the very end. While there were a handful of grammatical errors, they were minor and didn’t distract from the sheer enjoyment of this creative and well-crafted story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel and was amazed at how polished and engaging the story was. Orbital Strain masterfully combines elements of science fiction, mystery, and conspiracy theories into one captivating read. The plot is gripping, keeping me hooked until the very end. While there were a handful of grammatical errors, they were minor and didn’t distract from the sheer enjoyment of this creative and well-crafted story.
March 25, 2025
Haunting Space Thriller with Twists You Won’t See Coming
Russell Jones delivers a pulse-pounding, immersive sci-fi mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. The decaying Celestus is as much a character as Beth herself, and the story expertly balances survival, conspiracy, and cosmic horror. The final revelations hit hard, making this an unforgettable read for any sci-fi enthusiast.
Russell Jones delivers a pulse-pounding, immersive sci-fi mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. The decaying Celestus is as much a character as Beth herself, and the story expertly balances survival, conspiracy, and cosmic horror. The final revelations hit hard, making this an unforgettable read for any sci-fi enthusiast.
March 1, 2024
I loved it. Thought it was incredibly well written and gave me vibes of some of my favorite sci-fi shows. Definitely would recommend for anyone interested in the genre. Reads quickly without lacking substance.
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June 5, 2024Space opera. The Disaster of alien DNA merging with Earth DNA, there are many obstacles to survival, it is an experiment by off-planet administrators. borrowed this edition on May 20, 2024. Kindle Unlimited Books. Obstacle.
January 12, 2025
Wow, absolutely wow
The content is well-documented and contains thought-provoking concepts. It's impossible to predict the twists and turns. A science fiction book must have the correct amount of action.
The content is well-documented and contains thought-provoking concepts. It's impossible to predict the twists and turns. A science fiction book must have the correct amount of action.
November 13, 2024
Fun and fast paced.
Well researched and full of thought provoking concepts, twists and turns. Just what a sci fi book should do for its reader.
Well researched and full of thought provoking concepts, twists and turns. Just what a sci fi book should do for its reader.
August 18, 2024
What a riveting read this is. From the beginning, I was drawn into the story with the set up and the characters. The book is both a mystery and a thriller, keeping the reader engaqgaed through Beth's eyes through the entire story. It's well done with Beth and the only other active creature on the ship, the cat, drawing you into the mystery of what happened and what can Beth do to save her crewmates, many of whom are in cryo-stasis and others in the colony on the planet. This book keeps you guessing all the way.
The author has done a great job with world building and maintaining the tension in the story. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi thriller. I read an early version of this book and still purchased a copy.
The author has done a great job with world building and maintaining the tension in the story. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi thriller. I read an early version of this book and still purchased a copy.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews