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ARGO: Book 1
After being dishonorably discharged from the Alliance Space Force for failing to follow orders, Captain Justin Rogers and his uniquely unique robot friend Argo have hard choices to make. It wasn't just his faith that kept Justin from destroying a ship full of innocent religious refugees, who his commanders insisted were ruthless pirates. Still, in his heart of hearts, Justin knew he had to take a stand and couldn't let these Solar Alliance atrocities continue. After the destruction of his promising military career and six months in an Alliance Martian lock-up, Justin returns to the family business, inheriting his family's aging, century-old space freighter, the USFA Independence.
The Independence, or the Flying Dutchman, as some have come to call it, has a reputation as a ghost ship, having been found abandoned years earlier after Justin's father, grandfather, and crew mysteriously disappeared without a trace while transporting a secret cargo of ancient Martian artifacts. Justin and Argo are sure these artifacts hold the key to his family's disappearance and could very well be the key to defeating the evil Romanesque Solar Alliance or could threaten the destruction of life as we know it!
Now, against all odds, Captain Rogers, his wisecracking robot Argo, and their rag-tag crew of newly found friends must pit their aging space freighter against the full force of the Solar Alliance Stealth fleet! If successful, their heroic actions may save their home on Ceres Prime and possibly Earth, Mars, and the Universe itself!
The Independence, or the Flying Dutchman, as some have come to call it, has a reputation as a ghost ship, having been found abandoned years earlier after Justin's father, grandfather, and crew mysteriously disappeared without a trace while transporting a secret cargo of ancient Martian artifacts. Justin and Argo are sure these artifacts hold the key to his family's disappearance and could very well be the key to defeating the evil Romanesque Solar Alliance or could threaten the destruction of life as we know it!
Now, against all odds, Captain Rogers, his wisecracking robot Argo, and their rag-tag crew of newly found friends must pit their aging space freighter against the full force of the Solar Alliance Stealth fleet! If successful, their heroic actions may save their home on Ceres Prime and possibly Earth, Mars, and the Universe itself!
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 7, 2026
I recently picked up Argo: Book 1 – The Ceres Prime Incident by Eric Ebert Smith, and honestly, it pulled me into a thrilling sci-fi ride from the very first page. I love stories that mix action with emotions, and this book gave me both. It felt like stepping into a vast universe filled with danger, mystery, and tough choices.
As I followed Captain Justin Rogers and his witty robot companion Argo, I felt deeply connected to their journey. Justin’s decision to stand against his own commanders to save innocent lives really stood out to me—it showed courage and strong morals. The story becomes even more gripping when he returns to his family’s mysterious ship, the USFA Independence, which carries secrets about his missing family and strange Martian artifacts. Every chapter made me more curious about what really happened.
I feel Eric Ebert Smith has done a great job creating a detailed and imaginative world. The way he blends space adventure with emotional depth made the story feel real and engaging for me. His writing style is simple yet powerful, which made it easy for me to stay hooked throughout the book.
What I loved most is how the book balances action, mystery, and friendship. The bond between Justin and Argo added humor and warmth, while the bigger conflict with the Solar Alliance kept the tension high. If you enjoy space adventures, hidden secrets, and heroic journeys, I truly think you’ll enjoy this one.
Overall, I found this book to be an exciting and meaningful read that left me wanting more. It feels like just the beginning of a much bigger story, and I’m really curious to see what happens next. If you’re looking for a sci-fi book with heart and adventure, this is definitely worth picking up!
As I followed Captain Justin Rogers and his witty robot companion Argo, I felt deeply connected to their journey. Justin’s decision to stand against his own commanders to save innocent lives really stood out to me—it showed courage and strong morals. The story becomes even more gripping when he returns to his family’s mysterious ship, the USFA Independence, which carries secrets about his missing family and strange Martian artifacts. Every chapter made me more curious about what really happened.
I feel Eric Ebert Smith has done a great job creating a detailed and imaginative world. The way he blends space adventure with emotional depth made the story feel real and engaging for me. His writing style is simple yet powerful, which made it easy for me to stay hooked throughout the book.
What I loved most is how the book balances action, mystery, and friendship. The bond between Justin and Argo added humor and warmth, while the bigger conflict with the Solar Alliance kept the tension high. If you enjoy space adventures, hidden secrets, and heroic journeys, I truly think you’ll enjoy this one.
Overall, I found this book to be an exciting and meaningful read that left me wanting more. It feels like just the beginning of a much bigger story, and I’m really curious to see what happens next. If you’re looking for a sci-fi book with heart and adventure, this is definitely worth picking up!
June 18, 2026
I picked up Argo: The Ceres Prime Incident expecting a fast-paced science fiction adventure, but I ended up getting something with much more depth than I anticipated. Eric Ebert Smith does a great job of balancing futuristic technology with believable characters, creating a story that feels grounded even as it explores the unknown.
One of the things I appreciated most was the world-building. The setting is detailed without becoming overwhelming, and the author gradually reveals information in a way that keeps the reader engaged rather than overloaded. The mystery surrounding the events on Ceres Prime unfolds at a satisfying pace, with enough twists to keep me guessing and enough action to maintain momentum.
The characters also stood out to me. They aren't portrayed as flawless heroes but as people dealing with impossible situations, making difficult decisions under pressure. Their interactions felt natural, and I found myself genuinely invested in what would happen to them as the story progressed.
What really impressed me was the sense of scale. The novel captures the excitement and uncertainty of space exploration while still focusing on the personal stakes of those involved. There’s a nice blend of suspense, discovery, and thought-provoking ideas that gives the story more substance than a typical action-driven sci-fi novel.
Overall, Argo: The Ceres Prime Incident is a strong start to what promises to be an engaging series. If you enjoy science fiction that combines compelling mysteries, immersive world-building, and relatable characters with plenty of tension, this book is well worth your time. I finished it eager to see where the Argo saga goes next.
One of the things I appreciated most was the world-building. The setting is detailed without becoming overwhelming, and the author gradually reveals information in a way that keeps the reader engaged rather than overloaded. The mystery surrounding the events on Ceres Prime unfolds at a satisfying pace, with enough twists to keep me guessing and enough action to maintain momentum.
The characters also stood out to me. They aren't portrayed as flawless heroes but as people dealing with impossible situations, making difficult decisions under pressure. Their interactions felt natural, and I found myself genuinely invested in what would happen to them as the story progressed.
What really impressed me was the sense of scale. The novel captures the excitement and uncertainty of space exploration while still focusing on the personal stakes of those involved. There’s a nice blend of suspense, discovery, and thought-provoking ideas that gives the story more substance than a typical action-driven sci-fi novel.
Overall, Argo: The Ceres Prime Incident is a strong start to what promises to be an engaging series. If you enjoy science fiction that combines compelling mysteries, immersive world-building, and relatable characters with plenty of tension, this book is well worth your time. I finished it eager to see where the Argo saga goes next.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews