Ransome

by David W. Adams

Before the story continues, there's another which must be told... "Space is nothing but a graveyard... "These were the words uttered by leader of the Utopia mission, Admiral Harry Ransome, in the year 2342. It was the last transmission he ever sent. 150 years later, he is discovered on a distant frozen planet, very much alive having barely aged a day. This story tells the tale of what happened to Harry Ransome between the sending of that fateful message and the end of 'Horizon.'

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2024

About the author

David W. Adams is the author of dark and atmospheric novels spanning horror, sci-fi, and dark fantasy. Born in Wolverhampton, England in 1988 and raised in Telford, David took a non-traditional path, leaving formal education to work full-time, before discovering his passion for writing.

His debut collection of haunting short stories was published in early 2021, born from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, his work has been praised for its emotional depth, chilling atmosphere, and cinematic storytelling.

In 2024, his sci-fi horror novel Horizon won AudiobookReviewer.com's award for Best Dystopian Novel, thanks in part to the gripping narration by frequent collaborator Brandon J. Peterson. A partnership that the following year resulted in Emergence winning Best Team Up.

David now lives in Dorset with his wife, Charlotte and their daughter. In addition to writing, he designs book covers and reviews books on YouTube and TikTok, where he shares insights into the craft and the indie publishing world.

Follow this author to stay updated on new releases, projects, and behind-the-scenes content.

Reviews

[Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already a fan of David W Adams works and absolutely loved his sci-fi horror, Horizon, so reading it's prequel whilst I waited for Emergence, book two in the trilogy, was a no-brainer.


Although it's a prequel, Ransome is best enjoyed  after reading Horizon because it ties in and and explains the events leading up to a key point at the end of Horizon... which as such makes leaving reviews with too many details potentially spoiler ridden! However, if you imagine Star Trek crossed with Aliens then you'll have a pretty good idea of the vibe of this book.


100% recommend to any and all sci-fi horror readers. Ransome will keep you turning the pages and clicking preorder for Emergence (or buy depending when you read it) because it not only completes Horizon, it sets you up perfectly for the next book.


🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[C.L. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just completed the proofread for this companion tale / prequel to Horizon. We get to explore the truth of Drusilla's connection to Admiral Ransome and find out how the events in Horizon came to be. I will say that this is not as bloody or terrifying in places as Horizon was, but it still will give you some nightmares - especially that ending!!!!

Ransome is an excellent novel that would make a great introduction to the Frozen Planet Trilogy for those who are unfamiliar with Horizon. I now feel like I need a reread of Horizon to reorient myself with this new information about the characters' backgrounds to try to spot any Easter eggs.

Fans of Star Trek will definitely appreciate the style of David's writing in the way he approaches space travel and battle between ships!

5 stars well deserved, and I am so excited to see how Ransome will be received by new and returning readers alike.

[Emma Braddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prequel to horizon follow harry ransome and his crew in a mind bending adventure into space.
I cannot wait for the last book in this series to be released, I've read this and it's companion cover to cover more than once they're that good

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to book 1 before getting this Prequel, but does not hurt or spoil either of the books. This one just elaborate more of the background story and how things in book 1 actually came about. Narrator does a good job with the various characters and the entire storyline.

[Iain Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be the first person to read Ransome outside the talented David W Adams and his editor, but I won’t let my feeling of privilege sway my thoughts on the book.

In the previous book, Horizon, numerous references to Harry Ransome dot the text. Admiral and commander of the Odyssey, Ransome is an almost mythical character and central to the story. David is writing the sequel to Horizon, with Ransome the prequel in an almost George Lucas style of sequencing. If you haven’t read Horizon (you should) it won’t matter which order you read these two books, this one first, or that one first. Or, if you have one on audiobook and one in text, read them simultaneously. They are more like companion stories than ordered. I have a feeling both feed into the third in the series (second?), it certainly feels like it.

I devoured Ransome in one sitting, like a ravenous creature from the Expanse (if you know, you know), but with fewer razor sharp appendages. I described Horizon as being like Star Trek, attacked by the Xenomorphs from Aliens. That feeling continues here, with the added twist of discovering that leading a united Earth is not a benevolent council, but a deceptive Machiavellian alien with an agenda of revenge. The Picard, Kirk, Pike, Archer of Odyssey, Harry Ransome, is front and centre in this book, and he’s like all of them rolled into one tough nut.

The pace of this book is compelling. It just doesn’t stop. For a second.

I rated Horizon five stars, and this matches it. I can’t wait until we see Harry Ransome and Roman Knight square off in Emergence. Until I do, I take solace in the knowledge I read Ransome first. But I won’t be the last.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received the audiobook from the narrator to review, this is an honest review. Once again Brandon J. Peterson delivers a gorgeous and harrowing performance that elevates author's David W. Adams Ransome to nightmare levels. This is story of of the Utopia program that admiral Harry Ransome finds himself leading the valiant Odyssey into the deepest of space to save humanity before it all collapses. But it every turn, any ally the crew find only ends up delivering continuous pain and grief that's consuming their very souls. And for Harry, what his hardened crew and himself endures is all the more devastating as himself being seduced by vibrantly beautifully alien woman Drucilla sets into motion all of the horrors everyone witnesses. Even for Dru herself is caught up into the hell that this mission she designed to so it the end of it.


The best science fiction horror story that's bristling with visceral descriptions that keeps you captivated.


Highly recommended.

[Iona McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave W. Adams once again blows us away with the unexpected sequel to Horizon. Once again set in the background of space with the premise of a starship's staff attempting a mission to save Earth, Dave hits us with devastating twist and turns - you'll feel as though you're following the starship's journey across the expanse of stars at a hurtling pace. Action packed, thriller based, full of horror and adventure, it's impossible not to love the characters - villains and heros alike.

This was a book IMPOSSIBLE to put down and I flew through the pages. A reader won't be disappointed

[Jenni Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all of David's books I cant wait for another book to become available. We are once again in the company of Harry Ransome, whose name was mentioned in Horizon. We travel with him as he looks for a new home for humanity as the Earth is close to collapse. There are thrills, twists and manipulation in the plot..... need I say more. Get your copy and find out what happens next

[Atlas Creed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good prequel, giving insight into Harry Ransome and his crew and what happened to the Odyssey. The story seemed at times like a rehash of parts of Horizon, which left parts of it feeling predictable. I am very excited to resume where Horizon left off to see what's next for the survivors and stitch up some lingering questions.

[Dean Asquith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent prequel and ‘gap filler’ to the frozen planet series!

This book explores the connection between Drussila and Harry and expands the universe David has created. A superb read with David’s rich sci fi storytelling and gory descriptions!