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Galaxy Raiders #1
Abyss
The riveting and deeply immersive first installment in a new military sci-fi series—pitting amortal humans against a mystifying alien intelligence in a galaxy-spanning conflict—from New York Times bestselling author Ian Douglas.
Centuries in the future, the Galactic Authority reigns over millions of advanced civilizations throughout the cosmos. From deep within the Galactic Core, the Authority’s principal Mind has won the allegiance of myriad nations, offering security, connection, and access to a network of interstellar Gates in exchange for compliance.
While technological advancement has brought interstellar travel and life-extending procedures to Earth, humans are struggling to maintain their sovereignty and cultural identity. The Galactic Authority’s presence and technological prowess looms large, eliciting both awe and apprehension from a human society that finds itself at a crossroads: yield to the allure of advanced alien technologies, or preserve their autonomy in an increasingly fractious cosmic landscape.
Naval captain Alexandra Morrigan has little trust for the Authority, and by all accounts, war is brewing. When the extrasolar colony at Sirius goes silent, suspicions arise that Galactic forces or their proxies are pressuring humankind into submission. To preserve any hope of Earth’s future, Morrigan and the forces she commands will do the unthinkable: travel through the Abyss gate, and make one last stand against the Galactic forces, whose powers may defy comprehension.
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Centuries in the future, the Galactic Authority reigns over millions of advanced civilizations throughout the cosmos. From deep within the Galactic Core, the Authority’s principal Mind has won the allegiance of myriad nations, offering security, connection, and access to a network of interstellar Gates in exchange for compliance.
While technological advancement has brought interstellar travel and life-extending procedures to Earth, humans are struggling to maintain their sovereignty and cultural identity. The Galactic Authority’s presence and technological prowess looms large, eliciting both awe and apprehension from a human society that finds itself at a crossroads: yield to the allure of advanced alien technologies, or preserve their autonomy in an increasingly fractious cosmic landscape.
Naval captain Alexandra Morrigan has little trust for the Authority, and by all accounts, war is brewing. When the extrasolar colony at Sirius goes silent, suspicions arise that Galactic forces or their proxies are pressuring humankind into submission. To preserve any hope of Earth’s future, Morrigan and the forces she commands will do the unthinkable: travel through the Abyss gate, and make one last stand against the Galactic forces, whose powers may defy comprehension.
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- GenresScience FictionFiction
400 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2025
37 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Ian Douglas
100 books574 followersIan Douglas is a pseudonym used by William H. Keith Jr..
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 12, 2026
I really enjoy Ian Douglas's view of our technological future. I've read his Star Carrier series, which I very much enjoyed, and now this one starts another series in a similar manner to that one. I must say that I hope our future does proceed down this path in many ways.
February 25, 2025
Fast paced, hard hitting military scifi! I found this story to be engaging if a little tedious at times with a lot of detail but in the way you expect for a more old school military scifi feel.
I’d be interested to see the series continue and wonder at the end goal. I recommend to those who love epic space battles and alien aggression against humans haha.
My rating: 3.8*
—-
Thanks to NetGalley for this gifted copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I’d be interested to see the series continue and wonder at the end goal. I recommend to those who love epic space battles and alien aggression against humans haha.
My rating: 3.8*
—-
Thanks to NetGalley for this gifted copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
April 18, 2025
Paul di Filippo gives this new mil-sf space opera high marks here:
https://locusmag.com/2025/03/galaxy-r...
Excerpt:
"Douglas has crafted a state-of-the-art space opera that honors the traditions of the past and carries them forward into new realms. Anyone who enjoys the work of Neal Asher will settle down happily here."
This is the review that led me to read the book, by a new-to-me writer, who turns out to be a prolific author of many mil-SF (and other) novels: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William.... I strongly suggest reading that review now.
So. Back already? This is a competent work of commercial fiction. It doesn't always make sense, but it moves right along, and kept me entertained (and occasionally annoyed) for a day. The book gets better towards the end, and pauses at a good stopping point for the promised sequel, which I'll consider reading when it appears. For me, this was a 3.5 star book. Certainly not a classic, and not something I'm likely to reread. But a solid piece of work. If military SF appeals, you should consider this one.
https://locusmag.com/2025/03/galaxy-r...
Excerpt:
"Douglas has crafted a state-of-the-art space opera that honors the traditions of the past and carries them forward into new realms. Anyone who enjoys the work of Neal Asher will settle down happily here."
This is the review that led me to read the book, by a new-to-me writer, who turns out to be a prolific author of many mil-SF (and other) novels: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William.... I strongly suggest reading that review now.
So. Back already? This is a competent work of commercial fiction. It doesn't always make sense, but it moves right along, and kept me entertained (and occasionally annoyed) for a day. The book gets better towards the end, and pauses at a good stopping point for the promised sequel, which I'll consider reading when it appears. For me, this was a 3.5 star book. Certainly not a classic, and not something I'm likely to reread. But a solid piece of work. If military SF appeals, you should consider this one.
October 26, 2025
Another GREAT Military Science Fiction story from my favorite Author and hopefully the start of a new series.
A superior intelligence that dominates the galaxy has it's eye on Earth and not without ill thoughts for humanity.
Captain/Admiral Morrigan is sent out to rattle the intelligence with the idea to make it think it's just too much trouble to dominate Earth.
Great story line and character development make this a MUST READ.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
A superior intelligence that dominates the galaxy has it's eye on Earth and not without ill thoughts for humanity.
Captain/Admiral Morrigan is sent out to rattle the intelligence with the idea to make it think it's just too much trouble to dominate Earth.
Great story line and character development make this a MUST READ.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
December 26, 2025
DNF nach 21%. Die Menschheit hat die galaktische Union getroffen, und die will, dass die Menschen zu Hause bleiben, dafür gibt's tolle Technologien als Belohnung. Aber dann wird eine Kolonie der Menschen zerstört... das Setting hat mich nicht wirklich interessiert.
February 25, 2025
Ian Douglas (https://iancdouglas.com) is the author of nearly half a dozen novels. Galaxy Raiders: Abyss was published earlier this month. It is the 9th book I completed reading in 2025.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to some minor violence, mature situations, and mature language, I categorize this novel as PG.
The setting is the distant future. The Authority is the dominant power in our Galaxy. Because of the long distances, the Authority is slow to react. Now that it has encountered the Earth, it wants to bring it into its folds. There is peace throughout the area ruled by the Authority, but that comes at a cost.
Earth does not want to join the Authority, at least not under the terms the Authority is offering. It does want to have access to the network of interstellar Gates connecting the millions of advanced civilizations that are part of the Authority. They also want the opportunity to trade and have access to Authority technology.
When one of the Authority species, the Veykaar, attacks Earth colonies, there seem to be only three choices. Earth can submit to the Authority. They can reject the Authority, and be isolated to the Solar System. Or they can fight.
US Navy Captain Alexandra Morrigan of the UTS Constellation is assigned to command Task Force Morrigan. The mission is to pass through the gate system and bring the battle to the Authority. The hope is that this will lead to a more agreeable arrangement with the Authority. There is little hope of winning against the might of the Authority but, hopefully, Task Force Morrigan will be enough of an irritant to cause the Authority to settle with Earth.
Beyond all expectations, Task Force Morrigan is successful in its confrontations with Authority forces. The Task Force suffers high casualties, but They continue to make their way deeper into Authority-controlled space.
I enjoyed the 12+ hours reading this 396-page science fiction novel. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4.7 (rounded to 5) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to some minor violence, mature situations, and mature language, I categorize this novel as PG.
The setting is the distant future. The Authority is the dominant power in our Galaxy. Because of the long distances, the Authority is slow to react. Now that it has encountered the Earth, it wants to bring it into its folds. There is peace throughout the area ruled by the Authority, but that comes at a cost.
Earth does not want to join the Authority, at least not under the terms the Authority is offering. It does want to have access to the network of interstellar Gates connecting the millions of advanced civilizations that are part of the Authority. They also want the opportunity to trade and have access to Authority technology.
When one of the Authority species, the Veykaar, attacks Earth colonies, there seem to be only three choices. Earth can submit to the Authority. They can reject the Authority, and be isolated to the Solar System. Or they can fight.
US Navy Captain Alexandra Morrigan of the UTS Constellation is assigned to command Task Force Morrigan. The mission is to pass through the gate system and bring the battle to the Authority. The hope is that this will lead to a more agreeable arrangement with the Authority. There is little hope of winning against the might of the Authority but, hopefully, Task Force Morrigan will be enough of an irritant to cause the Authority to settle with Earth.
Beyond all expectations, Task Force Morrigan is successful in its confrontations with Authority forces. The Task Force suffers high casualties, but They continue to make their way deeper into Authority-controlled space.
I enjoyed the 12+ hours reading this 396-page science fiction novel. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 4.7 (rounded to 5) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
April 6, 2025
I was delighted to learn Ian Douglas had begun a new series. I’ve read 20 of his previous books, the 9 Carrier books & the three trilogies of his galactic series, plus a couple of the first books of other series that I didn’t like as much. I know what I’m getting into with his books: Lots of exposition, lots of action with some current science thrown into the mix. The books are fun & fast and ask questions about humanities place in the stars.
This time around the humans of Earth have run into the Galactic Authority, a supermind that runs everything. If you join them, they’ll share, but you have to be good. If you don’t, then they isolate you. Or worse. Humans, being humans in Ian Douglas’s books push back hard.
There are a number of similarities to the Carrier series. Huge space battles, sleek fighters, AI and star systems. Some of the same technologies. Some of the same political issues with Earth. We’re back to slower-than-light with galaxy spanning gates linking systems.
There are a few twists, but those are mainly the exploration part, the bit of wonder the author brings after a battle. I love the Lixies. If they can impress the Marines in the book, I’m in.
The main point is the book is meant to be fun, with some philosophical questions intertwined. I look forward to more in the series.
This time around the humans of Earth have run into the Galactic Authority, a supermind that runs everything. If you join them, they’ll share, but you have to be good. If you don’t, then they isolate you. Or worse. Humans, being humans in Ian Douglas’s books push back hard.
There are a number of similarities to the Carrier series. Huge space battles, sleek fighters, AI and star systems. Some of the same technologies. Some of the same political issues with Earth. We’re back to slower-than-light with galaxy spanning gates linking systems.
There are a few twists, but those are mainly the exploration part, the bit of wonder the author brings after a battle. I love the Lixies. If they can impress the Marines in the book, I’m in.
The main point is the book is meant to be fun, with some philosophical questions intertwined. I look forward to more in the series.
May 29, 2025
Outstanding! BUT... there are only two women in the entire plot and they already hate each other? WTF? Teaching a new generation your old ways? Why did Alexandra even brought up such a hot hate bearing 3/4 thru the book towards a woman who she only met once?! What are you trying to add to the plot with this? Seeding hate speech from a woman-to-woman to grow us weaker part of humankind? I'd put 5*, but I'm compelled this kind of hate should be irradiated one * at a time. I did hate when a woman-captain who expressed her grief for lost family member was fired on a spot, but a guy who did the SAME damn thing was still a captain. Thank you for that colorful reminder of how, even 400 years from now, society still invalidates women.
I still loved the usage of the new real tech - 2008 invention of the "Blackest Black", the time dilation explained, the cute detail of power boost needed when emerging thru the gate, Von Neumann machine, an invention of a word "Baltis (sea region folks in Europe) effect", sprinkled up with Bremsstrahlung (which X-ray radiation dose to crew concerns was not addressed, if a character saw that, it was already too late. Magnetic/electrostatic shielding can redirect charged particles before they hit solid matter. Why/how do they deal with radiation produced?)
I still loved the usage of the new real tech - 2008 invention of the "Blackest Black", the time dilation explained, the cute detail of power boost needed when emerging thru the gate, Von Neumann machine, an invention of a word "Baltis (sea region folks in Europe) effect", sprinkled up with Bremsstrahlung (which X-ray radiation dose to crew concerns was not addressed, if a character saw that, it was already too late. Magnetic/electrostatic shielding can redirect charged particles before they hit solid matter. Why/how do they deal with radiation produced?)
August 9, 2024
Military SF that smudges the hard science
just a smidge.
Earth (still divided into nation states that
do not quite get along)
has discovered the rest of our
galaxy is ruled by a hegemonic hive
mind of ancient thinking machines.
These ancient machines
are not too terribly
fond of organics.
Especially pesky ones like Humanity
that don't want to fall in
line and do what they're told.
After an almost disastrous
invasion by the slave races
of Galactic Intelligences
Earth creates an enormous fleet
under the command of the
most experienced Fleet Officer
they have,
Admiral Morrigan.
(she just happens to be named after
the Celtic Goddess of Death...)
So the destruction and chaos begins.
Turns out if you are an Ancient IMMORTAL
being the notion of getting
MUR-DERED
scares the shit right out of you.
So we kick some ass
we take some names.
Lots of violent fun to be had
until the next book
which will most likely
be more of the same.
But I'm ok with that.
just a smidge.
Earth (still divided into nation states that
do not quite get along)
has discovered the rest of our
galaxy is ruled by a hegemonic hive
mind of ancient thinking machines.
These ancient machines
are not too terribly
fond of organics.
Especially pesky ones like Humanity
that don't want to fall in
line and do what they're told.
After an almost disastrous
invasion by the slave races
of Galactic Intelligences
Earth creates an enormous fleet
under the command of the
most experienced Fleet Officer
they have,
Admiral Morrigan.
(she just happens to be named after
the Celtic Goddess of Death...)
So the destruction and chaos begins.
Turns out if you are an Ancient IMMORTAL
being the notion of getting
MUR-DERED
scares the shit right out of you.
So we kick some ass
we take some names.
Lots of violent fun to be had
until the next book
which will most likely
be more of the same.
But I'm ok with that.
December 8, 2024
Galaxy Raiders: Abyss : Galaxy Raiders, Book 1 by Ian Douglas
This is the seventh book by this author that I’ve read. I’m guessing that foreshadows my review as I certainly wouldn’t keep reading a writer I don’t like.
This story is set in a human time of innovation and longevity extension. AI and nanotechnology are flourishing. Mankind has encountered a galactic civilization that infers that it is willing to help mankind move smoothly into the future.
The results turned out to be different than the alien inferences. Morrigan is on her fourth life extension and tired. She decides not to rejuve any more. Events take place that put her in command of a Earth force designed to impress the Galactics.
The book has plenty of action, subterfuge and personal interplays.
I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the sequel.
This is the seventh book by this author that I’ve read. I’m guessing that foreshadows my review as I certainly wouldn’t keep reading a writer I don’t like.
This story is set in a human time of innovation and longevity extension. AI and nanotechnology are flourishing. Mankind has encountered a galactic civilization that infers that it is willing to help mankind move smoothly into the future.
The results turned out to be different than the alien inferences. Morrigan is on her fourth life extension and tired. She decides not to rejuve any more. Events take place that put her in command of a Earth force designed to impress the Galactics.
The book has plenty of action, subterfuge and personal interplays.
I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the sequel.
February 23, 2025
This book was fine. There wasn’t anything wrong with it, it was just fine. I vacillated between totally locked in and bored to tears. It felt like it wanted to be the Expanse in the mid-series books, but without the amazing and engaging characters.
The saving grace for me was the overall philosophical and moral questions posed throughout. The inherent - and very relevant - concerns about where our human society is going, and an interesting mirror in the form of a galactic colonial power.
The saving grace for me was the overall philosophical and moral questions posed throughout. The inherent - and very relevant - concerns about where our human society is going, and an interesting mirror in the form of a galactic colonial power.
February 28, 2025
As a fan of Ian Douglas novels, I found this a great start to a new series. Full of suspense and action, the book will grab and hold your attention. In addition, the book causes one to think about how we as a society and civilization is advancing and what impacts technology will have on or humanity. A great Sci-fi novel and a great new series,
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 4, 2025
A well crafted classic science fiction epic of galactic warfare with survival of humankind in jeopardy. There are great battles, terrific aliens and philosophical asides that make for an excellent read in my estimation. Looking forward to more of the saga, and also to reading some of Douglas's earlier works.
April 22, 2025
Imagination
This Space Opera is a jewel. It has required a lot of imagination to write it.
So compliments to the author.
Hopefully he will write a sequel.
Johannes Vervloed
The Netherlands
This Space Opera is a jewel. It has required a lot of imagination to write it.
So compliments to the author.
Hopefully he will write a sequel.
Johannes Vervloed
The Netherlands
September 5, 2025
Another excellent Space Opera
Humans battling authoritarian AI robots to the galactic core. New worlds and vast vistas, close run battles at near the speed of light. New aliens friends and strange civilization. Hopefully this is just the first volume of this saga.
Humans battling authoritarian AI robots to the galactic core. New worlds and vast vistas, close run battles at near the speed of light. New aliens friends and strange civilization. Hopefully this is just the first volume of this saga.
December 19, 2025
I would have given it 3 or possibly even 4 stars but once again with these American writers, aliens attack Earth and either China is destroyed and Russians become collaborators or vice-versa. Seems like every time! Loses at least 1 star for the lack of originality.
February 22, 2025
This novel is a great read.
February 23, 2025
A great read by Douglas! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 20, 2025
A by-the-numbers spaceship warfare military sci-fi. Touches many tired tropes, brings nothing new and the story is just a tad above workmanlike. There are many better space battles books out there
May 18, 2025
Reminds me a lot of an updated version of Ben Bova's The Star Conquerors.
June 2, 2025
An engrossing space opera adventure with good galaxy-building and a compelling protagonist. The political elements on Earth are hackneyed; everything else was well done. Worth a read.
July 28, 2025
Somewhat of a good read. Ian Douglas is better than this.
Ideas are good but more to come. It’s hard to think up something new when it comes to space. A great effort.
Ideas are good but more to come. It’s hard to think up something new when it comes to space. A great effort.
Read
October 19, 2025DNF
October 23, 2025
DNF, reads like rote 70s sci-fi
January 1, 2026
Very well written. I was engaged from the start. Story flows well. Looking forward to the next instalment!
February 18, 2025
Shame on you Harper Voyager. If you think you can play games by making a lengthy marketing blurb part of the book's title, to garner more attention, without anyone calling you out on it... you're wrong. I'm currently seeing the same ridiculous official title of "Galaxy Raiders: Abyss: Gripping Military Sci-Fi with a Mind-Bending Twist, Perfect for Winter 2025, Join the Battle for Humanity's Future" also showing on Amazon so it obviously must have come from you. And that's earns you a 1 star review.
If you continue with this nonsense, I will ask friends and family to do the same. I hope it doesn't come to that, for the author's sake; but, on the other hand, all author should be paying attention to their book pages on places like Goodreads/Amazon/etc and take their publisher to task if they encounter these sort of unscrupulous marketing tactics.
If you continue with this nonsense, I will ask friends and family to do the same. I hope it doesn't come to that, for the author's sake; but, on the other hand, all author should be paying attention to their book pages on places like Goodreads/Amazon/etc and take their publisher to task if they encounter these sort of unscrupulous marketing tactics.
March 12, 2025
I live to read futuristic high stakes military space opera like "Galaxy Raiders: Abyss" by Ian Douglas. Exploring the universe while waging desperate combat to save humanity. The achievements that human civilization Douglas creates is both understandable, exciting, and impressive. But will it be enough to hold off the nearly incomprehensible knowledge, resources, and abilities of the enemy? The main characters hold reader interest as we learn about the insurmountable odds that humanity is facing with admirable courage. Fortunately, this is the first book of a new series. I really look forward to reading many more books about the Galaxy Raiders quest into the heart of the Galaxy!
I thank Ian Douglas and Harper Voyager for graciously providing an electronic advanced review copy of this excellent work.
I thank Ian Douglas and Harper Voyager for graciously providing an electronic advanced review copy of this excellent work.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews