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Necrotek #1
NecroTek
From New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry, NecroTek is a gripping sci fi thriller full of ghosts, Gods, and a battle for the soul of humanity. Neither cosmic philosopher Lars Soren, hotshot pilot Bianca Petrescu, nor the high priestess Jessica McHugh--Lady Death herself--can say quite where in the galaxy they are. But after an experiment gone horribly wrong, one thing is Asphodel Station isn't in orbit around Jupiter any longer. Worse, the monsters that live out here--ancient eldritch beings thought only to exist in stories and nightmares--have now been alerted to Earth's existence. Their army of Shoggoths is coming for us next. Humanity's only hope for survival lies on the surface of the alien world of Shadderal, where a ghost named Lost, the last of an ancient race, still haunts the vast plains of the Field of Dead Birds. But hope has a cost. Lost tells Soren about ancient derelict spacecraft awaiting on Shadderal, shapeshifting machines that blend ultra-advanced technology with the dark powers of necromancy. These ships might just be nimble enough to defend mankind against the coming invasion. But there's a they can only be piloted by the dead. As human starfighters fall in battle, their spirits can be called back from death to pilot these ghost ships of a fallen race. But will this new necromantic technology--NecroTek--allow humanity to stand against the vast armies of the Shoggoths? And even if it can, is the war to save the human race worth the cost of its pilots' immortal souls?
350 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2024
111 people are currently reading
3735 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Maberry
522 books7,800 followersJONATHAN MABERRY is a NYTimes bestselling author, #1 Audible bestseller, 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, 4-time Scribe Award winner, Inkpot Award winner, comic book writer, and producer. He is the author of more than 50 novels, 190 short stories, 16 short story collections, 30 graphic novels, 14 nonfiction books, and has edited 26 anthologies. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, was a Netflix original series starring Ian Somerhalder. His 2009-10 run as writer on the Black Panther comic formed a large chunk of the recent blockbuster film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His bestselling YA zombie series, Rot & Ruin is in development for film at Alcon Entertainment; and John Wick director, Chad Stahelski, is developing Jonathan’s Joe Ledger Thrillers for TV. Jonathan writes in multiple genres including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and action; and he writes for adults, teens and middle grade. His works include The Pine Deep Trilogy, The Kagen the Damned Trilogy, NecroTek, Ink, Glimpse, the Rot & Ruin series, the Dead of Night series, The Wolfman, X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate, The Sleepers War (with Weston Ochse), Mars One, and many others. He is the editor of high-profile anthologies including Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird, The X-Files, Aliens: Bug Hunt, Out of Tune, Don’t Turn out the Lights: A Tribute to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Baker Street Irregulars, Nights of the Living Dead, Shadows & Verse, and others. His comics include Marvel Zombies Return, The Punisher: Naked Kills, Wolverine: Ghosts, Godzilla vs Cthulhu: Death May Die, Bad Blood and many others. Jonathan has written in many popular licensed worlds, including Hellboy, True Blood, The Wolfman, John Carter of Mars, Sherlock Holmes, C.H.U.D., Diablo IV, Deadlands, World of Warcraft, Planet of the Apes, Aliens, Predator, Karl Kolchak, and many others. He the president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, and the editor of Weird Tales Magazine. He lives in San Diego, California. Find him online at www.jonathanmaberry.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 11, 2024
Ever since I heard that this book was going to be a cosmic horror novel/action/science fiction/adventure mash-up, I've been excited as hell to read this book. Err, check that. I've been excited as hell to hear Ray Porter perform this book. I am happy to report that I was not disappointed!
In orbit around Jupiter, those on Asphodel Station are excited to test out the new warpline gun. Almost everyone crowds around for the speeches and then the testing. They tested it and, of course, that's when everything went wrong. As several crew members wake up alone all over the station, not knowing what happened or what was going on, they come across a few things that let them know the world outside is no longer the same. Why are the "windows" on the outside world showing them a star system they do not recognize? Why are there bodies fused into the station itself? Why are there corpses everywhere? You'll have to read this to find out!
My excitement over a Cthulhu mythos adventure in space cannot be overrated. Cold, uncaring, Old Gods from the days of Lovecraft are my jam! Mix that up with a great cast of diverse characters and a metric shit-ton of adventure and space battles, and you have here one happy reader!
I enjoyed how there were bits of philosophy and bigger questions about the universe discussed throughout this novel, in the rare scenes where no action was taking place. Because in the end, this book is about the survival of the human race itself.
If you follow me at all, you already know that I just don't care for military type stories-any discussion about weaponry or fighting tactics just puts me to sleep. UNLESS! Unless, Ray Porter is performing. I am not referring to him as a narrator, because what he does is so much more than just reading aloud. He brings these characters to life. Each character has their own voice and their own speech patterns. Ray Porter performs the hell out of this book, (every book), and he sucked me in like he always does. BRAVO, sir!
One last note, for readers of other Jonathan Maberry books. We discovered the origins of "Tak-a-lee" in this book. Fans of Joe Ledger would recognize that phrase. Turns out, it was from Edgar Allan Poe. I mean, a mash-up of Lovecraftian themes, a space adventure, and references to Poe? Has there ever been a book more perfect for this reader? I think not!
If you like Edgar Allan Poe and/or H. P. Lovecraft, you'll find the seeds of their stories have grown into an entire forest in this book. Maberry takes those seeds, waters and nourishes them, maybe even sings to them, (who knows?), until they grew into this unbelievably dark and violent tale and I just loved it! Tak-a-lee, baby!
Highly recommended, especially on audio!
*Audio ARC from publisher. Thank you.*
In orbit around Jupiter, those on Asphodel Station are excited to test out the new warpline gun. Almost everyone crowds around for the speeches and then the testing. They tested it and, of course, that's when everything went wrong. As several crew members wake up alone all over the station, not knowing what happened or what was going on, they come across a few things that let them know the world outside is no longer the same. Why are the "windows" on the outside world showing them a star system they do not recognize? Why are there bodies fused into the station itself? Why are there corpses everywhere? You'll have to read this to find out!
My excitement over a Cthulhu mythos adventure in space cannot be overrated. Cold, uncaring, Old Gods from the days of Lovecraft are my jam! Mix that up with a great cast of diverse characters and a metric shit-ton of adventure and space battles, and you have here one happy reader!
I enjoyed how there were bits of philosophy and bigger questions about the universe discussed throughout this novel, in the rare scenes where no action was taking place. Because in the end, this book is about the survival of the human race itself.
If you follow me at all, you already know that I just don't care for military type stories-any discussion about weaponry or fighting tactics just puts me to sleep. UNLESS! Unless, Ray Porter is performing. I am not referring to him as a narrator, because what he does is so much more than just reading aloud. He brings these characters to life. Each character has their own voice and their own speech patterns. Ray Porter performs the hell out of this book, (every book), and he sucked me in like he always does. BRAVO, sir!
One last note, for readers of other Jonathan Maberry books. We discovered the origins of "Tak-a-lee" in this book. Fans of Joe Ledger would recognize that phrase. Turns out, it was from Edgar Allan Poe. I mean, a mash-up of Lovecraftian themes, a space adventure, and references to Poe? Has there ever been a book more perfect for this reader? I think not!
If you like Edgar Allan Poe and/or H. P. Lovecraft, you'll find the seeds of their stories have grown into an entire forest in this book. Maberry takes those seeds, waters and nourishes them, maybe even sings to them, (who knows?), until they grew into this unbelievably dark and violent tale and I just loved it! Tak-a-lee, baby!
Highly recommended, especially on audio!
*Audio ARC from publisher. Thank you.*
June 10, 2024
This book is a fantastic blend of horror and science fiction. After an experiment goes wrong, the passengers of Asphodel Station find themselves in an unknown place. The Station seems changed, they see things that may or may not be there. The AI that controls everything on the station is offline, and when she returns she spouts gibberish. Something dangerous appears on the station, but that is the least of their problems. This is a book of monsters, ghosts, necromancy and warring gods, and the only thing that can save the Station (and the human race) is some shape-shifting alien technology that can only be operated by the dead. Fortunately Lady Death is on the Station. Also along are some kick ass military personnel and a philosopher who is open to new knowledge.
I have never read anything by this author before, but I am going to have to rectify that. I don’t know what I am looking forward to more, the sequel to this book or the movie that should be based on it. While the plot was unique, there was a tip of the hat to old horror writers. I liked all of the characters. The fear and disorientation of the passengers at the beginning of the book was really creepy and the battle scenes at the end were exciting. The narration by Ray Porter of the audiobook was perfection.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
I have never read anything by this author before, but I am going to have to rectify that. I don’t know what I am looking forward to more, the sequel to this book or the movie that should be based on it. While the plot was unique, there was a tip of the hat to old horror writers. I liked all of the characters. The fear and disorientation of the passengers at the beginning of the book was really creepy and the battle scenes at the end were exciting. The narration by Ray Porter of the audiobook was perfection.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
July 29, 2024
If you’re looking for military science fiction mashed up with cosmic horror there’s not a ton of options out there. This book is a loving tribute to HP Lovecraft’s pulp era stories while also being a modern science fiction novel.
It does get a bit cheesy but hey, it’s riffing on the old pulp magazine stories so it seems appropriate. It’s got lots of action, gore, a cool premise and decent characters.
It does get a bit cheesy but hey, it’s riffing on the old pulp magazine stories so it seems appropriate. It’s got lots of action, gore, a cool premise and decent characters.
June 11, 2024
Narrated by Ray Porter
Presented by Blackstone Publishing
BADASS.
My first ever audio 5-stars. Loved it from start to finish!
Wasn't sure how I'd go listening to this one, but it hooked me almost immediately and just refused to let go.
This does a decent character dive while dealing with the fallout of a catastrophic space incident. There are multiple layers to the story told through multiple parts and it progresses rapidly. The action is phenomenal and the moral implications and considerations added an extra depth.
I loved the characters - Bianca particularly stands out as a hero and I loved listening to her and her Lost Souls in action. Soren was quietly sympathetic, and even Lady Death played an intriguing part.
The story progression was well done, with time taken to do things well but not necessarily getting bogged down in detail. I was swept up easily and was always eager to get back to the story.
Narration was fantastic. He went above and beyond with the alien speech and conveyed some truly horrific moments with perfection. I had chills and thrills and even jumped a little at times. Brilliantly done.
I enjoyed this one so thoroughly that I'll be looking to buy a physical copy as soon as it releases. I feel like this would just get better with a second read, so I'm already looking forward to it.
Highly recommend for fans of science fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
Presented by Blackstone Publishing
BADASS.
My first ever audio 5-stars. Loved it from start to finish!
Wasn't sure how I'd go listening to this one, but it hooked me almost immediately and just refused to let go.
This does a decent character dive while dealing with the fallout of a catastrophic space incident. There are multiple layers to the story told through multiple parts and it progresses rapidly. The action is phenomenal and the moral implications and considerations added an extra depth.
I loved the characters - Bianca particularly stands out as a hero and I loved listening to her and her Lost Souls in action. Soren was quietly sympathetic, and even Lady Death played an intriguing part.
The story progression was well done, with time taken to do things well but not necessarily getting bogged down in detail. I was swept up easily and was always eager to get back to the story.
Narration was fantastic. He went above and beyond with the alien speech and conveyed some truly horrific moments with perfection. I had chills and thrills and even jumped a little at times. Brilliantly done.
I enjoyed this one so thoroughly that I'll be looking to buy a physical copy as soon as it releases. I feel like this would just get better with a second read, so I'm already looking forward to it.
Highly recommend for fans of science fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
July 11, 2025
This cosmic thrill ride doesn’t let you catch your breath. The pacing is relentless, whether it is launching characters into trans-dimensional uncertainty or assaulting an armata of enemy ships. I think the world-building is maybe what ended up being the most effective part of this story for me, especially as I was doubtful of it at first. Set in the not-especially-distant future but with (almost inconceivably) advanced tech, the story is able to ground itself in contemporary cultural references without sacrificing its futurity. I was doubtful at first of the decision to embrace the eldritch mythology of the elder gods, thinking it was just a convenient skin for what is an otherwise generic alien enemy. However, as the story progressed I was disabused of that notion, as Maberry doesn’t rely simply on the imagery of that mythology but also embraces its tone and outlook, bringing the soul-shattering bleakness of the infinitesimal and the infinite into active conversation with an otherwise raucous military sci-fi story. He is able to build within and on top of the cosmic mythos to create a world that is deep, dark, and endlessly unknowable.
The philosophically-rich nature of the world is highlighted by having one of the main characters be a theologian of cosmic philosophy, asking very real questions about how contemporary (Earthly) religious ideas will be tested when and if humans can expand our reach past known stars. The story doesn’t attempt any deep answers regarding spirituality, but by having this character at the forefront it adds a really engaging humanity to what might otherwise be a story of big machines blowing up other big machines. Because at its heart this is a military sci-fi story, with multiple heart-pounding battle scenes, creating new tech and then exploiting it and pushing it to its limits to paint a sky full of violent explosions. The other primary character in this story is the leader of a squad of what are essentially fighter pilots, and so our story is contained between these two poles of cosmic wonder and well-earned bravado. Yet neither character, nor the cast of various ancillary characters, is a flat stereotype. There is vulnerability and depth to all our characters, an emotional investment that makes all of the more fantastic elements of the story have actual stakes. The large cast is diverse in terms of (future) ethnicities and cultural origins, although the lack of explicit queer characters felt a little disappointing given the scope of the world and story. The story still felt inclusive and embracing, though, and there is certainly space for the world to grow.
The writing is smart and propulsive, with wonderfully descriptive prose that makes every scene come to life, whether that be a séance or an interstellar dogfight. The plotting is effective, introducing a lot of ideas but never lingering on them, giving enough information to keep the reader understanding but while in constant motion. Every larger section is made up of many shorter chapters, and this did really keep the story active, but it did come at the expense of some character depth. The characters were well-rounded and complicated, they felt real, but a lot of that was more done through explanation than experience, because so often our scenes were brief and constantly shifting focus. In the few sections where there was a little more room to breathe Maberry did use that space well, elaborating on the world and characters in ways that were really rewarding, and I do wish there had been a few more sections like these. Still, though, the overall plotting was quite effective and made it difficult to put the book down.
At the end of the day there were certain things that were somewhat expected, playing into the tropes of military sci-fi in ways that were reliable and tested. It never felt boring, though, because this military sci-fi epic had so many interesting layers of cosmic horror and techno-thriller surrounding it that every plot beat, whether it was ultimately fitting into common tropes or not, had new ideas, new demons, and new emotional depths to plumb. Even when certain characters’ narrative trajectories map out more or less as you could guess the experience is still thrilling. This all combines with explorations of cosmic meaning, faith, fealty, family, and responsibility, explorations of how individuals within communities can celebrate their unique gifts and contributions to strengthen the whole. In short, it’s a lot of fun. An unexpected mash-up that exploits the best parts of cosmic horror and military sci-fi, forging something that is simultaneously emotionally resonant, existentially terrifying, and full of action.
(Rounded from 3.5)
The philosophically-rich nature of the world is highlighted by having one of the main characters be a theologian of cosmic philosophy, asking very real questions about how contemporary (Earthly) religious ideas will be tested when and if humans can expand our reach past known stars. The story doesn’t attempt any deep answers regarding spirituality, but by having this character at the forefront it adds a really engaging humanity to what might otherwise be a story of big machines blowing up other big machines. Because at its heart this is a military sci-fi story, with multiple heart-pounding battle scenes, creating new tech and then exploiting it and pushing it to its limits to paint a sky full of violent explosions. The other primary character in this story is the leader of a squad of what are essentially fighter pilots, and so our story is contained between these two poles of cosmic wonder and well-earned bravado. Yet neither character, nor the cast of various ancillary characters, is a flat stereotype. There is vulnerability and depth to all our characters, an emotional investment that makes all of the more fantastic elements of the story have actual stakes. The large cast is diverse in terms of (future) ethnicities and cultural origins, although the lack of explicit queer characters felt a little disappointing given the scope of the world and story. The story still felt inclusive and embracing, though, and there is certainly space for the world to grow.
The writing is smart and propulsive, with wonderfully descriptive prose that makes every scene come to life, whether that be a séance or an interstellar dogfight. The plotting is effective, introducing a lot of ideas but never lingering on them, giving enough information to keep the reader understanding but while in constant motion. Every larger section is made up of many shorter chapters, and this did really keep the story active, but it did come at the expense of some character depth. The characters were well-rounded and complicated, they felt real, but a lot of that was more done through explanation than experience, because so often our scenes were brief and constantly shifting focus. In the few sections where there was a little more room to breathe Maberry did use that space well, elaborating on the world and characters in ways that were really rewarding, and I do wish there had been a few more sections like these. Still, though, the overall plotting was quite effective and made it difficult to put the book down.
At the end of the day there were certain things that were somewhat expected, playing into the tropes of military sci-fi in ways that were reliable and tested. It never felt boring, though, because this military sci-fi epic had so many interesting layers of cosmic horror and techno-thriller surrounding it that every plot beat, whether it was ultimately fitting into common tropes or not, had new ideas, new demons, and new emotional depths to plumb. Even when certain characters’ narrative trajectories map out more or less as you could guess the experience is still thrilling. This all combines with explorations of cosmic meaning, faith, fealty, family, and responsibility, explorations of how individuals within communities can celebrate their unique gifts and contributions to strengthen the whole. In short, it’s a lot of fun. An unexpected mash-up that exploits the best parts of cosmic horror and military sci-fi, forging something that is simultaneously emotionally resonant, existentially terrifying, and full of action.
(Rounded from 3.5)
May 10, 2024
The entire solar system is watching as Asphodel Station conducts its first official use of the WarpLine gun (think the transporter array from Star Trek but not) ... and then disappears. Flung far away, to the other side of the cosmos, the personnel aboard the station find themselves caught up in an ancient war against Lovecraftian monstrosities that serve the destructive Outer Gods. And their only hope of surviving is an alien technology that resurrects the dead and harvests their souls.
So, maybe it goes without saying that Jonathan Maberry's NecroTek is kind of dark, and at times feels stiflingly oppressive, with even those slim shards of hope offered with a seriously aching catch. This all fits in wonderfully, of course, with the ethos of cosmic horror, wherein the universe and the immortal deities as old as time itself (if not older) that are dwelling amongst the stars are cold and uncaring, and oftentimes violently so.
Maberry certainly doesn't skimp on the violence. Asphodel Station's reappearance amidst an impossible stellar constellation is shockingly horrific as the space station and its denizens reestablish their dimensional bearings. Maberry's descriptions of the effects of the WarpLine gun recall the urban legends of the Philadelphia Experiment, with bodies becoming fused to the bulkheads, or skeletons and internal organs being transported away from beneath skin and muscle to leave the tragic victim little more than a puddle of collapsed, oozing flesh. To say that this first use of the WarpLine gun goes awry is to seriously undersell the negative effects suffered by the unfortunates aboard Asphodel. Maberry takes the transporter accident from Star Trek: The Motion Picture and magnifies it, thinking, "OK, now, how can I make it a thousand times worse?" Take, for instance, the young couple skipping the celebrations of the WarpLine gun's ribbon cutting for a romp in the metaphorical hay, only to find themselves coitus interruptus by way of vivisection and parts of their bodies shot into space. Even Asphodel's AI is not immune to the tragic malfunction of the WarpLine gun and begins suffering from schizophrenic breakdowns, at times sounding like it's transmitting straight from Matthew Bartlett's nightmarish version of Leeds, MA. You know you're in a bad way when the computer starts reciting funereal prayers unprompted.
Faster than you can say conflict escalation, the station and its military contingent find themselves under assault by a fleet of Shoggoths, the erstwhile amorphous, protoplasmic monsters from H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. They've already destroyed all sentient life in the system Asphodel Station has materialized in, and they'll be damned if they're gonna allow the puny humans that now find themselves stuck there a chance to catch their breath. Maberry feels much the same about his readers, driving the plot forward with countless action beats both aboard the station and amongst the aerial hot-dogs taking the fight to the stars, pushing the crew of the Lost Souls naval contingent to the titular alien NecroTek technology that will either save them or damn them, or a little bit of both.
NecroTek is both captivating and exhausting in equal measure, but it's exhausting in a good way. Maberry has crafted here a marathon read, one that keeps the adrenaline pumping rapidly as both his characters and readers are thrust into one high-octane confrontation after another. At times it does feel a bit much, and I found myself wishing there were a quicker way through, but that, I suppose, is war. And make no mistake, NecroTek is first and foremost a war story, albeit one with monsters, ghosts, and gigantic, loud, boisterous alien technology that wouldn't be out of place in a Transformers movie, if only the Autobots found themselves fighting tentacled kaiju on a dead alien world. In short, it's a Jonathan Maberry book -- whatever delineations exist between genres are broken down in a brash everything including the kitchen sink approach, and then pureed in a blender until smooth and yummy. I mean, where the hell else are you going to find giant robots fighting even bigger monstrosities in a galaxy far, far away, all wrapped up in a horrifyingly bloody cocoon of cosmic horror? And this is just book one, for Cthulhu's sake! I can't even imagine what might be coming our way in the sequel.
So, maybe it goes without saying that Jonathan Maberry's NecroTek is kind of dark, and at times feels stiflingly oppressive, with even those slim shards of hope offered with a seriously aching catch. This all fits in wonderfully, of course, with the ethos of cosmic horror, wherein the universe and the immortal deities as old as time itself (if not older) that are dwelling amongst the stars are cold and uncaring, and oftentimes violently so.
Maberry certainly doesn't skimp on the violence. Asphodel Station's reappearance amidst an impossible stellar constellation is shockingly horrific as the space station and its denizens reestablish their dimensional bearings. Maberry's descriptions of the effects of the WarpLine gun recall the urban legends of the Philadelphia Experiment, with bodies becoming fused to the bulkheads, or skeletons and internal organs being transported away from beneath skin and muscle to leave the tragic victim little more than a puddle of collapsed, oozing flesh. To say that this first use of the WarpLine gun goes awry is to seriously undersell the negative effects suffered by the unfortunates aboard Asphodel. Maberry takes the transporter accident from Star Trek: The Motion Picture and magnifies it, thinking, "OK, now, how can I make it a thousand times worse?" Take, for instance, the young couple skipping the celebrations of the WarpLine gun's ribbon cutting for a romp in the metaphorical hay, only to find themselves coitus interruptus by way of vivisection and parts of their bodies shot into space. Even Asphodel's AI is not immune to the tragic malfunction of the WarpLine gun and begins suffering from schizophrenic breakdowns, at times sounding like it's transmitting straight from Matthew Bartlett's nightmarish version of Leeds, MA. You know you're in a bad way when the computer starts reciting funereal prayers unprompted.
Faster than you can say conflict escalation, the station and its military contingent find themselves under assault by a fleet of Shoggoths, the erstwhile amorphous, protoplasmic monsters from H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. They've already destroyed all sentient life in the system Asphodel Station has materialized in, and they'll be damned if they're gonna allow the puny humans that now find themselves stuck there a chance to catch their breath. Maberry feels much the same about his readers, driving the plot forward with countless action beats both aboard the station and amongst the aerial hot-dogs taking the fight to the stars, pushing the crew of the Lost Souls naval contingent to the titular alien NecroTek technology that will either save them or damn them, or a little bit of both.
NecroTek is both captivating and exhausting in equal measure, but it's exhausting in a good way. Maberry has crafted here a marathon read, one that keeps the adrenaline pumping rapidly as both his characters and readers are thrust into one high-octane confrontation after another. At times it does feel a bit much, and I found myself wishing there were a quicker way through, but that, I suppose, is war. And make no mistake, NecroTek is first and foremost a war story, albeit one with monsters, ghosts, and gigantic, loud, boisterous alien technology that wouldn't be out of place in a Transformers movie, if only the Autobots found themselves fighting tentacled kaiju on a dead alien world. In short, it's a Jonathan Maberry book -- whatever delineations exist between genres are broken down in a brash everything including the kitchen sink approach, and then pureed in a blender until smooth and yummy. I mean, where the hell else are you going to find giant robots fighting even bigger monstrosities in a galaxy far, far away, all wrapped up in a horrifyingly bloody cocoon of cosmic horror? And this is just book one, for Cthulhu's sake! I can't even imagine what might be coming our way in the sequel.
November 24, 2024
Anything Jonathan Maberry writes, I'm probably always going to love and anything Ray Porter narrates, I will also probably love. So Maberry and Porter, of course, I loved this so I'm biased.
But action packed, interesting, intriguing as always.
Love love love love.
But action packed, interesting, intriguing as always.
Love love love love.
December 24, 2025
Audiobook (15 hours) narrated by Ray Porter
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Ray Porter is one of my favorite audiobook narrators. He has narrated several Jonathan Maberry books, including the Joe Ledger series. Excellent work. Flawless audio.
NecroTek could be loosely described as Joe Ledger in space.
This is full Jonathan Maberry.
Military action sequences.
Deep, descriptive scenes including horrific death scenes so beautifully written that I could feel it in my soul.
I've already picked up and finished the second book of the series, Cold War, 🤞 for a third, or alternatively a stand alone in this universe from another time, perspective, etc.
Happy Reading!
🚀🪐🌕🌑☄️🛸
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Ray Porter is one of my favorite audiobook narrators. He has narrated several Jonathan Maberry books, including the Joe Ledger series. Excellent work. Flawless audio.
NecroTek could be loosely described as Joe Ledger in space.
This is full Jonathan Maberry.
Military action sequences.
Deep, descriptive scenes including horrific death scenes so beautifully written that I could feel it in my soul.
I've already picked up and finished the second book of the series, Cold War, 🤞 for a third, or alternatively a stand alone in this universe from another time, perspective, etc.
Happy Reading!
🚀🪐🌕🌑☄️🛸
July 5, 2024
I had no idea what this book was about when I picked it up, just bought it because it's Maberry. Turns out to be a scifi horror hybrid.
Ashodel Station is the newest and greatest space station ever built. Over eleven thousand souls on board, it's located just off of Jupiter.
Scientists have prepared to use a device which will teleport a capsule containing living animals to the other side of Jupiter where ships are sitting to receive it.
Oops! Of course it doesn't work properly. After firing it up, the next thing anyone knows they're waking up not in the same location in the station as they were previously.
Great characters, incredible action and space battles ensue.
Ashodel Station is the newest and greatest space station ever built. Over eleven thousand souls on board, it's located just off of Jupiter.
Scientists have prepared to use a device which will teleport a capsule containing living animals to the other side of Jupiter where ships are sitting to receive it.
Oops! Of course it doesn't work properly. After firing it up, the next thing anyone knows they're waking up not in the same location in the station as they were previously.
Great characters, incredible action and space battles ensue.
June 29, 2024
I’m a huge fan of Jonathan Maberry and started off years ago by reading his Rot & Ruin books.
Jonathan is not afraid to scare the bejeezus out of his readers with his horror books, so I was thrilled for a new blend of scifi and horror with his latest release, NecroTek.
I listened to the audiobook with Ray Porter narrating and I seriously had a hard time listening to this one at night. Ray used the most chilling voice that he gave me utter goosebumps so many times. He was absolutely brilliant with his performance!
After an experiment gone wrong, Asphodel Station located in an orbit around Jupiter, disappears and ends up moving to an unknown galaxy. Much horror ensues.
This blurb describes it perfectly: “Lovecraftian terror beyond the event horizon, complete with kick-ass space battles, gut-wrenching horror, and a diverse cast of fascinating characters caught up in the ultimate far-future war against cosmic annihilation!”
GREG COX, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
*Thanks so much to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the gifted audiobook!*
Jonathan is not afraid to scare the bejeezus out of his readers with his horror books, so I was thrilled for a new blend of scifi and horror with his latest release, NecroTek.
I listened to the audiobook with Ray Porter narrating and I seriously had a hard time listening to this one at night. Ray used the most chilling voice that he gave me utter goosebumps so many times. He was absolutely brilliant with his performance!
After an experiment gone wrong, Asphodel Station located in an orbit around Jupiter, disappears and ends up moving to an unknown galaxy. Much horror ensues.
This blurb describes it perfectly: “Lovecraftian terror beyond the event horizon, complete with kick-ass space battles, gut-wrenching horror, and a diverse cast of fascinating characters caught up in the ultimate far-future war against cosmic annihilation!”
GREG COX, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
*Thanks so much to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the gifted audiobook!*
July 30, 2024
This review is for the audiobook version of Johnathan Maberry’s “Nekrotek” and was provided by NetGalley and Blackstone Audiobooks in exchange for an honest review.
Nekrotek is a brand-new series by veteran writer Jonathan Maberry. One-half cosmic horror, one-half military science fiction, and all parts Kick Ass! Things take off from the first chapter and don’t slow down till after the final chapter.
The passengers on the Asphodel Station are thrust into another world that is close to their own—but not quite—and then things really take off! Nekrotek boasts likable characters, lots of gore, military violence, and an urgency to save humanity that keeps your heart racing until the never-saw-it-coming finale of book one!
Necromancers in space? You better believe it!
Top-tier narrator Ray Porter narrates the audiobook and knocks it out of the park, but are we really surprised?
Nekrotek is a solid four out of five stars, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Nekrotek is a brand-new series by veteran writer Jonathan Maberry. One-half cosmic horror, one-half military science fiction, and all parts Kick Ass! Things take off from the first chapter and don’t slow down till after the final chapter.
The passengers on the Asphodel Station are thrust into another world that is close to their own—but not quite—and then things really take off! Nekrotek boasts likable characters, lots of gore, military violence, and an urgency to save humanity that keeps your heart racing until the never-saw-it-coming finale of book one!
Necromancers in space? You better believe it!
Top-tier narrator Ray Porter narrates the audiobook and knocks it out of the park, but are we really surprised?
Nekrotek is a solid four out of five stars, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
June 21, 2024
3.5/5
As a die-hard fan of Maberry's Joe Ledger series, I was excited to check out NecroTek. While I mostly enjoyed it, the book is far from perfect.
It has Maberry’s signature over-the-top elements (violence, emotions, fight/action scenes), and although the pacing is breakneck, my attention tended to drift away at times.
I wasn't crazy about the info-dumping and there's quite a bit of it.
The plot centers around a small, scrappy team that must overcome impossible situations, internal doubts, and work together to fight a world-ending threat. The central idea is brilliant, and despite my criticisms, portions of the story were thrilling.
I think fans of sci-fi horror and the Lovecraftian mythos should check it out.
AUdiobook narration: Ray Porter is brilliant but that's a given.
As a die-hard fan of Maberry's Joe Ledger series, I was excited to check out NecroTek. While I mostly enjoyed it, the book is far from perfect.
It has Maberry’s signature over-the-top elements (violence, emotions, fight/action scenes), and although the pacing is breakneck, my attention tended to drift away at times.
I wasn't crazy about the info-dumping and there's quite a bit of it.
The plot centers around a small, scrappy team that must overcome impossible situations, internal doubts, and work together to fight a world-ending threat. The central idea is brilliant, and despite my criticisms, portions of the story were thrilling.
I think fans of sci-fi horror and the Lovecraftian mythos should check it out.
AUdiobook narration: Ray Porter is brilliant but that's a given.
June 17, 2024
It's no secret that I really love Maberry's writing. I've read most of it, avoiding only the zombie stuff because zombies do nothing for me.
When I saw he was starting up a new series, especially with Ray Porter to narrate, I was absolutely on board.
Now, I have to say, I love Maberry's stuff, but nothing, in my estimation, beats his Joe Ledger stuff. It just seems like the perfect fit for Maberry's writing style. This is a really close second, to be honest.
I will say, after the "event" occurs, there is a good chunk of info-dumping as the various characters are used to explain what happened and why. And there are times when it seems a touch too convenient that literally everything they need—from the manufacturing of new weapons, to ships and weapons capable of taking on the enemy, to having the precisely right characters handy for battle, for exposition, and for reaching the dead. It's like rolling winners every single time in Vegas.
Basically, after the event, this is a bit of a remix of the first Avengers movie—a small, scrappy team needs to learn to overcome their doubts, work together to fight an immensely overlarge threat—but imagine that Avengers movie having both Transformers and Lovecraftian monsters.
It's fun as hell and, once past the info-dumps, Maberry finds his footing and delivers the goods.
When I saw he was starting up a new series, especially with Ray Porter to narrate, I was absolutely on board.
Now, I have to say, I love Maberry's stuff, but nothing, in my estimation, beats his Joe Ledger stuff. It just seems like the perfect fit for Maberry's writing style. This is a really close second, to be honest.
I will say, after the "event" occurs, there is a good chunk of info-dumping as the various characters are used to explain what happened and why. And there are times when it seems a touch too convenient that literally everything they need—from the manufacturing of new weapons, to ships and weapons capable of taking on the enemy, to having the precisely right characters handy for battle, for exposition, and for reaching the dead. It's like rolling winners every single time in Vegas.
Basically, after the event, this is a bit of a remix of the first Avengers movie—a small, scrappy team needs to learn to overcome their doubts, work together to fight an immensely overlarge threat—but imagine that Avengers movie having both Transformers and Lovecraftian monsters.
It's fun as hell and, once past the info-dumps, Maberry finds his footing and delivers the goods.
June 18, 2024
This starts well with mysterious space horror. Then a ghost dude shows up and explains Lovecraft mythos and it's down hill from there. Lovecraft was a master of smoke and mirrors keeping the reader unknowing and the monsters in the shadowy corner. Maberry explains all and keeps the monsters in the search lights. This book is not Lovecraftian, its Star warsian.
July 29, 2024
Ok, here’s what ya need to know. A big boom throws this ship full of intelligent people into another universe and they have to use necromancy to pilot Ghost Tek to defeat the alien enemy and save the world. This story is so much more than that though! Just go listen to, or read, it!
January 13, 2024
Weird unique and pretty cool sci-fi book. Thanks for the arc! I found it pretty nice so I appreciate it
July 17, 2024
The story line flows smoothly with no plot holes or questionable situations.
I was absorbed in this story from the very beginning to the very end. Please, please, please, let us know when book two comes out!!!!!!!
The narrator, Ray Porter, did a truly amazing job. His range of emotion and voices are magical. He did this story justice. I must listen to more of his narrations.
This is truly a 5 start story.
I was absorbed in this story from the very beginning to the very end. Please, please, please, let us know when book two comes out!!!!!!!
The narrator, Ray Porter, did a truly amazing job. His range of emotion and voices are magical. He did this story justice. I must listen to more of his narrations.
This is truly a 5 start story.
September 30, 2024
made it about 2.5hrs in... then skipped for few minutes at few spots further along... & more than half of this is just imagery trying to disturb or confuse us. All that happened so far is what the intro says; the station got shifted & ~3 people woke up & trying to investigate... but their investigation is all being messed with by the mind bending thing. Not for me. I suggest Peter Cline's Threshold series where there is an actual story with some weird chit, not all weird chit with no story like here.
December 1, 2024
Sensational. Horrifying and gross and gut-wrenching. Excellent narration too.
September 27, 2024
NecroTek is gently updated pulp fiction.
The plot is a standard Sci-Fi story: a space station containing more than 10k humans is transported to a distant solar system when an experimental teleporter malfunctions. This new solar system is the center of an epic battle between good and evil.
Who wins? Read the book- but only if you're okay with open endings. Remember that NecroTek is pulp fiction, so it finishes with a traditional cliffhanger.
Why do I describe NecroTek as "gently updated pulp?" The sci-fi elements are modern. Fans of Halo, Doom, Warhammer 40K, and even Macross will find a lot to like in NecroTek.
But behind the modern science-fiction lies an old school military pulp fiction story. The main characters of NecroTek are soldiers, and the main action is the battle between them and the Shoggoths. These soldiers are constantly pushing each other to "cowboy up" to reach new levels of bravery and valor on behalf of all of humanity. There's lots of hand-wringing about answering unrealistic and even immoral orders to defeat impossible odds. But they're all the noblest of noble soldiers- no one really questions and no one abandons. They all do and die for the benefit of all.
And then there's the bad guys- the Shoggoths- who, if you've read any Lovecraft should be immediately recognizable. Maberry gives the Cthulhu Mythos his own spin. Cthulhu's not the bad guy in this one.
If you like pulp fiction, then this is the book for you.
NecroTek is not the book for me because:
1. Toxic Masculinity. The soldier MC's are full of it. I don't find it entertaining or commendable anymore.
2. The wordy infodumps. Maberry does a decent job of hiding his infodumps in dialogue, but even so, he dumps a lot. The plot drags as a result. NecroTek is 424 pages long, and the action doesn't really start until page 250. That's a 250 page slog to get to anything resembling movement. I usually have a really high tolerance for slow, sloggy plots- but the Toxic Masculinity mentioned above makes it painful.
So if you like pulp fiction and don't mind toxic masculinity, then this is the book for you. Otherwise, skip.
The plot is a standard Sci-Fi story: a space station containing more than 10k humans is transported to a distant solar system when an experimental teleporter malfunctions. This new solar system is the center of an epic battle between good and evil.
Who wins? Read the book- but only if you're okay with open endings. Remember that NecroTek is pulp fiction, so it finishes with a traditional cliffhanger.
Why do I describe NecroTek as "gently updated pulp?" The sci-fi elements are modern. Fans of Halo, Doom, Warhammer 40K, and even Macross will find a lot to like in NecroTek.
But behind the modern science-fiction lies an old school military pulp fiction story. The main characters of NecroTek are soldiers, and the main action is the battle between them and the Shoggoths. These soldiers are constantly pushing each other to "cowboy up" to reach new levels of bravery and valor on behalf of all of humanity. There's lots of hand-wringing about answering unrealistic and even immoral orders to defeat impossible odds. But they're all the noblest of noble soldiers- no one really questions and no one abandons. They all do and die for the benefit of all.
And then there's the bad guys- the Shoggoths- who, if you've read any Lovecraft should be immediately recognizable. Maberry gives the Cthulhu Mythos his own spin. Cthulhu's not the bad guy in this one.
If you like pulp fiction, then this is the book for you.
NecroTek is not the book for me because:
1. Toxic Masculinity. The soldier MC's are full of it. I don't find it entertaining or commendable anymore.
2. The wordy infodumps. Maberry does a decent job of hiding his infodumps in dialogue, but even so, he dumps a lot. The plot drags as a result. NecroTek is 424 pages long, and the action doesn't really start until page 250. That's a 250 page slog to get to anything resembling movement. I usually have a really high tolerance for slow, sloggy plots- but the Toxic Masculinity mentioned above makes it painful.
So if you like pulp fiction and don't mind toxic masculinity, then this is the book for you. Otherwise, skip.
June 29, 2024
For the Audiobook:
Ray Porter is excellent here, really flexes his range. The story has a nice twist, you don't know whether or not to trust mysterious LOST. The introduction of this character was a littler Abbot and Costello with "Who's on First" to my dislike. "Hey buddy are you lost?" "No human, that is actually my name - let's move on with what I have to tell you as I have a limited amount of time and live in great pain". There, done.
The NOT BOOMER FROM BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA Lost Souls team leader was annoying. This trope is all over horror and sci-fi right now. Strong, independent female leader of male team who curses all the time - this shows she's a girl boss. In reality, in the military, females who curse like this are low status enlisted and are in charge of nothing. I've worked with females with leadership skills, they don't curse like 70s sailors.
The Lovecraft lore was spun into the story relatively well without shoehorning it, so I have to give Maberry credit where it's due. It was an enjoyable listen, but it just wasn't great, just OK, which is still better than 95% of the trash out there today. Bonus points for not injecting the alphabet people in here along with avoiding current year woke nonsense.
Ray Porter is excellent here, really flexes his range. The story has a nice twist, you don't know whether or not to trust mysterious LOST. The introduction of this character was a littler Abbot and Costello with "Who's on First" to my dislike. "Hey buddy are you lost?" "No human, that is actually my name - let's move on with what I have to tell you as I have a limited amount of time and live in great pain". There, done.
The NOT BOOMER FROM BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA Lost Souls team leader was annoying. This trope is all over horror and sci-fi right now. Strong, independent female leader of male team who curses all the time - this shows she's a girl boss. In reality, in the military, females who curse like this are low status enlisted and are in charge of nothing. I've worked with females with leadership skills, they don't curse like 70s sailors.
The Lovecraft lore was spun into the story relatively well without shoehorning it, so I have to give Maberry credit where it's due. It was an enjoyable listen, but it just wasn't great, just OK, which is still better than 95% of the trash out there today. Bonus points for not injecting the alphabet people in here along with avoiding current year woke nonsense.
December 8, 2024
I don't know. I couldn't understand much of this. Love the idea of a cosmic horror series, but no idea what the ghost ships are or why their original AI was so crappy.
September 30, 2024
Impossibly good Lovecraftian scifi with some of the stuffiest character work.
There’s the Tough Soldier Who Don’t Wanna Stay in Bed After Fight, despite actually having died. We have the Stupid Alcoholic Scientist who (only Cthulhu knows how) is Head Of Space Station But Helpless and Defers to Military. Alcoholism is not tension, it’s an annoying cliché. It doesn’t impact the character’s ability to have a stellar career, but does lead to pointlessly protracted moments of contemplating the temptations of the bottle, which lead to zero plot consequences. Then there’s of course the military higherup who Shows Great Leadership but Assaults Scientist For No Reason than to blame somebody and blow off some steam after explicitly telling a subordinate not to do exactly that, and Nobody Calls Him Out on it because he is Important and His Poor FeEeLiNgS. No discussion of his well-earned court martial. This either strawmans the military people really badly, or paints a veridic portrait of them being unhinged, dangerous tantrum throwers—no idea which but if the scientist rep is anything to go by, I bet the military will also be pissed reading this. It also plays into the dreaded Scientists Is All Of Thems Evulz conspiratist cliché, which is sooo tired and unnecessary, especially in a great story with phenomenal line-level writing and multiple clever premises woven together to form a solid feeling of discovery and interest. In fact if, instead of being busy stereotyping left and right, the story would’ve shown what those quantum physicists are doing, it would’ve been more awesome. And of course Power Couple Who Only Relates Via Sex and Hides Tears From Each Other, as if both she and he suffer from the toxic culture where Only Anger Is A Valid Emotion and You Can’t Be Vulnerable Even in Bed. Followed by its good friend People Who Grieve Their Comrades Do The Hanky Panky Every Six Hours like it’s antibiotics, despite themselves having literally died recently. Nobody is going to take their wounds seriously, Jonathan! Nobody.
Since this is a thriller/survival scifi, the pacing is fast so the embarrassing character moments are over quickly but I really wish Lovecraftian scifi authors would be more aware of injecting these bits of earwax into the story. Just don’t put them in! Nobody reads scifi thrillers for their amazing characters, and stereotypes AREN’T amazing. And if I’m interested in people having sex I’ll read erotica instead thanks. Showing them having sex has the same attachment value as just saying “they’re a couple”—I get it but there’s no character development. Their handholding was more impactful than the sex.
But the Lovecraftian scifi is absolutely amazing, with tons of brain candy reveals, and some of the most atmospheric descriptions of cosmic horror I’ve ever seen. Plus, there are SO MANY reveals that make perfect sense and yet are fresh and perfect and which still don’t take away any of the “incomprehensible” wonder of the mythos. There are whole chapters of reveals that create new mysteries at the same time, and they’re amazing. There are also splendid character moments, especially to the end, that create an absolutely sublime read. To the end, when the significance of the title is revealed, there are some incredibly epic parts that I can’t spoil. Even the next day I’m still digesting the awesome parts, which need time to sink in. It’s rare for a scifi thriller to create such emotional resonance.
Which is why, despite the annoying parts, this is a solid 5. I hope Maberry continues writing mythos.
I listened to this book and Ray Porter was as usual at the top of his game.
There’s the Tough Soldier Who Don’t Wanna Stay in Bed After Fight, despite actually having died. We have the Stupid Alcoholic Scientist who (only Cthulhu knows how) is Head Of Space Station But Helpless and Defers to Military. Alcoholism is not tension, it’s an annoying cliché. It doesn’t impact the character’s ability to have a stellar career, but does lead to pointlessly protracted moments of contemplating the temptations of the bottle, which lead to zero plot consequences. Then there’s of course the military higherup who Shows Great Leadership but Assaults Scientist For No Reason than to blame somebody and blow off some steam after explicitly telling a subordinate not to do exactly that, and Nobody Calls Him Out on it because he is Important and His Poor FeEeLiNgS. No discussion of his well-earned court martial. This either strawmans the military people really badly, or paints a veridic portrait of them being unhinged, dangerous tantrum throwers—no idea which but if the scientist rep is anything to go by, I bet the military will also be pissed reading this. It also plays into the dreaded Scientists Is All Of Thems Evulz conspiratist cliché, which is sooo tired and unnecessary, especially in a great story with phenomenal line-level writing and multiple clever premises woven together to form a solid feeling of discovery and interest. In fact if, instead of being busy stereotyping left and right, the story would’ve shown what those quantum physicists are doing, it would’ve been more awesome. And of course Power Couple Who Only Relates Via Sex and Hides Tears From Each Other, as if both she and he suffer from the toxic culture where Only Anger Is A Valid Emotion and You Can’t Be Vulnerable Even in Bed. Followed by its good friend People Who Grieve Their Comrades Do The Hanky Panky Every Six Hours like it’s antibiotics, despite themselves having literally died recently. Nobody is going to take their wounds seriously, Jonathan! Nobody.
Since this is a thriller/survival scifi, the pacing is fast so the embarrassing character moments are over quickly but I really wish Lovecraftian scifi authors would be more aware of injecting these bits of earwax into the story. Just don’t put them in! Nobody reads scifi thrillers for their amazing characters, and stereotypes AREN’T amazing. And if I’m interested in people having sex I’ll read erotica instead thanks. Showing them having sex has the same attachment value as just saying “they’re a couple”—I get it but there’s no character development. Their handholding was more impactful than the sex.
But the Lovecraftian scifi is absolutely amazing, with tons of brain candy reveals, and some of the most atmospheric descriptions of cosmic horror I’ve ever seen. Plus, there are SO MANY reveals that make perfect sense and yet are fresh and perfect and which still don’t take away any of the “incomprehensible” wonder of the mythos. There are whole chapters of reveals that create new mysteries at the same time, and they’re amazing. There are also splendid character moments, especially to the end, that create an absolutely sublime read. To the end, when the significance of the title is revealed, there are some incredibly epic parts that I can’t spoil. Even the next day I’m still digesting the awesome parts, which need time to sink in. It’s rare for a scifi thriller to create such emotional resonance.
Which is why, despite the annoying parts, this is a solid 5. I hope Maberry continues writing mythos.
I listened to this book and Ray Porter was as usual at the top of his game.
May 17, 2024
NecroTek by Jonathan Maberry
I had the pleasure of delving into this title as an ARC, and from the moment I picked it up, I was captivated. Initially drawn by its intriguing premise, which evoked images of a Lovecraftian twist on the classic sci-fi horror of Alien, I found myself immersed in a narrative that far exceeded my expectations.
The tale begins with a catastrophic mishap on launch day for a revolutionary teleportation device, resulting in the entire space station, along with its inhabitants, being flung to the farthest reaches of the universe. What follows is a gripping saga of survival, as 12,000 souls grapple with the terrors of unfamiliar dimensions, cosmic warfare, and the unsettling revelation of life beyond death.
However, while the horror elements initially drew me in, it was the intricate web of interpersonal relationships that truly stole the show. Each character, no matter how briefly introduced, is imbued with depth and humanity, inviting the reader to empathize with their struggles and sacrifices. This emotional investment lends weight to every twist and turn of the plot, elevating the stakes to dizzying heights.
What truly sets NecroTek apart, though, is its masterful blend of familiar tropes into something wholly original. From echoes of Farscape's accidental voyages across the cosmos to the eerie resonance of Event Horizon's interdimensional travel, the narrative deftly weaves together elements from a myriad of science fiction classics. Yet, it is the infusion of Lovecraftian horror that gives the story its uniquely chilling edge, elevating it to a league of its own.
In essence, NecroTek is a love letter to the genre, a thrilling amalgamation of its most iconic elements brought to life with Maberry's signature flair. With its pulse-pounding action, richly drawn characters, and spine-tingling atmosphere, it's no surprise that I found myself eagerly anticipating the next installment. Without a doubt, this is a stellar addition to the pantheon of science fiction classics, deserving of every bit of its five-star rating.
"NecroTek Forever!"
I had the pleasure of delving into this title as an ARC, and from the moment I picked it up, I was captivated. Initially drawn by its intriguing premise, which evoked images of a Lovecraftian twist on the classic sci-fi horror of Alien, I found myself immersed in a narrative that far exceeded my expectations.
The tale begins with a catastrophic mishap on launch day for a revolutionary teleportation device, resulting in the entire space station, along with its inhabitants, being flung to the farthest reaches of the universe. What follows is a gripping saga of survival, as 12,000 souls grapple with the terrors of unfamiliar dimensions, cosmic warfare, and the unsettling revelation of life beyond death.
However, while the horror elements initially drew me in, it was the intricate web of interpersonal relationships that truly stole the show. Each character, no matter how briefly introduced, is imbued with depth and humanity, inviting the reader to empathize with their struggles and sacrifices. This emotional investment lends weight to every twist and turn of the plot, elevating the stakes to dizzying heights.
What truly sets NecroTek apart, though, is its masterful blend of familiar tropes into something wholly original. From echoes of Farscape's accidental voyages across the cosmos to the eerie resonance of Event Horizon's interdimensional travel, the narrative deftly weaves together elements from a myriad of science fiction classics. Yet, it is the infusion of Lovecraftian horror that gives the story its uniquely chilling edge, elevating it to a league of its own.
In essence, NecroTek is a love letter to the genre, a thrilling amalgamation of its most iconic elements brought to life with Maberry's signature flair. With its pulse-pounding action, richly drawn characters, and spine-tingling atmosphere, it's no surprise that I found myself eagerly anticipating the next installment. Without a doubt, this is a stellar addition to the pantheon of science fiction classics, deserving of every bit of its five-star rating.
"NecroTek Forever!"
May 24, 2024
Many have fallen, nations destroyed, but earth itself is in imminent danger from a force, an ancient battalion of Shoggoths serving the Outer Gods there will be Shoggoths’ chimeras up against the NecroTeks.
Lost, a crew the Lost Souls, and an ai with consciousness are the last hope.
A terror ancient and of present danger descending upon the characters amidst this cosmic tale with the dead awakening and necromancy cycling, a phenomena ensuing with a metamorphosis afoot in an epic tale.
A grande cosmic extravaganza undertaken with a band of warriors named lost souls embracing necrotek in this first instalment in a brave bold new world beyond the known Jonathan Maberry has crafted with cosmic war, horror, mechanical monstrosities and ancient gods.
An odyssey with all the needed ingredients and elements laid down with the great orchestrations of a well crafted author into a prose that was a joy and ease to read, along with all the cosmic philosophy, the complexities and aspects that come with it, masterful laid down with care and clarity.
Something just getting started with this first book that will have you waiting with great joy for its continuation, of which the author is crafting at this moment.
This would convert well to screen and hope someone does adapt it and do a good job of it.
By the time he has written and published the second instalment I will have hoped to read and completed Hyperion, Dune, and The Foundation.
Excerpts at my vortex more2read
Lost, a crew the Lost Souls, and an ai with consciousness are the last hope.
A terror ancient and of present danger descending upon the characters amidst this cosmic tale with the dead awakening and necromancy cycling, a phenomena ensuing with a metamorphosis afoot in an epic tale.
A grande cosmic extravaganza undertaken with a band of warriors named lost souls embracing necrotek in this first instalment in a brave bold new world beyond the known Jonathan Maberry has crafted with cosmic war, horror, mechanical monstrosities and ancient gods.
An odyssey with all the needed ingredients and elements laid down with the great orchestrations of a well crafted author into a prose that was a joy and ease to read, along with all the cosmic philosophy, the complexities and aspects that come with it, masterful laid down with care and clarity.
Something just getting started with this first book that will have you waiting with great joy for its continuation, of which the author is crafting at this moment.
This would convert well to screen and hope someone does adapt it and do a good job of it.
By the time he has written and published the second instalment I will have hoped to read and completed Hyperion, Dune, and The Foundation.
Excerpts at my vortex more2read
December 26, 2024
One of the leading authors of action-packed fiction, Jonathan Maberry, dives headfirst into the science fiction genre with the unique read NecroTek, a remarkable Lovecraftian adventure in space that takes readers to some very dark places.
Due to how much I love Maberry’s captivating and enthralling novels, I always instantly grab anything new the author writes, and this includes his first release of 2024, NectroTek. While his Joe Ledger books often feature strong science fiction elements in their thriller narratives, NecroTek was the first pure science fiction novel from the author, and I felt that he did an outstanding job applying his style and love for old-school horror into this new genre. Released under the banner of the iconic Weird Tales horror magazine, NecroTek was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024, and it did not disappoint.
What another brilliant read from Jonathan Maberry! NecroTek was an outstanding and captivating novel that I unsurprisingly loved thanks to its elaborate and ambitious narrative, loaded with horror, carnage and a distinctive tale of survival against the odds. Moving, powerful and highly emotional, NecroTek was such an epic and captivating novel, and I must give it a full five-star rating as a result.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/12/26/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Due to how much I love Maberry’s captivating and enthralling novels, I always instantly grab anything new the author writes, and this includes his first release of 2024, NectroTek. While his Joe Ledger books often feature strong science fiction elements in their thriller narratives, NecroTek was the first pure science fiction novel from the author, and I felt that he did an outstanding job applying his style and love for old-school horror into this new genre. Released under the banner of the iconic Weird Tales horror magazine, NecroTek was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024, and it did not disappoint.
What another brilliant read from Jonathan Maberry! NecroTek was an outstanding and captivating novel that I unsurprisingly loved thanks to its elaborate and ambitious narrative, loaded with horror, carnage and a distinctive tale of survival against the odds. Moving, powerful and highly emotional, NecroTek was such an epic and captivating novel, and I must give it a full five-star rating as a result.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2024/12/26/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
October 18, 2025
NecroTek by Jonathan Maberry
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
A cosmic horror space opera that dares to ask: what if necromancy powered our last hope against extinction?
Maberry’s NecroTek launches readers into a galaxy where eldritch gods stir, ghost ships await, and the dead refuse to stay buried. The premise is undeniably original—necromantic starcraft piloted by fallen heroes—and the action rarely lets up. From the haunted plains of Shadderal to the monstrous tide of Shoggoths, the stakes are apocalyptic and the visuals cinematic.
But while the concept is bold and the pacing relentless, the story sometimes feels like it’s been stitched together from too many genre threads. Philosophical musings, techno-magic, and mythic horror collide in ways that don’t always cohere. Characters like Lars Soren and Lady Death are compelling in isolation, but their arcs occasionally feel out of sync with the narrative’s momentum.
Still, there’s something hauntingly beautiful about the idea of souls returning to fight one last time—not for glory, but for survival. NecroTek may not fully stick the landing, but it earns points for ambition and atmosphere.
Best for: Fans of Warhammer 40K, Event Horizon, and cosmic horror with a sci-fi twist.
Skip if: You prefer tight plotting over sprawling mythos.
Happy reading 🦑📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
A cosmic horror space opera that dares to ask: what if necromancy powered our last hope against extinction?
Maberry’s NecroTek launches readers into a galaxy where eldritch gods stir, ghost ships await, and the dead refuse to stay buried. The premise is undeniably original—necromantic starcraft piloted by fallen heroes—and the action rarely lets up. From the haunted plains of Shadderal to the monstrous tide of Shoggoths, the stakes are apocalyptic and the visuals cinematic.
But while the concept is bold and the pacing relentless, the story sometimes feels like it’s been stitched together from too many genre threads. Philosophical musings, techno-magic, and mythic horror collide in ways that don’t always cohere. Characters like Lars Soren and Lady Death are compelling in isolation, but their arcs occasionally feel out of sync with the narrative’s momentum.
Still, there’s something hauntingly beautiful about the idea of souls returning to fight one last time—not for glory, but for survival. NecroTek may not fully stick the landing, but it earns points for ambition and atmosphere.
Best for: Fans of Warhammer 40K, Event Horizon, and cosmic horror with a sci-fi twist.
Skip if: You prefer tight plotting over sprawling mythos.
Happy reading 🦑📚
June 13, 2024
Ray Porter is my FAVORITE NARRATOR OF ALL TIME. He does a *phenomenal* job for this book! Multiple accents, male and female voices, monster sounds, growling, alien language noises, creepy voice--I had CHILLS listening to this!
The beginning of this book is incredible. I could barely focus on what I was trying to multitask while listening to the book. It starts off strong as a delicious blend of sci-fi and horror. Then it slows down. It gets religious, philosophical, and sort of slow. It comes off plot driven at first, then character driven. I liked all the characters just fine. but I was so invested in other story aspects, that I had a hard time staying engaged. The action sequences were a little tiresome.
This book is an ode to readers of horror and sci-fi! It's cosmic horror, speculative fiction, dystopia, and space travel science fiction all wrapped together. It's a very fun read, and I definitely recommend the audio rather than physical because Porter is on FIRE.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone for an audio copy to listen to and review voluntarily!
The beginning of this book is incredible. I could barely focus on what I was trying to multitask while listening to the book. It starts off strong as a delicious blend of sci-fi and horror. Then it slows down. It gets religious, philosophical, and sort of slow. It comes off plot driven at first, then character driven. I liked all the characters just fine. but I was so invested in other story aspects, that I had a hard time staying engaged. The action sequences were a little tiresome.
This book is an ode to readers of horror and sci-fi! It's cosmic horror, speculative fiction, dystopia, and space travel science fiction all wrapped together. It's a very fun read, and I definitely recommend the audio rather than physical because Porter is on FIRE.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone for an audio copy to listen to and review voluntarily!
April 13, 2025
I want to give this book a better review, because I DID enjoy it. But I do have one glaring thing that I think brings it from a 4 to a 3 star for me
I just wish it didn't tie itself to closely to Lovecraft!
Like, it makes sense in the narrative, they pull it together in a way that somehow works and is satisfying. It's just.... God, I wish it wasn't Lovecraft! Even if it was just, like "Lovecraft was one of the many artists throughout history that touched upon the truth", that would have been better, but they really did just be like "Yeah, Lovecraft was TOTALLY right. His stories were all real, inspired by his visions into the truth because his mind was just that fucked yo!"
So was it the Shoggoths that made him into a racist POS, then? Did Cthulu tell him to name his cat like that??
I understand that the narrative doesn't include those details because it's really unnecessary to anything even tangentially related to the plot, but I'd be lying if I said that didn't knock it down a few pegs for me. So for now, its a 4 star book with a 3 star rating.
I just wish it didn't tie itself to closely to Lovecraft!
Like, it makes sense in the narrative, they pull it together in a way that somehow works and is satisfying. It's just.... God, I wish it wasn't Lovecraft! Even if it was just, like "Lovecraft was one of the many artists throughout history that touched upon the truth", that would have been better, but they really did just be like "Yeah, Lovecraft was TOTALLY right. His stories were all real, inspired by his visions into the truth because his mind was just that fucked yo!"
So was it the Shoggoths that made him into a racist POS, then? Did Cthulu tell him to name his cat like that??
I understand that the narrative doesn't include those details because it's really unnecessary to anything even tangentially related to the plot, but I'd be lying if I said that didn't knock it down a few pegs for me. So for now, its a 4 star book with a 3 star rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
Picture, if you will, a near-seamless blending of Mobile Suit Gundam conceptually, with the best of H.P. Lovecraft and his fellow Mythos creator's beasts and baddies into a non-stop ride into horror and madness, with a stop along the way for some great conjectural future-science stuff re: FTL space travel, and it's risks. With elements of Event Horizon and Aliens, NecroTek has Maberry dabbling in cosmic horror in such a way, that it implies this must be one of the most FUN book series he has started in his career (and that's saying something - look at Kagen the Damned!).
My one thing that prevented me from giving five stars: the story demands a fast pace and Maberry delivers, but is also has so MUCH left unsaid and unexplored which, of course, means NecroTek: Cold War, and subsequent sequels. I hope to see Jonathan Maberry at some some point write a one-off novel, in the vein of Scalzi's The God Engines or Richard Kadrey's The Grand Dark. But, I say to you dear reader who took the time to read my rant, READ THIS BOOK! It's the chiller-thriller we need in these dark times.
My one thing that prevented me from giving five stars: the story demands a fast pace and Maberry delivers, but is also has so MUCH left unsaid and unexplored which, of course, means NecroTek: Cold War, and subsequent sequels. I hope to see Jonathan Maberry at some some point write a one-off novel, in the vein of Scalzi's The God Engines or Richard Kadrey's The Grand Dark. But, I say to you dear reader who took the time to read my rant, READ THIS BOOK! It's the chiller-thriller we need in these dark times.
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