Echoes From A Distant Star: Ranger Book One

by John McCool

In the depths of space, a long-abandoned vessel conceals the whispers of something tragic.

Locilette, a Ranger patrolling this sector of space, responds to an anonymous call of a potential derelict spotted drifting in the endless void. Thinking this is nothing more than another routine call would end up being one of the greatest mistakes of his career.

What horrors befell the Yanagi’s crew? Were they driven to madness, or did an unknown terror stalk the now dark corridors? The Ranger’s investigation plunges him into a labyrinth of secrets and unspeakable fears that’ll haunt him for the rest of his life.

Will the Ranger uncover the truth behind the crew’s disappearance, or will he succumb to the same horrors that claimed them?

The darkness of the Yanagi awaits…

Genres: Science Fiction

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2024

Reviews

[Peter Baran · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's something solidly old-fashioned in a pulp way about John McCool's Echoes From A Distant Star. It concerns a solitary space ranger patroling his patch of the galaxy coming across a derelict hulk of a ship, and investigating what happened, whilst retrospectively reflecting on his career and missing his family. It could be torn from a Western, this solitary lawman in the wilderness of outer space - though even that wouldn't have him working for a space monarchy. Once he decants his security robot/sidekick the book however shifts into yet another genre, the cult horror, because the spaceship isn't empty and as they work their linear way through the corridors (with their escape barred), they come across more atrocities. So this cycles through Wetsern and Horror with the sci-fi architecture there to change the magnitude of peril, the charismatic cult leader who wants to join a space pantheon via diving into the sun.

Passibly pulpy, it also has the horror trope of people doing dumb things to get them into even more trouble (both antagonist and protagonist alike here), and the introduction of a third party suddenly to slide in some exposition (including an external recommendation as to how great our hero is), and to ultimately facilitate the conclusion was a little unsatisfactory. But if you want some agreeably nasty pulp space horror that's really a Western. you could do worse.

[Red Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In the depths of space, a long-abandoned vessel conceals the whispers of something tragic."
Echoes From A Distant Star Ranger is a dark, mystery novel and I can not wait to read the second Ranger's book. The suspense, but also the mystery in this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you turning the pages. It was written so well and every character in this book was interesting. I loved this book and would recommend it to any reader especially to those who love sci-fi. Thank you to the author for the amazing book in exchange of my honest review and to NetGalley and publisher for the ebook read in exchange of my honest review of Echoes From A Distant Star.

[Alexa Escapita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! This was my first sci-fi thriller and I'm here for it! The author did a great job in building up the suspense! I did not see that twist coming! I loved the in-depth thoughts that Lociletter had how detailed the world was. I felt like I was there and going through everything with the characters. I would give this 4 stars just because it took me a bit to get into, but once I finished the first couple of chapters, I was hooked! I loved Brinks as well. He was such a cool Droid! I can't wait for book 2!

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes From A Distant Star is a gripping sci-fi thriller that plunges readers into the eerie depths of space. Ranger Locilette’s investigation of the abandoned vessel Yanagi uncovers chilling secrets and unspeakable horrors. The suspense and tension in this book kept me on the edge of my seat. I particularly enjoyed the well-crafted atmosphere and the constant sense of dread. This book is a great read for anyone who loves a good mystery in space.

[Bluegoose53 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ranger Locilette patrols deep space. He responds to an assignment for a ship that appears to be have been abandoned. All is not as it seems. The longer he and his robot Brinks search, the more horrors and destruction is found. The relationship between ranger and robot grows stronger as the plot progresses. This is hard sci-fi book with a lot of emotions and violence.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[M.I.H. McCool · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes From A Distant Star is a powerful debut book for this new sci-fi series! I personally loved the emotional conflict throughout the adventure, especially Locilette's rigid training and protocol when faced with his deep morality and faith. Every chapter built up fantastically to a powerful climax with an ending that completely threw me through a loop! I can't wait to read the next Rangers book!

[Sandra Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the series and I can't wait to read more about Locilette. It reads like an episode of Star Trek, where they stop to investigate a drifting ship and once they come onboard, it's one tragic finding after another while their very lives are at stake. Definitely recommended for science fiction/outer space fans.

My Review

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wondered what’s lurking in the dark corners of space? Echoes From A Distant Star had me hooked from the first page! Locilette’s journey into the haunted Yanagi is a wild ride full of twists, turns, and spine-tingling moments. The suspense is killer, and I couldn't put it down. If you're a fan of sci-fi thrillers, trust me, you need this book in your life! 👽🚀

[Tiger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that blended different genres. It starts as a far futuristic military thriller as a Space Ranger responds to a derelict ship floating through space. With the help of his personal droid/robot they board and explore the ship looking for answers. What they find shifts the genre to noir, almost horror. Entertaining read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one it was like reading a mix of Firefly and Event Horizon with a dash of Saw. I'm not usually into Scifi type books, but this one was really good and more of a scifi thriller. I really think this story would make a scary and fun video game. I can't wait to get more space adventures and hopefully see more of Ranger Locilette 🌌

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sci-fi thriller! Felt like I was watching a movie while reading it! Definitely recommend if you are a fan of fast-paced thrillers!