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In Dying Starlight #1
Planetfall
A rogue cyborg. A talking badger. A bounty job that goes incredibly wrong.Aaron is perfectly content to chase bounties in his run-down little space ship, avoid human interaction at all cost, and lay low from the cyborg planet that created him. But when he and Bat—his half-robotic badger companion (who talks just a little too much)—chase their largest bounty ever, they run head-first into not only some dangerous criminals, but other cyborgs much stronger than them, and worst of all, a handful of humans who aren’t going anywhere.
Their job leads them first to Yayth, a backwater planet nearly as inhospitable as it is frigid. On a planet this abandoned, their target should be an easy find. Until a storm rolls in that freezes even the engines of starships. Aaron and Bat find themselves trapped not only with their bounty, but with some bystanders determined to get in the way, and something monstrous wanting to crack its way out of the ice.
Planetfall is the first episode in the action-packed space opera series In Dying Starlight . Featuring a grumpy sarcastic cyborg, a talking badger, plenty of space travel, a cast of oddball characters, and a bit of romance later on, In Dying Starlight is perfect for fans of Star Wars , Firefly, and Blade Runner .
Their job leads them first to Yayth, a backwater planet nearly as inhospitable as it is frigid. On a planet this abandoned, their target should be an easy find. Until a storm rolls in that freezes even the engines of starships. Aaron and Bat find themselves trapped not only with their bounty, but with some bystanders determined to get in the way, and something monstrous wanting to crack its way out of the ice.
Planetfall is the first episode in the action-packed space opera series In Dying Starlight . Featuring a grumpy sarcastic cyborg, a talking badger, plenty of space travel, a cast of oddball characters, and a bit of romance later on, In Dying Starlight is perfect for fans of Star Wars , Firefly, and Blade Runner .
Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
28 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Emily McCosh
44 books224 followersEmily McCosh is a graphic designer, writer of strange things, and daydreamer extraordinaire. She currently lives in California with her two parents, two dogs, one fish, one tree swing, and innumerable characters who need to learn some manners. Her fiction has appeared in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Shimmer Magazine, Galaxy’s Edge, Flash Fiction Online, Nature: Futures, and elsewhere.
Find her online on her writing and bookish YouTube channel, website where she sometimes blogs, and Instagram full of sappy poetry.
YouTube: Emily McCosh
TikTok: emilymccosh
Instagram: emily_mccosh
Blog: oceansinthesky.com
Facebook & Twitter: @wordweaveremily
Find her online on her writing and bookish YouTube channel, website where she sometimes blogs, and Instagram full of sappy poetry.
YouTube: Emily McCosh
TikTok: emilymccosh
Instagram: emily_mccosh
Blog: oceansinthesky.com
Facebook & Twitter: @wordweaveremily
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 28, 2022
A rogue cyborg and his talking half-mechanical badger are bounty hunters. They chase two escaped prisoners to an icy and barely inhabited planet. It was supposed to be an easy job. Unfortunately, they get surprised by a treacherous storm. So they decide to land their space ship and ride it out before continuing their search. But as soon as they’ve landed in the middle of nowhere, someone knocks on their door. And the bounty hunters quickly realize they’ve bitten off a lot more than they can chew.
This is a rather short, but very good science fiction story. It’s well written. The isolated setting is very cool, pun intended. The story surprisingly goes in a whole different direction than I was expecting it to go. Still, definitely a very solid plot with lots of action and some good twists. A bit lacking in terms of characters for me though. This story does a good job of introducing the protagonist, and simply hints at a fascinating background story. Since it sounds both interesting and vague, chances are this will be further explored over the course of the series.
Overall, a strong start to an interesting science fiction series.
This is a rather short, but very good science fiction story. It’s well written. The isolated setting is very cool, pun intended. The story surprisingly goes in a whole different direction than I was expecting it to go. Still, definitely a very solid plot with lots of action and some good twists. A bit lacking in terms of characters for me though. This story does a good job of introducing the protagonist, and simply hints at a fascinating background story. Since it sounds both interesting and vague, chances are this will be further explored over the course of the series.
Overall, a strong start to an interesting science fiction series.
March 2, 2024
A little venture of mine into the science fiction genre. A cyborg bounty hunter whose hunt becomes somewhat messy. Interesting with all the hints at the background that are made, but the actual story seems to be told later.
Still, very good sci-fi and very well written. I'll be sure to read on at some point.
The lady takes one look at me through the glass and glances at the door like she wants to bolt.
Wonderful. Not everyone is skittish about cyborgs, but looking the way I do, people can tell something’s incorrect.
Still, very good sci-fi and very well written. I'll be sure to read on at some point.
The lady takes one look at me through the glass and glances at the door like she wants to bolt.
Wonderful. Not everyone is skittish about cyborgs, but looking the way I do, people can tell something’s incorrect.
January 2, 2024
4.5 stars. I LOVED this. Lots of action, a really cool world, great characters. The only thing that threw me off was my struggle to follow the conflict. I’m gonna blame it on me reading an ebook. I’d like to reread this as a paperback sometime and continue the rest as paperbacks.
October 30, 2023
This series has become my family. I love it, I cherish it and will protect it with my whole heart.
I found this author on Insta and immediately was drawn to the fact that each title she had written was in a theme I love. I chose the sci-fi first because the moody sea-fantasy was not out yet and I am also just a junkie for sci-fi.
Gosh, am I so glad I found this series. I INHALED IT! Read a book a night pretty much and miss it so badly while awaiting the final book to be released I may even start it all over again.
I just fell head over heels for the characters and the way they were written. The pacing was awesome and I felt like I was always surprised and excited about where things were going but also just so satisfied and in agreement with it all too. To me, that is just great storytelling and honestly a rare find for me. I feel like I struck gold.
Thank you, Emily McCosh, for putting these dear old friends down in black and white for me to visit and revisit and I hope more can be explored in this universe.
I found this author on Insta and immediately was drawn to the fact that each title she had written was in a theme I love. I chose the sci-fi first because the moody sea-fantasy was not out yet and I am also just a junkie for sci-fi.
Gosh, am I so glad I found this series. I INHALED IT! Read a book a night pretty much and miss it so badly while awaiting the final book to be released I may even start it all over again.
I just fell head over heels for the characters and the way they were written. The pacing was awesome and I felt like I was always surprised and excited about where things were going but also just so satisfied and in agreement with it all too. To me, that is just great storytelling and honestly a rare find for me. I feel like I struck gold.
Thank you, Emily McCosh, for putting these dear old friends down in black and white for me to visit and revisit and I hope more can be explored in this universe.
January 12, 2024
A good start. But I do wish we had more in this novella. The characters' appearances, as well as the scenery around us in this world, aren't really described by the author. I would have liked more pages describing the ice planet, the large fish living in this area, and what the siblings and cyborg bounty hunter look like. It seems everything written out was very surface level, and more page space could have been dedicated to immersive descriptions of the world that we are in. We also have very little to no background information about the cyborg and his badger assistant. With this being the first book, backgrounds should be established so the reader is invested and rooting for in these characters.
I wish this novella was longer with more descriptors of the world and the characters' thoughts and motivations, but the book does a good job with setting up the action scenes. It felt very anime-esque, and I felt as though I was watching an episode of Cowboy Bebop.
All in all, I wanted more from this. More world building, more character background, more physical character descriptions, and more inner monologs. If this book was longer, I think it would have been more for me.
I wish this novella was longer with more descriptors of the world and the characters' thoughts and motivations, but the book does a good job with setting up the action scenes. It felt very anime-esque, and I felt as though I was watching an episode of Cowboy Bebop.
All in all, I wanted more from this. More world building, more character background, more physical character descriptions, and more inner monologs. If this book was longer, I think it would have been more for me.
April 26, 2025
The beginning of a great unexpected series. I stumbled upon this gem one night from a little Instagram video and I went to check it out and binged through the series and then proceeded to buy the whole series in a physical copy so I can binge it all over again.
This is a very short novel but has a story that starts here and continues through out the rest of the books. It all starts with this little book. I immediately love Aaron and Bats dynamic. The beginning of the world building is subtle and doesn't hit you all at once. The dialogue and action is fun and keeps you engaged. I really like this series!
If you like the Murderbot diaries series, a found family and great character development this series is perfect for you.
This is a very short novel but has a story that starts here and continues through out the rest of the books. It all starts with this little book. I immediately love Aaron and Bats dynamic. The beginning of the world building is subtle and doesn't hit you all at once. The dialogue and action is fun and keeps you engaged. I really like this series!
If you like the Murderbot diaries series, a found family and great character development this series is perfect for you.
May 14, 2025
this is part of my kindle unlimited challenge, where i have three weeks to try and actually make use of my ku that i haven’t really used at all in the last couple of months and trying to read as many books on my shelf.
this is a sci-fi novella following a cyborg bounty hunter looking for two escaped prisoners.
this was a pretty good start to what looks to be a series. the world seemed really interesting and was definitely left open to exploration in the future. i also really enjoyed the introduction we got of the characters, although it is still a little early on to know exactly which ones will be important in the future. overall i’m intrigued but not overly so.
this is a sci-fi novella following a cyborg bounty hunter looking for two escaped prisoners.
this was a pretty good start to what looks to be a series. the world seemed really interesting and was definitely left open to exploration in the future. i also really enjoyed the introduction we got of the characters, although it is still a little early on to know exactly which ones will be important in the future. overall i’m intrigued but not overly so.
October 25, 2023
What a surprise, when I finally - FINALLY ! - stumbled over this little gem of a series. After a seamless endless line-up of fantasy or dystopian novels [gag], this series was a true delight to read. Albeit each book(let) is somewhat short, each one is well worth its price. And it got it all: space, action, humor, solemnity and heartfelt human interaction that transcends space and time. Not a dull moment in any of the adventures, gripping story-line, enough details to get you thoroughly involved without smothering the reader with technical specifics... and funny and somber and emotional in a deeply psychological way - definitely not your off-the-shelf chick-read!
So far, there have only been three series to which I compare everything I read:
Nathan Lowell's 'Solar Clipper Trader Tales' and Jodi Taylor's 'The Chronicles of St Mary's' and while not everyone might agree with me, 'In Dying Starlight' knocked Martha Wells' 'The Murderbot Diaries' off to fourth place - albeit it was a close call. As an avid reader of Sci-Fi novels written in first person these kind of series' embody everything I consider excellent and enjoyable.
I can't wait for the [obviously, but hopefully not] last book in the series 'Homeward' to hit the shelfs.
Thank you , thank you, thank you, Emily!
Please, keep 'em coming!
So far, there have only been three series to which I compare everything I read:
Nathan Lowell's 'Solar Clipper Trader Tales' and Jodi Taylor's 'The Chronicles of St Mary's' and while not everyone might agree with me, 'In Dying Starlight' knocked Martha Wells' 'The Murderbot Diaries' off to fourth place - albeit it was a close call. As an avid reader of Sci-Fi novels written in first person these kind of series' embody everything I consider excellent and enjoyable.
I can't wait for the [obviously, but hopefully not] last book in the series 'Homeward' to hit the shelfs.
Thank you , thank you, thank you, Emily!
Please, keep 'em coming!
April 5, 2023
What's so fun about In Dying Starlight is Emily's obvious commitment to keeping it Story and Characters first all the way through. Aaron is a cyborg bounty hunter who sets off to an Icy planet with his cybernetic Badger companion, Bat.
Their charge is to bring in a wanted brother and sister duo of baddies, but it gets tricky when they wind up in the home of a family who are none the wiser.
It's brisk, it's fun, and blissfully devoid of pretentious subtext. Emily clearly wants you on the edge of your seat, and wanting more when it's through.
It's a solid beginning to a charming, yet utterly action-pack series that promises to traverse the stars with all the adventures you could want.
Check it out!
Their charge is to bring in a wanted brother and sister duo of baddies, but it gets tricky when they wind up in the home of a family who are none the wiser.
It's brisk, it's fun, and blissfully devoid of pretentious subtext. Emily clearly wants you on the edge of your seat, and wanting more when it's through.
It's a solid beginning to a charming, yet utterly action-pack series that promises to traverse the stars with all the adventures you could want.
Check it out!
November 20, 2022
Space Opera drama and action.
I don't usually enjoy novels written from an intensely first person narrative perspective, however, I did enjoy this one. Set in an exciting and dramatic future, on an exciting and dangerous planet, I was drawn into the plot and enjoyed the entertaining reading experience. Containing most of the elements of Star Wars type science fiction, the author manages to create a vividly graphic universe without lengthy explanations of societies or how miniature space ships can actually travel at faster than light speeds. The thrilling cliffhanger at the end of this book means that I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I don't usually enjoy novels written from an intensely first person narrative perspective, however, I did enjoy this one. Set in an exciting and dramatic future, on an exciting and dangerous planet, I was drawn into the plot and enjoyed the entertaining reading experience. Containing most of the elements of Star Wars type science fiction, the author manages to create a vividly graphic universe without lengthy explanations of societies or how miniature space ships can actually travel at faster than light speeds. The thrilling cliffhanger at the end of this book means that I look forward to reading the next in the series.
February 10, 2025
Really liked this one and will be continuing the series. We're dumped in the middle of a story and learn as we read about the world and the characters we follow, and i think it's easy to keep up with.
Aaron and Bat are a cool and tough duo, and its sweet to see a restrained robot-like cyborg character like Aaron show emotion towards his friend Bat.
The siblings behavior in this book is really intriguing. Their mysterious behavior and the reason for it is what makes me want to continue this series.
My only criticism is that i think there could be some more work done on the grammar, but it in no way hinders the enjoyment of this book.
Aaron and Bat are a cool and tough duo, and its sweet to see a restrained robot-like cyborg character like Aaron show emotion towards his friend Bat.
The siblings behavior in this book is really intriguing. Their mysterious behavior and the reason for it is what makes me want to continue this series.
My only criticism is that i think there could be some more work done on the grammar, but it in no way hinders the enjoyment of this book.
September 16, 2024
I can’t believe this series doesn’t have more readers!!! This first book is just a glimpse into a new world, and I agree with other reviewers that this series would be far better condensed into 2-3 books instead of segmented into novellas. Even so, it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time, and I appreciate that the author doesn’t linger too long on lulls in the story. It’s fast-paced, but not so fast that it loses you. I’ve already bought the next two and am so excited to dive even deeper into the lesser-known and very intriguing story, world, and characters this author has created.
February 6, 2025
💙🛸🪐Excellent start to the series.
Aaron was approaching his ship from the ice planet.
he was waiting for permission to enter the atmosphere.
He had an important mission to accomplish...
********
Here is a very astonishing science fiction story in which we follow the incredible misadventures of the very mysterious Aaron.
A totally captivating, unique, original read, full of unexpected events and twists that left me glued to my seat more than once.
I'm intrigued to read more.
A must read for fans of the genre.
Aaron was approaching his ship from the ice planet.
he was waiting for permission to enter the atmosphere.
He had an important mission to accomplish...
********
Here is a very astonishing science fiction story in which we follow the incredible misadventures of the very mysterious Aaron.
A totally captivating, unique, original read, full of unexpected events and twists that left me glued to my seat more than once.
I'm intrigued to read more.
A must read for fans of the genre.
December 4, 2023
Really fun novella set in space following a bounty hunter with a loveable sidekick robo-badger named Bat (and yes he keep that thang on him). Perfect story setup and pacing for a novella for me. Really nice atmosphere and just a joy to read. The vibes on this one are immaculate. Excited to continue this series especially with how this one ended ♡
March 4, 2024
Look at me liking Sci-Fi! Aaron's "done with everything", "f*** humans" attitude is great and I love his bald, badger companion, Bat. Great story telling in 68 pages! Got to know the setting, technology, characters, and plot all very organically, without confusion, or info dumping. The ending made me so excited to devour the rest of the series!
March 30, 2024
quick and fun
3.5*
I didn’t know much going into this book, and it was the first novella I’d ever read. It was quick and really fun. I’d say parts of the writing were a little clunky, but I know that this book is currently being re-edited so hopefully that fixes those issues. I’m loving the cozy sci-fi vibes.
3.5*
I didn’t know much going into this book, and it was the first novella I’d ever read. It was quick and really fun. I’d say parts of the writing were a little clunky, but I know that this book is currently being re-edited so hopefully that fixes those issues. I’m loving the cozy sci-fi vibes.
June 11, 2024
Stellar start to a series. This one immediately hooks you.
I am 100% here for Bat.
This is perfect for someone who wants some cozy, yet action-filled sci-fi that still feels accessible to those of us who do not like to handle all the jargon and techno-babble that tends to follow the genre.
Content warning: Some PG-13 language scattered throughout.
I am 100% here for Bat.
This is perfect for someone who wants some cozy, yet action-filled sci-fi that still feels accessible to those of us who do not like to handle all the jargon and techno-babble that tends to follow the genre.
Content warning: Some PG-13 language scattered throughout.
January 22, 2023
Intriguing first episode of sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is fascinating, the story is thrilling, and the questions are many. Aaron and Bat are the kind of unlikey partners that I would automatically want to read about. I'm looking forward to the next episode.
The worldbuilding is fascinating, the story is thrilling, and the questions are many. Aaron and Bat are the kind of unlikey partners that I would automatically want to read about. I'm looking forward to the next episode.
January 30, 2023
4.5/5 enjoyed this! Excited to see what happens next. Maybe it was just me but some things weren't clear. Like description on the main character(I assumed it was a girl but it was a guy😂) and also bat being a badger. Maybe I just forgot it haha. Anyways great short story!
October 7, 2024
Cyborgs and ice planets
This was an engaging scif novella. It gave me a big enough taste of the world that I want more. Bat is so cute I want one. I'm 100% on board with the mcs desire to avoid humans they just mess stuff up
This was an engaging scif novella. It gave me a big enough taste of the world that I want more. Bat is so cute I want one. I'm 100% on board with the mcs desire to avoid humans they just mess stuff up
March 14, 2023
A good effort
Moderately amusing. A science fiction comedy of errors featuring a human and an animal cyborg. Well enough written, but needs background
Moderately amusing. A science fiction comedy of errors featuring a human and an animal cyborg. Well enough written, but needs background
October 29, 2023
A solid start. Excited to continue!
May 17, 2025
A good fast paced Sci-Fi book. I love how it's not a long read. I haven't read any others in the series yet but this first one hooks you in well.
August 16, 2024
5 stars for the whole series, probably the most wholesome thing I’ve read in a while. It’s not nearly as big of a commitment as it looks at first glance, none of the books break 200 ebook pages.
December 3, 2022
This was an excellent book and I would recommend it to any one who wants an excellent read. I look forward to reading more of this authors work.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews