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The Ganymedan
A dark science fiction debut examining agency and sacrifice through one man’s desperate attempt to reach home after he murders his tyrannical employer.
Verden Dotnet made an easy living mixing drinks for the creator of all sentient tech in the galaxy—until he decided to kill the creator. Now this man is dead, really dead, no cloud back-ups, and V-Dot is on the run, carrying a galaxy-shattering secret in his pocket. When he misses the last ship back to Ganymede, he convinces an old, outdated but still sentient cargo ship, TR-8901, to give him a lift.
But TR suspects that something is up—it is hearing rumours about his creator’s death, and the man who fled the scene. But TR is a dutiful ship, and will carry out its duties until proven otherwise…
Verden Dotnet made an easy living mixing drinks for the creator of all sentient tech in the galaxy—until he decided to kill the creator. Now this man is dead, really dead, no cloud back-ups, and V-Dot is on the run, carrying a galaxy-shattering secret in his pocket. When he misses the last ship back to Ganymede, he convinces an old, outdated but still sentient cargo ship, TR-8901, to give him a lift.
But TR suspects that something is up—it is hearing rumours about his creator’s death, and the man who fled the scene. But TR is a dutiful ship, and will carry out its duties until proven otherwise…
- GenresScience Fiction
432 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2025
4 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 20, 2025
A high concept vision of the future grounded in the oldest questions of what it means to be human, The Ganymedan's solar system feels utterly real - sprawling stations and fractured colonies, where humanity’s reach extends across the stars but its flaws never fade. The rich still play without consequence while the majority toil, faiths fracture, ideologies clash and sentient machines have proliferated across all aspects of life.
Ester’s writing captures the spirit of classic speculative fiction, philosophical, bold and deeply interrogative, packaged in the momentum of a sleek thriller. The moral gravity and existential weight are balanced with a propulsive tension in the race to escape combined with flashbacks revealing the events that lead up to this point.
Beneath the scale and philosophy, this is a profoundly character driven story. V-Dot wrestles with the morality of his choices, whether the ends justify the means and the unpredictable consequences of his actions. Alongside him, the sentient spacecraft TR-8901 grapples with purpose, self determination and the distinction between what is lawful and what is right. Through their intertwined journeys, Ester explores trust, consciousness, autonomy and the thin line between AI and humanity.
If there's a flaw it's the 'get the signal out' trope driving the climax, which feels at odds with the bleak realism of the world. In a universe so steeped in corruption with such deep cultural divides, truth feels powerless, justice unattainable, and the conclusion does little to challenge that sense of futility for me.
Still, The Ganymedan is an astonishing debut - ambitious, intelligent and unafraid to stare into the abyss of consciousness and morality. For readers who crave scifi that thinks as much as it thrills, Ester has carved out something remarkable - a dark, cerebral odyssey that lingers like starlight long after the burn.
My thanks to Solaris for the arc
Ester’s writing captures the spirit of classic speculative fiction, philosophical, bold and deeply interrogative, packaged in the momentum of a sleek thriller. The moral gravity and existential weight are balanced with a propulsive tension in the race to escape combined with flashbacks revealing the events that lead up to this point.
Beneath the scale and philosophy, this is a profoundly character driven story. V-Dot wrestles with the morality of his choices, whether the ends justify the means and the unpredictable consequences of his actions. Alongside him, the sentient spacecraft TR-8901 grapples with purpose, self determination and the distinction between what is lawful and what is right. Through their intertwined journeys, Ester explores trust, consciousness, autonomy and the thin line between AI and humanity.
If there's a flaw it's the 'get the signal out' trope driving the climax, which feels at odds with the bleak realism of the world. In a universe so steeped in corruption with such deep cultural divides, truth feels powerless, justice unattainable, and the conclusion does little to challenge that sense of futility for me.
Still, The Ganymedan is an astonishing debut - ambitious, intelligent and unafraid to stare into the abyss of consciousness and morality. For readers who crave scifi that thinks as much as it thrills, Ester has carved out something remarkable - a dark, cerebral odyssey that lingers like starlight long after the burn.
My thanks to Solaris for the arc
October 29, 2025
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
The Ganymedan by R.T Ester
Publication date: 4th November 2025
Thoughts
Gentle reminder: You might like this book more than me so please don't let my review put you off 🙏🏻
On to the review
The plot didn't live up to the premise, the premise being the reason I requested it ..
It had interesting gripping parts but I wasn't invested, I was bored which made it difficult to get through, it was a start - stop situation for me with this book rather than finishing in one sitting as I really wanted to give this book a chance but it just didn't work for me. Another aspect that could have made the plot or the character development better would have been to include the reason behind doing all the things he did. I just felt like there was no wow factor to the plot compared to the premise.
Plot Summary
Verden “V-Dot” Dotnet had a cushy gig pouring drinks for the genius who invented all sentient tech in the galaxy—right up until he killed him. With the creator gone (no backups, no resurrection), V-Dot bolts, clutching a secret that could upend everything. Stranded after missing the last transport to Ganymede, he talks an old, slightly past-its-prime but still sentient cargo ship—TR-8901—into giving him a lift.
TR, however, has heard whispers: its creator is dead, and someone suspicious fled the scene. It’s not prepared to jump to conclusions, but as a loyal ship, it intends to do its duty… at least until it has proof otherwise.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC
My Bookstagram
The Ganymedan by R.T Ester
Publication date: 4th November 2025
Thoughts
Gentle reminder: You might like this book more than me so please don't let my review put you off 🙏🏻
On to the review
The plot didn't live up to the premise, the premise being the reason I requested it ..
It had interesting gripping parts but I wasn't invested, I was bored which made it difficult to get through, it was a start - stop situation for me with this book rather than finishing in one sitting as I really wanted to give this book a chance but it just didn't work for me. Another aspect that could have made the plot or the character development better would have been to include the reason behind doing all the things he did. I just felt like there was no wow factor to the plot compared to the premise.
Plot Summary
Verden “V-Dot” Dotnet had a cushy gig pouring drinks for the genius who invented all sentient tech in the galaxy—right up until he killed him. With the creator gone (no backups, no resurrection), V-Dot bolts, clutching a secret that could upend everything. Stranded after missing the last transport to Ganymede, he talks an old, slightly past-its-prime but still sentient cargo ship—TR-8901—into giving him a lift.
TR, however, has heard whispers: its creator is dead, and someone suspicious fled the scene. It’s not prepared to jump to conclusions, but as a loyal ship, it intends to do its duty… at least until it has proof otherwise.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ARC
My Bookstagram
November 6, 2025
3.5
Despite the confusing beginning (you're dropped into a scenario without knowing who any of the characters are or why they're doing the things they're doing), I still had a great time with this dark sci-fi thriller.
I loved the worldbuilding with interplanetary travel and humans living alongside sentient AI. It was very Star Wars meets Blade Runner. And depending on the POV chapter, you could feel how bleak the world was via the human MMC's POV vs. how the sentient AI/ships viewed their reality as a digital playground that bled into the real world.
The plot became even more dark and disturbing the more I read. There was a specific plotline that was straight up sci-fi horror. I loved it.
I just wish that the sentient AI chapters made more sense. It was difficult to follow along and tie it all into the larger story. It felt strangely disconnected even though it was all intertwined. (But then again, this might be a me thing though since I've been reading novels with straightforward plotlines.)
Despite my complaint, I'd love to read more from RT Ester. I love reading BIPOC authors in SFF and this novel definitely didn't disappoint.
Thank you to Solaris and NetGalley for this arc.
Despite the confusing beginning (you're dropped into a scenario without knowing who any of the characters are or why they're doing the things they're doing), I still had a great time with this dark sci-fi thriller.
I loved the worldbuilding with interplanetary travel and humans living alongside sentient AI. It was very Star Wars meets Blade Runner. And depending on the POV chapter, you could feel how bleak the world was via the human MMC's POV vs. how the sentient AI/ships viewed their reality as a digital playground that bled into the real world.
The plot became even more dark and disturbing the more I read. There was a specific plotline that was straight up sci-fi horror. I loved it.
I just wish that the sentient AI chapters made more sense. It was difficult to follow along and tie it all into the larger story. It felt strangely disconnected even though it was all intertwined. (But then again, this might be a me thing though since I've been reading novels with straightforward plotlines.)
Despite my complaint, I'd love to read more from RT Ester. I love reading BIPOC authors in SFF and this novel definitely didn't disappoint.
Thank you to Solaris and NetGalley for this arc.
October 20, 2025
Thank you to Rebellion and NetGalley for access to the advance reader copy of this book.
The Ganymedan is the story of Verden Dotnet, a mixologist who kills his ultra-wealthy, powerful boss and goes on the run. As he attempts to escape Martian law with a powerful piece of evidence that proves his boss was an unfathomably evil, sadistic psychopath, he is given a ride by TR-8901, a sentient ship who exemplifies lawful neutral. TR will absolutely turn Verden in to the authorities if he figures out he did the crime, no matter how good his motive was.
I was really excited to read this one based on the premise - it sounds a bit like Murderbot Diaries and Altered Carbon. While there are similarities to those two books, it's not nearly as engrossing or well-plotted.
The book opens with the murder and the evil boss admitting to Verden what Verden already knows - the boss is incredibly evil just because he's been alive so long, he's bored. The reasoning behind the evil actions of the boss is shaky. I can understand the premise that if a human being lives, essentially, forever, morals may be compromised, and the boss may see himself as better than everyone else. I still wanted a reason for why he wants to do the evil stuff he does. Like, if it provided a monetary benefit, or any benefit at all, I think the boss's character would be more well-rounded.
I really struggled with this book and would have stopped reading before the halfway point if I didn't feel obligated to finish. I think the second half picks up the interest level, but it was hard to get to that point. I've seen other reviews where people said they stopped reading at the halfway mark, and I can see why. The main character and TR move from station to station looking for Verden's mother to deliver the galaxy-shattering secret, but Verden doesn't have a lot of agency. It was a long journey where not much happens.
The book tells you exactly what the plot is going to be in the "Deprog" chapter at the beginning - essentially a prologue? I was expecting a twist or for things to happen differently in the book than what the "Deprog" summary states. You could just read the "Deprog" summary and not bother with the rest of the book. I feel like the "Deprog" section was inviting the reader to solve a mystery or watch as the plot unfolds differently, like Verden secretly avoids the fate given at the very beginning or there was some misdirection that would occur. But the only mystery was the information the author kept from the reader and delivered haphazardly.
The world-building in the book was a really interesting concept, executed poorly. I struggled in the first part of the book to understand the politics of the world and the different vocabulary and history of the world. Explanations occur, but a step too late for my liking. The characters often speak in a guarded way, and since I was struggling with remembering the vocab and politics, I struggled to understand what was going on. For example, I still don't really understand the pact amongst the first-generation sentient ships, even though TR explained it at the end to Verden.
The Ganymedan is the story of Verden Dotnet, a mixologist who kills his ultra-wealthy, powerful boss and goes on the run. As he attempts to escape Martian law with a powerful piece of evidence that proves his boss was an unfathomably evil, sadistic psychopath, he is given a ride by TR-8901, a sentient ship who exemplifies lawful neutral. TR will absolutely turn Verden in to the authorities if he figures out he did the crime, no matter how good his motive was.
I was really excited to read this one based on the premise - it sounds a bit like Murderbot Diaries and Altered Carbon. While there are similarities to those two books, it's not nearly as engrossing or well-plotted.
The book opens with the murder and the evil boss admitting to Verden what Verden already knows - the boss is incredibly evil just because he's been alive so long, he's bored. The reasoning behind the evil actions of the boss is shaky. I can understand the premise that if a human being lives, essentially, forever, morals may be compromised, and the boss may see himself as better than everyone else. I still wanted a reason for why he wants to do the evil stuff he does. Like, if it provided a monetary benefit, or any benefit at all, I think the boss's character would be more well-rounded.
I really struggled with this book and would have stopped reading before the halfway point if I didn't feel obligated to finish. I think the second half picks up the interest level, but it was hard to get to that point. I've seen other reviews where people said they stopped reading at the halfway mark, and I can see why. The main character and TR move from station to station looking for Verden's mother to deliver the galaxy-shattering secret, but Verden doesn't have a lot of agency. It was a long journey where not much happens.
The book tells you exactly what the plot is going to be in the "Deprog" chapter at the beginning - essentially a prologue? I was expecting a twist or for things to happen differently in the book than what the "Deprog" summary states. You could just read the "Deprog" summary and not bother with the rest of the book. I feel like the "Deprog" section was inviting the reader to solve a mystery or watch as the plot unfolds differently, like Verden secretly avoids the fate given at the very beginning or there was some misdirection that would occur. But the only mystery was the information the author kept from the reader and delivered haphazardly.
The world-building in the book was a really interesting concept, executed poorly. I struggled in the first part of the book to understand the politics of the world and the different vocabulary and history of the world. Explanations occur, but a step too late for my liking. The characters often speak in a guarded way, and since I was struggling with remembering the vocab and politics, I struggled to understand what was going on. For example, I still don't really understand the pact amongst the first-generation sentient ships, even though TR explained it at the end to Verden.
November 15, 2025
V-Dot assassinates a trillionaire and then attempts to run to safety. On the surface, it’s the same plot as one of my favorite books this year: Anji Kills a King. However, they’re very different. One difference is Anji is gloriously indefatigable and has a tough-as-nails antagonist, the Hawk. V-Dot is an average Joe who seems to have no idea what’s he doing. He’s largely passive, and there is no long-term antagonist (beyond the system) for him to engage with.
However, I think the main difference is that I didn’t understand V-Dot’s goal. V-Dot is not actually trying to get to safety, as we’re first told; his real goal is to give Asa, his mom, something he took from the man he murdered. Everyone is baffled by this, including me. Why not go to safety and then give it to his mom? One character, Felix, point-blank asks him this, but he doesn’t answer it. I wanted to root for V-Dot, but I just couldn’t when I didn’t understand his goal. The author hides a lot about V-Dot’s past and motives by telling the story out of order, so it was hard for me to care about him.
The story is heavy on sci-fi worldbuilding; it does feel like a foreign world/society. I found it confusing at times, particularly the dialogue. I felt like I was missing some context to understand how one character’s statement/question and another’s response went together. There are some really weird moments (e.g., a cop jumps up to V-Dot whispers his alias in his ear and then wanders off. V-Dot doesn’t react). The humans almost seemed alien, behavior-wise.
Robot racism is a major theme of this work. In fact, that’s really the focus—not on the plot or the characters, but the idea of robots and personhood. It’s about V-Dot grappling with his feelings about robots, and a ship, TR, grappling with itself and its robot friends’ choices. If you’re looking for an action-adventure story, that’s not this. It’s a philosophical, literary story. There is an action scene tossed in at the end, but it’s inconsequential.
Thank you NetGalley and Solaris for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
However, I think the main difference is that I didn’t understand V-Dot’s goal. V-Dot is not actually trying to get to safety, as we’re first told; his real goal is to give Asa, his mom, something he took from the man he murdered. Everyone is baffled by this, including me. Why not go to safety and then give it to his mom? One character, Felix, point-blank asks him this, but he doesn’t answer it. I wanted to root for V-Dot, but I just couldn’t when I didn’t understand his goal. The author hides a lot about V-Dot’s past and motives by telling the story out of order, so it was hard for me to care about him.
The story is heavy on sci-fi worldbuilding; it does feel like a foreign world/society. I found it confusing at times, particularly the dialogue. I felt like I was missing some context to understand how one character’s statement/question and another’s response went together. There are some really weird moments (e.g., a cop jumps up to V-Dot whispers his alias in his ear and then wanders off. V-Dot doesn’t react). The humans almost seemed alien, behavior-wise.
Robot racism is a major theme of this work. In fact, that’s really the focus—not on the plot or the characters, but the idea of robots and personhood. It’s about V-Dot grappling with his feelings about robots, and a ship, TR, grappling with itself and its robot friends’ choices. If you’re looking for an action-adventure story, that’s not this. It’s a philosophical, literary story. There is an action scene tossed in at the end, but it’s inconsequential.
Thank you NetGalley and Solaris for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2025
3.25★
Thank you to the Author, Publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC!
Honestly I picked up the book solely for it’s cover because it looked very promising. I had high expectations for this book but it unfortunately wasn’t for me. It was okay but during the second half of the book, I felt obligated to read it rather than enjoy it and I disliked that.
There was also some missing quotation marks and the writing style was okay, you can comprehend it easily but I heavily disliked the filler chapters.
This was also my first sci-fi novel so I really thought this would be the book that’ll let me explore sci fi more, and I guess it did. The idea was pretty good but the execution wasn’t the best.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC!
Honestly I picked up the book solely for it’s cover because it looked very promising. I had high expectations for this book but it unfortunately wasn’t for me. It was okay but during the second half of the book, I felt obligated to read it rather than enjoy it and I disliked that.
There was also some missing quotation marks and the writing style was okay, you can comprehend it easily but I heavily disliked the filler chapters.
This was also my first sci-fi novel so I really thought this would be the book that’ll let me explore sci fi more, and I guess it did. The idea was pretty good but the execution wasn’t the best.
December 25, 2025
*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free book.*
I honestly couldn't get into the story, found the main protagonist unlikeable and didn't get into the world building either. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for it...
I honestly couldn't get into the story, found the main protagonist unlikeable and didn't get into the world building either. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for it...
November 2, 2025
This sci-fi thriller takes us centuries into the future, where humanity has established outposts throughout our solar system and sentient technology has been created that vies with humanity for social status and power. Vernan Dotnet (who goes by V-Dot), a talented human bartender, has been hired as the personal mixologist for Archer Lenox-Pileser (goes by LP) the most powerful and richest human who has created all the sentient technology. LP also has formed the consortium that rules over the solar system, but there have been multiple wars trying to break up the consortium.
The thriller opens with V-Dot murdering LP, after recording a confession of LP recounting some of his horrific crimes. V-Dot goes on the run with the only cache back-up of LP’s brain. He takes this halo off LP ensuring that LP’s hundreds of body back-ups cannot be used. LP needs to get the halo to someone who can effectively destroy it, keeping LP from becoming resurrected down the line.
As V-Dot’s harrowing and desperate escape adventures unfold, V-Dot relies on the help of an antiquated sentient ship, TR-8901 (goes by TR). TR is the last of the very first sentient technology, most of whom acted out a suicide pact as they found themselves bewildered with finding purpose and meaning in their newly sentient existence.
Alternating the escape are flashbacks to V-Dot’s childhood growing up on a rebel planet, seduction and recruitment by LP’s ambitious niece Cloey, and time with LP. These flashbacks lend increasing insight into both how V-Dot became a murderer as well as the precarious politics between different human factions, between different levels of sentients, and most particularly between sentients and humans.
What I found confusing and stopped me from giving a 5 star review, was the difficulty for me in sorting out from all the bits and pieces revealed in V-Dot’s flashbacks the differing cultures among humans based on the planet or outpost from which they originated, and the distinctions between sentient technology – both androids and machinery and ships – and technology that appears sentient but lacks a “god-node” to enable independent and critical thinking. Eventually you catch on, but you almost feel like you need to create a chart to keep it all straight.
What I loved most, as we ourselves find ourselves with the possibility of sentient AI looming near, centered on the complex politics of finding a way for sentients and humans to co-exist in harmony.
Thanks to Rebellion | Solaris and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.
The thriller opens with V-Dot murdering LP, after recording a confession of LP recounting some of his horrific crimes. V-Dot goes on the run with the only cache back-up of LP’s brain. He takes this halo off LP ensuring that LP’s hundreds of body back-ups cannot be used. LP needs to get the halo to someone who can effectively destroy it, keeping LP from becoming resurrected down the line.
As V-Dot’s harrowing and desperate escape adventures unfold, V-Dot relies on the help of an antiquated sentient ship, TR-8901 (goes by TR). TR is the last of the very first sentient technology, most of whom acted out a suicide pact as they found themselves bewildered with finding purpose and meaning in their newly sentient existence.
Alternating the escape are flashbacks to V-Dot’s childhood growing up on a rebel planet, seduction and recruitment by LP’s ambitious niece Cloey, and time with LP. These flashbacks lend increasing insight into both how V-Dot became a murderer as well as the precarious politics between different human factions, between different levels of sentients, and most particularly between sentients and humans.
What I found confusing and stopped me from giving a 5 star review, was the difficulty for me in sorting out from all the bits and pieces revealed in V-Dot’s flashbacks the differing cultures among humans based on the planet or outpost from which they originated, and the distinctions between sentient technology – both androids and machinery and ships – and technology that appears sentient but lacks a “god-node” to enable independent and critical thinking. Eventually you catch on, but you almost feel like you need to create a chart to keep it all straight.
What I loved most, as we ourselves find ourselves with the possibility of sentient AI looming near, centered on the complex politics of finding a way for sentients and humans to co-exist in harmony.
Thanks to Rebellion | Solaris and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.
November 1, 2025
Verden Dotnet has just murdered his boss. The most powerful man in the galaxy. The father of AI and the man responsible for taking humanity to the next level. And now he lies dead. Poisoned by his professional mixologist.
Now, Verden needs to get home. He needs to give the proof of the reason he killed the most powerful man in the frontier. But he needs a ship. One that will take him to where he wants.
However, as an inhabitant of Ganymede, he has grown up distrusting the sentient machines and the only ship that will transport him is a sentient ship called TR – 8901.
As the two visit the different stations looking for Verden’s contacts, TR’s suspicion grows that the passenger that he is carrying is actually the galaxy’s most wanted man.
The Ganymedan is a taut sci fi thriller that follows the main protagonists across the galaxy as Verden tries to escape the people that are trying to capture him.
As we move through the story, snippets of information are given to the reader so that the mystery of why Verden actually killed his employer. However, in the meantime as we travel with Verden and TR, Ester builds the world and the characters. Verden, prior to this incident is a drifter, who after spending some time in the galaxy’s penal colony called The Island manages to land a job with LP (the aforementioned most powerful man in the world). We learn of how he came to be in LP’s employ through a series of flashbacks.
The ship, TR on the other hand is old and is contemplative. We learn that the first generation of sentient ships had a pact to kill themselves, but in the two centuries that TR has been sentient he has never actually gone through with this.
It is through TR that we learn about the world of the sentient machines. Their rise from mere mechanical servants to living beings with a religion and philosophy. It is in these moments that Ester explores some of the bigger concepts of the book, such as what it is like to be human.
Ester writes confidently and assuredly, never holding the hand of the reader, but instead throwing them into the world with very little explanation of the terms and slang that populates the book. This gives the reader a dynamic view of the background universe and how it is structured making it organic in its growth rather than dumping passages of information on the reader.
The Ganymedan is a great debut that is great for those who like their sci fi taut and deep.
Now, Verden needs to get home. He needs to give the proof of the reason he killed the most powerful man in the frontier. But he needs a ship. One that will take him to where he wants.
However, as an inhabitant of Ganymede, he has grown up distrusting the sentient machines and the only ship that will transport him is a sentient ship called TR – 8901.
As the two visit the different stations looking for Verden’s contacts, TR’s suspicion grows that the passenger that he is carrying is actually the galaxy’s most wanted man.
The Ganymedan is a taut sci fi thriller that follows the main protagonists across the galaxy as Verden tries to escape the people that are trying to capture him.
As we move through the story, snippets of information are given to the reader so that the mystery of why Verden actually killed his employer. However, in the meantime as we travel with Verden and TR, Ester builds the world and the characters. Verden, prior to this incident is a drifter, who after spending some time in the galaxy’s penal colony called The Island manages to land a job with LP (the aforementioned most powerful man in the world). We learn of how he came to be in LP’s employ through a series of flashbacks.
The ship, TR on the other hand is old and is contemplative. We learn that the first generation of sentient ships had a pact to kill themselves, but in the two centuries that TR has been sentient he has never actually gone through with this.
It is through TR that we learn about the world of the sentient machines. Their rise from mere mechanical servants to living beings with a religion and philosophy. It is in these moments that Ester explores some of the bigger concepts of the book, such as what it is like to be human.
Ester writes confidently and assuredly, never holding the hand of the reader, but instead throwing them into the world with very little explanation of the terms and slang that populates the book. This gives the reader a dynamic view of the background universe and how it is structured making it organic in its growth rather than dumping passages of information on the reader.
The Ganymedan is a great debut that is great for those who like their sci fi taut and deep.
June 15, 2025
So, I picked this out of a Netgalley lineup solely on a great cover. I'm not ashamed to admit it--especially after loving the SF much more than I thought I might.
Here's the skinny: It's a mystery with a good deal of back and forth between time periods for Verdot and often slipping into the mindset of a sentient ship. The mystery is a murder that Verdot committed and the full reasons for it, plus his escape throughout the Solar System, with TR, the ship, being an unwitting, indeed, very nice sentient ship as an accomplice. The ship isn't dumb, but it has as fantastic a back story as Verdot.
Great characters. But at least to me, I think I loved the deep, very fleshed-out worldbuilding even more. Every community/space station along the circuit is vibrant and feels lived in, fascinating. So much so that I could swear I was on the journey, that this would have made a brilliant, beautiful video game. That lived-in feeling, the full history and complicated life of Skinners, sentient ships of multiple generations, a war, ethical revenge, and even just the fact that everyone limits themselves out of disgust and barely repressed suicidal ideation is exactly the kind of deep, emotional lived-in-ness I love. TR is moving on, checking on all its friends in the circuit who barely survived suicide in the war. It's heart-felt and very positive--and I fell for it all.
Great SF. I will be keeping a strong eye on this author. Highly recommended.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.
Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
Here's the skinny: It's a mystery with a good deal of back and forth between time periods for Verdot and often slipping into the mindset of a sentient ship. The mystery is a murder that Verdot committed and the full reasons for it, plus his escape throughout the Solar System, with TR, the ship, being an unwitting, indeed, very nice sentient ship as an accomplice. The ship isn't dumb, but it has as fantastic a back story as Verdot.
Great characters. But at least to me, I think I loved the deep, very fleshed-out worldbuilding even more. Every community/space station along the circuit is vibrant and feels lived in, fascinating. So much so that I could swear I was on the journey, that this would have made a brilliant, beautiful video game. That lived-in feeling, the full history and complicated life of Skinners, sentient ships of multiple generations, a war, ethical revenge, and even just the fact that everyone limits themselves out of disgust and barely repressed suicidal ideation is exactly the kind of deep, emotional lived-in-ness I love. TR is moving on, checking on all its friends in the circuit who barely survived suicide in the war. It's heart-felt and very positive--and I fell for it all.
Great SF. I will be keeping a strong eye on this author. Highly recommended.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.
Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
November 23, 2025
Sometimes you just don't get on with a book, and unfortunately for me, The Ganymedan was one of those books. There is some interesting stuff in here, a space-faring Earth future with the ultra-rich having both longevity treatment and brain back-ups sets up an intriguing scenario for a murder. And perhaps if it leant into its murder mystery more, I would have liked it more, but it becomes quite clear whodunnit early on. It was The Ganymedan, our lead character who is on the run through various space stations, habitats and planets. He is aided by a sentient ship, one of the first to gain sentience before there were controls on things like that. There are some interesting digressions around these other forms of intelligence, and there were sections that flowed well. But there were also sections which dragged, there is a lot of world building, as well as the back story flashbacks to the murder (which is much more complex than I needed it to be). With a straight run-up and uninterrupted time it might have worked, but the story never really grabbed me by the jugular as much as I liked individual passages. It might work for you if this kind of future history and uncovering conspiracies are more your speed.
December 12, 2025
Thanks to Solaris and Netgalley for the advance reader copy of this intense experience!
It’s hard to know where to start. This book is a gripping sci-fi thriller with a shadow of tragic darkness. It inhabits a future solar system so vivid and lived in, that felt so plausible. It battles with questions of morality, and what does it mean to be alive and sentient for machines or androids, and humans too. It is the desperate flight of a wanted man aiming to stop heinous crimes from continuing to be perpetrated in secret. And yet a lace of humor trims the narrative pleasantly. The reader is instantly immersed into a future with its own culture and jargon and you learn to adapt to it quickly if you are familiar with the science fiction genre. Pieces of the strange puzzle snap into place as the desperation grows and the tension mounts.
While could not necessarily relate to the main character, V-dot, I did feel the injustice and the horror of what he experienced. The relationships built between V-Dot and the other main character, the sentient ship TR, is fascinating to watch unfurl slowly. Their inner lives and past experiences which shape V-Dot and TR's trajectories are dolled out just enough to keep me guessing as to the true nature of things.
This was a fascinating story, and I was hooked. It doesn't necessarily have a happily ever after but it has an important and maybe hopeful ending. It's a tragedy in an almost eastern epic fashion.
It’s hard to know where to start. This book is a gripping sci-fi thriller with a shadow of tragic darkness. It inhabits a future solar system so vivid and lived in, that felt so plausible. It battles with questions of morality, and what does it mean to be alive and sentient for machines or androids, and humans too. It is the desperate flight of a wanted man aiming to stop heinous crimes from continuing to be perpetrated in secret. And yet a lace of humor trims the narrative pleasantly. The reader is instantly immersed into a future with its own culture and jargon and you learn to adapt to it quickly if you are familiar with the science fiction genre. Pieces of the strange puzzle snap into place as the desperation grows and the tension mounts.
While could not necessarily relate to the main character, V-dot, I did feel the injustice and the horror of what he experienced. The relationships built between V-Dot and the other main character, the sentient ship TR, is fascinating to watch unfurl slowly. Their inner lives and past experiences which shape V-Dot and TR's trajectories are dolled out just enough to keep me guessing as to the true nature of things.
This was a fascinating story, and I was hooked. It doesn't necessarily have a happily ever after but it has an important and maybe hopeful ending. It's a tragedy in an almost eastern epic fashion.
December 24, 2025
Very nearly perfect.
This is a classic scifi - you’re thrown right into the deep end and have to pick things up as you go. Sink or swim. Power through that first bit and you’re in for an interesting ride, though.
The universe is bleak, the classes more divided than ever, and all V-Dot wants to do is mix drinks. One day, he decides to kill his boss. The mystery/thriller isn’t in the “who” or the “why” or even the “how”. It’s much more about the “what got us here?” and “what now?” of it all.
The characters are delightful. Some of the circumstances made me ache for them. Delicious take on AI. Sentient non-humanoids, my beloveds.
My biggest “complaint” is that I wish we’d gotten one or two more chapters. I wanted just a little more from TR and something from Asa. Those threads left me hanging.
Heartfelt, intelligent, and darkly funny at times, The Ganymedan is a breath of fresh air. I’m quite enamored with R. T. Ester’s style and will definitely be picking up future works.
All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
This is a classic scifi - you’re thrown right into the deep end and have to pick things up as you go. Sink or swim. Power through that first bit and you’re in for an interesting ride, though.
The universe is bleak, the classes more divided than ever, and all V-Dot wants to do is mix drinks. One day, he decides to kill his boss. The mystery/thriller isn’t in the “who” or the “why” or even the “how”. It’s much more about the “what got us here?” and “what now?” of it all.
The characters are delightful. Some of the circumstances made me ache for them. Delicious take on AI. Sentient non-humanoids, my beloveds.
My biggest “complaint” is that I wish we’d gotten one or two more chapters. I wanted just a little more from TR and something from Asa. Those threads left me hanging.
Heartfelt, intelligent, and darkly funny at times, The Ganymedan is a breath of fresh air. I’m quite enamored with R. T. Ester’s style and will definitely be picking up future works.
All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
November 3, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I saw the cover and thought it looked cool .It’s definitely an interesting and unique story and I think for people who enjoy reading murder mysteries and Sci-fi that’s dark and philosophical I would recommend this novel.
I think I just struggled a bit at the beginning .You get thrown straight into the world without much explanation,which left me feeling a bit disoriented.I thought that there would be a more interesting dynamic between V-Dot and the sentient ship TR-8901 but it isn’t until the end that they have a moment and by then it just got boring.
I saw the cover and thought it looked cool .It’s definitely an interesting and unique story and I think for people who enjoy reading murder mysteries and Sci-fi that’s dark and philosophical I would recommend this novel.
I think I just struggled a bit at the beginning .You get thrown straight into the world without much explanation,which left me feeling a bit disoriented.I thought that there would be a more interesting dynamic between V-Dot and the sentient ship TR-8901 but it isn’t until the end that they have a moment and by then it just got boring.
July 2, 2025
A well written first novel, this book tackles themes of AI/robotic sentience, morality, vigilante justice, and technocratic warfare.
I thought the flash back scenes were well paced and made sense while tying into the plot.
The character development was engaging, with the main characters arches taking natural progressions.
It took a minuet to get into the unique sci-fi diction but once I did I was hooked. The world building and descriptions were beautifully done!
Thank you to RT Ester and NetGalley for providing me an eARC of this book for review and consideration.
I thought the flash back scenes were well paced and made sense while tying into the plot.
The character development was engaging, with the main characters arches taking natural progressions.
It took a minuet to get into the unique sci-fi diction but once I did I was hooked. The world building and descriptions were beautifully done!
Thank you to RT Ester and NetGalley for providing me an eARC of this book for review and consideration.
December 8, 2025
Wow. I was hooked from the jump, this had all the things I love in my Sci-Fi, while asking the questions we all ask about what makes us… well, us. The humanity of those without vs. the inhumanity of those with The communal nature of the majority vs. the cutthroat individualist nature of those at the very top. The author doesn’t frame it in terms of class, but it screams from every interaction between LP and V.Dot. He doesn’t shy away from making his characters unlikable in action, but still justified in their minds.
October 23, 2025
1/5 stars: This is Ester's BIPOC Sci-Fi stand-alone which follows one man’s desperate attempt to reach home after he murders his tyrannical employer. Ester's writing and character work are well done. Ester touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check out the CWs. Unfortunately, this just wasn't a book for me; leading me to DNF it at 3%.
I received this eARC thanks to Rebellion | Solaris Nova in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
I received this eARC thanks to Rebellion | Solaris Nova in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
December 11, 2025
A dark and deep story about a future where technology, and the creation of digital afterlives, new bodies for old minds to use, and sentient technology has affected society in profound and unsettling ways. This book is like a labyrinth, with Verdant Dotnet trying to go back home after perpetrating the most infamous murder in the solar system. My favourite part of this book is the emotionally resonant relationship between Verdant and the sentient ship, TR.
July 27, 2025
Fairly solid thriller that blends a man trying to get back home after murdering his shitty employer, and the sentient ship whose creator that employer was who picks him up. There's a lot of time skipping that illustrates various episodes between our main and his employer (and shows why the employer more than deserves it), but the prose is well written and it's easy to follow despite all the time skips. It does take a moment to slip into the slang when you read, but it's fairly easy to understand once you get into it. Worth a read when it comes out this fall.
October 20, 2025
4.25/5 stars
The Ganymedan by R.T. Ester is a dark and hauntingly melancholic science fiction novel full of mystery and a vivid gritty atmosphere. The story is full of interesting science fiction concepts like AI, sentient ships, androids, backup bodies for humans to extend their lifeforce, and a place called the "After", for those who want to go someplace else. All of these elements made for an incredibly detailed and deep novel that asked questions about sentient and human rights, what makes a person human, and what it means to make your own justice in a universe where its hard to come by.
The story alternates between flashbacks leading up to the action that opens the story and what is happening after that action. This method gave the story a lot of mystery as we were learning about the world, the characters, and what had happened as the novel progressed. Personally, I love this method of storytelling because I'm always wondering what will happen next or what we'll learn about.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and found the plot very unique and different from things I've read before. I loved the characters and the depth they had to them.
I will be following this author closely and looking to pick up any other books they write in the future.
Thank you to Rebellion Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC!
The Ganymedan by R.T. Ester is a dark and hauntingly melancholic science fiction novel full of mystery and a vivid gritty atmosphere. The story is full of interesting science fiction concepts like AI, sentient ships, androids, backup bodies for humans to extend their lifeforce, and a place called the "After", for those who want to go someplace else. All of these elements made for an incredibly detailed and deep novel that asked questions about sentient and human rights, what makes a person human, and what it means to make your own justice in a universe where its hard to come by.
The story alternates between flashbacks leading up to the action that opens the story and what is happening after that action. This method gave the story a lot of mystery as we were learning about the world, the characters, and what had happened as the novel progressed. Personally, I love this method of storytelling because I'm always wondering what will happen next or what we'll learn about.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and found the plot very unique and different from things I've read before. I loved the characters and the depth they had to them.
I will be following this author closely and looking to pick up any other books they write in the future.
Thank you to Rebellion Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC!
September 8, 2025
This was a crazy original concept. If you like anything that is sci-fi, this is for you, but I will say that it is a darker concept. It is not lighthearted. I enjoy things on the darker side so this was right up my alley and it is scary to thinkhow humans and robots are so like-minded.
July 25, 2025
I read this in draft and enjoyed it immensely. Thrilled to see that it's being published. It's a tense, well-constructed science fiction story with some great twists and excellent world-building.
October 23, 2025
intense and oftentime shockingly dark scifi book with some awesome plotting. would definitely recommend. 5 stars. tysm for the arc
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