Collision

In Dying Starlight #2

by Emily McCosh

Stranded on an abandoned planet with Amerov on the way.As they chase their target through the expanse of space, Aaron and Bat receive the news they’re not the only cyborgs on the hunt for this particular bounty. With the prisoner in their sights, the two take their chance to catch her first, pushing their advantage, only to find themselves crashed on an abandoned planet.

With their bounty alive and in their custody (and trying to start up one too many conversations), the two must find their way off an unfamiliar space rock with their ship barely functioning, no civilization in sight, and the most dangerous cyborg from Amerov on its way.

Collision is the second 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 5, 2025

About the author

Emily 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

Reviews

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 4 out of 5]

The rogue cyborg and his talking half-mechanical badger are still chasing after their targets from the previous book. But they need to be careful. Because Amerov is on his way. And if he finds out one of his creations has gone rogue, he will stop at nothing to capture the rogue cyborg and reprogram him. A desperate attempt to escape unfortunately leaves both the escaped prisoner and the bounty hunters stranded on a planet. If they don’t find a way to get off the planet in time, they’re going to be sitting ducks when Amerov arrives.


The first book was a solid standalone adventure which served as an introduction to the characters. In the previous story, the backstory of these fascinating characters was only subtly hinted at. Here, the story drops us right in the middle of it. Because the escaped prisoner seems to know about the cyborg’s past, when he was still a human boy. And this not only helps flesh out the characters, it also adds some intrigue to what I’m assuming is the overarching plot of the series.


This is a more character-driven story, compared to the more action-packed plot-driven story in the first book. Overall, it’s a pretty strong sequel. But it’s also clear that we’re building the foundations here of a more epic story in the future books.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sci fi adventure

Please start with the first book, Planetfall. The worldbuilding is fascinating, and Aaron and Bat are the kind of partnership I enjoy reading. Collision gives few answers and raises more questions. I'm wondering if there are fewer volunteers to become Numbers than everyone thinks.

[Ryan Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun!

I really love the characters and their dynamics so far. The only things I thought could use work is that there is hardly any physical description of people, especially for the main characters.

And also (spoiler) why did Lalia get beat up so much? Damn. Punched in the face unconscious, broken hand, and broken leg?

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying sequel to a great series. This is my second time reading it and it still gets its hooks in me with the introduction of Lalia. Stuck on an island with her and Bat, Aaron has to come to terms with some possible unsettling truths. This is such a fun series and I know it's only going to get better!

[A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so, the main plot line begins.
The fact that this is a sibling-based series just hits my happy spot. Love it.

Content: Some PG-13 language scattered throughout.

[Serra Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far this series is living up to the first book. I’m very much enjoying this sci-fi space romp and couldn’t put it down.