The Spirit Room

The Planets #1

by Michael Cairns

‘The Avengers meets Magician, The Planets Series is superhero conflict on a global scale…’

An ancient cadre of magicians
A select team of extra-ordinary warriors
An unseen foe

As two ancient forces battle for control, reality as we know it is being torn apart. Caught somewhere in the middle, and tasked with ridding the world of the insidious alien intelligence are The Planets. Neptune hails from Rio, the gay daughter of strict catholic parents. Mars, from Ireland, still missing the sister he lost years ago. Uri grew up on the streets of New York, and Venus… well, no one knows and she isn’t telling. Imbued with extra-ordinary powers, these highly trained individuals take the fight across the globe. With startling and unnerving revelations at every turn, the depth of deception is only now becoming clear…

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction

363 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

Michael Cairns is a science fiction, horror and fantasy author, teacher and musician. He was born at a young age and could write even before he could play the drums, but that was long ago, in the glory days – when he actually had hair.

You can join his mailing list here: http://cairnswrites.com/sign/up

You can support him on Patreon and receive exclusive short stories, sneak peaks at his works in progress, free novellas and even star in one of his books!
https://www.patreon.com/cairnswrites

Michael loves pineapple, chocolate, playing gigs (though not right now, obviously. Because lockdown) and outwitting his young daughter (the scores are about level but she’s getting smarter every day).

Michael is currently working hard on writing, getting enough sleep and keeping his hair. The first is going well, the other two…not so much.



http://cairnswrites.com
http://www.twitter.com/Cairnswrites

Reviews

[Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I have said this before, but I will say it again: I read for fun. On the edge of 50, my great edification days are to some degree behind me. I still love to read the great works of literature but I have difficulty imposing on myself the substantial chore some of these represent (like reading Ulysses currently! Augh!).

That said, reading the first novel of the Spirit Room falls squarely in my definition of a lot of fun. It is an easy, straightforward read, carrying the reader through a series of adventures populated by agreeable and all too human characters.

Set in the tradition of contemporary unconventional superhero stories, it achieves what a first book of a series must absolutely succeed in doing: it leaves you with an unresolved suspense and the strong desire to want to know what happens next. The characters are also gradually defined and the potential to reveal a lot more of their flaws and humanity is very present. Two big pluses.

So, if you are seeking a fun read and you enjoy superhero stories, then it is very likely that you will enjoy this book also.

[Branwen Sedai *of the Brown Ajah* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. Thanks Michael! :)

This book follows four superheroes known as the Planets; Neptune, Mars, Uri, and Venus as they fight to stop the Unseen, an alien presence that won't stop until the world is taken over and destroyed.

As soon as I was made aware of this book, I knew I had to read it. Not only did the story sound singularly unique, but I was excited about the 'Planets', lone superheroes who were destined to save the world. So then I started reading it, and it blew the doors right off all my expectations! Here was a story that had fantastic character development, descriptive world building, and most importantly a writing style that was not only engaging, but fun as well!

This book has so many aspects that make it interesting. Magic, superheroes, mystery, aliens, action, adventure. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading! I think what I liked the most about the story was that it was about superheroes, but yet at the same time it was so much more than that. It showed their interactions with each other and the world that a lot of stories in this genre just don't do, and that was very refreshing.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author in the future!

[Tony Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review - The Spirit Room was a great read. This book is crammed full of action, magic and adventure. The world building is very good and richly detailed. The character development for the planets - Mars, Uri, Venus and Neptune(who is my favourite)is excellent and I like the fact that each of The Planets are flawed as individuals, and for me, made them more believable.

The Spirit Room is a nicely paced read and the writing style is engaging, clever and fun. I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys an action packed adventure romp

[Winterking · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea where my review of this book went, but I found it and posted this in the proper place. I hope it remains here unlike the first time. Now onto what I wrote.

Finally I find a moment to do a review of this very interesting and surprising novel. A tale of Superheroes, Magicians, Aliens, Evil Entities and other beings, that to say anymore would be unveiling some possible surprises for other readers.

Imagine learning one day you have been bestowed incredible powers that no one else in the world has. Now imagine you never had to ask for them. Then imagine learning they were given to you by someone, or something, very powerful. That those who have bestowed these gifts, if you dare to call them gifts (at least for some), upon you now require you to use them against others they deem enemies of humanity or just plain bad individuals. That you are muscle to be used in whatever manner they need and are to an extent expendable. Why are you expendable you might ask? Well because down the line they will just give the gift to another.
For some the power would go to their heads. While others question why them and why follow orders that are very questionable at times.
Michael Cairns has giving us a tale that has all this in it and more. Yes, that’s right I said more.
The people given theses special powers are known as the Planets. Yes each one is named after a planet in our solar system. Each Planet’s powers are very different from one to the other. The ruling body or controllers of these Planets is called the Assembly.
They are Mages and other beings, that assign the Planets targets, and mission orders they expect to be followed out to the letter.
They vary from observation to assassination.
This tale takes the Planets on many missions to stop the ultimate evil known as the Unseen. The name properly describes them. That is until the planets enter into the Spirit Room.
A realm of energy and magic that only Shaman and other mystical men and woman, of various faiths and belief have dared entered throughout history, to gain knowledge and understanding. It is also a doorway to other dimensions and plains of existence. Now for those without the mystical energies or powers to travel this road, a special box or key is needed to enter.
Well Thing go wrong rather fast once the Spirit Room is opened and entered by the Planets. Yet why were they told to do this by the Assembly? Did the Assembly set them up? Did they know what the Planets were going to do by entering the room? Or was this just an unfortunate incident that no one expected?
Now that evil is being unleashed upon the earth because of this Spirit Room activity, can the Planets stop it in time before the earth is laid waste?
Then who is this young superhero that has this incredible power? Can the Planets trust him? Can the Assembly trust him? Can he trust himself?
These are questions that instilled a strong desire to learn more and go along with the Planet on their quest to stop the Unseen. To watch them learn more about themselves and each other as they start to actually work together as a proper team.
This story has so much going for it. There are the surprises of who is what and why they are here on this planet. This is a bonus aspect I really, really enjoyed.
The only issue I had reading this fantastic tale is, certain Planets left me wanting to know more about the personal conflicts they were having with themselves and the control them by the Assembly. This was touched upon yet not quite resolved. Then again this is only the first book in a series and may be revealed further on down the line. That’s okay with me because it will only add to the mystery that is compelling me to want more of this tale. Not to mention I can’t wait to meet the other planets, for we only get to see four in this book. Then I really want to learn more about Luna and her father as well. Which leaves me wondering about the others her father use to be with, and what they are up to if anything now that may have repercussions on the Planets? When you learn of who these individuals are you will understand what I’m saying. Until that time this is all the information you will be getting from me.
I recommend you get your hands on this tale if any of this sounds interesting. Believe me I have left out a lot of information because so much happens, but this does not take away from the story in any way shape or form. In fact it only added to the mystery for me. Michael Cairns, you did a good job with this one. Keep up with this tale for we need to know what’s awaiting next for the Planets and the Assembly.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Transparency Statement: I received a copy of this book from the author in return for my review. That said, what you're about to read - if you can be bothered - is an honest review.

It's always a little tricky to write stories about superheroes; it's so easy to find oneself echoing the ever-expanding Marvel Universe. No one wants to be reading a book that reminds one continually of something else. It's a trap that Michael Cairns seems to have nicely avoided. The mythos of the superheroes in this story, while only partly explained by the end of this first book, appears distinct and intriguing.

The superheroes in The Spirit Room are, as a group, called The Planets. They, in turn, work for a group of ancient mystics and magicians who go by the name of The Assembly. Together they are tasked with combatting a menace known only as The Unseen, believed to be an alien species, who are working quietly and patiently to bring about the subjugation of mankind, possibly something even worse. And it's a racing-car of a story too, hurtling around the world in a rapid series of quick-fire action pieces, each more threatening than the last. Along the way, they learn to function as a team, while at the same time coming to question how they're being used - in that, at least, there's an echo of the Avengers movie, but one that is quite acceptable given that it provides such a satisfying story arc. And, let's be honest, it's a staple theme of many books in all genres because it appeals to so many of us!

And the development of all the main characters through that arc is reasonably well-handled too. During the early phases of the book, admittedly, it felt to me as if the basic plot had to do all the heavy lifting as I didn't initially feel any great empathy for any of the central characters. Before too long, though, we come to learn more about their individual backgrounds and see them interacting more meaningfully and at this point they started to become increasingly interesting. By the end of the book, I wanted to know more, I wanted answers to a whole host of dangling questions - that, to me, always feels like a compliment to the author's craft.

And yet I cannot quite give this book a five-star review. The story is so fast-paced that at times I started to feel it getting a little wearying, even confusing; even the majority of the conversational scenes seem to be frenetic. A more varied pacing would, for me, have made an even more enjoyable read.

Worse, in one sense, are the editing and proof-reading issues that I found. There were far too many points where it wasn't immediately obvious who was speaking or acting; at other points, clumsy errors - grammatical or otherwise - had slipped through the net. They're not the worst problem that a book can have by any means, but each time I hit one of these blips it booted me out of the story for a few moments, destroyed the mood. Sadly, this happened far more often than I would expect. With luck, these speed-bumps will be flattened in a future edition.

Ideally I'd want to rate this at a four-and-a-half which, unfortunately, isn't possible on here. A proud four stars will have to do and that, believe me, means a strong recommendation for an interesting and entertaining book.

Me? Oh, I shall be buying the sequel!

[Liz Licata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is another book whose author asked me to read and review it. If you would like your book reviewed, let me know!

I had a lot of fun reading this book. The plot was entertaining, fast-paced, and gripping. The reader is thrown into the story with little to no explanation of who these people are and what they are trying to accomplish. Done poorly, this can be disastrous. Done well, this forces the reader to immerse herself completely into the story. Happily, Cairns is a very good writer and pulls it off beautifully.

There was a good variety of characters, with different backgrounds and personality. It felt as though there were a lot of stories that could be told about these people and not all of them would be pretty. Every character had their own personality. When the POV switched from character to character, it was easy to tell from the tone who’s mind I was in. This is not common (as some of my other reviews have noted). The most flat character type was probably the nebulous villains. We know they are evil and they want to control people (for some unknown reason) but beyond that we are not told much. I hope in the next book this is examined more.

The use of the planets’ names as the titles for superheroes was a great idea. I especially liked the integration of the domains of the appropriate Roman gods into the manifestation of the powers themselves. Mars is a good fighter, Venus is alluring, etc. This gives both a structure for the reader to work off of and the best semblance to a system that you will see in this book.

That brings me to my main criticism of the book. In The Spirit Room, you meet superheroes, gods, seers, mages, wizards, aliens, telepaths, and immortals. Next to none of it is explained or even differentiated. In the world that Cairns created, what exactly is the difference between a wizard and a mage? What are the limits to various people’s powers? Is there any cohesion to this? There are clearly any number of different magic/powers systems at work, and it was disorienting. It felt like I was reading a novelization of a comic book in this respect. If you know me, you know that well, thought-out magic systems are very important to me. I want to know the rules, limits and capabilities of those who wield power. Multiple systems is fine, but mashing everything together is not.

I would definitely recommend this book –especially to anyone who likes comics and superheroes. Based on the quality of this work, I would like to go back and read Cairns’ other work.

[Sarah-Jayne Briggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).

(This review may contain spoilers).

This is another book I'd ideally give 3.5 stars to. I've got more into the superhero genre recently, so when I saw this book available on Goodreads giveaways, I entered to win a copy... and was quite happy when I did in fact win one.

I have to say, I felt like I was entering in the middle of a plot. The characters were interesting, to a certain extent... and it was a pretty neat idea to use the Spirit Room to show what their pasts were like... or some of them, at least. For Neptune, Uri and Mars, it made them quite a bit more interesting.

I also found Venus quite an interesting character. I was especially intrigued by her relationship with Jupiter. What was somewhat confusing was the naming system. I wasn't entirely sure if they were just named for the planets, or if their abilities were linked to the planets. To me, it seemed very much more like their powers were similar to the Roman gods, who were also named after the planets.

I felt like I was missing a lot... not just about the history of the characters, but in the book as well. I couldn't understand the assumption that a particular character was a bad guy when there seemed to be no actual evidence for it other than, 'He became more outgoing'.

The idea of the Assembly was an interesting one, but I didn't know enough about those characters to figure out why they'd all joined together. Or what their purpose was.

I would have liked to see more of Neptune in this book. I found her probably the most likable character... plus, I felt the author did a really good job of showing how she could use her power over water.

The idea of the Spirit Room was a really intriguing one, but I was a bit disappointed that nothing was done with any totem animals, considering that was repeatedly mentioned.

I also really liked Eris and his relationship with Pluto. I'd be interested in reading the book about Eris, since I'd like to see more of him... and hopefully see his character and relationships evolve.

[Autumn Birt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spirit Room is not just an average superhero story! Combining magic, mysticism, aliens, and an ancient threat to the world, the Spirit Room is an action-packed fun read with great characters who control unique powers.

The Assembly guides the Planets, lone superheroes who work to stop the Unseen, an alien force bent on causing chaos. After millennia of fighting, the Unseen are making headway and The Assembly must unite the Planets into one force to diminish the threat. The story focuses on four of the super heroes: Venus, Mars, Uri, and Neptune.

I liked that with three of the main characters, the reader experiences what it was like for the characters to develop their powers and the problems that arose. Michael Cairns invests time to show that superpowers can result in psychological handicaps and develops the characters instead of simply throwing actions scenes one after another - though there are plenty of great ones!

Flaws in the novel are very minor. The word choice could be a little tighter and there were a few instances when I wasn’t certain of a character’s power (esp. when they are newly introduced). For example, there was a point at the Tower of London when I wasn’t sure if Eris or Pluto was flying or if both could. A brief description of known powers as a reference would help keep things straight for readers. I also noticed some changes in suit capabilities between characters that weren’t explained (like bullet deflection for one and not for another).

The Spirit Room is a very fun novel that is an original take on a superhero story. It brings together individual characters to create a team who are fighting a secret worldwide threat. There is a hint of conspiracy making the reader doubt the ‘benevolent’ and ‘all knowing’ Assembly, who guide (control?) the Planets, which definitely creates concern over the characters and keeps you reading!

[Xara Niouraki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the book in exchange with an honest review.

This is my first super-hero book so I didn't know what to expect, but I was really excited about reading it. I found the story in general interesting and I really liked the powers of the Planets. I also liked the fact that they seemed like normal humans with difficult backgrounds. I would really like to learn more about their past.

Although I liked the premise of the book, there were many things I didn't like.
1. The characters: I didn't care about them in the least and I only liked their past and their powers. They couldn't maintain my interest and I couldn't remember who was who and what was everyone supposed to do.
2. I liked the background of the story but the book bored me. I couldn't remember what was happening after I had stopped reading and I thought many events should have been related in a better way. There is a specific part of the book when I thought I had skipped pages by mistake because the story didn't make sense.
3. I didn't find the inclusion of the Greek gods in the story convincing. I would have prefered it if they weren't in the story at all.
4. The book needs editing. There weren't too many mistakes, but many times I had to reread sentences because words were missing or words shouldn't be there and it confused me.

All in all, I think that keeping the main storyline the book could have been a lot better.

[Jamie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I really enjoyed this book. It was quite a short read at ~240 pages but it really managed to fill those pages with an interesting and somewhat unique story. The premise of the story is basically a group of superheroes that are part of a squad but who work alone until a new force is found on Earth plotting to destroy the human race. This is where the heroes must all begin to work together to do everything they possibly can to stop the extinction of the human race.

One of the things I liked included the fact that despite the fact it was a short story there was sufficient depth to the characters so that you felt as though you got to know them. They were all pretty different from each other as well so the diversity was enjoyable. One thing I would note is that some times it was hard to say which character was talking as there was a small lack of the use of the word 'said' and it's many other forms. Apart from that it was a really enjoyable story and I would definitely recommend it, especially to superhero or Sci-Fi fans.

If I could rate the book out of 10 it would probably be a 7.5 but as that isn't a possibility I will give it a well deserved 4 stars.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

With The Spirit Room, Michael Cairns has created an interesting combination of the real world with fictional persons and events, an ancient organisation and humans with superpowers. The Planets' main task is obviously to save the world. I had to get used to feeling rather detached from the story while reading. The author tells the story soberly (which many of you will love) - giving the reader room to get acquainted with the protagonists. As the story proceeds you learn more about The Planets and their vulnerabilities. It is a different writing style than I expected; good - even if I couldn't warm to it all the way at first. The last third convinced me to read the following instalments as well. I can't really say what it was exactly - just that I got closer to the story, perhaps as there were some revelations. I'm convinced that some answers to tiny questions which were nagging me will be solved then... This is a book for you if you like superheroes, science fiction, individuals with all their virtues and flaws.
3.6 stars

[Ilona Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. Thank you Michael. I feel exhausted! That was a very frenetic story and even though I put it down quite often (I needed that break time) I still felt that everything was on fast forward. Don't get me wrong it was a very good story and had the added value of not making the superheroes into clones of the Marvel or DC Comic ones. It's just that I had too many unanswered questions by the end of the book. On the plus side the characters are well rounded with plenty of back story eventually given on them and it had plenty of intrigue and action to suit most people. On the negative side there were a few times I felt quite lost and there were a few editing errors (probably more than I spotted). Not sure if I'll try reading book two, it will depend on if it looks like it will be as frantic as this one and if I feel like diving back into that wild rush.

[Robert Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I had a wonderful time with this book and these superhero characters. I am a fan of superhero stories as I have been a comic book collector and reader for as long as I can remember. Michael Cairns knows the genre well and puts it into novel form masterfully. A lesser writer may have struggled with the number of characters, but Cairns knows how to put a superhero team together!

The "Planets" would work well in graphic form as well, but I am glad I read it as a print novel. I was able to spend ample time with each character, and learn their stories (which are very human and easily relateable).

I am excited to read the next one!

5 stars!

[hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot. It's not a deep read, but it is definitely fun. It has all of the essential elements of a comic-book style sci-fi action caper: there are interesting superheroes, creepy aliens, weird conspiracies led by secret societies of ancient magicians, and then sprinkled with a bit of mythology and a lot of action. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.

[C Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Characters and storyline meld and develop as the book progresses! Author has an excellent grasp of making the characters part of the story and not just props to the line.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really surprised by this book. I am not keen on superhero books and stories but this was a fun and enjoyable read with all too human superheroes. I can't wait until book two :)

[Luan Kahili · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I love digging my claws into new books and examining them. With this one, I have to say, it is a great, unique read. I think that Michael tried to differ from other superhero books. If so, then job well done, Michael. Because I have never seen something which would resemble The Spirit Room. So, now let us go to the fact why four stars when I praise it so much:

For the writing style:
It was good. Michael says everything how it is and does not try to divert from anything unprofesionally. I have seen books in which the author tried to divert from the problem for some secrets to not be discovered. I find that annoying and I am glad that in The Spirit Room it is not overt and we see clearly when something has to be kept a secret or something like that. Then again, only a petty unprofessional would dare do something like that and Michael is not one of those. Also, Michael did not use much synonyms, which suited the book perfectly. I also do not like books which try to be complicated but only end up messed up. Like: "It was cold. The frigidity was unstable. It was the iceness that made him tremble." Michael did not put the same words in the same sentences (though words in my example are different, they still mean the same) or/and try to "edge in" some words which he himself had difficulty to understand.

For the story:
It is a unique story, as I have said. The story resolves around superheroes called The Planets which work for an organization called The Assembly. At first it was a little confusing and the Prologue left me with many of questions popping up in my mind. Though it cleared up afterwards. I think that was the intention-to capture the attention of the reader instantly. Job well done there again, Michael.
I also liked that the superheroes were not the "ideals", as they are portrayed in many books, comics, etc., etc. They had their flaws. That way, even the reader could empathize with them. I-for example-found myself really curious about Neptune, which caught my interest.

For why four stars:
I gave five stars only to nine books so far. It was not because they were flawless but because they literally "sucked me in". I call it the thrill of reading, which can overpower many of my other habits, like watching TV every night, writing, etc., etc. To other books-the ones lacking the thrill of reading-however, I have to force myself. They tempt me when I look at them but the other "habit temptations" are stronger. Though I have to say that when I force myself I never regret it and the boos always manages to catch my attention.
It is not only because of that that I have given four stars. It is also because there was something lacking in the book. I can not find out what...it is flustrating, because I think it would help the author improve.
Also, superheroes do not fit much with me. I love epic fantasy, which is like a second nature to me, but I fail to understand superheroes much. No, not fail....it is more like I miss the sorcerers, warlocks, wizards and all those made-up creatures which fit with epic fantasies. That is all to why I gave this book four stars. Please, do not think these are just petty excuses and that I found this book boring. That is not true. This is my honesty. The criteria I need to get books five stars just were not present.

Overall, I think this book is worth the read and that anyone who hesisates should just buy it. You will not regret it.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. Thanks Michael!

I liked this book. I enjoyed the refreshing plot and storyline. I like the diversity of characters though some of them were a little flat for me. I would like to learn more about them, which is perhaps not so much of a fault if their backstories are coming in later books.

Books that change characters every chapter are a favorite of mine, giving many different perspectives on a world. However, typically when I finish a chapter and move on to another I find it most interesting when something has happened or the chapter changes somewhat suddenly, making me want to know what happened to the character. I think because of the flatness of some of the characters in this book I didn't always care about what happened to them next.

You're kind of dropped into this world seemingly in crisis which was also kind of difficult for me because without any lead-up I don't really have any emotion invested in the characters or situation, so when bad things happen I find it hard to care. I did very much enjoy the book more towards the end though, and would like to read the second edition and see what happens.

All in all I really want to like this book, I just think it needs more fleshing out. (which will hopefully come in the later books in the series?)

Also maybe a little nit-picky but some of the editing errors really brought me out of the world and ruined the illusion for me.

[Ojo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to be honest here, as I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. It was bad. I mean bad. Quite possibly the worst piece of fiction I've ever read. The writing is bad. The plot is even worse. I don't even know the main point of the story. It was that bad. It started out pretty well, but it progressed badly. The narrative is too short to give any vivid glimpse into the plot. No humour or sarcasm. The violence scenes are described with even less efficiency than a Tom and Jerry act. The story isn't all that bad. But it's missing a lot of ingredients... ingredients to make it more intense, more vivid, more gripping. No offense to the writer. It's just my honest review. As promised. Thanks anyway.

[Daken Howlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non esistono molti romanzi in grado di trattare tematiche tipiche del fumetto americano con cura,questo è uno dei pochi che mi è capitato di leggere.
La storia ruota intorno a un gruppo di personaggi facenti parte di una società segreta i cui membri prendono il nome dai pianeti del sistema solare,che deve fronteggiare una minaccia che rischia di distruggere la realtà stessa.
La trama può sembrare banale,ma in realtà l'autore fà un'ottimo lavoro nello sfruttare i luoghi comuni del genere super eroistico spiazzando il lettore e nel creare scene e immagini estremamente affascinanti.

[Andrea: BookStoreFinds · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this book. For some reason I couldn't connect with the characters. Maybe its because the author jumped right into the meat of the story so I didn't have time to develop a relationship with them? or maybe it was the overtly sexual content.

While I love a super hero story, this just wasn't my cup of tea. I tend to read more traditional sci-fi and fantasy, and this just isnt that.

[Sally Hitchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and rating.

A complex novel storyline with strong individual characters and lots to retain interest.

The Planets must save the world but no one's telling what they're up against and they're not normally team players! Action packed adventure with wonderfully colourful, complex characters, great dialogue and a storyline that will keep you hooked to the very last page.

Highly Recommended.

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book to read. Michael did a great job developing his characters (planets) and the story was intriguing. Thank you Michael.