The Ghost Ships: Journey Into the Void

by Dawn Steinman, Cal Orey

In 3025, Lieutenant Alastar Kar, a man with striking amber eyes and a mysterious feline heritage, embarks on his first mission aboard the notorious starship Zephyr. What secrets lie in his past, and how will they shape his journey? As Second in Command, Kar is tasked with transporting delegates to a crucial peace conference while also searching for the elusive MIA Captain Riker—who vanished. The mission takes an unexpected turn as tensions flare among the diverse groups on board. Can Kar maintain order and fulfill his dual mission? Can he overcome his personal demons, or will he be forever haunted by his past?

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2025

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The feline background was subtle and well done, not over the top, but just enough to make Kar unique. His internal conflict and the pressures of leadership were the best parts. I think readers looking for big twists might be disappointed, but if you enjoy character-driven stories, it really works.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great character work and world-building. Kar’s past is intriguing, and the political tension on the ship kept me turning pages. A few pacing dips, but overall a solid sci-fi read.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong story with great tension. I liked how it focused more on people and diplomacy instead of just action. Kar’s feline traits were a unique touch.

[Luna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very first page. Lieutenant Alastar Kar is not your typical sci-fi protagonist—he’s layered, wounded, and quietly powerful. His feline heritage adds a mysterious edge, but it’s the emotional weight he carries that truly makes him unforgettable.

The mission aboard the Zephyr is more than just political transport or a rescue op—it’s a pressure cooker of clashing personalities, secrets, and fragile alliances. I loved how the tension wasn’t just between the delegates, but also within Kar himself. His struggle to uphold command while wrestling with his own past made the stakes feel deeply personal.

There’s a haunting beauty to the way his memories and responsibilities collide. And just when I thought I had a grip on where the story was heading, it surprised me with quiet, powerful moments that made me pause and reflect.

If you’re into character-driven sci-fi with emotional depth, this one will stay with you. I finished it thinking about Kar long after I turned the last page.

[Theenrichmentoffiction1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐Book Review⭐

Journey Into The Void

The Ghost Ships trilogy book 1

By Dawn Steinman

Genre sci-fi

A soft read until the invasion makes everything chaotic and has you wondering what will happen as everyone tries to keep themselves and their crew mates alive.

What was supposed to be a relaxing trip to the Peace Conference with different species on the ship Zephyr, having to go meet the original ship's captain, Captain Riker everything seems to put the crew on edge, especially Alastar the one taking over the captain's spot till he gets back.

He feels like something isn't right his instincts keep him alert and ready for anything that is a danger to him and his crew.

The crew has no idea that war is about to start on their ship until it is too late and survival is the top priority for everyone, not wanting to leave anyone behind they do what they can to keep everyone out of danger and safe at all costs.

[Jourdan. K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The Ghost Ships, and it left quite an impression. The atmosphere was richly described — I felt like I was standing on deck in the mist, awaiting what the night would bring. The characters are well-drawn and layered; I especially liked how their journeys kept me guessing.

The pacing was strong — there were moments where the tension felt almost suffocating in a good way, which I love in a ghost/supernatural story. My favorite scenes were the eerie night sequences aboard the ship — they really showed the author’s skill in balancing suspense with emotion.

If there’s one small thing I noticed, it’s that some sections felt a little slower compared to the rest of the book. But honestly, that didn’t detract much from the overall experience.

In all, I’d recommend The Ghost Ships to anyone who enjoys ghost stories with heart, atmospheric world-building, and a twist (or two) they didn’t see coming.

[Megan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in the best ways. What starts as a fairly standard space mission, transporting diplomats and tracking a missing captain, quickly becomes a richly woven tapestry of personal trauma, political friction, and cross-species dynamics. Lieutenant Kar is captivating. His feline heritage is more than just window dressing; it shapes his perceptions, his instincts, and his internal struggles in profound ways.

What I loved most was the balance between action and introspection. The starship Zephyr is a powder keg of personalities and agendas, and Kar walks a tightrope trying to maintain order. The tension is palpable. But what truly elevates this story is how deeply personal it gets. Kar’s past isn’t just a side mystery, it’s the emotional engine of the entire plot.
If you like your sci-fi with a heart and soul, this one’s a must-read.

[Tim Goff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dramatic space opera…

…Featuring a newly minted captain. Lieutenant Kar is charged with gathering testy human and alien delegates for a vital conference, a mission that frazzles his nerves before an ambush unleashes chaos.

Lieutenant Kar is an intriguing, not entirely human character, who seeks solitude even as he grapples with the demands of his mission. Most of the other characters are less developed. This applies to the delegates: five groups are introduced, but only two of these factions contribute much to the plot.

Exciting battles and daring escapes fill the last quarter of the book, but these could have been done better.

My assessment: Rough but good for fans of space opera.

[Dawn Huddleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghost Ships is an exceptional entry into the space opera genre, gripping, atmospheric, and laced with emotional depth. Dawn Steinman crafts a future both dazzling and dangerous, and in Lieutenant Alastar Kar, she offers a hero with complexity and conflict. His mysterious feline lineage isn’t just cosmetic, it subtly informs his instincts, leadership style, and inner struggle. The Zephyr is more than a ship; it's a crucible where political, personal, and galactic tensions collide. The search for the missing Captain Riker adds a compelling thread of suspense, and the layered interactions among delegates deepen the stakes. A thoughtful, character driven sci-fi with real narrative propulsion.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn Steinman's The Ghost Ships: Journey Into the Void is an absolute masterpiece of sci-fi storytelling. From the very first page, I was captivated by its blend of mystery, adventure, and deep space intrigue. Steinman’s world-building is phenomenal, painting a vivid and immersive universe filled with abandoned starships, uncharted regions of space, and a sense of eerie wonder that keeps you turning pages late into the night.

Lieutenant Alastar Kar is a brilliantly written character. He is strong, intelligent, and deeply human. The tension builds beautifully as he and his crew search for their Captain who mysteriously vanishes while embarking on a peace conference. The silence of the derelict vessels, the strange anomalies they uncover, and the ever-present sense of personal drama make for an incredibly gripping read.

One of my favorite aspects of the book is how seamlessly it balances hard science fiction with psychological suspense. The mystery unfolds perfectly, revealing just enough to keep you guessing while maintaining a sense of psychological horror. Steinman’s writing style is engaging and cinematic. I could easily see this being adapted into an amazing movie or TV series.

If you’re a fan of The Expanse, Alien, or Event Horizon, you will love The Ghost Ships: Journey Into the Void. It’s a thrilling, thought-provoking journey that lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished. This book is highly recommended!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story caught me off guard, in the best way. The Zephyr isn’t just a starship; it’s a pressure cooker, with every character carrying their own secrets and biases. Lieutenant Kar stands at the center, and watching him try to balance diplomacy, leadership, and the ghosts of his past was gripping. His amber eyes and feline traits are more than just a cool gimmick, they’re integral to who he is and how he’s viewed. The peace conference plot could’ve been dry, but it’s full of sharp twists and uneasy truths. And the mystery around Captain Riker? I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This book mixes classic space opera elements with emotional realism in a way that feels fresh and compelling.

[Bobby Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect a space opera to be so introspective, but The Ghost Ships surprised me. Alastar Kar is not your typical stoic officer; he's layered with trauma, instinctual conflict, and loyalty stretched to its limits. The novel's setting 3025 is vividly imagined without drowning the reader in exposition. Steinman paces her world-building perfectly, allowing the political tension and the mystery surrounding Captain Riker to unfold organically. The interpersonal dynamics aboard the Zephyr are tense and realistic, with every delegate and crew member feeling distinct and purposeful. This is sci-fi with heart, style, and substance.

[Lawrence]

What a refreshing ride! I was hooked from the first chapter. Alastar Kar’s feline heritage wasn’t just window dressing, it affected how he moved, thought, and reacted, and gave him such depth. The narrative walks a tightrope between political suspense and personal drama, and it pulls it off beautifully. I loved how the delegates each had their own agendas, and Kar’s attempts to hold it all together were both heroic and heartbreaking. It’s not just a space story, it’s a story about identity, leadership, and legacy. Can’t wait for the next installment!

[Loveth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What elevates this book beyond a standard sci-fi tale is its command of duality duty and desire, chaos and order, the past and the present. Kar is a truly layered protagonist, his feline heritage woven seamlessly into both the physical and emotional fabric of the story. The tension aboard the Zephyr feels almost claustrophobic at times, in the best way, and the stakes both personal and political never let up. This is intelligent, emotionally resonant space opera, and I’ll be assigning it in my course next semester.

[Jole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Kar is one of the most memorable sci-fi characters I’ve read in a while. His feline heritage and the hints about his dark past gave me chills and made me root for him all the way. The tension on the Zephyr felt real, every delegate had their own secrets and agendas, and Kar's attempts to keep the fragile peace were gripping. The subplot about Captain Riker’s disappearance added another layer of urgency. This book seamlessly blends political intrigue, character-driven storytelling, and space adventure. Can’t wait to see where Kar’s journey goes next!

[Lyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly the kind of sci-fi I crave.
A haunted officer, a volatile diplomatic mission, a missing superior, and a starship packed with tension, it checks all my boxes. Kar is memorable, and his backstory unfolds in a satisfying way. I especially loved how the political and personal threads were interwoven so tightly. The Zephyr feels alive. The cultural conflicts onboard, the internal divisions, and Kar’s unraveling psyche all create a rich, dramatic environment. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended.

[Emilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first few chapters, I was hooked. The Zephyr is the kind of gritty, high-stakes setting I love, full of clashing agendas, uneasy truces, and secrets. Kar is a great anchor for the story. You can tell he’s carrying a lot, but he never turns into a cliché. The writing is sharp, the dialogue feels natural, and the tension never lets up for long. It’s not all explosions and shootouts, but it kept me on edge the whole way through. Highly recommended for fans of serious sci-fi with character depth.

[Mitchel Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t prepared for how deeply this story would sink its claws into me.
Zephyr Rising isn’t just a space opera, it’s a psychological odyssey. Alastar Kar is one of the most compelling protagonists I’ve read in years. His struggle with identity, duty, and loss felt real. I was especially moved by the quiet moments, like the scene in the observation deck when he admits the truth to himself. Chilling and beautiful.

[Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t just a space opera, it’s a personal journey. Kar’s internal struggle was written with such intimacy and nuance that I forgot I was reading a sci-fi novel. The stakes aboard the Zephyr mirrored his inner turmoil, and the connection between the diplomatic tensions and Kar’s own divided identity was masterful. The prose was lyrical in places without being overdone. I cried twice. That’s rare.

[Regina Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down—Kar is unforgettable.
Lieutenant Alastar Kar walked off the page and into my heart. I don’t usually connect this deeply with sci-fi protagonists, but the way his past shadows every decision he makes gave the story incredible depth. The diplomatic mission was full of suspense, but what kept me reading was him. The emotional reveals were paced perfectly. Also, his eyes. The writing made me see those amber eyes.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one hit a bit different for me. The chain of command stress, the weight of responsibility, the way Kar second-guesses his decisions, it felt real. The author captured the burden of leadership well.

I didn’t always connect with the more abstract, introspective parts of the story, but the tension aboard the Zephyr and the stakes of the mission were well done. Bonus points for a main character who isn’t your standard space jock.

[Lio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in how inward-facing it was. Yes, the political stuff and the interstellar stakes are compelling, but it’s Kar’s journey that elevates everything. His feline heritage plays into his instincts and reactions in subtle ways, and the way his trauma affects his leadership is handled with nuance. The tension never feels forced. It’s a quiet kind of suspense, the kind that creeps up on you. If you like your sci-fi introspective and character-first, you’ll love this.

[Stacey Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely surprised me. The blend of deep space tension, rich world building, and the mystery of Alastar Kar's feline lineage made it unputdownable. I loved how the characters felt real even in a futuristic setting. Kar’s struggle with identity, leadership, and loyalty gave the story such heart. Can’t wait for book two!

[Susan Butwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting, The world-building in The Ghost Ships is so vivid. I could almost feel the hum of the Zephyr’s engines under my feet. Lieutenant Kar’s feline heritage adds such an intriguing layer to his character. I loved watching him wrestle with his past while trying to keep the peace among so many clashing personalities. Can’t wait for a sequel.

[Martti Orson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to get so attached to Alastar Kar! His internal struggle and that underlying mystery about Captain Riker had me hooked. Some parts dragged a bit during the political negotiations, but the tension on the ship made up for it. Great read for sci-fi fans who enjoy character-driven stories.

[Benedict · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing mix of space opera, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. The authors did a fantastic job balancing the action with the emotional depth of Kar’s past. The scenes where his feline instincts come through were my favorite. If you love your sci-fi with a side of psychological drama, grab this one.

[Cormier Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kar’s amber eyes, the missing Captain Riker, the ship full of delegates ready to tear each other apart there’s never a dull moment! The writing is sharp and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. I’d give it five stars if the ending hadn’t felt quite so abrupt. Hoping book two picks up right where it left off.

[Martti Orson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still thinking about the Zephyr and its crew days after finishing. The clash of different species and factions felt so real, and Kar’s role as peacekeeper was tense and believable. The ghostly undertones gave it a haunting feel. This is the kind of sci-fi I live for character-driven, suspenseful, and thought-provoking.

[Jadolita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lieutenant Alastar Kar is a fascinating lead mysterious, conflicted, and deeply compelling. His feline heritage adds a unique twist that makes him stand out in a galaxy of typical space heroes. The mix of political intrigue, personal demons, and high-stakes diplomacy kept me turning the pages. Can’t wait for the sequel

[Rousey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kar’s first mission is anything but simple, and that’s what makes it so compelling. You’re dropped into a world full of cultural clashes, military politics, and quiet secrets, and somehow the author makes it all feel effortless. Definitely a must-read for fans of thoughtful, character-driven sci-fi.