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Nether Station
Nether Station
From
New York Times
bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson comes
Nether Station
, a thrilling mix of epic science fiction and Lovecraftian horror.
Space is vast. Space is full of wonders. Space is terrifying.
In the darkest part of the solar system lies a wormhole. Nether.
Astrophysicist Cammie Skoura has joined the first research team traveling to the Nether anomaly, eager to understand the mechanics of the wormhole and to explore its possibilities as a shortcut to Alpha Centauri.
But another race of ancient beings has already been here—an impossibly long time ago—leaving remnants of their vast complexes and gigantic temples built for horrific beings beyond comprehension.
What dangers did those elder races find in the hidden corners of spacetime?
What did they unleash?
And what remains?
Now, Cammie and the crew of Nether Station must find the answers—before the darkest part of the cosmos swallows them up …
Space is vast. Space is full of wonders. Space is terrifying.
In the darkest part of the solar system lies a wormhole. Nether.
Astrophysicist Cammie Skoura has joined the first research team traveling to the Nether anomaly, eager to understand the mechanics of the wormhole and to explore its possibilities as a shortcut to Alpha Centauri.
But another race of ancient beings has already been here—an impossibly long time ago—leaving remnants of their vast complexes and gigantic temples built for horrific beings beyond comprehension.
What dangers did those elder races find in the hidden corners of spacetime?
What did they unleash?
And what remains?
Now, Cammie and the crew of Nether Station must find the answers—before the darkest part of the cosmos swallows them up …
Audible Audio
First published October 29, 2024
176 people are currently reading
3986 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Anderson
1,038 books3,102 followersYes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. I love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS and CLOCKWORK LIVES, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are two of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
November 5, 2024
Space exploration, ancient civilizations, hidden threats, bugs and the undead - this book had a lot. This scifi/horror book was imaginative and creepy. I found the relationship between Cammie and her mentor off putting and unnecessary. The ending is not exactly a cliffhanger, but it certainly leaves room for another book. I listened to the audiobook, and in my opinion Scott Brick makes every book worse, but most people seem to love him.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
October 31, 2024
Nether Station
by Kevin J. Anderson
Science Fiction
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Oct. 29, 2024
Blackstone Publishing
Ages: 14+
Cammie Skoura, who was diagnosed as neurodivergent as a child, is now an astrophysicist. Years after the team she was on had sent the first probe to a wormhole at the far ends of the universe the signal returned from Alpha Centauri.
She joins the first-ever (privately funded) research team to research the wormhole and the possible shortcut to Alpha Centauri.
Upon arrival, when there was a death as they were waking the rest of the team, they found that there was an error with the cryopods, and left the rest sleeping.
Then there was an accident involving a stray rock that ripped a hole in the water storage tank, making the team go to a comet to remove ice, and not to mention dead bug-like creatures floating in space.
Oh, and on the comet, they discover a temple and a statue of a hideous creature carved into the ice.
Not exactly a horror story, it started off as a cozy sci-fi, but it did get a little more suspenseful in the middle of the story, but for me, it was not scary and still hovered along the 'cozy' genre. You could say it had the same feel as the movie 'Galaxy Quest' but without the humor. Not scary, just happening.
So it was a really easy story to follow; not a lot of heavy concepts/words, and readers of most educations can easily follow along, and there's not a lot of violence or adult situations so it's suitable for readers fourteen and older.
It was a little disappointing for me that this wasn't as gory or graphic as I was hoping it was, but it was a quick read with quite a few 'gasp' moments that I was not suspecting.
The only character I did not like was the 'private CEO' who funded the program and joined the mission because he reminded me a lot of a certain CEO who I roll my eyes whenever I hear about his stupid antics, which are causing me to debate upon leaving a certain site. Enough said on that one.
Overall, I did like the story and it was left open for another book, which I do want to read.
3 Stars
by Kevin J. Anderson
Science Fiction
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Oct. 29, 2024
Blackstone Publishing
Ages: 14+
Cammie Skoura, who was diagnosed as neurodivergent as a child, is now an astrophysicist. Years after the team she was on had sent the first probe to a wormhole at the far ends of the universe the signal returned from Alpha Centauri.
She joins the first-ever (privately funded) research team to research the wormhole and the possible shortcut to Alpha Centauri.
Upon arrival, when there was a death as they were waking the rest of the team, they found that there was an error with the cryopods, and left the rest sleeping.
Then there was an accident involving a stray rock that ripped a hole in the water storage tank, making the team go to a comet to remove ice, and not to mention dead bug-like creatures floating in space.
Oh, and on the comet, they discover a temple and a statue of a hideous creature carved into the ice.
Not exactly a horror story, it started off as a cozy sci-fi, but it did get a little more suspenseful in the middle of the story, but for me, it was not scary and still hovered along the 'cozy' genre. You could say it had the same feel as the movie 'Galaxy Quest' but without the humor. Not scary, just happening.
So it was a really easy story to follow; not a lot of heavy concepts/words, and readers of most educations can easily follow along, and there's not a lot of violence or adult situations so it's suitable for readers fourteen and older.
It was a little disappointing for me that this wasn't as gory or graphic as I was hoping it was, but it was a quick read with quite a few 'gasp' moments that I was not suspecting.
The only character I did not like was the 'private CEO' who funded the program and joined the mission because he reminded me a lot of a certain CEO who I roll my eyes whenever I hear about his stupid antics, which are causing me to debate upon leaving a certain site. Enough said on that one.
Overall, I did like the story and it was left open for another book, which I do want to read.
3 Stars
November 13, 2024
“Nether Station” is a cosmic horror story of epic proportions.
Full of thrilling space exploration, monstrous discoveries, and nightmarish situations.
Our main characters are conflicted as they study and try to answer questions about the wormhole at the edge of known space. Part of a crewed private sector mission, they run into many challenges and mysteries upon their arrival at the portal to elsewhere. Readers will experience growing dread and tension along with crew as they find dreadful answers among the stars.
I really hung onto every word, every action of each character, trying to anticipate what would happen next. There were times where I had to put this story down, give myself a break from the anxiety I was feeling. Anderson really knows how to draw people into the story he’s created.
This was one of the best Lovecraftian scifi tales I’ve read in a while and it was fantastic to become so immersed (even though I really worried about what would happen to the crew of Nether Station).
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Blackstone Publishing for a copy!
Full of thrilling space exploration, monstrous discoveries, and nightmarish situations.
Our main characters are conflicted as they study and try to answer questions about the wormhole at the edge of known space. Part of a crewed private sector mission, they run into many challenges and mysteries upon their arrival at the portal to elsewhere. Readers will experience growing dread and tension along with crew as they find dreadful answers among the stars.
I really hung onto every word, every action of each character, trying to anticipate what would happen next. There were times where I had to put this story down, give myself a break from the anxiety I was feeling. Anderson really knows how to draw people into the story he’s created.
This was one of the best Lovecraftian scifi tales I’ve read in a while and it was fantastic to become so immersed (even though I really worried about what would happen to the crew of Nether Station).
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Blackstone Publishing for a copy!
May 9, 2025
On paper this checked a lot of boxes for me. It was entertaining to some extent but unfortunately unremarkable in just about every way.
November 10, 2024
Being that I've read a lot of good science fiction in the last few years, and being that this audio is narrated by the terrific Scott Brick, when I saw the audio ARC available on NetGalley, I requested it and here we are.
This is the story of a crew on a privately funded mission to investigate a wormhole named Nether. This mission is the first of its kind and the crew does not know what they might encounter. As it turns out, they encountered a number of issues, not the least of which is evidence of at least 2 different types of aliens. As the crew works out the many difficulties of their mission, they discover at least some of the aliens are still around and they are not happy. Will their mission be successful? Will they even survive it? You'll have to read this to find out.
What attracted me to this book in the first place was the promise of Lovecraftian horror blended with science fiction. I love me some space horror! For whatever reason, though, I never got entirely on board with this story. One of the main characters is Cammie, a neurodivergent but brilliant member of the crew. I felt the most connection with her. Maybe the only connection I found was with her. I'm not sure why, but the rest of the characters felt flat to me.
About halfway through, maybe a little later, the Lovecraftian portion comes into the picture. Now, THIS I was down with. I wanted more of it in fact, but I guess we'll see that in the next book?
Lastly, I love Scott Brick. He narrates another series and I don't think I would have even read that action series if it weren't for his voicing of it. He's a compelling narrator and usually quite effective at narrating action. In this volume however, he felt a bit over the top to me. Maybe that was because there was so much action? I don't know for sure, and I don't know how to explain it, other than it was like all the sentences ended with exclamation points. It seems like I'm asking a lot of questions here, but I'm just trying to pinpoint for myself why I never felt fully engaged.
All that said, I am going to continue this series when the next book is released. I feel like I'll get lots more of the Lovecraftian related themes and that was the main focus of my interest. There is enough going on for me to be interested in continuing and I hope to get a better feel for the main characters as the series continues.
Recommended!
*Audio ARC from publisher.*
This is the story of a crew on a privately funded mission to investigate a wormhole named Nether. This mission is the first of its kind and the crew does not know what they might encounter. As it turns out, they encountered a number of issues, not the least of which is evidence of at least 2 different types of aliens. As the crew works out the many difficulties of their mission, they discover at least some of the aliens are still around and they are not happy. Will their mission be successful? Will they even survive it? You'll have to read this to find out.
What attracted me to this book in the first place was the promise of Lovecraftian horror blended with science fiction. I love me some space horror! For whatever reason, though, I never got entirely on board with this story. One of the main characters is Cammie, a neurodivergent but brilliant member of the crew. I felt the most connection with her. Maybe the only connection I found was with her. I'm not sure why, but the rest of the characters felt flat to me.
About halfway through, maybe a little later, the Lovecraftian portion comes into the picture. Now, THIS I was down with. I wanted more of it in fact, but I guess we'll see that in the next book?
Lastly, I love Scott Brick. He narrates another series and I don't think I would have even read that action series if it weren't for his voicing of it. He's a compelling narrator and usually quite effective at narrating action. In this volume however, he felt a bit over the top to me. Maybe that was because there was so much action? I don't know for sure, and I don't know how to explain it, other than it was like all the sentences ended with exclamation points. It seems like I'm asking a lot of questions here, but I'm just trying to pinpoint for myself why I never felt fully engaged.
All that said, I am going to continue this series when the next book is released. I feel like I'll get lots more of the Lovecraftian related themes and that was the main focus of my interest. There is enough going on for me to be interested in continuing and I hope to get a better feel for the main characters as the series continues.
Recommended!
*Audio ARC from publisher.*
February 2, 2025
This was my first opportunity to listen to a book by Kevin J. Anderson. In this fabulously written SciFi Horror, Cassie is traveling with a research to investigate a wormhole that could be used to travel to Alpha Century. When they arrive they find that another alien race has been there before them, and need to determine if what happened to this alien race is a danger to them.
Nether Station was a great listen. Scott Brick, one of my favorite audiobook narrators (Foundation Series), did an amazing job. Narration was at a great pace and so engaging.
Thank you Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Nether Station was a great listen. Scott Brick, one of my favorite audiobook narrators (Foundation Series), did an amazing job. Narration was at a great pace and so engaging.
Thank you Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
November 18, 2024
It's always great to discover a fun and thrilling Space Horror novel! This was a mashup of H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King's short story The Jaunt, and that super creepy movie Event Horizon. Nether Station was well-paced and pretty intense as the crew faced disaster after disaster.
My theory is behind the spoiler tags:
This will have a sequel, and I look forward to reading Nether Vortex when it's published.
My theory is behind the spoiler tags:
This will have a sequel, and I look forward to reading Nether Vortex when it's published.
August 30, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advanced copy.
Lovecraft in space! One of my favorite genres. I love some cosmic horror, even when it is derivative - I don't mind, that's my comfort food. I want the familiar when it comes to my favorites.
Anderson's story gets going pretty early on and keeps going on throttle until the end. I appreciate the large stakes, I loved the cosmic horror details, and I loved all the homages to the author's influences.
The biggest influences I noticed are At the Mountains of Madness by Lovecraft, and one of my most favorite movies ever, Event Horizon. Anderson uses characters and stories from At the Mountains of Madness (in this universe, Lovecraft's stories aren't stories but history) in an effect way to set up the motivations and actions of several characters. One in particular that I think the author must have had other plans for but then it kind of fizzles out; unless there's going to be a sequel, that was a disappointment and felt like a missed opportunity. As for Event Horizon, the author even names a couple ships the Lewis and Clark, haha. If you've seen the movie though, you'll recognize a few things (not that the movie itself is wholley original, but it is an influential cult classic) that are familiar.
My only real complaints are the character of Noor and what happens there. I don't always want answers but we saw examples of what happens when life goes through the wormhole, and then... the book just ends. With a huge What If that, honestly, doesn't really need a sequel but still feels like the set up for one.
I enjoyed this a lot though, even if it did annoy me at times lol It really scratches that cosmic horror itch.
Similar to Nether Station: The Void by Brett J Talley, Ghost Station by SA Barnes, The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown, Report on an Unidentified Space Station by JG Ballard, and all of the Dead Space books (Dead Space: Martyr, and more).
Lovecraft in space! One of my favorite genres. I love some cosmic horror, even when it is derivative - I don't mind, that's my comfort food. I want the familiar when it comes to my favorites.
Anderson's story gets going pretty early on and keeps going on throttle until the end. I appreciate the large stakes, I loved the cosmic horror details, and I loved all the homages to the author's influences.
The biggest influences I noticed are At the Mountains of Madness by Lovecraft, and one of my most favorite movies ever, Event Horizon. Anderson uses characters and stories from At the Mountains of Madness (in this universe, Lovecraft's stories aren't stories but history) in an effect way to set up the motivations and actions of several characters. One in particular that I think the author must have had other plans for but then it kind of fizzles out; unless there's going to be a sequel, that was a disappointment and felt like a missed opportunity. As for Event Horizon, the author even names a couple ships the Lewis and Clark, haha. If you've seen the movie though, you'll recognize a few things (not that the movie itself is wholley original, but it is an influential cult classic) that are familiar.
My only real complaints are the character of Noor and what happens there. I don't always want answers but we saw examples of what happens when life goes through the wormhole, and then... the book just ends. With a huge What If that, honestly, doesn't really need a sequel but still feels like the set up for one.
I enjoyed this a lot though, even if it did annoy me at times lol It really scratches that cosmic horror itch.
Similar to Nether Station: The Void by Brett J Talley, Ghost Station by SA Barnes, The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown, Report on an Unidentified Space Station by JG Ballard, and all of the Dead Space books (Dead Space: Martyr, and more).
February 16, 2025
A rare venture for me in this genre, but a real blast from start to finish. A team of scientists, engineers and others embark on a 5 yrs expedition to reach a wormhole. What they find there is pretty awesome but it quickly turns to horror. A fun book to dive into.
December 24, 2025
A disturbingly eerie and cosmic tale of life beyond the stars, this space exploration adventure captivated me! When the wormhole Nether is discovered deep in space, a crew is sent to study it. When they arrive and begin their investigation of the area, they discover an alien race has already been to the wormhole—maybe more than one.
Right from the beginning, things don't go as planned. The crew must adapt quickly to the dangers of space travel, and that's before things get really dicey. The pacing is a slow build of unease and impending doom. The crew is an eclectic group of characters, each of whom contributes to the mission with specialized training, such as engineering and astrophysics. Interpersonal dynamics between the crew are just as compelling as their exploration of the wormhole and surrounding asteroids. A claustrophobic atmosphere is present throughout, ramping up to horrifying Lovecraftian events complete with psychotic animals and shocking moments of violence. With no way to predict what would happen next, I was kept on the edge-of-my-seat as the exciting conclusion approached. The ending was satisfying while leaving me wanting more. It's a good thing there's a sequel coming!
Scott Brick is a fine narrator who performs excitement and danger well, though I would've preferred more unique voices along with changes in tone and pitch for different characters. The audiobook is a solid option for those who enjoy them.
NETHER STATION is a must read for fans of creeping dread and isolation mixed with psychological horror in the vastness of space!
____
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.
Right from the beginning, things don't go as planned. The crew must adapt quickly to the dangers of space travel, and that's before things get really dicey. The pacing is a slow build of unease and impending doom. The crew is an eclectic group of characters, each of whom contributes to the mission with specialized training, such as engineering and astrophysics. Interpersonal dynamics between the crew are just as compelling as their exploration of the wormhole and surrounding asteroids. A claustrophobic atmosphere is present throughout, ramping up to horrifying Lovecraftian events complete with psychotic animals and shocking moments of violence. With no way to predict what would happen next, I was kept on the edge-of-my-seat as the exciting conclusion approached. The ending was satisfying while leaving me wanting more. It's a good thing there's a sequel coming!
Scott Brick is a fine narrator who performs excitement and danger well, though I would've preferred more unique voices along with changes in tone and pitch for different characters. The audiobook is a solid option for those who enjoy them.
NETHER STATION is a must read for fans of creeping dread and isolation mixed with psychological horror in the vastness of space!
____
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.
October 4, 2024
Nether Station is a space horror novel by Kevin J. Anderson. It's an exciting read, a real page-turner. My reason for giving it 3 stars instead of higher is due to the dumb decision making by the crew that would in no way happen in real life. It's still a fun read though and leaves the door open for a sequel.
I'm a library associate and received an advance copy from #NetGalley.
I'm a library associate and received an advance copy from #NetGalley.
May 18, 2025
Alien meets At the Mountains of Madness, starring a crew of certified morons trying their best to make every possible mistake.
I was wondering how this author could have written 180 books. The answer is badly.
I was wondering how this author could have written 180 books. The answer is badly.
August 23, 2024
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
I'm familiar with Kevin J. Anderson from his X-Files and Star Wars novels, most of which are pretty average, but I never read any of his own material before. For the most part, this was a solidly written, reasonably paced Sci-Fi exploration/action/horror story. It starts off as generic Sci-Fi, but by the midpoint turns very Lovecraftian. Mainly, the Sci-Fi and Lovecraftian elements were merged together well, though the ending was a bit over-the-top. Overall, though, I think it's the best book I've read by the author.
I'm familiar with Kevin J. Anderson from his X-Files and Star Wars novels, most of which are pretty average, but I never read any of his own material before. For the most part, this was a solidly written, reasonably paced Sci-Fi exploration/action/horror story. It starts off as generic Sci-Fi, but by the midpoint turns very Lovecraftian. Mainly, the Sci-Fi and Lovecraftian elements were merged together well, though the ending was a bit over-the-top. Overall, though, I think it's the best book I've read by the author.
November 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this sci-fi space horror story, I’m not much of a horror fan but for some reason, space horror really appeals to me, probably because I know there’s no way I’ll ever encounter any monsters in space.
This book reminded me too much of Elon Musk while reading, but overall, the book was really good. The “space”-building of the wormhole and all the asteroids around it was pretty creative, and the spaceship the crew were on was described really well. Throw in a diverse range of characters, some scary animals and dead people, space creatures and space gods, and you’ve got a really entertaining book.
Looks like the story was left open for a second book, so I’m definitely looking forward to reading it, if and when it comes out. Great sci fi read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for sending me an advanced copy.
This book reminded me too much of Elon Musk while reading, but overall, the book was really good. The “space”-building of the wormhole and all the asteroids around it was pretty creative, and the spaceship the crew were on was described really well. Throw in a diverse range of characters, some scary animals and dead people, space creatures and space gods, and you’ve got a really entertaining book.
Looks like the story was left open for a second book, so I’m definitely looking forward to reading it, if and when it comes out. Great sci fi read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for sending me an advanced copy.
Read
May 24, 2025Couldn't finish.
January 7, 2025
A good old fashioned science fiction horror book set in space with Scott Brick narrating the audiobook?! Yes!! I’m all in!
In deep space an exploration crew is sent to look into a anomalous wormhole called Nether. The crew travels in deep sleep on the Nether Station when everything that can go wrong does.
Space monsters, alien space beings, and mechanical issues made this a fun listen and I’m looking forward to the next installment!
*Thanks so much to Blackstone Publishing for the audiobook!*
In deep space an exploration crew is sent to look into a anomalous wormhole called Nether. The crew travels in deep sleep on the Nether Station when everything that can go wrong does.
Space monsters, alien space beings, and mechanical issues made this a fun listen and I’m looking forward to the next installment!
*Thanks so much to Blackstone Publishing for the audiobook!*
December 31, 2024
(I listened to this book on Audible. Scott Brick does an amazing job narrating.)
Nether Station is a fine piece of science fiction, though I will point out that it is lighter on the cosmic horror side.
I loved this book, though I did find it fell into the trope of characters in a horror story not having a developed sense of self-preservation.
Still, the world building is great, the narrative is compelling, and it had a satisfying ending that could easily lead into another book.
All in all, I recommend it.
Nether Station is a fine piece of science fiction, though I will point out that it is lighter on the cosmic horror side.
I loved this book, though I did find it fell into the trope of characters in a horror story not having a developed sense of self-preservation.
Still, the world building is great, the narrative is compelling, and it had a satisfying ending that could easily lead into another book.
All in all, I recommend it.
October 2, 2024
As a fan of speculative science fiction as a whole, and more specifically stories such as Project Hail Mary and Event Horizon, as well as the concepts proposed in Alien: Prometheus, I was immediately ecstatic to read Nether Station. Further reading and learning it is a Weird Tales Presents publication made my interest skyrocket, as I'm not only an avid fan of weird literature, but a long time fan of Weird Tales itself.
Immediately, I found the scientific concepts easy to follow along with as a non-scientifically learned person-- while it doesn't exactly hold your hand and throws you immediately into the concepts used as the foundation of the story, Nether Station also provides enough context clues to keep you afloat while also guiding the reader seamlessly into the story. It's an easy to understand speculative science fiction tale, and requires no hard knowledge beforehand.
Upon finishing this novel, I felt mixed in opinion as a reader. There were a few things Nether Station tackled exceedingly well! And then there were other concepts that felt a bit dorky in execution.
To start, Cammie Skoura is an absolute treasure of a primary character. Her growth in overcoming her fears and isolation was stellar, and not only that, but she deserves every ounce of heroism the ending gives her. Nevertheless, I found the way several of the male characters approached her to be needlessly creepy, and the focus on her non-romantic relationship with the head scientist being questioned several times felt unnecessary.
As a cosmic horror fan, and particularly a Lovecraft fan, I found the detailed descriptions of horror to be horrifying. From the greenhouse scenes with plant decay and intelligence, to the scenes with the rats and monkey, and even further to the detailed scenes regarding the dead, everything felt outstanding, and several times I gripped my reading device in fear at these creatures reactions to madness and horror.
The exploration of the wormhole itself, as well as the exploration of this unknown alien civilization felt exciting. The mystery behind what was going on in the wormhole led up to a grand conclusion that I felt was successful and horrific. The shared knowledge of the alien race, too, kept me keyed in as a reader, and several times I found it hard to put the book down due to how exciting these mysteries became.
That said, other parts of the cosmic horror, not so much. The rather obvious Lovecraft namedrops made several parts of the novel feel more like At the Mountains of Madness fanfiction rather than something that stood on its own, which is what I anticipated reading at first. Once I realized what was happening, as a fan of the specific stories referenced within Nether Station, I was able to immerse myself in the now-shared universe a bit more and I did appreciate what Nether Station accomplished within that viewpoint.
One thing I found myself unsure of as a reader was what happens to Benedict Noor in the novel. I found him perfectly unlikeable, and a perfect antagonist toward the main cast within their own group. He very clearly represents a certain type of person found in real life-- the know it all businessman entrepreneur who thinks his money supersedes science-- and the tension between him and the characters made for a great storyline. That said, his "ending" didn't feel ultimately satisfactory within Nether Station. I would have liked to see those ramifications he suffers upped a bit further, see them drawn out.
Overall, Nether Station is a great read, even with my complaints. I enjoyed my time reading it, and I look forward to its official release. As well, I look forward to Kevin J. Anderson's sequel, Nether Vortex.
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Kevin J. Anderson for this advanced copy.
Immediately, I found the scientific concepts easy to follow along with as a non-scientifically learned person-- while it doesn't exactly hold your hand and throws you immediately into the concepts used as the foundation of the story, Nether Station also provides enough context clues to keep you afloat while also guiding the reader seamlessly into the story. It's an easy to understand speculative science fiction tale, and requires no hard knowledge beforehand.
Upon finishing this novel, I felt mixed in opinion as a reader. There were a few things Nether Station tackled exceedingly well! And then there were other concepts that felt a bit dorky in execution.
To start, Cammie Skoura is an absolute treasure of a primary character. Her growth in overcoming her fears and isolation was stellar, and not only that, but she deserves every ounce of heroism the ending gives her. Nevertheless, I found the way several of the male characters approached her to be needlessly creepy, and the focus on her non-romantic relationship with the head scientist being questioned several times felt unnecessary.
As a cosmic horror fan, and particularly a Lovecraft fan, I found the detailed descriptions of horror to be horrifying. From the greenhouse scenes with plant decay and intelligence, to the scenes with the rats and monkey, and even further to the detailed scenes regarding the dead, everything felt outstanding, and several times I gripped my reading device in fear at these creatures reactions to madness and horror.
The exploration of the wormhole itself, as well as the exploration of this unknown alien civilization felt exciting. The mystery behind what was going on in the wormhole led up to a grand conclusion that I felt was successful and horrific. The shared knowledge of the alien race, too, kept me keyed in as a reader, and several times I found it hard to put the book down due to how exciting these mysteries became.
That said, other parts of the cosmic horror, not so much. The rather obvious Lovecraft namedrops made several parts of the novel feel more like At the Mountains of Madness fanfiction rather than something that stood on its own, which is what I anticipated reading at first. Once I realized what was happening, as a fan of the specific stories referenced within Nether Station, I was able to immerse myself in the now-shared universe a bit more and I did appreciate what Nether Station accomplished within that viewpoint.
One thing I found myself unsure of as a reader was what happens to Benedict Noor in the novel. I found him perfectly unlikeable, and a perfect antagonist toward the main cast within their own group. He very clearly represents a certain type of person found in real life-- the know it all businessman entrepreneur who thinks his money supersedes science-- and the tension between him and the characters made for a great storyline. That said, his "ending" didn't feel ultimately satisfactory within Nether Station. I would have liked to see those ramifications he suffers upped a bit further, see them drawn out.
Overall, Nether Station is a great read, even with my complaints. I enjoyed my time reading it, and I look forward to its official release. As well, I look forward to Kevin J. Anderson's sequel, Nether Vortex.
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Kevin J. Anderson for this advanced copy.
February 17, 2025
This book was unfortunately a victim to trying to use too many cliche space/cosmic horror elements that everyone else has already used which means a few stars knocked off.
-Megalomaniac venture capitalist running the mission despite having no actual experience? (really?)
-A hot shot / hot headed pilot who doesn't believe in safety protocols (Sigh)
-Ancient civilizations long since dead (are they really?)
-A crew that barely gets along each with their own secrets (what could go wrong?)
-Monkeys and rats being test subjects to cosmic forces (what could go wrong?)
-Hibernation pods that shouldn't malfunction (what could go wrong?)
Now the writing is what id expect from a 'Weird Tales Presents' book, which means its good and the pacing is on point, but the characters making all the wrong choices all the time gets old.
Overall, I will always jump at a cosmic horror book and double bonus if its a sci-fi space adventure, I'm all in. But this book was doomed at the end of the 2nd chapter, not just to cosmic forces beyond human comprehension.
-Megalomaniac venture capitalist running the mission despite having no actual experience? (really?)
-A hot shot / hot headed pilot who doesn't believe in safety protocols (Sigh)
-Ancient civilizations long since dead (are they really?)
-A crew that barely gets along each with their own secrets (what could go wrong?)
-Monkeys and rats being test subjects to cosmic forces (what could go wrong?)
-Hibernation pods that shouldn't malfunction (what could go wrong?)
Now the writing is what id expect from a 'Weird Tales Presents' book, which means its good and the pacing is on point, but the characters making all the wrong choices all the time gets old.
Overall, I will always jump at a cosmic horror book and double bonus if its a sci-fi space adventure, I'm all in. But this book was doomed at the end of the 2nd chapter, not just to cosmic forces beyond human comprehension.
October 28, 2024
Nether Station by Kevin J. Anderson
I received the arc of this from NetGalley. It releases tomorrow.
I realize more and more that I absolutely love space horror. This book was no exception.
A wormhole is discovered in the far reaches of space, and after initially being forgotten about by the general public, gains renewed interested when the probe sent to explore it sends back a message - four years later. A private industrialist never forgot and has a team and resources ready to go. But sometimes you discover things that didn't want to be discovered and that you maye didn't WANT to discover.
This story is good. For a hot second, I thought it was going to be the typical "I saw what the aliens are planning and everybody is going to fight to the death to save the world" type scenario. It was but it wasn't. I like where the story ended, and it's obvious there will be at least a sequel, if not a few more.
My only complaint is largely due to the lack of editing. NetGalley gives books for arcs that aren't edited, and this one hadn't been touched in that arena - not even a little bit. My hope is that the editor made it even better than it was.
👽👽👽👽 at this point. It could potentially be at least 4.5 and maybe 5 if the final product is good.
I received the arc of this from NetGalley. It releases tomorrow.
I realize more and more that I absolutely love space horror. This book was no exception.
A wormhole is discovered in the far reaches of space, and after initially being forgotten about by the general public, gains renewed interested when the probe sent to explore it sends back a message - four years later. A private industrialist never forgot and has a team and resources ready to go. But sometimes you discover things that didn't want to be discovered and that you maye didn't WANT to discover.
This story is good. For a hot second, I thought it was going to be the typical "I saw what the aliens are planning and everybody is going to fight to the death to save the world" type scenario. It was but it wasn't. I like where the story ended, and it's obvious there will be at least a sequel, if not a few more.
My only complaint is largely due to the lack of editing. NetGalley gives books for arcs that aren't edited, and this one hadn't been touched in that arena - not even a little bit. My hope is that the editor made it even better than it was.
👽👽👽👽 at this point. It could potentially be at least 4.5 and maybe 5 if the final product is good.
March 5, 2025
The last time I read Kevin J Anderson it was the late 90s and I was in middle school, devouring expanded universe Star Wars novels of the old school. This comes across as the same kind of style but now in the service of Lovecraft-meets-Event Horizon style cosmic horror.
The balls-out ending saves it from a previously miserable fate of having an ensemble cast of entirely forgettable characters. Though it must be noted with some chagrin that it pivots into more Derleth style Lovecraft rather than playing it straight.
The balls-out ending saves it from a previously miserable fate of having an ensemble cast of entirely forgettable characters. Though it must be noted with some chagrin that it pivots into more Derleth style Lovecraft rather than playing it straight.
December 2, 2024
A really neat read for the holiday break :)
I was a bit annoyed at some of the characters when starting the book, I’m looking at you Glina, but Anderson really managed to pull together a world and cast quickly and effortlessly. I have been really enjoying easier going fantasy reads recently, and this one did the trick.
I was a bit annoyed at some of the characters when starting the book, I’m looking at you Glina, but Anderson really managed to pull together a world and cast quickly and effortlessly. I have been really enjoying easier going fantasy reads recently, and this one did the trick.
December 24, 2024
This feels mostly like a missed opportunity to me. Some cool ideas, but when all of the dead things start coming back to life as zombies, it gets a little ridiculous. I thought it went off the rails. This book couldn't make up it its mind if it wanted to be a horror story or not - and the half-horror, half-sci-fi indecision made it half-good. I really liked the main character, however.
October 29, 2024
I really enjoyed Nether Station, a space horror novel by Kevin J. Anderson. It was a fun novel and had some really exciting twists that reminded me of Aliens. I could definitely see this book as a movie.
It was fast-paced and was a good thriller with a great twist at the end. I thought the world-building was excellent and was appropriately creepy. My only real complaint was the same as with a lot of horror, people make such stupid decisions. There were also a few characters that I would have like to know a little bit better but I did really enjoy the main characters; especially the female ones.
It was a fun read and I am really looking forward to the sequel.
It was fast-paced and was a good thriller with a great twist at the end. I thought the world-building was excellent and was appropriately creepy. My only real complaint was the same as with a lot of horror, people make such stupid decisions. There were also a few characters that I would have like to know a little bit better but I did really enjoy the main characters; especially the female ones.
It was a fun read and I am really looking forward to the sequel.
October 29, 2024
Ever since I stumbled across KJA’s epic Saga of Seven Suns I’ve been addicted to his sci-fi and thriller books, be it the shadow saga series to Kill Zone! This is another page turning sci-fi thriller that keeps you at your seat wanting more! This is an easy, entertaining and fun read, and if you like KJA’s previous work you’ll enjoy this! Highly recommend to all who enjoy sci-fi set in space(and wormholes), exploration, adventure, aliens and horror!
October 31, 2024
Great read
What a great start to a series, really enjoyed the premise and it would make an interesting film! Would recommend!
What a great start to a series, really enjoyed the premise and it would make an interesting film! Would recommend!
November 27, 2024
I’m about two thirds in, and I haven’t had any issues with the plot, narrative, character development, or setting. If you’re a fan of the “Alien” franchise, or like spooky sci-fi mixed with a little Lovecraft, this book’s for you.
October 29, 2024
Nether Station is a cosmic horror novel that stands in the tradition of the best cosmic horror from the likes of William Hope Hodgson, John W. Campbell, A.E Van Vogt’s Black Destroyer, the movie Alien, the movie The Thing, George R. R. Martin’s Nightflyers and, especially, H. P. Lovecraft. It isn't written in the old style of prose like Lovecraft, but is a modern adventure/horror/space opera. While it can be a little predictable at times, it still is a thrilling and fun book. Very enjoyable and one of the best new SF books this year.
February 20, 2025
Not sure Anderson is the author
I liked the story but it read like it was written by a teenager or the first book by an author. Not by someone who has multiple books that are well written. I like most of Kevin Anderson's books, but this does not sound like his work at all. Maybe like a ghost writer who used his name. I hate to be negative but I know Anderson is a much better writer than this.
I liked the story but it read like it was written by a teenager or the first book by an author. Not by someone who has multiple books that are well written. I like most of Kevin Anderson's books, but this does not sound like his work at all. Maybe like a ghost writer who used his name. I hate to be negative but I know Anderson is a much better writer than this.
September 10, 2025
Godawful story... For all the incompetence in Trump’s White House, they’d be more capable than this shitty starship crew.
I honestly don’t understand why writers continue to lean on the childish premise that the world’s richest man can assemble a crew of completely unqualified individuals - morons, dolts, and unstable “geniuses” - to undertake a mission to the edge of the solar system. It’s a premise that might have some tension in a capable author’s hands, but here it collapses entirely under its own ridiculousness.
Anderson takes what could have been a fascinating exploration of space travel, wormhole technology, and human ingenuity and completely destroys it with poor writing and illogical plot twists.
The so-called astronauts are shockingly incompetent, learning the basics about their equipment, roles, and even their mission parameters after five years of travel. Even then, there is no cohesion, no sense of professionalism, and no meaningful development. Not one character shows intelligence, foresight, or competence.
The narrative is littered with absurd revelations and inconsistencies, making it impossible to care about the mission or the people supposedly executing it. The world-building is sloppy, the stakes feel hollow, and the story’s execution is laughably bad.
If chaos and ineptitude were the goal, it succeeded - but as a science fiction story, it fails utterly.
A miserable read. 1/5, because there's no option for a zero.
I honestly don’t understand why writers continue to lean on the childish premise that the world’s richest man can assemble a crew of completely unqualified individuals - morons, dolts, and unstable “geniuses” - to undertake a mission to the edge of the solar system. It’s a premise that might have some tension in a capable author’s hands, but here it collapses entirely under its own ridiculousness.
Anderson takes what could have been a fascinating exploration of space travel, wormhole technology, and human ingenuity and completely destroys it with poor writing and illogical plot twists.
The so-called astronauts are shockingly incompetent, learning the basics about their equipment, roles, and even their mission parameters after five years of travel. Even then, there is no cohesion, no sense of professionalism, and no meaningful development. Not one character shows intelligence, foresight, or competence.
The narrative is littered with absurd revelations and inconsistencies, making it impossible to care about the mission or the people supposedly executing it. The world-building is sloppy, the stakes feel hollow, and the story’s execution is laughably bad.
If chaos and ineptitude were the goal, it succeeded - but as a science fiction story, it fails utterly.
A miserable read. 1/5, because there's no option for a zero.
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