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Jupiter's Ghost

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In the Orion Nebula, death is written in the stars.
Jóre, an alien outcast, joins the nebula whaling ship Jupiter's Ghost—a vessel haunted by loss and hunted by something far worse. Whispers speak of the Great Blue, a monstrous whale that shatters steel and devours entire ships. In a crew bound by desperation and old grudges, trust is scarce and survival is a thin hope.
As Jupiter's Ghost sails deeper into Orion Nebula, the line between hunter and hunted fades, and Jóre must decide how much of himself he's willing to sacrifice for glory—and for revenge.
Not all who sail into the nebula will return.
Some dreams are meant to be swallowed whole.
* 2025 Storytrade Award Winner for Best Science Fiction

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2025

3 people are currently reading
2551 people want to read

About the author

David Gwinn

2 books4 followers
Award-winning author David Gwinn grew up in rural Ohio, where his sense of adventure and imagination were sparked. His country boy upbringing and military experience fuel the stories he writes, from high-stakes thrillers to intergalactic warfare, crafting worlds where one feels like it is man against nature.

With over 15 years of experience spanning action, sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller genres, David has built a reputation for powerful storytelling and sharp dialogue. His works include major studio features to indie gems.

David holds a Master Screenwriting Certificate and a Professional Screenwriting Certificate, as well as an MBA from the University of Texas and a B.S. in Engineering from the University of Dayton.

When he’s not building new worlds or punching up scripts, he’s probably somewhere with a cigar in hand, chasing the next wild idea.

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Maps  R.
399 reviews10 followers
July 11, 2025
At first, I was drawn in by the idea of space whales and cosmic battles, but what made me keep reading without stopping was something much deeper: the emotional journey of Jóre. This isn’t just a sci-fi story about survival in the Orion Nebula; it has been a powerful reflection on belonging, inner battles, and the quiet kind of bravery that comes from facing your past.
I loved how the author paints the setting, haunting, mysterious, and full of tension. The ship Jupiter’s Ghost feels like a character itself, full of grief and unspoken truths. The tension comes with the mistrust among the crew, the fear of the unknown, and the whispers of the Great Blue that will keep you on edge, but what stays with you is Jóre’s fight to find meaning and redemption in the middle of all that chaos.
If you like stories that are thrilling but also thoughtful, that make you feel and reflect while keeping you hooked, this one is for you.
Profile Image for Diana.
386 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2025
Jupiter's Ghost is one of those books that completely immerses you in a universe as dark as it is fascinating, where fiction and the supernatural surpass the imagination. What I liked most is that the novel blends space adventure, psychological drama, and a constant feeling that not everyone will make it out alive, which made me not want to stop reading to find out what would happen next. The story is full of aliens, ships, enemies, creatures capable of destroying everything in their path. Reading Jupiter's Ghost, I felt like a character in the novel. What captivated me most, without a doubt, was that David Gwinn manages to convey the claustrophobia of a ship in the middle of the void and the fragility of a crew that moves between ambition, revenge, and the sheer need to survive. Recommended book.
Profile Image for Reader Views.
4,852 reviews348 followers
November 6, 2025
Have you ever found yourself wondering what exactly is out there lurking in the depths of space? Are there other sentient species? What about creatures? What other beauties and terrors could there be waiting for us to explore? David Gwinn brings out some curious and intriguing ideas in Jupiter’s Ghost. The story is about a Fralie (purple-hued alien) who decides he wants to join humans on a nebula whale hunting vessel. He ends up on one called Jupiter’s Ghost that has recently been given to Captain Rowan, who is determined to avenge his former crew and wife by going after the massive nebula whale known as “Big Blue.” Will they succeed in their mission? Or will the whale outmaneuver yet another team determined to catch the big prize?

I really enjoyed Gwinn’s storytelling. He kept the action intense while also digging into the meaning behind everyone’s drive. Some things were left to be discovered later on in the story, but all was revealed at the most impactful moments. I also liked how he did not just throw a ton of alien species at you all at once. Many science fiction authors will overload to the point that you cannot keep track of who is what. Whereas Gwinn only introduces two different ones and dives into who they are as a people and what their different ideas are. I do think it would be really cool for him to go even more into detail in another book! However, I think this story was exactly how it needed to be, as the focus was very much on the journey of the crew.

The character’s dialogue was well done as well. Each character had their own personality and responded accordingly. While Jóre was a great main character, I actually appreciated Commander Gipson the most. She was able to stay calm throughout each and every stressful situation, and her opinion was respected by the entire crew under her. Also, she was not afraid to stand up to the Captain if she felt like he might be making a dangerous decision.

My favorite thing about this story was the idea of it. I never would have thought of hunting whales in space. Yet the author created such a beautiful picture of pods of whales moving in and out of stardust. The teamwork involved in catching them, and even the reasons for catching them, were also very honorable. It wasn’t just about the hunt, but about what the whale’s harvest could do to save people’s lives. The imagery described was so well done that I was able to see the image Gwinn had in mind, and it was absolutely breathtaking. The cover of the book gives you an idea (it’s absolutely beautiful), but it still does not fully encapsulate what the author wrote inside the book. This was definitely a unique story idea!

Jupiter’s Ghost by David Gwinn is definitely a science fiction book that I will be recommending to everyone! I do believe the intended audience is adults; however, it only has a few curse words and no other adult-specific content, so I would think young adult audiences would enjoy this fantasy as well. I will not give away whether or not they succeed in their mission, but I will say that you will be on the edge of your seat, holding your breath throughout multiple parts of the book and all the way to the end!

Profile Image for Delphine Hoover.
132 reviews26 followers
October 2, 2025
In the Orion Nebula, death is written in the stars and this book proves it in the most breathtaking way possible.

This story is an incredible mix of space opera, cosmic horror, and emotional character drama. The setting alone the vast, stormy Orion Nebula, where colossal star-whales drift through the void is so vivid that I felt like I was right there on the deck of the Jupiter’s Ghost. The author balances the awe of discovery with the raw terror of the unknown, especially in the whispers surrounding the Great Blue. That creature is one of the most haunting and memorable antagonists I’ve read in science fiction in a long time.

What really pulled me in, though, was Jóre. As an outcast, his perspective gave the story so much depth and vulnerability. Watching him struggle with loyalty, pride, revenge, and the desperate need for belonging made this more than just a high-stakes survival tale, it made it human, even if he isn’t fully human himself. The crew dynamics were sharp and tense, filled with grudges, desperation, and fleeting sparks of trust that made every interaction feel loaded with meaning.

The pacing is relentless in the best way. From the moment Jupiter’s Ghost set sail into the nebula, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. By the end, I was left with that rare, bittersweet mix of satisfaction and the ache of knowing I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time.

It’s no surprise this won the 2025 Story trade Award for Best Science Fiction, it deserves it. A masterpiece of atmosphere, imagination, and heart. Highly, highly recommended for anyone who loves science fiction with teeth.
Profile Image for Jennifer (Yodareads) Bishop.
370 reviews10 followers
December 9, 2025
Have you ever found yourself wondering what exactly is out there lurking in the depths of space? Are there other sentient species? What about creatures? What other beauties and terrors could there be waiting for us to explore? David Gwinn brings out some curious and intriguing ideas in Jupiter’s Ghost. The story is about a Fralie (purple-hued alien) who decides he wants to join humans on a nebula whale hunting vessel. He ends up on one called Jupiter’s Ghost that has recently been given to Captain Rowan who is determined to avenge his former crew and wife by going after the massive nebula whale known as “Big Blue.” Will they succeed in their mission? Or will the whale outmaneuver yet another team determined to catch the big prize?

Jupiter’s Ghost by David Gwinn is definitely a science fiction book that I will be recommending to everyone! I do believe the intended audience is adults, however, it only has a few curse words and no other adult specific content so I would say it is okay for young adult audiences as well. I will not give away whether or not they succeed in their mission, but I will say that you will be on the edge of your seat holding your breath throughout multiple parts of the book and all the way to the end!

For the full review, please go to Reader Views.
Profile Image for Mae-Anne Bryant.
31 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2026
David Gwinn's "Jupiter's Ghost" is a hauntingly beautiful look at being alone in space and the tension and mystery that keep readers engaged and eager to uncover more. Gwinn's writing is both poetic and sharp. It has bright pictures and a feeling of dread that sticks with you like stars on the edge of darkness. The pacing is slow enough to let the tension build, but there are also quick bursts of urgency that show how chaotic life is on a whaling ship in the Orion Nebula. The rhythm makes you lean forward, and your heart beats in time with how dangerous the crew is.
Reading this felt very personal. I have never sailed through a nebula, but I know what it is like to be the only one who does not fit in and try to find a way to fit in when everyone else seems to be against you. Gwinn shows Jóre's trip as painful without making the reader feel hopeless; instead, there is a steady, soft pulse of hope, like a star that will not go out. The Great Blue is not just a monster; it is like a force of nature. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the dreams that motivate us and, at times, consume our lives entirely. That idea really hit home: some goals need everything, and Gwinn makes you think about what "everything" really means. This book is not just a science fiction story; it is also a deep look at who we are, what we give up, and how easy it is to go from glory to ruin. If you want a story that feels big but also personal, where every word is full of tension and mystery, Jupiter's Ghost will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 143 books206 followers
November 4, 2025
Atmospheric Sci-Fi That Cuts to the Bone...

In the dark parts of the Orion Nebula, Jóre, an exile from far-off worlds, joins the crew of the Jupiter's Ghost, a broken whaling rig that is haunted by its lost crews and past failures. These misfit hunters are all in the same boat as they look for huge creatures floating through the glowing clouds of the nebula. But when they follow rumors of a legendary leviathan, the ship starts to get hit by something they can't see. Trust breaks down. Things get tense. Even though the crew is falling apart around him, Jóre finds his footing.

But there's something deeper than the adrenaline-fueled hunts and screaming metal. There are questions about revenge, belonging, and what we're willing to give up. Gwinn's writing is sharp and clear, mixing fear with real emotion. It's not just a hunt in space; it's about the hunger that drives us all. Read it. You will want the next one.
Profile Image for Rodrigo J.
384 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2025
Terror and redemption in the stellar void

This book made me think about how, sometimes, the real dangers are not outside of us, but within ourselves. Even though it is a science fiction story filled with giant creatures and space battles, what truly drew me in was the internal struggle of the main character. Jóre is not just trying to survive, he is searching for meaning, redemption, and a place to belong. I appreciated how the author shows that, even in the coldest and darkest corners of the universe, there is still room for hope and forgiveness. What stood out to me the most was how mistrust among the crew could be even more deadly than any creature they might face. Overall, this book goes far beyond just spaceships and monsters, it makes you reflect on what it really means to be human.
Profile Image for Eric F.
288 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2025
"Jupiter’s Ghost" was such an exciting read. I’m not usually into space stories, but this one surprised me, it was a great book from start to finish. The idea of hunting giant cosmic whales in the Orion Nebula felt so unique and wild.

Jóre was my favorite character. I liked how he started as an outsider and had to prove himself to the crew. It reminded me of times when I joined new teams and had to earn people’s trust while also learning to work with different personalities. The crew’s grudges and secrets made everything even more tense, I’ve been in situations where not everyone gets along, but you still have to work together to reach the goal.

The mix of danger, teamwork, and mystery kept me hooked. I really recommend this book for anyone who likes thrilling, original adventures.
Profile Image for Mayra Guayara.
126 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2025
Ambition

Set against a cosmic backdrop where the beauty of space blends with its brutality, this story takes us aboard Jupiter's Ghost, a whaling ship sailing through the heart of the Orion Nebula. The story combines maritime epic with the mystery of deep space, creating an oppressive atmosphere in which fear of the legendary big blue, that creature capable of devouring entire ships, tests the limits of loyalty and courage. The tension between hunter and prey blurs as the ship ventures into the unknown, reminding us that not all dreams are achievable, and that some may end up devouring those who pursue them.

With an atmosphere charged with melancholy, horror, and grandeur, this work promises an intense read that blends science fiction, cosmic mythology, and the eternal struggle between ambition and survival.
Profile Image for Lina Perea.
391 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2025
A good adventure read

It is incredible how fiction, adventure, and mystery come together to create a very engaging story, in which the reader becomes immersed and captivated from beginning to end.
With writing that is very easy to understand, along with well-developed characters and settings, the reader’s attention only needs to remain focused on the unfolding of the story.
What stood out to me was the agile and fast-paced way in which the adventure develops, preventing it from ever falling into monotony.
The story of Jóre and his crew can serve as a clear example of survival, resilience, friendship, and more.
Jupiter’s Ghost, by Gwinn, is a book that can be recommended with the certainty that it will not disappoint. Furthermore, it can be considered a good option for starting to enjoy science fiction.
Profile Image for Fanny Polchlopek.
222 reviews
July 12, 2025
This book really took me to another level!

From the beginning it was a thriller that left me enchanted with its story of the great master Winston Churchill in the second world war.
Lately, the only books I have enjoyed have been crime thrillers in which I become the detective and begin to solve the mystery hand in hand.
It was a book that leaves your hair standing on end with all the stories about rescuing children and a love story that you don't want to stop to understand the details.
In my opinion, this book is a great story in which you go through all the senses and you realize that each of the characters is made and thought specifically to be part of the story.
100% recommended.
Profile Image for L Becerra.
396 reviews10 followers
October 6, 2025
Amazing book!

It is my first time reading this author and I think he did great with this sci-fi book.

I really liked the atmosphere he gave to this reading because it feels dark and beautiful at the same time. The author makes the space feel like an ocean full of colors, creatures, and emotions. The main character is not perfect, and that makes him more human. There are many moments of tension between the crew, and sometimes you can feel their desperation and loneliness.

Some parts of the story are a bit slow, and I wish there was more information about the world and the aliens. But still, it’s a very creative and emotional story. The ending is sad but powerful, and it makes you think about sacrifice and dreams. I would totally recommend it.
Profile Image for Yolanda Gomez.
570 reviews9 followers
July 12, 2025
A book that you have to read if you are a fan of mystery readings and especially in this case if you like sailing or if you like the themes of the sea and its animals. The whole plot of the book is very interesting, it makes you immerse yourself in this maritime experience full of intrigue from the first chapter, where an alien embarks in order to enter the Orion nebula to achieve glory and above all revenge, but he does not get to imagine all that he will have to live to fulfil his mission. It is a very well written and entertaining book, it will take you out of your thoughts to focus on this incredible adventure.
Profile Image for ZebraDebra .
394 reviews6 followers
July 15, 2025
I was not particularly impressed with the world-building of this space adventure fiction novel. However, the characters are quite well portrayed. Jóre, the main character, is an alien who has been outcast. He now finds himself on a whaling ship, trying to conquer the monstrous Great Blue – a whale in outer space. With a blend of galactic adventure and internal, human struggles, the author weaves an interesting story. At times, I felt it needed to be fleshed out a bit. Overall, though, it is a book that got me thinking about the fact that inner turmoil and the power of forgiveness is stronger than even the most terrifying outer dangers. Recommended.
Profile Image for Carlos Romero.
304 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2025
“In the Orion Nebula, the Great Blue waits—able to crush steel and sink ships without a sound.” That image stayed in my mind long after I closed the book. Jupiter’s Ghost isn’t just another space story; it’s a tense mix of wonder, danger, and human emotion.
What I liked most about this book is the balance between action and emotion. The narrative e exciting and hooking, but the real tension comes from the choices the characters make and the secrets they keep that makes you turn every page to guess what will happen next. This is science fiction that makes you think as much as it makes your heart race, a thrilling journey through space with a haunting emotional core.
Profile Image for Daniel Moreno.
842 reviews16 followers
August 15, 2025
Amazing book

This book captivated me in a way I hadn't experienced before. It's a science fiction novel, undoubtedly written and developed in an exemplary manner. It has a plot that is quite entertaining and fun, and the character development is incredible. In each of the pages, we see a development for each of our clients. This novel has an incredible synergy between action and suspense, added to a bit of introspection. Without a doubt, this book is one of the ones that caught my attention the most, where I was able to spend a pleasant time reading each of its pages. I highly recommend this great book to spend a good time turning the pages.
Profile Image for Pipe.
90 reviews
October 6, 2025
Jupiter’s Ghost by David Gwinn is a book that surprised me a lot. At first, I thought it would be only about space, but it is also about people, fear, and hope. The story follows a crew traveling near Jupiter, and strange things begin to happen. I read it mostly at night, and sometimes, I felt a little scared, like when I was a kid listening to ghost stories with my cousins. The author describes space in a way that made me feel like I was really there, looking out of the window into the dark. I liked how each character had their own worries and dreams. It’s not just science fiction; it’s emotional too. I finished it in two days because I couldn’t stop reading.
Profile Image for Carlos Perea.
185 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2025
Great book

I must admit that science fiction has never been my preferred genre. Yet this book completely changed my perspective, offering a refreshing and captivating story. What stood out to me the most was the way the plot develops naturally while the characters grow in depth, making the journey engaging from beginning to end. The author’s ability to describe each scene vividly allowed me to visualize the events clearly and immerse myself in the atmosphere of the story. It became easy to escape routine and enjoy a world full of imagination and surprises. Overall, I found this book inspiring, entertaining, and absolutely worth recommending.
Profile Image for Lucas .
69 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2025
An enthralling novel
If you’re into sci-fi and suspense novels, then you should read “Jupiter’s Ghost” that mingles fear with suspense.
The story revolves around the fact that in the Orion Nebula, death is already written in the stars. Jóre joins the ship Jupiter’s Ghost which is haunted by distress and loss. During the sailing in the Orion Nebula, Jore realises that there is a great danger around the ship that frightens the crew. But he must take revenge and continue his journey.
It’s an entertaining story that left me at the edge of my seat. I liked the author's writing style because it invites readers to feel part of the story. I liked it!
Profile Image for Camilo.
401 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2025
Great Book

I must confess that I do not consider myself a fan of science fiction books. However, this one breaks the paradigm I previously had about the genre. I have to admit that I was very impressed by the way the characters evolve and how the events unfold, allowing the reader to disconnect easily from daily life. One of the aspects that helped me get hooked was the descriptive language used by the author, since it makes imagining the scenes much easier and truly lets the imagination fly. I really enjoyed this book, and I consider it a highly recommended read.
61 reviews
Read
January 18, 2026
A haunting, atmospheric sci‑fi mystery that lingers

Jupiter’s Ghost is a sleek, imaginative sci‑fi tale that blends cosmic mystery with a surprisingly emotional core. The author builds tension with cinematic pacing, pulling you through abandoned stations, strange signals, and the unsettling sense that something ancient is watching. What really stands out is how the story balances big, space‑opera scale with intimate character moments, making the final reveal feel both eerie and earned. If you enjoy atmospheric sci‑fi with a touch of existential wonder, this one delivers.
Profile Image for Ivana S..
546 reviews11 followers
August 18, 2025
A must read sci-fi book

David Gwinn has crafted something that feels equal parts space opera, myth, and deep-sea whaling lore, only transplanted into the eerie vastness of the Orion Nebula. And I loved it!
This story drives us readers through adventure and melancholy and I think this is great.
If you want cheerful, tidy sci-fi, this isn’t it. But if you want something atmospheric, beautifully written, and quietly devastating, Jupiter’s Ghost will swallow you whole.
Profile Image for Phoenix Wetzel.
9 reviews
January 1, 2026
I loved the idea of this!
No, I have never read Moby Dick, nor am I sure I ever will. But I thought this book was a creative idea as a play on it. Some parts for me felt a little rusty, but that’s my opinion. I can understand why everyone else would love this book.

But I will say, the VERY last part- definitely heartfelt and just overall beautiful.
49 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2026
This book captures your attention from the first page and doesn’t let it go. Jore is an intriguing character who is an outcast that has a desire for belonging. This book is full of tension and horror that will stay with you even after you’ve finished the book. There is a deep sense of emotion in this book through loss, obsession, and identity. An unforgettable read for sci-fi lovers.
Profile Image for Michelle Wilson.
118 reviews
December 8, 2025
Jore is a purple alien who is the best pilot who joins a whaling spaceship. There adventure is dangerous and exciting. The big blue whale is a beast to hunt and hard to catch and hold.
This adventure is fast paced and full of action
Profile Image for Veronica Adams.
70 reviews26 followers
January 21, 2026
It was like I was going a journey through space myself. Jore's own journey took me on a range of the emotions he was going through. It was one of most gripping tales and should become a classic one day.
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