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Hybrid Helix #7
Shield of The Mothership: Turn Seven of The Hybrid Helix
Sometimes the enemy of your enemy is still your enemy.
Rohan swore he’d never work for the il’Drach again, never again be called Lance Primary, never again kill or risk the lives of his friends on behalf of the Empire.
But when the safety of the sector is at risk, when inaction could lead to the death of every living thing in the galaxy, he has to work with what he has.
Even if what he has is allies he can’t trust, a mission he doesn’t understand, and the growing suspicion that things are only getting worse.
Rohan swore he’d never work for the il’Drach again, never again be called Lance Primary, never again kill or risk the lives of his friends on behalf of the Empire.
But when the safety of the sector is at risk, when inaction could lead to the death of every living thing in the galaxy, he has to work with what he has.
Even if what he has is allies he can’t trust, a mission he doesn’t understand, and the growing suspicion that things are only getting worse.
- GenresScience Fiction
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
5 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 12, 2026
“I’m ready! No, more than ready! Past ready! If ready was the starting line, I’d be halfway to the end of the race! If ready was the prologue, I’d be on the final chapter!”
I’m back with turn seven of the Hybrid Helix series. This series has just become very special to me and I can’t wait for book eight’s release. If book series can be personified, this one would be one of my close friends. Every time I pick up a book from this series, it’s like talking to an old friend- so much comfort, fun, and warm feelings. I love Rohan, the side characters (officially my most favorite found family in all of sff), the world and Joe’s writing.
In lieu of talking about the plot of the book (since it’s book 7, any talk of the plot will lead to spoilers for the previous installments) I will talk about some of the highlights of Joe’s writing. However, I will mention that this book truly steps into uncharted territory (in world). The power levels, the threats faced, and the lore reveals are all truly next level in this book and it even has a kaiju turtle that just might be a ‘friend to all children’ (iykyk).
Joe is one of the best humour, action, and badassery writers. I didn’t think Wei Li could be beat for sass in this series ever and in this book Darkness Follows (a live spaceship) gets one over her. It’s not easy to get audible guffaws from jokes in books but Joe consistently gets them. Coming to action, this series is chock full of them, especially this book - “Twenty-one people sent to save the anchor of the sector’s safety and economy from a mad god and his coterie of Hybrids.” He gets fighting in space just right and a lot of the fights are subverted cleverly to our expectations. Punching a spaceship is fun in a way that shooting lasers at them just isn’t.
As a Rajinikanth movie fan, I have seen my fair share of excellent badass moments in media. Joe can go toe to toe with any of those scene writers. The people who have experienced Rohan powering up know what I’m talking about and the people who have not yet- there’s no way for me to describe the greatness of it, you just have to experience it for yourself. There is a reason that the Griffin is my most favorite superhero. To borrow from gen Z, Rohan has so many peak aura farming scenes.
“I have to admit, I’m more than a little bit eager to see you try.”
“There are five of us, Rohan”
“There won’t be if you come after me.”
And while the top layer of Hybrid Helix is an excellent action adventure, the filling is an excellent character arc. There are so many subtle touches to Rohan’s character development in each book when one pauses to think. I really love watching Rohan (who I already like ideologically and personality-wise) grow. I simply cannot wait for Book 8.
I’m back with turn seven of the Hybrid Helix series. This series has just become very special to me and I can’t wait for book eight’s release. If book series can be personified, this one would be one of my close friends. Every time I pick up a book from this series, it’s like talking to an old friend- so much comfort, fun, and warm feelings. I love Rohan, the side characters (officially my most favorite found family in all of sff), the world and Joe’s writing.
In lieu of talking about the plot of the book (since it’s book 7, any talk of the plot will lead to spoilers for the previous installments) I will talk about some of the highlights of Joe’s writing. However, I will mention that this book truly steps into uncharted territory (in world). The power levels, the threats faced, and the lore reveals are all truly next level in this book and it even has a kaiju turtle that just might be a ‘friend to all children’ (iykyk).
Joe is one of the best humour, action, and badassery writers. I didn’t think Wei Li could be beat for sass in this series ever and in this book Darkness Follows (a live spaceship) gets one over her. It’s not easy to get audible guffaws from jokes in books but Joe consistently gets them. Coming to action, this series is chock full of them, especially this book - “Twenty-one people sent to save the anchor of the sector’s safety and economy from a mad god and his coterie of Hybrids.” He gets fighting in space just right and a lot of the fights are subverted cleverly to our expectations. Punching a spaceship is fun in a way that shooting lasers at them just isn’t.
As a Rajinikanth movie fan, I have seen my fair share of excellent badass moments in media. Joe can go toe to toe with any of those scene writers. The people who have experienced Rohan powering up know what I’m talking about and the people who have not yet- there’s no way for me to describe the greatness of it, you just have to experience it for yourself. There is a reason that the Griffin is my most favorite superhero. To borrow from gen Z, Rohan has so many peak aura farming scenes.
“I have to admit, I’m more than a little bit eager to see you try.”
“There are five of us, Rohan”
“There won’t be if you come after me.”
And while the top layer of Hybrid Helix is an excellent action adventure, the filling is an excellent character arc. There are so many subtle touches to Rohan’s character development in each book when one pauses to think. I really love watching Rohan (who I already like ideologically and personality-wise) grow. I simply cannot wait for Book 8.
September 20, 2025
This is definitely the best book yet in the Hybrid Helix. It’s packed to the brim with great action, big reveals and fascinating lore hints. More people should be reading this series!
July 22, 2025
Heart, humour and hyperspace: A triumph for the Hybrid Helix!
JCM Berne’s Hybrid Helix series resonates with me like few others. At its best, it feels like coming home—warm, familiar, and comforting, with your favorite people and food waiting at the table. Shield of the Mothership is very much Berne at his best. I loved it.
It was genuinely refreshing to return to the world of Wistful and spend time with Rohan, his friends, and colleagues. Over seven books, we’ve watched Rohan grow, and this installment beautifully continues the arc of a man slowly coming to terms with who he is and who he wants to be. The Star Trek vibes are strong in this one—they journey to a place where almost no one has gone before. Put people on ships and I’m interested. Put them in ships in space and you can’t drag me away—so long as the tale holds up.
And I’m happy to report: the tale does hold up. The Rohan-brand silly humor is here, as is the sharp character interplay, some unexpected emotional depth, well-timed reveals, and a satisfying ending. I also find it especially refreshing to read the adventures of a main character who is genuinely kind. Yes, Rohan has his flaws and emotional struggles, but he consistently tries to be thoughtful and helpful—and that matters. I deeply appreciate the author for crafting stories that are not only exciting but also good-hearted.
Shield of the Mothership is a total win. A resounding 5 stars.
JCM Berne’s Hybrid Helix series resonates with me like few others. At its best, it feels like coming home—warm, familiar, and comforting, with your favorite people and food waiting at the table. Shield of the Mothership is very much Berne at his best. I loved it.
It was genuinely refreshing to return to the world of Wistful and spend time with Rohan, his friends, and colleagues. Over seven books, we’ve watched Rohan grow, and this installment beautifully continues the arc of a man slowly coming to terms with who he is and who he wants to be. The Star Trek vibes are strong in this one—they journey to a place where almost no one has gone before. Put people on ships and I’m interested. Put them in ships in space and you can’t drag me away—so long as the tale holds up.
And I’m happy to report: the tale does hold up. The Rohan-brand silly humor is here, as is the sharp character interplay, some unexpected emotional depth, well-timed reveals, and a satisfying ending. I also find it especially refreshing to read the adventures of a main character who is genuinely kind. Yes, Rohan has his flaws and emotional struggles, but he consistently tries to be thoughtful and helpful—and that matters. I deeply appreciate the author for crafting stories that are not only exciting but also good-hearted.
Shield of the Mothership is a total win. A resounding 5 stars.
July 23, 2025
Hybrid Helix continues to fly high and hit hard!
Another fantastic instalment with great action, humour, and plot development. The stakes are high and the pacing is tight, making Shield of the Mothership a gripping page-turner.
JCM Berne is nothing if not consistent.
What stands out most for me are the deeply relatable themes—especially those that touch on emotion. Inspiration comes in many forms, and for me, it’s from a wildly entertaining superhero space opera.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Another fantastic instalment with great action, humour, and plot development. The stakes are high and the pacing is tight, making Shield of the Mothership a gripping page-turner.
JCM Berne is nothing if not consistent.
What stands out most for me are the deeply relatable themes—especially those that touch on emotion. Inspiration comes in many forms, and for me, it’s from a wildly entertaining superhero space opera.
Can’t wait for the next one!
August 10, 2025
I love this series. I'm at the point where as soon as the next book releases, I drop everything and start reading. Try No.1: Wistful Ascending if you haven't already.
February 19, 2026
Another rollicking entry in this series. I will continue eating these up as long as JCM Berne wants to write them.
July 26, 2025
Each book in this series is so good they leave me depressed because now I have to wait for the next one!
I write science fiction but there's no magic or flat out super powers in my books because, honestly, I don't care for those mixes - I can't do them correctly and I don't feel most other authors can either - the sole exception being J.C.M. Berne. I can't even wrap my head around how easily he incorporates it all, much less the fantastic stories he turns out.
I'm not one for spoilers so let me just assure you:
Everyone's favorite Tow Chief is back and, normal for this series, it's an adventure unlike the others, set in an awesome place that's...
Wait. No spoilers.
I will say there's a great Kaiju, that jerk Hyperion and all the usual suspects...
So I suggest you buy this book, download it on Kindle Unlimited, whatever...
If you're already a fan of the series you will Not be disappointed. If you're new to the Helix, you'll be scrambling to get your hands on the rest of them shortly.
Great Book!!!
I write science fiction but there's no magic or flat out super powers in my books because, honestly, I don't care for those mixes - I can't do them correctly and I don't feel most other authors can either - the sole exception being J.C.M. Berne. I can't even wrap my head around how easily he incorporates it all, much less the fantastic stories he turns out.
I'm not one for spoilers so let me just assure you:
Everyone's favorite Tow Chief is back and, normal for this series, it's an adventure unlike the others, set in an awesome place that's...
Wait. No spoilers.
I will say there's a great Kaiju, that jerk Hyperion and all the usual suspects...
So I suggest you buy this book, download it on Kindle Unlimited, whatever...
If you're already a fan of the series you will Not be disappointed. If you're new to the Helix, you'll be scrambling to get your hands on the rest of them shortly.
Great Book!!!
July 28, 2025
It seems like whenever I'm hitting a rough patch in life, here comes Joe with another book. Watching Rohan deal with his problems is oddly comforting and injects much-needed laughter into my life.
I continue to appreciate how distinct each character is, regardless of how much time we get with them. His world-building doesn't seem like it's really dense until you start peeling back the layers and... there are so many more layers beneath those. It's written in a way that makes me feel like he knows exactly what he's doing.
I continue to appreciate how distinct each character is, regardless of how much time we get with them. His world-building doesn't seem like it's really dense until you start peeling back the layers and... there are so many more layers beneath those. It's written in a way that makes me feel like he knows exactly what he's doing.
October 10, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this turn on the Helix. Lots of plot to enjoy!
August 13, 2025
excellent
What a masterpiece. I think I will read the book again. Maybe all seven books again. A rare find in a sea of sub mediocre books.
What a masterpiece. I think I will read the book again. Maybe all seven books again. A rare find in a sea of sub mediocre books.
August 12, 2025
Undeniably the best book in the series so far. It was perfect from the gorgeous cover art to every bit of storytelling, worldbuilding, action, humor and amazing characters. I usually find it hard to read books over 300 pages, when I finished this book I felt sad it was over. Absolutely can't wait to read the next one.
September 7, 2025
I liked this book a lot. I really appreciate the professional quality of the ebook. There are never any typos or grammatical errors. That's not always guaranteed with a self-pub book. I felt like the story lagged just a little during the Lothal portion. I was reading this book on vacation, though, so I wasn't paying as much attention to the book as usual. It's a great series and definitely worth reading.
December 9, 2025
One of the best entries in the series so far - love the new characters and location. Lots of humor and action, still world holding while driving us to some big confrontations that loom in the future. Great read!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews