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Starfall: History remembers heroes, it forgets what they buried.
Not yet published
Expected 16 Nov 26On the planet Terranox, a lethal mining poison is killing Arydians one by one. Arya Weld, a young mechanic, has one mission: find the Starfall, the ship that vanished with her mother. To get closer, she risks everything to win a deadly race — only to discover she's infected, and running out of time.
With the clock ticking, Arya joins hands with a resourceful broker and assembles a crew launching the Remnant in the direction Starfall was last seen. Arya knows this is a one-way ticket. What she doesn’t know that by leaving the system she's awakening a threat that has waited centuries to return.
With the clock ticking, Arya joins hands with a resourceful broker and assembles a crew launching the Remnant in the direction Starfall was last seen. Arya knows this is a one-way ticket. What she doesn’t know that by leaving the system she's awakening a threat that has waited centuries to return.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 16, 2026
About the author
H.G. Ahedi
24 books55 followersThe way I write and approach research has been shaped (bless me!) by many incredible people. These individuals can be grouped into three categories: researchers, authors, and mentors. They’ve created websites, shared their struggles through blogs, published their work, and, from these varied sources, I’ve learned so much. Their journeys have inspired me in countless ways, and now, I feel it’s my turn to pay it forward.
About Me
Born and raised in India, I wrote whenever I could—even after becoming a doctor. Writing was my savior during tough times, though it always remained just a hobby. Later, I moved to Australia to further my research and complete a PhD in Biomedical Sciences.
People often say, “You change after completing your PhD.” I certainly have. Suddenly (don’t ask me why!), I feel a strong urge to write more books and share my stories with the world. I’ve also discovered a deep passion for helping others develop their research and creative skills—something that has become one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
About Me
Born and raised in India, I wrote whenever I could—even after becoming a doctor. Writing was my savior during tough times, though it always remained just a hobby. Later, I moved to Australia to further my research and complete a PhD in Biomedical Sciences.
People often say, “You change after completing your PhD.” I certainly have. Suddenly (don’t ask me why!), I feel a strong urge to write more books and share my stories with the world. I’ve also discovered a deep passion for helping others develop their research and creative skills—something that has become one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I really enjoyed reading Starfall. Arya is a great lead character, and her drive to find her mother gives the whole story a lot of emotional weight. The race sequence near the beginning kept me turning the pages, and I loved the desperate atmosphere on Terranox. The side characters added a lot of fun dynamics once they got the ship off the ground. My only minor issue was that the pacing slowed down a bit in the middle while assembling the crew, but the ending definitely set up the rest of the series really well. I am looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m not sure if this is aimed at a YA audience, but I think it’s a good fit for it. It is not full of foul language or sex. The story has some interesting ideas and after getting us grounding in Arya’s life and challenges, we take off on a wild ride. Lots of unexpected things happen once they get into space, many I was not expecting. That said, some things happen with little explanation and happen fast. I don’t need scientific explanations for my science fiction, but do need some level of believability. I think mature audiences might not engage as much as a young adult audience will. The last half especially is fast and fun.
Review of advance copy
Starfall opens with a wrenching choice: a mother leaving her twelve-year-old daughter behind on a poisoned, dying planet in the hope of buying them both a future. From that first goodbye, H.G. Ahedi sets the emotional register for the whole book, and it rarely lets up.
This is space opera with real teeth to its worldbuilding. Terranox is a planet in slow collapse, its population divided by toxic fog, a lethal mineral called Luminite, and a Corporation that treats its miners as expendable. The Aryidian people, with their shifting skin tones and golden-rimmed eyes, feel genuinely alien rather than human-with-makeup, and small details like air sacs and rotation-counted time stamps ground the reader in a culture that's been carefully thought through rather than sketched in.
Arya, picking up the story as a young woman searching for the mother she lost, carries the book well. Her grief is never overplayed, but it colours every decision she makes once she takes to the stars herself. The supporting crew, particularly Trish and Levi, give the voyage some welcome lightness between the darker turns, and the found-family dynamic that builds across the journey feels earned rather than assumed.
The pacing eases in the middle third, where the planet-hopping search for a cure settles into a steadier rhythm than the urgency of the opening chapters. Readers who enjoy a slower unspooling of mystery alongside their space travel will be perfectly at home here; those wanting constant momentum may feel the middle stretch a little.
Where the book really lands is in its final third, where the emotional and plot threads pull together with genuine weight, and mysteries seeded early (a mythologised Bulwark, whispers of Reavers, an alien presence beneath it all) open the door nicely for book two.
A thoughtful, character-driven start to The Remnant Series. Recommended for readers who like their science fiction with heart.
This is space opera with real teeth to its worldbuilding. Terranox is a planet in slow collapse, its population divided by toxic fog, a lethal mineral called Luminite, and a Corporation that treats its miners as expendable. The Aryidian people, with their shifting skin tones and golden-rimmed eyes, feel genuinely alien rather than human-with-makeup, and small details like air sacs and rotation-counted time stamps ground the reader in a culture that's been carefully thought through rather than sketched in.
Arya, picking up the story as a young woman searching for the mother she lost, carries the book well. Her grief is never overplayed, but it colours every decision she makes once she takes to the stars herself. The supporting crew, particularly Trish and Levi, give the voyage some welcome lightness between the darker turns, and the found-family dynamic that builds across the journey feels earned rather than assumed.
The pacing eases in the middle third, where the planet-hopping search for a cure settles into a steadier rhythm than the urgency of the opening chapters. Readers who enjoy a slower unspooling of mystery alongside their space travel will be perfectly at home here; those wanting constant momentum may feel the middle stretch a little.
Where the book really lands is in its final third, where the emotional and plot threads pull together with genuine weight, and mysteries seeded early (a mythologised Bulwark, whispers of Reavers, an alien presence beneath it all) open the door nicely for book two.
A thoughtful, character-driven start to The Remnant Series. Recommended for readers who like their science fiction with heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!
I received an ARC copy of this book.
STARFALL was a really good sci-fi adventure that kept me turning pages. I went into it expecting a space exploration story, but it ended up being a lot more than that. It has mystery, survival, found family, political intrigue, first contact with alien species, and a strong emotional core centered around Arya and her search for her mother.
Arya was easily my favorite part of the book. Her determination to find out what happened to her mother made me want to keep reading, and I liked that she never gave up even when things kept getting worse. I also really enjoyed the friendships between Arya, Trish, Levi, and Zorian. Their group felt believable, and Zorian added some much-needed humor when things got really heavy.
The worldbuilding was impressive. Terranox felt like a real place with its own history, religions, politics, and problems. The mystery surrounding Starfall, the Corporation, the Grafted, and what really happened on 81-Xylo kept me hooked. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, some new piece of information changed everything.
I also liked that the author wasn't afraid to take risks. The story gets much bigger than a simple "find the missing ship" plot. By the end we have alien civilizations, ancient mysteries, space battles, lost colonists, and some pretty shocking revelations. The ending definitely left me wanting Book 2.
The only reason this isn't a perfect 5 stars for me is that there were times where the book felt very information-heavy. There are a lot of new terms, planets, species, and lore to keep track of, especially in the first half. Occasionally I felt like I needed a moment to remember who someone was or how everything connected.
Overall, if you enjoy science fiction with strong characters, mysteries, deep worldbuilding, and a story that keeps expanding in scope, I'd definitely recommend it. I got invested in Arya's journey, cared about the crew, and now I want to know what happens next.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
STARFALL was a really good sci-fi adventure that kept me turning pages. I went into it expecting a space exploration story, but it ended up being a lot more than that. It has mystery, survival, found family, political intrigue, first contact with alien species, and a strong emotional core centered around Arya and her search for her mother.
Arya was easily my favorite part of the book. Her determination to find out what happened to her mother made me want to keep reading, and I liked that she never gave up even when things kept getting worse. I also really enjoyed the friendships between Arya, Trish, Levi, and Zorian. Their group felt believable, and Zorian added some much-needed humor when things got really heavy.
The worldbuilding was impressive. Terranox felt like a real place with its own history, religions, politics, and problems. The mystery surrounding Starfall, the Corporation, the Grafted, and what really happened on 81-Xylo kept me hooked. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, some new piece of information changed everything.
I also liked that the author wasn't afraid to take risks. The story gets much bigger than a simple "find the missing ship" plot. By the end we have alien civilizations, ancient mysteries, space battles, lost colonists, and some pretty shocking revelations. The ending definitely left me wanting Book 2.
The only reason this isn't a perfect 5 stars for me is that there were times where the book felt very information-heavy. There are a lot of new terms, planets, species, and lore to keep track of, especially in the first half. Occasionally I felt like I needed a moment to remember who someone was or how everything connected.
Overall, if you enjoy science fiction with strong characters, mysteries, deep worldbuilding, and a story that keeps expanding in scope, I'd definitely recommend it. I got invested in Arya's journey, cared about the crew, and now I want to know what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
On the dying, plague-ridden world of Terranox, twelve-year-old Arya Weld watches her mother board an aging transport bound for a mining colony that promises escape. Years later, infected herself and grieving a second loss, Arya abandons a half-built spaceport project to chase the ship's fate across a barrier called the Bulwark, where myth-shrouded raiders known as Reavers, and stranger things still, are said to wait.
H.G. Ahedi builds the world of Terranox in meticulous detail: colony budget disputes, a biology that gives Aryidians golden-rimmed eyes and air sacs, and an entire cosmology of dead planets and vanished rulers. Inside that world sits a heavy emotional core of illness, grief, and found-family friction. Later on, we’re introduced to an alien-organism mystery that’s clearly intended as a set-up for further development. “Starfall” is more of a beginning than a destination, and we can expect subsequent adventures in Ahedi’s universe. A confident series opener.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
H.G. Ahedi builds the world of Terranox in meticulous detail: colony budget disputes, a biology that gives Aryidians golden-rimmed eyes and air sacs, and an entire cosmology of dead planets and vanished rulers. Inside that world sits a heavy emotional core of illness, grief, and found-family friction. Later on, we’re introduced to an alien-organism mystery that’s clearly intended as a set-up for further development. “Starfall” is more of a beginning than a destination, and we can expect subsequent adventures in Ahedi’s universe. A confident series opener.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had a really good time with Starfall. What grabbed me most was that Arya isn’t the perfect space hero. She’s a mechanic, trying to find her missing mother, while also dealing with the fact that she’s been infected dont have much time left. That gave the whole journey a more personal reason to exist.
The opening on Terranox worked well for me. The mining, the poison, the Corporation and the race all make the planet feel like a hard place to live and the race was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. Once Arya gets the Remnant moving, things really start opening up.
I also liked the crew. There are some good character moments between all the action.
The biggest thing for me was the amount of worldbuilding. There are a LOT of names, planets, terms and pieces of history introduced, sometimes a bit close together. I had to stop once or twice and remind myself who or what something was. A little more room to discover some of this stuff naturally might help.
The middle also loses a bit of the urgency from the opening, especially while the crew is being put together and they are moving from one place to another. It picked back up for me later, though, and the last part had several things which made me want to know what will happen next.
I also noticed a few small continuity issues, but they didn't ruin the reading experience for me.
Overall, this is a solid start to a bigger sci-fi story. I liked that underneath all the ships, planets, danger and mystery, Arya is really trying to find her mother and understand what happened to her. And by the end, it’s clear that finding Starfall is only the beginning of a much bigger problem.
I’d definitely be interested in seeing where the next book takes the crew.
The opening on Terranox worked well for me. The mining, the poison, the Corporation and the race all make the planet feel like a hard place to live and the race was probably one of my favorite parts of the book. Once Arya gets the Remnant moving, things really start opening up.
I also liked the crew. There are some good character moments between all the action.
The biggest thing for me was the amount of worldbuilding. There are a LOT of names, planets, terms and pieces of history introduced, sometimes a bit close together. I had to stop once or twice and remind myself who or what something was. A little more room to discover some of this stuff naturally might help.
The middle also loses a bit of the urgency from the opening, especially while the crew is being put together and they are moving from one place to another. It picked back up for me later, though, and the last part had several things which made me want to know what will happen next.
I also noticed a few small continuity issues, but they didn't ruin the reading experience for me.
Overall, this is a solid start to a bigger sci-fi story. I liked that underneath all the ships, planets, danger and mystery, Arya is really trying to find her mother and understand what happened to her. And by the end, it’s clear that finding Starfall is only the beginning of a much bigger problem.
I’d definitely be interested in seeing where the next book takes the crew.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed Starfall. I wasn’t expecting to get quite as emotionally invested in Arya’s story as I did, but her determination to find her mother stayed with me throughout the book. There’s something powerful about watching someone hold onto hope for so long, even when almost everything seems determined to take that hope away.
I also loved the atmosphere of Terranox. It felt dangerous and strangely fascinating, and I enjoyed discovering more about it as the story unfolded. There’s a lot going on with the technology, Luminite, different colonies and the mysteries surrounding Arya’s mother, but that feeling of not knowing exactly what was coming kept me curious.
The characters were probably my favourite part. I really enjoyed Arya’s friendships develop and watching the crew gradually become more like a family. Their humour brought some much-needed lightness to the darker parts of the story.
I was completely invested in Arya’s journey. There are still plenty of unanswered questions, and honestly, that just makes me want the next book even more. I’m curious to see where this story goes.
I also loved the atmosphere of Terranox. It felt dangerous and strangely fascinating, and I enjoyed discovering more about it as the story unfolded. There’s a lot going on with the technology, Luminite, different colonies and the mysteries surrounding Arya’s mother, but that feeling of not knowing exactly what was coming kept me curious.
The characters were probably my favourite part. I really enjoyed Arya’s friendships develop and watching the crew gradually become more like a family. Their humour brought some much-needed lightness to the darker parts of the story.
I was completely invested in Arya’s journey. There are still plenty of unanswered questions, and honestly, that just makes me want the next book even more. I’m curious to see where this story goes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Starfall is an adventurous sci-fi story that kept me curious from start to finish. I really enjoyed following Arya's journey and admired how she held onto hope despite the challenges she faced. Her determination and curiosity made her an easy character to connect with, and I found myself very invested in her search for answers.
I especially enjoyed the sense of adventure throughout the story, and as the plot unfolded, I became increasingly immersed in her quest. The final part of the book was particularly gripping, with plenty of twists and discoveries that kept me turning the pages.
Overall, Starfall was an enjoyable and immersive adventure that left me eager to continue following Arya's story in the next book.
I especially enjoyed the sense of adventure throughout the story, and as the plot unfolded, I became increasingly immersed in her quest. The final part of the book was particularly gripping, with plenty of twists and discoveries that kept me turning the pages.
Overall, Starfall was an enjoyable and immersive adventure that left me eager to continue following Arya's story in the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arya Weld has a pretty compelling reason to risk everything searching for a missing ship. The Starfall disappeared with her mother, and finding it has become personal long before Arya discovers she's been infected by the same mining poison killing people on Terranox. Suddenly her search has a clock attached to it.
I liked Arya as a mechanic rather than the typical already-trained warrior or chosen hero. She has to rely on what she knows, take some serious risks, and eventually put together a crew aboard the Remnant to follow the trail her mother left behind. The deadly race early in the story also gives the book some momentum before the larger mystery begins opening up.
Terranox has a bleak, industrial atmosphere, and the poisoning of the Arydians gives the world a darker edge. But the mystery surrounding Starfall, Arya's mother, and whatever has been waiting beyond their system is what kept me curious. There is clearly much more buried in this world's history than Arya understands when she begins her journey.
As the first book in a trilogy, this spends time establishing the world and setting up a much larger threat rather than answering everything immediately. It's science fiction with plenty of danger and adventure, but the emotional connection between Arya and the mother she's determined to find gives the story its heart.
I liked Arya as a mechanic rather than the typical already-trained warrior or chosen hero. She has to rely on what she knows, take some serious risks, and eventually put together a crew aboard the Remnant to follow the trail her mother left behind. The deadly race early in the story also gives the book some momentum before the larger mystery begins opening up.
Terranox has a bleak, industrial atmosphere, and the poisoning of the Arydians gives the world a darker edge. But the mystery surrounding Starfall, Arya's mother, and whatever has been waiting beyond their system is what kept me curious. There is clearly much more buried in this world's history than Arya understands when she begins her journey.
As the first book in a trilogy, this spends time establishing the world and setting up a much larger threat rather than answering everything immediately. It's science fiction with plenty of danger and adventure, but the emotional connection between Arya and the mother she's determined to find gives the story its heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Starfall feels like a book in three parts. It starts fast, gets slow, then finishes fast. The middle might appeal to some, but I found it dragged a little. The ship's crew was interesting, and there was an element of mystery to it, but I was happy when things picked up again, and the ending was a real thrill ride. On the whole, this is solid sci fi that I'd recommend, particularly to YA audiences.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this one! Arya is a compelling heroine, and I was immediately drawn into her desperate search for her missing mother. The deadly race, ticking clock, and mysterious ship made for an exciting adventure, while the emotional stakes gave the story extra heart. I loved the mix of danger, mystery, and space exploration, and the twist about an ancient threat made me curious to see what happens next. A fun, suspenseful sci-fi read with plenty of potential for an amazing series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A thrilling sci-fi that takes you farther than you’ve ever traveled before. When Arya faces the loss of her mother at a young age, she is determined to get her back no matter what it takes. She and several friends do the impossible, leaving their infected planet and going far into the galaxies, determined to find a cure and also the answers to Arya’s questions about what really happened to her mother.
The author’s world-building, presentation of characters, and overall plot are incredible. At times, the story feels bogged down under the bleak and hopeless conditions of the characters, but then comes some excitement to quicken the pace. Especially toward the ending of the book, there are a lot of tense moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat, just hoping that everyone makes it out of the next firefight alive.
Recommended for lovers of sci-fi and dystopian novels, especially those that weave in technology, political intrigue, and mystery. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
The author’s world-building, presentation of characters, and overall plot are incredible. At times, the story feels bogged down under the bleak and hopeless conditions of the characters, but then comes some excitement to quicken the pace. Especially toward the ending of the book, there are a lot of tense moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat, just hoping that everyone makes it out of the next firefight alive.
Recommended for lovers of sci-fi and dystopian novels, especially those that weave in technology, political intrigue, and mystery. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Starfall is a story about hope, desperation, and the choices you make when backed into a corner. It kicks off with a heartbreaking dilemma: a mother leaving her twelve-year-old daughter behind on a dying, poisoned planet to buy them a shot at a future.
This space opera has real teeth thanks to its immersive worldbuilding. Terranox is dying from the inside out—a world where toxic air, hazardous Luminite mining, and a ruthless Corporation make daily survival a gamble. The Aryidian people feel genuinely alien yet deeply relatable, and the lore stays rich without bogging down the pace.
Arya is driven by grief for her missing mother, which grounds every decision she makes without feeling overplayed. Her crew for the mission brings a welcome found-family dynamic reminiscent of Leviathan Wakes.
The final third delivers as every thread converges, leaving just enough mystery to set up book two perfectly.
The only reason this isn't a full five-star book for me is that a lot of world-building sometimes pulls me out of the story. Still, as a setup novel, it is tremendous and does its job very well.
This space opera has real teeth thanks to its immersive worldbuilding. Terranox is dying from the inside out—a world where toxic air, hazardous Luminite mining, and a ruthless Corporation make daily survival a gamble. The Aryidian people feel genuinely alien yet deeply relatable, and the lore stays rich without bogging down the pace.
Arya is driven by grief for her missing mother, which grounds every decision she makes without feeling overplayed. Her crew for the mission brings a welcome found-family dynamic reminiscent of Leviathan Wakes.
The final third delivers as every thread converges, leaving just enough mystery to set up book two perfectly.
The only reason this isn't a full five-star book for me is that a lot of world-building sometimes pulls me out of the story. Still, as a setup novel, it is tremendous and does its job very well.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this expecting a fairly standard space opera, but Starfall pulled me in fast with Arya and her scrappy little crew - Zorian, Levi, and Trish all feel like real people you'd want on your ship.
The worldbuilding is genuinely impressive, from the plague-ridden mining colony of the Deep to the eerie, half-mythical Bulwark at the edge of the system. I loved how the alien mystery unfolds gradually instead of dumping everything on you at once. It kept me turning pages just to find out what the Reavers actually were.
The found-family dynamic is the heart of the book, and the reunion scenes near the end genuinely got to me. Yes, this is clearly an early copy and could use another pass for some rough edges, but the story underneath is strong and imaginative.
If you like hopeful sci-fi with heart, hidden aliens, and a crew worth rooting for, this is an easy recommend. I'm already looking forward to book two.
The worldbuilding is genuinely impressive, from the plague-ridden mining colony of the Deep to the eerie, half-mythical Bulwark at the edge of the system. I loved how the alien mystery unfolds gradually instead of dumping everything on you at once. It kept me turning pages just to find out what the Reavers actually were.
The found-family dynamic is the heart of the book, and the reunion scenes near the end genuinely got to me. Yes, this is clearly an early copy and could use another pass for some rough edges, but the story underneath is strong and imaginative.
If you like hopeful sci-fi with heart, hidden aliens, and a crew worth rooting for, this is an easy recommend. I'm already looking forward to book two.
Review of advance copy
Starfall pulls you in right away with its mix of bleak atmosphere and emotional stakes. The opening chapters do a great job grounding you in Terranox—a world that feels heavy, toxic, and lived‑in—and Marge’s departure hits harder than I expected. Her desperation, the claustrophobic transport scene, and the quiet heartbreak of leaving her daughter behind all felt very real. Then the story shifts to Arya, and the tone changes in a way that works: she’s young, hurting, but curious and stubborn in a way that makes her instantly likable. The worldbuilding is layered into the narrative without feeling like a lecture, and the details about the mines, the Bulwark, and the Reavers add a nice sense of mystery and danger.
I also really enjoyed the friendship between Arya and Trish—it’s messy, hopeful, and exactly how kids in a dying world would cling to each other. Their skimmer project was surprisingly charming, and it gave the story some needed lightness between the heavier moments. The writing itself is clean and cinematic, and the pacing feels steady. My only critique is that some early descriptions run a bit long, but the emotional core more than makes up for it. Overall, it’s a strong start to a sci‑fi series with heart, tension, and a world I want to see more of.
I also really enjoyed the friendship between Arya and Trish—it’s messy, hopeful, and exactly how kids in a dying world would cling to each other. Their skimmer project was surprisingly charming, and it gave the story some needed lightness between the heavier moments. The writing itself is clean and cinematic, and the pacing feels steady. My only critique is that some early descriptions run a bit long, but the emotional core more than makes up for it. Overall, it’s a strong start to a sci‑fi series with heart, tension, and a world I want to see more of.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book caught my interest right from the opening pages. From the very first chapter, the author was successfully able to show the deep bond between family members. The alien society is believable. The characters feel authentic. The action scenes written very well and there is a lot of suspense for you to keep turning the pages. The writing style is clean. If you like character driven sci-fi, Starfall is well worth reading. I enjoyed it from start to finish.
Review of advance copy
A Sci-Fi adventure with a surprisingly emotional heart
This book surprised me in the best way. I expected an adventurous science-fiction story filled with strange planets, dangerous missions, and alien encounters, but I wasn't expecting to become so emotionally invested in Arya and her journey.
At the heart of this book is a daughter who has spent years living with the absence of her mother and refusing to give up hope that she might still be out there somewhere. That emotional thread made the story feel much more personal to me. Arya is strong, stubborn, resourceful, and sometimes reckless, but underneath all of that is someone carrying an enormous amount of grief. There were moments when I could genuinely feel the weight of everything she was trying to hold together.
I also really enjoyed the crew around her. Zorian became one of my favorite characters, and the friendship and humor between the characters brought some much-needed warmth to a story that can become quite dark. They gradually start feeling less like people sharing a mission and more like a small, imperfect family.
The world is ambitious, with plenty of technology, different species, political tensions, mysteries, and some genuinely unsettling discoveries. There is a lot to take in, especially at the beginning, but once the journey moves beyond Terranox, the story becomes increasingly difficult to put down.
What stayed with me most, however, wasn't the technology or the battles. It was the idea of searching for someone you love for years, holding onto hope when everyone else tells you to let go, and discovering that sometimes getting the answers you desperately wanted can hurt more than not knowing.
The final part of the book hit me emotionally. It gives you moments of hope and heartbreak almost at the same time, and I finished it feeling both sad for what Arya had lost and hopeful about what she had found along the way.
This book surprised me in the best way. I expected an adventurous science-fiction story filled with strange planets, dangerous missions, and alien encounters, but I wasn't expecting to become so emotionally invested in Arya and her journey.
At the heart of this book is a daughter who has spent years living with the absence of her mother and refusing to give up hope that she might still be out there somewhere. That emotional thread made the story feel much more personal to me. Arya is strong, stubborn, resourceful, and sometimes reckless, but underneath all of that is someone carrying an enormous amount of grief. There were moments when I could genuinely feel the weight of everything she was trying to hold together.
I also really enjoyed the crew around her. Zorian became one of my favorite characters, and the friendship and humor between the characters brought some much-needed warmth to a story that can become quite dark. They gradually start feeling less like people sharing a mission and more like a small, imperfect family.
The world is ambitious, with plenty of technology, different species, political tensions, mysteries, and some genuinely unsettling discoveries. There is a lot to take in, especially at the beginning, but once the journey moves beyond Terranox, the story becomes increasingly difficult to put down.
What stayed with me most, however, wasn't the technology or the battles. It was the idea of searching for someone you love for years, holding onto hope when everyone else tells you to let go, and discovering that sometimes getting the answers you desperately wanted can hurt more than not knowing.
The final part of the book hit me emotionally. It gives you moments of hope and heartbreak almost at the same time, and I finished it feeling both sad for what Arya had lost and hopeful about what she had found along the way.
Review of advance copy
Came for the missing-ship mystery, stayed for the crew
Arya wants to know what happened to her mother, and honestly, that was enough to get me interested. A transport disappears, years pass, and she’s supposed to just live with never knowing? Understandable that she’s not willing to do that. Of course, looking for answers turns into something considerably bigger and more dangerous.
Terranox is a miserable place. The mineral keeping everything running is also poisoning everyone, equipment is falling apart, and the medical facilities can barely keep up. You can understand why Arya wants to leave, even with all the risks involved.
I liked that she actually knows how to do things. She fixes equipment, builds, works through problems. She’s stubborn, too, and occasionally makes the deeply frustrating decision to keep people in the dark “for their own good.” Understandable? Sometimes. A good idea? Hmm.
The crew helped a lot. Trish has her own reasons for being there, and Levi’s curiosity gets them into some interesting situations. Zorian was a particular favorite. When everyone else is considering another potentially terrible idea, he’s usually the one asking whether they’d prefer to stay alive. Fair question, frankly. Their banter gives the book some breathing room because parts of this story get pretty bleak.
It does take a while to get into space. There’s quite a bit of preparation, and I thought some conversations and descriptions could have been tightened. Once they’re out there making discoveries, though, the tension picks up. Some of what they find is unsettling, especially when the story gets into identity and who gets to decide what happens to someone else’s body.
There are unanswered questions for the next book, but the search that starts this one does get a meaningful resolution. A painful one, too. The family side of the story gives the danger weight, and the crew makes it worth following.
Arya wants to know what happened to her mother, and honestly, that was enough to get me interested. A transport disappears, years pass, and she’s supposed to just live with never knowing? Understandable that she’s not willing to do that. Of course, looking for answers turns into something considerably bigger and more dangerous.
Terranox is a miserable place. The mineral keeping everything running is also poisoning everyone, equipment is falling apart, and the medical facilities can barely keep up. You can understand why Arya wants to leave, even with all the risks involved.
I liked that she actually knows how to do things. She fixes equipment, builds, works through problems. She’s stubborn, too, and occasionally makes the deeply frustrating decision to keep people in the dark “for their own good.” Understandable? Sometimes. A good idea? Hmm.
The crew helped a lot. Trish has her own reasons for being there, and Levi’s curiosity gets them into some interesting situations. Zorian was a particular favorite. When everyone else is considering another potentially terrible idea, he’s usually the one asking whether they’d prefer to stay alive. Fair question, frankly. Their banter gives the book some breathing room because parts of this story get pretty bleak.
It does take a while to get into space. There’s quite a bit of preparation, and I thought some conversations and descriptions could have been tightened. Once they’re out there making discoveries, though, the tension picks up. Some of what they find is unsettling, especially when the story gets into identity and who gets to decide what happens to someone else’s body.
There are unanswered questions for the next book, but the search that starts this one does get a meaningful resolution. A painful one, too. The family side of the story gives the danger weight, and the crew makes it worth following.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Stark and Atmospheric Beginning to a New Sci Fi Series
Starfall opens with a strong sense of place and a clear emotional anchor. Terranox is a dying world, and the author presents it with vivid detail: toxic fog, collapsing infrastructure, and a population struggling against environmental decay. The setting feels lived in and convincingly harsh.
The story begins with Marge Weld’s departure from her home and her daughter, Arya. This opening chapter is one of the book’s strongest elements. It establishes the stakes, the desperation, and the emotional cost of survival. The worldbuilding is clear and accessible, and the author introduces the planet’s culture, its mining economy, and the dangers of Luminite and Mote poisoning with confident pacing.
Arya’s perspective in the following chapters adds depth and heart to the narrative. Her grief, her curiosity, and her determination give the story its emotional core. The scenes in the Learning Center, the discussions of Terranox’s failing magnetic field, and the hints of ancient dangers beyond the Bulwark create a sense of mystery that supports the larger arc of the series.
The author excels at portraying friendship and resilience. Arya and Trish’s bond feels genuine, and their skimmer building scenes provide a welcome contrast to the bleakness of their environment. These moments of ingenuity and hope strengthen the story’s thematic balance.
The prose is clear and accessible. The worldbuilding is layered but not overwhelming. The tone remains consistent throughout the chapters, and the narrative maintains forward momentum.
Readers who enjoy dystopian science fiction with emotional grounding, strong character focus, and detailed planetary settings will find Starfall engaging and promising. It is a solid beginning to a larger saga.
Starfall opens with a strong sense of place and a clear emotional anchor. Terranox is a dying world, and the author presents it with vivid detail: toxic fog, collapsing infrastructure, and a population struggling against environmental decay. The setting feels lived in and convincingly harsh.
The story begins with Marge Weld’s departure from her home and her daughter, Arya. This opening chapter is one of the book’s strongest elements. It establishes the stakes, the desperation, and the emotional cost of survival. The worldbuilding is clear and accessible, and the author introduces the planet’s culture, its mining economy, and the dangers of Luminite and Mote poisoning with confident pacing.
Arya’s perspective in the following chapters adds depth and heart to the narrative. Her grief, her curiosity, and her determination give the story its emotional core. The scenes in the Learning Center, the discussions of Terranox’s failing magnetic field, and the hints of ancient dangers beyond the Bulwark create a sense of mystery that supports the larger arc of the series.
The author excels at portraying friendship and resilience. Arya and Trish’s bond feels genuine, and their skimmer building scenes provide a welcome contrast to the bleakness of their environment. These moments of ingenuity and hope strengthen the story’s thematic balance.
The prose is clear and accessible. The worldbuilding is layered but not overwhelming. The tone remains consistent throughout the chapters, and the narrative maintains forward momentum.
Readers who enjoy dystopian science fiction with emotional grounding, strong character focus, and detailed planetary settings will find Starfall engaging and promising. It is a solid beginning to a larger saga.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I chose Starfall by H. G. Ahedi because its futuristic setting and mysterious dystopian world immediately caught my attention. The story follows Arya and her family, while Margo’s journey through the polluted Deep introduces a larger world shaped by poverty, disease, dangerous Luminite, and the hope of escaping to other colonies. I liked how the story gradually reveals Terranox rather than explaining everything at once, making the world feel intriguing and lived-in. Margo’s emotional struggle particularly affected me; her goodbye to Arya and Mai felt heartbreaking because she leaves despite knowing the risks. The line “Goodbye, my Starlight” was especially touching and gave the story an emotional identity. I also liked the contrast between advanced technology and the harsh conditions people endure. At times, the amount of new terminology made the world slightly difficult to follow, but it also made the setting distinctive. Overall, I found Starfall imaginative, emotional, and promising. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy science fiction, dystopian worlds, family drama, and mystery.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this book! The author does a great job creating a world that feels different, dangerous, and interesting. I especially liked Arya because she is brave, curious, and easy to like as the main character in the book.
The friendship between Arya and Trish was one of my favorite parts. Their promise to find a cure showed how much hope can matter. I also liked the mystery around Marge and wanted to know what happened to her.
The story has a good mix of friendship, mystery, adventure, and danger. I wanted to know if Arya and Trish were safe and what the explosion would mean for their families and their city.
The world-building is also very interesting. Details about the mines, the Deep, the toxic air, and the sickness made me curious to learn more about this world.
This is an exciting science fiction story with characters I already care about. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy adventure, mystery, friendship, and stories about surviving against the odds.
The friendship between Arya and Trish was one of my favorite parts. Their promise to find a cure showed how much hope can matter. I also liked the mystery around Marge and wanted to know what happened to her.
The story has a good mix of friendship, mystery, adventure, and danger. I wanted to know if Arya and Trish were safe and what the explosion would mean for their families and their city.
The world-building is also very interesting. Details about the mines, the Deep, the toxic air, and the sickness made me curious to learn more about this world.
This is an exciting science fiction story with characters I already care about. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy adventure, mystery, friendship, and stories about surviving against the odds.
Review of advance copy
An engaging Sci-Fi Mystery
“Starfall” is a gripping science fiction adventure, a blend of dystopian survival, ties to family, mystery and interstellar exploration. I got the opportunity to read the ARC of this wonderful book. It starts with Arya’s desire to know what happened to her mother after the Starfall went missing, and then it grows into a much larger mystery involving the Corporation, 81-Xylo, the Grafted, and the Reavers. The world of Terranox is vividly realized, particularly the contrast between its polluted Deep and the Spires, and the remnants of a civilization fighting for survival. Arya, Zorian, Trish and Levi make for an interesting ensemble, with each contributing some of their own strengths to the story. This book slowly builds suspense and has several interesting reveals at the climax, with just enough questions left unanswered to make you want to read the next book. What a great start to the Remnant series.
“Starfall” is a gripping science fiction adventure, a blend of dystopian survival, ties to family, mystery and interstellar exploration. I got the opportunity to read the ARC of this wonderful book. It starts with Arya’s desire to know what happened to her mother after the Starfall went missing, and then it grows into a much larger mystery involving the Corporation, 81-Xylo, the Grafted, and the Reavers. The world of Terranox is vividly realized, particularly the contrast between its polluted Deep and the Spires, and the remnants of a civilization fighting for survival. Arya, Zorian, Trish and Levi make for an interesting ensemble, with each contributing some of their own strengths to the story. This book slowly builds suspense and has several interesting reveals at the climax, with just enough questions left unanswered to make you want to read the next book. What a great start to the Remnant series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What I liked most about Starfall was that Arya’s story feels personal. She’s not just heading into space looking for adventure—she’s searching for the ship that disappeared with her mother while running out of time herself. That gave me a reason to care beyond the danger and mystery.
The deadly race, the crew coming together, and the search for the missing ship make for an intriguing mix. I also liked the bigger mystery surrounding what’s been waiting beyond their system. There’s plenty at stake, but the family connection is what makes this story stand out for me. A strong start to the series.
The deadly race, the crew coming together, and the search for the missing ship make for an intriguing mix. I also liked the bigger mystery surrounding what’s been waiting beyond their system. There’s plenty at stake, but the family connection is what makes this story stand out for me. A strong start to the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I picked this one up because the cover really caught my eye, and the vibe didn’t disappoint: the book gives off the same feeling the cover does. The worldbuilding is detailed and well done. Days are counted in rotations and years in circuits. The whole economy runs on Luminite, a mineral that slowly poisons the miners who dig it. I also loved the crew, (especially Zorian)
I did find that the ending tied everything up a bit too neatly for my taste. Still, it’s a fast-moving story without a boring moment, and a heartfelt one. I’d come back for book two.
I did find that the ending tied everything up a bit too neatly for my taste. Still, it’s a fast-moving story without a boring moment, and a heartfelt one. I’d come back for book two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A gripping tale that's well written and brings real emotion to the story. The world building is really well thought out, from the environment to the technology.
Through the journey and the battles, there is always the underlying thread of Arya's search and the crew characters bring an extra weight to the atmospheric telling.
This is not my usual genre of reading choice but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading more from the author!
Through the journey and the battles, there is always the underlying thread of Arya's search and the crew characters bring an extra weight to the atmospheric telling.
This is not my usual genre of reading choice but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading more from the author!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This is a beautifully written story with strong worldbuilding and emotional depth. Even though the pacing wasn’t always my usual preference, I really appreciated the creativity, the character development, and the effort that clearly went into crafting this universe. It’s thoughtful, imaginative, and full of moments that stay with you. A great read overall.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Starfall is a gripping science fiction drama that pulled me in from the first pages. I loved watching Marge fight her way onto the overcrowded transport, especially when she bribed the pilot with sixty scrips to board. That moment captured her desperation, courage, and love for Arya, making the story unforgettable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Starfall is a fast-paced, imaginative space opera with a strong emotional core. Arya’s quest to find out what happened to her missing mother makes for a story with real stakes. The found-family team is easy to root for, and there’s a lot of heart underneath the sci-fi action.
Worldbuilding is ambitious, with Luminite, the different colonies, Aryidian biology and the Corporation-controlled society giving the universe its own identity. That said, there is a lot of terminology and backstory introduced very quickly in the opening. Spacing out some of those proper nouns, and letting the readers learn more through context, would make the world easier to settle into.
A careful editing pass also could have helped the book. I noticed a few grammatical and punctuation problems and a couple of continuity mistakes that are worth fixing. The destination planet is first named 31-Xylo and then 81-Xylo, and the character Juian is later named Juin. They’re minor issues, but they’re noticeable enough to pull me out of the story for a moment.
The emotional writing is strongest when it believes in the scene itself. In some spots, the emotions are stated very clearly by racing hearts or caught breaths or some similar sort of reaction when the situation already says the emotion. The repeated use of stammering and ellipses also starts to get a little tiresome. If they used those techniques more judiciously it would make the big moments hit harder.
I also feel like the central mystery could play out a little more organically. Some of the most interesting ideas in the book are explained in a somewhat direct way, but the tension could have been increased by letting Arya and the crew find these things out through clues, misinterpretations, and slow revelations. The Corporation is a real threat, but maybe giving characters like Marlon more depth could also make the human side of that threat feel more impactful.
I really enjoyed Starfall even with those criticisms. It moves fast, has an engaging cast and balances larger sci-fi ideas with a very personal story. It has a satisfying emotional arc, but leaves enough questions unanswered that I want to read Book 2. With a little more polish this could be a really strong start to the series.
Worldbuilding is ambitious, with Luminite, the different colonies, Aryidian biology and the Corporation-controlled society giving the universe its own identity. That said, there is a lot of terminology and backstory introduced very quickly in the opening. Spacing out some of those proper nouns, and letting the readers learn more through context, would make the world easier to settle into.
A careful editing pass also could have helped the book. I noticed a few grammatical and punctuation problems and a couple of continuity mistakes that are worth fixing. The destination planet is first named 31-Xylo and then 81-Xylo, and the character Juian is later named Juin. They’re minor issues, but they’re noticeable enough to pull me out of the story for a moment.
The emotional writing is strongest when it believes in the scene itself. In some spots, the emotions are stated very clearly by racing hearts or caught breaths or some similar sort of reaction when the situation already says the emotion. The repeated use of stammering and ellipses also starts to get a little tiresome. If they used those techniques more judiciously it would make the big moments hit harder.
I also feel like the central mystery could play out a little more organically. Some of the most interesting ideas in the book are explained in a somewhat direct way, but the tension could have been increased by letting Arya and the crew find these things out through clues, misinterpretations, and slow revelations. The Corporation is a real threat, but maybe giving characters like Marlon more depth could also make the human side of that threat feel more impactful.
I really enjoyed Starfall even with those criticisms. It moves fast, has an engaging cast and balances larger sci-fi ideas with a very personal story. It has a satisfying emotional arc, but leaves enough questions unanswered that I want to read Book 2. With a little more polish this could be a really strong start to the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arya’s hunt for her mother’s lost ship pulled me in fast, and that wild solar sail race had my heart pounding. Zorian and Levi’s bickering made me laugh out loud. Then that ending. Wow. I need book two like yesterday!
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