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War Beyond Galaxies: Starbattle Legacy I

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For decades, a spiteful war for the ownership of Earth has raged across our galaxy.

When a perilous grasp for victory results in disaster, fighter pilot Nashtara Jalligam and her crew are propelled deep into uncharted space aboard an aged cargo ship, trapped with the enemy—the hated Venyex. Their leader, cunning Commander Cort Dan, will use any tactic at his disposal for his people to survive, certain of the Venyex’s superiority.

Haunted by how little she truly knows the enemy and determined not to repeat humanity’s mistakes, Nashtara must decide: establish a fragile alliance, or perish. Yet, in the dangerous void beyond the known galaxy, trust fractures and tensions rise—and not just among enemies.

Will hatred define who they become? Or can deadly foes overcome their differences, rely on each other, and—perhaps—change the fate of the galaxy… or even galaxies?

315 pages, Hardcover

First published March 29, 2025

4 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

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Ana del Álamo

3 books17 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Alana.
Author 4 books64 followers
January 17, 2026
I was so immersed in this story. It gave me strong Battlestar Galactica vibes along with Lost in Space, and I loved it!

Nash was such an awesome female lead. Witty, a little hot-headed, an awesome pilot, with an open heart. The characterisation throughout this book was fantastic. I loved the Venyex, especially their foot and toe gestures.

What I didn't expect was the smidge of romance, which made me very happy :) But I'm praying that Nash's newest friendship doesn't go south. There's so much more to discover--I can't wait for book two.
Profile Image for Chris.
2 reviews
September 5, 2025
This sci-fi book was brilliant, and what a debut! I can’t wait for the rest in the series. The battles through space were excellent, along with the exploration of new worlds. It really got me thinking, what would happen if we made contact with another world and how would the relationship build? I loved the cliffhanger and the end and I’m impatiently waiting to find out what will happen next. I particularly love a sci-fi book which doesn’t include too much scientific jargon, and this book was the perfect level for it. Finally, this book gave me trust issues, iykyk!
Profile Image for Alisha Ukunde.
43 reviews
October 18, 2025
AHHHHHH WHY IS IT OVERRRR!!!! review to follow soon, once I can calm tf down😭

!!!UPDATE!!!

Anna, what the hell? This book was bloody incredible. I cannot believe this is your debut!!

What stood out immediately was the way you handled the balance between morality and military discipline. That constant tension between following orders and questioning them was so well explored, and it felt painfully real. I was blown away by the amount of research that went into the military detail, the space physics, even down to how our anatomy would react to different climates. It grounded the story in such a sharp, believable way.

I love how some of the characters we question throughout the story were actually the first to think for the Venyx and also questioned Earth’s methods. It hit so hard. Pair that with Nash, our protagonists ongoing doubts about whether the war was justified, why they were never taught the alien language, why they weren’t encouraged to understand the enemy… it was such a powerful reflection of real-world tactics where humanising the other side is deliberately avoided. That theme coming full circle left me teary-eyed. "Humanity as a victim of its own ego and stupidity," amen to that.

The pacing was perfect. We jumped from the military academy to the claustrophobic tension of being trapped on a ship with humans and aliens, to dreamlike memories, to entirely new galexies. Each setting had its moment to shine, shaping the relationships and testing trust in different ways. I especially loved how that ship sequence crackled with mistrust and strategy, and how the tension evolved once they landed in a new world where nobody knew what was going on which forced trust where none existed before.

The relationships were another highlight. Nash and Cort’s dynamic was so important: two people trained to obey, suddenly forced to question everything. Watching that unfold was fascinating. And then there was the gentler bond with Briyar. The moment Nash, it was you who took the first step” absolutely broke me. The complexity of friendships, loyalty, and understanding across species was handled so beautifully, and I’m glad the book leaned into that rather than a forced alien romance.

And can we talk about the title! When the characters realised they were in another galaxy, I thought, ah, that’s it—War Beyond Galaxies. But then later, when the meaning deepened with each new conflict, it was just one easter egg after another. So clever.

This was a brilliant, layered, emotional debut. The final stretch, balancing morality with strict military orders, was outstanding. I can’t believe you ended it on such a cliffhanger, and I am absolutely desperate for the next book. Second time’s a charm, and this time you nailed it. Pre-order? Already done.

Thank you so so much for this ARC!!
Profile Image for David Boevers.
Author 4 books5 followers
November 8, 2025
As a longtime sci-fi fan, I’ve always believed the genre shines brightest when it returns to its roots in social commentary. War Beyond Galaxies does exactly that.

At first glance, it seems like a standard tale of massive space battles—though the author redefines what massive means—but once you’re hooked, the story takes a sharp, unexpected turn. You find yourself just as disoriented as the main characters—and that’s a very good thing.

As the novel unfolds, del Alamo dives deeply into her characters’ inner lives as they grapple with isolation and the uneasy alliance between former mortal enemies. One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its exploration of long-term conflict and the indoctrination that sustains it. The premise could just as easily have been about American and Soviet servicemen trapped together in a submarine.

Beyond that, del Alamo fearlessly tackles the often-taboo topic of fraternization within integrated services. The tension—and passion—are palpable throughout.

All of this is layered with sharp, evocative dialogue, inventive alien languages, and a steady stream of new species and cultural reveals that keep the universe feeling alive and unpredictable.

In short: War Beyond Galaxies is a bold, thoughtful, and deeply human entry into the sci-fi canon.
Read it today.

Profile Image for Nicola Doyle.
496 reviews15 followers
October 5, 2025
I absolutely loved the book. The story was excellent and I enjoyed reading it tremendously. The cover is good. Not keen on real people on covers, but it actually worked really well. I love the colour palette. It gave a cosmic, space vibe. The book is extremely well written, and it flows perfectly. I love that Ana invented languages for the Venyex and Cripbons. The space setting is fun. For the most part, the book is set on a spaceship, and it gives claustrophobic vibes, which I thought was excellent. The characters are fantastic, and they all slotted into the story seamlessly. My favourite was easily Cort Dan, the Venyex commanding officer. He just made me smile so much. I also liked Nashtara and Briyar too!!! I definitely recommend this book. I think you will enjoy it if you are a fan of such TV shows as Star Trek (like I am)!
23 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

I received and ARC copy of this book in exchange for a review.

War Beyond Galaxies was a very interesting and thought provoking read for me. This is a beautiful story wrapped in space wars and alien invasion that drives home Important home truths.

What starts off as a book about years long war against aliens that is so ingrained in both races that neither really knows how it started to begin with. When a giant battle begins and inevitably fails this forces humans and aliens to either tear each other apart or work together. As the book goes on more and more questions begin to come up and relationships get more and more complicated.

Eventually they learn that they aren't alone and it's either going to be working together or falling apart.

What came up for me during this book is how close to real life there is in the themes and how while we are all very different deep down we are all the same and even if it seems impossible there is always common ground to be found, which personally I think people need to be reminded of more. Thank you to the author for putting your trust in me with your book! I can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for R.J..
214 reviews10 followers
January 2, 2026
War Beyond Galaxies by Ana del Alamo is such a unique sci-fi book! I was thrilled to be thrust on the front lines of their war at the very beginning. Nash is smart, brazen, and kind. As the main character, she's the perfect person to see the events of this book unfold. And maybe it's because I love Star Trek (and I'm knee deep in Voyager right now), but this book reminded me of Star Trek in the best way! I think those who love Star Trek and Becky Chamber's A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (with a little more space battles) would love this book!

At around the half way point, the tension just went sky high and I was clenching my teeth until the end of the book! This is the book we need right now and every sci-fi fan should read it! 5 Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Dani.
190 reviews11 followers
September 6, 2025
Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC!

War Beyond Galaxies throws readers headfirst into intergalactic chaos—spaceship battles, perilous travel through unknown systems, and the constant question of who will survive the next encounter. What starts as humanity’s desperate bid for survival turns into a gripping tale of uneasy alliances, as humans are forced to work alongside the enigmatic Venyex.

One of the book’s strongest elements is the enemies-to-reluctant-allies dynamic, which keeps the tension simmering while raising fascinating questions about loyalty, prejudice, and the necessity of compromise. With survival hinging on an aging civilian spacecraft, every choice feels razor-thin between life and death.

And then there are the betrayals—subtle, shocking, and devastating. The theme of who can you really trust when the galaxy itself is against you threads the narrative with a constant edge of suspense.

If you love fast-paced galactic stories filled with high-stakes battles, which play out like a movie in your head (Star Wars eat your heart out), fraught alliances, and characters grappling with loyalty and survival, this book will scratch that itch.

Ps. Need me some Major Briyar Osgai and Commander Cort Dan character art 👀
Profile Image for Dan.
Author 1 book15 followers
August 21, 2025
War Beyond Galaxies is an absolute masterpiece of military sci-fi and space opera. From the very first page, I was completely hooked, and once the action starts, it simply doesn't let up. The epic battle near the beginning of the book was impressive. The author does a fantastic job at putting you right in the center of the battle while not overwhelming you with details or unnecessary exposition keeping you right in the cockpit with the protagonist Nash. The sheer scale of destruction and the tragic loss of life is heartbreaking for the characters, but it serves as a powerful catalyst that propels the story forward in an incredible way.

The characters are truly the heart of this book. Nash is compelling, well rounded and sympathetic, but the entire cast is wonderfully nuanced. I was captivated by the dynamic between her and Briyar, her commander and love interest, as well as the enigmatic alien commander, Cort Dan (my personal favorite). The author does a brilliant job with every single character, from the short tempered alien Tirst and the grief-stricken human Kapur to the inexperienced Valkad. The complex dialogue of all of these characters is a huge highlight, perfectly capturing their emotions and the high-stakes situations they find themselves in.

The flow of the book is flawless. The journey from the initial scenes, through the climactic battle, the tragic aftermath, and the unexpected twists and turns is a true thrill. I especially loved the world-building, which gives us a great sense of the everyday life of the EFSA fleet and also some juicy clues to the mysterious Venyex. The author provides just enough detail to draw you in and leaves you wanting to explore more of this incredible universe. Intrigue, mystery, betrayal, love, fast paced action - it’s all here.

Overall, this is a solid five-star read. It has everything a military sci-fi and space opera fan could possibly want in a book with fantastic characters, an epic plot, and a world you'll want to get lost in.
Profile Image for L. Gray.
Author 2 books7 followers
November 26, 2025
This was a lot of fun! Humanity is in a generations long war against an alien species, and the opening has them going all out -- which goes all wrong. Our three human heroes are thrown in a struggle for survival with three of their enemies, which is the best kind of stuck together story as they form an uneasy alliance in terrifying new territory, foreign to both of them.

Nash is great! She's a cocky fighter pilot that has the skills to back it up, and her unlikely friendship with Cort Dan is the heart of the story. I really loved seeing them start to figure each other out. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this story goes.
Profile Image for Caitlynn Yanz.
14 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2025
War Beyond Galaxies is a galactic sci-fi that explores the political and ethical aspects of war, racial biases, and confronting the haunting truths of human nature and military honor. Ana Del Álama delivers with a brilliant debut that is a must-read in today’s climate.

Many thanks to Ana Del Álamo for the ARC! All thoughts, opinions, and critiques are my own.

(My review contains no spoilers.)

I thoroughly enjoyed the banter and sass from our main character, Nashtara, and Commander Cort Dan - moments that had me laughing out loud and wiggling my toes. Both are tenacious and flawed, though equally empathetic in their own ways. I also personally loved Nash’s descent into moral rumination and the questioning of her military training as she is forced to interact and survive alongside humanity’s sworn enemy.

Diverse in their backgrounds and perspectives, the conjoined crew face deep wounds and challenges of trust, which increase the stakes of their survival. The enemies-to-reluctant-allies narrative trope was intentional, purposely paced, and well-written. I was hooked from the beginning.

Though dissecting weighted themes, Álamo writes with vivid imagery that is easy to get lost in, as well as moments of warmth and lightheartedness that further connect us with the characters, making the heavy truths more digestible. A perfect blend of pensive reflection, gripping exploration, tension, and hope.

This is for readers who love the galactic battles of 'Star Wars', the space exploration of 'Star Trek', as well as political intrigue and ethical introspection. War Beyond Galaxies is an accessible sci-fi read, so regardless of your familiarity with the genre, this is for you.

I’m greatly looking forward to the second installment of the Starbattle Legacy series!
Profile Image for Adriana.
39 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2026
This book presents us with a war between two biped species. The humans and the Veneyx. At first I was not sure what to expect of it. I hope I'll love it given how good the cover looks and the posts of the author but I did not expect to fall so DEEPLY in love with it.
This story shows us how, sometimes, no matter how big the hatred is you have more to learn from your enemy than from the people next to you. A war is not won with brute force as the characters themselves said so and that's just what humans failed to understand.
It shows us that we need to be more open-minded, more welcome to strange and new to understand the world around us and how to calm conflicts. Being too in our head and believing we know it all and we do it best is only going to deepen the hole we are digging for ourselves.
This is what our characters also learned but still the conflict and years of learned hatred told made their appearance.
It is not easy to leave behind what you learned your whole life no matter if it's on the bridge of ending.
Profile Image for Samantha Phoenix.
5 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2025
A quest through space that keeps you reading
I was really looking forward to this sci-fi exploration story, knowing it’s a new series that will take you deep into space. Book 1 definitely made me curious to join the crew and read the other books asap please!

Vibes/concept
If you’re a fan of galactic battle stories; what an awesome openings act! New fan of this subgenre here! Usually those types of stories intimidate me. But in this book it didn’t take over the story at all. In hindsight I actually would have loved even more of it! You will spend more time in space though. If you prepare for that in advance, you can submerge in the story and truly enjoy the ride. 🚀

Key tropes:
• Lost in space
• Epic galactic battle
• Awesome alien species

Genre/pacing
If you enjoyed Star Trek, The Expanse, Sleeping under a Sea of Stars and maybe even Castaway (wildcard comp), then you’ll enjoy this ensemble cast on their quest through space. As a sucker of stories with depth, I understand why it’s marketed as “sci-fi with heart”. Luckily, that doesn’t mean an overload of romance (despite a romance subplot). It mostly means your brain will expand a little, as your idea of space and life itself grows with this book. Rest assured there will also be plot twists and burning questions to keep flipping those pages!

The MC/world
The female protagonist (a fighter pilot) is faced with some tough decisions throughout the book. I’m intrigued to follow Nashtara throughout the series. I wish I could say who else I enjoyed most in the cast… ;) You’ll have to read the book and decide for yourself who your favorite is. This world of war, space and suspense felt realistic, cool, and unique! And it was hard not to like the Venyex as well.🛸

Tone/audience
The story was visual, engaging, with accessible language, and the settings and worldbuilding were very original. The book is smut/spice free, not curse free. I do think this sci-fi military space opera is better suited for adults and new adults.

Now what?!
I would have liked it if the book was longer. I was dying to see more! Luckily, inside sources confirm that book 2 is in the making. Once this series is complete, I think it will be one of those annoying addictive series that you just have to finish before you can finally go to sleep, because you just have to know how it ends! 🙄

Conclusion: The tone is set. I’m joining this crew!

Official rating: 4,7 (Originality: 5, World: 5, Plot: 4,5, Text: 4,5, MC: 4,5)

Disclaimer: I received this book as an arc-copy to honestly review. But I genuinely wanted to keep reading. The author really surprised me, and I can definitely recommend this book to new sci-fi fans.
Profile Image for Iris✨.
19 reviews
September 7, 2025
𐙚🧸ྀིNon-spoiler review˙⋆✮
I loved this book! I haven’t read many sci-fi novels before, but this one was incredible. It had a philosophical touch too, which made it even more impactful. Books are meant to change perspectives, and this one definitely did that for me. It made me realize that what we’re taught isn’t always the truth, and that we should understand our enemies before making contact with them. Information is power.

The story begins with a war where people from Earth go to attack another planet inhabited by a species called the Venyex, who are surprisingly similar to us. The FMC, Nashtara, completely stole my heart. She’s fierce, unafraid to make changes, and strong even in her moments of vulnerability. I admired how much she tried to understand everything around her. I also loved the alien (Venyex) characters, especially one in particular, who was written so well. Overall, this was a beautiful, thought-provoking book, and I was honestly sad it had to end. I can’t wait to dive into Book 2!


---

⤷ ⋆˙⟡Slightly spoiler-y review⋆˙⟡

Nashtara was my girl most of the time, though there were moments where I wanted to scream, “Please don’t risk your life so much!” Still, she remained one of my favorites. And Cort...wow. I shipped Cort and Nash so hard. He’s such a calm and composed character, and even when he betrayed Nash the second time, I couldn’t hate him. And he only did it to show everyone how important unity is. I ended up loving him even more.

Briyar, on the other hand, left me conflicted. Sometimes I liked him, sometimes I didn’t. Honestly, I don’t think he’s a good match for Nash, and I’m not even sure how their relationship would work. Meanwhile, Nash and Cort’s chemistry is undeniable.

Among the side characters, Kapur was adorable. He lost his family because of venyex, yet continued to serve as a nurse when cort was hurt, and I loved how quietly dedicated he was. Out of the other two Venyex, Valkad stood out more to me, and I’m really eager to learn more about the Cripbon and their leaders. They had such a calm, wise presence and seemed to know everything that was happening.

Overall, I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait for the sequel!
Profile Image for O.K Reads.
8 reviews
September 27, 2025
I know nothing of war, I know nothing of space. But this book beautifully captures the vulnerability of experiencing both and I got a little bit obsessed. I felt so lost and immersed in this world that it just became my life in those days spent reading. I really became beholden to the characters wellbeing.

Firstly, Nash the strong willed, empathetic, and cool Captain, not forgetting a star fighter pilot. This story brings up a poignant message within war, of being beholden to others decisions and the consequences it has upon your team, delving into the turmoil of dread and guilt. Nash's strength beyond the grief sets her apart from the others as she understands the need for change. Next is Briyar, a sweet, sensible and admirable Major among the ranks. His introduction was so funny in the sweetest way. With a soft spot for the Captain he's stuck between a hard place of feelings and leadership. I love and can only respect his resolve as he makes the hard decisions, giving the very real response of someone in his higher ranks. Finally the Venyex were my biggest curiosity to keep reading. Their race and character design drew me in and their personalities hooked me. This book does an incredible job of flipping perspectives, luring you into the humanity of aliens as the humans become more alien.

The story direction and progression pulled me across the galaxy in ways I couldn't imagine. The dialogue was immersive, natural and beautifully paced. You're in a different time and space while reading, completely enthralled by this story that gets heightened by layers of deceit and treachery. I felt as much hope as the protagonist that got thrown into the intensity and trapped by paranoia. And the irony of the ending was the icing on the cake it has me so intrigued for the next one.

Huge thank you to Ana for sending me an arc. War Beyond Galaxies releases on 29th September 2025. You'd be a fool to miss out on this one.
Profile Image for x.inkdrinker.
105 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2025
ARC Book Review: War Beyond Galaxies (Starbattle Legacy #1) by Ana del Álamo

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 /5

Recommendation/Thoughts: Read, especially if you are into philosophical sci-fi.

Spice: 🫑

Emotional Damage: ☠️ /5

Originality : 🖊️🖊️🖊️🖊️ /5

Writing: 🥀🥀🥀🥀/5

Ana del Álamo’s War Beyond Galaxies launches readers into a high-octane universe of starfighter battles and interstellar politics, but it’s the deeper questions that linger long after the last laser blast. While the action sequences are thrilling and well-paced—especially the dogfights that crackle with tension—it’s the philosophical undercurrent that truly elevates the story.

The novel doesn’t just ask how Earth fights, but why. The ethical dilemma at the heart of the conflict with a parallel alien race is handled with surprising nuance, prompting reflection on identity, diplomacy, and the cost of survival.

The ending caught me off guard. It’s bold, and while I’m still processing how I feel about the cliffhanger, I admire the ambition. It’s a series that refuses to stay in one lane, for better or worse.

If you’re looking for sci-fi that blends action with introspection, War Beyond Galaxies is worth the journey. Just be prepared: the stars may dazzle, but it’s the moral gray zones that leave the deepest impression.

═══⊹⊱≼≽⊰⊹═══

Genre: Science Fiction

Tropes: Space exploration, military propoganda, fighter pilots, star battles, (non-spicy) forced proximity

═══⊹⊱≼≽⊰⊹═══

Thank you so much for choosing me as an ARC reader! I appreciate you trusting me to give an honest review.
Profile Image for Elloisa.
22 reviews
October 5, 2025
Have you ever read something that makes you question your stand every chance it gets? This book likely made it that way every chance it got. Chuckles. It was a fun experience, doubting what I'm reading, I mean.

A tale that tells the situation of two warring species touching on the matters of love, friendship, loyalty, and trust. Six individuals, each with their own encumbrances, are forced to work with the enemy. Looking past their differences, they try to work towards the same goal: getting back home.

Nash, Briyar, Cort, Tirst, Valkad, and Kapur had varying depths in their characters that made the book quite interesting to follow. Their hate towards each other, the painful stories behind that hate. Nash and Cort's curiosity in each other's cultures and way of life. Quite a treasonous act if you see it in the perspective of their own worlds.

Throughout my whole reading, Nash was the lead that resonated the most with me, constantly making me question myself with the same situations that she was in. If I were in the same situation as her, would I have done the same thing? Would I be able to look at my enemy in the eye and try to understand the reason behind his actions? Sighs. There was also the tension between love and duty, a rather frustrating thing that lasted until the end. Like why don't you just say it already? You guys are stressing me out, for real (I mean you, Briyar).

All in all, this was eye-opening. I wonder how everything will turn out in the end. Looking forward for the next installment!

Thank you so much, Ana, for this copy! I am grateful to have received this and I extend my apologies for the late review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ish.
20 reviews6 followers
September 30, 2025
Recieved as an ARC
This was a tense, slow-burn space survival story that had me constantly questioning who I could trust — which is exactly what I desired from a galactic war book.

Okay, War Beyond Galaxies was… intense in the best way!!
It’s not your typical shoot-’em-up space war, it’s slower, sharper, and really plays with that whole what if you had to team up with the enemy idea😏.

Nashtara Jalligam was honestly such a mood. She’s stubborn, strategic, and so human , you feel every choice weighing on her. And then there’s Daddy Cort Dan 😩(the Venyex commander). He’s infuriating but fascinating, I totally ate up their dynamic. You can feel the tension both the trust issues and the tiny flickers of understanding building page by page.

The writing style is cinematic but not overly flashy, and the pacing was just right for me enough action to keep me awake at 2 AM, but enough quiet moments to actually care about the characters and the war they’re fighting. Tbh just give me the s#x scenes please 😂

What I loved most? The moral messiness. It’s not just “humans good, aliens bad.” I'm still questioning who’s right, who’s wrong, and whether peace is even possible when both sides are this stubborn😮‍💨.

Would totally recommend if you like:

Enemies-to-reluctant-allies tension
Space survival stories
Morally grey characters who frustrate you but you can’t stop rooting for

Please i beg of u just give me the sequel already 😭
Profile Image for Rachel Hanks.
46 reviews11 followers
September 29, 2025
“Maybe I was hoping too much. Maybe I was dreaming too far.”

War Beyond Galaxies is an incredible exploration piece on humanity.

We follow Captain Nashtara, or “Nash”, a beautifully written protagonist as the EFSA people go up against their longtime alien enemies, the Venyex and soon find themselves in unexpected and challenging company. I adored Nash’s perspective on life, the sun, watching this transform and question, watching her curiosity peak and overcome.

We almost form a sort of backwards/upside down found family of sorts (if the family in question was also your enemy). I appreciated getting to know each character. But I particularly favored our resident alien commander, Cort Dan. Although a brand new species, I found his emotional intelligence, understanding and dimension as real as any human in the book. His relationship with Nash is one I can’t even wait to continue to explore in book 2.

I enjoyed the splashes of real science and learning tossed in, and the thoroughness of the alien species. I’ll be hard pressed now to let anyone convince me there isn’t a Cort Dan out there somewhere in the universe (or the next) challenging all we know about space!

An incredible incredible military scifi!
Profile Image for Jen Is Reading.
240 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2025
Some of the best science fiction media tackle difficult topics while still telling an entertaining story. War Beyond Galaxies succeeds by doing just that: it challenges both the characters and the reader to confront their deep-seated biases, showing how hatred and prejudice can be dismantled in the face of a greater threat.

The characters are just as captivating as the plot. Nashtara "Nash" Jalligam is a compelling heroine; she's a highly skilled leader determined not to repeat humanity's mistakes. Cort Dan is the Venyex Commander; he is just as compelling and well-developed as a character. A cunning and dangerous tactician believing in his species' superiority. I enjoyed their growth from sworn enemies to grudging allies. Both commanders struggle with the weight of leading their people when every decision could mean the difference between life and death.

The world-building is excellent. It's not just about ships and planets; it’s about clashing ideologies: deconstructing the propaganda and prejudice that fueled their war, as well as the ethical and moral dilemmas they face. This story is perfect for readers who love high-stakes sci-fi action with complex characters and an interesting plot.
Profile Image for J.A. Merkel.
Author 8 books89 followers
October 8, 2025
What an exciting foray into new and exciting (War Beyond) Galaxies! I don’t read much military sci-fi, but I was immediately pulled into orbit by the early cinematic fight scenes in space. Those moments of desperation and dread as things changed suddenly and unforgivably so kept me on the edge of my seat.

I enjoyed learning more about the central conflict between the different species in this novel: the humans and the Venyex, but what really kept me engaged in this story were the small nuances in behavior from both groups as circumstances changed, and how the author handled each new and surprising escalation. I was left wondering what was going to happen next until the very last page, and I really like where things ended.

The novel asked big questions about the nature of our conflicts in this world, what it means to be human, and beyond that, what is means to be alive. I loved this most of all. In this first book, the main characters are grappling with the ethical dilemmas regarding orders from their governments, stretching and growing beyond their individual destinies, little by little. Or maybe their true trajectories were written in the stars along. I can’t wait to find out.
Profile Image for Oliver Lendon.
Author 3 books6 followers
November 15, 2025
Heart, tension and hope collide beautifully.

War Beyond Galaxies is a debut that feels confident, ambitious and deeply emotional. From the very first chapter it is clear this story is not only about war in the stars but about the reasons we fight at all. The book explores fear, grief, duty and the long shadows of history with so much honesty that it becomes impossible not to care. The moral weight behind every decision gives the action real meaning and every character feels shaped by something larger than themselves.

The cast is incredible. Nashtara Nash Jalligam is one of the most compelling sci fi leads I have read in a long time. Cort Dan is just as fascinating, sharp minded, disciplined and driven by loyalty even when that loyalty blinds him. Their growth from enemies to uneasy partners was my favourite part of the entire story. And yes I still do not trust Briyar and I am completely standing by that. The world building is rich, layered and full of ideological tension. It blends the excitement of space battles with deep emotional stakes and moments that had me stopping to think about what it really means to seek peace.

As for myself I will be eagerly waiting for Book 2 because this story has set up something genuinely special.
1 review
October 29, 2025
A Smart, Character-Driven Sci-Fi That Sticks Close to Science with a message.
Ana del Álamo’s War Beyond Galaxies surprised me in a good way. It’s not just another space battle epic—it’s a thoughtful exploration of survival, diplomacy, and what it means to trust your enemy when the stakes are cosmic.
The story follows the human Nashtara Jalligam, a star fighter pilot stranded in deep space with her crew and a group of Venyex—alien adversaries who are just as desperate to survive after a battle. What unfolds is a tense, character-driven drama that dives into prejudice, loyalty, and the psychological toll of war.
What I especially appreciated was how grounded the science felt and the vivid description of yhe aliens anatonmy. Aside from faster-than-light travel (still a no-no in real physics), the book sticks impressively close to current scientific understanding. It adds a layer of realism that makes the story even more immersive.
If you’re into military sci-fi with emotional depth—ast in Battlestar Galactica—this one’s worth your time.
Kept me up most of one night.....
3 reviews
October 4, 2025
War Beyond Galaxies was an amazing military adventure with thrills and surprises. The story is thrown straight into the middle of a major galactic war. Main characters are realistic and natural. This made it easy to believe in them and to learn everything about the futuristic world. I really liked the premise of a united yet flawed space fairing human society. Flawed because a major reason we advanced so fast was because of an equally powerful enemy that forced us to be warlike in every sense of the word. As a veteran myself I liked the dynamism of a race to supremacy that questions: at what cost?
I won’t spoil the plot as I think that’s part of the charm. However, I will say that there are some major twits I did not see coming. You will learn more about said enemy and in fact a few of those aliens are in my top five characters of the book.
I consider War Beyond Galaxies a great first book and cannot wait to read the rest in the series.
Profile Image for Kyle Voss.
8 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2025
I am very grateful to have been selected as an ARC reader of this book!!

An energetic space heavy sci-fi with a subplot of romance was just what this book delivered. The author did a fantastic job of writing a unique alien species all while having them be relatable to humans, which further deepens the moral conundrum.
The action sequences are fun, the sass is real, and there is a deep sense of wonder written within the novel. It was a fast read and didn’t feel like a chore to get through. I really loved the main alien and the primary FMC, but I did find myself not fully into the human MMC which is the only small downside for me.
I would fully recommend this book to anyone who loves space heavy sci-fi books, edgy and fun main character voices, and creative plots. I very much enjoyed it and will be reading her future books.
4.5/5 official rating :)
2 reviews
August 24, 2025
What an incredible book! From the first to the last page this book has kept me on my toes! It felt like a rollercoaster of emotions! I found specially incredible the meticulous way of describing the characters and how they evolve as the story goes on. The little details on the anatomy, physiology and feelings is simply impressive, mainly considering that are characters that even though many of them are not humans, they turned out to be incredible close emotionally.
How would I define this book...? Innovative, addictive, and totally unpredictable! Just when you think you know what’s going to happen… bam! It surprises you with an unexpected twist. I haven’t been able to put it down for a single second!

Cannot wait to read the second part....
Profile Image for Matthew Gill.
Author 1 book10 followers
September 25, 2025
An excellent start to the Galaxia Series, Ana's debut gives us space battles, aliens and grand Sci-Fi... but where this book really shines is the characters, the cast of aliens and humans are brilliant. We see the story unfold from the point of view of Nashtara and you will swiftly grow to love her and her little group, a certain alien in particular. The Venyex are fascinating and so imaginatively done and the interactions they have with the humans and how both sides respond to one another are what really makes this book tick. That said, I was also a massive fan of the exploration sequence in the story, I don't want to give too much away but the blend of real world science and creative sci-fi was perfect. I eagerly await the next book and where the story goes next!
Profile Image for Rebecca Morel.
136 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2025
I really wanted to like this book. I love movies about space, so I thought for sure this would grab my interest. From the get go, the book left me longing for explanation on how we "humans" came to be in space. The story immediately switched to a fight between species, which was okay. It held my interest short term. But the story just absolutely drug from there. There was no real feelings happening between any characters. I found it hard to even form pictures of what was going on in my head. Then it just ended. It just wasn't for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Iris.
93 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2025
This book was fantastic! This was a real gem! On the same entertainment level as other great sci-fi and it really reminded me of Martha Wells' Murderbot. The MFC is my favorite snarky, badass type. She and the supporting cast of characters are all real, 3D, and have a very beautiful and realistic interaction (even when they are going to kill each other). The author knows how to write tension and emotion really well and works it into the character arcs. I have fallen in love with the entire cast! The story was engaging and easy to read, so much so that I finished the book very quickly. If I could give it ten stars, I would!
Profile Image for Steven Halberd.
27 reviews
January 5, 2026
A strong, immersive sci-fi debut with excellent worldbuilding and memorable characters.

Ana Del Álamo creates a rich galaxy filled with multiple alien races, standout cultures (the Venyex were a highlight), and high-stakes conflict. Nashtara and Briyar are compelling protagonists, and ace fighter pilot Cort Dan adds sneaky antagonist punch to the action.

I received an advance copy and found the story slowed slightly in the middle, but the pacing picked up again toward the end with a fantastic finale. The ending left me more than ready for Book 2 this fall. Highly recommended for fans of epic, character-driven science fiction.
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