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The Geometry of Starlight
The year is 1984 and space shuttle astronaut Tom Cabot is about to reenter Earth's orbit—only to crash-land two hundred years into the future.
His world is gone. In its place—the ruins of a civilization that made his century look primitive. Hovercars rust in the streets of shattered cities. Food replicators gather dust in Quick-Marts. Armies of autonomous killer droids still patrol the apocalyptic wreckage, somehow following orders from a world on another plane of existence.
And in the middle of it all—Wren. A fierce, suspicious hunter from a nomadic clan who thinks Tom’s a demon and would sooner put a knife to his throat than trust him. She's everything this brutal new world sharp, hard, and dangerously beautiful. Tom’s survival depends on Wren—her knowledge of the land and what he’s up against. Her survival hinges on his brilliant mind. Neither of them needs the tension that crackles every time they get too close—but neither of them can stop it.
With a rogue AI companion, a countdown to a celestial event that will change everything, and enemies converging from every direction, Tom and Wren must cross six hundred kilometers of scorched earth together to find the answers that just might save their lives.
If they don't kill each other first.
His world is gone. In its place—the ruins of a civilization that made his century look primitive. Hovercars rust in the streets of shattered cities. Food replicators gather dust in Quick-Marts. Armies of autonomous killer droids still patrol the apocalyptic wreckage, somehow following orders from a world on another plane of existence.
And in the middle of it all—Wren. A fierce, suspicious hunter from a nomadic clan who thinks Tom’s a demon and would sooner put a knife to his throat than trust him. She's everything this brutal new world sharp, hard, and dangerously beautiful. Tom’s survival depends on Wren—her knowledge of the land and what he’s up against. Her survival hinges on his brilliant mind. Neither of them needs the tension that crackles every time they get too close—but neither of them can stop it.
With a rogue AI companion, a countdown to a celestial event that will change everything, and enemies converging from every direction, Tom and Wren must cross six hundred kilometers of scorched earth together to find the answers that just might save their lives.
If they don't kill each other first.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 21, 2026
I don’t want to put off anyone from reading this because I genuinely had fun reading it, especially the first half, but I often feel like I have my toughest reviews on the books I liked but would have loved had just a few things been different and this is one such book.
This was 5 stars until about 50% of way through and then it fell apart. The love story was absolutely whack. I wish he had a friend or female editor to provide additional perspective because so much of the book is about the darkness inside of men and the things they can do and become and if main character doesn’t trust men why in the world would he think a woman would? In the modern world I would be VERY FUCKING SKEPTICAL of a dude who fell from the sky. Truly the only thing keeping me from going home to my people would be world ending shit. And then Kate? Come on dude. Did you even watch the Artemis II crew? Shit ain’t like that.
It would have been more interesting to have there be a larger conspiracy/story to unravel over the course of multiple books. I’m thinking Lost style. Also huge potential for the metaphysical aspect which is neat. Instead everything got very neat and lowkey Mary Sue-y? I don’t know.
Alas, could have been the next The Martian but ultimately fell short.
This was 5 stars until about 50% of way through and then it fell apart. The love story was absolutely whack. I wish he had a friend or female editor to provide additional perspective because so much of the book is about the darkness inside of men and the things they can do and become and if main character doesn’t trust men why in the world would he think a woman would? In the modern world I would be VERY FUCKING SKEPTICAL of a dude who fell from the sky. Truly the only thing keeping me from going home to my people would be world ending shit. And then Kate? Come on dude. Did you even watch the Artemis II crew? Shit ain’t like that.
It would have been more interesting to have there be a larger conspiracy/story to unravel over the course of multiple books. I’m thinking Lost style. Also huge potential for the metaphysical aspect which is neat. Instead everything got very neat and lowkey Mary Sue-y? I don’t know.
Alas, could have been the next The Martian but ultimately fell short.
February 19, 2026
Too predictable, like AI wrote it
I liked the premise, but the logic jumps were just too pat and solutions to again and again were too predictable, feels very AI’ish. Also protagonist is supposed to be from 1985, but he talks about nostalgia for “back when people carried phones in their pockets”
I liked the premise, but the logic jumps were just too pat and solutions to again and again were too predictable, feels very AI’ish. Also protagonist is supposed to be from 1985, but he talks about nostalgia for “back when people carried phones in their pockets”
February 13, 2026
Refreshing story
Very impressed all through the book. From page to page I could visualise the characters. Would recommend new slant on a sci go story to all lovers of Mark Wayne McGinnis.
Very impressed all through the book. From page to page I could visualise the characters. Would recommend new slant on a sci go story to all lovers of Mark Wayne McGinnis.
May 12, 2026
That was fun
I've been finding really good stories lately. Tom and Wren are really good characters. So is, TARN.
Even though it's a machine.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I've been finding really good stories lately. Tom and Wren are really good characters. So is, TARN.
Even though it's a machine.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 13, 2026
Excellent sci-fi book from my favorite author. Great characters, surprising story line and hopeful for a follow up book. Great entertainment!
February 17, 2026
Great read.
Love his work, this book was a fast read. Kept me engaged, while predictable in spots still a great read
Love his work, this book was a fast read. Kept me engaged, while predictable in spots still a great read
February 21, 2026
Mark does it again!
I have read all of his books and this is one of his best. Interesting plot and characters, and a damn nice love story. Can't wait for part two!
I have read all of his books and this is one of his best. Interesting plot and characters, and a damn nice love story. Can't wait for part two!
March 5, 2026
Top Notch Science Fiction!
March 13, 2026
Very innovative
Many strong points for near future sci-fi. The nice divergent and sometimes just funny fingers of Fate blend fairly well.
Many strong points for near future sci-fi. The nice divergent and sometimes just funny fingers of Fate blend fairly well.
March 14, 2026
Begs for a sequel
First person perspective was a little distracting at first but the plot picked up its pace till it wasn’t noticeable.
First person perspective was a little distracting at first but the plot picked up its pace till it wasn’t noticeable.
April 11, 2026
Great read
Another good example of Mark Wayne McGinnis talents. Lots of active. Good story line and hopefully another sequel for continuation. Really liked it.
Another good example of Mark Wayne McGinnis talents. Lots of active. Good story line and hopefully another sequel for continuation. Really liked it.
May 12, 2026
Great Read
I really liked this the action was great and the plot dynamic. I would recommend this book to any sci fi fan.
I really liked this the action was great and the plot dynamic. I would recommend this book to any sci fi fan.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews