Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander

by Christian Hurst

Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander

🚀 A gripping sci-fi adventure about identity, destiny, and the power of found family in the far reaches of space.

Lily Starling wakes up in a city she barely recognizes, with no memory of her past—only a metal tag bearing her name and an instinct for survival. When a group of strangers claim to know her and offer answers, she's thrust into a conflict far bigger than herself. These aren't just any strangers—they're officers of the United Space Fleet, from a time centuries beyond her own. And according to them, she's one of them.

Before her memories vanished, Lily was a brilliant lieutenant on a mission to stop the Krythar—a ruthless, psionic race—before they could activate a weapon that could reshape history itself. Now, the future is in danger, and she may be the only one who can stop it. But first, she must uncover the truth about who she really is.

Taken aboard the Salamander, a starship filled with unlikely allies—including a battle-hardened warrior with his own scars, an android with secrets of their own, and a captain with too many burdens—Lily must decide whether to trust the people who say they're her family or carve out a new destiny among the stars.

As enemies close in and time runs out, Lily will have to face the reclaiming the life she lost, stopping a war before it begins, and choosing what kind of future she wants to fight for.

Perfect for fans of Mass Effect , Firefly , and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet , Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander is an action-packed space opera filled with heart, humor, and high-stakes adventure.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy

460 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2026

About the author

Christian Hurst is a Creative Director, author, and lifelong science fiction fan with over 15 years of experience in advertising, marketing, and content creation. Inspired by classic space operas, diverse character-driven stories, and thought-provoking themes, he writes books that blend epic adventure with emotional depth.

His Lily Starling series is a YA sci-fi saga that explores identity, connection, and the courage to forge your own path in a vast and unpredictable galaxy. Known for inclusive worldbuilding, heart, humor, and high-stakes storytelling, Christian’s work resonates with readers who crave immersive narratives with soul.

Alongside his wife, Christian has fostered over 50 rescue dogs in their Baltimore home, where they live with their son and three beagles. He is a devoted father and has achieved master-level expertise in trains, SpongeBob, and Minecraft thanks to his son. A perfect relaxing day would include reading, drawing, indulging his cinephile side with a movie marathon—and, of course, exploring the limitless possibilities of storytelling.

Reviews

[Misty Ann]

"Because that's the real gift, isn't it? Not knowing all the answers. Not being invincible. Just being able to look up at the stars and finally understand: I'm not alone."
I would give this 10 stars if I could! All I can say is wow...what a gripping read. Lily's journey to find her true identity in a universe filled with danger is so exciting and we, the readers, get to tag along. It's a page turner that kept me up late reading even though I needed to teach the next day.
I really love how diverse all the characters are. It makes for a crew that is both dynamic and fun. I especially like Datch, who's dry wit made me smile a lot. Taran and Ka-Lorrin brought humor and lightheartedness in otherwise somber situations. I wanted more of them. Lily is both sarcastic, stubborn and real. She's the herorine we all wish we could be.
I also appreciated the in-depth species profiles scattered throught the story. It helped create a full vision of each character.
If you enjoy space dramas, found families, and main characters who have no patience for nonsense and androids who have trust issues... then this book is for you. Thank you Christian Hurst for the pleasure of reading this ARC. It was a blast.

[Serina’s Stories wolfganghollows]

I never leave a poor review unless it absolutely warrants it. I am a MASSIVE TREKKIE! If I wasn’t I wouldn’t have spotted that this book is completely plagiarised. The author said he was a Trekkie, but there is being inspired by stories you love and downright ripping them off and just tweaking names and places a bit. It’s all in here, the Occupation between Bajor and the cardassians, the Starfleet (or space fleet in this book) helping Bajor bounce back. The United Federation Of Planets in this book is called, “the Federation Of Allied Systems”.

First Contact and The Vulcans, but with a different name. Then Star Base 12, is basically Deep Space 9. I said to my wife, if Lily encounters a Ferengi storyline here trying to con her for fake jewels I’m done. Surprise surprise, some alien tried to con her outta credits for a jewel, and another human came to her rescue( like Harry Kim and Paris at the beginning of voyager) the guy that comes to her rescue is called Ryder (so Ryker then).
Datch the Android with a sense of humour….is just Data.
Alrek and Xenn are just Star Trek prodigy’s Gwyn and Dal.
Also she befriends some chick who fights with effectively a blue light sabre, and the tent she gets conned in is bigger on the inside…so I guess stopping at plagiarising Star Trek wasn’t enough, the author had to do Doctor Who and Star Wars too.

The author writes books about using AI for creation, I read someone’s review about it, but decided to give it a chance in case she was mistaken. Absolutely not. This is what is wrong with people with no creativity using AI to write books.
I am a massive supporter of real authors and artists and cannot in good conscience support this.

I received this book from the author for my honest review.

[Jennifer Spaulding]

I had to DNF… I couldn’t do it anymore. I ventured out of my normal and tried this science fiction because I wanted to support an indie author, but this wasn’t for me. I felt like the plot was all over the place & was more comprised of multiple small stories rather than building one larger story with subplots. It felt chaotic and disjointed and I just couldn’t get behind it. If you enjoy sci-fi you could probably like this, but i couldn’t push through another 200 pages.

[Matt McAvoy]

This epic, lengthy space opera is an ancient story set in a future with themes more resonant with contemporary society. The story itself is rather more a sweeping general narrative than anything particularly convoluted, which is usually better, in my opinion, though combined with the word count does make for a long, drawn-out read. It is not so much a fictional excursion as an immersive experience for the reader, and if you aren’t prepared to invest your time and attention in getting to know the characters, and sharing their overall emotive and cerebral experience, then you may struggle to keep with it. Lily Starling’s first outing is not a book for your average recreational reader, but rather a serious entry into the immersive sci-fi fantasy genre. The writing is exceptional, it has to be said, with an articulation that sets its author Christian Hurst apart, and is worth a read even if just to get to know him. I won’t spoil anything, but suffice to say that while this particular story wraps up quite well, there is an open aspect, setting up the sequel quite nicely, and just to tantalize the tastebuds, ends with an opening extract from it.

The proof and presentation of this book are in excellent shape, and you can see that the author has spared no expense or labour ensuring the best quality product, emerging as a proper contender in the genre. It wasn’t entirely for me, though, I will admit. Whilst I appreciate the tremendous pedigree of this book, I do tend to battle to engage with slow-burning fantasy, and this can certainly be called that. Some will love it, of course – of that you’re assured. For my tastes it was rather minutely detailed in the interactions and cognitive processes of the characters, particularly Lily, who is very satisfyingly layered and well developed, but did lose my engagement on occasion. It also feels rather like a metaphor for modern times, thickly applied, with its themes of difference, diversity, acceptance, hate and tolerance of otherness; this is fine, of course, and absolutely topical in today’s fiction, but does ground the reader a little in contemporary morality, when readers of this genre tend to favour escapism, pure and simple. That said, I criticize no aspect of this; it is Christian’s project and of course his prerogative to focus its objective however he feels will strike a chord with his readership[.

Overall, a very good book, but a long one, which will require dedication from the outset; fail to engage early on and you might find yourself playing catchup for the remainder – and that would be a real labour of love. My suggestion is for true fans to lock themselves away and read how they do best. It will be worth it, I suspect; Christian is an immensely dedicated, hardworking author, and Lily Starling promises to be a very interesting space saga for the modern generation.

[Raquelio poop]

This has to be my favorite sci-fi book of the year. If you love Star Trek and Martha Well's Murderbot Diaries, you will LOVE this book. The world building is fantastic, all of the different species of aliens were really cool, the character development was well done. It is so adventurous and suspenseful.

Lily Starling doesn't have nor know much, she has a tag with the name Lily Starling on it so she assumes that's her name, she's homeless and alone in the streets of San Francisco and is just trying to survive. But one night, she gets chased down by some strange looking people, and some of them are definitely not human. She goes with them and though she doesn't have any memories coming back to her, she's learning about who she is as she is now and making friends along the way.

(I received this as a arc)

[Ultimate World]

Book Review: Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander by Christian Hurst

Christian Hurst’s Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander is a riveting space opera that combines the high-energy thrills of interstellar adventure with a deeply emotional exploration of identity, belonging, and destiny. From the first page, readers are launched into a sprawling galaxy filled with danger, mystery, and unexpected bonds.

Lily Starling’s journey begins in confusion—stripped of her memories and tethered only by a name engraved on a metal tag. When officers of the United Space Fleet arrive, claiming to know her past and importance to an impending cosmic war, Lily is thrust into a mission larger than herself. The stakes couldn’t be higher: a psionic enemy with the power to rewrite history is on the move, and Lily may be the only one capable of stopping them.

Hurst shines at building both world and character. The crew of the Salamander are richly drawn, each carrying their own wounds and secrets—making the ship feel like a found family where trust must be earned and loyalties are tested. Whether it’s the stoic warrior, the enigmatic android, or the overburdened captain, each character adds weight and warmth to the story.

The pacing is fast and energetic, delivering plenty of action without sacrificing the emotional core. Underneath the thrilling chases and tense battles lies a poignant meditation on what it means to choose your own future rather than be defined by your past.

Fans of Mass Effect, Firefly, and Becky Chambers’ Wayfarers series will feel right at home here. Hurst’s writing captures the humor, hope, and heartbreak of space exploration, making Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander a must-read for anyone who loves their sci-fi infused with heart.

Verdict:
Full of memorable characters, pulse-pounding adventure, and genuine emotional depth, Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander is a stellar debut. A must for any space opera fan looking for their next epic journey among the stars.

[Kathy Martin]

This YA space opera stars Lily Starling who begins the story on the street in the 20th Century. She's homeless, hungry and has lost her memory, but she is still kind and caring especially when she comes across a homeless kid. She is soon rescued by space travelers from the future who tell her that she is an orphan, but also a member of the crew of the Salamander.

Lily is told that she's a genius with special talents that can defeat the psionic Krythar who want to conquer the galaxy and remake it to their design. She and her companions on the Salamander want to stop that from happening. The crew is a mixed bag of characters from many of the worlds the Krythar want to conquer.

Even with her memory loss Lily still wants to be of use. She finds herself making friends and having adventures, most of which are solved successfully because of her genius.

I enjoyed the worldbuilding in this story. The characters from all the different races were interesting. The action scenes were exciting and the suspense kept building. I liked the way Lily manages with her memory loss and the great blow that comes late in the book. She is an interesting character.

[Sarah]

An ARC review of this book notes that an AI prompt was left in the text. In addition, this author has written two books on how to use AI in "creative endeavors." Ugh, absolutely not going to read this.

[Mrutyunjaya Sahu]

Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander by Christian Hurst

Christian Hurst’s Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander (Revised Second Edition) is an electrifying YA sci-fi adventure that weaves together the high stakes of space opera with the emotional intimacy of a coming-of-age story. Blending cosmic mystery, found-family dynamics, and deeply human questions about identity and belonging, Hurst delivers a narrative that is as dazzling in scope as it is tender in heart.

The story opens with a jolt — Lily Starling awakens in a city she can barely recognize, stripped of her memories and clutching only a metal tag bearing her name. From the first page, readers are thrust into a world of uncertainty and wonder, mirroring Lily’s own confusion as she is drawn into the orbit of the Union starship Salamander. When the crew claims her as one of their own, Lily’s journey takes her far beyond her own time, into a universe at war with the enigmatic psionic Krythar.

Aboard the Salamander, Hurst introduces a cast of richly drawn characters — misfits, warriors, dreamers, and exiles — whose quirks and loyalties form the emotional core of the novel. Their camaraderie, humor, and vulnerability give the story warmth and authenticity, grounding the sweeping sci-fi spectacle in relatable human connection. The “found family” dynamic echoes the spirit of Firefly and The Expanse, while the emotional depth and queer inclusivity place the novel firmly in the lineage of modern, character-driven space epics like Becky Chambers’s Wayfarers series.

Hurst’s world-building is both expansive and elegant. Through precise yet poetic prose, he constructs a universe alive with mystery — from the haunting technology of the “memory seed” that preserves voices of the dead, to the shimmering menace of a weapon capable of unraveling time itself. Yet, despite the grandeur, the novel’s beating heart is Lily herself: a young woman grappling with the void of her forgotten past and the growing realization that her choices could shape the fate of countless lives.

As the narrative unfolds, Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander becomes more than a spacefaring adventure — it’s a meditation on memory, trauma, and self-acceptance. Hurst deftly balances action and introspection, creating a story that feels cinematic in scope but intimate in its emotional resonance. Themes of queer identity and belonging are woven organically into the narrative, never forced, but celebrated as integral to Lily’s evolution and the crew’s unity.

The result is a luminous blend of lyricism and propulsion — a story that invites readers to both race through its pages and linger in its quiet moments. Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander is a triumph of imagination and empathy, offering a vision of the future that feels both thrillingly alien and profoundly human.

For fans of Mass Effect, Red Rising, or The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, this is an unforgettable voyage worth taking.

[Jithendra Jithu]

Book Review:

Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander

by Christian Hurst

Rating:5/5

Review:

👉Prepare for liftoff, because this book launched me into an unforgettable galaxy of emotion, action, and heart! Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander is a stunning sci-fi adventure that blends high-stakes space battles with a soul-searching journey of identity and belonging.

👉The story begins with Lily Starling waking up in a city she doesn’t recognize, her memory completely wiped. The only clue to her past is a metal tag with her name—and soon, a group of strangers from the United Space Fleet arrive, insisting she’s one of their own. From that moment, everything changes.

👉We learn that Lily was once a brilliant lieutenant on a mission to stop the Krythar, a terrifying psionic species threatening to alter the course of history itself. But now, with her memories gone and trust hard to come by, Lily must piece together who she really is—while the fate of the future hangs in the balance.

👉Aboard the Salamander, a starship full of layered and compelling characters, Lily finds herself surrounded by a crew that slowly becomes her family. There’s a gruff warrior haunted by his past, an enigmatic android who knows more than they let on, and a captain trying to hold everything together while carrying the weight of impossible choices. Each of them adds depth and heart to the story, making the Salamander feel like a home you never want to leave.

👉What truly makes this book shine is how Christian Hurst balances breathtaking action with emotional introspection. Yes, there are space battles, close calls, and daring escapes—but underneath it all is a deeply moving narrative about choice, memory, and the courage it takes to define your own destiny.

👉The writing is vivid, cinematic, and full of soul. Fans of Mass Effect, Firefly, and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet will feel instantly at home here. It’s packed with that perfect blend of thrilling sci-fi and heartfelt storytelling that lingers with you long after the last page.

Final Verdict:
This is the kind of book that reminds you why you love science fiction in the first place.

#review

[Joi Review]

📓 Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander
🖊 Christian Hurst

What if the only thing you remembered about yourself… was your name?

Lily Starling wakes up alone, confused, and with no memory of her past—just a metal tag with her name and an unshakable instinct to survive. Before she can even figure out where (or when) she is, a group of strangers show up claiming to be from centuries in the future. Oh, and they say she’s not just anyone—she’s a decorated lieutenant in an interstellar fleet on a mission to stop a dangerous psychic alien race. No pressure, right?

That’s the electrifying setup for Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander, a gripping sci-fi novel that delivers all the thrills of a classic space opera—along with a deeply personal story about identity, trust, and belonging.

The Salamander isn’t just any spaceship. It’s home to a crew as complex and compelling as the cosmos itself: a war-weary fighter with too many scars to count, an android keeping secrets close to the circuit, and a captain burdened by the ghosts of missions past. Together, they’re more than just shipmates—they're the found family Lily never knew she needed.

As Lily races to uncover who she was—and whether she still wants to be that person—the fate of the timeline hangs in the balance. The Krythar, a telepathic alien species with the power to alter history itself, are on the move. And Lily? She might be the galaxy’s last chance.

This book is a must-read for fans of Mass Effect, Firefly, and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. It’s got everything: space battles, time-bending stakes, rich worldbuilding, and sharp dialogue. But where it truly shines is in its emotional core. The relationships feel real. The choices are painful. And the journey—both across the stars and within Lily herself—is absolutely worth taking.

If you're craving an adventure that’s as heartfelt as it is high-octane, Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander deserves a spot at the top of your TBR pile. It’s smart, cinematic, and full of soul.

Strap in. The stars are calling.

[Emmaa]

*Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander* by Christian Hurst
5 outof 5 🌟

There are books that tell a story, and there are books that awaken something dormant within the reader. Christian Hurst’s *Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander* belongs to the latter—a novel that doesn’t just entertain, but seems to whisper across the veil of time, asking the oldest question of all: *Who are we, when even memory forgets us?*

Hurst crafts Lily’s awakening not as a moment of revelation but as an act of quiet defiance. She opens her eyes in a world that does not know her name, armed only with instinct and an uncanny sense that she has lived—and lost—before. This is not merely science fiction; it is a study of amnesia as a metaphor for humanity itself. In the endless expanse of the universe, Hurst seems to say, perhaps we are all survivors of forgotten lives, reaching for a light we can’t remember.

The *Salamander* is more than a starship—it’s a sanctuary of broken souls. Each crew member reflects a different facet of what it means to belong: the wounded soldier masking loyalty as anger, the dreamer who believes in cause more than self, the exile who clings to memory as if it were oxygen. Together, they form a constellation of imperfect stars—bound not by blood or destiny, but by choice.

Hurst’s narrative is fearless in its intimacy. He doesn’t simply build worlds; he builds echoes—of loss, of love, of second chances. The “memory seed” that carries voices of the dead becomes a haunting allegory for legacy: how even in silence, the past insists on being heard. Lily’s confrontation with the Krythar isn’t a war of power—it’s a war of truth, fought within her own fractured sense of self.

Reading *Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander* feels like standing in the shadow of a supernova—blinded, breathless, and strangely reborn. Hurst has written more than a space opera; he’s written an elegy for the forgotten, a hymn for the ones still searching.

[Keila (speedreadstagram)]

I absolutely loved reading this book! From the very beginning, I was hooked by Lily Starling's story as she woke up in a city she barely recognized, with no memory of her past. I could feel her confusion and determination as she clung to her metal tag and instinct for survival. When a group of strangers, who turned out to be officers of the United Space Fleet, claimed to know her and offered answers, I was just as intrigued as Lily was.

Learning that Lily was once a brilliant lieutenant on a mission to stop the Krythar—a ruthless, psionic race—added an exciting layer to the story. I was fascinated by the idea that she might be the only one who could save the future. Her journey to uncover the truth about her identity was both thrilling and emotional.

Being taken aboard the starship Salamander introduced me to an incredible cast of characters. I loved the interactions between Lily and her unlikely allies, including a battle-hardened warrior, an enigmatic android, and a captain with too many burdens. Their dynamic kept me engaged and rooting for them as they faced their challenges.

The stakes were high, and as enemies closed in and time ran out, I was on the edge of my seat, eager to see how Lily would reclaim her life and stop the impending war. The story's blend of action, suspense, and self-discovery made it an unforgettable read for me.

Overall, this book was an exhilarating adventure that kept me captivated from start to finish. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves sci-fi with strong characters and an engaging plot. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!

[Sneha]

Just finished Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander by Christian Hurst and… excuse me, but why is my new personality a snarky space lieutenant with memory loss and trust issues? Lily wakes up with no clue who she is, a name tag (classic), and suddenly she’s in space with people claiming she’s their long-lost BFF from the future. Sure. Totally normal Tuesday.

Cue the chaos: evil psionic aliens, shady androids, space politics, and a ship called the Salamander that’s basically one step away from falling apart—but still faster than my life choices. The crew? Loveable hot messes with backstories thicker than a black hole. Oh, and apparently Lily used to be important. Like, “stop-the-end-of-the-universe” important.

This book is Firefly meets Mass Effect meets "Why is everything on fire and why am I in charge?" vibes. It’s got action, attitude, and more emotional damage than a therapy session with your ex. The pacing? Lightning fast. The plot twists? Let’s just say I dropped the book. Twice. (Soft surfaces only.)

Lily’s journey is all about piecing herself back together while dodging explosions, betrayal, and—surprise—her own past. She’s sarcastic, stubborn, and basically the space heroine we all pretend to be in the shower. I would die for her. Or at least, mildly suffer.

Bottom line: If you like space drama, found families, and main characters who have absolutely no time for your nonsense, pick this one up. Then yell at me when you finish it. I’ll be right here, crying over androids with trust issues.

[AmesChicReads]

This was definitely an adventure! Hurst did a fantastic job in the descriptive narrative, fully immersing you in each scene. There was a lot of action & suspense! Time travel, a who-dun-it mystery included with a murder and connected theft of a planet Krythar field generator.

I also appreciated the in-depth species profiles along the way, they were so helpful in creating a full vision of each character and understanding the why and how of their reactions. Taran & Ka-Lorrin were a comical duo that really brought humor and lightheartedness into otherwise somber situations. Ash & Rhyder gave an added sense of trouble, “helping” Lily get into some precarious situations. I found myself giggling at times, other times so sad at what was happening.

With other planets in the mix, we had a swamp world with lethal mudslides, a memory seed, an etherflame to harmonize brainwaves, THEN Hurst drops a huge unexpected bomb in chapter 11!! (No spoilers here 😉)

Overall, I enjoyed this found family story - Lily had wisdom far beyond her 17 years and it was exciting to see her navigate through difficult situations, ultimately trying to find herself.

[Julie]

I spend most of my reading time happily lost in a swirl of sci-fi, fantasy, and romance, and Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander hit every note I love. It’s a thrilling, emotional, beautifully written debut that balances big ideas with real heart.

The story follows Lily Starling, a young woman who wakes up aboard a starship centuries in the future with no memory of who she is. From there, the book delivers on every promise of great space opera, vast world-building, high-stakes galactic conflict, and a mysterious, powerful enemy called the Krythar. But what really hooked me was the mystery behind Lily herself. The slow uncovering of her past is as gripping as any interstellar battle.

Despite the cosmic scope, the story shines in its quieter moments—especially the bonds Lily forms with the crew of the Salamander. It’s a found-family story with genuine warmth, trust, and just the right spark of romance.

Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander blends science fiction, mystery, and emotion in all the best ways. It’s imaginative, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. Highly recommended for anyone who loves space adventure with a human soul.

[Max Young]

What hooked me right away was how grounded the beginning feels. Lily starts in San Francisco in 2010, broke and resourceful, with no memory of who she is or how she got there. The first few chapters play like urban realism before the story slowly tilts toward something much bigger. It’s a clever way in—the reader and Lily are figuring it all out at the same time.

The writing is vivid and textured, closer to something you’d expect from someone like Laini Taylor or Patrick Ness. It has rhythm, humor, and heart without ever tipping into melodrama. Even the quiet moments hum with meaning. By the time the sci-fi elements fully kick in, you already believe in the people at the center of it.

Lily’s voice feels alive. She’s sharp, funny, sometimes lost, but never written as a trope. The supporting cast is just as strong, especially the Raath-Ka, who manage to be hilarious and oddly profound at once. It’s rare to find a YA space story that’s this introspective without losing momentum.

Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander isn’t about saving the universe so much as learning how to belong in it. And somehow, that makes the stakes feel even higher.

[caroline]

✍️📚This scene is absolutely immersive! Through Lily, we experience 26th-century space travel for the first time, and every detail flashes before our eyes. Her fear, her knuckles turning white, the vibration of the deck matching her heart's pounding – it all feels so real that we find ourselves gripping our seats tightly.

🌼The writing is brilliant at world-building. The shuttle's "grown, eggshell-like" organic walls, the casual mention of artificial gravity, the cloaking device's heat-wave-like barrier – all make the sci-fi tech feel grounded and believable. The boat-like sway of the tractor beam, the frost and pop of ears as they cross the mag-field, every sensory detail transports you there.💯

That first glimpse of Earth – "felt like a punch" – is a deeply emotional moment. And the contrast from the shuttle bay to the boutique-hotel corridor shows that the future isn't just metal, it's also warmth.

🌈The balance between Lily's wide-eyed curiosity and Caris's calm control makes the scene human. The total package: thrill, wonder, and a faint hope of finding a new home ❤️‍🔥✨️✨️

[Destiny Battaglia]

Good book. It is definitely in the YA category, and it's targeted well to them considering the characters and their ages. The only critique I have, which is far more personal, is this book would have been just as great, if not better, if it wasn't in the YA category. If these characters were in their 20s or 30s, it really would have made things great. But there was nothing far-fetched either considering how this was written and its setting. The characters are interesting, the character arcs are great, the actions and dialogue is believable, and the plot is entertaining. There was, to me, a great twist I didn't see coming regarding the main character. How it was written I didn't even consider, so that reveal definitely got a good reaction out of me. This book hits all the themes it wishes to make. It's all about identity, struggling and adapting to a new reality, and finding family. It was written well, and it was a good pace.

[Book Noe]

✍️Lily Starling is a book that's hard to forget. Even after her memory is wiped, her fire and sarcasm are alive 🔥. When surrounded by strangers, instead of getting scared, she lightens the mood by saying "cop vibes" 😏. She doesn't run away even after hearing about time travel, but asks questions and faces the truth. Her courage in the middle of battle is on a different level 💪. The ship is breaking apart, gravity is gone, she has a shoulder injury, yet her insistence that "I have to reach the bridge" makes her a real leader. After the attack on the Colony, she takes Xynn's hand and becomes stronger instead of breaking down. Lily is smart, loyal, and emotionally real. She's neither perfect nor timid. Even amidst the confusion, her compass points to duty and humanity. Amnesia may steal her identity, but not her heart and courage. Lily Starling = wit + grit + heart. Sci-fi is read for characters like this.💫

[Abdul]

Memory Loss in Space


Lily Starling wakes up with zero memory of her past, just a metal name tag and survival instincts, which is already a rough way to start your day before strangers show up claiming to be from centuries in the future.

These aren’t just any random time travelers - they’re officers from the United Space Fleet who insist Lily was once a brilliant lieutenant on a mission to stop a psychic alien race called the Krythar from basically rewriting history.

The crew of the starship Salamander becomes Lily’s makeshift family, complete with a scarred warrior, a secretive android, and a captain carrying way too much baggage - basically the perfect found family setup for a space adventure.

If you’re a fan of Mass Effect, Firefly, or space opera, this book hits all the right notes.

[Chentan 01]

Christian Hurst : Excellent Skills ♥️
write a book

✍️This passage paints a vivid and haunting picture of life in San Francisco’s Mission District, capturing the harsh realities of gentrification and homelessness with striking detail. Through Lily’s perspective, the story becomes deeply personal, showing how survival shapes her thoughts, choices, and resilience. 🌼

The contrast between luxury development and human suffering is portrayed powerfully, making the reader reflect on society’s indifference. Lily herself stands out as a strong yet vulnerable character, especially in moments like helping the young boy despite her own struggles.

✍️The writing is immersive, emotional, and thought-provoking, pulling readers into a world that often goes unnoticed. Overall, it’s a compelling and socially relevant piece that highlights inequality while keeping the narrative engaging and human. 🌈🌈💯

[Raymon]

Christian Hurst : Excellent writing ✍️ A BOOK

Review 🌈🌈📚 Chentan

✍️📚"This passage is a gripping and intense scene that masterfully builds tension and suspense. The writing is vivid and immersive, drawing the reader into Lily's world of uncertainty and danger. 🪡

✍️📚The character development is spot on, with Lily's fear and determination making her a compelling protagonist. The story is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The themes of survival, trust, and identity are woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the story. 💯

✍️📚The author's use of sensory details brings the setting to life, making the reader feel like they're experiencing it firsthand. Overall, it's a compelling and engaging read that will leave you wanting more. 💓🔥"

[Chentan]

《Christian Hurst》wonderful write a book

✍️📚Lily looks absolutely amazing in this scene! Even after her memory loss, her attitude and sarcasm remain intact. Even when four strangers surround her, instead of cowering, she turns around and asks, "Why are you getting cop vibes?" Her humor works even in high-pressure moments: the dialogue about alien experiments lightens the tension of the scene.
Lily is smart and instinctive. As soon as she sees the glow of the com tag, her mind starts searching for answers. 26th century, time travel, United Space Fleet – she doesn't run away, but instead steps forward to find the truth. There's fear, there's✨️ confusion, but the courage to trust is greater than that. Defiant, witty, and brave at heart – Lily is the kind of hero who makes you feel like you can create an identity even without memories.
💯❤️‍🩹💯

[Joy Smith]

Christian Hurst : Excellent Skills ✍️ writing a book
🌈🌈📚

✍️"This passage is a gripping and intense scene that masterfully builds tension and suspense.

📚The writing is vivid and immersive, drawing the reader into Lily's world of uncertainty and danger.
The character development is spot on, with Lily, with her tough exterior and vulnerable interior, is both relatable and endearing. The story is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. 💫

✍️The themes of survival, trust, and identity are woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the story.
The author's use of sensory details brings the city to life, making it feel gritty and real. Overall, it's a compelling and engaging read that will leave you wanting more. 💕"

[Curtly]

Christian Hurst : Wonderful writing ✍️ a book

review ♥️ chtn, 🌈🌈💯

✍️📚Lily is a powerful and layered character who, even in the midst of confusion and danger, never loses her sharp mind and sharp tongue. Despite being Lieutenant Lily Starling, who hails from the 26th century, her memories are gone, but not her spirit.💫

✍️📚 She asks questions, engages in backchat, and refuses to give up even when cornered. In front of Caris, Datch, and the rest of the team, she displays a fearful yet defiant defiance that makes her human and real. ✨️


✍️📚Time travel, com tags, and the secret of her own identity all fall on her head, yet she holds her own. Lily is vulnerable, yet she is strong. No, it's sarcastic but it's heartfelt caring. His story is a perfect mix of mystery, action and emotion. 🚀✨"

[Sayren Smith]

{Excellent Skills} 💯♥️💯

Review ♥️ ctn

✍️✨️"Lily is a fire that flares up even more when extinguished. Memories erased, a gleaming com tag in hand, and a team from the 26th century standing in front of her calling her 'Lieutenant Starling.' 🌟

✍️📕But Lily remembers neither her name nor her mission. When Caris reveals the truth about time travel, she laughs, turns around and dodges questions, because she knows how to sarcastically defy fear.
At every twist, she falls, then gets back up, surprising everyone.🪡

✍️📚 One moment she appears to be running on a runway, the next she becomes a space fleet officer. Lily's story is a secret. It's a rollercoaster of betrayal and self-discovery. 🔥💯🌐

[Katrina Burns]

Christian Hurst’s Lily Starling is a fast-paced space opera with a strong emotional core. The story follows Lily, a woman with no memory of her past, suddenly pulled into a future war against a psionic alien threat. As she joins the crew of the starship Salamander, she must confront the mystery of who she was—and who she wants to become.

With rich world-building, sharp dialogue, and a cast of memorable characters, Hurst delivers both action and heart. It’s a great pick for fans of Firefly and Mass Effect, offering a fresh take on identity, loyalty, and the cost of war.

A strong sci-fi debut with plenty of promise.

[Khalifa]

This book blew me away! I picked it up because I love Firefly vibes, but I stayed because Lily Starling is the kind of heroine I didn’t even know I needed. She’s flawed, fierce, and struggling to understand herself, and that made me love her all the more. The Salamander crew gave me such strong “found family” feels banter, loyalty, heartbreak, and triumph all rolled into one. By the end, I was practically hugging the book. If you crave space operas with heart and high stakes, do yourself a favor: read this immediately.

[Absolute]

This novel manages to blend sharp worldbuilding, compelling mystery, and character-driven storytelling into a cohesive, gripping space opera. What stood out most was the treatment of identity Lily’s amnesia isn’t just a plot device, it’s a metaphor for rediscovering one’s place in the universe. The pacing is swift but never rushed, balancing action sequences with quiet, emotional beats. While there were moments where I wanted more explanation of the Krythar threat, the tension carried me through without pause. A stellar debut in the genre.