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Orbital Drop: A Union Empire Novel
As a member of the Wardens, Celine Moro is tasked with protecting the Union Empire from those who seek to harm it.
The civil war that engulfed the empire has been over for decades, but when she’s asked to infiltrate and capture a criminal who was once an enemy to the Union, she soon finds herself dragging up old memories of those she’d lost during the war.
As the mission continues, Celine has to decide if she wants vengeance for those who have long since been dead, or justice for those still alive.
The civil war that engulfed the empire has been over for decades, but when she’s asked to infiltrate and capture a criminal who was once an enemy to the Union, she soon finds herself dragging up old memories of those she’d lost during the war.
As the mission continues, Celine has to decide if she wants vengeance for those who have long since been dead, or justice for those still alive.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
About the author
Steve McHugh
52 books1,908 followersSteve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy. His book, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel.
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 13, 2026
I enjoyed Orbital Drop. It was a great story and a good example of the Sci-Fi genre. I loved the concept of the book. The cover is good and it has great visuals on it. I love the colours and it's very eye-catching. The writing is good and the story flows nicely. I do love the elements of Science Fiction in the book and it's a favourite genre. The setting is good and has great futuristic elements. The characters are brilliant and well developed. I liked Celine. She was strong and definitely did her best for what she believed in. How her story unfolded was interesting. I definitely recommend this.
July 11, 2026
Wow!! What an adventure!!
This was absolutely crazy! It starts off a bit slow and I wasn't sure where Celine was going and what the purpose was.
Slowly but surely when more information becomes available and things start to move very fast.
I loved the vivid descriptions of the creatures on Vanestra, they were incredible and I had more than a few nail biting moments as they battled these monsters!
When enemy turns friend and friend turns foe you know you are in for a jolly good ride! How amazing were those fight scenes?
I am left wanting more and I suspect this will turn into a very good Sci-fi/fantasy series just based on the creative creatures @stevemchughauthor came up with!
What a fantastic read - action packed, great world building and amazing characters! A must read for fantasy fans!
This was absolutely crazy! It starts off a bit slow and I wasn't sure where Celine was going and what the purpose was.
Slowly but surely when more information becomes available and things start to move very fast.
I loved the vivid descriptions of the creatures on Vanestra, they were incredible and I had more than a few nail biting moments as they battled these monsters!
When enemy turns friend and friend turns foe you know you are in for a jolly good ride! How amazing were those fight scenes?
I am left wanting more and I suspect this will turn into a very good Sci-fi/fantasy series just based on the creative creatures @stevemchughauthor came up with!
What a fantastic read - action packed, great world building and amazing characters! A must read for fantasy fans!
July 18, 2026
Recommend
Orbital Drop by Steve J. McHugh.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked from page one. I loved the cover of this book. I liked Celine straight away. I loved how the creatures on Vanestra were described. I was on the edge of my seat. I read this in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I do hope there is more to come. I definitely recommend this book.
Orbital Drop by Steve J. McHugh.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was hooked from page one. I loved the cover of this book. I liked Celine straight away. I loved how the creatures on Vanestra were described. I was on the edge of my seat. I read this in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I do hope there is more to come. I definitely recommend this book.
July 13, 2026
4.5*
Orbital Drop is a fast paced novel from start to finish and I really enjoyed the plot, the characters and the setting. McHugh does a brilliant job of making the reader feel fully immersed in the story and I was immediately drawn into the story. The Wardens are sent on a mission to the planet Vanestra thought to be full of traitors and criminals operating a black market after the civil war trapped the people of two ships here. This story is full of intrigue, amazing battle scenes and shocking twists creating a brilliant page turner!
The plot was incredibly fast paced and exciting and I loved the premise of the main character Celine and her team travelling to this planet on a classified mission along with the Military Intelligence Reconnaissance after the attempt of a kidnapping of a Union Councillor’s daughter. All information leads to an ex Union member Ralan turned traitor and leader of the black market operation as Celine and her team now have to capture him for answers. What follows is the reveal of secrets and lies which change everything they thought they knew about the Empire and makes for a brilliant story.
I really loved the characters in this novel. Celine is a badass female leader along with her team Kranis, Gallo and Amressa joined by Mal and Sime from the MIR as well as a feeling synth Gigi who was a brilliant side character! I loved their dynamics and the humour also added to the story especially when things got tense. There were also some shock betrayals and I loved how I never knew what was coming next. The humans turned monsters that had been experimented on were terrifying and I loved the battle scenes as they had to protect the city from being overrun.
The setting of the novel was also brilliantly described, from the beautiful space as they travel to the planet to Vanestra itself and the scar that runs through it. The idea that almost 15 thousand people live on a planet that will eventually become uninhabitable and the city and community they had created from it was very impressive. It was hard to imagine the complete scale of the two ships but I loved how well its explained to the reader as the team is making their way through it.
Overall, this book is only 250 pages but it is packed full of action, sci-fi adventures and family dynamics as Celine and her team try to make sense of everything happening on a planet they had completely different views of under intense pressure from an impending attack. I never wanted the story to end as I loved the characters and the plot and would love to read more of McHugh’s stories, especially the ones involving Celine’s character.
Orbital Drop is a fast paced novel from start to finish and I really enjoyed the plot, the characters and the setting. McHugh does a brilliant job of making the reader feel fully immersed in the story and I was immediately drawn into the story. The Wardens are sent on a mission to the planet Vanestra thought to be full of traitors and criminals operating a black market after the civil war trapped the people of two ships here. This story is full of intrigue, amazing battle scenes and shocking twists creating a brilliant page turner!
The plot was incredibly fast paced and exciting and I loved the premise of the main character Celine and her team travelling to this planet on a classified mission along with the Military Intelligence Reconnaissance after the attempt of a kidnapping of a Union Councillor’s daughter. All information leads to an ex Union member Ralan turned traitor and leader of the black market operation as Celine and her team now have to capture him for answers. What follows is the reveal of secrets and lies which change everything they thought they knew about the Empire and makes for a brilliant story.
I really loved the characters in this novel. Celine is a badass female leader along with her team Kranis, Gallo and Amressa joined by Mal and Sime from the MIR as well as a feeling synth Gigi who was a brilliant side character! I loved their dynamics and the humour also added to the story especially when things got tense. There were also some shock betrayals and I loved how I never knew what was coming next. The humans turned monsters that had been experimented on were terrifying and I loved the battle scenes as they had to protect the city from being overrun.
The setting of the novel was also brilliantly described, from the beautiful space as they travel to the planet to Vanestra itself and the scar that runs through it. The idea that almost 15 thousand people live on a planet that will eventually become uninhabitable and the city and community they had created from it was very impressive. It was hard to imagine the complete scale of the two ships but I loved how well its explained to the reader as the team is making their way through it.
Overall, this book is only 250 pages but it is packed full of action, sci-fi adventures and family dynamics as Celine and her team try to make sense of everything happening on a planet they had completely different views of under intense pressure from an impending attack. I never wanted the story to end as I loved the characters and the plot and would love to read more of McHugh’s stories, especially the ones involving Celine’s character.
November 7, 2026
I’ve delved into the authors imagination before so was very happy to pick up Orbital Drop knowing I could immerse myself back into the world Steve J. McHugh has created.
We follow Celine, A Warden. we’ve met Celine before, so I just knew I was going to enjoy this one!
The plot is fast paced and exciting from the off. When we first see Celine, she’s hunting a man who planned to kidnap a Union Councillor’s daughter.
Things spiral though as we quickly learn he was just the puppet, not the puppet master. Who is and why did this want to kidnap this particular person?
As we go deeper in things seem to link back to an ex-Union member Ralan, turned traitor and now leader of black-market underworld on a planet you can’t visit.. for many they don’t exist.. things just feel off though the more we learn.
I won’t spoil it but let’s just say there is some lovely twists and turns as Celine arrives on the plant to capture Ralan and like Celine you are on your guard throughout just waiting for the truth to come out.
Looking at the characters, I really enjoyed the mix, Gigi was my favourite. A syth with personality ha ha. Mal and Sime, both bring something to the tale, Mal is mysterious in their motives and Sime brings a historic connection to Celine, but can either be trusted? Kranis, Gallo and Amressa bring dry humour and camaraderie to the tale and it was great to see how these characters played off one another!
Given it’s such a fast paced novel I was surprised just how much detail was crammed in, locations, and in particular creatures. The use of a Sage and their ability to sense animals/humans was particularly interesting. I also loved the back story to explain how the planet Vanestra came to be as it is, a planet with a huge scar down it, two massive ships being salvaged for parts and how given time.. will cease to exist
For fans of the author it hits all the notes you’d expect and for new readers I’d say this is the perfect intro into the authors mind, the words flow easily, no plot holes, characters have meaning.. It just ticks all the boxes for me.
Overall I loved Orbital Drop, I think it showcases the authors talents but also leaves the door open for more.. and that’s what’s exciting for me..In the world the author has created there’s so much potential!
We follow Celine, A Warden. we’ve met Celine before, so I just knew I was going to enjoy this one!
The plot is fast paced and exciting from the off. When we first see Celine, she’s hunting a man who planned to kidnap a Union Councillor’s daughter.
Things spiral though as we quickly learn he was just the puppet, not the puppet master. Who is and why did this want to kidnap this particular person?
As we go deeper in things seem to link back to an ex-Union member Ralan, turned traitor and now leader of black-market underworld on a planet you can’t visit.. for many they don’t exist.. things just feel off though the more we learn.
I won’t spoil it but let’s just say there is some lovely twists and turns as Celine arrives on the plant to capture Ralan and like Celine you are on your guard throughout just waiting for the truth to come out.
Looking at the characters, I really enjoyed the mix, Gigi was my favourite. A syth with personality ha ha. Mal and Sime, both bring something to the tale, Mal is mysterious in their motives and Sime brings a historic connection to Celine, but can either be trusted? Kranis, Gallo and Amressa bring dry humour and camaraderie to the tale and it was great to see how these characters played off one another!
Given it’s such a fast paced novel I was surprised just how much detail was crammed in, locations, and in particular creatures. The use of a Sage and their ability to sense animals/humans was particularly interesting. I also loved the back story to explain how the planet Vanestra came to be as it is, a planet with a huge scar down it, two massive ships being salvaged for parts and how given time.. will cease to exist
For fans of the author it hits all the notes you’d expect and for new readers I’d say this is the perfect intro into the authors mind, the words flow easily, no plot holes, characters have meaning.. It just ticks all the boxes for me.
Overall I loved Orbital Drop, I think it showcases the authors talents but also leaves the door open for more.. and that’s what’s exciting for me..In the world the author has created there’s so much potential!
July 21, 2026
Here is my review for Orbital Drop by Steve McHugh
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this science fiction story which sees Celine Moro being tasked with teaming up scanners to go to the planet where Lilia had died many years ago. The closer she gets to the planet, the more her old memories infiltrate her mind and cloud her current thinking.
I was totally hooked by this story right from the very start and I just couldn’t put it down. The author was very good at setting the scene. The writing was very descriptive and everything was described in great detail. The characters were intriguing, described in great detail and were very realistic. I was drawn to the story by the synopsis and I wasn’t disappointed. I like this author’s writing style and find it easy to read. I enjoy reading science fiction and I would like to read more of this author’s books in that genre.
Synopsis :
As a member of the Wardens, Celine Moro is tasked with protecting the Union Empire from those who seek to harm it.
The civil war that engulfed the empire has been over for decades, but when she’s asked to infiltrate and capture a criminal who was once an enemy to the Union, she soon finds herself dragging up old memories of those she’d lost during the war.
As the mission continues, Celine has to decide if she wants vengeance for those who have long since been dead, or justice for those still alive.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this science fiction story which sees Celine Moro being tasked with teaming up scanners to go to the planet where Lilia had died many years ago. The closer she gets to the planet, the more her old memories infiltrate her mind and cloud her current thinking.
I was totally hooked by this story right from the very start and I just couldn’t put it down. The author was very good at setting the scene. The writing was very descriptive and everything was described in great detail. The characters were intriguing, described in great detail and were very realistic. I was drawn to the story by the synopsis and I wasn’t disappointed. I like this author’s writing style and find it easy to read. I enjoy reading science fiction and I would like to read more of this author’s books in that genre.
Synopsis :
As a member of the Wardens, Celine Moro is tasked with protecting the Union Empire from those who seek to harm it.
The civil war that engulfed the empire has been over for decades, but when she’s asked to infiltrate and capture a criminal who was once an enemy to the Union, she soon finds herself dragging up old memories of those she’d lost during the war.
As the mission continues, Celine has to decide if she wants vengeance for those who have long since been dead, or justice for those still alive.
May 3, 2026
Rating: 3.5 stars
Once again, I've looking back through the list of books by Steve McHugh that I've read over the last several years and compared it to his list of published works. I'm definitely a fan since I've read a clear majority. I read Blackcoat (a novella) during July 2022. The main character is Celine. In Atoned (2023), the MC is Felix Drake. He is very interesting and complex individual. Scary powerful but still human. The MC in Orbital Drop is Celine once again. Of course, my favorite character(s) in this universe (Union Empire/Wardens) aren't the MCs. I like the synths...I'm predictable! There are lots of characters and many different lifeforms.
SUMMARY: As a member of the Wardens, Celine Moro is tasked with protecting the Union Empire from those who seek to harm it. The civil war that engulfed the empire has been over for decades, but when she’s asked to infiltrate and capture a criminal who was once an enemy to the Union, she soon finds herself dragging up old memories of those she’d lost during the war. As the mission continues, Celine has to decide if she wants vengeance for those who have long since been dead, or justice for those still alive.
Once again, I've looking back through the list of books by Steve McHugh that I've read over the last several years and compared it to his list of published works. I'm definitely a fan since I've read a clear majority. I read Blackcoat (a novella) during July 2022. The main character is Celine. In Atoned (2023), the MC is Felix Drake. He is very interesting and complex individual. Scary powerful but still human. The MC in Orbital Drop is Celine once again. Of course, my favorite character(s) in this universe (Union Empire/Wardens) aren't the MCs. I like the synths...I'm predictable! There are lots of characters and many different lifeforms.
SUMMARY: As a member of the Wardens, Celine Moro is tasked with protecting the Union Empire from those who seek to harm it. The civil war that engulfed the empire has been over for decades, but when she’s asked to infiltrate and capture a criminal who was once an enemy to the Union, she soon finds herself dragging up old memories of those she’d lost during the war. As the mission continues, Celine has to decide if she wants vengeance for those who have long since been dead, or justice for those still alive.
June 6, 2026
Great start to a new series
I thoroughly enjoyed Orbital Drop, the first Union Empire novel by Steve McHugh. From the very beginning, the story pulled me in and I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. The pacing kept me hooked throughout, and every chapter left me wanting to read just one more. The characters were fantastic — well written, engaging, and easy to become invested in. I found myself really caring about what happened to them.
What I loved most was how immersive the story felt. By the time I reached the end, I wasn’t ready for it to be over. It left me eager to dive back into this world, and I’m already looking forward to the next book. I really hope there are lots more to come in the series because this was such an enjoyable read. Highly recommended for sci-fi fans!
I thoroughly enjoyed Orbital Drop, the first Union Empire novel by Steve McHugh. From the very beginning, the story pulled me in and I genuinely didn’t want to put it down. The pacing kept me hooked throughout, and every chapter left me wanting to read just one more. The characters were fantastic — well written, engaging, and easy to become invested in. I found myself really caring about what happened to them.
What I loved most was how immersive the story felt. By the time I reached the end, I wasn’t ready for it to be over. It left me eager to dive back into this world, and I’m already looking forward to the next book. I really hope there are lots more to come in the series because this was such an enjoyable read. Highly recommended for sci-fi fans!
May 22, 2026
Another Genre Another Gem by McHugh
I have been a fan of author McHugh since Crimes Against Magic and have read almost every book and novella he has written. In Orbital Drop he follows the continued career of Celine, former Union
soldier, former Black Coat and now one of the Wardens. Celine is a great character, with a code of honor and the warrior skills in support of her morals. Author McHugh delivers the goods. In a departure from his other genres, this time it's science fiction. What hasn't changed is the flair for characters you will love and action that will not disappoint.
I have been a fan of author McHugh since Crimes Against Magic and have read almost every book and novella he has written. In Orbital Drop he follows the continued career of Celine, former Union
soldier, former Black Coat and now one of the Wardens. Celine is a great character, with a code of honor and the warrior skills in support of her morals. Author McHugh delivers the goods. In a departure from his other genres, this time it's science fiction. What hasn't changed is the flair for characters you will love and action that will not disappoint.
July 15, 2026
I loved Orbital Drop which is a stellar sci-fi novel with well developed, believable characters and an interesting storyline. I loved the writing and how the story and world of the novel developed throughout without a lot of information dumping. I loved Celine, but Gigi was my favourite. I just seem to have a soft spot for synths. Once again McHugh knows how to tell a fantastic story that keeps you engaged throughout. A really solid sci-fi novel that is sure to tick all your boxes.
As always thank you to ZooLoo’s Book Tours, publishers and author for the copy to review. My reviews are always given freely and my honest opinion of the book is given.
As always thank you to ZooLoo’s Book Tours, publishers and author for the copy to review. My reviews are always given freely and my honest opinion of the book is given.
July 15, 2026
I received, and thank you for, a gifted digital copy to read and review from the author and ZooLoo's Book Tours. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Orbital Drop is a great example of a fun science fiction adventure. When I first read First Hunt and Orbital Drop by Steve McHugh I was not aware of just how many books he has written (a lot!). I have since learned that the novel Atoned and the novella Blackcoat are in the same universe as Orbital Drop. I'll be reading those when I can because this was entertaining, fast-paced, space adventure fun. Celine is a strong, interesting character that was easy for me to route for. And at just under 250 pages, it flew by.
Orbital Drop is a great example of a fun science fiction adventure. When I first read First Hunt and Orbital Drop by Steve McHugh I was not aware of just how many books he has written (a lot!). I have since learned that the novel Atoned and the novella Blackcoat are in the same universe as Orbital Drop. I'll be reading those when I can because this was entertaining, fast-paced, space adventure fun. Celine is a strong, interesting character that was easy for me to route for. And at just under 250 pages, it flew by.
July 7, 2026
Fun new sci-fi series
This is probably close to a space opera. I wish the characters had a little more development time as they all were unique with skills and backgrounds that will only enhance future stories. Plenty of battles with a hint of magic along with political intrigue. McHugh manages to make fresh ideas into fun stories and this is no exception.
This is probably close to a space opera. I wish the characters had a little more development time as they all were unique with skills and backgrounds that will only enhance future stories. Plenty of battles with a hint of magic along with political intrigue. McHugh manages to make fresh ideas into fun stories and this is no exception.
September 8, 2026
Not quite as incredible as his fantasy novels, but an enjoyable quick, easy read.
McHugh's fantasy work is some of my favorite, so I decided to give this a try. The narrative is easy to follow and proceeds at a quick, fun pace. I'd easily recommend it to fans of sci-fi novels who need a good, quick read.
McHugh's fantasy work is some of my favorite, so I decided to give this a try. The narrative is easy to follow and proceeds at a quick, fun pace. I'd easily recommend it to fans of sci-fi novels who need a good, quick read.
May 19, 2026
Another fantastic story, fitting into the other two, Blackcoat and Atoned. The story is great, fast paced and for me a real page turner. The figures are described in a nice way, not too detailed and perfectly built up step by step.
June 18, 2026
a wonderful romp in a new universe
This is only a slight deviation from the other books, yet still holds the reader on edge- genuinely looking forward to more and another branch in the stout oak that is Steve McHugh.
This is only a slight deviation from the other books, yet still holds the reader on edge- genuinely looking forward to more and another branch in the stout oak that is Steve McHugh.
June 22, 2026
Stellar Story
Love Steve's world in which he lets us be a part of and includes us in his great journey. I always get invested in the characters and the challenges he puts them through.
Love Steve's world in which he lets us be a part of and includes us in his great journey. I always get invested in the characters and the challenges he puts them through.
July 14, 2026
Enjoyable
I'm not sure why but the sci fi works don't draw me in as much as the urban fantasy.
But with that said,this is a good read The characters are well done and the pacing is excellent.
I'm not sure why but the sci fi works don't draw me in as much as the urban fantasy.
But with that said,this is a good read The characters are well done and the pacing is excellent.
June 27, 2026
Another intriguing story from Steve McHugh - his mind is a wondrous space! Strong female lead, twists, turns, betrayal and redemption - non stop action - all set within a torturous landscape. These books are not for the faint hearted; there is violence, bloodshed, death and destruction. Multiple monsters - not all human - the pace is relentless - the language uncompromising. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews