Rogue Planet

by Donald McHugh II

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 18, 2026

Reviews

[Joseph Oaks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers an interesting premise that immediately sets it apart from other sci‑fi stories. The opening chapters are especially strong, written in a way that makes you feel the same disorientation the characters experience as they emerge from cryo sleep. That immersive confusion pulls you in quickly and effectively. The mission they embark on—and the reasoning behind it—is refreshingly original, something I haven’t encountered before in the genre.

Character dynamics are one of the book’s greatest strengths. The distrust among the crew feels earned and layered, especially with several members coming from alien races that were once at war. Each character brings a distinct, sometimes conflicting skillset, creating tension that feels organic rather than manufactured. The middle portion shifts into a gripping cat‑and‑mouse sequence, and the writing amplifies that suspense beautifully.

The ending is satisfying while still leaving enough unanswered questions to make you hope this is only the first installment. It’s a quick, engaging read that sets the stage for what could become a compelling series. Overall, it’s a well‑crafted story that blends tension, mystery, and character conflict in a way that keeps you turning pages.

[Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dipped into Rogue Planet, and while the cryo-wake opening and frozen rogue-world atmosphere immediately caught my attention, I honestly wasn’t sure space survival was my speed. Turns out, I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected.
It’s an intriguing sci-fi story about three women who emerge from cryosleep with a vital mission to save their planet. The writing pulls you into their disorientation—you feel just as lost and uncertain as Amil, Xada, and Mia. The dynamic between them is compelling, with trust and suspicion running side by side and keeping you guessing. The nonhuman life-forms also add a layer of mystery I didn’t see coming.
This is exactly why I subscribed to Kindle Unlimited: to discover interesting indie authors doing their own thing. I’m glad I gave this one a shot.

[Dan Sodano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a story about cooperation in isolation amongst those whose people had been at war with one another. The book begins with one character, Melody, and we’re introduced to others who are tasked to retrieve a much needed artifact from a desolate factory.

An arduous trek across a lonely frozen world only heightens the tension through such austerity. When there artifact lies is guarded by a fascinating enemy—a sentient machine which can self-relocate when insured. It consumes matter and the prose detailing it puts you face-to-face with the machine: the author details its transformation, much like a werewolf transformation, and it leaves you unsettled.

The escape from the machines and the factory with the artifact stamps the novel with authority.

[Gabrielle Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read and has an interesting twist on its non-human life! Curious to follow the biological implications. I can tell the characters definitely have backstory, which is interesting! This is a new take on aliens and survival, compared to what I've read.

[Scoutmaster904 · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I had never ventured into reading independent authors, but I really liked what I found here. The story is original and really sucks you in.
The risks seem real, and I found myself fully engaged in the characters.