Add on the nail-biting battle scenes, the varied and well rounded characters, and the intriguing alien mystery, Hell Space makes for a brilliant summer read! Nerdgeist
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Humanity’s golden age of space expansion shatters when astronomer Jayne Flynn detects the first undeniable signs of alien intelligence in over a century. Simultaneously, an ancient, battle-scarred warship erupts from beneath Earth’s crust, triggering a cataclysmic supervolcano.
Earth is suddenly caught in an aeons-old war between the Graxx, a civilisation capable of destroying galaxies, and the Trine – enigmatic beings from deep space with a disturbing connection to humanity itself. As the last survivors flee into the stars, a fragile alliance forms between the Earth Defense Fleet and the Trine. But trust is fragile, and ancient grudges run deep.
In the shadows, a ruthless human cult leader escapes captivity, intent on seizing control of humanity’s future. As terrifying truths emerge, preparations begin for a final confrontation, one that will decide whether humanity ascends… or is wiped from existence.
We are a father-and-son writing duo, The David Sangsters.
David Snr. (born 1948) is a retired hotelier and lifelong sci-fi enthusiast whose love for the genre began over 65 years ago when he first discovered Ray Bradbury’s The Golden Apples of the Sun in Worcester library when his family moved there from Scotland. His influences span from Larry Niven and Harlan Ellison to Steven Erikson and Terry Pratchett and most sci-fi and fantasy authors in-between.
David Jnr. (born 1970) is a retired solicitor. Growing up in Tenby, surrounded by his father’s extensive sci-fi collection, he developed a passion for the genre, drawing inspiration from authors such as Douglas Adams, Andy Weir, Frank Herbert, and Cormac McCarthy.
Hell Space Book 1 – Revelations blends fast-paced action with deep world-building, exploring political and religious themes within a dystopian future. Following the devastation of Earth due to an alien war in the Solar System, humanity struggles to survive amidst warring factions and advanced extra-terrestrial civilizations. The novel offers a gripping, multi-layered narrative that could resonate with fans of Dune and The Expanse, with a richly developed universe capable of supporting spin-offs and expansions.
We are currently working on Book 2, where humanity’s survivors navigate fragile alliances with differing alien species while political intrigue and betrayal shape the fate of their civilization. Given the relevance of these themes in today’s geopolitical climate, we believe this story series has significant depth and appeal to intrigue readers of sci-fi.
I picked up a copy of this book by chance, while on a stag do in Tenby. Of all the times and places, I happened to stumble on a book signing by the authors. and am I glad I did!
This was a fast paced introduction to the Hell Space universe and it's left me wanting more! I only wish the next book was already available as I could happily consume this saga in one sitting!
Netgalley ARC-A solid entry into the sci fi genre. Spans a lot of themes and plays well on the current economy and world politics. You can tell they pull from the genres great pioneers and that they love their craft. I'd be interested in the sequel or even if they decide not to continue, the ending was a good one.
I haven’t read much sci-fi and this had me hooked.
I loved the concept that following the first contact with aliens in the 70s, Earth had been preparing for an invasion and had finally convinced humans to look after their planet and create a better stronger Earth. I loved reading about life on the moon, space travel and all of the futuristic technology. The interview in the prologue was a great way to give us some backstory and create world building too.
Then what develops is devastating, scary and exciting. I enjoyed learning about the aliens, the galaxies and politics. There’s so much action, plotting and betrayal.
I really liked Jayne, head of the Sagittarius project, she’s an astronomer and astrophysicist. She’s a strong FMC, intelligent, focused and resilient. She’s been obsessed with alien life since she was a child, built her whole career around it and now she’s thrust into the middle of an alien war.
This book was well paced, had great world building and kept me interested throughout.
Overall, this was 4⭐️ for me and I’m excited to read book 2 to see what happens next.
Modern SF is thin on the ground these days and I have had some disappointments, I found the story a little jumpy and suspect it had had some edits and bits fell out. It has something of Iain M. Banks about it but or would have with a little polish. I thought the bad guys other than the Graxx (who I suspect will turn out maybe not the enemy or after least have good reason/alibi) are the home grown HS who seem to be Reform/White Supremacy/EDL/MAGA descendants, rather than the cultures conventional Idiran (Russian) opponents. That's what you get with modern books, modern enemy's.
Fast paced from the get go!! I was thrusted into a vibrant expanse and kept there until the final moments of the book. I’m left with more questions than I started with and wanting more from the beautifully created cosmos
With such a vast world and background to build up, the authors don’t jump straight into the action instead slowly but effectively presenting the new world status quo, explaining the technology, introducing us to characters that will take centre stage and unraveling the plot that will follow. You can feel the subtle raising of the stakes, which ultimately leads to an almighty crescendo.
The aptly named chapter 9 “All Hell Breaks Loose” sets the tone for the next 100 pages , and the authors don’t take their foot off the gas. It’s a gripping read that doesn’t give the reader a chance to breathe, in the best possible way. Short chapters ensure the fast pace of the book, making it an easy read.
The chapters of the book are seen through different characters eyes. At times, it can feel a bit repetitive going through the same events a few times especially as we know the outcome but it does offer a chance to see different perspectives and reactions from different people like scientists, politicians, military, and even the aliens themselves.
Once the action settles down a bit, the connection between the humans, the Trine, and the Graxx is revealed. It’s a satisfying reveal but one that gives more questions and mysteries to unravel which I suspect is what the authors were intending. Another big revelation and twist comes at the end of the novel, that sets up the next book perfectly.
Although a science fiction book, for me it’s the socio-political issues that really elevate the novel. The problems and conflicts that arise are very realistic, even in such a fantastical story, and at times it feels like a social commentary on our world today. I feel like the best sci-fi and fantasy books are grounded in reality, and Hell Space really captures that magic. Add on the exciting battle scenes, varied and well rounded characters, and the intriguing alien mystery, Hell Space makes for a brilliant summer read!
This book was brilliant...... Had no idea about it........as my wife bought it for me for father's Day at a book signing.
Wow..........read in a couple days ............just brilliant........... Get past the first few pages ............and then it's like a tidal wave of events that just get bigger and bigger.
Brilliant first contact book ....that gives you great twists .......and exciting surprises.
Leaves it wide open for more books for this series