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Fractured Space #1
Star Splinter
Star Splinter
Fractured Space Book One
As civilized space is torn apart, an unlikely crew is brought together.
As civilized space is torn apart, an unlikely crew is brought together.
Lieutenant Callum Harper hadn’t intended on punching his commanding officer quite so hard. But maybe it wasn’t such a bad turn of events. Court-martialed and dumped on a reject raft bound for Earth, Cal feels optimistic about a life where getting blown up, shot, or even eaten is altogether less of a concern. And, more importantly, a life where the only person he’s responsible for is himself.
Unfortunately, fate doesn’t favour the mundane. Crash-landing on a lethal planet, and with technology failing all around him, Cal must take his fellow passengers under his wing in order to survive and unravel the reasons behind their situation.
But the cause is far worse than any of them could have imagined, for theirs is a small part of a much larger crisis. Colonized space is under attack. Humanity is on the verge of chaos. And those who enjoy such anarchy are already beginning to thrive.
Yet Cal and his new companions will discover that mankind isn’t the true threat, not by a long shot.
"This novel just blew me away. It was like a giant mash up of Star Trek, Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park." ladyaliteraturejunkieextraordinaire
"Apart from being one of the best humorists around, this author is a very good science fiction writer." Amazon reviewer
Star Splinter is an action-packed adventure, but at it's heart it's a story about survival and the true worth of friendship.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2015
230 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
J.G. Cressey
8 books36 followersBorn in 1976, I grew up on the south coast of England and enjoyed an active childhood involving swing ropes, tree houses and homemade go-carts. In my teens the interests became scuba diving, rock climbing and martial arts. At the end of my teens a spanner was thrown in the works in the form of a car crash in which I managed to break my neck (Yes, it kinda hurt). Deciding that University was too dangerous for a young man in a wheelchair, I decided to travel the world for a decade or so. I took in some of Africa, Brazil, Cambodia, Australia, lived in New York and San Diego for a bit, basically had a fun time of it. But no matter where I went I always looked forward to heading back home to England. Despite the weather, it’s a rather nice place to live.
I guess I have Roald Dahl to thank for sparking my interest in books and writing. I loved his books as a boy and I remember seeing a documentary that showed footage of Mr Dahl sitting in a little shed in his garden sharpening pencils and scribbling away. The idea of it struck me as a good life and a couple of decades later the notion finally took hold. I don’t have a shed, but I do have a great library where I live in the South West of England. I visit it most days with my trusty little apple laptop and tap away.
Soon after Roald Dahl, it was Star Wars that began to influence my imagination — the combination of science fiction and fantasy really floated my boat, so to speak. I spent a few years dabbling with stories, but the big inspirational kick up the butt came when I first viewed the wonderful, but tragically short lived TV show, Firefly created by that force of nature Mr Joss Whedon. His balance of light hearted humour, sometimes dark, emotional drama and kick ass action really hit home and the idea for my first book ‘Star Splinter’ began to take shape. Star Splinter is the first in the Fractured Space series involving a group of characters who already seem to be doing the story telling for me! The prequel novella titled ‘Harper’s Ten’ is now also out and more are on the way!
I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
I guess I have Roald Dahl to thank for sparking my interest in books and writing. I loved his books as a boy and I remember seeing a documentary that showed footage of Mr Dahl sitting in a little shed in his garden sharpening pencils and scribbling away. The idea of it struck me as a good life and a couple of decades later the notion finally took hold. I don’t have a shed, but I do have a great library where I live in the South West of England. I visit it most days with my trusty little apple laptop and tap away.
Soon after Roald Dahl, it was Star Wars that began to influence my imagination — the combination of science fiction and fantasy really floated my boat, so to speak. I spent a few years dabbling with stories, but the big inspirational kick up the butt came when I first viewed the wonderful, but tragically short lived TV show, Firefly created by that force of nature Mr Joss Whedon. His balance of light hearted humour, sometimes dark, emotional drama and kick ass action really hit home and the idea for my first book ‘Star Splinter’ began to take shape. Star Splinter is the first in the Fractured Space series involving a group of characters who already seem to be doing the story telling for me! The prequel novella titled ‘Harper’s Ten’ is now also out and more are on the way!
I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 15, 2018
Punching out his superior officer earns Lieutenant Callum Harper a court-martial and a place on a "reject raft" shipping him back to Earth - except it never arrives there. Instead, Cal is pulled out of cryo-sleep to find the vessel in the process of crashing down on Mars, which has been turned into a big game reserve full of lethal creatures. Between those and failing technology turning the planet ever deadlier, Cal takes charge of the small group of fellow passengers, trying to survive long enough to find a way off the planet for himself and his ragtag crew.
Entertaining space opera fun with plenty of action and a delightful assortment of quirky characters.
Entertaining space opera fun with plenty of action and a delightful assortment of quirky characters.
March 15, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review. This has not affected my feelings towards the book.
This review can also be read here.
Plot:
This story is awesome. There’s not so much action in the beginning but the last 1/3 of the book is non-stop action. I loved it. The story follows an unlikely group of rejects who crash-land on Mars while en route to Earth. Together they need to figure a way off the planet, and then figure the cause behind their unexpected detour to Mars. There’s science, aliens and pirates, friends and foes. I think the concepts that Cressey explores in this story was interesting. If you loved Stargate, you’d find this interesting as well.
Characters:
I loved most of these characters. I didn’t care much for Eddy. She was way too crazy for me. Sometimes I’d just want to smack her and tell her to shut up. That aside, I think each character had something to contribute to the team. Cal is a great leader and role model. Jumper is like your uncle who really keeps to himself but will look out for you if need be. To me, Toker was the character with the most growth. In the beginning he was somewhat pig-headed and immature but he really starts to pull his weight as time goes by. Viktor, the science kid – honestly nothing more to say but he’s super genius. And they have their own cyborg, who looks and acts more human than expected, Melinda.
Writing:
The book starts off with action and then the action somewhat slows down at some points in the story but never enough to be boring. It was gripping and really kept me reading, wanting to reach the end. At some points you are really on the edge of your seat wondering how the hell are they going to make it out of this one. Can’t wait to read the next installment.
This review can also be read here.
Plot:
This story is awesome. There’s not so much action in the beginning but the last 1/3 of the book is non-stop action. I loved it. The story follows an unlikely group of rejects who crash-land on Mars while en route to Earth. Together they need to figure a way off the planet, and then figure the cause behind their unexpected detour to Mars. There’s science, aliens and pirates, friends and foes. I think the concepts that Cressey explores in this story was interesting. If you loved Stargate, you’d find this interesting as well.
Characters:
I loved most of these characters. I didn’t care much for Eddy. She was way too crazy for me. Sometimes I’d just want to smack her and tell her to shut up. That aside, I think each character had something to contribute to the team. Cal is a great leader and role model. Jumper is like your uncle who really keeps to himself but will look out for you if need be. To me, Toker was the character with the most growth. In the beginning he was somewhat pig-headed and immature but he really starts to pull his weight as time goes by. Viktor, the science kid – honestly nothing more to say but he’s super genius. And they have their own cyborg, who looks and acts more human than expected, Melinda.
Writing:
The book starts off with action and then the action somewhat slows down at some points in the story but never enough to be boring. It was gripping and really kept me reading, wanting to reach the end. At some points you are really on the edge of your seat wondering how the hell are they going to make it out of this one. Can’t wait to read the next installment.
February 8, 2015
"Laurence hoped there’d be a scar or two; he wanted to remember that glorious experience for the rest of his life, however short that may turn out to be."
Star Splinter is a science fiction novel with unique characters that are thrown together and must band together to survive. When all the odds seem to be against them, they have to set aside their differences and trust one another to save not only themselves but all of humanity.
Every character plays a major role in the struggle, and two of the six (or three of the seven if you count a character introduced in the middle of the story) are well-rounded women with their own thoughts, feelings, goals, and personalities. None are ditzy, helpless, or viewed as stupid by the others. Though I love science fiction, many stories are lacking this quality (though there have certainly been more and more lately), and I was happily surprised to see it in Star Splinter.
There's an air of mystery in this wonderful space opera as well. The unlikely heroes find themselves in conflict after crisis on their way to discover why Earth is no more and who could possibly be at the center of it all.
Star Splinter is a science fiction novel with unique characters that are thrown together and must band together to survive. When all the odds seem to be against them, they have to set aside their differences and trust one another to save not only themselves but all of humanity.
Every character plays a major role in the struggle, and two of the six (or three of the seven if you count a character introduced in the middle of the story) are well-rounded women with their own thoughts, feelings, goals, and personalities. None are ditzy, helpless, or viewed as stupid by the others. Though I love science fiction, many stories are lacking this quality (though there have certainly been more and more lately), and I was happily surprised to see it in Star Splinter.
There's an air of mystery in this wonderful space opera as well. The unlikely heroes find themselves in conflict after crisis on their way to discover why Earth is no more and who could possibly be at the center of it all.
Read
July 22, 2015Looking forward to more Fractured Space!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cressey got the mix of drama and sci-fi action about perfect without getting bogged down in tech descriptions that would lend to criticism. The climax was good near the end of the book and the epilogue left me waiting to read more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cressey got the mix of drama and sci-fi action about perfect without getting bogged down in tech descriptions that would lend to criticism. The climax was good near the end of the book and the epilogue left me waiting to read more.
August 7, 2021
Alex Wyndham is one of my favorite narrators❤️ This was a fun space adventure with a great cast of characters. I’ve already started the sequel⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 8, 2015
STAR SPLINTER by John Cressey is an engaging Space Opera Sci-Fi adventure with plenty of action and interesting characters. Drawing thinly from THE TERMINATOR and STARSHIP TROOPERS, his mix of action, personal growth, comradery, and human drive and ingenuity blend into a gripping story worthy of absorbing quickly.
Callum Harper isn't a Lieutenant in much of the story. He decks his CO and is on a one-way ticket back to Earth. On this "reject' craft, are a boy genius, a smoking-hot cyborg, an adrenalin junky, and a former female solder that is slightly `off'. Together they survive a crash-landing- not on Earth- where they sit at the bottom of the prehistoric food chain.
This in itself is still only the beginning of their journey as well as the beginning chapters of the story. If you are a regular sci-fi reader, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with Creesey's style. As with most Space Opera adventures, you have the Amazing Hero (often reluctant) squaring off against all odds and prevailing. Oh, you still have the Reluctant Hero in STAR SPLINTER, but his co-heroes play major roles which bring the story to life.
I did find myself skimming some sections without missing any action. I believe this is Creesey's debut so I'm not holding that against him; just pointing it out to potential readers. I noticed few editing errors. Although this is Book One of a planned trilogy, it is not a bait and switch. There is a definitive end to the action and could stand alone. That said, it leaves the door wide open for several storylines to develop. More importantly, it will leave you wanting to see how the arc ends and how the characters get there.
I look forward to continuing the adventure.
Callum Harper isn't a Lieutenant in much of the story. He decks his CO and is on a one-way ticket back to Earth. On this "reject' craft, are a boy genius, a smoking-hot cyborg, an adrenalin junky, and a former female solder that is slightly `off'. Together they survive a crash-landing- not on Earth- where they sit at the bottom of the prehistoric food chain.
This in itself is still only the beginning of their journey as well as the beginning chapters of the story. If you are a regular sci-fi reader, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with Creesey's style. As with most Space Opera adventures, you have the Amazing Hero (often reluctant) squaring off against all odds and prevailing. Oh, you still have the Reluctant Hero in STAR SPLINTER, but his co-heroes play major roles which bring the story to life.
I did find myself skimming some sections without missing any action. I believe this is Creesey's debut so I'm not holding that against him; just pointing it out to potential readers. I noticed few editing errors. Although this is Book One of a planned trilogy, it is not a bait and switch. There is a definitive end to the action and could stand alone. That said, it leaves the door wide open for several storylines to develop. More importantly, it will leave you wanting to see how the arc ends and how the characters get there.
I look forward to continuing the adventure.
April 14, 2015
Fun sci-fi adventure that begins with a transport filled with likeable criminals crash landing on Mars, which apparently in the future is a dinosaur hunting ground. Our group quickly escapes, discovers that Earth has been destroyed, and somehow get their hands on a first class military ship. So this quickly becomes sort of a Firefly/Serenity type adventure, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
The characters are somewhat stereotypical, but I found myself liking them and seeing where their adventures were taking them. Also, there's plenty of mystery as they try to discover what happened to Earth, who destroyed it, and searching for other survivors.
Also, as the beginning of a series, there's plenty of room for a sequel. I certainly would like to see what happens next so I'll be picking up the next book in the series.
The characters are somewhat stereotypical, but I found myself liking them and seeing where their adventures were taking them. Also, there's plenty of mystery as they try to discover what happened to Earth, who destroyed it, and searching for other survivors.
Also, as the beginning of a series, there's plenty of room for a sequel. I certainly would like to see what happens next so I'll be picking up the next book in the series.
February 10, 2015
*A Copy of this Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
Science Fiction at its best, with a great imagination shown both in the story and the enemies (yes it should be plural) faced by the hero Cal. A fairly slow start, then I thought ‘amateurish’ changed to really enjoying the tale. Twists and turns galore will keep you wondering how it will end as your cheer for poor Cal and his friends. The fight scenes are particularly well described; unusual in a debut novel. Well worth the five stars I gave it.
Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Science Fiction at its best, with a great imagination shown both in the story and the enemies (yes it should be plural) faced by the hero Cal. A fairly slow start, then I thought ‘amateurish’ changed to really enjoying the tale. Twists and turns galore will keep you wondering how it will end as your cheer for poor Cal and his friends. The fight scenes are particularly well described; unusual in a debut novel. Well worth the five stars I gave it.
Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
September 2, 2018
Well done
For a first novel, I found the book fantastic. The characters reminded me of real people I've known. The depictions of pathos, friendship, even budding love are well conceived. At first the intrepid band only has to deal with engineered monsters. Learning of Earth's destruction only brings more pieces into play. Having a quintessential young whiz nerd to keep people on their tech toes is expected and well done. An emotional synthetic maybe different. Very enjoyable read and I say please keep on writing!!
For a first novel, I found the book fantastic. The characters reminded me of real people I've known. The depictions of pathos, friendship, even budding love are well conceived. At first the intrepid band only has to deal with engineered monsters. Learning of Earth's destruction only brings more pieces into play. Having a quintessential young whiz nerd to keep people on their tech toes is expected and well done. An emotional synthetic maybe different. Very enjoyable read and I say please keep on writing!!
September 21, 2017
I received this book free from my "Book Barbarian" membership, and after starting the first page I was hooked! Very well written and laid out. I have a small list of favorite authors and I'm happy to say it has increased by one more. Without question I am going to purchase the second book in the series. Very well done J.G. Cressey. For other SF readers, I 100% recommend this book. You will not be disappointed. AVB
October 1, 2017
The story begins with the main character punching out a superior officer (albeit an inferior human being). And the first half of the book provides some convincing action and great characters. The second half was pure awesome.
I especially appreciated the way one of the characters was provided an opportunity for redemption, regardless of the personal cost. For me, there was no downside to purchasing this novel. And J. G. Cressy is on my short list of authors to follow.
I especially appreciated the way one of the characters was provided an opportunity for redemption, regardless of the personal cost. For me, there was no downside to purchasing this novel. And J. G. Cressy is on my short list of authors to follow.
February 6, 2018
Great Characters!
While this book had way more action than I normally would read, I got so attached to the wonderful characters, I had to see what would happen to them! They are a fun, touching, and interesting mix, and their relationships work very well together, making for drama and some humor as well. They also grow and learn, as they experience their challenges and trials. What will happen next? I will just have to read on....
While this book had way more action than I normally would read, I got so attached to the wonderful characters, I had to see what would happen to them! They are a fun, touching, and interesting mix, and their relationships work very well together, making for drama and some humor as well. They also grow and learn, as they experience their challenges and trials. What will happen next? I will just have to read on....
April 20, 2015
Very good read
I think this series has the potential to go a long way. I really enjoyed the book and thought it was a real page turner. If your into space and aliens then this book is for you. I loved it. I'm sorry but I don't like to give away any spoilers . So I'll just have to say read it and if you're like me , you will love it.
I think this series has the potential to go a long way. I really enjoyed the book and thought it was a real page turner. If your into space and aliens then this book is for you. I loved it. I'm sorry but I don't like to give away any spoilers . So I'll just have to say read it and if you're like me , you will love it.
September 8, 2015
Good selection of characters, some obstacles overcome a bit too easy sometimes, but a good adventure story from start to end, and a good set up for ongoing story. Good, realistic feeling alien races and explanation of technology. Author sent me the Epilogue that was cut out of my copy, great guy!
July 20, 2016
Lame, lackluster, hackneyed tripe.
What I don't understand is how this plodding, predictable shoot-em-up averaged four stars??? Don't waste your time on a story that revolves around killing the bad, bad animals.
What I don't understand is how this plodding, predictable shoot-em-up averaged four stars??? Don't waste your time on a story that revolves around killing the bad, bad animals.
September 12, 2017
Star splinter
One of the most dramatic, enriching and adventurous space sci fi stories I have reaf . a colorful cast of characters that even with all their self enriching features do come together when its time to battle and truly become a team like no other, always looking out for each other. I Loved It!!!
One of the most dramatic, enriching and adventurous space sci fi stories I have reaf . a colorful cast of characters that even with all their self enriching features do come together when its time to battle and truly become a team like no other, always looking out for each other. I Loved It!!!
May 1, 2018
Enjoyed the British narrator (Alex Wyndham). They always always have such smooth voices. Star Splinter has one of my favorite story lines; misfits-turned-heroes. There was mystery and intrigue, and Cressey let Cal's strategic brilliance shine several times without making the scenarios seem too contrived.
November 28, 2021
Well done!
Even though there was a part which reminded me of a character in an older Sci fi book, this one went well away from that. The world building and character development is well worth 5 stars. I had a lot of trouble putting it down. I will definitely read more of this series.
Even though there was a part which reminded me of a character in an older Sci fi book, this one went well away from that. The world building and character development is well worth 5 stars. I had a lot of trouble putting it down. I will definitely read more of this series.
February 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this book - lots of action, believable characters, interesting aliens, heroes, villains - what more could you ask for?! The story moved well, some of the characters grew in understanding/changed, and I'm already looking forward to book 2. I just found out that there is a prequel - I might want to read that as well.
May 7, 2017
Good begining to a series but CAL seems to think too much about consequenses and doesn't act quickly. I don't think he's fit to be leader. let hope he improves in second book, more action and strategy, less fear for a leader.
September 15, 2017
Excellent story
This was a fascinating story with lots of action and great characters. I can't wait to read the next book. If you like space fantasy then I think you will enjoy this book.
This was a fascinating story with lots of action and great characters. I can't wait to read the next book. If you like space fantasy then I think you will enjoy this book.
September 16, 2017
Fantastic!!!
Having read scifi since 1960, it's hard to find something different to read. I loved this book -- it kept me up to finish it. Loved the characters, loved the world building. Read it!
Having read scifi since 1960, it's hard to find something different to read. I loved this book -- it kept me up to finish it. Loved the characters, loved the world building. Read it!
September 17, 2017
Great book
A nice job really enjoyed this, kept my interest through to the end,and I haven't read one of those for a long while. I seem to lose interest long before the book is done. Thank you
A nice job really enjoyed this, kept my interest through to the end,and I haven't read one of those for a long while. I seem to lose interest long before the book is done. Thank you
September 22, 2017
An awesome new author
I think this is an incredible first book. I look forward to more books in this series. I'm going to have to read this one over again since I tend to read too fast when I get excited
I think this is an incredible first book. I look forward to more books in this series. I'm going to have to read this one over again since I tend to read too fast when I get excited
October 30, 2017
Fantastic First Book
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of action, believable, if futuristic technology and a great storyline.
For anyone who loves SciFi, this is a Great Read.
I Highly Recommend it!
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of action, believable, if futuristic technology and a great storyline.
For anyone who loves SciFi, this is a Great Read.
I Highly Recommend it!
November 3, 2017
Enjoyable read
Really enjoyed the book. The story line was engaging as were the characters. My only critique would be to tone down eddy. I seemed hard to believe that she would have been military.
Really enjoyed the book. The story line was engaging as were the characters. My only critique would be to tone down eddy. I seemed hard to believe that she would have been military.
August 8, 2018
Great premise. What happens to humans if Earth is destroyed. A small band of misfits to the rescue. A bit like Firefly, but with alien creature bad guys. A fun read, but I did catch myself crying from time to time, so good character development, too.
August 28, 2019
Great story
Having read the prequel I got to meet your characters.
The twists and turns were well done and the advisories made for an interesting read.
I will be starting the next chapter immediately after finishing this review.
Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
Having read the prequel I got to meet your characters.
The twists and turns were well done and the advisories made for an interesting read.
I will be starting the next chapter immediately after finishing this review.
Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
May 14, 2020
Good start to a new series
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book at first but I soon became really taken with it. I like a space marine book and this one has good characters and has a plenty of action . Looking forward to the next in the series
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book at first but I soon became really taken with it. I like a space marine book and this one has good characters and has a plenty of action . Looking forward to the next in the series
December 2, 2021
Great story with many twists and turns and wonderful characters and awesome storyline with many
Loved the many twists and turns that you will enjoy and many twists and turns that keep you very involved
Loved the many twists and turns that you will enjoy and many twists and turns that keep you very involved
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews