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In 2034, the Earth is in crisis. Energy use is at an all-time high, and energy-hungry nations seem on the verge of going to war with one another.
But on the moon a discovery is made, something that changes the balance of everything. A set of caves is opened by explorers, revealing a buried base thousands of years old. Among the relics found is the ruin of an ancient starship, with an engine capable of carrying humanity to the stars - or becoming the golden apple that starts a war no one can win.
A handful of unlikely heroes will risk their lives to keep the starship safe.
If life knocked you down, would you risk everything you had left to reach for the stars?
Excerpt:
“Dan – ad astra!”
Dan heard the order. Ad astra. To the stars. It was a toast the two of them had shared back in college, when they first stepped onto the roads which would lead them into space. It had been John's idea to use the toast as a code word now.
Dan didn't even take a deep breath before executing the order. He'd practiced this with Majel enough times in the simulator – not the part about having a gunman in the bridge, but if that order was ever given, it would be a true crisis.
He checked the screen again. Visual range in only fifteen seconds. No time for anything else. He rapidly initiated the program, said a quick prayer, and pressed the Enter button on his keyboard.
Immediately, the ship began to shudder.
The story continues in book two "Stellar Legacy" and book three "Deep Waters" - both available now!
But on the moon a discovery is made, something that changes the balance of everything. A set of caves is opened by explorers, revealing a buried base thousands of years old. Among the relics found is the ruin of an ancient starship, with an engine capable of carrying humanity to the stars - or becoming the golden apple that starts a war no one can win.
A handful of unlikely heroes will risk their lives to keep the starship safe.
If life knocked you down, would you risk everything you had left to reach for the stars?
Excerpt:
“Dan – ad astra!”
Dan heard the order. Ad astra. To the stars. It was a toast the two of them had shared back in college, when they first stepped onto the roads which would lead them into space. It had been John's idea to use the toast as a code word now.
Dan didn't even take a deep breath before executing the order. He'd practiced this with Majel enough times in the simulator – not the part about having a gunman in the bridge, but if that order was ever given, it would be a true crisis.
He checked the screen again. Visual range in only fifteen seconds. No time for anything else. He rapidly initiated the program, said a quick prayer, and pressed the Enter button on his keyboard.
Immediately, the ship began to shudder.
The story continues in book two "Stellar Legacy" and book three "Deep Waters" - both available now!
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2013
692 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Kevin O. McLaughlin
177 books138 followersWhen not practicing hobbies which include sailing, constructing medieval armor, and swinging swords at his friends, Kevin McLaughlin can usually be found in his Boston home. Kevin’s award-winning short fiction is now available in digital form at all major ebook retailers. He writes fantasy in settings both historical and contemporary, and science fiction in both the near and distant future.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 21, 2024
An OK read.
January 8, 2018
If these guys are the best and the brightest, god help us all
I have taken sailing trip with a smarter crew than here guys, and my mates were drunk beach bums. Yet, they managed not to blow up the boat and end up stranded on a desert island.
The thin plot points are numerous and listing them would give the story, such as it is, away.
The moral is that in the near future, spaceflight becomes easier, so that someone can go from a bar to a moon rocket following a phone call and not even a stop at home.
Happily, there is plenty of stupid going around, so the “bad guy” is also idiotic enough to screw up his not evil plan.
Shame. The story is trite and overdone, but most stories have been since the Iliad. This one brings nothing new to the table.
Too bad because I would have enjoyed a story a bit more beefy on plot and the science.
I have taken sailing trip with a smarter crew than here guys, and my mates were drunk beach bums. Yet, they managed not to blow up the boat and end up stranded on a desert island.
The thin plot points are numerous and listing them would give the story, such as it is, away.
The moral is that in the near future, spaceflight becomes easier, so that someone can go from a bar to a moon rocket following a phone call and not even a stop at home.
Happily, there is plenty of stupid going around, so the “bad guy” is also idiotic enough to screw up his not evil plan.
Shame. The story is trite and overdone, but most stories have been since the Iliad. This one brings nothing new to the table.
Too bad because I would have enjoyed a story a bit more beefy on plot and the science.
May 6, 2024
I think I got this as a free promo for the series - and read that the author expanded it/updated it from when it first came out 10 years ago. It's an okay space opera, fairly clean (with a few swear words) and has a juvenile feel to it (for middle grade readers, maybe, but the characters are all adults).
Not bad, but it doesn't end with a resolution - and as I've mentioned in other "book 1" reviews, I prefer to know from the beginning that you have to keep reading the series to find out how it all wraps up. So I marked down my rating because of this novel's cliff-hanger ending.
The plot is fine - alien spaceship is discovered on the far side of the moon and a crew is formed to test it out. (How they do this without government oversite, I'm not sure.) But one of the crew is insistent that they pass this alien tech on to Earth's governments. Instead, the crew takes the spaceship for an unintended joy ride and all sorts of catastrophes ensue.
Some good action and tense scenes, but a bit over the top at times. For those who enjoy ramped up space opera, however, this might be a good intro to a 13 book series. I'll be stopping here at book 1, but that's just me. YMMV.
Not bad, but it doesn't end with a resolution - and as I've mentioned in other "book 1" reviews, I prefer to know from the beginning that you have to keep reading the series to find out how it all wraps up. So I marked down my rating because of this novel's cliff-hanger ending.
The plot is fine - alien spaceship is discovered on the far side of the moon and a crew is formed to test it out. (How they do this without government oversite, I'm not sure.) But one of the crew is insistent that they pass this alien tech on to Earth's governments. Instead, the crew takes the spaceship for an unintended joy ride and all sorts of catastrophes ensue.
Some good action and tense scenes, but a bit over the top at times. For those who enjoy ramped up space opera, however, this might be a good intro to a 13 book series. I'll be stopping here at book 1, but that's just me. YMMV.
May 18, 2017
Excellent!
Why,why,why ,did the book have to end so soon!
If the sequels are anything like the 1st book, I can't wait to read them. The characters, as well as the storyline, are wonderful. Mr. McLaughlin, you have just joined my favorite authors list!
Why,why,why ,did the book have to end so soon!
If the sequels are anything like the 1st book, I can't wait to read them. The characters, as well as the storyline, are wonderful. Mr. McLaughlin, you have just joined my favorite authors list!
February 19, 2018
I had downloaded a free copy of this story some time ago (and it was just lingering around in the ether waiting for me to open and read). The author had recently offered to hard bound the first 6 episodes into a special edition. I figured I should read some of his work before venturing into the special edition, to see if it was something of interest to me.
The story was exciting and interesting in a TV series way. I would watch the TV show. I rather read more hard science work, so I had to ignore the science that was ignored in this tale. This story is sort of a "Star Gate" start, with the discovery of a relic star ship that takes our heroes out on an adventure. I would have liked more character development, but this is just the first episode, so I guess that is coming in the following books. I was disappointed in not showing off some of the advantages our crippled pilot might exercise in low or zero gravity conditions, but that gets too hard science.
This was a good escape science fiction book. Just geared for the TV crowd. I would read the series, but I don't think I will be buying the special hard cover book. It just is not quite what I am looking for.
But this was a GoodReads. Now go have your own GoodReads.
The story was exciting and interesting in a TV series way. I would watch the TV show. I rather read more hard science work, so I had to ignore the science that was ignored in this tale. This story is sort of a "Star Gate" start, with the discovery of a relic star ship that takes our heroes out on an adventure. I would have liked more character development, but this is just the first episode, so I guess that is coming in the following books. I was disappointed in not showing off some of the advantages our crippled pilot might exercise in low or zero gravity conditions, but that gets too hard science.
This was a good escape science fiction book. Just geared for the TV crowd. I would read the series, but I don't think I will be buying the special hard cover book. It just is not quite what I am looking for.
But this was a GoodReads. Now go have your own GoodReads.
March 23, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, his books are space opera to magical to sorta history to LitRPG, and pretty sure they are all available individually/through ku too. FYI, yes I do binge read writers, unless give them 1 or 2 stars and sometimes 3. Obviously not the case here. Look at amazon writer page. Want a rundown of plot? Look at blurb; want more, read reviews, actually just go to reading the books.
Adventures of the Starship Satori: Omnibus 1 (Books 1-3) Book 1: Ad Astra Book 2: Stellar Legacy Book 3: Deep Waters
(Starship Satori Omnibus) - Adventures of the Starship Satori: Omnibus 2 (Books 4-6) (Starship Satori Omnibus) 1 No Plan Survives Contact 2 Liberty 3 Satori’s Destiny
Blackwell Magic: Books 1-3 (Blackwell Magic Omnibus) Book One - 1 By Darkness Revealed 2 Ashes Ascendant 3 Dead In Winter
Blackwell Magic: Books 4-6 (Blackwell Magic Omnibus Book 2) - 4: Claws That Catch 5: Darkness Awakes 6: Spellbinding Entanglements
The Raven and the Rose: A Blackwell Magic Novella exclusive story not available retail stores set between “By Darkness Revealed” and “Ashes Ascendant”, offer in back of books of his
King of the Dead: Heroes, Swords, and Zombies - Queen of Demons: Heroes, Swords, and Zombies
Valhalla Online: A LitRPG Saga
Adventures of the Starship Satori: Omnibus 1 (Books 1-3) Book 1: Ad Astra Book 2: Stellar Legacy Book 3: Deep Waters
(Starship Satori Omnibus) - Adventures of the Starship Satori: Omnibus 2 (Books 4-6) (Starship Satori Omnibus) 1 No Plan Survives Contact 2 Liberty 3 Satori’s Destiny
Blackwell Magic: Books 1-3 (Blackwell Magic Omnibus) Book One - 1 By Darkness Revealed 2 Ashes Ascendant 3 Dead In Winter
Blackwell Magic: Books 4-6 (Blackwell Magic Omnibus Book 2) - 4: Claws That Catch 5: Darkness Awakes 6: Spellbinding Entanglements
The Raven and the Rose: A Blackwell Magic Novella exclusive story not available retail stores set between “By Darkness Revealed” and “Ashes Ascendant”, offer in back of books of his
King of the Dead: Heroes, Swords, and Zombies - Queen of Demons: Heroes, Swords, and Zombies
Valhalla Online: A LitRPG Saga
November 11, 2017
"Ours. Yours. Mine. Humanity's."
An excellent start to a series, providing many possibilities for the continuation. And a very good start to this particular book, as the reader is introduced to one of the main protagonist, an astronaut at emotional rock bottom after an accident has left him wheel chair bound and therefore out of the first manned Mars mission which launch he is watching on T.V. As new characters are introduced, they are given background to help with them take on a life of their own and the story quickly evolves from base life on the moon to fast and furious action in space.
Quick and easy to read, Ad Astra is a visually bright and reasonably well characterized novel, with tensions aplenty. An enjoyable book. My thanks to the author for gifting me a prepublication copy.
An excellent start to a series, providing many possibilities for the continuation. And a very good start to this particular book, as the reader is introduced to one of the main protagonist, an astronaut at emotional rock bottom after an accident has left him wheel chair bound and therefore out of the first manned Mars mission which launch he is watching on T.V. As new characters are introduced, they are given background to help with them take on a life of their own and the story quickly evolves from base life on the moon to fast and furious action in space.
Quick and easy to read, Ad Astra is a visually bright and reasonably well characterized novel, with tensions aplenty. An enjoyable book. My thanks to the author for gifting me a prepublication copy.
December 26, 2017
Well, Mr. Kevin McLaughlin ... I read your notes at the end and was surprised. Surprised that this is not really a new write for you. From 26K to 40K is very hard to do without screwing up the original plot-lines and vision. I applaud, loudly, the way this came out. I will be passing your name on to my classically scary friends. Please do continue, and keep your vision alive.
The only thing bad I have to say about this book is, maybe too much information. I know it's hard, I ramble a lot, and I'm not writing. Those friends I told you about? Yeah, they kill me on a regular basis cause I get too wordy. Sigh. I love what you've done, but there are a few places that kind of lag. I look forward to reading more of your books.
Oh, and Merry Christmas!
The only thing bad I have to say about this book is, maybe too much information. I know it's hard, I ramble a lot, and I'm not writing. Those friends I told you about? Yeah, they kill me on a regular basis cause I get too wordy. Sigh. I love what you've done, but there are a few places that kind of lag. I look forward to reading more of your books.
Oh, and Merry Christmas!
November 13, 2017
So glad I got the chance to read this updated version - the additional content is well worth it and made me even more excited for the rest of the series.
Amazon review: A thrilling start to an exciting space opera series. This story had everything from laughter to tears to gripping action, while introducing some really exciting characters and introducing the most interesting starship I've ever met.
The extended author's version is definitely worth a revisit if you weren't a huge fan of the original, and even if you were as there is excellent backstory added. I'm really interested in Andy's story especially, and this version made me love him even more.
Amazon review: A thrilling start to an exciting space opera series. This story had everything from laughter to tears to gripping action, while introducing some really exciting characters and introducing the most interesting starship I've ever met.
The extended author's version is definitely worth a revisit if you weren't a huge fan of the original, and even if you were as there is excellent backstory added. I'm really interested in Andy's story especially, and this version made me love him even more.
January 28, 2018
Bland and boring
I bailed early on after giving up on the blandness. The characters don't represent real people, calling them two dimensional is giving them too much credit. Even having a character named Alexis or Alejandro would at least liven up this retelling of a typical 1940's science fiction story.
Boring characters, weird background and one woman engineer (who is emotionally unstable?) in a story where every other person is a male. These writers really must find diversity an odious burden.
Nothing here for the reader.
I bailed early on after giving up on the blandness. The characters don't represent real people, calling them two dimensional is giving them too much credit. Even having a character named Alexis or Alejandro would at least liven up this retelling of a typical 1940's science fiction story.
Boring characters, weird background and one woman engineer (who is emotionally unstable?) in a story where every other person is a male. These writers really must find diversity an odious burden.
Nothing here for the reader.
May 10, 2019
Looking for a quick, light, fun read? Pick up this book! The story is short and jam-packed with action so if you have a few hours to kill, this is the perfect fix.
However, the story does end on a cliffhanger so I would take that into consideration (although both books could probably be combined and considered one normal sized novel). I digress, the point is you'll be wanting to pick up the sequel to see what happens because even though we haven't had a lot of time to get attached to these characters, I'm bullish that we'll get that chance as the series progresses.
"Dan - ad astra!"
However, the story does end on a cliffhanger so I would take that into consideration (although both books could probably be combined and considered one normal sized novel). I digress, the point is you'll be wanting to pick up the sequel to see what happens because even though we haven't had a lot of time to get attached to these characters, I'm bullish that we'll get that chance as the series progresses.
"Dan - ad astra!"
December 14, 2018
This was a fun, fairly short, story. The story was not really long enough to flesh out the characters, but there are hints of more depth to come. The story does end with a cliff hanger, so if you don't like that sort of thing or don't want to commit to several books, you may want to pass it by.
The premise is certainly interesting enough, the science is a bit iffy, but it works for the genre it is in.
The premise is certainly interesting enough, the science is a bit iffy, but it works for the genre it is in.
July 13, 2024
This is the first of McLaughlin's books that I've read. I was not disappointed. This story was enjoyable. McLaughlin presented a story that grasped my interest right from the begining and held it throughout the remainder of the book. This was a page-turner all the way to the end. Speaking of the end, it really didn't have one since this is the first of 13 books in the series. So, not really a cliffhanger but it is obvious that there is more to come.
June 15, 2017
Just long enough to introduce you to the main set of characters, set up a thrilling moment, and then leave you hanging and wanting more! I will admit to both tears and laughter, as one of the strengths of the book is the developed, complicated characters, and even in this novella I felt deeply for all of them.
January 19, 2018
Too many typos double words and mistakes
The plot is infantile, characters are shallow and the little science is wrong. For example a guy gets blown away from a shop hits the end of his safety line and stays there completely ignoring the rebound when the line stops him. More like thst.
The plot is infantile, characters are shallow and the little science is wrong. For example a guy gets blown away from a shop hits the end of his safety line and stays there completely ignoring the rebound when the line stops him. More like thst.
March 6, 2019
"Adventures" of the Starship Satori is the perfect name for this short novel. The crew, on the maiden voyage of the Satori, is experiencing one "adventure" after the other. I really like the simple and straightforward writing style of the author with just the right amount of details to give the illusion of depth. No Hard Science-fiction here, only great unadulterated space adventure.
June 30, 2019
Read the first 6 books after buying them for a huge discount.
What a surprising good read with the focus on the plots and development of the characters while not attempting to over awe the reader with futuristic techno babble. Keeping it real.
Highly recommended, and seeing i have just purchased books 7-10 in the series in have some reading to do.
What a surprising good read with the focus on the plots and development of the characters while not attempting to over awe the reader with futuristic techno babble. Keeping it real.
Highly recommended, and seeing i have just purchased books 7-10 in the series in have some reading to do.
July 17, 2019
Good story line. Reminds me of the series stories that would run in the newspapers. Short chapters make it easy to read when you have only a few minutes free time. I read book 1 on kindle unlimited not sure
Reminds me of the serial stories they used to run in the newspaper. I read book one on Kindle unlimited, not sure if I’ll spend the money on book 2.
Reminds me of the serial stories they used to run in the newspaper. I read book one on Kindle unlimited, not sure if I’ll spend the money on book 2.
August 17, 2019
6/10: Good light-weight read, well done.
You help those who can’t help themselves.
This was a nice, easy read that held my attention right 'til the end. Not many highlights, but still enjoyable. I have a feeling I'll get more involved as the series progresses.
On to the next...
You help those who can’t help themselves.
This was a nice, easy read that held my attention right 'til the end. Not many highlights, but still enjoyable. I have a feeling I'll get more involved as the series progresses.
On to the next...
December 8, 2021
Wil E. Coyote or Elmer Fudd would be apt members of this crew.
The plot reminds me of 1940's era cartoons. The crew prepares for everything and, as usual, they make idiotic mistakes, they find themselves on the brink of disaster and finally the bad guys are beat up. Why would i ever read this? Do yourself a favour, if you are over 14 don't read it.
The plot reminds me of 1940's era cartoons. The crew prepares for everything and, as usual, they make idiotic mistakes, they find themselves on the brink of disaster and finally the bad guys are beat up. Why would i ever read this? Do yourself a favour, if you are over 14 don't read it.
April 2, 2024
A Good Start
A well crafted storyline, with good character development and a plot with a couple of unexpected turns. A little bit of magic science, in the found ship and tech, but well placed in the story and not (yet) asking for more belief than needed. Ends with a small uplift, but the story obviously continues into the next installment.
A well crafted storyline, with good character development and a plot with a couple of unexpected turns. A little bit of magic science, in the found ship and tech, but well placed in the story and not (yet) asking for more belief than needed. Ends with a small uplift, but the story obviously continues into the next installment.
May 4, 2017
Lex Luther and buck Roger in space
I gave it 5 stars because I saw future in this story.
The pilot reminds me of buck Roger and owner reminds me of lex that alone should make you want to read it.
I gave it 5 stars because I saw future in this story.
The pilot reminds me of buck Roger and owner reminds me of lex that alone should make you want to read it.
July 15, 2017
Review by Nessie
Ad Astra by Kevin McLaughlin was a fun romp, although it left me wanting more. The 2nd issue is out, lucky me. I recommend this book to anyone with a couple of hours to spare. This book is well worth reading. I give it 3.9 Stars.
Ad Astra by Kevin McLaughlin was a fun romp, although it left me wanting more. The 2nd issue is out, lucky me. I recommend this book to anyone with a couple of hours to spare. This book is well worth reading. I give it 3.9 Stars.
July 30, 2017
This book was good until the ending. I really have an issue with books that cliff hang just to get more sales. This could have been a great book to start a series from without resorting to a cliff hanger.
February 23, 2018
Well done
I like the writing style, enough description to paint the picture but not so much that you need to apply filters to be able to see the scene. Quick read, has a good pace. I’m interested to see if more details about the alien tech are forthcoming in the later volumes.
I like the writing style, enough description to paint the picture but not so much that you need to apply filters to be able to see the scene. Quick read, has a good pace. I’m interested to see if more details about the alien tech are forthcoming in the later volumes.
July 8, 2019
Enjoyed this book
A well written story, compelling in it's plausibility. I would definitely recommend reading this one, the characters are realistic in their motives and behaiviors, which makes the story more gripping.
A well written story, compelling in it's plausibility. I would definitely recommend reading this one, the characters are realistic in their motives and behaiviors, which makes the story more gripping.
July 4, 2020
Awesome story
Really enjoyed getting to see these characters coming to life in this intro story of this universe. Raw and gritty with lots of emotion. Looking forward to becoming more involved with the crew and ship as we go forward. Awesome addition to my collection.
Really enjoyed getting to see these characters coming to life in this intro story of this universe. Raw and gritty with lots of emotion. Looking forward to becoming more involved with the crew and ship as we go forward. Awesome addition to my collection.
November 26, 2024
4 stars, Road to the stars
AD ASTRA (ADVENTURES OF THE STARSHIP SATORI, BOOK 1)
by Kevin O. McLaughlin
This book has a lot of good stuff in it, so much good stuff, that I binged read the book. And then it ended. Abruptly.
I received a complimentary copy of #AdAstra #AdventuresoftheStarshipSatoriSeries from #KevinOMcLaughlin I was not obligated to post a review.
#ScienceFiction #fantasy #Space #bingedbook #cliffhanger
AD ASTRA (ADVENTURES OF THE STARSHIP SATORI, BOOK 1)
by Kevin O. McLaughlin
This book has a lot of good stuff in it, so much good stuff, that I binged read the book. And then it ended. Abruptly.
I received a complimentary copy of #AdAstra #AdventuresoftheStarshipSatoriSeries from #KevinOMcLaughlin I was not obligated to post a review.
#ScienceFiction #fantasy #Space #bingedbook #cliffhanger
December 23, 2024
fun story
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
I'm amazed that this author can write so many fantastic novels, I hope that he never stops writing. His books are some of the best Entertainment I have read and worth the time to read them. Thank you for a very fun entertaining read.
August 31, 2025
Kindle unlimited book from Amazon, read with the Alexa audio application. Special 10 year anniversary edition. Space opera, discovered alien tech, injured astronaut gets second chance. Sabotage complicates space trial. Totally improbable story and survival.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews