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Starship Doi
Who answers for Earth? A sci-fi novel about a third-century Dacian, a young girl from year 1111, a modern-day Englishman and a mysterious starship.
265 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2015
19 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Alex Deva
4 books22 followersI've written books in Romanian and English. Check out Ostatic 2.0 and Starship Doi!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 27, 2015
In the interests of honesty I feel compelled to declare that I know the author of this book pretty well as I've had the dubious privilege of being his colleague for several years. Thusly I was rather terrified when I started this book in case it was awful and I'd have to lie to Alex about reading it, or never talk to him again in order to avoid any potential awkwardness. Fortunately for me I genuinely really enjoyed it, I'm not much of a sci-fi reader but I'm keen on the Red Dwarf and Hitchhikers Guide novels, and this book put me in mind of them in terms of tone and subject matter. Alex's writing style also had the sort of matter of fact approach to the unlikely and ridiculous that Tezza Pratchett's has.
The only drawback for me was the Romanian author's shocking unfamiliarity with the complexities of English (& Welsh) state education provision in the late 80s & early 90s, but somehow I managed to see past that and not let it ruin the otherwise compelling book.
I read it in three sittings, which for me is very quick, and I don't have a good track record for finishing books I start, so I was clearly immersed and struggled to put it down.
If you like the above works I've compared it to then you should give it a whirl because you'll probably get something out of it. Looking forward to the next one in the series and continued unawkward conversations with Alex.
The only drawback for me was the Romanian author's shocking unfamiliarity with the complexities of English (& Welsh) state education provision in the late 80s & early 90s, but somehow I managed to see past that and not let it ruin the otherwise compelling book.
I read it in three sittings, which for me is very quick, and I don't have a good track record for finishing books I start, so I was clearly immersed and struggled to put it down.
If you like the above works I've compared it to then you should give it a whirl because you'll probably get something out of it. Looking forward to the next one in the series and continued unawkward conversations with Alex.
July 17, 2016
Unique premise. Intriguing. Some great humour. It's quite unfair when authors write such a compelling story and I don't have the next one lined up to read. Or worse still, if they haven't yet written it.
Good length too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this yarn. The very different characters, well described, finding themselves in such a bizarre time and place make this a page turner. Only problem is I've now run out of pages. Hate it when that happens!
Not sure what this is tagged as. It's science fiction but not really space opera. There's time travel, sort of. We have aliens, as yet unsighted. And a pretty nifty spaceship - glad I'm not on it, I don't think it has a clue how to make coffee or chocolate, two of my necessities.
I have to get the sequel, even if it's just to make sure poor Aram gets to eat some corn. Hmm, wondered why I kept smelling barbecued corn cobs.
Happily, my favourite author list is growing by the week and Mr Deva just added himself to that list.
Highly recommend.
It's worth reading just to see what the rather crazy third century Dacian uses to fend off an attacking force!
Good length too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this yarn. The very different characters, well described, finding themselves in such a bizarre time and place make this a page turner. Only problem is I've now run out of pages. Hate it when that happens!
Not sure what this is tagged as. It's science fiction but not really space opera. There's time travel, sort of. We have aliens, as yet unsighted. And a pretty nifty spaceship - glad I'm not on it, I don't think it has a clue how to make coffee or chocolate, two of my necessities.
I have to get the sequel, even if it's just to make sure poor Aram gets to eat some corn. Hmm, wondered why I kept smelling barbecued corn cobs.
Happily, my favourite author list is growing by the week and Mr Deva just added himself to that list.
Highly recommend.
It's worth reading just to see what the rather crazy third century Dacian uses to fend off an attacking force!
December 18, 2016
Starship Doi by Alex Deva is a very unique book on aliens and abductions, lol. I loved it. A wonderful sci-fi novel that had me right away and kept my interest. Great plot, surprises, and loved the ship! Great characters too! Loved them. Great job.
June 13, 2015
First science-fiction book I've read. I couldn't imagine I would enjoyed it so much. It is a wonderful composition, with an interesting plot and lots of details that create a terrific world. Even a war in space wasn't one of my favourites items, I liked everything else but these technique details. The problems put on are well built and somehow make you think about future. That's an interesting book, well written and with fabulous images. It was a great experience for me, with lots of surprises.
June 12, 2016
A solid SciFi read. Fast paced, witty and unpredictable. None of your old SciFi tropes to be found here, the ideas are fresh and original and believable. The writing is also emotional at times, and dialogues sound right, physics seems sound, overall battles are ok.The book was so entertaining that it made me read it on my Kindle while walking down the street, while eating. Reading the ending was the first thing I did this (Sunday) morning. I hope it's just the first book in a long series.
October 5, 2016
Unpredictable and colorful
Not your average abduction novel, and definitely well-written with no observable errors. I look forward to further adventures! Would recommend.
Not your average abduction novel, and definitely well-written with no observable errors. I look forward to further adventures! Would recommend.
October 23, 2019
I love sci-fi and have read quite a lot in this genre over the years. Most are good, some are not. A few are great. A select few dare to see things from a new perspective. Starship Doi is one of those books. And not only does Alex dare to try something new, he succeeds at it. So Starship Doi is a rare book indeed.
Why, then, do I like it so much? First of all, the premise is so interesting. Taking people from different historical eras and walks of life and putting them in a sci-fi setting is quite daring. It could have been terrible, with everyone just acclimatizing without issue and getting on with the adventure, but there is real tension between the characters and their beliefs and ways of life. The characters are very well-written, I cared for the people in the book and felt that their actions were true to their characters. At the same time, the characters learn and develop from their interaction with each other and their surroundings.
Secondly, it was just straight up exciting! Tense, action-packed and just full of twists and turns. For the first time in a very long time all my predictions about what was going to happen was wrong. And I really enjoyed that! It is also full of a wonderful tongue-in-cheek humor. I would laugh out loud one minute, and the next minute I'd nervously bite my fingernails in tension of how the latest twist would turn out.
Thirdly, it is so liberating that the usual good guys are not so good this time...
So I really reccommend Starship Doi. Whether you like Sci-fi or not, I think you will enjoy this book.
Why, then, do I like it so much? First of all, the premise is so interesting. Taking people from different historical eras and walks of life and putting them in a sci-fi setting is quite daring. It could have been terrible, with everyone just acclimatizing without issue and getting on with the adventure, but there is real tension between the characters and their beliefs and ways of life. The characters are very well-written, I cared for the people in the book and felt that their actions were true to their characters. At the same time, the characters learn and develop from their interaction with each other and their surroundings.
Secondly, it was just straight up exciting! Tense, action-packed and just full of twists and turns. For the first time in a very long time all my predictions about what was going to happen was wrong. And I really enjoyed that! It is also full of a wonderful tongue-in-cheek humor. I would laugh out loud one minute, and the next minute I'd nervously bite my fingernails in tension of how the latest twist would turn out.
Thirdly, it is so liberating that the usual good guys are not so good this time...
So I really reccommend Starship Doi. Whether you like Sci-fi or not, I think you will enjoy this book.
January 8, 2021
One of my favorite things about the science fiction genre is its potential to bring together science and spirituality. The ascent of man into space is not only cool because you get to witness a grander theater of events and kickass space battles, but also because, by shifting perspective, it renews the pool of wonders available to human beings. I believe 'Starship Doi' does justice to both these aspects.
There's a powerful contrast between the main cast of characters and an environment which challenges everything they thought they knew, from faith to the very laws of physics. Intriguing questions are suggested, like the relevance of faith in God aboard an alien starship. I love how the book gives food for thought while also being loads of fun to read!
SPOILER AHEAD
For example, the relationship of the crew with the starship is most rewarding. The vessel, a seemingly omnipotent feat of alien technology, is able to create any object or substance as long as it is correctly described scientifically. It cannot create 'water', but it can make 'H2O'. 'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic' Isaac Asimov said once. And seeing the crew in 'Starship Doi' (well, just one of them, given their respective circumstances) actually doing the mental work in order to bring forth this magic is refreshing, relatable and delivers a great message. Nothing is given accidentally and for granted.
END OF SPOILER
And there's more where that came from! 'Starship Doi' starts as a mystery gradually unwinding itself up to a point and then plunges into an action packed space battle featuring some of the most creative scenes I've ever read in sci-fi. These are vividly described in rich detail, which I find is a trait of the entire book. Everything is taken seriously and done flawlessly: the science, the action, the history, the humor.
All the characters are well-written and alive, as the author gives them each a set of believable motivations and backstories. The main characters are simply fascinating, what with their extraordinary backgrounds and individual charisma. I found myself caring for all of them. Starship Doi itself is a character, one of the most mysterious ones I've encountered in sci-fi.
My conclusion is that 'Starship Doi' is a fun, well-written and smart book, with good pacing. It
ranges from moments of calm elegance to pure adrenaline fest. You'll find playful moments and great humor, and also moments of grave distress. It will reward you by gradually adding something new to the table and shifting the perspective ever higher.
Most recommended! :)
There's a powerful contrast between the main cast of characters and an environment which challenges everything they thought they knew, from faith to the very laws of physics. Intriguing questions are suggested, like the relevance of faith in God aboard an alien starship. I love how the book gives food for thought while also being loads of fun to read!
SPOILER AHEAD
For example, the relationship of the crew with the starship is most rewarding. The vessel, a seemingly omnipotent feat of alien technology, is able to create any object or substance as long as it is correctly described scientifically. It cannot create 'water', but it can make 'H2O'. 'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic' Isaac Asimov said once. And seeing the crew in 'Starship Doi' (well, just one of them, given their respective circumstances) actually doing the mental work in order to bring forth this magic is refreshing, relatable and delivers a great message. Nothing is given accidentally and for granted.
END OF SPOILER
And there's more where that came from! 'Starship Doi' starts as a mystery gradually unwinding itself up to a point and then plunges into an action packed space battle featuring some of the most creative scenes I've ever read in sci-fi. These are vividly described in rich detail, which I find is a trait of the entire book. Everything is taken seriously and done flawlessly: the science, the action, the history, the humor.
All the characters are well-written and alive, as the author gives them each a set of believable motivations and backstories. The main characters are simply fascinating, what with their extraordinary backgrounds and individual charisma. I found myself caring for all of them. Starship Doi itself is a character, one of the most mysterious ones I've encountered in sci-fi.
My conclusion is that 'Starship Doi' is a fun, well-written and smart book, with good pacing. It
ranges from moments of calm elegance to pure adrenaline fest. You'll find playful moments and great humor, and also moments of grave distress. It will reward you by gradually adding something new to the table and shifting the perspective ever higher.
Most recommended! :)
June 8, 2016
I discovered the author via Quora (a Q&A website), and after I recently decided to give this book of his a try, I must say that it turned out to be a very good decision.
I enjoyed Starship Doi thoroughly. The subject is fresh and intriguing, the characters are well shaped and believable, and the dialogue is surprisingly realistic (which tends to be a rare find, unfortunately). I also imagine that the interaction between characters that come from very different worlds is not an easy challenge for a writer, which is one of the reasons I found this book to be so well written - there was no shortage of filling in the gaps between the characters' discrepant backgrounds.
Then, of course, the book is also rich in delightful humor that had me laugh out loud on many occasions.
I found Starship Doi to be a well-rounded, entertaining piece of science-fiction that leaves you eager to read the sequel. Can we hope for one soon?
I enjoyed Starship Doi thoroughly. The subject is fresh and intriguing, the characters are well shaped and believable, and the dialogue is surprisingly realistic (which tends to be a rare find, unfortunately). I also imagine that the interaction between characters that come from very different worlds is not an easy challenge for a writer, which is one of the reasons I found this book to be so well written - there was no shortage of filling in the gaps between the characters' discrepant backgrounds.
Then, of course, the book is also rich in delightful humor that had me laugh out loud on many occasions.
I found Starship Doi to be a well-rounded, entertaining piece of science-fiction that leaves you eager to read the sequel. Can we hope for one soon?
September 13, 2017
“Starship Doi” by Alex Deva is unique SF book.
What do a third century Dacian, a young girl from year 1111 and an modern day Englishman all have in common? Apparently, nothing!
But you will discover step by step as you read this wonderful story. Three people find themselves kidnaped by a strange starship. From there the adventure begins.
The adventure is to understand the ship, to discover their own strength and weakness and why do they make such a great team, to explore the humankind future...
It has humour, it has space battles and it has complex characters.
What do a third century Dacian, a young girl from year 1111 and an modern day Englishman all have in common? Apparently, nothing!
But you will discover step by step as you read this wonderful story. Three people find themselves kidnaped by a strange starship. From there the adventure begins.
The adventure is to understand the ship, to discover their own strength and weakness and why do they make such a great team, to explore the humankind future...
It has humour, it has space battles and it has complex characters.
June 15, 2016
Fantastic debut!
Thank you Alex Deva for a fantastic debut to a great book series. Please keep writing as I'm hooked. A new fan.
Thank you Alex Deva for a fantastic debut to a great book series. Please keep writing as I'm hooked. A new fan.
October 31, 2018
Starship Doi is very much a sci-fi novel. It’s got all the characteristic ingredients: time travel (of sorts), an alien starship, action-filled space battles… and intergalactic tension of previously unknown dimensions. All nicely wrapped in just the right amount of physics and maths to convince the reader of its scientific validity.
But Starship Doi is not only an expertly written sci-fi action novel. It is also a thought-provoking story about human nature – about comradery, trust and compliance, but also about selfishness, greed and arrogance. It tells a very convincing tale of human bonding across eons of time, but also of persistent traits of hate and malevolence. Unlike your average run-of-the-mill action story, it furthermore depicts a world torn between two equally egotistical, power hungry forces, liberatingly far from the stereotypical clean division into good and evil.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, for three main reasons: Firstly, its entertainment value: Starship Doi is engaging and exciting throughout, from the first page to the last – on a superficial adrenaline level, as well as on a deeper, psychological and philosophical plane. Secondly, its humour: this story is written in the most intelligently humorous way, with sarcasm and wit used as perfect seasoning. Lastly, though certainly not least importantly, its never-failing attention to detail: everything is carefully thought through and accounted for – there are no “holes” in the story – and the vast knowledge about pretty much everything that guides the text throughout makes for a thoroughly convincing read.
Highly recommend!
But Starship Doi is not only an expertly written sci-fi action novel. It is also a thought-provoking story about human nature – about comradery, trust and compliance, but also about selfishness, greed and arrogance. It tells a very convincing tale of human bonding across eons of time, but also of persistent traits of hate and malevolence. Unlike your average run-of-the-mill action story, it furthermore depicts a world torn between two equally egotistical, power hungry forces, liberatingly far from the stereotypical clean division into good and evil.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, for three main reasons: Firstly, its entertainment value: Starship Doi is engaging and exciting throughout, from the first page to the last – on a superficial adrenaline level, as well as on a deeper, psychological and philosophical plane. Secondly, its humour: this story is written in the most intelligently humorous way, with sarcasm and wit used as perfect seasoning. Lastly, though certainly not least importantly, its never-failing attention to detail: everything is carefully thought through and accounted for – there are no “holes” in the story – and the vast knowledge about pretty much everything that guides the text throughout makes for a thoroughly convincing read.
Highly recommend!
July 8, 2020
It's surprising that a story about the Dacian wars has not been adapted for a mainstream audience yet. I get the appeal of Egyptian opulence and Spartacus's revolt in opposition to Mighty Roman powers, yet the drama of the two Dacian wars seems like something that could very well play great in a story. Traces of that power struggle are literally peppered across the Carpathian Mountains and along the Danube river, while Trajan's column is basically a victory retelling/trophy made to display the wars, Roman dominance, and might.
But I digress, my historical frustrations aside, I am probably biased in liking this book, but hey I'm a simple Dacian descendant (possibly), and stumbling on a story featuring my ancient ancestors is compelling. Though I would have liked to spend a little more time in the past and see the tensions with the Romans. I liked the fish out of water scenes of the characters trying to make sense of the alien ship that abducted them. Their relationships and struggles along the way cementing a stronger bond, and the climactic end, leaving us to wonder what would happen next.
My only qualms with the story are the highly descriptive flight mechanics that I just powered through to get to the character moments. All in all, I'm happy with this read.
But I digress, my historical frustrations aside, I am probably biased in liking this book, but hey I'm a simple Dacian descendant (possibly), and stumbling on a story featuring my ancient ancestors is compelling. Though I would have liked to spend a little more time in the past and see the tensions with the Romans. I liked the fish out of water scenes of the characters trying to make sense of the alien ship that abducted them. Their relationships and struggles along the way cementing a stronger bond, and the climactic end, leaving us to wonder what would happen next.
My only qualms with the story are the highly descriptive flight mechanics that I just powered through to get to the character moments. All in all, I'm happy with this read.
December 15, 2019
When you like to read Sci-fi, you will from time to time stubble over a new book that will give you a rush and will just make you happy. Those books are mostly slightly different from what you have read and will probably open up new dimensions of your fantasy. You will probably find yourself thinking over what you have read the days after and try to put that new "reality" for hard test. Can this be true? Is it possible? Most of the time, if you like myself like science, you will be able to answer to that question with a single No. This time, I can´t.
This is one of those books that I just love from the first pages.
My imagination is going crasy, my brain is working hard. I am just enjoying a wonderful book.
Thank you Alex Deva for a great book.
Best regards, Daniel Le Hir
This is one of those books that I just love from the first pages.
My imagination is going crasy, my brain is working hard. I am just enjoying a wonderful book.
Thank you Alex Deva for a great book.
Best regards, Daniel Le Hir
September 27, 2025
Starship Doi by Alex Deva is a science fiction novel that stands out by subtly foreshadowing today's geopolitical situations. The story keeps you hooked from beginning to end, especially through the mystery of why the starship abducted the three main heroes from such vastly different historical eras. Original, thought-provoking and full of suspense - a read I warmly recommend to anyone who enjoys intelligent science fiction.
September 26, 2020
Brilliant imaginative alien encounter science-fiction. Playing with interesting scientific concepts it mixes cleverly space travel, geopolitical conflict and close encounters with alien civilisations. Fast paced, original, funny and suspenseful. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews