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Deathform
After a routine job goes sideways, interplanetary smuggler Jack Kind and his crew are forced into a deal with a dangerous politician transporting cargo from a military installation to a drop-off near the sun. It stinks like a setup, and may be connected to rumors of an alien craft discovered in the Kuiper belt. When the double-cross is revealed, and the cargo opened, the crew find themselves defenseless against a threat unlike any mankind has faced before. And they soon realize they aren’t just fighting for their own lives, but for all life in the solar system.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2016
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225 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 2, 2018
3.5 - 4 stars.
I didn't think anything could be deadlier, than the Internecivus Raptus (Murderous Thief in Latin) - 'the 'acid for blood' Xenomorphs in the Alien movies. Well, the creature in this book, is able to absorb its victims' physical form, and it doesn't have any obvious weaknesses.
An interplanetary smuggler, Jack Kind, is coerced into a deal by a dangerous politician (Jim Dandy) - after his spacecraft (Belinda) is intercepted by pirates, who have boarded his freighter in search of a specific container. Fighting back is not really an option, as he doesn't want to endanger his crew. Kind' has a checkered past - and is carrying a heavy burden, due to his past transgressions, when he was imprisoned in a camp, during 'The Great Solar War.' A burden he's finding hard to endure.
When Jack returns to Earth, some of Dandy's men catch up to him - and deliver a message. After they rough him up, they slip a note, down the front of his shirt. Message received. The note reads: 08 33 97 - The Barber needs a haircut. Coordinates? Two of his crew members find him - and take him to a clinic, where a past crew member (Lana) works. She isn't too thrilled to see him. Lana' works at a camp called: Midland Housing and Medical Centre for those in need (shortened to Midland) - and is nicknamed - Starvation City. He wants her to rejoin his crew, after another crew member (Darius) - decides he doesn't want to be the ship's Medic, anymore. Coincidentally, he was going to see Lana, anyway, whilst on terra-firma, as he needs to replace Darius. It's dangerous in space.
Anyway, the note that Dandy's men gave him, leads him to a top secret military facility, where he picks up a mystery box - which he has to take it to a new set of coordinates, that Dandy has given him. What will he find there?
In Summation: This was pretty good, for a debut. I liked (Belinda) - the ships A.I. - which amused me a few times. At the end of the book; there's a sample of 'MechCorps' by Jake Bible.
I didn't think anything could be deadlier, than the Internecivus Raptus (Murderous Thief in Latin) - 'the 'acid for blood' Xenomorphs in the Alien movies. Well, the creature in this book, is able to absorb its victims' physical form, and it doesn't have any obvious weaknesses.
An interplanetary smuggler, Jack Kind, is coerced into a deal by a dangerous politician (Jim Dandy) - after his spacecraft (Belinda) is intercepted by pirates, who have boarded his freighter in search of a specific container. Fighting back is not really an option, as he doesn't want to endanger his crew. Kind' has a checkered past - and is carrying a heavy burden, due to his past transgressions, when he was imprisoned in a camp, during 'The Great Solar War.' A burden he's finding hard to endure.
When Jack returns to Earth, some of Dandy's men catch up to him - and deliver a message. After they rough him up, they slip a note, down the front of his shirt. Message received. The note reads: 08 33 97 - The Barber needs a haircut. Coordinates? Two of his crew members find him - and take him to a clinic, where a past crew member (Lana) works. She isn't too thrilled to see him. Lana' works at a camp called: Midland Housing and Medical Centre for those in need (shortened to Midland) - and is nicknamed - Starvation City. He wants her to rejoin his crew, after another crew member (Darius) - decides he doesn't want to be the ship's Medic, anymore. Coincidentally, he was going to see Lana, anyway, whilst on terra-firma, as he needs to replace Darius. It's dangerous in space.
Anyway, the note that Dandy's men gave him, leads him to a top secret military facility, where he picks up a mystery box - which he has to take it to a new set of coordinates, that Dandy has given him. What will he find there?
In Summation: This was pretty good, for a debut. I liked (Belinda) - the ships A.I. - which amused me a few times. At the end of the book; there's a sample of 'MechCorps' by Jake Bible.
February 7, 2017
You better run!
Classic alien monster on an isolated space ship. Think "Aliens" meets "The Thing" (John Carpenter version). I liked it. Once the alien popped up it was all action. Run and gun. Loved the cover, it caught my attention. Enjoyed the cast of characters.
Classic alien monster on an isolated space ship. Think "Aliens" meets "The Thing" (John Carpenter version). I liked it. Once the alien popped up it was all action. Run and gun. Loved the cover, it caught my attention. Enjoyed the cast of characters.
January 15, 2017
Fantastic creature! Up front, I'll tell you that my only complaint was that it took at least 50 pages of backstory and exposition to get to the action, but once the creature appeared - wow - this was mind blowing! It's been said before it is reminiscent of Alien and The Thing, and it is that, but it is also unique in the creature's lethality and unstoppability. Had me on the edge of my chair. Well done, Benjamin, and now... I want to see where the things came from - bring on Deathform 2! Greig Beck.
February 19, 2023
Definitely a great sci fi thriller.
You’ve got space pirates, galactic war (and characters with PTSD from that), oh and alien monsters!!!
I guess the ending felt a bit anticlimactic… I was waiting for there to be some sort of epilogue or surprise at the end about the alien ship/ monsters but nothing happened.
Finding out the background on the war between FROST and Alliance was my favourite part actually, I would read the sh*t out of a story about characters living through the atrocities of that conflict.
You’ve got space pirates, galactic war (and characters with PTSD from that), oh and alien monsters!!!
I guess the ending felt a bit anticlimactic… I was waiting for there to be some sort of epilogue or surprise at the end about the alien ship/ monsters but nothing happened.
Finding out the background on the war between FROST and Alliance was my favourite part actually, I would read the sh*t out of a story about characters living through the atrocities of that conflict.
November 13, 2016
If you combined Firefly with Alien and maybe some of the what the f-ness of Event Horizon, that's Deathform. It's one of those books where it's easy to remember that some humans are worse than any monster, because the monsters don't play games - they just devour. I hated Dandy more than the monster.
I like the main crew; I like that Jack is broken without being pitiful, as sometimes happens when there are war survivors as main characters. I like that Lana is a little bit cold but admits to herself she wants an adventure. That all the main group are wholly themselves, or get there through the action of the story.
My only slight spoiler is to say that while the books is an adventure and there's danger and panic and tension, I was really relieved with the resolution because it somehow was and wasn't what I was expecting.
A solid sci-fi read with just enough gore to make you cringe.
I like the main crew; I like that Jack is broken without being pitiful, as sometimes happens when there are war survivors as main characters. I like that Lana is a little bit cold but admits to herself she wants an adventure. That all the main group are wholly themselves, or get there through the action of the story.
My only slight spoiler is to say that while the books is an adventure and there's danger and panic and tension, I was really relieved with the resolution because it somehow was and wasn't what I was expecting.
A solid sci-fi read with just enough gore to make you cringe.
June 2, 2017
I'm not normally a science fiction reader, much to the heartbreak of my boyfriend, but he talked me into reading Deathform with him, and let me tell you this book is changing my mind on the genre. With punchy dialogue, great characters, and a plot that picks up quickly, it was a pleasure to read. The first couple chapters might have you second guessing, but by chapter three I was fully immersed in the world and loving it! In fact, despite the size of my "to read" stack, I can see myself rereading this again very very soon. I only have two complaints:
1.) I know that this book is Allocco's first novel, but it reads like it was written by a veteran author and my mind is blown.
2.) I want another book already.
1.) I know that this book is Allocco's first novel, but it reads like it was written by a veteran author and my mind is blown.
2.) I want another book already.
July 8, 2017
I really enjoyed Deathform! Remarkable debut novel. I'm a fan of the genre and was captivated by the world that the author created. Quick pace, interesting characters, spaceships, creepy monster - everything you could want from a sci-fi/horror story. Excited for what's next from this author, and would jump at the chance to spend some more time with Jack Kind and his crew.
March 29, 2017
”Deathform,” debut novel by Benjamin Allocco, is a solid entry of “spaceship horror” in the vein of ‘Alien’ and ‘Event Horizon.’
Allocco does a fantastic job channeling ‘Firefly’s’ ragtag crew lead by wounded Captain Jack Kind. Kind’s well-formed backstory is a real highlight of the book, motivating every decision the captain makes, both good & bad.
The few issues with the book come from a desire for MORE of the in-book universe rather than complaints about clunky plot or poor writing. While the majority of the characters are fleshed out, there is one or two who are touched upon only at a basic level. With the depth of authorship shown towards Captain Kind and many of the others, its evident Allocco has the skill to add depth to these characters, perhaps in a later expanded version.
All in all, “Deathform” is a solid romp for a fair price, and if you’re any kind of of sci-fi or horror nerd, you will definitely enjoy it.
Allocco does a fantastic job channeling ‘Firefly’s’ ragtag crew lead by wounded Captain Jack Kind. Kind’s well-formed backstory is a real highlight of the book, motivating every decision the captain makes, both good & bad.
The few issues with the book come from a desire for MORE of the in-book universe rather than complaints about clunky plot or poor writing. While the majority of the characters are fleshed out, there is one or two who are touched upon only at a basic level. With the depth of authorship shown towards Captain Kind and many of the others, its evident Allocco has the skill to add depth to these characters, perhaps in a later expanded version.
All in all, “Deathform” is a solid romp for a fair price, and if you’re any kind of of sci-fi or horror nerd, you will definitely enjoy it.
April 13, 2022
Well there goes my dream of being an interplanetary smuggler in the future. The job doesn't sound so great now. Any book that has alieny things like this and action and good characters,(in space!), is going to get a good review from me. It took a bit of time to get into the best part (action), but it was worth getting to know the characters and who to root for. I hope there is more to come.
May 16, 2017
Short and gory
This is a nice short SciFi horror book. It is a touch dark and depressing in the beginning but picks up once the getting work has been laid. For the author's first novel I think they did a good job.
This is a nice short SciFi horror book. It is a touch dark and depressing in the beginning but picks up once the getting work has been laid. For the author's first novel I think they did a good job.
September 2, 2019
Jack Kind is an anti-hero you can’t help but come to care about and root for. And Dandy is a villain you just *love* to hate. The descriptions easily immerse you in the setting and take you on a heart-pounding race for survival that will keep you turning pages right to the end. Deathform is a brilliant mix of action and horror, with a hint of drama and a splash of romance. Easily one of my favorite sci-fi/horror reads. I can’t wait for more!
June 10, 2017
Short and punchy it was an enjoyable read, but it did suffer from being narrated in the present tense (mostly) and a reasonably predictable story arc. Unfortunately it lacked the slow building suspense that could have elevated it a scarier and more exciting read.
Would definitely read more by the author though.
Would definitely read more by the author though.
July 11, 2020
Started well then went downhill
I enjoyed the beginning, knowing about the crew and the build up, even the details of the technology and the space ships. However once the action got going it felt flat, became a story of people's lives and the issues they had gone through which pushed any aspect of horror away. I had to speed read the last few pages.
I enjoyed the beginning, knowing about the crew and the build up, even the details of the technology and the space ships. However once the action got going it felt flat, became a story of people's lives and the issues they had gone through which pushed any aspect of horror away. I had to speed read the last few pages.
December 14, 2022
Another excellent book by Benjamin! This guy knows how to write an engaging novel.
May 24, 2022
I was disappointed by this one, I guess I just want my few horror scifi reads to be exceptional! It was the writing style that did it for me, it didnt click. Also a lack of substance. I honestly think this would have made a far better story on screen, in a scifi tv series episode or movie. It didnt do well as a novel for me.
June 2, 2017
This really short science fiction book is more of a thriller than a horror story. It would be pretty mediocre if the author didn't do a really good job making you sympathize with the main character. You can read it in like three hours, I recommend you try it.
February 18, 2019
Benjamin Allocco's debut novel gets a lot done in its 236 pages, building a believable futuristic world and introducing a diverse cast of characters, all with their own backgrounds and reasons for winding up in the situation that unfolds. What starts as an exciting, and often comedic, story of interplanetary smugglers turns into a terrifying fight for survival when Jack Kind and his crew, along with a dangerous criminal and his lackeys, come into contact with a hellish being whose only instinct is to kill. Trapped on a space station with the creature running wild, friend and foe must work together in order to all get out alive. That vague synopsis hardly does the book justice, though, as it is really the characters that drive the action forward. Jack's crew is a diverse mix of characters, all with their own backgrounds and reasons for doing what they do, and enough unexpected quirks thrown in to prevent them becoming sci-fi stock characters. As this is a horror novel, not all of them make it out alive, but you may be surprised by who does and who doesn't, and you will feel their absences after the fact. Allocco's most important achievement in this novel, however, is his expert pacing. The chapters are quick and concise, and tread that fine line of sharing just enough while throwing in some extra fun stuff for the reader. Nearly every chapter ends leaving you wanting to read on, which may lead to some late nights for you readers. I think it could easily be read in a single sitting.
Fans of "Firefly" or The Expanse book series will easily get a kick out of this book, as well as horror aficionados who liked "Alien" and "The Thing," or really anybody looking for a fast, energetic thrill ride in the darkness of space. Benjamin Allocco's debut novel really has me excited for his future works.
Fans of "Firefly" or The Expanse book series will easily get a kick out of this book, as well as horror aficionados who liked "Alien" and "The Thing," or really anybody looking for a fast, energetic thrill ride in the darkness of space. Benjamin Allocco's debut novel really has me excited for his future works.
February 4, 2017
I enjoyed the story for the most part. The ending didn't really grab me though.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews