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Shadows of the Void #0.5
Starbound
Kickass scifi heroine begins her journey to the stars. Jas Harrington is the sole survivor of humanity's worst colony disaster. After growing up in institutions on Mars and Earth, Jas travels to Antarctica to train as a deep space security operative. All she wants is to graduate college and leave her past behind, but it isn’t long before she faces familiar prejudice against Martian colonists. For once, fighting her way out of her problems isn’t an option...until it is. Starbound is the prequel to the fast-paced, action-packed Shadows of the Void space opera series. Join Jas on her journey today!
“Great story! Whether a first-time reader, or one experienced in this series, a must read!” “...more than a couple of surprises that come your way when you least expect it.” “I loved the characters, and the plot dragged you right into it.” “Very well done, a great read.” “Can’t wait to start the next book.” Sign up for free books at JJ Green’s reader
“Great story! Whether a first-time reader, or one experienced in this series, a must read!” “...more than a couple of surprises that come your way when you least expect it.” “I loved the characters, and the plot dragged you right into it.” “Very well done, a great read.” “Can’t wait to start the next book.” Sign up for free books at JJ Green’s reader
85 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2017
23 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
J.J. Green
105 books392 followersJ.J. Green is a British-Australian science fiction author with a lifelong love of distant landscapes, intriguing cultures and fascinating places. She was born within the sound of the bells of Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside, London, making her a bona fide Cockney, and she lived in Australia, Laos and Taiwan before returning to the UK to settle down in Cambridge.
Green’s novels weave science-based speculation with richly personal stories. Her works explore themes of environmental degradation, political conflict, mythical resonance, human resilience, and the ethics of technology and expansion. Her characters—often strong women—navigate future worlds grounded in both scientific plausibility and mythic imagination.
Sign up to J.J. Green's reader group at jjgreenauthor.com
Green’s novels weave science-based speculation with richly personal stories. Her works explore themes of environmental degradation, political conflict, mythical resonance, human resilience, and the ethics of technology and expansion. Her characters—often strong women—navigate future worlds grounded in both scientific plausibility and mythic imagination.
Sign up to J.J. Green's reader group at jjgreenauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 3, 2020
An enjoyable short story - more tomorrow
Ok a bit more than tomorrow, but I'm here now. Right, great short story, quickly pulls you in keeps hold of you, tightly until the very end. Its strange, I started reading this prequel and thought I'm sure I've read about Jas before, DUH. I read the first book in the series just last December, I hadn't forgotten it that soon honest !!
So this prequel novella gives a bit of background to Jas's story but is still a great tale in its own right. Following years of sacrifice and hard work, Jas gets a place at Antarctica's training centre to focus on a security profession aboard colony starships. Being of Martian extraction makes her stand out at the training centre and not everyone is without prejudice (hmm reminds me of something). Needless to say she never backs away from a challenge, but does make plenty of good friends and supporters as well.
All in all a great short story and makes me want to read more of the "Shadows of the Void" series. A solid 4 stars.
Ok a bit more than tomorrow, but I'm here now. Right, great short story, quickly pulls you in keeps hold of you, tightly until the very end. Its strange, I started reading this prequel and thought I'm sure I've read about Jas before, DUH. I read the first book in the series just last December, I hadn't forgotten it that soon honest !!
So this prequel novella gives a bit of background to Jas's story but is still a great tale in its own right. Following years of sacrifice and hard work, Jas gets a place at Antarctica's training centre to focus on a security profession aboard colony starships. Being of Martian extraction makes her stand out at the training centre and not everyone is without prejudice (hmm reminds me of something). Needless to say she never backs away from a challenge, but does make plenty of good friends and supporters as well.
All in all a great short story and makes me want to read more of the "Shadows of the Void" series. A solid 4 stars.
November 9, 2025
Great story! Great writing! Jas Harrington, an orphan from Mars, receives a scholarship to college. This is the tale of her first year studying interstellar security and of her first love. Wonderful introduction to Jas and to the author, J.J. Green.
April 20, 2019
There is a nice start to the story and I was looking forward to see how it would develop. Then came the start of chapter two; Four months earlier,
It’s obviously a personal hate, as many author seem to like starting books with something that happens much later in the story.
I kept reading, but overall the story was a bit of a disappointment, as it really just turned into a tragic teen romance.
It’s obviously a personal hate, as many author seem to like starting books with something that happens much later in the story.
I kept reading, but overall the story was a bit of a disappointment, as it really just turned into a tragic teen romance.
April 1, 2017
I'm intrigued by this story and as a result, I want to read more.
May 7, 2021
Jas wants to be a security officer on a space ship. In order to fulfil her dreams she must go to Earth to the training school in Antarctica.
The problem is that she is Martian born with all the skin tone changes that no longer are on Earth. She is also very tall and so stands out from the crowd.
Many of the people she meets are anti Martian which makes life more challenging for Jas.
This story takes us through Jas’ time during her first year. We discover her successes and difficulties both with her social and her academic adjustments to life on Earth. Her loves and disappointments too.
This is the prequel story to the Shadows of the Void series.
It is a story that draws the reader in to find out how Jas gets on and whether she achieves her goal to be a security officer on board a star ship.
For me, it was a good place to start as many science fiction stories already are aboard space ships and nothing is written of any earlier training which, if you think about it, must have already taken place.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next instalment.
The problem is that she is Martian born with all the skin tone changes that no longer are on Earth. She is also very tall and so stands out from the crowd.
Many of the people she meets are anti Martian which makes life more challenging for Jas.
This story takes us through Jas’ time during her first year. We discover her successes and difficulties both with her social and her academic adjustments to life on Earth. Her loves and disappointments too.
This is the prequel story to the Shadows of the Void series.
It is a story that draws the reader in to find out how Jas gets on and whether she achieves her goal to be a security officer on board a star ship.
For me, it was a good place to start as many science fiction stories already are aboard space ships and nothing is written of any earlier training which, if you think about it, must have already taken place.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next instalment.
March 8, 2017
If you’ve read (or are currently reading) the ‘Shadows of the Void’ series, then this is definitely one you’ll want to add.
If you’re considering beginning the series, I’m actually not sure you want to start with this prequel. The reason for that is that I have enjoyed the series (currently from Book 1 to Book 7) having the opportunity to speculate about the aspects of a character’s personality that have developed before my view into their lives. ‘Starbound’ removes some of that mystery. It’s been great to get the explanation AFTER having developed theories of my own – sort of like reading a crime novel and working out ‘whodunit’ yourself before the book reveals the answer.
‘Starbound’ is Jas’ story (one of the main characters of the series). It follows her time training as a security officer in Antarctica. Obviously set many years before the events of the first book, ‘Generation’, it has a very different feel to it. With a lot less focus on alien species, strategic battles and peril, this prequel is, in many ways, relaxed. That’s not to say there’s no action – there’s plenty of that. However this is much more a story of emotions and character development.
There’s a lot of psychological interest here. It’s fascinating to read about the events that shaped Jas’ future personality, and it’s very true-to-life. There are no unrealistic reactions – as a reader you can imagine yourself feeling the same way if placed in the same position. This is a real sign of great character construction on the part of the author.
I found myself getting very wrapped up in Jas’ experiences and, by the end, really rooting for her to triumph. In part, I think it’s due to the attachment I have developed with her through reading the other books of the series, although I think it would be easy to feel emotionally involved just through the course of this prequel.
Overall, this is an excellent peek into the struggles that Jas faced as a young adult. JJ Green has pulled together yet another excellent, relatively bite-sized, read. It draws the reader into the characters’ emotions and can be quite intense in places. In fact, so deeply involved was I that I found I’d read the whole thing in one sitting and missed lunch!
This is definitely a book for lovers of ‘Shadows of the Void’. And I’d say that, if you’re picking this up as an isolated read, you’ll be grabbing the rest of the series very soon.
If you’re considering beginning the series, I’m actually not sure you want to start with this prequel. The reason for that is that I have enjoyed the series (currently from Book 1 to Book 7) having the opportunity to speculate about the aspects of a character’s personality that have developed before my view into their lives. ‘Starbound’ removes some of that mystery. It’s been great to get the explanation AFTER having developed theories of my own – sort of like reading a crime novel and working out ‘whodunit’ yourself before the book reveals the answer.
‘Starbound’ is Jas’ story (one of the main characters of the series). It follows her time training as a security officer in Antarctica. Obviously set many years before the events of the first book, ‘Generation’, it has a very different feel to it. With a lot less focus on alien species, strategic battles and peril, this prequel is, in many ways, relaxed. That’s not to say there’s no action – there’s plenty of that. However this is much more a story of emotions and character development.
There’s a lot of psychological interest here. It’s fascinating to read about the events that shaped Jas’ future personality, and it’s very true-to-life. There are no unrealistic reactions – as a reader you can imagine yourself feeling the same way if placed in the same position. This is a real sign of great character construction on the part of the author.
I found myself getting very wrapped up in Jas’ experiences and, by the end, really rooting for her to triumph. In part, I think it’s due to the attachment I have developed with her through reading the other books of the series, although I think it would be easy to feel emotionally involved just through the course of this prequel.
Overall, this is an excellent peek into the struggles that Jas faced as a young adult. JJ Green has pulled together yet another excellent, relatively bite-sized, read. It draws the reader into the characters’ emotions and can be quite intense in places. In fact, so deeply involved was I that I found I’d read the whole thing in one sitting and missed lunch!
This is definitely a book for lovers of ‘Shadows of the Void’. And I’d say that, if you’re picking this up as an isolated read, you’ll be grabbing the rest of the series very soon.
May 6, 2018
This is a prequel story and sets up the main character for the Shadows of the Void series. As such, it was good at introducing Jas Harrington and her upbringing as an orphan from a Mars colony disaster that left her the only survivor. Raised in cared-for children's homes, she doesn't make friends easily and feels like she has to work twice as hard to prove herself. The story follows her security training education at the McMurdo Sound Training Institute in Earth's Antarctic, the relationships she forms there and how those experiences may affect her life in the future. I'm looking forward to reading the first book in the series, Generation.
August 19, 2018
Author J.J. Green brings us into a new universe with the introduction of Jas Harrington a Martin (Human colony) orphan who wants become a security officer aboard a starship. This book takes us though one year of Jas's training and gives us information on her back story like the fact that she is the only survivor of colony disaster. It also gives us a peak into her college life as she trains and tries to adjust to living on Earth. This is a well crafted tale and one that dose perk my interest into reading the rest of the books in this series. I highly recommend Jas's beginning to all science fiction fans.
February 4, 2018
I got "Generation" free through Book Funnel. I wanted to try a new author, since I loved the cover. But didn't start reading it yet.
And then finding the prequel 'Starbound", as well in Book Funnel, i had to get it.
These is the first book i read from J.J. Green, and i loved it. Very good description.
Jas coming from Mars, lost her parents in a catastrophic explosion on Mars and so she was shipped to Earth.
Now it described her life on Earth and how she was trained as a security officer.
And now I am looking forward to read 'Generation'.
And then finding the prequel 'Starbound", as well in Book Funnel, i had to get it.
These is the first book i read from J.J. Green, and i loved it. Very good description.
Jas coming from Mars, lost her parents in a catastrophic explosion on Mars and so she was shipped to Earth.
Now it described her life on Earth and how she was trained as a security officer.
And now I am looking forward to read 'Generation'.
April 10, 2018
Starbound is my first introduction to the Shadows of the Void series as well as author J.J. Green.
I found the cover and description intriguing, and I was not disappointed. Jas is an interesting character as a misplaced Martian on Earth who feels like she doesn't quite belong.
Now that Jas has graduated from the McMurdo Sound Training Institute as a security officer, she looks forward to working on a colony starship. Jas would never be happy Earth-bound, and I'm looking forward to her adventures in the stars.
I found the cover and description intriguing, and I was not disappointed. Jas is an interesting character as a misplaced Martian on Earth who feels like she doesn't quite belong.
Now that Jas has graduated from the McMurdo Sound Training Institute as a security officer, she looks forward to working on a colony starship. Jas would never be happy Earth-bound, and I'm looking forward to her adventures in the stars.
March 20, 2019
Starbound is my introduction to JJ Green and I wish I discovered her earlier. A good start to a space Series: Discrimination will never end. The character and world development starts out slow and continually develops as the story unwinds.
Jas is an orphan from Mars and at twelve she's transported to Earth. As an orphan and a Martian life has always been hard and even now at a college of sorts nothing's changed.
This prequel gives a great insight to what makes Jas the officer she has become in the 10-book Shadows of the Void space opera serial. I hope to read the full decathon.
Jas is an orphan from Mars and at twelve she's transported to Earth. As an orphan and a Martian life has always been hard and even now at a college of sorts nothing's changed.
This prequel gives a great insight to what makes Jas the officer she has become in the 10-book Shadows of the Void space opera serial. I hope to read the full decathon.
August 22, 2019
interesting. has a few levels. had me wondering what was the main story, n if it coalesces down the road. author can set a scene without excessive drag on the story. n opening scene is a beautiful moment, certainly endears the protagonist. so, throw all that together n i'm pretty sure this one can keep pretty much anyone's attention
January 8, 2021
Jas wants a career in interplanetary security and scored a scholarship to the training institution on Antarctica.
Having mainly grown up on Mars, she stands out amongst the students - and there is some discrimination towards her.
Although she's only 18, she is a strong character working hard to succeed on her own.
I always enjoy JJ Green's books
Having mainly grown up on Mars, she stands out amongst the students - and there is some discrimination towards her.
Although she's only 18, she is a strong character working hard to succeed on her own.
I always enjoy JJ Green's books
December 2, 2021
JJ Green has an ability to write short prequels to pique the readers interested in the entire series. After the Martian, Jas, falls in love with an earth man while at training. She realised he is unlikely to head to the stars. Their relationship continues then he utters those three words she did but realise was waiting for.
January 18, 2022
Jas is a Martian orphan who was born on Mars but lost her parents in an accident. She was accepted to a university in Antarcia on a scholarship but will she be accepted. She is different and has to fight for everything. Even in love she has lost as her boyfriend is killed in a training accident. In a daze she has to get through college but can she.
September 14, 2022
Interesting start to a series. While the main character isn't disabled, the story kind of reminded me of Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkocigan series. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
February 5, 2024
This is rather odd that one could travel to Alaska to get training on Security more so for spaceships too.
But then, Jas Harrington made her choice and in Starbound we get to know her for being the very unusual woman and Martian she is. I was captivated.
Enjoy
But then, Jas Harrington made her choice and in Starbound we get to know her for being the very unusual woman and Martian she is. I was captivated.
Enjoy
April 18, 2018
I enjoyed the book very much.
March 5, 2019
Really nice read. Will look to read the other books in the series.
January 18, 2020
It's really clearly a prequel.
I'm not sure it stands very well on its own.
Decently written. +
Weird setting. -
Interesting protagonist+
Doesn't really do much with the possibilities -
I'm not sure it stands very well on its own.
Decently written. +
Weird setting. -
Interesting protagonist+
Doesn't really do much with the possibilities -
March 2, 2020
Prequel novella. Interesting backstory.
March 10, 2020
Glorious. I really liked this freebie. Jas really reminds me of me. I hope the character reflects my obvious nextions.
June 16, 2020
Read it. Loved it.
May 6, 2021
Jas grew up on Mars and is training with Earth raised people
October 22, 2021
Too much teen angst and too little story, with nothing resolved or finished.
October 5, 2024
good background, including trauma, that will likely get mentioned in future episodes.
June 20, 2018
Great story!
Intriguing and full of surprises, JJ Green keeps your attention to see what will happen next until you finish the book. The characters are various and interesting. I am sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did. Happy reading!
Intriguing and full of surprises, JJ Green keeps your attention to see what will happen next until you finish the book. The characters are various and interesting. I am sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did. Happy reading!
March 3, 2017
Great book. Loved it
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews