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Pyreans #2
Messinants
Pyre is a volatile planet. Its surface belches heat and noxious gases, forcing downsiders to inhabit domes. But Pyre’s instability isn’t limited to its geology. The colonists, who were marooned in the system hundreds of years ago, have endured a tumultuous history.
Exploring Triton, Pyre’s third moon, spacers inadvertently activate an alien dome. When nothing came of it, they combined their mining ships with the "Honora Belle," the aging colony vessel, to sling slush, frozen gases, at Emperion, Pyre’s second moon.
Nearly a year later, the Belle’s bridge crew, who monitors the alien site, is alarmed, when they witness a bright blue light shoot from the dome’s platform and merge with the shield. The alien site isn’t an entertainment stage, as Captain Jessie Cinders had facetiously mused. It’s a gate, and aliens have arrived.
Much to the consternation of the duplicitous downside governor and station commandant, the spacers, who triggered the dome, journey to Triton to meet the arrivals. Discussions with the aliens leads Jessie to understand these entities might be responsible for the destruction of Pyre, and they’re offering to resurrect the planet out of remorse.
The commandant and the governor insist the aliens wish to repair Pyre for themselves, and the citizens are confused about who might be right. Only time will tell which groups prove to be correct. The danger lies in the possibility that the spacers are being fooled and the aliens are seeking to conquer the planet. In which case, humans might learn the truth too late.
Exploring Triton, Pyre’s third moon, spacers inadvertently activate an alien dome. When nothing came of it, they combined their mining ships with the "Honora Belle," the aging colony vessel, to sling slush, frozen gases, at Emperion, Pyre’s second moon.
Nearly a year later, the Belle’s bridge crew, who monitors the alien site, is alarmed, when they witness a bright blue light shoot from the dome’s platform and merge with the shield. The alien site isn’t an entertainment stage, as Captain Jessie Cinders had facetiously mused. It’s a gate, and aliens have arrived.
Much to the consternation of the duplicitous downside governor and station commandant, the spacers, who triggered the dome, journey to Triton to meet the arrivals. Discussions with the aliens leads Jessie to understand these entities might be responsible for the destruction of Pyre, and they’re offering to resurrect the planet out of remorse.
The commandant and the governor insist the aliens wish to repair Pyre for themselves, and the citizens are confused about who might be right. Only time will tell which groups prove to be correct. The danger lies in the possibility that the spacers are being fooled and the aliens are seeking to conquer the planet. In which case, humans might learn the truth too late.
16 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 25, 2018
377 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
S.H. Jucha
45 books469 followersFrom my early years to the present, books have been a refuge. They’ve fueled my imagination. I’ve traveled to faraway places and met aliens with Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, Herbert, and Le Guin. I’ve explored historical events with Michener and Clavell, and I played spy with Ludlum and Fleming.
There’s no doubt that the early sci-fi masters influenced the writing of my first two series, The Silver Ships and Pyreans. I crafted my stories to give readers intimate views of my characters, who wrestle with the challenges of living in space and inhabiting alien worlds.
Life is rarely easy for these characters, who encounter aliens and calamities, but they persist and flourish. I revel in examining humankind’s will to survive. Not everyone plays fair or exhibits concern for other beings, but that’s another aspect of humans and aliens that I investigate.
My stories offer hope for humans today about what they might accomplish tomorrow far from our home world. Throughout my books, humans exhibit a will to persevere, without detriment to the vast majority of others.
Readers have been generous with their comments, which they’ve left on Amazon and Goodreads for others to review. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m pleased to read how my stories have positively affected many readers’ lives.
If you’ve read my books, please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads for every book, even a short one. Reviews attract other readers and are a great help to indie authors, such as me.
The Silver Ships novels have reached Amazon’s coveted #1 and #2 Best-Selling Sci-Fi book, multiple times, in the science fiction categories of first contact, space opera, and alien invasion.
There’s no doubt that the early sci-fi masters influenced the writing of my first two series, The Silver Ships and Pyreans. I crafted my stories to give readers intimate views of my characters, who wrestle with the challenges of living in space and inhabiting alien worlds.
Life is rarely easy for these characters, who encounter aliens and calamities, but they persist and flourish. I revel in examining humankind’s will to survive. Not everyone plays fair or exhibits concern for other beings, but that’s another aspect of humans and aliens that I investigate.
My stories offer hope for humans today about what they might accomplish tomorrow far from our home world. Throughout my books, humans exhibit a will to persevere, without detriment to the vast majority of others.
Readers have been generous with their comments, which they’ve left on Amazon and Goodreads for others to review. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m pleased to read how my stories have positively affected many readers’ lives.
If you’ve read my books, please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads for every book, even a short one. Reviews attract other readers and are a great help to indie authors, such as me.
The Silver Ships novels have reached Amazon’s coveted #1 and #2 Best-Selling Sci-Fi book, multiple times, in the science fiction categories of first contact, space opera, and alien invasion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 10, 2021
This is a good old fashioned science fiction tale. This is book two of the series and Jucha is continuing to build on his characters. I am becoming to become most interested in Captain Harper. She now the captain of a giant spaceship that was once a very old colonization ship from earth. She is also the leader of the Empath.
The book is well written. The story got more interesting as the book progressed so that I was most disappointed when the book ended. I cannot wait for the next book. I have been a fan of the Silver Ship Series, which is nearing its end. Out of curiosity I tried to find information about the author, S. H. Jucha. I found very little information; apparently, he was born in Alaska and started writing late in life. His career was in the technical education and software development industries.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fifteen hours and fifty-one minutes. Nicole Poole does an excellent job narrating the book. Poole is a classically trained actor, voice-over artist and audiobook narrator. I have noted that many of the audiobook narrators are classically trained actors.
The book is well written. The story got more interesting as the book progressed so that I was most disappointed when the book ended. I cannot wait for the next book. I have been a fan of the Silver Ship Series, which is nearing its end. Out of curiosity I tried to find information about the author, S. H. Jucha. I found very little information; apparently, he was born in Alaska and started writing late in life. His career was in the technical education and software development industries.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fifteen hours and fifty-one minutes. Nicole Poole does an excellent job narrating the book. Poole is a classically trained actor, voice-over artist and audiobook narrator. I have noted that many of the audiobook narrators are classically trained actors.
April 23, 2018
I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much as the previous one. I didn’t think the story quite tied together as strongly as the first book, partly because I started to question one or two things. For example;
Part of this book is a political drama with several major players. I understand how the self-serving ‘Families’ maintained their power, but my main problem was with the corrupt commandant. How did he get his position? Who appointed him? What is his power base? Where is his support on the station? Why hasn’t he been removed?
Having said this, I still enjoyed the book and the introduction of the ‘Jatouche’ was certainly interesting. I will definitely read the next one when it is released.
Part of this book is a political drama with several major players. I understand how the self-serving ‘Families’ maintained their power, but my main problem was with the corrupt commandant. How did he get his position? Who appointed him? What is his power base? Where is his support on the station? Why hasn’t he been removed?
Having said this, I still enjoyed the book and the introduction of the ‘Jatouche’ was certainly interesting. I will definitely read the next one when it is released.
March 26, 2018
Tension and Friendship wonderful chemistry
Its just simply great. Perhaps I realized how much I was enjoying this read when it began to feel like I was getting a touch of the emotional joy from and Empath while I was reading. I was not just enjoying the tale -- it was fun!! The bad guys were so deserving of my dislike. The good guys were so much joy to see when they won or got the upper hand. And then the Aliens -- wow, yeah, the Aliens. I think I'll only say they were so much more than expected. And have so much more yet to be revealed. I borrowed this read but will now buy it and purchase each of the next issues in this series the moment I see them. Period, they are worth more than the cost. S. H. Jucha is now on my "just buy it and read immediately" list. Now when do we get Book 3?
Its just simply great. Perhaps I realized how much I was enjoying this read when it began to feel like I was getting a touch of the emotional joy from and Empath while I was reading. I was not just enjoying the tale -- it was fun!! The bad guys were so deserving of my dislike. The good guys were so much joy to see when they won or got the upper hand. And then the Aliens -- wow, yeah, the Aliens. I think I'll only say they were so much more than expected. And have so much more yet to be revealed. I borrowed this read but will now buy it and purchase each of the next issues in this series the moment I see them. Period, they are worth more than the cost. S. H. Jucha is now on my "just buy it and read immediately" list. Now when do we get Book 3?
December 4, 2018
Finally!! A story about Good Aliens!!
I've been searching for a story that doesn't center around an evil race of aliens invading Earth and the resulting battles to save our species....and this delivered! Is there other life out there? It would be foolish to think we are the only sentient species in our ever expanding Universe. Are they evil? Well now, maybe yes...and maybe no....after all, there are both types of humanity....most likely there are just as many diverse states of mine d and "hearts" Out There, as we have Right Here, at Home. But do we have to portray them ALL as evil? Would you want to be so stereotyped? So...thank you Mr Jucha for giving us a taste of what else is entirely possible!
I've been searching for a story that doesn't center around an evil race of aliens invading Earth and the resulting battles to save our species....and this delivered! Is there other life out there? It would be foolish to think we are the only sentient species in our ever expanding Universe. Are they evil? Well now, maybe yes...and maybe no....after all, there are both types of humanity....most likely there are just as many diverse states of mine d and "hearts" Out There, as we have Right Here, at Home. But do we have to portray them ALL as evil? Would you want to be so stereotyped? So...thank you Mr Jucha for giving us a taste of what else is entirely possible!
April 3, 2022
Very good.
September 28, 2019
Still not as good as the Silver Ships books, but getting better.
I wont saw much about this book, aside from I am confused by the language of the book. I have come to accept some of the odd speech of the Silver Ships books, but I have always passed it off in my mind as a futuristic European style language translated into English. For example, they have "evening meal" not "dinner or supper", they don't hang out in a "living room", they talk in a "salon", no one says "I'm sorry" or "my apologies" they just go around saying "Apologies", etc. This has never bothered me much, as Alex didn't talk like that in his native tongue (North American descendant), and it only came up when learned Meridian.
However, the fact that the same diction is showing up in this series, really takes me out of the story, as this colony ship is also from North America, and should have a language similar to American English, rather than Meridian.
Aside from that, another enjoyable enough book. And I'm glad the Silver Ships universe is getting fleshed out.
I wont saw much about this book, aside from I am confused by the language of the book. I have come to accept some of the odd speech of the Silver Ships books, but I have always passed it off in my mind as a futuristic European style language translated into English. For example, they have "evening meal" not "dinner or supper", they don't hang out in a "living room", they talk in a "salon", no one says "I'm sorry" or "my apologies" they just go around saying "Apologies", etc. This has never bothered me much, as Alex didn't talk like that in his native tongue (North American descendant), and it only came up when learned Meridian.
However, the fact that the same diction is showing up in this series, really takes me out of the story, as this colony ship is also from North America, and should have a language similar to American English, rather than Meridian.
Aside from that, another enjoyable enough book. And I'm glad the Silver Ships universe is getting fleshed out.
May 21, 2020
This is a side story related to Jucha's THE SILVER SHIPS books, introducing some of the characters. The interaction between humans and other sentient life forms is highlighted. The Messinants are a long gone life form that was very technologically advanced. They traveled the vast reaches of deep space by teleportation (ala Star Trek's transporter), moving both personnel and material. Their program was to nurture fledgling societies of sentient beings in their development of language and the social skills needed to co-exist with other life forms. This story involves the Pyreans, human descendants of Earth's early ventures into space, and the Jatouche, a sentient life form helped by the Messinants several hundred years previously. For each, it is the first known contact with another species. Many of the reactions and interactions are predictable, but there are also questions.
March 3, 2018
Jucha's writing of political intrigue has improved immeasurably since his first forays into it in the Silver Ships, and I'm delighted to see how it develops continuing forward. There are layers of mysteries and things to poke at and puzzle over, inventive tech, adorable aliens, and a myriad of questions as to how revelations in this book will potentially relate to events in the Silver Ships series, which takes place hundreds of years in the future. I look forward to Jucha's continued development in writing, as well as the excitement of new plots, new species, and cool technology.
Tacticnok is my favorite new character, but I adore Ituau with all my heart.
Tacticnok is my favorite new character, but I adore Ituau with all my heart.
April 11, 2019
I loved this story and book, I would give it five-plus stars if that was available. Its a continuation of Pyreans #1 and it does not fail on suspense. Its the good guys against the bad guys with the aliens watching. And there are some helping the bad guys and some helping the good guys by spying on the bad guys and feeding them information to keep them a step ahead of those who want to wreck their plans. I love the role of the empaths, they are kinda like the Jedi knights in Star Wars movies. And then added, there is a slow moving love story going on between captains Harbour and Jessie.
I am now on to book three in the series.
I am now on to book three in the series.
March 21, 2018
I was excited for this book to come out since I thought book 1 was a great start to an alternate group of people from the Silver Ships novels (albeit in the same universe). I ultimately liked the book but after finishing it was wanting more to happen.
There were some significant events that did occur for the people of Pyre don't get me wrong, but any problem that started to develop ended up being solved too easily and various antagonists that were introduced too easily set aside.
I still want to read this series and hope the next one presents more developed challenges for the group.
There were some significant events that did occur for the people of Pyre don't get me wrong, but any problem that started to develop ended up being solved too easily and various antagonists that were introduced too easily set aside.
I still want to read this series and hope the next one presents more developed challenges for the group.
October 7, 2020
After the success of book one in the series, which represented an admirable improvement over Jucha's already excellent Silver Ships, I approached book 2 with some trepidation when it became clear that we would be introduced to an alien species. The gritty survivalist tone of book 1 had contributed much to its appeal. However, I shouldn't have been worried as Messinants continued to deliver, arguably not as well as Empaths, but certainly with sufficient pace and interest to make this a strong recommendation.
October 23, 2022
This series is really growing on me.
I’ve loved this detour into a different group of people from the Silver Ships series. (This 4 book series is best read between Sojourn and Artifice of the Silver Ships series. It introduces a new group of earth’s emmigrants with a vastly different history that will join up with the Silver Ships series in future books).
The book contains politics, intrigue, empaths and aliens. Mostly it contains some intriguing and wonderful relationships.
Highly recommended.
I’ve loved this detour into a different group of people from the Silver Ships series. (This 4 book series is best read between Sojourn and Artifice of the Silver Ships series. It introduces a new group of earth’s emmigrants with a vastly different history that will join up with the Silver Ships series in future books).
The book contains politics, intrigue, empaths and aliens. Mostly it contains some intriguing and wonderful relationships.
Highly recommended.
March 15, 2018
New take on an alien invasion. What will they think of us and us of them?
Great continuation of the initial adventure with new characters to get to know and the growth of our favorites too. Good political and social interactions from both sides and the good and evil too. Looking forward to number three in the series.
Great continuation of the initial adventure with new characters to get to know and the growth of our favorites too. Good political and social interactions from both sides and the good and evil too. Looking forward to number three in the series.
March 18, 2018
Excellent story
This is another fantastic story from Mr. Jucha. This book is the 2nd in this series and it just keeps getting better. One of the things I like is the details that make the story flow better and makes you really enjoy the characters. Oh yeah his other series has ten books in it and if you haven’t read them you can start now. ENJOY
This is another fantastic story from Mr. Jucha. This book is the 2nd in this series and it just keeps getting better. One of the things I like is the details that make the story flow better and makes you really enjoy the characters. Oh yeah his other series has ten books in it and if you haven’t read them you can start now. ENJOY
May 7, 2018
Terrific
A superb addition to the Pyreans series. Plots, new aliens, hints of many as yet unknown alien races, strong lead characters ... what's not to like? Only wish I could live on the Belle! While waiting for book three, I'm going to return to the Silver Ships series for another read through.
A superb addition to the Pyreans series. Plots, new aliens, hints of many as yet unknown alien races, strong lead characters ... what's not to like? Only wish I could live on the Belle! While waiting for book three, I'm going to return to the Silver Ships series for another read through.
August 1, 2018
GReat Science in the Fiction Space Opera
This story of a group of colonists who are forced to live on a hostile planet who have a first contact with the advanced aliens who destroyed their planet fighting the previous inhabitants is a great read. I almost rather he finishes book three over book 12 of Silver Ships.
This story of a group of colonists who are forced to live on a hostile planet who have a first contact with the advanced aliens who destroyed their planet fighting the previous inhabitants is a great read. I almost rather he finishes book three over book 12 of Silver Ships.
April 22, 2021
Very good
I am liking these better than the silver ships. More natural interaction, humor etc. I have always liked stories depicting human ingenuity. Jules Verne did it all the time. Characters in Heinlein’s books were flawed but basically good folk. This group is flawed but better for the flaws,
I am liking these better than the silver ships. More natural interaction, humor etc. I have always liked stories depicting human ingenuity. Jules Verne did it all the time. Characters in Heinlein’s books were flawed but basically good folk. This group is flawed but better for the flaws,
March 5, 2018
Love it!
I love this series. I love how the humans deal with aliens. I also love a look at how the aliens view the humans. This book shows us how sentiments deal with each other also how some of us always want to benefit even as the world burns.
I love this series. I love how the humans deal with aliens. I also love a look at how the aliens view the humans. This book shows us how sentiments deal with each other also how some of us always want to benefit even as the world burns.
March 5, 2018
Great!
Thank you S H Jucha for another in a great series. The characters are interesting and well drawn, the situations detailed and engrossing. Looking forward to the next in this series, and the next in the Silver Ships as well!!!
Thank you S H Jucha for another in a great series. The characters are interesting and well drawn, the situations detailed and engrossing. Looking forward to the next in this series, and the next in the Silver Ships as well!!!
March 24, 2018
A fresh new voice
I've read and enjoyed many many books by S.H. Jucha, but this two book series seemed to carry a more emotionally developed feel. This was a fun and inviting read that really made me care about the lead characters.
I've read and enjoyed many many books by S.H. Jucha, but this two book series seemed to carry a more emotionally developed feel. This was a fun and inviting read that really made me care about the lead characters.
March 26, 2018
Engaging story and likable characters
S.H. Jucha has created another great cast of characters to drive another story that is difficult to put down. New aliens, both seen and unseen, leave the opening for so many new stories.
S.H. Jucha has created another great cast of characters to drive another story that is difficult to put down. New aliens, both seen and unseen, leave the opening for so many new stories.
April 7, 2018
Awesome!
Jucha is an amazing author! I very seldom recommend an author but I highly recommend all of his books. I loved them all and was truly saddened when i realized i had read all of his books.
Jucha is an amazing author! I very seldom recommend an author but I highly recommend all of his books. I loved them all and was truly saddened when i realized i had read all of his books.
May 6, 2018
Another great sci-do romp
Really enjoy his writing style, making you think about the underlying morality of principal characters as they develop through believable space exploration.
Really enjoy his writing style, making you think about the underlying morality of principal characters as they develop through believable space exploration.
May 6, 2018
Aliens and humans
Love this author. Pyreans series is more great writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the Jatouche aliens and how defined their personalities are. What the end game will be so far as alliances, that remains to be revealed. I am ready for book 3.
Love this author. Pyreans series is more great writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the Jatouche aliens and how defined their personalities are. What the end game will be so far as alliances, that remains to be revealed. I am ready for book 3.
May 8, 2018
Outstanding!
A fantastic writer, a wonderful book.
All of Mr. Jucha' s books are a must read!
This is another fine story in a list of great books.
Even if you're not a sci fi fan, these books ate a must.
I highly recommend all of Scott's works.
A fantastic writer, a wonderful book.
All of Mr. Jucha' s books are a must read!
This is another fine story in a list of great books.
Even if you're not a sci fi fan, these books ate a must.
I highly recommend all of Scott's works.
July 31, 2019
Another win.
Wow! Just, wow. Again this author has brought me into a vivid, exciting world. At touch down when the pilots were fighting for their lives... I teared up. No flat story here and no flat emotions. Again the flow was seamless.
Wow! Just, wow. Again this author has brought me into a vivid, exciting world. At touch down when the pilots were fighting for their lives... I teared up. No flat story here and no flat emotions. Again the flow was seamless.
March 30, 2020
Again, a great read!
Totally enjoying these new tales from the Silver Ship universe! What a reading pleasure. One more book to read but I expect more will follow. I certainly hope so!
Totally enjoying these new tales from the Silver Ship universe! What a reading pleasure. One more book to read but I expect more will follow. I certainly hope so!
September 16, 2020
Head long marathon
A bit of warning: if you are reading this series, and the Silver Ship, be ready for weeks of marathon reading. Thats what happens to me, and I can't stop! Onward to the next books!
A bit of warning: if you are reading this series, and the Silver Ship, be ready for weeks of marathon reading. Thats what happens to me, and I can't stop! Onward to the next books!
May 10, 2023
Now the story got interested and complex. On to the next one.
Like other books in the series, there's very tiny amount of sexism. I'm not sure if the author is, or the author is describing a society that is or if I'm reading too much on it.
Like other books in the series, there's very tiny amount of sexism. I'm not sure if the author is, or the author is describing a society that is or if I'm reading too much on it.
November 10, 2024
Jucha keeps on delivering quality
What a great story. The multiple ways Jucha has characters meeting members of other sentient species continues to astound me. Enjoying the journey he has provided through these series.
What a great story. The multiple ways Jucha has characters meeting members of other sentient species continues to astound me. Enjoying the journey he has provided through these series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews