Sentinel Star

by Sam Barone

The year is 2052, and the New International Space Station is a nothing more than a decrepit ore freighter retired from the Moon-to-Jupiter run. A quiet backwater for research, the Station’s instruments are monitoring Jupiter when they detect the arrival of alien spaceships. They’re not here to invade Earth, but to fight each other. Suddenly Earth’s solar system is a battleground between two powerful alien forces. The alien ships have formidable energy weapons. Worse, the two surviving ships can move at speeds considered theoretical. Soon they are headed for Earth, arrival estimated in a mere sixty hours. When the aliens reach Earth environs, their first stop is likely to be the Space Station. Petty cross-factions must be set aside if humanity hopes to survive. A team is needed to grapple with this First Contact. Within hours an international team of linguists and specialists is assembled under Marine Captain Delano. He and his team of space rookies are soon on their way to the Space Station. Delano’s orders are simple. Make first contact with the aliens, learn their language, and determine the threat to Earth. If possible, obtain their advanced technology. By the way, don’t let the Station or its specialists fall into alien hands. Blow up the Station and yourself if necessary. Good Luck!

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2018

Reviews

[Alan McKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Barone successfully transfers the same narrative technique from the Bronze Age Middle East to space in the twenty-first century. A powerful, lethal danger threatens. For the first three quarters of the story the good guys train and prepare for the epic conflict against the odds. And of course, in the last quarter, they win in an immensely satisfying way.

The author’s fascination with weaponry and tactics is as apparent in this venture into sci-fi as it was with the swords and slings of ancient Mesopotamia, which makes for maybe a bit too much detail at times, but the plot is compelling enough for this not to matter. You have to suspend disbelief a little to accept the very human-like aliens who have interstellar travel and artificial gravity but not computers, but it’s worth it.

And the story’s not over. The bad aliens (and they’re really bad) will be back. No doubt the humans will triumph - but how?

[Bill Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are there intelligent aliens in our universe? Most of us have stared at the heavens and seriously pondered.

Sentinel Star takes place a generation into the future. Others have been monitoring our progress and decided it was time to visit. Are they friend or foe?

This novel is an excellent treatment of this 'first contact.' It's science is well-researched. Its characters generally people you'd like to meet.

Drama? You better believe it. It has some deep messages as well. It's screaming for sequels

[Alex Eckelberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great sci fi book!

Pleasantly surprised by what is an excellent story well told. The author does not disappoint. Highly recommend this book, which paints a story of a near-future run in with aliens - and what happens.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Communication is the most important thing in a first contact and Barone works that angle well. Well-paced and always interesting.