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Voidstalker #2

Krakenscourge

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Far beyond Human space, a massive alien vessel appears, its systems badly damaged and its crew slaughtered in a mysterious ambush in the depths of the void. The emaciated survivors can only identify their attackers by one word: voidstalker.

A year has passed since the events of Voidstalker, and Gabriel cannot forgive the DNI for its role in those events…or forget what he saw. Unknown to him, his enigmatic superiors in the DNI are pressing ahead with plans for his family long in the making, and his wife Aster will find herself trapped between their web of conspiracies and forces determined to thwart them.

Meanwhile, the DNI receives disturbing intelligence about why the alien vessel was attacked in the first place, and Gabriel is sent deep into uncharted space to investigate. Far beyond the safety of Humanity’s frontiers, Gabriel is forced to contend with sinister alien forces who will stop at nothing to bend an ancient abomination to their inscrutable wills.

Humanity is not the only race that would sacrifice everything for absolute power.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2018

34 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

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John Graham

4 books12 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Ian Miller.
Author 16 books102 followers
December 12, 2018
Humanity has spread out into the galaxy, but has run into boundaries with other aliens, many of whom are more advanced. This creates the problem of how to catch up technically, control some adverse advanced technology, and at the same time not provoke the aliens into war. This book follows a previous one in which Gabriel, a genetically enhanced man called a voidstalker had dealt with an entity called "the Swarm". This was advanced, and took over life forms to bend them to its will. This time, there is further evidence of more of the swarm, which has been captured and trapped in an artefact some time previously, but after some piracy, burglary and underworld sale, the artefact has been purchasd by an advanced alien insectoid group. Gabriel has to neutralize this threat. This book is a bit more interesting than most, and Graham has inserted at least two other major threads, and while the Gabriel thread is clearly completed, the others seem to leave prospects for more in the series.
The writing is clear and the pacing good. As an aside, Krakenscourge is the name of Gabriel's space ship, and has nothing to do with mythical monsters. There is a tendency for "little cliff-hangers" as Graham switched between strands. The characters are well-drawn, and the action scenes prolonged and certainly not outrageous, although there is one part where Gabriel carries around a heavy machine gun and fires it more or less continuously for an hour. I wonder if the author knows how large the 50 cal cartridges are? The author also leaves aside any discussion of the genetic theory, and when this becomes almost inevitable, he rightly glosses over it. Overall, a pleasant read that maintained my interest throughout.
Profile Image for Guy Wheatley.
Author 8 books19 followers
November 15, 2018
This is the old-fashion Science Fiction of my youth. Bold protagonists, venturing forth among the stars in space ships. It has been updated some. Q space replaces hyperdrive, but serves the same function, and women are now more than pretty prizes to be rescued and won. Still, this would fit right in with Heinlein, Asimov, and Clark. This is the second book in the series. I have not read the first, but Graham does a good job of getting into the action and filling the reader in on the fly. I don’t think the story was diminished by not having read the first one.
The story follows several lines, jumping back and forth between Gabriel’s mission and events on his home world of Asgard.
— — —
Gabriel Thorn is an enhanced operative for the Directorate of Navel Intelligence. It’s been a year since his last mission and he’s wondering if the DNI is punishing him. He gets called in and discovers the dangerous alien artifact known as the swarm has again been detected. He leaves his wife and children to again go on a mission from which he might not return.
In the meantime, his wife is caught up in intrigue involving the DNI and her children. It seems the DNI may have plans for them, and she wants to know what they are. She is fed information from a mysterious, unknown party that knows things the DNI would prefer she not discover.

This was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for David Styles.
134 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2018
If you enjoyed the first book in this series, you’ll enjoy this one too, as it’s another fun ride in a very similar vein, to the point of being formulaic. To say that something is formulaic often comes across as a criticism, but it’s really not a problem if the formula is good and enjoyable. Consider for example how six out of seven Harry Potter books are a rehash of the same outline as each other, but this hasn’t detracted from their popularity.

It’s been a while since I read the first book in this series, so it took some pages for me to remember that I enjoyed the mystery and action aspects of the book more than the characterizations, with a particular lack of affinity for the main character, Gabriel, and his nagging wife Aster. The plot developments, on the other hand, are what keep me turning pages here.
223 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2018
This is a well-rounded, imaginative and very satisfying sci-fi novel that will please every sci-fi fan through and through. It simply has everything that you can ask for from a book like this: strong protagonist and supportive cast of characters, vast open space for exploring, scary aliens that are a real threat, atmosphere, great world-building... Author thought o everything, ticked every box. The plot isn't anything revolutionary, main character Gabriel goes to investigate why a horrible alien attack happened in outer space and everything starts rolling from there. Expect some familiar things and checkpoints along the way, but there is much to enjoy. I loved how the author managed to tug some emotional strings with a very human element of family and relationships, that is very much needed in sci-fi, but often is overlooked in favor of some cool technology or lame techno babble. That also puts this book a level above some generic sci-fi and makes it something that a wider range of readers can enjoy. Very, very good.
Profile Image for Julius Blitzy.
476 reviews15 followers
November 17, 2018
I want to share my impressions of the revered book. If you love aliens and
extraordinary in book, then buy and read Krakenscourge with confidence.
A wonderful book that attracts the reader with its authenticity and
singularity. Excellent content and amazing adventures that do not let the
reader return to the reality, it is very difficult to stop reading, because with
each page interest increases. A good and detailed description, as well as a
description of the characters, all this makes the experience unforgettable.
Briefly, the story that far from humanity the ship was attacked and the
question of who and why did it is solved. That is, according to the author,
aliens have the same emotions and feelings as humans, they can love, fear,
be jealous, and so on. It seemed to me an interesting and unique idea. I read
with great pleasure and advise everyone to enjoy reading Krakenscourge.
Thanks to author John Graham for such a fresh idea.
Profile Image for Jimmy Jefferson.
1,043 reviews9 followers
November 15, 2018
Alien battle for family and life

Keakenscourge is a fun read with a good story line about an alien family and the struggle between good and evil within the alien community. The alien ship has been attacked and many of the crew are dead. The search begins to discover the reason for this attack and what made the voidstalker commit this vile act. As Gabriel continues to press the DNI his future is being altered as his wife is dragged into the events unfolding. The characters are fun and developed and the story line is unique compared to most sci-fi story's. I enjoyed this read and would recommend this one to all the sci-fi fans and the space thrillers. You will enjoy this one I guarantee. Let me know what you think when you have read this one.
Profile Image for Archie.
422 reviews5 followers
November 13, 2018
Interesting Science Fiction!
A science fiction that takes the reader to the ride of unforeseen events beyond human space. Humans are known to sacrifice everything, can be greedy, jealous, selfish to achieve power but the author’s imagination shows that aliens have the same desire. The story revolves around an event wherein a ship is attacked and it’s badly damaged and its crew is hurt and a family stuck in the conspiracies of DNI (Directorate of Naval Intelligence) and being treated as “lab rats”. If you like science fiction. this one is for you, filled with suspense, action, sci-fi type weaved into a family story.
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,821 followers
January 21, 2019
‘That left just the survivors…’

Author John Graham made a significant writing debut with the publication of his novel – VOIDSTALKER – a science fiction tale that is far more than the sum of the usual components. John is willing to take on contemporary philosophy, genetic engineering, and space manipulation and blend this with a truly terrifying glimpse at corruption of the highest level. He now extends the premise and adventure with Book 2 - KRANKENSCOURGE

An example of the facility with which John writes is evident in this short passage form his first book – ‘“Robots lack the capacity to second-guess their superiors. They also lack something much more crucial - The spark of Humanity. The voidstalker programme has long-term purposes which transcend its immediate utility as a tool of deep-space intelligence operations. They hinge on the long-term survival of Humanity as a whole, and it is therefore vital that the voidstalkers actually be Human, anger and all.”

To set the tone of the book John opens with a palpable atmosphere - ‘Worlds die long before the stars that sustain them, at least in most cases. When this star’s core had collapsed, it had expelled most of it mass in the form of a devastating supernova and scorched the planets it once nurtured. The even had in incinerated their still thriving biospheres and permanently irradiated the ravaged rocks that remained. All that was left was a neutron star. The outer edge of the system was surrounded by an enormous cloud illuminated by the glow of the neutron star, setting it alight in a mesmerising riot of colours. ’

But sharing excerpts of this startlingly fine book may be addictive but the plot line is very important – ‘Far beyond Human space, a massive alien vessel appears, its systems badly damaged and its crew slaughtered in a mysterious ambush in the depths of the void. The emaciated survivors can only identify their attackers by one word: voidstalker. A year has passed since the events of Voidstalker, and Gabriel cannot forgive the DNI for its role in those events…or forget what he saw. Unknown to him, his enigmatic superiors in the DNI are pressing ahead with plans for his family long in the making, and his wife Aster will find herself trapped between their web of conspiracies and forces determined to thwart them. Meanwhile, the DNI receives disturbing intelligence about why the alien vessel was attacked in the first place, and Gabriel is sent deep into uncharted space to investigate. Far beyond the safety of Humanity’s frontiers, Gabriel is forced to contend with sinister alien forces who will stop at nothing to bend an ancient abomination to their inscrutable wills. Humanity is not the only race that would sacrifice everything for absolute power.’

Well-written, finely composed plotline, and a well-crafted arc and dénouement assures us that John Graham’s hobby of science fiction has found a solid home in writing.
Profile Image for Amanda.
329 reviews
January 16, 2019
I read Voidstalker, the title before this, in 2017 and was pretty impressed. Though it was infuriating with the level of evilness and depravity, it was a book that stayed with you for a bit after finishing. When the summary for the sequel goes like this... Far beyond Human space, a massive alien vessel appears, its systems badly damaged and its crew slaughtered in a mysterious ambush in the depths of the void. The emaciated survivors can only identify their attackers by one word: voidstalker... it's pretty clear this installment isn't going to be any rosier.

With a name like Krakenscourge, this Voidstalker book is bound to be, at the very least, interesting. Turns out John Graham didn't lose any steam in while writing. Again the characters are sharp in both wonderful and horrible ways and the world he has created is vivid and detailed with engrossing descriptions. But the tone here is what grabs the reader. It's a striking balance of despair and hope in the dark universe. Sci-fi fans are sure to be happy with this.
128 reviews15 followers
January 20, 2019
This is the perfect example of a writer growing and getting even better as they write more and more.

I loved the first book in this series and while I was hopeful for this one I definitely didn’t think I’d end up liking it more than the first, but I do!

I love science fiction, aliens and space and was not disappointed one bit.

If I had to explain the feeling this book gave me, it would have to be a mixture of tension, excitement, anxiety, and intrigue.

From the very start of the novel, there's conflict. An alien spaceship that has been peaceful and causing no harm is ambushed by a mysterious creature that kills almost everyone who’s living on the ship. The small number that survives is so traumatized by what they’ve seen that they’re not even able to explain what happened.

From there on it just gets more and more intense as we find out more and more about what happened.

If you like science fiction as much as I do, you’ll definitely enjoy reading this. All in all a great book.
Profile Image for Heidi.
127 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2019
Krakenscourge by John Graham is the 2nd instalment in the voidstalker series. Having previously read the first book I was interested to see what the author had concocted for this next book.

Unlike some sequels that are a letdown and ruin the series, this certainly wasn't like that. It was as enthralling as the first. The reader is transported into space where they witness Gabriel return a year on from the Voidstalker incident. After what happened with the DN1, Gabriel hasn't forgiven them or even forgotten what happened. In the background the DN1 are planning Gabriel's future along with his family that ends up causing his wife Aster to be caught in the middle. The reader alongside this storyline reads about how an alien vessel is damaged and the crew massacred in a ambush that they never saw coming. The survivors that were seriously hurt in the ambush can only identify their attackers by the word voidstalker .

The reader is kept on the edge of their seat throughout with another cleverly written sci-fi by John. Worth a read by any avid sci-fi follower.
Profile Image for Valery.
1,500 reviews57 followers
January 21, 2019
Hard core science fiction fans will love Krakenscourge (Voidstalker Book 2)by John Graham which is a classic example of good old fashioned science fiction. As book 2 in the series, it might be helpful to read book 1, but totally not necessary as this book stands solidly on its own. We continue to follow Gabriel as he continues to battle with DNI and its formidable and mysterious role in horrific events. Aliens, a force called the voidstalker, and an intense travel mission into uncharted space frontiers feature prominently in this fantastic story. Well paced with a bold protagonist, a solid plot, and all of the details that make a story memorable, this book is great on so many levels. You will love the characters who are realistic, the tension in the plot, and the way the author weaves in spectacular science fiction elements. Unique story line that is well presented, this book is highly recommended.
Profile Image for Ashley Mitchell.
441 reviews10 followers
October 27, 2021
Sci-fi with great plot

Krakenscourge is the second book in the John Graham’s Voidstalker series. We meet Gabriel, and his wife Aster, in the wake of a great force attacking a ship sent out beyond the reach of humans. Upon the ship’s discovery, the majority of the crew are found slaughtered. The survivor of the attack was able to utter a single clue, “voidstalker”.
This is curious, because voidstalker was created by a peaceful group, the Department of Naval Intelligence. The same group that Gabriel works for, and the same one that has put him on a “suggested” year leave.
This is a thrilling science fiction novel that will undoubtedly make its way into the best sci-fi collections in the years to come. It is a gripping look at humans and our seek for power in contrast to our limited reach and knowledge. It gives an intimidating look at the hunger for power of races that know it too much starker depths than we do.
Profile Image for Conscientious.
484 reviews10 followers
October 28, 2021
Krakenscourge is the second installment in the Voidstalker series by John Graham. A perfect opening to an exhilarating continuation of series, this book stands on its own. The plot only thickens with conspiracies and intense warfare. The story unfolds as Gabriel's continued crusade against DNI, a year after the devastating events of Voidstalker. In the midst of havoc, little does Gabriel know his wife Aster is being dragged by DNI for their sinister plans for his family. Gabriel is adamant on his mission by DNI to uncover the truth himself now as it is not about only humanity anymore.
Science fiction is my absolute favorite because it transports me to a world of endless possibilities and theories, but Graham with this book has set the bar to a new standard. His description of minute details is impeccable and with every event and scenario the excitement, action and conspiracy only get better. I highly recommend it to every sci fi lover; it's an absolute must read!
Profile Image for Guadalupe Herrera.
250 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2021
An Epic and enthralling adventure!

When I started reading this book, it reminded me of certain parts of the video game Mass Effect 2. I love that game series and to be able to read a book that takes me back to those memories is a very good thing! It made me excited to continue reading, to see where the characters are going and doing. Gabriel has a lot at stake, and the fact that the higher ups in the DNI have something in store for his family is a bit nerve-wracking. His wife, Aster, is also part of this plan and gets thrown in the middle of situations out of their control. As I continued to read all that happens to Gabriel, I could not help but root for the man to make it through whatever it is that is being tossed his way. I can appreciate a good struggle for the main character because, oftentimes, it leads to some major growth, and that is inspiring to me. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good sci-fi story.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,332 reviews23 followers
January 21, 2019
Set after the events of the book: Voidstalker, Krakenscourge picks up with Gabriel and his wife Aster slowly becoming ensnared in the intrigue and machinations of the DNI. The DNI is the Directorate of Naval Intelligence who end up tasking Gabriel with investigating the events that led to the alien ship ending up in their space, badly damaged with multiple, traumatized survivors. After some disturbing evidence is gathered, Gabriel is sent to confirm the origins of it and the original attacker of the spaceship.
This was a SciFi mystery with action and adventure, intrigue and complex ideas about space travel and how alien raced would interact with us humans. I think the author did a great job in the creation of the plot. I didn’t read the first book and I might still pick that one up to get more of a background on some characters, but I still enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for S Tyty.
1,276 reviews29 followers
October 29, 2021
Krakenscourge is an amazing sequel to the first installment in the Voidstalker series. The adventures and sequences of events that Gabriel, who appeared in the first book, goes through continue in this second book. He and his wife get trapped in conspiracies by the DNI and Gabriel definitely wants to get to the truth. However, this puts his family in danger.
This book really does justice to the hard science fiction genre. Intrigue, mystery, revenge and doubts are the main ingredients of a story which can be enjoyed by any type of reader.
The author has skillfully crafted a story which has hooked me right from the first line. The events which unfold are intense, making the fast-paced narrative.
I enjoyed it a lot, I read it in a few weeks during my holidays. I can’t wait to read the coming installments! Well-deserved 5 stars go for this one!
Profile Image for Payal Sinha.
Author 7 books23 followers
February 1, 2019
Krakenscouge is a science-fiction novel with a plot in a conspiracy. We are introduced to different species of aliens and the story progresses at a steady pace. The attachment with the protagonist is instantaneous and we look forward to the action in his life. particularly when there are many secrets hanging in the air- like why his wife wants to have more kids when she already has five of them (the doctor friend of Gabriel had hinted at it), and why Gabriel's son Orion along with his siblings have special powers at such a young age.
The plot revolves between two sequences of events- one narrating the protagonist's life, and the other capturing the incident of the attacked vessel. The story is very interesting with lots of actions and a hint of a conspiracy.
Profile Image for Aparna Preethi.
Author 1 book56 followers
October 26, 2021
This is a book that no sci-fi enthusiast should miss; it contains all the elements which make it engaging and thrilling. The story is a sequel to its first part and the author has done a commendable job in keeping the pace exactly as it should be. The story progresses and is full of twists and turns. The perseverance with which the protagonist combats with the evil alien forces was inspiring and very well written.

Even though the story is set up in an extraplanetary world it succeeds in giving a strong philosophical message. The story also explores the possibility of how our race isn’t the only one in-universe and there might be many powerful forces surrounding us. Author John Graham has bestowed the audience with an incredible piece of fiction.

Profile Image for Kourtney Bradley.
481 reviews10 followers
October 28, 2021
Fast-paced sci-fi read

Krakenscourage is book two in the Voidstalker series and picks up a year following the cliffhanger of the first. With the second installment picking up, readers are re-introduced to Gabriel, as he has changed throughout the year that has passed since the Voidstalker. Though he has not forgotten what happened, his mind seems to be fogged in the beginning of the story, though that is quickly cleared and lifted once he processes the action that is sure to follow. This is an edge-of-your-seat read that is filled with chaos and action and reads pleasingly in a way that will keep readers enticed to see the ending through. This one is a great recommendation for those who like sci-fi, specifically when there is involvement with space and galactic battle
1,420 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2018
Fun and dark

The same dark universe is expanded and interactions with other races are the focus of the action. The MC struggles against his conditioning and feels more human. His wife is no saint either and the story of how they met will be a nice bit of background in a future volume.

The governance of humanity and the probably justified paranoia towards aliens is shown in more detail. The addition of more information about the VS program and its eventual goal was very welcome. There is much mystery and serious cross purpose between the players. Very much worth reading but not fluffy.
Profile Image for Aneley Sánchez.
988 reviews24 followers
October 29, 2021
Alien science fiction.
John Graham is the author of the Voidstalker series. Krakenscourge, the second book of the series, is a sci-fi story about aliens, deaths and power struggles that takes place in a distant galaxy. Gabriel is the main character of this novel and he must investigate thrilling scenes and events, in which the DNI had and has an important role.
Although I haven't read many stories about aliens, this book was a surprise. It appealed to me because it is well written and the characters are interesting. It's a bit long but I didn't lose my interest because it is fast-paced and the plot has some brilliant turns and twists. I want to read the whole series!
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,341 reviews25 followers
October 29, 2021
I don't consider myself an amateur on sci-fi anymore, I do have a long way to go to become an expert. But I think this book has that special something that makes the story a very captivating one. This is the second book in the Voidstalker saga.

The story goes about Gabriel, his dynamism with his family and his relationship with work. As soon as he gets back into it, he will be immersed in a roller coaster of events battling with sinister aliens.

To sum up, I think author John Graham continues this story in a very enthralling way, attracting the reader even more into the story. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Alfredo R.
603 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2021
A fantastic sci-fi story!

Space, aliens, action and unforgettable events are all present in John Graham’s fiction titled “Krakenscourge”.

The impeccable book is a one-way trip to keep on reading this great science fiction series called “Voidstalker”. Of course, I strongly recommend reading book number one before this one, in order to be able to better understand and follow the story and to get to know the characters.

The entire plot is convincing and mind-blowing. The characters are well-rounded and the language is quite challenging at some points but this did not prevent me from continuing to read.

I am sure most science fiction readers will find this piece one of a kind.
Profile Image for Dani Savante.
804 reviews24 followers
October 29, 2021
“Krakenscourge” is the second book in the series  “Voidstalker”. It is a science fiction novel that keeps readers hooked in the same form or more than the first one. I am a huge fan of this genre and even more when the story explores the existence of other life forms such as aliens.  
This novel is captivating and thrilling. I enjoyed reading it a lot, especially when I wanted to clear my head and relax. Combining action and suspense, it tells the events that unfold after a spaceship is attacked and the crew killed by aliens. The survivors cannot even identify the attackers.
I really liked this story and I will certainly save time to read the next instalments.
Profile Image for Pearl.
534 reviews7 followers
November 16, 2021
I admit that I was not quite connected to the first book of this series "Voidstalker" but in this book, which is the continuation of the series, I admit that I found a great improvement in all aspects-- the story, characterization and the series of events. I also noticed that the writing style of John Graham was more detailed and a lot more engaging this time.

I still had trouble with some of the things that happened here but it didn't greatly affect my enjoyment in this book. It made me appreciate the characters even better. There was quite an action here that surprised me! I am now looking forward for what else the author has in store for us.
Profile Image for Wendy Beckman.
Author 14 books32 followers
November 8, 2021
Another Gripping Voidstalker Book

Installment 2 in John Graham's Voidstalker series is just as powerful as the first. We learn a little bit more about Gabriel Thorn, as well as his wife, Aster, and their five children.

The plot is as convoluted as an alien ship. The hints and twists beg the reader to guess what will happen next. It's not clear even by the novel's end who are the bad guys and who are the good guys. The lines between the two are fuzzy.

The end leaves the reader eager to read #3!
11 reviews
April 16, 2019
This book reminds me of some of the books from the Black Library. With the genetically modified humans and the fighting aliens. It is the second in this series and I enjoyed both books. If you like space opera style stories I think you will like this.
254 reviews
November 13, 2019
Robert's Review and Comments

Twists of mystery and entrique, punctuated by bouts of enormous actions of destructive warfare. Awesome, enjoyed the action, analytical and methodical planning involved. But in the end it was a bug hunt, pure and simple. Thanks for a GoodRead.
Profile Image for Kris.
497 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2019
Thank you for such an enjoyable reading experience. Waiting with baited breath for the next installment. I highly recommend this book series.
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