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Taxyon Space #1
Europa
Science fiction thriller and alien romance. What alien creatures lurk under the icy surface of Europa?Dr. Nikki Bell’s plan to discover intelligent life on Jupiter's moon hits a rocky start when her spaceship crashes on the icy surface of Europa. Seconds before she blacks out, she spies a man’s face in the water beneath the ice. When she wakes on the submarine Station, nobody believes her story. Convinced the mysterious stranger saved her life, Nikki searches for him while she explores the ocean and its alien inhabitants. Kiron Arqin Ramis chose exile as a Watcher on a remote outpost to redeem his family’s honor. He never expected to find an attractive Earther woman close to death. He violates the prime policy by rescuing her. Despite suffering the penalty, he strives to warn her about his hostile leaders.Nikki’s unexpected meeting with Kiron triggers an avalanche of disasters in Europa’s perilous oceans. Can the daredevil scientist and scarred Watcher forge a new alliance despite their people’s antagonism? Book 1 of Taxyon Space, a saga of our journey to the stars.Taxyon Space Book 1Rishalt, Book 2Jupiter, Book 3Alarik, Book 4Baswin, Book 5
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2017
113 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Aurora Springer
50 books53 followersAurora Springer is a scientist morphing into a novelist. She has a PhD in molecular biophysics and discovers science facts in her day job. She has invented adventures in weird worlds for as long as she can remember. In 2014, Aurora achieved her life-long ambition to publish her stories. Her works are character-driven romances set in weird worlds described with a sprinkle of humor. Some of the stories were composed thirty years ago. She was born in the UK and lives in Atlanta with her husband, a dog and two cats to sit on the keyboard. Her hobbies, besides reading and writing, include outdoor activities like gardening, watching wildlife, hiking and canoeing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 21, 2019
Interesting
I loved all the science and the creatures. Characters to love and hate but none to really connect with. Romance was not explicit, in fact it was brief and almost non existent except for the pining.
I loved all the science and the creatures. Characters to love and hate but none to really connect with. Romance was not explicit, in fact it was brief and almost non existent except for the pining.
October 18, 2019
Really creative SFR located on a space station on Europa that is submerged in the ocean beneath the ice. The author's imagined ocean creatures are fascinating and have a tendency to upstage the main characters from time to time. Which is not to say that Kiron (hunk alien) and Nikki (human ocean scientist) are not great characters. Nikki is pragmatic and entertaining while, Kiron in a nice riff on this trope is not an uber-alpha, but another scientist.
The story ends on a bit of the cliff-hanger with it unknown if Kiron and Nikki will get to be together.
The story ends on a bit of the cliff-hanger with it unknown if Kiron and Nikki will get to be together.
October 15, 2021
Europa
I was going to give this book 4 stars, but a couple of these bothered me about this story. I felt there was a lack of romance. I didn't like how quickly Kiron and Nikki had sex, and I didn't like how easily she shared information that she was supposed to keep quiet about. The aliens didn't give her permission to share their information; therefore I felt Nikki was careless and not wise. I will continue to read the series because I'm intrigued, and I'm hoping that the series will get better.
I was going to give this book 4 stars, but a couple of these bothered me about this story. I felt there was a lack of romance. I didn't like how quickly Kiron and Nikki had sex, and I didn't like how easily she shared information that she was supposed to keep quiet about. The aliens didn't give her permission to share their information; therefore I felt Nikki was careless and not wise. I will continue to read the series because I'm intrigued, and I'm hoping that the series will get better.
February 28, 2018
This was ok, the synopsis sounded so good, but I just couldn't get into it!
October 18, 2019
Wow... amazing worldbuilding. That's the first thing that hit me as I turned the first pages. I wanted to read Europa for some time now but never found the time. I'm happy I finally did, as I enjoyed my time immensely.
And then, as I delved deeper into the story... more worldbuilding. Exquisitely detailed. The realism and the amount of research the author must have done... Bravo! I felt as if I was part of the crew there, on the station. And on Bathos (kudos for the monikers by the way; it was such a human thing to do, which contributed to the realism I keep talking about). And then, I was joining Nikki on her Europan studies.
The relationship between Nikki and Kiron is off to a good start, too. I liked the mutual respect it's based upon. For some reason tho, I couldn't feel the romance between the two. I believe it's the only thing this book lacks: a stronger love story (not toe-curling, sizzling passion, just... more in the romance department).
Still, it wasn't enough to make me change my rating :) Thank you, Aurora Springer.
And then, as I delved deeper into the story... more worldbuilding. Exquisitely detailed. The realism and the amount of research the author must have done... Bravo! I felt as if I was part of the crew there, on the station. And on Bathos (kudos for the monikers by the way; it was such a human thing to do, which contributed to the realism I keep talking about). And then, I was joining Nikki on her Europan studies.
The relationship between Nikki and Kiron is off to a good start, too. I liked the mutual respect it's based upon. For some reason tho, I couldn't feel the romance between the two. I believe it's the only thing this book lacks: a stronger love story (not toe-curling, sizzling passion, just... more in the romance department).
Still, it wasn't enough to make me change my rating :) Thank you, Aurora Springer.
October 22, 2021
Oct 19, 2021
Book 2 of Future Adventures: Eight Complete Adventure Science Fiction Novels, Kindle
2021 Grade B+
Intelligent space adventure and I enjoyed it.
Faults: The prose, including the dialog, was initially a little formal. It either got better or I adapted because I no longer noticed after a short while. Occasional minor problems suspending my disbelief but only because I have a wide scientific background.
Merits: Easy, fun, and fast reading. Good solid SciFi. Interesting and complex story. Solid conclusion that I had to make sure I had enough time to finish - I did not want to stop in the middle. Strong and interesting female scientist protagonist. Excellent world building and character development.
Basic plot: Scientists are researching Europa from a station built above and below the ice. This story explores life in the ocean under the ice.
A recommended book. (I have already marked the sequel for purchase on my book list.)
Book 2 of Future Adventures: Eight Complete Adventure Science Fiction Novels, Kindle
2021 Grade B+
Intelligent space adventure and I enjoyed it.
Faults: The prose, including the dialog, was initially a little formal. It either got better or I adapted because I no longer noticed after a short while. Occasional minor problems suspending my disbelief but only because I have a wide scientific background.
Merits: Easy, fun, and fast reading. Good solid SciFi. Interesting and complex story. Solid conclusion that I had to make sure I had enough time to finish - I did not want to stop in the middle. Strong and interesting female scientist protagonist. Excellent world building and character development.
Basic plot: Scientists are researching Europa from a station built above and below the ice. This story explores life in the ocean under the ice.
A recommended book. (I have already marked the sequel for purchase on my book list.)
December 9, 2017
There is none better than Aurora Springer when it comes to creating biological creatures. Her books are always rich with unique beings, and Europa is no exception. I was fascinated with the multitude of creatures she creates for Europa.
I thoroughly enjoyed the love story between the female human (biologist) and a water alien (Watcher).
Not surprisingly, not everyone trusts the other humanoid race. The question is, will those who mistrust the other sentients destroy all chances of the two species working together. There are those on both sides who believe the other beings are a threat and should be removed.
And as always, Aurora provides exceptional detail in setting the stage and keeping the reader on the edge to see what happens next. And with her, you really don’t know until you turn the page.
I thoroughly enjoyed the love story between the female human (biologist) and a water alien (Watcher).
Not surprisingly, not everyone trusts the other humanoid race. The question is, will those who mistrust the other sentients destroy all chances of the two species working together. There are those on both sides who believe the other beings are a threat and should be removed.
And as always, Aurora provides exceptional detail in setting the stage and keeping the reader on the edge to see what happens next. And with her, you really don’t know until you turn the page.
September 26, 2021
A fascinating premise, interesting setting and well-paced story telling. The lead characters' romance stretches belief more than a little, and is the one aspect that makes this book feel a bit amateur. A curious friendship would make far more sense given the extreme difference in cultures that the situation would surely entail...
dnf
March 28, 2020This book had me, it really did, until our mcs meet and speak to each other for the first time and they immediately have sex. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing but I prefer to have some kind of build up, angst, connection, w/e you want to call it.
June 28, 2024
Europa by Aurora Springer is the first of the six story Taxyon Space series. I picked it up on a whim because I’m interested in the moon Europa. I found it to be an interesting mixture of science fiction and romance.
Right off the top, I found there were too many characters in the opening of the story. I understand there are situations which need to be described, but it left me awash with names, some with just a couple of lines and minor roles in the story, and a few who never appeared again. The same is true for the aliens, which are neatly divided into triads, but some of the members (and other levels of their administration) are mentioned, but don’t have much stage time. It was difficult to decide which characters to care about, beyond the main characters
There also isn’t an antagonist in the strictest sense. The story has some villains (on several sides), but the survival on the Europa moon is probably the true antagonist.
I would call this story a romance, first and foremost. I must confess that it isn’t a genre I’m that familiar with. However, it does the job, and I enjoyed the ups and downs of the protagonist’s relationship. There does seem to be less friction between the protagonists than from their overall situation. I’m not sure if this is good or bad.
I thought the shining star of this story was the worldbuilding. The author does a great job creating an immersive and complex world as a backdrop. There are details on the geography, the flora and fauna, and the built structures. Because the world is such a major player in the story, I think this is a big positive. Perhaps my only gripe is that the Warrish race is a little too humanoid, but I guess it wouldn’t be romantic if they were green balls of slime (unless you’re into that sort of thing)…
I found Europa a benign first contact story, which is refreshing in an age when most alien contact is filled with paranoia. Yes, there are elements of mistrust on both sides, but I find the story more along the hopeful and cooperative side (and did I mention romance?). It gets me interested in where the story goes from here.
Overall, I found Europa (Taxyon Space #1) a good read. I think it was a good first stem into the romantic science fiction genre, with a good mix of futurism and some hard science. I will be on the lookout for additional books in the series. forgive some of my personal shortcomings with the story. I give Europa four of five stars on Goodreads.
Right off the top, I found there were too many characters in the opening of the story. I understand there are situations which need to be described, but it left me awash with names, some with just a couple of lines and minor roles in the story, and a few who never appeared again. The same is true for the aliens, which are neatly divided into triads, but some of the members (and other levels of their administration) are mentioned, but don’t have much stage time. It was difficult to decide which characters to care about, beyond the main characters
There also isn’t an antagonist in the strictest sense. The story has some villains (on several sides), but the survival on the Europa moon is probably the true antagonist.
I would call this story a romance, first and foremost. I must confess that it isn’t a genre I’m that familiar with. However, it does the job, and I enjoyed the ups and downs of the protagonist’s relationship. There does seem to be less friction between the protagonists than from their overall situation. I’m not sure if this is good or bad.
I thought the shining star of this story was the worldbuilding. The author does a great job creating an immersive and complex world as a backdrop. There are details on the geography, the flora and fauna, and the built structures. Because the world is such a major player in the story, I think this is a big positive. Perhaps my only gripe is that the Warrish race is a little too humanoid, but I guess it wouldn’t be romantic if they were green balls of slime (unless you’re into that sort of thing)…
I found Europa a benign first contact story, which is refreshing in an age when most alien contact is filled with paranoia. Yes, there are elements of mistrust on both sides, but I find the story more along the hopeful and cooperative side (and did I mention romance?). It gets me interested in where the story goes from here.
Overall, I found Europa (Taxyon Space #1) a good read. I think it was a good first stem into the romantic science fiction genre, with a good mix of futurism and some hard science. I will be on the lookout for additional books in the series. forgive some of my personal shortcomings with the story. I give Europa four of five stars on Goodreads.
July 29, 2018
Aurora Springer has really produced something special in Europa, the first book in her new Taxyon Space series. On the one hand this is clearly setting the stage for the series in the whole, and doing a darn good job of it. On the other it’s a wonderfully enjoyable sci-fi action thriller / inter species (Human and alien “Warrish”) romance / adventure novel with fantastic world-building (the world of Europa, with its dangerous creatures, natural wonders and natural disasters, is perfectly described and totally realistic) and great characters, from chief research biologist Dr. Nikki Bell and secret alien “Watcher” Kiron Arqin Ramis, on down. Amazingly enough the story, despite its fantastic setting and alien love interest, comes off totally genuine and believable. That’s a pretty impressive thing and this is a fun, and impressive, book. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to catching up with Nikki and Kirin in the next book in this series.
April 18, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the author by way of a promotion.
I had never heard of her or read any of her work but that will definitely change from now on as this is book 1 of a series of 5.
The story follows Nikki and the crew of the Solar Spirit along with the inhabitants of Galileo Station on Jupiter’s moon Europa. Their mission; to discover about life forms under the ice of the moon.
After a disastrous beginning having crash landed on the icy surface Nikki is rescued by what she describes as a friendly green face beneath the ice. Of course no-one on the station believes her saying that she must have been hallucinating. Was she or was she not? Is Nikki the first human to interact with an alien? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
Nikki discovers an intelligent species of being that resembles a cross between a jellyfish and a squid and begins to try to communicate with it. There are also many new dangerous water beings that she must learn about.
Aurora Springer writes in a way that hooked me in right from page one. I kept wanting to find out what happens next. That is the way I still felt at the end of this book so I will have to read the rest of the series to find out.
I had never heard of her or read any of her work but that will definitely change from now on as this is book 1 of a series of 5.
The story follows Nikki and the crew of the Solar Spirit along with the inhabitants of Galileo Station on Jupiter’s moon Europa. Their mission; to discover about life forms under the ice of the moon.
After a disastrous beginning having crash landed on the icy surface Nikki is rescued by what she describes as a friendly green face beneath the ice. Of course no-one on the station believes her saying that she must have been hallucinating. Was she or was she not? Is Nikki the first human to interact with an alien? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
Nikki discovers an intelligent species of being that resembles a cross between a jellyfish and a squid and begins to try to communicate with it. There are also many new dangerous water beings that she must learn about.
Aurora Springer writes in a way that hooked me in right from page one. I kept wanting to find out what happens next. That is the way I still felt at the end of this book so I will have to read the rest of the series to find out.
April 22, 2025
Most of It was boring, a lot of the first half of the book could have been summarized in like two or three paragraphs. The romance felt a little forced. After spending three hours with the guy (three meetings, each during about an hour) she's in love? AND. WHY, WHY did Marlbor hate humans so much? He went way out of his way to harm them, going against orders, and even risking his life. WHY? Just because he's a bully? C'mon!! I don't think I will continue this series, I don't really care for the characters.
April 19, 2025
If you love a good romance, this story sort of fits the bill. Dr Nikki Bell loves exploring Europa’s oceans and discovering the creatures native to them. An unexpected Jupiter storm throws her ship and then her life craft off kilter. No one believes her story about a face under the ice when she’s found- her personal rescuer Kiron. Really detailed descriptions of the creatures helps you picture yourself there. Very enjoyable!
November 13, 2022
Just not my thing: Semi-hard SF crossed with romance, with Europa’s icy seas as a backdrop. Slow to get going and a slightly turgid plot killed my interest fairly quickly, although the premise sounded promising. I read about 20-25% in, then skipped to the last few chapters and found little sense of a dramatic denouement.
June 18, 2018
Nikki and the alien Kiron meet under difficult circumstances on Europa. And eventually fall in love. They have to battle natural disasters, dangerous creatures and prejudice. Now I can’t wait to follow Nikki and Kiron in the next installment.
December 13, 2019
Loved this book!
I especially enjoyed the last story you can’t beat meeting up with aliens for the first time! This will go in my permanent library I expect to enjoy reading it Over and over.
I especially enjoyed the last story you can’t beat meeting up with aliens for the first time! This will go in my permanent library I expect to enjoy reading it Over and over.
December 26, 2019
I’ve just finished this one. Should really have started another book but I am a bit of a masochist. The plot and setting is good but the storyline and dialogue was very childish. Three stars for effort.
June 9, 2020
Really an enjoyable read. It was an adventure into an unknown, underwater world. Some interesting characters. Got you to thinking about what if this were possible. Stretched belief a bit, but that's what science fiction does.
January 24, 2018
A Great Read
Yes a great story and we'll written . It held my attention for the whole time. The characters were all great and believable. Well done.
Yes a great story and we'll written . It held my attention for the whole time. The characters were all great and believable. Well done.
September 10, 2020
I really liked it. Looking forward to the next one.
October 20, 2020
A unique story and a very enjoyable read.
November 28, 2020
Found this a bit simplistic for my tastes
March 12, 2021
Alien Contact
I usually much prefer the space battle sagas, but this book is so well developed and characters well thought out and developed, it was hard to put down.
I usually much prefer the space battle sagas, but this book is so well developed and characters well thought out and developed, it was hard to put down.
Read
April 5, 2022An interesting story and of course now I want to read the rest to see how it all plays out.
April 19, 2022
VERY slow moving. And Dr. Bell fell for Kiron WAY to fast and easily.
June 3, 2022
Quite nice and intriguing. Too bad an open ending towards part 2.
March 22, 2024
Great read
I am so glad I've read this novel! Great characters and superb plot made this book a joy to read. I am so looking forward to read the next book in the series!
I am so glad I've read this novel! Great characters and superb plot made this book a joy to read. I am so looking forward to read the next book in the series!
March 8, 2018
I really enjoyed reading Europa - Taxyon Space, Book 1. It’s packed with vivid imagery of Jupiter’s moon, Europa, and its oceans teeming with life. Intelligent life, as marine biologist, Dr. Nikki Bell discovers. During her explorations, she meets a Watcher named Kiron and his alien race known as the Warrish. The elusive and secretive space faring Warrish have inhabited a hidden underwater base deep within Europa’s ocean for decades before the Earth scientists constructed their research station. Plenty of complex twists and turns unfold that threaten not only the new-found love between Nikki and Kiron, but the very lives of both races. Aurora Springer has created yet another page turner. I have begun reading Rishalt -Taxyon Space, Book 2, also featuring Nikki and Kiron, which is proving to be yet another excellent read.
May 19, 2023
about a third of the way into this book I started getting annoyed with plot errors and shelved it for some desperate day
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews