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Murder Planet
After their cargo is seized by Customs, the crew of the fast freighter Tulyar are desperate for cash. Desperate enough to get involved in a jail break operation to liberate a rebel leader from a jungle planet where anything can kill you. Little do they know just how far the tyrannical regime that runs it will go to cover up their secret.
100 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2020
3 people want to read
About the author
Adam Carpenter
3 books7 followersAdam Carpenter was born in the 1980s but was too busy being a toddler to properly appreciate the culture at the time. He most definitely appreciates it now.
He's been a fan of Doctor Who since before it was cool and, with a strong knowledge of trivia, is generally very handy to have on your quiz team.
He is also a railway enthusiast, volunteering at a heritage railway in SE England.
He has completed three books in the Space Freighter Tulyar, is working on a fourth and is also working on something called a megagame, which you may wish to search for yourself - it's hard to explain.
Finally, he does not write gay erotica, so please don't contact him about that.
He's been a fan of Doctor Who since before it was cool and, with a strong knowledge of trivia, is generally very handy to have on your quiz team.
He is also a railway enthusiast, volunteering at a heritage railway in SE England.
He has completed three books in the Space Freighter Tulyar, is working on a fourth and is also working on something called a megagame, which you may wish to search for yourself - it's hard to explain.
Finally, he does not write gay erotica, so please don't contact him about that.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 4, 2020
You can listen to the review on my podcasts available on Apple Spotify Stitcher
You can also watch it on Youtube
Or read more like this on my blog, Digital Amrit
tl;dr: 'Murder Planet' is a fun little space opera that holds your attention throughout.
Introduction
The story kicks off with Orton Bradshaw, a convicted paedophile, ejected to the surface of a planet that serves as a penal colony. This planet is, of course, 'Murder Planet', filled with all kinds of life-forms that are looking to make a snack out of human beings. The question remains - why is Orton Bradshaw condemned? Is he innocent? Parallelly, we get to meet 'Sunita Kumar', the quartermaster on the space freighter 'Tulyar'. She is about to find out that their ship needs to make a lot of money fast.
What is Great?
'Murder Planet' surprised me with its excellent writing, fast-pacing & memorable characters. '
'Sunita Kumar' stands out with her quick wit, irreverent humour and overall bad-assery. She is a mother who balances her time between her infant and duties as a quartermaster.
The world-building is above average too for this genre. I liked how the author bought together multiple cultures to create the impression of a diverse human species. For example - we get to see spaces from the Irish state, members of the Bangla Freedom Front, Arabic crewmen, Hindu priests, etc. This cosmopolitan mix really resonated with me. The 'Murder Planet' and the space battles, while not absolutely unique, are described well enough to hold our imagination.
But, at the same time, there is an amount of pragmatism that the story adheres too. Not all rebels are good people, and not all government forces are evil. People are people. Also, there are consequences for screwing up. All of which, I found to be quite refreshing.
What could be better?
I wished that this novella was longer. The story ends on a tantalizing note for the characters. And I would also like to see more of the universe.
Closing Thoughts.
'Murder Planet' engrossed me throughout its fifty pages. It is colourful and entertaining. Even though it is a novella, I can see the potential for a series here like the next 'Expanse', 'Old Man's War' or 'Night's Dawn Trilogy'.
If you liked this review, please support me on
Patreon
and/or buy the book through the affiliate links.
Amazon India
Amazon UK
Amazon US
You can also watch it on Youtube
Or read more like this on my blog, Digital Amrit
tl;dr: 'Murder Planet' is a fun little space opera that holds your attention throughout.
Introduction
The story kicks off with Orton Bradshaw, a convicted paedophile, ejected to the surface of a planet that serves as a penal colony. This planet is, of course, 'Murder Planet', filled with all kinds of life-forms that are looking to make a snack out of human beings. The question remains - why is Orton Bradshaw condemned? Is he innocent? Parallelly, we get to meet 'Sunita Kumar', the quartermaster on the space freighter 'Tulyar'. She is about to find out that their ship needs to make a lot of money fast.
What is Great?
'Murder Planet' surprised me with its excellent writing, fast-pacing & memorable characters. '
'Sunita Kumar' stands out with her quick wit, irreverent humour and overall bad-assery. She is a mother who balances her time between her infant and duties as a quartermaster.
The world-building is above average too for this genre. I liked how the author bought together multiple cultures to create the impression of a diverse human species. For example - we get to see spaces from the Irish state, members of the Bangla Freedom Front, Arabic crewmen, Hindu priests, etc. This cosmopolitan mix really resonated with me. The 'Murder Planet' and the space battles, while not absolutely unique, are described well enough to hold our imagination.
But, at the same time, there is an amount of pragmatism that the story adheres too. Not all rebels are good people, and not all government forces are evil. People are people. Also, there are consequences for screwing up. All of which, I found to be quite refreshing.
What could be better?
I wished that this novella was longer. The story ends on a tantalizing note for the characters. And I would also like to see more of the universe.
Closing Thoughts.
'Murder Planet' engrossed me throughout its fifty pages. It is colourful and entertaining. Even though it is a novella, I can see the potential for a series here like the next 'Expanse', 'Old Man's War' or 'Night's Dawn Trilogy'.
If you liked this review, please support me on
Patreon
and/or buy the book through the affiliate links.
Amazon India
Amazon UK
Amazon US
November 27, 2020
Murder Planet is a fantasy worth reading!
The plot is well-thought-out and the characters are fully developed and interesting. The story itself is innovative and captivating. Prison break, space travel, mysteries and suspense, and a lot more in this book will glue you to the page.
I personally enjoyed reading this book and I hope the author will keep writing such amazing novels.
I highly recommend Murder Planet!
Julie
BooksShelf Reviewer
The plot is well-thought-out and the characters are fully developed and interesting. The story itself is innovative and captivating. Prison break, space travel, mysteries and suspense, and a lot more in this book will glue you to the page.
I personally enjoyed reading this book and I hope the author will keep writing such amazing novels.
I highly recommend Murder Planet!
Julie
BooksShelf Reviewer
June 6, 2020
An excellent combination of space travel, futuristic existence, and a prison break. 'Murder Planet' is a mixture of suspense, death, and even some humor as you follow the main characters on a mission to a deadly planet, not fit for human existence. Prisoners have lived on this planet for as long as nine months before meeting their demise, but the fact that it is not on public record makes it possible for the crew to pick up a few inmates. As long as the adorable but deadly drop bears don't catch them in the act.
June 3, 2025
Adam Carpenter's Murder Planet is a gripping science fiction novella that thrusts readers into a high-stakes adventure with the crew of the freighter Tulyar. After customs confiscate their cargo, the crew's desperation for funds leads them to accept a perilous mission orchestrating a jailbreak to rescue a rebel leader from a treacherous jungle planet teeming with lethal flora and fauna. Unbeknownst to them, the oppressive regime controlling the planet harbors dark secrets they're willing to protect at any cost.
The narrative wastes no time plunging into action, immediately immersing readers in the perilous environment of the so-called "Murder Planet." Carpenter's vivid descriptions bring the planet's dangers to life, from carnivorous plants to elusive predators lurking in the shadows. This richly imagined setting serves as a formidable backdrop for the crew's mission, heightening the tension and stakes.
Central to the story is Sunita Kumar, the Tulyar's quartermaster. Balancing her duties aboard the ship with the challenges of motherhood, Sunita emerges as a standout character. Her quick wit, resilience, and unwavering determination make her both relatable and admirable. The dynamics between Sunita and her crewmates add depth to the narrative, showcasing camaraderie forged in the crucible of shared adversity.
Carpenter's writing is both engaging and efficient, delivering a fast-paced plot without sacrificing character development. The novella's brevity enhances its intensity, ensuring that every scene propels the story forward. Themes of survival, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of rebellion are woven seamlessly into the narrative, prompting readers to ponder the complexities faced by the crew.
For fans eager to continue the journey, the sequel, Generation Ship, delves deeper into the Tulyar's exploits, exploring new challenges and expanding the universe introduced in Murder Planet. This continuation promises to build upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor, offering further insight into the characters and the intricate world they inhabit.
In conclusion, Murder Planet is a thrilling foray into science fiction that combines action, character depth, and a richly crafted setting. Adam Carpenter has crafted a novella that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the lengths to which individuals will go when pushed to their limits. It's a must-read for those seeking a concise yet impactful sci-fi adventure.
The narrative wastes no time plunging into action, immediately immersing readers in the perilous environment of the so-called "Murder Planet." Carpenter's vivid descriptions bring the planet's dangers to life, from carnivorous plants to elusive predators lurking in the shadows. This richly imagined setting serves as a formidable backdrop for the crew's mission, heightening the tension and stakes.
Central to the story is Sunita Kumar, the Tulyar's quartermaster. Balancing her duties aboard the ship with the challenges of motherhood, Sunita emerges as a standout character. Her quick wit, resilience, and unwavering determination make her both relatable and admirable. The dynamics between Sunita and her crewmates add depth to the narrative, showcasing camaraderie forged in the crucible of shared adversity.
Carpenter's writing is both engaging and efficient, delivering a fast-paced plot without sacrificing character development. The novella's brevity enhances its intensity, ensuring that every scene propels the story forward. Themes of survival, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of rebellion are woven seamlessly into the narrative, prompting readers to ponder the complexities faced by the crew.
For fans eager to continue the journey, the sequel, Generation Ship, delves deeper into the Tulyar's exploits, exploring new challenges and expanding the universe introduced in Murder Planet. This continuation promises to build upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor, offering further insight into the characters and the intricate world they inhabit.
In conclusion, Murder Planet is a thrilling foray into science fiction that combines action, character depth, and a richly crafted setting. Adam Carpenter has crafted a novella that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the lengths to which individuals will go when pushed to their limits. It's a must-read for those seeking a concise yet impactful sci-fi adventure.
September 13, 2025
Murder Planet hooked me right from the start. The mix of space adventure and survival on a dangerous jungle planet kept the tension high all the way through. I liked how the crew of the Tulyar felt like real people making risky choices just to stay afloat, and the setting was vivid you could almost feel the danger in every corner of that hostile world. The pacing was sharp, and the twists around the rebel leader and the regime’s secrets made it hard to put down. A solid read if you enjoy sci-fi with grit, danger, and a touch of rebellion.
July 2, 2025
Thrilling, gritty, and full of heart — this book delivers classic space-opera adventure with a rebellious edge. The world-building is top-notch, especially the deadly jungle planet with its lethal creatures and oppressive regime. It reminded me of Firefly meets The Expanse — a ragtag crew, high stakes, and morally complex choices. You'll root for the Tulyar crew as they go from desperate smugglers to unlikely heroes. A must-read for anyone who loves high-octane sci-fi with substance!
July 2, 2025
I wasn’t expecting to get pulled in so quickly, but wow — what a ride! The pacing was perfect, the tension kept building, and every character felt real and relatable. The jungle setting was terrifying in all the best ways, and the plot twists kept me guessing. Even if you're not a huge sci-fi fan, this is just a great action-adventure story with heart and grit. I couldn’t put it down!
July 5, 2025
Murder Planet” by Adam Carpenter is a tightly written, action-packed sci-fi novella that delivers far more than its 100 pages suggest. From the opening scenes aboard the freighter Tulyar, you're pulled into a gritty world where survival hinges on wit, grit, and just the right amount of rebellion.
May 23, 2025
Murder Planet captivated me from the beginning with its enthralling blend of action and intriguing characters. I highly recommend this fantastic sci-fi adventure to fellow fans of the genre.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews