Erebus Dawning

Seven Stars Saga #1

by A.J. Super

"Those who can destroy a world can control the universe."

Everyone wants the Star of Erebus. Space-pirate Nyx Marcus is no exception. With it, she can prove to her father that she is worthy of his legacy.

But she’s come up empty-handed aboard the space-ship Thanatos and now Malcam, her father’s First Officer, is mutinying. As Nyx flees with a loyal skeleton crew, she discovers that the planet-killing weapon, named after one of the seven gods, is more than what it seems.

Erebus isn’t a simple weapon. It's an ancient AI and a technological god.

With the oppressive Queen of the Protectorate and new pirate captain Malcam searching for the Thanatos and Erebus, the AI god has more surprises for Nyx. Waking dormant AI code in Nyx’s blood, Erebus reveals they are family and Nyx is the head of the Seven Stars pantheon. Now Nyx must learn to control her power without sacrificing her own humanity or give her enemies a new way to oppress the known universe and lose the family she holds dear.

Don't miss this exciting Space Opera debut. It's perfect for fans of Christian Kallias, MD Cooper, and Becky Chambers. Grab your copy today!

Genres: Science Fiction, LGBT, Space Opera, Fiction, Space, Queer, Fantasy

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2021

About the author

AJ/Angela Super earned two Bachelors' degrees from the University of Idaho in the Creative Writing and Theater programs. She has been an author since she was old enough to write (and illustrate) a stapled-together ABC book, which she still has packed away in a box of childhood memorabilia. Currently, she lives in Kansas with her husband who is a High School Graphic Arts Teacher and her fuzz-brained kittiots. She loves to make costumes, cosplay, and occasionally she plays D&D, Minecraft, or MTG with teacher-friends.

Angela is inspired by Ursula K. LeGuin’s The Dispossessed and her two feisty grandmas, and she devours sci-fi and fantasy in every medium. She is an active member of the Twitter writing community, and also works with several amazing writing groups, frequently getting to read and critique wonderful unpublished work.

Her Seven Stars Saga trilogy will be out with Aethon Books starting with Erebus Dawning in May 2021. A Star Reborn and Queen of the Black are To Be Announced.

Reviews

[Jaye Viner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, high action, space opera. Blending ideas of human belief (mythology) with new beliefs about technology (AI) and what it can do/be, I enjoyed all the twists. No detail is left hanging without a payoff later. Reading it felt like classic Star Wars, with a lived in world of biases and cultures and old grudges. All action aside, at its heart, this book is about family, finding it, loving it, and finding out who you are when everything you've believed about yourself changes.

[Sara T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one of the first people to read this book, I am excited to be the first to recommend it! Space pirates, sentient AI, tech gods, and a protagonist that is so much more than she even knows. A story about wrestling with identity, power, and family, this incredible first book in a thrilling sci-fi saga sets the stage with heart, action, and a LOT of moral ambiguity. Preorder it now!

[Katherine Forrister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erebus Dawning has everything a space opera should: a kick-ass protagonist navigating new terrain and abilities, a misfit band of heroes, an evil superpower bent on ruling all, fast-paced action, and a wondrous blend of science fiction with fantasy.

And yet, this novel isn’t satisfied with the status quo. Entering narrative territory that many space operas avoid, Erebus Dawning isn’t afraid of exploring mortal ambiguity through both its protagonists and antagonists. Nyx, a space pirate faced with emerging powers, doesn’t hesitate to use them in ways traditional heroes might avoid, which makes her an intriguing character and builds suspense as to where the plot may go. This novel was not predictable and kept me on my toes the entire time.

The blend of science and mysticism is done so well in Erebus Dawning. The A.I. technology and religion that surrounds it is fascinating, and the culture and repercussions from viewing concrete science through a religious lens is an idea that I have long-adored in space operas. I’m interested to see how the concepts introduced in Erebus Dawning continue in the series.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara Conrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erebus Dawning is good versus evil, light versus dark, family versus family. It's true. Even in space, dysfunctional families exist (and somehow, I find that reassuring). The protagonist in this story has much to prove, but can she convince her father she is ready? Capable?

This new-to-me author has created a fast-paced space drama that pits good against evil.

I'm looking forward to where this story goes next.

[Stephanie Sauvinet · Rating 5 out of 5]

ED has everything your want in a Space Opera. Kick-ass multidimensional characters, a smart world, and an entertaining plot. And did I mention a female MC whose snark can't help but make you smirk along with her?

[AJ Super · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the writer of this book I wasn’t going to leave a review. It seems self-involved. But I wanted to give the people at Blackstone publishing and Amy Landon props. You see, one of the last things an author does is listen to the audio book. I was afraid I had written one dimensional characters. But with their help, I saw at least two dimensional characters! LOL! No, in all seriousness they made my work come to life, and I greatly appreciate that. Words that I have lived with for years were bright and shiny again. I suggest that anyone who has an issue reading a book listen to one instead. It doesn’t have to be mine, of course. But it’s definitely a different experience, and it’s one to be cherished. Technology is great, yo!

[Erin Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crew member Nyx is determined to prove to her father, captain of the Medusa, that she has what it takes to lead his band of space pirates as captain once he passes away. She'll do this by finding a powerful weapon, the star of Erebus, before her crew mates.

Then, anything and everything that can go wrong does. The author threw me for so many enjoyable loops with this book! Just when I thought I knew who the villain was, something would happen to change my mind. I think this book really shows we all have both some good and some evil inside of us. If you love sci-fi, definitely pick up "Erebus Dawning".

[Marie Chroninger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

Intriguing storyline with lots of unexpected twists and turns and interesting characters. Good read! Can't to read the next one!

[Jonathan Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

EREBUS DAWNING is author A.J. Super’s debut novel and the first book of the Seven Stars series. It’s a fresh new entry into the space opera sub-genre that gives off strong FIREFLY and DARK MATTER vibes with morally gray space pirates, shady corporations, and oppressive governments fighting for possession of a powerful weapon and control of the galaxy.

Our main character, Nyx, is a space pirate with a fighting, adventurous, and defiant spirit. She’s trying to escape the overbearing shadow of her influential space admiral father and become her own person as everyone looks for a weapon called the Star of Erebus. She shows a lot of promise but also has a fascinating dark streak as we watch her become a formidable figure over the course of her violent journey. Also with Nyx is a colorful cast including her small crew of devoted shipmates, including the Machiavellian Malcam, who at first seems like the villain-to-beat but reveals more complexity as the story goes on. And then we have the Queen of the Protectorate who has set her sights on our protagonist and has a fleet of relentless ships in constant pursuit.

This universe has its own mythos with seven AI gods. Erebus Dawning features artificial technology and nanotechnology, both staples in SF, but in novel ways that feel unique and fresh and at times very personal and even intimate. Family is a strong recurring motif in the story as well as loyalty.

The story has heist story elements and also some mystery and political intrigue as Nyx tries to discover her destiny and reassemble her complicated past, revealing things that set her on a difficult path. Nyx has to learn how to use her newly-discovered powers and find her new home and family, and pity those that get in her way.

Erebus Dawning is a fresh new look at a familiar genre full of twists and surprises and even a few upsets, but in a good way. It’s unpredictable and fun and absolutely worth a read.

[DR · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in this book surrounding the character Nyx. Who is Nyx, really? And the men in her life, Malcam and Kai, are at odds with each other. Captain Matthews is who exactly and how did Nyx's mother really die? Then there's Erebus herself. What or who is this entity? The book is about Nyx trying to learn who she is and trying to understand what she's changing into. Is Nyx human or an AI? Both? There wasn't much detail in any of that train of thought. I had to muddle through with Nyx as she blundered through each event/adventure after boarding Thanatos, Captain Matthews ship. And then there's the Queen. It's definitely a wild ride and there's so many questions that may be answered in the next book in the series.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read this year that I finished in one sitting, I can't even remember the last time that happened. But, holy shit this was so good! What really hooked me in was the characters and the writing and how the dynamics developed through the book left me wanting more. Check this out if you're looking for a thrilling space opera with kick ass multidimensional characters, moral ambiguity, heart, humor and tons of action!

[Glen Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

AI secret super weapon space opera-A great read led by a strong female character. The first SF book I've read with a French culture in space. Looking forward to the sequel coming out soon.

[Rajiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Blog]::[Youtube]::[Twitter]::[Instagram]::[Pinterest]::[Bloglovin]



People who read my reviews know that I am not an avid reader of science fiction and space operas. There are very few books that hold my interest in the genre, and needless to say, I loved “Erebus Dawning.”

There are so many unforgettable moments in this book! Firstly, let me start with the plot. While the first few pages were bumpy, I had no trouble getting into the world. I felt like I was beside Nyx and aboard with the rest of the crew of Thanatos as they encounter space pirates, diffuse bombs, and fight for their lives. The author fills the book with enough action, adventure, romance, and tech-savvy space drama that kept me entertained.

More than the action and adventure, I enjoyed the characters. Nyx is exciting in the lead as she tries to find the Star of Erebus and how it changes her life. I loved the scenes she shares with Kai and how he helps her with her journey. Similarly, there is the character you love to hate like Malcam and The Queen. The author takes the story to another level where we get introduced to AI characters. Moreover, the highlight of the story for me was Nyx’s interactions with Nue-Erebus. Similarly, I also enjoyed Nyx’s interactions with Matthews.

The story ends satisfyingly, making you look forward to the sequel to see what happens. I hope we learn more of the backstory between Nyx and her father, as I felt the author didn’t touch on it much in this book. Overall, “Erebus Dawning” is a beautiful start to the series, and I am for the next installment!

[Julie Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erebus Dawning by AJ Super: I am not a regular reader of science fiction or fantasy, although this book could make me one. Erebus Dawning tells a compelling story of space-pirate Nyx and her universe as Book One of the Seven Stars Saga. AJ Super has an imaginative mind which she uses to good advantage in the twists and turns of Nyx’s search for the Star of Erebus. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading Book Two!

[Scottie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book and really thought the concept was cool and unique. So refreshing not seeing the same old in sci fi. But the writing put me off a lot. It was all very repetitive and seemed amateurish. The story deserved better writing in my opinion, to make it shine. The beginning dragged a bit too. Even though there was action, it didn't get my pulse up like it did later in the book. I'd like to continue the story to see what happens, but I just don't know if I can muddle through another whole novel with this writing style.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story is very messy and disjointed

The story is very messy and disjointed. I like the main character and her sisters, but hated Kai- supposedly her love interest.

Also everyone has multiple hidden agendas that don’t make a lot of sense.

Overall disappointed

[Donald Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this book browsing Amazons superhero sub category. IF you like a protagonist that's both low IQ and unwilling to face reality its OK. IF you like a story line than meanders from one cliffhanger to another for no good reason (see prior sentence) its OK. Sorry A.J. but its not for me.

[Georgia Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing premise for AI divinity

Can AIs be sentient? Are they immortal? Is DNA the ultimate AI bridge? These are the challenging aspects of this Epic series starter. It will make you think deep existential thoughts.

[Ray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nonsense

[Noodle The Naughty Night Owl]

2/10: Managed half the book, tempted to read more but just couldn't get there.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not rivetting enough to prevent me from reading other books whilst reading this one, but I am interested in seeing where the plots/sub-plots end up.