What do you think?
Rate this book
The Galactic Cold War #3
The Nova Incident
When a bomb explodes in the bustling Commonwealth capital city of Salaam, responsibility is quickly claimed by an extremist independence movement. But after a former comrade, an ex-spy with his own agenda, is implicated in the attack, Simon Kovalic and his team of covert operatives are tasked with untangling the threads of a dangerous plot that could have implications on a galactic scale. And the deeper Kovalic digs, the more he’ll uncover a maze of secrets, lies, and deception that may force even the most seasoned spy to question his own loyalties.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2022
37 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Dan Moren
14 books504 followersDan Moren is the author of the supernatural detective novel All Souls Lost, as well as the popular Galactic Cold War series of sci-fi spy novels. His work has also appeared in, among other places, The Boston Globe, PopSci.com, Fast Company, and Macworld, where he formerly served as a senior editor.
A two-time Jeopardy! champion and regular panelist on the Parsec-award-winning geek culture podcast The Incomparable, Dan also co-hosts tech podcasts Clockwise and The Rebound, as well as writing and hosting the nerdy game show Inconceivable! He lives with his family in Somerville, MA, where he is never far from a twenty-sided die.
A two-time Jeopardy! champion and regular panelist on the Parsec-award-winning geek culture podcast The Incomparable, Dan also co-hosts tech podcasts Clockwise and The Rebound, as well as writing and hosting the nerdy game show Inconceivable! He lives with his family in Somerville, MA, where he is never far from a twenty-sided die.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 16, 2022
3.5 Stars
This was an enjoyable third book in this sci fi thriller series. This seems to be a series that gets better with each book.
This one literally starts out with a bang. If you enjoy action based thrillers then this one may be right up your alley. The science fiction elements are light so I found it to be a very approachable for thriller readers open to a futuristic sci fi setting.
I'm not certain if this one will end as a trilogy but I would certainly be open to more books set during this timeline.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This was an enjoyable third book in this sci fi thriller series. This seems to be a series that gets better with each book.
This one literally starts out with a bang. If you enjoy action based thrillers then this one may be right up your alley. The science fiction elements are light so I found it to be a very approachable for thriller readers open to a futuristic sci fi setting.
I'm not certain if this one will end as a trilogy but I would certainly be open to more books set during this timeline.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
September 23, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
The Nova Incident is the third novel in the spy-fi series The Galactic Cold War, written by Dan Moren, and published by Angry Robot Books. In this third instalment, the special team lead by Kovalic will have to investigate a terrorist attack on Salaam, quickly reclaimed by an extremist group, but when a ghost from the past reappears, it will lead to a complicated net of lies, secrets and conspiracies.
Tasked with detaining the author and stop new attacks from happening, the team will find their movements more limited as their status doesn't allow them to act in Commonwealth's soil; but that won't stop our characters from trying, recurring to subterfuge and deception in order to find who is behind the explosion. The video recording points towards somebody they thought was dead, leading them towards an investigation focused on the internal politics and struggles of the own Commonwealth.
We have a Kovalic that starts doubting on the own high ranks of the Commonwealth, while between Addy and Brodi there will be the sparks of more than a bond. After spending so much time with these characters, it's impossible to not relate to them, as Moren has put so much effort into creating them, not only painting the highs but also the downs. A strange family that won't leave one of them behind, and that's something I really dig.
Still being a fast-paced story, we change the focus from beating the Illyricans/other part to the own high ranks of the Commonwealth; the reasons behind the own cold war are examined, throwing some light over the past of this universe. As in previous books, the action scenes are excellently written, clear, and filled with small details going wrong; and we have space for fun with the banter between the characters.
The Nova Incident is another great instalment in this spy-fi series, which sets all for an explosive finale in The Armageddon Protocol; thrilling from the start, it's the perfect read if you are looking for a Golden Age film in the space.
The Nova Incident is the third novel in the spy-fi series The Galactic Cold War, written by Dan Moren, and published by Angry Robot Books. In this third instalment, the special team lead by Kovalic will have to investigate a terrorist attack on Salaam, quickly reclaimed by an extremist group, but when a ghost from the past reappears, it will lead to a complicated net of lies, secrets and conspiracies.
Tasked with detaining the author and stop new attacks from happening, the team will find their movements more limited as their status doesn't allow them to act in Commonwealth's soil; but that won't stop our characters from trying, recurring to subterfuge and deception in order to find who is behind the explosion. The video recording points towards somebody they thought was dead, leading them towards an investigation focused on the internal politics and struggles of the own Commonwealth.
We have a Kovalic that starts doubting on the own high ranks of the Commonwealth, while between Addy and Brodi there will be the sparks of more than a bond. After spending so much time with these characters, it's impossible to not relate to them, as Moren has put so much effort into creating them, not only painting the highs but also the downs. A strange family that won't leave one of them behind, and that's something I really dig.
Still being a fast-paced story, we change the focus from beating the Illyricans/other part to the own high ranks of the Commonwealth; the reasons behind the own cold war are examined, throwing some light over the past of this universe. As in previous books, the action scenes are excellently written, clear, and filled with small details going wrong; and we have space for fun with the banter between the characters.
The Nova Incident is another great instalment in this spy-fi series, which sets all for an explosive finale in The Armageddon Protocol; thrilling from the start, it's the perfect read if you are looking for a Golden Age film in the space.
November 1, 2022
My favorite in the series so far 😍
Read
March 12, 2022This is another outstanding installment of The Galactic Cold War series. If you are like me and loved the first two, you'll love this one too. The focus changes a bit in this one, looking a little more toward internal politics on Nova (hence the title), but it's got the same twisty spy goodness that permeates the whole series. Kovalic is back in all his cool, calm, collected badassery along with the rest of his team, though Taylor has less of a role in this one. That's probably my one regret with this book -- it doesn't really advance the storyline between those two characters. I feel like that's probably coming in book 4, which, given the ending of this one, is definitely coming.
I was sure I knew who the bad guy(s) were like 5 different times in the second half of this book. I was mostly wrong. The twists are really well done, and the characters are all various shades of gray, which I love.
I was sure I knew who the bad guy(s) were like 5 different times in the second half of this book. I was mostly wrong. The twists are really well done, and the characters are all various shades of gray, which I love.
September 22, 2024
4.5/5 stars
The Nova Incident is the third book in Dan Moren’s scifi spy thriller series The Galactic Cold War. When a bomb goes off in the capital city of the Commonwealth’s home planet, Simon and his SPT team are called to covertly investigate because of the terrorist group’s ties to an old SPT associate. They must go against both the domestic terror group and the Commonwealth’s own agency to uncover the plot. But all is not sitting well with Simon as he starts questioning his own role and that of the general who has been calling the SPT’s shot.
This is nearly exactly what I have been wanting from this series—the scifi spin on Mission: Impossible that I was promised. This was just a nonstop thrill ride from start to finish—from a terror attack in the first chapter to a confrontation in a space station in the finale. This had plenty of covert operations, unexpected twists and surprises, political intrigue, and fun action sequences. It’s fun, intense, and compulsively entertaining.
Simon really shines here as leader as he takes the central role in the plot with support from Eli and Addy. His questioning faith in what he has been doing is a sharp contrast to his previous characterization and really ups the stakes and drama. I thought Eli could have come across more serious (although I do love him being the most fun of the group), while Addy lost the angry edge that was so prominent before. Tanner didn’t have as much to do, while Nat was gone through most of the book. While the book tells a self-contained story, it does end in a cliffhanger that leaves the SPT in a precarious situation. You have been forewarned!
The Nova Incident is the best installment of this scifi thriller series so far.
The Nova Incident is the third book in Dan Moren’s scifi spy thriller series The Galactic Cold War. When a bomb goes off in the capital city of the Commonwealth’s home planet, Simon and his SPT team are called to covertly investigate because of the terrorist group’s ties to an old SPT associate. They must go against both the domestic terror group and the Commonwealth’s own agency to uncover the plot. But all is not sitting well with Simon as he starts questioning his own role and that of the general who has been calling the SPT’s shot.
This is nearly exactly what I have been wanting from this series—the scifi spin on Mission: Impossible that I was promised. This was just a nonstop thrill ride from start to finish—from a terror attack in the first chapter to a confrontation in a space station in the finale. This had plenty of covert operations, unexpected twists and surprises, political intrigue, and fun action sequences. It’s fun, intense, and compulsively entertaining.
Simon really shines here as leader as he takes the central role in the plot with support from Eli and Addy. His questioning faith in what he has been doing is a sharp contrast to his previous characterization and really ups the stakes and drama. I thought Eli could have come across more serious (although I do love him being the most fun of the group), while Addy lost the angry edge that was so prominent before. Tanner didn’t have as much to do, while Nat was gone through most of the book. While the book tells a self-contained story, it does end in a cliffhanger that leaves the SPT in a precarious situation. You have been forewarned!
The Nova Incident is the best installment of this scifi thriller series so far.
August 3, 2022
Dan delivers another fun and intense addition to the page turning Galactic Cold War series. Wheels turn within wheels, and the pressure increases for Kovalic and the team and a terrorist attack hits the Nova capital. But is the attack really what it seems?
Hard revelations change the game for the team since the beginning of the novel, and the people they can trust become fewer. Is someone manipulating things from within the Commonwealth itself, and is it someone close to the team? Are the Illyricans involved somehow?
Moren truly takes all the threads thar have been happening behind the scenes in the series and weaves them expertly into an explosive ending, and I can't wait for the next novel already!
Hard revelations change the game for the team since the beginning of the novel, and the people they can trust become fewer. Is someone manipulating things from within the Commonwealth itself, and is it someone close to the team? Are the Illyricans involved somehow?
Moren truly takes all the threads thar have been happening behind the scenes in the series and weaves them expertly into an explosive ending, and I can't wait for the next novel already!
February 14, 2023
I could not put this book down.
Continuing the trend, Moren’s books keep getting better and better. This one — as each one before it — was my favorite so far. So expertly and fast-paced. With subplots so deftly interleaved. It was excellent.
It’s only because I’m extremely stingy with my fifth star that this book didn’t earn one. It’s not you, it’s me.
Highly recommended.
Continuing the trend, Moren’s books keep getting better and better. This one — as each one before it — was my favorite so far. So expertly and fast-paced. With subplots so deftly interleaved. It was excellent.
It’s only because I’m extremely stingy with my fifth star that this book didn’t earn one. It’s not you, it’s me.
Highly recommended.
July 29, 2022
Having reread the three preceding books before starting this, I can confidently say NOVA is the best of the bunch, bringing the series to new highs. It’s at its most spy thriller ever, without sacrificing the delightful sci-fi of the greater galaxy and conflicts. I can’t wait for where the story goes next.
December 21, 2022
Could not put it down!
Great pacing, fun story. Excellent world building, I wish there were a galactic Cold War wiki I could just dive into right about now.
Great pacing, fun story. Excellent world building, I wish there were a galactic Cold War wiki I could just dive into right about now.
July 15, 2023
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 of 5
It's the Galactic Cold War (book three) and as one might expect with a cold war, there are twists and turns and spies in all the politics.
A terrorist attack has struck the Nova capital. Kovalic and team are under a lot of pressure to find out who did it and put a stop to any future terrorist attacks. But with every thread of evidence they follow, new threads appear and the whole thing is getting bigger and bigger and they can't help but question everything they've been led to believe to this point.
The whole team, including the new member, Addy Sayers, takes their work seriously and won't let up until it's resolved, but the resolution doesn't look like it's anything they were expecting - and that scares them.
Author Dan Moren has written a fast-paced spy thriller in space with this book. The previous two books in the series (whole number books ... I see there are book #'s 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3) were also thrillers, but this seems to take it a step further, perhaps because of all the secret threads that need unravelling.
Like the other books, I enjoyed this a lot. I never expected to find a political/military scifi book something I would like, but the thriller aspect really steps it up, making this a page turner.
But it's the characters who really make this book the enjoyable read. Moren has done a wonderful job of giving us characters that we can relate to. Characters that we like and that we want to see succeed. And characters that are unique - not just from one another, but from other scifi characters. If this is your first read in the series you won't know it, but we've seen these characters grow over the course of the books. They've become tighter as a unit which makes the events here that much more interesting.
Looking for a good book? The Nova Incident by Dan Moren is a fast-paced scifi thriller with a strong set of characters. It is the third book in The Galactic Cold War series, and is a very compelling read.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
It's the Galactic Cold War (book three) and as one might expect with a cold war, there are twists and turns and spies in all the politics.
A terrorist attack has struck the Nova capital. Kovalic and team are under a lot of pressure to find out who did it and put a stop to any future terrorist attacks. But with every thread of evidence they follow, new threads appear and the whole thing is getting bigger and bigger and they can't help but question everything they've been led to believe to this point.
The whole team, including the new member, Addy Sayers, takes their work seriously and won't let up until it's resolved, but the resolution doesn't look like it's anything they were expecting - and that scares them.
Author Dan Moren has written a fast-paced spy thriller in space with this book. The previous two books in the series (whole number books ... I see there are book #'s 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3) were also thrillers, but this seems to take it a step further, perhaps because of all the secret threads that need unravelling.
Like the other books, I enjoyed this a lot. I never expected to find a political/military scifi book something I would like, but the thriller aspect really steps it up, making this a page turner.
But it's the characters who really make this book the enjoyable read. Moren has done a wonderful job of giving us characters that we can relate to. Characters that we like and that we want to see succeed. And characters that are unique - not just from one another, but from other scifi characters. If this is your first read in the series you won't know it, but we've seen these characters grow over the course of the books. They've become tighter as a unit which makes the events here that much more interesting.
Looking for a good book? The Nova Incident by Dan Moren is a fast-paced scifi thriller with a strong set of characters. It is the third book in The Galactic Cold War series, and is a very compelling read.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2024
I like that in this next book of this series the plot becomes tighter around the larger series-spanning mystery/intrigue. I was definitely relieved that while more time than I care for is spent in the head of Sayers, at least she's getting over herself in this book. She was coming across just way too one-dimensional with that massive chip on her shoulder.
Also, in the last book and this one I don't feel like it was ever developed why Brody would care so much about Page. At least there's SOME characterization of his relationship with Sayers, but even that was a bit of a cheat having happened between books so the reader is just treated to skipping how it happened and straight into the awkwardness brought about by that abovementioned chip she has.
Honestly, I'd rather much more time spent on Kovalic, Trapper, and especially Taylor who is sadly almost absent from this book. At least it finally wraps up what happened with Page and no more random mentions from Kovalic feeling bad about him when you just knew he didn't actually kill him.
For that the plot of this whole book is great and I look forward to the wrap up and finally learning whether or not their boss is doing them/everyone dirty or what.
Also, in the last book and this one I don't feel like it was ever developed why Brody would care so much about Page. At least there's SOME characterization of his relationship with Sayers, but even that was a bit of a cheat having happened between books so the reader is just treated to skipping how it happened and straight into the awkwardness brought about by that abovementioned chip she has.
Honestly, I'd rather much more time spent on Kovalic, Trapper, and especially Taylor who is sadly almost absent from this book. At least it finally wraps up what happened with Page and no more random mentions from Kovalic feeling bad about him when you just knew he didn't actually kill him.
For that the plot of this whole book is great and I look forward to the wrap up and finally learning whether or not their boss is doing them/everyone dirty or what.
March 4, 2023
Easily the best in the series (so far🤞)
I knew this was coming, but I finished the latest book in the Galactic Cold War series and I don't know what to do with myself.
The character and personality development in the series may be the part that originally got me hooked, but now the high-level story arc and the low-level plot turns are what keep me absolutely locked in. Chapter after chapter I find myself trying to guess what is coming next and still being absolutely surprised each time.
As someone who works in a relatively technical field, I really appreciate the level of detail and thought that goes into the technical, futuristic elements of a space-based saga like this. These elements certainly create a picture of a civilization more advanced than our current day, but somehow does it without stretching the limits of believability. It all seems perfectly believable.
While the ending certainly gives some closure to the adventures in this book, it also served to leaving me hoping and praying that Dan Moren is working on future releases.
If any of this sounds remotely intriguing to you, I promise this series is worth your time.
I knew this was coming, but I finished the latest book in the Galactic Cold War series and I don't know what to do with myself.
The character and personality development in the series may be the part that originally got me hooked, but now the high-level story arc and the low-level plot turns are what keep me absolutely locked in. Chapter after chapter I find myself trying to guess what is coming next and still being absolutely surprised each time.
As someone who works in a relatively technical field, I really appreciate the level of detail and thought that goes into the technical, futuristic elements of a space-based saga like this. These elements certainly create a picture of a civilization more advanced than our current day, but somehow does it without stretching the limits of believability. It all seems perfectly believable.
While the ending certainly gives some closure to the adventures in this book, it also served to leaving me hoping and praying that Dan Moren is working on future releases.
If any of this sounds remotely intriguing to you, I promise this series is worth your time.
August 12, 2022
I have enjoyed all the previous Galactic Cold War novels, and this one is my favorite. There is more of a focus on Kovalic as the main character, but new characters, such as Addy Seyers, continue to be well fleshed out and are interesting additions to the group.
While set in the future, in a setting of science fiction, this is still definitely a spy thriller at its heart. As such, I think it would appeal to fans of either or both genres. The story moves along at a thrilling pace, with enough breaks that it never feels out of control (the entire story takes place over the course of only a couple of days). As a novel, it wraps up satisfyingly enough that it was enjoyable, but ends with its hooks deep in you, wanting more. Hopefully the story will continue!
While set in the future, in a setting of science fiction, this is still definitely a spy thriller at its heart. As such, I think it would appeal to fans of either or both genres. The story moves along at a thrilling pace, with enough breaks that it never feels out of control (the entire story takes place over the course of only a couple of days). As a novel, it wraps up satisfyingly enough that it was enjoyable, but ends with its hooks deep in you, wanting more. Hopefully the story will continue!
March 14, 2022
In The Nova Incident, we're back in the chair with Commonwealth operative Simon Kovalic and his volatile team of experts. The action starts with a bang and doesn't let up for the entire turbulent ride. The Nova Incident mingles thrilling political intrigue with spectacular sci-fi tech and twists you don't see coming. Kovalic and the crew come up with creative ways to get out of their life-threatening predicaments... and always with a clever quip along the way. Like Moren's other Galactic Cold War books, The Nova Incident is a one-sitting blast of story, which ends in a puff of smoke and the promise of more excitement to come!
April 7, 2022
The Nova Incident is a great, twisty, future espionage novel. The fourth in Dan Morten’s excellent Galactic Cold War novels, has inter-service rivalry, stunning revelations, and realistic conflict, all driven by stunning revelations and story twists. Read the other books first to maximize enjoyment and surprise. Fans of such wildly different authors as Anthony Price and Lois McMaster Bujold will find elements they recognize and much to admire in this fine book. Bring on the next one - I can’t wait.
August 13, 2022
This was another solid installment of Moren's Galactic Cold War series. It was the best so far, and lived up to the hype in reviews I've seen -- something very rare in my experience.
The story has plenty of twists and turns as any good spy thriller should have. The characters and world are great to spend time in, and I can't wait to see what comes next!
Seriously, that ending. I want to know what happens next.
The story has plenty of twists and turns as any good spy thriller should have. The characters and world are great to spend time in, and I can't wait to see what comes next!
Seriously, that ending. I want to know what happens next.
July 27, 2023
I've enjoyed reading this whole series. As one of the cover blurbs says, they're like Mission: Impossible in space. A mission gets planned, things go awry and the heroes have to improvise their way out. The characters are well-written and function well as a team, interpersonal conflicts and all.
I really hope that Moren gets a chance to finish off the series, as the ending of this book and the tag at the end of Aleph demand resolution.
I really hope that Moren gets a chance to finish off the series, as the ending of this book and the tag at the end of Aleph demand resolution.
July 9, 2025
One 'fault' that I have with this book is the use of plural pronouns for a character in the story. I realize that plural pronouns are the current fashion for a small subset of our society, but they confuse the narrative. Sometimes, the plural pronoun was obviously referring to a single individual, but there were other sentences where it was difficult to know if the author was writing about several people - or just the one.
July 30, 2022
Another excellent installment in the Galactic Cold War series. The characters from previous books are back, but they didn't feel flanderized. There are a lot of twists in this, and I don't want to get into spoilers. None of them feel forced however. The ending will have you craving more immediately. Fantastic book, do read it.
July 31, 2022
exciting addition
This book is a thrilling entry in the Galactic Cold War saga. A non-stop space espionage story with ties to the Cold War politics within the Commonwealth. The questions raised in early chapters are resolved but that conclusion leaves the reader hoping for more books in this series,
This book is a thrilling entry in the Galactic Cold War saga. A non-stop space espionage story with ties to the Cold War politics within the Commonwealth. The questions raised in early chapters are resolved but that conclusion leaves the reader hoping for more books in this series,
August 16, 2022
I really enjoy this series. I love the characters, and I enjoy a good sci fi spy adventure.
Is it really 5 star? Maybe not. But one can't properly convey nuance in an online rating. Call it a 5 star rcomemndation: If you enjoy sci fi and enjoy spy stories, then you should definitely read this book.
Is it really 5 star? Maybe not. But one can't properly convey nuance in an online rating. Call it a 5 star rcomemndation: If you enjoy sci fi and enjoy spy stories, then you should definitely read this book.
August 17, 2022
Best one in the series so far. Excellent character development, some new reveals. fun twists and turns, lovely descriptions, it has it all, including, oh no! a cliff-hanger! Yikes, I really hope author Moren is writing the next book now. Warning - you can read this as a stand alone, but you shouldn't -- start with *The Caledonian Gambit*. You won't be disappointed.
August 21, 2022
I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and definitely hope we get another few installments. I love the team chemistry between Kovalic, Tapper, Brody, and the excellent addition from the previous book, Sayers. And I've rarely read a more tense and exciting scene than the one that occurs in a bookstore, of all places, in this book.
November 14, 2022
I lost a little steam in this installment of the series. There was a plot point that came across as an after-the-fact retcon from an earlier book, and I think there was too much action planetside, not enough in space, and perhaps taking the 'spies in space' out of space works against the USP of this series.
September 1, 2024
the fact that i still need to wait a whole month for the fourth book to come out is a crime
this book is really setting up the internal background plot of the whole series and while that means a more complicated conspiracy, it was still v enjoyable and i love the little tidbits of their relationships to each other in between the action and the banter
this book is really setting up the internal background plot of the whole series and while that means a more complicated conspiracy, it was still v enjoyable and i love the little tidbits of their relationships to each other in between the action and the banter
July 29, 2022
Another great installment of the Galactic Cold War series. Fast paced with just the right amount of laughs thrown in. The only thing that keeps me from giving it a full 5 stars is that I felt the ending was a bit rushed.
August 25, 2022
Dan Moren does it again! Love this series and it’s characters. It’s always a fun espionage romp in space. The conspiracy just got a whole lot bigger, and you’ll be left drooling for the next installment… go buy all the books in the series so Dan gets to publish more!
December 26, 2022
a locked planet mystery in a galactic Cold WarCold War
Really enjoyable. I’m along for the ride as long as this series keeps going. Great characters, great world building, great intrigue.
Really enjoyable. I’m along for the ride as long as this series keeps going. Great characters, great world building, great intrigue.
August 31, 2023
Like 'The Bayern Agenda', this book felt like a lot of things I've seen or read before. Still, this book is better overall than 'Bayern' and leaves things in an interesting place. It's fun, modern pulp sci-fi and it has me looking forward to the next entry.
May 4, 2022
The Nova Incident is an excellent futuristic novel of spies, treason and technology. Moren's novel has twists and turns until the last page. The book definitely keeps you on your toes!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews