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Expedition
A one-of-a-kind space opera filled with action, mystery, and friendship.
When a civilian space flight gets swept away to a distant part of the universe, Elise Lewis and Major Rick Clark are the only survivors. Stranded far from Earth, they find themselves amidst an alien crew, aboard a living ship. They cling to the hope of discovering a way home. Meanwhile, their presence begins to irreversibly alter the dynamics of the crew. As time passes and trust is tested, the Humans find they have unique roles to play in this foreign galaxy.
Despite Head Officer Denijku Zúrhé’s desire to return the Humans to their planet, he has problems of his own. A powerful new regime encroaches from beyond the charted galaxies, eager for an alliance with the United Free Territories. Their representatives insist on altruism, but Zúrhé and others are not so easily persuaded.
Questions need to be answered. And the truth could mean everyone--even the newly arrived Humans--are in danger.
If you love space sci-fi like Stargate and Star Next Generation sprinkled with action elements similar to Hawaii Five-0, give the Dekra 9-2-6 series a try.
When a civilian space flight gets swept away to a distant part of the universe, Elise Lewis and Major Rick Clark are the only survivors. Stranded far from Earth, they find themselves amidst an alien crew, aboard a living ship. They cling to the hope of discovering a way home. Meanwhile, their presence begins to irreversibly alter the dynamics of the crew. As time passes and trust is tested, the Humans find they have unique roles to play in this foreign galaxy.
Despite Head Officer Denijku Zúrhé’s desire to return the Humans to their planet, he has problems of his own. A powerful new regime encroaches from beyond the charted galaxies, eager for an alliance with the United Free Territories. Their representatives insist on altruism, but Zúrhé and others are not so easily persuaded.
Questions need to be answered. And the truth could mean everyone--even the newly arrived Humans--are in danger.
If you love space sci-fi like Stargate and Star Next Generation sprinkled with action elements similar to Hawaii Five-0, give the Dekra 9-2-6 series a try.
- GenresScience Fiction
629 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2022
19 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 15, 2022
Fantastic sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is amazing, and the story is incredible, filled with adventure, intrigue, sorrow, friendship, laughter, and family born and made. When I'm asked for examples of the type of sci fi adventure I want to read, Expedition will be one of my answers. The ship and non-human sapients are well-imagined and believable. The romance is just right. And the crew is absolutely fascinating. Book 2, The Cure, has a projected release date of January 2023, so after reading Expedition in KU, I bought it to reread.
The worldbuilding is amazing, and the story is incredible, filled with adventure, intrigue, sorrow, friendship, laughter, and family born and made. When I'm asked for examples of the type of sci fi adventure I want to read, Expedition will be one of my answers. The ship and non-human sapients are well-imagined and believable. The romance is just right. And the crew is absolutely fascinating. Book 2, The Cure, has a projected release date of January 2023, so after reading Expedition in KU, I bought it to reread.
April 28, 2024
No Spoilers!
There's so much good to say about this book, I'm not sure where to start. This may be a bit of a ramble.
I have only read limited amounts of sci-fi in the past, so I wasn't sure what to expect of this book.
I was really impressed with the intro to the book. (And I don't impress easily.) It instantly grabs you, and makes you want to read more. The sentence structures are easy to read, yet still tell an interesting story.
I went into this book only knowing it was supposed to be similar to Stargate and Star Trek. And I found that to be very true! The chapters very much read like episodes of Star Trek and Stargate. Every chapter has something new happening. There are no lags in the story, which is impressive for a 600 page book. I never felt like anything was dragged out too long, nor did I ever get bored. I could definitely see this series as a tv show.
Some elements of the book also remind me of Fifth Element. The descriptions of some of the villains had me picturing ones from Fifth Element. This book feels quirky while still being a solid read, much like Fifth Element makes you feel as you watch it.
The crew itself had a lot of quirks and original characters who all seem to mesh well despite their differences. I really like Elise, but I believe my favorite is Mavner. He's such a stiff character who wants so badly to not care.
There are a lot of great themes in this book like friendship, loyalty, growth, adapting to the situation, sadness, etc. It basically hits all the major emotional notes. That's not to say that this book is stodgy. It's not at all. Rachel Cherie has managed to create a full spectrum of emotions in characters that normally would be very limited in their emotional range.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding in this. It wasn't so much that it bogged down the story, but it was enough to expand the world in the book. I can see that Cherie has a solid storyline plan for this series and I think it's going to turn out great.
This book has actually convinced me to sign up for Kindle Unlimited so I can read the rest of Rachel Cherie's books. I've also already scoped out physical book prices with plans to add them to my bookshelf. These days, I have limited shelf space, so I've become picky about what I buy, but this series has definitely earned it's place.
I am very surprised that Rachel Cherie is not a more known name in sci-fi. The writing is great!
My reviews are typically 3 stars. I enjoy reading 3 star books, but it's very hard to get a 5 star from me and Rachel Cherie's writing has certainly earned it.
My only small negative to this book is that the characters were all introduced very quickly, so it was hard to keep track of who was who, especially when 2 of them have similar names. That being said, the storyline called for the characters to be introduced quickly and this is probably a common theme in sci-fi and I'm just not used to it. For the most part it wasn't an issue as I continued to read. I will write out a note for myself of the characters for the next book, and that will solve the issue.
Thank you Rachel Cherie for providing a copy of this FANTASTIC book! You have an official fan and reader!
There's so much good to say about this book, I'm not sure where to start. This may be a bit of a ramble.
I have only read limited amounts of sci-fi in the past, so I wasn't sure what to expect of this book.
I was really impressed with the intro to the book. (And I don't impress easily.) It instantly grabs you, and makes you want to read more. The sentence structures are easy to read, yet still tell an interesting story.
I went into this book only knowing it was supposed to be similar to Stargate and Star Trek. And I found that to be very true! The chapters very much read like episodes of Star Trek and Stargate. Every chapter has something new happening. There are no lags in the story, which is impressive for a 600 page book. I never felt like anything was dragged out too long, nor did I ever get bored. I could definitely see this series as a tv show.
Some elements of the book also remind me of Fifth Element. The descriptions of some of the villains had me picturing ones from Fifth Element. This book feels quirky while still being a solid read, much like Fifth Element makes you feel as you watch it.
The crew itself had a lot of quirks and original characters who all seem to mesh well despite their differences. I really like Elise, but I believe my favorite is Mavner. He's such a stiff character who wants so badly to not care.
There are a lot of great themes in this book like friendship, loyalty, growth, adapting to the situation, sadness, etc. It basically hits all the major emotional notes. That's not to say that this book is stodgy. It's not at all. Rachel Cherie has managed to create a full spectrum of emotions in characters that normally would be very limited in their emotional range.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding in this. It wasn't so much that it bogged down the story, but it was enough to expand the world in the book. I can see that Cherie has a solid storyline plan for this series and I think it's going to turn out great.
This book has actually convinced me to sign up for Kindle Unlimited so I can read the rest of Rachel Cherie's books. I've also already scoped out physical book prices with plans to add them to my bookshelf. These days, I have limited shelf space, so I've become picky about what I buy, but this series has definitely earned it's place.
I am very surprised that Rachel Cherie is not a more known name in sci-fi. The writing is great!
My reviews are typically 3 stars. I enjoy reading 3 star books, but it's very hard to get a 5 star from me and Rachel Cherie's writing has certainly earned it.
My only small negative to this book is that the characters were all introduced very quickly, so it was hard to keep track of who was who, especially when 2 of them have similar names. That being said, the storyline called for the characters to be introduced quickly and this is probably a common theme in sci-fi and I'm just not used to it. For the most part it wasn't an issue as I continued to read. I will write out a note for myself of the characters for the next book, and that will solve the issue.
Thank you Rachel Cherie for providing a copy of this FANTASTIC book! You have an official fan and reader!
June 30, 2024
Rachel Cherie’s Dekra series starts off with a literal bang as the Expedition Two is T-boned at warp speed by another spacecraft, killing most of its crew, save for its civilian passenger, Elise Lewis, and copilot, Major Rick Clark. An act of apparent sabotage caused the accident, and the ruined remains of both ships were catapulted far beyond Earth, a planet that has yet to be charted by the Intergalactic Peace Service. Stranded and with no immediate hope of returning home, Lewis and Clark are adopted by the eclectic crew as ambassadors while a new ship is procured on which to continue their journey and maybe someday return the new ambassadors to the planet they call home.
What follows is essentially Season 1 of Dekra 9-2-6. Each chapter feels like an episode (including the occasional two-parter), and there is an overarching conflict brewing with the narcissistic Kosk, the ambitious overlord of the Obda’úré who always has some self-satisfying secret agenda to pursue. Longish but evenly paced, and once the rhythm of the story is established, it is much like binge-watching a show on Netflix. The characters are distinctly drawn, and over the course of their episodic adventures, the opportunity to learn a little more about each is organic without being overwhelming, and by the end of the story, they become people—beings?—you truly care about. Only the villainous Kosk feels beyond redemption, but is it a bad thing to have a villain you love to hate?
I only had a couple of minor qualms and one major one—I’ll start with the minor: Cherie utilizes a “Universal Translator” trope that is common to sci-fi. It’s highly improbable that with as many languages as are spoken on Earth, English would be the intergalactic language of choice, and I can roll with that. However, colloquialisms and units of measurement, specifically with respect to the passage of time do not have a direct translation, and throughout the entire book, nary a page goes by without some mention of rins, lén’sons, ál’sons, and d’sons…it was all a bit much and slowed down the narrative for me. Also, many of the alien names are largely unpronounceable, and it took a long moment before I was able to keep the characters straight in my head. I’m fully willing to accept that as my own limitation as a reader. It isn’t like the aliens would be named Burt or Nancy—and I get that.
My major qualm was that after a shocking eleventh-hour turn of events that had me flippin’ pages like a madman, Cherie did the unthinkable. She closed the book on a cliffhanger. Krek and kraznu!!! Ever since The Empire Strikes Back ended with Hans Solo encased in carbonite, and I—at the tender age of 13—had to wait THREE WHOLE TORTUROUS YEARS to learn the resolution, I have never enjoyed cliffhangers. They kind of enrage me. Your experience may vary, and I accept that it is a personal preference of mine to have all major storylines tied up before I reach ‘The End.’ On the plus side, the next two books in Cherie’s self-proclaimed space opera are already available, so you won’t have to wait three years to continue.
Will I be back for a return engagement? Well, duh. I need to know what happens next…
What follows is essentially Season 1 of Dekra 9-2-6. Each chapter feels like an episode (including the occasional two-parter), and there is an overarching conflict brewing with the narcissistic Kosk, the ambitious overlord of the Obda’úré who always has some self-satisfying secret agenda to pursue. Longish but evenly paced, and once the rhythm of the story is established, it is much like binge-watching a show on Netflix. The characters are distinctly drawn, and over the course of their episodic adventures, the opportunity to learn a little more about each is organic without being overwhelming, and by the end of the story, they become people—beings?—you truly care about. Only the villainous Kosk feels beyond redemption, but is it a bad thing to have a villain you love to hate?
I only had a couple of minor qualms and one major one—I’ll start with the minor: Cherie utilizes a “Universal Translator” trope that is common to sci-fi. It’s highly improbable that with as many languages as are spoken on Earth, English would be the intergalactic language of choice, and I can roll with that. However, colloquialisms and units of measurement, specifically with respect to the passage of time do not have a direct translation, and throughout the entire book, nary a page goes by without some mention of rins, lén’sons, ál’sons, and d’sons…it was all a bit much and slowed down the narrative for me. Also, many of the alien names are largely unpronounceable, and it took a long moment before I was able to keep the characters straight in my head. I’m fully willing to accept that as my own limitation as a reader. It isn’t like the aliens would be named Burt or Nancy—and I get that.
My major qualm was that after a shocking eleventh-hour turn of events that had me flippin’ pages like a madman, Cherie did the unthinkable. She closed the book on a cliffhanger. Krek and kraznu!!! Ever since The Empire Strikes Back ended with Hans Solo encased in carbonite, and I—at the tender age of 13—had to wait THREE WHOLE TORTUROUS YEARS to learn the resolution, I have never enjoyed cliffhangers. They kind of enrage me. Your experience may vary, and I accept that it is a personal preference of mine to have all major storylines tied up before I reach ‘The End.’ On the plus side, the next two books in Cherie’s self-proclaimed space opera are already available, so you won’t have to wait three years to continue.
Will I be back for a return engagement? Well, duh. I need to know what happens next…
February 26, 2025
Let me start by saying, I had a little bit of a difficult time getting into this book, first, because sci-fi is not my usual genre, and second, because I was having Alexa read it to me, and there were a lot of non-english words that were difficult to get used to without seeing them with my eyes😅. I started reading without Alexa about halfway through, and by the end, I was dying to jump into book 2! I actually opened it right away and read the first few pages, only to realize I had another book I had to finish up first! I'm hurrying to get through that one so I can dive back in, because I NEED to know what happens next.
I enjoyed the cast of characters, their humor and their banter. There is some romance, but it's not the main focus. I loved getting to know the characters on a deeper level as they got to know each other, and the variety of personalities on board the ship.
Everything happening felt natural and possible, meaning, it wasn't a bunch of random these-characters-have-the-worst-luck kind of scenarios. I liked the unique things the author introduced in her world, though to mention them would likely be considered spoilers. (Read for yourself and find out!!)
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Expedition and can't wait to read book 2, The Cure. My only complaint is that the series isn't complete yet, so eventually I'll have to stop and wait for the next one!!
I enjoyed the cast of characters, their humor and their banter. There is some romance, but it's not the main focus. I loved getting to know the characters on a deeper level as they got to know each other, and the variety of personalities on board the ship.
Everything happening felt natural and possible, meaning, it wasn't a bunch of random these-characters-have-the-worst-luck kind of scenarios. I liked the unique things the author introduced in her world, though to mention them would likely be considered spoilers. (Read for yourself and find out!!)
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Expedition and can't wait to read book 2, The Cure. My only complaint is that the series isn't complete yet, so eventually I'll have to stop and wait for the next one!!
March 27, 2025
Wonderful unique sci-fi world
This was a unique sci-fi world for me. Elise Lewis and Captain Rick Clark are the sole survivors of a space collision that put them in the unfortunate path of the Dreka ship. However, the Alien crew of the Dreka go out of their way to make their new ambassadors and shipmates at ease while also trying to find a way for them to get home. The space shenanigans are never ending, but like all books, I love the interpersonal relationships aboard the Dreka the most. Multiple alien races, intergalactic travel, a living ship, and now two humans completely out of their depth made for a beautiful story. The author did a wonderful job pacing the story, so you get glimpses of backstory for everyone, and you genuinely want to know more. She made me feel all the feelings so deeply that when tragedy struck, grief hit me hard. I will not be hesitating to get into book 2 for this space opera. There are so many things I need answers to!
"Do not discount friendships that are true. They are much too valuable and far too few,”
This was a unique sci-fi world for me. Elise Lewis and Captain Rick Clark are the sole survivors of a space collision that put them in the unfortunate path of the Dreka ship. However, the Alien crew of the Dreka go out of their way to make their new ambassadors and shipmates at ease while also trying to find a way for them to get home. The space shenanigans are never ending, but like all books, I love the interpersonal relationships aboard the Dreka the most. Multiple alien races, intergalactic travel, a living ship, and now two humans completely out of their depth made for a beautiful story. The author did a wonderful job pacing the story, so you get glimpses of backstory for everyone, and you genuinely want to know more. She made me feel all the feelings so deeply that when tragedy struck, grief hit me hard. I will not be hesitating to get into book 2 for this space opera. There are so many things I need answers to!
"Do not discount friendships that are true. They are much too valuable and far too few,”
April 28, 2024
This was a really great read.
I do think it could do with a glossary of some kind though, I spent the majority of the book confused as to who was who.
There's a whole crew of characters (9 of them to begin with I think) who are sometimes referred to by their given name, sometimes surname and other times their species and my memory is terrible. 😅
I liked our two humans and the rest of the crew they joined. All had completely different personalities and yet they meshed together as a team eventually that you can't help but root for. (Sobbed my heart out during one moment, I won't spoil but I was devastated.)
I actually weirdly really liked the antagonists too, they had their own quirks that made them seem more realistic and not just pure bad/evil as most usually are in stories.
Over all though I really enjoyed the story, getting to know the characters and really look forward to reading the next book!
I do think it could do with a glossary of some kind though, I spent the majority of the book confused as to who was who.
There's a whole crew of characters (9 of them to begin with I think) who are sometimes referred to by their given name, sometimes surname and other times their species and my memory is terrible. 😅
I liked our two humans and the rest of the crew they joined. All had completely different personalities and yet they meshed together as a team eventually that you can't help but root for. (Sobbed my heart out during one moment, I won't spoil but I was devastated.)
I actually weirdly really liked the antagonists too, they had their own quirks that made them seem more realistic and not just pure bad/evil as most usually are in stories.
Over all though I really enjoyed the story, getting to know the characters and really look forward to reading the next book!
September 18, 2024
Rachel Cheríe, Author has created something very interesting here. I would hesitate to make comparisons but it definitely has a Farscape vibe, mixed in with Firefly and even at times the classic British sitcom Red Dwarf. It is however none of those things, and more.
We are dropped into the action and almost straight away we are immersed into a world where aliens exist. I think it's really clever the way we learn about the new universe, without it feeling like an info dump.
There is plenty of action, but a great deal of character development as well. It made me chuckle and brought me to tears.
I devoured this within a few days, and am going straight to the next book. This is really gripping stuff, familiar enough that it flows with ease, but different enough to grab your attention.
An easy 5 stars from me.
We are dropped into the action and almost straight away we are immersed into a world where aliens exist. I think it's really clever the way we learn about the new universe, without it feeling like an info dump.
There is plenty of action, but a great deal of character development as well. It made me chuckle and brought me to tears.
I devoured this within a few days, and am going straight to the next book. This is really gripping stuff, familiar enough that it flows with ease, but different enough to grab your attention.
An easy 5 stars from me.
April 26, 2025
Although this novel has been written by a lesser known author, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed how the story developed and it's a great space opera tale. Really paid off that it was profesionally edited and because of that had a natural story progression. Loved that the author has used all kinds of Briton-Celtic names to type some races and places with, amongst other the races of the Topaseuns and the Domnunes.
The story basically tells the tale of two humans who accidentally end up in a different part of the universe. Several of the crew die and they are restored to health by strange beings from other planets that travel aboard a living ship and a part of an united federation. Lots of elements that space opera fans have read about / seen before but the author succeeds in giving an own spin to this type of story and had a natural gift for telling a good tale.
The story basically tells the tale of two humans who accidentally end up in a different part of the universe. Several of the crew die and they are restored to health by strange beings from other planets that travel aboard a living ship and a part of an united federation. Lots of elements that space opera fans have read about / seen before but the author succeeds in giving an own spin to this type of story and had a natural gift for telling a good tale.
May 10, 2024
This was promoted as a book fans of Star Trek would love; and it is. The characters are quirky but loveable, except for the narcissistic villain of course, and the little crew of aliens welcomes the two humans that a terrible accident has deposited in their midst. They have adventures and gradually come to learn of a threat to their society. It's great fun until about three quarters of the way through when somebody dies! And then I realized how fond I had got of all these characters. The funeral scene just ripped my heart out! Their quest gets more urgent until it ends on a cliffhanger. Well imagined, good world-building, well written. Now, on to the next installment!
January 8, 2023
Great Story!
I have enjoyed this story!! The characters are rich. The plot has depth. This writer has woven the people and events of 'Expedition' so well that I had a hard time putting the book down. I am not a big novel reader, most stories lose my interest about mid way; but not this one. The flow of story and relations building draw you to the final pages ... and then!! Well done Rachel Cherie!
I have enjoyed this story!! The characters are rich. The plot has depth. This writer has woven the people and events of 'Expedition' so well that I had a hard time putting the book down. I am not a big novel reader, most stories lose my interest about mid way; but not this one. The flow of story and relations building draw you to the final pages ... and then!! Well done Rachel Cherie!
March 23, 2024
A Mind-Blowing Sci-Fi Adventure That Will Convert You!
Expedition by Rachel Cheríe is an incredible sci-fi adventure that will make even non-believers fall in love with the genre. The worldbuilding is amazing. The story is filled with adventure, intrigue, sorrow, friendship, laughter, and family, and the ship and non-human sapients are well-imagined and believable. The romance is just right, and the crew is absolutely fascinating.
Expedition by Rachel Cheríe is an incredible sci-fi adventure that will make even non-believers fall in love with the genre. The worldbuilding is amazing. The story is filled with adventure, intrigue, sorrow, friendship, laughter, and family, and the ship and non-human sapients are well-imagined and believable. The romance is just right, and the crew is absolutely fascinating.
May 3, 2024
Expedition (Dekra 9-2-6) is a good book. I would recommend this book!
Salutations lol.. If you read you will understand.
I did enjoy this book. I am not a Sci-Fi girl but this was a good book. I think if it's something you enjoy you will like it more than me. That said it does have a good storyline. It was a bit long so unfortunately it didn't hold my attention and took me a bit longer to read. But again could be because I am not sold on sci-fi 100% yet lol..
Salutations lol.. If you read you will understand.
I did enjoy this book. I am not a Sci-Fi girl but this was a good book. I think if it's something you enjoy you will like it more than me. That said it does have a good storyline. It was a bit long so unfortunately it didn't hold my attention and took me a bit longer to read. But again could be because I am not sold on sci-fi 100% yet lol..
June 12, 2024
It took me a while to get into this book, but the second half was compelling. We started to see some character development and I’m excited to see where Cherie takes us with the Dekra 9-2-6 crew.
July 20, 2025
My first space opera, and I didn't know what to expect, but it was a fun read, albeit a long one. The villain certainly grew on me toward the end, making him enjoyable. It was fun to see relationships form while navigating space, apprehending criminals and such. The ongoing slow-burn is one of my favorite subplots, too.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews