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Departure
The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards - FINALIST
"A captivating odyssey through the cosmos." - Readers' Favorite Reviewer (5-Stars)
A space opera and thought exercise for the avid science-fiction reader, "Departure" explores mankind's greatest test against an adversary of their own self-replicating drones that threaten humanity's very existence after a malfunction spirals their growth rate out of control. Installation of the first-ever Dyson Sphere goes awry when a world-shattering mistake threatens Corina-189 and its host star, Elnath. Humanity faces an unthinkable terror when the self-replicating drones forming its shell malfunction, tearing away inexorably across the galaxy, devouring all energy in its path. A young commander struggles to lead a fractured civilization in a fight for victory against a new, infinite enemy amidst a brutal war for planetary control. Will they find salvation? Or will mankind run forever through the stars?
"A captivating odyssey through the cosmos." - Readers' Favorite Reviewer (5-Stars)
A space opera and thought exercise for the avid science-fiction reader, "Departure" explores mankind's greatest test against an adversary of their own self-replicating drones that threaten humanity's very existence after a malfunction spirals their growth rate out of control. Installation of the first-ever Dyson Sphere goes awry when a world-shattering mistake threatens Corina-189 and its host star, Elnath. Humanity faces an unthinkable terror when the self-replicating drones forming its shell malfunction, tearing away inexorably across the galaxy, devouring all energy in its path. A young commander struggles to lead a fractured civilization in a fight for victory against a new, infinite enemy amidst a brutal war for planetary control. Will they find salvation? Or will mankind run forever through the stars?
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Published August 4, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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November 2, 2024DNF. I do not rate books I do not finish.
My only comment is that if I personally cannot feel any type of connection to the main characters or care about the outcome of a plot when I am a quarter of the way through the story, I am putting it down.
My only comment is that if I personally cannot feel any type of connection to the main characters or care about the outcome of a plot when I am a quarter of the way through the story, I am putting it down.
July 10, 2025
Buckle up for a thrilling ride through space and humanity! "Departure" by Philroy Hinds is a gripping tale that explores the complexities of war, hope, and the human condition.
Hinds is nineteen-year-old lieutenant fighting in a war for those against (T.A) a faction that were against the Dyson sphere and those for (T.F) who are constructing the Dyson sphere. A sphere meant to harvest energy from their home star Elnath for the home planet Corina-186. But has swallowed Elnath and caused the destruction of their home. After narrowly escaping his destroyed home on the Beacon of Hope, now years later Hinds is standing down to face the demon Elnath. Will he succeed or will this battle be his last?
I found McGregor, the old bartender character, a palate cleanser of sorts after going through such intense, adrenaline-pumping battle scenes, and much like for Hinds and Lehman, a relief from the stress of the battle scenes.
This issue on energy conservation, on the need for man to seek a collective solution to this problem instead of seeking a quick fix and fighting amongst ourselves. I was moved to tears at different parts of the story, especially towards the end of the present part, the sacrifices many made and most of all the hope that was never lost.
Departure proved a masterpiece filled with humanity and hope. It’s beautiful story.
If you enjoy thought-provoking science fiction, pick up "Departure" – it's a compelling read that will keep you invested in the characters and their journey.
Hinds is nineteen-year-old lieutenant fighting in a war for those against (T.A) a faction that were against the Dyson sphere and those for (T.F) who are constructing the Dyson sphere. A sphere meant to harvest energy from their home star Elnath for the home planet Corina-186. But has swallowed Elnath and caused the destruction of their home. After narrowly escaping his destroyed home on the Beacon of Hope, now years later Hinds is standing down to face the demon Elnath. Will he succeed or will this battle be his last?
I found McGregor, the old bartender character, a palate cleanser of sorts after going through such intense, adrenaline-pumping battle scenes, and much like for Hinds and Lehman, a relief from the stress of the battle scenes.
This issue on energy conservation, on the need for man to seek a collective solution to this problem instead of seeking a quick fix and fighting amongst ourselves. I was moved to tears at different parts of the story, especially towards the end of the present part, the sacrifices many made and most of all the hope that was never lost.
Departure proved a masterpiece filled with humanity and hope. It’s beautiful story.
If you enjoy thought-provoking science fiction, pick up "Departure" – it's a compelling read that will keep you invested in the characters and their journey.
August 24, 2022
A book that will take us to a futuristic world, where things are not so perfect and are getting out of control and where we’ll accompany our main characters in this adventure to fix the mistakes and try to save humanity. Will they make it?
This book has everything I like:
-Very charismatic and interesting characters who have certain goals in mind and we’ll see what fate has in store for them. We have a so many characters that show some depth, are well built, and you get to fond with many of them (Brynn and Paige were my favorites)
-An original and very well developed worldbuilding
-A plot that grows and never gets boring (full of surprises, chaos, intrigue, action, strategies, love, sacrifices and heroes) I couldn't stop reading it, on the final pages it left me reflecting and even brought me to tears.
Page after page, the author showed me the passion that he put into his work and all of the imagination and ideas that he had in his mind. For me, this book is a good example of a well-told, original, entertaining story that will undoubtedly stay in my mind for a long time.
This is one of my favorite quotes:
“He wished for a different story, another timeline where he could spend his life with her, absent war and conflict, without pain and suffering, but he knew that would never be.”
A very epic story, if you are of the science fiction genre, you cannot miss the opportunity to read it!
This book has everything I like:
-Very charismatic and interesting characters who have certain goals in mind and we’ll see what fate has in store for them. We have a so many characters that show some depth, are well built, and you get to fond with many of them (Brynn and Paige were my favorites)
-An original and very well developed worldbuilding
-A plot that grows and never gets boring (full of surprises, chaos, intrigue, action, strategies, love, sacrifices and heroes) I couldn't stop reading it, on the final pages it left me reflecting and even brought me to tears.
Page after page, the author showed me the passion that he put into his work and all of the imagination and ideas that he had in his mind. For me, this book is a good example of a well-told, original, entertaining story that will undoubtedly stay in my mind for a long time.
This is one of my favorite quotes:
“He wished for a different story, another timeline where he could spend his life with her, absent war and conflict, without pain and suffering, but he knew that would never be.”
A very epic story, if you are of the science fiction genre, you cannot miss the opportunity to read it!
September 20, 2022
I was introduced to this debut science fiction book by my daughter. Science fiction is not a genre I generally read. In fact, I think this is the first science fiction book I have completed since the ones I had to read for high school required reading eons ago.
The author did a great job of bringing in something for everyone. The story was compelling and unpredictable. The characters were portrayed with strengths and flaws which I really like. There was room left for sequels but the book was complete unto itself which I also appreciate.
I have been wanting to expand my genres and I'm very glad I read this book!
The author did a great job of bringing in something for everyone. The story was compelling and unpredictable. The characters were portrayed with strengths and flaws which I really like. There was room left for sequels but the book was complete unto itself which I also appreciate.
I have been wanting to expand my genres and I'm very glad I read this book!
April 23, 2024
This is a dystopian novel in which people destroy their home planet. Where to go before the world is destroyed? That is the big question. This story is filled with action and adventure as they careen across space.
September 15, 2025
A future civilization, about 570 years in the future, is separated into two militaristic factions: TA (Those Against) and TF (Those For). The contentious issue: the development of a Dyson Sphere for their energy needs. But the drones fabricating the sphere go awry, with potentially universe-ending consequences.
I got Battlestar Galatica and Starship Troopers vibes from this one. I could see it as a movie.
I am unsure where the home planet, Corina-189, is actually situated. The inhabitants were definitely human, and there were place names such as New Rochelle, Syracuse, Randall's Island and a transport called the Mount Vernon, so I was definitely thinking NY, but those might just have been homages.
I got Battlestar Galatica and Starship Troopers vibes from this one. I could see it as a movie.
I am unsure where the home planet, Corina-189, is actually situated. The inhabitants were definitely human, and there were place names such as New Rochelle, Syracuse, Randall's Island and a transport called the Mount Vernon, so I was definitely thinking NY, but those might just have been homages.
January 1, 2023
Departure is an expertly written book that takes you on an intense, futuristic journey. Hinds is an expert not only on his subject matter but on his characters as well! For someone who doesn’t typically read science fiction or military centric literature, I thought this book was extremely well thought out and organized with everything needed to make a captivating read! Im excited to watch Hinds progress as an author!!
September 1, 2022
A fantastic read with likable characters and an exciting and creative plot! The author beautifully weaves elements of multiple genres into this science fiction novel to appeal to a broad audience of readers.
July 25, 2023
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Departure
Author: Philroy Hinds
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A fast-paced sci-fi packed full of clever twists. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, but it was the plot that kept me reading. I will be looking out for book two.” Male reader, aged 55
“This has an epic feel to it which I liked. The author has put together a compelling, futuristic setting and an almost impossible dilemma for humanity to overcome. Fans of Star Trek and the old Stargate will find this a lot of fun.” Female reader, aged 37
“I’m a Star Wars fan so this was right up my street. I liked the tech, I liked the characters, and I loved the storyline. It’d make a good film.” Male reader, aged 31
“Not overly long, never boring, with strong pacing. Sci-fans will love it.” Male reader, aged 49
“A solid, accessible writing style.” Female reader, aged 21
To Sum It Up:
‘A compelling sci-fi saga with a strong cast of characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Departure
Author: Philroy Hinds
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A fast-paced sci-fi packed full of clever twists. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, but it was the plot that kept me reading. I will be looking out for book two.” Male reader, aged 55
“This has an epic feel to it which I liked. The author has put together a compelling, futuristic setting and an almost impossible dilemma for humanity to overcome. Fans of Star Trek and the old Stargate will find this a lot of fun.” Female reader, aged 37
“I’m a Star Wars fan so this was right up my street. I liked the tech, I liked the characters, and I loved the storyline. It’d make a good film.” Male reader, aged 31
“Not overly long, never boring, with strong pacing. Sci-fans will love it.” Male reader, aged 49
“A solid, accessible writing style.” Female reader, aged 21
To Sum It Up:
‘A compelling sci-fi saga with a strong cast of characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
July 8, 2024
I love a well-written sci-fi book, one with dystopian elements that are all too believable and very easily could be the world’s reality. That is how I felt about Departure by Philroy. Self-replicating drones that threaten mankind? Quite believable. Humans choosing to relocate instead of fixing the problem. Very realistic and believable. So the premise set the mood for the book to be engaging, realistic and yet with action and adventure elements that immerse you in the book. It was fast-paced and a true page-turner that dabbled in themes of US vs THEM, moral responsibility and what advancement in science without accountability can lead to.
But when there is an invincible infinite enemy, the plot can only take you so far. It is left upto the characters who have to be interesting enough and engaging enough, that you give a damn about their lives.
As a young commander leads a fractured civilization in a fight for survival, the plight and sacrifices the characters make compel you to sympathize with their struggle against an infinite enemy. The book doesn’t just have violence and action but strategizing the way military has. The characters were likable, relatable and had distinct personalities, with each having their own flaws and insecurities.
What I liked about this book was the storytelling itself and the way the author was able to weave deeper themes within an action-packed storyline. It is a real treat for any sci-fi fan out there!
But when there is an invincible infinite enemy, the plot can only take you so far. It is left upto the characters who have to be interesting enough and engaging enough, that you give a damn about their lives.
As a young commander leads a fractured civilization in a fight for survival, the plight and sacrifices the characters make compel you to sympathize with their struggle against an infinite enemy. The book doesn’t just have violence and action but strategizing the way military has. The characters were likable, relatable and had distinct personalities, with each having their own flaws and insecurities.
What I liked about this book was the storytelling itself and the way the author was able to weave deeper themes within an action-packed storyline. It is a real treat for any sci-fi fan out there!
May 20, 2024
Departure is a thrilling space opera that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! The story centers on humanity's fight for survival against self-replicating drones that have gone rogue, threatening to devour the galaxy. The first-ever Dyson Sphere installation goes disastrously wrong, putting Corina-189 and its star, Elnath, in grave danger.
The young commander at the heart of the story is a compelling character, struggling to unite a fractured civilisation and combat an infinite enemy. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the narrative is a perfect blend of action, strategy, and deep existential questions.
Departure is a must-read for any sci-fi enthusiast. It combines intense battles and thought-provoking scenarios, exploring humanity's resilience and ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds. Highly recommended for those who love epic, high-stakes science fiction!
The young commander at the heart of the story is a compelling character, struggling to unite a fractured civilisation and combat an infinite enemy. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the narrative is a perfect blend of action, strategy, and deep existential questions.
Departure is a must-read for any sci-fi enthusiast. It combines intense battles and thought-provoking scenarios, exploring humanity's resilience and ingenuity in the face of overwhelming odds. Highly recommended for those who love epic, high-stakes science fiction!
July 9, 2024
I honestly enjoyed this book. It was quite the page turner and I wished there was a sequel to this book. I think part of why I enjoyed it is the question on what it means to make difficult choices in a time crunch. I also enjoyed several chapters that really helped me focus on the characters value and choices, and this was definitely an emotional grab.
Definitely teen friendly as well in case anyone wants to recommend this book to relax to during their travels. I’m also not really a sci-do reader but this was a nice change of pace.
Definitely teen friendly as well in case anyone wants to recommend this book to relax to during their travels. I’m also not really a sci-do reader but this was a nice change of pace.
May 2, 2024
We are proud to announce that DEPARTURE by Philroy Hinds has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
September 7, 2024
This well-written science fiction novel was a fun read with interesting characters and an adventurous plot from start to finish. I enjoyed the space theme that had a touch of dystopian to it so if you enjoy this, then this book is definitely for you!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews