The Xenocide Mission

His Majesty's Starship #2

by Ben Jeapes

Lieutenant Joel Gilmore, part of a space observation team on the asteroid SkySpy, who come under attack by an aggressive, technologically advanced species of aliens known as the XC’s (Xenocides). Its a race against time for their fellow soldiers to rescue them. During the attempt, the rescue team uncovers shocking secrets of the solar system.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Space, Young Adult

400 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2002

About the author

His father's army postings sent them all over. At Dumpton, he "read his first Dr Who book (c. 1975), first suffered from hay fever (summer 1977) and first watched Blake’s 7 (January 1978). His parents also got the one interesting posting of his entire life, to Bangladesh. All these were to have effects on his life that still haven’t worn off.." After 12 years in publishing, Jan 2000 layoff started his writing career.

Reviews

[Kevin Zhang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid sci-fi with a unique take on alien life. Good story and interesting characters mixed with your typical spaceships and plasma guns and whatnot. I feel like there could be deeper development with the main character, but the myriad other characters are all well written.

The story felt like it ended on a grayish note, like you're not sure if there will be a sequel.

[Philip Chaston · Rating 3 out of 5]

More interesting ideas than at first apparent, if still a fairly mundane space opera. Saved by taut plotting and Maguffins that don't detract from the tension.

[Aseem Kumar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found the story idea to be good but the execution lacked the punch. In the beginning the flow was smooth and progressed at a fine pace, but near the end the story felt disconnected and continuity was missing in between scenes. Felt like the author had a target of X words in which to finish the story and was only left with 10% at the end so had to rush in.

Maybe if he rewrites it, it may turn out better.

[Sara]

Trail by ailen
alone with all was died
far throw thaosand years
in cold cabin
wait to start a trail
where there many of them
alone in my cabin
throw speed time
they cutch my dream
thee hold other hand
rarest help to me
to whisper
to live
to exit
alone in my cabin
search to love
to care
to kindness
to haveing
alone in my cabin
my thogh travel throw time
hold
huge
what human want
still alone in cold cabin
dream by green
with my prayer

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book like 80 times when i was younger.

[Perixch24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting story that in my opinion deserves more attention. Surely one of the undiscovered gems of SF.

[Batsap · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought this is a sale and didn't realise it was a children's book until I got it home. So I thought I'd give it to my younger brother, but looking through it I realised I'd read it when I was at school. Probably one of the first science-fiction books I'd ever read. So I've re-read it now and it's amazing how many of the scenes and the characters came back to me. Brilliant aliens - the Rusties and XCs are genius - and some interesting human characters as well. Nothing really epic as far as plot is concerned, but it's a nice read and I think adults could enjoy it as well as children. I'm glad I found it!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A satisfying sequel to the first novel in this series. A compelling narrative and interesting combination of s.f., politics and adventure is slightly marred by an unconvinvcing love story but enhanced by an intriguing take on inter-species relationships.

[Paulene Rivera · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read this book 3 years ago because this was assigned to us for a book report, but I didn't like it. I don't understand the whole plot! And now, I know why. It's because it's a sequel! DARN. I should'a known.

[Jed · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very different Sci-Fi. It has three races in it, people, dog like, and cat like. It is very different, and makes you think.

[Karlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the aliens.

[Michael Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story about a first contact mission that suffers from a series of unfortunate events, misunderstandings and such stemming from a lack of communication. A good read.

[Joseph O'shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read it in real life, it is one of many amazing science fiction books out there! It also has a very interesting twist too at the end!

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome!
If you love sci-fi, then read this!

'Nough said.

[Steve Clark]

Edition: New edition