Hello friend. Happy Friday! Christmas is near and I hope you enjoy the break from work and studies. Today is this year’s last Indie Recommends Indie post by Krista Pimpinella. Let’s welcome Krista, get to know her SciFi recommendations and learn more about her book series at the end of the post. 🙂
Krista, welcome back to Armed with A Book! Please tell me and my readers about yourself!
Having up with Star Wars, Star Trek and the original Battlestar Galactica, I love all things science fiction. Stargate and the Bioware game, Mass Effect, are two of my all time favourite franchises.
Some of my favourite sci-fi authors are; Isaac Asimov, Gareth L. Powell, Elizabeth Moon, and fellow Canadian science fiction author, Timothy S. Johnston, as well as Christopher Hopper. But I also read a lot outside my genre and love Jane Austen and Shakespeare.
Having studied history, english and space sciences at university, it helps to keep my science and history as real as possible. And time at NASA’s Adult Space Academy in Huntsville, Alabama, helped me realize my dreams of going into space.
For a short time, I was also a Trooper with the reserve armoured reconnaissance regiment, The Queen’s York Rangers (1st American Regiment) which provided me with insight into writing soft-military novels. As one of the only female recce combat arms soldiers in the unit at the time, it was an interesting and challenging experience.
I also worked with GlobalMedic, a volunteer organization whose mandate is to ‘save lives by providing short-term, rapid response in the wake of disasters and crises, both at home and abroad,’ where I volunteered in both Thailand and Cambodia as a paramedic- of which I have worked as for the past 23 years.
I now live in Uxbridge, ON. In my spare time I enjoy ice hockey, snowboarding, western horseback riding and spending time with my husband and two dogs, Dallas and Tonka.
Do you primarily read indie books or big publishers books as well?
In general, I mostly read traditionally published books, but over the past few years I’ve read more indie and self-published books due to being a judge for SPSFC2, and being Assistant Director of the Valorioius Awards (hosted by best selling authour, Christopher Hopper). Prior to becoming a published authour, I’d say I read 100% traditionally published books. It wasn’t until I published my first book that I began reading indie novels- which today, probably sits at about 90% of my reading.
For me, it has been very hit or miss with indie novels with some being very poor and representing why there is a stigma attached to indie books, to exceptionally well written and engaging books. But, this can probably be said for traditionally published books as well.
Krista’s Indie Recommendations
Stellar Instinct by Jonathan Nevair
Science Fiction
Published 2022
Agent Renault Adventures
When galactic danger calls, Agent Renault answers.
Strange signals pulse from an icy planet in a remote star system.
Enter Lilline Renault, GAM-OPs secret agent extraordinaire. To ordinary citizens she’s Keely Larkin, an adventure company guide with a flair for the daring and a penchant for writing trite poetry.
When the mission uncovers a terrifying link between high-tech entertainment and ancient cosmic forces, Lilline leaps into action. Verses flow as she rockets through space, dons cunning disguises, and infiltrates enemy territory with an arsenal of secret gadgets.
To solve the mystery behind a dastardly plan means beating a mastermind at his own game. Lilline will need her best weapon to stand a fighting chance: her instinct.
Great, fast-paced thriller that will keep you turning the pages in want of both answers to the mysteries evolving, and the ongoing action. A diverse cast of characters from a secret agency called GAM-OPS who try to take down an exceptionally evil (and to a degree, petty, and at times a little over the top) villain of enormous power. What makes this book even more interesting than it’s characters and rich world-building, is from where this antagonist siphons his power. There’s a commentary, or two, made on the world we live today- and where it might lead, that can’t be missed. They’re woven into the plot so as not to sound preachy, and actually enhance the story in the way ‘life-lessons’ in a book should be. It makes for an enjoyable read that when you’re finished you feel like you’ve learned something. Or at least have your eyes opened.
As is typical of Mr. Nevair’s writing, it’s easy to get lost in the pages and forget the world around you as you enter the futuristic, planet-hopping, gaming world he’s created. This book is great for either a stormy-day, train ride to work, or satisfying beach read.
Melody by David Hoffer
Science Fiction
Published 2020
Standalone
A melody from the stars can save humanity, but only if Stephen can awaken the alien within…
Childhood therapy cured Stephen Fisher of disturbing visions and the delusion of having come from another world. But when his daughter obsesses over a star in the night sky, he fears that his genetic legacy may have burdened her with the same illness. His sanity is then shattered when he loses his child and the military abducts him claiming that she recorded a song broadcast from another world.
A voice inside Stephen’s head convinces him that he can bring his daughter back to life. What he discovers instead is a stunning truth about himself, his child’s destiny, and fate of the entire human race…
Melody is a riveting and thought-provoking science fiction novel. If you like first contact scenarios and action-filled pages, then you’ll love David Hoffer’s otherworldly adventure.
The story is well executed, well written and well paced. And both protagonists are rich and deep characters brim full of agency, flaws, conflicts and even humour.
Both protagonists are equally as interesting and conflicted. They are characters stuck in situations they aren’t prepared for, and handling them the best they can with what they know through their experiences. And without being told by the author, their experiences expertly backed the decisions they made in the story. I may not agree with some of their decisions, but I can understand why the characters made those decisions, based on who the characters are.
It’s not about ‘liking’ or even agreeing with decisions made by characters, it’s about believing the characters would actually make those decisions based on their background and experiences. And the author showed this well. I disagreed with a certain character’s redemption arc, but it was believable that the characters gave it to her. To me, this means strong writing.
Melody also exhibits a strong beginning, middle and end. There are no extraneous backstories of characters or situations. Everything flowed forward and blended into the story seamlessly.
I can’t say whether all the science or math was correct, but I believe in it all because the author did a good job making me believe everything else.
From plot to characters to flow and tension and intrigue, this is a well crafted and well written book. Story craft (inciting incidents, complications, decisions and repercussions etc.) are all there and expertly intertwined into the forward flow of the story. The prose was clear and precise. The world feels real and lived in without the author having to create, and inflict upon the reader, endless chapters of backstory and worldbuilding to make this world feel real.
This is good writing. Great storytelling.
The Last Gifts of the Universe by Rory August
Science Fiction
Published 2022
Standalone
A dying universe.
When the Home worlds finally achieved the technology to venture out into the stars, they found a graveyard of dead civilizations, a sea of lifeless gray planets and their ruins. What befell them is unknown. All Home knows is that they are the last civilization left in the universe, and whatever came for the others will come for them next.
A search for answers.
Scout is an Archivist tasked with scouring the dead worlds of the cosmos for their last gifts: interesting technology, cultural rituals—anything left behind that might be useful to the Home worlds and their survival. During an excavation on a lifeless planet, Scout unearths something unbelievable: a surviving message from an alien who witnessed the world-ending entity thousands of years ago.
A past unraveled.
Blyreena was once a friend, a soul mate, and a respected leader of her people, the Stelhari. At the end of her world, she was the last one left. She survived to give one last message, one final hope to the future: instructions on how to save the universe.
An adventure at the end of a trillion lifetimes.
With the fate of everything at stake, Scout must overcome the dangers of the Stelhari’s ruined civilization while following Blyreena’s leads to collect its artifacts. If Scout can’t deliver these groundbreaking discoveries back to the Archivists, Home might not only be the last civilization to exist, but the last to finally fall.
The Last Gifts of the Universe, is an exceptional journey through the cosmos.
Readers are taken on an enthralling adventure alongside a brother, sister, and their cat as they navigate the mysterious remnants of a dormant universe. Their quest leads them to explore a desolate universe referred to as ‘the graveyard,’ where they seek caches of information left behind by extinct species. They hope this knowledge holds the key to preventing their own civilization from suffering the same fate. Along the way, they encounter a pair of mercenaries working for Verity Co, a company with questionable motives, adding intrigue and tension to their mission.
From the outset, The Last Gifts of the Universe captivates readers with its exceptional writing. Both the prose and dialogue exhibit a rare authenticity, imbuing the narrative with a genuine and purposeful tone. The book effortlessly combines elements of irreverent humor, which adds an enjoyable layer of levity to the story.
The plot itself is skillfully paced, always propelling forward, even during moments where the histories of past species are explored. The author adeptly employs the essential elements of storytelling, including an inciting incident and progressive complications, to keep readers engrossed.
Throughout the book, readers are treated to a well-rounded experience. The story features moments of action, drama, and mystery, which seamlessly intermingle with quieter, introspective moments. The main characters, including their adversaries, are presented with challenges that they don’t always succeed in overcoming. This balance lends a realistic texture to the overall narrative, drawing readers deeper into the world the author has created.
This book stands as a testament to the author’s remarkable talent and promises an unforgettable reading experience.
Edge of the Future by Andria Stone
Science Fiction
Published 2017
The EDGE #1
“He wasn’t human. You’ve discovered the existence of a new enemy combatant, Captain. Since you saw him—he saw you.”
One hundred-fifty years after the last war humanity has united to explore space with colonies on Luna and Mars. But the Europa Mission has just failed and 152 people died in space. No one knows why.
When military bioscientist, Captain Mark Warren’s hidden research installation is attacked, he meets armored assault Sergeant Axel Von Radach. They become entangled in a deadly fight to stop the theft of classified military secrets by a lethal female adversary.
Her plan to use enemy cyborgs posing as humans, plus unsuspecting high-ranking military personnel with neural implants altered to accept her commands, has every chance of succeeding. Unless…Captain Warren and Sergeant Von Radach get a chance to end her first.
Edge of the Future is a fast-paced, engaging and often humorous story that provides great escapism. And I believe this is what the author intended. So kudos to Andria Stone for accomplishing it.
The plot was interesting, there were twists, and although the action slowed a bit in the middle sections, the thriller aspect of the story kept it moving forward at a clipped pace. I’m a sucker for a buddy-cop dynamic, so I loved the interactions between Mark and Axel (main protagonists) as they learned to work together. And as ex-military myself, and someone who studied space sciences at university, I’d say both aspects of the novel were believable. I never found myself questioning either one. Even if some things were wrong or slightly off, the author obviously has a good understanding of both military and science to write a compelling novel revolving around both.
Although not plot related in anyway, when I finished the book I felt a strong connection to the TV show, ‘Leverage’- but in space. Two of my favourite things. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be reading on in the series.
**I did read on, and was not disappointed!
Imperium Descent: Volume I by Christopher Hopper
Science Fiction
Published 2022
Imperium Descent #1
The Imperium has reigned for 4,000 years…
…but are its days numbered?
For four millennia, the sixteen planets of the Imperium sector have served as a bastion of peace against the Chaosic Regions. The Imperium’s legacy can be attributed to the formidable military power of the Stratus, the enforcers of the Supreme and the Senate. However, as is often the case with empires, it is the smallest cracks that threaten to shatter their foundations.
Could this be the beginning of the end?
A dishonorably discharged stratusaire struggles to recall why he was expelled from the only life he has ever known. Now working as a mercenary on the sector’s most profitable mining planet, he is haunted by mysterious memories. Before long, he finds himself in conflict with the very government he once served.
Can he survive being pursued by those he was once trained alongside?
Simultaneously, the royal heir to a planetary throne is confronted with the harsh realities of her family’s rule. As a result of her curiosity, she finds herself entangled in matters of statecraft that surpass her status and experience.
Will she prioritize her family’s legacy or the lives of those under her rule?
Step into the captivating universe of Imperium Descent, created by the bestselling and award-winning author Christopher Hopper. Readers have hailed it as a space opera brimming with engaging characters, intrigue, and thrilling action. Begin your journey with Volume 1 today!
A book so rich in eccentric characters, deep world building and heart-stopping action, it’s easy to get lost between the pages and forget about the real world around you.
From an action packed opening that immediately introduces you to the world and agency of the protagonist, to the final fight for the death at the end, Imperium Descent, will keep you transfixed, entertained and on your toes. Peppered with great wit, moral dilemmas and moments that make you go ‘hmmmm’, you’ll be wanting to pick up the next one in the series right away.
Mr. Hopper has a way with words. His ability to mix vibrant descriptions seamlessly into his prose makes for an easy, enjoyable read. Nothing tangles up or distracts you from the story at hand as you get acquainted with the characters and their quest. Most importantly, with this book being part of a series, the ending leaves you satisfied. The book’s story is finished, but wait! There’s more! You’re left knowing more is to come but without the expense of feeling like you’ve been ‘click-baited’ with an amateur cliffhanger. Christopher Hopper did it right!
Krista’s Book Spotlight
Nexus Point
Book #1 of the Time Ranger Series
Science Fiction
2nd Edition published in 2023 with new cover
Late in the twenty-second century, teams of Time Rangers travel back in history to capture Time Runners, renegade time travellers who endanger the future by chaning the past. Kai Sawyer, son of a rear admiral who was a founding member of the Time Ranger unit, is a Spawn, a genetically enhanced human with powerful strength and abilities. But despite his advantages, he carries the burden of his father’s cold and calculated plans for Kai’s future.
As Kai rises throught the ranks to become the Time Rangers’ youngest commander ever, he must constantly prove himself to fend off percpetions, even from his own team, that nepotism is behind his meteoric rise. But when Kai and his team are sent to seventeenth-century France to capture a sadistic Time Runner altering the arc of medical advances, Kai finds his considerable strengths used against him. And he fears that he might be a pawn in a dark scheme concocted by mysterious forces even he can’t defeat.
Add Nexus Point to your Goodreads shelf or grab a copy on Amazon in your preferred format (available as ebook, paperback, hardcover and audible). Book #2, Burning Man, is also available on kindle, paperback, hardcover and coming soon to audible.
Christopher Hopper, Best Selling Author of Imperium Descent and Ruins of the Earth – “Pimpinella has that special x-factor that you long for …”
BookLife from Publishers Weekly EDITORS PICK – “This time-travel thriller kicks off an exciting new series that lovers of the genre will relish.”
Kirkus Review – “Over the course of this novel, Pimpinella delivers a spry, action-filled SF tale full of time paradoxes and fills it out with solid characterizations and a particularly agonized hero.”
According to BookLife, those who enjoy C.N. Jackson’s Time Tourist Outfitters, Ltd., Christopher Coates’s Alternate Purpose.
Did you add any books to your TBR today based on this post or did you see any you have already read? Tell us in the comments!
Thanks for hanging out with us today! Connect with Krista on X, Facebook and learn more about her work on her website.
Have a lovely weekend! I will see you back on the blog on. Wednesday, December 27th! 🙂
If you are an indie or small press author who is an avid reader and wants to be featured, connect with me social media or express your interest through my contact form. This is a fantastic way to bring attention to fellow indie authors as well as your own book. 🙂
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