This is going to be a different kind of review. It’s of a short story that isn’t available to the public yet, at least as far as I know. But the first novel of the series it is part of is available through a Kickstarter that is currenntly running.
Sean Monaghan is a New Zealand writer of science fiction and fantasy. I’ve gotten to know him through an online writer’s forum we’re both in. He’s a terrific writer and an all around standup kind of guy. I received “Strange Orbit” as a free gift for following his latest Kickstarter before it launched. {See. What’d I tell you? An all around standup kind of guy.)
His Kickstarter is for Spin Trap, the first novel in a near-future science fiction series. “Strange Orbit” is set in the same universe.
“Strange Orbit” is a near future thriller about a rescue attempt in lunar orbit. Deacon Winchler, a major character in Spin Trap, is the central character. Deaon’s ship has to make a course change to rescue an astronaut in a damaged ship.
There is a time limit here. The astronaut only has a little air left, and it’s leaking. This was a tense story. Sean added a layer of depth to the tension that made this story more than just another rescue in space scenario. His characters have to face difficult (really difficult) choices, and he doesn’t leave them any outs. I was reminded of the classic “The Cold Equations” by the time I reached the end, although the choices aren’t as hard in Sean’s story.
They’re still hard, though. The equations are cold here, as well.
Deacon is a character that I want to read more about. And I will in the novel and some short stories.
Sean’s work has been published in Analog, Asimov’s, and Pulphouse, among other venures. I’ve read some of his short fiction. I’ve got a number of his books in my virtual TBR as well as one fantasy in my print TBR. He is quickly becoming one of my go-to writers. Based on what I’ve read so far of his work, the future of science fiction is in good hands.
Sean’s Kickstarter ends on the 10th, so you’ve got a few days to pledge. If you like high-stakes science fiction, check it out. He has additional books and stories as add-ons and stretch goals.