Beam me up...
Step into the eerie world of "Star Splitter" by Matthew J. Kirby, where deep space exploration and teleportation collide in a spooky tale that will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality. For Jessica Mathers, the year 2198 promises a long-awaited reunion with her scientist parents on the desolate planet of Carver 1061c. However, what was meant to be a routine teleportation quickly spirals into a haunting mystery as Jessica finds herself crash-landed on a post-extinction planet, surrounded by destruction and unanswered questions.
The atmosphere of "Star Splitter" is reminiscent of classic sci-fi thrillers like "Star Trek," drawing parallels to the mysteries and uncertainties that often lurk beyond the boundaries of the known universe. Kirby's world-building immerses readers in a hauntingly desolate planet, where the wreckage of the DS Theseus and the recently marked graves of strangers seat the tone of dread.
As Jessica unravels the enigma of the destruction surrounding her and the true intentions of a familiar stranger, the novel explores themes of self-determination and survival, forcing the MC to confront her innermost fears and uncertainties. Kirby delves into the complexities of human nature, making "Star Splitter" not just a thrilling sci-fi adventure but also a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
Despite its captivating premise and skillful world-building, "Star Splitter" occasionally struggles with pacing. Long task descriptions could have been replaced with more backstory of the alien planet, or exploration into the alien ghost concept.
Overall, "Star Splitter" delivers an eerie and thought-provoking YA science fiction story that surprised this reader. If you like your space exploration with a touch of horror, let Kirby beam you up!
Step into the eerie world of "Star Splitter" by Matthew J. Kirby, where deep space exploration and teleportation collide in a spooky tale that will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality. For Jessica Mathers, the year 2198 promises a long-awaited reunion with her scientist parents on the desolate planet of Carver 1061c. However, what was meant to be a routine teleportation quickly spirals into a haunting mystery as Jessica finds herself crash-landed on a post-extinction planet, surrounded by destruction and unanswered questions.
The atmosphere of "Star Splitter" is reminiscent of classic sci-fi thrillers like "Star Trek," drawing parallels to the mysteries and uncertainties that often lurk beyond the boundaries of the known universe. Kirby's world-building immerses readers in a hauntingly desolate planet, where the wreckage of the DS Theseus and the recently marked graves of strangers seat the tone of dread.
As Jessica unravels the enigma of the destruction surrounding her and the true intentions of a familiar stranger, the novel explores themes of self-determination and survival, forcing the MC to confront her innermost fears and uncertainties. Kirby delves into the complexities of human nature, making "Star Splitter" not just a thrilling sci-fi adventure but also a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
Despite its captivating premise and skillful world-building, "Star Splitter" occasionally struggles with pacing. Long task descriptions could have been replaced with more backstory of the alien planet, or exploration into the alien ghost concept.
Overall, "Star Splitter" delivers an eerie and thought-provoking YA science fiction story that surprised this reader. If you like your space exploration with a touch of horror, let Kirby beam you up!