EDITOR’S CHOICE
A thrilling blend of mystery, action, and intricate world-building, Felix R. Savage crafts a compelling sci-fi adventure in space.
Felix R. Savage’s The Ghost of Saturn offers an exhilarating entry into the Honor of the Fleet series, blending suspense, intrigue, and spacefaring adventure. As the first instalment in a trilogy, it establishes a gripping foundation for what promises to be an exciting saga.
The novel follows Radrick Siegn, a junior intelligence officer with aspirations of escaping Martian fleet life by amassing funds through smuggling contraband. But when tasked with investigating a murder aboard Saturn Station, Siegn finds himself thrust into a murky world of espionage, corruption, and galactic conspiracy. The plot delivers twists aplenty, as Siegn confronts malevolent forces with far-reaching plans that threaten humanity’s future.
Savage excels in world-building, painting a vivid and immersive picture of the solar system, from the icy expanse of the Saturn Station to the lumbering enormity of bergships like the Lillian Guest. His descriptions are finely detailed, evoking a chilling realism given the stark dangers of space.
Siegn himself is a compelling protagonist. His morally complex character – balancing intellect, resourcefulness, and raw tenacity – keeps the reader engaged. The moments of humour and his peculiar quirks, like playing Chopin in his downtime, humanise him amidst the cold ruthlessness of space survival.
The audiobook performs admirably, aided by a strong narration that illuminates Savage’s prose and makes even technical details accessible. While action sequences and interpersonal drama drive the story, some readers may find the pacing uneven, with passages of detailed technical explanations occasionally undermining the narrative tension.
Overall, The Ghost of Saturn delivers a rich, action-packed read ideal for fans of space operas like John Scalzi’s The Collapsing Empire. With mystery and adventure at its heart, Savage’s sci-fi epic beckons readers deeper into the series. A solid start. 4/5 stars.
