On a lonely hilltop, under a star-filled sky, a 12-year-old orphan named Ellie quietly sits next to a ghost and says nothing for a very long time.
She does not recognize Star Captain. How could she? No one on Earth knows who he is. To the rest of the universe? Star Captain and his wife Alpha Girl were once legends. They were saviours of worlds. Fearless space-explorers. Adventurers! Swashbucklers!
But that was decades ago...
Today, all that's left of the great Star Captain is a glimmering echo, a fraction, a shadow, a ghost haunted by the tragic outcome of his last, failed mission.
His arch-nemesis has defeated him.
His wife is held captive in a remote, impenetrable prison.
His spaceship, the fabled Starleap, is out of his reach.
He is lost.
Ghosts, after all, cannot mount daring rescue missions, they cannot pilot spaceships, they cannot fight, and they cannot save their loved ones, no matter how badly they may want to.
But I could, Ellie will say, if you show me how...
Oh jeeeesh.
This has been one LONG wait to write this review, only because personal circumstances and life got in the way however, the impact of this novel had remained firmly in my brain. Every detail of this story is clearly remembered, which in itself speaks volumes to the strength of his writing and the emotional resonance of the text. This is exceptional quality writing. I'm very surprised that it has not received wider recognition. Out of all the books I have reviewed, this one stands out for its completeness. There is not one plot inconsistency that I can even pull out, not one weakness, no unresolved narrative threads. Instead, it reflects the dedication of an author who has clearly poured all blood sweat and tears, invested significant time and emotional energy into the work. Each scene felt deliberate, not rushed. Many people who I've spoken to regarding this book, they've asked what genre is it? I can't even fit it into one. My honest opinion, is pure nostalgia. It carries a David Bowie and Labyrinth kinda vibe mixed with Marvel-like energy. It feels timeless, yet cinematic at the same time. The character development is that well written, that by the time you have finished the book it genuinely feels like you've lost your closest friends. Seriously, I'm not even joking. Missing them is an understatement. Zachary (who is also Star Captain) I'm not saying too much as I don't want to spoil it for anyone exists as a 'ghostly figure' whose presence is very complex yet poignant. Alongside him, is Ellie. A 12 year old girl who appears to be fragile and vulnerable but gradually emerges as one of the most resilient, funny and emotionally compelling characters in the book. Her growth is handled with authenticity making the journey she is on believable. There are so many themes included, that covers, loss, anger, betrayal, trust, love and it would appeal to both young and adult readers. The language always remains clear and approachable, the science lingo is top notch and incredibly clever. My favourite thing of all is that the book invites reflection, it encourages you to consider larger questions surrounding our existence and life out there. Despite the fact its a big book, the novel maintains a strong pace throughout, nothing is rushed. It remained engaging from beginning to end, it balanced action with true scenes that felt natural. The landscapes, planets, settings are incredible and contributed to the novels cinematic quality. I would strongly advise the author to actually edit this into a screen play as I feel this would hit off so well in the cinemas. The book is hilarious, it contains strong sarcasm, and genuine moments where I laughed out loud, but my favourite element is the emotional weight that defines it. The ending left a lasting impression on me long after I finished the final page. One of the most powerful moments to me occurs in the scene between Ellie and the Moon, the central themes of love and emotional vulnerability are shown here with striking honesty.
“I have real tangible moments where I believe with all my heart that I’ll never hear those words again, you know? But I feel it all the time. I feel big love. It comes without warning and sweeps me up in a wave and I get overwhelmed. I don’t know where to throw myself and I just want to hug someone or the entire world until I crush it to pieces. I don’t know if that makes any sense. I need an outlet, what I’m saying, so that my big love can seep out gradually every day and not build up and up and up until I’m afraid my heart will burst open. That’s what hurts, you know?”
“For what it’s worth, I love you too,”
This entire scene I haven't written as I don't want to ruin it, however I cried like a baby, and it was so worth it. I could write about this book for so long, but I will end it with this. This is a RARE and deeply memorable novel that will stay with you long after it ends.
It's the kind of story that you wish you could read again for the first time and leaves you wanting more. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, break your heart, and remind you why you fell in love with reading in the first place. This is the book you are looking for.
To buy this book:
https://amzn.eu/d/7qRhVFT
To follow the author:
x.com/spanneton
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