Space Marine

 

Space Marine: and the Edge of Moon Rising by Stephen R. Pratt
5/2/26; 702 pages
Ocean's Light Publishing
Space Marine #1 

Space Marine: and the Edge of Moon Rising by Stephen R. Pratt is a very highly recommended science fiction adventure/space opera for New Adult readers featuring a group of unlikely heros.

Aspiring marine biologist and naval cadet Naval Mason Beckett, 21, just failed his diving test aboard the submarine Arleth. Of course having a robotic shark attack him wasn't exactly his fault, but Mason informs Captain Silva that he's giving his notice. His father and sister Ella, 14, are going to visit the moon colony via the space elevator, while he'll be staying with Nan, his grandmother who has Alzheimer's disease. Mason doesn't have empathy status, which allows those who do have it to not only get away with a lot, they can also claimed to be easily triggered, get cushy jobs, and benefit from others doing the hard work. Mason, who does have a crippling fear of heights, finds a new position in the strategic command building. 

In his new position he formally meets Winston Huxley, who he briefly met on the sub, and Zoe Torres. The three are together when they learn that something is going wrong on the moon and they are running out of oxygen. Clearly something big is in play as the quantum distortion has grounded all aircraft and all governments are claiming any rescue mission is impossible. Mason, Winston, and Zoe all have family on the moon so the three devise a daring lunar rescue plan using a submarine, the Stealth Falcon, and launching it into orbit by using the space elevator.

This well-written, entertaining but hefty space opera unfolds in five parts and represents the first book in a planned new Space Marine series. It is indicated that it is a New Adult book, but most fans of hard science fiction will enjoy it. At 700+ pages there is room for plenty of action scenes and narrow escapes as the nefarious plot taking place on the moon is uncovered and our young heroes take it on while trying to save the survivors. Sure, some disbelief must be set aside but it is easily done as you will want to know what happens next.

The three main characters are all portrayed as fully realized individuals with strengths and weaknesses who must go far beyond what they think they are capable of during their daring rescue mission. You will be rooting for them as they are undertaking the seemingly impossible task of rescuing survivors from the moon in a submarine. Along the way there is backstory provided for the characters, with the focus on Mason. 

The one drawback for some readers is going to be the substantial page count. A case could be made for additional editing to pare it down, but on the other hand many readers who enjoy sagas set in space won't mind the extended story and action. There are author's notes at the end on the science and the very specific date chosen for this story. 4.5 rounded up.

Space Marine: and the Edge of Moon Rising is a great choice for readers who enjoy science fiction adventures/space operas with a hefty page count. Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.