Gallowglass

By: S.J. Morden

Narrated by: Joe Coen

The Times Best New Science Fiction!

JACK VAN DER VEERDEN IS ON THE RUN.

From his billionaire parents' chilling plans, from his brutal bodyguard, from a planet on the brink of climate chaos.

Seeking freedom out in space, he gets a job on a mining ship chasing down an asteroid. Crewed by mercenaries and misfits, they all want a cut of the biggest payday in history.

A single mistake could cost Jack his life - and that's before they reach their destination. The bounty from the asteroid could change lives and save nations - and corrupt any one of them.

Because in space, it's all or nothing: riches beyond measure, or dying alone in the dark.

©2020 S.J. Morden (P)2020 Orion Publishing Group

Critic reviews

'Afonso Cuarón's GRAVITY . . . Ridley Scott's THE MARTIAN . . . Few novels measure up to these gripping cinematic visions, but Simon Morden's GALLOWGLASS knocks them out of the park' The Times

Full of commentary, Lame ending

Story is great, the social commentary is a bit thick at times, but kept my attention all the way through. The ending was kind of dull and left a lot unanswered, unless there's going to be a sequel

TOO BLEAK

Every character was callous, selfish and unforgiving. Even the primary protagonist was somewhat emotionally cold and withholding.

Further, I just can't believe that murder via spacing will be the most common strategy for managing aberrent ship behaviors in our space-faring future. This person is having an emotional breakdown? Space him! She told a lie? Space her.

At times, all the harsh perspectives throughout the story made the book unpleasant to read. I needed someone or something to root for. Gallowglass didn't offer one up.