cover image Dragon of the Stars

Dragon of the Stars

Alex J. Cavanaugh. Dancing Lemur (dancing- lemurpressllc.com), $16.95 trade paper (276p) ISBN 978-1-939844-06-4

In this unsatisfying SF adventure, Cavanaugh (CassaStorm) introduces readers to a universe on the brink of war, with the alien races of the Alliance split over the disposal of a planet that harbors much-needed resources. When the Hyrathians refuse to back down, the other races take action, leading to open conflict. The ambitious Hyrathian Lt. Commander Aden Pendar is dispatched to find the Dragon, an experimental vessel of tremendous power that went missing decades ago. If he succeeds, he gains a captaincy and everything he’s always wanted. But he has to find it before the Alliance does, and then convince the Dragon’s captain—a renegade scientist—to come home at last. The premise is full of potential, and the storytelling is solid, with plenty of space-based military action, but the worldbuilding is weak and vague, and the pacing is inconsistent. Though entertaining, this story lacks spirit. (Apr.)