A review by luisarteaga
Theft of Fire by Devon Eriksen

3.0

A Space Opera Adventure With Room for Improvement

"Theft of Fire" is the first book in Devon Eriksen's Orbital Space series. This story throws us into the life of Marcus Warnoc, a skilled space pilot whose world is turned upside down when he crosses paths with Miranda Foxgrove. Miranda is a wealthy and determined researcher on the hunt for a mysterious alien artifact known as the Snark.

What I Liked:

• Immersive Setting: Eriksen shines when it comes to world-building. The descriptions of space travel, the inner workings of spaceships, and the gritty details of space battles are all incredibly detailed and engaging. It felt like I was right there in the cockpit. This attention to detail really makes the story come alive.


• Compelling Mystery: The central mystery of the Snark and the events it triggers are enough to keep you hooked and wanting to know what happens next. I definitely plan to read the sequel!

What Could Be Improved:

• Predictable Plot: While the story has some twists and turns, they often lacked a sense of genuine surprise. This predictability made the plot feel a bit less exciting than it could have been.


• Inconsistent Protagonist: Marcus Warnoc, while seemingly well-developed, sometimes acts in ways that don't quite align with his internal thoughts and experiences. He comes across as naive and stubborn at times, which clashes with his supposed depth.


• Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: The supporting characters, especially the female characters, are sadly underdeveloped. They rely on clichés, lack intellectual depth, and end up feeling like they are simply props for the main character rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.

Overall:

"Theft of Fire" is a promising start to the series. It offers a captivating space opera adventure with a detailed and immersive setting. While the plot could benefit from more surprises and the characters need further development, the book still managed to keep me engaged and eager for the next installment. If the author can address these inconsistencies, this series has the potential to be a standout in the genre.