Indie Advent Day 17: The Stars Within by Alex Arch

GET THIS BATTLE FOR LIFE OR DEATH HERE

As a cancer survivor and an oncology nurse in my non-writing life, I usually don’t gravitate toward anything to do with the subject when I choose sci fi or fantasy books. Reading is an escape for me rather than a reflection of the mundane, taking me far away from stress and everyday life. However, I was hearing so many good things about The Stars Within that I had to give it a go.

I am really happy I did.

Alex Arch (the inspiring force of Indie Advent!) has crafted a war on two fronts: Thomas is fighting for his life when his cancer returns, deep in debt and indentured service to a mining company. Colette is a military strategist engaging an alien invasion and building a team of fighters best suited to accomplish a mission none of them may survive. The way these two stories entwine and interconnect in one hell of a twist is nothing short of brilliant.

I can’t say a ton about the story without spoilers, but I was completely invested in Thomas’s part of the narrative and the desperate gambles cancer patients have to make when they can’t afford treatment. I wasn’t quite as invested in Colette’s narrative until I figured out what was happening and THEN–boom. I was hooked.

This is high quality indie science fiction. Definitely one of the best I’ve read this year. Don’t miss out on this gem.