Heather’s Bookshelf: Titan Run Trilogy: Books 1 & 2
Author: Robert C. Murray
Released: Book 1: 11/1/16; Book 2: 11/1/20
Genre: Sci-Fi Fiction
“Humanity had spread into the solar system, but humanity was still working out how to not be killed by it”
This blog post reviews the first two novels of a pending trilogy: Titan Run. The first book “Breaking Orbit” introduces you to the individuals that make up the crews of the title ships in the the second book, “Krakken and Phoenix”. The second book then continues the story in space and on board the aforementioned ships.
“Breaking Orbit” introduces the readers to the crews of the Krakken and the Phoenix before they board their ships for prolonged trips in space. You are introduced to two very different ships with crews just as diverse as their ships. Some of the more interesting and relatable characters are Hugh & Dalton (a married couple on the verge of separation- one the Captain of the Phoenix and the other a first time crew member of the Krakken); Ann (a young woman looking for a life change after having to make a difficult decision with her ailing mother); Max & Mac (a married couple that both make their living on the Krakken); Rich (a husband and father of two who has decided to make this his last run) - I could keep going but these were my favorites.
The story is character-centric, and not your typical action-packed sci-fi adventure. It does a great job of introducing you to ALOT of characters while making them each stand out on their own. If you have ever been away from or had a loved one leave for an extended period of time, you know that familiar pull of heartache and you feel it in this book. I do wish there had been more resolution of the individual story. After reading “Breaking Orbit” I felt as though I had merely peeked into these characters’ lives.
“Krakken and Phoenix” continues the character development that “Breaking Orbit” started. This includes delving deeper into the characters of the original book while also following two budding romances between Hamish Stane & Issa Black and Wally & Selene. The two relationships are very different and headed on different trajectories, but both are intriguing to follow. I really enjoyed the futuristic aspects of Selene’s character as well.
Volume II also finds a lot of the action and suspense that was missing from Breaking Orbit. The trouble begins for the Krakken when the crew encounters an accident on Titan. The Phoenix finds their own problems, but also some potentially really exciting breakthroughs. No spoiler alerts here, but let’s just say that the two title ships are destined to cross paths in the future.
Overall, this series is a well done character study that happens to take place in space. The characters are relatable and interesting. While there are a lot of them, they are interesting enough that they stand apart from each other. I also appreciated that the characters were diverse and not just one note. I found the gravity changes and Selene’s chip to be interesting sci-fi additions to the storyline as well. The two books read together were a fun and interesting read and while the second book probably could have stood alone, the first one needed the action of the second to be complete. The end of “Krakken & Phoenix” felt very much like the end of a movie sequel. It reminded me of the end of Empire Strikes Back or the second Back to the Future where stuff seems to be falling apart and you know that you have to wait until the next movie to get the resolution that you have been waiting for. I look forward to reading the finale of the Titan Run Trilogy in the future!
I received a copy of these stories in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A character-centric voyage into space that includes interesting technological twists weaved within a story that seems as though it could come true.
I hope to read the final installment of this trilogy when it is finished!
Want to learn more about the author? Check out my interview with Robert C. Murray:
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