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NEXUS #1
Shadow of the Wraith
- The first standalone novel in the sweeping science-fantasy NEXUS universe -It sounds like a simple track down the mysterious Star Wraith and put an end to its rampage.But when Travis Archer and his team of inept soldiers find themselves the most wanted people in the galaxy – hounded by assassins, terrorists, and their own military – they realise the Wraith is just a symptom of a much larger problem...Finding war raging between one army intent on destroying an entire species and another that will destroy the galaxy, Travis must put aside his fears and his past to uncover the truth behind it all. To become the hero he's always imagined.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
About the author
Ross Harrison
12 books34 followersRoss Harrison is the author of novels and short stories in the realms of science fiction - specifically space opera and science fantasy - thriller, noir, and steampunk. He has been writing since childhood, and occasionally likes to revisit those old stories for a good cringe and nervous laugh. He also talks about himself in the 3rd person because it seems more professional.
Ross lives on the UK/Eire border in Ireland, where he moved from England in 2001, hoping the rain will help his hair grow back.
Ross lives on the UK/Eire border in Ireland, where he moved from England in 2001, hoping the rain will help his hair grow back.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 5, 2012
To begin, I thoroughly enjoyed Shadow of the Wraith. It’s like the best elements of every science fiction story you’ve ever heard of, brought together into one epic adventure!
The cover features a very classic science fiction shot of a ship with a planet in the background. Only this one features a more ominous tone as a ship ploughs its way through a mess of ships.
The story is told from the alternating views of a mass of several different characters and situations. The story begins with the introduction of the very cocky “space cowboy” ex military man known as Travis Archer as he presents the readers to a future where humans have left a ruined Earth and have taken to living among the stars with other humanoid alien species in an uneasy truce, while he tries to carve out a living currently as a bounty hunter. Then we’re brought to the primary situation at hand as the reader is apprised to the new ruling power of humans - the Terran Alliance and the growing trouble that this mysterious ship the “Star Wraith” is posing to ships that have crossed its path, and never live to tell the story. In an attempt to stop the Star Wraith, the military hires on bounty hunters as a cheap means to deal with this ghost ship…and guess who takes the job?
In the true fashion of space adventuring - Travis begins by going on a galaxy wide mission of assembling a rag tag crew each with a unique skill to contribute to the team. I have to admit, I love watching these crews come together - and the lengths that Travis goes to get the players he wants was incredible! In addition to Travis as the leader, some other crewmen we stumble upon is the reliable ex military best friend, the sexy but deadly love interest and even a comedic relief android. My only complaint really is that while Harrison tries to put unique features and voices to each character, the less prominent characters tend to blur together which was further exacerbated by switching between first and last names randomly when referring to these characters throughout the story.
My favorite character by far was the android Arkuun-Marl, whose constant quest for equality with humans combined with expert battle skills and the much needed one liners that broke the tension in overly serious moments.
After finding the Star Wraith, they soon discover that the ship isn’t what it appears to be at which point they commandeer it in their quest to find the truth, which leads to political intrigue, a secret past and it all lands this misfit crew right in the middle of an age old war.
The villains of the story were constantly shifting, and it was difficult to see who could be trusted and what their motives were. It made for a thrilling adventure as we navigated the minefield of assassins, military personnel and androids to get to the so called "leader".
While Harrison presented what seemed like a straight forward plot idea, it quickly became apparent that this wasn’t your usual story. Harrison expertly throws curve balls at the reader, and before you know it there’s secrets revealed that completely change the game. I eventually just stopped trying to predict what was going to happen because as soon as I thought I had it figured out, Harrison would drop another bomb that had me reeling.
The characters go through some serious paces as they run across the galaxy hunting down the truth. The technology used in the ships, weapons, armour and bases had considerable thought placed into their design and purpose, which made for richly detailed and thrilling action sections. What completely threw me off was the introduction of some fantasy elements (think mythological creatures) that was a refreshing addition to the usual obstacle course of assassins and androids. Harrison even manages to weave a bit of romance into the story, and while a relationship does eventually form, I think his writing shone primarily in the flirting banter.
All in all, Shadow of the Wraith was an amazing story with witty humour, action, mystery, crazy technology and galactic politics. However, I do feel that it’s more suited to fans who already have a solid science fiction background to thoroughly enjoy the references to Firefly, and Arkuun-Marl’s Star Trek Scotty references.
The cover features a very classic science fiction shot of a ship with a planet in the background. Only this one features a more ominous tone as a ship ploughs its way through a mess of ships.
The story is told from the alternating views of a mass of several different characters and situations. The story begins with the introduction of the very cocky “space cowboy” ex military man known as Travis Archer as he presents the readers to a future where humans have left a ruined Earth and have taken to living among the stars with other humanoid alien species in an uneasy truce, while he tries to carve out a living currently as a bounty hunter. Then we’re brought to the primary situation at hand as the reader is apprised to the new ruling power of humans - the Terran Alliance and the growing trouble that this mysterious ship the “Star Wraith” is posing to ships that have crossed its path, and never live to tell the story. In an attempt to stop the Star Wraith, the military hires on bounty hunters as a cheap means to deal with this ghost ship…and guess who takes the job?
In the true fashion of space adventuring - Travis begins by going on a galaxy wide mission of assembling a rag tag crew each with a unique skill to contribute to the team. I have to admit, I love watching these crews come together - and the lengths that Travis goes to get the players he wants was incredible! In addition to Travis as the leader, some other crewmen we stumble upon is the reliable ex military best friend, the sexy but deadly love interest and even a comedic relief android. My only complaint really is that while Harrison tries to put unique features and voices to each character, the less prominent characters tend to blur together which was further exacerbated by switching between first and last names randomly when referring to these characters throughout the story.
My favorite character by far was the android Arkuun-Marl, whose constant quest for equality with humans combined with expert battle skills and the much needed one liners that broke the tension in overly serious moments.
After finding the Star Wraith, they soon discover that the ship isn’t what it appears to be at which point they commandeer it in their quest to find the truth, which leads to political intrigue, a secret past and it all lands this misfit crew right in the middle of an age old war.
The villains of the story were constantly shifting, and it was difficult to see who could be trusted and what their motives were. It made for a thrilling adventure as we navigated the minefield of assassins, military personnel and androids to get to the so called "leader".
While Harrison presented what seemed like a straight forward plot idea, it quickly became apparent that this wasn’t your usual story. Harrison expertly throws curve balls at the reader, and before you know it there’s secrets revealed that completely change the game. I eventually just stopped trying to predict what was going to happen because as soon as I thought I had it figured out, Harrison would drop another bomb that had me reeling.
The characters go through some serious paces as they run across the galaxy hunting down the truth. The technology used in the ships, weapons, armour and bases had considerable thought placed into their design and purpose, which made for richly detailed and thrilling action sections. What completely threw me off was the introduction of some fantasy elements (think mythological creatures) that was a refreshing addition to the usual obstacle course of assassins and androids. Harrison even manages to weave a bit of romance into the story, and while a relationship does eventually form, I think his writing shone primarily in the flirting banter.
All in all, Shadow of the Wraith was an amazing story with witty humour, action, mystery, crazy technology and galactic politics. However, I do feel that it’s more suited to fans who already have a solid science fiction background to thoroughly enjoy the references to Firefly, and Arkuun-Marl’s Star Trek Scotty references.
May 14, 2012
Travis Archer is a freelance bounty hunter who accepts an official assignment to hunt down and destroy the Star Wraith, a powerful but apparently unmanned ship with the nasty habit of appearing out of nowhere and destroying ships. Although Travis and his crew are the focus of the story, the narrative cuts to other scenes in a cinematic fashion. The more fascinating scenes of these reveal glimpses of a shadowy villain called Baorshraak, whose goals and motivations remain shrouded in mystery even as he appears to be the one pulling the strings.
Harrison writes with a distinct attitude that is very aware of the genre his story takes place in. References are made to the clichés of space opera, which he acknowledges and makes fun of even as he unapologetically takes advantage of them. Many ideas in this book are decidedly familiar—starfleets, space cowboys, humanoid aliens—but they are used well. There is a dry sense of humor that radiates not only from the characters but the narrative itself, as though it isn’t taking itself too seriously.
Although this attitude makes for entertaining commentary, there are a few moments where it seems somewhat intrusive—as though it’s the author speaking and not the character. Nevertheless, it’s what adds an extra bit of sparkle to the already dynamic plot, which carries the reader to unexpected corners of this galaxy.
Overall, Shadow of the Wraith is a smartly plotted and entertaining space adventure that takes the reader on many twists and turns—the direction the story goes in is quite different from what is expected. But in the end, it’s really the characters’ voices—and Harrison’s—that make it memorable. I ended up enjoying it so much that I suffered from two nights in a row of Star Wraith Insomnia—the inability to sleep due to the fact that I had to keep reading.
[This is a condensed version of the full-length review on my blog: zigzagtl.blogspot.com]
Harrison writes with a distinct attitude that is very aware of the genre his story takes place in. References are made to the clichés of space opera, which he acknowledges and makes fun of even as he unapologetically takes advantage of them. Many ideas in this book are decidedly familiar—starfleets, space cowboys, humanoid aliens—but they are used well. There is a dry sense of humor that radiates not only from the characters but the narrative itself, as though it isn’t taking itself too seriously.
Although this attitude makes for entertaining commentary, there are a few moments where it seems somewhat intrusive—as though it’s the author speaking and not the character. Nevertheless, it’s what adds an extra bit of sparkle to the already dynamic plot, which carries the reader to unexpected corners of this galaxy.
Overall, Shadow of the Wraith is a smartly plotted and entertaining space adventure that takes the reader on many twists and turns—the direction the story goes in is quite different from what is expected. But in the end, it’s really the characters’ voices—and Harrison’s—that make it memorable. I ended up enjoying it so much that I suffered from two nights in a row of Star Wraith Insomnia—the inability to sleep due to the fact that I had to keep reading.
[This is a condensed version of the full-length review on my blog: zigzagtl.blogspot.com]
December 6, 2012
Think of all the best parts of all the best science fiction movies and tv shows to come out in the last decade and throw them all together with an original cast, throw in a little humor and a lot of action and you have Ross Harrison's Shadow of the Wraith, it was a fun thrill a minute ride all the way till the end. I don't want to give away any spoilers but I will say pick this book up and you will NOT be disappointed, The characters come to life with his style of writing, the locals (Such as Orion) are vividly described in detail and the actions scenes make me wish it was a movie more than a book. I cannot wait to see what comes next for the colorful cast of characters that I've come to love!
April 13, 2013
Hmm... wow. I don't even know where to begin. I was hooked from the first Firefly reference and this is one of the most entertaining books I've read in a while. I loved most of the characters (but especially Arkuun-Marl :D ) and the story was really intriguing. The plot moved along slowly in places, and the characters were hard to keep track of (since he calls them all by first names, last names, and species)but other than that, this was a really fun read and pretty much my newest sci-fi obsession :D
May 22, 2015
*A Copy of this Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*
I have no doubt that this will appeal to many Star Trek and Star Wars fans. Unfortunately there are too many inconsistencies for me to agree with them. Without doubt the author can tell a good story but any real fan of sci fi would notice things such as the liberal use of matter transporters to move humans even though it is previously stated that they were used for goods only. Needless to say none of the hero’s team gets injured by this practice.
Time and again journeys are made with no regard to the distances involved and the reader is just expected to accept this. I was reminded of early Bulldog Drummond novels where the hero can get out of any situation along the lines of ‘…and with a bound he was free.’
This a shame, as there is the basis of a really first class novel here and all that was needed was a good editor to tell the author where he was going wrong.
Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
I have no doubt that this will appeal to many Star Trek and Star Wars fans. Unfortunately there are too many inconsistencies for me to agree with them. Without doubt the author can tell a good story but any real fan of sci fi would notice things such as the liberal use of matter transporters to move humans even though it is previously stated that they were used for goods only. Needless to say none of the hero’s team gets injured by this practice.
Time and again journeys are made with no regard to the distances involved and the reader is just expected to accept this. I was reminded of early Bulldog Drummond novels where the hero can get out of any situation along the lines of ‘…and with a bound he was free.’
This a shame, as there is the basis of a really first class novel here and all that was needed was a good editor to tell the author where he was going wrong.
Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
March 27, 2023
Travis Archer, ex-military. His current occupation is bounty hunter, and like most bounty hunters, he is making enough to get by. He is on a mission to capture a bad guy that has been able to elude him for the past couple of years, but when he gets there, someone has already killed his target. His mouth almost hits the floor when he finds out who it is. She is drop-dead gorgeous and has the tattoos above her eye to denote which species she is and what her profession is. She is an assassin and probably the deadliest person he has ever seen, and there he stood, mouth open and drooling over her, making the wrong impression. When he got home after that, he found out a former team member was in trouble and set out to help him. After rescuing his former team member, he was approached by Alliance Intelligence, and they had a proposition for him. They wanted him to find a mysterious ship and thus prove it exists.
The world-building was fantastic in places and fuzzy in other areas. I say fuzzy because you can see those things right around you or just ahead. Then again, you don’t need a good description as your characters pass through onto someplace important where the description is much more detailed. The character’s background is filled in bit by bit as needed, which makes for some interesting interaction. Although, as much as I liked this story, I would have to say a new reader/editor should be used to check the last draft. There are misspellings and missing words.
This space opera read is full of science fiction, action & adventure. If you like these genres, you might like this story. As much as I wanted to give this five stars, I couldn’t. I give this four stars out of five.
The world-building was fantastic in places and fuzzy in other areas. I say fuzzy because you can see those things right around you or just ahead. Then again, you don’t need a good description as your characters pass through onto someplace important where the description is much more detailed. The character’s background is filled in bit by bit as needed, which makes for some interesting interaction. Although, as much as I liked this story, I would have to say a new reader/editor should be used to check the last draft. There are misspellings and missing words.
This space opera read is full of science fiction, action & adventure. If you like these genres, you might like this story. As much as I wanted to give this five stars, I couldn’t. I give this four stars out of five.
April 22, 2023
A long time into the future....In a galaxy
This is a good story. It follows most "military space opera" lines ......STAR WARS rip off! Change the names, put the hero in Teran space, no light sabres but plenty of guns and oh yea.... The hero has special powers (the force?). Oh and a whole species has these powers thought to be long gone.... Give it a try
This is a good story. It follows most "military space opera" lines ......STAR WARS rip off! Change the names, put the hero in Teran space, no light sabres but plenty of guns and oh yea.... The hero has special powers (the force?). Oh and a whole species has these powers thought to be long gone.... Give it a try
March 17, 2023
A Great read
A really good read from start to finish, great character and plot development keeps you engrossed all the way through.
i look forward to Archer and the teams further adventures with the wraith and the phantom.
A really good read from start to finish, great character and plot development keeps you engrossed all the way through.
i look forward to Archer and the teams further adventures with the wraith and the phantom.
September 11, 2023
Jedi Lite
Only a few grammatical errors. The story was pleasant. The parallel to The Force can be felt. The only thing missing was Light Sabers. The incredible luck that everyone had is beyond measure. A little far fetched. Overall, a decent read.
Only a few grammatical errors. The story was pleasant. The parallel to The Force can be felt. The only thing missing was Light Sabers. The incredible luck that everyone had is beyond measure. A little far fetched. Overall, a decent read.
March 9, 2015
Shadow of the Wraith
By: Ross Harrison
Genre: Adult Sci-fi
Star Trek meets Star Wars–there was even a Captain Kirk and a C3po. Each had different names, but that is what they reminded me of. I will be honest. I have never been a Star Wars or Star Trek fan. However, if you like those you will definitely like Shadow of the Wraith.
Although going into this book I knew I was dealing with space sci-fi. This quickly became a little too sci-fi for me. It seemed like a tired storyline, one that I had seen many times before and saw throughout this too. But understand, please, this is only my opinion. The many readers that love space sci-fi will definitely love this book.
It is written for adults 18 and up, in my opinion. I would not recommend it for ages younger than that. However, parents, it is your child and you can make that decision.
WARNINGS
There was some crude language in it. I believe it would have been fine without it. The reader knows they are misfit soldiers without having to use crude language to prove it. Again just a warning. Some care and some don’t.
WRITING AND STORYLINE
The description in the story was decent. You could get an idea of what a character looked like and what the many “ships” may have looked like. It took me awhile to get into it because of the dialect it is written in. I am used to American English and this was written in what reminded me of UK English. That was rather a hurdle for me, but once into it and realizing how it was written, I was able to sail through it. It moved along at a medium pace. There was some action to keep your interest. Then it came to the main scene and took off. Star Wars or Star Trek fans will love it. The storyline, as I said before, was a rather tired one–again, my opinion–but anyone that loves space wars and taking over the galaxy-type stories will love to sink their teeth into this one.
Happy Reading!
~Bethanie
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. No monetary exchange was made.
By: Ross Harrison
Genre: Adult Sci-fi
Star Trek meets Star Wars–there was even a Captain Kirk and a C3po. Each had different names, but that is what they reminded me of. I will be honest. I have never been a Star Wars or Star Trek fan. However, if you like those you will definitely like Shadow of the Wraith.
Although going into this book I knew I was dealing with space sci-fi. This quickly became a little too sci-fi for me. It seemed like a tired storyline, one that I had seen many times before and saw throughout this too. But understand, please, this is only my opinion. The many readers that love space sci-fi will definitely love this book.
It is written for adults 18 and up, in my opinion. I would not recommend it for ages younger than that. However, parents, it is your child and you can make that decision.
WARNINGS
There was some crude language in it. I believe it would have been fine without it. The reader knows they are misfit soldiers without having to use crude language to prove it. Again just a warning. Some care and some don’t.
WRITING AND STORYLINE
The description in the story was decent. You could get an idea of what a character looked like and what the many “ships” may have looked like. It took me awhile to get into it because of the dialect it is written in. I am used to American English and this was written in what reminded me of UK English. That was rather a hurdle for me, but once into it and realizing how it was written, I was able to sail through it. It moved along at a medium pace. There was some action to keep your interest. Then it came to the main scene and took off. Star Wars or Star Trek fans will love it. The storyline, as I said before, was a rather tired one–again, my opinion–but anyone that loves space wars and taking over the galaxy-type stories will love to sink their teeth into this one.
Happy Reading!
~Bethanie
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. No monetary exchange was made.
February 17, 2015
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow of the Wraith is a fun science fiction, although it's not breaking any new ground with its technologies or ideas. It relies on the standard sci-fi principles taken from pop culture, with winks to some of the favorites such as Star Trek or Firefly (RIP).
The closest comparison I can make it to the video game trilogy Mass Effect. (Note to self: Stop procrastinating and just finish the third one. You know you're going to hate the ending, just like everyone else. Just do it.) The beginning of the book sets our intrepid hero in search of his team after being given a seemingly impossible task. And every team member has something to contribute as the book goes on to lead to a successful mission.
I did feel like some of the grammar was sloppy, which contributed to the three stars, rather than the four stars I gave the author's other book I reviewed, Acts of Violence. Maybe I'm being nitpicky, too, but I have been craving unique sci-fi. The references were fun, but I would have preferred something that stood on its own merits.
If you like science fiction, I would recommend checking it out. Mr. Harrison has published several works, so if you like his style, you'll have more to consume.
Also posted on my blog, Magic & Mayhem Book Reviews.
Shadow of the Wraith is a fun science fiction, although it's not breaking any new ground with its technologies or ideas. It relies on the standard sci-fi principles taken from pop culture, with winks to some of the favorites such as Star Trek or Firefly (RIP).
The closest comparison I can make it to the video game trilogy Mass Effect. (Note to self: Stop procrastinating and just finish the third one. You know you're going to hate the ending, just like everyone else. Just do it.) The beginning of the book sets our intrepid hero in search of his team after being given a seemingly impossible task. And every team member has something to contribute as the book goes on to lead to a successful mission.
I did feel like some of the grammar was sloppy, which contributed to the three stars, rather than the four stars I gave the author's other book I reviewed, Acts of Violence. Maybe I'm being nitpicky, too, but I have been craving unique sci-fi. The references were fun, but I would have preferred something that stood on its own merits.
If you like science fiction, I would recommend checking it out. Mr. Harrison has published several works, so if you like his style, you'll have more to consume.
Also posted on my blog, Magic & Mayhem Book Reviews.
March 26, 2013
I'm not sure what to make of this book. On one hand, it is a very entertaining read and clearly influenced by a whole host of popular sci-fi movies, from Star Wars and Star Trek to things like The Matrix. On the other, what started as a classic space-opera romp took an unexpected turn into fantasy territory half way through, which for me rather spoilt the ride. Juni was my favourite character until she teamed up with Travis, after which it all fell rather flat. This started well, but ultimately I'm not keen on fantasy elements in science-fiction (the 'Force' in Star Wars makes me cringe), so what started as a solid four stars ended up losing one in the second half. Maybe I'm being too fussy...
April 11, 2013
3.75 stars.
EDITED
This was pretty enjoyable and fun. There were a LOT of Sci-fi influences here, later certainly starwars although there were some areas I weren't sure quite worked, although did provide some amusing lines.
I found the relationship between the main characters interesting, especially Lien and Archer and the banter between the two was amusing. There were some really good scenes and some of the lines either between characters or characters thinking out loud very funny. The final twist of who was responsible I didn't see coming and the relevation from the bad guy was not what I expected.:)
Not much to say which hasn't been said. An enjoyable read, but a few little niggling issues and odd formatting on my version dropped it from a four, although I do have a really old kindle!
EDITED
This was pretty enjoyable and fun. There were a LOT of Sci-fi influences here, later certainly starwars although there were some areas I weren't sure quite worked, although did provide some amusing lines.
I found the relationship between the main characters interesting, especially Lien and Archer and the banter between the two was amusing. There were some really good scenes and some of the lines either between characters or characters thinking out loud very funny. The final twist of who was responsible I didn't see coming and the relevation from the bad guy was not what I expected.:)
Not much to say which hasn't been said. An enjoyable read, but a few little niggling issues and odd formatting on my version dropped it from a four, although I do have a really old kindle!
February 23, 2015
I throughouly enjoyed reading this book. Each and every character has a lasting impact on its readers. Travis Archer to begin with, he is damn cool and calculated risk taker who by default becomes the captain of the star wraith. The vivid description of various space stations, weapons, armor suits, guns, and android robots is quite impressive. I really like the obnoxious robot "Arkuun-Marl". The operation that this team will carry out is no less than a sci-fi movie. I recommended this book to everyone out there.
To read the complete review of this book, kindly visit my blog: http://booksrevisit.blogspot.in
To read the complete review of this book, kindly visit my blog: http://booksrevisit.blogspot.in
April 3, 2013
This is bubblegum sci-fi. As it doesn't take itself too seriously it's very enjoyable. Lots of pop culture references and "bad"(?) word play kept me amused throughout.
February 25, 2015
Great book. Review to follow
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews