Stars Uncharted by SK Dunstall
Synopsis:
Captain Hammond Roystan is a simple cargo runner who has stumbled across the find of a lifetime: the Hassim, a disabled exploration ship–and its valuable record of unexplored worlds.
His junior engineer, Josune Arriola, said her last assignment was in the uncharted rim. But she is decked out in high-level bioware that belies her humble backstory.
A renowned body-modification artist, Nika Rik Terri has run afoul of clients who will not take no for an answer. She has to flee off-world, and she is dragging along a rookie modder, who seems all too experienced in weapons and war.
Together this mismatched crew will end up on one ship, hurtling through the lawless reaches of deep space with Roystan at the helm. Trailed by nefarious company men, they will race to find the most famous lost world of all–and riches beyond their wildest dreams.
Review:
When the ship Hassim arrives, Captain Roystan and his crew salvage what they can – most importantly the record of her route. But there are many who will stop at nothing to get that information. Meanwhile, Nika Rik Terri has to flee after being attacked by a powerful client. And everyone seems to have secrets in their past.
Stars Uncharted is an exceptional, science fiction novel. This space opera is full of colorful characters and heart-pounding suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed this inspired universe where body modifications have surpassed general surgery and companies control the galaxy. There is plenty of adventure and humor. And the intensity builds to a surprising finale. I heard that a sequel could be in the works, so I have my fingers crossed!