Title: Voidstalker
Author: John Graham
Publisher: KDP
ISBN: 9781977906007
Pages: 250
Genre: Science Fiction
Reviewed by: Dan Macintosh
Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
On the surface, John Graham’s book, Voidstalker, is a science fiction tale set in the future. But, of course, science fiction is almost never strictly fiction. For example, Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone was also science fiction, albeit in televised format. However, the media gatekeepers wouldn’t allow Serling to come right out and bluntly take on social issues, which is really what he wanted to do, so he put these stories – including episodes addressing such social ills as racism and greed – in an imaginary world, which actually taught us a whole lot about the real world.
Graham’s story about a dangerous space mission may take place far in the future, with all its advances in science and resources, but it offers the timely reminder that human nature still remains much the same. For instance, some of the biggest conflicts Gabriel Thorn, the Voidstalker referred to in the book’s title, faces, involve family disagreements. High-powered spaceships, newfangled weaponry and timesaving gadgetry won’t guarantee a relational trouble-free environment. People will always disagree, and oftentimes fail to get along.
The Gabriel character comes off a little like Data or Spock on the Star Trek series. He’s a little bit human, plus a little bit technologically-enhanced being. The author makes sure the reader knows, for instance, that Gabriel never laughs along with his crew when they’re cracking jokes. Laughter is seemingly not part of his built-in character. Nevertheless, Gabriel is not completely without any emotion. His wife Aster tells him that, for instance, when he gets angry this makes him more human. Finally, Gabriel asks, “Why does anger make me human?” “You’re so emotionally repressed all the time,” she replies. “It’s hard to know what you’re thinking. At least when you get angry you show your feelings”
Voidstalkers, the author tells us, are also sort of lone wolves. Their only true loyalty is to themselves alone, which is why they are most often called upon to act alone. However, the central mission explored in this story is one where Gabriel is called upon to work with a crew. In a not-so-subtle manner, Graham reveals with this detail the need for humans – even the ones that don’t always seem quite as human as others – nevertheless need others around them. Gabriel soon discovers the enemies he’s fighting against aren’t just the physical kind, even though he’s a strong and imposing warrior. He realizes there is a whole lot of greed and corruption in his brave new world. Rod Serling could have told him it would be this way. Once again, human nature can be very dark-hearted at times.
Graham does a good job of creating a story that makes its points, without sacrificing artful storytelling. He also deserves kudos for not overloading his book with a lot of made-up sci-fi jargon. Far too often, science fiction writers let their imaginations wander a little too much, perhaps in hopes of impressing readers with their ‘out there’ terminology. To his credit, Graham has created a universe where the reader feels comfortable and understands what’s going on without too much effort.
Another strongpoint of Graham’s writing is how he chooses to tell us about Gabriel and Aster’s family dynamics. Before and after his mission, Gabriel is romantic with his wife and spends time with his children. Family life is a top priority for Gabriel, as it is for Aster, who can never hide her sadness and fear whenever he’s sent off on a dangerous mission. Gabriel is such a strong character; it’s easy to imagine reading about him in future novels. So, don’t be surprised if he shows up in another Graham book. Maybe he’ll even be called upon to deal with other emotions, in addition to his anger.
They say that the more things change, the more they remain the same. The setting in Voidstalker might appear much different on the surface from our contemporary world, but in many respects it’s very much the same as ours – particularly when it comes to humanity’s behaviors. And author John Graham has done a fine job in painting this vivid, futuristic picture.
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