Set in 2179, Hell Space presents a world in its golden age. Years earlier, after finding evidence of a deserted alien spacecraft in space, countries and governments banded together to create the Global Council to ensure Earth’s safety. Pooling resources and knowledge, significant advances in technology, medicine, and science are made. Wars and terrorists are stopped, the environment recovers, and poverty is eradicated. The world has become a kind of utopia. All that is shattered in 2179 when astronomer Jayne Flynn detects the first undeniable signs of alien intelligence in over a century. Simultaneously an ancient spaceship erupts from the Earth’s crust, triggering a cataclysmic supervolcano. Earth is suddenly thrust into an aeons-long war between the Graxx, a civilisation capable of destroying galaxies and the Trine, a species with disturbing connections to humanity. To ensure the survival of humanity, the Earth Defence Fleet enters into an alliance with the Trine who gives them shelter. But with a human cult who were thought to be extinct rising up from the chaos, and the Trine keeping secrets and holding grudges against the humans, peace and humanity’s survival is threatened.

Hell Space is the debut novel of father son duo D S Sangster and D J Sangster. However, they show no signs of being newcomers to writing, expertly weaving action packed scenes, captivating characters, and complex conflict into the first novel of this series.

With such a vast world and background to build up, the Sangsters don’t jump straight into the action instead slowly but effectively presenting readers with the new world status quo, explaining the technology, introducing us to characters that will take centre stage and unraveling the plot that will follow. Readers will feel the subtle raising of the stakes, which ultimately leads to an almighty crescendo.

Chapter 7 is where chaos ensues. A character seemingly set up as a principal protagonist is killed off, and a devastating and destructive event leaves the rest of humanity fighting for their lives and planet. The aptly named chapter 9 “All Hell Breaks Loose” sets the tone for the next 100 pages , and the Sangsters don’t take their foot off the gas. It’s a gripping read that doesn’t give the reader a chance to breathe, in the best possible way. Short chapters ensure the fast pace of the book, making it an easy read.

The chapters of the book are seen through different characters eyes. At times, it can feel a bit repetitive going through the same events a few times especially as we know the outcome but it does offer the readers a chance to see different perspectives and reactions from different people like scientists, politicians, military, and even the aliens themselves.

Once the action settles down a bit, the connection between the humans, the Trine, and the Graxx is revealed. It’s a satisfying reveal but one that gives us more questions and mysteries to unravel which I suspect is what the authors were intending. Another big revelation and twist comes at the end of the novel, that sets up the next book perfectly.

Although a science fiction book, for me it’s the socio-political issues that really elevate the novel. A president trying to make the best decisions for humanity with conflicting opinions from military and scientists. Two races: the humans and aliens trying to live in harmony whilst sharing a distrust of each other. The blurring of lines between the supposed heroes and villains. The presence of the human cult/terrorist group Hell Spacers taking advantage of fear and anger as we see them increase their influence over the humans. The problems and conflicts that arise are very realistic, even in such a fantastical story, and at times it feels like a social commentary on our world today. I feel like the best sci-fi and fantasy books are grounded in reality, and Hell Space really captures that magic. Add on the nail-biting battle scenes, the varied and well rounded characters, and the intriguing alien mystery, Hell Space makes for a brilliant summer read!

4.5/5 stars

Hell Space will be released on 28th June and is available for purchase here. For those that can’t wait, fans can get their hands on an early copy and meet the authors at the book launch at 11am on 20th June at Tenby Bookshop.