While the novel’s opening promises elements of mystery (Aiden’s pompous military advisor Colonel Aminu warns him not to trust anybody, even his own crew), the rest of the book is an epic space adventure written in the hard SF mode. The plot operates on a grand scale, featuring interplanetary jumping, rogue space pirates, and warring government factions. But, like its predecessor, Sun Wolf really shines on the micro level. Aiden is a likeable, honorable protagonist who commands a diverse crew of scrappy, well-intentioned individuals. With a team of nine (and counting), not everyone gets a chance to develop, but the well-crafted character dynamics add a personal touch to the wide-ranging storyline.
Actions, weapons, and scientific concepts are explained in-depth throughout, and the plot often feels secondary to the workings of the universe itself. It is not enough to have a ship travel at 92 percent light speed—the mechanisms by which it does so are explained and re-explained. The exposition can sometimes bog down the narrative, but Jeffrey gives lovers of the genre interesting perspectives on his concepts. Adventure fans and tech aficionados alike will appreciate this cosmic escapade.
Takeaway: This detailed space opera with a touch of mystery will appeal to those interested in the science of interplanetary adventure.
Great for fans of: Peter Watts’s Blindsight, Robert Charles Wilson’s Spin.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
“Author David C. Jeffrey delivers a highly captivating science fiction story that follows commander Aiden Macallan as he endeavors to save humanity from destruction. Jeffrey does a wonderful job of creating multifaceted characters . . . the scientific information given was thought-provoking and believable, and it got me thinking about the ideas explored in the novel in more depth. Sun Wolf is an exciting and imaginative science fiction novel with a twist of mystery that will keep you engaged and inspired with the universe, the story, and the characters.”
“Jeffrey’s yarn is a dandy cosmic mystery conceived on the vast scale of an Arthur C. Clarke or Olaf Stapledon epic . . . there’s a gallery of well-drawn, diverse characters that may pleasantly remind readers of Star Trek; a memorably sinister cabal of villains; and even a smattering of romance. There’s also no shortage of imaginative perils along the way. A fine spacefaring adventure story on a macroscopic scale.”
Five Stars. “A pulsating page-turner that explores new mysteries and newer horizons, Sun Wolf is an entertaining sequel that holds its own when compared with its much-praised predecessor. Author David Jeffrey introduces a couple of fresh faces into his epic sci-fi saga. He also provides in-depth backstories to his older characters and develops them further. Overall, Sun Wolf was a blast to read. I think it is a must-read for sci-fi fans.”
