Ghost Station

Really enjoyed the slow burn and the creepy stuff. All the characters felt unique and I enjoyed the world of this weird planet. But some plot points could’ve been better explained but other than that 10/10 for me I can excuse it.

I requested a copy of the ARC from the publisher, Tor Nightfire, on NetGalley and was approved in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.

After seeing so much hype surrounding DEAD SILENCE, the previous release by S. A. Barnes, I jumped at the opportunity to get eyes on this one as soon as I discovered it listed on NetGalley!

The premise for GHOST STATION in a nutshell is that humans are not built for working and living in space. We're not - but the trying is what makes books like these so doggone exciting!

Sadly, for me the premise was the only exciting part about this book. I did not like any of the characters - granted, I believe readers are set up to not trust the crew that our main character, Ophelia is sent to treat. Ophelia herself - I wanted to like her, and I think I would have - except she's a therapist who clearly is in no way fit to treat patients.

There was no intrigue or suspense. This book took me 7 days to get through and I normally devour this size book in 2 days, tops. I was so bored. I wish more time had been spent on exploration of the hab and the planet the crew from Resilience was there to investigate. The atmosphere was the one shining glory about this book for me.

There was an uptick in pacing and excitement in the last 30-35% of the book, but after one big thing is left unexplained and a convenient easy way out inserted, it left me deflated.

Even though this one didn't work for me, I am still excited to read the first book Barnes wrote, DEAD SILENCE. I saw a lot of potential in the atmosphere and writing style of S. A. Barnes, so this isn't an author I'd consider one and done.

You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel

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Some of us are broken enough that we don’t get to be fixed. And maybe we’re better off that way. Not hiding from the damage like everyone else. Just accepting it and figuring out how to work around it. Just like we’re doing. Like you’re doing.” His gaze meets hers and holds it. “It takes guts to face the worst of yourself, the worst of your fears.” Holy crow this book was amazing!! It was creepy in all the right ways. There have been movies that made me think space exploration is a bad idea but this book made me think that my feet are staying on the ground and I hope we never find out about life on other planets! S.A. Barnes truly took horror in space to an all new level. Every moment of this book kept me on the edge of my seat. Barnes truly has a talent at blending horror and sci-fi in a way that almost creates a whole new genre. This is the second book of hers that I've read and both had me feeling like I was in the middle of the action. And her characters? I loved the interactions between them. I love how the teams she writes feels like a family. They pick on each other but they're there for each other no matter what. Liana was definitely my favorite character in this book. And, I could really relate to how both Ophelia and Ethan had so much trouble forgiving themselves for their pasts. It can be difficult to truly let go of the trauma of the past and not let it shape your present and future. Their inner struggles were portrayed so well in this book. Keep writing, S.A. Barnes. I can't wait to read more of your writing.