Nophek Gloss

Essa Hansen

Nov 2020 · Sold by Orbit

About this ebook

In this dark, dangerous, roller coaster of a debut, a young man sets out on a single-minded quest for revenge across a breathtaking multiverse filled with aliens, mind-bending tech, and ships beyond his wildest imagining. Essa Hansen’s is a bold new voice for the next generation of science fiction readers. Caiden's planet is destroyed. His family gone. And, his only hope for survival is a crew of misfit aliens and a mysterious ship that seems to have a soul and a universe of its own. Together they will show him that the universe is much bigger, much more advanced, and much more mysterious than Caiden had ever imagined. But the universe hides dangers as well, and soon Caiden has his own plans. He vows to do anything it takes to get revenge on the slavers who murdered his people and took away his home. To destroy their regime, he must infiltrate and dismantle them from the inside, or die trying.
Finalist for r/Fantasy Stabby Awards for Best Debut!

One of the most highly praised science fiction debuts of the year: 

“A killer story with real heart and soul."-Alastair Reynolds
“A fast-paced, action-filled ride through the multiverse” - Library Journal (starred)
“A strong, rollercoaster of a debut." – Gareth L Powell
“Gripping and inventive” – Megan E O’Keefe
“Mesmerizing” – Fantasy Book Critic
“Reads like a Becky Chambers novel crossed with Firefly”—Michael Mammay


The Graven Trilogy
Nophek Gloss
Azura Ghost

Ratings and reviews

this is one of the most insufferable protagonists that has even been written. I am not even going to finish reading the book, it's an utter waste of time and energy. Even setting aside the terrible characters the whole attempt to write about trauma and PTSD is just appallingly bad in its own horrible way.

not your typical sci fi story. too much fantasy for it to be one. backgrounds sometimes confusing and situations changed by some unexpected phenomenon that would be found in a fantasy story.

I've read A LOT of sci-fi and this is top tier imo. Granted, the start is a little bewildering... but it's also experiential and fitting for that part of the story. Some of the word choices are atypical, but just go with it. Solid story, solid writing, great pace, interesting and vivid characters and universe. Suprised i haven't read this sooner.

About the author

Essa Hansen is an author, swordswoman, and falconer. She is a sound designer for science fiction and fantasy films at Skywalker Sound, with credits in movies such as Dr. Strange and Avengers: Endgame.