Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander

Christian Hurst

Jan 2025 · The Lily Starling Series Book 1 · Christian Hurst

About this ebook

2026 IPPY Awards Gold Medalist. Thousands of copies sold.

New Edition — Book One in the Award-Winning YA Sci-Fi Series

Lily Starling is alone in a city she barely recognizes, with no memory of her past—only a metal tag bearing her name and an instinct for survival. When a Union starship crew claims she belongs with them, she's pulled centuries beyond her own time and into a desperate mission against the psionic Krythar.

Aboard the starship Salamander, Lily is drawn into a found family of misfit officers, warriors, and exiles. Together, they uncover mysteries hidden among the stars: an ancient memory seed carrying the voices of the dead—and a weapon capable of unraveling time itself.

But when Lily faces her greatest fear, she must choose—confront the truth of her past, or risk losing everything she's come to care about.

A lyrical, fast-paced space opera about identity, connection, and courage at the edge of the unknown.

Perfect for fans of Becky Chambers, with the cinematic scope of Mass Effect and the found-family heart of Firefly and Red Rising.

Ratings and reviews

As a lover of sci-fi, fantasy, and romance, Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander hit every note for me. This debut follows Lily, who wakes on a starship centuries in the future with no memory. While it offers grand space opera—vast worlds and the menacing Krythar—the true pull is the mystery of Lily’s past. Beyond the cosmic stakes, the found-family bonds and spark of romance give the story its heart. It’s a thrilling, imaginative adventure with a deeply human soul. Highly recommended!

Voyage of the Salamander is a masterclass in character-driven sci-fi. The prose is expressive and immersive. The world-building is vivid and alien, yet grounded in cultures that feel lived-in and real. The cast truly shines: Lily’s growth is compelling, Alrek is charming, and Datch offers a refreshingly unique take on the android trope. With a fast-paced plot that never sacrifices emotional depth, this is a story full of action and heart.

About the author

Christian Hurst is a creative director, author, and lifelong sci-fi enthusiast with nearly two decades of experience in advertising, marketing, and storytelling. A passionate worldbuilder, he blends adventure, rich character dynamics, and thought-provoking themes in his writing.

His debut novel, Lily Starling and the Voyage of the Salamander, is a YA space opera that explores identity, found family, and high-stakes interstellar intrigue. Inspired by his love of Star Trek, deep lore, and atmospheric storytelling, Christian brings a cinematic approach to his fiction, crafting immersive worlds filled with diverse characters and compelling mysteries.

When he’s not writing books, Christian enjoys designing creative campaigns, and exploring new storytelling formats. He is currently working on the next installment of Lily Starling while developing additional projects in sci-fi, comedy and beyond.

churstpublishing.com