Devastation Class

By: Jamie Steinberg

I don’t know how they did it. Authors Glen Zipper and Elaine Mongeon joined forces to create the sci-fi action thriller Devastation Class with such cohesion that it is quite impressive. This is the tale of seven cadets forced to fight for their starship and their safety that will leave you up at the wee hours reading along to their fight for survival.

JD Marshall is the son of a prestigious starship Captain who commands a revolutionary starship. JD had a traumatic childhood and has grown into being a troublemaker. He and six of his fellow savvy and smart cadets (slash best friends) are currently in training. One day their studies are interrupted by an attack by the alien advanced and vicious race known as the Kastazi. To save their lives and the ship, the cadets are forced to stage a mutiny. Thankfully, the cadets have the use of the ship’s prototype for a Blink Reactor (an experimental technology) that propels them [hopefully] into a safe area of space.

By JD’s side is fellow cadet and gal pal (and object of his affection) Viv Nixon. She and JD have always been competitive, but now realize there is no time like the present to acknowledge their feelings for one another. Unfortunately, a criminal that was being held aboard the ship has also been let loose, which only piles on to the stress of their current situation. When the Kastazi attempt to make a second wave of attack, Viv must risk her life in order to ensure that they all make it out alive.

Mongeon and Zipper’s writings excel at fascinating the reader. Whether it is with the technology of the ship or someone special on board (no spoilers), these two clearly were meant to be sci-fi space drama writing partners. I mean, J.J. Abrams should be calling them for pointers on his next sci fi series! Devastation Class captivates readers, making pages turn quickly and establishing an investment in the characters. Your adrenaline will be pumping and your mind will be racing hoping these cadets can make it out safe and sound. Plus, who isn’t a sucker for a will they – won’t they situation?

Can these cadets live up to the legacies of their prestigious parents? How will these upstarts find a way to make it to safety when all they have left to count on is one another? Could Devastation Class be the next “Star Trek?” Read it for yourself and let me know.