Review: The Phoenix Conspiracy by Richard Sanders

The Phoenix Conspiracy
by Richard Sanders

It’s been quite a while since I read any science fiction and I’d forgotten how intriguing a space opera could be-especially one that yanks the heartstrings and thought processes of us dyed-in-the-wool conspiracy theorists. <smile> Fleet Commander Raidan, a twenty-nine year decorated veteran, must stand trial for his unprecendented, apparently unfounded, attack on four alien commercial freighters and destruction of three of them. He will give no reason for his actions; his crew knows nothing; and he surrenders immediately, pleads guilty at the tribunal, and on this return to Capital World for execution, the ship carrying him disappears.

Intel Wing Lieutenant Commander Calvin Cross, whose ship and crew located and returned Raidan and his ship, knows intuitively that not only is Raidan not telling all-but that something deep and convoluted is the foundation to Raidan’s bizarre attack. Calvin begs the Tribunal to look into it, to no avail. As a half-citizen, he doesn’t have sufficient clout-so he decides to pursue it himself, and sets off on a self-determined course of action that will bring up painful memories of tragedy caused by vampires (Strigoi), the disappearance of his father, werewolves, a gangster planet, and royalty-not to mention a multilayered conspiracy at which Calvin can only peel a chunk at a time, like ripping layers from an obstinate onion.

Yes, there really is a significant paranormal element in this space opera, but it is scientifically-based and a matter of genetic engineering. What’s more, the novel reads so smoothly that the suspension of disbelief is instantaneous. Thankfully, “The Phoenix Conspiracy” is the first entry in a series. I certainly recommend it!

Find The Phoenix Conspiracy for free on Amazon Kindle here or for Nook here

Reviewed by Mallory Heart Reviews
http://archiestandwoodsreviewsandwritings.blogspot.com/

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