‘What space opera is meant to be. A brilliantly complex novel about love, loss, and war.’ —K.B. Wagers
A starship captain and her crew face conspiracies and betrayals as they clash with various factions of a galactic civil war in a thrilling space adventure by New York Times bestselling author Mike Chen.
The starship Horizon’s crew spent ten years trapped across the expanse of space. Now they’re finally home—only it’s not the home they knew. The Cluster, once a peaceful coalition of planets, has fractured in the wake of civil war.
Captain Demora Kim wants nothing more than to protect her surviving crew. It’s what she owes them after years of instability and terror. But in times of war, no one is allowed neutrality.
After an attack on a mining station leaves thousands dead, Demi’s efforts become almost impossible. Every ship is needed on the frontline. Thrust deeper into a conflict she barely understands, Demi considers a bold choice—one that might keep her promises but tip the galaxy further into chaos.
‘Mike Chen has done it again. The Photonic Effect is bursting with unexpected twists and wild rides, but most of all, it's full of heart.’ —Annalee Newitz
‘One of the strongest space operas I’ve read in recent years. A thrilling, emotionally grounded story about survival, leadership, and the true cost of command.’ —Karen Osborne
Genre: Science Fiction
A starship captain and her crew face conspiracies and betrayals as they clash with various factions of a galactic civil war in a thrilling space adventure by New York Times bestselling author Mike Chen.
The starship Horizon’s crew spent ten years trapped across the expanse of space. Now they’re finally home—only it’s not the home they knew. The Cluster, once a peaceful coalition of planets, has fractured in the wake of civil war.
Captain Demora Kim wants nothing more than to protect her surviving crew. It’s what she owes them after years of instability and terror. But in times of war, no one is allowed neutrality.
After an attack on a mining station leaves thousands dead, Demi’s efforts become almost impossible. Every ship is needed on the frontline. Thrust deeper into a conflict she barely understands, Demi considers a bold choice—one that might keep her promises but tip the galaxy further into chaos.
‘Mike Chen has done it again. The Photonic Effect is bursting with unexpected twists and wild rides, but most of all, it's full of heart.’ —Annalee Newitz
‘One of the strongest space operas I’ve read in recent years. A thrilling, emotionally grounded story about survival, leadership, and the true cost of command.’ —Karen Osborne
Genre: Science Fiction
Praise for this book
"Found family goes multiverse and science is better than war in this rousing sci-fi adventure! Watching Chen's cast slam into the pointless cruelty of wartime bureaucracy, and fight for a better way, feels way too relatable in our times. Perfect for fans of Essa Hansen and Ren Hutchings." - Bethany Jacobs
"Mike Chen expertly combines the challenges of a First Contact story with creditable alien-y aliens, problem-solving under extreme pressure, and a romance. It's brilliant!" - Stina Leicht
"Mike Chen has done it again. He's turned theoretical physics inside-out to make you fall in love with a band of misfits from across the multiverse. The Photonic Effect is a delightful adventure bursting with unexpected twists and wild rides, but, most of all, it's full of heart." - Annalee Newitz
"I loved this book! One of the strongest space operas I've read in recent years, full of tasty political intrigue, impossible choices, and richly realized characters. Chen never loses sight of the real people caught in the crossfire of this galactic-scale war, delivering a thrilling, emotionally-grounded story about survival, leadership, and the true cost of command." - Karen Osborne
"What space opera is meant to be. The Photonic Effect is a brilliantly complex novel about love, loss, and war that's populated by characters so alive you can feel their hearts in each beat of your own." - K B Wagers
"Mike Chen expertly combines the challenges of a First Contact story with creditable alien-y aliens, problem-solving under extreme pressure, and a romance. It's brilliant!" - Stina Leicht
"Mike Chen has done it again. He's turned theoretical physics inside-out to make you fall in love with a band of misfits from across the multiverse. The Photonic Effect is a delightful adventure bursting with unexpected twists and wild rides, but, most of all, it's full of heart." - Annalee Newitz
"I loved this book! One of the strongest space operas I've read in recent years, full of tasty political intrigue, impossible choices, and richly realized characters. Chen never loses sight of the real people caught in the crossfire of this galactic-scale war, delivering a thrilling, emotionally-grounded story about survival, leadership, and the true cost of command." - Karen Osborne
"What space opera is meant to be. The Photonic Effect is a brilliantly complex novel about love, loss, and war that's populated by characters so alive you can feel their hearts in each beat of your own." - K B Wagers
Visitors also looked at these books
Used availability for Mike Chen's The Photonic Effect