Rating: 9/10
Synopis:
The Moon was once colonized. Now it lies silent—mostly.
When a mysterious radio signal echoes from the abandoned colony of Serenitatis, the Vatican dispatches an elite squad of space marines to investigate. Paladin-Captain Samuel Cohen’s mission is locate survivors, uncover the signal’s source, and get out. But beneath the sterile domes, something ancient stirs—an adversary that challenges not only the mission but the very foundations of his faith.
A gripping new novella that explores the resilience of the human—and holy—spirit in the darkness of the void. For fans of Event Horizon and Richard Paul Russo’s Ship of Fools.
Review:
I was already a big fan of Yuval’s Dark Legacy series so when I got wind that he was working on something new I was eager to learn more. I was lucky to get an early opportunity to read it and its safe to say that this story will thrill both those familiar with his work and new readers alike.
The interweaving of sci-fi, horror and religion produces a dark and brooding story, that had me hooked from the first page. There is a real sense of foreboding as we follow a squad of space marines are despatched by the Vatican to investigate a signal from a supposedly abandoned moon base. Via the main POV character, Captain Samuel Cohen, we are given a real insight into a world where faith sits alongside technology. Samuel and the marines increasingly rely on both as they face the mounting horrors within the colony Serenitatis.
This is a world where following cataclysmic events (hinted at in Samuels flash backs) humanity has embraced religion (specifically Catholicism) alongside technology. An intersection of technology and faith, where space marines rely on faith and turn to the squad’s chaplain for guidance as much as their tactical armoured suits.
As you would expect if you’ve read Yuval’s work before, we are treated to a rich and descriptive prose that sucks you into the story. Whether it’s the description of the soldiers armoured suits, the horrific events of Samuels childhood or the fate of those who failed to evacuate the base, you will be fully immersed in the world Yuval has created.
I have long said that some of my most favourite stories are those that combine / mash up genres, this certainly holds true after reading Orders of Magnitude. We have hard sci-fi sitting alongside ominous details like why the squad brought an exorcist with them? The marines, who are very much in the Warhammer40K mould, are surrounded by advanced technology yet are forbidden from connecting the bases systems in case they are digitally corrupted – in time we see that that this corruption is not kept to the digital world. (sorry, can’t say more … spoilers)
Horror on earth is a well-established genre, but for me visceral fear and foreboding that horror in space brings is fully realised in this book. Whether it’s the physical threats that the team encounters or the internal philosophical battle that Samuel wages in his head. We are exposed the reality that the horrors on earth pale against what maybe waiting for us in the vast darkness of space.
This is a story that reflects mankind’s search for greater meaning in the universe and what can happen when a malevolent voice replies. It really is an intersection of technology and faith, where space marines rely on their beliefs as much as their weapons & armour. Whilst some these themes will be familiar to those who have read Yuval’s Dark Legacy series, they are presented an entire fresh setting in this thoroughly entertaining novella. A wonderfully dark entry in the burgeoning Incense Punk genre.
Thanks to Yuval for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Orders of Magnitude was published on 7th January 2025
About the Author:
Yuval Kordov is a chronically creative nerd, tech professional, husband, and father of two. Over the course of his random life, he has been a radio show DJ, produced experimental electronic music, created the world of Dark Legacies™, and designed custom mechs with LEGO® bricks.
Twitter : https://x.com/YuvalKordov
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/yuvalkordov/
Link to Yuval’s Books – https://mybook.to/yuvalkordov
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