Review: Qarsoon by David C. Jeffrey

Captain Aiden Macallan returns to the astral fray in Qarsoon (Space Unbound Book 4) by David C. Jeffrey, launching himself into a high-stakes race that could turn the tide of galactic supremacy.

When a Sympath activist is shot dead on his doorstep, Captain Macallan immediately informs the authorities, but only after removing the secret message from his wife, Skye, tasking him with his most important mission yet. An old crew member has been contacted by an isolated group of human cloneborgs – those victims of aspiring alien conquerors who did not develop psychopathically obedient brains – sending Aiden and his crew into a sea of unexplored space.

A hidden colony of human hybrids has apparently developed next-gen shielding technology that could give the Earth Domain and the Allied Republic of Mars an edge in their battle against the highly advanced Netvor, the archenemy of humanity. Having established an infamous reputation around the Sol System from his years of epic exploits and species-saving heroics, it is decided that Aiden has the best chance of uniting the warring factions of humanity in an alliance with this Libera colony of “Trans sapiens.”

With the fate of multiple worlds once again squarely on his shoulders, Aiden leans on his loyal crew of the Sun Wolf during a desperate search for a cosmic needle in a haystack. However, the merciless Netvor are just as eager to find and eradicate this upstart colony, and the Captain is faced with division among his own crew about their dangerous path forward, right onto the doorstep of their sworn foe. Loyalties are tested on all sides as existential enemies set a collision course in a struggle for dominance over Bound Space.

While many of the technological advancements of the 23rd century would be indistinguishable from magic today, concepts like uncrackable encryptions, faster-than-light travel, and insidious surveillance states are relatable elements that will engage any reader who revels in future-set fiction. Unlike many other sci-fi series, however, these Space Unbound stories don’t hinge on technical details or an assumed passion for astrophysics; the dynamic characters and their carefully developed relationships are the engaging heart of this continually expansive saga.

The casually epic plot of this ambitious novel and series is rife with allegories and thinly veiled reflections of contemporary life, giving the author ample opportunities for well-delivered social commentary. From the small-minded narcissist in charge of the isolationist “Earth First” party to widespread contention over gender-defying social activism, there are countless thematic explorations that ground this star-spanning saga in the contentious real world. The xenophobic fear of human cloneborgs provides a classic twist of comeuppance for prejudicial factions in this imagined future, as the super-charged Libera renegades may be the only allies capable of saving humanity.

The author has not only woven timely themes throughout this series, but also displays masterful draftsmanship and long-view vision in his storytelling. The interconnected plots from previous Sun Wolf adventures resurface and nudge this newest storyline along, with old allies, villains, and escapades regularly being referenced and becoming relevant to this latest installment, which is hugely rewarding for readers who have been on the ride thus far.

Big-picture philosophy about the living universe, nuanced discussions of otherness, ethical and genetic dilemmas, and meaningful debates over political power structures empower this free-wheeling series to transcend genre norms, resulting in a profoundly unique, incisive, and entertaining work of allegorical sci-fi.