Book Review: Pale Grey Dot by Don Miasek

I love a good sci-fi tale. Hard hitting characters, dramatic tension, actions that have consequences, and intriguing and compelling settings are important regardless of the genre. In his debut novel Pale Grey Dot, Don Miasek achieves all of these things and more.

A writer from Toronto, Don is also an editor for TDotSpec, lending his skills to works such as Imps & Minions, Strange Wars, and the Speculative North Magazine. Pale Grey Dot is his debut novel.

Here's the book's blurb:

Three members of an elite team of operatives—once so close they were like family—are living in disgraced exile after a mission gone horribly wrong. But, they are thrown back into action when the solar system’s Jupiter Station is attacked from within. It will take all the tricks and tech they have to sort out the truth behind the official reports, and no small amount of courage to fight back against the system’s totalitarian government, in this exciting sci-fi debut novel from pillar of the Toronto science fiction community, Don Miasek.

Pale Grey Dot

Set in the distant future, Pale Grey Dot takes the reader to a variety of locations including Martian tunnels, a station around Jupiter, a future Earth, and the moon Ganymede. Technology has evolved in many ways. Some are expected and some are very, very unique. Weapons. Cybernetic implants. Space travel. Humanity has spread throughout our solar system with colonies on Mars, several moons, and in the asteroid belt. There is also a station in orbit around Jupiter, and even colonies in two nearby systems.

But even with all the technological advancements, things aren't that great. The resources of the solar system are going to feed the Earth's constant needs. All that technology is expensive, and those resources are needed to maintain a floundering system. Not that the people really know are care what's going on behind the scenes...

Welcome to the UFS Starknight

The story focuses on three main characters: Jenna, Ezza, Cherny. Years ago, all three were part of a special team of elite operatives working for a branch of the government called the Earth Security Service (ESS). Once, they were the most feared operatives in the solar system, but time has passed and none are the people they once were.

Ezza Jayens has prospered in the years since being an operative. Now the captain of the UFS Starknight, Ezza made the switch from ESS to Earth's United Fleet--though her hidden past haunts her constantly.

Cherny has tried to live a regular life--a civilian's life--but in all the years since being an operative, he's longed to go back. Longed to feel the Pull and return to his old life in the ESS. When that moment comes, is he up to the task?

And then there is Jenna. Poor, sweet, Jenna. Her cybernetic implants aren't what they used to be, but she's gotten really good at making her own modifications. Broken. Angry. Frustrated. Jenna continues to fight, using her skills not to aid the ESS or return to the fold, but to stand against it and reveal the lies for what they are.

Sic Semper Tyrannis

All is not well in the system. Who really runs the ESS? Who really leads the United Fleet? People are struggling throughout the system, and some are fighting back.

The Syndicate is a group striving for freedom from Earth's rule. When they decide to finally make a stand, the effects are felt throughout the system. The need for operatives is rising again. Some are Pulled out of retirement, others are not, but Cherny, Ezza, and Jenna have to decide which side they're going to fight for.

A Great Read with a Compelling Story

I truly enjoyed Pale Grey Dot. Miasek crafts an excellent story, weaving his characters through many locations, twisting their loyalties, and challenging their thoughts on both progress and technology. This book is a compelling look at how cybernetics and technology may one day fuse with our own bodies and lives, but never gets too bogged down by that train of thought. The story, and the characters that make this world feel real, remains the central focus.

The action is hard-hitting and impactful, but never descends into gore. It is an epic tale wrapped up in the personal emotions and histories of the wonderful characters. As I read--as I neared the end of the book--I wondered how Miasek would wrap up such a massive story and was not let down. It's a 5 out of 5 for me.

If you've read this far, you're definitely interested, so check out more about Miasek on his website: dmiasek.com

Pale Grey Dot is available at:

Indigo-Chapters

Bakka-Phoenix

Amazon