No cause. No effect. Causality stops and reality shatters.
Kel Chaada believed to have beaten the extra-galactic menace when rigged AI cores blew the Võmémééř’s galactic realm apart. Sheltered from the explosions, the alien Brood Mother survived, mourning billions of her children, burning with vengeance.
One breeding couple is all it takes to re-build an army, but the Brood Mother’s target is neither Kel, nor space fleets: It is reality itself. No universe hostile to the Mother’s children shall remain.
Imprisoned for old crimes, his only child gone missing in a military coup at home, Kel Chaada witnesses his world crumble, the very fabric of existence tearing. Even if he escaped, how could he fight a raging alien mother capable of destroying the multiverse?
Boehmer’s narrative skillfully weaves elements reminiscent of science fiction luminaries such as Frank Herbert and Isaac Asimov while introducing unique concepts distinguishing Galacticide within the genre. While Galacticide is the third installment in a trilogy, Boehmer skillfully navigates the narrative to welcome new readers, effectively acquainting them with the story’s rich and expansive universe. Familiar science fiction themes, such as humanity’s hubris and alien hostility, are present, drawing parallels with recent developments in Marvel’s cinematic universe, notably the multiverse exploration. These elements provide a backdrop to the novel’s standout feature: the protagonist, Kel Chaada. He is portrayed as a world-weary anti-hero, grappling with the weight of his mission against moments of existential doubt. This character depth adds a compelling layer to the narrative, resonating with readers who might empathize with his internal struggles.
Galacticide is a testament to Boehmer’s ability to balance classic sci-fi elements with innovative ideas, creating a story that is both familiar and fresh. The novel invites readers into a vast, imaginative universe, posing profound questions about duty, destiny, and the choices that define us.
Galacticide is one of the most complex and well-thought-out sci-fi novels I've read this year. Captivating from beginning to end, Bert-Oliver Boehmer's sprawling space opera trilogy comes to a satisfying conclusion with a thrilling end that haunts your mind long after you've closed the book. Boehmer deftly maneuvers an intricate plot with a large cast of characters and layers it with a healthy dose of political intrigue, mystery, action, and futuristic scientific theories that push the boundaries of your imagination. Among the characters, I really enjoyed the friendship between Kel and Raar and Kel's complicated relationship dynamic with Linuka. If all-powerful, terrifying alien villains are your jam, you will love the Dark Ones. In conclusion, this is a must-read series for space opera and sci-fi readers, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
