Amongst the Stars of Cygnus [Hard Sci-fi Survival]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Stranded in space and time, the few survivors of the colony ship Dolya struggle to build a home amongst the stars. --- Awakening in a derelict space craft that overshot their intended destination by 70,000 years, third engineer Elisa Woodward is thrust into command of a rag-tag band of space colonists and their ship AI ARI. After surviving the initial rough landing on a harsh desert planet, the crew must rely on their ingenuity and determination to survive and ultimately thrive. Faced with a harsh environment and mysterious alien ecosystem, the colonists set out to explore an unforgiving environment that offers both opportunities and threats. Meanwhile, tension brews under the surface, as some seek to restore the corpocratic rule of the old order, while others will use any means necessary to defend their newfound freedom. --- Inspirations: Classic sci-fi from Isaac Azimov, Larry Niven and Arthur C Clarke, but tempered by hard sci-fi such as The Expanse and Blade Runner and including big complex plot arcs as seen in God Emperor of Dune and Three Body Problem and including advanced key technologies as seen in Neuromancer and the Culture novels, while remaining grounded in realism. What to expect: - Slow-burn colony building and development - Survival and exploration on a harsh and unforgiving alien desert planet - Progression from low-tech to god-tech - Multiple main characters with their own desires, story arcs and motivations - Rational decision-making and a deep but logical plot - Ethical dilemmas and philosophical issues - Factions, clashes, drama and power struggles - Alien encounters - Chapter illustration, some original from professional sci-fi concept artists, others AI generated and painted over

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2024
Author: Provider

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.3/ 5.0
Followers: 1,830
Views: 1,776,302

What readers say about Amongst the Stars of Cygnus [Hard Sci-fi Survival]

“If you're looking for hard sci-fi that will teach you new things and blow your mind, you found it. The characters are well developed, the plot is believable and has tons of action interspersed with realistic political conflicts while world-building. The c…”
jmc5003Royal Road5.0 / 5
“This is what I call a high quality science fiction novel, and it is frankly a miracle that something of this quality is offered for free. I get strong Dune and Rimworld vibes from this. The story has a lot going on right from the start, but the pages read a…”
MikeRangRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

jmc5003Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
If you're looking for hard sci-fi that will teach you new things and blow your mind, you found it. The characters are well developed, the plot is believable and has tons of action interspersed with realistic political conflicts while world-building. The chapter I just finished reading absolutely blew my mind and I can't wait to see what happens next! Seriously, if you're into hard sci-fi, you'll really enjoy this!
MikeRangRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is what I call a high quality science fiction novel, and it is frankly a miracle that something of this quality is offered for free.
I get strong Dune and Rimworld vibes from this. The story has a lot going on right from the start, but the pages read away quickly and the plot and motives are accessible and easy to understand even for people that are not sci-fi literate.
There are some survival and progression elements, drama, feuds, and a cast of crewmembers that have their own ideas and agenda how life at a remote space colony should develop.
The pacing feels good and there is always something going on that makes you want to read the next chapter. Plot is logical, but I already encountered several major plot twists and big suspenseful events so it never gets stale and boring.
Edit: I am now 28 chapters in and it is crazy how great the storytelling is, with major plot taking over 25 chapters to resolve, and minor plot continuously being introduced and resolved. Everything feels unexpected and original, but is logical in hindsight. It honestly feels at the level of reading Game of Thrones in space, and Foundation books with the epic unexpected but logical resolutions of the main plotlines that feel so extremely satisfying.
The writing style and grammar is at a professional level, with only a minor typo or occasional weird sentence here and there. It makes me believe the writer is a professional author or at least a very experienced hobbyist.
Amongst the stars of Cygnus is a must-read if you like science fiction novels and still a good read if you don’t.
Orion's HeraldRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The first chapter of this story hooks you. I mean it really sinks its teeth into you. You are left wondering what will happen next and just hoping that something can go right for these people. It's fun—if you find characters suffering fun that is.
I like the main cast. There is a lot of the mind you, which can be overwhelming at times. But, their personal stories shine through for the most part, clearing up any confusion. They are believable, for the most part, and I find myself connecting with some. I can't wait to see how their stories develop.
But let's talk about the over arching story. It's one that is near to my heart. One I have played many times. Its a colony builder. Peak Entertainment. I've found we don't have many of those these days—colony builder stories. And when we do get them, it is a treat. The story will be one centered on the growth of the colony and its many challenges. I'm here for it, and I can't wait to see how it develops. Let's hope it's one of the more successful rimworld colonies.
On the grammar side of things. I didn't notice any problems, that took me completely out. There are some bits here and their but, time heals all wounds and viewers can help spot any small problems.
Overall its a good read and you will enjoy it.
SivrehnRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Okay, I have read this for a bit and I can safely say this is a very good sci-fi.Though it is hard (ish) sci-fi (it does try to keep technologies, especially the human ones, in the realm of the possible), and colony survival is never guaranteed, it won't account for every single Watt from the batteries, every rivet, every scrap of metal or puff of oxygen...... What it will do is what the best sci-fi does. Confront us with the way our civilization is going, the possible branches it will take, the differing policies, the challenges we'll face here, what would be the real life difficulties of settling a truly alien planet, what choices will have to be made, and a lot of what-ifs that technology will pose us.It will also show how we'll eventually evolve, as well. Via cyber implants, via genetic engineering, via improved social education. And how that will shape us.It does have its share of action as well. In an alien world, expect alien things. Of all sorts. Sometimes of the defying comprehension kind.And it does that mainly by posing these questions through the prism of what I must say is the most varied crew I have ever seen. Their differing backgrounds and personal dramas bring real-world issues into any philosophy discussed. And do not discount the AI as a part of the crew.The only small criticism is that, sometimes, the crew reacts little, at first, to things that should be groundshaking. But eventually the author will address any and all questions and reactions that should have arisen at first contact, at length. I mean, a delayed reaction isn't really unrealistic for a shellshocked crew, so...
SoradrilRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This story is simply phenomenal. It is a hardcore Sci-fi story that has a lot more going on under the surface then you'd think from an outside perspective. The plot is gripping and the twists unexpected. There were several times when I had to do a double take and re-read parts because I had to confirm that what just happened really happened.
Overall I say give it a shot, you won't regret it.
Wu ZetianRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Amongst the Stars of Cygnus is the kind of science fiction that everyone is waiting for but is nowhere to be found these days, especially not for free.
This story is just perfection, it feels like a combination of original Star Trek, The Martian, Dune, Foundation, Lost In Space and the Expanse all rolled in one. Like Star Trek, it is crew centric with multiple POV, which works really well.
There is a plot that just makes sense and the crew members are competent and not complete idiots for once. The science checks out, without it being overdone. There is drama and some relationships but it doesn’t get cringy. And the pacing and the writing are just excellent.
I don’t know why it is so hard for writers to have a plot that isn’t contrived bs and dialogue that isn’t word salad these days, but this story has none of that and just gets to business. There are various problems that get introduced and resolved over multiple chapters and new discoveries are made periodically that spices things up and keeps it all fresh.
I really hope we get this as a series someday because the foundation show was just absolute trash with bs characters and plot, and Cygnus scratches that colony development itch but doesn’t have the idiocy.
Altair PolarisRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Amongstthe Stars of Cygnusis an exceptional piece of speculative fiction combining compelling storytelling, deep character exploration, and intricate world-building. The narrative draws the reader into a high-stakes journey of survival and resilience. Its ability to interweave science, humor, tension, and poignant human moments sets it apart as a noteworthy addition to the science fiction genre.The story begins with a gripping opening scene where Elisa Woodward, an unassuming third engineer, is thrust into an impossible position of command. The intricate pacing maintains a fine balance between thrilling action sequences and reflective character moments, keeping the narrative engaging. The themes of humanity's fragility, adaptability, and ingenuity are explored against the backdrop of an awe-inspiring yet hostile universe.The introduction of ARI, the quirky and sometimes unsettling AI, adds depth to the story's exploration of humanity’s dependence on technology. ARI's blend of humor and cold efficiency creates a fun dynamic with the protagonist, showcasing the tension between human intuition and machine logic.For the technical crowd, I tend to avoid hard sci-fi because as an engineer/scientist, bad science / engineering makes me twitch. This did not make me twitch. I love hard sci-fi done right and am glad to have found it.Character DevelopmentThe characters are well-rounded and evoke empathy. Elisa is a relatable and resilient lead, her growth from an overwhelmed engineer to a determined leader is organically portrayed. Secondary characters like Sigrid and ARI provide emotional and narrative support while maintaining their distinct voices. The crew dynamics reflect the challenges of cooperation under extreme stress, giving the story a grounded sense of realism.StorylineThe plot is intricate yet accessible, incorporating hard science fiction elements like radiation exposure and resource management alongside broader speculative questions about humanity's place in the
AnganglerRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Sone lovely si-fi goodness. Disparate people far from familiarity, most not by their own accord. Acts of desperation have led them to a desperate scenario. Lost in time, space, and of bonds now intangible.
Their new home had interest in them, more so than most fancy lumps of space dirt tend to.
Time will tell if their seed of humanity twists and suffocates itself as what they escaped from, or if something new will come to show.
DaliatRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Amongst the Stars of Cygnus is a compelling sci-fi novel in the style of the great classics from the ‘70s but a more contemporary view on realistic space science and more mature snd morally grey characters. It is a colony builder story with strong survival undertones. Cygnus delivers a good mix of seriousness and humor and features and hits the ground running with a compelling initial hook that makes you want to read on.The story features a group of 6 or so main characters that drive the story and a couple more side characters, with the cast gradually expanding as the plot moves forward. There is an alien ecosystem that appears to play an important role, kind of how ecology was an important theme in Frank Herbert’s Dune. The colony progression and development aspects feel more akin to Foundation however, and there are some sociopolitical plays as well that may as well belong in a Cyberpunk story and AI issues that could fit in one of Azimov’s works.Style wise, Amongst the Stars of Cygnus is accessible even to non sci-fi readers while still having enough depth to be appealing to the more hardcore audience. There is good alternation between major and minor plot to keep it interesting and engaging.The writing and grammar is decent, with most of the story flowing well.Overall, I can highly recommend thid novel, no major complaints.
DulganManRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This what I consider a quality Sci-fi novel. I think the multiple pov works really well in this setting, you get a sense that each character has their own agenda, aspirations, hopes and dreams.
I'm reminded of the drama happening in the Sci-fi series "The Foundation" when i read this. Lots of characters, pieces being moved in the background, and a mysterious alien artifact. Except we don't know much yet what happens behind the curtain, and the entire world is a mystery.
The images really help with the immersion factor (for me it does), they do the whole mysterious alien world vibe justice.
This is written incredibly well.