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“A pulse. A symbol. And cargo that should’ve never been found—because it woke something buried in the dark.”
From the very first line, The Stowaway Saga: Nova Run delivers a jolt of sci-fi energy. Ryan Zein wastes no time dropping readers straight into the action, and the story doesn’t slow down for a second.
About the Book: The Stowaway Saga: Nova Run
Nova “Jax” Brant wasn’t looking for destiny—he was just trying to stay alive. One stolen relic and a desperate escape land him aboard The Rook, a ship with secrets buried deeper than its cargo hold. Hunted by the Seraphim—part cult, part nightmare—and haunted by a symbol that shouldn’t exist, Jax finds himself caught in something far bigger than a street-level scam gone wrong.
What began as a stowaway’s last chance becomes a high-stakes run across space, where origin tech whispers, alliances break, and the past refuses to stay dead.
At just 76 pages, Nova Run is the first book in The Stowaway Saga—a fast-paced, high-energy sci-fi novella that kicks off Jax Brant’s fight to outrun the galaxy’s deadliest cult.
BookHookup Review: The Stowaway Saga: Nova Run
Nova Run starts with a bang and never looks back. I read it in one sitting—it’s fast, punchy, and cinematic, the kind of story that feels like the pilot episode of a favorite space opera.
Jax Brant makes for a compelling protagonist: a street-smart survivor who suddenly finds himself tied to something ancient and dangerous. His transformation under pressure gives the novella real momentum, and Zein’s sharp dialogue and action-heavy pacing keep the pages turning.
The writing has a vivid, visual quality that makes each scene feel ready for the screen. Zein’s world hints at a much bigger mythology, one that fans of serialized sci-fi will want to explore.
The only drawback is its brevity. Think of it as a pilot episode. Some of the world-building and character moments feel rushed or merely teased, and there are a few times when characters seem to know things not yet revealed. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise thrilling start to the saga.
The Stowaway Saga: Nova Run is a quick, satisfying sci-fi adventure that blends mystery, danger, and heart with an old-school space-opera spirit. Perfect for readers who love fast-paced stories set among the stars. If you enjoyed the The Expanse or Firefly, I think this book is for you.
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As BookHookUp, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a ARC of this book for review consideration and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites.
About the Author: Ryan Zein
Ryan Zein is an engineer, educator, and storyteller with a passion for helping people learn, grow, and dream bigger. He holds a background in computer science, engineering, and space-weather research, and has spent years mentoring teens and young adults—breaking down complex topics into practical lessons while nurturing curiosity and exploration.
At heart, Zein’s always been fascinated by stories—especially science fiction that sparks wonder and invites the imagination to roam. His writing blends real-world skills with far-flung ideas, whether he’s crafting tech-saturated worlds or helping readers build everyday habits.
When he’s not writing or teaching, you’ll usually find him watching movies, playing soccer or basketball, or spending time with his family. With The Stowaway Saga: Nova Run, Zein launches a serialized space opera rooted in his passion for both scientific wonder and storytelling.
