The Stowaway Saga: Nova Run - A fast, punchy start to a larger sci-fi saga

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“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.

 

A Discovery of Time and Space: A Mixed Review

Lesley L. Smith's A Discovery of Time and Space presents a thought-provoking premise wrapped in a science fiction tale that blends time travel, self-discovery, and friendship. The story centers on Tiffani Taylor, a college student at the University of Colorado, who finds herself in a bewildering situation when she wakes up in a crosswalk, aided by an older woman who looks eerily like her. From that moment, Tiffani's world begins to unravel, revealing that she may not just be an ordinary student with ADHD—she might possess the rare ability to travel throughout time and space.

BookHookup Review: A Discovery of Time and Space

⭐⭐⭐☆☆

The plot is engaging and certainly kept me turning the pages. Tiffani’s journey, alongside her three best friends, Rory, Lin, and Ethan, is intriguing as they try to uncover the mysteries surrounding her powers. The twists, the puzzles surrounding her identity, and the potential multiverse she’s navigating all contribute to a storyline that has the potential to be exciting for fans of time travel and science fiction.

However, the novel does have its flaws. Tiffani and her friends, while endearing in their loyalty and wit, often feel like they are behaving more like junior high students than twenty-somethings. This disjointed age portrayal was a bit jarring, as their dialogue and actions often came across as immature for their age. Another issue for me was redundancy. In particular, Tiffani's internal thoughts, followed immediately by her saying the same thing aloud, felt repetitive and detracted from the narrative. Additionally, certain details—like dorm rules and Tiffani’s condition—were repeated multiple times, which slowed the pacing. A little tighter editing could have helped eliminate these redundancies and sharpened the pacing.

Despite these critiques, the author's execution of the time travel and multiverse elements is impressive. Smith’s ability to weave complex ideas without bogging the reader down in scientific jargon is a major strength. The plot is carefully constructed, and the time travel logic is well-thought-out. I was especially intrigued by the concept of "future selves" meeting their present counterparts—a neat idea that adds depth to the world-building.

While A Discovery of Time and Space does an excellent job with its core concept and the time travel elements, the disjointed age portrayal of the characters and the occasional repetitiveness detract from the overall experience. I would rate it 3 out of 5 stars. It's worth the read, and I’d pick up the next book in the series to check it out. Fans of time travel stories and college settings will likely find it a fun read, but those looking for deeper character development may find it lacking.