Book Review: Cello’s Gate by Maurice Africh
Treasure hunts, space pirates, and epic fight scenes. What more could you want?
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Cello's Gate is Book 1 of the Sky Pirates of Imperia series, and a soon-to-be published debut novel by Maurice Africh! I'm so excited to talk about this one, so let's jump straight into it.
This was a really well-paced, nicely crafted book with gorgeous lore and world-building. It also has incredible Indiana Jones vibes, so if you're interested in heist-like stories, but with sky pirates, this is definitely for you.
The author has a really great handle on the direction this story takes. As with any new world, it took me a few chapters to get a good grasp on the world and lore, but the story really gets moving once we're introduced to the main plot. And boy, does it move! Really great action scenes, intriguing lore and complex characters.
"Run like you might die, because you might. Run until the sun dips behind the horizon, and hope that you survive."
Speaking of characters, I also really loved the variety in the cast and how they all balanced each other. Dot was definitely my favorite, she's such a badass. I also really enjoyed the history that was established between Grey, Min and Farlow. It built an interesting dynamic within the team. And the characters were introduced to later in the book? *chef's kiss* Loved them.
Overall, this was a really solid debut novel. Honestly, I kept forgetting that it's a debut because it really doesn't read like one. I'm still thinking about it days after the fact. I can’t wait to see what Maurice comes up with next!! Check this one out, pre-orders are open and it gets published on March 25.
Rating: ★★★★.5
Book Summary
- Title: Cello's Gate
- Author: Maurice Africh
- Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy
- Who Should Read It? People into Indiana Jones, Guardians of the Galaxy, and space pirates!
Synopsis: Returning from a harrowing heist involving a neon battery and a trash chute, Grey and his crew are approached by Dalia, the immortal daughter of the infamous ArchGovernor-and she has an offer.
The job? Locate and steal the Stones of Indigo-seven fabled rocks invested with godlike power. The search for the first stone is a bonified treasure hunt, guided by an ancient map to a deadly, uncharted island that's protected by a mysterious guardian. The score? One million credits per crew member, per stone. The catch? Well, that's where things get a little complicated.
The stones don't exist. They're a myth. A bedtime story told to little pirates to make them believe that power and wealth are attainable if you just work hard enough.
And to make matters infinitely worse, Grey's never trusted immortals, and Dalia's definitely hiding something. Something bad. And if they don't figure out what it is, it might cost them their lives.
ONE CREW OF SKY PIRATES
SEVEN MYTHOLOGICAL STONES
A RACE TO FIND THEM ALL
