I tend to watch more sci-fi than I read. I loved “The Expanse,” and an ex got me hooked on “Star Trek: Discovery.” I enjoyed “Star Wars,” and I really liked the “Alien” trilogy and loved “Event Horizon.” Talk about creepy! I also had a blast playing the “Dead Space” video games, so when I watched an IG live interview with S.A. Barnes and then saw that “Ghost Station” was an Aardvark book club pick in May, I figured that was my sign to finally try reading a space horror novel. While I didn’t find it especially scary, I did enjoy it. Read on for my thoughts.

In this book, readers are taken on a thrilling journey into the depths of space, where danger lurks, and trust is a precious commodity. Dr. Ophelia Bray is part of an exploration crew sent to check out an abandoned planet. Ophelia has been assigned to them because she studies ERS – a mental health condition that led to one man killing 20+ people during a previous exploration, and she is set to prevent that with this crew. But when Ophelia wakes up from a cryo sleep just as the crew is about to land, they make it very clear that she is not wanted. They aren’t interested in psychology; they want to focus on studying the planet and figuring out why the previous crew suddenly departed.

But when you live in a world where corporations have begun to claim planets as their property and new space discoveries are made almost daily, you are also bound to have plenty of secrets and coverups, and it doesn’t take Ophelia long to figure out that this crew might have a hidden agenda. When their pilot is found brutally murdered, Ophelia can’t help but wonder if ERS has set in – or if there’s something more dangerous happening on this planet.

This book was incredibly atmospheric. The author’s vivid descriptions and compelling narrative style are great at imbuing a sense of foreboding and wonder. The setting of the abandoned planet is richly detailed and atmospheric, creating a sense of isolation and foreboding that adds to the overall sense of unease. Barnes’ descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of the eerie, ancient landscape, making it feel like a character in its own right.

As far as characters go, they were all unique and had their own personality and drive. Ophelia is a complex and intriguing character whose dedication to her work is admirable, and the more you learn about her, the more you understand why she is so dedicated. As she navigates the treacherous waters of a small exploration crew with dark secrets, Ophelia’s struggle to uncover the truth while battling her fears and doubts adds depth to the story, making it feel fresh. Birch, the pilot, is very gruff and probably the most vocal about not wanting Ophelia around, while Suresh straddles the line between prankster and asshole. Kate was a force to be reckoned with, and Severin – the ship’s captain – was a tough sell but eventually grew on me. Liana rounded out the crew, and I was happy that she wasn’t as combative as the other crew members, especially as far as Ophelia was concerned. She provided a sort of tether that allowed us to see more of what Ophelia was made of.

I mentioned earlier that the novel is incredibly atmospheric and probably one of its greatest strengths. Barnes creates a palpable sense of tension and unease throughout most of the book, exploring themes such as trust, isolation, and the human psyche, adding depth to the story. The nuanced relationships between the crew members, each with their own motives and secrets, add a sense of intrigue and mystery that kept me engaged and invested in the outcome. I just wished the burn hadn’t been as slow as it was. It took far too long to get to the really creepy parts, and then suddenly, it was over.

Overall, this is a very atmospheric and suspenseful sci-fi thriller that kept me engaged until the end. The only thing  I felt was missing was the nerve-wracking terror I had hoped for. The book is creepy and had some great moments toward the end, but I felt the burn was too slow for me. I would have liked a few more levels and a little more true terror. Still, it’s a good read.