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Another thriller from SA Barnes, this time on an alien planet. Full of suspense (and a bit of Succession vibes), this story keeps you reading.

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S.A. Barnes shines at making outer space claustrophobic. In Ghost Station, Ophelia is a therapist recovering from past trauma; she's assigned to a group dealing with their own trauma after losing a team member. When they set down to establish residency on a planet, Ophelia is convinced the team is hiding something from her: are they suffering from ERS, the space-based condition that causes sufferers to go insane? Or does the planet have secrets of its own? Barnes gives us a main character who we're not entirely sure of, and a hostile crew that has secrets they're not willing to share. Her worldbuilding gives us just enough backstory of a corrupt family business and its fallout, concentrating more on the stark, sinister atmosphere of a lonely crew. An excellent science fiction/horror novel.

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Ghost Station is a solid sci-fi horror novel. It has good pacing and character development. The horror elements are subtle and more so create a tension of what could be in the dark vs what actually is. I took away one star because of the ending. It felt rushed and a bit lacking. I didn’t feel satisfied when I got to the last page. It definitely could have been longer with more explanation of what actually happened with Pinnacle and more info on the extraterrestrial life forms.

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Very middle of the road just like the author's first novel. Doing the same kind of idea all over again is going to get boring if all you do is sci-fi horror for every single novel published.

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I was SO EXCITED when I saw that S.A. Barnes had a new book coming out and I didn't think I could wait until April to read it. Thank you NetGalley and Tor for letting me read this ARC!
I really loved her first novel, which was pretty much a claustrophobic space horror novel. I could tell this one was totally different from the beginning, but I ended up getting a big taste of space horror before it was done.
In this story, we have someone hiding her past who is on a mission with a group of people who aren't being very welcoming. There are secrets and surprises and I had no idea how it was going to end! The tension lasted throughout the entire book.
There were some annoying characters but a couple I really liked, too. I highly recommend this for anyone who likes space horror,aliens, and space mysteries.

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The premise was great but the pacing was all over the place. The first 30% of the book is just wallowing in Ophelia’s head like a moody teenager, then a truck load of action before it just ends. It felt very “it was all a dream” the way she’s just awake and has a boyfriend apparently.

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Every bit as tremendously exciting and adventurous [in Space!] as DEAD SILENCE, S. A. Barnes' prior SF/Horror (can you tell I adored it?), GHOST STATION is both exactly what the title promises, and an engrossing tale of exploration, adventure, high tension, violence, murder, and....Something Beyond...

An exploratory crew on a mission to check out several "uninhabited," unexplored planets--a cohesive crew accustomed to working together--is assigned a counselor with tremendous personal baggage. She wants to be helpful; the crew resents her. But on the first planet they visit, whose "planetary rights" have transferred from one cutthroat MegaCorporation to another, the crew discovers inexplicable mysteries, and then extreme implacable Horror.

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I read 75% of this book in one sitting, the thriller elements were absolutely on point and I couldn’t put it down. That being said. I do wish more time was spent on the sci-fi elements, I was so intrigued by all of the extraterrestrial nuggets and wanted more from them.

Feels distinct from Dead Silence while still having a note of familiarity.

3.5 stars

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Ebook/Science Fiction: What if fictional phycologist Alex Delaware was a woman, went into deep space to evaluate the crew, and there was no Milo. This book moves along, gets slow, and picks up several times. Parts of it are hard science, and other parts are faux fiction.

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After reading and really enjoying Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes, I was excited to read Ghost Station. I do like it, but for me personally, I found the former more compelling. That being said, I recommend both titles for science fiction fans.

I am a library associate and received an advance copy of this book from #NetGalley.

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Between mushrooms and microscopic aliens, the letter M is really beginning to strike fear into my heart when it's found in a horror.

This was a solid book! Was it as good as Dead Silence? No, I'm sorry to say. That was one of my favourite reads last year and I can confirm that it was simply a way better executed horror story. It's just a fact. That said, while this registered far less on the scare scale, it still had a great overall tone of ominousness. Something bad happened, something bad is happening, and something bad will happen, and the book takes the reader through those emotions well. It kept me on my toes and I was riveted the whole time wondering what would come next, what part of the mystery would unravel next.

I do wish this had committed a bit more in terms of the horror elements, especially after the resounding success of that in Dead Silence. Likewise with building out the characters a little more. It was good but it needed a little nudge to be deemed great for me.

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A wormhole of suspense, propelling readers into a universe where the lines between reality and nightmare blur..…..

Book Information

Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes is a 384-page horror/science fiction novel scheduled to be published on April 9, 2024. Thank you to Tor Nightfire for providing me an Advance Readers Copy for review.

Summary

Dr. Ophelia Bray, a psychologist, joins a small crew on an abandoned planet. Her crewmates prioritize investigating the planet over trusting her expertise. When their pilot is brutally murdered, fear sets in. With trust scarce and secrets abundant, Ophelia and the crew must unite to uncover the truth and prevent a repeat of past horrors.

My Thoughts

'Ghost Station' by S.A. Barnes emerges as a compelling sequel to her debut success, 'Dead Silence,' and as a reader who thoroughly enjoyed her previous work, I found myself equally engrossed by this latest book. Barnes again proves herself a celestial architect of suspense, constructing a universe where fear and fascination collide.

One intriguing aspect of Barnes as an author is her background as a High School Librarian. My wife is also a librarian and I run a book club called The Librarian’s Husband’s Book Club—so admittedly, I may be a bit biased. :)

In 'Ghost Station,' Barnes masterfully navigates the blurred lines between horror and science fiction, crafting a narrative that ignites the imagination and leaves a lingering sense of cosmic unease. The novel effectively immerses readers in an atmosphere of eerie suspense, evoking the unsettling sensation of being trapped in a situation where you know something is wrong, but the underlying threat remains elusive.

At the story’s core lies Ophelia Bray, a psychologist grappling with the phenomenon of ERS, a space condition notorious for its association with a brutal massacre. Despite displaying elements of juvenility, Ophelia's character possesses layers of complexity that contribute to the story's depth.

The pacing of 'Ghost Station' is deliberate, starting slow and gradually building momentum before catapulting readers into the heart of the action—this strategy sustains engagement throughout.
Barnes successfully builds a fascinating world, seamlessly integrating elements of space exploration, alien environments, institutional corruption, and familial dynamics into a cohesive tapestry. Despite the multitude of characters, Barnes adeptly manages the narrative flow, ensuring clarity.

'Ghost Station' offers a lot to like, encompassing elements of mystery, intrigue, and interpersonal conflict which should cater to a diverse audience. However, amidst its strengths, the story occasionally leaves certain threads unresolved, introducing elements that are not fully explored—an aspect that may leave some seeking greater closure.

At the end of the day, 'Ghost Station' showcases Barnes' talent for storytelling, delving deep into the realms of speculative fiction. Its engaging mix of genres, well-developed characters, and immersive narrative make it a compelling read for anyone seeking a thrilling journey into the unknown. As Barnes cements her place in the literary world, 'Ghost Station' stands as a shining example of her ability to captivate readers and keep them hooked until the very end.

Recommendation

'Ghost Station' ignites the cosmos with a supernova of storytelling brilliance, proving that even in the darkest voids of space, Barnes' narrative shines bright. Its plot twists and vividly drawn characters keep you guessing until the very end, while its exploration of themes like human psychology and the unknown depth of space adds layers of depth to the story. Whether you're a fan of science fiction, horror, or simply enjoy a gripping tale that challenges your imagination, 'Ghost Station' offers a riveting adventure that will linger in your mind after you turn the final page.

Rating

4 Paranoid Stars

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Spoiler-free review.

Once a year or so, I read a book that grabs me outside of reading sessions. I'll find myself thinking about it while I'm driving home, while I'm grading papers, or while I'm cooking dinner. I read this one electronically, and if it were an audiobook I'd have been done in two days instead of twenty, so strong was the call to continue. That I finished this book in such a short time during Sundance Film Festival (for me: 14 feature length and 10 short films in ten days, taking precedence over all other creative inputs) would be a shocker with most books.

All that is just to say that I read this book because I *needed* to read it. After I finished S.A. Barnes' last novel, Dead Silence, I immediately (and frequently) wondered, "When's the next one coming out?" And after I began Ghost Station, I wanted to know, "What's coming in the next scene?" It was like that from beginning to end, for this reader.

Barnes' tension-building skillset is top notch and teaches me as I read. She does characterization like the pro she is, and her characters' choices are always informed by their prior experiences in ways that, if not clear immediately, are not clear for good reason (and will be revealed later in the story, as pacing demands). I took note while reading of places where Barnes had her characters thinking something but doing something else, being overtaken by fears in believable ways, and dealing with interpersonal conflict in ways that made the fantasy of the story disappear into character-based realism (this is a good thing).

I read an ARC through NetGalley, and I'm glad I got that opportunity. I will read whatever S.A. Barnes puts out next, as well. I'm already wondering what it'll be!

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I'm not normally a space fan, but Barnes' novel Dead Space made me a HUGE fan so I was so so excited to get my hands on Ghost Station- and boy was I in for a treat! One of my favorite things S.A Barnes is able to do: world and scene setting. As the reader, Barnes' writing is so magnificent that you truly feel like you're in the world right along with the characters. You can perfectly imagine what is being described- which makes the fear all the more palpable throughout.

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Thank you to NetGalley, Tor Publishing, and S.A. Barnes for an ARC of this book!

S.A. Barnes writes exactly the kind of space horror I like. Light to medium on the sci-fi parts (it can’t be *too* technical or I get lost and bored) and just the right amount of mystery and horror to keep me hooked. The characters have issues at times with being not-very-likable, but I’m not reading to like them. I’m reading to see who dies, how, when, and what the hell is going on. Because space is scary and awesome.

This was a similar vibe to Dead Silence and I greatly enjoyed both. But I think I liked Ghost Station a bit better. Both are perfect reads when you want to sit back, escape, and go on an adventure for a little while.

I will read pretty much anything this author writes!

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This space horror novel follows psychologist Dr. Ophelia Bray, who has volunteered to go with a team on a recon mission to an abandoned planet--partially to escape negative publicity after the recent death by suicide of one of her patients, but also to help provide support for the team. Space can be lonely and isolating, and teams on these missions are at higher risk for ERS, a space-based psychological condition that can result in paranoia, hallucinations, and once, in a particularly infamous case, the violent murder of twenty-nine people. Ophelia tries to focus on helping the crew, despite their distrust of her, but they're more interested in investigating the ancient abandoned ruins on the planet, and figuring out what caused the last crew's hasty departure. Soon, strange things start happening, and when the crew's pilot is found dead, Ophelia isn't sure whether it's the start of another violent case of ERS or whether something more sinister is at play.

This was overall a really good book--the concept was really interesting, and the author did a fantastic job evoking a (creepy) sense of place. The main character's inner dialogue/narration reads a little bit juvenile (hot-headed and illogical) at times. At times, the inclusion of information on and focus on Ophelia's backstory took me out of the main action of the story. But overall the pacing was good and the plot and overall eeriness kept me reading. The ending was a little bit of a letdown but really enjoyed the book overall and would read more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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2.5 stars. I have been looking forward to this book since I loved Dead Silence by Barnes. I was intrigued by the premise of this book and I will say the antagonist ended up being the most interesting aspect (really liked how that was done). However, I never felt very connected to any of the characters. Ophelia's big secret honestly did not even seem necessary to the plot and bogged the story down with Ophelia's constant rumination.

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This is a very fun space thriller. I loved the setting. I didn’t care much for the characters and I thought the ending was a bit abrupt but I still really enjoyed it. I definitely want to see this come to life as a film one day

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Six people sent on a mission to an abandoned planet to retrieve core samples and something is very wrong. This book would make a fantastic movie.

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ARC provided by NetGalley

While I do enjoy sci-fi, I am not as well versed in the genre as I am with horror. That being said, this was a nice blend of the two, though leaning more heavily towards sci-fi.

I would give a brief summary, but I think this is one of those the-less-you-know situations.

The only reason I gave this less than five stars is because I really disliked the main character. I found her to be a little predictable and lackluster.

Overall, it was a very fun read and I plan to read more by the author.

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