Imagine a world only a few decades from now, where tightly knit communities are pioneering and settling the vast oceans. What geopolitical forces would shape their lives? What enabling and disturbing technologies might be developed? I found myself captivated by Pelagia's glimpse of a plausible and hopeful future for our civilization.

Cinematic in its storytelling, Pelagia combines the tension of Captain Phillips and the intelligent science-fiction of Minority Report. In addition to its complex characters and a convincing portrayal of religious extremism, the novel offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of aquaculture that will certainly engross anyone with an interest in that field. Indeed, this might be the first novel to realistically envisage precisely where technological developments in fish farming might lead.

Do you ever start reading a book which looks intriguing, find it surprisingly hard work at first, and then get completely drawn in? That's exactly what happened to me with Pelagia. I used to read a lot of science fiction and this book reminds me why. This is a book which really feels like something different: fresh, beautifully written and immersive both in subject and engagement. A genuine page-turner.

This multi-layered story focuses on the effect of relationships and community on personal and spiritual healing and growth. Throughout the story, conflict is laced with whimsy, humour and stunningly vivid descriptions of life beneath the ocean's surface. A great read that's hard to put down, Holloway's story presents a vision of the future where barriers are overcome through an emphasis on creativity, trust, and group effort. I'm already hoping for the chance to spend more time in the company of these characters. Sequel please!

It's not often, when reading a science fiction thriller, that you want to stop and re-read a passage in order to appreciate the beauty of the language. But that's what I found myself doing in Pelagia. Steve Holloway's descriptions of the undersea world are breathtaking. However, there reached a point in this compelling story that I had to stop doing that as I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Emotionally authentic characters, stunning locations, fascinating science and a stirring clash of good and evil in a future not too far from our own. A great read. I can't wait for the sequel.

An exciting adventure set in a near future where technological and scientific advancements have enabled whole communities to make the oceans their home. In amongst the action and moments that had me on the edge of my seat, this story explores important and sensitive concepts, from the impact of loss and trauma, and the many stages of healing; the power of community; and the influence of faith; to the way our hearts and our innermost motivations can shape our world. The characters that we meet along the way are often refreshingly genuine, natural, and believable. I found myself fully immersed in their world and thoroughly enjoyed this read, would love to have stayed there longer!

Steve Holloway's Pelagia is a rare and captivating work of science fiction—one that made me hope its vision of the future might actually come true. Set in 2066, it imagines a beautifully realized oceanic civilization where humanity lives in harmony with the sea, aided by intelligent architecture and humane AI-driven aquaculture. Holloway's world-building is grounded in real, well-researched science, making this future both plausible and inspiring. The novel combines thrilling adventure with philosophical depth, following ex-soldier Ben Holden as he's hunted by extremists for knowledge that could destroy this fragile utopia. The author handles religion and power with empathy and nuance, showing that corruption stems from ambition, not faith. Vividly written and deeply thought-provoking, Pelagia is a novel I thoroughly enjoyed—and one I can easily imagine on the big screen.

Pelagia beautifully blends fast paced thrillers, complex characters, and compelling near-future science to deliver a terrific read. As a marine Biologist and fisheries scientist, Holloway paints a portrait of near-future life on the oceans that is both realistic and hopeful. Present-day themes of radical Islamic terrorism are developed and extended to draw the reader into a dangerous world where a revitalized Islamic caliphate threatens global catastrophe. Holloway's many years living in the Islamic world are obvious in the narrative and enable him to give rich detail to the characters, offering intriguing glimpses into the worldview and thought processes of those we in the West so often misunderstand and fear. I know of no other book that so well combines the themes of science fiction, politics and faith in a realistic, heart pumping thriller. I'm looking forward to the sequel.

If you like reading Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Robert Ludlum – and a little Jacques Cousteau thrown in – you'll enjoy reading Pelagia. It is a unique, original, fresh and a really interesting vision of the not-to-distant future of mariculture, human culture and the ongoing, constant battle between good and evil. It is the story of a protagonist you are always pulling for - who has experienced a series of catastrophic personal setbacks that rocked him to his core - salvation, second chances and those who helped lead him to redemption and healing. Each chapter leads into a new series of unanticipated events that culminate in a satisfying and realistic conclusion.

Pelagia is a such an enjoyable read. You're plunged into the story from the first paragraph and it's a thrill ride from that point onward. The characters come alive and I found myself imagining where their lives go next as the book ended. The descriptions of the science behind the everyday life of Tuna Shepherds – like the seacrete, the amphibious vehicles, tuna guide-bots or Sophia's Egg – left me wondering how much of this we should be developing right now as our sea-levels are rising. Descriptions of the harmonious interaction between the sea and the book's characters, so poetic at times, leave you aching for that kind of peace and stillness. It's a great book on so many levels.

What if scientific understanding embraced both spiritual and physical reality in its standard model, and technology followed suit? DeepStar compellingly explores this possibility. In their next adventure, the expanded Pelagia crew, armed with more advanced equipment and facing increasingly formidable adversaries, ventures from the depths of their dreams to the depths of the sea, pushing the limits of their abilities and hearts in pursuit of deeper truths. As AI emerges as the ultimate can-do-anything servant, new potentialities arise beyond mere software and mechanistic evolution. DeepStar reaches its climax as expert forces clash over vast knowledge and control across the abyssal plains of the ocean, across the universe, and the soul.

Steve masterfully weaves his marine biology expertise into a thrilling sci-fi adventure, bringing a vivid pelagic world to life. With rich realism, mystery, and well-developed characters, the fast-paced narrative blurs the boundaries of time and space. Unexpected twists, human struggles, and mystical technologies keep readers captivated to the last page, leaving lingering mysteries to ponder long after the book is finished.

DeepStar by Steve Holloway is a gripping near-future thriller that plunges readers into a fascinating ocean-based world of aquaculture, cutting-edge technology, and deep-sea exploration. Packed with espionage, sabotage, and martial arts action, the story keeps you on edge with its high-stakes intrigue. The richly diverse cast, including a Japanese family, Indigenous and Muslim characters, and those with unique spiritual gifts, adds depth and authenticity. Holloway's masterful blend of marine biology, ocean engineering, and speculative technology makes the futuristic elements feel strikingly plausible. A fast-paced, surprise-filled adventure, DeepStar is a compelling read that will keep you turning pages late into the night!

Mystery, adventure, intrigue, and science. DeepStar delivers a great read set in a plausible aquatic future consistent with our current understanding of the ocean yet transformed by future technology. I loved the human cephalopod communication and how the healing power of connecting through the ocean is portrayed. Thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in a world that might be.

Holloway skillfully portrays diverse cultures and religious worldviews with consistent sensitivity, reminding us that moral leadership can emerge in any context. He has a gift for imagining how future technologies might unfold over the coming decades. In DeepStar, he has woven a compelling narrative rich in science, action, conflict, and philosophical inquiry. Set within future ocean-based communities, the story explores traces of past civilizations on the seafloor, advances in physics and marine biology, and even Japanese spiritual wisdom and practice. Holloway invites readers to lean into mystery, contemplating deeper realities that enrich our understanding, whether in the ocean depths, in the cosmos, or beyond the known.

DeepStar is a gripping thriller that explores the complex interplay between the supernatural and the natural, asking who or what is truly in control. It delves into themes of identity, belonging, and purpose, asking whether fulfilment is found in wealth and pleasure or in meaningful belonging. The story deeply explores issues like shame, guilt, and trauma with authenticity, brought to life through rich and culturally diverse characters. Ultimately, it probes the power of goodness in the face of malevolence, whether evil contains the seeds of its own destruction and if redemption is possible for those who find themselves on the wrong path.

After reading Pelagia, I was captivated by its futuristic aquatic world and compelling storyline, so I eagerly dove into DeepStar, and it did not disappoint! With its blend of intelligent sea creatures, advanced AIs, deeply human characters, and nonstop action, this sequel is every bit as gripping as Steve's debut. I was especially drawn to the spiritual battle at the heart of the story and the redemptive themes that gave it depth and resonance. The complex, emotionally charged relationship between Daichi and Chiyome grounded that conflict in a way that kept me on edge, and it was genuinely hard to put the book down. If you enjoy science-rich sci-fi with a healthy dose of the unexpected, DeepStar is a must-read. And if you have not read Pelagia yet, start there, you will be glad you did!

DeepStar is a thrilling page-turner that hooked me from the start! As a newcomer to speculative fiction, I loved the depth of its good versus evil themes, exploring redemption, shame, faith, and loss. Lisa and Kiyoshi are compelling characters, and I hope to see more of them in the next book. The fast-paced plot and vivid portrayal of future pelagic communities sparked my imagination. Holloway's scientific detail is a treat for any science nerd. This is a must-read, and I cannot wait for the next instalment!

I love reading a few pages before bed, but DeepStar is dangerous! I kept reading chapter after chapter, staying up too late because I could not put it down. I loved Holloway's first novel, Pelagia, and the sequel does not disappoint. New characters, a new part of the deep sea, a gripping new antagonist, and a nail-biting adventure kept me going. I especially enjoyed the exploration of the quest for power and how it can twist a person's soul, and Holloway's writing hints at a spiritual reality that lingers long after the last page. I am torn between relief it is finished so I can sleep, and wishing it were not over because I am invested in these characters. Here is hoping for a trilogy!

This gripping continuation of the Blue Frontier saga seamlessly expands on past characters and their growing families. The author's vivid, fast-paced storytelling brings an aquatic world to life, intertwining a future on the verge of uncovering ancient secrets. Packed with action, deceit, love, and the battle between good and evil, alongside a compelling exploration of personal faith, this book is truly addictive. Here is hoping for a third instalment!

A fascinating and thought-provoking journey into a near-future world that feels both plausible and visionary. With an enjoyable blend of marine biology, emerging technology, anthropology, and spirituality, this story is intriguing and insightful. A compelling read that challenges perspectives on what it means to live well.

I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting sequel to Pelagia. With a gripping plot, strong characters, and inventive future tech, it is a true page-turner. It is also refreshing to see a story where faith meaningfully shapes a character's journey, making DeepStar both engaging and thought-provoking.

DeepStar, the sequel to Pelagia, surpasses the original, which is a rare feat. The characters are deep and evolving, the futuristic science is both imaginative and credible, and the spiritual elements feel authentic. With a rich plot and a satisfying yet open-ended conclusion, this is a sequel worth reading. Highly recommended.