I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A surreal and thrilling blend of science fiction, horror and westerns comes to life in author Lynn Steigleder’s novel Terminal Core. A group of ragtag fighters with haunted pasts must put aside their mistrust of one another to save the human race and their dying world. Here’s the official synopsis:

Aon, a solid core planet made from the priceless and most dense element in the galaxy, caladium, is under silent attack. Plans are made by off-worlders to dissolve the unbreakable core using crude oil obtained from 19th century earth. Once the oil is refined, the byproduct, gasoline, will soften the caladium, allowing it to be collected. It is soon discovered the core is made from living beings created from caladium itself. The off-worlders employ a band of corrupt inhabitants to carry on this work. They find themselves in a constant struggle with a small coalition of Aonians bent on saving their home world. Both factions clash with the indestructible core creatures. With horrendous beasts one step behind and deadly pitfalls ahead, the coalition struggles to finish its journey, hoping to insure their races’ survival.

I absolutely loved this read. The blend of the science fiction setting with some pretty vicious and horrific creatures that made it feel like a creature feature horror story. The inclusion of the western style setting helped integrate the characters well, with each one harboring a dark secret that could easily turn friend into enemy or foe into ally. The complex western world was filled with backstabbing, lying, cheating and death, making this an intriguing read to say the least. The book itself flowed smoothly, keeping an even pace throughout. One of the biggest highlights however was the extensive world building, shifting the story from the planet Aon to the western age of 1800’s Earth and beyond.

Overall this was a fantastic read. Full of life, death and adventure, this was a unique and creative read that cannot be missed. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copies of Terminal Core by Lynn Steigleder today!

Rating: 8/10