December 2, 2025
3.5/5 rounded up
Thanks to BookSirens and Space Wizard Science Fantasy for the ARC.
I did enjoy this though there were elements I found puzzling to have in a military scifi.
The good stuff: The Crew are undertaking a 10 year mission to explore in a brand new state of the art Ship. They are looking for evidence of Angels incursion (Alien enemy who humans are in a cold war with basically) into nearby space, as well mapping new unexplored areas as this will open those areas for safe flight by other ships.
Sheets is an interesting Captain who clearly inspires great loyalty from her crew; for her past military exploits and her way of management. There are definitely some hidden layers there and I'm super interested to learn more.
Raleigh is a former(?) intelligence officer who has a past with Sheets. He has a wide breadth of knowledge that helps the crew in lots of ways. He's also not a macho dudebro, and is content with his role as exectuive officer to Sheets.
Very much felt like the book was made up of small episodes (no bad thing), with hints of the larger longterm plot appearing. We had interactions with some previously unknown alien species, AI shenanigans and other things I won't spoil.
Not so good: I don't understand how this military works. This is a 10 year mission, the crew knew this when they were selected and I assume had the option to opt out. Multiple crew left the ship at various points and seemingly quit the Military because they decided they wanted to settle down.
The vast majority of the crew are in relationships with others, but there seems to be no consideration given to rank issues or possible problems from break ups.
I've not read much Military Scifi as yet (Just some Honoverse and Lost Fleet), but this does seem odd and seems a haphazard way to run a ship on such a long mission. Specially when you will definitely be losing crew during battle.
Overall, I'm happy with my time spent with the book and I will be reading the second one when it comes out. I think most of my issues may just be some growing pains for the author
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October 3, 2025
A New Beginning is a stellar book (pun intended) for the fans of Star Trek, Battlestar Galatica, or any other Space Opera with a vast cast.
The book follows Captain Rena Sheets and her handpicked crew aboard her brand new ship, the “Excalibur 2”. It starts with a bit of action packed backstory and then eases us into the introduction of the main members of the crew, hardened veterans and bright-eyed cadets alike, before starting the main journey they undertake and, I believe, will be on for the next books.
Although the characters are many, their plots are perfectly interwoven, giving us a bigger picture of the ship’s internal dynamics than would be possible with just one character. All of them were a pleasure to read, although I have my favorites, Commander Raleigh, Commander Clear Sky and Sonni being some of them.
The pacing was perfect, for me. Tense action sequences followed by big stretches filled with character development. Even down time felt engaging, since there was always something going on with the characters, be it emotional turmoil, a problem with the ship or just them trying to keep up with their superior’s expectations.
About the writing, it could be smoother at times, especially regarding the characters’ emotions. At times the author would show their reactions and tell us their emotions, removing me out of the immersion. A more “show, don’t tell” approach would benefit the writing immensely and would have given it the 5 stars quality. I believe, though, that craftsmanship will come in time as the author continues to write.
So, to conclude, apart from some clunky text at times, “A New Beginning” is a solid, immersive, gripping story with rich characters and the potential to turn into an amazing sci-fi series. I’ll be here to read it all!
A great scratch at the space exploration itch that the likes of Star Wars can’t seem to provide these days. If you like sci-fi and the pursuit of new horizons, this is for you. Read it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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November 3, 2025
A New Beginning is an exhilarating and deeply human entry into the realm of military space opera one that redefines what exploration among the stars can mean. E.J. Isaacs crafts a story that is as much about discovery and unity as it is about identity and belonging. The result is a richly layered adventure that captures the wonder of deep space while celebrating the diversity of those bold enough to journey through it.
Captain Rena Sheets is a fascinating protagonist: strong, intuitive, and quietly burdened by responsibility. Her creation of the Excalibur II, humanity’s most advanced starship, sets the stage for a voyage brimming with tension and heart. Each crew member carries their own secrets whether a past steeped in espionage, a hidden AI presence, or a stowaway with unexpected depend and Isaacs weaves these threads into a tapestry of interstellar intrigue.
What truly sets this novel apart is its deft balance of genre and emotion. Isaacs brings the grandeur of classic science fiction, alien contact, galactic politics, and high-stakes adventure—into harmony with tender explorations of love, identity, and trust. The representation feels organic, never forced, and adds layers of authenticity to a cast already vibrant with humanity.
A thrilling debut that will appeal to fans of The Expanse and Star Trek: Discovery, A New Beginning is both epic and intimate, a journey through the stars and the self.
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January 17, 2026
A fun queer sci-fi romp that feels reminiscent of Star Trek. The episodic nature of the book, with the cast dealing with a few different threads, makes it feel especially like I'm reading a sci-fi season, with a bit of a queer touch, though it's more subtle than some other novels from Space Wizard. It's also reminiscent of Becky Chambers' books.
At the same time, this episodic form of storytelling isn't my kind of thing, the same problem I have with the novels of Becky Chambers. I am also not a Trekkie. I would rather read one plot per novel, much like the way Star Wars approaches its storytelling.
Nonetheless, the novel is filled with interesting worldbuilding and interpretations of tropes done differently in sci-fi. I loved the way the book interpreted why rogue AI goes insane, and it feels really logical. I also really like the final 'episode', with the dilemma the Native Americans have when they realize that this time, they are the invaders of a different planet as they have a native species. The resolution of that feels a little too easy, but the episode was impressive nonetheless. If you are a Trekkie, this is where you want to go. I will probably still read the second installment in the series, because after all I want to read everything Space Wizard produces, but I will say that it's less my thing. That's okay; I'm still having a blast.
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October 14, 2025
Journey to the Stars . . .
When Earth was unexpectedly able to claim a victory over an alien enemy group, it was exactly what Captain Rena Sheets needed to justify creation of Excalibur II, an advanced starship for a mission to enable them to verify whether the enemy is still in existence and waiting for another chance to strike. Or even whether other enemies exist that need to be discovered so we will be ready to defend Earth. Her new crew will need to be the adventurous type to meet whatever challenges are waiting for them. Will they be able to deal with any unexpected aliens they may meet? Will they be able to meld as a competent crew able to carry out their mission? What does the future hold for them as they begin their 10-year journey to discover what is out there and whether they are able to deal with a new threat?
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October 20, 2025
Unexpected.
Captain Rena Sheets and her crew on the Excalibur II are a great bunch, it seems. There seems to be something between Rena and Commander Raleigh, which is great. But the book was classed under Lesbian Science Fiction, which I feel the main characters are then involved. The book is written from multiple POVs, which does include lesbian or gay characters, but not the captain of the ship.
The ship and crew had some exciting adventures in this book, and we will see what comes in the next book, I am sure there will be a next one, seeing that only one romance basically happened and not with a main character. Also with how the book ended there should be more…
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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October 31, 2025
This was a nicely written story and a good beginning to what's shaping up to be an interesting series of books. The characters have good depth and plenty of back story. The plot itself is decent and different enough from a lot of military sci-fi and first contact stories. The pacing is reasonable, but the first half is understandably slow given that this is the first of a series and it needs to focus on character development and world-building. That said, there's a lot to like here. I'm looking forward to the continuation of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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March 13, 2026
I've been reading SiFi for over 70 years. That means I encountered each "new wave" as it occurred,
I enjoyed the book. read it in two days. Had no problems with the multitude of characters, their motivations or actions.
Speaking of actions, as a Marine, 67 / 71 Chulai 68, I found them to be mostly believable in the "crewman #6 dies" style of "main characters never die"
The gender fluidity is not pounded into you as some newer authors feel they must to do to be relevant. The relationships are presented matters of fact.
All in all, a book I'd recommend as "light reading" if opened minded.
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October 7, 2025
A war that never really ended…
Captain Sheets is launching a new human spaceship, the start of a 10 year journey to map space for humans and figure out if the galaxy’s enemies are still out there. Her crew is pretty green, and the tech is unproven. Throw in the Alliance across the galaxy, and a few interesting aliens, and you have a gun story.
Good world building, and an interesting series of adventures. Only objection is the conflict seems light - dangers abound, but so far, little taxing for the crew.
That said, light enjoyable fun and look forward to the next book in the series.
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November 22, 2025
Fascinating storytelling for fans of Star Trek and other deep space adventures. While reading, I felt like I was binge watching episodes. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have many happy memories of watching Star Trek, Deep Space Nine and Voyager. This book put me right back there with a unique cast and several missions to get the journey started as this is the first book in a series.
The world building is rich and vast. The cast are authentic and real. I look forward to seeing where Excalibur journeys to next…recommend!
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October 18, 2025
A New beginning: I really enjoyed this story it has action and was a thrilling journey, Well developed characters . If you like LGBTQIA sci-fi and fantasy adventure action I highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more of this series
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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October 30, 2025
Totally would have given this five stars but there are a few unfortunate typo/grammatical errors. Grabs you from the beginning. Keeps you rolling with intrigue, suspense and action. Some interesting correlations with the current political climate. Good characters, both male and female. Well developed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Reviews left on Amazon: 8 customer reviews
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Dennis M. Myers
5.0 out of 5 stars A true trek to the stars!
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is an excellent start to an epic adventure. I am looking forward to the next installment.
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HCLMSL
4.0 out of 5 stars Space…The Final Frontier…
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2025
Format: Kindle
Fascinating storytelling for fans of Star Trek and other deep space adventures. While reading, I felt like I was binge watching episodes. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have many happy memories of watching Star Trek, Deep Space Nine and Voyager. This book put me right back there with a unique cast and several missions to get the journey started as this is the first book in a series.
The world building is rich and vast. The cast are authentic and real. I look forward to seeing where Excalibur journeys to next… recommend!
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific sci fi world
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2025
Format: Paperback
Full disclosure: The author is my brother in law. I know he's absolutely brilliant in so many ways, but I did not have any direct knowledge of his writing. I half expected that I might have to fake enthusiam for the book after reading it. I was so wrong! I loved it, all the way from beginning to end! The story, and the writing style, are just so engrossing. I felt like I was right there on the ship with all these characters, and I can't wait to read what happens to them in book 2.
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HunterJ
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great New Beginning
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2025
Format: Kindle
As a long-time reader of science fiction I'm always on the lookout for fresh material from new writers. This book from emerging author E.J. Isaacs did not disappoint. Good character development, well-paced storytelling, exciting battle scenes and meaningful dialog. I'm liking the universe he's creating and am excited for the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
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cjs
4.0 out of 5 stars Great scifi action
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2025
Format: Kindle
Totally would have given this five stars but there are a few unfortunate typo/grammatical errors. Grabs you from the beginning. Keeps you rolling with intrigue, suspense and action. Some interesting correlations with the current political climate. Good characters, both male and female. Well developed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Dulaine Roode Author
5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected
Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2025
Format: Kindle
Captain Rena Sheets and her crew on the Excalibur II are a great bunch, it seems. There seems to be something between Rena and Commander Raleigh, which is great. But the book was classed under Lesbian Science Fiction, which I feel the main characters are then involved. The book is written from multiple POVs, which does include lesbian or gay characters, but not the captain of the ship.
The ship and crew had some exciting adventures in this book, and we will see what comes in the next book, I am sure there will be a next one, seeing that only one romance basically happened and not with a main character. Also with how the book ended there should be more…
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Chris Gerrib, Author, One of Our Spaceships is Missing
4.0 out of 5 stars A good space opera!
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2025
Format: Kindle
Full disclosure - I was a Kickstarter backer of the publisher. Having said that, I recently read and enjoyed E. J. Isaac's debut novel A New Beginning. It's a space opera, which opens with a tense space battle in Chapter 1. The next section, labeled Part 1: A Taste of Diplomacy, is set 20 years later when a veteran of the battle in the first chapter takes out her new warship, Excalibur II, on an extended survey mission. The enemies we meet in Chapter 1 are still out there, just biding their time during an armistice.
The book is somewhat episodic, but interesting, with a large cast of characters. These characters aren't superhuman, but rather have the physical and emotional frailties of real people. It's a very engaging read.
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JL
4.0 out of 5 stars Star Trek-esque Fun
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2025
Format: Kindle
A war that never really ended…
Captain Sheets is launching a new human spaceship, the start of a 10 year journey to map space for humans and figure out if the galaxy’s enemies are still out there. Her crew is pretty green, and the tech is unproven. Throw in the Alliance across the galaxy, and a few interesting aliens, and you have a gun story.
Good world building, and an interesting series of adventures. Only objection is the conflict seems light - dangers abound, but so far, little taxing for the crew.
That said, light enjoyable fun and look forward to the next book in the series.