Celus-5

Silver Ships, Book 8

By: S. H. Jucha

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

For its initial mission, Haraken's explorer ship, the Sojourn, undertook the investigation of Celus-5, a world identified by Willem, a SADE (self-aware digital entity), and his team of scientists, as the best candidate for a new colony.

What should have been a routine survey mission became a disaster. To the Harakens' surprise, they discovered not one but two alien species, which were constantly engaged in conflict. One species, the Dischnya, hid their nests underground, and each nest owed its allegiance to a queen. On the grassy plains, where the Dischnya lived, the resources were scarce, and the warriors competed fiercely.

Unfortunately, the Harakens' landing party was late in discovering the Dischnya's hideouts, and a shuttle and crew, including Teague, Alex Racine's son, were captured by the doglike warriors of the Tawas Soma nest. Soon the mission was mired in a standoff, and Captain Asu Azasdau fired off a comm to Haraken, pleading for a rescue from Tomas Monti, the Haraken president, and Alex Racine.

The survey group might have been forgiven for their hasty landing. They were focused on investigating the three objects buried in the sands along the continent's shoreline. Smooth, dark, and silver, they were the ships belonging to the nemesis of every human - the Nua'll.

The dark travelers presented another clue as to the direction of the Nua'll home world, but it also invoked the question: Where were the Swei Swee, the six-legged, whistling aliens who once were aboard the ships?

©2017 S. H. Jucha (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Very Enjoyable ! I highly recommend the series!!!

I'm very much enjoying the Silver Ships series. You've created a very rich environment and various peoples and aliens. I've listened to the books and am just finishing the Celus-5 book. The series is giving as much pleasure as the EE Smith Skylark series that I hung onto for 30+ years.

I've really enjoyed the quality: no profanity, hints of romance and sensuality without getting into details and excitement without a lot of violence. The focus on relationships, problem solving and peace making across races is really excellent.

Great continuation

It seems like the series is pivoting to silver ships 2.0 and setting up listeners for a new grander adventure. Celus-5 is full of new characters and species that brings a renewed life to the story. There is also the expansion of SADE interactions bringing them more to the forefront of the adventure.

Haven't Finished Audio book BUT 5 STARS!

First off...I've digested this entire series (except the novella. I can't give a full credit for less than half a book) and I have to admit I hesitated for a full year before I purchased book 1. But now, more than half-way thru book 8 I can tell you this is now my most favorite book series. S. H. Jucha has surpassed his amazing effort with book 8. THIS is an example of how to write a successful novel.

My Project Manager mind LOVES how this novel flows; from problem to solution, to next problem to next solution. And the characters! You will laugh. You will cry. You will cheer. Enough. Throw down your audible credits and buy this series.

S. H. Jucha can do no wrong

As a fan of Star Trek and Stargate series this just falls right into place.
I've enjoyed all the books up until now.
But there hasn't been much action in a while....the scene where Alex gets hit and Z grabs him gave me goosebumps. It was one of the most emotional scenes written in the series so far. To see how much everyone loves Alex... That scene has replayed in my mind many times. I'm hoping for more action in the future books. Albeit I don't mind these slow moving books like Allura or Celus-5.....when you love the cast you can really complain no matter what they're doing.

Still can’t get enough of this series.

Please, please, continue thinking up new planets to explore and interesting species to find. I, too, volunteer to join the crew, just to go wherever Alex goes, just because wherever he is, excitement is sure to find him.

This series is like having John Wayne, in space. I’ve never tired of him and I won’t ever tire of Alex & Co.

Not the Best

The Silver Ships series is one of my current favorites and while this book rates better than Espero (my least favorite), it's not up to participate with the rest of the series. It's worth the credit but it's the first time I feel like the author just set me up with a......to be continued....story. I feel like I got stuck with a cliffhanger and now I have to wait for the continuation. BUMMER!

Just when he thought he was out...

Celus-5 is the 8th installment of S H Jucha's Silver Ships series. With life on Haraken relatively uneventful, Alex is living the semi-retired life while Haraken has progressed to exploring their neighborhood. All seems pretty banal, except for some of the SADEs who didn't really know what to expect and are becoming restless. An explorer vessel, with Alex's son part of the crew finds an inhabitable world with grounded traveler vessels. During their investigation they are taken prisoner by a new alien race. At the same time, their Swei Swee crew member escape into the ocean to discover long lost brethren. The Harakens respond to the SOS and Alex comes as well as an "alien" adviser with dozens of SADEs offering assistance. In the end, the planet and its inhabitants provides some tantalizing clues to the Nu'all and book 9 looks to be "have spaceship will travel" time.

The sci-fi elements are in line with earlier offerings with some minor evolutionary improvements. There's an interesting new humanoid alien race with a mysterious past that will likely be further developed. For this story, they represent devolution as their species possesses insufficient numbers to support what must have been older, but more advanced technology. The Swei Swee counterparts also display some noticeable differences. Diplomatic skills are on full and the SADEs have really stepped up; the depth of the Alex / Julian friendship is touching and enlightening with regards to subtle aspects of the artificial entities.

The narration is once again first rate with a solid mix of voices and great pacing for pleasurable storytelling. Basically, Silver Ships has evolved to a "star trek" format where the bulk of the crew with be SADEs with a very satisfied Alex in command.

Excellent story

Sci-fi must have!
Start from book📚 1. You won't be disappointed!
Grover Gardner is an excellent narrator.

A Fun Space Opera

Willem, a SADE (self-aware digital entity), identified Celus-5 as a possible candidate for a new colony. Haraken sent off an explorer ship called The Sojourn. Aboard the ship is Teague Racine. Teague is the son of Alex and Renee Racine. Alex is the former president of Haraken. Teague’s girlfriend, Ginny, is also aboard the ship. They discover the planet has two alien species as well as the remains of a Nua’ll ship. They are trying to discover what has happened to the Swei Swee who were aboard the Nua’ll ship.

The book is well written. The story is a bit different from the prior books. The Haraken are advancing and are now sending out explorer ships. Alex is no longer the key character. Jucha has introduced a number of new characters. The ending is most interesting and sets up the future of the series. The story still manages to keep my attention.

The book is about thirteen and a half hours. Grover Gardner does an excellent job narrating the book. Gardner is an actor, voice-over artist and has narrated audiobooks since 1981. Gardner has won twenty Earphone Award, and the Audie Award. In 1999 Audiofile named him the Best Voice of the Century. He has won multiple Golden Voice Awards and in 2005 won the Audiobook Narrator of the Year Award from Audible.

keep on.

Keep on writing and will keep on buying! Love your work and I really want to find out where the story goes