Review: Predator Moons by J.H. Ramsay

Two unpredictable destinies collide in a far-flung corner of the universe in Predator Moons, a futuristic feast for the senses by J.H. Ramsay. Part dystopian fantasy and part space opera, this is an expansive and compelling story set in an endlessly layered realm of creativity and visionary imagination.

Traveling to the outer limits of the galaxy on two very different missions, the protagonists of this epic astral adventure don’t seem to have much in common, but that isn’t altogether true. Both are unable to resist change and progress; Isaiah is once again trying to escape a lifetime of slaughter and deception and addiction, while Chloe is determined to discover profound secrets tucked away across the galaxy. Their stubbornness drives them to desperate measures as their missions become far more complex, and deadly.

From zombie slaves and hive minds to stunning planetary landscapes and brainy alien vertebrates that could unlock new secrets of life in the universe, this novel is overflowing with action and intrigue. Bolstered by strong secondary characters and wild, careening plot lines that are impossible to predict, this novel is an undeniably enjoyable spree for lovers of sci-fi. This is rambunctious and boundless sci-fi at its best, where creativity can run rampant and readers eagerly suspend their disbelief to get lost in the wild ride.

Sharp and assertive dialogue is coupled with patient, musing passages that veer into the abstract, touching on ideas of luck, fate, identity, desire, and manipulation. The narration varies in scope, yet it flows smoothly within scenes, never dominating the storytelling, but always complementing it in unexpected ways. At times, the narrative voice is an inner monologue of Chloe or Isaiah, while at others it feels like an impartial philosopher, nudging readers towards revelations and self-reflection. Even the simplest interactions and moments of prose are expressed in unusual ways, revealing an author whose love and mastery of language runs deep.

The writing style itself is bold and ambitious, and the author has created an endless supply of potential moons, monsters, and mayhem to explore. The prose is densely populated with impactful lines – “I’ve never been so close to something so gargantuan, so monstrous, so raw and fresh with death,” creating a sense of visceral horror reminiscent of China de Mieville. In other moments, Ramsay paints a scene with gut-punch descriptions that send shivers: “I walk to the scorched flap of Foley’s tent, where red light streams through and pools at my feet like a puddle of blood.”

There are very few lackluster lines in this novel, suggesting that every sentence and idea was well-vetted and polished by an editor, but some issues do remain. The author’s regular reliance on self-referential questions is one heavy-handed part of the narration that should be adjusted, along with dramatic internal declarations at the ends of chapters that seem to lay out a character’s motivation or path forward through the story, which leads the reader more than necessary. There are also some technical critiques to the prose, including choppy dialogue and repetitive syntax structure, as well as basic grammatical errors like dangling participles, fragmented sentences, and idiomatic language that feels out of place in this distant future.

Those small critiques aside, this novel is an impressive launching point for more galaxy-spanning books from an author who can skillfully balance mischief, chaos, science, and morality in exceptionally entertaining ways.