James Murdo
Space Opera & Hard Sci-Fi
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MYSTERIES IN THE WANDERER UNIVERSE
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I write 'cerebral sci-fi' - space opera and hard sci fi blended with other sub-genres - and have been  influenced by other Science Fiction authors such as Iain M Banks, Alastair Reynolds, Neal Asher, John Scalzi. You can find out more about my inspirations for the Wanderer Universe here.
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My writing - all set in the 'Wanderer Universe'

'James Murdo's spectacularly complex world-building is epic space fantasy...'
Instagram reviewer

Tapache's Promise Trilogy

  • Echoes of Gravity - Book 1
  • Echoes of Time - Book 2
  • Book 3
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Ancient machine intelligences. Resurrected species with no memories of the past. Creatures composed of gravity strings. What is hidden in the void between galaxies?
ECHOES OF GRAVITY

- "Echoes of Gravity is phenomenal...my mind was blown with every chapter I read...I would put it up there with some of the best world building I've ever read! I'm still in awe every time I think about it...I honestly couldn't put it down!"

- "There is something big brewing in the world that James Murdo has created..."

- "I was totally blown away by this book...James Murdo has a way of describing the universe that immediately pulls you in...If you like science fiction, and amazing world‑building, this is the book for you!"

- "...beautiful, complex hard sf story...it really does hit the ground running after the first couple of chapters and I love that...If you like Iain M Banks, Neal Asher or just a really good story, read this book. When is the next one out please?!"

- "...a big, sprawling epic type of sci‑fi story...involves giant ships, lost and/or resurrected civilizations, strange (and in some cases, VERY strange) alien species, espionage, politics, space warfare, and more!...shades of some of those giant stories, like from Heinlein or Dick...I can't wait to read the next book."

- "...Not many authors can do this but James Murdo did!...James Murdo is one talented writer! I'm just left wanting more!"

- "This is a story set in space, deep space, and I really enjoyed Murdo's world building here...There is so much I need to know about and the second novel can't drop soon enough."

- "Honestly, when I was reading this book it was very clear to me that a lot of research had gone into developing a story as grounded in science as possible whilst still being “fictional”..."

- "...this book is phenomenal! I was 2/3 of the way through Dune when I started reading Echoes of Gravity, so it had an uphill battle from the start. And it totally delivered!"

- "I can’t wait to see what further big reveals the “Tapache’s Promise” sequels have in store for us!... If you’re a fan of the sci‑fi space novel genre, you will love Echo’s of Gravity!"

- "This book had some amazing twists...it will 100% leave you wanting to start the second book straight away! The author laid some seeerious foundations and left me excited for the rest of the trilogy."

- "James Murdo’s spectacularly complex world‑building is epic space fantasy. The story is a fast‑paced adventure...once I was in, I was IN...I’m excited to read book two and find out what happens next!"

- "...part space opera, part political thriller that strongly builds suspense throughout the novel...I loved Echoes of Gravity. It's refreshing to read a grand‑scale SF epic that doesn't rely on space battles and military tropes, it's really like Banks' work in that respect...I cannot wait for the sequel to see where the trilogy heads. A strong recommend from me, particularly if you like complex and intelligent SF."

- "It's a measure of how much I liked this book that I started it on Friday evening and finished on Sunday morning...I need to know what happens next! I want the second book of the trilogy immediately! There's no higher praise than that. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars. Highly recommended!"

*reviews from Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub
‘They became a separate species, a new evolutionary path.’ Splintered minds. A hidden city. Alien evolution directed by thought alone.
ECHOES OF TIME

‘They became a separate species, a new evolutionary path.’

Splintered minds. A hidden city. Alien evolution directed by thought alone.

Seventy years have passed since Kera unlocked the secrets of the dummy node, and the Administration reigns supreme. But all is not as it seems. Half-minds satisfy the Administration’s ruling class, and now the true leader wants to emerge from the shadows. 

Meanwhile, on the desolate plains of Barrenscape, an attempt to trap the Breaker goes awry, unveiling an ancient structure from a time so distant that even the Vaesians have forgotten. The Breaker’s lair may have been found, but it’s not what anyone expected.

Will the burgeoning power of the Administration be enough to combat the enemy lurking outside Fadin? Will the true nature of the Source finally be revealed? 

Diyan searches. Yena waits. Paran explores. What of Kera?

BOOK 2 OF THE TAPACHE’S PROMISE TRILOGY, SET IN THE WANDERER UNIVERSE.
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Cerebral Sci-Fi with an emphasis on the ‘Sci’. If you enjoy Hard Sci-Fi, complex Space Opera, and authors such as Iain M. Banks, Alastair Reynolds and Dan Simmons, then this is for you.
Coming soon
'The blend of biology, science, technology and engineering is staggering.'
Bookbub reviewer

Standalone space opera

  • Siouca Remembers
  • Long Paradise
  • Fractured Carapace
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The quest to unlock the secrets of interstellar travel leads a Roranian crew on an epic journey across space. Saved by a dying machine-lect, stranded in a failing ship, faced with an ultimate choice. Were they too eager in their attempts to reach the stars?
SIOUCA REMEMBERS

- "I can't wait to read all the other books set in this universe."

- "Probes into important questions of our time regarding the influence of technology."

- "If you enjoy Iain M Banks' Culture series, I'm sure you will love this story."

- "I may never look at things in the same way again."

- "Fantastic weirdness in the Wanderer Universe... we get to meet more fantastic races and entities... "

- "Thought provoking."

- "You’ll be fascinated by the Wanderers cosmos!"

- "Get this novel, read it and enjoy it."

*reviews from Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub
The Outer Layer is an enigma to its residents. Representatives from countless races and civilisations wander the many territories hoping to unlock the secrets and progress further into its depths.
LONG PARADISE

- "I can't wait to read all the other books set in this universe."

- "Probes into important questions of our time regarding the influence of technology."

- "If you enjoy Iain M Banks' Culture series, I'm sure you will love this story."

- "I may never look at things in the same way again."

- "Fantastic weirdness in the Wanderer Universe... we get to meet more fantastic races and entities... "

- "Thought provoking."

- "You’ll be fascinated by the Wanderers cosmos!"

- "Get this novel, read it and enjoy it."

*reviews from Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub
Chathindi diligently works under Krasna. She studies the insectoid Risers - non-sentients, native to Prebis, that eject from the ocean to join a mysterious living blanket encompassing the world - and grows increasingly convinced that they are more than they appear.
FRACTURED CARAPACE

- "What a neat story! This author is so creative with all these different worlds and alien species. It was really cool to get to see the details of life on one of these worlds for one small species. If you liked the Gil's world series, you will definitely enjoy this book as well."

- "Thought provoking."

- "We have the pleasure to meet yet more intriguing species/entities (biological, technological, etc.) and become immersed in further adventure/intrigue/mystery. My favorite aspect of this writing is how the strength of the characters is interwoven, sometimes overtly with others subliminally. These twisty reveals can happen unexpectedly. If you're into the more "science" part of "scifi", this author is for you!"

- "I've read the book back in March and still find myself thinking about one particular character..."

*reviews from Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub
'You'll be fascinated by the Wanderers cosmos!'
Bookbub reviewer

Wanderers series (Ongoing)

  • Gil's World - Book 1
  • Searching the Void - Book 2
  • Infinite Eyes - Book 3
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A lone Wanderer ship has found something on an innocuous world, something inexplicably connected to the mysterious entity that started the war. Has it found a power that even the Ascended Biologicals did not possess?
GIL'S WORLD

- "The breadth and scope of the author's universe is staggering!"

- "I don’t usually do reviews but I have to recommend this book."

- "The story is told through several viewpoints and occurs in a universe filled with futuristic technology and races - think artificial intelligences, machines and species of every imaginable type. I think if you enjoy Iain M. Banks books (the Culture series) you'll enjoy these!"

- "I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series."

- "Very imaginative and thought provoking. I am waiting for the story to continue."

- "Great book."

- "Reminded my of older pure science fiction stories."

*reviews from Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub
A Wanderer data-lect is minding its own business when a perplexing stranger makes an unexpected visit. Its absurd claims of other realities can’t possibly be true, can they?
SEARCHING THE VOID

- "The blend of biology, science, technology, and engineering is staggering. Thrown in some ideals and that makes for a masterful read!"

- "What an amazingly unique tale."

- "Great follow up to Gil's World, quite an enjoyable bit of sci-fi... It was difficult to put down at any point, had me laughing at some of the dialogue, and then just utterly shocked in further chapters. Without spoiling anything I really enjoy James take on the genre. I'd liken it in sort of the same family as Alastair Reynolds."

- "Machine lects with attitude... Creatures that make one wonder how one even comes up with something like that! The saga is so versatile that it doesn't let thoughts wander away from you."

- "When does the next one come out?!?"

*reviews from Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub
The ruins of the Maspero may yield vital clues about the fabled Deliverer. The problem? The Maspero were Ascended Biologicals, whose ruins are generally best left alone…
INFINITE EYES

- "Gil continues to amaze! She's gutsy, complex, and yet vulnerable at times. This Wanderer universe is rather intricate, great worldbuilding. The different "-lects" are particularly well drawn. Also, the various viewpoints add a richness to these tales within tales. There are suggestions of fate and destiny, and some wrestle with free will. Excellent third installment..."

- "Love the books... Never wrote a book review before but really had to on this series."

- "What a great continuation of an already great series! Just like with the previous books, you can expect to bounce between different characters' perspectives with each chapter - a feature that I enjoy. You can also expect to be confused through much of the story only to have it all cleared up (as far as the author wants) by the end."

*reviews from Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub