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.
If you are also an author, try out the Glossary Generator tool - it's a writing tool designed to help save time with the glossary creation process, and there's nothing else like it. If you have feedback for the online glossary maker, please let me know.
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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
  • Echoes of Foundation - 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

- "Combining hard science fiction with elements of fantasy, Echoes of Time is a wonderful read guaranteed to take you to another place. Murdo continues to evolve as an author in fascinating ways... I cannot wait for the finale of the Tapache's Promise trilogy!"

- "James Murdo continues to weaves a great, expanse narrative that grows with each book and Echoes of Time has a grand adventure at the heart of it.. Echoes of Time beautifully stands on its own while at the same time illustrates the complex story that's still unfolding; and bringing its previous entry, Echoes of Gravity into prominence- tying both books together nicely. Highly recommended."

- "An exciting novel which builds on book one, leaves us eagerly anticipating book three and provides a satisfying narrative of its own. Echoes of Time shows how the middle of a trilogy should be done. ✨✨✨✨✨5 stars."

- "I’ve been waiting for book two ever since I finished book one, Echoes of Gravity, last year and let me tell you; it did not disappoint!...Once I was sucked in I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in 3 days!...Murdo continues sucking us into this amazing world he has created, and truly immerses you into every aspect of the story, which keeps you wanting more. Another thing I loved; Murdo kept the glossary in the back of the book which was very helpful throughout the story and helped to clear up any confusion I may have had."

- "The story line moves quickly and is engaging with ingenious new characters and old heros striving to reunite. There is camaraderie, betrayal, benevolence and ruthlessness. New alliances are formed and greater foes encountered. A mark of a good writer is that the reader can be found at times rooting for and against the same villian. This is a Hard Science Fiction Mystery with every unveiling generating more questions."

- "I can't wait for the conclusion. This is one of the best sci-fi series I've read in at least a decade! Highly recommended!"

- "This is very different and difficult to classify into any one genre. It is part sentient AIs and sentient beings on a planet somewhere. It is definitely hard science.It has many, great subplots going on. Subterfuge galore and lots of action right up until the end. I inhaled it and will read it again."

- "I thoroughly enjoyed this one, well written and entertaining. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series."

- "Overall this book took everything great and intriguing from the first book and made it better. It should go without saying that you ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY need to read the first book here, but book two jumps ahead seventy years, and really opens up the immense, impressive world building of book one... Overall, the first book did a great job starting a new trilogy full of (at first) complicated ideas, ideologies, politics, species, and planets. Book two expands on them expertly, in some very interesting, mind-blowing, mind-altering, high-concept ways. To say I'm incredibly excited about book three would be an understatement. Anyone who's a fan of tiger first MUST get this one. Anyone on the fence, I'm personally telling you this is a great hard sci-fi series."

- "oh my! I need book three ASAP.😭...I'm really enjoying James Murdo's writing so far and I can't wait to read more books by him. The writing is so easily flowing that I ended up flying through the book. I started it only yesterday and have just finished it today...I mean doesn't that say something? (Uhm DUHH, THE BOOK WAS SO GOOD!)"

- "Echoes of Time does a great job of tying up the loose ends of the first novel while also revealing even deeper mysteries about at the heart of the trilogy...I think you'll enjoy this if you're a fan of the humanity of Iain Banks' Culture, or the impending cosmic doom of the Expanse. I'd also recommend picking up Echoes of Gravity first to get the most out of this."

- "If you're a fan of hard sci-fi space adventures full of mystery then this book is for you"

- "I don’t want to say too much as this is the second book but wow it’s so good!."

*reviews from Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub
'Long before the dawn of my civilisation, your kind existed.'
ECHOES OF FOUNDATION

*JUST OUT!*

'Long before the dawn of my civilisation, your kind existed.'

The Source has entered its final phase.

Fadin is in ruins following an influx rebellion and Sunsprit teeters on the brink. The Breaker wreaks havoc and a shadow of the Administration’s leadership works to annihilate everything, under new orders from the Source’s terrifying creators.

Separated from their friends by a strange anomaly, Kera and Diyan find themselves in a realm inhabited by confounding creatures eager to learn what became of one of their own. Meanwhile, Paran and Yena are drawn beneath Ringscape’s surface, where they uncover dark truths of the Vaesian past, and why it was purposely forgotten.

Can the mysteries within the Source be solved before it is too late?
'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