What do you think?
Rate this book
The Icarus Void
The crew of the Icarus is used to high-stress their ship is designed to dive into the heart of a star to collect scientific data for research. Testing out the Icarus's new heatshielding is the plan, but when they discover an artifact in orbit of the Sun, the head of the research team presses the captain to retrieve the object for further analysis. The interior of the artifact is hollow -- a void -- and should be incinerated, but it's perfectly intact. If they can discover what makes the object naturally resilient to the radiation of the Sun, perhaps it can be used for future development in stardiving. Once the artifact is on board, research begins, and the scientists discover the terrifying secret of the void -- but the fate of the ship may have already been sealed. The Icarus Void is an intense novel of science-fiction horror that will drag you in and pull you along until the final page. It also serves as the terrifying prelude to CK Burch's upcoming Equinox Saga
- GenresScience Fiction
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2011
10 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
C.K. Burch
9 books4 followersCK Burch is the central hub for numerous alternate realities, most of them available on Amazon. While he can be generally found in his head, flying from adventure-to-adventure with the speed of a bullet, he's known to sometimes slow down long enough to enjoy a good read, a good coffee, and the company of the love of his life. Some days the jungles and the ruins and the pyramids grip his imagination, but other times it's the heights of space and science and other dimensions. Regardless of the genre, his stories are geared for entertainment and for enjoyment.
All his novels have happened. Even this one.
All his novels have happened. Even this one.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 8, 2015
I'm amending my review here, it's deserving of more explanation. Let me also note that I respect the author for taking criticism of language usage and toning it down. Any notes others made about it being very vulgar are mostly void now.
This is a pretty bland and disappointing novella/book. It's not science-fiction, as nowhere will you find any attempt to explain anything, and I think that breaks away from what the intent was. Where it sounds like a science vessel coming across cosmic horror, it just uses technobabble to hand wave setting/situations, and the villains are Dead Space things led by Cthulhu. Descriptions are reserved for people and rarely anything else, so one cannot visualize anything or any orientation. Things happen in labeled places, that is all. Find/Replace could change the whole setting or mood.
It would serve as a good Star Trek episode where everyone knew they were just riffing on a videogame. Except that even Star Trek made more sense and had better done characters. Maybe a Voyager Episode?
This is a pretty bland and disappointing novella/book. It's not science-fiction, as nowhere will you find any attempt to explain anything, and I think that breaks away from what the intent was. Where it sounds like a science vessel coming across cosmic horror, it just uses technobabble to hand wave setting/situations, and the villains are Dead Space things led by Cthulhu. Descriptions are reserved for people and rarely anything else, so one cannot visualize anything or any orientation. Things happen in labeled places, that is all. Find/Replace could change the whole setting or mood.
It would serve as a good Star Trek episode where everyone knew they were just riffing on a videogame. Except that even Star Trek made more sense and had better done characters. Maybe a Voyager Episode?
May 31, 2020
Fun Sci-Fi Horror
This was a breath of fresh air for me. It reminds me of the countless movies on a spaceship where the crew stumbles across alien nasties and everyone dies without a happy ending. Well, this book is kinda like that. Lots of lead up, you get familiar with the crew and the mission but once things get rolling it’s white nuckling to the finish. There were some things I didn’t understand and I guessed half the ending but it was fun and had me on the edge of my seat. The story played out like a movie in my mind and I just enjoyed the ride. Most of the sci-fi I read doesn’t really take the horror route so this was an pleasant detour for me.
This was a breath of fresh air for me. It reminds me of the countless movies on a spaceship where the crew stumbles across alien nasties and everyone dies without a happy ending. Well, this book is kinda like that. Lots of lead up, you get familiar with the crew and the mission but once things get rolling it’s white nuckling to the finish. There were some things I didn’t understand and I guessed half the ending but it was fun and had me on the edge of my seat. The story played out like a movie in my mind and I just enjoyed the ride. Most of the sci-fi I read doesn’t really take the horror route so this was an pleasant detour for me.
February 17, 2017
A worthwhile distraction
A good book. Lots of little errors but it was fun and maybe even kinda brilliant. Thanks a lot, Mr.Burch!
A good book. Lots of little errors but it was fun and maybe even kinda brilliant. Thanks a lot, Mr.Burch!
February 15, 2013
I bought that book because I read recommendations on tumblr comparing him to Banks and other great SciFi authors. So great I did.
First and foremost I have to say this book is really good and I thoroughly recommend it to others.
It starts slow, introducing the crew, status of the ship and mission, as well as giving some hinds of the general overall status, without going into depth of when and where and why. The book is written from different "main" character view points, which I like very much in stories. (The aforementioned swearing comes into play here, but as said before, I never found it annoying but rather fitting to the scene and authentic). The story gains momentum pretty fast and it's kind of a hell of a ride from there. Couldn't put it aside at times (missed bus stops and had to walk back some blocks, so really enthralling). I loved the ending very much, not just the twist but the overall setting of the book. And considering the overall book it is very well done. So highly recommended.
On a more critical side there are some things that bothered me right from the start, reading it as well as afterwards. But nothing mayor.
**SPOILERS from now on (trying to keep them at the hint side)**
- While I started to read the book, I didn't like the sociological setting of it. Though it is supposed to play sometime in the future, gender settings really reminded me of today's world (misogynistic, body shaming, etc.). I found that bothering as it was very plain and put the characters in some categories, that shouldn't matter in a future space travelling world anymore (at least I hope so/also which is a topic in scifi allowing the author to expand todays view and envision a future that might be better).
- Continuing the story those character categories of course where more than justified. Though at times I was pondering whether these categories were too textbook like and too close to what I'd expect of the characters (job, position, emotional setting).
- Finishing the book I'd say it is well written and set as it is. Though I had some doubts throughout reading it, it fell very much into place at the end and these character categories simply fitted the overall setting very much.
Though I see parallels to Banks, the book reminded me at times very much of some mayor motion pictures. Seemed like a mix of some movies though the story itself is brand new. The plot itself and how it progresses is rather like todays scifi movies and not in the slow and sometimes rather disturbing setting of other books (Asimov and so on). And I'd also actually see a movie be made out of the book without many changes.
Also there were some minor "typos" (one per chapter I'd say), distracting but not annoying, and rather due to him publishing it like he did and thus rather charming. But please, dear Mr. Burch, if you publish something again, send it to someone (I'd even be willing to do that) and set it into a nicer font and justified print ;)
But again as said in the first paragraph, considering the overall setup of the book, all those minor critics sum up only to real minor points and nothing that really bothered me in the end.
Would love to see more from him.
First and foremost I have to say this book is really good and I thoroughly recommend it to others.
It starts slow, introducing the crew, status of the ship and mission, as well as giving some hinds of the general overall status, without going into depth of when and where and why. The book is written from different "main" character view points, which I like very much in stories. (The aforementioned swearing comes into play here, but as said before, I never found it annoying but rather fitting to the scene and authentic). The story gains momentum pretty fast and it's kind of a hell of a ride from there. Couldn't put it aside at times (missed bus stops and had to walk back some blocks, so really enthralling). I loved the ending very much, not just the twist but the overall setting of the book. And considering the overall book it is very well done. So highly recommended.
On a more critical side there are some things that bothered me right from the start, reading it as well as afterwards. But nothing mayor.
**SPOILERS from now on (trying to keep them at the hint side)**
- While I started to read the book, I didn't like the sociological setting of it. Though it is supposed to play sometime in the future, gender settings really reminded me of today's world (misogynistic, body shaming, etc.). I found that bothering as it was very plain and put the characters in some categories, that shouldn't matter in a future space travelling world anymore (at least I hope so/also which is a topic in scifi allowing the author to expand todays view and envision a future that might be better).
- Continuing the story those character categories of course where more than justified. Though at times I was pondering whether these categories were too textbook like and too close to what I'd expect of the characters (job, position, emotional setting).
- Finishing the book I'd say it is well written and set as it is. Though I had some doubts throughout reading it, it fell very much into place at the end and these character categories simply fitted the overall setting very much.
Though I see parallels to Banks, the book reminded me at times very much of some mayor motion pictures. Seemed like a mix of some movies though the story itself is brand new. The plot itself and how it progresses is rather like todays scifi movies and not in the slow and sometimes rather disturbing setting of other books (Asimov and so on). And I'd also actually see a movie be made out of the book without many changes.
Also there were some minor "typos" (one per chapter I'd say), distracting but not annoying, and rather due to him publishing it like he did and thus rather charming. But please, dear Mr. Burch, if you publish something again, send it to someone (I'd even be willing to do that) and set it into a nicer font and justified print ;)
But again as said in the first paragraph, considering the overall setup of the book, all those minor critics sum up only to real minor points and nothing that really bothered me in the end.
Would love to see more from him.
February 7, 2013
I decided to buy The Icarus Void after finishing (and loving) A Ruthless Echo, C. K. Burch's other novel (which is a COMPLETELY dissimilar book to Icarus but one I HIGHLY recommend). Icarus starts a little slow, which is good because Burch thoroughly introduces the ship and the excellent characters before getting into the white-knuckle action. Once the intensity starts it's a thrill ride to the (surprising) end. At one point I actually surprised my wife by saying "Holy s***" out loud while I was reading. I see a few reviews commenting on the swearing in the book and while there IS a lot of it, it never seemed out of place to me. I can imagine most people in the characters situations would be cursing up a storm. I know I would. Also: Yes Monte Canfield you "must have read a different book than most of the others commenting here" because this book is fun, exciting and leaves you wanting more.
I've read two excellently solid entries from C. K. Burch consecutively and I can't wait to see what his next book Equinox brings. Burch has a way with his characters, MAKING you identify with them whether you love or hate them. He's definitely gained a fan in THIS reader.
I've read two excellently solid entries from C. K. Burch consecutively and I can't wait to see what his next book Equinox brings. Burch has a way with his characters, MAKING you identify with them whether you love or hate them. He's definitely gained a fan in THIS reader.
March 16, 2012
Contest here: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
I could barely put this down and only thank my lucky stars that I read this on Kindle because I think if I had read this on paper I would either have set the pages alight I was turning them so quick or else have ended up with a fistful of paper-cuts! Honestly, it is rarely that proper, grown-up Sci-Fi this good comes along and if you only read one Science-Fiction novel this year, really it needs to be this one! I guessed the very final twist right at the end, even this could not spoil the book for me. Burch is an author I will be looking out for in the future for definite and if this debut is anything to go by, then he has a highly promising career ahead of him as a writer and one which deserves every success! This was that good that, if I was able, I even would have given this 6 stars out of 5! Highly recommended!!
The Icarus Void is the best Science Fiction book I've read in years!
I could barely put this down and only thank my lucky stars that I read this on Kindle because I think if I had read this on paper I would either have set the pages alight I was turning them so quick or else have ended up with a fistful of paper-cuts! Honestly, it is rarely that proper, grown-up Sci-Fi this good comes along and if you only read one Science-Fiction novel this year, really it needs to be this one! I guessed the very final twist right at the end, even this could not spoil the book for me. Burch is an author I will be looking out for in the future for definite and if this debut is anything to go by, then he has a highly promising career ahead of him as a writer and one which deserves every success! This was that good that, if I was able, I even would have given this 6 stars out of 5! Highly recommended!!
The Icarus Void is the best Science Fiction book I've read in years!
July 28, 2012
I really liked this book. The story is just fantastic, despite all the problems my inner editor had with word choices and repetition. The pacing was a little slow at first but it picked up quickly and, honestly, the very last twist at the end made it difficult to resist re-reading the book immediately. It would have gotten five stars if not for the fact that I feel it could be benefit from better editing. Still, this is definitely one of the best books I've read in the last year. If you're into horror/sci-fi (if you enjoyed Aliens or Pitch Black or even Apollo 18, for example) then you will probably enjoy it as much as I did.
November 15, 2013
The Icarus Void is like a novelization of a set of movies and games in the space horror genre. Mix Aliens, Solaris, Dead Space, and Half-Life together and you get The Icarus Void. The plot involves a spaceship on a research trip to the sun that comes across an alien artifact. They haul it into the ship for further study and all hell breaks lose.
The author excels at building up the tension between characters on the ship. The pressure continually builds as you wait for the next disaster. Also, kudos for a twist at the end that I didn't see coming but actually made sense.
The Icarus Void isn't high brow literature, but it is a fun read for anyone interested in a horror story set in space.
The author excels at building up the tension between characters on the ship. The pressure continually builds as you wait for the next disaster. Also, kudos for a twist at the end that I didn't see coming but actually made sense.
The Icarus Void isn't high brow literature, but it is a fun read for anyone interested in a horror story set in space.
June 25, 2015
Should have a warning about explicit language
While the story line was intriguing the constant profanity was way over the top. I served in three branches of the military and never had to resort to constant profanity like this. Very disappointing.
While the story line was intriguing the constant profanity was way over the top. I served in three branches of the military and never had to resort to constant profanity like this. Very disappointing.
December 9, 2015
Started slow but once it takes off its hard to put down.
June 8, 2015
I enjoyed this book a whole bunch due to the dead space/event horizon vibes. Onward to the next book.
June 10, 2012
I really enjoyed this. Great sci fi novel!
Want to read
February 15, 2013Kindle freebie, 2/15/13
October 14, 2013
Great story!
April 28, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book is about a space crew,primarily a military ship that's sent to our sun to test the shields of the ship. While there, they discover an artifact of unknown origin or intent. This is where the story gets interesting because the author weaves a story bordering on hallucinations,madness, and truth. There are several plot twist and cliff hangers which suck the reader in. The ending will catch you totally off guard if you're not prepared for it
This book is about a space crew,primarily a military ship that's sent to our sun to test the shields of the ship. While there, they discover an artifact of unknown origin or intent. This is where the story gets interesting because the author weaves a story bordering on hallucinations,madness, and truth. There are several plot twist and cliff hangers which suck the reader in. The ending will catch you totally off guard if you're not prepared for it
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews