What do you think?
Rate this book
The Orphan Ship #1
The Orphan Ship
Stranded 225 million kilometers from home on Mars Station, cousins Jake O'Brien and Lorina Murphy are drawn into a fledgling effort to help the hundreds of abandoned street children who call the station home. Jake becomes a medical apprentice in an outreach clinic, while Lorina volunteers at a juvenile shelter. They soon discover that their efforts may be in vain because something much more serious than poverty plaques Mars Station.
Also stranded on Mars Station, ship's captain Danae Shepherd faces the difficult task of hiring replacement crew after an alien virus claims the lives of four in her employ, including her husband. She stumbles upon the same problem that has Jake and Lorina stumped: why are the homeless children disappearing without a trace?
Also stranded on Mars Station, ship's captain Danae Shepherd faces the difficult task of hiring replacement crew after an alien virus claims the lives of four in her employ, including her husband. She stumbles upon the same problem that has Jake and Lorina stumped: why are the homeless children disappearing without a trace?
298 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
75 people are currently reading
1435 people want to read
About the author
Sterling R. Walker
8 books40 followersAuthor Sterling R. Walker has been writing since she was old enough to spell, filling notebooks and -- more recently - laptops, with her stories. She earned a BA in English from North Carolina State University, with a focus on Creative Writing. The Orphan Ship is her first published young adult science fiction novel. It's received good reviews and was awarded a 2012 silver medal from Children's Literary Classics.
Walker's exciting sequel to The Orphan Ship, The Lost Sheep, was published in October, 2013. The final book in the trilogy, The Last Orphan, was published in December, 2014. In February, 2016, she released The Orphan Ship Trilogy on Kindle, which combines all three books into one volume. She released Vesta Exiled: Vesta Colony Book One, in June, 2018, and Vesta Divided: Vesta Colony Book Two, in October, 2019. Book three in the trilogy, Vesta's Survival, was released in February, 2021. The Vesta series is YA sci-fi combined with paranormal clean romance.
Sterling R. Walker lives in North Logan, Utah. She is divorced and lives with two of her six adult children. She also has a daughter-in-law and one grandson.
Sterling offers a development editing service for indie authors called Sterling Edits. She does content editing at reasonable prices with quick turnaround.
Walker's exciting sequel to The Orphan Ship, The Lost Sheep, was published in October, 2013. The final book in the trilogy, The Last Orphan, was published in December, 2014. In February, 2016, she released The Orphan Ship Trilogy on Kindle, which combines all three books into one volume. She released Vesta Exiled: Vesta Colony Book One, in June, 2018, and Vesta Divided: Vesta Colony Book Two, in October, 2019. Book three in the trilogy, Vesta's Survival, was released in February, 2021. The Vesta series is YA sci-fi combined with paranormal clean romance.
Sterling R. Walker lives in North Logan, Utah. She is divorced and lives with two of her six adult children. She also has a daughter-in-law and one grandson.
Sterling offers a development editing service for indie authors called Sterling Edits. She does content editing at reasonable prices with quick turnaround.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 11, 2021
**I didn't have Goodreads when I posted the review of this book on Amazon back in 2019, so I just copy and pasted it to here**
This was an amazing book! I read it in less than a week, I could hardly put it down! The plot was great. There was a lot of action that kept me turning the pages. The characters were fun and likable, except Ting. That said, I'm eager to read the next book and learn a little more about him and hopefully gain a better understanding of why he's so grumpy all the time. The descriptions were great and I could really visualize the setting as I read. I loved the whole story and will definitely be reading the next book in the series! I highly recommend this book!
This was an amazing book! I read it in less than a week, I could hardly put it down! The plot was great. There was a lot of action that kept me turning the pages. The characters were fun and likable, except Ting. That said, I'm eager to read the next book and learn a little more about him and hopefully gain a better understanding of why he's so grumpy all the time. The descriptions were great and I could really visualize the setting as I read. I loved the whole story and will definitely be reading the next book in the series! I highly recommend this book!
June 7, 2012
Atomic warfare has destroyed much of Earth. Small pockets of humanity remain, but life is bleak and difficult. Med student Jake and his cousin Lorina think they can work for a better life on Mars Station, where one last university is still open, but when they arrive Mars College has just closed--and they have no money for the return journey.
Stranded on Mars, they both knuckle down to work. Jake becomes an apprentice at an outreach clinic, while Lorina volunteers at a children's shelter. Soon enough they discover an intrigue that threatens the hundreds or orphans that live on the streets of Mars station. What could anyone want from these children? Can anything be done for them before it is too late?
Walker gives her future setting the air of a shattered world still trying to pick up its pieces and start over. Interplanetary travel, all-purpose thumbnail id chips and incredible medical improvements exist side by side with bicycles and peanut butter. It is a nice blend of familiar and new, and gives the book a foundation of fictional credibility without breaking into hard-core science fiction. I don't know anything about the scientific yeas and nays of this kind of world, but as a reader I can believe in the setting.
I was tickled by the nod to Ray Bradbury in calling the newspaper The Martian Chronicles. You bond with an author without ever meeting her when you discover that you have both read the best Martian colonization fantasy short story collection ever written (regardless that it is probably only best by default).
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a clean, light sci-fi (light as in normal people like me can understand what is going on) with a little mystery and a little romance. Nice debut, Walker.
Stranded on Mars, they both knuckle down to work. Jake becomes an apprentice at an outreach clinic, while Lorina volunteers at a children's shelter. Soon enough they discover an intrigue that threatens the hundreds or orphans that live on the streets of Mars station. What could anyone want from these children? Can anything be done for them before it is too late?
Walker gives her future setting the air of a shattered world still trying to pick up its pieces and start over. Interplanetary travel, all-purpose thumbnail id chips and incredible medical improvements exist side by side with bicycles and peanut butter. It is a nice blend of familiar and new, and gives the book a foundation of fictional credibility without breaking into hard-core science fiction. I don't know anything about the scientific yeas and nays of this kind of world, but as a reader I can believe in the setting.
I was tickled by the nod to Ray Bradbury in calling the newspaper The Martian Chronicles. You bond with an author without ever meeting her when you discover that you have both read the best Martian colonization fantasy short story collection ever written (regardless that it is probably only best by default).
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a clean, light sci-fi (light as in normal people like me can understand what is going on) with a little mystery and a little romance. Nice debut, Walker.
January 27, 2015
As soon as I saw the description of this book and saw the words "Mars Station" I thought, "UGH! Not going to waste my time." But, I decided to give it a chance when I had nothing else on my kindle and needed something to read. Plus, it was a free download, so I gave it a shot. The first chapter was not gripping as the writing seemed very sophomoric. Once Walker got into her groove, the writing improved. It was a very quick read and while I imagined it would be a sci-fi, it wasn't too sci-fi-ie. It's not a genre I gravitate towards, at all. Overall, not torture to read. I will continue on with the next book. Once major criticism though, the romantic relationships "developed" in this book are ridiculous. Being so over the top it felt as though I was reading a middle school journal of a love sick girl/ boy. Thankfully, that particular story line wasn't the forefront of the novel. I enjoyed the action, and the unique plot.
February 16, 2019
The Orphan Ship is a heart felt book. Walker does a great job at interweaving all the characters together and making you interested in their lives. It is easy to read with not a lot of unnecessary description. You get how the characters are feeling by their interactions together. The future world is not too spacey or silly rather it feels realistic with references to our time now. It is well written and engaging. Great original concept. I love how she also weaved elements of different cultures and religions into the novel. Some suspenseful moments and there is enough left for you to wanting more in the next novel.
Update: Still love this novel, 6 years later. I recently reread this novel, and super love everything about it. I love how strong Danae, the main character is. Love the tension and the adventure. It makes me laugh and even cry. One of my favorite series!
Update: Still love this novel, 6 years later. I recently reread this novel, and super love everything about it. I love how strong Danae, the main character is. Love the tension and the adventure. It makes me laugh and even cry. One of my favorite series!
June 20, 2019
This story moved along quickly and I had a hard time putting it down to go to work. I read it in 2 days. Great premise involving children living in poverty, homeless on Mars and corrupt officials who take children and sell them into slavery. When the plot to drug the children and put them on a "livestock" spaceship comes to light to a ragtag crew of a passenger/cargo spaceship and the small staff of a medical clinic that works with the homeless, things get hairy very fast. This story works because child slavery exists now and probably will in the future. Both the best and the worst of human nature is shown in the characters and is central to this story. It also has a tentative HEA. There are 2 more books in the series so not all the loose ends are wrapped up.
July 2, 2018
I had the pleasure of reading the entire trilogy. Unlike a lot of Y/A books these dealt honestly, if carefully, with character development, difficult relationships, and how the decisions of a single person can ripple through the lives of many. The underlying theme, how humans treat their young and defenseless, is the kind of stuff many authors would shy from. Walker hits it head in and uses it to great effect.
Great characters, a taut story, and vibrant locations make this a solid read for anyone.
Great characters, a taut story, and vibrant locations make this a solid read for anyone.
July 6, 2017
Exciting and heart wrenching!
The characters are believable, and I found myself rooting for some of them. I couldn't wait until the ending, so I could find out what happens to my favorite characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction, with romance tossed in for a delightful story.
The characters are believable, and I found myself rooting for some of them. I couldn't wait until the ending, so I could find out what happens to my favorite characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys science fiction, with romance tossed in for a delightful story.
November 26, 2017
Set in the future, a strong-willed space captain and her crew venture into dangerous territory when they start rescuing abandoned children from the streets of the capital of Mars. Well-written with enticing characters and well-explained technology, the only quibble I have with the story is that it is never explained where these homeless children came from and how they ended up on Mars.
January 20, 2018
I actually enjoyed this story very much but was turned off of reading anymore of the series by the author's note at the end. I read to escape every day like and its stresses. I do not want the social injustices around the world to be thrust into my face by an author on their soapbox, I know about them already and do what i can.
March 31, 2018
Science fiction is not my thing, but I read this book anyway because I am very concerned about the child slavery which is so widespread in this world. The book reads nothing like a documentary; instead it is a gripping story, full of action, and sprinkled with delightful bits of humor. I am looking forward to Volumes 2 and 3.
April 11, 2018
4 star
A little torn on the ending because so much is open (perhaps the message should not have been received this book) but decent growth in several of the primary characters. But otherwise it was pretty well done.
A little torn on the ending because so much is open (perhaps the message should not have been received this book) but decent growth in several of the primary characters. But otherwise it was pretty well done.
July 31, 2018
Courageous people changing their priorities.
Half the crew died, the ship was in financial troubles, didn't have enough money for docking fees or to recruit new crew members. Then the captain ran into a few people trying to help children in desperate need. Everything changed.
Half the crew died, the ship was in financial troubles, didn't have enough money for docking fees or to recruit new crew members. Then the captain ran into a few people trying to help children in desperate need. Everything changed.
January 27, 2020
Couldn't put it down!!!!
This story was an exciting adventure, of love, of sadness, of happiness, excitement and so much more. I can't wait to read the next two books. If you like a unique story, this is it!
This story was an exciting adventure, of love, of sadness, of happiness, excitement and so much more. I can't wait to read the next two books. If you like a unique story, this is it!
June 11, 2020
Different Story for Me
You have a post apocolyptic Solar System. What would you do if you has to go to a different planet to try and finish your degree?
The characters are shown with a depth that not many authors can achieve. See what happens when life hits the fan....
You have a post apocolyptic Solar System. What would you do if you has to go to a different planet to try and finish your degree?
The characters are shown with a depth that not many authors can achieve. See what happens when life hits the fan....
June 25, 2025
Interesting read
We find that earth has gone through the ringer, and we have a new challenge of making mars a fresh start for some of us. But there is always someone that wants to take advantage of the children who are living on the streets. But things are going to change.
We find that earth has gone through the ringer, and we have a new challenge of making mars a fresh start for some of us. But there is always someone that wants to take advantage of the children who are living on the streets. But things are going to change.
April 19, 2018
Really enjoyed The Orphan Ship, which at time brought tears to my eyes.
April 25, 2018
Nicely written story about homeless children on Mars. The author kept the plot moving, and the prose was smooth.
June 26, 2020
i like this book very much it was a fun and exciting read. it was full of action and adventure.
November 10, 2016
The writing is good, but the title gives it away and you know too soon where this is headed.
January 3, 2017
an enthralling story of children being sold into slavery with a special, spatial hook
May 10, 2012
The Orphan Ship is Sterling R. Walker’s first sci-fi book. Spaceships? Check. Humans living on other planets? Check. Advanced technology? Check. In other words, it has all the elements you’d expect in a sci-fi book. However, it also has something that you may not expect: heart.
Walker introduces and develops many wonderful characters that bring this story alive. For example, Deane Shepherd, captain of the spaceship Ishmael, is complex. She struggles between being the rational, take charge captain while at the same time, dealing with a significant loss in her life. And she is only one of several compelling characters in the story.
What is the story about? The blurb on the back of the book does a better job than I ever could. It reads:
“Stranded 225 million kilometers from home on Mars Station, cousins Jake O'Brien and Lorina Murphy are drawn into a fledgling effort to help the hundreds of abandoned street children who call the station home. Jake becomes a medical apprentice in an outreach clinic, while Lorina volunteers at a juvenile shelter. They soon discover that their efforts may be in vain because something much more serious than poverty plaques Mars Station.
Also stranded on Mars Station, ship's captain Danae Shepherd faces the difficult task of hiring replacement crew after an alien virus claims the lives of four in her employ, including her husband. She stumbles upon the same problem that has Jake and Lorina stumped: why are the homeless children disappearing without a trace?”
The book can be enjoyed for the surface level story. There is plenty of action, intrigue, and humor for The Orphan Ship to be satisfying. However, it is the deeper look at poverty, greed and inhumane behaviors which give the book weight—especially when Walker skillfully portrays how children are impacted.
Did I enjoy the book? Yes. Very much so. It was engaging with enough sci-fi gadgets to bring out the inner tech geek in me. But it was the characters and the story than kept me coming back for more.
It’s a clean read with no bad language or sex scenes. There is some violence, but it’s not graphic and it’s needed to fully give the impact this story requires.
While it can be read as a stand-alone book, it leave the door wide open for one, if not more, books—much to my delight.
Walker introduces and develops many wonderful characters that bring this story alive. For example, Deane Shepherd, captain of the spaceship Ishmael, is complex. She struggles between being the rational, take charge captain while at the same time, dealing with a significant loss in her life. And she is only one of several compelling characters in the story.
What is the story about? The blurb on the back of the book does a better job than I ever could. It reads:
“Stranded 225 million kilometers from home on Mars Station, cousins Jake O'Brien and Lorina Murphy are drawn into a fledgling effort to help the hundreds of abandoned street children who call the station home. Jake becomes a medical apprentice in an outreach clinic, while Lorina volunteers at a juvenile shelter. They soon discover that their efforts may be in vain because something much more serious than poverty plaques Mars Station.
Also stranded on Mars Station, ship's captain Danae Shepherd faces the difficult task of hiring replacement crew after an alien virus claims the lives of four in her employ, including her husband. She stumbles upon the same problem that has Jake and Lorina stumped: why are the homeless children disappearing without a trace?”
The book can be enjoyed for the surface level story. There is plenty of action, intrigue, and humor for The Orphan Ship to be satisfying. However, it is the deeper look at poverty, greed and inhumane behaviors which give the book weight—especially when Walker skillfully portrays how children are impacted.
Did I enjoy the book? Yes. Very much so. It was engaging with enough sci-fi gadgets to bring out the inner tech geek in me. But it was the characters and the story than kept me coming back for more.
It’s a clean read with no bad language or sex scenes. There is some violence, but it’s not graphic and it’s needed to fully give the impact this story requires.
While it can be read as a stand-alone book, it leave the door wide open for one, if not more, books—much to my delight.
June 8, 2012
Easy to read Science Fiction. While the first couple of pages seemed to not flow like the rest of the book. Almost like the author was just getting her "sea legs" for the story. But after those first couple pages it flows and your on your way to meeting some people that have good Character! I really liked Blaze's thought pattern.
I did feel the ending felt rushed. Maybe because I wanted to read more about everyone..
I did feel the ending felt rushed. Maybe because I wanted to read more about everyone..
September 6, 2014
It isn’t very often that I find a Sci-Fi book that keeps me interested and looking forward to what happens next. Walker has thoughtfully produced an appealing storyline with unique ideas to intrigue readers and keep them engrossed in each of the character’s lives. The title is skillfully chosen and I like that as I read the story I was able to recognize its value as I got to know the individual characters.
Excited for the next in the series as Walker provided a fast paced storyline to ensure readers stay riveted to the book while excitedly anticipating the next. I felt that science, speculation, action and feelings were all completely incorporated with the perfect equilibrium of unexpected twists to keep readers intrigued. Excellent job at keeping the storyline believable in an out of this world setting!
~The Book Stalker Reviewed
Excited for the next in the series as Walker provided a fast paced storyline to ensure readers stay riveted to the book while excitedly anticipating the next. I felt that science, speculation, action and feelings were all completely incorporated with the perfect equilibrium of unexpected twists to keep readers intrigued. Excellent job at keeping the storyline believable in an out of this world setting!
~The Book Stalker Reviewed
January 18, 2017
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I am thrilled that I did.
I enjoy sci-fi thrillers but many of them are over my head or too complicated for me to follow ... not this one. It was easy to comprehend with a fast developing plot that seemed plausible to me. The characters were well written ... especially Jake and Shepherd. This was an quick, engaging story that I finished in one sitting and I am fortunate that I have books 2 and 3 waiting to read. There is a lot more to this narrative and I can't wait to know what is going to happen. I would also recommend this as a good read for any teen interested in this genre.
I enjoy sci-fi thrillers but many of them are over my head or too complicated for me to follow ... not this one. It was easy to comprehend with a fast developing plot that seemed plausible to me. The characters were well written ... especially Jake and Shepherd. This was an quick, engaging story that I finished in one sitting and I am fortunate that I have books 2 and 3 waiting to read. There is a lot more to this narrative and I can't wait to know what is going to happen. I would also recommend this as a good read for any teen interested in this genre.
October 27, 2014
Quite an easy flow and great characters, that I did get vested in; enough tension and action that I did not want to put it down. Read this in two afternoons. If I were to say, "If you liked ...., then you will like 'The Orphan Ship' ", I would refer to the "Serenity" series or movie because of the relatable crew and the scrapes in which they were always embroiled. Although this is a stand alone book, I am assuming there is a sequel planned in which we will see the directions their lives take. Very well edited.
May 22, 2016
Fabulous start to a great trilogy! I was hooked from the first page. Great writing and a really good plot make this a must read for science fiction lovers as well as people who just like a good story. These books (I read all three one after the other, as I couldn't get enough) address many issues that are prevalent in our own society, such as human trafficking and government corruption. I highly recommend the whole trilogy!
January 23, 2016
Good story
It is well written. I enjoyed reading a sci-fi story that wasn't about alien monsters.
This book brings attention to our present day horror of abandoned children and slave traffic of children.
The characters were believable and not too cheesy.
I like one is a Christian. Though I wonder why it is thought that only Catholics will survive.
It is well written. I enjoyed reading a sci-fi story that wasn't about alien monsters.
This book brings attention to our present day horror of abandoned children and slave traffic of children.
The characters were believable and not too cheesy.
I like one is a Christian. Though I wonder why it is thought that only Catholics will survive.
May 9, 2014
This book was written by the niece of a good friend, I really enjoyed the story line and was immediately invested in the characters. Have also read the sequel, Lost Sheep and can't wait for the third installment due out in December! I'll be receiving a signed copy from the author...
June 3, 2016
A feel good story
Although set in the future, this is a real feel good story about people who work for the purpose of helping orphans Nice characters who prove to be real people ... Having inner grit to overcome problems. Enjoy the read.
Although set in the future, this is a real feel good story about people who work for the purpose of helping orphans Nice characters who prove to be real people ... Having inner grit to overcome problems. Enjoy the read.
Read
June 6, 2016Decent story
The premise was good and the lot moved along fine. Some of the dialogue and character reactions seemed too dramatic, but that could just be my own preference. A decent story, with a great meaning behind it.
The premise was good and the lot moved along fine. Some of the dialogue and character reactions seemed too dramatic, but that could just be my own preference. A decent story, with a great meaning behind it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews