Total Eclipse

by Wyatt Werne

A billionaire, a thief, and a sex robot in a miniskirt are walking around the lunar colony blackmailing and killing people.

Kate Devana, a retired Marine and Space Force Guardian, returns to find it’s become the new Wild West. The powers that be don’t like her much because the last time she was there, she blew the place up. But the colony’s not big enough for all of them.

Can Kate stop the rogue AI without nuking the place like last time? Then again, with so much billionaire vanity in one place, maybe she should do the solar system a favor.

On the moon, Kate Devana is the law.

A fast-paced, enthralling science fiction mystery which will leave fans craving for the next book.

“A ... rip-roaring, action-packed, and perplexing near-future science fiction/crime fiction mashup. Total Eclipse presents another high-octane and complexly twisted case for Kate Devana.” -- Manhattan Book Review.


“Totally enjoyable...This book has all the earmarks of what makes reading sci-fi so enjoyable—warm-hearted characters with nerves of steel and situations and conflicts that have us gripping our seats to see who will come out the winner.” - The International Review of Books, Gold Badge Award

Genres: Science Fiction

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 31, 2023

About the author

Wyatt Werne has degrees in Biochemistry, Applied Math, and Economics. Economics is fiction, and he has over twenty-five years of experience in the financial services industry making stuff up. His prior work is kept encrypted under lock and key and marked Confidential and Restricted. Mostly, he’s too embarrassed to admit he wrote that stuff.

Reviews

[Katy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through the goodreads giveaways (woooo!🎉) and this book did not disappoint. Very fun and comedic sci fi story. When I read it before bed it gave me very strange sci fi dreams. My regret is not knowing that it’s kinda a sequel to another book that looks to be about the same main character, so I’m hoping to get my hands on that someday soon. I’ll be keeping an eye out to see if the saga continues as well!

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Kate Devana adventure. I have to say, I am really liking this series. Kate Devana is a smart and tough character, and it is so enjoyable reading how she processes the crimes being committed and finds the culprits. Her sarcasm really shines though and provides for an amusing, fun read.

Werne has written a great series which is based on the moon. The sci fi aspect of the books is there, but not overly technical. It’s just the right amount to make you feel like you’re there on the moon with them, without getting bogged down in too much detail which can detract from the storyline.

All I know is I’m really looking forward to reading more of these adventures. Highly recommend if you want a fast paced, fun, relatable sci fi read.

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Goodreads Giveaway

I thoroughly enjoyed the premise as well as the development of characters in this novel.

Kate and Zia were fantastic and you couldn't help but cheer for both of them.

The story nicely came together near the end and I appreciate how the author developed the finer, darker themes.

Well done!

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another hit out of the park for the Kate Devana Series! The pace is perfect, it neither lags nor races and the characters are well-developed. When a newish character is introduced enough background is given to satisfy your curiosity. This is a pre-quell to the first book in the Kate Devana series ( The Orionids) and it does give you a little more insight into her motivations and actions. I am still a firm believer that this will make an excellent series - in the same vein as For All Mankind, Silo or The Expanse. Read it - you'll laugh, rush through it and curse that now you'll have to wait for the next one!

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeff Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total Eclipse by Wyatt Werne was just top shelf all ‘round fun to read. A crime mystery wrapped in an international conspiracy wrapped in a very contemporary Sci-Fi. The protagonist is Kate Devana, a retired Marine and Space Force Guardian. A crime has been committed at the moon station and the perp may be anywhere in space. Because of her unique skills, Detective Devana is tapped to lead the investigation. What could go wrong when the suspects might return to earth on the next shuttle, and she can’t stop them. They are the super-rich and must be handled - delicately. Think of a Micky Spillane in zero G and what a shoot-out with the bad guy might be like in space. So clever, intricate and modern. Well done Wyatt Werne, well done.

[Annette Beatwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I beta-read this book in a slightly rougher form a few months ago.

I had so much fun with it that I went back to read the final version.

It is a fast-paced adventure with enough twists to keep me interested. But more than anything, it is just so satisfying to watch Kate punch, drop-kick and space the bad guys. Her dry wit and confidence kept a smile on my face the entire time.

It's a thoroughly entertaining read, but there is also enough weight to some of the characters to suggest that the series has room for development.

I shall be looking up the other books in the series.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much fun as its sequel which I read first. The characters are developed well and if read in timeline order reinforces their development. Definitely worth reading these stories.

The heroine is a walking destroyer while remaining a person you can still relate to.

I received a free copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book! I read the first one as an advanced copy and it was great. This book was interesting because I’m not a big science person but I was able to keep the information straight while reading.

[Tristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wyatt Werne's 'Total Eclipse' propels readers into a lunar colony setting that's equal parts futuristic Wild West and high-stakes thriller. With a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, this novel stands out for its compelling blend of humor, action, and a vividly imagined future where humanity's flaws and ambitions stretch all the way to the moon.

Kate Devana, a retired Marine and Space Force Guardian, is an unforgettable protagonist. Her return to the lunar colony—a place she's previously left in a rather explosive state—sets the stage for a showdown with a rogue AI that's as deadly as it is devious. Kate's witty sarcasm and no-nonsense attitude make her a relatable and endearing figure, even amidst the extraordinary circumstances of her mission.

The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, providing depth and humor to the narrative. These characters, from an unlikely sex robot to the colony's affluent residents, enrich the story with their diverse backgrounds and motivations, making the sci-fi setting feel all the more real and tangible.

Werne's depiction of the lunar colony as a playground for billionaire vanity, with all the lawlessness of the Wild West, offers a fascinating backdrop for the novel's events. The world-building strikes a perfect balance, providing enough detail to immerse readers without bogging down the pace with excessive exposition. This approach allows the story to flow smoothly, keeping the suspense and action at the forefront.

The plot of 'Total Eclipse' is both engaging and well-paced. It navigates through twists and turns with a precision that ensures the story is neither rushed nor sluggish. The humor sprinkled throughout the narrative, largely through Kate's perspective, adds a layer of enjoyment without detracting from the tension of the unfolding drama.

In conclusion, 'Total Eclipse' is a stellar addition to the sci-fi genre, offering a unique take on the future of human colonization beyond Earth. Kate Devana's return to the lunar colony is a journey filled with danger, laughter, and unexpected alliances. This book is a must-read for fans of science fiction looking for a story that combines the thrill of space exploration with the intrigue of a well-crafted mystery.

I'd like to express my gratitude to Wyatt Werne for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of 'Total Eclipse.' This review is based on my honest opinions and reflections on the book.

[John Purvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wyatt Werne is the author of two novels. Total Eclipse was published in 2023 and is the second of his Kate Devana novels. It is the 25th book I completed reading in 2024.

I received an ARC of this book through https://booksirens.com with the expectation of a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence and mature language, I categorize this novel as R.

Kate Devana has been a marine and a special operative within the Space Force. She is retired now and working in Private Security. The retired Major is good at her job. That, and her direct approach, has often caused her trouble with superiors and those in power. Her current assignment is far from challenging. When she is given an opportunity for a more challenging project on the Lunar Colony, she does not hesitate for long to accept it.

Kia is a level 4 AI robot employed as a sex worker at the Barely Legal club in the Lunar Colony. She liked working there more before the current owner, Adrik, bought the club. He is sleazy and harder on the girls working for him. She wants to be free of him and spend time with her boyfriend Nash and his two kids. When she is assigned to meet with an engineer and negotiate a deal for stolen chips, she sees it as a chance to change her life.

Devana’s assignment is to find an engineer trying to sell stolen chips. She has to tread lightly as the last time she was on the Moon, a lab was destroyed while pursuing her duties. As she digs deeper, she discovers the stolen chips are the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot more going on. The colony has become the new Wild West, where most anything goes. A playground for billionaires who can buy anything they want.

Kia’s pursuit of financial independence and Devana’s trail of evidence ultimately lead them both towards an illegal operation involving child trafficking. Kia is driven by the loss of close friends and the desire to protect her “kids”. Devana wants to see justice. Both find themselves in dangerous situations as those behind the operation are unwilling to let anything get in the way of their profits.

I enjoyed the 6+ hours I spent reading this 263-page science fiction novel. I do like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a rating of 3.4 (rounded to 3) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

[Read Ng · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given an advance ebook copy. I voluntarily provide this review. This book as yet to be released for publication.

A Hard Science Fiction story that takes place in the near future (around the next half a century).

I understand this is book #2 of a series. It mostly reads as stand alone with some references to events that took place in book #1. I read this as stand alone, but more on that later.

I love Hard Science Fiction and this book does stick to real science. It does mention a few physical facts regarding life on the moon, but does not get wound up in the details. Just enough information to give you an appreciation for some of the hazards without feeling that you need an advance degree in the sciences.

I was a bit disappointed in the title. It was appropriate, but at the same time a bit misleading. It is really more in keeping with events that take place during a total solar eclipse lunar social event. More like a crime taking place in at a “Woodstock” or “Burning Man” event.

I assume I would have had a better appreciation for this book if I had previously read book #1. I assume #2 is further character development of the lead protagonist. Normally I would have tried to read these books in sequential order, but I was just a bit too rushed with Christmas rapidly approaching and my commitment to complete this review in a timely manner. I should try to read book #1, then reread #2, if I find the time.

Have a Happy Holidays and go find your next GoodReads.

[J.F. Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total Eclipse is a thrilling sci-fi noir that fuses crime, conspiracy, and dark humor into an electrifying narrative.

(Includes sexual content)

The story plunges readers into a lunar colony turned dystopian playground, where billionaires and sex robots with murderous habits wreak havoc. Kate Devana, a retired Marine and Space Force Guardian, has a sharp wit and hardened resolve that make her a captivating protagonist. Faced with a rogue AI and a tangled web of corruption, Kate navigates a treacherous world where justice is murky and survival is uncertain. Werne’s twists are well crafted, the dialogue sharp, and the action sequences cinematic.

Lauren Garvin’s narration elevates the experience, capturing Kate’s grit and sarcasm. This audiobook is an absolute must-listen. Five stars, without hesitation!