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Night Owls #1
Night Owls
The Moon, 2195. A colony is on the verge of unrest. A ragtag crew discovers a lethal conspiracy. To save themselves and the colony, they must risk everything as they chase the truth.
Ethan Keller, an unapologetic thief, is stuck in the poorest district on Luna, where random power outages have left several dead. When his big score is stolen, Ethan and the Night Owls—his motley crew—plan a heist to recoup the loss. Instead, they uncover the source of the deadly power outages. Distressingly, the culprit appears to be someone close to them.
Now a fugitive, will Ethan unmask the mastermind in time to save the colony?
If you like science fiction action adventure with clever heroes and impossible situations —with a strong dose of friendship, Get started with Night Owls today!
Night Owls is an action sci-fi novel that blends the adventures of a quirky group of friends, like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey. It’s perfect for fans of shows like The Magicians. The book explores themes of corruption and classism like Red Rising by Pierce Brown.
Ethan Keller, an unapologetic thief, is stuck in the poorest district on Luna, where random power outages have left several dead. When his big score is stolen, Ethan and the Night Owls—his motley crew—plan a heist to recoup the loss. Instead, they uncover the source of the deadly power outages. Distressingly, the culprit appears to be someone close to them.
Now a fugitive, will Ethan unmask the mastermind in time to save the colony?
If you like science fiction action adventure with clever heroes and impossible situations —with a strong dose of friendship, Get started with Night Owls today!
Night Owls is an action sci-fi novel that blends the adventures of a quirky group of friends, like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey. It’s perfect for fans of shows like The Magicians. The book explores themes of corruption and classism like Red Rising by Pierce Brown.
- GenresScience Fiction
378 pages, Hardcover
Published January 15, 2024
119 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Gay
11 books12 followersStephen Gay is a lifelong designer and reader with a deep curiosity about how things work—and how our world might evolve. He believes books have a unique magic: the power to bring bold ideas to life and let us explore alternate realities and future possibilities.
His debut novel, Night Owls: A Moon Colony Sci-fi Adventure, launched a thrilling multi-book series that blends action, clever heroes, and high-stakes space adventures.
Stephen has since released two more series: Homecoming: The JUDA Cases, a gritty small-town crime thriller, and Black Sky Club, a cyberpunk saga beginning with Awakenings.
Originally from Canada, Stephen earned a degree in Industrial Design from Carleton University before moving to the U.S. to pursue a career in technology, where he has led creative teams in innovation and design. He’s also the author of Why Always Wins, a fun and practical 160-page graphic novel that explores success through collaboration, facilitation, and communication.
An avid traveler who’s explored over 45 countries, Stephen now lives in Silicon Valley, California, with his fiery red-haired partner and their two wonderful boys.
His debut novel, Night Owls: A Moon Colony Sci-fi Adventure, launched a thrilling multi-book series that blends action, clever heroes, and high-stakes space adventures.
Stephen has since released two more series: Homecoming: The JUDA Cases, a gritty small-town crime thriller, and Black Sky Club, a cyberpunk saga beginning with Awakenings.
Originally from Canada, Stephen earned a degree in Industrial Design from Carleton University before moving to the U.S. to pursue a career in technology, where he has led creative teams in innovation and design. He’s also the author of Why Always Wins, a fun and practical 160-page graphic novel that explores success through collaboration, facilitation, and communication.
An avid traveler who’s explored over 45 countries, Stephen now lives in Silicon Valley, California, with his fiery red-haired partner and their two wonderful boys.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 13, 2023
4.5! Colony on the moon?? Enter a whole phase of problems you aren’t use to. Fast paced story with Ethan and his ‘Owls’ are true friends and you experience all of their highs and lows through their schemes. All while Ethan tries to impress his gf’s family who may have been the root cause of his fathers death?! The world building and tech was helpfully written to keep everyone’s attention!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
November 18, 2024
Fun & Unique.
Review coming soon
Review coming soon
September 2, 2023
Excellent Sci Fi with characters and world building that quickly bring you in. Intriguing ideas explored. I like the friend group of the main character.
December 19, 2023
“Night Owls: A Moon Colony Sci-Fi Adventure” by Stephen Gay is an out-of-this-world science fiction thriller that takes readers to the moon and back. Twenty-year-old Ethan Keller and his friends, who dub themselves the Night Owls, are famous for throwing some of the best parties on New Luna, a fast-growing human settlement on the Moon. His biggest worries are saving enough credits each month to help his mom pay the bills, making sure that the Night Owls’ unsanctioned parties remain under the radar of the authorities, and not getting caught when engaging in various missions involving petty theft.
Tension on New Luna has been thickening, however, as blackouts have been increasing in the districts. While those in the Silver District relax in their mansions, drink expensive liquor, and never have to worry about the quality or quantity of their air, the rest of the citizens of New Luna are suffering, some even dying, because of the power outages. After accidentally witnessing an act of corporate espionage, Ethan and his friends become wrapped up in a deadly game of cat and mouse as they try to discover what this has to do with the problems in New Luna. Can they help catch the culprits and help New Luna? Or will they become yet more collateral damage at the hands of a greedy power-mad corporate executive?
“Night Owls” was a true thrill ride. Fast-paced, full of flashy, futuristic gadgets and technology, and equipped with a cast of quirky, diverse characters, the book has all the makings of a literary blockbuster. Ethan is a gritty, headstrong narrator who grows from a slightly frustrating, thickheaded, and impulsive young man to a young man who, while maybe still too impulsive for his own good, has had his eyes fully opened to the demons of his world, and how they not only impact his life but those of the world around him.
He shakes off the remnants of innocent ignorance left over from childhood and instead starts thinking more about how to help the world suffering around him, rather than focusing solely on his own gains. Petty rivalries, resisting authority, and working out his anger by getting drunk in his room pale in comparison to having his family and friends threatened, harmed, and used as pawns by those who should know better.
“Night Owls” took me a while to get into. The book had a slower build-up than I had anticipated based on the synopsis. I kept waiting for the big shoe to drop, but the first half of the book seemed to focus a lot on Ethan’s attempts to steal specific objects either to score a lot of credits, to make up for losing out on a deal in the opening chapters, or to find new locations or gadgets for the parties he and his friends throw. I kept waiting for the urgency of the main conflict to kick in, and that did not really happen until at least halfway into the book. It was not until Ethan and Aysha were forced to go on a rescue mission to Earth that it seemed like the storyline fully focused on the main conflict. From there, however, the book was impossible to put down. I read the last 180-200 pages in one sitting. Once the real emergency kicked in, the action was non-stop (not to mention the danger!). By the end, I was fully hooked on Ethan’s ragtag group.
“Night Owls” is a phenomenal read for older teens and college-age readers. Adult readers who love space science fiction, dystopian novels, and books about groups of ragtag and misfit heroes would also thoroughly enjoy it. I am certainly looking forward to reading the next two books in the series! “Night Owls” by Stephen Gay is sure to be a hit.
Tension on New Luna has been thickening, however, as blackouts have been increasing in the districts. While those in the Silver District relax in their mansions, drink expensive liquor, and never have to worry about the quality or quantity of their air, the rest of the citizens of New Luna are suffering, some even dying, because of the power outages. After accidentally witnessing an act of corporate espionage, Ethan and his friends become wrapped up in a deadly game of cat and mouse as they try to discover what this has to do with the problems in New Luna. Can they help catch the culprits and help New Luna? Or will they become yet more collateral damage at the hands of a greedy power-mad corporate executive?
“Night Owls” was a true thrill ride. Fast-paced, full of flashy, futuristic gadgets and technology, and equipped with a cast of quirky, diverse characters, the book has all the makings of a literary blockbuster. Ethan is a gritty, headstrong narrator who grows from a slightly frustrating, thickheaded, and impulsive young man to a young man who, while maybe still too impulsive for his own good, has had his eyes fully opened to the demons of his world, and how they not only impact his life but those of the world around him.
He shakes off the remnants of innocent ignorance left over from childhood and instead starts thinking more about how to help the world suffering around him, rather than focusing solely on his own gains. Petty rivalries, resisting authority, and working out his anger by getting drunk in his room pale in comparison to having his family and friends threatened, harmed, and used as pawns by those who should know better.
“Night Owls” took me a while to get into. The book had a slower build-up than I had anticipated based on the synopsis. I kept waiting for the big shoe to drop, but the first half of the book seemed to focus a lot on Ethan’s attempts to steal specific objects either to score a lot of credits, to make up for losing out on a deal in the opening chapters, or to find new locations or gadgets for the parties he and his friends throw. I kept waiting for the urgency of the main conflict to kick in, and that did not really happen until at least halfway into the book. It was not until Ethan and Aysha were forced to go on a rescue mission to Earth that it seemed like the storyline fully focused on the main conflict. From there, however, the book was impossible to put down. I read the last 180-200 pages in one sitting. Once the real emergency kicked in, the action was non-stop (not to mention the danger!). By the end, I was fully hooked on Ethan’s ragtag group.
“Night Owls” is a phenomenal read for older teens and college-age readers. Adult readers who love space science fiction, dystopian novels, and books about groups of ragtag and misfit heroes would also thoroughly enjoy it. I am certainly looking forward to reading the next two books in the series! “Night Owls” by Stephen Gay is sure to be a hit.
October 31, 2023
Envisage a future where the moon, Luna, becomes a nexus of societal division and clandestine exploits. The year is 2195, and amidst this celestial body's barren landscapes, two disparate classes – the affluent and the destitute – jockey for their respective agendas. Enter Ethan, a charismatic thief and the unexpected hero of Stephen Gay's enthralling novel, Night Owls.
As the head of a vibrant, colorfully eclectic crew of misfits, Ethan navigates through a daring narrative, expertly meshing the adventuresome spirit of "Guardians of the Galaxy" with the shrewd ingenuity reminiscent of "Ocean’s 11." The Night Owls, however, are no mere accessories to Ethan's escapades. Each member brings a wealth of emotional complexity, elevating the stakes as the peril enveloping Luna gradually unfurls.
Stephen Gay's narrative commendably intertwines razor-sharp dialogue and meticulously choreographed action, all whilst endearing us to an antihero who could give Han Solo a run for his money in charm and audacity. The triumph in Ethan doesn’t solely lie in his leadership but, notably, in the enchanting lure of his rebellious spirit, which is apt to entice even the most law-abiding reader into his lively, lunar underworld.
The intrigue doesn't end with heists and hairbreadth escapes. Darkness shrouds Luna, quite literally, as unexplained power outages beset the colony, the occurrence of which bears an uncanny correlation to the unfolding drama. Ethan, discerning a connection, propels the Night Owls into a race against time, where each revelation threatens to rupture the very foundation of their alliance.
Night Owls is far more than a standard sci-fi adrenaline dash. It excels in orchestrating a moral symphony, where the lines between heroism and villainy blur into a mesmerizing gray. Readers find themselves ensnared in a delicate dance of ethics, perpetually reassessing the purity of motivations on both ends of the moral spectrum.
Stephen Gay doesn't just tell a story; he invites readers into a robust, moral contemplation, cleverly ensconced within layers of thrilling technology, audacious expeditions, and convivial camaraderie. The Night Owls don't merely traverse through adventures; they sweep the reader along, enticing them into a world where the dichotomy between virtue and vice is as elusive as the dark side of the moon.
Night Owls is an exploration of the moral cosmos, where each star shimmers with ambiguity and uncharted potential. It is an unequivocal must-read for those who seek heart-thumping adventures that do not shy away from posing philosophical quandaries amidst the enthralling chaos.
As the head of a vibrant, colorfully eclectic crew of misfits, Ethan navigates through a daring narrative, expertly meshing the adventuresome spirit of "Guardians of the Galaxy" with the shrewd ingenuity reminiscent of "Ocean’s 11." The Night Owls, however, are no mere accessories to Ethan's escapades. Each member brings a wealth of emotional complexity, elevating the stakes as the peril enveloping Luna gradually unfurls.
Stephen Gay's narrative commendably intertwines razor-sharp dialogue and meticulously choreographed action, all whilst endearing us to an antihero who could give Han Solo a run for his money in charm and audacity. The triumph in Ethan doesn’t solely lie in his leadership but, notably, in the enchanting lure of his rebellious spirit, which is apt to entice even the most law-abiding reader into his lively, lunar underworld.
The intrigue doesn't end with heists and hairbreadth escapes. Darkness shrouds Luna, quite literally, as unexplained power outages beset the colony, the occurrence of which bears an uncanny correlation to the unfolding drama. Ethan, discerning a connection, propels the Night Owls into a race against time, where each revelation threatens to rupture the very foundation of their alliance.
Night Owls is far more than a standard sci-fi adrenaline dash. It excels in orchestrating a moral symphony, where the lines between heroism and villainy blur into a mesmerizing gray. Readers find themselves ensnared in a delicate dance of ethics, perpetually reassessing the purity of motivations on both ends of the moral spectrum.
Stephen Gay doesn't just tell a story; he invites readers into a robust, moral contemplation, cleverly ensconced within layers of thrilling technology, audacious expeditions, and convivial camaraderie. The Night Owls don't merely traverse through adventures; they sweep the reader along, enticing them into a world where the dichotomy between virtue and vice is as elusive as the dark side of the moon.
Night Owls is an exploration of the moral cosmos, where each star shimmers with ambiguity and uncharted potential. It is an unequivocal must-read for those who seek heart-thumping adventures that do not shy away from posing philosophical quandaries amidst the enthralling chaos.
August 10, 2023
Night Owls has captured my heart! I may not be as huge a partygoer or as knowledgeable about music as Ethan and his crew, but I can safely say I will follow those Owls to the ends of the universe (or for as long as this series continues!).
This action-packed space opera follows life on the moon in the form of Ethan Keller, a young man trying to do good but who is swept up in some shady business thanks to his dad's death ten years prior, which has left him and his mom in a long-term financial bind. All while he's trying to throw an end-of-the-year party for his crew and get in good with his girlfriend's family - the Nadars, the richest people on Luna. But one thing after another escalates, and after an unspectacular run of personal mistakes and heists gone wrong, Ethan mistakenly arrives at the heart of a corruption scheme. The kicker?
It's orchestrated by his girlfriend's father.
Or so it seems. Will Ethan and the Owls be able to uncover the real criminal?
Night Owls is a whimsical, fun, fast-paced thrill of a book. I really enjoyed the snappy pace and how brilliantly it captured the feeling of true friendship with all its ups and downs. The close-knit bonds between the characters were heartening and positive, which provided a fantastic counterpoint to the novel's darker themes of corruption, greed, and class differences, as well as its exploration into Ethan's struggle with acceptance over losing his dad. The author weaves in fantastic world-building and technology but doesn't get too technical or lost in science (which is great for soft sci-fi), and even with it set on the Moon in a reimagined future, the story feels so grounded and relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, and I can't wait for the sequels!
This action-packed space opera follows life on the moon in the form of Ethan Keller, a young man trying to do good but who is swept up in some shady business thanks to his dad's death ten years prior, which has left him and his mom in a long-term financial bind. All while he's trying to throw an end-of-the-year party for his crew and get in good with his girlfriend's family - the Nadars, the richest people on Luna. But one thing after another escalates, and after an unspectacular run of personal mistakes and heists gone wrong, Ethan mistakenly arrives at the heart of a corruption scheme. The kicker?
It's orchestrated by his girlfriend's father.
Or so it seems. Will Ethan and the Owls be able to uncover the real criminal?
Night Owls is a whimsical, fun, fast-paced thrill of a book. I really enjoyed the snappy pace and how brilliantly it captured the feeling of true friendship with all its ups and downs. The close-knit bonds between the characters were heartening and positive, which provided a fantastic counterpoint to the novel's darker themes of corruption, greed, and class differences, as well as its exploration into Ethan's struggle with acceptance over losing his dad. The author weaves in fantastic world-building and technology but doesn't get too technical or lost in science (which is great for soft sci-fi), and even with it set on the Moon in a reimagined future, the story feels so grounded and relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, and I can't wait for the sequels!
August 31, 2024
Ethan is a thief struggling to survive in the poorest district on Luna. When his latest score reveals a bigger conspiracy causing innocent people to lose their lives, he must risk everything to save the colony…
Ethan was a quirky, music-loving misfit—a bit of a screwup struggling with his father’s death—but he grew to look beyond himself and vowed to stop the one behind the blackouts causing unnecessary deaths. His friends were genuine and willing to take big risks to do the right thing.
Ethan’s girlfriend Aysha was hard to trust at first due to conflicting loyalties—and her reprimanding him for his reckless decisions yet behaving just as recklessly—but as the story continued she surprised me in several ways with her capabilities and loyalty.
The world-building was teased out slowly and naturally as Ethan navigated the lunar colony. I would have liked more development, but there was enough to easily follow the story, making it a good fit for newer sci-fi readers.
The beginning was a combination of laidback party-planning as we meet all of Ethan’s friends, and tension as we see dangerous power outages, classism, and a successful heist. The story overall shifted in pace and tone between light-hearted partying and intense action sequences as they attempted to discover the truth and gather evidence.
This story would appeal to music lovers who enjoy heists and action-packed fights.
Ebook provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
Ethan was a quirky, music-loving misfit—a bit of a screwup struggling with his father’s death—but he grew to look beyond himself and vowed to stop the one behind the blackouts causing unnecessary deaths. His friends were genuine and willing to take big risks to do the right thing.
Ethan’s girlfriend Aysha was hard to trust at first due to conflicting loyalties—and her reprimanding him for his reckless decisions yet behaving just as recklessly—but as the story continued she surprised me in several ways with her capabilities and loyalty.
The world-building was teased out slowly and naturally as Ethan navigated the lunar colony. I would have liked more development, but there was enough to easily follow the story, making it a good fit for newer sci-fi readers.
The beginning was a combination of laidback party-planning as we meet all of Ethan’s friends, and tension as we see dangerous power outages, classism, and a successful heist. The story overall shifted in pace and tone between light-hearted partying and intense action sequences as they attempted to discover the truth and gather evidence.
This story would appeal to music lovers who enjoy heists and action-packed fights.
Ebook provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
October 1, 2024
Book Review: "Night Owls" by Stephen Gay
Stephen Gay's "Night Owls" is a thrilling sci-fi adventure set in a lunar colony in 2195, following Ethan Keller, a thief whose latest heist leads him and his crew—the Night Owls—into a deadly conspiracy. The pacing is relentless, with each twist and turn heightening the suspense as Ethan grapples with moral dilemmas amidst rising stakes.
The character development is exceptional, particularly Ethan's transformation from a self-serving rogue to a more nuanced hero. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, adding emotional depth and tension, especially as the threat of betrayal looms large.
With its vivid setting and intricate plot, "Night Owls" captivates from start to finish. Gay's storytelling shines in this must-read for fans of sci-fi and suspense, keeping readers eagerly turning pages as the crew races to uncover the truth.
May 18, 2024
In the dim-lit shadows of Luna's poorest district, Ethan Keller, a brazen thief, finds himself entangled in a web of danger and betrayal. When his coveted prize is snatched away, he and his band of misfits, the Night Owls, concoct a daring heist to reclaim their fortune. Yet, their pursuit unravels a darker truth—the harrowing cause behind deadly power outages plaguing the district. Shockingly, the perpetrator lurks among their own ranks, threatening not only their livelihoods but their very lives.
August 10, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from the author, and I decided to leave a review because I really liked it.
I was impressed by the world building in "Night Owls." There was enough background information woven in to understand the world without it ever feeling like an info dump. Ethan and his friends are interesting and relatable. The plot moved along at a good pace with a good balance between action and characters/relationships. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
I was impressed by the world building in "Night Owls." There was enough background information woven in to understand the world without it ever feeling like an info dump. Ethan and his friends are interesting and relatable. The plot moved along at a good pace with a good balance between action and characters/relationships. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
August 12, 2023
I enjoyed this trip to a futuristic world which was fast paced with a captivate storyline. Ethan is a very resourceful young man who has a group of friends who share their love of music and entertainment in a very hostile environment. A great read and look forward to the continuation of the story and the fun characters.
August 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The author has a great imagination, the story was very well written and the protagonists are very likeable characters. Waiting for the next books in this series.
November 9, 2023
I love this colony on the moon, the way they have to move about, dealing with low oxygen and lack of gravity. It's interesting to imagine them reflecting what we've always had going on down here on earth -- and looking longingly at us the way we look at the moon.
Ethan and his crew are an eclectic bunch I grew to love. They want to throw parties on the moon?! But they’re not so superficial – they’re funny, intelligent, and loyal to the end. It’s an easy read, and a fast-paced adventure bringing in some of the oldest of themes in the newest environment. An easy entry to Sci-Fi for me.
Ethan and his crew are an eclectic bunch I grew to love. They want to throw parties on the moon?! But they’re not so superficial – they’re funny, intelligent, and loyal to the end. It’s an easy read, and a fast-paced adventure bringing in some of the oldest of themes in the newest environment. An easy entry to Sci-Fi for me.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews