Children of Solo: Steam and Stars Book 1

by Andrew D.H. Moore

Pirate Adi Crestone wants freedom from indenture and a safe life for herself and her son. Commander Theo Vanguard chafes under his brutal father’s expectations and longs for a quiet life far from political intrigue. Ion Rucinare yearns for adventure like any young boy, and believes he will find it with Adi’s crew.

All three find their destinies tangled with Apyreon, an ancient artifact sought by
the Empire and the gang lords. Whoever possesses it can summon divine power in the World System and beyond. Adi must steal Apyreon to save her son, Theo must recover it to redeem himself with his father, and Ion’s talents in illegal magic may save or destroy the dying moon of Xys, his home. But other, greater forces have their own agendas, and they complicate the wild pursuit of Apyreon through underworld dens, deadly magic, and a determined city guard.

540 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2025

Reviews

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children of Solo by Andrew D.H. Moore is book 1 in the Steam and Stars series by the author and what a debut! The author has put so much into world building in this book that you can not help but be impressed. Our FMC is named Captain Adi Crestone who is a captain of a ship and also has a 15 year old son named Lucas who she is trying to protect from the Blood Queen.
There are so many other characters in this book overall that we get to meet and we hear from three very distinct people; Adi, Theo, and Ion. Theo is a Imperial Naval officer who has some political aspirations while also keeping to his family duty in this book, so he is an interesting character to read about. He is someone you love to hate. And Ion is a young 12 year old boy who enters the world with a tragic death triggering his entry into the world system. He finds that he has magical powers which may or may not help him survive the moon Xys.
This author wrote an epic fantasy debut to the first book and I was so pleased to read this one folks. It reminds me of a Lord of the Rings writing style but in space and more future based obviously in this book but great writing! I can not wait to read the next one in the series and find out more of what happens to Adi and the other characters!

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children of Solo kicks off the Steam and Stars series with a fast-paced, imaginative blend of steampunk and space adventure. The story follows three unlikely allies as they chase an ancient artifact that could change everything. The story has a richly layered world full of airships, danger, and heart, weaving in themes of freedom, identity, and survival. The characters are flawed but relatable, and the stakes feel real. If you like your sci-fi with grit and soul, this one’s worth checking out. Thank you Rockstar Book Tours and Andrew D.H. Moore for sharing this book with me!

[Julie Cordova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this debut novel from Andrew D.H.Moore. I read an Advanced Reader Copy and found it to be captivating from the start. Moore's strong storytelling skills mixed with his world building talent only add to the dynamic characters mixed up in a DaVinci Code meets Dune-esque plot that includes pirates, dragons, magic, and more!

[Michele Rios Petrelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first installment of this fantastical, steampunk, fantasy series introduces us to the first prominent characters of the World System. We meet Adi Crestone, pirate captain and indentured slave to Sasha Riven aka, The Blood Queen, the ruthless leader of an organized crime operation.


Crestone, sent on a mission by the Blood Queen, soon gets ambushed and though plans backfire causing chaos and loss of lives, Crestone manages to retrieve what the Blood Queen sought; Apyreon, an ancient relic, and a hostage, officer, Theo Vanguard of the Imperial Navy.


Upon their escape to the Moon Xys, Crestone befriends Ion Rucinare, a young boy who lives with his grandfather in a desolate and remote part of the moon. She feels an affinity for the boy reminding her of her son Lucas. The son Crestone is anxious to reunite with as soon as she gives the Blood Queen the prized possession and is relinquished of her servitude.


However, everything doesn’t fall according to plan and amid turmoil; Adi Crestone, Theo Vanguard and Ion Rucinare all find their lives unavoidably intertwined as they embark on a common journey involving the coveted artifact Apyreon.


We are enmeshed in an action-packed story that delivers magical realms and mystical characters in vivid fashion. The plot twists kept me engaged and the reveals were masterfully positioned down to the very end. You will not be disappointed by this first book, only wishing the next one were readily available.

[Reina Callier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children of Solo is a vibrant steampunk fantasy that is truly unique. From the incredibly complex world peopled with creatures of all kinds to the touching moments between family, friends, and lovers, I was really wowed by the magic of this novel. Pirates, new gods, star magic, dragons and other fantastical creatures, an exciting quest for a priceless artifact with plenty of redemption to be found along the way, romance, friendship, gang violence...even elements of a police procedural! If this sounds like too many things at once, it's not. Moore weaves everything together deftly, keeping you hooked with his fast-paced narrative, his impressive talent for description, and his endearing characters that you won't soon forget. I can't wait for the next one!

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adi Crestone captures your attention from the first page. I found myself sitting and reading for hours without paying attention to the time. The world building is unlike any I’ve seen before, filled with such possibility and wonder that reach far beyond the moon of Xys. I cannot wait for the second book to be released to see where this story takes me. What happens on these other moons? Will Adi's son be ok? Who are these gods hiding behind the scenes? Will Adi outpace the incredible odds stacked against her?! I have to know what happens next!

[Alex Galassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful first book from a debut author! However, while I really enjoyed the main story, I thought the characters backstories were so interesting that I wanted more of that. This is not really a negative - just a comment on how fleshed out these characters are that I wanted more haha.

Also, I think it should be said that there is some spice in this book, so please keep that in mind.

I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Martha Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured me on the first page! What a great ride! I was guided masterfully through a world of past and present, imagination and science for an unforgettable adventure! Each character searches for ways to balance the pain of youth with the wisdom that comes from taking chances and making choices! I can’t wait to dive into Steam and Stars Book 2!!!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children of Solo is a fun genre mashup that includes sci-fi, steampunk, fantasy, classical pantheon of the gods, and human-sized talking animals. Red Wall meets AGOT meets LOTR meets The Expanse meets the Supernatural Society series by Gail Carriger. D&D players will appreciate this tavern-fueled adventure!