Closing out my July reading is a standalone novella that I was super-excited to have land on my Kindle. D.L.Cross gives us a peak into both the Invasion Universe and her Astral Conspiracy series (I devoured the first and am eagerly awaiting the second). Before I give you my review, here’s the blurb:
The aliens have landed. The humans are panicking. The scouts have been sent.
J’s mission is clear — find an alien outpost, observe, report back. Simple enough. It’s what he’s trained to do. But he’s always worked with his team, never as a party of one. Now he’s been sent out alone to blindly navigate a dense, dark forest until he finds his target. The dynamics are foreign to him, the stakes never higher. Resources are scarce. Comms are down.
And he’s found the enemy.
J is shocked when everyone’s true allegiances are revealed. And the consequences of betrayal will be deadly.
A short story set in the bestselling Invasion Universe, “The Scout” by D.L. Cross will have you hungering for more. Pick up your copy today!
And now my 5 star review:
An excellent short story that takes a look at what happens when alien cultures clash.
J is determined to complete his mission as a scout, gathering intel on an alien outpost, but the assignment grows murky when he connects with one of “the enemy.” The pace moves quickly, hurtling the reader toward a confrontation which addresses the nature of loyalties and betrayal.
A quick read, The Scout is part of the Invasion Universe, but stands perfectly on its own. The author also writes the Astral Conspiracy series of novels which made this bit of short fiction a treat for someone eagerly awaiting book 2 in that series. New fans and established fans will enjoy The Scout for its fluid story, tight plot, and polished writing. You can’t go wrong with anything from the pen of D.L. Cross!
Ready to blast off with an out of this world read? You can grab your copy of The Scout: Dark Crossings at this Universal Purchase Link.
Happy reading!
Great review, Mae. I read The Scout and loved it. Can’t wait for the next books in the Astral Series from this author! Reblogged on: https://harmonykent.co.uk/book-review-the-scout-by-d-l-cross-sci-fi-aliens/
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Thanks so much, Harmony!
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I’m looking forward to more of the Astral Conspiracy series, too, Harmony. The Scout was a great treat to tide me over!
Thanks for the reblog 🙂
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Good review! I’m hoping The Scout will be Dear Husband and my next read together.
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I love that you and your husband read together. And I hope you both enjoy the story.
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Priscilla, I think it’s awesome you and your husband read together. You must have some great book discussions. I’m sure you’ll both enjoy The Scout! 🙂
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I’ve run across this short story recently and it definitely piqued my interest. I really need to add more short stories and short story collections to my TBR list! Great review, Mae.
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My publisher encourages shorts because they might entice new readers to try a new author, they definitely keep fans interested during the lull between releases, and they really help the writer hone her craft. Shorts are wins for everyone, I think. Thanks, Theresa.
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That’s great information, Staci. Thank you! 🙂
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The Scout has been getting a lot of blog exposure lately, Tessa, and I was happy to add to it. When I’m in between series books, there’s nothing better than a short story or novella to fill the void. 🙂
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I loved The Scout as well as The Gate. Great review, Mae. I’m also looking forward to the next book of the series.
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Thanks so much, Joan. And as you’re not a sci-fi fan, that really means a lot.
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Two excellent reads for sure, Joan, I can’t wait to see what happens next! 🙂
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I haven’t gotten to The Scout yet, but just started The Gate a few days ago. I love it when an author gives you an ‘appetizer’ to hold you over until the next book.
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I hope you’re enjoying The Gate. It was the first full-length sci-fi I wrote, and it only fueled the fire for me.
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Absolutely. That’s how I feel, too, Teri.
As for The Gate–wow!–that one blew me away. Between pace, plot, and characters, I could barely catch my breath!
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Aww.
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I really enjoy short fiction, and The Scout delivered. Gave a nice, solid punch in a fast, easy read. Great review, as always. You have a gift.
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I love that you enjoyed the story. And I’m delighted with Mae’s review—she does have a gift.
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Aw, thanks, Judi. I’ve got to give credit to the authors who deliver such exceptional stories in order for me to write reviews. I loved your description of The Scout giving a “solid punch in a fast, easy read.” So true!
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That has me blushing…but it’s the work of the author who prompts those reviews. I loved The Scout!
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Your words inspire me to write faster! Thanks for this amazing review and for sharing your thoughts with your readers.
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My pleasure to share. I love that you’re now writing science fiction. You do it so freaking well! And I know a LOT of readers who would love for you to write faster 🙂
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There’s a chance my release dates are being moved up, so those readers may just get their wish!
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I’m doing a Snoopy dance!
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I appreciate that, but it has me a little frazzled!
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I bet! 🙂
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Awesome review to share, Mae. Bravo to Staci! 🙂
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Thanks, Natalie. 👽
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I’m glad you stopped by to check out the review, Natalie. The Scout is awesome!
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Outstanding review. I intend to pick this one up over vacation. I can’t write every hour. I like the comments about shorts that enhance the series. Hope that holds true for more novel length products too. (Serang)
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Thanks, Craig. I hope you enjoy this one.
And I know Serang will be a huge hit!
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Fingers crossed.
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What a great reading choice for your vacation, Craig! I’m sure you will love The Scout.
And I am of the absolute opinion that novellas do the same as shorts in upholding a series. Serang will kick butt (what better description for her, LOL!)
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Perfect description for her story.
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Ha! Thanks.
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Congrats, Staci! If this is anything like your last book, I really need to trot on over and buy it.
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Done–can’t wait to read it!
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Yay! Can’t wait to see what you think of it. Happy reading!
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That made my day, Jacqui. Thank you. I hope you like it!
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You’re sure to love it, Jacqui. Aliens, invasion—a perfect recipe for a short but intriguing read! 🙂
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Good review, Mae. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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My pleasure, John. Thanks for visiting!
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Thanks, John!
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This cover gives a real sense of the darkness in the storyline. Fabulous review, Mae, congrats and well deserved to Staci!
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You’re so right about that cover. Great take on it, Jacquie! 🙂
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The cover is getting a lot of love. I’ll be sure to pass on the compliments. Thanks, Jacquie.
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Great review. I picked up my copy and will be reading it shortly.
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Awesome, Michele. It’s a wonderful read!!
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Thanks, Michele!
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This is at the top of my list to read. Great review!
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Music to my ears, Denise. Thanks. I hope you enjoy it.
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Oooh, wonderful! I know you will enjoy it, Denise!
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This sounds like a GREAT read, Mae! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Thanks, Jan!
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I really enjoyed it, Jan. I loved the first Astral Conspiracy book and this was a nice short read to hold me over until book two releases.
Thanks for visiting!
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Just hanging to get into this series. I’m bogged down in the eighth book in a series (also the last book), so soon I’ll be free to devour everything else on my list… including this series!
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I’m delighted to know these posts and reviews have sparked your interest, Jessica. Thanks.
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As I said, I’m a sci-fi fan from way back so it didn’t take much ‘spark’ to get me interested.
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Happy reading, Jess. You are sure to love this novella and the world in which it is set. Right now I’m eagerly looking forward to Astral Conspiracy book 2!
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I was pleased to see this great review, Mae. I have this next on my TBR.
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That’s fantastic, Robbie. It’s a short but highly entertaining read!
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Thanks, Robbie. I hope you enjoy it.
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Can’t believe I almost missed this great review, Mae! I’ve got this one on my Kindle already, and it just jumped up to first place! And like you, I’m eagerly awaiting the next adventure in the Astral Conspiracy series! So many books, so little time. The universal complaint of every writer/reader I know. 🙂 ❤
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Aww. I jumped up in the queue? That’s so sweet. Thank you, Marcia. I hope it lives up to your expectations.
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I’m engrossed in a series right now that I’m almost finished with, but after the 4th book (which I read in bed last night, biting my nails to the quick), I need a break, and a shorter book would work great. So, you’re in! The Scout: Dark Crossings it is! 😀 ❤
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Humbled and delighted. Looking forward to your thoughts. (I want to hear about this engrossing series, too.)
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I sucked Marica into the Pendergast series by Preston & Child. They have another series (Gideon Crew) which she is now sucking me into. I know she is devouring the books at light speed, LOL!
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You will love The Scout. I know you already enjoyed Astral Conspiracy book #1 and this is a nice tie-in.
Yes, so many books, so little time. I just bought two of the Gideon books yesterday!
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I read it after dinner tonight, and I LOVED it! So much fun. I’m a big fan of well-done short stories and have quite a few anthologies of them on my shelves. This one is perfection. Great job by D. L. Cross and I agree 100% with your review, Mae! Tomorrow, I’m going to start a list of all the reviews I need to leave, and start getting them DONE, and this will be one of them, along with The Gate!
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I knew you’d enjoy The Scout, Marcia 🙂
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That made my evening, Marcia. Thank you!
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I’m going to have to check this one out, Mae. You have caught my interest!
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Thank you. If you do, I hope you enjoy it.
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Great to hear. It’s a fabulous read!
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Great review, Mae! I can’t wait to get to the Astral Conspiracy series on my TBR. 😀
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I’m over the moon to hear that, Julie. Thanks. 👽
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Fantastic, Julie!
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