Happy Book Review Tuesday! Today, I’m sharing my review of The Lab, the closing chapter in the Astral Conspiracy Series by D.L. Cross (a.k.a. Staci Troilo). I’ve been glued to these books from the moment they released, reading one after the other as soon as new titles became available. All five books and the prequel are now available for download, so you can start at the beginning and read straight through, back-to-back. Trust me—you’ll be glued to the pages!
The Lab
Book 5 Astral Conspiracy Series
by D. L. Cross
After breathlessly following this series from Book one (and the prequel), I found myself riveted to the closing novel. The Astrals have found humanity lacking and it’s only a matter of time until they release their judgement on Earth.
Each chapter and each plot thread—of which there are many, expertly woven together—are ticking time bombs. Catch your breath on one, and Cross plunges you into another maelstrom of danger, action, and double-crosses. The sense of urgency in this novel is a pot-boiler.
All of the plot lines that have been steadily building through the previous books meet head-on in an explosive conclusion. It’s difficult to say much without giving away spoilers, but I find myself startled to note how my opinions altered regarding certain characters.
It’s difficult to name a single standout character (each are deftly drawn and multi-faceted with plenty of gray areas) but the relationship between Nadia and Beck—how it changed and grew over the course of the books—was a highpoint for me. By book five, I’d also started to look at reptars differently, especially one in particular. Journeying through five books in a world populated by Titans, Mullahs, the Separated, the Nine, Reptars, Lightborn, and humans has been a astounding adventure.
In the end, not everything is wrapped up with a tight bow. It makes me wonder if there is more planned, or if the author chose to leave certain elements open to the readers’ imagination. All of the major storylines and events are concluded, but there are a few surprises that leave the door cracked slightly ajar.
For anyone who enjoys intelligent and fast-paced science-fiction mixed with vast dollops of mystery, suspense and brilliant character development, I highly recommend this series. It stands among my top reads for 2020!
I give The Lab 5 STARS and 5 BIG GLOWY UFOS!!
AMAZON LINK
GENRE: Alien Invasion Science-Fiction > Colonization Science-Fiction
Thank you for joining me for another Book Review Tuesday. I know several of you are reading this series or have it on your radar. With the weather turning colder (at least in the northern hemisphere), it’s a great time to curl up inside with a book. And if you’re lucky enough to be in the warmth of the southern hemisphere, there is nothing like a good read by the pool or on the beach. Just watch out for the reptars!
Great review, Mae – you were obviously enthralled with this series. Congratulations to Staci 😁
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It sucked me in from book one and didn’t let go until I finished The Lab. A series I highly recommend, Jess!
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I can ask for no better endorsement!
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Fantastic review for a fantastic series, Mae. I just finished book 5 last night after binge reading them all, and I absolutely loved these books! 🙂
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I can fully see why you binge read them, Harmony. They’re awesome! So glad you added your cheers for Staci here!
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Nothing could make me happier than five big glowy UFOs. (And I’m always tickled when someone uses the word maelstrom in a review, especially of a work of mine.)
I really don’t have the words to express how delighted I am that you were so devoted to and excited by this series. Thanks so much.
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I can definitely see myself reading this series over again, Staci. That’s how much I enjoyed it. You did a phenomenal job juggling all those characters and plot threads. Five big glowy UFOs well earned! 🙂
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A re-read? That’s definitely high praise! Thanks! (And I didn’t think I’d ever get you to like a character more than Nico. lol)
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That’s a tough one. You know how feel about Nico 😉
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I do. I also know that book (and series) doesn’t come close to this one.
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Yeah, but I am a HUGE fan of Astral Conspiracy. I wish there was a book 6—from you!
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How would you feel about a loosely related book zero?
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I’d love any Astral book. I’m already thinking I need to read the prequel again.
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Staci is certainly wracking up good reviews for this series, Mae. A fabulous review.
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Thanks, Robbie. All those reviews are well deserved. This is a fabulous series!
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Good review of The Lab, Mae, and yay for a five-star finale in this series!
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And five-stars (and glowy UFOs) all the way through from Book 1 and the prequel, Priscilla, Staci kept me very entertained!
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I’m with you on the five stars! This was a fantastic wrap up to the series. I was also drawn to the relationship between Nadia and Beck.
Great review, Mae!.
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Talk about a twisting, changing, unexpected relationship between those two. Just so…odd, LOL!
I loved these books, Joan. So glad to have you add your testimony to how exceptional they are!
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What a great review, Mae! I’m so looking forward to reading the entire series. Thank you for sharing and pushing the books higher on my Kindle list!
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You are in for a treat, Gwen. These are just stellar!
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Great review, Mae. Sounds like the series holds its pace to the very end.
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It certainly does. I have no clue how Staci juggled all those characters and multiple plot threads, but she nailed it!
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Another awesome review for this series – congrats, Staci!
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It’s such a fabulous series, Teri. It would be right at home on Netflix!
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What a stellar review! Book 1 is on my TBR. Is it right to hope for a DNF so that I can find that hole in my schedule to read it?
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Yay, for Book 1 on your TBR, Tessa! One never wants to hit a DNF, but in this case….LOL! I think the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be enthralled.
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Great review, Mae! I’m just wrapping up my re-read of Book 1, and loving it as much as the first time. Looking forward to starting Book 2 probably tonight. I’ll catch up with you soon, though. 😀 And I’m glad to know I have only good stuff ahead. (Just what I expected, but confirmation never hurts!) 😀
Congratulations, Staci! Sounds like you knocked the entire series out of the park! Sharing!
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Ooh, Book 2, The Stones, is one of my favorites. I can’t wait for you to meet Titans and Reptars.
Happy reading, Marcia!
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Very much looking forward to it, Mae! Right now, I’m feeling big-time sorry for Landon. 😦
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You became hooked on a reptar? I really need to read faster, lol. Wonderful review, Mae. Staci wrote an unforgettable series with Astral Conspiracy. It’s made me search the skies more!
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I predict by book 5 you’ll have waffling opinions about those reptars, Jacquie (at least 1 or 2 of them). I do hope if we ever see any ships arrive and have our own Astral Day, they’re nothing like the aliens Staci penned! 🙂
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I’ve loved the first four books in this series and can’t wait to read the last one. Great series and a great review! 5 UFOs is the perfect rating!
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I predict you’ll be enthralled with book 5, the same as the first 4, Judi. It’s an intriguing wrap to a fabulous series. Happy reading!
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Your lovely reviews do inspire to curl up with the books Mae. This series has definitely ignited my interest. Thank you!
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So glad to hear that, Balroop! This is a wonderful series to binge read. I was so thankful I didn’t have long to wait between releases, and now they’re all available!
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I look forward to reading this series, and your glowing review is enough to make me want to hurry it up, Mae! Congrats, Staci!!
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That is wonderful to hear, Jan. I predict you’ll love it. The character development is exceptional, and the plotting intricate and detailed. I was spellbound!
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Wow, Mae. I’m not usually a sci-fi fan, but these novels sound wonderful.
Congrats on another superb review, Staci!
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They’re awesome books, Sue, and cover so much more than sci-fi. I think you’d enjoy them!
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Ooh! Another series for me!👏
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It’s fabulous, Kim. I think you’d enjoy it 🙂
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I just started reading The Lab! I can’t wait to get back to reading, especially after your review! Xo
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Woohoo, Denise! I know you’re going to love it. It’s a great wrap to an amazing series!
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Your review is so inviting, Mae. You made Astral Conspiracy come alive I liked the glowing UFOS. And the ending sound suspending. 🙂
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Thanks, Miriam. It’s a wonderful book and a wonderful series. I’m so delighted to share it with others!
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You’re welcome, Mae. I think I’ll order the book set.
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Great review, Mae. You have a way to make one want to run out and get the book. Congratulations to Staci.
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Woohoo! Running out and getting the book is my goal, John. I love adding to the TBRs of others, LOL!
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🙂
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Thanks for the review and congratulations to Staci for a book that sounds most enthralling!
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