A space station's experiment gone wrong flings its inhabitants to an unknown place, where they face ancient eldritch beings and a looming invasion by Shoggoths. To defend against the threat, they must utilize alien necromantic technology that can only be piloted by the dead, raising questions of sacrifice and the cost of saving humanity.

Reader Review Summary

NecroTek by Jonathan Maberry is a breathtaking fusion of cosmic horror, science fiction, and high-octane action that will leave readers thoroughly captivated from start to finish. Maberry masterfully blends elements of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos with cutting-edge technological concepts, resulting in a truly unique and unforgettable narrative.

The story kicks off with a catastrophic experiment gone awry, transporting the entire Asphodel Station and its inhabitants to the farthest reaches of the universe. What follows is a gripping tale of survival against unimaginable horrors, as the station's denizens find themselves caught in the crosshairs of an ancient war between humanity and the monstrous Shoggoths, servants of the Outer Gods. Maberry's vivid descriptions of these Lovecraftian abominations are both chilling and awe-inspiring, evoking a sense of cosmic dread that permeates throughout the narrative.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its diverse and richly developed cast of characters. From the enigmatic Lars Soren and the fearless Bianca Petrescu to the formidable Lady Death herself, each character is imbued with depth and authenticity, making their struggles and sacrifices all the more poignant. Maberry's ability to forge emotional connections between the reader and these characters is truly remarkable, elevating the stakes to dizzying heights and ensuring that readers remain invested in their fates.

The action sequences in NecroTek are nothing short of electrifying, with Maberry's vivid prose bringing the aerial battles and cosmic conflicts to life in stunning detail. The introduction of the NecroTek technology, a blend of advanced alien machinery and necromancy that allows the dead to pilot these shapeshifting ships, adds an intriguing and unique twist to the narrative. Maberry's exploration of the moral implications and philosophical questions surrounding this technology is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Maberry's masterful blending of familiar tropes and original concepts is a true testament to his literary prowess. While paying homage to the works of sci-fi and horror giants like Lovecraft and drawing inspiration from iconic franchises like Star Trek and Transformers, NecroTek remains a wholly original and captivating work that stands firmly on its own merits.

Ray Porter's narration in the audiobook version is simply sublime, elevating the already engrossing story to new heights. His ability to imbue each character with distinct voices and personalities, coupled with his masterful delivery of the action sequences and chilling depictions of the cosmic horrors, truly brings the narrative to life in a way that will leave listeners spellbound.

Overall, NecroTek is a tour de force of speculative fiction, a thrilling odyssey that seamlessly blends elements of horror, science fiction, and action into a masterpiece that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in what promises to be an epic saga. Maberry's literary prowess shines through in every page, cementing his status as a true master of the genre and leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of sci-fi and horror enthusiasts alike.