(Starred Review) The latest novel by Genrenauts author Underwood (The Shootout Solution, 2015) is a bright and exciting space opera in the cosmic comic book style of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. In a galaxy that has been dominated by the mollusk-like Vsenk for a thousand years, three treasure hunters stumble across an artifact that will shake the foundations of an entire empire. The ragtag trio is made up of Max, a human archaeologist teleported across the universe; his wife, Lahra, a soldier of the Genae searching for the lost heir to their destroyed homeworld; and their pilot, Wheel, a cybernetically enhanced Atlan who helps them make their living by exploring the ruins of the fallen Atlan empire. When their latest find seems to attract the ire of Vsenk patrols, the trio flees and along the way takes refuge with giant space turtles, joins a rebellion, and learns the true story of the Atlan, the Vsenk, and their planet-destroying weapons. Underwood’s prose is brisk and funny without ever sacrificing his skilled sf world building. Highly recommended for fans of action-packed space opera and anyone else looking for a fun and fast-paced read.

In this entertaining space opera from Underwood (the Genrenauts series), a married couple—one an affable archaeologist from Earth who was accidentally transported across the universe with no way home, the other a warrior woman from a devastated alien culture who utilizes songs to enhance her combat skills—becomes embroiled in a mess of galactic proportions after they “liberate” a dangerous artifact from a long-lost temple. Now Max, Lahra, and their cybernetic pilot, Wheel, must learn the origins of the object to understand why the despotic Vsenk Imperium are so determined to claim it for themselves. Their quest takes them into the shattered remnants of a lost civilization, through a migrating stream of giant space turtles, and into the heart of a desperate rebellion. Alternating perspectives between the trio and their relentless Vsenk pursuer, this fantastically fun series launch harkens back to Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (an influence Underwood cites in his acknowledgements). The interpersonal dynamics are delightful, however familiar they may be, and the tightly constructed world, cinematic fight scenes, and ambitious scope combine to evoke a sense of wonder. This is a rollicking good time.

I love a space fantasy adventure. Maybe I’m missing release announcements, but I feel like we’re not getting as many of those novels these days. Hyper-realistic far-future SF like The Expanse or hard science fiction like Alastair Reynolds’ work is great, but sometimes I want FTL and myriad aliens and whatnot, like Tanya Huff’s Confederation novels or, really, Star Wars. But those elements aren’t enough, since anyone can slap together a Star Wars rip-off and call it a day. The most important thing is characters to root for, who are more nuanced than just being a Han Solo stand-in. Maybe all of that’s a tall order. If it is, then even more kudos to Michael R. Underwood, for producing exactly that kind of novel.

“Fast, fun, inventive! ANNIHILATION ARIA is a wild, delightful ride for fans of explosive space fantasy like Thor: Ragnarok.”

"In Annihilation Aria, Mike Underwood takes us for an intense ride through a cacophony of alien civilizations in conflict. This is an exuberant space opera that dares us to lose ourselves in battle songs and nonstop action. I can’t sing its praises enough!"

"In music, a trio often refers to a piece written for a group of three voices. In Annihilation ARIA, Michael R. Underwood has written such a piece in the key of heavy metal--with three distinct yet overlapping voices playing in harmony with each other against the backdrop of space gangsters, imperial overlords, and ancient civilizations. If the characters of The Mummy had been transported onto the Millennium Falcon, ARIA would be the result--a rollicking space opera, both literary and musical, with a diverse cast and strong relationships. If you want romance, adventure, and science fiction, you're listening to the right trio!"

“ANNIHILATION ARIA is the found family space opera you’ve been waiting for.”