Orbital Maneuvers

Skyward Frontier, Book 1

By: Mathew Lewallen

Narrated by: Joshua Straschewski

In the not-so-distant future, where humanity's reach extends into the cosmos and the sky is littered with satellites, space stations, and the beginnings of lunar colonies, the Space Traffic Control Unit (STCU) stands as the unsung guardian of Earth's orbital lanes. Captain Alex Mercer, a seasoned air traffic controller turned space traffic commander, leads his team with a mix of military precision and a deep understanding of the celestial dance above.

"Orbital Maneuvers" thrusts listeners into the heart of the STCU during a time of unprecedented crisis. A series of mysterious malfunctions and erratic satellite behaviors threaten the very fabric of global communications, hinting at a larger, more sinister plot at play. Mercer and his diverse team of specialists—brilliant strategist Nora Kim, ingenious engineer Leo Zhang, and skilled pilot Sofia Reyes—must unravel the mystery before the world is thrust into chaos.

But as they dig deeper, what they find is more alarming than mere technical glitches. Shadows of a formidable coalition emerge, operating from the dark recesses of space with an agenda that could alter the balance of power on Earth and beyond. The team's investigation leads them on a perilous journey that tests not only their technical skills and ingenuity but also their loyalty, trust, and resolve.

"Orbital Maneuvers" is a gripping tale of suspense, camaraderie, and the indomitable human spirit. With the fate of global communication and space security hanging in the balance, Mercer's team must navigate the intricate web of political intrigue, espionage, and cutting-edge technology to safeguard humanity's future in space.

This debut novel from an author with a rich background in air traffic control and aerospace brings authenticity and thrilling realism to the narrative. Dive into a world where the next frontier of air traffic control isn't just above us, but encompasses the vast expanse of space itself. "Orbital Maneuvers" is a journey of discovery, conflict, and the quest to maintain order in the boundless frontier that is our universe.

©2024 Mathew Lewallen (P)2024 Mathew Lewallen

Not as advertised

I had high hopes for this book, but was so disappointed! It was billed as a "gripping tale of suspense," but it was a total yawner. Very little of the story had action or suspense. I kept waiting for that to happen, but it just didn't. Most of the story was about the team of "very talented" space traffic controllers and how important their jobs were. There was a small part of the book that talked about an attack on satellites from a mysterious source, how it would affect global communications, etc., and how they handled it. It just never really delivered much. I usually only post positive reviews but felt listeners needed to know not to expect much from this one.