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Primal Eclipse

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A new world for Earth’s last survivors. But something deadly waits for darkness to fall.

Ember Steele only wanted to live a full life. That’s why she went into stasis, to wait for a cure for her terminal disease. Now she and five other people awaken in a spacecraft, far from Earth. Hundreds of years have passed. Everyone Ember knew is long dead. And what’s worse—far, far worse—humanity is all but extinct.

Ember and the others aren’t astronauts, scientists, or soldiers, yet they’ve been selected for a monumentally important mission. Why? Because they all have the same terminal condition, making them the only people who can survive in a faster-than-light needle ship.

Their mission: select a suitable terraformed planet for human civilization to start over.

The clock is ticking. With limited air and no food or water, this ragtag team must act fast or fail. They land on Tenoth, a seemingly hospitable world, but soon find themselves in a nightmare of deception and danger. Worst of all are the eclipses, when Tenoth’s moons obstruct its sun. For when the darkness comes, so comes death.

Primal Eclipse is a post-apocalyptic, colonization adventure with memorable, flawed characters and turbo-paced, nerve-shredding thrills.

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2022

423 people are currently reading
172 people want to read

About the author

Stan C. Smith

42 books116 followers

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5 stars
146 (43%)
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102 (30%)
3 stars
61 (18%)
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18 (5%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for David O'Neill.
17 reviews
March 23, 2025
3 Stars

Rating -🌟🌟🌟
Genre-science fiction
Book 1

Primal Eclipse is a post-apocalyptic, colonization adventure with memorable, flawed characters and turbo-paced, nerve-shredding thrills.
A new world for Earth’s last survivors. But something deadly waits for darkness to fall.

Ember Steele only wanted to live a full life. That’s why she went into stasis, to wait for a cure for her terminal disease. Now she and five other people awaken in a spacecraft, far from Earth. Hundreds of years have passed. Everyone Ember knew is long dead. And what’s worse—far, far worse—humanity is all but extinct.

Science fiction is not my usual genre I read but fancied something different and happy I did. I grew into this book as I read it. All the science fiction terms were explained clearly so it was easy enough to digest and understand. The characters were great and I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
“Great deeds are done by those who embrace their fears and set them to their advantage.
Profile Image for Meenaz Lodhi.
1,002 reviews87 followers
August 22, 2022
“But you’re alive now. Plus, we have the chance to try to save the last humans on Earth. Don’t you think that makes us kind of lucky?”

A 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ new SciFi thriller worth a read!
Looking forward to reading Stan’s new series, as always a thrilling, exciting, intriguing and nerve wracking action filled read! I just can’t get enough of his books!
Profile Image for Sherri.
28 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2022
Numbed by Catastrophe: Driven by Determination

Some believe an eclipse is a bad omen. The characters in Stan C. Smith’s post-apocalyptic novel Primal Eclipse (Peregrine Outpost, Book 1) would likely agree.

After contamination in the Hopewell incident, six individuals (Ember, Seven, Kami, Arizona, Vernon, & Joshie) entered stasis unaware that a later global tragedy destroyed most of the world’s population leaving only two groups: an irreversibly damaged new species called Whistlers and a smaller group of humans placed in stasis. Now years later, the reanimated team of six has been tasked by an Artificial Intelligence named Presence with saving the human species from extinction. However, only two members of the team have weapons, and they all lack food, water, and a “breathable atmosphere.”

At times, nearly all humans wonder how we might handle a catastrophe, yet Smith’s novel is about more than surviving an imbalanced, volatile world. Primal Eclipse is an immersing page-turner with human connections. Like his other books, this one evokes one’s imagination and emotions. Smith’s resilient characters remind me that though we may sometimes start with nothing, we can always choose to dig deep and tackle another round.

According to the character Presence, “Great deeds are done by those who embrace their fears and set them to their advantage . . .” To discover what horrors the eclipses hold for the team, grab this book!
7 reviews
July 21, 2022
An AI with Tourette’s Syndrome! Seven and Ember just regained consciousness after having been stasis for what they think has been a few weeks. Unbeknownst to them… in reality… several hundred years have elapsed! They have no idea where they are or why they are weightless. The first thing that happens is the ‘Barfin’ Jake Garn syndrome strikes with vengeance. A disembodied voice eventually addresses them. It is the ship’s computer, an artificial intelligence. Said AI has been programmed to communicate with them using idioms supposedly common during the time period in which they were put into suspended animation. Try as it might the AI, whose name is Hortense, is unable to control its outbursts of ‘humour’.
As the old colloquialism goes, time flies and eventually all the remaining people on the ship regain consciousness. Hortense informs them they have a ‘minor mission’ to complete before they can be cured. They are, you see, victims of an industrial accident which bestowed upon them a terminal injury; the reason they were put into stasis in the first place. Hortense employs the familiar ‘carrot & stick ploy’ common to religions and grifters. “You may have already won! All you have to do is complete this simple task and I will cure you posthaste!”
The problem is the task is most assuredly not simple. The balance of this fever pitch exciting book takes you nonstop through the Herculean tasks this group must complete to merely stay alive until they can receive their reward of a cure. They must find a planet capable of supporting carbon-based life for themselves and several thousands of humans still in stasis back on what is left of Earth after the planet destroying industrial accident. You know, sort of like Bhopal on a worldwide scale.
As those of you already addicted to reading Stan’s excellent books know Stan’s stories are nonstop nail-biting entertainment. There are no breaks or commercials! I love the humorous touch of the ‘Tourette’s AI’ who uncontrollably utters disrespectful statements, followed immediately by contrite apologies! It is a nice touch of seasoning sprinkled on an already delicious bouillabaisse of a tale.
This is the first book of this new collection. Get in on the ground floor and download this great book immediately!
227 reviews6 followers
July 21, 2022
Entertaining but you’ll need to read more to see where this story goes...

Another well-written and intriguing scenario depicted by Stan C. Smith. Rather than taking us back in time he propels us into the future and into the outer realms of outer space. A handful of oddly matched individuals awaken on a spaceship (of sorts) having survived a tragedy on Earth. A robot informs them that they are now responsible for the lives of a few thousand remaining humans, likewise in a dormant state, and must locate a habitable planet to transport them to for the survival of the human race – and so the journey into Stan Smith’s wild imagination begins.

The group first needs to somehow adjust to their newfound circumstances and to each other and then work together to deal with incredible challenges. At the onset, I was slow to get into the story perhaps due to distractions or the too familiar ploy of a robot taking charge as in other Stan Smith novels and the anticipation of combat with other worldly creatures. However, it becomes harder to resist wanting to see where the story actually will take you.

Although, overall, the plot feels the same – survival in a strange world - the characters and location are different and the other life forms are always surprising. Thus, you are taken on an adventure. My only frustration is that there is so much to get through that seems impossible before there can be any actual new world building but such is the nature of a series that wants you to continue through the process of getting there, hopefully. I’m sure I can expect the unexpected to occur on other planets before the journey concludes. What I look forward to in this series is an uplifting experience that reflects a positive nature and spiritual growth of humanity that learns from the past and creates a desirable future - to be determined…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Barbara Wall.
105 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2023
Great space exploration saga. This is book one of a four book series. The premise is excellent. Ember wakes up in space, along with 5 other people. They had been put into stasis more than 3000 years ago. Earth is no longer habitable for humans and what’s left of humanity is 12,000 people in stasis. These 6 reawakened humans have been tasked by an AI computer aboard the spaceship with finding a suitable planet for the last humans. Once this is accomplished the 6 will be given a cure to the disease that put them into stasis in the first place. They have a total of five planets to work with and very limited time. This book is about the first planet they go to. The planet has 4 moons and frequent eclipses in which the indigenous species of animals come out to feed. Humans are on the menu. This is a nightmare planet and they only survive with the help of an insane modular AI robot. The interplay between the six humans and the AI computers is entertaining.
652 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2022
Stan C Smith always gives his readers something unique, something that avoids all the tired old cliches that often befall other writers. Prima Eclipse, naturally, is a great example of this. It starts on a spacecraft, travels to an alien world, features advanced AI and robots. These may sound familiar but when combined with Stan C Smith’s imagination we’re told a tale unlike any we’ve read before. The ‘science fantasy’ of the technology used is delivered with such deliberate care you can’t help but think it might just be possible. Add some really interesting characters such as the ones in this book and you’ve surely got the recipe for a successful story. Then sprinkle in some fun scenes of tense action to top it off. My fear of spoilers prohibits me from saying more but rest assured this is sci-fi writing at its best and most original.
274 reviews5 followers
July 22, 2022
I received an ARC, and this is my review.
This is the beginning of a new series, mostly taking place in outer space. But there are many similarities to Mr Smith's previous books, well written, fast paced action adventure stories with a diverse cast of characters, all of whom were considered terminally ill before the story starts. A common theme in previous books has been a major role played by synthetic intelligence, in this one, an AI called Hortense who has many issues, one of them being a very irritating manner of speaking. This is unfortunate since from the time the crew wakes up from their cryopods they rely on Hortense to provide information and guidance. I found it a little challenging to make sense of the science, but very much enjoyed the story telling. It will be interesting to see what surprises are in store for the next books in the series.
1,121 reviews5 followers
July 14, 2022
This is the start of a great new series! I normally enjoy this author's work, but this series is a bit more 'sci-fi' than some of the others, which made it even better for me! Yet is still has Stan's trademark, his weird and wonderful animals in it.
I found the worldbuilding very easy to grasp without any need for long explanatory passages, which is always a good thing, in my view! It was also reasonably 'possible' so that things seemed to make sense. Okay, not totally normal, but it's a novel not a documentary. And there was always a reason for things, which I liked!
There was plenty of action, which I always favour, and it was a book that was quite hard to put down. I am certainly looking forward to the rest of this series!
160 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2025
The author does it again

Stan has a great imagination that is tied to popular theory and imaginative science which includes time travel in different dimensions, light speed travel and really cool aliens.
This book does have space travel ( in a needle ship/read it) that travels in a different dimension. When they reach their destination a "Turland" gate is built that will "when complete" is an instant connection or pathway back to the original "hub". The hub also connects to Earth, but Earth is in terrible shape, what with most is humanity dead except for zombie types and 12000 humans in storage.
There are 6 humans, one AI leader and 1 robot.
The mission, get the 12,000 humans that are in stasis in Earth transferred to a terra formed planet light years away.
Profile Image for Ron.
732 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2022
Brilliant start to this new series. Tasked with saving the last remaining humans Ember and her companion's must find a habitable planet. Sent by Hortense an A.I with a tendency towards sarcasm to Asur Tenoth a planet terraformed by earth some 600 years before. To check if it's suitable and if the colony has survived. They are thrust into struggle to stay alive. There are strange and exotic creatures with great names plus a melancholy robot who helps and hinders along the way. Great adventure with plenty of action along with a good helping of humour. Definitely recommend another great story from Stan Smith.
166 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2022
Excellent start to a new Stan C. Smith sci fi adventure series!

This book is the first in a new sci fi adventure series from Stan C. Smith. I have really enjoyed everything I've ever read from him, so I was excited to have a new series to explore. This latest series looks to be the purest sci fi yet from him. It involves traveling to other worlds, terraforming, advanced AI, robots, etc. While this book is definitely part of a series, and the story appears to be nowhere near complete, it ends on a satisfying note, making it clear there is more to come, yet not leaving the reader feeling unfulfilled by a book that ends on a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Linda Thomas.
842 reviews7 followers
February 14, 2025
Six people find themselves the last humans awake after hundreds of years in status.

They have been pulled out of status because the sickness they had been given just before they were put in status makes them the only ones capable of going through the process of traveling from USA to the ten worlds that had been seeded before the world collapsed.. it is their job to investigate those ten worlds to see if the 12000 people still in status can find a new livable home. THey are the last humans we have to populate a new exciting world. We hope they find one that will support them.
2 reviews
April 24, 2023
Excellent start to a new series from Stan C. Smith

Excellent start to a new series from Stan C. Smith. I have read most of Stan's earlier books and really enjoyed them. This is his first book set off Earth and Stan again shows his skill at world building, without overdoing the details.

If you enjoy this I can heartily recommend joining his distribution list to get interesting insights into his life and also get a new short story every few weeks. These are very varied and always enjoyable
Profile Image for Doc Honour.
Author 3 books11 followers
July 11, 2023
adventure adventure

The story moves rapidly along from one adventure to another, somewhat too rapidly for my taste. Every adventure was driven by urgency. (Both of the key AI robots kept saying hurry, hurry, hurry.) That urgency, however seemed to be more of an author construct than inherent in the story. Oh, there were reasons given for the speed, but they seemed artificial when the main characters had waited 1000 years to do this. The plot rolls along without a depth that would draw me in.
Profile Image for Hazel.
1,178 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2022
WOW!! This is def different to the usual books I read in this genre.
I loved the concept and Hortense and Prescence are so much fun. I've already got my fave character (Seven) and really can't wait to see what happens next. I actually read the ARC in one go, finishing at 3:30am. I couldn't put it down.
The imaginative Stan C. Smith has created yet another first in series with new characters that offer huge potential for a great series.
I received an ARC of this book and chose to review
17 reviews
July 21, 2022
Highly Recommended Start to a Space Colonization Series

This is a slight deviation from the type of story we’ve come to expect from Stan C. Smith in that almost all of the action occurs in space or on a planet in a distant star system instead of on (alternative versions of) Earth. It still has the same quality writing and interesting story line as his other books. Plus there’s quirky AIs! A great start to a new series.
2 reviews
July 22, 2022
I really enjoyed the book Primal Eclipse. The "beings" on the planet visited by the main characters are unusual in their appearance and their abilities which differ from other science fiction books I have read, which makes a nice change. The names of those beings are fun too and made me laugh, such as bubblebutts and butcherbats. The book is fast-paced, keeps one's interest and has humor, fear, suspense and excitement. Definitely a worthwhile read! The views expressed in this review are mine
Profile Image for David A. Frank.
68 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2022
I rally loved getting deeply involved in this excellent sci-fi novel. The creative world built here amazes me. The sci-tech concepts are innovative and really stimulate my imagination. Intriguing characters and a couple of crazy AI make this story glow with interesting perspectives. The bizarre world our motley heroes are led to really boggle our concept of what a bizarre alien environment might be like. I love this first in I hope will be more in this unique storyline!
11 reviews
July 25, 2022
I read some negative mentions of repeated plot lines. Who out there can actually say they have read a book with a unique plot line? Whether it is romance, horror, whodunnits, etc., plot lines always repeat. When a writer can add a whole new set of creatures and environments, and style the plot line along unpredictable, heart-pounding paths with characters you connect with, you have a winner. Thank you, Stan.
Profile Image for Michelle L. Reeve.
135 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2022
This is a book about survival and perseverance. A group of people were put in suspended animation until a cure could be found for the illness they had. They woke up hundreds of years later on a space ship with only an AI to guide them. They are tasked with finding a habitable planet to save the human race. It’s nail biting, funny, sad, happy all rolled into one. Loved it! The author can sure weave a great tale!
Profile Image for Steve.
897 reviews17 followers
April 12, 2023
Six ordinary people are awakened from stasis and must perform a mission to save the last of the human race.
They were in stasis for centuries and now must come together and overcome obstacles and technologies none know anything about.
I was intrigued by the story of their coming together and getting things done.
This is the first of a series. I will definitely be reading more of this series as it comes along.
Profile Image for Travis.
2,767 reviews50 followers
March 30, 2025
Started out pretty well, but by the end, it seemed to be a rush job to get to the end, though I can't figure out why. For the most part, the story is good, and I'll read more in the series, the first 80 percent of the book was worth that, but the last 20 or so percent really threw things into a different vibe, and I just didn't like the way that was being worked. In any case, that's just me, so feel free to give this one a try if you're a typical scifi fan, this one should suit.
8 reviews
July 15, 2022
What a truly amazing story! Stan C Smith really knows what he is doing when it comes to a great story. I really enjoyed meeting these characters and can't wait to see where they are going next! The creativity and uniqueness of this story is very addicting, it is a promise that more adventure is coming... hopefully soon!
Profile Image for Mark P. Downey.
199 reviews
July 24, 2022
I am a big fan of Stan C. Smith and this book does not disappoint. Mr. Smith has come up with some amazing worlds in the past and this book is no exception. Our protagonists visit a tidally locked world (always faces its sun) that undergoes periodic eclipses which turn out to be deadly. I loved the book and highly recommend it.
Author 3 books
August 7, 2022
This is the first book of the Peregrine Outpost series. It is a fun read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. There is an interesting mix of characters, including a couple of AIs with ambiguous intentions, and a budding romance between the two main characters. The characters add plenty of humor to the plot. The story is fast-paced, with action and dangerous creatures.
783 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2025
Book 1

Book 1 had errors throughout and was an okay read. The plot and characters are developed well. The plot is a bit predictable, but has a few good twists throughout. The characters are an okay bunch, but can be annoying at times with the explanations repeating. I did like the book overall and will read book 2.
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 2 books24 followers
Read
September 7, 2025
A great start to a sci-fi series! Clever and exciting, with the future of the human race on the line, our 6 voluntold adventurers have to deal with a lot of malfunctioning robots and a ridiculously unsuitable planet where everything is trying to kill them. I finished this one and thought “darn! now I have to add the rest of this series to my tbr.”
653 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2022
What a devious start for Earths' population. A exciting book to set your tastes for more. Earth is in trouble and lots have died, but what to do? Scientists had ideas and sent survivors with plans to space. Now they hope the plans work. A very good story with a cliff hanger. Good reading.
2,426 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2022
I enjoyed this very imaginative book, Primal Eclipse - especially the last half.  The first part of the book was a little slow for me and I found Hortense more obnoxious than funny.
I reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
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