A Thrilling Launch into a New LitRPG Universe
5 out of 5 stars
Sometimes you can feel a book clicking into place from the very first chapter, and Interstellar Pawn by Dawn Chapman, narrated by Neill Thorne, was absolutely one of those moments for me. Troy’s entire world falls apart in a single afternoon, and suddenly he’s hurtling through space in a ship he barely understands, with danger and mystery dogging his every move. I couldn’t help but get swept up in his scramble to survive and thrive.
One of my favorite things about Chapman’s writing (and I’ve read a lot of her work!) is how naturally the LitRPG elements blend into the story. Here, it’s so seamless that it doesn’t just feel like a game mechanic layered onto a sci-fi story – it becomes the heart of the world-building itself. Watching Troy level up, make critical decisions, and chart his own course felt authentic and thrilling, not gamified or gimmicky. That works in some context, but here it’s *chef’s kiss* perfection.
Troy is an easy character to root for, and the side characters, even the ones lurking with hidden agendas, made the galaxy feel alive and dangerous. Plus, I have to give a shout-out to the ship itself. It’s practically a character all its own, and I’m already way too attached to it. There’s such a sense of discovery built into every system and upgrade that I can’t wait to see where it all leads next.
Neill Thorne’s narration was a perfect match for the story. He captured the uncertainty, excitement, and stubborn determination of Troy so well that it added an extra layer of energy to the entire audiobook. I’m already counting down to the next adventure — this series is off to a stellar start (pun absolutely intended).
Book Description:
Betrayed by blood. Bound by destiny.
In a world where family secrets unravel and identities shatter, Troy’s life takes an unexpected turn. His home is no longer a sanctuary, and his family’s truths are nothing but a web of lies. Cast adrift with only a battered ship, a cryptic name, and a distant destination, Troy embarks on a perilous journey to unravel the mysteries of his past.
Taking quests from unlikely allies, and with enemies lurking in every shadow, Troy must learn to pilot not just his ship but to rule his own fate. Confronting his future head-on—it’s clear there’s only one option—he will become the most powerful entity in the universe…or he will die in the attempt.
Interstellar Pawn by Dawn Chapman
Narrator: Neill Thorne
Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
Series: Through Steel and Stars #1
Published by Theogony Books on February 10th 2025
Genres: LitRPG, Science Fiction
Format: Audiobook
Also by this author: Desert Runner , Desert Born, Desert Storm, Steel Hearts: Lyndsey
I’ve loved reading since I was little when my dad would read me Dr. Suess books. Fast-forward a little and I noticed that he was always reading on his lunch breaks at work, and I wondered why.Then, I found a book that took me to another place and time, to another feeling,another sense of “being”.It was the first book that I ever fell in love with, and I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.
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