After reading and really enjoying Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes, I was excited to read Ghost Station. I do like it, but for me personally, I found the former more compelling. That being said, I recommend both titles for science fiction fans.

I am a library associate and received an advance copy of this book from #NetGalley.

Between mushrooms and microscopic aliens, the letter M is really beginning to strike fear into my heart when it's found in a horror.

This was a solid book! Was it as good as Dead Silence? No, I'm sorry to say. That was one of my favourite reads last year and I can confirm that it was simply a way better executed horror story. It's just a fact. That said, while this registered far less on the scare scale, it still had a great overall tone of ominousness. Something bad happened, something bad is happening, and something bad will happen, and the book takes the reader through those emotions well. It kept me on my toes and I was riveted the whole time wondering what would come next, what part of the mystery would unravel next.

I do wish this had committed a bit more in terms of the horror elements, especially after the resounding success of that in Dead Silence. Likewise with building out the characters a little more. It was good but it needed a little nudge to be deemed great for me.

A wormhole of suspense, propelling readers into a universe where the lines between reality and nightmare blur..…..

Book Information

Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes is a 384-page horror/science fiction novel scheduled to be published on April 9, 2024. Thank you to Tor Nightfire for providing me an Advance Readers Copy for review.

Summary

Dr. Ophelia Bray, a psychologist, joins a small crew on an abandoned planet. Her crewmates prioritize investigating the planet over trusting her expertise. When their pilot is brutally murdered, fear sets in. With trust scarce and secrets abundant, Ophelia and the crew must unite to uncover the truth and prevent a repeat of past horrors.

My Thoughts

'Ghost Station' by S.A. Barnes emerges as a compelling sequel to her debut success, 'Dead Silence,' and as a reader who thoroughly enjoyed her previous work, I found myself equally engrossed by this latest book. Barnes again proves herself a celestial architect of suspense, constructing a universe where fear and fascination collide.

One intriguing aspect of Barnes as an author is her background as a High School Librarian. My wife is also a librarian and I run a book club called The Librarian’s Husband’s Book Club—so admittedly, I may be a bit biased. :)

In 'Ghost Station,' Barnes masterfully navigates the blurred lines between horror and science fiction, crafting a narrative that ignites the imagination and leaves a lingering sense of cosmic unease. The novel effectively immerses readers in an atmosphere of eerie suspense, evoking the unsettling sensation of being trapped in a situation where you know something is wrong, but the underlying threat remains elusive.

At the story’s core lies Ophelia Bray, a psychologist grappling with the phenomenon of ERS, a space condition notorious for its association with a brutal massacre. Despite displaying elements of juvenility, Ophelia's character possesses layers of complexity that contribute to the story's depth.

The pacing of 'Ghost Station' is deliberate, starting slow and gradually building momentum before catapulting readers into the heart of the action—this strategy sustains engagement throughout.
Barnes successfully builds a fascinating world, seamlessly integrating elements of space exploration, alien environments, institutional corruption, and familial dynamics into a cohesive tapestry. Despite the multitude of characters, Barnes adeptly manages the narrative flow, ensuring clarity.

'Ghost Station' offers a lot to like, encompassing elements of mystery, intrigue, and interpersonal conflict which should cater to a diverse audience. However, amidst its strengths, the story occasionally leaves certain threads unresolved, introducing elements that are not fully explored—an aspect that may leave some seeking greater closure.

At the end of the day, 'Ghost Station' showcases Barnes' talent for storytelling, delving deep into the realms of speculative fiction. Its engaging mix of genres, well-developed characters, and immersive narrative make it a compelling read for anyone seeking a thrilling journey into the unknown. As Barnes cements her place in the literary world, 'Ghost Station' stands as a shining example of her ability to captivate readers and keep them hooked until the very end.

Recommendation

'Ghost Station' ignites the cosmos with a supernova of storytelling brilliance, proving that even in the darkest voids of space, Barnes' narrative shines bright. Its plot twists and vividly drawn characters keep you guessing until the very end, while its exploration of themes like human psychology and the unknown depth of space adds layers of depth to the story. Whether you're a fan of science fiction, horror, or simply enjoy a gripping tale that challenges your imagination, 'Ghost Station' offers a riveting adventure that will linger in your mind after you turn the final page.

Rating

4 Paranoid Stars

Spoiler-free review.

Once a year or so, I read a book that grabs me outside of reading sessions. I'll find myself thinking about it while I'm driving home, while I'm grading papers, or while I'm cooking dinner. I read this one electronically, and if it were an audiobook I'd have been done in two days instead of twenty, so strong was the call to continue. That I finished this book in such a short time during Sundance Film Festival (for me: 14 feature length and 10 short films in ten days, taking precedence over all other creative inputs) would be a shocker with most books.

All that is just to say that I read this book because I *needed* to read it. After I finished S.A. Barnes' last novel, Dead Silence, I immediately (and frequently) wondered, "When's the next one coming out?" And after I began Ghost Station, I wanted to know, "What's coming in the next scene?" It was like that from beginning to end, for this reader.

Barnes' tension-building skillset is top notch and teaches me as I read. She does characterization like the pro she is, and her characters' choices are always informed by their prior experiences in ways that, if not clear immediately, are not clear for good reason (and will be revealed later in the story, as pacing demands). I took note while reading of places where Barnes had her characters thinking something but doing something else, being overtaken by fears in believable ways, and dealing with interpersonal conflict in ways that made the fantasy of the story disappear into character-based realism (this is a good thing).

I read an ARC through NetGalley, and I'm glad I got that opportunity. I will read whatever S.A. Barnes puts out next, as well. I'm already wondering what it'll be!

I'm not normally a space fan, but Barnes' novel Dead Space made me a HUGE fan so I was so so excited to get my hands on Ghost Station- and boy was I in for a treat! One of my favorite things S.A Barnes is able to do: world and scene setting. As the reader, Barnes' writing is so magnificent that you truly feel like you're in the world right along with the characters. You can perfectly imagine what is being described- which makes the fear all the more palpable throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tor Publishing, and S.A. Barnes for an ARC of this book!

S.A. Barnes writes exactly the kind of space horror I like. Light to medium on the sci-fi parts (it can’t be *too* technical or I get lost and bored) and just the right amount of mystery and horror to keep me hooked. The characters have issues at times with being not-very-likable, but I’m not reading to like them. I’m reading to see who dies, how, when, and what the hell is going on. Because space is scary and awesome.

This was a similar vibe to Dead Silence and I greatly enjoyed both. But I think I liked Ghost Station a bit better. Both are perfect reads when you want to sit back, escape, and go on an adventure for a little while.

I will read pretty much anything this author writes!

This space horror novel follows psychologist Dr. Ophelia Bray, who has volunteered to go with a team on a recon mission to an abandoned planet--partially to escape negative publicity after the recent death by suicide of one of her patients, but also to help provide support for the team. Space can be lonely and isolating, and teams on these missions are at higher risk for ERS, a space-based psychological condition that can result in paranoia, hallucinations, and once, in a particularly infamous case, the violent murder of twenty-nine people. Ophelia tries to focus on helping the crew, despite their distrust of her, but they're more interested in investigating the ancient abandoned ruins on the planet, and figuring out what caused the last crew's hasty departure. Soon, strange things start happening, and when the crew's pilot is found dead, Ophelia isn't sure whether it's the start of another violent case of ERS or whether something more sinister is at play.

This was overall a really good book--the concept was really interesting, and the author did a fantastic job evoking a (creepy) sense of place. The main character's inner dialogue/narration reads a little bit juvenile (hot-headed and illogical) at times. At times, the inclusion of information on and focus on Ophelia's backstory took me out of the main action of the story. But overall the pacing was good and the plot and overall eeriness kept me reading. The ending was a little bit of a letdown but really enjoyed the book overall and would read more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars. I have been looking forward to this book since I loved Dead Silence by Barnes. I was intrigued by the premise of this book and I will say the antagonist ended up being the most interesting aspect (really liked how that was done). However, I never felt very connected to any of the characters. Ophelia's big secret honestly did not even seem necessary to the plot and bogged the story down with Ophelia's constant rumination.

This is a very fun space thriller. I loved the setting. I didn’t care much for the characters and I thought the ending was a bit abrupt but I still really enjoyed it. I definitely want to see this come to life as a film one day

Six people sent on a mission to an abandoned planet to retrieve core samples and something is very wrong. This book would make a fantastic movie.

ARC provided by NetGalley

While I do enjoy sci-fi, I am not as well versed in the genre as I am with horror. That being said, this was a nice blend of the two, though leaning more heavily towards sci-fi.

I would give a brief summary, but I think this is one of those the-less-you-know situations.

The only reason I gave this less than five stars is because I really disliked the main character. I found her to be a little predictable and lackluster.

Overall, it was a very fun read and I plan to read more by the author.

In S.A Barnes's new novel Ghost Station, we follow Dr Ophelia Bray, an on-team psychologist assigned to a small crew to collect samples of alien artifacts on a remote distant ice planet. Immediately Dr Bray is met with hazing, mistrust, and sometimes open hostility. The crew is weary of her and possibly rightfully so after the recent loss of a crew member before Dr. Bray's assignment to them. Dr. Bray assessment of the team in a negative light could ground the team forever. Everyone is holding secrets, including Dr. Bray herself, and some secrets carry with them deadly repercussions. The stakes start to rise as the remnants of an accident civilization hold its own deadly secrets and the bodies of the dead paint a horrifying picture. The crew must work together as fear, paranoia. and possible infection sets in.

I had a blast reading Ghost Station. The pace starts slow and builds speed as we progress through the story. Full of jump scares, hair-raising scenes, and skin-crawling moments, Ghost Station will keep you glued to the pages. I love an unreliable narrator. It adds to the paranoia and keeps the reader guessing on what's going on. This is definitely a story I will be adding to my collection once it is released.

Thank you to Tor Publishing, S.A. Barnes and Netgalley for the eARC.

GHOST STATION, by S.A. Barnes is a space/horror novel that contains much in the way of psychological horror, and thriller elements. Dr. Ophelia Bray is a psychologist who is looking to "escape" from a horrible situation--though she was cleared of any wrongdoing, her own private guilt won't let her rest. She signs up for a job on a crew traveling to another planet to bring back samples. Her role, is supposed to be the first on-sight therapist, involved in lessening the effects of a long-term space travel, mental illness.

This novel was a very slow burn one, and I'll admit that Ophelia's constant guilt and her own mental issues did get old for a while, but by close to the half-way point, I started putting pieces together, and unraveling the complexity of the multiple issues facing the team.

When first met by the crew, Ophelia is instantly aware of their resentment towards her--some more than others. Having lost a crew member on their last job, they don't want a constant reminder--or someone delving into their personal issues--with them. Only we eventually see that there are a myriad of secrets being kept, and twists that are slowly revealed, making you need to analyze and process EVERY member of the crew's motivations.

While the beginning did feel like it was a third of a book dealing only with the characters and their emotions, even these parts turned into clues later on. Most of the actions and shock didn't really happen until after the first half, but then the pieces were really coming together well. I enjoyed the twists, complex relationships of all the characters, and eventually began to understand the reason for Ophelia's inner turmoil (although this still felt repetitive at times).

Other than the long, drawn out beginning, my only complaint would be that the last section seemed to take longer than necessary to wrap things up. By the time all the secrets are out, I think we could have taken out 50 or more pages that didn't really further the plot in my opinion.

Overall, a slow burn novel, with complex characters, and excellent world-building. While not perfect, I really did enjoy the ideas presented here, and the writing style.

Recommended.

*I received an ARC of this book for early review from the publisher, and NetGalley. All opinions are completely my own.*

Ghost Station was an easy choice for me because I enjoyed Dead Silence the author’s first book so much. Dr. Ophelia Bray joins a small crew as a psychologist studying and preventing ERS, a space sickness that causes violent psychosis. The station she and her crew are sent to was abruptly abandoned by a previous crew for unknown reasons.

Imagine a locked room mystery where the locked room is a planet. Instead of a storm raging outside, there is a hostile environment that will kill. Inside there are a handful of people with secrets and suspicious of each other. Then the killing begins.

I enjoyed Ghost Station quite a bit. I rated it five stars. It is a nice combination of horror, science fiction, mystery, and thriller. I recommend Ghost Station.

I received a copy of Ghost Station from Netgalley. After reading it I wrote an honest review.

4 stars for this space horror novel!

While I didn't love this quite as much as I did Dead Silence, I still really enjoyed it. The horror vibes are more creepy, slowly-dawning horror rather than the gory, scary, and pure-terror inducing moments of Dead Silence. Ghost Station is slower paced but I liked it and found it worked well with the plot.

Plot:
Ophelia joins an R&E team that must live on an abandoned planet for a period of time in order for their company to 'own' rights to the planet. Ophelia is a psychologist and ostensibly super passionate about preventing a madness-inducing disease called ERS, but you can tell she has other reasons. The team she joins is coming off a mission where they lost one of their members, and they each have secrets and none of them want Ophelia there.

They run into issues almost as soon as they land, finding that the hab left by the previous R&E team has been either sabotaged or abandoned quickly, for reasons they need to figure out. There is also an element of the two corporations in GS (Montrose, which Ophelia works for, and Pinnacle, which Ophelia's family owns) being the true horror and villains, sort of like DS, but there are other villainous elements as well, like the life-forms that previously occupied the planet and what they may have left behind.

Characters:
Ophelia was an interesting lead, as you can tell right off the bat that she has secrets and more reasons for taking the job beyond wanting to prevent ERS. I didn't find her quite as compelling as Claire in DS, but I do think the secrets regarding Ophelia's past unfolded in a good way - not too quickly, you picked up on clues before coming to the reveal so it wasn't out of nowhere.

The supporting cast was a fun mess: I was annoyed by Suresh, frustrated with Birch, felt terrible for Liana, and was confused by Kate and Ethan's dynamic. They were an engaging group and having fully-developed side characters makes the horror elements hit harder for me. I do think Ethan and Ophelia's relationship was bizarre, as he is kind of mean to her at nearly every turn and she is still flustered by him/interested in him.

Overall I really enjoyed this and I hope S.A. Barnes writes more sci-fi horror! She is an auto-buy author for me.

I love the writing style of this author a lot I feel we are always very close the the main character. An auto-buy since I've read Dead Silence (and I still have strong visual memories of my favorite scenes). The same goes for this one. After a couple of days, you start focusing on some scenes and you want to discuss them with someone who loved the book as well. It stays with us as the time passes.

I wasn't as afraid, reading this one, as I was with the ghosts of the first. This one has a different level of creepiness and slow physiological thriller that works well as everything gets worse and worse. I love Ethan and his crew (my favorite books are always about a team, group, or crew trying to survive) and the main character is great. Her job is to evaluate and help the crew when it comes to mental health but she carries as much baggage and "ghosts" as the others and to survive she must face her demons. It felt shorter than the foremost book, more focused and direct and I couldn't put it down.
The end was satisfying.

Thank you, Netgalley and publisher for the e-arc.

This book starts out very slow and takes a long time to get to anything interesting. There is way too much exposition. I kept getting bored and losing interest. Then once it finally gets going, it's over too soon and not enough is explained. The characters struggle with simple decisions because of past trauma, and it takes the reader out of the story as they mull the same problems over and over in their heads. I enjoyed S.A. Barnes novel Dead Silence much better than this one. This one just feels boring and then rushed at the end.

I will admit that Space Horror is not a genre I typially reach for. I gave this a shot because I heard good things about this author's previous book--and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it (enough that I plan to read the other book too!)

Plot: The year is 2199. Dr. Ophelia Bray is a psychiatrist who specializes in treating space explorers who suffer from ERS, a disease that presents itself in violence, most notably, a mass killing of 29 people. She signs up to go on a mission with a crew who are all mourning the recent death of one of their crew members--both to help with the psychological impact of their loss and to look out for ERS. Everyone on the mission, including Ophelia herself, are holding secrets close to their chest.

Not long into the mission, things start to get odd--the crew start to display troubling symptoms, and Ophelia starts to uncover some of the secrets (and also has to reveal her own). Notably (and interestingly), there is a lot of exploration of rampant capitalism and the impacts of that (relatable lol, guess things dont change much in the next 200 years!)

I really lliked Ophelia as a main character. The atmosphere of this book was claustrophobic (SPACE!!!), tense, and haunting. I was super hooked and read through this super quickly--it was hard to put down because I wanted to figure out what the heck was going on. I am not always the biggest fan of sci-fi, so the fact that I loved this one so much says a lot.

My one complaint is that the ending felt a little rushed? In a way I feel like the author left room for a sequel--I wonder if that's the plan? Either way, would recommend this one!

Ghost Station is one of those books that just worked for me.  It was creepy and compelling, but not too fast-paced, so I could enjoy spending time with the characters and location, and draw out reading it over a few days.

This is going to be a vague review because I went into this book knowing little about the plot, and I recommend you do the same.

Here’s what I will share: Ghost Station follows Dr. Ophelia Bray, a psychologist dedicated to preventing ERS — a condition that makes space travellers go insane and kill themselves or others.  She’s assigned to a crew exploring an abandoned planet that was home to an ancient civilization.

Ophelia’s a wonderful character.  She’s damaged and altruistic, and kind of jerk. Barnes peels away layers of her troubled backstory throughout the book.

Barnes also excels in atmosphere and place. I felt like I was discovering a new planet with the characters, I could hear, see, and feel what they were. If it’s possible to have jump scares from a book, I did.

What I especially loved about this book is that everything ominous the characters see when arriving at the station has a later explanation (one that makes the novel even more horrific), so there’s no being creepy just for creepy’s sake.  There’s some nice body horror as well.

I enjoyed Barnes’ first horror novel, Dead Silence, and I think Ghost Station was even better. I love space horror but it’s so hard to find novels that are well-written and care about character. I’m excited to see what Barnes writes next.

Thank you to Tor Nightfire and Netgalley for my review copy of this book.

S. A. Barnes is the queen of terrifying and captivating space horror!

Ghost Station follows a crew trying to survive on an abandoned, ancient planet after a tragedy falls a crew member. We follow Ophelia Bray, a psychologist, who studies and prevents ERS – a space affliction most famous for a brutal, bloody murder of twenty-nine people. She’s assigned to an exploration crew on the abandoned, isolated planet. Except, not everything is as it seems and the crew are hiding something from her. Their accommodation appears to be hastily abandoned and Ophelia tries to unravel the mystery while the crew explores the planet and it’s ancient, abandoned city in the freezing snow. And then, terrifying symptoms of ERS or something far worse begin to appear in the crew and Ophelia has to figure out what is going on before it’s too late.

Ghost Station is hauntingly terrifying and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. My skin was crawling and the book exudes such an eerie and unsettling vibe. It is a perfect claustrophobic, psychological horror. The plot of this one was well paced and revealed everything in perfect, enticing increments that had me desperate to read more.

I loved the cast of characters, but especially Ophelia and Ethan – their scenes together we sooooo good! I really enjoyed the tension between the characters and the fact that they’re all hiding something and wary of each other, but especially Ophelia as she’s the outsider. I loved her backstory and her character arc. It was so interesting to read from her perspective especially with the psychologist aspect. Suresh was such a good comic relief character also! I definitely didn’t anticipate the ending and the twist and it was such a good one!

Overall, everyone should add Ghost Station to their TBRs! It’s phenomenal!

I absolutely adored S.A. Barnes first space horror book, Dead Silence, and Ghost Station lived up to all of my hopes and expectations especially as my most anticipated book of the year! This book really cements Barnes as an incredible space horror author. I will be continuing to devour every single book she writes eagerly.

A million thank yous to Netgalley and Tor for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!