Heliopause by J. Dianne Dotson is the next book up in my self-published marathon and not only has it been a nice break from my fantasy-strict reading diet, but it's always amazing to discover strikingly talented storytellers. While this story is sci-fi at its core, it’s also an alluring mystery that keeps you on your toes while nothing is as it seems. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am so glad it was recommended to me.

At the edge of interstellar space, strange occurrences descend upon the usually quiet Mandira Space Station and only one man is witness to mysterious transmissions sent from the unknown. Forster, along with his ambiguous shipmate Efron, ventures out amongst the stars to uncover the source of these messages only to discover an invisible and dangerous adversary. Are they capable of saving not only the lives of their station crew, but of all life in the solar system?

This is a fast-paced read with a strong and conscious plot that remains gripping through the final page. Dotson does a wonderful job of creating rich, empathetic characters that really draw the reader into the main story, as well as their pasts. While the tone of the book can be relatively dark at times, there is a strong sense of hope throughout with focus on the strength of family bonds and the importance of perseverance.

I truly love how this story ties up nicely, yet leaves just enough of a thread to continue in the future. Heliopause is a stunning debut and I am really looking forward to reading more as The Questrison Saga continues.