Vor: Operation Sierra-75 (Vor, the Maelstrom)

Earth has been ripped from its original orbit and drawn into the Maelstrom, an alternate dimension of space and time. At the center of the Maelstrom is the Maw, an energy producing mass that interferes with communications on Earth even with the planet on the outer rim of this new universe. The Maelstrom has sucked in other worlds with some of those species hostile towards the newcomers. During the Induction, while the earthlings adjusted to a new reality, hostilities heated up between the Neo- SOVS and the Union.When things quiet down, the Union begins exploring the earth-like planets that reside near their home world. An exploration vehicle travels to Sierra - 75, a planet with no life form yet satellite pictures display structures on the surface. The ship vanishes, but not before a crewmember sends a mayday. Captain Maxwell Taggert leads a military expedition to Sierra ñ 75 to rescue any survivors and to learn the truth. When this team lands on the planet, they detect nothing yet instinctually believe something stalks them. Is it a first contact or a secret military maneuver? Either way, Taggert and his crew know they need fast answers and an even faster escape from the hellish environs.This novel is a fun to read, shoot-em-up outer space "western" tale with no pretense between the identities of the good guys and the bad guys or the outcome. Still, this does not take away but enhances the overall enjoyment Thomas S. Gressman provides to his audience. Escapism yes, but absolutely entertaining reading that proves Mr. Gressman can make a gourmet dinner out of chicken scraps.Harriet Klausner