Return to Aneleya

The Silver Sphere Series

Fiction - Science Fiction
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 06/05/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Return to Aneleya by David Gittlin transports readers back into the Silver Sphere universe with a thrilling space adventure that’s equal parts danger and charm. When Jacob Casell, his wife Amy, and their AI companion Arcon embark on a routine mission, things go off the rails fast. Alien freighters are harvesting Jupiter’s atmosphere, the Dauntless is nearly destroyed, and diplomacy quickly turns into a fight for survival. Despite the stakes, this installment balances high-concept sci-fi with accessible storytelling, witty dialogue, and strong emotional beats. And while it’s technically book five, the story stands solidly on its own, introducing its stakes and characters in a way that welcomes new readers to the galaxy.

Author David Gittlin blends smart sci-fi ideas with a warm, character-focused heart. I enjoyed how much fun this book was—it didn’t just throw me into danger, it gave me a crew I wanted to root for. Arcon, the AI, brings just the right touch of humor and logic to balance the very human tensions between Jacob and Amy. The pacing is fast but not rushed, and the imaginative settings that go from deep space to the swirling chaos near Jupiter really drew me in. Even the politics were interesting without bogging the plot down. Overall, Return to Aneleya is an exciting, thoughtful, and thoroughly entertaining space opera for anyone who loves adventure with a human (and artificial) touch. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, and I can't wait to see what else comes out of this fascinating story universe in the future.

Essien Asian

Jacob Casell, author and captain of the exploratory spaceship Dauntless, must pause his mission to promote interstellar peace when circumstances beyond his control catapult the Dauntless into a parallel universe. He and his crew become entangled in a conflict between the Aneleya, an intelligent race, and the Saurrians, a hostile species with unclear intentions. Jacob takes it upon himself to negotiate peace between these two warring factions, but remains unaware that more is at stake than biological differences. Only time will reveal whether his plans succeed in David Gittlin's Return to Aneleya.

David Gittlin's Return to Aneleya is the fifth book in his Silver Sphere series. Jacob's detailed references to his crew, including his wife and AI companion, explore their individual origin stories and highlight specific aspects of the previous books. This approach offers brief yet comprehensive character development while ensuring continuity between this and previous installments for dedicated followers of Gittlin's works. Gittlin keeps the science straightforward, using terms that first-time readers will find relatable, such as hyperspace tunnels and FTL (faster-than-light speed), while emphasizing the evolving relationships among the crew members as their situation gradually spirals into chaos. A prime example is how the AI reassesses its views of the human race when faced with a life-and-death situation. Action enthusiasts will find the combat scenes entertaining, while science fiction fans will be captivated by the intricate world-building. I enjoyed reading Return to Aneleya and eagerly await the next installment of this riveting series.