Stellar Heir

Stellar Heir, Book 1

De: Scott Killian

Narrado por: Shamaan Casey

Jael Ked’Korhva hadn’t anticipated becoming the galaxy’s most wanted.

He hadn’t planned on picking up a strange alien artifact, either, but once it was clasped around his wrist, Jael was granted extraordinary abilities. His senses were heightened, his reflexes faster, and he could now regenerate from damage that would spell the end for others—abilities that would have been coveted even during his days as a warrior monk. Now, working as a scavenger, these powers were a boon, especially when forces from every corner of the stars wanted Jael’s artifact for themselves and would stop at nothing to get it.

What initially appears as an advantage swiftly transforms into a weighty charge. Yet, it's a charge Jael accepts without hesitation, understanding the catastrophic potential should the relic fall into the wrong hands.

Prodded onward by visions of an ancient ally and a mysterious enemy, Jael becomes a pivotal piece in a vast interstellar play of power and dominion in a galaxy on the brink of war.

A high-octane space opera that blends adrenaline-fueled martial arts with interstellar thriller, Stellar Heir is Mass Effect meets John Wick, perfect for fans of sci-fi like Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio or Skyward by Brandon Sanderson.

©2024 Salt and Sulfur, LLC (P)2025 Salt and Sulfur, LLC

A Solid Action Based Space Opera

A good start to the series, with excellent narration and enough action to beat the band; making this a fun diversion for what is pretty standard fare for the genre. It could have used a bit more world-building as well as a better explanation on why everybody want this artifact (beyond its immediate personal benefit) and a better defined goal for the big bads. Already planning to listening to the sequel

I received this audiobook at no-cost from AdoptAnAudiobook.com. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

#StellarHeir #AdoptAnAudiobook

YA, Book One Sets the Stage

Rounded to 4/5. Shamaan Casey brings Stellan Heir to life, while Scott Killian delivers a high-stakes, interstellar coming-of-age space opera. Definitely worth a listen. Looking forward to Book 2.

this awesome

attention to do details is amazing. if you like space and sci-fi this is the book. the way that this are described outstanding. the story line keeps you engaged the whole time

Character developement for the win!

If you're sci-fi fan this will not disappoint, however the real gem hidden within is the performance by Shamaan Casey! The characters are full of life and depth that is made clear with the pace, tone and style in which their individual story's are told. It wouldn't sound any better in my head!

A coming of age space tale

Steller Heir is a coming-of-age young adult space opera tale full of action, mystery, and chases across the universe. The story is authored by Scott Killian, who has one other Audible audiobook at the time of this review. This is the only story I have listened to by him as well. The audiobook’s narration is expertly performed by the wonderful Shamaan Casey, Mr. Casey continues to grow in his narration ability. He only gets better. The story feels like a space LitRPG as we observe the main characters maturing and needing to work together to solve their problems. A young group of salvagers stumble upon some discarded items in a derelict ship, yet one of the pieces attaches itself to our main character and from here the story takes many twists and turns as the assumed rightful owner of this piece of treasure will do almost anything to get it back in their possession. If you are a fan of young adult space tales, I would recommend you give this audiobook a listen.

Upon discovering this odd artifact and having it attach itself to Jael, he notices that the artifact elevates many of his physical and mental abilities. Sometimes this is discovered the hard way when facing a new opponent trying to retrieve the object for the previous owner. It is also a means by which the main character can communicate with an alien being who over time unwraps the main purpose of this object. From here, the story grows into a much more involved storyline and adventure. Many will go to any means and travel vast distances just to get the reward for this object that our characters had stumbled upon accidently. As with many good RPG-like adventures, our characters are sent on a few side-missions to retrieve an item before the NPC will provide them with the next steps in their journey and ultimate goal.

I felt that the author did a good job of building up the many characters and their backstories. They felt lifelike and multidimensional. These backstories were slowly presented to the listener via a few different flashbacks including some shocking information about Jael, his parents and his upbringing. Having his pet, many close friends and this monk martial arts training helped me to better understand him. I would have enjoyed a few more close calls for our main characters, but overall, the story had a good flow, pace and direction. It might sound like a small thing, but I did take note and wanted to give kudos as the author for using what I would call localized profanity instead of simply adopting English vernacular. Nothing upsets me more than when a society in the outreaches of space or a fantasy land has the same expletives as we do. I also found that the author crated a few unique creatures that were not simple science fiction tropes as well.

The author did a good job of bring in the importance of friendships and the dependance on them in times of trouble. Although the writing style and sentence structure felt simpler, there were some very well written parts. The story addressed the need for one to sacrifice for the good of all. As well, it delt with how one’s past emotions and the need for revenge can sometimes blind people to the purpose of their mission. Yet, Jael’s companions were always there to help and assist him in any way they could. Strong friendships and bonds were clearly portrayed in the story. Also, the main character’s ability to overcome past trauma and anxiety going back to his childhood were a part of the story as well. A bit more action and vulnerability would have made the story even better, but that is a very subjective thing.

About the audiobook’s narration, once again I have to say that I very much enjoy listening to Mr. Casey’s works. He has a smooth yet rich tone that brings the characters to life. His ability to voice many different types of characters from men, women, and even aliens and it all simply feels fluid and effortless. Yet, I know the level of effort that goes into professional audiobook recording, and I can say that his quality is right up there with the best. I have also listened to multiple different genres of books, and he puts the same effort into all his work. I do not recall any problems with audio involving artifacts such as pops, clicks, background noise, or plugs, which again shows his attention to detail and the importance of giving the listener the best quality audio he can.

For parents and younger listeners, there are a few references to alcohol use, some mature themes, and kidnapping. These are not overly emphases in the story but be aware that they exist. If one is easily offended by any of the above, please select a different audiobook. I would say that the story is more young adult in it writing style, so teen and above would be my recommendation.

In summary, I enjoyed the coming-of-age space tale, and the narration was of the highest quality. Although not a perfect story, it was paced well and the character development exceeded what I often see in the young adult genre. It will be interesting to see where the story goes from here as this is only book one in what I would assume to be a long running series.

Well Told Story, 1st in Series

The author wrote a very good 1st story to start off this Series. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the next book in this Series when it becomes available on Audible books. Narrator does a Great job with keeping the story a page Turner and makes the characters lively.

His voice!

I could listen to Shamaan all day! His inflections were superb. Not too much and not too little.

Stellar Heir Shines Bright!

From the moment I hit play on Stellar Heir by Scott Killian, I knew I was launching into something special. Blending a coming-of-age journey with the high-energy twists of an interstellar chase, this audiobook had me buckled in for a wild ride across the galaxy. Think space opera meets LitRPG vibes, sprinkled with martial arts action and a dash of mystery—definitely my kind of adventure!

Jael Ked’Korhva, the hero at the center of this cosmic whirlwind, finds himself accidentally bonded to an alien artifact that instantly amps up his abilities. As he and his crew race through space, dodging threats and tackling side quests like seasoned gamers, the artifact reveals its secrets bit by tantalizing bit.

Author Scott Killian brilliantly sets up a galaxy rich with layered characters and complex backstories, and I especially appreciated how each reveal brought Jael closer to understanding himself and his purpose.

Narrator Shamaan Casey is a standout here, effortlessly shifting between voices for humans, aliens, and everything in between. His smooth, engaging delivery pulled me deep into Jael’s world, making every chase scene and heart-to-heart feel vivid and genuine. Listening to Casey narrate felt like traveling with an old friend—warm, familiar, yet full of fresh surprises.

While I would have loved a few more heart-pounding close calls to keep me guessing, the pacing and character depth more than made up for it. I particularly enjoyed the exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and how our past shapes our decisions—heavy themes handled with a perfect balance of heart and action. It’s the kind of story that reminds you how vital bonds with friends are, especially when you’re galaxies away from home.

If you’re craving a sci-fi adventure with heart, humor, and heaps of potential, Stellar Heir definitely deserves a spot on your listen list. I’m already eagerly waiting to see what Killian and Casey cook up next in this stellar saga!

Great SF adventure

Another really great book by Scott Killian, brilliantly voiced by Shamaan Casey. The Archons and Mortuum make great villains. The Mortuum are kinda gross but that's the point lol Looking forward to see where this goes in book 2

Entertaining

Stellar Heir by Scott Killian is an amazing detective space Sci-Fi. Shamaan Casey is an amazing narrator, bringing the story to life. The story is entertaining, interesting, engaging, enjoyable, funny and action packed. The story is fast paced and keeps you on your toes. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.