Reviews
Whitman’s whip-smart SF tale investigates both the personal cost of war at the character level ... and the wider effects it has on a galactic civilization being torn apart by xenophobia. There is a clever ongoing theme throughout the story that engages with the relationships between war, diplomacy, and personal responsibility: “The facts didn’t care about her feelings. Whether the facts worked in your favor or against you, was irrelevant to the universe.” The plot maintains an engaging balance between action sequences ...understated romance, and humor peppered throughout.
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A very enjoyable start to a thoughtful SF series.
Kirkus Reviews
This story had me on the edge of my seat, from the space battles to the action scenes and assassination attempts. Suspense, adventure, mystery, and a dash of romance, Disunion brings you all this and more...Whether it is the characteristics of alien species or how the ships work with human links, every detail is vital to the plot. The book also covers familiar topics like racism, climate change, and corrupt politicians. The characters are great, and I enjoyed each one’s development...The book is fast-paced, well-written, and has a smooth flow. I highly recommend Disunion to science fiction lovers and cannot praise it enough for its memorable story.
Readers Favorite
Like Game of Thrones but in space! This book is perfect for sci-fi lovers and fiction lovers alike. As someone who doesn’t always love science fiction, this book kept me hooked from the first page. Filled with politics, space battles, relationships, and character growth, you won’t be able to put this book down.
Goodreads Review
"Fans of space opera will be stunned by Whitman's dazzling imagery and ability to create action-packed scenes in space. The characters are rock-solid and sophisticated...Whitman's prose is highly descriptive and it evokes compelling imagery of a world that is exciting to explore. Disunion is a searing, revolutionary novel with strong shades of dystopian. The power struggle and the quest for freedom become dominant themes as a planet seeks to secede from the grips of its colonizers. It is bracingly epic and imaginative, a tautly plotted and intelligently accomplished tale for fans of science fiction. The elements of the setting — space, culture, and politics —are thrillingly rendered in Disunion, and the story is stunningly wrought."
The Book Commentary
"John Whitman’s “Disunion: Book One- The Mantiz Gambit” is an outstanding science fiction novel. The intricate plot and well-crafted characters will make this a must-read for more than just fans of the science fiction genre. Readers who enjoy thrillers, suspense, and espionage will be captivated by this great adventure. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series."