If you're a fan of sci-fi space operas, grab a copy of Departure by Philroy A. Hinds. Set in a distant future, the book follows a war amongst the factions of Those Against and Those For on Corina-189. However, a far larger threat looms as the Dyson Sphere around the parent star Elnath is on the verge of collapse due to out-of-control self-replicating drones set to destroy humanity. After putting their lives on the line in the war, TA Lieutenants Paige Lehman and Hinds find themselves tasked with the evacuation of humans from the planet. As the survivors travel toward the very edge of the galaxy, the rogue drones chase them all the way. Decades pass, and now humans once again find themselves in the throes of extinction. Will they repeat their past mistakes or fight for the greater good?

A captivating odyssey through the cosmos, Departure is a treat for sci-fi lovers. With likable characters and a fast-paced plot, author Philroy A. Hinds tells a gripping tale about the fight for humanity's survival. All the characters have distinct yet relatable personalities, and it makes you sympathize with their plight as they risk their lives. Lehman and Hinds' relationship plays a crucial role in the narrative. Despite their differences, each brings the best out of the other. The book is divided into two parts, separated by a time gap. There is a similarity in the tone of the narrative that may remind sci-fi readers of James S.A. Corey's bestselling series, The Expanse. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Departure and can't recommend it enough.

Departure by Philroy Hinds is a science-fiction novel about humanity's battle against their creation — self-replicating drones. What starts as something perfect in a futuristic world ends up as an endless struggle for the existence of humankind as the self-replicating drones malfunction and go on a frenzy, destroying everything in their path. With civilization breaking down and on the brink of life and death, it is up to a young commander to make things right and put an end to an endless menace. Page after page we are immersed in a world of intrigue, betrayal, chaos, space action, hope, and love. The threat of death is always hanging over the horizon. Will human civilization be able to unite together and fight for the future of humankind? Or will our creation claim victory and devour whatever is left of the galaxy?

Departure by Philroy Hinds is a breathtaking epic space opera that immediately pulls you into its universe from the beginning till the end. The idea of humans fighting against self-replicating drones wouldn't be too far-fetched if humanity makes a few more bad decisions. Hinds gives us a perspective of a possible future — one that might spell the end of humanity. His prose is pretty consistent in constructing complex characters and balancing them with an equally complex narrative that includes human relationships and civil rivalries between different factions. His world-building helps expand an already expansive universe of conflict. The way the drones think and interact is a stark contrast to humanity's situation, bleak and slowly breaking apart. With tear-jerking final chapters, I am in awe at what Philroy Hinds has created, which is something that we can ponder on in our reality.