A Deep Dive into "Children of Solo" by Andrew D.H. Moore

If Dune and Foundation had a cerebral, emotionally complex love child, it would be Children of Solo by Andrew D.H. Moore. This debut novel is bold in scope, deeply layered, and full of interwoven narratives that explore duty, freedom, power, and identity. With intricate world-building and a cast of compelling characters, this book pulls you into a universe teetering on the edge of cosmic and political upheaval.

Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review. This blog tour is sponsored by Rockstar Book Tours, which is also giving away a copy of the book. Scroll down to read my full review and enter the giveaway!

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My Review of "Children of Solo" by Andre D. H. Moore

Set in a galaxy where the God of Creation has vanished, chaos reigns as empires, outlaws, and divine forces scramble to fill the void. At the heart of it all is a powerful artifact called Apyreon — said to hold the power of the gods themselves.

At the center of this complex tale are three protagonists, each navigating very different lives:

• Adi Crestone is a pirate captain with a haunted past and a fierce desire to protect her son. Her maternal instincts clash with the criminal life she leads, especially as she’s hunted by the ruthless Blood Queen. Adi's chapters are steeped in inner turmoil and high-stakes decisions, making her one of the most emotionally charged characters in the book.

  
  

• Theo Vanguard, an Imperial naval officer, is thrust from his life of duty and decorum into the chaotic underground of Solvigant after being captured by pirates. His story is a descent — emotionally and physically — as he discovers a world of survival, deception, and uncomfortable truths that challenge everything he thought he knew.

  
  

• Ion Rucinare is the classic runaway with big dreams. But instead of adventure, he finds himself on a dying moon, uncovering magical powers and a destiny far bigger than himself. His coming-of-age arc provides heart and wonder to the novel, making him the perfect contrast to the hardened perspectives of Adi and Theo.

  
  

Their stories slowly weave together, building tension as each character is drawn into the hunt for Apyreon, the artifact that could shift the balance of power in the entire World System.

A Rich, Complex World That Demands Your Attention

Moore’s strength lies in his ability to construct entire worlds that feel lived-in, from the grime of Solvigant’s underbelly to the mysticism of distant moons. The political systems are dizzying (in a good way), the alien beings are godlike and terrifying, and every faction has its own motivations, loyalties, and secrets.

This isn't a light, breezy read. Like Dune or Foundation, Children of Solo is a book that asks for your attention — and rewards it with depth. The philosophical underpinnings are rich, the dialogue is layered with meaning, and the scope is undeniably cinematic.

What I Loved

The world-building? Impeccable. You can tell Moore poured years of thought into the systems, cultures, and lore. His descriptive writing makes every scene feel vivid and immersive. I also appreciated the emotional weight carried by each protagonist — especially Adi, whose conflict between criminal necessity and maternal love makes her arc feel personal amid the cosmic stakes.

The concept of divine beings being treated as both spiritual and political figures was fascinating, and the Apyreon artifact adds just the right amount of mythical allure.

What Didn’t Quite Work (For Me)

This is where my personal bias comes in: as much as I admire stories like Children of Solo, I tend to enjoy watching this kind of story more than reading it. Like with Dune or Foundation, the intellectual and political complexity is incredible — but also exhausting over long stretches. The pacing dragged in a few places, and I found myself wishing I could fast-forward or visualize certain scenes instead.

Still, I know many readers thrive on this kind of storytelling, so my critique is more a matter of taste than substance.

Final Thoughts

Children of Solo is an impressive debut that swings for the stars — and largely succeeds. It’s a galaxy-spanning tale of politics, power, personal sacrifice, and divine mystery. If you’re the kind of reader who loves complex sci-fi that makes you think and feel, this one belongs on your shelf.

Andrew D.H. Moore is a name to watch in the genre, and I wouldn't be surprised if this story ends up adapted for screen — where it would absolutely shine.

📚 Recommended For: Fans of Dune, Foundation, space operas with layered characters, philosophical sci-fi, and morally complex protagonists.

🌀 Not Recommended For: Readers looking for fast-paced action or emotionally light reads.

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