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The Photonic Effect

Mike Chen

Ages 13–18

Readers rate it 2.5 (2 on Hardcover)

448 pages · Released Apr 21, 2026

Content report card

The Photonic Effect parent’s guide: what’s inside

Medium confidence

LGBTQ+ themes

Substance use

What it offers

Educational value

A note for parents

The Photonic Effect is a space opera centered on military conflict and leadership decisions during galactic civil war. While violence is present—including an attack that kills thousands—it appears to be described at a moderate level typical of the genre rather than graphically depicted. The story emphasizes character relationships, difficult moral choices, and the emotional toll of command, making it suitable for older teens who enjoy science fiction. The book explores themes of loyalty, survival, and responsibility rather than glorifying conflict.

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From the publisher

“What space opera is meant to be. A brilliantly complex novel about love, loss, and war.” —K.B. Wagers A starship captain and her crew face conspiracies and betrayals as they clash with various factions of a galactic civil war in a thrilling space adventure by New York Times bestselling author Mike Chen. The starship H... “What space opera is meant to be. A brilliantly complex novel about love, loss, and war.” —K.B. Wagers A starship captain and her crew face conspiracies and betrayals as they clash with various factions of a galactic civil war in a thrilling space adventure by New York Times bestselling author Mike Chen. The starship Horizon’s crew spent ten years trapped across the expanse of space. Now they’re finally home—only it’s not the home they knew. The Cluster, once a peaceful coalition of planets, has fractured in the wake of civil war. Captain Demora Kim wants nothing more than to protect her surviving crew. It’s what she owes them after years of instability and terror. But in times of war, no one is allowed neutrality. After an attack on a mining station leaves thousands dead, Demi’s efforts become almost impossible. Every ship is needed on the frontline. Thrust deeper into a conflict she barely understands, Demi considers a bold choice—one that might keep her promises but tip the galaxy further into chaos. “Mike Chen has done it again. The Photonic Effect is bursting with unexpected twists and wild rides, but most of all, it's full of heart.” —Annalee Newitz “One of the strongest space operas I’ve read in recent years. A thrilling, emotionally grounded story about survival, leadership, and the true cost of command.” —Karen Osborne

Shelved under

  • Fiction
  • standalone
  • Science Fiction
  • First contact
  • Space Opera
  • Space

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ISBN 9781668083796 · Simon and Schuster

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