I dove into Vitalerium: Descent into the Void, curious about this debut sci-fi series, and came out thoroughly impressed. What hooked me right from the start was the masterful opening. Nicholas Keating Casbarro weaves a perfectly condensed historical overview and sharp social commentary before the story unfolds into the fabric of his universe, instantly grounding me in a future that feels eerily believable and ripe for conflict. It’s the perfect setup for the immersive world I was about to plunge into.

The world-building is phenomenal: a gritty, cyberpunk-infused 2701 where the gravity-bending crystal vitalerium powers everything from space travel to societal power struggles. Casbarro nails the dark, sharp-edged tone—relentless action, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity—without ever losing plausibility, especially remarkable for a first-time author.

I especially love the Quentin Tarantino flair in the revenge scenes, like Roman Matthews’ brutal takedown of a bully. Those moments are visceral, satisfying, and cinematic, cutting through the high-stakes conspiracy with raw intensity. Underneath the thrills, there’s thoughtful commentary on tyranny, freedom, and human ambition that lingers long after the last page.

Casbarro has crafted a bold, unputdownable space opera that already feels like the start of something epic. I can’t wait to see where Roman’s journey goes next.