Vitalerium: Descent into the Void by Nicholas Keating Casbarro is a thrilling dive into a futuristic world where humanity’s reliance on a mysterious blue crystal, vitalerium, shapes its destiny. Set in the year 2701, the novel introduces us to Roman Matthews, a rogue freelancer who finds himself at the heart of a high-stakes conspiracy on Planet Deorum. As Roman is pursued by the powerful Coalition for Prosperity, he and his eclectic band of allies are drawn into a dangerous game that could alter the course of civilization.

Casbarro’s storytelling is reminiscent of classic sci-fi adventures, evoking a sense of wonder and urgency akin to the greats of the genre. Roman Matthews is a compelling protagonist with his rough edges and moral complexity, while the Coalition’s quest for a dystopian version of utopia provides a chilling antagonist. The blend of action, suspense, and philosophical undertones keeps the pages turning, even if some aspects of the world-building and character development could be more fleshed out. As the first entry in what promises to be an intriguing series, Vitalerium: Descent into the Void leaves readers eager to see where Casbarro takes Roman and his world next.