Step aboard the starship Mobius and blast into the thrilling universe of Black Ocean, where science fiction meets wizardly magic in a rollicking space opera adventure! J.S. Morin’s Black Ocean series, set in the 26th century, follows the misfit crew of the Mobius as they navigate interstellar heists, pirate skirmishes, and moral quandaries, all while balancing technology and magic in a galaxy brimming with humor and heart.
This science fantasy saga captures the spirit of shows like Firefly, blending pulp sci-fi with fantastical elements. With its lovable rogues and richly crafted world, Black Ocean offers an irresistible escape for fans of interstellar escapades.
How Black Ocean Began
J.S. Morin, a mechanical engineer turned storyteller, crafted Black Ocean to fill the void left by Firefly’s abrupt end. Inspired by classics like Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett, Morin wanted a universe where science and magic clash, creating unpredictable adventures. Launched in 2014 with *Salvage Trouble*, the series grew into a sprawling saga, including spin-offs like *Astral Prime* and *Mercy for Hire*, driven by Morin’s knack for witty dialogue and vibrant characters.
The Heart of Black Ocean
The series kicks off with *Salvage Trouble*, where Captain Carl Ramsey and his crew—featuring his ex-wife pilot, a grumpy wizard named Mort, and a cat-like xeno-predator—chase a wrecked ship only to stumble into a web of survivors and mercenaries. In *Poets and Piracy*, the crew tangles with Tanny’s crime family, the Rucker Syndicate, while grappling with her need for rare drugs. *To Err Is Azrin* sees Mriy facing a ritual hunt to reclaim her family honor, blending personal stakes with interstellar chaos. *Moral and Orbital Decay* pits the crew against a crashing mining station, testing their altruism as magic disrupts technology.
Black Ocean’s genius lies in its fusion of genres: faster-than-light travel and artificial gravity are powered by magic, not tech, flipping sci-fi tropes on their head. Themes of loyalty, conscience, and found family shine through, with the crew’s moral compass often derailing their get-rich-quick schemes. The 26th-century setting, filled with pirate fleets, criminal syndicates, and wizardly Convocations, feels alive, with each book delivering fast-paced, character-driven plots laced with humor.
Why Black Ocean Resonates
Black Ocean has carved a niche among space opera fans, earning praise for its Firefly-like charm and inventive worldbuilding. Its blend of magic and tech offers a fresh take on the genre, while the crew’s banter and growth keep readers hooked across 16 core missions and beyond. Fans on platforms like Goodreads laud its accessibility, calling it a perfect entry for sci-fi newcomers and a comfort read for veterans. The series’ spin-offs and 80+ hour audiobook omnibus, *Galaxy Outlaws*, have cemented its cult status, proving Morin’s universe has staying power.
- First Published: 2014 (*Salvage Trouble*)
- Core Books: 16 in *Galaxy Outlaws* collection, plus spin-offs
- Genre: Science fantasy, space opera
- Notable Narrator: Mikael Naramore (audiobooks)
Ready to join the galaxy’s unluckiest outlaws? Grab *Salvage Trouble* and dive into Black Ocean’s wild, wizard-filled universe today!