Genre: Romantic Science Fiction
Setting: On a spaceship that is part of a colonization fleet that is orbiting a toxic planet.
First Sentence: Era huddled against the wall and pressed her hands to her ears, blocking out the piercing sirens.
This novel is part of a group of Kalquist's novels and short stories called the Fractured Era series.
The fleet has been traveling through space hundreds of years. They have been looking for an earth-like planet to settle on. Now, they are orbiting a toxic planet. It may be that the fleet has reached a dead end.
Our main character, Era, and her husband Dritan live on one of the ships in the fleet. It is a nervous time for them. They are expecting their first child.
It is a requirement that each pregnancy must be evaluated. Many fetuses carry the genetic marker for a genetic mutation called the Defect. Children born with the Defect do not live very long because their organs do not develop correctly. Fetuses that carry the marker are routinely aborted.
There are those in the fleet that believe that the Defect is not real. People who espouse this belief are quickly and permanently silenced.
What will happen to Era and Dritan? Will their child have the Defect? Is the Defect real?
I found that this novel was a very enjoyable read. I liked the way the author has seamlessly blended high tech into the narrative. She shows her characters using technology without long-winded explanations.
I also liked the fact that the main character is a believable, human female. She has been portrayed as a a young woman with normal emotional issues concerning love, friendship, and her unborn child. And she is also an expert with computer hardware and software.
For me, this novel was a break from my usual reading fare. I don't usually read novels in which love, relationships, and pregnancy are key parts of the plot.
I enjoyed this novel. For me it was a fun read.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Monday, March 23, 2015
The Edge of Solace by Casey Calouette
Genre: Science Fiction, Military Science Fiction
Setting: In space on spaceships, on planets colonized by humans.
First Sentence: Major Archibald Theodore strutted down the narrow hallway.
This book is the second in Calouette's A Star Too Far series. The series extends to three books.
Earth and its colony planets have formed the United Colonies to foster peace and unity between the planets. Unfortunately, not all of the colonies live in peace. There is prejudice between the earth born and colony born citizens.
One group of colonies, the Sa'Ami, want to be independent of the rest of the United Colonies. To this end the Sa'Ami have used alien technology to create an interstellar barrior between the U.C. and Sa'Ami space.
The population of Earth far outnumbers the population of the Sa'Ami. In a war of attrition, the Sa'Ami cannot hope to win. Their strategy is to strike hard, without warning, and deploy their barrior technology.
The novel follows the exploits and battles of a group of U. C. Army, Navy and Marine Corps warriors. Battles in Calouette's novel occur on planets, within and between spaceships. There is no shortage of high tech weapons and shielding. Computers are fully integrated into all aspects of military action. And the use of nanites is ubiquitous. They are used to repair battle wounds, to construct space suits, as recreational drugs, and some are even weaponized.
Over all, for me, this was an interesting and fun read. If you like your Sci-Fi with lots of battles and tech, you'll enjoy this novel. I did. And now off to read book three.
Setting: In space on spaceships, on planets colonized by humans.
First Sentence: Major Archibald Theodore strutted down the narrow hallway.
This book is the second in Calouette's A Star Too Far series. The series extends to three books.
Earth and its colony planets have formed the United Colonies to foster peace and unity between the planets. Unfortunately, not all of the colonies live in peace. There is prejudice between the earth born and colony born citizens.
One group of colonies, the Sa'Ami, want to be independent of the rest of the United Colonies. To this end the Sa'Ami have used alien technology to create an interstellar barrior between the U.C. and Sa'Ami space.
The population of Earth far outnumbers the population of the Sa'Ami. In a war of attrition, the Sa'Ami cannot hope to win. Their strategy is to strike hard, without warning, and deploy their barrior technology.
The novel follows the exploits and battles of a group of U. C. Army, Navy and Marine Corps warriors. Battles in Calouette's novel occur on planets, within and between spaceships. There is no shortage of high tech weapons and shielding. Computers are fully integrated into all aspects of military action. And the use of nanites is ubiquitous. They are used to repair battle wounds, to construct space suits, as recreational drugs, and some are even weaponized.
Over all, for me, this was an interesting and fun read. If you like your Sci-Fi with lots of battles and tech, you'll enjoy this novel. I did. And now off to read book three.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Trial by Ice by Casey Caloutte
Genre: Science Fiction, Military Science Fiction
Setting: In the future, on a distant planet, and on a spaceship.
First Sentence: William Grace woke up to a world of agony and ice.
This novel is the first in Caloutte's A Star too Far trilogy.
The mission was to blink in and drop off a contingent of diplomats and military personnel. Their job was to encourage the local planetary government to sign on to the United Colonies compact.
Instead, the space ship crashed. Midshipman William Grace awakes to discover that he is the ranking officer. The first job is to determine who survived the crash. Grace discovers that he is the leader of a ragtag group of military and civilian personnel.
The crash has deposited them in an extreme arctic type environment. Grace must organize his men (there is one very minor female character) to move to a more hospitable climate.
Finally, William and his team must attempt to fulfill the mission. This involves battling mercenary ground troops, taking control of an orbiting spaceship, and having a running battle with another space ship.
Along the way William learns how to be a leader.
I really liked this book. I think it is a fine example of no nonsense military science fiction. I found the description of the fight for survival in the extreme cold to very compelling. I also liked the descriptions of future tech.
For me, this was a great read. I already have the next book of the series loaded into my Kindle.
Setting: In the future, on a distant planet, and on a spaceship.
First Sentence: William Grace woke up to a world of agony and ice.
This novel is the first in Caloutte's A Star too Far trilogy.
The mission was to blink in and drop off a contingent of diplomats and military personnel. Their job was to encourage the local planetary government to sign on to the United Colonies compact.
Instead, the space ship crashed. Midshipman William Grace awakes to discover that he is the ranking officer. The first job is to determine who survived the crash. Grace discovers that he is the leader of a ragtag group of military and civilian personnel.
The crash has deposited them in an extreme arctic type environment. Grace must organize his men (there is one very minor female character) to move to a more hospitable climate.
Finally, William and his team must attempt to fulfill the mission. This involves battling mercenary ground troops, taking control of an orbiting spaceship, and having a running battle with another space ship.
Along the way William learns how to be a leader.
I really liked this book. I think it is a fine example of no nonsense military science fiction. I found the description of the fight for survival in the extreme cold to very compelling. I also liked the descriptions of future tech.
For me, this was a great read. I already have the next book of the series loaded into my Kindle.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Dark Space by Jasper T. Scott
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: Aboard spaceships in outer space
First Sentence: A vast backdrop of stars sparkled all around Ethan's head, just on the other side of the nova interceptor's thin transpiranium cockpit canopy.
This novel is the first book in Scott's Dark Space series. The series currently runs to five books.
Our main character, Ethan, is on the run. He has escaped from a prison planet where hes was exiled for smuggling. Currently, he owes a great deal of money to a notorious crime boss who would rather see Ethan dead than collect his money.
Years ago humanity was almost exterminated during the war with an alien race known as the Sythians. Now what is left of humanity has retreated to a secluded area of space known as Dark Space.
It was during this war that Ethan lost track of his wife and son. Now, years later, Ethan travels through space looking for his family. He travels with his young, beautiful copilot Alara. She loves Ethan, but Ethan cannot return her love.
Unfortunately, the crime boss nabs Ethan and Alara. He forces Ethan to sabotage a government spaceship. Ethan does not know that he is being used to commit the murder of an entire ship's crew. The crime boss's goal is to take complete control of the human government.
Will Ethan follow the crime boss's orders?
Will he find a way to save Alara?
Will Ethan fins his long lost wife and son?
This novel is an example of a pretty standard sci-fi novel: a flawed hero, who is an ace pilot, damaged by the war, and forced to work with criminals. Can he find a way to redeem himself and save humanity?
For me this was an OK book; not the best I've read, but certainly not the worst. The plot and characters were somewhat interesting. The battle sequences were a little confusing. Since this is the first book of a series, there was little plot resolution.
If you like sci-fi, you might like this book.
Setting: Aboard spaceships in outer space
First Sentence: A vast backdrop of stars sparkled all around Ethan's head, just on the other side of the nova interceptor's thin transpiranium cockpit canopy.
This novel is the first book in Scott's Dark Space series. The series currently runs to five books.
Our main character, Ethan, is on the run. He has escaped from a prison planet where hes was exiled for smuggling. Currently, he owes a great deal of money to a notorious crime boss who would rather see Ethan dead than collect his money.
Years ago humanity was almost exterminated during the war with an alien race known as the Sythians. Now what is left of humanity has retreated to a secluded area of space known as Dark Space.
It was during this war that Ethan lost track of his wife and son. Now, years later, Ethan travels through space looking for his family. He travels with his young, beautiful copilot Alara. She loves Ethan, but Ethan cannot return her love.
Unfortunately, the crime boss nabs Ethan and Alara. He forces Ethan to sabotage a government spaceship. Ethan does not know that he is being used to commit the murder of an entire ship's crew. The crime boss's goal is to take complete control of the human government.
Will Ethan follow the crime boss's orders?
Will he find a way to save Alara?
Will Ethan fins his long lost wife and son?
This novel is an example of a pretty standard sci-fi novel: a flawed hero, who is an ace pilot, damaged by the war, and forced to work with criminals. Can he find a way to redeem himself and save humanity?
For me this was an OK book; not the best I've read, but certainly not the worst. The plot and characters were somewhat interesting. The battle sequences were a little confusing. Since this is the first book of a series, there was little plot resolution.
If you like sci-fi, you might like this book.
Monday, March 2, 2015
The Amber Treasure by Richard Denning
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: Northern Britain, 597 AD
First sentence: Looking back from old age, when the faith of Christ has replaced the old religions of my fathers, I can recall many times when my friends and I appeared to be at the whim of powers beyond our understanding.
This book is the first novel in Denning's Northern Crown series. This series currently runs to three novels.
It is almost two hundred years since the Romans have left Britain. The Angles and the Welsh are battling for control of a corner of the land that would one day be united into the Kingdom of England.
Our main character, Cerdic, is the son of a local Angle lord. As the story begins, Cerdic is a youth. He dreams of a day when he is a warrior. He listens to the stories of great warriors and epic battles. He hopes that, one day, there would be songs about him.
Then when the men of the village are at a boar hunt, the Welsh attack. They take prisoners and hostages. They also steal an extremely valuable set of amber jewelry. When the men return, they decide to follow the Welsh to regain the kidnapped villagers, and the amber treasure.
Soon, Cerdic and the rest of the Angle warriors are embroiled in a great battle to stop the Welsh invasion.
Will Cerdic discover the glory that he dreamed of as a youth?
This book was a good start to a historical fiction series. We are introduced to the main characters, and to the main character's nemesis. Although, I felt that the plot moved a little slowly, I did enjoy the battle scenes.
For me, this was an enjoyable read.
Setting: Northern Britain, 597 AD
First sentence: Looking back from old age, when the faith of Christ has replaced the old religions of my fathers, I can recall many times when my friends and I appeared to be at the whim of powers beyond our understanding.
This book is the first novel in Denning's Northern Crown series. This series currently runs to three novels.
It is almost two hundred years since the Romans have left Britain. The Angles and the Welsh are battling for control of a corner of the land that would one day be united into the Kingdom of England.
Our main character, Cerdic, is the son of a local Angle lord. As the story begins, Cerdic is a youth. He dreams of a day when he is a warrior. He listens to the stories of great warriors and epic battles. He hopes that, one day, there would be songs about him.
Then when the men of the village are at a boar hunt, the Welsh attack. They take prisoners and hostages. They also steal an extremely valuable set of amber jewelry. When the men return, they decide to follow the Welsh to regain the kidnapped villagers, and the amber treasure.
Soon, Cerdic and the rest of the Angle warriors are embroiled in a great battle to stop the Welsh invasion.
Will Cerdic discover the glory that he dreamed of as a youth?
This book was a good start to a historical fiction series. We are introduced to the main characters, and to the main character's nemesis. Although, I felt that the plot moved a little slowly, I did enjoy the battle scenes.
For me, this was an enjoyable read.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
The Darkening Sea by Alexander Kent
Genre: Nautical Fiction
Setting: The early 1800's in England, and on the high seas aboard British warships.
First sentence: The meandering track that ran around the wide curve of Falmouth Bay was just wide enough to allow passage to horse and rider, and only slightly less dangerous than the foot path which was some where beneath it.
This book is the twentieth in Kent's Bolitho series. This series currently runs to twenty-eight novels. Although it can be read as a stand alone novel, I suggest reading the Bolitho novels in order to better understand the story arcs which occur over several books.
Our main character is Vice Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho. The Bolitho novels have followed him since he was a young midshipman. Now he has ascended to high rank in the British Navy. Yet, he has maintained a modest self image. He is loved by a beautiful woman, he knows how to be a leader of men, but he is hounded by his doubts.
This installment of the series is part war story and part soap opera. We have the drama of battle on the high seas combined with the drama of love, friendship, and personal secrets.
Will Sir Richard be able tho keep the secret of his failing eyesight?
Can Catherine, Sir Richard's great love, maintain the secret of her humble beginnings?
Is there any way Bolitho can mend his broken frienship with his best friend Thomas Herrick?
What will happen between Bolitho's nephew Adam, and his great love Zenoria?
Zenoria has given birth to Adam's child even though she is married to another captain. Can she keep the secret of the child's true paternity?
Interwoven between the relationship drama is some fine naval warfare action. Bolitho's small squadron must battle the French. But now there is a pesky American frigate to deal with.
Even though Sir Richard is hounded by self doubts, in the end he proves his worth as a great naval commander.
For me, this was a fun read.
Setting: The early 1800's in England, and on the high seas aboard British warships.
First sentence: The meandering track that ran around the wide curve of Falmouth Bay was just wide enough to allow passage to horse and rider, and only slightly less dangerous than the foot path which was some where beneath it.
This book is the twentieth in Kent's Bolitho series. This series currently runs to twenty-eight novels. Although it can be read as a stand alone novel, I suggest reading the Bolitho novels in order to better understand the story arcs which occur over several books.
Our main character is Vice Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho. The Bolitho novels have followed him since he was a young midshipman. Now he has ascended to high rank in the British Navy. Yet, he has maintained a modest self image. He is loved by a beautiful woman, he knows how to be a leader of men, but he is hounded by his doubts.
This installment of the series is part war story and part soap opera. We have the drama of battle on the high seas combined with the drama of love, friendship, and personal secrets.
Will Sir Richard be able tho keep the secret of his failing eyesight?
Can Catherine, Sir Richard's great love, maintain the secret of her humble beginnings?
Is there any way Bolitho can mend his broken frienship with his best friend Thomas Herrick?
What will happen between Bolitho's nephew Adam, and his great love Zenoria?
Zenoria has given birth to Adam's child even though she is married to another captain. Can she keep the secret of the child's true paternity?
Interwoven between the relationship drama is some fine naval warfare action. Bolitho's small squadron must battle the French. But now there is a pesky American frigate to deal with.
Even though Sir Richard is hounded by self doubts, in the end he proves his worth as a great naval commander.
For me, this was a fun read.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Flashman in the Great Game by George MacDonald Fraser
Genre: Historical Fiction
Setting: England and India during the reign of Queen Victoria.
First sentence: They don't often invite me to Balmoral nowadays, which is a blessing; those damned tartan carpets always put me off my food, to say nothing of the endless pictures of German royalty and that unspeakable statue of the Prince consort standing knock-kneed in a kilt.
This book is the fifth in Fraser's Flashman series which extends to twelve novels.
Our main character is Colonel Harry Flashman. Flashman has earned a reputation of being brave, courageous, and bold. He does not consider himself to be so. Reminiscent of Forest Gump, he just happens to be in the right place at the right time. He considers himself to be lucky at war, and successful with the ladies (If you know what I mean.).
In this novel, the British government has received information about a possible native uprising in India. Is seems that a Russian operative has been stirring up trouble. In addition,there is an Indian princess who has not accepted British rule.
The government needs to send someone to India to assess the state of the natives, investigate the Russian spy's activities, and to approach the Indian princess.
Who else could fill the bill but brave courageous Flashy?
And once again Flashman is unwillingly thrust into the fray.
This time he is at the beginning and the end of the Great Indian Mutiny of 1857.
This novel was published forty years ago. The story is told through Flashman's eyes. In giving Flashman his voice, the author has him use many pejorative adjectives when speaking of non-English characters. In doing so, the author makes copious use of the "n-word" When reading this novel I was struck at how unnecessary the use of that term was.
If the purpose was to accurately portray how prejudiced the British were, then the author was successful. However, I found the use to the word to be somewhat tiresome.
This novel is a grand story of Flashman's exciting and bawdy adventures. There is plenty of the excitement of war, and plenty of excitement with the ladies (Wink, wink.).
For me, an okay book.
Setting: England and India during the reign of Queen Victoria.
First sentence: They don't often invite me to Balmoral nowadays, which is a blessing; those damned tartan carpets always put me off my food, to say nothing of the endless pictures of German royalty and that unspeakable statue of the Prince consort standing knock-kneed in a kilt.
This book is the fifth in Fraser's Flashman series which extends to twelve novels.
Our main character is Colonel Harry Flashman. Flashman has earned a reputation of being brave, courageous, and bold. He does not consider himself to be so. Reminiscent of Forest Gump, he just happens to be in the right place at the right time. He considers himself to be lucky at war, and successful with the ladies (If you know what I mean.).
In this novel, the British government has received information about a possible native uprising in India. Is seems that a Russian operative has been stirring up trouble. In addition,there is an Indian princess who has not accepted British rule.
The government needs to send someone to India to assess the state of the natives, investigate the Russian spy's activities, and to approach the Indian princess.
Who else could fill the bill but brave courageous Flashy?
And once again Flashman is unwillingly thrust into the fray.
This time he is at the beginning and the end of the Great Indian Mutiny of 1857.
This novel was published forty years ago. The story is told through Flashman's eyes. In giving Flashman his voice, the author has him use many pejorative adjectives when speaking of non-English characters. In doing so, the author makes copious use of the "n-word" When reading this novel I was struck at how unnecessary the use of that term was.
If the purpose was to accurately portray how prejudiced the British were, then the author was successful. However, I found the use to the word to be somewhat tiresome.
This novel is a grand story of Flashman's exciting and bawdy adventures. There is plenty of the excitement of war, and plenty of excitement with the ladies (Wink, wink.).
For me, an okay book.
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