Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In space, in the future.
First Sentence: The odd's weren't in our favor.
This novel is a prequel to the author's Spaniard Fringe series which currently runs to ten novels.
Out in interstellar space there are many inhabited planets. Ruthless corporations plunder these planets for their resources, technology, and cheap labor.
Scattered through the galaxy are also space ports which act as safe harbors for independent spacefaring vessels. One of these ports is the space station Freeground. For recreation on Freeground there are teams of people who compete by playing spaceship simulation games. One team, lead by our main character Jonas Valent, has become so good that they routinely defeat military simulation teams.
They are so good infact that the military has approached them to become an actual spaceship crew. The military leaders have decided that they would be the perfect crew to pilot secretive missions.
After they have proved themselves, they are given a given a ship and sent out to conduct shadow ship missions. They are tasked with obtaining advance tech devices any way they can.
In between visits to space ports, they battle the corporations' fleets.
Will Jonas and his crew evade the corporate fleets, and return to Freeground to complete their mission?
This novel is a prequel to the series, but it was not first in order of publication, When I began reading this novel, I was somewhat confused. There was a lot of exposition that I didn't understand. But I kept reading, and the novel became more enjoyable.
The plot has lots of space battles in between visits to space ports, so if you like high tech and space battles, you'll probably like this book.
I suggest that you read them in order of publication.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Friday, December 11, 2015
The Park Service by Ryan Winfield
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian Fiction
Setting: about one thousand years in the future.
First Sentence: Dead leaves scatter, caught and swirling in the smoky exhaust.
This novel is the first in Winfield's Park Service Trilogy.
I love novels that start down one path into a predictable plot, then take an unexpected turn into a completely different story.
In this novel, our main character Aubrey, lives deep below the surface of the Earth. All his life Aubrey has been taught that due to a nuclear war a thousand years ago, the surface of Earth is a blasted wasteland where nothing can survive. What remains of humanity survives on artificial food and recycled possessions. When a person reaches the age of thirty-five they are "retired" to live the rest of their days in beautiful place called Eden.
At the age of fifteen, each adolescent takes a test to determine his or her future. If they do poorly, they are sent to the lower levels where work is hard and life is less pleasant. Those who do well, can remain on their current level. A few who do exceptionally well can move to a higher level where life is easier and more comfortable.
When he takes his test, Aubrey does something no one else has ever done. He aces the test. This means he can advance to level 1. The highest and most prestigious level.
On the trip to level one, something happens. And Aubrey discovers that his life, until now, has been a lie.
What will Aubrey do when he is confronted with the truth about life on Earth?
This novel us a great beginning to a trilogy. The story is not over. The author leaves us wondering what will happen next. I am eager to find out. And book two of this trilogy is now on my must read list.
Bravo to the author for creating an interesting and exciting novel.
Setting: about one thousand years in the future.
First Sentence: Dead leaves scatter, caught and swirling in the smoky exhaust.
This novel is the first in Winfield's Park Service Trilogy.
I love novels that start down one path into a predictable plot, then take an unexpected turn into a completely different story.
In this novel, our main character Aubrey, lives deep below the surface of the Earth. All his life Aubrey has been taught that due to a nuclear war a thousand years ago, the surface of Earth is a blasted wasteland where nothing can survive. What remains of humanity survives on artificial food and recycled possessions. When a person reaches the age of thirty-five they are "retired" to live the rest of their days in beautiful place called Eden.
At the age of fifteen, each adolescent takes a test to determine his or her future. If they do poorly, they are sent to the lower levels where work is hard and life is less pleasant. Those who do well, can remain on their current level. A few who do exceptionally well can move to a higher level where life is easier and more comfortable.
When he takes his test, Aubrey does something no one else has ever done. He aces the test. This means he can advance to level 1. The highest and most prestigious level.
On the trip to level one, something happens. And Aubrey discovers that his life, until now, has been a lie.
What will Aubrey do when he is confronted with the truth about life on Earth?
This novel us a great beginning to a trilogy. The story is not over. The author leaves us wondering what will happen next. I am eager to find out. And book two of this trilogy is now on my must read list.
Bravo to the author for creating an interesting and exciting novel.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Blackstone and the Balloon of Death by Sally Spencer
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: London, England at the start of the Twentieth Century.
First Sentence: Lady Eustacia Wilton looked down at the letter she was holding in her trembling hands, and read it through once more.
The fifth novel in Spencer's Investigator Blackstone Series.
A murder is committed in front of a theater audience. The lead actor is stabbed in the neck and falls to his death. The lead actress holds the knife in her hands and screams. That's how the play was written. That's how the play has been performed.
But, tonight, the actor really does die. And the knife is truly a murder weapon.
In the audience are Inspector Sam Blackstone and his friend Dr. Ellie Carr. Blackstone begins investigating the death from a police detective's point of view. While Dr. Carr (a practitioner of the new science of forensics) begins to study the actual cause of death.
In his investigations Blackstone unravels the intricate relationships between the actors, the theater owner, and an influential member of the aristocracy (Blackstone's particular nemeses).
Dr. Ellie becomes engrossed in the actual cause of the actors death. She quickly realizes that she is faced with finking an extremely lethal form of poison.
Although both Sam and Ellie are working on the same case, they are not working together. This fact takes its toll on their budding relationship.
Will Blackstone and Ellie discover the clues which will point the finger at the culprit?
Once again the author has penned an engrossing mystery tale. I enjoyed it.
This novel has been republished with a new title. I have included links for both versions of the book.
Setting: London, England at the start of the Twentieth Century.
First Sentence: Lady Eustacia Wilton looked down at the letter she was holding in her trembling hands, and read it through once more.
The fifth novel in Spencer's Investigator Blackstone Series.
A murder is committed in front of a theater audience. The lead actor is stabbed in the neck and falls to his death. The lead actress holds the knife in her hands and screams. That's how the play was written. That's how the play has been performed.
But, tonight, the actor really does die. And the knife is truly a murder weapon.
In the audience are Inspector Sam Blackstone and his friend Dr. Ellie Carr. Blackstone begins investigating the death from a police detective's point of view. While Dr. Carr (a practitioner of the new science of forensics) begins to study the actual cause of death.
In his investigations Blackstone unravels the intricate relationships between the actors, the theater owner, and an influential member of the aristocracy (Blackstone's particular nemeses).
Dr. Ellie becomes engrossed in the actual cause of the actors death. She quickly realizes that she is faced with finking an extremely lethal form of poison.
Although both Sam and Ellie are working on the same case, they are not working together. This fact takes its toll on their budding relationship.
Will Blackstone and Ellie discover the clues which will point the finger at the culprit?
Once again the author has penned an engrossing mystery tale. I enjoyed it.
This novel has been republished with a new title. I have included links for both versions of the book.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Blackstone and the Firebug by Sally Spencer
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: London, England in 1900
First Sentence: It was a warm spring day.
This novel is the fourth in Spencer's Inspector Blackstone mystery series which currently runs to twelve novels.
It all starts with a fire set by an arsonist in an abandoned warehouse. Inspector Sam Blackstone and his partner Archie Patterson are assigned to the case. The firebug sends Blackstone a threatening message: The government must pay 100,000 pounds or the fires will continue.
Of course the government refuses to pay the ransom. Blackstone feels it is his duty to prevent further fires. Unfortunately there are other incidents. A boat is on the river is torched. And then a bomb is set in London. Fortunately, the bomb doesn't go off.
After the fire on the boat, a body is found in the river. The cause of death seems obvious. Blackstone hears of a doctor practicing the infant science of criminal forensics. The doctor uses science to investigate, and provides valuable information.
Along the way, the clues lead Blackstone on. It seems that once again, a culprit might go free because he is a member of the upper class. Sam thinks he knows who the firebug is, he just can's prove it.
What is the real reason behind the firebug's crimes?
And why does the culprit keep sending his anonymous messages to Sam?
Once again, Sally Spencer ( the pen name for Alan Rustage ) has created a great novel. Like the others in the series, this one was great fun to read.
I really like the cast of characters. Blackstone is always guided by his sense of duty to solve cases in a truthful manner. His partner, Archie Patterson always seems to "know a bloke" who can help by providing some valuable information. And Doctor Ellie Carr is a strong willed woman working in the male driven society of London in the early twentieth century. Archie and Dr. Carr are characters so interesting that they could be the stars of their own spin-off series.
For me, this was a very pleasurable read. I enjoyed it.
It looks like this novel has been retitled as Blackstone and the Burning Secret
Setting: London, England in 1900
First Sentence: It was a warm spring day.
This novel is the fourth in Spencer's Inspector Blackstone mystery series which currently runs to twelve novels.
It all starts with a fire set by an arsonist in an abandoned warehouse. Inspector Sam Blackstone and his partner Archie Patterson are assigned to the case. The firebug sends Blackstone a threatening message: The government must pay 100,000 pounds or the fires will continue.
Of course the government refuses to pay the ransom. Blackstone feels it is his duty to prevent further fires. Unfortunately there are other incidents. A boat is on the river is torched. And then a bomb is set in London. Fortunately, the bomb doesn't go off.
After the fire on the boat, a body is found in the river. The cause of death seems obvious. Blackstone hears of a doctor practicing the infant science of criminal forensics. The doctor uses science to investigate, and provides valuable information.
Along the way, the clues lead Blackstone on. It seems that once again, a culprit might go free because he is a member of the upper class. Sam thinks he knows who the firebug is, he just can's prove it.
What is the real reason behind the firebug's crimes?
And why does the culprit keep sending his anonymous messages to Sam?
Once again, Sally Spencer ( the pen name for Alan Rustage ) has created a great novel. Like the others in the series, this one was great fun to read.
I really like the cast of characters. Blackstone is always guided by his sense of duty to solve cases in a truthful manner. His partner, Archie Patterson always seems to "know a bloke" who can help by providing some valuable information. And Doctor Ellie Carr is a strong willed woman working in the male driven society of London in the early twentieth century. Archie and Dr. Carr are characters so interesting that they could be the stars of their own spin-off series.
For me, this was a very pleasurable read. I enjoyed it.
It looks like this novel has been retitled as Blackstone and the Burning Secret
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Driftmetal, Segment One by J. C. Staudt
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Setting: On a shattered planet with unique geological properties.
First Sentence: I opened my leg and dug around inside, trying to figure out what was wrong with the blasted thing.
This novel is the first in a series of Driftmetal books which currently runs to four novels.
This is a very different novel. The author has created a unique world. Unfortunately, he has not, in my opinion, provided enough exposition for the reader to understand this world. It just seemed to me that the book needed some editing help to polish off the prose and improve the storytelling.
The plot seemed a little muddled. It was hard to understand at the beginning, but improved by the end of the book.
The story seemed to be about the main character, an augmented, synthetic human, helping some primies, actual real humans, to recover some stolen gravstone ore from some law lovers. There are some twists and turns along the way. And, in the end there is little plot resolution since this is the first in a series of four books.
I read the whole book. Fortunately it was short. I probably won't read any more books in the series.
Here's a cheat sheet for some of the vocabulary in this novel:
Driftmetal - a type of mineral that rises rather than falls when released.
Gravstone - a type of mineral that falls when released - very valuable.
Techsouls - synthetic, augmented humans.
Primatives - primies, actual real humans.
Civs - the Civil Regency Corps - law enforcement marshals.
Law Lovers - relatively honest, law abiding people.
The Churn - a place where gravstone and driftmetal circulates in a kind of maelstrom.
Floaters - islands in the sky not attached to the planet, the only real place to live on this planet.
Setting: On a shattered planet with unique geological properties.
First Sentence: I opened my leg and dug around inside, trying to figure out what was wrong with the blasted thing.
This novel is the first in a series of Driftmetal books which currently runs to four novels.
This is a very different novel. The author has created a unique world. Unfortunately, he has not, in my opinion, provided enough exposition for the reader to understand this world. It just seemed to me that the book needed some editing help to polish off the prose and improve the storytelling.
The plot seemed a little muddled. It was hard to understand at the beginning, but improved by the end of the book.
The story seemed to be about the main character, an augmented, synthetic human, helping some primies, actual real humans, to recover some stolen gravstone ore from some law lovers. There are some twists and turns along the way. And, in the end there is little plot resolution since this is the first in a series of four books.
I read the whole book. Fortunately it was short. I probably won't read any more books in the series.
Here's a cheat sheet for some of the vocabulary in this novel:
Driftmetal - a type of mineral that rises rather than falls when released.
Gravstone - a type of mineral that falls when released - very valuable.
Techsouls - synthetic, augmented humans.
Primatives - primies, actual real humans.
Civs - the Civil Regency Corps - law enforcement marshals.
Law Lovers - relatively honest, law abiding people.
The Churn - a place where gravstone and driftmetal circulates in a kind of maelstrom.
Floaters - islands in the sky not attached to the planet, the only real place to live on this planet.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Blackstone and the Golden Egg by Sally Spencer
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: Central Russia, 1899
First Sentence: Count Rachinsky's country estate was justly famed for its hunting and shooting, and the royal party had had a glorious and bloody day in the cause of which several score of feathered creatures had met the violent fate they had been bred solely to fulfill.
This is the third novel in Sally Spencer's Inspector Blackstone mystery series which currently runs to twelve books.
Sally Spencer is the pen name of Alan Rustage.
Far out on the Russian steppe, at a Russian aristocrat's estate there has been a theft. A Faberge egg has been stolen. It was a gift from the Tzar of Russia to the Prince of Wales.
The theft has been kept a secret. If the Tzar learns about the egg, it could cause an international incident.
The British Government decides to send two men to investigate the crime. Sir Roderick, a member of the elite upper class will lead the investigation. He will be assisted by Inspector Sam Blackstone.
It is a mystery as to why Blackstone has been chosen for this undertaking. Even he agrees that there are other inspectors what more qualified. And, then there is Blackstone's opinion of the "Quality" - the members of upper class.
After as eventful trip into Russia, Blackstone and Sir Roderick find that the theft of the egg is not a secret.
So who stole the egg and why?
The aristocrats believe that person of quality, such as themselves, would never stoop to committing such a base crime. Obviously, the criminal must be a servant or a peasant.
The class distinctions serve to stymie Blackstone at every turn. Soon he realizes that something deeply secret is going on.
What could it be, and who is involved?
I enjoyed this novel. Our main character, Blackstone, is an honest copper who tries to do his best for his country. He is not perfect, but he is a realist.
Once again, the author delivers an interesting plot in an easy to read style. For me it was a page turner. I read it in two days (Fast for me).
Although each book in the series is a stand alone novel, I suggest reading them in order. This novel refers back to action which occurred in the first novel of the series.
For me, a fun read.
Setting: Central Russia, 1899
First Sentence: Count Rachinsky's country estate was justly famed for its hunting and shooting, and the royal party had had a glorious and bloody day in the cause of which several score of feathered creatures had met the violent fate they had been bred solely to fulfill.
This is the third novel in Sally Spencer's Inspector Blackstone mystery series which currently runs to twelve books.
Sally Spencer is the pen name of Alan Rustage.
Far out on the Russian steppe, at a Russian aristocrat's estate there has been a theft. A Faberge egg has been stolen. It was a gift from the Tzar of Russia to the Prince of Wales.
The theft has been kept a secret. If the Tzar learns about the egg, it could cause an international incident.
The British Government decides to send two men to investigate the crime. Sir Roderick, a member of the elite upper class will lead the investigation. He will be assisted by Inspector Sam Blackstone.
It is a mystery as to why Blackstone has been chosen for this undertaking. Even he agrees that there are other inspectors what more qualified. And, then there is Blackstone's opinion of the "Quality" - the members of upper class.
After as eventful trip into Russia, Blackstone and Sir Roderick find that the theft of the egg is not a secret.
So who stole the egg and why?
The aristocrats believe that person of quality, such as themselves, would never stoop to committing such a base crime. Obviously, the criminal must be a servant or a peasant.
The class distinctions serve to stymie Blackstone at every turn. Soon he realizes that something deeply secret is going on.
What could it be, and who is involved?
I enjoyed this novel. Our main character, Blackstone, is an honest copper who tries to do his best for his country. He is not perfect, but he is a realist.
Once again, the author delivers an interesting plot in an easy to read style. For me it was a page turner. I read it in two days (Fast for me).
Although each book in the series is a stand alone novel, I suggest reading them in order. This novel refers back to action which occurred in the first novel of the series.
For me, a fun read.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Blackstone and the Tiger by Sally Spencer
Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: London, 1898
First Sentence: From the balcony, the Maharaja could see both the gardens which surrounded his palace and the town which lay beyond.
This novel is the second in Spencer's Blackstone series which currently runs to twelve books.
Sally Spencer is the pen name of Alan Rustage.
There has been a series of kidnappings in London. Inspector Blackstone has been on the case. What troubles him is that each successive kidnapping has gotten more complex and brutal. Even the leaders of the London criminal gangs admit that they could not pull off such crimes.
And then, the son of a visiting Maharaja is kidnapped.
Who is committing these horrible crimes?
What is their motive?
Can Blackstone piece together the clues to discover the identity of the perpetrators?
And, more importantly, can he rescue the Maharaja's son?
This was a very interesting and enjoyable novel. On the surface, there is a pleasant mystery to solve. On a deeper level, we see how racist some British people of that time were.
FYI - In this novel the author has made copious use of the "n-word" to describe persons of color from India. In my opinion, the author is trying to demonstrate the low opinion many British citizens had for the people of that region. I do not think the author intended to portray his own personal feelings.
This was another great novel by Sally Spencer. I like his style of writing. It is very readable. I also like the way he keeps the chapters short.
For me this was a very enjoyable read.
Setting: London, 1898
First Sentence: From the balcony, the Maharaja could see both the gardens which surrounded his palace and the town which lay beyond.
This novel is the second in Spencer's Blackstone series which currently runs to twelve books.
Sally Spencer is the pen name of Alan Rustage.
There has been a series of kidnappings in London. Inspector Blackstone has been on the case. What troubles him is that each successive kidnapping has gotten more complex and brutal. Even the leaders of the London criminal gangs admit that they could not pull off such crimes.
And then, the son of a visiting Maharaja is kidnapped.
Who is committing these horrible crimes?
What is their motive?
Can Blackstone piece together the clues to discover the identity of the perpetrators?
And, more importantly, can he rescue the Maharaja's son?
This was a very interesting and enjoyable novel. On the surface, there is a pleasant mystery to solve. On a deeper level, we see how racist some British people of that time were.
FYI - In this novel the author has made copious use of the "n-word" to describe persons of color from India. In my opinion, the author is trying to demonstrate the low opinion many British citizens had for the people of that region. I do not think the author intended to portray his own personal feelings.
This was another great novel by Sally Spencer. I like his style of writing. It is very readable. I also like the way he keeps the chapters short.
For me this was a very enjoyable read.
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