Novelists always have an objective in mind: an idea to teach us, called their theme. But nobody listens to a philosophical rant, so writers attract our attention with a striking cover and entertain us with interesting characters, conflict and suspense, all the while demonstrating the theme they want us to learn. Sort of like watching […]
“Alien Fugitive Requires Mechanic” by Vance Huxley
One of the fun parts about Science Fiction is watching the author create a technology and society that is beyond ours, manipulating the situation and including details that help us believe that it really might work. This requires the author to do a great deal of planning to make sure it all fits. Then the […]
“The Starship from Speculari” by Tom Briggs
This is a light-hearted, fast-paced Space Opera with no particular concern for scientific accuracy or plot logic. It is more concerned with personalities, relationships and entertainment. The hero is Joe Hanson, a farmer with an interesting background that makes it almost plausible that he might cope with being kidnapped by an alien and, through a […]
“Imperiled” by Alexander Hans Schmitt with Vonnie Gene Schmitt
I wanted to like this book, because this author displays obvious talent. However, I was distracted by a lack of cohesion in general. The intended readership would probably not be affected by this situation, so you can take this review with a grain of salt. This is a highly technical Space Opera of the type […]
“Tracer” by David Graham
This is a standard Sci-Fi epic action adventure, concerned with galactic politics and the sweep of history. It also explores serious themes of the responsibilities of leadership. From the first paragraph, there is warning of problems to come. The awkward structure “…amazed at just how good of a pilot she really was…” is immediately followed […]
“Smuggler’s Love”(Reese Daniels Smuggler Book 3) by T. D. Wilson
When I am reviewing a book aimed specifically at a narrow genre, I ask myself two questions. First, does the book stick to the genre? Second, what is there about the book that lifts it above the other members of the group? The draw in this book is the main character. He is a sympathetic, […]
“The Gilgamesh Path” by Michael Drakich
This novel should have been a fun, action-filled Space Opera. It has all the elements and is well written. However, instead it also tries to be Epic Science Fiction, where it is less successful. The unfortunate element of a story where diplomacy is the main conflict is the complexity of the situation, which requires constant […]
“The Shirker” by Mark J. Schultis
I read this story all the way through without stopping. No notes, no pauses for reflection. I just enjoyed the tale and the characters. I must admit, there were times when I was reading that I said, “Wait a minute. That’s not right. You can’t do that!” And you can’t do that in a Space […]
“The Aviator Awakening: Vor’s Shadow Trilogy: Book One” by M. C. Elaine
“Aviator’s Awakening” is listed as a Space Opera, but it doesn’t fit the genre comfortably. It has the prerequisite alien species, neatly conceived and well-described. It has the military setting, with a hazy background of interstellar war, but the action takes place in a very restricted setting, and the majority of the conflict is either […]
“The Waking Nightmares” by M. D. Boncher
This story is an interesting combination of genres. It is far-in-the-future Sci-Fi with incredibly powerful science — perhaps too powerful, but more on that later. The hero, Winston, is a standard poor-but-independent Space Opera pilot, but his employer, Professor/Baron Quentin, is an aristocrat/adventurer straight out of Steampunk. The secondary characters are purposefully developed stereotypes from […]