Rise of Metal: The Carver Chronicles

by R.J. Roder

Jon Carver is a man lost in the far reaches of the universe. A tragic encounter with strange alien forces has left him part man, part living metal. Scraping by as a hired gun on a rundown space station at the edge of civilized space, Carver’s the guy you call when you have a job that no one else wants. It’s not much of a life, but it pays the dock fees on his dilapidated ship.

Now his past has returned with a vengeance. He’s made powerful enemies… enemies intent on destroying all he’s built. To survive, Carver must fight to protect the one thing he holds most dear and maybe save a galactic empire in the process.

Fans of Altered Carbon and Killjoys will love this action-fueled science fiction novel.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2023

About the author

RJ Roder writes science fiction and fantasy, which, considering you’re reading this, means he must be doing something right. He's an avid traveler who loves books, movies and sitting on his patio with a cold beer.

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this self-pub ebook on sale, we'll see how far I get.

DNF, stopping at 9%. The author sucks at time skips, and several other things. As with many a 'science fiction' novel, there are too many common references I'd make today, when this is distant from Earth and 'a couple thousand' years in the future. I can't suspend disbelief if you won't bother trying to help me do that.

Now, we have to allow language to stay somewhat the same, but references need to be specific to location and character. Why would he make a God reference and a 'small business' reference? How would he know what merlot as a color is? And, if he's never seen Earth, let alone far in the future, why would he reference an ocean plastic issue?

And then, there is the absence of action. Yes, I'm only 9% in, but come on, the title suggests action, no? Apparently yes; no.

[V.L. Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bored. I was bored. So, I started looking at samples my husband had downloaded.
No longer bored! The Rise of Metal was different; the characters were captivating and the writing excellent.
Stranded in another part of the galaxy, victims of the Between – creatures that live in a sort of nether space who dissected you and put you back together very badly. Now you are fused with another consciousness and fused with metal…
What else could go wrong?

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon Carter is an enhanced human, Em lives inside him, both are the result of an accident in hyperspace on a journey from Earth. Now on a planet well beyond Earth, he's become a detective. Several good short stories in this book that continue Jon's story. Book ends without a cliffhanger, but it appears a sequel is planned. I'll definitely buy it.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carter is part "smart" metal with another person sharing his brain, in a foreign world, solving some mysteries and working odd jobs before the big finale. Quite enjoyed the origin story as well.
He's a flawed character, which is good.
The author could use an editor. Typos, wrong words, mixing of tenses.

[Jerry Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done

Really really liked this book the concept was refreshing and new, and questions of what happened to him do get explained. Disappointed that the second book isn't out yet, excited for the next book

[David Pospisil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book
Loved the characters, especially Em.
Great action and such interesting tech.
The pace was perfect.
Hope there is more to come in the future.

[DRAGÉN PETER · Rating 5 out of 5]

very very good

Very good and unique plot.
Perfectly written with humor and action in an essy to understand way.

Strongly re commended!

[Jose A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating read

This book is a well written engaging story, an unexpected combination or noir and space opera. Can't waut to see what happens to Jon and Em b in the future.

[Thibaldo Manrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly good

I was very pleasantly surprised by this author. Great and original story, engaging characters, and a very interesting new universe. Well worth reading.