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Earth's First StarFighter #1
Earth's First StarFighter
A massive wormhole rips open above Earth, forever changing humanity because aliens have arrived.
I sorta figured we'd be enslaved to fight in their wars or exterminated for our resources. Nope. The hip-high Iglax were merchants with ugly squished faces and thick blue fur. While they weren't much to look at, they sure did have some wonderous technology.
Humanity bent over backwards to appease our new merchant overlords. The boorish aliens wanted cheap labor for precious metals, and honestly, I didn't blame anyone for their hunger to be among the stars.
For certain rare metals or special gems, they'd trade tech we could only fathom as magic. Me, I pawned a few things, made some money, then hunkered down to study to prove my worth.
The aliens tested humans on an individual basis for miner rentals. Do well on your pilot test, get a spaceship, sign up with a corp, and you can mine the belt. For a puddle-jumper pilot like me, yeah, I was so interested I became obsessed. When I finally tested, I performed above and beyond, being offered a contract for something better than a miner - Earth's First StarFighter.
Warning: Morally gray MC. There's no graphic sex or harem. No stats, straight Sci-Fi first person space-shooter progression.
I sorta figured we'd be enslaved to fight in their wars or exterminated for our resources. Nope. The hip-high Iglax were merchants with ugly squished faces and thick blue fur. While they weren't much to look at, they sure did have some wonderous technology.
Humanity bent over backwards to appease our new merchant overlords. The boorish aliens wanted cheap labor for precious metals, and honestly, I didn't blame anyone for their hunger to be among the stars.
For certain rare metals or special gems, they'd trade tech we could only fathom as magic. Me, I pawned a few things, made some money, then hunkered down to study to prove my worth.
The aliens tested humans on an individual basis for miner rentals. Do well on your pilot test, get a spaceship, sign up with a corp, and you can mine the belt. For a puddle-jumper pilot like me, yeah, I was so interested I became obsessed. When I finally tested, I performed above and beyond, being offered a contract for something better than a miner - Earth's First StarFighter.
Warning: Morally gray MC. There's no graphic sex or harem. No stats, straight Sci-Fi first person space-shooter progression.
567 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2023
313 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 27, 2025
Good space battles
March 17, 2024
Interesting Stuff
This story of a young man who goes on his own to the galaxy as a mercenary was a fascinating fantastic read.
This story of a young man who goes on his own to the galaxy as a mercenary was a fascinating fantastic read.
March 16, 2023
I've started a number of Han Yang books but always stopped at one point or another. For whatever reason that didn't happen during this book.
Darius is a Tennessee boy through and through. When the Iglax show up, who are short blue furred aliens who promise riches but deliver much less while taking Earth's natural resources, Darius takes advantage of a program that allows him to test to be a starfighter. The highest scores so far at in the mid-80s, but Darius scores 97.5.
He's immediately whisked away and sent to work for Rose, another Iglax. He's given a starfighter that he needs to pay back. Honestly, the contract Rose gives him is terrible, but Darius takes it anyway because he doesn't have any other choices. From there Darius is off to the stars, going through portals and meeting aliens galore.
What made the book for me is Darius and his attitude. He isn't a shoot from the hip and hope it works guy, but he's willing to take educated risks in hopes that they'll pay off.
I won't spoil what comes after that, which is a lot. Earth needs saving, but so do the people he's aligned himself with. More importantly he needs Galactic credits or Gs to buy bigger ships to fight bigger enemies.
There isn't a LitRPG novel and there isn't any progression in terms of Darius' personal abilities. He does get bigger and better ships but that's it.
The editing is okay. If you're a nitpicker who hates finding mistakes in books, this one isn't for you.
I liked this a lot. It didn't overstay it's welcome and I laughed more than a few times. I'm definitely looking forward to book two. 5/5*
Darius is a Tennessee boy through and through. When the Iglax show up, who are short blue furred aliens who promise riches but deliver much less while taking Earth's natural resources, Darius takes advantage of a program that allows him to test to be a starfighter. The highest scores so far at in the mid-80s, but Darius scores 97.5.
He's immediately whisked away and sent to work for Rose, another Iglax. He's given a starfighter that he needs to pay back. Honestly, the contract Rose gives him is terrible, but Darius takes it anyway because he doesn't have any other choices. From there Darius is off to the stars, going through portals and meeting aliens galore.
What made the book for me is Darius and his attitude. He isn't a shoot from the hip and hope it works guy, but he's willing to take educated risks in hopes that they'll pay off.
I won't spoil what comes after that, which is a lot. Earth needs saving, but so do the people he's aligned himself with. More importantly he needs Galactic credits or Gs to buy bigger ships to fight bigger enemies.
There isn't a LitRPG novel and there isn't any progression in terms of Darius' personal abilities. He does get bigger and better ships but that's it.
The editing is okay. If you're a nitpicker who hates finding mistakes in books, this one isn't for you.
I liked this a lot. It didn't overstay it's welcome and I laughed more than a few times. I'm definitely looking forward to book two. 5/5*
March 17, 2023
Good book, but there's something about the author's writing style that mires his books in the 4 star range for me. It's something that I have trouble putting in words, but the story is pretty good and the characters although a bit wooden are decent. The author prefaces this book as having a "morally grey" MC, and I would quibble with that.
Morally grey to me means "true Neutral" in D&D alignment terms. This suggests not doing anything if there is no self interest, and the MC does a lot of things that are not in the best interest of himself, his finances, and those close to him. I am a lot closer to that than the MC is, so I still think he is self-sacrificing in all senses of the word, albeit not at Superman levels of do-gooding. Anyway, if there's a book 2 I'll check it out, so not all is lost.
Morally grey to me means "true Neutral" in D&D alignment terms. This suggests not doing anything if there is no self interest, and the MC does a lot of things that are not in the best interest of himself, his finances, and those close to him. I am a lot closer to that than the MC is, so I still think he is self-sacrificing in all senses of the word, albeit not at Superman levels of do-gooding. Anyway, if there's a book 2 I'll check it out, so not all is lost.
May 1, 2023
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Narrated by Matt Hicks and Allie Piper, both truly capture the wicked humor and adventure the authors wrote into the book. Everything for Darius from Tennessee changes the moment aliens show up up on Earth's doorstep and alter humanity's future; and for Darius mastering his pilot's test gets him into the stars, mining and making back the huge debt he took on before any profit Darius can pocket. Surviving in every job and even getting several intense battles in against other aliens; Darius discovers humanity was never alone in the universe and even finding friends and little love in a story that will have you laughing and intrigued.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
May 5, 2023
A great start to a series. The world building is great and there seems to be so much more of a plot still to develop in later books. The characters do however seem a bit vapid and shallow without too much processing. The characters all accept life changing events without a second thought but I get why authors can’t develop characters as much as the story. I found myself waiting in my van to finish this just to see how it all turned out. Seriously recommend this one
May 23, 2023
First but not the last
This is the first book I’ve read of Yang’s. I really enjoyed it as he did a good job of creating a limitless universe of beings in a very probable fashion. Also, his combat scenes were very realistic in the use of weapons and battle plans. I would recommend this book for anyone wanting some good escape fiction good old, sci-fi opera. I found it very well worth reading to give it a five star rating.
This is the first book I’ve read of Yang’s. I really enjoyed it as he did a good job of creating a limitless universe of beings in a very probable fashion. Also, his combat scenes were very realistic in the use of weapons and battle plans. I would recommend this book for anyone wanting some good escape fiction good old, sci-fi opera. I found it very well worth reading to give it a five star rating.
May 28, 2023
Less than I Expected
The story starts well, with some intrigue and pulls the reader in, but fails to maintain that level of involvement. About 20% in the reader is subjected to some juvenile sex scenes and cheesy innuendo, and then the characters become a bit vague, and the storyline managed to just lose me before I’d even reached 40%. I’m not sure where this is headed but I just no longer care.
The story starts well, with some intrigue and pulls the reader in, but fails to maintain that level of involvement. About 20% in the reader is subjected to some juvenile sex scenes and cheesy innuendo, and then the characters become a bit vague, and the storyline managed to just lose me before I’d even reached 40%. I’m not sure where this is headed but I just no longer care.
May 7, 2023
Enjoyed this
This was an enjoyable read for the most part. The family and pregnancy stuff at the end took the hero off the market which sort of dooms him from future chances at being a swashbuckling romantic hero. The ending was a bit anticlimactic. Other than that stuff 90% was an enjoyable read.
This was an enjoyable read for the most part. The family and pregnancy stuff at the end took the hero off the market which sort of dooms him from future chances at being a swashbuckling romantic hero. The ending was a bit anticlimactic. Other than that stuff 90% was an enjoyable read.
April 26, 2024
I think we may have new SiFi writer that tells a very good story.
At the age of 5, I learned to read. Buy ten I was reading SiFi mags, rags and books. Now I am 75 and still reading SiFi, I think this kid, Yang, is going to be a good writer! To the point of looking for his next book.
At the age of 5, I learned to read. Buy ten I was reading SiFi mags, rags and books. Now I am 75 and still reading SiFi, I think this kid, Yang, is going to be a good writer! To the point of looking for his next book.
November 8, 2024
I enjoyed this book and since I bought the omnibus, I will be reading the remaining books. My biggest complaint is the editing is horrible. Way too many instances of the wrong word being used that confused me while reading until I figured out what the correct word was supposed to be. Don’t know if I’m supposed to blame the author, editor, or the publisher.
March 15, 2023
Great story
Enjoyed the story Han great development of characters as it progressed. Lots of action and attitude lol would really like to see the family escape earth and explore new world's has so much potential.
Enjoyed the story Han great development of characters as it progressed. Lots of action and attitude lol would really like to see the family escape earth and explore new world's has so much potential.
March 16, 2023
Great sci fi
Good job Han. You are a wonderful storyteller. I really enjoyed your book. Character development, storyline, pacing...all on point. It was even a good length. Looking forward to book 2 so get to work. :)
Good job Han. You are a wonderful storyteller. I really enjoyed your book. Character development, storyline, pacing...all on point. It was even a good length. Looking forward to book 2 so get to work. :)
March 23, 2023
A Very Good Read
I truly enjoyed this book. It has a creative arc with characters that have a distinct personality with wonderful quirks. The universe and alien races have natures that are complex, twisty and beguiling. Great fun!
I truly enjoyed this book. It has a creative arc with characters that have a distinct personality with wonderful quirks. The universe and alien races have natures that are complex, twisty and beguiling. Great fun!
April 28, 2023
Excellent. I do feel the book was a little long and might have been better broken down but i can also see how and why it was done the way it was. It was full of intrique and there were spots of sadness and comedy. Over all worth the time
May 1, 2023
Starfighter
Just finished reading this book and loved it right from the beginning it keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book has plenty of action and science fiction the author has you so engrossed in the story you have to keep turning the pages.
Just finished reading this book and loved it right from the beginning it keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book has plenty of action and science fiction the author has you so engrossed in the story you have to keep turning the pages.
May 8, 2023
Earth’s first star fighter
I liked his book for the action. Subplots of the characters. The humour as the author developed the characters was entertaining. I do not know if the author can do a second book for series that would be this intaining.
I liked his book for the action. Subplots of the characters. The humour as the author developed the characters was entertaining. I do not know if the author can do a second book for series that would be this intaining.
May 10, 2023
Beachs,babies,and ?
I enjoyed the book and loved the authors modern day references, it helped bring the story home. The pot was interesting and the story although a bit disjointed was excellent.
I enjoyed the book and loved the authors modern day references, it helped bring the story home. The pot was interesting and the story although a bit disjointed was excellent.
May 24, 2023
good read
Starts slow but gets better quickly, enjoyable space opera just getting started, has good characters and story. A fantasy like many sci-fi fans have, so it appeals a sci-fi book for a sci-fi fans written if they could write the story from their own heads
Starts slow but gets better quickly, enjoyable space opera just getting started, has good characters and story. A fantasy like many sci-fi fans have, so it appeals a sci-fi book for a sci-fi fans written if they could write the story from their own heads
May 26, 2023
I liked the premise of the tale, but...
If you can read a book with triple spacing between each paragraph, you should like this book. I can't do that spacing, it gives me a headache. I only made it to page 12 and had to return it
If you can read a book with triple spacing between each paragraph, you should like this book. I can't do that spacing, it gives me a headache. I only made it to page 12 and had to return it
May 29, 2023
Fyn
That is coming of age or explosion to space story for young man and his accumulation of group. Similar to the Hobbit needing to accumulate a collection of traveling companions, yeah that's what it's like.
That is coming of age or explosion to space story for young man and his accumulation of group. Similar to the Hobbit needing to accumulate a collection of traveling companions, yeah that's what it's like.
June 4, 2023
A great story, non-stop action, could not put it down
The characters, even the aliens were believable. The author's real- world experience as a pilot shone through in the fiber dogfights in space. Great interaction between characters. Excellent and exciting action.
The characters, even the aliens were believable. The author's real- world experience as a pilot shone through in the fiber dogfights in space. Great interaction between characters. Excellent and exciting action.
June 21, 2023
very refreshing read.
I am an Asimov fan and have read all of his SciFi works. I think Han is going to be up their with the breads. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the follow on. Keep writing Han you have that something special.
I am an Asimov fan and have read all of his SciFi works. I think Han is going to be up their with the breads. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to the follow on. Keep writing Han you have that something special.
September 16, 2023
Book one
To me this is some good solid science fiction.
I'd like to give it five stars, but I found a lot of errors that make me think that the editing wasn't given the best effort. I will list what I found on Goodreads.
7/10
To me this is some good solid science fiction.
I'd like to give it five stars, but I found a lot of errors that make me think that the editing wasn't given the best effort. I will list what I found on Goodreads.
7/10
July 9, 2024
Fun Breaking into Space
This novel involves aliens, flying, goofy earthlings, and existential combat; all packaged in a really fun read. If you would enjoy a light vacation from every day reads, I highly recommend it.
KC
This novel involves aliens, flying, goofy earthlings, and existential combat; all packaged in a really fun read. If you would enjoy a light vacation from every day reads, I highly recommend it.
KC
March 15, 2023
Phenomenal and you will lose sleep!
Could not put this new book by Han Yang - down and stayed up late reading it. No review necessary. Just buy it and enjoy!!
Could not put this new book by Han Yang - down and stayed up late reading it. No review necessary. Just buy it and enjoy!!
March 24, 2023
Good
Good book. Hopefully there will be a second. Seems to have some grammar issues or was poorly translated, but I still enjoyed it.
Good book. Hopefully there will be a second. Seems to have some grammar issues or was poorly translated, but I still enjoyed it.
April 2, 2023
Probably for pacing should have been 2 books, but enjoyable all the same.
April 7, 2023
excellent
Great story and action packed. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more in hopefully a continuing series
Great story and action packed. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more in hopefully a continuing series
April 13, 2023
Very good start
It came close to 5 stars but don't like giving to many them out, booked seemed longer than I expected, a great start. Hope there's a next
It came close to 5 stars but don't like giving to many them out, booked seemed longer than I expected, a great start. Hope there's a next
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews