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The Backworlds #2
Stopover at the Backworlds' Edge
The Backworlds Book 2. The interstellar portal opens, bringing in a ship that should no longer exist. A battleship spoiling for a fight, yet the war with Earth ended two generations ago. The vessel drops off a Water-breather, a type of Backworlder thought to be extinct. She claims one of Craze’s friends is a traitor who summoned the enemy to Pardeep Station. A betrayal worse than his father’s, if Craze lives to worry about it.
178 pages, ebook
First published July 5, 2012
65 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
M. Pax
46 books298 followersM. Pax is author of the sci-fi series, The Backworlds, and the new adult urban fantasy Hetty Locklear series. A Browncoat and SG fan, she's also slightly obsessed with Jane Austen. In the summers she docents as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory where the other astronomers now believe she has the most extensive collection of moon photos in existence. No fear, there will be more next summer. She lives in stunning Central Oregon with the Husband Unit and two lovely, spoiled cats. Want to connect? Visit www.mpaxauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 12, 2017
A fun, silly space opera adventure, with cute characters eking out an existence on a desert planet.
March 1, 2023
Craze, a bar owner on the backwater world of Pardeep, built his bar from scraps left on this world and made it part of the station, the landing pad above. This world was the best he and his friends could do it was their only option. Even though he lived and owned a business here, he did not call this place home. He dreamed of so much more that his backstabbing father would choke on it. But, as his alarm woke him from nine days of hibernation to alert him of an incoming ship, he thought today might be different. Seeing the ship land, he thought it could hold 5,000 people or 5,000 cobwebs, but it was not a passenger ship. It was a warship, a Foreworlds warship, and it brought him and his friends nothing but trouble.
Let me say that this is the first book by this author I have read. So, yes, I missed the first book, but I don’t think I needed to read it as I enjoyed this book two all by itself. The ”hillbilly” accent on the character’s conversations is easy to understand, and their interaction with each other seems reliable. The world-building for the author must have been a breeze, a dust-laden breeze, but a breeze nothing less. :D Although the bar grew in my mind’s eye. At first, I thought it was small, with only a few tables, but then it grew into a cafeteria-sized establishment. This is something for M. Pax to think about in future books.
This book contains science fiction, action & adventure, and genetically engineered characters. I give this far, far, away tale four stars out of five stars.
Let me say that this is the first book by this author I have read. So, yes, I missed the first book, but I don’t think I needed to read it as I enjoyed this book two all by itself. The ”hillbilly” accent on the character’s conversations is easy to understand, and their interaction with each other seems reliable. The world-building for the author must have been a breeze, a dust-laden breeze, but a breeze nothing less. :D Although the bar grew in my mind’s eye. At first, I thought it was small, with only a few tables, but then it grew into a cafeteria-sized establishment. This is something for M. Pax to think about in future books.
This book contains science fiction, action & adventure, and genetically engineered characters. I give this far, far, away tale four stars out of five stars.
June 19, 2017
Surviving in the Backworlds is not for the faint-of-heart
Craze, the central character in the first “Backworlds” book, continues to stubbornly resist the obstacles tossed into his way by enemies and circumstances. Getting beat down seems to be all in a day’s work.
The Jixes (pirates) show up again, plus a shipload of shady folk from the Foreward Worlds. They are all looking for a very valuable lost weapon, and they have a traitor imbedded in Craze’s circle of friends.
M. Pax has built a fascinating world of gene-spliced humans who are barely surviving on the third-rate planets they find themselves, while the more elite types from the more central worlds in the galaxy aggressively seek to wipe them out. The characters and the settings make for fun reading, and the best news is that there is a third novel in the series available to pick up after this one
Craze, the central character in the first “Backworlds” book, continues to stubbornly resist the obstacles tossed into his way by enemies and circumstances. Getting beat down seems to be all in a day’s work.
The Jixes (pirates) show up again, plus a shipload of shady folk from the Foreward Worlds. They are all looking for a very valuable lost weapon, and they have a traitor imbedded in Craze’s circle of friends.
M. Pax has built a fascinating world of gene-spliced humans who are barely surviving on the third-rate planets they find themselves, while the more elite types from the more central worlds in the galaxy aggressively seek to wipe them out. The characters and the settings make for fun reading, and the best news is that there is a third novel in the series available to pick up after this one
June 5, 2018
M. Pax Backworlds series is based in a universe crafted very very well by the author. Her writing is excellent, the plot (which I won't go into as other reviews do it well) is full of adventure with added spice of mystery with a bit of romance, and her characters are strong and continue to develop. Really this book has everything you'd want in the second book of a series. I'd read The Backworlds first, as it gives the background really needed to fully enjoy this book, but otherwise it's pretty much guaranteed to be a fun read.
April 16, 2018
I've had a hard time sympathizing with Craze. He seems to be an arrogant, self-serving twit! By the end of this book however, I'm beginning to get a glimpse of the true Craze. He may redeem himself after all... He seem to be trying!
M. Pax has created another ensemble of out of this world characters and a story which has captured my attention and left me wanting more! On to book #3
M. Pax has created another ensemble of out of this world characters and a story which has captured my attention and left me wanting more! On to book #3
January 7, 2019
This is an exciting adventure on a world far, far away. The characters are common people trying to scratch out a living and a life while dreaming of the big score. And then the bad guys and gals show up — again! I liked this book a lot. I would like the series even better if there were more humor. A good read!
June 11, 2018
Craze and his friends are making a living on the planet Parday until 2 rival interstallar groups decide to land to find hidden items from the previous war. A lot of emotions and action but still a good read.
July 29, 2018
They found Pardeep!
Craze wakes up after a 9 day hibernation, to sounds of a ship landing. He meets a water-breather, Foreworlders or "Fo" "Wo's" and of course the Jigs show up all leading to interesting adventures .
Read and enjoy.
Craze wakes up after a 9 day hibernation, to sounds of a ship landing. He meets a water-breather, Foreworlders or "Fo" "Wo's" and of course the Jigs show up all leading to interesting adventures .
Read and enjoy.
August 5, 2019
A cleverly crafted story of narly characters, broken beings, and humanity.
But in a mix like you have never seen before.
Craze, the pivotal character, is absolutely perfect as the story revolves around him and his friends and colleagues.
Have a read - I hope you enjoy as I have.
But in a mix like you have never seen before.
Craze, the pivotal character, is absolutely perfect as the story revolves around him and his friends and colleagues.
Have a read - I hope you enjoy as I have.
September 3, 2022
Just as good as the first book. After reading this one, the series is reminding of the Murderbot series by Martha Wells. The style of storytelling is similar and they are both excellently written and very compelling.
June 7, 2023
read
Love this series so much. I bought the ebooks, but I am considering buying the set to put on my bookshelf and reread. I love the world she has created.
Love this series so much. I bought the ebooks, but I am considering buying the set to put on my bookshelf and reread. I love the world she has created.
August 23, 2025
I liked it.
September 27, 2016
I've been meaning to work my way through this series after reading the excellent first installment a while ago, and better late than never! For me, this is where the characters really bed in and we get to know more about this intriguing bunch. All the good guys are likeable, even Pauder, who comes across as a curmudgeon who still manages to be endearing. Craze is the star of the show though - even if a reluctant one. An anti-hero in a way, all he really wants is a quiet life in his very own bar and to show his pa that he can make something of himself after being ejected in humiliating fashion from his home world. When it comes to it, though, he proves to be resourceful in plotting to defeat his enemies. What I liked about this book is that, even though it's set on a distant moon in some far-flung future where Earth is but a whispered-about myth, the characters are relateable and it's a bit like watching an old-school buddy movie. It moves at a good pace (after a slightly slow start), and there's plenty of action, but the author leaves room for good character development and some quite touching scenes when Craze discovers that someone close to him has been hiding some alarming secrets, and must decide whether to forgive. I'm looking forward to finding out more in the rest of the series.
March 18, 2016
We find the crew from the end of Backworlds now living on Pardeep Station, a patch of dirt moon and not much else. It's been three years since we last saw them and Craze does have his own tavern, though it's not much and certainly not enough to rub in his father's face.
Missing from the crew is Lepsi, he went off on one of his adventures one day and never returned. We are now joined by Pauder, an old man and veteran of the wars who's paranoia and hatred of the Fo'Wo's is always evident. We're also joined by a rather mousy character named Meelo, who along with most backworlders has rough past.
One morning Craze opens his Tavern and soon a ship prepares to dock. Not long after Pauder start's blasting away at it seeing that it has the markings of a Fo'Wo' warship and its presence is violating the treaty.
Craze is dreaming of all the money he can make from such a large ship, but only one customer walks in. A water breather most people believed extinct, she coaxes a free drink out of Craze for a story because strange and creepy shadow creatures follow her everywhere. She also seems to know everything about Craze and everybody else on Pardeep Station.
Her story is about the end of her species and how twisted they became. She's the opening salvo of a group of Fo'Wo's who've picked up a beacon and have come to Pardeep Station to retrieve some kind of weapon left during the war and they intend to use Craze and his friends to find it and bring it to them.
The Fo'Wo's aren't at all nice and their disdain and hatred for the backworlders is prevalent. They consider them to be failed genetic experiments who need to be wiped out. They also insist there is a traitor in their midst who's been sending updates to them and that's how they know so much about everyone.
As they head out to collect this weapon, the Jix's show up and start blasting away at the Fo'Wo's as they've laid claim to anything of value on the moon. The journey itself consists of them having to wade into what are essentially lakes of dirt and dust and in the midst of it all, the Jix's locate them. As they're being threatened by the Jix that betrayed Craze in the first novel, Meelo pulls out a Frizzer and shoots them all. The Frizzer being a hated Fo'wo weapon, Craze's mind starts reeling because he has a lot of feelings for Meelo and now she's got that weapon so he thinks she's the traitor.
Well they get the weapon and return and the rest I'll leave to you because I'd give away too many spoilers.
As with the first book I really like the characters, including the new ones. We don't get a lot of Dactl or Talos, but we do get plenty of Rainly which was fun.
Missing from the crew is Lepsi, he went off on one of his adventures one day and never returned. We are now joined by Pauder, an old man and veteran of the wars who's paranoia and hatred of the Fo'Wo's is always evident. We're also joined by a rather mousy character named Meelo, who along with most backworlders has rough past.
One morning Craze opens his Tavern and soon a ship prepares to dock. Not long after Pauder start's blasting away at it seeing that it has the markings of a Fo'Wo' warship and its presence is violating the treaty.
Craze is dreaming of all the money he can make from such a large ship, but only one customer walks in. A water breather most people believed extinct, she coaxes a free drink out of Craze for a story because strange and creepy shadow creatures follow her everywhere. She also seems to know everything about Craze and everybody else on Pardeep Station.
Her story is about the end of her species and how twisted they became. She's the opening salvo of a group of Fo'Wo's who've picked up a beacon and have come to Pardeep Station to retrieve some kind of weapon left during the war and they intend to use Craze and his friends to find it and bring it to them.
The Fo'Wo's aren't at all nice and their disdain and hatred for the backworlders is prevalent. They consider them to be failed genetic experiments who need to be wiped out. They also insist there is a traitor in their midst who's been sending updates to them and that's how they know so much about everyone.
As they head out to collect this weapon, the Jix's show up and start blasting away at the Fo'Wo's as they've laid claim to anything of value on the moon. The journey itself consists of them having to wade into what are essentially lakes of dirt and dust and in the midst of it all, the Jix's locate them. As they're being threatened by the Jix that betrayed Craze in the first novel, Meelo pulls out a Frizzer and shoots them all. The Frizzer being a hated Fo'wo weapon, Craze's mind starts reeling because he has a lot of feelings for Meelo and now she's got that weapon so he thinks she's the traitor.
Well they get the weapon and return and the rest I'll leave to you because I'd give away too many spoilers.
As with the first book I really like the characters, including the new ones. We don't get a lot of Dactl or Talos, but we do get plenty of Rainly which was fun.
October 14, 2012
Stopover at the Backworlds Edge is the second book in Mary Pax’s Backworlds series about bio-engineered human life forms that were created to be able to thrive in the harsh environments of planets that are not exactly, “Earth Normal”.
The Story
In this tale we find Craze and his new-found friends from the first book encamped at Pardeep Station, a sort of rest stop along the galactic interstate system, except Pardeep is out in the sticks, galactically speaking, and not an especially inviting place to go.
Craze has established his own tavern, serving the occasional starship that arrives at Pardeep. An old military ship arrives and discharges a form of engineered human life that was thought to be extinct – and her army of shadows. She brings news that the small group of friends has a traitor among them and that traitor has brought an old enemy bent on recovering a secret weapon stashed there long ago. With the arrival of this ship the life of everyone on Pardeep Station is now at risk.
This tale continues the tradition started in the first book of incorporating chocolate as a key element in the story. Stopover also has a love-interest for Craze, but again it’s a rather quirky situation. Poor Craze – will he ever find a stable relationship?
The Technical
As we have come to expect from M.Pax, this book is not only quite imaginative, but also expertly written and edited. The story steps along at a sprightly pace and holds the readers interest well. The characters are well developed and we are pulled into their amazing situations.
The only negative reaction is the rather pervasive use of the word “shit”. Most readers will likely not be bothered by this at all, but this reviewer’s puritanical sensibilities reacted badly to it. Not badly enough to cause this book to be laid aside – as he has been known to do with weaker stories – but it did detract some from the enjoyment of it.
Summary
Another excellent story has emerged from the mind of M.Pax, employing elements of mystery, action adventure, and romance all rolled into a solid science fiction wrapper.
The Story
In this tale we find Craze and his new-found friends from the first book encamped at Pardeep Station, a sort of rest stop along the galactic interstate system, except Pardeep is out in the sticks, galactically speaking, and not an especially inviting place to go.
Craze has established his own tavern, serving the occasional starship that arrives at Pardeep. An old military ship arrives and discharges a form of engineered human life that was thought to be extinct – and her army of shadows. She brings news that the small group of friends has a traitor among them and that traitor has brought an old enemy bent on recovering a secret weapon stashed there long ago. With the arrival of this ship the life of everyone on Pardeep Station is now at risk.
This tale continues the tradition started in the first book of incorporating chocolate as a key element in the story. Stopover also has a love-interest for Craze, but again it’s a rather quirky situation. Poor Craze – will he ever find a stable relationship?
The Technical
As we have come to expect from M.Pax, this book is not only quite imaginative, but also expertly written and edited. The story steps along at a sprightly pace and holds the readers interest well. The characters are well developed and we are pulled into their amazing situations.
The only negative reaction is the rather pervasive use of the word “shit”. Most readers will likely not be bothered by this at all, but this reviewer’s puritanical sensibilities reacted badly to it. Not badly enough to cause this book to be laid aside – as he has been known to do with weaker stories – but it did detract some from the enjoyment of it.
Summary
Another excellent story has emerged from the mind of M.Pax, employing elements of mystery, action adventure, and romance all rolled into a solid science fiction wrapper.
February 22, 2017
I enjoyed this book and reading more about these diverse characters. It has a lot of exciting parts though can be a little slow in sections. Good overall and a solid 3.5/5
It's a shame that it is 3 years after the last book as that gap leaves a big hole in the story for me.
*I read this as part of the purchased box set.
It's a shame that it is 3 years after the last book as that gap leaves a big hole in the story for me.
*I read this as part of the purchased box set.
December 10, 2013
Are you familiar with the "sophomore slump?" That's when a ballplayer plays like a phenom his first season, makes the cover of "Sports Illustrated" as rookie of the year, and then his second season, all the poor slob can do is set records for most errors and strike-outs. The same sort of thing can happen to a writer, too. Sometimes, a writer knocks it out of the ballpark with the first book in a series, only to fall flat on his face with the second one: a la sophomore slump, the second book... stinks.
Let me tell you just a little about THIS Book Two:
Craze doesn't know who to trust, but who could blame him? After all, the female he was planning to marry betrayed him, and even worse, so did his own father. It's their fault he got exiled. Because of their betrayal, he's still trying to eke out a living way out in the boondocks, in the dangerous badlands of outer space known as the Backworlds. He and his friends, a handful of bizarre beings, are now living and working on a dust-choked waystation, where they hope to find peace and make their fortune. But that isn't to be, because... one of them is a snitch.
Yep, it's happened to him again. Somebody betrayed them. Somebody gave away their location to a gang of sadistic soldiers, and now they're all in danger. Can Craze and his friends... and the snitch... outsmart the rogue soldiers from the Foreworld, or are they all doomed to die in the godforsaken dust?
Remember that sophomore slump? Well, Pax doesn't have anything to worry about. If she were a ballplayer, her face would be smiling from that magazine cover again. I enjoyed this second book of the series just as much as the first. Matter of fact, just because this author avoided the dreaded sophomore slump, I'd give this book 4 1/2 stars. Something tells me she has a lot more good seasons in her.
Let me tell you just a little about THIS Book Two:
Craze doesn't know who to trust, but who could blame him? After all, the female he was planning to marry betrayed him, and even worse, so did his own father. It's their fault he got exiled. Because of their betrayal, he's still trying to eke out a living way out in the boondocks, in the dangerous badlands of outer space known as the Backworlds. He and his friends, a handful of bizarre beings, are now living and working on a dust-choked waystation, where they hope to find peace and make their fortune. But that isn't to be, because... one of them is a snitch.
Yep, it's happened to him again. Somebody betrayed them. Somebody gave away their location to a gang of sadistic soldiers, and now they're all in danger. Can Craze and his friends... and the snitch... outsmart the rogue soldiers from the Foreworld, or are they all doomed to die in the godforsaken dust?
Remember that sophomore slump? Well, Pax doesn't have anything to worry about. If she were a ballplayer, her face would be smiling from that magazine cover again. I enjoyed this second book of the series just as much as the first. Matter of fact, just because this author avoided the dreaded sophomore slump, I'd give this book 4 1/2 stars. Something tells me she has a lot more good seasons in her.
March 16, 2014
Review: Stopover at the Backworld’s Edge
A Nice Little Stay.
Having read and enjoyed the first book in M Pax’s Backworlds series, I was looking forward to book two, Stopover at the Backworld’s Edge. I also enjoyed book two, but it wasn’t what I was expecting.
Book one introduced Craze, a genetically altered human especially designed to survive on certain types of worlds. He lives in a part of the galaxy that has many different genetically altered people called the Backworld’s. There was once a war with the Foreworlds, but little is learn about them. In book one Craze flies from world to world having all kinds of misadventures, I was expecting the same in book two.
However, it was not to be. Instead, Craze has settle on a moon called Pardeep. Here he has set up a bar at it’s space dock and dreams of making a fortune as revenge against his father who betrayed him in book one. All Craze’s friends have found a roll on the moon (except one, read the books and find out why.) and some new characters are introduced.
The action starts with a foreworld’s space ship lands with a mysterious passenger and doesn’t stop for the whole book. All the action in this book takes place on Pardeep, but there is plenty of it. Amongst the action we learn more about the universe that M Pax is creating.
P Max is still setting up her universe for the long running series ( Book five is now out.), but she does a fine job of giving you a good action story whiles doing so. I’m a little behind in the series, I’m reading book three right now, but I’m committed to reading it through the the end. Whenever that is.
The Backworlds Series is one worth exploring.
A Nice Little Stay.
Having read and enjoyed the first book in M Pax’s Backworlds series, I was looking forward to book two, Stopover at the Backworld’s Edge. I also enjoyed book two, but it wasn’t what I was expecting.
Book one introduced Craze, a genetically altered human especially designed to survive on certain types of worlds. He lives in a part of the galaxy that has many different genetically altered people called the Backworld’s. There was once a war with the Foreworlds, but little is learn about them. In book one Craze flies from world to world having all kinds of misadventures, I was expecting the same in book two.
However, it was not to be. Instead, Craze has settle on a moon called Pardeep. Here he has set up a bar at it’s space dock and dreams of making a fortune as revenge against his father who betrayed him in book one. All Craze’s friends have found a roll on the moon (except one, read the books and find out why.) and some new characters are introduced.
The action starts with a foreworld’s space ship lands with a mysterious passenger and doesn’t stop for the whole book. All the action in this book takes place on Pardeep, but there is plenty of it. Amongst the action we learn more about the universe that M Pax is creating.
P Max is still setting up her universe for the long running series ( Book five is now out.), but she does a fine job of giving you a good action story whiles doing so. I’m a little behind in the series, I’m reading book three right now, but I’m committed to reading it through the the end. Whenever that is.
The Backworlds Series is one worth exploring.
September 7, 2013
It was bad enough when Craze's father made him an outcast, but to be stuck on an inhospitable moon far away from the hub of Backworlds adds to his bitterness. At least he has his tavern. Craze's only challenge is to draw business to his bar and gain great success until a battleship from the Foreworlds docks on Pardeep Station. The Fo'wo's want a weapon they've hidden on the moon, and they aren't above using deadly force. To top it off, one of Craze's friends snitched and brought the Fo'wo's there. Can Craze figure out who it is and survive to save all the people of Backworlds from extinction?
This fantastic science-fiction story is the second in The Backworlds series. The reader is taken far from Earth and into the distant future. Everything is wonderfully exotic. Each character has their own unique blend of bioengineering, so they look alien but are still very human. More human than the Fo'wo's who are purely human. Craze hooks the reader in with his clever insight and his obsession with his tavern. The bartender who can mellow his customers and bring them together with a good drink and a few well said words.
What I liked best about this book is the quirky style of storytelling. M. Pax's writing matches the wonderful weirdness of the Backworlds. Vivid details, great characterization, and amazing world building. Taking place on Pardeep, this story reminded me of Firefly as if it were told by Douglas Adams.
This fantastic science-fiction story is the second in The Backworlds series. The reader is taken far from Earth and into the distant future. Everything is wonderfully exotic. Each character has their own unique blend of bioengineering, so they look alien but are still very human. More human than the Fo'wo's who are purely human. Craze hooks the reader in with his clever insight and his obsession with his tavern. The bartender who can mellow his customers and bring them together with a good drink and a few well said words.
What I liked best about this book is the quirky style of storytelling. M. Pax's writing matches the wonderful weirdness of the Backworlds. Vivid details, great characterization, and amazing world building. Taking place on Pardeep, this story reminded me of Firefly as if it were told by Douglas Adams.
October 13, 2013
Stopover is the second book in the series and picks up where Backworlds left off with Craze the protagonist trying to make the best of being stranded in a fetid hole called Pardeep Station. He's been very MacGyver at building his business of choice and trying to grasp at his life goals. All he needs are customers, that pay. Well, he also would like a certain romantic interest of his...to show some interest in him.
The inciting incident is a hostage driven adventure brought on by the arrival of some very unwelcome customers of the 'we own you variety' and the chase begins. Building the environment that is Pardeep Station the author has hit on a stroke of awesome by detailing dust lakes, atmospheric chemistry and how these affect the variants of human that are characters in the series. Frizzers and Blusters are the weapons in play on the outside as more sinister ones are sought.
I read the first enjoying the excellent craftsmanship of Backworlds and I'm very glad to say I was not disappointed in the second book. This author seems to have her method dialed in and it shows.
Another thoroughly enjoyed work suitable for teens through adult.
http://www.amazon.com/Stopover-at-Bac...
The inciting incident is a hostage driven adventure brought on by the arrival of some very unwelcome customers of the 'we own you variety' and the chase begins. Building the environment that is Pardeep Station the author has hit on a stroke of awesome by detailing dust lakes, atmospheric chemistry and how these affect the variants of human that are characters in the series. Frizzers and Blusters are the weapons in play on the outside as more sinister ones are sought.
I read the first enjoying the excellent craftsmanship of Backworlds and I'm very glad to say I was not disappointed in the second book. This author seems to have her method dialed in and it shows.
Another thoroughly enjoyed work suitable for teens through adult.
http://www.amazon.com/Stopover-at-Bac...
July 23, 2013
This installment takes place three years after Craze has left Siegna and lands on the dusty environment of Pardeep
The story is fast-paced and happens over a period of one day.
Once again, the world-building is detailed, logical and technical.
We encounter an odd collection of characters - there's Gattar and her entourage of purple-skinned Jixes in shiny gray rompers; Idothy, the Water Breather and her bunch of creepy shadows that embrace her; the blue-haired Talos from the first instalment; a Cytran who knew of Earth, the original cradle of humanity; and seemingly-gentle Meelo who may or may not be a traitor...
The power of mind control chocolate plays an important role in the story, and Craze thinks constantly about the possibility of finally having one up on his father, with the wealth he could build up from this rare and sought after commodity.
It's an enjoyable story with a few twists and turns, and a sprinkle of romance for good measure.
The story is fast-paced and happens over a period of one day.
Once again, the world-building is detailed, logical and technical.
We encounter an odd collection of characters - there's Gattar and her entourage of purple-skinned Jixes in shiny gray rompers; Idothy, the Water Breather and her bunch of creepy shadows that embrace her; the blue-haired Talos from the first instalment; a Cytran who knew of Earth, the original cradle of humanity; and seemingly-gentle Meelo who may or may not be a traitor...
The power of mind control chocolate plays an important role in the story, and Craze thinks constantly about the possibility of finally having one up on his father, with the wealth he could build up from this rare and sought after commodity.
It's an enjoyable story with a few twists and turns, and a sprinkle of romance for good measure.
August 15, 2012
This book is the second “Backworld’s” book, and I read it directly after reading the first (and if you haven’t read M. Pax’s The Backworlds, go read it now. It might even still be free.)
Stopover at the Backworld’s Edge is a great read. There’s plenty of action, beautiful imagery (and I’ve consistently appreciated M. Pax’s ability to create a succint, somehow perfect metaphor), engaging characters, and just a touch of romance. It’s consistently suprising, with quite a few twists and turns, and a number of rewards for anyone that’s read the first book. I was swept up quickly and read it straight till the end.
Stopover at the Backworld’s Edge is a great read. There’s plenty of action, beautiful imagery (and I’ve consistently appreciated M. Pax’s ability to create a succint, somehow perfect metaphor), engaging characters, and just a touch of romance. It’s consistently suprising, with quite a few twists and turns, and a number of rewards for anyone that’s read the first book. I was swept up quickly and read it straight till the end.
March 5, 2013
The second book in the Backworlds series, this one is just as satisfying as the first book and I look forward to the scheduled third book. Ms. Pax please do not stop at a trilogy. These characters, the subtle use of the language they speak, the dusty world on which they barely survive - all should be a beginning of a Star Trek-length series that lasts for the remainder of your writing career. Fresh world-building, exciting plot, enduring saga, endearing characters, as fine a story as the magnificent Nathan Lowell's the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper series. Ms. Pax, I want more and I want it as fast as possible. All thumbs up. Thank you.
April 4, 2013
The Backworld series is proving to be an enjoyable space opera. As bizarre as some of the genetically altered characters are, I can identify with them. Even Pardeep, the mother of all dust-bowls planets, has character. What I liked is how the author, M. Pax, managed to get the story done in one day. As it moved steadily through the hours I kept wondering how Craze and his friends where going to get out of the dangerous jam they were in. And just to add a little spice, there is humor and romance among this odd collection of people Craze calls his family.
August 8, 2012
I loved this installment of M. Pax's Backworlds series. Craze and his friends are fun companions to hang out with, and their adventures left me on the edge of my seat. The Backworlds universe is always a great place to visit.
September 16, 2012
Can be read on its own but reading Backworlds first gives the background to some of the characters. Likeable characters with their own flaws. A good short story in its own right and moves the series on too.
January 5, 2015
I have read all five of the currently publishe books in the series, and would highly reccomend the series. The character development was excellent. You really start to care about Craze, Talos, Lipsy, Paulder and the rest of the main characters. Definately " Good Reads "
April 6, 2017
I started with high hopes. Having just read Backworlds I was expecting the same quick flowing story. It never made it. My best way to describe this book is to compare it to the second Matrix movie. It is obvious that there was a next book in the plans. Not sure if I will be reading that one. I can't go through that again.
February 1, 2019
I thought the second one might be better. It was not.
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