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Ell Donsaii #3
Lieutenant
"Lieutenant" is the third in a series of near future SciFi/Thrillers whose young heroine Ell Donsaii we learned in "Quicker" has a nerve mutation that makes her an athletic phenomenon, so fast that no one can keep up with her. In "Smarter" we learned how these fast nerve processes have made her a genius. She's both shy and concerned about her social skills, yet loved by those around her. Like Stieg Larsson's Lisbeth Salander (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), while trying to drift off to sleep, instead of counting sheep Ell develops a new theory of quantum mechanics. She has now dropped out of grad school after using her quantum theories to invent a means for enormously improving communications using entangled molecules. Back in the military to complete her commitment, she continues her physics research in her spare time. She also has to fend off more attempts to kidnap her by groups wanting access to her skills. As in the past, those who attack her don't consider that the very skills they envy and desire make her hard to subdue.
Then the People's Republic of China shoots down the US satellites over Asia in preparation for an invasion of Taiwan. Ell's quantum entangled communication chips can substitute for lost satellite communications and observation if she can just convince the brass to use them.
Then the People's Republic of China shoots down the US satellites over Asia in preparation for an invasion of Taiwan. Ell's quantum entangled communication chips can substitute for lost satellite communications and observation if she can just convince the brass to use them.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2012
456 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Laurence E. Dahners
60 books668 followersI was born on the island of Cyprus where my dad was employed as a mining engineer. We moved to the Philippines (more mining) when I was three and then to Arizona when I was 9. I went to med school at the University of Arizona and did a residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Kansas. I taught Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill until I retired in 2017.
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 11, 2019
Fun as always :) Im just looking forward to the next one in audiobook form :)
March 2, 2021
I haven’t come up with a better term so I will call these books “competency porn” (think Sherlock Holmes and James Bond). I LOVE competency porn so I blew through all the Ell Donsaii books in about two weeks. As a result I’m giving books 1-16 the same review. While these books largely hit my sweet spot, I recognized several imperfection but, before listing those, I want to first say I greatly enjoyed these books and so I encourage anyone who enjoys “competency porn” (I really hate that term) to give them a try.
The first problem is actually kind of a small, yet somewhat annoying: I had read the author’s Vaz series (alos recommended competency porn) immediately before this one. In fact the Ell Donsaii blurb did not make the book sound appealing to me and so I only gave them a try because I liked the Vaz series so much. Unfortunately this resulted in realizing the author re-used story lines. While this is disappointing it only slightly diminished my enjoyment and the Ell series, with its 16 books to Vaz’s 4, quickly moves beyond this issue.
The second problem is the author writes by recipe and that recipe is: Have multiple secondary story lines that remain unresolved at the end of the book to make the reader buy the next book. An example would be a main story line about terraforming Mars accompanied by a side story line about a vaccine. The Mars story will be resolved by the end of the book but the author will also have spent pages setting up a will he/won’t he for a character to secretly try the vaccine. While the author almost universally handles multiple story lines well, in the end I found this approach truly unfortunate as this author is good enough to keep readers coming back without this manipulation. In short, this author’s books would have been much better if treated as stand alones rather than installments.
Finally, from my point of view, the books are short. The three samples I took from the series were: 217, 210 and 210 pages. I view anything under 300 pages as short and prefer books 350 pages or longer. I must admit, however, that I got all of these books for $4 off Amazon so I don’t really feel shorted. Had I seen these books on a shelf in a book store I likely wouldn’t even have picked them up based on how thin they are.
Bottom line: While not perfect, these books are pretty easily worth the read for any lovers of competency porn.
The first problem is actually kind of a small, yet somewhat annoying: I had read the author’s Vaz series (alos recommended competency porn) immediately before this one. In fact the Ell Donsaii blurb did not make the book sound appealing to me and so I only gave them a try because I liked the Vaz series so much. Unfortunately this resulted in realizing the author re-used story lines. While this is disappointing it only slightly diminished my enjoyment and the Ell series, with its 16 books to Vaz’s 4, quickly moves beyond this issue.
The second problem is the author writes by recipe and that recipe is: Have multiple secondary story lines that remain unresolved at the end of the book to make the reader buy the next book. An example would be a main story line about terraforming Mars accompanied by a side story line about a vaccine. The Mars story will be resolved by the end of the book but the author will also have spent pages setting up a will he/won’t he for a character to secretly try the vaccine. While the author almost universally handles multiple story lines well, in the end I found this approach truly unfortunate as this author is good enough to keep readers coming back without this manipulation. In short, this author’s books would have been much better if treated as stand alones rather than installments.
Finally, from my point of view, the books are short. The three samples I took from the series were: 217, 210 and 210 pages. I view anything under 300 pages as short and prefer books 350 pages or longer. I must admit, however, that I got all of these books for $4 off Amazon so I don’t really feel shorted. Had I seen these books on a shelf in a book store I likely wouldn’t even have picked them up based on how thin they are.
Bottom line: While not perfect, these books are pretty easily worth the read for any lovers of competency porn.
May 18, 2023
Interesting sci-fi; flat out ignorance re: military
The science fiction aspects weren’t bad, postulating the military uses of simultaneous communication across any distance.
However, the author seems to know very little about the military. The Congressional Medal of Honor would not be awarded to someone who, during peacetime, took out a terrorist cell, however great a risk she took.
More to the point, the President of the United States wouldn’t— couldn’t— award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to an Air Force lieutenant. That’s the nation’s highest medal for a civilian. She wasn’t a civilian.
[For that matter, when a White House aide was sent to get a Medal of Honer for Donsaii to wear for a ceremony, we were told that they had one or two for exigencies. The problem? The Army has one version (2404 given, by virtue of number of troops in combat). The Navy and Marine Corps have another (half that many, with the Marines receiving a disproportionate share, by virtue of, being, well, Marines). And the Air Force? Seventeen, total. The White House’s two would be Army and Navy.
It would have taken Mr. Dahners a very short time to research the Medal, and since it’s so important to the story, he should have. The Presidential Medal of Freedom would take just as little time on Google, and he would have learned that it’s given to musicians, industrialists, and politicians, not to military heroes.
There was also the mandatory kidnap plot by the evil Chinese— each book thus far has had one— but that’s fine. This time involved less of her superpowers, at least.
The science fiction aspects weren’t bad, postulating the military uses of simultaneous communication across any distance.
However, the author seems to know very little about the military. The Congressional Medal of Honor would not be awarded to someone who, during peacetime, took out a terrorist cell, however great a risk she took.
More to the point, the President of the United States wouldn’t— couldn’t— award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to an Air Force lieutenant. That’s the nation’s highest medal for a civilian. She wasn’t a civilian.
[For that matter, when a White House aide was sent to get a Medal of Honer for Donsaii to wear for a ceremony, we were told that they had one or two for exigencies. The problem? The Army has one version (2404 given, by virtue of number of troops in combat). The Navy and Marine Corps have another (half that many, with the Marines receiving a disproportionate share, by virtue of, being, well, Marines). And the Air Force? Seventeen, total. The White House’s two would be Army and Navy.
It would have taken Mr. Dahners a very short time to research the Medal, and since it’s so important to the story, he should have. The Presidential Medal of Freedom would take just as little time on Google, and he would have learned that it’s given to musicians, industrialists, and politicians, not to military heroes.
There was also the mandatory kidnap plot by the evil Chinese— each book thus far has had one— but that’s fine. This time involved less of her superpowers, at least.
December 13, 2020
Book three in the series and it has cut down a bit on the science which made book two almost unreadable.
There's something abut Elle Donsaii that's like chocolate, you know when you've had enough but one more won't hurt :)
This time round the People's Republic of China is set to launch a surprise invasion of Taiwan - not on Elle's watch!
And, of course, she's still under threat of kidnap.
Her communications tech finally finds a military role and, of course, saves the day.
A brilliant scientist, Olympic gold (x4) gymnast), superfast reactions, her only 'flaw' is limited stamina (for some unexplained reason she never attempts to build her stamina up).
I have the feeling that I could just keep on reading Elle Dorsaii without ever finding a really good episode, but I am stopping here.
P.S. And, yet again, there is an awful cover. If there were awards for genuinely off-putting covers this series would be in with a shot for the top place.
There's something abut Elle Donsaii that's like chocolate, you know when you've had enough but one more won't hurt :)
This time round the People's Republic of China is set to launch a surprise invasion of Taiwan - not on Elle's watch!
And, of course, she's still under threat of kidnap.
Her communications tech finally finds a military role and, of course, saves the day.
A brilliant scientist, Olympic gold (x4) gymnast), superfast reactions, her only 'flaw' is limited stamina (for some unexplained reason she never attempts to build her stamina up).
I have the feeling that I could just keep on reading Elle Dorsaii without ever finding a really good episode, but I am stopping here.
P.S. And, yet again, there is an awful cover. If there were awards for genuinely off-putting covers this series would be in with a shot for the top place.
April 6, 2020
A great fun series, nobody dies.
I enjoy the series a lot, it’s like the A-Team nobody dies. The The main protagonist is cute, fast, and a genius. Nothing ever seems to go wrong for her so far, some people may not like this aspect of the series. The reason for that is there’s no drama or impending disaster for her in particular I personally enjoy a hero with most things go right for him or her, she is in the same vein as Bethany Ann and John Hunter. If you like protagonist who are funny outgoing and one step ahead of the enemies as well as being the smartest person in the room you will enjoy this book I am going on to the next one in the series give it a shot.
I enjoy the series a lot, it’s like the A-Team nobody dies. The The main protagonist is cute, fast, and a genius. Nothing ever seems to go wrong for her so far, some people may not like this aspect of the series. The reason for that is there’s no drama or impending disaster for her in particular I personally enjoy a hero with most things go right for him or her, she is in the same vein as Bethany Ann and John Hunter. If you like protagonist who are funny outgoing and one step ahead of the enemies as well as being the smartest person in the room you will enjoy this book I am going on to the next one in the series give it a shot.
May 27, 2020
I Love "What If" Scenarios
Quantum entanglement. It's a mystery to me and I have no idea if someone has actually harnessed it. But what they have - or did - or will? It would change today's technology forever. It buggers the imagination to think of the implications, let alone the conflicts created when one country has it and not another. (Perhaps that's why it has not been announced if it exists.) At any rate, THIS story I accept as fiction and as such it is AWESOME! It also makes me think, "What if....?"
Quantum entanglement. It's a mystery to me and I have no idea if someone has actually harnessed it. But what they have - or did - or will? It would change today's technology forever. It buggers the imagination to think of the implications, let alone the conflicts created when one country has it and not another. (Perhaps that's why it has not been announced if it exists.) At any rate, THIS story I accept as fiction and as such it is AWESOME! It also makes me think, "What if....?"
December 14, 2020
Justice good on the reread
Another good book in the chronicles of Ell. This is my 3rd read through and I still enjoy it even after all this time. L. is back in the air force and Must learn to deal with new life realities. Money, fame, and a Chinese nation state out to get her. She's slowly learning that she needs to build a core of good people around her as even a genius needs help. More to reread.
Another good book in the chronicles of Ell. This is my 3rd read through and I still enjoy it even after all this time. L. is back in the air force and Must learn to deal with new life realities. Money, fame, and a Chinese nation state out to get her. She's slowly learning that she needs to build a core of good people around her as even a genius needs help. More to reread.
July 4, 2021
Dahners, Laurence E. Lieutenant. Ell Donsaii No. Kindle, 2012.
Ell, having graduated from the Air Force Academy in two years and done a stint in graduate school, now becomes an active, if temporary, officer in the Air Force. The brass want to keep her out of harm’s way, so they assign her to train as a remote drone pilot. It turns out she can use her new quantum communications rig to enhance flight operations and strategic planning. And, oh yes, save Taiwan. Formulaic but fun. 4 stars.
Ell, having graduated from the Air Force Academy in two years and done a stint in graduate school, now becomes an active, if temporary, officer in the Air Force. The brass want to keep her out of harm’s way, so they assign her to train as a remote drone pilot. It turns out she can use her new quantum communications rig to enhance flight operations and strategic planning. And, oh yes, save Taiwan. Formulaic but fun. 4 stars.
July 16, 2017
Another good book
It keeps getting better. This is excellent addition to series even if some elements are too unrealistic...even if Ell decided to better ask for forgiveness. Also, no mentions of attempt to make tech secret or some solution to issue with personal AI runs comm center way above owner’s clearance
It keeps getting better. This is excellent addition to series even if some elements are too unrealistic...even if Ell decided to better ask for forgiveness. Also, no mentions of attempt to make tech secret or some solution to issue with personal AI runs comm center way above owner’s clearance
December 12, 2017
Another wonderful story
I can't tell you how much I enjoy these books. Sure you have to suspend disbelief, but it's wonderful to read about powerful people being nice. And the science fiction is bases on real science, except - you know - for the part that's not. A great read and I look forward to the next one.
I can't tell you how much I enjoy these books. Sure you have to suspend disbelief, but it's wonderful to read about powerful people being nice. And the science fiction is bases on real science, except - you know - for the part that's not. A great read and I look forward to the next one.
August 16, 2023
A Great Read.
So far this has been a great read. If you're worried like I was that it would be too military it's not. It's just the right mix of young genius, action and humour.
I am so glad that I took a chance with this series. Book one starts a little slow but it's worth your time.
So far this has been a great read. If you're worried like I was that it would be too military it's not. It's just the right mix of young genius, action and humour.
I am so glad that I took a chance with this series. Book one starts a little slow but it's worth your time.
November 3, 2023
Light read for hard sci-fi
The overall science fiction concepts were quite interesting and enjoyable as well as the situations that Ell finds herself in. However, those are offset by the gross incompetence of the antagonists and the author's decision to constantly remind the reader how great and amazing Ell is.
The overall science fiction concepts were quite interesting and enjoyable as well as the situations that Ell finds herself in. However, those are offset by the gross incompetence of the antagonists and the author's decision to constantly remind the reader how great and amazing Ell is.
March 26, 2024
Brilliant and super entertaining series!!!!!
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
June 22, 2017
Better each new book!!!
Love 💘💘 Ell. A guaranteed winner this time. Books 1 & 2 were terrific but 3 will blow you out of the water. A genius, drop dead gorgeous and able to stop war! What's not to love?
Love 💘💘 Ell. A guaranteed winner this time. Books 1 & 2 were terrific but 3 will blow you out of the water. A genius, drop dead gorgeous and able to stop war! What's not to love?
August 20, 2019
Great Series
I have read the first three books and they are excellent. These books are written with the talent only a great storyteller can accomplish. Incredible character development and a nerdy creative storyline. Looking forward to more.
I have read the first three books and they are excellent. These books are written with the talent only a great storyteller can accomplish. Incredible character development and a nerdy creative storyline. Looking forward to more.
June 24, 2020
Crazy what ifs
What if someone so junior in any totem pole (military, academy, and business) managed to disrupt the whole existing system with her brilliant thinking? That's what this book is.
What if someone so junior in any totem pole (military, academy, and business) managed to disrupt the whole existing system with her brilliant thinking? That's what this book is.
February 20, 2022
Fun
Another exceedingly fun and highly enjoyable chapter. I thought there were some very fun twist interns throughout the story, and some great tension that was built up over its entirety. If you enjoy the first two books, I think you should very much enjoy this one as well.
Another exceedingly fun and highly enjoyable chapter. I thought there were some very fun twist interns throughout the story, and some great tension that was built up over its entirety. If you enjoy the first two books, I think you should very much enjoy this one as well.
February 27, 2022
Exciting Book.
Another great ELL Donsaii book. Sometimes it is a little technical but the book still is a great read. I like the ELL character because she is unassuming, kind, generous and truly gifted. Cannot wait to start the fourth book.
Another great ELL Donsaii book. Sometimes it is a little technical but the book still is a great read. I like the ELL character because she is unassuming, kind, generous and truly gifted. Cannot wait to start the fourth book.
June 15, 2025
Is There ANYTHING She Can’t Do?
More inventions, foil another kidnap attempt, send a crook to prison, stop a SinoAmerican war. Sheesh!! What a Hot To Trot whirling dervish of a dancer!
More inventions, foil another kidnap attempt, send a crook to prison, stop a SinoAmerican war. Sheesh!! What a Hot To Trot whirling dervish of a dancer!
July 10, 2017
Great Read!
This the 4th tune I have reread this book.
I love the what if of the science and the characters seem to good.
This the 4th tune I have reread this book.
I love the what if of the science and the characters seem to good.
January 20, 2018
Commanding!
Well written , fun and exhilarating book!! Ell is one of my three favorite sci-fi heroines, along with honor and BA. OUTSTANDING!
Well written , fun and exhilarating book!! Ell is one of my three favorite sci-fi heroines, along with honor and BA. OUTSTANDING!
March 7, 2019
Darn Good
Just found this series love it only complaint only first two books are on Audible the rest read on my kindle would really enjoy if I could listen to all of them 🤪
Just found this series love it only complaint only first two books are on Audible the rest read on my kindle would really enjoy if I could listen to all of them 🤪
May 13, 2019
Book 3 - Yay!
Ditto the good reviews.
Amazon reviews = author perks.
No reviews = no perks.
Dahners deserves plentiful perks.
20 words.
Ditto the good reviews.
Amazon reviews = author perks.
No reviews = no perks.
Dahners deserves plentiful perks.
20 words.
December 27, 2019
Some what derivative
Had to many similar plot devices to be he previous books and a lot easily skipped over parts. But still an enjoyable book.
Had to many similar plot devices to be he previous books and a lot easily skipped over parts. But still an enjoyable book.
Read
April 24, 2020Good read
If you like science fiction books with action you'll like this book. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
If you like science fiction books with action you'll like this book. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
November 20, 2020
Great story
I have enjoyed this story of Eli Donsaii as she moved to Vegas because of the Air Force and save Twain.
I have enjoyed this story of Eli Donsaii as she moved to Vegas because of the Air Force and save Twain.
January 17, 2021
Good read!
The words flowed easily, the plot was good and the characters were believable. The military interactions sounded spot on. One
The words flowed easily, the plot was good and the characters were believable. The military interactions sounded spot on. One
December 10, 2023
Great book. love the series.
If you read the first two, sure you’ll love it. I can’t wait to start the next book. (I just bought the next three in the series.)
If you read the first two, sure you’ll love it. I can’t wait to start the next book. (I just bought the next three in the series.)
February 19, 2024
Quite good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews