Aaron Maxwell: Free Spacer

by David Whitley

Free Spacer, a light-hearted romp, centers on 'spacer' Aaron Maxwell as he explores his end of the galaxy with his ship the Achilles Bane and the less than accommodating AI, Genie. Along the way he meets the blue feathered Zemmings, a polite epicurean species for whom food means much more than mere sustenance but whose tastes definitely leave something to be desired. He renews his friendship with an old Jarmooth platoon mate only to find himself unexpectedly an accomplice to bride stealing and ship theft. He also discovers the small cyclopean race of Hellions whose tragic plight inspires the good-hearted spacer to make every effort to free them. Then there are the brutal and acquisitive, if oh so pious Gar, who seem to always turn up to complicate Aaron's life. But ultimately while attempting to rescue the marooned survivors of a Zeno-archaeological expedition, he finds that there may be things in the universe more dangerous to his way of life than the Gar!

282 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2012

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to win a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. "Aaron Maxwell: Free Spacer" is a well-written, exciting adventure novel set in an indeterminate future in which space travel is not only commonplace, but a source of income for many. The title character, Aaron Maxwell, is a veteran of several military conflicts who has purchased his own ship and makes his trade as a "Free Spacer", roaming the byways of space in search of new worlds, treasures and adventure.

The setting is tight, with believable characters, varied and interesting races and cultures, including several spaceports and settlements with a very pirate-like feel to them. Maxwell is shown early on to be a man of honor with many friends and former allies, but with the occasional enemy thrown into the mix.

If I have one criticism of this book, it would lay in the cover art. It is my understanding that the author himself created it. While it is good, it gives the appearance of being a YA book based on the cover and description. Meanwhile, the contents are a bit beyond kid-friendly, with multiple references to prostitution, binge drinking and heavy violence. While all of these fit nicely into the book, the cover presentation and blurb on the back make it sound like more juvenile material than what is actually contained within.

I would gladly recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of science fiction, action-adventure, or even pirate-themed stories. Give it a read, you won't be disappointed.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Goodreads First Reads and David Whitley for an ARC of Aaron Maxwell: Free Spacer.

This book is a fun, science fiction adventure tale that follows the main character, Aaron Maxwell, through four separate adventures as a free spacer as he travels the universe in the quest for trade in goods and knowledge. Though each adventure stands alone, each has the common elements of Maxwell's ship, the Achilles Bane and the ship's female AI with an attitude, Genie. The banter between Genie and Maxwell is amusing, similar to sarcastic barbs one would trade with a best friend. Throughout each adventure, the sometimes-modest Maxwell usually endears himself to those involved and adds to his reluctant hero status.

One thing I enjoyed about this book were the references to Earth and how it would end up if we maintain our current course. Overall this was a light, enjoyable read, suitable and readable for middle graders, young adults, and adults.

[Arthur Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Aaron Maxwell: Free Spacer" was a pretty good read. For someone who grew up on games like Space Quest and Starflight it is easy to accept different alien species and worlds as well as the idea of space exploration for profit. I think this background mixed with Whitley's wonderful descriptions made the book very easy to visualize. The book had great and memorable characters and some really great stories. It almost reads as several short stories. It also seemed to have a few unneeded characters whose exclusion wouldn't have hurt the book. There were points where the book dragged a bit and some predictable plot points, but I found it an enjoyable read overall. *I received this book free through goodreads.com's "First Reads" program*

[Sandy Bottoms · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky to win this book in a Gooreads Giveaway. It was an enjoyable read. This book contains several light, tongue-in-cheek adventures that are great when you want to have a little fun.

Presented as a series of relatively unrelated adventures. Minor editing issues and some loose ends in the various plots mean you should be prepared not to take things too seriously.

If you're looking for lighter fare in the sci-fi genre this is a good way to spend an evening. I'll be checking out other offerings from this author in the future.

[Carlissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this space opera story, lots of adventure and humor, and a little bit of romance. I listened to the Audible version and the narrator was a tad boring, but not overly so, but the story definitely made up for it. I definitely would recommend this book!

I did get this audio free from AudiobookBlast.com for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smooth story line and well developed characters with wiseassery, badassery, and generally good fun. Sure, it's Sci-Fi, but not the kind of thing that you need to be a techno-geek to enjoy.
Audio performer does a fine job of rounding out the personalities and giving voice to the hero's snarkisms.
I received this book free through AudioBook Blast/Free Audiobook Giveaways on FB.

[Marcela Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a First Reads Giveaway. It was a decent fast read. It was simple yet cute. Thanks for the read.

[Emily Boivin · Rating 3 out of 5]

i won this book on good reads. i liked it and it was on ok read. it had many if the typical si-fi story componets. if you are looking for a quick read this is the book for you.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.