What do you think?
Rate this book
AGU: Border Patrol #1
Citizen X
Sydnee Marcola's greatest desire was to join the command of Admiral Jenetta Carver in Region Two, and in pursuit of that goal, she achieved top grades while at the Academy, and then again in advanced studies at the Warship Command Institute. So why have the powers that be chosen to 'waste' a valuable asset by sending her to a 'backwater' command where terminal boredom would appear to be the greatest enemy? Perhaps things aren't destined to remain quiet for long.
328 pages, ebook
First published August 28, 2012
58 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 13, 2012
This is the first book of a new Brian DePrima series "Galaxy Unknown-Border Patrol" spin off from the "Galaxy Unknown" (Janetta Carver) franchise. I've read all eight of the initial series (still waiting for the 9th book) and, if you’re a fan of Indie-pubs, then this is better than most. I give it a 3 - 3.5 star rating and recommend it for anyone who liked the Galaxy Unknown (Janetta Carver) series, anyone who likes military themed sci-fi or stories where the book gives a strategic book The problem is that most indie pubs lack the polish and perfection of those that have been through the press at a major publishing firm. My star rating reflects two things, my personal take on assigning star ratings, and, where I feel this book places among all books, indie-pubs or those that came through an established publishing firm.
I give this three stars, maybe three and a half, which, in keeping with my rating scale assignments, that means that this meets the standard of entertainment and enjoyment. It's a good rating (when given by me) and is a recommendable book to anyone who appreciates the genre.
Why talk about the rating? I mean, "Who cares why, just stick a star, and tell us about it and move on. Leave the soliloquy to Hamlet and that Shake-a-pointy-stick dude, okay?" This is why I think it’s important.
1. E-books are the future of the printed word. I don’t think that they will replace the printed page, but, the E-book has already passed up paperbacks for sales. I also think it’s far easier and more forgiving than the heavy-handed publishing industry on authors.
2. There are a lot of Indie-pub-e-books and, as Steven James is on record as saying, most of them suck. So, when there is a good one, it’s important to point it out. That way everybody can see that there is hope for e-books and indie-author-publishers
3. Indie-authors do not get the benefit of a polishing and editing like those authors who have their books go through the commercial publishing mill. So, fair ratings and good discussion about what works and what doesn't may be helpful to some authors ...not that Brian DePrima is going to read my reviews… not that anyone actually reads my reviews for that matter…so, this may be self-indulgent too…
So, back to the rating and the review…
If I were using the normal rating system, not my system, I’d give this 3.5 to a 4 star rating (But I’m not so it’s still 3-3.5) .
What I liked:
I liked Sydnee. She’s a strong heroine, with a bit more of a sense of humor than Janetta Carver and a bit more fallible (more on that later). Like the Carver ladies, she thinks her way through problems, but, she’s got a bit more of a “go down there and shoot it out” mentality. She thinks out of the box, takes chances and she’s 5 foot 11 inches tall, looks good in spandex and shape fitted armor. She’s a bit of a “Super-Sue” or a “Xena – Warrior Princess” type that doesn’t know defeat because… nothing beats her. Still, she was more fallible than Janetta Carver ever was. I also think I like the hints at romance in Sydnee’s future without jumping in with both feet.
I also like the world building. Galactic Alliance Space is far, far future. There are multiple sentient races, pirates, battles wars, rebels, monsters in the swamp, space marines, starships, fighters, and some really cool tech. The story bogged in some of the details, but, those details helped some of the plot devices used later in the story. Space Command is intricate, complex and far reaching with the same colourful Admiralty full of grumpy old men and women lead by Admiral Moore. The warships are pretty cool too, even the old Destroyer “Perry” (loved the shooting range they built in the lower holds of the ship).
I liked the world that most of the story is set in with the swamps and …stuff… and that fact that the battles and fights seem to be realistic from a broad view strategic standpoint and the creatures on the swamp world were fun.
Things that need some work
Where DePrima did a better job of making his heroine emotionally vulnerable and upset, often her performance did not rate the doubts she had. Like Janetta, Sydnee beats all comers without breaking a sweat. Very much in the Xena-Warrior Princess mode or maybe Wonder Woman, this has been a problem for DePrima since the second Galaxy Unknown book. I don’t know how it would look to have a capable space warrior like Sydnee face real diversity and danger, but it would look more like Janetta and the first run in with the Pirates. That got a little racy, but nothing to worry about. So far, I think Janetta’s only been nicked by a lattice gun once since the first book and other than that, everyone’s come out of things without even breaking a sexy nail. I love the creativity in how Sydnee out things everthing and everybody, I just think it’s a forgone conclusion that she’s going to win. DePrima needs to work on bringing in a believable element of vulnerability to his characters and real danger for them. (Real danger is often realized by something actually getting to them.)
Oh, yeah, and what's with this "Larboard" crap... it's "Port" as in, "The Captians Port wine is red." That's how you remember the port running light is red... it has the same number of letters as "Left" that's how you know port is left side.... Larboard...starboard... what is this steampunk?
Summary
This book is fine for YA and up. Nothing here to worry about. You might want to read the Galaxy Unknown series before you read this, but it’s not necessary.
Overall, the positives outway the negatives, the story is enjoyable, and Deprima needs to work on building more tension and doubt with suspense and putting his heroines and heroes in more vulnerable and risky situations (let them be hurt now and then).
I give this three stars, maybe three and a half, which, in keeping with my rating scale assignments, that means that this meets the standard of entertainment and enjoyment. It's a good rating (when given by me) and is a recommendable book to anyone who appreciates the genre.
Why talk about the rating? I mean, "Who cares why, just stick a star, and tell us about it and move on. Leave the soliloquy to Hamlet and that Shake-a-pointy-stick dude, okay?" This is why I think it’s important.
1. E-books are the future of the printed word. I don’t think that they will replace the printed page, but, the E-book has already passed up paperbacks for sales. I also think it’s far easier and more forgiving than the heavy-handed publishing industry on authors.
2. There are a lot of Indie-pub-e-books and, as Steven James is on record as saying, most of them suck. So, when there is a good one, it’s important to point it out. That way everybody can see that there is hope for e-books and indie-author-publishers
3. Indie-authors do not get the benefit of a polishing and editing like those authors who have their books go through the commercial publishing mill. So, fair ratings and good discussion about what works and what doesn't may be helpful to some authors ...not that Brian DePrima is going to read my reviews… not that anyone actually reads my reviews for that matter…so, this may be self-indulgent too…
So, back to the rating and the review…
If I were using the normal rating system, not my system, I’d give this 3.5 to a 4 star rating (But I’m not so it’s still 3-3.5) .
What I liked:
I liked Sydnee. She’s a strong heroine, with a bit more of a sense of humor than Janetta Carver and a bit more fallible (more on that later). Like the Carver ladies, she thinks her way through problems, but, she’s got a bit more of a “go down there and shoot it out” mentality. She thinks out of the box, takes chances and she’s 5 foot 11 inches tall, looks good in spandex and shape fitted armor. She’s a bit of a “Super-Sue” or a “Xena – Warrior Princess” type that doesn’t know defeat because… nothing beats her. Still, she was more fallible than Janetta Carver ever was. I also think I like the hints at romance in Sydnee’s future without jumping in with both feet.
I also like the world building. Galactic Alliance Space is far, far future. There are multiple sentient races, pirates, battles wars, rebels, monsters in the swamp, space marines, starships, fighters, and some really cool tech. The story bogged in some of the details, but, those details helped some of the plot devices used later in the story. Space Command is intricate, complex and far reaching with the same colourful Admiralty full of grumpy old men and women lead by Admiral Moore. The warships are pretty cool too, even the old Destroyer “Perry” (loved the shooting range they built in the lower holds of the ship).
I liked the world that most of the story is set in with the swamps and …stuff… and that fact that the battles and fights seem to be realistic from a broad view strategic standpoint and the creatures on the swamp world were fun.
Things that need some work
Where DePrima did a better job of making his heroine emotionally vulnerable and upset, often her performance did not rate the doubts she had. Like Janetta, Sydnee beats all comers without breaking a sweat. Very much in the Xena-Warrior Princess mode or maybe Wonder Woman, this has been a problem for DePrima since the second Galaxy Unknown book. I don’t know how it would look to have a capable space warrior like Sydnee face real diversity and danger, but it would look more like Janetta and the first run in with the Pirates. That got a little racy, but nothing to worry about. So far, I think Janetta’s only been nicked by a lattice gun once since the first book and other than that, everyone’s come out of things without even breaking a sexy nail. I love the creativity in how Sydnee out things everthing and everybody, I just think it’s a forgone conclusion that she’s going to win. DePrima needs to work on bringing in a believable element of vulnerability to his characters and real danger for them. (Real danger is often realized by something actually getting to them.)
Oh, yeah, and what's with this "Larboard" crap... it's "Port" as in, "The Captians Port wine is red." That's how you remember the port running light is red... it has the same number of letters as "Left" that's how you know port is left side.... Larboard...starboard... what is this steampunk?
Summary
This book is fine for YA and up. Nothing here to worry about. You might want to read the Galaxy Unknown series before you read this, but it’s not necessary.
Overall, the positives outway the negatives, the story is enjoyable, and Deprima needs to work on building more tension and doubt with suspense and putting his heroines and heroes in more vulnerable and risky situations (let them be hurt now and then).
December 30, 2018
2 stars because I finished it. I'm not sure it really deserves the second star.
I managed to keep my interest going, partially because if I finished this one, I'd have to find something else to read. I also kept thinking that things would get interesting, and they never really did. This managed to make space battle scenes boring. Basically, you start reading, and there's nothing going on, and you keep expecting excitement. Excitement never happens. The excitement, it would seem, is happening a long way away and possibly in another book, where a war is being fought.
Add on the fact that the writing is pedestrian at best, and that the title doesn't really have much to do with the book, and I think I could only recommend this to someone who really loves DePrima's other books. Maybe I should've started with the Carver stories, but I don't think I'll be going there after this.
I managed to keep my interest going, partially because if I finished this one, I'd have to find something else to read. I also kept thinking that things would get interesting, and they never really did. This managed to make space battle scenes boring. Basically, you start reading, and there's nothing going on, and you keep expecting excitement. Excitement never happens. The excitement, it would seem, is happening a long way away and possibly in another book, where a war is being fought.
Add on the fact that the writing is pedestrian at best, and that the title doesn't really have much to do with the book, and I think I could only recommend this to someone who really loves DePrima's other books. Maybe I should've started with the Carver stories, but I don't think I'll be going there after this.
November 14, 2012
I've read several of the Galaxy Unknown books that focus on Jenetta Carver. They've been fun, but so far she's been impossibly fortunate, which I've found a little annoying. (Please note that I haven't read them all, so perhaps this will change in the subsequent books, which I do plan to read.)
This book, by the same author, in the same universe, seems to have a bit more depth. Let me be clear. The universe created by Thomas DePrima is clever, believable, and interesting, in my opinion. But Sydnee Marcola, the lead character in Citizen X interests me more than Jenetta Carver, and although the series is only one book in and there are obviously more to follow, I think that DePrima's ability to write characters has improved significantly since the release of "A Galaxy Unknown."
I get this. It's something that I've begun to learn much more about in my own writing, (with the assistance of an editor), and that's the big reason that I've given this book four stars. I'm also looking forward to the next book, in a way that I didn't with the initial series. I found the flipping backwards and forwards between worlds/characters a little confusing in the first chapter or two, but it settled down quite quickly.
If you're looking for a good fun "space opera/military sci-fi" read, then I think this is a book worth considering. There's action, some mystery, and a some rather fun alien beasties.
This book, by the same author, in the same universe, seems to have a bit more depth. Let me be clear. The universe created by Thomas DePrima is clever, believable, and interesting, in my opinion. But Sydnee Marcola, the lead character in Citizen X interests me more than Jenetta Carver, and although the series is only one book in and there are obviously more to follow, I think that DePrima's ability to write characters has improved significantly since the release of "A Galaxy Unknown."
I get this. It's something that I've begun to learn much more about in my own writing, (with the assistance of an editor), and that's the big reason that I've given this book four stars. I'm also looking forward to the next book, in a way that I didn't with the initial series. I found the flipping backwards and forwards between worlds/characters a little confusing in the first chapter or two, but it settled down quite quickly.
If you're looking for a good fun "space opera/military sci-fi" read, then I think this is a book worth considering. There's action, some mystery, and a some rather fun alien beasties.
September 17, 2012
SciFi At Its Best!
I hurried to by this book as soon as soon as it was released. The story was exactly what I was looking for, high entertainment and pure unadulterated fun! For those familiar with the Jenetta Carver series, this new series also takes place in the Galaxy Unknown universe.
The character development and creative world building were continually engrossing, I just could not put this book down. I greedily gobbled up every morsel of the story but was disappointed once I reached the last page, solely because the story was so enjoyable, I wished this book would never end!
There was a perfect symmetry between action and adventure, moreover the battle tactics were interesting and clever. The protagonist was very likeable and all around brilliant.
I highly recommend this book and the Jenetta Carver series to fellow SF readers and I can't for the next book in this series; in addition, I also look forward to the next Jenetta Carver book due out December 2012.
To fellow dark urban fantasy readers who are looking for a good space opera but do not want to end up with a space romance, I also recommend these books to you.
I also recommend:
On Silver Wings (Warrior's Wings Book One)
The Hour of Dust and Ashes
Mutineer (Kris Longknife)
Mech 1: The Parent (Imperium Series)
Peacekeeper: A Major Ariane Kedros Novel
I hurried to by this book as soon as soon as it was released. The story was exactly what I was looking for, high entertainment and pure unadulterated fun! For those familiar with the Jenetta Carver series, this new series also takes place in the Galaxy Unknown universe.
The character development and creative world building were continually engrossing, I just could not put this book down. I greedily gobbled up every morsel of the story but was disappointed once I reached the last page, solely because the story was so enjoyable, I wished this book would never end!
There was a perfect symmetry between action and adventure, moreover the battle tactics were interesting and clever. The protagonist was very likeable and all around brilliant.
I highly recommend this book and the Jenetta Carver series to fellow SF readers and I can't for the next book in this series; in addition, I also look forward to the next Jenetta Carver book due out December 2012.
To fellow dark urban fantasy readers who are looking for a good space opera but do not want to end up with a space romance, I also recommend these books to you.
I also recommend:
On Silver Wings (Warrior's Wings Book One)
The Hour of Dust and Ashes
Mutineer (Kris Longknife)
Mech 1: The Parent (Imperium Series)
Peacekeeper: A Major Ariane Kedros Novel
September 4, 2018
Bought by mistake. Book was a typically bad DePrima so-called"military science fiction".
April 12, 2019
50% dnf
September 3, 2012
This book seems to be the start of a new series, Galaxy Unknown - Border Patrol, by Thomas DePrima. The original series, A Galaxy Unknown, is one of my favorites and I’m eagerly looking forward to the next installment in that series. This one is a spin-off that takes place in the same fictional universe as A Galaxy Unknown but in a different place and telling a different story. I’m not 100% sure when the events in this book are supposed to take place but since Admiral Hubera is still a member of the Admiralty Board it must be before Return to Dakistee in the original series.
This first book in the series is very good. It’s definitely a promising start. It’s well written in the same way the original series is. The characters are interesting and there’s a decent balance between the time spent on the characters themselves and the actual action.
I would say that the book is slightly inferior to the original series but then, it’s only the first book in a new series and there’s lots of promise in it. I have to say that I’m really dying to get to know why Sydnee was sent to this ‘backwater’ command in the first place.
A good chunk of the book is down on a planet with marines slugging through the jungle. This might be the one thing that made me feel this book was a little inferior to the original series since I’m more a space battle guy. Having said that, DePrima manages to pull this off in a way that really keeps my interest.
So, in short, a very good start and I’m looking forward to more books in this series.
This first book in the series is very good. It’s definitely a promising start. It’s well written in the same way the original series is. The characters are interesting and there’s a decent balance between the time spent on the characters themselves and the actual action.
I would say that the book is slightly inferior to the original series but then, it’s only the first book in a new series and there’s lots of promise in it. I have to say that I’m really dying to get to know why Sydnee was sent to this ‘backwater’ command in the first place.
A good chunk of the book is down on a planet with marines slugging through the jungle. This might be the one thing that made me feel this book was a little inferior to the original series since I’m more a space battle guy. Having said that, DePrima manages to pull this off in a way that really keeps my interest.
So, in short, a very good start and I’m looking forward to more books in this series.
October 3, 2012
Many people who don't read science fiction usually say it's either A. Cheesy or B. Too Involved. Thomas DePrima balances those things very well to create a very entertaining space opera. I would not suggest that hard core sci fi readers read Citizen X or the Galaxy Unknown series unless they are prepared to turn off their nerd, set the idea of realism aside and just enjoy. The lead characters almost can do no wrong and everything always seems to work out, but that's kind of what makes the books fun. There are some interesting tech ideas and some deep sci fi concepts that are introduced and thought about, but they aren't engrossed on so it makes it a thinker, but not a dweller.
These books are the very definition of the space opera genre. I enjoy them and they read quick and I always look forward to the next book.
These books are the very definition of the space opera genre. I enjoy them and they read quick and I always look forward to the next book.
September 24, 2012
A spin off series set in the Galaxy Unknown universe. Set concurrent with the invasion of Region 2 being dealt with by Admiral Jen Carver,Sydnee Marcola graduates the Academy number 7 in her class, but despite this she's assigned to the oldest and worst tub in the fleet, doing border patrol at the arse end of Region 1. But of course the terminal boredom turns out to be any thing but...
Stylistically this matches its parent series, well written, gripping, interesting characters. I shall definitely keep an eye out for book 2.
Stylistically this matches its parent series, well written, gripping, interesting characters. I shall definitely keep an eye out for book 2.
January 27, 2022
Citizen XThomas DePrimaI enjoyed reading this book even more than the books in the Galaxy Unknown series. Sydnee is immediately set up as the underdog after she is posted to one of the worst assignments upon graduation. I hope this story line continues.
September 27, 2012
Was a really good read. thoroughly enjoyed this new edition to the unique universe created by Thomas Deprima. Original and unique with that style that provokes a shiver of excitement at key moments in the novel. I like the plot twists and new direction the author is following in developing a new story arc for a new series character in their own story line.
February 6, 2013
It took about 2/3 of the book until I was interested. Probably due to already reading all of the other books that take place in the Galaxy Unknown universe and wanted the non-stop action of Jenetta Carver. Thus it took a while to finish. Not sure if I will continue with the Border Patrol sub-series. We shall see.
January 15, 2016
This was a good book set in the AGU, It was a very different type of story but at the same time similar enough that it worked well in the universe. In it we see a much more ground type of action compared to the space type in the main series. The main character is enjoyable and i look forward to seeing how she grows in the next books.
December 28, 2012
For fans of DePrima's universe this first book of a new series offers a look at the galaxy from a different perspective. A similar, engaging style and maintains interest throughout. DePrima must become a classic popular sf writer.
July 1, 2015
War, aliens, space travel, gutsy (and not annoying!!) heroine, battle, marines, pilots, guns, lots of action. A little slow to build up, but really good.
Great secondary characters! Currulla and his cohorts...just great
Great secondary characters! Currulla and his cohorts...just great
March 29, 2016
Fun, fun, fun!
Another great space opera by DePrima! Very similar characters to his Carver novels, but as usual, well developed.
The storyline has adventure, honor and plenty of aliens.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Another great space opera by DePrima! Very similar characters to his Carver novels, but as usual, well developed.
The storyline has adventure, honor and plenty of aliens.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 22, 2014
Great Series. enjoyed this alternate story line. look forward to the next.
November 28, 2012
Story pulls you along, but I can't help but feel there will be very strong similarities to the main Galaxy unknown series. Alien clones of the main character this time?
February 27, 2013
Great characters. Can't wait for the next one
March 23, 2013
Just a poorly written book.
July 15, 2013
Another winning series from Deprima!
December 26, 2013
Nice new start. Another young female hero
April 9, 2014
Much like the Honorverse or Kris Longknife - military sci-fi with a female protagonist. I enjoyed this book and the series that spawned it.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews