Working Class

SC Marva Collins #2

by Nathan Lowell

A Brand New Ship
A Brand New Crew
What could possibly go wrong?

When Ishmael takes a crew of academy cadets into the Toe Holds, he's unprepared for the level of trouble green hands can get into.

Meanwhile their academy liaison discovers what can go wrong when you learn the wrong lessons and try to teach the wrong students.

Will they all make it back to the academy before somebody accidentally takes a short walk out the air lock without a suit?

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Fiction, Space, Audiobook, Slice Of Life

399 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2023

About the author

Nathan Lowell has been a writer for more than forty years, and first entered the literary world by podcasting his novels. His sci-fi series, The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper grew from his long time fascination with space opera and his own experiences shipboard in the United States Coast Guard. Unlike most works which focus on a larger-than-life hero (prophesized savior, charismatic captain, or exiled prince), Nathan centers on the people behind the scenes--ordinary men and women trying to make a living in the depths of space. In his novels, there are no bug-eyed monsters, or galactic space battles, instead he paints a richly vivid and realistic world where the "hero" uses hard work and his own innate talents to improve his station and the lives of those of his community.

Dr. Nathan Lowell holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology with specializations in Distance Education and Instructional Design. He also holds an M.A. in Educational Technology and a BS in Business Administration. He grew up on the south coast of Maine and is strongly rooted in the maritime heritage of the sea-farer. He served in the USCG from 1970 to 1975, seeing duty aboard a cutter on hurricane patrol in the North Atlantic and at a communications station in Kodiak, Alaska. He currently lives in the plains east of the Rocky Mountains with his wife and two daughters.

Awards & Recognition
2008 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for Full Share
2008 Podiobooks Founder's Choice Award for Double Share
2008 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for South Coast
2009 Podiobooks Founder's Choice Award for Captain's Share
2009 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for Double Share
4 out of 10 Books on Podiobooks.com Top Overall Rated by Votes (2. Double Share, 3. Quarter Share, 5. Full Share, 8. Half Share) -- as of Jan 4, 2009
6 out of 10 Books on Podiobooks.com Top Overall Rating (1. Ravenwood, 2. Quarter Share, 3. Double share, 4. Captain's Share, 5. Full Share, 7. South Coast) -- as of Jan 4, 2009

Reviews

[JasonA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Done too soon again, and back to waiting for book 3. Hope the next one covers more new ground and stops rehashing the same things over and over. I love this series, but the repetition is becoming a bit tedious.

I'm pretty sure this is a trilogy, but not really seeing how it's going to wrap up in one more book when it feels like it just got started.

[Bdstoller · Rating 1 out of 5]

BORING, REPETITIVE

First, I am a big Nathan Lowell fan.
Second, the "Share" books are among my favorite books.
I found myself scanning and skipping through the book. But being a fan, I had to finish it.
This book is full of endless discussions of the high line vs the Toe-Holds.
There is a character that is so incredibly stupid, Nathan feels that it is necessary to repeat the same garbage over and over throughout the book. Other characters are brought into the act as well, to repeat the same things.
Endless scenes of going out to eat with all the usual filler.
In other words, a whole lot of nothing happens. Waste of time.
Sorry, Nathan.

[Teresa Carrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up way too late last night with this book. Finally managed to close it about halfway through, then finished it this afternoon. Great characterization and world building. More action than the previous book, but it isn’t on scene violence. There’s a lot of struggling trying to deal with too many green hands on the same ship, over and above how many of them thought all the info about the Toeholds they were given was just hazing. I’m really looking forward to the next book, which should be out in a month or two.

[Joel · Rating 1 out of 5]

A series of dinner orders and dessert refusals

Mr. Lowell is slow walking plotlines over minutiae and dinner gossip. Certainly his prerogative, but absolutely nothing is going on in this series over the past 2 books.

His earlier works are what you are looking for, my read is at this point he is out of ideas for his mc in this series but doesn't want to let it go. Dovetails with the constant conversations of 'what do I do?' in book.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An OK read.

[Dave Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding writing
A book is more than just the plot, or even just the words on the page. For me it's really about how it makes you feel. By that criteria alone Nathan Lowell is one of the best authors I've ever read.
I feel so many different good things while reading this book.
Hopeful, smarter, dedication, determined, playful, grounded, and just plain pleased. That this symphony of feeling is evoked against a background of seemingly day to day is even more amazing.
What Mr Lowell remembers about being a mule-headed post teen is so painfully accurate and so truthfully rendered that I feel like he should owe me money for putting me in his book.
Another book I could not put down.

[Pamela Baird · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tedious

This book is filled with padding and repetitive conversations, arguments and explanations. What a waste of a good business model and excellent characters.

[John Prowse · Rating 4 out of 5]

another enjoyable quick read in which nothing really happens but it was fun to read anyways lol

[Mary Soon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the third arc of stories centering on Ishmael Wang within the larger SF series, "The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper."

This is an enjoyable though low-key entry in a series I'm very fond of. Ishmael remains very likable and I like many of the supporting cast, but few scenes stood out to me. Two of the characters given prominence in this installment -- Captain Case and Mr. MacBradaigh -- don't compel me. While there are indications that the next book may contain a turning point for Ishmael, it isn't within this volume. Plus, I really enjoy the friendship between Ishmael and Pip, and was disappointed not to see more of that dynamic here.

Hmmm. For me, not as good as many of these books, which is a high bar, yet I still enjoyed it considerably.

Three and a half out of five toe-hold stars.

About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).

[Ay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series, like it's forebears are "slice/chunk of life" stories. In book 1 Ish and friends trundle about sorting out what they are going to do with the spaceship and how to assemble the crew and related legal structures.

In this book, Ish and friends proceed on their their trade route. As usual, Ish has low key existential issues. All along, they are discussing how to proceed with subverting the dominant paradigm, and problem solving generally.

If you like the people in these books, (and I do) these books are enjoyable.

[Jim Gutzwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

SC Marfa Collins book 2

Wow, not a lot of excitement, but wonderful character development ! Made reading this very easy and enjoyable. I was sorry I reached the ending.
Definitely need book 3!
Left me wanting more!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

And he does it again!

Since I first picked up the Tenth books I have eagerly awaited each new Nathan Lowell book.His characters are fabulous and the storylines engaging.my only problem with his writing is I can't find enough of it😎

[Kerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do next when you've reached your goals?

Another good one by Nathan Lowell.

I think my favorite of his books will always be the initial series run from quarter share to owner.

If anything, the later books suffer a tiny amount from the fact that he's already reached success as many people would quantify it. Although the skill of Nathan Lowell's writing means that you really can pick up any of the books and start there, I feel that most people wouldn't quite care enough about the characters, unless they had read the earlier series, for the value of the book to be honestly realized.

Okay, that was a convoluted sentence. But I'm not sure how else quite to put it.

Go read the whole first series at least up to owner's share. The side character series are also very good.

But to appreciate the self reflection in this one ALL the way, you really need to read the others first. The writing is good enough. You will enjoy the book anyway. I'm just saying you will enjoy it more if you really understand the history Wang is coming from.

But these are likable books about likable characters. Now that we're invested in them, it's enjoyable to see their journey continue, And I'm very, very glad that Nathan Lowell is returning to some of them...

And of course, the worst thing is getting to the end and realizing the next book isn't out yet!

[Cmoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since Captain Ishmael Wang, Pip and the rest of his crew including Alys has gotten all their ducks in a row (meaning) "Quarter Shares" on board the ship and the Marva Collins is completely stocked and ready face the "Deep Dark", see "School Days" bk1. It's time for the Marva Collins to disembark and take her maiden voyage out into not only the Deep Dark, but for the crew to explore the unknown territory of Toe-Hold space. And don't expect it to be just a casual jaunt. As both The Marva and the Chernyakova the two ships owned by Ish and Pip are leapfrog each other as enter the Toe-Holds together. But the trip is gonna teach all those new quarter shares the business of working. Everything nessary to running a business of moving freight, learning how to grab the best deals for next destination and running the ship efficiently and safely!
You gotta know that nobody can write a story quite like Nathan Lowell can!

Here's a quote that I found amusing:

“When you discover you’re digging yourself into a hole, the wise choice is to put the shovel down...”

[Dan Finkelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and intriguing.

Nathan Lowell has not missed a beat. His latest in the “Solar Clipper” stories does not disappoint. The story of Ismael and Pip continues apace, with Zoya and Natalie joining the crew.

What makes these novels so appealing to me is the terrific braiding of a) the life track of Ismael and Pip, the incisive and intelligent observations about human interaction, and the fascinating space opera around how to make a living out in the “deep dark.”

The characters are real and believable, the commentary around how a crew can be managed and led is insightful and entertaining, and the humor is snappy and smile producing.

These stories are really about humans, the human condition, and leadership. The space setting adds interest and provides context, but is not the driving force - people are.

Nathan Lowell’s Solar Clipper stories are approachable, entertaining, and superbly well-written. I have enjoyed each one and continue to enjoy them upon re-reading them.

[Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of this series is better than the first. Unlike previous books in this space merchant series, the three (supposedly) books are really one long story without a break. As always, Lowell has a deft hand in his characterization and internal and external dialogue of Captain Wang and his crew. We finally get into space and have some motion. I still love the world and the characters.
I have two concerns. We spend a lot of time going over the background stories from the earlier books, sometimes more than once in different situations. I appreciate this is a logical progression from the characters perspectives, but a bit tedious for the reader. My second concern is the pace. If this is indeed a trilogy, a lot of ground has to be covered in the final book. It feels like perhaps a third of the plot has been covered instead of two thirds at this point.
Anyway, I am as ever still enjoying this series and look forward to the publication of the next book.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

[30 July 2023]
This is the second in the SC Marva Collins trilogy, which continues the adventures of Ishmael and Pip in the Toe-Holds, as started in the Seeker's Tale trilogy. Like the first book in this trilogy (School Days), nothing much happens. They have in fact started their travels to the Toe-Hold stations, to indoctrinate the Academy cadets they're carrying, but they're fairly routine trips. This book consists mainly of conversations.

Still I enjoyed this book, because Ish is such a favorite of mine. And many of the conversations are about interesting topics. And because I fully expect that the third book of the trilogy will build on the foundation of the first two books and contain a lot more action.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters

Continuing where "school days" left off , the crew and cadets (quarter shares) finally set sail for the toe-holds and the start of their year long apprenticeship , some are keen to learn and contribute but the majority don't see the point , as you'd expect there are various incidents on shore leave and romance rears its head in officer country. The academy is trying to anticipate the changing power dynamic that the high lines increasing dependence on the toe-holds is going to cause and equip its cadets to deal with the changes , I somehow doubt that the politicians and industries that have been lying about the toe-holds for decades are going to be happy and keen to give up their power , book three should be a doozy.

[F. C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cadet Cruise

Take a bunch of cadets from the merchant marine (okay, space) academy— those struggling academically or financially at the end of their second year— and instead of giving them the standard summer cruise, put them aboard a working ship as (very) junior crew for a year and send them out under a gifted captain.

Better, send them to an area not merely ignored but disavowed by the Academy and the corporate/governmental structure altogether, to the point that the majority of the cadets didn’t even believe it existed.

How will that change those cadets? And on their return, how might that force change on the Academy itself?

Note: This is the second book in what will at minimum a trilogy, with Book 3 not yet published.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Ish needs a vacation on a planet. He seems to have no incentive to do anything but mope. Instead of changing the school system, why does he not start a school in toe holds. They are trying to change a system from the outside. If they started a school in toe holds it would give the people direction to get involved. Making money is a good incentive but i would imagine it would get old fast. Starting a school in toe holds would have a lasting effect on everyone. It would also shine a brighter light and give the old school some competition. Nothing like a little competition to make people who are closed to change wake up and smell the coffee.

[Steve]

I read a lot of mixed reviews on FaceBook but I only agree with a few...

Were there parts that he repeated unnecessarily, yes but only because we, the readers lived through it with Ish. When he told others, as it fit the story, the listener had never heard it before.

With regard to Zoya, Ish has never tried to heal from his loss. He is now seeing an opportunity that can see him beyond tomorrow. I suspect, with the next book, we will deem him heal. Zoya will get her Master's License but be happy to serve as a First Mate for the rest of her career.

Now, I just hope Nathan doesn't let me down!!

[Jerome A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is this book Dr Lowell’s fictionalized guide on how (not) to be an instructional designer.?

I enjoyed this book, nut not quite as much as the others that he has written. I dialogues between Captain Wong and instructional designer MacBradaigh get a bit preachy at times. It’s a little tiring to have Mr MacBradaigh say something to the effect of, “Captain, you have given me a lot to think about.” over and over.

People in this book also seem to frequently, “stare off into the middle distance very frequently.

I keep returning to Lowell’s books because, in spite of my complaints above, they are about people and not so much about technology.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathan Lowell is one of the few science fiction writers who treat starships not as battle zones but as workplaces. Ishmael Wong’s new ship, the Marva Collins, is as familiar and comfortable as the bar on Cheers. Lowell and Ish tell us how an interstellar shipping company should operate and how it should train its officers and crew. Some might complain that nothing much happens, but that is what one should expect with well-run businesses. Lowell realistically ages his characters and moves them along plausible career paths. The Solar Clipper series should be read in order, so start with Quarter Share and save Working Class until it comes up in the rotation.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new trilogy really hits its stride in this one. I was remarking to my wife, who knows I love these books even though she’d never read them herself, about how much Lowell uses the crutch of centering conversations around restaurants and server interactions to make the world feel more authentic and lived in. But like with a lot of his crutches, it works for me even as I recognize it. I like how the same conversations play out with different characters, letting you triangulate the real shape of the problems/challenges that Ish is reckoning with. I also love the will they/won’t they that’s developed and have my fingers crossed for a happy ending with the next installment.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sublime

This book and most of the author’s other works are a fun and relaxing. Normal people overcoming problems. His other books have not so normal people (Shamans) as main characters and are well worth your time.

I enjoy the lack of violence and find the day-to-day realism. I also think writing stories like this are more difficult than your typical space opera. How does one make the mostly normal interesting? NL does this every time. Every time.

Ishmael’s hesitancy torments us.

Also, after reading each book in this universe I always feel compelled to cook steak for the fam… with a crisp salad and Italian dressing.

What is the author doing to us?!?!

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. My only complaint about the first book in the series was that it was too short a time period and didn't really get into the meat of the story. The meat is here. The Marva Collins with her mixed crew of Academy cadets and experienced spacers under the guidance of Capt. Ishmael Wang gets underway and begins the process of teaching the cadets what it means to be a working crew, since they all come aboard as quarter share greenies. Some good character development and some problem children in the group begin to prove challenging for Ishmael and his usual crew.

I'm really looking forward to book 3 which should actually be released in a few months

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I absolutely hated School Days, it was a welcome relief to get back to the Ish I know and love in Working Class. Getting back into space seems to have kicked Ish into gear, and as they expose students and new officers to the Toeholds and deal with the mischief the inexperienced quarter share crew can get into when set loose in the stations, we also see Ish back towards his old self. Important topics are revisited and Captain Case in particular seems to have some very key conversations with Ish. I’m looking forward to seeing how Lowell manages to tie up all the current strings in the final installment, but until then I’m so happy to be able to sail through space with Ish again!

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this series because it is about regular people living their life, even if that life is in some fictional future where interstellar travel is possible. This group of people operate a small business that transports freight around a settled region of space. There are political and economic issues they deal with, and they are also involved with academia in a small way. Mostly, they deal with the crew and finding cargo to haul. They don't change the universe, they don't meet aliens and there is little mention of the technology.

[Doug Griggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spacer adventures spacers bewail

I like the way Nathan Lowell describes the diaspora of humanity expanded into the twofold sides of noninvasive unincorporated spacecraft worlds vs. a rules-based corporate grouping of empire-building business—and how the ‘twixt or ‘twain shall take the time to trade. The Truth of the Marva Collins, Dear Ishmael, lies at the barstool in a Cantina not unlike Los Isley where Luke grew up! A fascinating read on opening our eyes on how the vail of ignorance penetrates this reality on Earth! Buckle up Dorothy, ‘cause Kansas is going bye-bye!

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to school with a twist and jump

Working Class continues the adventures of Nathan Powell's character universe with the continued adventures of of the SC Maria Collins and its blended crew of students and officers. Rich in story and dialogue and full of the authors real life experience this second book in the trilogy leaves you wanting more, more story, more characters and a tv series.