What do you think?
Rate this book
Overdraft: The Orion Offensive
After an egotistical stock trader for one of the twenty-second century’s biggest corporations gets greedy and loses his employer a fortune, he has two go to jail or make the money back before anyone notices. Unfortunately, the only place such profits can be found is the galactic frontier, a region so dangerous it’ll take an uneasy alliance with a crew of rugged mercenaries to keep him alive and in the black. You’d have to be insane to trade with the violent denizens of the Orion Arm, but with just one hundred days to recoup $100 billion, Jamie Sturm is feeling a little crazy. Standing between Jamie and a variety of agonizing deaths is Surge Team Sigma, the squad of power-armored mercenaries tasked with protecting him. Their last job ended in disaster thanks to Jamie’s scheming, and, led by the implacable Bridget Yang, the team is determined to keep the hapless Jamie alive long enough to fix their reputation. That is, assuming they can ignore their own growing desire to flush the annoying tagalong out of the nearest airlock. A space opera fueled by today’s financial bravado, The Orion Offensive strikes a thrilling balance between desperate firefights and trenchant dark humor. This book was initially released in episodes as a Kindle Serial. All episodes are now available for immediate download as a complete book.
420 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2013
16 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
John Jackson Miller
345 books992 followersNew York Times bestselling author John Jackson Miller has spent a lifetime immersed in science fiction. His Star Trek novels include the Discovery – Die Standing, the acclaimed novel Discovery — The Enterprise War, the Prey trilogy, and Takedown. His Star Wars novels include A New Dawn, Kenobi, Knight Errant, Lost Tribe of the Sith, and the Knights of the Old Republic comics, available from Marvel as Legends: The Old Republic.
He’s written comics and prose for Halo, Iron Man, Simpsons, Conan, Planet of the Apes, and Mass Effect, with recent graphic novels for Battlestar Galactica, Dumbo, and The Lion King. Production notes on all his works can be found at his fiction site.
He is also a comics industry historian, specializing in studying comic-book circulation as presented on his website, Comichron.. He also coauthored the Standard Catalog of Comic Books series.
He’s written comics and prose for Halo, Iron Man, Simpsons, Conan, Planet of the Apes, and Mass Effect, with recent graphic novels for Battlestar Galactica, Dumbo, and The Lion King. Production notes on all his works can be found at his fiction site.
He is also a comics industry historian, specializing in studying comic-book circulation as presented on his website, Comichron.. He also coauthored the Standard Catalog of Comic Books series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 13, 2014
You should read this book. You should read this book if you like adventuring soft SF. You should read this book if you like funny adventuring soft SF. You should read this book if you like funny adventuring soft SF that doesn't take itself too serious. So, should you read this? Only you know. Choose, but choose wisely.
The premise is rather underwhelming. A greedy twenty-second century stockbroker is caught before his insider trading pays dividends. In a strange twist, the stockbroker is forced into trying to earn one hundred billion dollars in one hundred days by selling wares to aliens. In the twenty-second century, Earth has joined a galactic syndicate based on the buying and selling of goods. Imagine a door-to-door salesman in space. Throw in power-armor wearing bodyguards who dislike the stockbroker, and you get a plot that seems like it should just fizzle and blow away. But it doesn't!
Of course, anytime you try and slap funny onto SF, you know what happens. Inevitably, it always draws comparisons to that author with the alphabetical-friendly last name. We all know the writer I'm talking about. If you don't, don't panic! All I'm saying is that it's not fair to forever compare humorous SF to the work of Douglas Adams. Adams is in his own galaxy. So can we please, please, oh please stop trying to measure all prospectively humorous SF to Douglas Adams?
John Jackson Miller delivers a fun space adventure that follows a fairly tight point-to-point storytelling. It never tries to be bigger/more than it is, and I am grateful. I thought the beginning drug a little. I also didn't feel the double agent was necessary to the plot, if anything it detracted from the story by injecting unneeded complication, but perhaps this is merely character maneuvering for future works in this series.
Luke Daniels narrates the audiobook. It was my first time hearing Daniels read and I admit to feeling some early trepidation. I soon stopped doubting Daniels. He brings each character to life with such subtle grace that his voice becomes the story's voice. When this happens, when a reader just "becomes" what they are reading, it's special.
Final thoughts:
If you can watch the original Get Smart television program without griping that it's not James Bond, I think you'll like this book.
The premise is rather underwhelming. A greedy twenty-second century stockbroker is caught before his insider trading pays dividends. In a strange twist, the stockbroker is forced into trying to earn one hundred billion dollars in one hundred days by selling wares to aliens. In the twenty-second century, Earth has joined a galactic syndicate based on the buying and selling of goods. Imagine a door-to-door salesman in space. Throw in power-armor wearing bodyguards who dislike the stockbroker, and you get a plot that seems like it should just fizzle and blow away. But it doesn't!
Of course, anytime you try and slap funny onto SF, you know what happens. Inevitably, it always draws comparisons to that author with the alphabetical-friendly last name. We all know the writer I'm talking about. If you don't, don't panic! All I'm saying is that it's not fair to forever compare humorous SF to the work of Douglas Adams. Adams is in his own galaxy. So can we please, please, oh please stop trying to measure all prospectively humorous SF to Douglas Adams?
John Jackson Miller delivers a fun space adventure that follows a fairly tight point-to-point storytelling. It never tries to be bigger/more than it is, and I am grateful. I thought the beginning drug a little. I also didn't feel the double agent was necessary to the plot, if anything it detracted from the story by injecting unneeded complication, but perhaps this is merely character maneuvering for future works in this series.
Luke Daniels narrates the audiobook. It was my first time hearing Daniels read and I admit to feeling some early trepidation. I soon stopped doubting Daniels. He brings each character to life with such subtle grace that his voice becomes the story's voice. When this happens, when a reader just "becomes" what they are reading, it's special.
Final thoughts:
If you can watch the original Get Smart television program without griping that it's not James Bond, I think you'll like this book.
June 29, 2019
I love John Jackson Miller's "Star Wars" work––"Kenobi" is, unsurprisingly, one of my favorite books––and I'm glad I finally got to read Miller's non-Star-Wars space opera because this was a lot of fun. "Overdraft: The Orion Offensive" feels like an 80's space opera in all the best ways: it's not action-packed, it's not profound (although there's an excellent level of commentary on the harmful effects of xenophobia), and it's not trying to change the game. Instead, it's a weird and smart story about a team of traders who do business with strange aliens.
Yeah, this book is mostly about finances and space-commerce, and I love it a lot. The first third does drag a bit, as Miller's works to establish the rules (financial, political, and otherwise) of the galaxy he's playing in, but once he's satisfied that the reader won't get lost, things get fun. His cast of characters isn't exceptionally deep, but they're three-dimensional and enjoyable to follow. The stakes are also sharp, and even though I was never really worried––the tone of this book isn't supposed to be threatening––Miller kept me guessing and I could never precisely predict what he'd throw at me next.
The final page says that a sequel is coming, and I genuinely hope one does come someday. The world and characters that Miller has here are too great not to revisit someday.
If you're looking for a fun, easy read with equal doses of zaniness and endearing space opera tropes, then I strongly recommend giving "Overdraft: The Orion Offensive" a read. I had a blast with it.
Yeah, this book is mostly about finances and space-commerce, and I love it a lot. The first third does drag a bit, as Miller's works to establish the rules (financial, political, and otherwise) of the galaxy he's playing in, but once he's satisfied that the reader won't get lost, things get fun. His cast of characters isn't exceptionally deep, but they're three-dimensional and enjoyable to follow. The stakes are also sharp, and even though I was never really worried––the tone of this book isn't supposed to be threatening––Miller kept me guessing and I could never precisely predict what he'd throw at me next.
The final page says that a sequel is coming, and I genuinely hope one does come someday. The world and characters that Miller has here are too great not to revisit someday.
If you're looking for a fun, easy read with equal doses of zaniness and endearing space opera tropes, then I strongly recommend giving "Overdraft: The Orion Offensive" a read. I had a blast with it.
August 8, 2014
John Jackson Miller is known for his Star Wars novels, but I was intrigued by "Overdraft: The Orion Offensive" because it was originally published as a serial. I'm considering this model for my Edhai series, which I'm working on now, so I'm seeking out some serial novels to get a feel for the format. Just a note that "Overdraft" does have a good overall story arc and works fine as a whole piece.
The novel is well-written, fun to read, and humorous. Miller does a great job at world-building, and I especially enjoyed his development of a future galactic, inter-species trading economy, portraying some imaginative and enjoyable scenarios for making money (engaging for the business writer in me). I also appreciate it when an author is able to write a great story without explicit sex scenes, sadistic violence, and constant profanity.
I understand that Miller is occupied with his Lucasfilm work -- no doubt his bread-and-butter -- but I hope to see further novels in the "Overdraft" universe, or similar works.
ARK
The novel is well-written, fun to read, and humorous. Miller does a great job at world-building, and I especially enjoyed his development of a future galactic, inter-species trading economy, portraying some imaginative and enjoyable scenarios for making money (engaging for the business writer in me). I also appreciate it when an author is able to write a great story without explicit sex scenes, sadistic violence, and constant profanity.
I understand that Miller is occupied with his Lucasfilm work -- no doubt his bread-and-butter -- but I hope to see further novels in the "Overdraft" universe, or similar works.
ARK
June 8, 2013
Overdraft: The Orion Offensive is a solid effort for JJM. I'll admit I wasn't a huge fan of the first two episodes; however, the serial has gotten better as it's gone on (primarily due to the characters being fleshed out more - they become a lot more likeable as the serial goes on). I'm not a huge fan of the serial format, but JJM makes it work (mostly), due to his experience writing comics and connected short stories (LTotS). This is definitely more of a humorous take on sci-fi although it has enough weight to it to keep it enjoyable. Overall I'll give it 4/5 for now (through episode 5) and may bump this up to 5/5 if the serial continues its upwards trajectory. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who likes light-hearted, Saturday matinee type sci-fi or anyone who is a fan of JJM's other work.
July 23, 2015
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway
Bridget Yang is the outcast leader of all those with nothing left to lose, running a group of interstellar soldiers Surge Team Sigma, in the space boonies. Jamie Sturm is a greedy futuristic stock broker with his hand in more cookie jars than anyone could ever have imagined. Their two worlds collide when Jamie's get rich quick scheme lands them both in hot water, forcing them to work together to get back the ridiculous amount of money Jamie lost. Jamie becomes a Trader, a space door to door sales man, who is often more trouble than he is worth, but Bridget and her team are forced to act as body guards, protecting the Trader at all costs, especially from the mysterious bipedal aliens that seem to lurk around every corner.
Though it was slow going in the beginning and often had parts that seemed to last too long, when it was interesting it was well worth the wait. I really enjoyed all the different aliens and planets, but episode 7-8 were all the fun really began. I loved the twists at the end and mostly the unveiling of Kolvax's race, in the end it was a wonderfully constructed interstellar journey. I wouldn't mind reading more about Surge Team Sigma, though I like the idea of Bridget and Mike O'Herlihy way more than her and Santos, but that just me.
Bridget Yang is the outcast leader of all those with nothing left to lose, running a group of interstellar soldiers Surge Team Sigma, in the space boonies. Jamie Sturm is a greedy futuristic stock broker with his hand in more cookie jars than anyone could ever have imagined. Their two worlds collide when Jamie's get rich quick scheme lands them both in hot water, forcing them to work together to get back the ridiculous amount of money Jamie lost. Jamie becomes a Trader, a space door to door sales man, who is often more trouble than he is worth, but Bridget and her team are forced to act as body guards, protecting the Trader at all costs, especially from the mysterious bipedal aliens that seem to lurk around every corner.
Though it was slow going in the beginning and often had parts that seemed to last too long, when it was interesting it was well worth the wait. I really enjoyed all the different aliens and planets, but episode 7-8 were all the fun really began. I loved the twists at the end and mostly the unveiling of Kolvax's race, in the end it was a wonderfully constructed interstellar journey. I wouldn't mind reading more about Surge Team Sigma, though I like the idea of Bridget and Mike O'Herlihy way more than her and Santos, but that just me.
June 23, 2014
That was fun! Excellent space opera action adventure with several great characters. The story starts off a bit weak; I didn't really understand all the insider trading blah blah that lands Jaime in hot water with Bridget's team. But once I got past that the momentum really picked up and I was in it to the finish. There are several nifty set pieces, aliens, and tech, and the whole thing with the dancing was HILARIOUS.
I'm glad that it doesn't try to be more than it is. There is a large threat to Earth (eventually), but overall the galaxy is at peace and the conflict is limited to these people in this situation. Some threads are clearly left dangling for a sequel, but the protagonists' story is wrapped up neatly.
I feel it's similar in style to Scalzi's writing, but with less snarky, self-aware dialogue and less gore. Some days that's exactly what a girl wants.
Originally published as a Kindle Serial. The individual episodes are probably designed to stand on their own, but I can't speak to that because I just powered right through them.
I'm glad that it doesn't try to be more than it is. There is a large threat to Earth (eventually), but overall the galaxy is at peace and the conflict is limited to these people in this situation. Some threads are clearly left dangling for a sequel, but the protagonists' story is wrapped up neatly.
I feel it's similar in style to Scalzi's writing, but with less snarky, self-aware dialogue and less gore. Some days that's exactly what a girl wants.
Originally published as a Kindle Serial. The individual episodes are probably designed to stand on their own, but I can't speak to that because I just powered right through them.
March 8, 2018
This was a fun listen. Soft sci-fi at it's best, with some clever ideas and twists along the way. Luke Daniels did a great job with the narration.
This is one of those books over which I'm torn. I HATE starting new series before every book in the series is released, but I could use a few more of these.
Update: Relistened. Still fun. Feels very much like a Scott Meyer book. If I recall correctly this is the author that writes mostly in the star trek or star wars universe, I wish he would step out of it more often.
This is one of those books over which I'm torn. I HATE starting new series before every book in the series is released, but I could use a few more of these.
Update: Relistened. Still fun. Feels very much like a Scott Meyer book. If I recall correctly this is the author that writes mostly in the star trek or star wars universe, I wish he would step out of it more often.
June 9, 2014
I love this stuff. I read award winning books, best sellers, classics, and other literature in an attempt to enlighten myself and become a more cultured human being. However, I always go back to my comic book, sci fi, noir, dime store westerns and good ole basic pulp fiction. Just good fun reading. If you like stories about mercenaries and trade merchants galavanting around the universe trying make the next big deal and not get killed by strange aliens, then you should read this. If you need sophistication and culture, try something else.
January 5, 2014
Basic plot involves a day trader type character who is basically shifting goods around for huge profit but gets caught and now must help try and recoup the money for the company. He now must trade with civilizations and stay alive from all the mistakes he is making and annoying the group that is there to protect him. I found it very funny and loved the characters. Definitely looking forward to reading the short prequel and follow ups when written.
November 21, 2013
I normally do not read many science fiction books. Saw this as a Amazon Kindle serial and decided to see if I would like it. I have to say the author got me hooked. The story flows well and is very descriptive. I can almost picture myself being amongst these characters. I will read more books by this author.
October 10, 2019
*After reading this book, my John Jackson Miller novel collection is complete*
It has taken me years to get a hold of this book. Years. Finally, I found it.
It is no secret that John Jackson Miller is my favorite Media Tie-In fiction writer. While I absolutely love his Star Wars and Star Trek Novels, this one wasn't as impressive. It was pretty good, enough that I will eventually want to read it again, but it wasn't stellar.
The entire plot of aliens, armored mercenaries, and wall street collide in the twenty second century was brilliant. It was utterly original in a genre that has been pretty stale for the last few decades.
Jamie was annoying, but he was interesting. I believe that Yang was the best and most relatable character in the book, but she didn't get enough POV time for it to truly matter. If JJM ever does a sequel, I hope she gets more fleshed out.
The major problem I had was the writing style. I think that since this is one of Miller's earlier works, it just was more difficult for him. I think that his style improved dramatically with Kenobi and I hope that it continues to do so. The episodic style of the serial was interesting, and I think should be embraced more. Unfortunately his word choice and sentance structure just was a little more difficult for me.
Overall, 7.2 out of 10! Solid work John Jackson Miller. I highly anticipate your next trek novel in 2020!
It has taken me years to get a hold of this book. Years. Finally, I found it.
It is no secret that John Jackson Miller is my favorite Media Tie-In fiction writer. While I absolutely love his Star Wars and Star Trek Novels, this one wasn't as impressive. It was pretty good, enough that I will eventually want to read it again, but it wasn't stellar.
The entire plot of aliens, armored mercenaries, and wall street collide in the twenty second century was brilliant. It was utterly original in a genre that has been pretty stale for the last few decades.
Jamie was annoying, but he was interesting. I believe that Yang was the best and most relatable character in the book, but she didn't get enough POV time for it to truly matter. If JJM ever does a sequel, I hope she gets more fleshed out.
The major problem I had was the writing style. I think that since this is one of Miller's earlier works, it just was more difficult for him. I think that his style improved dramatically with Kenobi and I hope that it continues to do so. The episodic style of the serial was interesting, and I think should be embraced more. Unfortunately his word choice and sentance structure just was a little more difficult for me.
Overall, 7.2 out of 10! Solid work John Jackson Miller. I highly anticipate your next trek novel in 2020!
August 28, 2017
A great science fiction novel with a unique angle. The trading aspect of the book and wealth of alien species keeps the story moving along at a good pace.
Read
May 20, 2020Can't really remember, but I think it was funny.
May 23, 2020
This novel is clever, inventive and entertaining. What more can you want? Would like to see more of the adventures of jamie Sturm.
May 12, 2016
This is the first novel by John Jackson Miller created in his own universe (author's previous works were in Star Wars or Mass effect franchises). It is a soft science fiction adventure story, where the author introduces interesting and plausible technologies for interstellar travels in a distant future, and depicts interesting galaxy with mostly far non-human like being in it. I was going to rate it 3 at first, but there is a great plot twist about one of the races in the galaxy, which positively surprised me and improved my opinion about the book in general. It is also a fast easy read, and good entertainment, so I would recommend this book to anybody who likes space adventures novels.
Just one remark: I "read" this novel in audio book format, which was mostly fine, but the voice of the main character, Jamie Sturm, which sounded very wrong to me, and this sense of wrongness didn't go away till the end of the book.
Just one remark: I "read" this novel in audio book format, which was mostly fine, but the voice of the main character, Jamie Sturm, which sounded very wrong to me, and this sense of wrongness didn't go away till the end of the book.
September 5, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't see it when it was in serial form. I got it as a single book after it was finished and read it in 2 days. I like the fact that it is light, not too serious. There are a lot of funny situations. There is some action but but plenty of story as well. The characters have realistic human flaws. There's no altruistic awesome hero trying to save the universe, just people trying to deal with the mess they made of their lives as best they can. I ended up liking even the main character who is pretty much an oblivious, selfish jerk most of the time. It was a good story and I'm looking forward to the next one.
September 2, 2014
Just builds a great story, as always. Very multifaceted, lots of twists and turns, and outstanding storytelling. But it took me a while to get into it. I started and stopped several times. This has been a trend for a couple of his novels now. But once the momentum builds and the story gets rolling, I found myself thorough sucker in.
Starting a new Jim boom tomorrow. The first Star Wars novel in a long time. And the first of a new Era In Star Wars storytelling. Pretty excited about it.
Starting a new Jim boom tomorrow. The first Star Wars novel in a long time. And the first of a new Era In Star Wars storytelling. Pretty excited about it.
September 18, 2013
This book wasn't as humorous as the description sounded. It certainly isn't up there with Hitchhiker's Guide or Firefly in terms of witty sci-fi. The middle sags a bit as every encounter seems pretty much the same. They meet weird aliens, things go badly, they have to fight and run until they can smooth things over. Lather rinse repeat. Anyway, it didn't make me want to read any future sequels.
That is all.
That is all.
July 15, 2013
A serviceable space opera that performed competently when released in serial format. I never really connected with the story or the characters, never found myself thinking about the book when I wasn't reading it. I think that the characters' attitudes and the alien locales were just a little too cliché for the book to spark the sense that it had a life of its own.
March 23, 2014
3.5 stars. Solid sci-fi adventure. Originally in kindle serial format, the episodes don't quite mesh together perfectly but still an enjoyable read. The beginning wasn't great but it gets better as it goes along, especially in terms of character development. I really liked the ending and look forward to book 2.
August 22, 2014
Stock traders in space
In order to fend off a interstellar margin call Jamie must earn a billion credits in a hurry. But it's not just the police after him, it's also an alien race with secrets to hide. Fans of the stainless steel Rat and Phule will have a lot of laughs at the highjinks
In order to fend off a interstellar margin call Jamie must earn a billion credits in a hurry. But it's not just the police after him, it's also an alien race with secrets to hide. Fans of the stainless steel Rat and Phule will have a lot of laughs at the highjinks
November 1, 2013
One of my books at 47North. Biased, but love it. Sci-fi adventure with a sense of humor is right up my alley. Had a blast working on this with JJM, especially as we originally did it as a serial, which meant I was left hanging on each episode ending just like readers would be. A totally fun book.
September 1, 2016
Good sci-fi romp. Incredibly predictable though, even the big reveal towards the end was predictable and not very impressive. I've liked John Jackson Miller's other work and I will probably read his upcoming Star Wars novel. But overall this book was just OK for me.
March 8, 2016
Cheesy, comedic sci-fi that kept me interested start to finish. I don't want my review to imply that this book is on par with with the Hitchhiker series. This book is more sit-com versus the sharp wit in Adams' books.
August 11, 2015
Highly improbable and quite funny. Reminds me of the Hospital Station series.
April 9, 2013
Can't wait for the next installment! This is my first Kindle single and I like the idea that a new installment will just auto-download!
August 6, 2013
I pretty much gave up on this one. Not a bad concept, but I just couldn't get into it.
August 4, 2013
Got bored with it... it was coming out a chapter a week. But I could see where it was heading by Chapter 5/6. So although it is still being delivered to my Kindle... I just ignore it.
July 29, 2013
Fun mind candy. Nothing deep or analytical here, just a fun page turner of sci-fi serial. An entertaining read. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
September 7, 2013
Ok, light but not enough fun to have me race for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews