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Wanderer's Odyssey #1
Wanderer's Escape
Jess was born a prisoner, grew up a prisoner and at sixteen knew he would die a prisoner. When his turn comes to try to break through the traps protecting a spaceship it seems his day to die has come. The ship, and others like it, have already claimed hundreds of prisoner's lives. Instead he manages to avoid the traps and gain access to the ship with two other prisoners, beginning a frantic flight to freedom. Soon Jess finds himself loose in a brutal universe ruled by the Empire and riddled with pirates, slave traders and worse. Can Jess manage to learn the rules of the universe and the capabilities of the ship he has stolen in time to stay alive?
266 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
June 24, 2014
Wanderer's Escape is a puzzling book. It starts off being a juvenile, at least it would seem so due to the main character Jeff, but later descends into hormone driven sex among, well, some juveniles. The action is fast and plentiful but the characters are mostly one dimensional. The females are emotional and not overly rational; the males are schizophrenic, offering fatherly advice one minute and trying to kill the hero and his friends the next. The main problem is the main character, a 16 year old who was borne a slave. This guy has got to be the most naive and innocent youngster in the galaxy. I just don't buy it. If you were raised a slave, under horrendous conditions, ripped from your mother's arms as a child and tormented by sadistic guards you would have to become tough as nails to survive. This guy agonizes over hurting his enemies, crying frequently, but then goes ahead and slaughters thousands. Between multiple bouts of being poisoned, teenaged angst leads to plodding dialog that is mawkish and unbelievable. And then there is the actual science.
While this book fully qualifies as Science Fiction, the science is of the hand waving type. The ship, Wanderer, is evidently capable of almost anything, being of alien origin, and is constantly being reconfigured on the fly to just handle the next battle (after all, if it was too overwhelming there would be little drama). It's not that the same type of tech hasn't been used in countless other novels, it has, but this novel offers no cohesive technological framework. The author seems to have thought “I'll need some lasers, and plasma canons and force shields, not to mention jump space so that pesky speed of light stuff doesn't get in the way.” I'm surprised there weren't any light sabers and teleporters. An alien character is added late in the book who talks in Yoda-like mangled sentences. This is just SF by the numbers, a collection of tropes and idioms with a weak hackneyed plot that is not rescued by the action scenes. It was entertaining, but I have no intention of reading the sequel.
While this book fully qualifies as Science Fiction, the science is of the hand waving type. The ship, Wanderer, is evidently capable of almost anything, being of alien origin, and is constantly being reconfigured on the fly to just handle the next battle (after all, if it was too overwhelming there would be little drama). It's not that the same type of tech hasn't been used in countless other novels, it has, but this novel offers no cohesive technological framework. The author seems to have thought “I'll need some lasers, and plasma canons and force shields, not to mention jump space so that pesky speed of light stuff doesn't get in the way.” I'm surprised there weren't any light sabers and teleporters. An alien character is added late in the book who talks in Yoda-like mangled sentences. This is just SF by the numbers, a collection of tropes and idioms with a weak hackneyed plot that is not rescued by the action scenes. It was entertaining, but I have no intention of reading the sequel.
January 22, 2015
I just can't go any further...
After reading eight chapters, I couldn't read another word. The style of the writing was difficult to follow, words seemed in the wrong order so often I found myself re-reading sections more than once just to understand what the author was trying to say.
Another reviewer said the characters were one dimensional (I think that was being generous). The events of the story were disjointed, like watching a movie while skipping forward minutes at a time. The only part of the story I liked was the merging of the boy and the ship.
I would have liked to see more character development, especially in the opening chapter. I've read the author goes more into the protagonists history before their escape, but I won't be losing any sleep not knowing.
After reading eight chapters, I couldn't read another word. The style of the writing was difficult to follow, words seemed in the wrong order so often I found myself re-reading sections more than once just to understand what the author was trying to say.
Another reviewer said the characters were one dimensional (I think that was being generous). The events of the story were disjointed, like watching a movie while skipping forward minutes at a time. The only part of the story I liked was the merging of the boy and the ship.
I would have liked to see more character development, especially in the opening chapter. I've read the author goes more into the protagonists history before their escape, but I won't be losing any sleep not knowing.
April 23, 2014
Wanderers Escape
by Simon Goodson
Note: I am reviewing my own Kindle copy that I bought.
Wanderers Escape is about a boy and his spaceship. Jess instantly bonds with the mysterious ship he and two of his fellow slaves are checking for traps on. Wanderer, the ship, chooses Jess to be his captain and implants a way to communicate symbiotically. Using mind control, Jess can direct the very old, very advanced ship to do about anything. Instantly a mutual respect forms. Wanderer, Jess and his companions search the stars for other slaves to free, suffer betrayal, find love, loyalty, and companionship.
Positive: This novel is a brilliant example of the perfect sci-fi/space opera. Hard edged, but soft hearted, the bond between the ancient ship, Wanderer, and Jess is beautiful. Jess is young, trusting, loyal, but quickly learns that it can be shoot first or be shot. He has to grow up fast to survive space pirates and a bitter betrayal, yet he never loses the human element many hard sci-fi novels forget when detailing metal ships and the cold darkness of space…fear and love. The pacing is perfect, I never once had to skip long winded, boring sections. The battles were vivid, heartbreaking, and very well done. All the characters were very well fleshed out, including Wanderer.
Negative: It ended?
Rating: 5 stars of 5
by Simon Goodson
Note: I am reviewing my own Kindle copy that I bought.
Wanderers Escape is about a boy and his spaceship. Jess instantly bonds with the mysterious ship he and two of his fellow slaves are checking for traps on. Wanderer, the ship, chooses Jess to be his captain and implants a way to communicate symbiotically. Using mind control, Jess can direct the very old, very advanced ship to do about anything. Instantly a mutual respect forms. Wanderer, Jess and his companions search the stars for other slaves to free, suffer betrayal, find love, loyalty, and companionship.
Positive: This novel is a brilliant example of the perfect sci-fi/space opera. Hard edged, but soft hearted, the bond between the ancient ship, Wanderer, and Jess is beautiful. Jess is young, trusting, loyal, but quickly learns that it can be shoot first or be shot. He has to grow up fast to survive space pirates and a bitter betrayal, yet he never loses the human element many hard sci-fi novels forget when detailing metal ships and the cold darkness of space…fear and love. The pacing is perfect, I never once had to skip long winded, boring sections. The battles were vivid, heartbreaking, and very well done. All the characters were very well fleshed out, including Wanderer.
Negative: It ended?
Rating: 5 stars of 5
August 13, 2014
I got this book as a free book through Book Bub and it was better than I thought. It's not great, but the characters are interesting and the world they are in, while a bit simplistic, has some potential for some interesting stories. I will be purchasing the second one to see where it goes. I will only buy the third one if the second demostrates some of the potential of the first.
May 19, 2022
“It's a tough universe kid. Dirty. Vicious. What the Empire doesn't screw up directly the rest of us screw up in fear of, or anger at, the Empire.”
Not a bad space opera, but obvious, linear, and episodic. Gets the science better than many. The protagonist acted his age—mostly—but everything was too easy, even the supposed difficult parts.
“Help maybe can I,” Teeko said. “Package deliver can I. See me not will they.”
Two parts Stars Wars and one part … uh, Star Wars. I can’t believe the alien wasn’t green skinned with large ears. Only lacked light sabres.
“It's not trying to take me over or force me to be a part of it. It's more like it's trying to make itself an extension of me.” “And that doesn't scare you?” “Scare me? It's bloody terrifying.
Needed another proofreading: “He opened the door to find Matt stood by the bed.” “All three were sat in the flight deck as they prepared to drop into real space.”
“You want to stop slavery? Topple the Empire, put something in its place that is just and will outlaw slavery.”
Not a bad space opera, but obvious, linear, and episodic. Gets the science better than many. The protagonist acted his age—mostly—but everything was too easy, even the supposed difficult parts.
“Help maybe can I,” Teeko said. “Package deliver can I. See me not will they.”
Two parts Stars Wars and one part … uh, Star Wars. I can’t believe the alien wasn’t green skinned with large ears. Only lacked light sabres.
“It's not trying to take me over or force me to be a part of it. It's more like it's trying to make itself an extension of me.” “And that doesn't scare you?” “Scare me? It's bloody terrifying.
Needed another proofreading: “He opened the door to find Matt stood by the bed.” “All three were sat in the flight deck as they prepared to drop into real space.”
“You want to stop slavery? Topple the Empire, put something in its place that is just and will outlaw slavery.”
March 28, 2024
I know some reviewers complained that it’s juvenile. Maybe but it’s also entertaining as hell, full of wonder, adventure, and moments of terror. It’s also full of hope. Being able to make a change and find friends while traveling through space is pretty amazing. Sure it’s a bit fantastic in the abilities of this spaceship but it’s still pretty darn cool. So if you can sit back, let your mind wander and enjoy the ride, it’s a fun trip.
June 21, 2014
Very good story!
Very good story!
Couldn't put it down until it was finished. Going to look for more from this author. Would definitely recommend it
Very good story!
Couldn't put it down until it was finished. Going to look for more from this author. Would definitely recommend it
May 12, 2025
Not the best space opera novel by any stretch, but good enough to gloss over the details that are irrelevant and stick to the story to further go into the series itself. I honestly couldn't care less about the various attempts at describing the romantic relationships for some of the characters. I'll also admit that I often push the main character, Jess, in a different age bracket than the author intends him to be. At supposedly 16 y/o, I just don't visualize him there but much older based on the actions/decisions/events he goes though. I know that slavery would definitely change someone, but still .. 16 is still 16. Anyway, the story itself has some solid ground to build upon and you can tell already there are some epic ideas developing in this first volume. That's the reason why I'm sticking to it and moving on to volume 2++
September 26, 2018
I like
This book I found to be quite interesting. At first I thought it was going to be a typical inter space type read. That assumption was quickly squashed. The story, characters and everything about this story quickly drew me in and I wasn't ready for the story to finish.... Thankfully there are more in this series
This book I found to be quite interesting. At first I thought it was going to be a typical inter space type read. That assumption was quickly squashed. The story, characters and everything about this story quickly drew me in and I wasn't ready for the story to finish.... Thankfully there are more in this series
January 12, 2014
This spectacular sci-fi space opera is an explosion of eccentricity and mind-blowing imaginative vision!
I simply loved this riveting read that was dramatic, exciting and full of remarkable premise. Both the strong storyline and the characters were fantastic, hence I am now eager to read more and look forward to the next instalment within the ‘Wanderer’s Odyssey’. Action-packed and full on from the very beginning, I was sucked into the fighting and intense drama that built to an electrifying climatic ending. Set in an incredibly interesting world wherein Pirates, slave traders, prisoners and merciless rulers coexist I felt like I was reading a space travel novel infused with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Delicately interwoven beneath the layers of action/ adventure is a thought-provoking undertone, drawing a fine line between freedom and slavery and how it effects upon communities and the main characters. The profundity of meaning within this story unexpectedly touched me, so that I connected with this new world on a personal level. Set within vast vibrant worlds of spaces ships, planets and stations this imaginatively realised creation is quite remarkable and entirely captivating.
I really felt for the main character Jess, as she began to explore beyond her horizons and reach out into unknown territory. Having lived all her years as a slave and used to conforming to rules and imprisonment, this newfound sense of freedom was both thrilling and exceptionally exciting! This novel opens your eyes and really makes you think about life itself and living - - a life in which your independence and singularity is crushed, to a life wherein one is able to learn, grow and be ‘yourself’. This short, punchy novel {just longer than a novella} contains so much substantial content that it is hard to take it all in initially. I was touched by the characters journeys and mentally affected by this unique world; with the words and meaning behind them lingering on within my subconscious afterwards.
Wanderer’s Escape is a truly original science fiction novel, by an author whose outstanding vision, thoughts and concepts are very illuminating and deeply fascinating. I would highly recommend this first book to those who enjoy the genre, and I predict this will be a series met with high praise and enthusiastic readers! I would like to thank the author for having his book (Wanderer’s Escape (Wanderer's Odyssey #1) by Simon Goodson) through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway. 4.5 stars.
…now it is your turn to set sail across the Universe and expand your horizons!
I simply loved this riveting read that was dramatic, exciting and full of remarkable premise. Both the strong storyline and the characters were fantastic, hence I am now eager to read more and look forward to the next instalment within the ‘Wanderer’s Odyssey’. Action-packed and full on from the very beginning, I was sucked into the fighting and intense drama that built to an electrifying climatic ending. Set in an incredibly interesting world wherein Pirates, slave traders, prisoners and merciless rulers coexist I felt like I was reading a space travel novel infused with ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Delicately interwoven beneath the layers of action/ adventure is a thought-provoking undertone, drawing a fine line between freedom and slavery and how it effects upon communities and the main characters. The profundity of meaning within this story unexpectedly touched me, so that I connected with this new world on a personal level. Set within vast vibrant worlds of spaces ships, planets and stations this imaginatively realised creation is quite remarkable and entirely captivating.
I really felt for the main character Jess, as she began to explore beyond her horizons and reach out into unknown territory. Having lived all her years as a slave and used to conforming to rules and imprisonment, this newfound sense of freedom was both thrilling and exceptionally exciting! This novel opens your eyes and really makes you think about life itself and living - - a life in which your independence and singularity is crushed, to a life wherein one is able to learn, grow and be ‘yourself’. This short, punchy novel {just longer than a novella} contains so much substantial content that it is hard to take it all in initially. I was touched by the characters journeys and mentally affected by this unique world; with the words and meaning behind them lingering on within my subconscious afterwards.
Wanderer’s Escape is a truly original science fiction novel, by an author whose outstanding vision, thoughts and concepts are very illuminating and deeply fascinating. I would highly recommend this first book to those who enjoy the genre, and I predict this will be a series met with high praise and enthusiastic readers! I would like to thank the author for having his book (Wanderer’s Escape (Wanderer's Odyssey #1) by Simon Goodson) through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway. 4.5 stars.
…now it is your turn to set sail across the Universe and expand your horizons!
July 6, 2014
I am a bit of a Sci fi nut, and I particularly love stories that are on the fringes of the established norms that the writer is portraying. Stories with dysfunctional characters. Stories that have a gritty feel about them. Stories where the protagonist are often on the wrong side of the law. Stories about a motley vagabond crew trying to often just survive. That is why I preferred Blake 7 over Star Trek, and years later, found similar genera’s in the new revamped Battlestar Galactica, and then the fantastic Fire fly series, and that is why I absolutely love this book.
We find our main protagonist as prisoners, shackled by a collar that inflicts searing pain with the first signs of disobedience. Then during a routine clearout in a salvage operation, our protagonists make their escape in an alien ship, with incredible technology at their disposal. But these are prisoners; some imprisoned unfairly, others not so. And whilst there is plotting within, our young inexperience hero Jess, whilst coming to terms with the responsibility of leadership, has to deal with betrayal, new love, and a Galactic Empire, hell bent on bringing them down.
Simon Goodson has written a great Sci Fi. This is an author to keep an eye on. Highly recommend.
We find our main protagonist as prisoners, shackled by a collar that inflicts searing pain with the first signs of disobedience. Then during a routine clearout in a salvage operation, our protagonists make their escape in an alien ship, with incredible technology at their disposal. But these are prisoners; some imprisoned unfairly, others not so. And whilst there is plotting within, our young inexperience hero Jess, whilst coming to terms with the responsibility of leadership, has to deal with betrayal, new love, and a Galactic Empire, hell bent on bringing them down.
Simon Goodson has written a great Sci Fi. This is an author to keep an eye on. Highly recommend.
October 21, 2020
Tactics and technology
A good premise, a sentient spacecraft, and a naive crew of rescuers who are repeatedly betrayed, but squeak out of trouble each time. Technical details a bit extensive for my liking, and I prefer characters with a bit more complexity, though they may develop further in subsequent books from the series.
A good premise, a sentient spacecraft, and a naive crew of rescuers who are repeatedly betrayed, but squeak out of trouble each time. Technical details a bit extensive for my liking, and I prefer characters with a bit more complexity, though they may develop further in subsequent books from the series.
May 23, 2022
A space adventure I found very interesting, even if a bit wish-fulfillment-y. Sometimes that's a nice escape.
March 20, 2015
Well, here I am again reading the first book in a series and then wondering what I was thinking. My first thought when I started this book was that it read incredibly similar to something I would have read back in high school or junior high. And then my next thought was that it sounded incredibly similar to something I would have written back in high school. Which is to say that for that 12-18 age range this is probably a great book, but maybe I'm just too old for it.
The plot is simple. Jess, who was born a prisoner/slave, and some other prisoners are being forced to explore some old spaceships. After this ship, which we later learn is named the Wanderer, has just killed another prisoner/slave, Jess is tasked with trying to get in. He does, and Matt and Sal (two older prisoner/slaves) go in with him to check for traps. But the ship isn't dead, only inert, and once the three are inside it comes to life. The three escape and then begin their adventure, which includes rescue, moral conundrums, sudden romance, and betrayal.
Again, if I was younger, I would have enjoyed this book. Young kid born to nothing suddenly finds himself in control of a massively powerful and intelligent spaceship, has some guidance from older adults, falls in love with a beautiful girl his own age who loves him back, and then faces long odds at every turn to do the right thing. But I'm not young anymore, and everything seemed just too straight and simple (although the betrayals were a nice twist). So while I finished the book, I'm not tempted to go into the rest of the series.
Definitely for that 12-18 age range, and I think they'd very much enjoy it. But older than that and it just doesn't ring true on enough fronts to make you stop smirking at the book as you read it. And, for the love of all that is holy, not every time two people kiss is it passionate! Sheesh!
The plot is simple. Jess, who was born a prisoner/slave, and some other prisoners are being forced to explore some old spaceships. After this ship, which we later learn is named the Wanderer, has just killed another prisoner/slave, Jess is tasked with trying to get in. He does, and Matt and Sal (two older prisoner/slaves) go in with him to check for traps. But the ship isn't dead, only inert, and once the three are inside it comes to life. The three escape and then begin their adventure, which includes rescue, moral conundrums, sudden romance, and betrayal.
Again, if I was younger, I would have enjoyed this book. Young kid born to nothing suddenly finds himself in control of a massively powerful and intelligent spaceship, has some guidance from older adults, falls in love with a beautiful girl his own age who loves him back, and then faces long odds at every turn to do the right thing. But I'm not young anymore, and everything seemed just too straight and simple (although the betrayals were a nice twist). So while I finished the book, I'm not tempted to go into the rest of the series.
Definitely for that 12-18 age range, and I think they'd very much enjoy it. But older than that and it just doesn't ring true on enough fronts to make you stop smirking at the book as you read it. And, for the love of all that is holy, not every time two people kiss is it passionate! Sheesh!
November 16, 2013
I was lucky enough to receive this as a giveaway on goodreads but this doesn't affect my review. I also received a beautifully written and very sincere and heartfelt letter from Simon Goodson himself which I really appreciated and was glad to get.
So the book on the surface is a sci-fi adventure full of action scenes and drama but there is more to it than just that. There's a whole underlying meaning which is linked to freedom and slavery and the effects upon a community of these conditions. It's set in a space scene where people live on stations, planets and ships and they travel between. There's a lot of piracy and distrust across thevarious settings due to the way that the world is run by the Empire and the slavery which is frequent.
The main character is Jess. Jess is a slave and has been for the entirety of his life but right at the start of the book something changes and this sets Jess and some other characters onto a new path entirely of adventure and discovery.
I loved the fact that Jess was discovering things for the first time about the world and that he was naive as this was believable given that he'd been enslaved all his life but it also allowed the reader to be introduced to the way of the world too.
I loved Wanderer as a presence as the consciousness was believable and enjoyable to read about and I loved hearing Wanderers way of communicating through Jess.
It's also the first ever book where a character ( although minor) has the same spelling of Kaitlin as I do so I really liked that on a personal level.
Overall it's a short book with a hell of a lot packed into it and it's a fast-paced and fun read. This was my first ever sci-fi read and I believe it's a good place to really begin :-) Recommended!
So the book on the surface is a sci-fi adventure full of action scenes and drama but there is more to it than just that. There's a whole underlying meaning which is linked to freedom and slavery and the effects upon a community of these conditions. It's set in a space scene where people live on stations, planets and ships and they travel between. There's a lot of piracy and distrust across thevarious settings due to the way that the world is run by the Empire and the slavery which is frequent.
The main character is Jess. Jess is a slave and has been for the entirety of his life but right at the start of the book something changes and this sets Jess and some other characters onto a new path entirely of adventure and discovery.
I loved the fact that Jess was discovering things for the first time about the world and that he was naive as this was believable given that he'd been enslaved all his life but it also allowed the reader to be introduced to the way of the world too.
I loved Wanderer as a presence as the consciousness was believable and enjoyable to read about and I loved hearing Wanderers way of communicating through Jess.
It's also the first ever book where a character ( although minor) has the same spelling of Kaitlin as I do so I really liked that on a personal level.
Overall it's a short book with a hell of a lot packed into it and it's a fast-paced and fun read. This was my first ever sci-fi read and I believe it's a good place to really begin :-) Recommended!
July 11, 2016
Young Adult Science Fiction
Sixteen-year-old Jess and his fellow prisoners wear collars. When a prisoner doesn't obey orders or tries to escape, the collar of the disobedient prisoner and the collars of prisoners around the guilty prisoner are activated. Therefore, a rebellious prisoner has to face not only guards but also the other prisoners. A disobedient prisoner is likely to be killed by his fellow prisoners.
Like canaries sent down the mineshaft, Jess and two other prisoners are forced into a spaceship to check for booby traps. Once they make it inside the ship, an amazing thing happens. Their collars fall off. They know the guards will kill them when they see them without the collars. They also know the guards will kill all of the prisoners who witness their collarless state.
Faced with certain death if they stay, the three decide to make a run for it in the ship. Their adventures take them to unexpected places and situations.
Simon Goodson's Wanderer's Escape, the first book in the Wanderer's Odyssey series, is a great young adult science fiction. The book also offers humor. For example, when it's time for Jess to get the birds and bees talk, the ship obliges with images which make him blush.
Sixteen-year-old Jess and his fellow prisoners wear collars. When a prisoner doesn't obey orders or tries to escape, the collar of the disobedient prisoner and the collars of prisoners around the guilty prisoner are activated. Therefore, a rebellious prisoner has to face not only guards but also the other prisoners. A disobedient prisoner is likely to be killed by his fellow prisoners.
Like canaries sent down the mineshaft, Jess and two other prisoners are forced into a spaceship to check for booby traps. Once they make it inside the ship, an amazing thing happens. Their collars fall off. They know the guards will kill them when they see them without the collars. They also know the guards will kill all of the prisoners who witness their collarless state.
Faced with certain death if they stay, the three decide to make a run for it in the ship. Their adventures take them to unexpected places and situations.
Simon Goodson's Wanderer's Escape, the first book in the Wanderer's Odyssey series, is a great young adult science fiction. The book also offers humor. For example, when it's time for Jess to get the birds and bees talk, the ship obliges with images which make him blush.
June 30, 2014
I liked a lot of this book. I thought there was a fair amount of action and the challenges faced by Jess and crew were believable. The ship being so advanced technologically made almost impossible tasks a snap. That was a little too convenient, but whatever. The "romance" aspect of the book seemed a little...dull? easy? immature?
Jess is a young captain, and he does his best. He isn't restrained by years of training on how to fly or what's acceptable, and his ship is certainly allowing him to do just about anything he wants, so his only real limitation is himself. He's naive but he's got morals. Does he always make the right decision? Nope, but he does usually manage to get them out of a jam.
Regardless, a fun space journey.
Jess is a young captain, and he does his best. He isn't restrained by years of training on how to fly or what's acceptable, and his ship is certainly allowing him to do just about anything he wants, so his only real limitation is himself. He's naive but he's got morals. Does he always make the right decision? Nope, but he does usually manage to get them out of a jam.
Regardless, a fun space journey.
April 28, 2014
Review by Nic's wife.
I was pleasantly surprised by the story, but there were some technical issues to the writing that I'd love to see fixed, like an over-abundance of adverbs, run-on sentences, and some issues with possessive apostrophes.
The world set out definitely intrigued me, though I would love to see some science behind the mechanisms of it, since in parts it read more like a superhero story instead of a space opera. The passages of grown-ups talking about sex could be pruned back a bit, for my tastes, but for the most part the story moves fast. It was a fun read, despite its flaws.
I was pleasantly surprised by the story, but there were some technical issues to the writing that I'd love to see fixed, like an over-abundance of adverbs, run-on sentences, and some issues with possessive apostrophes.
The world set out definitely intrigued me, though I would love to see some science behind the mechanisms of it, since in parts it read more like a superhero story instead of a space opera. The passages of grown-ups talking about sex could be pruned back a bit, for my tastes, but for the most part the story moves fast. It was a fun read, despite its flaws.
July 23, 2014
This is one of the best Si-fi's i have ever read. Great adventure, lots of action, some romance and FANTASTIC IMAGINATION! Love to see the underdog win. love to see his relationship with the ship and how it develops.
Sure their's some holes in the story like with all the advanced technology in this futuristic time, why would the injured person be using a "wheelchair" . That's like back to the 1800's.
A few small glitches like this aside, this was a book to really carry you away on a fantastic adventure! Can't wait to read the sequel.
Thanks Mr, Goodman, Fred
Sure their's some holes in the story like with all the advanced technology in this futuristic time, why would the injured person be using a "wheelchair" . That's like back to the 1800's.
A few small glitches like this aside, this was a book to really carry you away on a fantastic adventure! Can't wait to read the sequel.
Thanks Mr, Goodman, Fred
July 20, 2014
WANDERER'sESCAPE by Simon Goodson
WANDERER'sESCAPE by Simon Goodson
In a future Galaxy humans have reverted to enslaving their fellows even while the privileged travel between the stars, then three slaves are ordered to trip the traps on an alien space ship. The suicide mission results in their miraculous escape, and then the ship chooses to bond with Jess- the teenage boy who had been first to enter. Slowly a group of later day abolitionist collects around Jess as the ship grows into the moinst powerful weapon in the galaxy.
WANDERER'sESCAPE by Simon Goodson
In a future Galaxy humans have reverted to enslaving their fellows even while the privileged travel between the stars, then three slaves are ordered to trip the traps on an alien space ship. The suicide mission results in their miraculous escape, and then the ship chooses to bond with Jess- the teenage boy who had been first to enter. Slowly a group of later day abolitionist collects around Jess as the ship grows into the moinst powerful weapon in the galaxy.
July 8, 2014
URRGGG THIS BOOK! The ship was too powerful. The characters were flat. It took me forever to get through it because it was sooo boring. There was no way I was going to read the next in the series, But then they found that stupid Alien! Now I have to read the next one! lol I'm a sucker for Aliens.
March 10, 2015
I must say, wasn't sure at first but what a great book, hoping the second and third one clears up a lot of questions, but thats a kind of book I like the story keeps going and stays interesting. About to read all your books, very impressed so far.
September 19, 2013
really not my usual read, but thought I would give it a try! love it....great storyline & the characters are fantastic ... need to read the next one now ;-)
January 16, 2015
It was a good book. I liked it a lot. It was full of action/adventure. It was a very well written book. I hope to read more books by this author.
March 22, 2015
Great coming of age adventure!
Great adventure in a YA vibe. Jessie at times seemed a bit soft and young considering his life as a slave but overall was a fun read.
Great adventure in a YA vibe. Jessie at times seemed a bit soft and young considering his life as a slave but overall was a fun read.
February 26, 2019
Overall I enjoyed this story. I always wanted to know what happened next and I waited until I finished the second book before writing this review. The author's writing ability veers between clearly expressing past emotions relating to being a slave and giving a good pace to the action to truly horrendous teenage 'romance' and male/female interactions - especially at the beginning. I do truly like Jess and grow to like Ali but there is absolutely no reason for the two of them getting together in the beginning except hormones. I cringed. I'm too old to appreciate a junior high level of hormonal mood swings. But, after saying that, if you persevere, the author gets a little more experience under his belt (I feel like saying pun not intended?) and the relatability and believability gets better too. The further I get along in the story, the less tell and the more show the emotions get. I've now started the third story and he's still improving. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.
June 28, 2024
Teenager Jess was born a slave and remains one.
His work is whatever he is told it is and today he's been assigned to disarm traps and activate mysterious starships.
One particular ship has already killed those trying to gain access but, for a reason that is never explained, it allows Jess and two others, Sal and Matt, to enter.
More than that it takes off their slave shock collars, links Jess's mind to the central computer and puts him in charge.
It's time for a rollicking tour of the galaxy, fighting for survival, dealing with various treacherous foes (some of the supposed friends), debating the morality of killing, and generally trying always to do the right thing.
And when Jess picks up a young woman around his own age there's a lot of teen angst!
“Wanderer's Odyssey” is YA Space Opera and relies rather too heavily on their alien ship pulling a rabbit out of the hat when the going get rough.
It is, however, almost endless inventive, the action is constant, and occasionally quite emotionally charged.
I quite liked it.
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
His work is whatever he is told it is and today he's been assigned to disarm traps and activate mysterious starships.
One particular ship has already killed those trying to gain access but, for a reason that is never explained, it allows Jess and two others, Sal and Matt, to enter.
More than that it takes off their slave shock collars, links Jess's mind to the central computer and puts him in charge.
It's time for a rollicking tour of the galaxy, fighting for survival, dealing with various treacherous foes (some of the supposed friends), debating the morality of killing, and generally trying always to do the right thing.
And when Jess picks up a young woman around his own age there's a lot of teen angst!
“Wanderer's Odyssey” is YA Space Opera and relies rather too heavily on their alien ship pulling a rabbit out of the hat when the going get rough.
It is, however, almost endless inventive, the action is constant, and occasionally quite emotionally charged.
I quite liked it.
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
September 20, 2017
This is a pretty good book one of a multi-part space opera series and is a fairly quick read. The author does a nice job of getting you quickly into the events and his characters, and most of the future technology is something you can get your arms around and believe: you will have a few Walter Mitty-type moments as you start daydreaming the “what if” if you had some of the future technologies at your disposal. The description of the future’s society, however, is a little depressing with the rampant slavery and basic dictatorships / fiefdoms of various interstellar powers. While this is not promoted as such, quite a bit of it is geared towards a high school / young adult crowd which became distracting at times.
I picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion vs. its regular price of 99 cents: if you like science fiction, you will certainly get a heck of a lot more than 99 cents in entertainment value. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I picked this up for free during a Kindle promotion vs. its regular price of 99 cents: if you like science fiction, you will certainly get a heck of a lot more than 99 cents in entertainment value. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 31, 2018
Wanderer’s Escape is Science Fiction adventure at its’ best!
Jess and his fellow prisoners are being used as guinea pigs, test subjects of a sort. If they don’t die while opening and harvesting the contents of scavenged space ships, their captors allow them to try the next one. Unfortunately, many perish in the attempt. Killed by the booby traps and protections left in place by the previous owners.
When Jess is brought in to help open a mysterious, sleek vessel it Somehow responds to him, and only him, allowing the trio to make their escape.
But are they truly free? They are pursued by pirates and unscrupulous spacers at every turn as they learn the capabilities of not only their new amazing home but also themselves. Along the way, they pick up a few friends and a few new enemies as well.
This book is chock full of adventure, tech, great characters, and excitement. Loved it and highly recommend it.
Jess and his fellow prisoners are being used as guinea pigs, test subjects of a sort. If they don’t die while opening and harvesting the contents of scavenged space ships, their captors allow them to try the next one. Unfortunately, many perish in the attempt. Killed by the booby traps and protections left in place by the previous owners.
When Jess is brought in to help open a mysterious, sleek vessel it Somehow responds to him, and only him, allowing the trio to make their escape.
But are they truly free? They are pursued by pirates and unscrupulous spacers at every turn as they learn the capabilities of not only their new amazing home but also themselves. Along the way, they pick up a few friends and a few new enemies as well.
This book is chock full of adventure, tech, great characters, and excitement. Loved it and highly recommend it.
May 28, 2022
Imaginative with lots of twists, this was fun to read. I like good space opera, and this series has a great deal going for it: space battles, pirates, a tyrannical Empire, a love story, an alien, betrayals, and a self-aware ship. While there is plenty of action, there are also times of interpersonal actions, some good and some not so much.
There is some character growth since the hero, Jess, is just a kid, sixteen or so at the start. Having been a slave all his life, he grows in his understanding of the world and humankind. He is helped in this by an older man and woman along with a girl about his age. The ship also grows in its self-awareness. Now that’s an interesting concept.
Questions are left unanswered. What was the origin of the ship? Who made it, and how did it end up in the Empire’s hands. Is the Empire evil, and who really runs it? The alien, where did he come from, and what role will he play in the story ahead. It appears there are things to look forward to in the rest of the series. Some of those answers may be compelling enough to make me read the next book or two.
There is some character growth since the hero, Jess, is just a kid, sixteen or so at the start. Having been a slave all his life, he grows in his understanding of the world and humankind. He is helped in this by an older man and woman along with a girl about his age. The ship also grows in its self-awareness. Now that’s an interesting concept.
Questions are left unanswered. What was the origin of the ship? Who made it, and how did it end up in the Empire’s hands. Is the Empire evil, and who really runs it? The alien, where did he come from, and what role will he play in the story ahead. It appears there are things to look forward to in the rest of the series. Some of those answers may be compelling enough to make me read the next book or two.
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