Tony Healey is the author of the bestselling Harper & Lane Series, consisting of Hope’s Peak, Storm’s Edge, published by Thomas and Mercer, and Blue Ruin, published independently. He is also the author of westerns in the Ralph Compton Western Series, including The Devil’s Snare, Blood On The Prairie, Die Trying and The Guns of Wrath. He self-published the crime novel Not For Us. His work has been praised by the likes of Publisher’s Weekly, Blake Crouch, Mark Edwards and Mark Wheaton. Tony Healey lives and works in Brighton, on the Sussex coast. He is married, has four daughters and a chorkie called Freddie. Tony is represented by his agent, Sharon Pelletier of Dystel, Goderich & Bourrett LLC.
I guess it's easy for people to criticise, even though it is listed as a collection of serials. And it must be great to know we have so many Nuclear Physicists, Military Personnel, Military Tacticians and Astro-physicists reading this series. Personally I really enjoyed each of the individual novellas for what they were, fast paced, action packed, space drama, similar to Battlestar or Star Trek. I will admit that some of the dialogue isn't the best ever written, but seriously, when you buy a series like this, it's not really for 'To Kill a Mocking Bird' dialogue, it's for a great bit of fun, some great action, and decent space battles, a nd that's what you get. The Capt. is a great character, as are most of the others, there is a good story that keeps you interested, and I loved the ending. One thing that I do love about this author is that you can't become too attached to any of the characters, even main ones. This is an easy and fun read for those that love a bit of Sci-fi, great action, with a good story, but aren't looking for anything too deep.
Not a bad book, but it suffered from having plots that were too short, outcomes that were too Star Trek (a simple win against the odds, at the cost of a few crew members) and very shallow characterizations outside of the main 3 cast members. But just when I thought the whole storyline was running out of steam, a clever twist a la Bobby Ewing to reset everything!
I have mixed feelings about this work. I enjoyed reading it, and it held my attention all the way through, so that's why I'm giving it four stars instead of just three or two. Healey manages to hold enough characterization and plot together to keep the story moving well, so generally, I would classify the work as a success. The concept is what really sells the story to the reader: going through a black hole, being displaced in time and space, and the great brooding black pyramids everywhere. Nice.
Where the work falls short is in the lack of appreciable characterization for anyone other than Captain Jess. Commander Greene and Chief Gunn get some depth of characterization, also, but the rest are rather flatter than I like. The plot could be more, um, complex, I suppose—it was very minimalist in that regard. Overall, the work was very bare-bones, I felt.
That being said, I was entertained and don't regret spending the time reading it. There were some marvelous "HURRAY!" moments in the book, especially Commander Chang and the last stand of the Defiant. Cheers!
The adventures of time traveling crews pursuing and being pursued by evil persons is very entertaining. The time paradox at play and being sucked into a black hole are only some of the things at work. Finding allies and enemies many light years away is an adventure in itself. A compelling read with good character development set in an enjoyable plot line. What more needs to be said? Enjoy!!
Military sci-fi isn't my thing, but this seemed okay. I only read the few "Look Inside" pages available on Amazon. Why did I stop? Because I paid for the Kindle edition, but it's no longer available on Amazon—only a paperback edition. I'm not going to pay $$$ for the paperback after already having "purchased" the Kindle edition, which I can no longer access. So, this is just going to sit on my DNF shelf, unless/until I can find a copy that I don't have to pay (again) for.
I started reading this, but I couldn't stand it. So many, too-obvious borrowings from other fictional universes. Not just names and technologies and organizing principles, but almost actual words spoken by the characters. Just write fanfic, if that's your bag. Beyond that, I started noticing glaring inconsistencies just in the first two pages.
I considered giving this a three star. Not because the writing isn't good, I'm just getting tired of authors who don't understand orbital mechanics. I know the math for fighting in space will likely result in a boring battle, but I can stand for only so many violations of the laws of physics. Aside from my whining, the story was well done and the plot moved along well. I enjoyed the female captain although I think the author's perspective is still a little sexist. When a male captain takes over a ship we hear of his bravery and leadership skills, but when a woman takes over, he dwells too long on insecurities and self doubt. I do admit that she develops a lot more confidence and she finally realizes that a leader doesn't always have a good choice, often they have to take the 'least worst of the options."
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. To me it read like fanfiction. I feel like the book was paid by the word. Unnecessary description of menial tasks that, to me at least, felt like fluff. The stories had a couple minor surprises, but generally you knew who was going to make it, who wasn't.
By the second half of the book, I started to skim through the pages. I just wanted to know how the story was going to end, I didn't care about the adventure along the way.
I like the story lines, the characters are good and interesting following them through the adventures. I enjoyed Tony's stretch of imagination along the story. What I really disliked is the repeating of whole paragraphs as if these were short stories needing lead in to tell the past. I thought I read this was suppose to be his novels and that happening is quite disappointing not only with that part of his writing but also his editors / publishers lack of caring or discipline Quite amateurish
This is a good time. Leans more toward the Fiction part of Science Fiction, so don't expect anything technically robust (or even accurate). It has the feel of a militaristic Star Trek. You know, especially in Voyager, when they would have the multi-episode story arcs?
The story is fun though no character is safe. And speaking of characters, there are some big personalities here. It helps you get invested in them quickly.
Curl up under a blanket, leave your higher thinking behind, and enjoy.
I really liked the characters and the story. what I didn't like was the way the author would keep flashing back, which was part of completing the story but it was always an exact duplicate of that part of the story involved. It was too repetitive and got a little boring. the other thing was that most sci-fi writer's study science principles that they incorporate in the story to make it seem more plausible all in all a good book with some weaknesses
If you love Star Trek, you will adore this book! The adventures are quite similar. Strong female roles. Love cropping up on a starship far from home. And a captain's love for her ship. It will wrench your heart at times and keep you on your toes. A fantastical page turner.
A fun book to read. It's obvious in spots that Mr. Healey taking, shall we say, inspiration directly from some of his favourite science fiction tv shows and movies, but overall it works. Good characters abound. They are people that you care about and pull for. There are some nasty villains and lots of adventure.
Once started I found it hard to put down. It almost most seemed familiar to me in a way that reminded me of a Star trek spin-off named "Voyager". I really enjoyed this book.
Wow, really enjoyed this. There are elements of Star Trek, Star Wars and BSG. Loved the story and the characters. Will definitely be reading the other books in the series and other series by this author. I read a lot of space opera and this series really was satisfying.
Wow, really enjoyed this book series. King was a really well done character alongside all the others as they raced throughout an unknown galaxy and fighting a no holds barred enemy.
I am a Star Trek fan, Star Wars too. This was a good book and I loved Jess, and Del and the whole gang. Story was well thought it, characters real people. Well done! I urge you to read this book. You will enjoy it!!
I tried hard to finish this book, got about half way through it but I just couldn't. I found the writing to be stilted. The premise and technology a bit too far out there for my liking.
A solid story line with a very good plot and lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing what is going to happen next. Can't wait for next book.
Great story GREAT plot ,GREAT characters,GREAT read. Loved the whole series.....Recommend this book to everyone that loves Science Fiction at list best.