Hard Knocks

SC Marva Collins #3

by Nathan Lowell

It pays to take a second look.In the Deep Dark, it's a long walk home.The Marva Collins runs into unexpected problems a long way from port. Faced with some hard decisions, and uncertain about the choices, Ishmael has to roll the dice with inadequate information.Is he sailing too close to the edge of forever?

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Space, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy, Novels, Space Opera

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 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]

This was probably my favorite of the new trilogy. The first two books ended up feeling like setup to get to this one. Hopefully this isn't the end for Ishmael and more books will arrive in the future.

[Teresa Carrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent conclusion to the story arc! “No immediate danger” 😉

[Jim Gutzwiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard Knocks

What can I say? This was a well fleshed out way to end the SC Marva Collins story. Leaves plenty of room for Ishmael and Zoya to start a new tale and build on what already happened.
Do t know why I find these so enjoyable, maybe just cuz there is no intergalactic war or whether these seem like in the future, these stories could be true. People with jobs, families, lives, heartbresk, sorrow, don't know . but I like these.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose most personal stories are similar to this one, no major climax, no definitive ending. Plenty of adventure along the way, even some unexpected circumstances, unusual events, but nothing changed the world, or even the lives of these characters. The perspective is from the most common human view for the most part. These are fairly normal people, not royalty or political leaders, although perhaps upper middle class and wealthy families for some. Even the allusions to a happy ending are less than an actual result, which is only a possibility. Plus, the background culture is fully believable, just humans gradually expanding the environments they can adapt to.

[Mary Soon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the third arc of stories centering on Ishmael Wang within the larger SF series, "The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper," a series that has brought me a great deal of pleasure. Alas, this is currently the final book about Ishmael, though I am hopeful the author will write more.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I love Ishmael, and I was anxious for the book to end with him in a happy place. While I was very confident that Lowell would give Ishmael a pretty-happy ending, I wasn't as confident that it would be happy enough to saisfy me!

I very much like both Ishmael and Pip, and I wanted their friendship to be secure at the end of the book. Plus, although this felt very likely to me, I wanted Ishmael's love for Zoya to have a happy resolution. For the record, my *ideal* ending would also include a continuing place for Bentley and several others of Ishmael's most recent crew, not to mention some of the past crews he's worked with (Al, Cookie, Bev, and more).

These characters matter to me and the books have been a comfort and a joy.

Four out of five trading stars for this book, four and a half stars -- maybe even five stars -- for the series overall.

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).

[Juni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus H Christ, Ish, you KNOW I love you but you're a genuine idiot, and kinda not in the same lovable way that Pip is.

The fucking AUDACITY to leave Zoya on the shelf without communicating with her for years. You are incredibly lucky she's either VERY patient, super into you, or just not that bright (and we all know Ms. Usuko isn't the latter.)

You may be an excellent Skipper but you cannot manage a personal relationship to save your life, and the fact that this novel concluded with you sailing off into a blissful sunset with her is proof that the author is VERY generous indeed.

Also, maybe the fact that you've spent your entire life feeling like you don't belong anywhere means you need to spend a little more time in Port Newmar with your therapist. Get your shit together, Cap'n.

Five stars. :P

[Cmoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, you're gonna hafta grab this book as it's the best one in the Marva Collins series. But actually grab the entire Ishmael saga as each book and series build off each other. So yeah start with Quarter Share, and move on from there. How can you not find the books fascinating. How does Nathan Lowell put it? Something, about writing Space Opera that does nothing... but, I know he says it more elegantly than that! It's true there isn't any aliens or military action, but what he does write is mesmerizing. And nobody can write like Nathan can. Giving us his own unique view of the deep dark.
He writes about two friends who in the beginning find themselves on the Lois Mckendrick working as crew on a merchant ship. They find themselves learning the trade of running the ship as they move up in rank...
While on the Marva Collins they spend plenty of time working with some raw recruits and Ishmael Wang has his own inner personal voyage to find some much needed epiphanies to suit his future. As the book winds down to a possible HEA... I only saw a gateway to a new beginning!

Here's a couple of quotes that amused me:

"Getting an exactly zero jump error is, theoretically, possible.” She turned her gaze to Pip. “Turning into a rutabaga in your sleep? Different kind of magic.” “Kohlrabi?” he asked. She rolled her eyes..."

“He’s always had a propensity for being monomaniacal. Something he shares with Pip.”

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satisfying ending to this trilogy. It was nice spending time with Ishmael and the gang again.

[M. G. A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio. While I generally like these books. He hast to grow up. It’s very frustrating. I’m glad they moved a lot along, but he needs to be an adult at some point soon.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good.

[Mike Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Stuff

Reading this series makes you feel like you’re surrounded with friends. You can smell and taste the food your friends are eating. Can’t wait for the next wizard’s butler episode. This story arc is completed.

[Royce A Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a long wait for Nathan Lowell to recover his illness and continue the Ishmael Series which culminated in “Hard Knocks.” The story line has remained consistent since Ishmaels mother died in “Quarter Share” through the latest trilogy. I have enjoyed the characters and their development following Ishmael through his life. While waiting for the next phase I have re-read the whole series several times revisiting old friends. Dr. Lowell’s style of moving the plots along through the character’s interactions with dialog is excellent. There is just enough technical information available to allow understanding of the dangers of interstellar travel with out going down a “rabbit hole” of technical jargon.
The ending of each story is always interesting. There is an anticipation that there is more to come in every story. I vividly remember leaving the movie theater after Episode IV – “The New Hope” laughing with the knowledge that there was more to come. Likewise, I can see in my mind the story boards of Ishmael’s voyages spread across the silver screen. I am biased.
Great Reads.

[Mary Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep giving these books only average scores but keep coming back for more….. Why?

The amount of repetition (not just between books but within each of them) is pretty scandalous. Writing this way is clever: type it once then copy and paste endless times! By book 43, it could be a whole book of copy and paste with no new script whatsoever!

So why do I keep reading? I can’t quite answer but it is certainly something to do with the characters. Like a soap opera, one develops an interest not just in the good guys but also the villains and fringe characters too.

The other thing I love (even though a lot of it is meaningless to me) the whole universe, the various planets, the complexities of life on board and the full (albeit confusing) convoluted features and functions of all the mechanics on board.

Will I read more? If Ishmael is involved, possibly/ probably.

[Doug Sundseth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Weaker than the previous installments in this series.

The story comes basically in three parts:

The first section covers the training cruise, and is consistent with the previous book. Done well, and enjoyable for the same reasons.

The second section covers a life-threatening challenge, but the challenge is overcome without much difficulty. There is a subplot that starts here, but that subplot is abandoned without much point and could have easily been edited out of the book. There is an interesting political plotline that begins here.

The last section is something of a denouement to the main Ishmael Wang plotline (so far, anyway), and feels both drawn out and perfunctory ... as if Lowell couldn't figure out how to tie off the various subplots and ended up just stopping.

This is a heartwarming conclusion to this storyline. The boy gets the girl and the girl gets the boy, and most things are right with the world. Unfortunately, the ending was not especially well written.

The book is recommended for anyone who has been following Capt. Wang's exploits, but as a standalone, it's not especially strong.

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I was really hard on Mr Lowell after the first book of this trilogy, School Days. I was frustrated with Ish’s backsliding and the lack of forward momentum in any aspect of the book, but man it all paid off in this one. Less than a chronological year on from School Days, we find ourselves in the Deep Dark with Ish and the gang in a ship in trouble. The action picks up almost from the first page and while we get our share of Ish introspection and mental hand wringing, this book is all about moving our characters forward along their paths.

We have yet another member of the old gang show up in this book, one whose presence has been felt almost as strongly as Alice all along the way. I was thrilled when he stepped onto the dock! We also see Ish get what feels like his happy ever after, finally.

If this is the end of Ish’s journey, I’m content with where he is. That said, he still has journeys to take and whelkies to rehome, so I will gladly join him for more adventures if Mr Lowell writes them!

[Lauren Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I express but sheer admiration for the beautifully crafted conclusion to the SC Marva Collins saga? This narrative closure not only wraps up existing threads with grace but intriguingly lays the groundwork for the characters Ishmael and Zoya to weave the beginning of their own epic, building upon the rich tapestry of events that have transpired. There's something inexplicably captivating about these stories. Perhaps it's the absence of grandiose intergalactic battles that makes them stand out, or maybe it's the tantalizing notion that, in the not-so-distant future, these tales could transition into reality. These narratives thrive on the mundane yet profound aspects of existence—jobs, families, the spectrum of human emotions from love to loss. It's difficult to pinpoint exactly why they resonate so deeply, but their reflection of real human experience, peppered with heartbreak and sorrow, is undeniably compelling. There's a genuine charm in their down-to-earth approach, a refreshing departure from typical sci-fi fare that I find thoroughly enjoyable.

[F. C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice end to the Marva Collins series

No encounters with aliens, no space battles, no explosions— instead, the (apparently) last book in a series about interstellar trade and commerce.

And curiously enough, the series is worth reading. It starts when Ishmael Wang first gets a job on a interstellar cargo ship as the most junior of crew, and follows his career as he climbs the career ladder to become a ship’s captain, with the trials and tribulations expected in such a life, plus some others that do involve high risks and danger.

Begin with ‘Quarter Share’. There are some dozen other books in the series, plus at least three others in the same universe. Arguably they represent something far closer to what “real life” might be like three centuries from now than most sci-fi attempts, with people working for a living vice just moving from one high adrenalin adventure to another.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ishmael Wong and his crew of cadets are flying the SC Marva Collins into the Gretna system when they are boarded by TIC agents who arrest Ishmael. This is a book by Nathan Lowell, so no ray guns are pulled. Instead, Ish invites the arresting officer to sit down for a cup of good coffee.
If you are a longtime fan of Lowell’s Solar Clipper novels, you won’t be surprised at this opening. Lowell argues that there is a market for well-written books that would be unlikely to find a traditional publisher. His long-running series of space operas about working stiffs involved in interstellar trade have proved him right.
Hard Knocks is the third volume of the SS Marva Collins trilogy. It wraps things up but leaves you hoping another trilogy will be in the works soon.
If you are a fan of independently published space opera, you can’t do better than read Lowell.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion of the Marva Collins trilogy, the most recent Ishmael Wang stories from the Tales from the Golden Age of the Solar Clippers. In this series, Ishmael's crew has been tasked by the commandant of the Academy to take a new ship, the Marva Collins, with a mixed crew of real spacers and cadets from the Academy on a one year cruise to train the cadets about the real world. The first book set up the cruise, the second book was the start of the cruise and introduced some problems. This book begins with fallout from one of the problems introduced in book two, Working Class. It continues with difficulties which occur as the crew discovers that the ship was not the brand new spaceship donated by the Manchester shipyards with new fittings and drives, but something a bit more sinister.
This was an excellent read.

[Willa Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every word.

I'm delighted that Mr Lowell is still telling the story of this remarkable adventure. I'm even more delighted that his health has improved to the point that he's able and willing to keep writing. (I don't know the details and I wouldn't as

I love these characters. They are all decent human beings, all with their own personalit talents, skills, flaws and strength.

You know how some folk talk back to the TV news? I occasionally find myself talking back to these characters. (Is that a bad sign?)

I strongly recommend starting with Quarter Share and reading all the books in the Solar Clipper series. You can read the Kindle version ofor free, but they're not expensive. Buy as many as you can, and use your credits for the Audible version. They're worth it, and, LIke me, you will want Mr Lowell to keep writing.

[Jonathan Sari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

I'm not sure how to review it, because you will want to read over a dozen of his other books before you get to this one and so you'll already have a good idea what you'll be getting.

It's just like those, but better because it adds countless payoffs for that invested time.

If you've already "done the reading" and enjoyed it, buy it and read it. You won't be disappointed.

Just in case you stumbled onto this review without that background, the universe begins with Quarter Share. Look up that book and figure out if it's your cup of tea.

Briefly, it's character-driven science fiction set in humanity's 24th century. No epic universe-shattering events. Just believable characters making their way in a future with strongly conceived technology and organizations, relying on only a few well-established science-fictional conventions.

It's definitely my cup of tea.

[Velid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Conclusion to the Golden Age Universe

Hard Knocks delivers exactly what I hoped for—a satisfying, heartfelt finale to the universe Nathan Lowell has been building for years. The familiar blend of quiet competence, found family, and day-to-day realism in space is back, but this time with the emotional weight of closure.

It ties together the threads from the Trader’s Tales, Seeker’s Tales, and Smuggler’s Tales beautifully, leaving me with that bittersweet feeling you only get when saying goodbye to a well-loved crew.

I’ve enjoyed every book in this universe, and this one reminded me why I fell in love with Lowell’s storytelling in the first place—no battles or flashy tech, just people doing their jobs and growing into better versions of themselves.

I truly hope Nathan writes more stories set in this universe. I’d happily ship out with any of these characters again.

[Mike Hanford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a big fan of Mr. Lowell, i wish that I could rate this higher. That goes for the whole series. The three books would have been better as two. The third volume is the best. Still, there is a lot of stretch in the middle of this book. Things go round and round way too many times. No one could be as painfully at length as a neurotic over a woman as Ishmael.

The condition of the ship, as a risk to the builder of facing a murderous mob for killing off a bunch of cadets, would require an idiot making the building decisions. So, even for fiction, some unlikely items in the plot.

The last bit makes up for it, a bit! If therecis more Ishmael, please recapture the pace and adventurous nature of the earlier volumes.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, enjoyable end (at least it looks like an end) to the multi-series spanning saga of Ishmael Wang (although I'd kind of expected the last line to be "Call me Ishmael", which it isn't, so perhaps there is more to come!). Finally (finally!) makes some choices in his personal and professional life which leave him in a stopping point for a life ahead that I think totally works, and the level of action and shipboard drama along the way totally worked for me. If this is the last we see of Ishmael, it's been a pleasure. Be great to see him pop up as a side character in someone else's adventures in this wonderfully built universe as well.

[Michael McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the last series featuring Ishmael Wang and Pip. (I hope for more!) Every one of the books in this series and the previous ones kept me involved and engaged with the characters and their travels.

There was no epic space battles, no evil “aliens” to defeat, no race to save the planet (or humanity). These are just solid, fascinating stories of people living their lives, plying their trade, working and struggling to find meaning in what they do.

I love epic science fiction and I also love stories which focus on the people who populate the future worlds. I highly recommend this and all the other Solar Clipper books.

[Matthew Slinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ending to the arc just hope it isn’t the last of Ishmael and crew

I have loved this series and all the other solar clipper books. I hope to see more. A good book that answers all the questions you have left open from previous series. I really like the universe in this series and the light hearted everyday feel to the story rather than an over the top everything rests on us hero complex a lot of books in this genre have.

I hope for a lot more in this style and would love to have some carstairs family story spin offs.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous story

I am so sad this is final book in the series. I love this universe and these fabulous characters. Lowell is a master storyteller of everyday life - well OK — of everyday space life in the future.
He brings adventure, fun, business strategies, innovation, relationship situations, leadership info, life nuances and great overall plots into his stories.
I hope he writes more involving Pip, Ishmael, Zola and Natalya and their supporting cast.
So glad Lowell returned to this universe after a few years writing other things.
Five stars 🤩 absolutely.

[Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hard Knocks," the latest in Nathan Lowell's Ishmael Wang Solar Clipper series, is a fantastic addition to an already beloved saga. The characters are richly developed, with Ishmael's journey being particularly compelling. The blend of humor, detailed spacefaring life, and engaging storytelling makes this book one of the best in the series. Nathan Lowell delivers everything fans love: memorable characters, thoughtful development, and a captivating mix of humor and realism. A must-read for long term fans.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

[6 Aug 2023]
Although I'm still a huge fan of Nathan Lowell and Ishmael Wang, I felt somewhat disappointed with this book. The first part of the book was good, with a series of equipment failures putting the Marva Collins and it's crew in serious danger. But in the last part of the book, after they return safely to Port Newmar, Ish makes some decisions that I was disappointed in. I can understand why Lowell took that direction. Much of the last two trilogies has been focused on Ish's developing understanding that he was not really in control of his life. Rather he felt that others, mainly Pip, but also the other ship captains he had served with, pushed him into decisions that he wasn't wholly committed to. The change he makes in this book is understandable. It's just that it was little bit of an easy way out.

[Dave Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The payoff of the 3 book story arc is here. How the author can make the conflict in the story, or at least the dangerous conflict (there is another plot conflict of note and other issues to resolve) end like this and still feel so satisfying is the magic. Don't come here if you need bug-eyed aliens, lasers and the fate of the Galaxy in the hands of our intrepid hero once again (ho-hum), do come here for real people living and working in space. You will want to join the crew.