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Nebula: A Space Opera in the Classic Tradition
She brought parts of the galaxy to their knees. Now one mouthy space pirate has become prey…Indy Jackson has had enough of war politics. After beating rival space fleets into submission and reclaiming a fabled battlecruiser, she refuses to kowtow to the derisive attacks from the military. But when an anonymous terror attack destroys a key space station command, she’s thrust into a power play that could be terminal.
Forced on the run and accused of the horror assault that claimed thousands of lives, Indy ventures into lawless territory to find answers. But instead of gathering support, her reputation threatens to send her to the grave.
Can this fish-out-of-water and her ragtag crew save the entire sector from annihilation?
Nebula is the intense second book in the Blood Empire space opera series. If you like driven heroines, interstellar standoffs, and underhand political motives, then you’ll love Robert Scanlon’s intergalactic adventure.
Buy Nebula to seek revenge among the stars today!
Forced on the run and accused of the horror assault that claimed thousands of lives, Indy ventures into lawless territory to find answers. But instead of gathering support, her reputation threatens to send her to the grave.
Can this fish-out-of-water and her ragtag crew save the entire sector from annihilation?
Nebula is the intense second book in the Blood Empire space opera series. If you like driven heroines, interstellar standoffs, and underhand political motives, then you’ll love Robert Scanlon’s intergalactic adventure.
Buy Nebula to seek revenge among the stars today!
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2023
22 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Robert Scanlon
19 books19 followersBorn in Australia, Robert was whisked back to England where he spent his childhood. After many years complaining about the weather, he did the only sensible thing, and moved back to Australia. Queensland actually. Where he enjoys walks along the beach with his wonderful family.
(Pssst. He still complains about the weather if it gets too cold!)
He's studied chemistry; worked in the music industry; sold handbags; taught yoga; raced motorcycles; and trained thousands of people in Presentations Skills, Train-the-Trainer, Negotiation Skills ... and more.
Mostly though he loves to read.
And read and read. His father was a science-fiction fan, so Robert grew up on a voracious diet of all the top-notch sci-fi writers (there's a list below!), eventually discovering he had read the entire science-fiction section of his local library. But nowadays he writes books and runs websites. Which is fun, and nothing like work at all.
A Reader asks: "What do you like to read?"
My dad loved Sci-Fi, so that was a big influence. I loved John Wyndham, Philip K Dick, Robert Heinlein and I have a soft spot for Isaac Asimov (who had great non-fiction books about space that I loved). So I still love Sci-Fi, but also like Fantasy; Thrillers and some Action. I also enjoy Young Adult books hugely. I mean, who doesn't like Harry Potter? (If you don't, I feel for you, I really do haha!)
(Pssst. He still complains about the weather if it gets too cold!)
He's studied chemistry; worked in the music industry; sold handbags; taught yoga; raced motorcycles; and trained thousands of people in Presentations Skills, Train-the-Trainer, Negotiation Skills ... and more.
Mostly though he loves to read.
And read and read. His father was a science-fiction fan, so Robert grew up on a voracious diet of all the top-notch sci-fi writers (there's a list below!), eventually discovering he had read the entire science-fiction section of his local library. But nowadays he writes books and runs websites. Which is fun, and nothing like work at all.
A Reader asks: "What do you like to read?"
My dad loved Sci-Fi, so that was a big influence. I loved John Wyndham, Philip K Dick, Robert Heinlein and I have a soft spot for Isaac Asimov (who had great non-fiction books about space that I loved). So I still love Sci-Fi, but also like Fantasy; Thrillers and some Action. I also enjoy Young Adult books hugely. I mean, who doesn't like Harry Potter? (If you don't, I feel for you, I really do haha!)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 31, 2023
Wow, I love the characters in this series! This is book 2 but, there’s also a prequel that’s not to be miss as its great, also. The space opera action reminds me of the Honorverse series which I read years and years ago but still remember the thrill which is definitely fulfilled in this series. The action and drama are near nonstop and there are lots of twists and surprises. I enjoyed all of three books last week in my binge reading and I hope there are many more installments to come from the talented and imaginative author Robert Scanlon. I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: I received this ARC from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received this ARC from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
September 3, 2023
This was an early freebie ARC ebook copy obtained from the author for review purposes.
This is Book #2 of a series (trilogy?). I had not previously read Book #1. This book can be read as stand alone. I had no feelings of critical missed plot lines by not reading the previous book.
A space opera story. I liked the protagonist. There is only one main character and all others read like disposable supporting roles. Some of the characters reappear from Book #1, but never did I feel lost or wishing I had read the previous book. There was not a real cliff hanger ending.
It was a fun read.
Have a GoodReads.
This is Book #2 of a series (trilogy?). I had not previously read Book #1. This book can be read as stand alone. I had no feelings of critical missed plot lines by not reading the previous book.
A space opera story. I liked the protagonist. There is only one main character and all others read like disposable supporting roles. Some of the characters reappear from Book #1, but never did I feel lost or wishing I had read the previous book. There was not a real cliff hanger ending.
It was a fun read.
Have a GoodReads.
August 30, 2023
Nebula (the second in the Blood Empire series) is a lot of fun to read.
The series is basically good old space opera.
It reminds me of the Backyard Spaceship and Ignatz Bauer series, but with a heroine who is a hoot.
If you want some entertaining reading you can't go wrong.
The series is basically good old space opera.
It reminds me of the Backyard Spaceship and Ignatz Bauer series, but with a heroine who is a hoot.
If you want some entertaining reading you can't go wrong.
September 16, 2023
Overview
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
In all honesty, I wish I'd read Book 1, Constellation, before reading this, as it's the second book in the trilogy. Having said that, it is possible to read this without reading book 1 because Mr Scanlon skillfully fills in the gaps during the story without making it seem like an infodump.
The story is told in first person present tense. Not my favourite tense to read, but I got used to it as the story progressed. It seems to be the current fashion.
Story.
India Jackson is, for want of a better word, a Space Pirate. She is recruited to find out what Oberon, the leader of a different sector, is planning in order to capture Constellation, a ship that India secured for her sector. (Book 1)
A Space Station is destroyed, and India is accused of the deed. She flees with her crew to unsavoury parts of the galaxy in order to find out more, but with a price on her head, and possible traitors, it's difficult for her.
I cannot say more without spoilers.
Characters.
The book is told from Indy's POV as it's in 1st person, so we know her better than anyone else. She is a complex character, and can be unpredictable. Although she doesn't mind breaking the law, she does have a strong moral sense and guilt feelings for people who die in her service, or because of her plans.
I think many people will know someone like Indy in their complexity. I certainly felt with her, and liked her.
Other characters are less well developed.
Writing
I have no complaints about the writing.
Mr Scanlon does well in making us feel the dangers and excitement of space. Near the beginning, Indy performs a dangerous manoeuvre while escaping that we can almost feel.
His descriptions of the places visited are clear and we can easily visualise them.
Grammar is good. No typos that I spotted.
If you are a fan of Space Opera, then I suggest you read this book.
I give it 5*
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
In all honesty, I wish I'd read Book 1, Constellation, before reading this, as it's the second book in the trilogy. Having said that, it is possible to read this without reading book 1 because Mr Scanlon skillfully fills in the gaps during the story without making it seem like an infodump.
The story is told in first person present tense. Not my favourite tense to read, but I got used to it as the story progressed. It seems to be the current fashion.
Story.
India Jackson is, for want of a better word, a Space Pirate. She is recruited to find out what Oberon, the leader of a different sector, is planning in order to capture Constellation, a ship that India secured for her sector. (Book 1)
A Space Station is destroyed, and India is accused of the deed. She flees with her crew to unsavoury parts of the galaxy in order to find out more, but with a price on her head, and possible traitors, it's difficult for her.
I cannot say more without spoilers.
Characters.
The book is told from Indy's POV as it's in 1st person, so we know her better than anyone else. She is a complex character, and can be unpredictable. Although she doesn't mind breaking the law, she does have a strong moral sense and guilt feelings for people who die in her service, or because of her plans.
I think many people will know someone like Indy in their complexity. I certainly felt with her, and liked her.
Other characters are less well developed.
Writing
I have no complaints about the writing.
Mr Scanlon does well in making us feel the dangers and excitement of space. Near the beginning, Indy performs a dangerous manoeuvre while escaping that we can almost feel.
His descriptions of the places visited are clear and we can easily visualise them.
Grammar is good. No typos that I spotted.
If you are a fan of Space Opera, then I suggest you read this book.
I give it 5*
August 28, 2023
If Roslyn Chambers (of Glynn Stewart's Starship Mage series) had not been a mage and still made it to the stars without joining the navy, she might have been like Indy Jackson. They definitely both share the trouble magnet and adrenaline junkie genes. I love Indy's character - would-be hard-headed almost-merc with a protective streak a galaxy wide - and I really enjoyed the galactic whirlwind of a roller coaster jaunt that the author sent her and her exceedingly patient crew on. As the author says, this is definitely a space opera in the classic tradition, rivalling Weber's Honorverse and Stewart's Martian Protectorate. My only problem with this novel is that I want the next one, and this one is just being published!
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2023
I loved this novel. Lots of action, great character development, and enough space battling to keep me happy in my favorite sub-genre, Space Opera. Fun seeing the heroine hearkening back to her pirate days with the usual pirate trope of her looks. This felt like classic Dr. Who, with lots of twisty-turny plot surprises. Lots of running and screaming, heading towards the threat; not with a sonic screw driver, but with a laser sword and torpedoes. The aliens are interesting and believable. Indy gathers very loyal followers. I am looking forward to the third novel in this series to see how those relationships deepen and broaden.
September 25, 2023
The Good💃💪🔫🗡, The Bad👺, and the Aliens👽
Classic space opera sci-fi.🚀💫🌏 part of a series .
Revenge for the destruction of a Space station And all the people on it leads our heroine, Indy, To seek revenge. There are traitors and illegal simulants among Those she thought were Supporters.
I got this e-book from Amazon📚 with Kindle unlimited.
This book is written in 1st person from a single point of view. These books must be read in order., they are not stand alone.
The novel also ends in a surprising cliffhanger.
Classic space opera sci-fi.🚀💫🌏 part of a series .
Revenge for the destruction of a Space station And all the people on it leads our heroine, Indy, To seek revenge. There are traitors and illegal simulants among Those she thought were Supporters.
I got this e-book from Amazon📚 with Kindle unlimited.
This book is written in 1st person from a single point of view. These books must be read in order., they are not stand alone.
The novel also ends in a surprising cliffhanger.
October 31, 2023
I hadn’t read book 1, but had no trouble following the plot … a feisty space pirate in search of her presumed dead father - oh, and who is also trying to save her Sector of the galaxy … all while being framed for murder. A rollicking adventure. There is some swearing throughout. I received a free copy of this book with no obligation.
September 15, 2023
Finally!!
I read the first book years ago but the second book never came. Finally, I gave up, but lo and behold, book two is finally out and just as much fun as the first. Mr Scanlon, glad you got your mojo back!
I read the first book years ago but the second book never came. Finally, I gave up, but lo and behold, book two is finally out and just as much fun as the first. Mr Scanlon, glad you got your mojo back!
September 21, 2023
Excellent sequel! Looking forward to the concluding book in the trilogy.
September 10, 2024
Absolutely brilliant story full of tension and action. Indy is still looking for her father but must also discover why the blood empire is massing on the border. Great stuff definitely recommend
October 7, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable book in the 'hard sci-fi' tradition about a pirate turned saviour of the universe. Despite being part of a series it is a great read on its own. In this book she has to utilise the giant ship 'Constellation' of which she gained control in the previous book in order to take 'Nebula', an enemy ship that is 4 times its size, at the same time as dealing with enemies and traitors at home.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews