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April #14
The Long View
Despite their animosity, North America seems cowed into leaving Home and the Kingdom of Central alone for the moment. They are begrudgingly honoring the treaty Singh and Love hammered out in Hawaii and allowing free passage to home. That doesn’t mean they’ve lifted the sanctions on Home trade. The European powers are as friendly as needed to do trade but have never apologized for the lies about the origin of the last flu pandemic. That’s already fading from short-lifer’s memories. They can’t understand why long-lifers just won’t let stuff go. It helps that North America has other problems like Texas aggressively nibbling away at their border. Quebec has always been patiently waiting for them to be too busy elsewhere to repress them, and Mexico is quietly slipping away to Texan influence without a shot being fired. China, never really homogenous is too fractured into competing regions and interests to be a threat for a while. Jeff may have tipped them over the edge to that but it wasn’t hard.
In the relative peace holding for a moment in history, the habitats and the Moon are progressing past survival to making life comfortable. While many on Earth think the Spacers survive on Earth-grown food they’ve progressed to an abundance of essentials and are working away on the luxuries. They are acquiring extra-solar real estate beyond the Earthies reach.
Heather and her peers, April, and Jeff, plan a Grand Ball to celebrate life, friends, and allies. If the timing doesn’t work for the Earthies that’s their problem. It’s time to enjoy what they’ve accomplished and make plans for the future long put off. Soon enough, short-lived politicians will be replaced by those who don’t remember what happens when you rile the Spacers up. But for now, they can enjoy the moment.
In the relative peace holding for a moment in history, the habitats and the Moon are progressing past survival to making life comfortable. While many on Earth think the Spacers survive on Earth-grown food they’ve progressed to an abundance of essentials and are working away on the luxuries. They are acquiring extra-solar real estate beyond the Earthies reach.
Heather and her peers, April, and Jeff, plan a Grand Ball to celebrate life, friends, and allies. If the timing doesn’t work for the Earthies that’s their problem. It’s time to enjoy what they’ve accomplished and make plans for the future long put off. Soon enough, short-lived politicians will be replaced by those who don’t remember what happens when you rile the Spacers up. But for now, they can enjoy the moment.
- GenresScience Fiction
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2023
128 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Mackey Chandler
35 books221 followersMackey (Mac') Chandler is retired to Rochester Michigan from a working life that spanned a large number of occupations. Mold maker, aerospace machinist, plumber, mechanic and dozen more as well as owning several businesses. This life experience and travel show in the depth and variety of his writing.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 31, 2025
If I understood correctly, this is the last book in the April series. The story continues in the Family Law series, which in theory is fine with me. But... there are a few story threads I would like to see resolved, Family Law starts centuries after April closes. What happened with all the minor characters (like Mike and Fred) who suddenly rushed to Home and the Moon? What about Alice the orphan, Titus, Tommy and Pearl? Why build up so much conflict just to ignore it? And all the little scenes at the ball - what happened to those characters? The brotherhood guy, the Japanese couple, Eric and Jenifer...
I already mentioned in other reviews (Secrets in the Stars, All in Good Time) that I'm a bit annoyed that scenes get build up to feel important and then they are never picked up again.
Still, love the characters and will now pick up where I left Family Law and hope that a few of the minor characters will reappear and I get to learn what happened to them. 3 1/2 stars rounded up.
I already mentioned in other reviews (Secrets in the Stars, All in Good Time) that I'm a bit annoyed that scenes get build up to feel important and then they are never picked up again.
Still, love the characters and will now pick up where I left Family Law and hope that a few of the minor characters will reappear and I get to learn what happened to them. 3 1/2 stars rounded up.
September 30, 2023
It doesn't get much better.
I'm looking forward to reading how Mac fits the new reality into the story especially when the crossover with the "little fleet" happens , it's always hard but my initial feeling is that this is one my favourite books in the series , so much happens involving so many characters and several interesting new story threads have opened , I'd like to know how Alice gets on if only a brief mention in future books .
I'm looking forward to reading how Mac fits the new reality into the story especially when the crossover with the "little fleet" happens , it's always hard but my initial feeling is that this is one my favourite books in the series , so much happens involving so many characters and several interesting new story threads have opened , I'd like to know how Alice gets on if only a brief mention in future books .
October 1, 2023
squaring circles
A lot of this is bringing disparate pieces of previous novels together/to a conclusion. Almost housekeeping, in that it tidied up some loose plot lines and touches base with some recently less present supporting characters.
There’s plenty left that *could* be written. I’m not sure that it entirely *needs* to be. But I would buy and read it anyway, as I enjoy the universe and the prose.
A lot of this is bringing disparate pieces of previous novels together/to a conclusion. Almost housekeeping, in that it tidied up some loose plot lines and touches base with some recently less present supporting characters.
There’s plenty left that *could* be written. I’m not sure that it entirely *needs* to be. But I would buy and read it anyway, as I enjoy the universe and the prose.
November 16, 2023
Next One??
I really hope the next installment in the April series comes sooner. It took me half the book to remember the characters. 😎
Good book. I'd rate this PG only because there is a little non-lethal violence. No language that I remember and no sex scenes.
I recommend this series and author.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription and listened to with Alexa Android app.)
I really hope the next installment in the April series comes sooner. It took me half the book to remember the characters. 😎
Good book. I'd rate this PG only because there is a little non-lethal violence. No language that I remember and no sex scenes.
I recommend this series and author.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription and listened to with Alexa Android app.)
October 1, 2023
I can only hope
That after the some what extended period since the last book, that more April and company will be appearing on a more rapid schedule. Knowing too well the reality of Earth becoming The Big Slum Ball, it makes me happy that I am old enough not to see it happen, nor have LET available.
That after the some what extended period since the last book, that more April and company will be appearing on a more rapid schedule. Knowing too well the reality of Earth becoming The Big Slum Ball, it makes me happy that I am old enough not to see it happen, nor have LET available.
October 7, 2023
I definitely enjoyed the book, but I found it a bit ‘bitty’ as the author constantly switched from one storyline to another, often after just one page. Also although there was some progress with the ‘Vic and Eileen’ story, until the last page nothing significant happened with ‘April, Heather and Jeff’.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
October 8, 2023
another excellent book in the series.
This book feels in some questions from the family law series, we learn more about the life of some of our favorite characters, and get to watch as the spacers grow more separate from earth.
Solid editing.
Good story.
Overall a satisfying addition to the series.
This book feels in some questions from the family law series, we learn more about the life of some of our favorite characters, and get to watch as the spacers grow more separate from earth.
Solid editing.
Good story.
Overall a satisfying addition to the series.
July 16, 2024
Awesome, entertaining, intriguing and exciting series!!!!!
Congratulations to Mackey Chandler for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
Congratulations to Mackey Chandler for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
September 30, 2023
When you love the book so much…
… That you dread seeing the percentage you get higher and higher.
Altogether excellent. A great ending with lots to look forward to but no cliffhanger.
… That you dread seeing the percentage you get higher and higher.
Altogether excellent. A great ending with lots to look forward to but no cliffhanger.
October 1, 2023
Another Great One!
A few loose ends tied up here, and we are growing closer to the Family Law timeline too. A couple surprise twists kept me on my toes, and all to the better. I enjoyed this one just as much, if not more, than I have the previous books in the series.
A few loose ends tied up here, and we are growing closer to the Family Law timeline too. A couple surprise twists kept me on my toes, and all to the better. I enjoyed this one just as much, if not more, than I have the previous books in the series.
October 3, 2023
Five stars, but...
Nice progression of the story line, but there's no big surprise, no real action, the main initial plan (the development of a new found planet) is not finalized, and we know what the "future" holds from other story arcs. Still, good entertainment.
Nice progression of the story line, but there's no big surprise, no real action, the main initial plan (the development of a new found planet) is not finalized, and we know what the "future" holds from other story arcs. Still, good entertainment.
October 3, 2023
Wonderful series. Love these characters Read all of them!
Lovely continuation of the April series. Highly recommend this and all of Chandlers stories. Delightful! Please write faster!! Great read
Lovely continuation of the April series. Highly recommend this and all of Chandlers stories. Delightful! Please write faster!! Great read
October 10, 2023
I really like this series but a year between book 13 and book 14 left me confused with a lot of the characters. would have been help full to have a brief description of the characters at the beginning.
Read
October 12, 2023The trio has grown up
The trio has grown up, mostly. Thinking any doing for generations ahead . Even planning for the next. Little new technology, but thoughtful on newer stuff. No new characters, except a lady for Eric but expanding many interactions.
The trio has grown up, mostly. Thinking any doing for generations ahead . Even planning for the next. Little new technology, but thoughtful on newer stuff. No new characters, except a lady for Eric but expanding many interactions.
September 17, 2024
Wonderful series
I just finished the complete April series. After the Family Law series. I would love to see more of April and her family and friends to fill the gap between the two series. Thanks for bringing these wonderful characters to life.
I just finished the complete April series. After the Family Law series. I would love to see more of April and her family and friends to fill the gap between the two series. Thanks for bringing these wonderful characters to life.
August 21, 2025
Great series
Well written summary to the April series! Nice stopping point while leaving open future possibilities. Thoughtful exploration of possibilities worthy of great science fiction writers.
Well written summary to the April series! Nice stopping point while leaving open future possibilities. Thoughtful exploration of possibilities worthy of great science fiction writers.
October 2, 2023
another April book!
Mr. Chandler has produced another phenomenal addition to the April series, if he keeps producing them. I’ll keep reading them, there that good.
Mr. Chandler has produced another phenomenal addition to the April series, if he keeps producing them. I’ll keep reading them, there that good.
October 2, 2023
Awesome Still
This series of humanity expanding in space and the insanity that our planetary governments seemed to be heading in conflicts.
This series of humanity expanding in space and the insanity that our planetary governments seemed to be heading in conflicts.
October 6, 2023
Still to be explained
The plot elements of the next series. Particularly, the age of colonial exploration that resulted in several human and other worlds by that time.
The plot elements of the next series. Particularly, the age of colonial exploration that resulted in several human and other worlds by that time.
October 12, 2023
Good book
Another great book of this series. Loved the characters and the storyline. Cannot wait for the next book of this series and this author.
Another great book of this series. Loved the characters and the storyline. Cannot wait for the next book of this series and this author.
October 21, 2023
excellent as always
Once more I am left waiting to see what happens next in this amazing series.
Please Write fast Mr. Chandler.
Once more I am left waiting to see what happens next in this amazing series.
Please Write fast Mr. Chandler.
March 2, 2024
as good as the rest
A bit slow, but good anyway… familiar faces as the Foys from family law and other characters well known in the series.
A bit slow, but good anyway… familiar faces as the Foys from family law and other characters well known in the series.
March 1, 2025
Great series.
Loved the the way the series wad wrapped up. Can't wait to see if the latter stories pick up. On to Family Law. Highly revommend
Loved the the way the series wad wrapped up. Can't wait to see if the latter stories pick up. On to Family Law. Highly revommend
December 2, 2025
Toward the Stars
Starting a new society, with all its problems, successes and intrigues, is very entertaining, I highly recommend this series as a great read!
Starting a new society, with all its problems, successes and intrigues, is very entertaining, I highly recommend this series as a great read!
January 9, 2025
Great series
Don't know if this is the last but it's been interesting. The Hans, politics, ships, people, all has made it a series to complete. I will look to see how it continues or if there is another series by this author I waby to check out.
Don't know if this is the last but it's been interesting. The Hans, politics, ships, people, all has made it a series to complete. I will look to see how it continues or if there is another series by this author I waby to check out.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews