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Friends of a Former Space Janitor #1
Dark Quasar Rising
In the heart of enemy territory, Vanti must save the day without blowing her cover... or her cool.
Security for a reality star cruising on a billionaire's space yacht should be excellent cover for secret agent Lindsay "Vanti" Fioravanti. Her boss, the famous Elodie-Oh, doesn't care where they go, as long as it's viral.
Then Arun, the ship's owner and pilot, grabs an opportunity to do business on Gagarin--a planet emerging into capitalism with enthusiasm. Getting in on the new market is a huge risk, but could offer enormous rewards. And visiting Gagarin gives Vanti the chance to recruit new informants.
But when a shipmate is kidnapped, Vanti and Arun must come to the rescue. Can they do it without exposing Vanti's secret identity? And if not, who will feed the cat?
Security for a reality star cruising on a billionaire's space yacht should be excellent cover for secret agent Lindsay "Vanti" Fioravanti. Her boss, the famous Elodie-Oh, doesn't care where they go, as long as it's viral.
Then Arun, the ship's owner and pilot, grabs an opportunity to do business on Gagarin--a planet emerging into capitalism with enthusiasm. Getting in on the new market is a huge risk, but could offer enormous rewards. And visiting Gagarin gives Vanti the chance to recruit new informants.
But when a shipmate is kidnapped, Vanti and Arun must come to the rescue. Can they do it without exposing Vanti's secret identity? And if not, who will feed the cat?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2023
79 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Julia Huni
55 books170 followersAuthor of the Colonial Exploration Corps, Space Janitor, Recycled World, and Krimson Empire series.
I grew up in the US Pacific Northwest, and after twenty years roaming the country with the US Air Force, I'm back. I have a spouse, three kids, and a dog named Pippin.
I've been an IT guy, a choir director, an executive assistant, a stay-at-home mom, a college instructor, and that lady at the information booth in a tourist town. But writer is the best job ever, because I get to make stuff up. Stuff I wish were true; stuff I'm glad isn't true.
When I'm not writing, I like to knit, read, bake, and ski. I also love to travel.
I grew up in the US Pacific Northwest, and after twenty years roaming the country with the US Air Force, I'm back. I have a spouse, three kids, and a dog named Pippin.
I've been an IT guy, a choir director, an executive assistant, a stay-at-home mom, a college instructor, and that lady at the information booth in a tourist town. But writer is the best job ever, because I get to make stuff up. Stuff I wish were true; stuff I'm glad isn't true.
When I'm not writing, I like to knit, read, bake, and ski. I also love to travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 2, 2023
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
I have been obsessed with the Space Janitor world ever since I discovered it two years ago, so to tell you that I was excited when I found out Vanti was going to get her own book is an understatement.
As we all know, Vanti is a super secret agent whose current cover is that of a security agent to a reality star. They are traveling on Arun’s ship, who is Triana’s cousin, and when they drop by Gagarin to do business, things go all sorts of wrong! Kidnappings, freaking space pirates, a sassy AI, and general shenanigans happen. And it was so much fun! Vanti is a badass, so there’s quite a bit of exciting action. The story itself was also very interesting and I was glued to the pages wanting to find out what Vanti was going to do and how she was going to get out of this mess. But Vanti is smart and her ability to think on her feet is impressive. I loved following her!
I also loved the little bit of sexual tension that was going on between her and Arun—that was fun!
And omg Helva, the AI on Arun’s ship... I loved her! Everything she said cracked me up! The snark from that AI, I swear! 😂 She was great!
I also enjoyed the setting in Gagarin. The planet’s been mentioned a few times before, but I don’t think there’s been a book set there before? I admit that I haven’t caught up on all of Julia Huni’s books, but I do remember that Siti from the Colonial Explorer Corps series (which takes place in this same world), once had a run-in with Gagarins on a moon, and that went about as well as what happened in this book. Lol. Meaning: it was terrible. Lol. It is such an oppressive planet, but it was also really intriguing and I enjoyed learning about it and its people. And their plans for Vanti and her friends... it was insane! I did NOT see any of that coming!
But I really liked this book! It was so much fun! I love Triana and the trouble she gets in, but I’m also really glad that we’re expanding that series even more with this series! I am SO excited to see what other adventures Friends of a Former Space Janitor will have in store for us!
I have been obsessed with the Space Janitor world ever since I discovered it two years ago, so to tell you that I was excited when I found out Vanti was going to get her own book is an understatement.
As we all know, Vanti is a super secret agent whose current cover is that of a security agent to a reality star. They are traveling on Arun’s ship, who is Triana’s cousin, and when they drop by Gagarin to do business, things go all sorts of wrong! Kidnappings, freaking space pirates, a sassy AI, and general shenanigans happen. And it was so much fun! Vanti is a badass, so there’s quite a bit of exciting action. The story itself was also very interesting and I was glued to the pages wanting to find out what Vanti was going to do and how she was going to get out of this mess. But Vanti is smart and her ability to think on her feet is impressive. I loved following her!
I also loved the little bit of sexual tension that was going on between her and Arun—that was fun!
And omg Helva, the AI on Arun’s ship... I loved her! Everything she said cracked me up! The snark from that AI, I swear! 😂 She was great!
I also enjoyed the setting in Gagarin. The planet’s been mentioned a few times before, but I don’t think there’s been a book set there before? I admit that I haven’t caught up on all of Julia Huni’s books, but I do remember that Siti from the Colonial Explorer Corps series (which takes place in this same world), once had a run-in with Gagarins on a moon, and that went about as well as what happened in this book. Lol. Meaning: it was terrible. Lol. It is such an oppressive planet, but it was also really intriguing and I enjoyed learning about it and its people. And their plans for Vanti and her friends... it was insane! I did NOT see any of that coming!
But I really liked this book! It was so much fun! I love Triana and the trouble she gets in, but I’m also really glad that we’re expanding that series even more with this series! I am SO excited to see what other adventures Friends of a Former Space Janitor will have in store for us!
September 30, 2023
Absolutely brilliant! Quite excellent! A lovely story set in the Space Janitor universe, but I am happy to report that this book can be read on its own. For those who love the series, and this universe, then it is definitely a must-read book! And for those who are just intrigued, then I say 'give it a go!', you will not be disappointed!
This book cheered me up, and was a wonderful distraction from any gloom around at the moment.
Vanti has long been one of my favourite characters, so it is great for her to have a book for herself. Well, not actually herself, as there are a bunch of other characters we know well, and a rather brilliant cat, who does try as usual to steal the show.
Although, poor Apawllo will have to up his game, as there is another contender for best sidekick in this book, which is Helva. Fabulous!! I do hope there will be plenty more books with Helva to come, and she does make a great pairing with Vanti.
More please, nice author...!
This book cheered me up, and was a wonderful distraction from any gloom around at the moment.
Vanti has long been one of my favourite characters, so it is great for her to have a book for herself. Well, not actually herself, as there are a bunch of other characters we know well, and a rather brilliant cat, who does try as usual to steal the show.
Although, poor Apawllo will have to up his game, as there is another contender for best sidekick in this book, which is Helva. Fabulous!! I do hope there will be plenty more books with Helva to come, and she does make a great pairing with Vanti.
More please, nice author...!
September 28, 2023
Disclaimer: I got a advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. (At least I think those were the terms, if not that's what I'm going with.)
This book has all of the fun that other books by this author have, so you won't be shocked by some random style suddenly appearing out of nowhere if you have read any of them. Vanti is the main focus in this one, but if you haven't read any other Space Janitor related book, don't worry about it, this one stands on its own pretty well.
We have a few new characters appear, some look like they might be around for future books, and I am really looking forward to some of those adventures. I must say I was rather surprised perhaps even shocked when one of the new characters was introduced, and reading the story suggested at that point might give you a bit of insight into this character, or maybe it's just one character's hero worship. Either way, it's done well enough that it works. A couple pages later, my shock and surprise had worn off and it was all done well. If you are interested, finish this one first before looking for that one, it's good too, but not important enough to stop in the middle of this one.
All in all, another excellent book in the "Space Janitor Universe", fun to read, hard to put down, with some good twists and turns, and well worth the effort.
This book has all of the fun that other books by this author have, so you won't be shocked by some random style suddenly appearing out of nowhere if you have read any of them. Vanti is the main focus in this one, but if you haven't read any other Space Janitor related book, don't worry about it, this one stands on its own pretty well.
We have a few new characters appear, some look like they might be around for future books, and I am really looking forward to some of those adventures. I must say I was rather surprised perhaps even shocked when one of the new characters was introduced, and reading the story suggested at that point might give you a bit of insight into this character, or maybe it's just one character's hero worship. Either way, it's done well enough that it works. A couple pages later, my shock and surprise had worn off and it was all done well. If you are interested, finish this one first before looking for that one, it's good too, but not important enough to stop in the middle of this one.
All in all, another excellent book in the "Space Janitor Universe", fun to read, hard to put down, with some good twists and turns, and well worth the effort.
October 16, 2023
Rollicking good fun! I thoroughly enjoyed the action, intrigue, and characters. I had been waiting to read Vanti's tale, and this didn't disappoint. I gotta say, though, my favorite character was Helva! Ms. Huni had great fun with the old Turing Test dilemma.
This book is the perfect palate cleanser: enough heart and humor to escape the awfulness of current events, enough action and double crosses to keep my pulse racing, and enough drama and danger to make me cheer when they pulled it off and had a HFN ending - but without getting too angsty or grim. And while it did NOT end in a cliffhanger, there were plenty of loose ends to provide fodder for more adventures to follow.
Highly recommended!
(Oh, yeah, and there was a cat who was way too smart for his own good.)
This book is the perfect palate cleanser: enough heart and humor to escape the awfulness of current events, enough action and double crosses to keep my pulse racing, and enough drama and danger to make me cheer when they pulled it off and had a HFN ending - but without getting too angsty or grim. And while it did NOT end in a cliffhanger, there were plenty of loose ends to provide fodder for more adventures to follow.
Highly recommended!
(Oh, yeah, and there was a cat who was way too smart for his own good.)
October 30, 2023
Security for intergalactic star is kidnapped and told to assassinate unpopular leader - 3.5 stars
Vanti is a strong-willed woman who has been the security for Elodie - an intergalactic media star - is outed as a spy. It is a good cover for being able to go to galaxies and governments outside the protection of the Galactic Union. The attraction between Arun, captain of the star craft, and Vanti comes on strong. In the fast-moving plot, Helva - the AI who becomes increasingly sentient - is not only human-like but also her banter with the crew and the kidnappers is refreshingly entertaining.
It takes a long time to get to the action scenes (which start about 65% of the way through) but once the action starts, the book jumps to light speed. Once Started, the action is non-stop. Elodie has a cat named Apawllo who seems to know when to take a stand. The cat provides some comic relief and shows up most of the time ready to participate - not by purring, Apawllo warns of unsafe equipment, sneaks out, and is discovered just before several important incidents.
The concept that an intergalactic social media star, originally included in the space janitor series, is beginning to feel stale. The idea of capturing outsiders and forcing them to partake in a local political squabble stretched my credibility. To me, the parallels between the end of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) provided some passing interest. As an action-adventure, this was a fun book with a modest set of new material.
Vanti is a strong-willed woman who has been the security for Elodie - an intergalactic media star - is outed as a spy. It is a good cover for being able to go to galaxies and governments outside the protection of the Galactic Union. The attraction between Arun, captain of the star craft, and Vanti comes on strong. In the fast-moving plot, Helva - the AI who becomes increasingly sentient - is not only human-like but also her banter with the crew and the kidnappers is refreshingly entertaining.
It takes a long time to get to the action scenes (which start about 65% of the way through) but once the action starts, the book jumps to light speed. Once Started, the action is non-stop. Elodie has a cat named Apawllo who seems to know when to take a stand. The cat provides some comic relief and shows up most of the time ready to participate - not by purring, Apawllo warns of unsafe equipment, sneaks out, and is discovered just before several important incidents.
The concept that an intergalactic social media star, originally included in the space janitor series, is beginning to feel stale. The idea of capturing outsiders and forcing them to partake in a local political squabble stretched my credibility. To me, the parallels between the end of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) provided some passing interest. As an action-adventure, this was a fun book with a modest set of new material.
October 21, 2025
Vanti and friends are back in a very good adventure in “Dark Quasar Reckoning”. This book takes place in the aftermath of the events in “Dark Quasar Ignites”. It is Book 3 of 3 (so far). I enjoyed this book a lot. It is part Space Opera, part comedy, part adventure, part palace intrigue with a small amount of Romance thrown in for good measure. While this book can be read as a standalone, I think the reader would be better off starting off with Book 1 (“Dark Quasar Rising”) and reading them in order, so as to have a better grasp on who all the players are.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy of this book. I look forward to and eagerly await Julia’s next book!
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy of this book. I look forward to and eagerly await Julia’s next book!
October 14, 2023
Great sci fi thriller with a hint of romance
Well, a hint of romance if Vanti can get out of her own way and learn to trust someone (and I love Arun). The worldbuilding in this universe is excellent and believable. Helva is an awesome new character, and I'm looking forward to her return. I think Apawllo is a cyborg or an alien. There is humor, but Dark Quasar is a little more serious than Triana's books, although Quasar is equally full of thrills, adventure, banter, and nail-biting moments.
Well, a hint of romance if Vanti can get out of her own way and learn to trust someone (and I love Arun). The worldbuilding in this universe is excellent and believable. Helva is an awesome new character, and I'm looking forward to her return. I think Apawllo is a cyborg or an alien. There is humor, but Dark Quasar is a little more serious than Triana's books, although Quasar is equally full of thrills, adventure, banter, and nail-biting moments.
October 27, 2023
enjoyable romp, good use of established characters, and the introduction of a new Favourite,
the best lines are given to the ships A.I. computer, and was my true joy in the story,
Vanti is given room to grow and become a more rounded person,
Still not sure of The romantic lead Arun ( this maybe because i fancy the red headed Vanti )
the Communist russian setting worked very well.
and next time it could be a Japanese one ?
looking forward to reading it.
the best lines are given to the ships A.I. computer, and was my true joy in the story,
Vanti is given room to grow and become a more rounded person,
Still not sure of The romantic lead Arun ( this maybe because i fancy the red headed Vanti )
the Communist russian setting worked very well.
and next time it could be a Japanese one ?
looking forward to reading it.
October 18, 2023
wonderful distraction in a dark time
This book arrived just at a time when I was starting to slide into true depression. The science-y aspect is enough to satisfy my lifelong fascination with sci fi. The camaraderie is fun that is funny. The plot and Bad Guys are an over-the-top hoot. A real lifesaver!
This book arrived just at a time when I was starting to slide into true depression. The science-y aspect is enough to satisfy my lifelong fascination with sci fi. The camaraderie is fun that is funny. The plot and Bad Guys are an over-the-top hoot. A real lifesaver!
October 18, 2023
Welcome back Vanti
Plans, who needs an in-depth plan when things always change at the last moment. Vanti, Arun and Elodie all have different reasons for heading to Gargarin but hijacking, hostage taking locals have other plans. Is there also a new secret member to the crew as they run trying to return home.
Plans, who needs an in-depth plan when things always change at the last moment. Vanti, Arun and Elodie all have different reasons for heading to Gargarin but hijacking, hostage taking locals have other plans. Is there also a new secret member to the crew as they run trying to return home.
November 3, 2024
This was my first Julia Huni book, and oh boy!
I really enjoyed this book. Like really, REALLy enjoyed it! It has action, adventure, a corrupt government, spies, comedy, blaster fire, a snarky ship's computer, and even a bit of romance. It was a fun ride from start to finish. I'll definitely be checking out the other books in this series, as well as some of the other series from Huni.
I really enjoyed this book. Like really, REALLy enjoyed it! It has action, adventure, a corrupt government, spies, comedy, blaster fire, a snarky ship's computer, and even a bit of romance. It was a fun ride from start to finish. I'll definitely be checking out the other books in this series, as well as some of the other series from Huni.
October 11, 2023
Great book hard to put down.
After reading the space janitor, and found the series an easy to read light and amusing series of books. Was a pleasant find when this popped up on Amazon. Also a great easy to read pleasurable book.
After reading the space janitor, and found the series an easy to read light and amusing series of books. Was a pleasant find when this popped up on Amazon. Also a great easy to read pleasurable book.
November 8, 2023
First book in the series
A well written story that uses characters and locations from previous works. This series has Vanti as a main character and tells the story from her viewpoint. Apawllo also has a part to play.
A well written story that uses characters and locations from previous works. This series has Vanti as a main character and tells the story from her viewpoint. Apawllo also has a part to play.
November 13, 2023
most enjoyable book
Another great book from Julia Huni. Continuing tales of the Space Janitor’s friends in another series. It’s good to see the universe from the perspective of a “co star” from the original series
Another great book from Julia Huni. Continuing tales of the Space Janitor’s friends in another series. It’s good to see the universe from the perspective of a “co star” from the original series
November 4, 2024
Vanti travels with Elodie getting into and out of tense situations, meeting strange people with strange goals, and does her best to get almost every one of them through those situations alive. Tense moments, great interactions, Great Story Telling!
October 24, 2023
entertaining
Just like the Space Janitor series, entertaining but G rated.
Easy to start, stop, and start again like for doctor visits.
Just like the Space Janitor series, entertaining but G rated.
Easy to start, stop, and start again like for doctor visits.
April 26, 2024
humerous
Loved the fast paced action and funny inserts..
Never known a cat as smart as thar one appears to be
Loved the fast paced action and funny inserts..
Never known a cat as smart as thar one appears to be
June 25, 2024
Friends ???
The saga continues with the introduction of new characters. Are they true friends, or do they have other plans. Only time will tell.
The saga continues with the introduction of new characters. Are they true friends, or do they have other plans. Only time will tell.
October 31, 2024
test for a new team
The story is new as are some of the team members but we have to start somewhere, a nice little test for our new team .
The story is new as are some of the team members but we have to start somewhere, a nice little test for our new team .
June 7, 2025
good sequel to Space Janitor series!!! looking forward to reading the 2nd in this series!!! It's got humor and adventure!
October 24, 2023
This book is part of the Space Janitor universe. This is a fun, fast-paced, thrill ride of a story. The characters are well thought out and relateable. She is a spy playing a variety of parts. Her actions and reactions fill this story with skill, luck, and desparation. I loved the story and couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend it.
October 7, 2023
The first chapter, and I'm hooked! The story has moved on from the previous series but this time it's Lindsey, aka Vanti, telling her story. On a mission as guard to Elodie, she shifts into agent mode to make a quick data pickup. Action and wit abound as things go wrong on the dictatorial planet of Gagarin, and they all must be flexible and clever to save the day! As always, a page turner with humorous sections and fun names (the ship Ostelah Veesta, the ship AI Helva, named after the famous ship...). Oh, and we won't forget the cat Apawllo and his unknown talents. Reading some of the previous series would give you some depth and background but isn't strictly necessary. - I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
October 8, 2023
New adventures await!
I was really looking forward to Vanti’s first post-(former)-Space-Janitor adventure, and Dark Quasar Rising does not disappoint! If you’ve read Changing the Speed of Light Bulbs, you are already familiar with most of Vanti’s new crew, though it’s not necessary to have read either of the Space Janitor series before diving into this book.
The story takes Vanti and her friends to Gagarin, and let’s just say that things do not go as planned (when do they ever?). Watching Vanti, Elodie, and the others get out of this newest snafu makes makes for a fast-paced, highly entertaining read.
5/5 #TeamVanti-stars
I was really looking forward to Vanti’s first post-(former)-Space-Janitor adventure, and Dark Quasar Rising does not disappoint! If you’ve read Changing the Speed of Light Bulbs, you are already familiar with most of Vanti’s new crew, though it’s not necessary to have read either of the Space Janitor series before diving into this book.
The story takes Vanti and her friends to Gagarin, and let’s just say that things do not go as planned (when do they ever?). Watching Vanti, Elodie, and the others get out of this newest snafu makes makes for a fast-paced, highly entertaining read.
5/5 #TeamVanti-stars
October 8, 2023
(I received this copy for the ARC group, so I got to read it early. Eat your hearts out.)
Vanti, working as security for Elodie-Oh, Elodie's chef Leo, and Apawllo, are with Arun on Arun's ship, the "Ostelah Veesta", visiting Gagarin for some trade opportunities for Arun. This book introduces us to Helva.
Of course, nothing and nobody are as they seem. But when is that different from Vanti's past adventures? This time, though, may be different. Vanti, used to working on her own, must decide who can be trusted in this system, work with a team, and somehow figure out how to wrangle Apawllo in the process. Nothing dare happen to Elodie-Oh's cat!
Vanti, working as security for Elodie-Oh, Elodie's chef Leo, and Apawllo, are with Arun on Arun's ship, the "Ostelah Veesta", visiting Gagarin for some trade opportunities for Arun. This book introduces us to Helva.
Of course, nothing and nobody are as they seem. But when is that different from Vanti's past adventures? This time, though, may be different. Vanti, used to working on her own, must decide who can be trusted in this system, work with a team, and somehow figure out how to wrangle Apawllo in the process. Nothing dare happen to Elodie-Oh's cat!
October 8, 2023
For those of you who've red the Space Janitor series, you will get a new look into a different side of Vanti. For anyone coming at this fresh, just hang on for a fun ride.
The characters are ones that we know from the other series, but now we are centering on them and as a first in this series, it works without reading the others. This was a fun romp with plenty of what we've come to expect from Julia Huni. I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
The characters are ones that we know from the other series, but now we are centering on them and as a first in this series, it works without reading the others. This was a fun romp with plenty of what we've come to expect from Julia Huni. I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
October 8, 2023
I was glad to see that Vanti has her own series now. She’s an interesting character in the Space Janitor universe. This story was a fun, enjoyable read. The author continues to build out her universe by taking us to a planet which has been mentioned in previous books. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 8, 2023
This is a great story in the Space Janitor universe and it’s the first one without her in it. Vanti, a regular character in the Space Janitor series, is the main protagonist. It’s a very good story and the characterisation, as usual for this author. Is very good. There are numerous plot twists , which I won’t describe as I don’t want to give any spoilers.
Well worth reading.
Well worth reading.
October 11, 2023
Loved the new book, it was amazing to meet again the favourite characters of Vanti, and Elodie , Ieo.
Dark Quasar is an excellent addition of trianna Moore series of books cannot wait for Helva
Dark Quasar is an excellent addition of trianna Moore series of books cannot wait for Helva
October 8, 2023
This was really great! I loved the story, brilliant, a whole adventure set around Vanti! A good selection of characters complete the team, in a fast paced sci fi adventure! Good levels of tension & pace, as always with Julia Huni, a beautifully crafted story! It is always a real pleasure to read! I do recommend this new series & all of her other stories! You will not be disappointed!
July 22, 2025
After reading the space janitor, and found the series an easy to read light and amusing series of books. Recommended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews