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Misplaced Threats: MISPLACED HUMANITY CHRONICLES
Decades after The Shift, 17 Systems were locked into an entrenched authoritarian government ruled by gene-selected elites. ‘The 35 ‘royal’ Families and 50 Great Corporations control the Federated government, as a self-centered tyranny, the very definition of fascism.Skirmishes between factions has raised the peril of civil war.Attacks by mysterious aliens has raised the peril of annihilation.The Federated Space Forces consists of a few, mostly incompetent warships, and many armed merchant cruisers contracted out from, and owned by, the Families and Corporations. Their loyalties are not with the Federated government.So, you want to just run a local bar and grill. How do you do that, with the universe falling apart around you? Is this a call to action, or a requirement to hide? How to you handle an idealistic university professor who has attracted your regard? An Organic computer, with pretentions of sentience? A sub-culture of space workers, Vakkers? How do you handle a call for leadership, when all you want is to sling sandwiches?Another young man wants to be left alone, yet, somehow, he finds himself drafted into the Federated Space Forces Academy. He’s then horrified by the idea that he, personally, should be an instrument to save humanity from aliens and tyrants.What’s preeminent, the alien menace, or lost freedom and human rights? Support or overthrow the government? If you overthrow the government, is humanity in disarray, vulnerable the aliens? If you join with the government to fight the aliens, are you capitulating to an oligarchy and sacrificing the chance for freedom? When is authoritarianism acceptable in a crisis? When must freedom be sacrificed for safety?Misplaced Threats is the first in a series, The Misplaced Humanity Chronicles, exploring how the fate of the human race might change based on the moods of a dysfunctional Organic Computer with identity issues.The dinosaurs, too, were thriving, once upon a time—just before they went extinct.Reader's Reviews
Deborah June, AustraliaWonderful writing style. Stunning and meticulous world-building. Fabulous dialogue. Humor!!! Super loveable characters. Fantastic action scenes.This was a fabulous, hilarious, incredibly imaginative read.The first thing that grabbed me about this story was the humor! So many of the scenes, and in particular the dialogue, were so funny I nearly fell off my chair laughing. Humor is such a powerful way to connect with the reader, and I found myself connecting instantly with the characters in this book due to the hilarious interactions between them, and the often funny and dry observations that were made about life. Another strong point in this section for me was the efficiency of the writing and the world-building. The writing was clean and clear and things were described with the necessary detail for me to picture them and understand how they worked, but not with so much detail as to slow the pacing or make me feel bogged down while I was reading. The world building felt strong, natural, and confident in its presentation, and this helped me to feel completely immersed in the story world. The story was also wonderfully imaginative—Mike’s restaurant was a highlight for me.Briana, USAIt has been a long time since I’ve read a book that made me laugh, cry, and (almost) scream. It’s also been a while since I’ve stayed up literally all night so I could read a book. And it has been a very long time since I’ve read a darn good sci-fi.This? This did all of that. This is a darn good sci-fi.
Deborah June, AustraliaWonderful writing style. Stunning and meticulous world-building. Fabulous dialogue. Humor!!! Super loveable characters. Fantastic action scenes.This was a fabulous, hilarious, incredibly imaginative read.The first thing that grabbed me about this story was the humor! So many of the scenes, and in particular the dialogue, were so funny I nearly fell off my chair laughing. Humor is such a powerful way to connect with the reader, and I found myself connecting instantly with the characters in this book due to the hilarious interactions between them, and the often funny and dry observations that were made about life. Another strong point in this section for me was the efficiency of the writing and the world-building. The writing was clean and clear and things were described with the necessary detail for me to picture them and understand how they worked, but not with so much detail as to slow the pacing or make me feel bogged down while I was reading. The world building felt strong, natural, and confident in its presentation, and this helped me to feel completely immersed in the story world. The story was also wonderfully imaginative—Mike’s restaurant was a highlight for me.Briana, USAIt has been a long time since I’ve read a book that made me laugh, cry, and (almost) scream. It’s also been a while since I’ve stayed up literally all night so I could read a book. And it has been a very long time since I’ve read a darn good sci-fi.This? This did all of that. This is a darn good sci-fi.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2023
1 person is currently reading
About the author
Alan Zimm
4 books3 followersDr. Alan D. Zimm is a member of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where he heads a section in the Aviation Systems and Advanced Concepts Group. He is a former officer in the US Navy, completing his service as a Commander, and holds degrees in Physics, Operations Research, and Public Administration with a concentration on Policy Analysis and Strategic Planning.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 2, 2025
Mike just wants to open a restaurant to earn some money. Ghost just wants to be left alone to live his life and breathe oxygen without being fined. But they, along with many others, learn that the system is not set up to work for them, to help them in any way, or to care about anyone but the elite.
I struggled to write the synopsis for this book, because I struggle to explain the main plot. A lot of characters are introduced early on, though eventually Mike and Ghost rise to the top as the two biggest characters (Mike being the main, in my mind). Almost everything else in the book was some kind of support to their stories, minus one side plot that I think could have easily been cut and the book wouldn't have lost anything. Even though I wasn't sure what the main plot was though, I enjoyed the book overall. I'm not a space opera expert by any means, but I really appreciated the world building in this book. Major and minor details worked together really well, and I felt immersed in the overall setting. More specifically, Mike's restaurant is amazing! There's a lot of creativity there, and it's one of the reasons I was always happy to go back to Mike's POV.
The author is great with characters and dialog. Conversations, especially between patrons of Mike's restaurant, feel completely realistic. Part of that is also involved in the world building I mentioned earlier—being futuristic and set far from Earth, there would have to be a lot of different terminology, and there is, yet I never felt bogged down by it. In fact, there are even quite a few pop-culture references in the book, and even some more obscure references (one of which particularly amazed me), and they actually fit in really well.
My biggest issue with this book, aside from the one side plot I mentioned earlier than didn't seem like it added much and was pretty anti-climactic and unsatisfying, is the heavy sci-fi elements. This type of sci-fi is not something I normally read, so it may be completely normal, but I did a lot of skimming throughout the book when piloting of ships, specifics about the mechanics of the food delivery in the restaurant, things like that, got too detailed. I knew I wasn't going to follow it anyway. But overall, I enjoyed the book and hope that the author is going to continue the series (the first one was originally published in 2023) so I can read more about these characters and (fingers crossed) maybe a little more about the side plot that I felt went nowhere. And one more thing—this book is self-published, and though I'd imagine a publisher may have made some changes to the style and flow, it avoids many of the annoyances that I often find in self-published books. If you're interested in reading this book, I'd recommend it.
I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled to write the synopsis for this book, because I struggle to explain the main plot. A lot of characters are introduced early on, though eventually Mike and Ghost rise to the top as the two biggest characters (Mike being the main, in my mind). Almost everything else in the book was some kind of support to their stories, minus one side plot that I think could have easily been cut and the book wouldn't have lost anything. Even though I wasn't sure what the main plot was though, I enjoyed the book overall. I'm not a space opera expert by any means, but I really appreciated the world building in this book. Major and minor details worked together really well, and I felt immersed in the overall setting. More specifically, Mike's restaurant is amazing! There's a lot of creativity there, and it's one of the reasons I was always happy to go back to Mike's POV.
The author is great with characters and dialog. Conversations, especially between patrons of Mike's restaurant, feel completely realistic. Part of that is also involved in the world building I mentioned earlier—being futuristic and set far from Earth, there would have to be a lot of different terminology, and there is, yet I never felt bogged down by it. In fact, there are even quite a few pop-culture references in the book, and even some more obscure references (one of which particularly amazed me), and they actually fit in really well.
My biggest issue with this book, aside from the one side plot I mentioned earlier than didn't seem like it added much and was pretty anti-climactic and unsatisfying, is the heavy sci-fi elements. This type of sci-fi is not something I normally read, so it may be completely normal, but I did a lot of skimming throughout the book when piloting of ships, specifics about the mechanics of the food delivery in the restaurant, things like that, got too detailed. I knew I wasn't going to follow it anyway. But overall, I enjoyed the book and hope that the author is going to continue the series (the first one was originally published in 2023) so I can read more about these characters and (fingers crossed) maybe a little more about the side plot that I felt went nowhere. And one more thing—this book is self-published, and though I'd imagine a publisher may have made some changes to the style and flow, it avoids many of the annoyances that I often find in self-published books. If you're interested in reading this book, I'd recommend it.
I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2025
If you’re looking for a science fiction read that blends laugh-out-loud humor, memorable characters, and a richly detailed universe, look no further than Alan Zimm’s Misplaced Threats. The first entry in the Misplaced Humanity Chronicles offers a unique reading experience.
One of the most captivating aspects is the distinctive setting. Much of the action revolves around a bar and grill cleverly established within a wrecked cargo ship. This isn’t just any bar; it’s the “Lacrosse Shot,” known for its unusual method of serving food and drinks – using onagers to shoot orders across the room to waiting customers. It’s a quirky touch that immediately sets the tone for the imaginative world the author has created.
The book shines through its colorful cast of characters. Mike, the kind, generous, and hard-working proprietor, is at the heart of the Lacrosse Shot. He’s described as a “grounded Vakker” with a past working on space liners and freighters, now navigating the challenges of running his own business in an unconventional location.
Partnering with him is the mysterious Ghost, the quiet “silent partner” who devised the bar’s concept. Ghost has a past that makes him a wanted “runner” and possesses impressive skills.
But perhaps the most unforgettable character is LaMancha, the bar’s House Organic. Described as unique and “beyond state of the art,” LaMancha is an AI with a truly incredible personality. He communicates using various voices and personas, delivers witty and often outrageous commentary, and plays a significant role in the bar’s success. His interactions alone provide a consistent source of humor and charm.
Beyond the bar is a larger, complex universe populated by various groups like the Vakkers, Clients, and powerful Corporations such as Tevil. There’s an undercurrent of struggle against corporate dominance and efforts toward organizing for better conditions. The story weaves together personal struggles, entrepreneurial endeavors, legal skirmishes, and moments of genuine heroism.
Misplaced Threats is a delightful blend of genres. It offers the down-to-earth charm of a story centered on a local business and its patrons, combined with science fiction’s scope and technological elements, all seasoned with sharp wit and engaging humor. This book is worth picking up if you enjoy character-driven stories set in imaginative worlds with a healthy dose of comedy. It’s an entertaining ride with unexpected turns and plenty of memorable moments.
One of the most captivating aspects is the distinctive setting. Much of the action revolves around a bar and grill cleverly established within a wrecked cargo ship. This isn’t just any bar; it’s the “Lacrosse Shot,” known for its unusual method of serving food and drinks – using onagers to shoot orders across the room to waiting customers. It’s a quirky touch that immediately sets the tone for the imaginative world the author has created.
The book shines through its colorful cast of characters. Mike, the kind, generous, and hard-working proprietor, is at the heart of the Lacrosse Shot. He’s described as a “grounded Vakker” with a past working on space liners and freighters, now navigating the challenges of running his own business in an unconventional location.
Partnering with him is the mysterious Ghost, the quiet “silent partner” who devised the bar’s concept. Ghost has a past that makes him a wanted “runner” and possesses impressive skills.
But perhaps the most unforgettable character is LaMancha, the bar’s House Organic. Described as unique and “beyond state of the art,” LaMancha is an AI with a truly incredible personality. He communicates using various voices and personas, delivers witty and often outrageous commentary, and plays a significant role in the bar’s success. His interactions alone provide a consistent source of humor and charm.
Beyond the bar is a larger, complex universe populated by various groups like the Vakkers, Clients, and powerful Corporations such as Tevil. There’s an undercurrent of struggle against corporate dominance and efforts toward organizing for better conditions. The story weaves together personal struggles, entrepreneurial endeavors, legal skirmishes, and moments of genuine heroism.
Misplaced Threats is a delightful blend of genres. It offers the down-to-earth charm of a story centered on a local business and its patrons, combined with science fiction’s scope and technological elements, all seasoned with sharp wit and engaging humor. This book is worth picking up if you enjoy character-driven stories set in imaginative worlds with a healthy dose of comedy. It’s an entertaining ride with unexpected turns and plenty of memorable moments.
May 1, 2025
In a dystopian future, the galaxy is in the hands of several enormous corporations and a handful of powerful families. Misplaced-4 is a planet ostensibly owned by the Tevil Corporation. There is mass corruption and unemployment there. Mike, a spaceflight crewmember, is running a bar and grill that was once a cargo shuttle. He partners with LaMancha, a sentient organic computer. Their young friend Ghost, a wizard with technology, has been arrested and forced into joining the Federated Space Forces. Ghost takes charge when there is an emergency, but now, he must try to avoid serious repercussions after defying an ineffective but entitled captain. What will be the fate of these characters?
Misplaced Threats, by Alan Zimm, is a science fiction novel that often ventures into farcical territory rather than trying to be ultra serious. It is somewhat reminiscent of the works of Douglas Adams.
Zimm switches viewpoints frequently in the third person. His prose is straightforward and descriptive enough so that the reader can easily imagine the action that is taking place. The author’s vision is immersive and the world he envisions expansive. There are side plots in plenty, and the peripheral characters add flavor to the main story.
Ghost, Mike, and LaMancha prove to be a lovable trio of scamps. There is plentiful humor as they go about their business, and the lighthearted tone is refreshing in a genre that often turns to doom and gloom when imagining humanity’s possible future. Some of the side threads and characters also seem as though they are in place to set up potential further stories set in this environment, which would be most welcome.
The impressive world building and the breadth of Zimm’s vision are what makes this narrative a winner. Space operas are rarely so much fun, and the banter and wordplay are executed to perfection. It’s hard to think of a better introduction to a premise than this one, and hopefully we will see some future installments in what could easily be a long-running series sooner rather than later.
Misplaced Threats, by Alan Zimm, is a science fiction novel that often ventures into farcical territory rather than trying to be ultra serious. It is somewhat reminiscent of the works of Douglas Adams.
Zimm switches viewpoints frequently in the third person. His prose is straightforward and descriptive enough so that the reader can easily imagine the action that is taking place. The author’s vision is immersive and the world he envisions expansive. There are side plots in plenty, and the peripheral characters add flavor to the main story.
Ghost, Mike, and LaMancha prove to be a lovable trio of scamps. There is plentiful humor as they go about their business, and the lighthearted tone is refreshing in a genre that often turns to doom and gloom when imagining humanity’s possible future. Some of the side threads and characters also seem as though they are in place to set up potential further stories set in this environment, which would be most welcome.
The impressive world building and the breadth of Zimm’s vision are what makes this narrative a winner. Space operas are rarely so much fun, and the banter and wordplay are executed to perfection. It’s hard to think of a better introduction to a premise than this one, and hopefully we will see some future installments in what could easily be a long-running series sooner rather than later.
May 3, 2025
A Witty Space Opera with Heart...
Alan Zimm’s Misplaced Threats drops readers into a messy galactic future where corporate bigwigs and genetically modified hotshots are clinging to control. Sixty years after Earth ditched seventeen struggling colonies, things are a total dumpster fire—wars over scraps, corrupt systems, you name it. Then, boom: weird aliens show up out of nowhere—are they here to help or wreck everything? Zimm mixes doom-and-gloom with clever humor, following everyday folks—think scrappy small-business owners, over-it academics, and blue-collar hustlers—as they face the ultimate “pick your poison” moment: fight a crumbling dictatorship or cozy up to it and lose their souls.
The book nails this wild mix of goofy humor (yes, there’s a sassy supercomputer) and serious digs at greed and power. Sure, there’s a ton of moving parts—side quests galore—but the real magic is how regular folks band together when everything’s falling apart. Zimm keeps things snappy and fun, whether characters are dodging asteroid fights or shady corporate schemes. It’s chaos with a heart—proof that sometimes laughing through the apocalypse is the bravest move. Highly recommended.
Alan Zimm’s Misplaced Threats drops readers into a messy galactic future where corporate bigwigs and genetically modified hotshots are clinging to control. Sixty years after Earth ditched seventeen struggling colonies, things are a total dumpster fire—wars over scraps, corrupt systems, you name it. Then, boom: weird aliens show up out of nowhere—are they here to help or wreck everything? Zimm mixes doom-and-gloom with clever humor, following everyday folks—think scrappy small-business owners, over-it academics, and blue-collar hustlers—as they face the ultimate “pick your poison” moment: fight a crumbling dictatorship or cozy up to it and lose their souls.
The book nails this wild mix of goofy humor (yes, there’s a sassy supercomputer) and serious digs at greed and power. Sure, there’s a ton of moving parts—side quests galore—but the real magic is how regular folks band together when everything’s falling apart. Zimm keeps things snappy and fun, whether characters are dodging asteroid fights or shady corporate schemes. It’s chaos with a heart—proof that sometimes laughing through the apocalypse is the bravest move. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews