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Shiftgems #2
Experimental Voyage
When a spaceship accident costs Camellia her chance to explore the universe as a botanist, she jumps at the chance to be a test subject on an experimental voyage. If the gamble restores her hearing, her dreams for the future will no longer be out of reach.
Venturing into the depths of space is dangerous enough, but when a shiftgem gate develops a mind of its own and yanks them into uncharted space, Camellia’s skills and tolerance are tested. Her chance to explore a new world proves to be a bitter pill to swallow upon learning the some discoveries are best left lost.
How can Camellia, with the help of a grumpy pilot, his cat, and his crew of space-faring predators, safeguard an entire planet incapable of protecting itself?
The answer may cost her everything, including her heart.
Experimental Voyage first appeared in Pets in Space 8. This edition of the book includes new content.
Venturing into the depths of space is dangerous enough, but when a shiftgem gate develops a mind of its own and yanks them into uncharted space, Camellia’s skills and tolerance are tested. Her chance to explore a new world proves to be a bitter pill to swallow upon learning the some discoveries are best left lost.
How can Camellia, with the help of a grumpy pilot, his cat, and his crew of space-faring predators, safeguard an entire planet incapable of protecting itself?
The answer may cost her everything, including her heart.
Experimental Voyage first appeared in Pets in Space 8. This edition of the book includes new content.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2024
About the author
R.J. Blain
89 books1,344 followersRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 30, 2024
Goofy 🤪 but in dry humor way. With way more fluffy feathered murder machines
February 10, 2025
Not worth the extra pages.
This authors books are almost always lighthearted fun reads and this is no exception but................ It's a reissue, sure the original was short story included in an anthology and this has been greatly expanded but (for my mind, the expansion adds nothing much to the story. The short story ends with our heroine (and her new friends) lost in space. In this edition they quickly manage to make their way back home where our heroine leaves her new friends and goes off for some solo adventures (I use that word lightly) there is no real drama, no danger and no romance just lots of talk about new worlds and species and the customs of the Veloci (a race of giant bird like creatures) . The Veloci are actually the best thing about this story (both versions) as they have many quaint and unique customs while still being one.of.the deadliest creatures in this universe. All in all though I am.a bit disappointed......................
This authors books are almost always lighthearted fun reads and this is no exception but................ It's a reissue, sure the original was short story included in an anthology and this has been greatly expanded but (for my mind, the expansion adds nothing much to the story. The short story ends with our heroine (and her new friends) lost in space. In this edition they quickly manage to make their way back home where our heroine leaves her new friends and goes off for some solo adventures (I use that word lightly) there is no real drama, no danger and no romance just lots of talk about new worlds and species and the customs of the Veloci (a race of giant bird like creatures) . The Veloci are actually the best thing about this story (both versions) as they have many quaint and unique customs while still being one.of.the deadliest creatures in this universe. All in all though I am.a bit disappointed......................
August 22, 2024
I read this one as part of Pets in Space 8. This was the first book I've read by this author and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I liked the world building and how much there was about the bird race, which was quite interesting. It could be quite wordy at times and the pace felt quite slow due to that. There isn't a lot happening at first, but the pace picks up later. The ending felt a bit rushed and there isn't really much romance. I did like the two of them, but would've liked more of them together and interacting with just the two of them.
May 14, 2026
Found this by accident, and ended up devouring this in one sitting. I loved the characters and the different beings we are introduced to, especially Palta and the 'feathered murder machines' who are just amazing. The setting, the worlds and the different cultures we find ourselves following thanks to Camellia and the situation she finds herself in as a result of an accident, were so much fun. And being able to travel to new worlds with Camellia, and seeing how she interacts with each new 'species' was a treat. I had a laugh with the little birds and the crabs they find on their first world, and don't get me started on the Death Horses that have quite the personality. Such a fast paced and entertaining read. Wish this was a KU series, but if there are more of these I might be tempted to buy them just to see what happens next.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
January 18, 2025
3.5 stars
I really liked this book! All the issues I had with the previous book in the series weren’t present in this one. I did find a few things a bit irksome though. Often it felt like the characters conversations were all jumbled up with random switches to different topics without connection. I felt lost sometimes, even though I literally knew what they were saying, I had no idea why the topics would be connected and felt like I missed something. I also felt like the book meandered around and didn’t have a set plot. I think the shiftgem shard in Camellia’s head should have been explored more. I also didn’t really understand why her “experimental voyage” contained a compulsory learning requirement on a planet, and why she had to escape, rather than just ask to leave.
I really liked this book! All the issues I had with the previous book in the series weren’t present in this one. I did find a few things a bit irksome though. Often it felt like the characters conversations were all jumbled up with random switches to different topics without connection. I felt lost sometimes, even though I literally knew what they were saying, I had no idea why the topics would be connected and felt like I missed something. I also felt like the book meandered around and didn’t have a set plot. I think the shiftgem shard in Camellia’s head should have been explored more. I also didn’t really understand why her “experimental voyage” contained a compulsory learning requirement on a planet, and why she had to escape, rather than just ask to leave.
March 27, 2025
Borrowed from Kobo Plus. While this is second in a series it worked as a standalone, although there were some spoilers for the first book. When I’m in the mood to reread this book, I’ll want to read Life-Debt first. It has some humor, and some romance, but it doesn’t grab me the way some of the author’s fantasy books did.
Quibble: the book consistently uses “sentient” when it should be “sapient”. Far from the first SF book to do so though.
Quibble: the book consistently uses “sentient” when it should be “sapient”. Far from the first SF book to do so though.
December 31, 2024
Published in the Pets in Space #8, however it is only about 60% of the story (its HFN).
And I've been hanging out for the rest of the story.
It was excellent, another heroine who loves pets .... doesn't matter how big or small. And a hero who has the same problem.
All in space, with the Veloc, a feathered murderous menace species who love homo sapiens for their diversity & fun & ferocity.
Love all the characters!!!! Looking forward to the next ShiftGems book.
And I've been hanging out for the rest of the story.
It was excellent, another heroine who loves pets .... doesn't matter how big or small. And a hero who has the same problem.
All in space, with the Veloc, a feathered murderous menace species who love homo sapiens for their diversity & fun & ferocity.
Love all the characters!!!! Looking forward to the next ShiftGems book.
January 4, 2025
The author takes us back to the universe of shift gems and feathered murder machines to meet a sheltered junior scientist with a medical challenge. Like a certain ship captain with more life-debts than she wants to hold, said sheltered junior scientist turns out to be a frustrated space hound and much mayhem, ship handling and pet hoarding ensues as she learns who she is and what she wants and she steps out and takes it (and him). Lots of fun to read!
February 12, 2025
another snicker out loud story from Ms. Blain
Ms. Blain has a unique view of the world to share with us. I am so glad she does.
Her stories are always amusing and HEA. Camellia got a raw deal that the Veloc were able to fix. The hybrid stuff was too funny. C loves her tail and purr! Waldren is sadder. But he gets better.
Definitely a fun read. So, when is the next book coming out????
Ms. Blain has a unique view of the world to share with us. I am so glad she does.
Her stories are always amusing and HEA. Camellia got a raw deal that the Veloc were able to fix. The hybrid stuff was too funny. C loves her tail and purr! Waldren is sadder. But he gets better.
Definitely a fun read. So, when is the next book coming out????
September 26, 2026
Excellent and amazing story
Camellia gets experimental surgery and ends up going on unexpected journeys with very interesting companions.
I really wish this story came with some prints of the characters because I don't know if my imagination from the descriptions is accurate but I love the randomness of some of the creatures.
This author always writes excellent characters that you can't help but be charmed by.
Camellia gets experimental surgery and ends up going on unexpected journeys with very interesting companions.
I really wish this story came with some prints of the characters because I don't know if my imagination from the descriptions is accurate but I love the randomness of some of the creatures.
This author always writes excellent characters that you can't help but be charmed by.
January 19, 2025
Amazing!!!
R.j. Blain always writes such amazing books and this is no different. If you read the first part of this book in pets in space I would highly suggest you still get this one as a good half of the book including the ending has changed. It also sets and refers to others in the series. Definitely a good book to read!
R.j. Blain always writes such amazing books and this is no different. If you read the first part of this book in pets in space I would highly suggest you still get this one as a good half of the book including the ending has changed. It also sets and refers to others in the series. Definitely a good book to read!
April 6, 2025
experimental Voyage
A great story, with space faring aliens, planets to explore and gifts to get. Camellia, an Homo sapiens born on another planet, become deaf and suffers internal injuries, when a spaceship crashes near her location, she has to lean how to get by without her hearing and also learn about the gemstone which has lodged in her head from the accident.
A great story, with space faring aliens, planets to explore and gifts to get. Camellia, an Homo sapiens born on another planet, become deaf and suffers internal injuries, when a spaceship crashes near her location, she has to lean how to get by without her hearing and also learn about the gemstone which has lodged in her head from the accident.
December 27, 2024
Adorably entertaining
I adore RJ Blains whimsical writings, especially when they engage their humour to share with us all.
Yet another fabulous offering that I was pleased to enjoy.
As ever, looking forward to the next offering from RJ with much glee.
I adore RJ Blains whimsical writings, especially when they engage their humour to share with us all.
Yet another fabulous offering that I was pleased to enjoy.
As ever, looking forward to the next offering from RJ with much glee.
January 9, 2025
Experimental Voyage
Have not read a book by this author that I haven't loved. They are interesting tales that are well written. Highly recommend. Fun read and can't wait for the next one. Thank you R.J.Blain
Have not read a book by this author that I haven't loved. They are interesting tales that are well written. Highly recommend. Fun read and can't wait for the next one. Thank you R.J.Blain
July 28, 2025
good story
It’s a good story but it kind of drags and it’s slightly confusing figuring out what these creatures/characters look like with animal characteristics it’s a fun world though … would have liked more on the love interest interactions
It’s a good story but it kind of drags and it’s slightly confusing figuring out what these creatures/characters look like with animal characteristics it’s a fun world though … would have liked more on the love interest interactions
September 8, 2025
good story but typical RJ Blain delivery
RJ tells good stories. But for me they are often buried under tangents upon tangents upon tangents. Gave 4 stars for the premise. Took one off for all the tangents.
RJ tells good stories. But for me they are often buried under tangents upon tangents upon tangents. Gave 4 stars for the premise. Took one off for all the tangents.
December 26, 2024
Excellent
A new universe of soft hard sci fi, with intriguing tech, adorable new species and cultures. I can't wait for the next instalment please! 💜
A new universe of soft hard sci fi, with intriguing tech, adorable new species and cultures. I can't wait for the next instalment please! 💜
December 29, 2024
So much fun!
Loved this one! I'm excited to find out if there will be further novels in this sci-fi series. I love the world building, characters, and adventures! More please :)
Loved this one! I'm excited to find out if there will be further novels in this sci-fi series. I love the world building, characters, and adventures! More please :)
January 3, 2025
I read this in Pets in Space 8! Fun read!
January 7, 2025
Loved it
What a wicked funny series and I'm so glad it was my first book read this year. Another classic from one of my favourite authors.
What a wicked funny series and I'm so glad it was my first book read this year. Another classic from one of my favourite authors.
January 27, 2025
Great as always
Unusually for this author, I felt that it started a little slow.
Still an excellent book. Interesting situations, and I really love the Veloc
Unusually for this author, I felt that it started a little slow.
Still an excellent book. Interesting situations, and I really love the Veloc
March 16, 2025
I love this!
I absolutely love this story! I was laughing most of the time while reading it, and got a l9t of funny looks from my furry overlords!
I absolutely love this story! I was laughing most of the time while reading it, and got a l9t of funny looks from my furry overlords!
March 30, 2025
Wonderful book
One of the best books I have read in a long time. I hope there are more to come in a series
One of the best books I have read in a long time. I hope there are more to come in a series
September 22, 2025
While there was some adventure, I was not enamored with the endless social descriptions.
November 27, 2025
fabulous awesome etc
Amazing. So much fun to read. I’m sad it’s finished
Can’t wait to see what other madness and mayhem she creates.
Amazing. So much fun to read. I’m sad it’s finished
Can’t wait to see what other madness and mayhem she creates.
January 19, 2025
On kobo (EPub 3 DRM-Free) 1230008636911, 310 pages
A different category of book - but the style is similar: a strong female protagonist facing adversity. Here it takes her off-world (not Earth, which has suffered some catastrophe; humanity and other organisms are relocated to other planets... ) where she becomes a dominant figure engaging with several not human species. An entertaining ride - an unusual technology(?) to overcome the lightspeed problem; curious aliens; odd animals that have been genetically altered from their origins on Earth.
I'd read another in the series (if it continues).
A different category of book - but the style is similar: a strong female protagonist facing adversity. Here it takes her off-world (not Earth, which has suffered some catastrophe; humanity and other organisms are relocated to other planets... ) where she becomes a dominant figure engaging with several not human species. An entertaining ride - an unusual technology(?) to overcome the lightspeed problem; curious aliens; odd animals that have been genetically altered from their origins on Earth.
I'd read another in the series (if it continues).
February 4, 2025
Quick, enjoyable read with very little substance. I enjoyed it, but was left wanting something a little deeper.
September 21, 2025
I originally found this author and story in the “Pets In Space” anthology, which I have only recently gotten around to reading because TBR piles are a thing!
I really liked her writing style and when I discovered she had released this and expanded it I purchased it. The expansion cleared a lot of the background story up and I enjoyed the addition of the Death Horses. The romance was minimal but overall the story was compelling and I’m glad I purchased it.
I can’t wait to read the expanded version of “Failed Colony” which was in last years “Pets In Space” anthology. I hope Ms. Blain continues to write books in this universe as her feathered murder machines are some of my favorite characters.
I really liked her writing style and when I discovered she had released this and expanded it I purchased it. The expansion cleared a lot of the background story up and I enjoyed the addition of the Death Horses. The romance was minimal but overall the story was compelling and I’m glad I purchased it.
I can’t wait to read the expanded version of “Failed Colony” which was in last years “Pets In Space” anthology. I hope Ms. Blain continues to write books in this universe as her feathered murder machines are some of my favorite characters.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews