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I, Starship: A Space Opera #1
I, Starship: A Space Opera
As a Marine, Henry Morgan would have said it was more likely he’d die from enemy fire than from being struck by a flying lawnmower while at a baseball game.
But it was the lawnmower that ended up taking him out.
A century later, Henry wakes up as a reconstituted intelligence, and is promptly drafted to be the governing AI for America’s first military starship. After decades of model-trained AIs wreaking havoc across the globe, humanity is ready to try something a little more…human.
Henry is perfect. For one thing, as a reconstituted intelligence, he has no rights and can be forced to do the bidding of the powers that be. For another, he’s the only Heritage Mind™ with any military experience that survived the Great Power Surge of 2072.
So, Henry’s it.
Blastoff, good Henry! Our hopes and dreams go with you. Oh, and while you’re at it, could you take a look at the aliens setting up shop in our asteroid belt? They seem to be…multiplying.
Download I, Starship now and grab the edge of your seat for this bold new space opera.
But it was the lawnmower that ended up taking him out.
A century later, Henry wakes up as a reconstituted intelligence, and is promptly drafted to be the governing AI for America’s first military starship. After decades of model-trained AIs wreaking havoc across the globe, humanity is ready to try something a little more…human.
Henry is perfect. For one thing, as a reconstituted intelligence, he has no rights and can be forced to do the bidding of the powers that be. For another, he’s the only Heritage Mind™ with any military experience that survived the Great Power Surge of 2072.
So, Henry’s it.
Blastoff, good Henry! Our hopes and dreams go with you. Oh, and while you’re at it, could you take a look at the aliens setting up shop in our asteroid belt? They seem to be…multiplying.
Download I, Starship now and grab the edge of your seat for this bold new space opera.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2024
1812 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
About the author
Scott Bartlett
115 books303 followersScott Bartlett writes his books from inside a mech, which is inside the hangar bay of a light armored cruiser stationed just past Jupiter.
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
Certain parts of the last sentence may not be completely true.
Here are some more believable statements:
Scott was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland – the easternmost province of Canada.
During his decade-long journey to become a full-time author, he supported himself by working an assortment of jobs…
...salmon hatchery technician, grocery clerk, youth care worker, ghostwriter, research assistant, pita maker, and freelance editor.
In 2014, he succeeded in becoming a full-time novelist, and he’s been writing science fiction at light speed ever since.
Get 3 FREE military space opera ebooks:
https://www.scottplots.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
June 22, 2024
This book is for gimps
I want to like the story but 90% of the conflict is an asshole captain that treats the mc like a tool. And the MC instead of acting like a human would he just let’s everyone ride him around gaged and being told what to do. I made it to the halfway point, but I’m just can’t read one more chapter of everyone abusing him and he’s a-ok with it.
I want to like the story but 90% of the conflict is an asshole captain that treats the mc like a tool. And the MC instead of acting like a human would he just let’s everyone ride him around gaged and being told what to do. I made it to the halfway point, but I’m just can’t read one more chapter of everyone abusing him and he’s a-ok with it.
August 24, 2024
“Sergeant Morgan, the ship you find yourself aboard…is you. The ship is you, and you are the ship. This is your new life. This is your new reality. Welcome…to the UESS Henry Morgan.”
An immersive reading experience!
The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter building on the last, weaving a tapestry of gripping and intense suspense.
The story becomes more and more gripping, showing the best and worst of humanity, right up to the end. It kept me enthralled all the way through.
I love the action and the characters, and how the story entwines them together.
To discover he's been drafted to be the 'governing AI' of America's first interstellar military starship, was a daunting and exciting experience for Henry Morgan.
The definitive connection of Henry to the starship was apotheosic. I could feel the tension building up, the tightness in my chest, the discomfort, the knot in my throat, then everything went wild, and I became tearful with the explosion of emotions, so many kinds of feelings. It was an amazing experience! I felt sadness, to be cooped forever in a case, but then I felt a kind of joy, as I “saw” how Henry was actually feeling, liberated, happy, free in his movements.
But, is that really life? Wouldn’t it be preferable to actually be human with everything that it encompasses? Would I like “being” a starship? These and other questions had me thinking the whole night and days, the sensations and experiences lasted many days, I couldn’t shake off the feelings, the anxiety it had caused me.
“There will come a time when you will grasp on an intuitive level that you are this ship.
The entire thing.”
The descriptions of Henry’s movements throughout the ship,-the ship being himself-were so realistic I could actually feel myself moving around with Henry, the scenes depicted by the author were very real.
“If you could glimpse an enemy’s mind, then your chances of anticipating his actions improved substantially.”
A fantastic, unique and powerful piece of story!
An immersive reading experience!
The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter building on the last, weaving a tapestry of gripping and intense suspense.
The story becomes more and more gripping, showing the best and worst of humanity, right up to the end. It kept me enthralled all the way through.
I love the action and the characters, and how the story entwines them together.
To discover he's been drafted to be the 'governing AI' of America's first interstellar military starship, was a daunting and exciting experience for Henry Morgan.
The definitive connection of Henry to the starship was apotheosic. I could feel the tension building up, the tightness in my chest, the discomfort, the knot in my throat, then everything went wild, and I became tearful with the explosion of emotions, so many kinds of feelings. It was an amazing experience! I felt sadness, to be cooped forever in a case, but then I felt a kind of joy, as I “saw” how Henry was actually feeling, liberated, happy, free in his movements.
But, is that really life? Wouldn’t it be preferable to actually be human with everything that it encompasses? Would I like “being” a starship? These and other questions had me thinking the whole night and days, the sensations and experiences lasted many days, I couldn’t shake off the feelings, the anxiety it had caused me.
“There will come a time when you will grasp on an intuitive level that you are this ship.
The entire thing.”
The descriptions of Henry’s movements throughout the ship,-the ship being himself-were so realistic I could actually feel myself moving around with Henry, the scenes depicted by the author were very real.
“If you could glimpse an enemy’s mind, then your chances of anticipating his actions improved substantially.”
A fantastic, unique and powerful piece of story!
July 7, 2024
I hated it
I really love stories where the main character is an AI, of any of the types. But I really hated this story. I disliked 100% of the characters, who all seemed mentally ill, even the MC.
I really love stories where the main character is an AI, of any of the types. But I really hated this story. I disliked 100% of the characters, who all seemed mentally ill, even the MC.
July 7, 2024
Whipped dog sergeant
I wasn't aware that marine sergeants had the personality of whipped dogs. About 70% of the way through the book we are given a hint why everyone else sucks, but that doesn't explain the main character.
And then there are the physics errors. Either the enemy can instantly blow out your engines with lasers, or they can't. Either space dust is dangerous or it's not. Heliocentric beam cannons do not stay still, nor do they work the way you describe.
Not recommended.
I wasn't aware that marine sergeants had the personality of whipped dogs. About 70% of the way through the book we are given a hint why everyone else sucks, but that doesn't explain the main character.
And then there are the physics errors. Either the enemy can instantly blow out your engines with lasers, or they can't. Either space dust is dangerous or it's not. Heliocentric beam cannons do not stay still, nor do they work the way you describe.
Not recommended.
June 15, 2024
Not the Typical Sci-fi Book
The description and preview were interesting enough to get me to dl the book. But the storyline is odd enough to keep me questioning that decision all the way to the end. A mixture of known and future technology, some mystery tech and more conflict and battles than expected all serve to keep the plot active, but it does not always hold my interest. Lots of internal conflict between characters and I was sometimes not in agreement with the author’s choices. This first book ends with minor threads resolved but the major issues remain open into the next installment.
The description and preview were interesting enough to get me to dl the book. But the storyline is odd enough to keep me questioning that decision all the way to the end. A mixture of known and future technology, some mystery tech and more conflict and battles than expected all serve to keep the plot active, but it does not always hold my interest. Lots of internal conflict between characters and I was sometimes not in agreement with the author’s choices. This first book ends with minor threads resolved but the major issues remain open into the next installment.
February 28, 2025
Do not bother with this book. I DNF'd it at 15%. I read enough to know that this is another one I will not bother to continue. Every dialogue was cringe-worthy. All the characters were either patronizing, angry or both.
And what was the purpose of that Olive Garden restaurant scene? To tell us that whatever his name is has impostor syndrome or something happened and he thinks he is unworthy?
Not going to read any more of this author's books.
And what was the purpose of that Olive Garden restaurant scene? To tell us that whatever his name is has impostor syndrome or something happened and he thinks he is unworthy?
Not going to read any more of this author's books.
August 22, 2024
I, Starship
Interesting reboot of The Ship Who Sang saga. Interesting with the mix of technology and bitchy people. Going to have to get the next book and see what developes.
.
Interesting reboot of The Ship Who Sang saga. Interesting with the mix of technology and bitchy people. Going to have to get the next book and see what developes.
.
July 8, 2024
When I read the 'blurb' for this as a recommendation I immediately added it to my must read list. It seemed to tick a bunch of my boxes and at the start I thought I was onto a winner.. but then I started to get those 'Hang on.... moments.
There are some high-level details so I'll spoilerise my thoughts.
Outside of the spoilery bits, this is a decent enough story which didn't need to have the complications that it does in order to work. Perhaps another round or two of test-reading and revision. I'm reminded of that Coco Chanel quote - "... look in the mirror and take one thing off."
There are some high-level details so I'll spoilerise my thoughts.
Outside of the spoilery bits, this is a decent enough story which didn't need to have the complications that it does in order to work. Perhaps another round or two of test-reading and revision. I'm reminded of that Coco Chanel quote - "... look in the mirror and take one thing off."
August 16, 2024
DNF @ 25%
October 8, 2025
Hát ez egy indokolatlanul jó sci-fi volt.
Én egyáltalán nem erre számítottam. De ne nagyon örülök, hogy pozitivan csalódtam.
Most őszintén, ti mire számítanátok egy tiktok sikerkönyv gyanús címtől és a világ legátlagosabb borítójától? A fülszöveg se segített sokat, mert hogy meg voltam győződve, hogy valami wattpadra való sztorit kapok - no offense to wattpad, vannak ott is kincsek, de nem véletlenül az a hírneve, ami -, ehelyett egy teljesen pofás sztorit kaptam.
És egy GRAMM E/1 se volt benne, ami számomra az egyik legnagyobb megnyugvás volt. (Kezdem elfogadni, hogy afféle kultúrális dolog, hogy az angol könyvek imádják az E/1-t)
Szóval eléggé negatív elvárásokkal mentem ebbe bele, és olyan pozitivan csalódtam, hogy még. Egyrészt az, hogy ez egy hard sci-fi volt, már lenyügözött, pedig aztán pont ettől nem számítottam volna ilyenre, de nagyon boldog voltam, hogy ennyire a valóság talaján állunk. A másik pedig, hogy mennyire jól hozta be az LLM alapú genAI kritikát: nem görcsölt rá hanem elénk rakta és közölte, hogy nézzétek mennyire faszság ez az egész.
És téyleg az volt. Garry az összes helpcenter chatbot ever, és pontosan ugyanannyira használhatlan és meg akartam folytani az egész könyvön át. De legalább nem csak én, hanem egyetlen drága főhősünk Henry is, akinek gyakorlatilag az agyát töltötték fel a starship rendszerébe, és ő lett maga a starship, ami egy nagyon neat koncept, és nem kellett az öntudatra-ébredő-AI-al kínlódni, ami lássuk be, az utóbbi években iszonyatosan gyorsan elvesztette a varázsát.
Cserébe megkaptuk azt, hogy akkor tényleg ember volt-e valaha Henry, vagy csak ennyire fejlett és fajtájában egyetlen? legalábbis ő maga töprengett ezen, mi olvasók természetesen tudjuk az igazságot, ami adott egy plusz szempontot az egészbe. Határozottan jó döntés volt váltogatni a szemszögöket.
Bár a kapitányt több ponton megfojtottam volna, hát hogy az istenbe nem bízol Henrybe, amikor kétszer is megmentette az életeteket, amíg a genAi felől nyugodtan megölhettek volna titeket az idegenek? Értem én, hogy egy eszköznek tekinted, de hogy nem kéne ennyire ellenségesnek lenned! Whats wrong with you?
Igaz, egész jól volt felépítve, csak a random szorongásos tüneteket nem értettem nála, mert hogy egyáltalán nem illett a személyiségéhez - csönd, ez egy könyv -, és engem ez néha kizökkentett.
Az is igaz, hogy senkiben nem bízok a legénységből, miután az AI mérnök beduzzogott, hogy nem őt ébresztette el Henry a vészhelyzet során. Nem is értem miért, amikor aztán neki nem sok haszna lett volna a fizikai fenyegetés során, és tökre megértem, hogy Henry miért döntött úgy, ahogy, még ha Henrynek az összes indoka annyi is volt, hogy hirtelenjében kellett választania.
De beduzzogott és még tett is róla, hogy a kapitány ne adjon több jogosultságot vissza Henrynek. Nyomorék, én mondom nektek. Bár már az elejétől kezdve se bíztam benne, túlságosan cheerful volt, meg hát AI mérnök. Aha, köszönöm, nem.
A többi legénység meg egy rakat ovódás, és nem bírok napirendre térni a tény felett, hogy laborban számolták ki, hogy milyen személyiségtipusok fognak jól kijönni egymással, és hogy mi lesz az optimalizált legénység, erre az egész egy dumpsterfire. Sirok, hogy mennyire elhitték, hogy ez működni fog.
Van itt valami kommentár is, de nem tudok rátapintani, hogy pontosan mi.
Jaj, meg hát ott van a fenyegetés is, akik eddig megfelelően kemény ellenség, alaposan meg kellett küzdenünk minden apró győzelemért, ami személy szerint nekem nagyon tetszett, mert ne legyen már könnyű dolga senkinek! És még az űrcsata is olyan valóságos lett, amilyen csak lehetett, anélkül hogy elvesztette volna a lendületét.
Azt kell, hogy mondjam Scott egy nagyon ügyes író, és már olvasom is a következő kötetet, mert nagyon kiváncsi vagyok, hogy mi lesz ebből még.
Én egyáltalán nem erre számítottam. De ne nagyon örülök, hogy pozitivan csalódtam.
Most őszintén, ti mire számítanátok egy tiktok sikerkönyv gyanús címtől és a világ legátlagosabb borítójától? A fülszöveg se segített sokat, mert hogy meg voltam győződve, hogy valami wattpadra való sztorit kapok - no offense to wattpad, vannak ott is kincsek, de nem véletlenül az a hírneve, ami -, ehelyett egy teljesen pofás sztorit kaptam.
És egy GRAMM E/1 se volt benne, ami számomra az egyik legnagyobb megnyugvás volt. (Kezdem elfogadni, hogy afféle kultúrális dolog, hogy az angol könyvek imádják az E/1-t)
Szóval eléggé negatív elvárásokkal mentem ebbe bele, és olyan pozitivan csalódtam, hogy még. Egyrészt az, hogy ez egy hard sci-fi volt, már lenyügözött, pedig aztán pont ettől nem számítottam volna ilyenre, de nagyon boldog voltam, hogy ennyire a valóság talaján állunk. A másik pedig, hogy mennyire jól hozta be az LLM alapú genAI kritikát: nem görcsölt rá hanem elénk rakta és közölte, hogy nézzétek mennyire faszság ez az egész.
És téyleg az volt. Garry az összes helpcenter chatbot ever, és pontosan ugyanannyira használhatlan és meg akartam folytani az egész könyvön át. De legalább nem csak én, hanem egyetlen drága főhősünk Henry is, akinek gyakorlatilag az agyát töltötték fel a starship rendszerébe, és ő lett maga a starship, ami egy nagyon neat koncept, és nem kellett az öntudatra-ébredő-AI-al kínlódni, ami lássuk be, az utóbbi években iszonyatosan gyorsan elvesztette a varázsát.
Cserébe megkaptuk azt, hogy akkor tényleg ember volt-e valaha Henry, vagy csak ennyire fejlett és fajtájában egyetlen? legalábbis ő maga töprengett ezen, mi olvasók természetesen tudjuk az igazságot, ami adott egy plusz szempontot az egészbe. Határozottan jó döntés volt váltogatni a szemszögöket.
Bár a kapitányt több ponton megfojtottam volna, hát hogy az istenbe nem bízol Henrybe, amikor kétszer is megmentette az életeteket, amíg a genAi felől nyugodtan megölhettek volna titeket az idegenek? Értem én, hogy egy eszköznek tekinted, de hogy nem kéne ennyire ellenségesnek lenned! Whats wrong with you?
Igaz, egész jól volt felépítve, csak a random szorongásos tüneteket nem értettem nála, mert hogy egyáltalán nem illett a személyiségéhez - csönd, ez egy könyv -, és engem ez néha kizökkentett.
Az is igaz, hogy senkiben nem bízok a legénységből, miután az AI mérnök beduzzogott, hogy nem őt ébresztette el Henry a vészhelyzet során. Nem is értem miért, amikor aztán neki nem sok haszna lett volna a fizikai fenyegetés során, és tökre megértem, hogy Henry miért döntött úgy, ahogy, még ha Henrynek az összes indoka annyi is volt, hogy hirtelenjében kellett választania.
De beduzzogott és még tett is róla, hogy a kapitány ne adjon több jogosultságot vissza Henrynek. Nyomorék, én mondom nektek. Bár már az elejétől kezdve se bíztam benne, túlságosan cheerful volt, meg hát AI mérnök. Aha, köszönöm, nem.
A többi legénység meg egy rakat ovódás, és nem bírok napirendre térni a tény felett, hogy laborban számolták ki, hogy milyen személyiségtipusok fognak jól kijönni egymással, és hogy mi lesz az optimalizált legénység, erre az egész egy dumpsterfire. Sirok, hogy mennyire elhitték, hogy ez működni fog.
Van itt valami kommentár is, de nem tudok rátapintani, hogy pontosan mi.
Jaj, meg hát ott van a fenyegetés is, akik eddig megfelelően kemény ellenség, alaposan meg kellett küzdenünk minden apró győzelemért, ami személy szerint nekem nagyon tetszett, mert ne legyen már könnyű dolga senkinek! És még az űrcsata is olyan valóságos lett, amilyen csak lehetett, anélkül hogy elvesztette volna a lendületét.
Azt kell, hogy mondjam Scott egy nagyon ügyes író, és már olvasom is a következő kötetet, mert nagyon kiváncsi vagyok, hogy mi lesz ebből még.
June 21, 2024
What expectations should you have as you read this book, well,….
So, should you read this book, well, yes. Should you expect the Marine characters to reflect the current day Marine ethos and proficiency?? No. They are light years off the mark.
Unfortunately, Scott does not acknowledge the childish behavior of the 22nd century Marines until the end of the book. (Although the acknowledgment does reflect ‘the voluntolding of screwups’ that can happen.).
Ear.y in the boom, there is some indirect acknowledgement of societal drift and civilian bureaucracy stupidity in selecting the Marines, but the “Hogan’s Heros” complete lack of military decorum or even basic competency is a bit hard to take.
So, why read it. I typically never finish a MilSciFi book that is not Locked & Loaded in the correct manner with the correct focus. So, why did I finish this one.
The plot is actually original.
There are fun plot twists.
The character Henry Morgan is a real Marine. And the one real Marine experiences bohica repeatedly. From a naval Captain to boot! Ummm, what’s not real about all of this?!
Could society drift so far that Marines in the 2100’s behave like toddlers. I hope not! Given today’s social trajectory?? Even the Marine bastion of discipline, focus and commitment to preserving the life of the Marine that you hate beside you could fall. Sadly, politicians at the top in uniform and in business suits, can do a lot of damage. I am afraid 100 years might see the horrific morphing evident in this novel despite the power of traditions.
With this expectation setting, I think you can enjoy this book as much as I did.
So, should you read this book, well, yes. Should you expect the Marine characters to reflect the current day Marine ethos and proficiency?? No. They are light years off the mark.
Unfortunately, Scott does not acknowledge the childish behavior of the 22nd century Marines until the end of the book. (Although the acknowledgment does reflect ‘the voluntolding of screwups’ that can happen.).
Ear.y in the boom, there is some indirect acknowledgement of societal drift and civilian bureaucracy stupidity in selecting the Marines, but the “Hogan’s Heros” complete lack of military decorum or even basic competency is a bit hard to take.
So, why read it. I typically never finish a MilSciFi book that is not Locked & Loaded in the correct manner with the correct focus. So, why did I finish this one.
The plot is actually original.
There are fun plot twists.
The character Henry Morgan is a real Marine. And the one real Marine experiences bohica repeatedly. From a naval Captain to boot! Ummm, what’s not real about all of this?!
Could society drift so far that Marines in the 2100’s behave like toddlers. I hope not! Given today’s social trajectory?? Even the Marine bastion of discipline, focus and commitment to preserving the life of the Marine that you hate beside you could fall. Sadly, politicians at the top in uniform and in business suits, can do a lot of damage. I am afraid 100 years might see the horrific morphing evident in this novel despite the power of traditions.
With this expectation setting, I think you can enjoy this book as much as I did.
April 25, 2025
Untried concept
Although one can't say it's unique, I've rarely seen a story that considers using a reconstituted human that was originally alive. Although the concept is refreshing, a think the delivery is stereo typical. The captain is unreasonable in his criticism, and is reluctant to learn from his errors. I would expect a sterling crew such as makes up the interchange to be more polished in their conduct. It isn't their banter, as its the lack of any cohesion when performing their tactics such as breaking and running rather than a coordinated withdrawal. Even the idea of a battle tested marine sergeant being such a milktoast doesn't fly very well. I also consider it poor tactics to have acquired such treasures as the codex, the drones, and the information provided by the friendlies, and risk their loss by proceeding forward into another unknown hot zone. In the end, I don't think highly of the character development or decisions made, but I find the basic premise interesting enough that I will try to read the sequel.
Although one can't say it's unique, I've rarely seen a story that considers using a reconstituted human that was originally alive. Although the concept is refreshing, a think the delivery is stereo typical. The captain is unreasonable in his criticism, and is reluctant to learn from his errors. I would expect a sterling crew such as makes up the interchange to be more polished in their conduct. It isn't their banter, as its the lack of any cohesion when performing their tactics such as breaking and running rather than a coordinated withdrawal. Even the idea of a battle tested marine sergeant being such a milktoast doesn't fly very well. I also consider it poor tactics to have acquired such treasures as the codex, the drones, and the information provided by the friendlies, and risk their loss by proceeding forward into another unknown hot zone. In the end, I don't think highly of the character development or decisions made, but I find the basic premise interesting enough that I will try to read the sequel.
August 13, 2025
Dumb down version of (Bobaverse); where every character is just horrible.
I am not joking. Every character is either prideful, pompous, rude, doubting and generally a pain in the ass. I refuse to believe that humanity chose these rejects, to man a star ship to explore the stars. The MC (Marine Sargent) by far the most meekest in the group. Act's like a beaten dog, he begs for recognition by his abusers. Every character has an annoying complex and the plot reads like it was written by someone who doesn't really understand science fiction; they used a sailing terminology/mentality. Example: The enemy is attacking, so instead of taking evasive maneuvers, the captain just decides to "sail straight". I actually stop and thought about this for a minuet. So it was no surprised that they were shot in the ass; which followed by the crew wanting to quit life. I would too for such a dumb action. Just calling your book a space opera doesn't make it one. Trust me, there are tons of great science fiction and "space opera" out there. THIS WAS NOT ONE. 0 STARS.
I am not joking. Every character is either prideful, pompous, rude, doubting and generally a pain in the ass. I refuse to believe that humanity chose these rejects, to man a star ship to explore the stars. The MC (Marine Sargent) by far the most meekest in the group. Act's like a beaten dog, he begs for recognition by his abusers. Every character has an annoying complex and the plot reads like it was written by someone who doesn't really understand science fiction; they used a sailing terminology/mentality. Example: The enemy is attacking, so instead of taking evasive maneuvers, the captain just decides to "sail straight". I actually stop and thought about this for a minuet. So it was no surprised that they were shot in the ass; which followed by the crew wanting to quit life. I would too for such a dumb action. Just calling your book a space opera doesn't make it one. Trust me, there are tons of great science fiction and "space opera" out there. THIS WAS NOT ONE. 0 STARS.
September 9, 2025
In the beginning I thought this series was a fun new space opera, it is none of those.
In the first two books I reached the conclusion that it was a naive pastiche of scifi ideas from other more confident writers, probably written during the pandemic, as so many were. Not amazing, but I had read worse. But in this the third book it reveals itself as not only a reaction to the lock downs but also bald faced christian dominionism, with a side of illuminati conspiracy theory.
If you are looking for worthwhile big idea scifi look elsewhere. All of the ideas here have been done better and more engagingly before.
If you are looking for an amusing romp through space, look elsewhere. This one is honestly a drag, the pacing is as consistent, and the hits are as predictable as a grandfather clock.
If you are looking for epic space battles, look elsewhere. These have the scope and dynamism of a game of frogger. Every thing is going poorly until the deus ex machina hits, and sometimes there isn't much machina.
In the first two books I reached the conclusion that it was a naive pastiche of scifi ideas from other more confident writers, probably written during the pandemic, as so many were. Not amazing, but I had read worse. But in this the third book it reveals itself as not only a reaction to the lock downs but also bald faced christian dominionism, with a side of illuminati conspiracy theory.
If you are looking for worthwhile big idea scifi look elsewhere. All of the ideas here have been done better and more engagingly before.
If you are looking for an amusing romp through space, look elsewhere. This one is honestly a drag, the pacing is as consistent, and the hits are as predictable as a grandfather clock.
If you are looking for epic space battles, look elsewhere. These have the scope and dynamism of a game of frogger. Every thing is going poorly until the deus ex machina hits, and sometimes there isn't much machina.
June 14, 2024
This is book 1 in a new series by Scott Bartlett. The first thing that came to mind after reading it was wow, this is how to begin a series.
The author got me right at the start of the book when he ‘killed’ off the main character with a flying lawnmower and made him into a sentient AI. One of the main threads running through the book is how the various characters interact and treat the sentient AI that used to be alive.
The story takes us on a journey through near and far space in order to evaluate and deal with a possible/probable threat to Earth. The story was fun, interesting and moved at a good pace. It takes place over 80 years (the travel time to the far space location). The author continued to build on the plot and the characters as the book went along. There are incidents that occur during the 80 years that affect both the ship and crew. The ending of this book leads into the next, which the author is in the process of researching and developing.
I found the main characters to be well written and relatable. They were interesting and their actions were usually, based on their personality, what you would expect. There were characters that I liked and some I didn’t (again, based on their personality or actions).
I thought the tech the author created was good and reasonable based on what could be available in the near future.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, gave it 5 stars and I recommend it based on the above.
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for providing my honest review.
The author got me right at the start of the book when he ‘killed’ off the main character with a flying lawnmower and made him into a sentient AI. One of the main threads running through the book is how the various characters interact and treat the sentient AI that used to be alive.
The story takes us on a journey through near and far space in order to evaluate and deal with a possible/probable threat to Earth. The story was fun, interesting and moved at a good pace. It takes place over 80 years (the travel time to the far space location). The author continued to build on the plot and the characters as the book went along. There are incidents that occur during the 80 years that affect both the ship and crew. The ending of this book leads into the next, which the author is in the process of researching and developing.
I found the main characters to be well written and relatable. They were interesting and their actions were usually, based on their personality, what you would expect. There were characters that I liked and some I didn’t (again, based on their personality or actions).
I thought the tech the author created was good and reasonable based on what could be available in the near future.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, gave it 5 stars and I recommend it based on the above.
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for providing my honest review.
January 15, 2025
A century in the future a one-time Marine, Sgt. Henry Morgan, wakes to find that he has become a Reconstituted Mind.
He may not have a body but Henry still sees himself as a person.
He's in charge of leading a star ship on an interstellar mission.
The hand-picked crew will spend most of the 80 years in suspended animation.
On the downside the Captain doesn't takes orders from a 'tool' and severely limits what Henry can do.
And then there's Gary, an A.I., who is, in effect both a spy on and Henry's regulator.
Over the course of the journey the crew need to be awakened from time to time, sometimes because of a pending emergency.
Which proves to be a problem as they are in no way a cohesive unit.
It's the first in a series so it can be forgiven for spending a lot of pages setting the scene for what is to come.
The final third, which sees Henry largely restored, is by far the best part of the novel.
3 Stars.
He may not have a body but Henry still sees himself as a person.
He's in charge of leading a star ship on an interstellar mission.
The hand-picked crew will spend most of the 80 years in suspended animation.
On the downside the Captain doesn't takes orders from a 'tool' and severely limits what Henry can do.
And then there's Gary, an A.I., who is, in effect both a spy on and Henry's regulator.
Over the course of the journey the crew need to be awakened from time to time, sometimes because of a pending emergency.
Which proves to be a problem as they are in no way a cohesive unit.
It's the first in a series so it can be forgiven for spending a lot of pages setting the scene for what is to come.
The final third, which sees Henry largely restored, is by far the best part of the novel.
3 Stars.
February 4, 2025
Humans are endlessly adaptable, including ones that aren't human (so to speak) anymore. This story was pretty decent, only the captain of the ship really should not have held his position, he was entirely too set in his ways to command a mission into the unknown, where the unexpected was to be expected. I don't understand why such a person was given command of the ship. It really was not a good choice, but you'll have this kind of thing in reality too, so I guess this is one of those shrug and go on about your day things. But, captain of the ship aside, the story was pretty good, and we got to see a lot of interesting things in the story, and plenty of it was certainly interesting enough for me to want to read the next book in the series, but I sure hope the captain character changes before the end of the next one, or I'm not sure I'll continue reading. But, for what it's worth, it's a decent story, and I'd wager many scifi fans will like it well enough.
February 23, 2025
I like the premise, but the characters are all idiots
I finally gave up about half wah through because every single character was an idiot. The RM (the main charcater) was a marine Sargent, but instead of acting like it he acted like a little beaten puppy just fawning for scraps of attention, (really acted like a teenager with no friends) the Captain is a proud idiot who has to put everyone in their place (daughter, 1st officer, RM). Everyone acts like the RM firing a rail gun without telling the crew he was doing it first is a huge mistake. This is after he was told to fire the rail gun, with no explanation that firing said railgun would result in the entire ship shaking apart.
And the marines are all imbeciles (their conversations and questions treat them like half of them have an IQ of about 80, but we're told these are the best in the world, handpicked for this mission.
I finally gave up about half wah through because every single character was an idiot. The RM (the main charcater) was a marine Sargent, but instead of acting like it he acted like a little beaten puppy just fawning for scraps of attention, (really acted like a teenager with no friends) the Captain is a proud idiot who has to put everyone in their place (daughter, 1st officer, RM). Everyone acts like the RM firing a rail gun without telling the crew he was doing it first is a huge mistake. This is after he was told to fire the rail gun, with no explanation that firing said railgun would result in the entire ship shaking apart.
And the marines are all imbeciles (their conversations and questions treat them like half of them have an IQ of about 80, but we're told these are the best in the world, handpicked for this mission.
September 8, 2025
I’m not sure what to call the thing I noticed in this book, but I’ve seen it a few times in other books and media. Nearly the entire book is the main character being crapped on by incompetent, unreasonable, and hateful characters who inexplicably have authority over him. I’m not sure if this is some kind of masochistic British cultural thing, but it was excessive to say the least. It reminded me of Harry Potter and the Dursleys. It’s like the author set out to create ‘victim porn’, and went completely over the top. It was terribly painful just to listen to it. I never would have finished it if I had had to actually read it. Though if that’s your kind of thing, you might actually like this book. As for the sci-fi aspects, it’s no where near original and other authors have done it first and better. The sci-fi wasn’t ‘terrible’, but this is definitely something you listen to while your doing something else…
June 12, 2024
I found this to be a fascinating and very imaginative book. It necessarily has some scene setting and character description in the early chapters, including Henry’s unfortunate demise having been hit by a flying lawnmower, and then when Henry awakens, 90 years later, to his new life and place as the Reconstituted Mind that is intended to be the governing AI of the first military starship. From that point, as the mission of the starship and its crew develops as they set off to investigate alien activity in the Kuiper Belt, and the personalities and relationships shape, the pace just builds and builds and kept me gripped to the end as the unexpected realities they face in space become clearer. I can't wait to see how the storyline is developed in what I hope will be a significant continuing series.
July 9, 2024
Gives me flashbacks
I had a CO just like Seemy, more concerned with how everyone's actions would look on his promotion evaluations than actually getting the damn JOB done. Everyone called him "Major Fukup" because this attitude caused CONSTANT problems...which werezdx never HIS fault, of course.
He got lots of people injured or killed, just to LOOK good. The bastard was eventually court martialed after he tried to flat-out murder me while I was convalescing from a career-ending injury I sustained on a mission. Since "KIA" LOOKED better on his books than "crippled due to command negligence".
I am looking forward to seeing THIS literary incarnation of his face a similar fate.
I had a CO just like Seemy, more concerned with how everyone's actions would look on his promotion evaluations than actually getting the damn JOB done. Everyone called him "Major Fukup" because this attitude caused CONSTANT problems...which werezdx never HIS fault, of course.
He got lots of people injured or killed, just to LOOK good. The bastard was eventually court martialed after he tried to flat-out murder me while I was convalescing from a career-ending injury I sustained on a mission. Since "KIA" LOOKED better on his books than "crippled due to command negligence".
I am looking forward to seeing THIS literary incarnation of his face a similar fate.
February 10, 2025
I, Starship: A Space Opera (a really good one!)
'I, Starship' is a great adventure that raised some valid concerns for me about AI, multi-generational space travel, and dealing with threats from unknown entities (or beings?). Writer Scott Bartlett has authored an impressive library of space adventure books. He is able to tell a story in such a way that you come away from it, feeling you actually spent time with the characters. In 'I, Starship' - I, Reader, imagined how difficult it would be if an AI did possess human consciousness. How strong would the desire be for human interaction?
I have read many of Scott Bartlett's books and have never been disappointed. I believe this will be another great series with a lot of twists. - Mr.Bill
'I, Starship' is a great adventure that raised some valid concerns for me about AI, multi-generational space travel, and dealing with threats from unknown entities (or beings?). Writer Scott Bartlett has authored an impressive library of space adventure books. He is able to tell a story in such a way that you come away from it, feeling you actually spent time with the characters. In 'I, Starship' - I, Reader, imagined how difficult it would be if an AI did possess human consciousness. How strong would the desire be for human interaction?
I have read many of Scott Bartlett's books and have never been disappointed. I believe this will be another great series with a lot of twists. - Mr.Bill
September 18, 2025
This Bobiverse We Are Legion (We Are Bob) knock-off isn't as good as the original - but then again, the main character is pretty affable. He's a good guy just trying not to go insane. He's also up against a whole lot of nonsense and petty power plays. A lot of the way he was treated was just plain unfair, and yet he went along with it, grousing notwithstanding.
The story moves from one character to the next and the plot is kind of murky. But it held my interest long enough to finish. Not the best sci-fi I've ever read, but not horrible. Mark Boyett was excellent on audio.
The story moves from one character to the next and the plot is kind of murky. But it held my interest long enough to finish. Not the best sci-fi I've ever read, but not horrible. Mark Boyett was excellent on audio.
October 13, 2025
A somewhat original take on the topic
Sergeant Henry Morgan is an excellent, above average Marine living in the very near future. He’s asked to allow the Corps to take advantage of some new technology that is supposedly being developed to allow him to be capable of remotely operating weapons that he’s not physically near. So of course he’s killed in a bizarre fashion and wakes up as a disembodied Marine who seems to be the next step beyond an AI.
He obviously has to adapt, improvise and overcome more obstacles than his previous existence prepared him for. Then he has to deal with outright prejudice to his own mission.
The author has started this series off fairly well. I look forward to seeing what develops next…
Sergeant Henry Morgan is an excellent, above average Marine living in the very near future. He’s asked to allow the Corps to take advantage of some new technology that is supposedly being developed to allow him to be capable of remotely operating weapons that he’s not physically near. So of course he’s killed in a bizarre fashion and wakes up as a disembodied Marine who seems to be the next step beyond an AI.
He obviously has to adapt, improvise and overcome more obstacles than his previous existence prepared him for. Then he has to deal with outright prejudice to his own mission.
The author has started this series off fairly well. I look forward to seeing what develops next…
November 22, 2025
There is a genre of sci-fi which is practically the polar opposite of The Three Body problem; every sentence is simple, obvious, and trite. Sometimes it tries to be funny too or irreverent. I first began to notice it with Bobiverse and other stories like that
This book is trying so hard to be Bobiverse.
We need to analyze the release timelines, someone is copying someone here.
Anyway it’s really unlikely I’ll finish this one, the crew is abusive and malicious towards the MC for no reason, he’s an absolute push over and the characterization of the various people seem pulled from a hat. This is shallow stuff that revisits concepts other authors have explored vastly better before.
This book is trying so hard to be Bobiverse.
We need to analyze the release timelines, someone is copying someone here.
Anyway it’s really unlikely I’ll finish this one, the crew is abusive and malicious towards the MC for no reason, he’s an absolute push over and the characterization of the various people seem pulled from a hat. This is shallow stuff that revisits concepts other authors have explored vastly better before.
June 11, 2024
Henry Morgan was a marine and marines are extraordinary well trained soldiers that are usually eyed with high regard. As was Henry Morgan.
But getting killed by a flying lawnmower" is extraordinary, a once of kind of thing.
However, getting resussitated as a spaceship? Somebody must have become bonkers! Yet, it is reality as Henry soon discovered. With a hidden rare danger lurking in his future unbeknownst to him and Earth.
That is but only a small part of a new life amongst the stars that will have you finish this book, I, Starship, with stars in your own eyes as well.
Author Scott Bartlett excelled with this introduction to a new space opera series
Enjoy
But getting killed by a flying lawnmower" is extraordinary, a once of kind of thing.
However, getting resussitated as a spaceship? Somebody must have become bonkers! Yet, it is reality as Henry soon discovered. With a hidden rare danger lurking in his future unbeknownst to him and Earth.
That is but only a small part of a new life amongst the stars that will have you finish this book, I, Starship, with stars in your own eyes as well.
Author Scott Bartlett excelled with this introduction to a new space opera series
Enjoy
June 12, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. Scott Bartlett was really brave to try something different and it was an astonishingly, wonderful book to read. Following the adventures of Sergeant Henry Morgan as he innocently sits watching a baseball game to many, many years later, "awakening" to a new world. Science can develop in such fantastic ways and certainly makes one think about what goes on that we have no idea of. And the journey out to the Kuiper Belt, then to Tomilan to try to find out what is destroying worlds and will it be coming to Earth. This book was such a joy to read and I can't wait for the next book in this series. Bravo Zulu, Scott Bartlett, Bravo Zulu.
November 3, 2024
Good book and interesting characters
This was a good book that had really interesting characters. I realize that Henry could have been written in many different ways as a character, but I think the way that it was done really fit this book. He ends up doing everything a normal main character would do, but without a human body to do it with. The aliens they faced were also interesting, the scree seemed to me more like drones from a hive, but not really. In any case this was a very enjoyable book and I recommend it. It will see how the characters adapt to the archive in the next books. Definitely worth the time to go find out.
This was a good book that had really interesting characters. I realize that Henry could have been written in many different ways as a character, but I think the way that it was done really fit this book. He ends up doing everything a normal main character would do, but without a human body to do it with. The aliens they faced were also interesting, the scree seemed to me more like drones from a hive, but not really. In any case this was a very enjoyable book and I recommend it. It will see how the characters adapt to the archive in the next books. Definitely worth the time to go find out.
September 13, 2025
So Marine Henry Morgan is involved in advanced tech for the US Military but to his surprise he is killed by a flying drone at a baseball game. Well this is what Henry remembers. He is now back from the beyond and implanted as the main brain for a alternative to AI systems. He then is transferred to a Ship and launched to space. All this is good but the terrible thing is that the Military in this future is but a shadow of the efficiency of the 20th and 21th Century versions.
From the Admiral on down they all lack something and Henry is dumbfounded trying to walk the tight rope they seem him to be walking.
Good book will give the second one a try.
From the Admiral on down they all lack something and Henry is dumbfounded trying to walk the tight rope they seem him to be walking.
Good book will give the second one a try.
October 26, 2025
This book is torture, its just hours on end of the ships captain complaining about how he thinks the ships ai is a tool and not a sentient intelligence. I wanted the captain shoved out the airlock as an incompetent ass as the AI should have just shut down and let the crew figure out how to run the ship for 80 years. It was honestly just grating to read I literally had to stop and just delete the book. There were so many better ways to tell this story to have this unnesicary conflict just showing how incompetent the command staff is maybe thats the point but it makes a shitty space opera. the best of the best can't figure their way out of a paper bag my ass.
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