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The Fortune Chronicles #2
Outrageous Fortune: Fortune Chronicles 2
John Pitte and his crew barely survived the war, but the air freight business may kill them, yet.
Six years ago, a single act of rebellion cost Captain John Pitte his command and his honor.
Now captain of the light freighter Errant, all his hopes rest in keeping his ragtag crew together and their battered airship aloft. But times are hard in the post-war colonies, and and John knows that Errant Freight is perilously close to being grounded, permanently.
So when a mysterious woman offers salvation by way of a lucrative retrieval job, John signs on, no questions asked. But it doesn’t take long to discover that neither the job, nor the woman, are what they appear.
Now John and his crew are on the run and embroiled in a hive of madness and deception, while everything he hoped to save teeters on the brink of disaster.
Welcome to the planet Fortune, where jobs are scarce, tensions high, and crew equals family. If you like low-tech science fiction, tarnished heroes and snappy dialogue, you'll love Outrageous Fortune!
Perfect for fans of Legends of Tomorrow, Redemption, and Star Strange New Worlds.
Books in the
Soldier of Fortune
Outrageous Fortune
Change of Fortune
Fortune’s Fool
Six years ago, a single act of rebellion cost Captain John Pitte his command and his honor.
Now captain of the light freighter Errant, all his hopes rest in keeping his ragtag crew together and their battered airship aloft. But times are hard in the post-war colonies, and and John knows that Errant Freight is perilously close to being grounded, permanently.
So when a mysterious woman offers salvation by way of a lucrative retrieval job, John signs on, no questions asked. But it doesn’t take long to discover that neither the job, nor the woman, are what they appear.
Now John and his crew are on the run and embroiled in a hive of madness and deception, while everything he hoped to save teeters on the brink of disaster.
Welcome to the planet Fortune, where jobs are scarce, tensions high, and crew equals family. If you like low-tech science fiction, tarnished heroes and snappy dialogue, you'll love Outrageous Fortune!
Perfect for fans of Legends of Tomorrow, Redemption, and Star Strange New Worlds.
Books in the
Soldier of Fortune
Outrageous Fortune
Change of Fortune
Fortune’s Fool
252 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2021
102 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 21, 2021
Love this series!
McClure brings the awesomeness of Fortune back with this book. I love the steampunk style of this universe and how she really did her homework in getting the world building right. This book did throw me for a loop because this is a completely different storyline within the same universe, but it helped answer some of the questions that came up in Fortune's Fool. As always, my only complaint is that there are WAY too many characters to keep track of, and it detracts from the main story when you're trying to remember, "Who's this guy again?" But I'll keep coming back for more!
McClure brings the awesomeness of Fortune back with this book. I love the steampunk style of this universe and how she really did her homework in getting the world building right. This book did throw me for a loop because this is a completely different storyline within the same universe, but it helped answer some of the questions that came up in Fortune's Fool. As always, my only complaint is that there are WAY too many characters to keep track of, and it detracts from the main story when you're trying to remember, "Who's this guy again?" But I'll keep coming back for more!
March 7, 2018
More fun SF and interesting characters. I look forward to seeing where the author(s) plan to go with this series!
November 6, 2018
Having read Soldier of Fortune I immediately grabbed this, the next book, and again I am so glad I did. This time we journey with the Errant and meet her crew as they steal a package everyone seems to want. the back and forth is amazing, and I loved the characters, good and ‘bad’, especially Eitan and Jagati. Excellent sci-fi!
March 15, 2019
A new “mystery” involving some of the less interesting characters from book one in the series, taking place over the same time frame. I await a true sequel.
Read
August 26, 2020This one reads a little weird. I did read book one a while ago but this book #2 feels like the author suddenly decided to stretch it out to a series and threw in a whole lot of people that were NOT in the first book.
The draco Elvis is missing as is Mia the street kid.
Now he has a ship and a crew, and a love interest… and what?
It’s a totally different main character, AM - it’s the Captain Pitte when Gideon was the Colonel. How did I get 9 chapters in before I realised this?
Is it because they are doing similar things? Stealing stuff from behind the lines, or am I even more confused with another series? [omg I *am* - it’s the same premise as The Frost Arcana by Clara Coulson . *face palms*]
Some days I wish fiction had Ao3 tags like alternate Pov.
*clears throat*
It’s the same events as book 1 told from the Errant Crew PoV.
888
The crew is like Firefly if you lose Jayne (shudders) and have more people of colour, a dash of bisexuals and Callie is gender swapped and Scottish.
The Earth has been destroyed and on this new planet with two suns and a longer day the world is built around the value of bees. Neat. Apiarian? I don’t know what to call it. [bees recognise royalty - yes, I do love Jupiter Ascending - don’t @ me]
Psionics (mind readers and mind influencers) are becoming more prevalent.
I’m not quite sure how possession of a calculator is such a crime in a world where they have actual space ships, but *shrugs* there is action aplenty to distract you.
Once I got my head around what I was reading…
3 stars
The draco Elvis is missing as is Mia the street kid.
Now he has a ship and a crew, and a love interest… and what?
It’s a totally different main character, AM - it’s the Captain Pitte when Gideon was the Colonel. How did I get 9 chapters in before I realised this?
Is it because they are doing similar things? Stealing stuff from behind the lines, or am I even more confused with another series? [omg I *am* - it’s the same premise as The Frost Arcana by Clara Coulson . *face palms*]
Some days I wish fiction had Ao3 tags like alternate Pov.
*clears throat*
It’s the same events as book 1 told from the Errant Crew PoV.
888
The crew is like Firefly if you lose Jayne (shudders) and have more people of colour, a dash of bisexuals and Callie is gender swapped and Scottish.
The Earth has been destroyed and on this new planet with two suns and a longer day the world is built around the value of bees. Neat. Apiarian? I don’t know what to call it. [bees recognise royalty - yes, I do love Jupiter Ascending - don’t @ me]
Psionics (mind readers and mind influencers) are becoming more prevalent.
I’m not quite sure how possession of a calculator is such a crime in a world where they have actual space ships, but *shrugs* there is action aplenty to distract you.
Once I got my head around what I was reading…
3 stars
March 10, 2017
John Pitte and Jagati O’Bannion ran through the canyon doing plasma bolts. When the smoke from the attack got thick enough, they both quietly began their stealthy retreat. Then the firing started again.
After first suspecting they might be lost, they popped out of a tunnel to board their airship – only to find the means of their escape was no longer there! They started to climb higher up the canyon walls, only to discover a sniper waiting, while other armed shooters were coming through the tunnel they had exited! Not an auspicious start for their retrieval job at Dyar’s Canyon! Maybe they should have skipped this one . . .
This book is well written with great development of the characters, who are immediately likeable! The action is immediate and fast-moving, full of surprises, twists, and turns every step of the way! I definitely recommend it as a fun series to get into! I’m a new fan and very glad to have had the opportunity to read it! My comments reflect my honest opinion.
After first suspecting they might be lost, they popped out of a tunnel to board their airship – only to find the means of their escape was no longer there! They started to climb higher up the canyon walls, only to discover a sniper waiting, while other armed shooters were coming through the tunnel they had exited! Not an auspicious start for their retrieval job at Dyar’s Canyon! Maybe they should have skipped this one . . .
This book is well written with great development of the characters, who are immediately likeable! The action is immediate and fast-moving, full of surprises, twists, and turns every step of the way! I definitely recommend it as a fun series to get into! I’m a new fan and very glad to have had the opportunity to read it! My comments reflect my honest opinion.
August 17, 2018
The second in the Fortune Chronicles is as good as the first one though running from a different perspective in the form of the crew of the Airship Errant and a piece of ancient and forbidden tech that they have been (unknown to them) hired to steal from another party who had also stolen it.
The story is well written with the action taking place on land and in the air and the overlaps with the first book included in all the right places making the two linked seamlessly without detracting from either.
This book also delves into the past events of the characters so you get an even greater understanding of the events that led to the clashes that happen to various members along with additional insights of their histories and incidents that make them who they are.
A thorough page turning event with plenty of action and intrigue to keep readers happy till the end.
The story is well written with the action taking place on land and in the air and the overlaps with the first book included in all the right places making the two linked seamlessly without detracting from either.
This book also delves into the past events of the characters so you get an even greater understanding of the events that led to the clashes that happen to various members along with additional insights of their histories and incidents that make them who they are.
A thorough page turning event with plenty of action and intrigue to keep readers happy till the end.
September 7, 2017
This book is so much fun!! Besides being an adventure that races along quickly, there is an underlying sense of humor that made me chuckle a number of times. Loved the references to old movies and literary works (such as Shakespeare). The characters are well drawn - I liked the heroes and heroines. I read Book 2 first and found it to be a stand alone. (Then I did go back and read Book 1 - and it was equally awesome. Ms. McClure writes in several genres (flash fiction, short stories, etc). I have read everything she writes and will continue to do so. Highly recommend this book and Book 1 for sheer reading enjoyment.
August 4, 2022
So a lot of flashbacks but at the same time so much context and information as to what went down and Pitts side of the story when it comes to the Nassa incident in the last book. It was good to see so much more development as to Genna's character and seeing Pitt in a different way. I very much enjoyed the chaos and seemingly light hearted acceptance of things even when they were going wrong. The context really made both stories gain far more depth. Get ready for chaos, sabotage, arguements galore and a lot of airship repairs. Can be read seperate to the Quinn novel which was also nice.
November 9, 2017
A Place You Will Want To Make Home
This my second visit to the world of Fortune, where tech is low but the chance for adventure is high. Travel with the crew of the airship Errant, as they face enemies and a duplicitous employer.
There's enough twists, turns, adventure, and even a little romance to keep you satisfied a nd cheering for Captain Pitte and his crew.
The world of Fortune is worth more than the price of passage.
This my second visit to the world of Fortune, where tech is low but the chance for adventure is high. Travel with the crew of the airship Errant, as they face enemies and a duplicitous employer.
There's enough twists, turns, adventure, and even a little romance to keep you satisfied a nd cheering for Captain Pitte and his crew.
The world of Fortune is worth more than the price of passage.
September 2, 2019
Captain's gambit
Captain John Pitte has his own airship now that the war is over, but he bears the guilt and the scars for his part. so he takes jobs to keep his ship afloat and his crew fed. but this job puts his crew under attack from more than one other crew bent on theft and they always seem to be ahead. John will have to think much faster
this second book is in the skyships after the war. it brings back familiar names and weaves them into their own fantastic story
Captain John Pitte has his own airship now that the war is over, but he bears the guilt and the scars for his part. so he takes jobs to keep his ship afloat and his crew fed. but this job puts his crew under attack from more than one other crew bent on theft and they always seem to be ahead. John will have to think much faster
this second book is in the skyships after the war. it brings back familiar names and weaves them into their own fantastic story
February 18, 2018
Smart a d kinetic, never a dull moment !
Mc Clure has a knack for both dialogue and action. One of the things I liked was that I did not even think z bout the author's gender, I just e joyed a canned good story !
Mc Clure has a knack for both dialogue and action. One of the things I liked was that I did not even think z bout the author's gender, I just e joyed a canned good story !
September 29, 2019
Glad I bought it
I almost didn't buy this one because I wanted continue with the characters of the first book in the series. I'm glad I went ahead because the two books are intertwined and this book provides a greater depth of understanding of the situation on the planet Fortune.
I almost didn't buy this one because I wanted continue with the characters of the first book in the series. I'm glad I went ahead because the two books are intertwined and this book provides a greater depth of understanding of the situation on the planet Fortune.
September 14, 2020
Tremendous story
Second book I have read in the series, even better than the first. The shift in perspective is challenging at first, but feels very comfortable after a short time. Crossover elements and different perspectives allow for a more fully functional story.
Second book I have read in the series, even better than the first. The shift in perspective is challenging at first, but feels very comfortable after a short time. Crossover elements and different perspectives allow for a more fully functional story.
February 11, 2018
Wow
When does the next one come out. Can't wait for it. Loved this. Thx for the great adventure so far.
When does the next one come out. Can't wait for it. Loved this. Thx for the great adventure so far.
April 4, 2018
Very fun read.
Very fun. Nice way to spend a little reading time. Looking forward to reading the next one soon as possible.
Very fun. Nice way to spend a little reading time. Looking forward to reading the next one soon as possible.
September 30, 2018
3 stars. I enjoyed the story, if not the characters. Unlikely to read sequel since it seems it will be more of the same
October 16, 2018
Totally enjoyed.
I have now read the three stories I have found in this series and I am looking forward to all of the books kathleen McClure provides. Looking forward to them.
I have now read the three stories I have found in this series and I am looking forward to all of the books kathleen McClure provides. Looking forward to them.
April 6, 2019
Brilliant
A book that I thoroughly enjoyed have been trying to see what I missed by not reading this author before on the must read for the rest of their books
A book that I thoroughly enjoyed have been trying to see what I missed by not reading this author before on the must read for the rest of their books
July 6, 2019
Really enjoying this series!
September 5, 2019
Really Good, but it was hard to understand, because the story goes back and forward all through the book, I even had to go read the first book to understand some part of the story.
December 12, 2019
Clever world-building (see also previous book,SOLDIER OF FORTUNE) Characters and plot..Just loved it! RECOMMENDED.
January 23, 2020
The cast of characters was the highlight for this book.
January 10, 2017
Excellent
This book interweaves with the first novel without becoming too entangled. Each can easily be read separately.
A new favorite author. The dialogue is brisk, the world is well imagined and a little quirky, and the characters have depth.
I will preorder or purchase the next book ASAP.
This book interweaves with the first novel without becoming too entangled. Each can easily be read separately.
A new favorite author. The dialogue is brisk, the world is well imagined and a little quirky, and the characters have depth.
I will preorder or purchase the next book ASAP.
February 19, 2017
Terrific book! I can hardly wait for the next one! Wonderful plot, super characters, and outrageous villain!
June 12, 2019
Excellent!
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story. It is well written, there are few distracting typos and grammar issues, and the story is well conceived and planned. The characters are well developed and behave consistently.
On the surface, a future world colonized by humans after Earth is destroyed is a relatively orthodox sci-fi formula. But the addition of the laws against high tech in the interest of keeping humans from destroying their new world, too, raises this story to another level. The fact that contraband tech crops up seems inevitable to me under these circumstances. The handling of it is plausible, although I do rather wonder about the military not researching tech during wartime.
I have two criticisms. First, in a few spots, the dialogue gets a little confusing. This is usually the result of several characters all participating in the same conversation, making it difficult to keep up with who is saying what. These cases are rare, however, so they don't really detract.
Second, I'm disappointed that Galileo winds up being crazy. It seems like too easy an out, a little too tidy. As the only such element in the story, this stands out even more. It smacks of the only shortcut in a book that otherwise avoids them.
Those criticisms are minor, though. These tiny flaws did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story. I highly recommend this book. If the other stories in the series are as good, I'll definitely be looking for them.
-- Matt
This was a thoroughly enjoyable story. It is well written, there are few distracting typos and grammar issues, and the story is well conceived and planned. The characters are well developed and behave consistently.
On the surface, a future world colonized by humans after Earth is destroyed is a relatively orthodox sci-fi formula. But the addition of the laws against high tech in the interest of keeping humans from destroying their new world, too, raises this story to another level. The fact that contraband tech crops up seems inevitable to me under these circumstances. The handling of it is plausible, although I do rather wonder about the military not researching tech during wartime.
I have two criticisms. First, in a few spots, the dialogue gets a little confusing. This is usually the result of several characters all participating in the same conversation, making it difficult to keep up with who is saying what. These cases are rare, however, so they don't really detract.
Second, I'm disappointed that Galileo winds up being crazy. It seems like too easy an out, a little too tidy. As the only such element in the story, this stands out even more. It smacks of the only shortcut in a book that otherwise avoids them.
Those criticisms are minor, though. These tiny flaws did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story. I highly recommend this book. If the other stories in the series are as good, I'll definitely be looking for them.
-- Matt
February 14, 2023
In this story we get to hear all about the crew of the airship Errant, whom we briefly met when Gideon and Mia delivered Jinna for safe-keeping in
Soldier of Fortune
. Not only do we get to hear all about them and their pasts, but we also get to go on another great adventure on the planet Fortune with shenanigans galore.
To write this book Kathleen teams up with Kelley McKinnon and while i found there's a slightly different feel to the writing, it's certainly just as good as, and flows perfectly on from, Soldier of Fortune . Once again, we are feasted to our heart's content with great characters who just keep the story rip-roaring along for the reader's complete entertainment.
This book is mostly set at the same time of the events in Soldier of Fortune , and if you haven't read that first then i would suggest doing so before embarking on this book.
Another winner from the brilliant writers at Outrageous Fiction .
Bye for now.
To write this book Kathleen teams up with Kelley McKinnon and while i found there's a slightly different feel to the writing, it's certainly just as good as, and flows perfectly on from, Soldier of Fortune . Once again, we are feasted to our heart's content with great characters who just keep the story rip-roaring along for the reader's complete entertainment.
This book is mostly set at the same time of the events in Soldier of Fortune , and if you haven't read that first then i would suggest doing so before embarking on this book.
Another winner from the brilliant writers at Outrageous Fiction .
Bye for now.
December 2, 2016
I received this book and promised to read and review it. I can honestly say I absolutely loved it! It is a true action novel with twists and turns. Just when I thought I knew where it was going and what was happening, a surprise twist in the plot showed up. I love the characters. Captain Pitte is an honorable air captain who, because of a dishonest superior who took over his ship, has everyone thinking Pitte killed several of their own soldiers. He is out of the service and has assembled a diverse crew that does salvage jobs and locates objects of interest. A woman claiming to want an object she lost, hires them and they find out not only is the object illegal tech but that the woman has been lying and has schemes going on as well. Having read the first book, I enjoyed having those characters show up if only briefly so I knew how they were doing and I enjoyed how the captain and crew finally overcome the bad guys, make sure the illegal tech is safely contained and help their friends. I love these books by Kathleen. She is much like Simon R. Green and Jim Butcher - very unusual characters, very unusual settings and wonderful characters.
March 23, 2019
3 1\2 stars
Here's the problem I have with this book, which may not be an issue for others. The first in this world- Soldier of Fortune - was excellent. Supremely entertaining, as a matter of fact. The actual story to this was good, with the exception of the raging hormones. Since the first book wasn't of this nature, I assumed the second would be another good yarn. Every, and I do mean every, character was gorgeous, hot, etc, and they all had hyperactive hormones. Had I wanted to read such a story, there certainly isn't a dearth of them listed under paranormal and sometimes urban fantasies. Maybe this new bent was due to the co-author's influence; beats me. I will read the next- Fortune's Fool- since that brings back the original character from the first book. Hopefully that one will continue the excellent storytelling I had first enjoyed.
Here's the problem I have with this book, which may not be an issue for others. The first in this world- Soldier of Fortune - was excellent. Supremely entertaining, as a matter of fact. The actual story to this was good, with the exception of the raging hormones. Since the first book wasn't of this nature, I assumed the second would be another good yarn. Every, and I do mean every, character was gorgeous, hot, etc, and they all had hyperactive hormones. Had I wanted to read such a story, there certainly isn't a dearth of them listed under paranormal and sometimes urban fantasies. Maybe this new bent was due to the co-author's influence; beats me. I will read the next- Fortune's Fool- since that brings back the original character from the first book. Hopefully that one will continue the excellent storytelling I had first enjoyed.
February 10, 2017
Twist, turns, some surprises {BUT I read a LOT so hard to do that}, look at other reviews to outline plot or whatever, not only would that be incredibly hard, but don't want any spoilers. That's what the rating system is for.
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