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Wanderer's Odyssey #3
Wanderer: Tainted Universe
Doing the right thing can bring the wrong type of attention. Now the Empire knows the amazing things the Wanderer is capable of, they want the ship for themselves. As powerful as the Wanderer is it is no match for the imperial fleet that seeks to capture it. Jess has only one option – run.
With the imperial fleet dogging his steps Jess continues to head for the Wanderer's homeworld, but in running from the Empire he is running blindly towards a far greater danger.
With the imperial fleet dogging his steps Jess continues to head for the Wanderer's homeworld, but in running from the Empire he is running blindly towards a far greater danger.
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First published June 9, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 9, 2020
Wow.
'Tainted Universe', the third book in the Wanderer's Odyssey series, is a big step up from Goodson's previous offerings. The crew of the Wanderer continue their quest to travel to their ships' origin, unaware the the human empire is under attack from an enemy that spreads like an infection, an enemy known as the Taint.
It's possible to read this book without reading the previous volumes. Goodson does a nice job catching up new readers in the opening chapters. This book also contains multiple story threads, threads that allow the reader to appreciate the threat posed by the Taint, long before the crew of the Wanderer encounters it. There are space battles both large and small, plus an epic battle in cyberspace that's a real page turner.
I have two criticisms worth mentioning: 1) There are established characters who are suddenly filled with anger and paranoia. I actually suspected for quite a while that these behaviors might be early symptoms of the Taint. (They're not) 2) There are a few too many secret weapons and technologies that pop out of nowhere, giving the reader no opportunity to anticipate their use.
This is definitely NOT the last book in the series. The end of the book is a massive cliffhanger. The resolution of that cliffhanger is sure to catapult the story arc into new territory. My only frustration is that as I write this, it's been less than a month since the publication of 'Tainted Universe'. I'm going to be waiting a while for the next volume.
** 2020 Update **
It's mid 2020, and I recently read books 5 and 6 of this series. After six years the details of the first three books had grown fuzzy, so I just re-read them. Although books 5 and 6 have a few problems of their own, they did "fix" some of the issues I had with the first three.
'Tainted Universe', the third book in the Wanderer's Odyssey series, is a big step up from Goodson's previous offerings. The crew of the Wanderer continue their quest to travel to their ships' origin, unaware the the human empire is under attack from an enemy that spreads like an infection, an enemy known as the Taint.
It's possible to read this book without reading the previous volumes. Goodson does a nice job catching up new readers in the opening chapters. This book also contains multiple story threads, threads that allow the reader to appreciate the threat posed by the Taint, long before the crew of the Wanderer encounters it. There are space battles both large and small, plus an epic battle in cyberspace that's a real page turner.
I have two criticisms worth mentioning: 1) There are established characters who are suddenly filled with anger and paranoia. I actually suspected for quite a while that these behaviors might be early symptoms of the Taint. (They're not) 2) There are a few too many secret weapons and technologies that pop out of nowhere, giving the reader no opportunity to anticipate their use.
This is definitely NOT the last book in the series. The end of the book is a massive cliffhanger. The resolution of that cliffhanger is sure to catapult the story arc into new territory. My only frustration is that as I write this, it's been less than a month since the publication of 'Tainted Universe'. I'm going to be waiting a while for the next volume.
** 2020 Update **
It's mid 2020, and I recently read books 5 and 6 of this series. After six years the details of the first three books had grown fuzzy, so I just re-read them. Although books 5 and 6 have a few problems of their own, they did "fix" some of the issues I had with the first three.
July 19, 2015
It's not often you see an author improve and develop so much through the creation of a story. Each novel in this series was more involved, better written and more gripping. I couldn't put this one down! Now I will have to try and survive until the next book is out - soon I hope!
July 17, 2014
It was dark, unpredictable, and left you wanting to know what will happen next.
September 18, 2014
Great sequel, cliff hanger ending along with a story that keeps getting deeper and better.
September 20, 2017
Before you start this book, please note it is the third in a series. You need to read Wanderer's Escape (Wanderer's Odyssey Book 1) first, followed by Wanderer - Echoes of the Past (Wanderer's Odyssey Book 2) or this one won't make much sense to you. As I type this review, the first book in the series is free for your Kindle.
This installment of the book was ok, but I was a little disappointed in the continued lack of character development and Jess is really an annoying and immature child. Similar to the second book in the series, adult science fiction fans will find this a little thin in terms of believability, but the young adult crowd will probably enjoy this one tremendously. As a parent, however, I wouldn't let my child read it because the author continues to have his characters preoccupied with having sex in every horizontal or vertical surface at the drop of a hat - sure, that's what's on a lot of teenager's minds but it's either a science fiction tale or something to get the YA crowd excited.
While I was a little disappointed in how this chapter of the story turned out, I'm interested to see where book #4 - and hopefully the last - book in the series concludes the story.
This installment of the book was ok, but I was a little disappointed in the continued lack of character development and Jess is really an annoying and immature child. Similar to the second book in the series, adult science fiction fans will find this a little thin in terms of believability, but the young adult crowd will probably enjoy this one tremendously. As a parent, however, I wouldn't let my child read it because the author continues to have his characters preoccupied with having sex in every horizontal or vertical surface at the drop of a hat - sure, that's what's on a lot of teenager's minds but it's either a science fiction tale or something to get the YA crowd excited.
While I was a little disappointed in how this chapter of the story turned out, I'm interested to see where book #4 - and hopefully the last - book in the series concludes the story.
October 1, 2018
Wanderer’s Odyssey #3 continues with non-stop action. The freed slave Jess, his sentient ship the Wanderer, and the unique alien Teeko are still my favorites; I find the many new characters of interest but less compelling. This story has non-stop action and plot twists. 4.5 stars!
July 28, 2014
Good energy
Good energy
Loved this book. Some of the jumping back and forth seemed virtuous but overall the book was a very old read.
Good energy
Loved this book. Some of the jumping back and forth seemed virtuous but overall the book was a very old read.
February 12, 2026
Jess, who commands the alien Wanderer spaceship through his mental link, is compelled to return the ship to its home world across the Quarantine Zone. A fleet of Empire ships pursues him and his friends. They’re threatened by a menace that lies beyond the heavily-guarded edge of known space. Jess passes abandoned wrecks and widespread desolation while charging headlong into a danger he doesn’t understand. All too soon, he finds out what the imperial forces are so desperate to keep contained… But for his crew, it may be too late. Sympathetic characters, action-packed space battles, and taut suspense will keep readers turning pages, although I found the multiple viewpoints in this story to be somewhat distracting.
June 19, 2023
It’s #3 in the series, and Goodson has me hooked. The main two characters are Jess, the 16 year old former slave and the Wanderer, the ship with a soul; they are linked together. This book had a couple of side stories that end up being sort of linked. The planet, Greenseed, provides food for many other planets. Marsh is the commander of the station; he is Empire and was a former commander of a ship. Clay is a fighter pilot. They have separate stories, but Clay ends up in space near Greenseed at the end. Marsh's story ends, but Clay's is unresolved.
There is so much going on in this book that the action is almost continuous. The tainted are taking over; the Quarantine Zone must be crossed. Admiral Zorn of the Empire is in charge of a major fleet chasing Jess, and Zorn has managed to get a homing device planted on the Wanderer. He has got some troopers on board the Wanderer, and they are creating their own havoc trying to take over the ship. Teeko, the alien, shows some new strengths. Goodson’s imagination runs amok.
Sci-fi fans, give this series a try. It’s got gadgets and devices that will both surprise and entertain you.
There is so much going on in this book that the action is almost continuous. The tainted are taking over; the Quarantine Zone must be crossed. Admiral Zorn of the Empire is in charge of a major fleet chasing Jess, and Zorn has managed to get a homing device planted on the Wanderer. He has got some troopers on board the Wanderer, and they are creating their own havoc trying to take over the ship. Teeko, the alien, shows some new strengths. Goodson’s imagination runs amok.
Sci-fi fans, give this series a try. It’s got gadgets and devices that will both surprise and entertain you.
March 20, 2017
A good addition to the series
I found this book to be quite interesting to read as it carries on from the previous two books. It took me longer to get through as it was a bit of a difficult read due to the nature of the events in the book. As these events make up a difficult journey where the ship is under constant attack from both within and without. A few errors in the book should have been picked up during editing such as mixing character names but that didn't detract too much from the book for me. Looking forward to the conclusion.
I found this book to be quite interesting to read as it carries on from the previous two books. It took me longer to get through as it was a bit of a difficult read due to the nature of the events in the book. As these events make up a difficult journey where the ship is under constant attack from both within and without. A few errors in the book should have been picked up during editing such as mixing character names but that didn't detract too much from the book for me. Looking forward to the conclusion.
July 29, 2025
Terrible astrophysics
Author should research astrophysics instead of making this some fantasy story about some alternate universe without lightspeed limitations and instant comunication
Author should research astrophysics instead of making this some fantasy story about some alternate universe without lightspeed limitations and instant comunication
December 29, 2025
It read easily enough. Decent Science Fiction. The plot keeps developing around the Wanderer ship, and alliances start coming in place. Learning about the Taint was definitely a highlight in this volume 3, especially finding out more about its propagation through the known universe
April 26, 2019
Still hanging in there, hoping
I liked the adventure but so far it seems to be missing a goal maybe this book will clarify. Going forward
I liked the adventure but so far it seems to be missing a goal maybe this book will clarify. Going forward
February 24, 2020
Book 3 in the series
July 31, 2021
Excellent. Annoyed at the ending, I thought it was the final, turns out there's more. That means I have to find it. Worth reading.
May 16, 2024
Wow
More excitement, more betrayal, over coming great difficulty.
Jess has to deal with all this and more. Luckily he has a friend or two
More excitement, more betrayal, over coming great difficulty.
Jess has to deal with all this and more. Luckily he has a friend or two
May 23, 2016
The plot thickens and the story fleshes out in new directions. As the Wanderer enters Quarantine Zone knowing nothing of the dangers ahead, the fleet commanded by Commander Vorn doggedly follows them giving them little time to recover between assaults. Meanwhile, the Empire has its own troubles. A young fighter pilot is beginning to pick up gut feelings that all is not right with his world. He is aware of the taint and is actively fighting it but when he sees his best friend die it becomes to much. What can one fighter do? And at Greenfield a peaceful food production station. How can they fight the taint?
January 12, 2015
OMG a cliff diving wait for next book.
Trying to find the Wanderers home and dealing with people's feelings aren't Jess's strong suit. Watch him bungle up normal stuff for a Sixteen year old but worse for a Captain of the most impressive powerful ship around. Can't wait for next book.
Trying to find the Wanderers home and dealing with people's feelings aren't Jess's strong suit. Watch him bungle up normal stuff for a Sixteen year old but worse for a Captain of the most impressive powerful ship around. Can't wait for next book.
July 15, 2015
Phenomenal
The surprises just keep on coming. When you think that things are about to be the defeat of our heroes, something new is discovered that pulls the fat out of the fire. Again I am staying up late, just couldn't put it down.
The surprises just keep on coming. When you think that things are about to be the defeat of our heroes, something new is discovered that pulls the fat out of the fire. Again I am staying up late, just couldn't put it down.
June 26, 2015
definately 5 stars. when is book 4 coming. You left way too many cliffhangers
October 21, 2016
Series fun reading!
Thank you again Simon Goods on for another exciting a and fun reading adventure in the series. The action is getting intense a fan.
Thank you again Simon Goods on for another exciting a and fun reading adventure in the series. The action is getting intense a fan.
July 18, 2015
Love the series,can't wait for next book to come out. Too many cliffhangers at the end.
August 13, 2016
This series continues to surprise and delight. A masterpiece it is not but it sure is fun.
June 12, 2017
Third book of the 4 part series. I thought they couldn't get more fast paced. I was wrong. Now we have several narratives at various levels including some flash-backs. Another couple of interesting characters that start as separate stories then merge with the main thread. The Wanderer just keeps running to and from something. I already have the last book and will start it today!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews