What do you think?
Rate this book
Family Law #8
I Never Applied for This Job
Lee seems to be getting a handle on this sovereign business. Mostly it is making sure you have exceptional people and then stay out of their way. She's learning moderation a little at a time and commissioned a self programming AI who may be a he instead of an it.
Friendship is also a difficult process to master when you are torn between the standards of several species, but she manages to satisfy Badgers ideals, and her Human allies turn out to be very good friends too. A little working vacation with Jeff and April solidifies that bond and gives then a couple of adventures too. They really needed to check on the Bunnies and the Jeff had to teach the squids to keep their filthy tentacles off Lee.
Now if the Earthies would just stop trying to kill her, and they figure out how to deal with the impending death of money, maybe she can do some stuff again just for fun.
Friendship is also a difficult process to master when you are torn between the standards of several species, but she manages to satisfy Badgers ideals, and her Human allies turn out to be very good friends too. A little working vacation with Jeff and April solidifies that bond and gives then a couple of adventures too. They really needed to check on the Bunnies and the Jeff had to teach the squids to keep their filthy tentacles off Lee.
Now if the Earthies would just stop trying to kill her, and they figure out how to deal with the impending death of money, maybe she can do some stuff again just for fun.
- GenresScience FictionAmazon
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2025
166 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Mackey Chandler
35 books219 followersMackey (Mac') Chandler is retired to Rochester Michigan from a working life that spanned a large number of occupations. Mold maker, aerospace machinist, plumber, mechanic and dozen more as well as owning several businesses. This life experience and travel show in the depth and variety of his writing.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 3, 2025
Another excellent April installment
April is working on new projects, makes new associations, helps a sentient AI, and communicates with some very far away friends. This series is excellent for many reasons. It really gets into the difference in thinking that aliens would have versus humans. It also really highlights the changes that human beings would make in their thinking once they leave the planet. Without the strictures and the rules of earth, we would change many many things. A lot of our thinking has to do with putting yourself in boxes and in space, those boxes no longer exist. There's also the fact that once you're out in space, technology must be driven quickly, because everything in space is out to kill you. There's nothing there. No water, no air, no food, nothing. All of these changes would make it very hard to communicate with the people back on Earth who do not think that way at all. I absolutely love this series and I will definitely read the next book.
April is working on new projects, makes new associations, helps a sentient AI, and communicates with some very far away friends. This series is excellent for many reasons. It really gets into the difference in thinking that aliens would have versus humans. It also really highlights the changes that human beings would make in their thinking once they leave the planet. Without the strictures and the rules of earth, we would change many many things. A lot of our thinking has to do with putting yourself in boxes and in space, those boxes no longer exist. There's also the fact that once you're out in space, technology must be driven quickly, because everything in space is out to kill you. There's nothing there. No water, no air, no food, nothing. All of these changes would make it very hard to communicate with the people back on Earth who do not think that way at all. I absolutely love this series and I will definitely read the next book.
May 12, 2025
The wait was worth it!
Buy his books!
Mackey Chandler has become a fine wordsmith and storyteller, as I have seen in sixty years of reading. Certainly, as fine as many of my favorite authors, Heinlein, Clarke, Bujold, or Schmidt.
Indeed, his superior characterastion makes for wonderful original personalities that you fall in love with. The smooth flow in his narration makes me want more. I want to KNOW what happens next, and I'm impatient waiting for the next story. I have purchased all of the April and Little Fleet(Lee) series, as well as some of Mackeys' stand-alone novels and short stories. An honor I reserve only for those authors whom rivet my attention .
I like that these are strong, lighthearted, humorous, educational, serious, and not necessarily in that order. All you really need to know is that any of these works are DEFINITELY worth your money.
I hate spoilers, so I have avoided revealing story lines. Buy one and see if they're to your tastes. I predict you'll likethem.
Buy his books!
Mackey Chandler has become a fine wordsmith and storyteller, as I have seen in sixty years of reading. Certainly, as fine as many of my favorite authors, Heinlein, Clarke, Bujold, or Schmidt.
Indeed, his superior characterastion makes for wonderful original personalities that you fall in love with. The smooth flow in his narration makes me want more. I want to KNOW what happens next, and I'm impatient waiting for the next story. I have purchased all of the April and Little Fleet(Lee) series, as well as some of Mackeys' stand-alone novels and short stories. An honor I reserve only for those authors whom rivet my attention .
I like that these are strong, lighthearted, humorous, educational, serious, and not necessarily in that order. All you really need to know is that any of these works are DEFINITELY worth your money.
I hate spoilers, so I have avoided revealing story lines. Buy one and see if they're to your tastes. I predict you'll likethem.
August 13, 2025
I Never Applied for This Job is the 8th book in this series, and I don't think it's slowed down one single bit. In this book, The earth's failure to manage newly discovered planets if kind of the central theme, albeit indirectly. The main character is making plans, and what plans they are. Rescuing badgers from over zealous brothers, Continuing the ongoing relations with the bills, revisiting a new race, and so much more. This book is just packed with story advancements, and now I'm disappointed that I'm caught up, because there isn't another book in the series to read.
If you're a scifi fan, you won't find a whole lot better than this series for exploration and alien contact, two of the things I like most in scifi stories.
Looking forward to the next one in the series.
If you're a scifi fan, you won't find a whole lot better than this series for exploration and alien contact, two of the things I like most in scifi stories.
Looking forward to the next one in the series.
April 26, 2025
Feels like family now
I've read every book by Mackey Chandler and have enjoyed each one, but especially the progression of April and now more so with Lee as there are some very interesting new sapient friends I've grown most fond of, Derf, Hin, Badger and Bill. I love your stories. Revisiting the trail of the Little Fleet was most welcome and you delivered. This one I tore through in a day, putting off everything not pressing as it reads like a drug and pushes all my dopamine buttons..sigh. Thank you and as always..I await our next adventure.
I've read every book by Mackey Chandler and have enjoyed each one, but especially the progression of April and now more so with Lee as there are some very interesting new sapient friends I've grown most fond of, Derf, Hin, Badger and Bill. I love your stories. Revisiting the trail of the Little Fleet was most welcome and you delivered. This one I tore through in a day, putting off everything not pressing as it reads like a drug and pushes all my dopamine buttons..sigh. Thank you and as always..I await our next adventure.
April 29, 2025
Good continuation of a multi generational story
I like the characters a lot, especially April, Lee and Tish. Watching them grow into their own is always an adventure.
I will say that the copy editing has deteriorated a bit from the previous books in the series. I counted at least a couple dozen easily fixable errors, mostly words that were likely autocorrect failures. I understand that this being a very long running series means the reader is a big fan and as such is likely more forgiving, but it's still jarring when you run into them.
I like the characters a lot, especially April, Lee and Tish. Watching them grow into their own is always an adventure.
I will say that the copy editing has deteriorated a bit from the previous books in the series. I counted at least a couple dozen easily fixable errors, mostly words that were likely autocorrect failures. I understand that this being a very long running series means the reader is a big fan and as such is likely more forgiving, but it's still jarring when you run into them.
May 24, 2025
Saddest moment…
… for me is when I read the last page of the latest book in this series. Mr Chandler, thank you once again for a lovely novel. FWIW, I like the small diversions to keep up the various story lines. Since they’re short, they don’t detract from the main thread(s), and allow us to follow the sub-threads regularly. Tough to do and find that balance, but I assert that the author has done so.
… for me is when I read the last page of the latest book in this series. Mr Chandler, thank you once again for a lovely novel. FWIW, I like the small diversions to keep up the various story lines. Since they’re short, they don’t detract from the main thread(s), and allow us to follow the sub-threads regularly. Tough to do and find that balance, but I assert that the author has done so.
April 26, 2025
Another good book
MC keeps getting better with his writing style with each new chapter in the two story lines he has created. The only problem I have is with Amazon not listing pre-order for his books. Happily awaiting his next offering. It's so funny how much he enjoys messing with his main sub characters in this book.
MC keeps getting better with his writing style with each new chapter in the two story lines he has created. The only problem I have is with Amazon not listing pre-order for his books. Happily awaiting his next offering. It's so funny how much he enjoys messing with his main sub characters in this book.
April 27, 2025
Awesome Stuff
This was a very interesting entertaining episode of these series. I really enjoyed reading them as it makes me think about how the future world will be like. I want to complain about how terrible North America is portrayed. But being honest I could see us being like that, and we let idiot run our country.
This was a very interesting entertaining episode of these series. I really enjoyed reading them as it makes me think about how the future world will be like. I want to complain about how terrible North America is portrayed. But being honest I could see us being like that, and we let idiot run our country.
April 27, 2025
Great continuation
Excellent , I don't know how Mac does it but each book gets better , Lee is growing into her new responsibilities and had several ideas how to develop her world , an visit to the bunnies world and the water world prove interesting and off course there has to be an assassin attempt thrown in there !!
Excellent , I don't know how Mac does it but each book gets better , Lee is growing into her new responsibilities and had several ideas how to develop her world , an visit to the bunnies world and the water world prove interesting and off course there has to be an assassin attempt thrown in there !!
May 3, 2025
This was a disappointing book. It was basically a whole lot of nothing. Usual characters who do nothing but talk about their lives, actions and secrets, where they live, what they eat. What little action there is never comes to any result. This is a good series of books but this was a poor representative.
May 6, 2025
Worlds explored, and characters developed
A slice of Lee and Friends life. I really enjoyed the pace of the book and the new or deeper introductions to others. It makes me think this is a prelude to a more active adventure in the next book. I love this universe and can't wait for more.
A slice of Lee and Friends life. I really enjoyed the pace of the book and the new or deeper introductions to others. It makes me think this is a prelude to a more active adventure in the next book. I love this universe and can't wait for more.
May 12, 2025
I think this may possible be the best book in the series.
Mackey has defined his universe in great detail and the place feels like a familiar and comfortable place to hag about. Virtually speaking.
He has the knack.
I hope to see many more installments in the Aprilverse before I check out. Too bad life extension is not a real thing (yet!).
Mackey has defined his universe in great detail and the place feels like a familiar and comfortable place to hag about. Virtually speaking.
He has the knack.
I hope to see many more installments in the Aprilverse before I check out. Too bad life extension is not a real thing (yet!).
April 27, 2025
Amazing new chapter in this great series
Been waiting with bated breath this new adventure to finally get published I'm glad the author has recovered from his many health problems. And hope that he continues to run for many years to come.
Been waiting with bated breath this new adventure to finally get published I'm glad the author has recovered from his many health problems. And hope that he continues to run for many years to come.
April 28, 2025
Mackey chandler does it again!
What does an unfettered meritocracy look like ? Great characters good story line with a definite libertarian view of politics. I have been following these characters for over twenty books and the stories are always interesting and thought provoking.
What does an unfettered meritocracy look like ? Great characters good story line with a definite libertarian view of politics. I have been following these characters for over twenty books and the stories are always interesting and thought provoking.
April 29, 2025
Awesome as always.
When I read a new release in this series or the April series, I want to start at the beginning again and read them all. Such a believable attitude from diverse characters, new aliens, and even old tech I can learn more about. Thank you, and keep em coming.
When I read a new release in this series or the April series, I want to start at the beginning again and read them all. Such a believable attitude from diverse characters, new aliens, and even old tech I can learn more about. Thank you, and keep em coming.
April 30, 2025
Ongoing story excellence
Mackey continues to run story threads accurately in an interesting and lighthearted manner from book to book. Look forward to more and desire complete series in hardcopy
Mackey continues to run story threads accurately in an interesting and lighthearted manner from book to book. Look forward to more and desire complete series in hardcopy
May 5, 2025
Love this series and the other associated series written by Mackey Chandler. Terrific science fiction series! It has been awhile since reading the prior books, but immediately remembered the story line and characters as I began reading book 8. Great stories and characters.
May 14, 2025
Another compulsive read
It has been my practice to buy Mackey Chandler's books as soon as I could, but I feel a need to have actual ownership of my books, so Amazon is no longer a viable source. Kobo ?
It has been my practice to buy Mackey Chandler's books as soon as I could, but I feel a need to have actual ownership of my books, so Amazon is no longer a viable source. Kobo ?
May 20, 2025
great as usual
The series keeps getting better. I missed some characters, but the cast keeps growing and not all characters could have so much presence… hope to see musical and the others researchers more in the next book
The series keeps getting better. I missed some characters, but the cast keeps growing and not all characters could have so much presence… hope to see musical and the others researchers more in the next book
May 21, 2025
A great addition to the series. I enjoyed the return to some of the previously discovered aliens. PLEASE GET HELP WITH PROOFREADING. I would be happy to volunteer. The error rate is high enough to detract from the fun of reading.
June 14, 2025
Another one out of the park!
A little less action than some of the series, but such rich dialog, how wonderful are the new characters. Can’t wait for the next one. Write faster! :-)
A little less action than some of the series, but such rich dialog, how wonderful are the new characters. Can’t wait for the next one. Write faster! :-)
July 6, 2025
They're Magic
April and Family Law are a magical collection of wonderful characters. People that you wish you could know, in situations that you wish you could experience.
Thank you, Mackey, for many joyous hours of reading pleasure.
April and Family Law are a magical collection of wonderful characters. People that you wish you could know, in situations that you wish you could experience.
Thank you, Mackey, for many joyous hours of reading pleasure.
July 13, 2025
Ok, not a major plot.
This is a mash of the family law series and the April series. It is just a bunch of vignettes. You also have to have read ALL the family law and ALL the April series to make sense of it.
This is a mash of the family law series and the April series. It is just a bunch of vignettes. You also have to have read ALL the family law and ALL the April series to make sense of it.
July 18, 2025
As always another excellent addition to the Family Law universe.
Mackie Chandler‘s writing is always excellent, this book is no exception. The melding of the Family Law universe, and the April universe has been fascinating to follow. I consistently enjoy these novels.
Mackie Chandler‘s writing is always excellent, this book is no exception. The melding of the Family Law universe, and the April universe has been fascinating to follow. I consistently enjoy these novels.
April 23, 2025
Excellent
Story flows very well and the tie in to the previous books is excellent. I have enjoyed everything written by Mackey.
Story flows very well and the tie in to the previous books is excellent. I have enjoyed everything written by Mackey.
April 23, 2025
Fun addition to the series!
April 26, 2025
Always unique! Excellent!
I enjoy the stories, and especially the education and mentorship of the young characters. Well done! Looking forward to the future!
I enjoy the stories, and especially the education and mentorship of the young characters. Well done! Looking forward to the future!
April 26, 2025
Great as always!
I love these books. I just wish that they would come out more frequently! I can’t wait for the next adventure! Top Notch!
I love these books. I just wish that they would come out more frequently! I can’t wait for the next adventure! Top Notch!
May 3, 2025
Engaging story, I can't wait for More!
It is such a delight to find a series like this that continues to draw me in. Thank you Mackey Chandler!
It is such a delight to find a series like this that continues to draw me in. Thank you Mackey Chandler!
May 5, 2025
Great Series
The author has again put together the next chapter in the main character’s story and I am already waiting for the next one.
The author has again put together the next chapter in the main character’s story and I am already waiting for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews