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Titanium Texicans
Sixteen-Year-old Tasso Menzies just finished burying his grandfather next to his mother and grandmother on the family farm when he receives an order from his estranged uncle to come to Capital City. He doesn’t want to leave the only home he’s ever known. He doesn’t want to be apprenticed on a space freighter crewed by Texas cowboys of Mexican descent. He certainly doesn’t want to be gone for so long that his home and inheritance are stolen. While trying to fit in and still get home he learns what it is like to live in space, what a cheerleader is, how spicy a taco can be, and that Texicans like a good fight as much as he does.
- GenresScience Fiction
360 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2014
33 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Alan Black
22 books312 followersAuthor of
sci/fi
Christian/Historical Fiction
Action/Humor
Western
sci/fi
Christian/Historical Fiction
Action/Humor
Western
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 15, 2016
Best-selling Indie Author Alan Black now writes Fantasy & he is celebrating with a Great Giveaway that is 100% Real!!
Click on Banner to Enter - August 15 - September 5 - INTL Where allowed-unless otherwise stated!
…And we have lift off into some great younger YA, YA and Adult reading! Titanium Texicans by Alan Black is a journey across the galaxy, told mostly within the confines of a spaceship that must be the size of the Mall of America! Filled with all of the adventure and discovery of a well-written coming of age story, Titanium Texicans would make a wonderful gift for anyone!
Tasso has lost everything, his family, and now the only home and life he has ever known, as his uncle sells him into the care of a space traveling freighter ship. Naïve, alone and different from the residents of this ship, Tasso must rely on his own curiosity and zest for learning to maneuver in his new world. Even the most mundane of phrases are foreign to him, celebrations seem strange, and even having fun for the fun of it is a hard concept to accept. But not even someone as clever and charming as Tasso can avoid making enemies and trouble has a habit of catching up with him at the worst of times. A quick thinker and a person to look out for others, Tasso soon discovers his thoughts and opinions count in this strange new world, as well as his strengths and caring for those around him. As time passes, Tasso is given the chance to give to those who need help while benefiting his new found family on board. Will his intelligence and quick wit help him to attain his own dreams or will he find as he has matured that his dreams have changed and there may be a greater purpose to be found?
Alan Black’s inner child must have been at the controls for this one, and trust me, he pushed all the right buttons to create a world so full of detail that the mental images are fitting for the imagination of a child and remind those “young-at-heart” readers of the joys of reading. In a time when a positive hero for younger readers can be hard to find, Mr. Black gives us Tasso, who, in spite of the hardships and loss he has known, has not grown bitter and is in awe of the new world around him and not afraid to admit it and how cool is that, not to have to be cool all of the time! Alan Black has created a flawed world looking to improve and characters that, for the most part are positive and full of a sense of adventure. To see an entire group of people being so willing to help others is an amazing feat to pull off while making a tale come to life with such clarity. Looking to instill the magic of reading into the heart of a young reader? I highly recommend taking a look at Alan Black’s Titanium Texican.
I received this copy from author Alan Black in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 12, 2014
Publisher: Alan Black
ISBN-10: 1500639184
ISBN-13: 978-1500639181
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Age Level: 10 - 18 | Grade Level: 6 - 12
Print Length: 321 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Click on Banner to Enter - August 15 - September 5 - INTL Where allowed-unless otherwise stated!
…And we have lift off into some great younger YA, YA and Adult reading! Titanium Texicans by Alan Black is a journey across the galaxy, told mostly within the confines of a spaceship that must be the size of the Mall of America! Filled with all of the adventure and discovery of a well-written coming of age story, Titanium Texicans would make a wonderful gift for anyone!
Tasso has lost everything, his family, and now the only home and life he has ever known, as his uncle sells him into the care of a space traveling freighter ship. Naïve, alone and different from the residents of this ship, Tasso must rely on his own curiosity and zest for learning to maneuver in his new world. Even the most mundane of phrases are foreign to him, celebrations seem strange, and even having fun for the fun of it is a hard concept to accept. But not even someone as clever and charming as Tasso can avoid making enemies and trouble has a habit of catching up with him at the worst of times. A quick thinker and a person to look out for others, Tasso soon discovers his thoughts and opinions count in this strange new world, as well as his strengths and caring for those around him. As time passes, Tasso is given the chance to give to those who need help while benefiting his new found family on board. Will his intelligence and quick wit help him to attain his own dreams or will he find as he has matured that his dreams have changed and there may be a greater purpose to be found?
Alan Black’s inner child must have been at the controls for this one, and trust me, he pushed all the right buttons to create a world so full of detail that the mental images are fitting for the imagination of a child and remind those “young-at-heart” readers of the joys of reading. In a time when a positive hero for younger readers can be hard to find, Mr. Black gives us Tasso, who, in spite of the hardships and loss he has known, has not grown bitter and is in awe of the new world around him and not afraid to admit it and how cool is that, not to have to be cool all of the time! Alan Black has created a flawed world looking to improve and characters that, for the most part are positive and full of a sense of adventure. To see an entire group of people being so willing to help others is an amazing feat to pull off while making a tale come to life with such clarity. Looking to instill the magic of reading into the heart of a young reader? I highly recommend taking a look at Alan Black’s Titanium Texican.
I received this copy from author Alan Black in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 12, 2014
Publisher: Alan Black
ISBN-10: 1500639184
ISBN-13: 978-1500639181
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Age Level: 10 - 18 | Grade Level: 6 - 12
Print Length: 321 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 25, 2014
This book was addictive. I loved it! I wasn't too sure at first, because I had to wrap my mind around descriptions of things foreign to me, but quickly I found myself drawn in and entranced by the character, wondering what was going to happen next. This story had everything I have ever loved from all of my favorite books. The western feel mixed with sci-fi and adventure, youthfulness and maturity, a hero, good guys, bad guys, a bit of fighting and some sexy type events done in a very natural way... seriously, EVERYTHING! This story could almost be like a male version of a futuristic Cinderella story (but its not frou-frou)... although there are ribbons...and lingerie. Anyway, every character is easy and fun to visualize. I found my self in constant anticipation. The end of every chapter left you hanging and the beginning of the next sucked you right back in. There was enough intrigue to keep me captured and enough everyday events to make it real. I found myself wishing I could be there and keep on living this life. Its like I opened a bag of the best chips ever and next thing I know I'm licking my fingers and looking into an empty bag wanting more.
Pamela McKee/Illustrator and book lover.(Dothan, AL)
Pamela McKee/Illustrator and book lover.(Dothan, AL)
December 29, 2014
No techno babble in this YA Sci/Fi. It is a story driven by its characters and the society in which they live. Although there are high tech machines in which our hero Tasso gets involved with the emphasis is on what those machines can do and how they advance the social structure in which he has been thrust against his will.
True to any hero Tasso adjusts, but not without some conflict, some of which is self imposed. Teenage angst and Tasso's strong character development by his grandparents provide the example any parent would wish for their children.
Although the plot is rather predictable and there are some issues of pace with the story is a very good read.
My initial reluctance to read a YA story was quickly overcome by Alan Black's ability to display Tasso's backwater simplicity and country wisdom.
True to any hero Tasso adjusts, but not without some conflict, some of which is self imposed. Teenage angst and Tasso's strong character development by his grandparents provide the example any parent would wish for their children.
Although the plot is rather predictable and there are some issues of pace with the story is a very good read.
My initial reluctance to read a YA story was quickly overcome by Alan Black's ability to display Tasso's backwater simplicity and country wisdom.
October 13, 2014
Alan Black is a skilled YA author, and “Titanium Texicans” is an excellent story for YA and older readers.
The story begins when Tasso Menzies’ greedy uncle has him shanghaied onto an outbound spaceship to prevent Tasso from inheriting his grandfather’s chiamra spice farm on Saronno. Tasso, who has never lived anywhere but the farm, must adapt to the new ship-board culture and use his intelligence, ingenuity, and self-confidence to work his way up from his omega-dog status while trying to find a way to return to Saronno before his eighteenth birthday.
The story is funny, serious, exciting, and entertaining with never a let up in the challenges Tasso must meet. A great G-rated read. I recommend “Titanium Texicans”, and when you finish reading it, check out the list of other excellent stories by Alan Black.
The story begins when Tasso Menzies’ greedy uncle has him shanghaied onto an outbound spaceship to prevent Tasso from inheriting his grandfather’s chiamra spice farm on Saronno. Tasso, who has never lived anywhere but the farm, must adapt to the new ship-board culture and use his intelligence, ingenuity, and self-confidence to work his way up from his omega-dog status while trying to find a way to return to Saronno before his eighteenth birthday.
The story is funny, serious, exciting, and entertaining with never a let up in the challenges Tasso must meet. A great G-rated read. I recommend “Titanium Texicans”, and when you finish reading it, check out the list of other excellent stories by Alan Black.
January 4, 2015
It usually takes more than a clever title to make me click the "Buy" button; not so this time. This comes across as a 'coming of age' in space sort of tale but it is more of a clash of cultures that makes it so interesting.
The characters are interesting and mostly likable. Tasso seems to have an effect on everyone he meets for good or bad. The ship seems more like a floating city and too huge to be economically viable, but its fiction and it is a fun read.
I think Nathan Lowell does a better job of crafting a story of coming of age as a trader in space. However, it was the craftiness of this title that pulled me in and a good story that kept me reading.
The characters are interesting and mostly likable. Tasso seems to have an effect on everyone he meets for good or bad. The ship seems more like a floating city and too huge to be economically viable, but its fiction and it is a fun read.
I think Nathan Lowell does a better job of crafting a story of coming of age as a trader in space. However, it was the craftiness of this title that pulled me in and a good story that kept me reading.
December 3, 2014
Thought it might be corny
It wasn't. This was a good book. It was entertaining and fun. My only complaint is that I would have liked more on the other characters. Some of them were very shallow
It wasn't. This was a good book. It was entertaining and fun. My only complaint is that I would have liked more on the other characters. Some of them were very shallow
January 24, 2021
Slow burn coming of age mystery
The book took a while to grow on me. It states of with a massive family background information dump and then slowly unfolds. I felt connection to the MC and most of his actions were reasonable although sometimes I wanted to slap him straight. The MC does Have overly good luck and the trading issues that he uncovers are unreasonable as a crew as slow on the uptake would not be making profits from trading. Nonetheless it was an enjoyable story.
The book took a while to grow on me. It states of with a massive family background information dump and then slowly unfolds. I felt connection to the MC and most of his actions were reasonable although sometimes I wanted to slap him straight. The MC does Have overly good luck and the trading issues that he uncovers are unreasonable as a crew as slow on the uptake would not be making profits from trading. Nonetheless it was an enjoyable story.
December 12, 2018
Phenomenal
Alan black is a master level story teller, and he’s back at it in Titanium Texixans, sure the title doesn’t stand out and the description doesn’t do it justice, but in terms of what is all around a well rounded and brilliantly written story with interesting plot twists and strong character development I give this a perfect score.
Alan black is a master level story teller, and he’s back at it in Titanium Texixans, sure the title doesn’t stand out and the description doesn’t do it justice, but in terms of what is all around a well rounded and brilliantly written story with interesting plot twists and strong character development I give this a perfect score.
August 28, 2018
Great story
I wish it would continue into a series. This story has great writing characters and a believable premise. This is my 3 rd time reading it so I guess I reallllllly like it no I love. To the author thanks for writing such a great book.
I wish it would continue into a series. This story has great writing characters and a believable premise. This is my 3 rd time reading it so I guess I reallllllly like it no I love. To the author thanks for writing such a great book.
December 11, 2019
Alan Black is a good writer and I enjoyed the story though it meandered around a bit before finally wrapping everything up in a hurry. That is my only real complaint, was there a page limit for the book or why take so long to get to an ending that came in a rush? Still I enjoyed the journey.
Read
March 5, 2021An excellent book to read when you need a pick me up story.
I would recommend this book to anyone. The book is aimed at a late teen or young adult audience, but works for any age reader. Try it, you will like it.
I would recommend this book to anyone. The book is aimed at a late teen or young adult audience, but works for any age reader. Try it, you will like it.
June 13, 2015
Alan Black's work will suck you in!
I am not good at reviews, but this is the third work of Mr. Black's that I have read in thee weeks because his writing captures my imagination. I like good space operas because they last longer, but Black's stand alone works are great because they leave me satisfied at the end and not disappointed that there isn't more to come.
Titanium Texicans is a page turner full of authentic dialogue with concepts greater than the the satisfying amount of sci-fi technology woven into a well-written coming of age story. Take the time to read it, I certainly wasn't sorry that did.
I am not good at reviews, but this is the third work of Mr. Black's that I have read in thee weeks because his writing captures my imagination. I like good space operas because they last longer, but Black's stand alone works are great because they leave me satisfied at the end and not disappointed that there isn't more to come.
Titanium Texicans is a page turner full of authentic dialogue with concepts greater than the the satisfying amount of sci-fi technology woven into a well-written coming of age story. Take the time to read it, I certainly wasn't sorry that did.
March 6, 2016
Salt of the Earth goes to Space
I read this is a single sitting. It is now 3:05 a.m., and I really want more of the soft spoken young man whose story began earlier last night by burying his grandfather. This is a well written book with nicely developed characters. The naivete of a young man whose only desire is to harvest his crops allows him to become an agent of change on several different worlds. A refreshing change for me. No space battles, no explicit sex between species, just a good tale.
I read this is a single sitting. It is now 3:05 a.m., and I really want more of the soft spoken young man whose story began earlier last night by burying his grandfather. This is a well written book with nicely developed characters. The naivete of a young man whose only desire is to harvest his crops allows him to become an agent of change on several different worlds. A refreshing change for me. No space battles, no explicit sex between species, just a good tale.
October 22, 2014
This young adult novel reminds me very much of Nathan Lowell's Quarter Share . Quarter Share is a better book. This book is entertaining and has some interesting characters and interesting premises, but it has narrative pacing problems and seemed rushed at the end.
December 3, 2014
Enjoyed this young-cowboy's space adventure!
May 4, 2015
An exceptionally fun read...
I like stories that leave me feeling good. This one is intelligent, non-stop, and funny. I want to read more from Black.
I like stories that leave me feeling good. This one is intelligent, non-stop, and funny. I want to read more from Black.
May 9, 2016
Believe it or not...
This is my favorite book by Mr. Black. I'd like to hear more from the Texicans! Give it a try. It doesn't disappoint.
This is my favorite book by Mr. Black. I'd like to hear more from the Texicans! Give it a try. It doesn't disappoint.
July 13, 2016
Good multimodal action
You'll love the story of a poor orphaned farmer advancing to a successful spacer. I recommend this book to any young adult sci fi enthusiast
You'll love the story of a poor orphaned farmer advancing to a successful spacer. I recommend this book to any young adult sci fi enthusiast
October 11, 2016
Enjoyed the novel. Loved the characters. Was a different take on a common "reluctant" spaceman theme. The universe was well developed. Looking forward to more in the series?
December 11, 2016
A little too goody two-shoes.
December 6, 2017
Well written character driven Y/A novel. Leaves you feeling good and actually wanting more
August 8, 2016
What can i say, except maybe 'MORE!', loved it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews