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Far From Home
Operation Chimera
Generations of war with the savage Draxx have left humanity desperate for a way to gain the upper hand.
A chance to turn the tide in their favor is all legendary Captain Nicholas Driscoll needs to hear to lead an expedition behind enemy lines to the Chimera Nebula - a region of space so unstable it remains largely uncharted.
Lieutenant Michael Summers sees an opportunity to matter, a chance to let future generations exist in a universe without constant war. He and other brave young cadets join the Manhattan for its first dangerous mission - to penetrate the Chimera Nebula and discover what it is the Draxx are doing in there.
But first the ship and her crew will be tested by enemies both outside and within...
A chance to turn the tide in their favor is all legendary Captain Nicholas Driscoll needs to hear to lead an expedition behind enemy lines to the Chimera Nebula - a region of space so unstable it remains largely uncharted.
Lieutenant Michael Summers sees an opportunity to matter, a chance to let future generations exist in a universe without constant war. He and other brave young cadets join the Manhattan for its first dangerous mission - to penetrate the Chimera Nebula and discover what it is the Draxx are doing in there.
But first the ship and her crew will be tested by enemies both outside and within...
- GenresScience FictionEbooks
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2014
37 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Tony Healey
120 books83 followersTony Healey is the author of the bestselling Harper & Lane Series, consisting of Hope’s Peak, Storm’s Edge, published by Thomas and Mercer, and Blue Ruin, published independently. He is also the author of westerns in the Ralph Compton Western Series, including The Devil’s Snare, Blood On The Prairie, Die Trying and The Guns of Wrath. He self-published the crime novel Not For Us.
His work has been praised by the likes of Publisher’s Weekly, Blake Crouch, Mark Edwards and Mark Wheaton.
Tony Healey lives and works in Brighton, on the Sussex coast. He is married, has four daughters and a chorkie called Freddie. Tony is represented by his agent, Sharon Pelletier of Dystel, Goderich & Bourrett LLC.
The Harper & Lane Series: https://amzn.to/3hCmqoJ
Ralph Compton Westerns: Tony Healey | Penguin Random House
Not For Us: https://amzn.to/3hEimo0
His work has been praised by the likes of Publisher’s Weekly, Blake Crouch, Mark Edwards and Mark Wheaton.
Tony Healey lives and works in Brighton, on the Sussex coast. He is married, has four daughters and a chorkie called Freddie. Tony is represented by his agent, Sharon Pelletier of Dystel, Goderich & Bourrett LLC.
The Harper & Lane Series: https://amzn.to/3hCmqoJ
Ralph Compton Westerns: Tony Healey | Penguin Random House
Not For Us: https://amzn.to/3hEimo0
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 2, 2014
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
The Terran Union’s newest, biggest, baddest ship, the Manhattan, is going to the Chimera Nebula on its maiden voyage. The war with the Draxx is not going well and have left the Union with little choice but to do the unexpected. So exploring the Nebula and what the Draxx are doing in there has become top priority. Can they overcome the Nebula’s effects, will they surprise their enemy, have they confused the spies, but most importantly…will the Manhattan and her crew survive?
The authors have penned a well-written sci-fi tale that builds the tension quite nicely. The launch of the Manhattan and her covert mission are nearly a Hail Mary play by the Union. They are losing the war with the Draxx and it’s time to change tactics. Unfortunately, spies are everywhere and the Manhattan is no different. Told from several POVs, I got a real feel for who these characters are. The writing is descriptive without being boring and the action is nearly non-stop. My only complaint is the battle scenes. They seemed to run together for me and it was a bit hard to picture without overlaying Star Wars scenes in my head. It is sci-fi though and I know that genre isn't my strongest one to visualize, so I don’t fault the authors, but my own comprehension. Still, I grade by how much I enjoy a book and while I did love it overall, the scenes in the fighters were a tad tedious for me. However, Keg is my favorite character. How could he not be though I’m wondering about such an unconventional droid serving a fighter especially during a battle. I was reminded of the scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail where King Arthur and his Knights meet Tim the Enchanter. After Tim gives this long speech Arthur turns to his Knights and says, “What an eccentric performance.” Ha! That’s exactly how I feel about Keg. He’s awesome. I will say the ending got me. I had a WTF moment. I never in a million years saw that coming and I can’t wait to see how the rest of this series plays out.
All-in-all this is a great start to what looks to be an epic sci-fi adventure.
The Terran Union’s newest, biggest, baddest ship, the Manhattan, is going to the Chimera Nebula on its maiden voyage. The war with the Draxx is not going well and have left the Union with little choice but to do the unexpected. So exploring the Nebula and what the Draxx are doing in there has become top priority. Can they overcome the Nebula’s effects, will they surprise their enemy, have they confused the spies, but most importantly…will the Manhattan and her crew survive?
The authors have penned a well-written sci-fi tale that builds the tension quite nicely. The launch of the Manhattan and her covert mission are nearly a Hail Mary play by the Union. They are losing the war with the Draxx and it’s time to change tactics. Unfortunately, spies are everywhere and the Manhattan is no different. Told from several POVs, I got a real feel for who these characters are. The writing is descriptive without being boring and the action is nearly non-stop. My only complaint is the battle scenes. They seemed to run together for me and it was a bit hard to picture without overlaying Star Wars scenes in my head. It is sci-fi though and I know that genre isn't my strongest one to visualize, so I don’t fault the authors, but my own comprehension. Still, I grade by how much I enjoy a book and while I did love it overall, the scenes in the fighters were a tad tedious for me. However, Keg is my favorite character. How could he not be though I’m wondering about such an unconventional droid serving a fighter especially during a battle. I was reminded of the scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail where King Arthur and his Knights meet Tim the Enchanter. After Tim gives this long speech Arthur turns to his Knights and says, “What an eccentric performance.” Ha! That’s exactly how I feel about Keg. He’s awesome. I will say the ending got me. I had a WTF moment. I never in a million years saw that coming and I can’t wait to see how the rest of this series plays out.
All-in-all this is a great start to what looks to be an epic sci-fi adventure.
October 28, 2014
Curiosity Quills Press has a hit on their hands as far as I’m concerned, with Operation Chimera, by Tony Healey and Matthew S. Cox. (Amazon link.) This entry into the science-fiction field offers likable characters, a good plot, and non-stop action including one of the best (and longest) space-battle scenes I’ve read in quite some time.
Earth, along with some allies, is fighting an interstellar war against the Draxx Alliance, a reptilian race that believes the entire universe belongs to them. As a plot, there’s nothing especially original about this. What sets Operation Chimera apart from similar themed novels is the deft execution by the authors. First and foremost, the writing is excellent and the characters are believably well fleshed out — warts and all. They are carefully introduced during the opening chapters.
As part of the war effort, a dangerous and secret mission is proposed. The mission is so risky that the military asks for volunteers both from their own ranks, and from civilians. A new aircraft carrier style star ship is built for the voyage. The story details the adventures of six pilots fresh out of the officer’s academy. They comprise one of the fighter squadrons and their mettle will be tested all through the book. I enjoyed the fact that there’s no one “star” of the story. Rather, authors Healey and Cox gave all of the protagonists equal weight.
I’m not going to reveal spoilers. I will tell you that the main battle scene runs over a hundred pages and that there’s no way you are going to want to put the book down half-way through it. Plan your meals accordingly! The obstacles for both the squadron and the star ship are many, and they keep coming one after another and piling up, making Operation Chimera such a wonderful read. Incidentally, the authors give "hat-tips" to other SF authors throughout the book, including to Isaac Asimov and his robotic laws. Nice touch!
Fortunately for all of us SF fans, this is just the first book in what I hope will be a long series.
Earth, along with some allies, is fighting an interstellar war against the Draxx Alliance, a reptilian race that believes the entire universe belongs to them. As a plot, there’s nothing especially original about this. What sets Operation Chimera apart from similar themed novels is the deft execution by the authors. First and foremost, the writing is excellent and the characters are believably well fleshed out — warts and all. They are carefully introduced during the opening chapters.
As part of the war effort, a dangerous and secret mission is proposed. The mission is so risky that the military asks for volunteers both from their own ranks, and from civilians. A new aircraft carrier style star ship is built for the voyage. The story details the adventures of six pilots fresh out of the officer’s academy. They comprise one of the fighter squadrons and their mettle will be tested all through the book. I enjoyed the fact that there’s no one “star” of the story. Rather, authors Healey and Cox gave all of the protagonists equal weight.
I’m not going to reveal spoilers. I will tell you that the main battle scene runs over a hundred pages and that there’s no way you are going to want to put the book down half-way through it. Plan your meals accordingly! The obstacles for both the squadron and the star ship are many, and they keep coming one after another and piling up, making Operation Chimera such a wonderful read. Incidentally, the authors give "hat-tips" to other SF authors throughout the book, including to Isaac Asimov and his robotic laws. Nice touch!
Fortunately for all of us SF fans, this is just the first book in what I hope will be a long series.
December 15, 2014
Must Destroy The Evil Lizard People Once And For All!!!
This series must be read in order. This is the first book.
Captain Driscoll had had enough of war... Especially as they are losing. So when the time comes to launch an offensive against the Draxx unlike any other he is totally on board. He hand picks his crew and sets out on their secret mission.... Little does he know what he is getting himself into! The crew (almost all) look up to him for being a decorated war hero... All except the chief(who was present on that ill fated mission) as far as the Chief is concerned Driscoll is a coward who only knows how to endanger others. Too bad they are stuck together! If only there was a way out... But they must learn to work together to ferret out the traitors in their midst and to figure out what the Draxx are up to in this devious tract of space... If they can stop the Draxx here they just might win the war!
This futuristic SciFi action adventure is full of twists and turns enough to keep you guessing until the very end! I can't wait to find out what happens next in this amazing series :) A future world at war with vicious lizard creatures is definitely and original especially as there is zero romance at all!
***This series is suitable for young adult through adult readers
This series must be read in order. This is the first book.
Captain Driscoll had had enough of war... Especially as they are losing. So when the time comes to launch an offensive against the Draxx unlike any other he is totally on board. He hand picks his crew and sets out on their secret mission.... Little does he know what he is getting himself into! The crew (almost all) look up to him for being a decorated war hero... All except the chief(who was present on that ill fated mission) as far as the Chief is concerned Driscoll is a coward who only knows how to endanger others. Too bad they are stuck together! If only there was a way out... But they must learn to work together to ferret out the traitors in their midst and to figure out what the Draxx are up to in this devious tract of space... If they can stop the Draxx here they just might win the war!
This futuristic SciFi action adventure is full of twists and turns enough to keep you guessing until the very end! I can't wait to find out what happens next in this amazing series :) A future world at war with vicious lizard creatures is definitely and original especially as there is zero romance at all!
***This series is suitable for young adult through adult readers
June 15, 2015
As I said previously, this is scifi, science fiction with little science and only appropriate for young people. The characters are shallow and simply constructed, the plot simple yet drawn out to the point of tedium. I swore to keep reading until the first battle sequence, just to be fair, but that dog fight was as contrived as the dialog among the young pilots. There are some authors who can write about military things having not been in or around the service, Mr. Healey is not one of them. A younger audience might enjoy this but anyone with exposure to good science fiction will find Operation Chimera silly and juvenile at best.
Read
March 13, 2015Decent Story -
Got a couple of days read out of this one. The author spins a decent story, and I enjoyed reading the Kindle version. There is a bit of editing that's needed in places, though. But that doesn't stop the enjoyment of the story.
If you are looking for a decent read, give it a shot.
Got a couple of days read out of this one. The author spins a decent story, and I enjoyed reading the Kindle version. There is a bit of editing that's needed in places, though. But that doesn't stop the enjoyment of the story.
If you are looking for a decent read, give it a shot.
November 15, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this.
Might have something to do with it being the first Sci-fi novel I have read in quite a while :).
At times I had to conciously slow down or re-read a paragraph to ensure I was enjoying the full offering of the detailed fight scenes. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Might have something to do with it being the first Sci-fi novel I have read in quite a while :).
At times I had to conciously slow down or re-read a paragraph to ensure I was enjoying the full offering of the detailed fight scenes. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
March 20, 2015
A Great Start
The crew of Green Wing are a true mixed bag of characters. The antics of the quirky android Keg add well placed humour into the battle scenes, and the flying prowess of Green Wing helps Captain Driscoll lead the mighty Manhattan to victory over the hated Draxx. Lots of promise here for an excellent series.
The crew of Green Wing are a true mixed bag of characters. The antics of the quirky android Keg add well placed humour into the battle scenes, and the flying prowess of Green Wing helps Captain Driscoll lead the mighty Manhattan to victory over the hated Draxx. Lots of promise here for an excellent series.
March 10, 2015
The beginning was a little slow but it sure was worth it! The action packed ship fights with unexpected twists suck you into the book. The ending is great and leaves you wanting the next book.
March 14, 2015
great book
To short by far. Very exciting loved the characters. Can not wait to read what comes next. Really sucked me in.
To short by far. Very exciting loved the characters. Can not wait to read what comes next. Really sucked me in.
October 18, 2022
A great story
This story is a great space war story. I was hanging on while that action continued. I highly recommend it.
This story is a great space war story. I was hanging on while that action continued. I highly recommend it.
October 23, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book, from Curiosity Quills Press, in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I did find this book to be a little disjointed to read at times. I’m not sure if it was actually the first in a series, but I wasn’t really sure exactly why there was the whole war going on.
I felt there was quite a good variety of characters, but I did get a bit confused between the characters at times. The banter was amusing, but one of the characters seemed particularly sexist for no real reason that I could see.
The different races in the world in this book were quite interesting and I would have liked a bit more detail about some of them and what they looked like. I was also particularly intrigued by the past that was hinted at with the Captain. I would have liked some more details about everything that had happened with him.
I also really liked Keg’s different personalities in this book. I always like the use of AI and I was quite amused by the fact that, whenever Keg was hit, he cycled between those different personalities. (I kind of hope he isn’t fixed, cause that did provide a lot of humour and I felt Keg was as much a part of the team as the rest).
I spent a lot of the book not really knowing what was going on, I have to say. It wasn’t until the team entered the nebula that I felt able to slow down enough to get to know the characters a bit more. The nightmares aspect was pretty interesting, but I’m not sure if they were supposed to mean anything.
I would probably be interested in reading a sequel to this book at some point in the future. I might find it easier to enter into the world a second time and I did feel that the book was fairly well-written. I would have liked a bit more background about the world and the characters, but the action kept me focused and the ending left just enough unanswered to pique my interest for a sequel.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I did find this book to be a little disjointed to read at times. I’m not sure if it was actually the first in a series, but I wasn’t really sure exactly why there was the whole war going on.
I felt there was quite a good variety of characters, but I did get a bit confused between the characters at times. The banter was amusing, but one of the characters seemed particularly sexist for no real reason that I could see.
The different races in the world in this book were quite interesting and I would have liked a bit more detail about some of them and what they looked like. I was also particularly intrigued by the past that was hinted at with the Captain. I would have liked some more details about everything that had happened with him.
I also really liked Keg’s different personalities in this book. I always like the use of AI and I was quite amused by the fact that, whenever Keg was hit, he cycled between those different personalities. (I kind of hope he isn’t fixed, cause that did provide a lot of humour and I felt Keg was as much a part of the team as the rest).
I spent a lot of the book not really knowing what was going on, I have to say. It wasn’t until the team entered the nebula that I felt able to slow down enough to get to know the characters a bit more. The nightmares aspect was pretty interesting, but I’m not sure if they were supposed to mean anything.
I would probably be interested in reading a sequel to this book at some point in the future. I might find it easier to enter into the world a second time and I did feel that the book was fairly well-written. I would have liked a bit more background about the world and the characters, but the action kept me focused and the ending left just enough unanswered to pique my interest for a sequel.
August 5, 2015
Seriously? Ships can go 5000m per second? And that's the slow ones? That's 18,000,000 km per hour! And they dogfight at those speeds? I know it's sci-fi but this just bugs me to a point where that's all I can think about when reading.
Just drop it by a factor of 10 and I'd be happy.....
Oh well.....on we go
Just drop it by a factor of 10 and I'd be happy.....
Oh well.....on we go
March 11, 2015
Light reading...possibility far fetched. Characters enjoyable, fragmented action, technical jargon is futuristic.
Reading actually slightly below adult Age level. definitely not one of those you would like to read again. Definitely not one to save for rereading
Reading actually slightly below adult Age level. definitely not one of those you would like to read again. Definitely not one to save for rereading
July 9, 2015
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.0.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews