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Starhold #1
Starhold
Human civilization has fled to the stars, abandoning a poisoned and deserted planet Earth. Now, hundreds of years later, there is an accidental and shocking discovery: not only has Earth’s environment been completely restored, but someone (or something) has taken up residence on humanity’s ancient homeworld. At the same time, unidentified warships begin attacking human outposts. Are these events connected?
To meet the threat, the Sarissan Union dispatches agents Frank Carr and Etta Sanchez to discover the identity of Earth’s new residents. The pair have to work fast however, because following close behind them is a Sarissan war fleet, whose actions will depend on what Carr and Sanchez uncover. Will First Contact be followed by peace or war? Meanwhile, political intrigue in the Sarissan capital threatens to rip the Union apart before Carr and Sanchez even complete their mission. The future of not only Sarissa and Earth, but of all humanity hangs in the balance.
This novel can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story, but is also the first book in an upcoming space-opera series. Space battles, spies, political intrigue, and surprises abound in Starhold.
To meet the threat, the Sarissan Union dispatches agents Frank Carr and Etta Sanchez to discover the identity of Earth’s new residents. The pair have to work fast however, because following close behind them is a Sarissan war fleet, whose actions will depend on what Carr and Sanchez uncover. Will First Contact be followed by peace or war? Meanwhile, political intrigue in the Sarissan capital threatens to rip the Union apart before Carr and Sanchez even complete their mission. The future of not only Sarissa and Earth, but of all humanity hangs in the balance.
This novel can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story, but is also the first book in an upcoming space-opera series. Space battles, spies, political intrigue, and surprises abound in Starhold.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2014
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223 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 5, 2015
I really like this modern self publishing scene and this fun indie scifi novel typifies, to me, what is good about indie books and authors. It had me hooked right from the start. The book tells the story of humanity that has spread out into neighbouring star systems and has formed a number of small political groups of planets called Starholds. Upon this background it is discovered that their deserted and forgotten homeworld Earth (which is quarantined and effectively off-limits) is now playing host to someone or something after being left abandoned for centuries. What ensues is an enjoyable yarn about the mission to discover what us happening on Earth while also building the background scene of the Starholds and their political landscapes. The book is surprisingly well written, and there's really nothing to complain about, typographical errors typical of self-publushed books are almost non-existent and the language used is excellent. The world building is good, the characters are interesting and well formed and there is plenty of action to keep the story moving along at a nice pace. Overall this book is very good and looks like it's going to be part of a longer saga. Well done J. Alan Field, you have produced a nice work of science fiction here and I wish you much success. I will be watching with interest.
January 14, 2015
A fantastic and rollicking read with some good twists. Sadly, I am giving a 4/5 (would prefer to be able to give a 4.75/5) because one major plot point/twist is left vague past the point of reasonable suspicion for me. The plot twist never came up in conversation until it served the story, despite a high probability of being mentioned in previous conversations.
Other than that the book is fantastic and enthralling. Definitely recommend the read.
Other than that the book is fantastic and enthralling. Definitely recommend the read.
July 8, 2018
This book was on my wish list for a long time. When the whole series sold for 99 cents each, I jumped.
This feels like the start of a series. Lots of build-up and character development and just enough story to tie it all together. I like the characters and the universe has an interesting history. No "shock waves in space" which is a nice touch. In fact, while there are hints of a more military sci-fi plot line the story moves through the characters and and there is very little actual military action. A story well told.
This feels like the start of a series. Lots of build-up and character development and just enough story to tie it all together. I like the characters and the universe has an interesting history. No "shock waves in space" which is a nice touch. In fact, while there are hints of a more military sci-fi plot line the story moves through the characters and and there is very little actual military action. A story well told.
May 30, 2017
Great story with well developed characters though it is hard to keep up with who's who. In my opinion, the world building was less than spectacular. However, the action and SciFi concepts kept the story moving and the reader involved with the characters. I liked the level of technical terminology. It is just right to give the story credibility and fascination without bogging it down.
I do recommend the book.
I do recommend the book.
January 11, 2018
More happens in the first 30 pages than in most other complete books. Disasters, battles, secret missions, a cast of characters and worlds as long as your arm. The pace slows and there are so many coup d'etat's they need a rotating door on the presidents office. It didnt quite live up to the promise of the first 30 pages but I will visiting the Starhold for another gripping installment.
August 10, 2018
An enjoyable book. Alot of characters to keep up with but overall well woven.
September 22, 2021
Good book with interesting plot. But something about it just feels….2D and boring. I’ll keep reading the series but I hope the writing quality gets better.
November 8, 2021
Nice one, a bit soft sci-fi for my taste but YMMV. Good read though.
September 8, 2015
This was a fun, fast paced read that is an example of the best that space opera has to offer. It has a wrinkle I never saw coming, and since I've been reading science fiction since 1955 (and reading stories like Heinlein's, Asimov, Bradbury's, et al, early works), that's saying something.
This author did what few Indie authors show with a first book - there were no spelling errors, no mistaking your for you're, or to, too, and two irregularities, grammer was tight and I came across no sentences with a confusing indirect subject.
The author had a main story and a secondary story to keep track of, but both with the same theme. In the long run. government of, for and by the people makes a nation, starhold or planet more productive in the long run. He also makes a case that limiting government is better than a government of ccontrolling nannies. He did a great job with both.
I give this book a 4.6 out of five. Not even the old Masters were perfect on there very first effort (but Campbell keep very high standards), rounding to 5.
This author did what few Indie authors show with a first book - there were no spelling errors, no mistaking your for you're, or to, too, and two irregularities, grammer was tight and I came across no sentences with a confusing indirect subject.
The author had a main story and a secondary story to keep track of, but both with the same theme. In the long run. government of, for and by the people makes a nation, starhold or planet more productive in the long run. He also makes a case that limiting government is better than a government of ccontrolling nannies. He did a great job with both.
I give this book a 4.6 out of five. Not even the old Masters were perfect on there very first effort (but Campbell keep very high standards), rounding to 5.
March 7, 2016
I'm an action junkie when it comes to my reading and even do the blurb did not indicate that I would get my fix with this book, I decided for some reason (the cover art to be honest) to give this book a chance. This is not an action oriented book, but... WOW!
The book is very easy to get into thanks to the author masterfully clean writing style. The characters are belivable, the universe/setting is wonderfull and the story is simply exciting. Actually, for the first time in a very long time, I notice that the characters reacted like real live persons and not like they anwser to some overall "book logic" - well done Mr. Field. The story is really amazing and offer a little something for everyone: it convey a great sense of adventure, many political intrigues, some military space battles and a first contact type of excitement. Please do yourself a favor and go read the sample.
The book is very easy to get into thanks to the author masterfully clean writing style. The characters are belivable, the universe/setting is wonderfull and the story is simply exciting. Actually, for the first time in a very long time, I notice that the characters reacted like real live persons and not like they anwser to some overall "book logic" - well done Mr. Field. The story is really amazing and offer a little something for everyone: it convey a great sense of adventure, many political intrigues, some military space battles and a first contact type of excitement. Please do yourself a favor and go read the sample.
January 22, 2015
A great start to a series with lots of good world building and some interesting characters. I enjoyed the whole concept of Earth having been abandoned and left to renew itself after humans having trashed it. Then the idea of someone else coming along and speeding up the renewal process and colonizing it made for a great story. My rating would have been higher but for me the book was a little heavy on the politics and a little light on the action. Having said that, the groundwork has been well laid for future books and I really hope to read more of Carr and Sanchez!
January 11, 2015
A terrific find
I was browsing for some new space opera and found this gem. Loved the clash of civilizations, the diaspora from earth and the original premise of squatters moving in to an abandoned and derelict world. Gritty believable and flawed characters, the triumph over adversity - all the things I look for in a story and so seldom find. More please from another indie writer. Keep going.
I was browsing for some new space opera and found this gem. Loved the clash of civilizations, the diaspora from earth and the original premise of squatters moving in to an abandoned and derelict world. Gritty believable and flawed characters, the triumph over adversity - all the things I look for in a story and so seldom find. More please from another indie writer. Keep going.
March 14, 2016
It amazes me how well some authors do on their first books. Starhold is one of the good ones. There are scads of interesting characters, settings, plots and subplots, as well as action galore. If anything, J Alan Field puts too much in this volume. While the story stands on its own, the ending leaves plenty of room for the sequel. Fans of Golden Age SF should enjoy Starhold very much.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
January 29, 2015
wyrned6
Well written and entertaining. It held my attention such that I was often up during the wee hours of the night.
It is a great pleasure to read an e-book that was not dashed out so quickly as to contain highly annoying typographical errors and poor sentence structure so commonly seen in the field.
Well written and entertaining. It held my attention such that I was often up during the wee hours of the night.
It is a great pleasure to read an e-book that was not dashed out so quickly as to contain highly annoying typographical errors and poor sentence structure so commonly seen in the field.
February 13, 2016
Was Pleasantly Surprised
For a book that had a lot of politics in it, I thought I would find those sections boring. But, it was actually intriguing. Probably because the politics of this universe is not the same as ours. I loved the characters and the storyline. There were a few surprises. If you love sci-fi you will like this book. I'm looking forward to reading book two.
For a book that had a lot of politics in it, I thought I would find those sections boring. But, it was actually intriguing. Probably because the politics of this universe is not the same as ours. I loved the characters and the storyline. There were a few surprises. If you love sci-fi you will like this book. I'm looking forward to reading book two.
August 10, 2015
A Good Read
Interesting story with good plotting and some nice twists. While the villains were a bit one dimensional, the main characters were well developed and drew you in. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel!
Interesting story with good plotting and some nice twists. While the villains were a bit one dimensional, the main characters were well developed and drew you in. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel!
May 12, 2015
Great story.
Author developed a great story line. Good character development. I particularly liked the way the author I introduced the next book in his series. Thanks to the author.
Author developed a great story line. Good character development. I particularly liked the way the author I introduced the next book in his series. Thanks to the author.
July 12, 2015
Characters are very believable
I read a lot of sifi, so it can become that all the stories became the same and predictable. This book had a few different wrinkles I did not see coming. Very well written and enjoyable. I look forward to the next book.
I read a lot of sifi, so it can become that all the stories became the same and predictable. This book had a few different wrinkles I did not see coming. Very well written and enjoyable. I look forward to the next book.
November 8, 2015
This turned out to be a pretty good story.
The first chapter or so seemed a bit shaky and there were some unfortunate editing oversights elsewhere.
The story stood by itself pretty well but left me indifferent about reading the next book(s) in the series.
The first chapter or so seemed a bit shaky and there were some unfortunate editing oversights elsewhere.
The story stood by itself pretty well but left me indifferent about reading the next book(s) in the series.
March 1, 2015
awful, shallow supermarket book. will never again trust amazon star ratings!
March 16, 2015
Great story
Great old fashion space opera but with real people with real concerns. I wish the sequel was here sooner but I am on it as soon as it comes.
Great old fashion space opera but with real people with real concerns. I wish the sequel was here sooner but I am on it as soon as it comes.
April 4, 2015
Nice read
Looking forward to the next book. Slow start but a good solid space opera with likable characters and good action
Looking forward to the next book. Slow start but a good solid space opera with likable characters and good action
September 24, 2015
a gripping read that involves politics, parallel universe, spying, space war, human foibles
November 19, 2015
Good story lines
I liked the different simultaneous stories. Both on Earth and back on their adapted planet. Fast moving action. Highly recommend this book.
I liked the different simultaneous stories. Both on Earth and back on their adapted planet. Fast moving action. Highly recommend this book.
November 30, 2015
Excellent science fiction novel that has plenty to offer. Political intrigues, a pair of spies and space battles are only a glimpse of what Field's story has to offer.
August 30, 2019
Started a bit slow, Man did it pick up after the first 4 chapters. Great series so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews