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Black Ocean #0.5
Tech, Lies, and Wizardry
Getting caught between a local crime boss and a galactic syndicate makes you nostalgic for the rock and the hard place.
Carl Ramsey has a heist to run and the crew to pull it off. All he’s missing is a specialized computer and the tech to run it. But when an unrelated robbery loses him both, the prospects for a successful job look grim. Unfortunately the one who hired them won’t take excuses, and the owners of the computer come looking for their stolen gear. Caught between a local crime lord and thugs from a galaxy-spanning syndicate, Carl needs to come up with a plan that doesn’t get them all killed.
His assets: his retired marine ex-wife, a drunkard mechanic, a feline security chief, and an old family friend who happens to be a wizard. His liabilities: a missing computer, a hospitalized tech, two ruthless criminal organizations looking for answers, and about two hours to sort it all out.
…no problem.
Tech, Lies, and Wizardry is the free short story prequel to Black Ocean, a science fiction fantasy series set in the 26th century. Do you wish there had been a second season of Firefly? Do you love the irreverent fun of Guardians of the Galaxy? Have you ever wondered how Star Wars would have turned out if Luke and Obi-wan had ditched the rebellion to become smugglers with Han and Chewie? Then Black Ocean is the series for you!
Pick up your copy of Tech, Lies, and Wizardry. You don’t even have to steal it!
Interview with the Author
Q - So, what made you decide to write the Black Ocean series?
A – After rewatching Firefly, I wondered why no one since had made a series that recaptured the edge-of-the-law, outlaws-in-space feeling. Then it dawned on me that even though I’m not a TV producer, I could still write one of my own. Black Ocean isn’t meant to be a successor to Firefly, or a clone, but I wanted to put together a “miscreants in space” series to fill that void the show left.
Since I’m a fantasy writer at heart, I added wizards.
Q – How do wizards fit in a sci-fi series?
A – Anyone who follows science fiction knows that a lot of hand-waving goes on. Faster than light (FTL) travel probably isn’t possible. Artificial gravity would be more 2001: a Space Odyssey than the “we just walk on the floor” sort that Star Trek or Star Wars use. Those and a host of others I just left alone. Instead of waving my hand and having phony science appear, I just let wizards handle it with actual magic.
Arthur C. Clarke said that “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,” but I wanted to have magic be magic, science be science, and for the two not get along at the office holiday party.
Q - So, what genre is this? Does it have a name?
A – There’s really no consensus that I’ve found on what to call a mix of space opera and high fantasy. I’ve heard it called science fantasy, futuristic fantasy, sci-fantasy, and sword and laser. There’s always just plain old space opera fantasy. I’ve found that it isn’t easy finding books like Black Ocean because no two people seem to call it the same thing.
Carl Ramsey has a heist to run and the crew to pull it off. All he’s missing is a specialized computer and the tech to run it. But when an unrelated robbery loses him both, the prospects for a successful job look grim. Unfortunately the one who hired them won’t take excuses, and the owners of the computer come looking for their stolen gear. Caught between a local crime lord and thugs from a galaxy-spanning syndicate, Carl needs to come up with a plan that doesn’t get them all killed.
His assets: his retired marine ex-wife, a drunkard mechanic, a feline security chief, and an old family friend who happens to be a wizard. His liabilities: a missing computer, a hospitalized tech, two ruthless criminal organizations looking for answers, and about two hours to sort it all out.
…no problem.
Tech, Lies, and Wizardry is the free short story prequel to Black Ocean, a science fiction fantasy series set in the 26th century. Do you wish there had been a second season of Firefly? Do you love the irreverent fun of Guardians of the Galaxy? Have you ever wondered how Star Wars would have turned out if Luke and Obi-wan had ditched the rebellion to become smugglers with Han and Chewie? Then Black Ocean is the series for you!
Pick up your copy of Tech, Lies, and Wizardry. You don’t even have to steal it!
Interview with the Author
Q - So, what made you decide to write the Black Ocean series?
A – After rewatching Firefly, I wondered why no one since had made a series that recaptured the edge-of-the-law, outlaws-in-space feeling. Then it dawned on me that even though I’m not a TV producer, I could still write one of my own. Black Ocean isn’t meant to be a successor to Firefly, or a clone, but I wanted to put together a “miscreants in space” series to fill that void the show left.
Since I’m a fantasy writer at heart, I added wizards.
Q – How do wizards fit in a sci-fi series?
A – Anyone who follows science fiction knows that a lot of hand-waving goes on. Faster than light (FTL) travel probably isn’t possible. Artificial gravity would be more 2001: a Space Odyssey than the “we just walk on the floor” sort that Star Trek or Star Wars use. Those and a host of others I just left alone. Instead of waving my hand and having phony science appear, I just let wizards handle it with actual magic.
Arthur C. Clarke said that “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,” but I wanted to have magic be magic, science be science, and for the two not get along at the office holiday party.
Q - So, what genre is this? Does it have a name?
A – There’s really no consensus that I’ve found on what to call a mix of space opera and high fantasy. I’ve heard it called science fantasy, futuristic fantasy, sci-fantasy, and sword and laser. There’s always just plain old space opera fantasy. I’ve found that it isn’t easy finding books like Black Ocean because no two people seem to call it the same thing.
25 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2014
25 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Morin
193 books613 followersI am a creator of worlds and a destroyer of words. As a fantasy writer, my works range from traditional epics to futuristic fantasy with starships. I have worked as an unpaid Little League pitcher, a cashier, a student library aide, a factory grunt, a cubicle drone, and an engineer--there is some overlap in the last two.
Through it all, though, I was always a storyteller. Eventually I started writing books based on the stray stories in my head, and people kept telling me to write more of them. Now, that's all I do for a living.
I enjoy strategy, worldbuilding, and the fantasy author's privilege to make up words. I am a gamer, a joker, and a thinker of sideways thoughts. But I don't dance, can't sing, and my best artistic efforts fall short of your average notebook doodle. When you read my books, you are seeing me at my best.
My ultimate goal is to be both clever and right at the same time. I have it on good authority that I have yet to achieve it.
Through it all, though, I was always a storyteller. Eventually I started writing books based on the stray stories in my head, and people kept telling me to write more of them. Now, that's all I do for a living.
I enjoy strategy, worldbuilding, and the fantasy author's privilege to make up words. I am a gamer, a joker, and a thinker of sideways thoughts. But I don't dance, can't sing, and my best artistic efforts fall short of your average notebook doodle. When you read my books, you are seeing me at my best.
My ultimate goal is to be both clever and right at the same time. I have it on good authority that I have yet to achieve it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 15, 2023
A short but sweet introduction to J.S. Morin's Black Ocean Space Opera series.
This is Book 0.5
Having belonged to J.S. Morin's newsletter for a few years now, and finally getting back to reading Space Opera again, I chose this amongst my 100+ Space Opera books owned but not read yet.
Also like most author's I subscribe to, I own numerous books by him so it was about F time I jumped into one of his spaceships for a long overdue ride.
Though this mostly took place on ground level.
Storyline: A heist that didn't quite go according to plan.
It's easy to read, has a nice pace to it, the dialogue natural and unforced, no over-explanations *which can sometimes be a turnoff for me.
I liked the characters, the setting, and the glimpse of worldbuilding I was able to experience in this short story.
I look forward to reading more.
For those who like Guardians of the Galaxy, Firefly, Star Wars, and the more character driven side of Space Opera.
This is Book 0.5
Having belonged to J.S. Morin's newsletter for a few years now, and finally getting back to reading Space Opera again, I chose this amongst my 100+ Space Opera books owned but not read yet.
Also like most author's I subscribe to, I own numerous books by him so it was about F time I jumped into one of his spaceships for a long overdue ride.
Though this mostly took place on ground level.
Storyline: A heist that didn't quite go according to plan.
It's easy to read, has a nice pace to it, the dialogue natural and unforced, no over-explanations *which can sometimes be a turnoff for me.
I liked the characters, the setting, and the glimpse of worldbuilding I was able to experience in this short story.
I look forward to reading more.
For those who like Guardians of the Galaxy, Firefly, Star Wars, and the more character driven side of Space Opera.
March 17, 2016
Tech, Lies and Wizardry is not just an enticing choice for a title. There’s a great story attached to this space opera, which does not disappoint. I picked this read knowing that it was a short story (about 25 pages) but as soon after it began, I wished that it could be so much longer.
Morin’s crew of diverse personalities (and/or creatures), are interesting and very well fleshed out. The author quickly shows this, as the unlikely band are thrust into an unexpected mission at the Orion Space Station. The way they “get the job done” is both unexpected and entertaining. I’m curious to know what happens next to this rag tail crew that reminds of the Firefly TV series that I always enjoyed.
Bravo to J.S. Morin for a great lead in to what I’m certain are many entertaining novels.
Morin’s crew of diverse personalities (and/or creatures), are interesting and very well fleshed out. The author quickly shows this, as the unlikely band are thrust into an unexpected mission at the Orion Space Station. The way they “get the job done” is both unexpected and entertaining. I’m curious to know what happens next to this rag tail crew that reminds of the Firefly TV series that I always enjoyed.
Bravo to J.S. Morin for a great lead in to what I’m certain are many entertaining novels.
June 17, 2021
This book is another one of JS Morin’s short books which sit in between the main books in his various Black Ocean series. Each of these short stories gives a glimpse at what the main series characters get up to between the tumultuous events of the main series. This one sits right at the start of the original Black Ocean series, a prequel to the first book “Salvage Trouble”. Carl and the crew of the Mobius are in the middle of a sleazy but relatively routine heist for a minor local mob boss when things begin to go wrong. The techie they were relying on is in hospital, his gear has been stolen and they are running out of time. Every plan Carl comes up with ends up making things worse.
Of course, this is a prequel, so we know that nothing fatal happens to the main characters, and that keeps the tone light, despite what would otherwise be a pretty scary situation, and in true heist story manner they make it out alive, but not with the outcome they originally expected.
The book is written in Morin’s usual engaging but casual style, and includes all the call-backs you would expect in a short promotional prequel. We get Mort being grumpy and casually violent. We get Mriy trying to sniff out blood on a crowded space station. And we get walk-ons from some of the Rucker Family who will become a much larger part of the story later.
All in all, a fun romp of a story in Morin’s signature sci-fi and magic universe which doesn’t need a lot of background knowledge to appreciate. This would definitely make a good jumping-on-point for anyone not sure if they will like the longer books.
Of course, this is a prequel, so we know that nothing fatal happens to the main characters, and that keeps the tone light, despite what would otherwise be a pretty scary situation, and in true heist story manner they make it out alive, but not with the outcome they originally expected.
The book is written in Morin’s usual engaging but casual style, and includes all the call-backs you would expect in a short promotional prequel. We get Mort being grumpy and casually violent. We get Mriy trying to sniff out blood on a crowded space station. And we get walk-ons from some of the Rucker Family who will become a much larger part of the story later.
All in all, a fun romp of a story in Morin’s signature sci-fi and magic universe which doesn’t need a lot of background knowledge to appreciate. This would definitely make a good jumping-on-point for anyone not sure if they will like the longer books.
September 26, 2020
The Mobius has a definite issue with keeping TECHs onboard and the current "recruit" may be the next to follow. Unfortunately, Charlie...also known as Chip to his friends and family, a family that includes Tanny Rucker...ex-marine, ex-wife(x3) to Carl Ramsey, drug enhanced, and PILOT of the Mobius...who is his cousin and she isn't having it when he is late to report.
Ok...Jeff Morin can spin a story with the best of them and his BLACK OCEAN multi layered series is among those. As the stories have moved forward, he has continued to add depth and background to both his characters and story. He has also taken the opportunity to jump in between stories and fill in small moments thru may short story releases to fill in even more color to those adventures. In this instance, he has jumped completely off the rails and returns to a time before the very first full journey to give the readers a story about a member of the crew who did NOT meet such a good end.
So, here it is. All the same fun, crazy situations, criminal undertakings, cranky wizards, beer swilling engineers that you love in the mainline series.
New Readers - This will give you a taste for the BLACK OCEAN, but be warned, the best is yet to come!!!
Ok...Jeff Morin can spin a story with the best of them and his BLACK OCEAN multi layered series is among those. As the stories have moved forward, he has continued to add depth and background to both his characters and story. He has also taken the opportunity to jump in between stories and fill in small moments thru may short story releases to fill in even more color to those adventures. In this instance, he has jumped completely off the rails and returns to a time before the very first full journey to give the readers a story about a member of the crew who did NOT meet such a good end.
So, here it is. All the same fun, crazy situations, criminal undertakings, cranky wizards, beer swilling engineers that you love in the mainline series.
New Readers - This will give you a taste for the BLACK OCEAN, but be warned, the best is yet to come!!!
January 28, 2018
Fantasy at it's finest
This book is one of the most intriguing and the most thought provoking novels that I have ever read. From the creation of events and characters the book magnificently puts forth the authors talent. The framework and picturesque details leaves a lasting impression on one’s mind leading it into a cycle of shifting between reality and fantasy.
A book you will not lay down!
This book is one of the most intriguing and the most thought provoking novels that I have ever read. From the creation of events and characters the book magnificently puts forth the authors talent. The framework and picturesque details leaves a lasting impression on one’s mind leading it into a cycle of shifting between reality and fantasy.
A book you will not lay down!
June 28, 2018
Not awful but fairly lame and empty and does not even appeal to me as entertainment but then that is me.
So, put it another way, nothing truly objectionable about this story or I would have given it a one or two star but I won’t be listening to any more of these though the right person might find them fun and who knows as this is just an opener they may develop to the point where you actually care about some of the characters and possibly even realize that something actually is being said.
So, put it another way, nothing truly objectionable about this story or I would have given it a one or two star but I won’t be listening to any more of these though the right person might find them fun and who knows as this is just an opener they may develop to the point where you actually care about some of the characters and possibly even realize that something actually is being said.
December 4, 2019
I have enjoyed the spin-off series Black Ocean: Mercy for Hire but haven’t tackled this long running Black Ocean series yet. I thought Tech, Lies, and Wizardry, the prequel to the series, would be a good place to start. I love the different characters and the way wizards mess up the advanced tech, it causes lots of interesting problems. Carl Ramsey and his crew run into some trouble and he comes up with a creative way to solve the problem, I loved it.
July 2, 2017
I really enjoyed this. I've never read any of the books in Morin's series, but I will have to fix that after reading this very short introduction/back story to everything. The characters are intelligently written and clever in their dialogue. This was a great way to introduce people to the series and I'm now going to have to go pick those books up.
October 17, 2019
i don't like heist movies where the entire plot is based on everything going wrong in act 2 and them pulling it through by the skin of their teeth.
This book start out like that.
Not even interested in the series after this.
This book start out like that.
Not even interested in the series after this.
October 17, 2022
This short story is a wonderful story and full of many characters who each stand out in their own right. It's an introduction piece to a larger series, but you don't need any background information to know what is going on. This was a fun, quick read.
November 9, 2023
A fine short story in the Black Ocean series. I think the first novella is a better introduction to the characters and the series, but this is a bit of back story on how Chip joined the crew. Nothing fancy going on here, just a classic "job gone wrong" and the crew working through it.
January 15, 2025
Stellar Storytelling
JS is an expert at enchantment. He instantly inserts you into a story and holds you there until the story is told. Forget titles if you see this author's name it's worth reading.
JS is an expert at enchantment. He instantly inserts you into a story and holds you there until the story is told. Forget titles if you see this author's name it's worth reading.
March 28, 2025
This is a great showcase of how things work in the Black Ocean Universe, wrapped up in a neat package. It is interesting listening to this one after finishing all of "Galaxy Outlaws" and "Mirth and Mayhem" since the narrator hadn't settled into Mort's voice yet. Still loved it!
July 15, 2025
Surprisingly Good
The characters and world building feel real. Story is entertaining and bite sized fun. There were a few typos and grammar mistakes. Overall a good little read though
The characters and world building feel real. Story is entertaining and bite sized fun. There were a few typos and grammar mistakes. Overall a good little read though
November 1, 2019
read this in the omnibus version (audible)
February 19, 2020
Really funny short stories. Explains the characters in Salvage Trouble, but not really a prequel.
July 8, 2021
Very short but gives you a taste of his writing. Fun
August 31, 2021
Anyone who likes Serenity or Firefly should enjoy this. Very similar premise and feel. I found it highly entertaining.
March 29, 2022
7/10 (Good)
May 3, 2024
A good start of a series. Might continue with the series when I finish the one currently reading.
April 11, 2025
What happens when you have a job to do and your tech guy loses the tech needed? Chaos and a change of plans that is what. Fun, full of unique characters making use of their own strengths not always to the benefit of the team. I am looking forward to more of this series.
August 26, 2025
Love the Black Ocean series.
January 15, 2016
Introduction
This short story introduces us to Carl Ramsey and his misfit crew of ne'er-do-wells as they work to complete their latest less-than-legal job for local crime lord Lorstram. Their goal? Steal from a global crime syndicate - check. Next they need their new tech guy to work on the rig they've just nabbed and give it to Lorstram, but the newbie encounters some trouble when joining his cohorts for the gig. Things begin to look a bit gritty when members of the global crime syndicate are spotted on the space station. Only through Carl's business savvy and the entire group's badass abilities is there any hope of recovering the rig on time and completing the job on time.
Conflict and Plot
Carl's crew is faced with a dilemma when the computer they've just acquired is taken from their young tech with only two hours left to deliver. Worse yet, members of the global crime syndicate - from whom the computer was robbed - appears on the station station. Carl must use his own ingenuity and his team's keen abilities to put the odds back in their favor. Luckily for him, it helps to have friends in high places.
Characters
Carl Ramsey is the Black Ocean's Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds of the wayward group. His crew is an unlikely selection of characters, each offering their own unique abilities. Tanny is the marine with a sensible streak. Roddy is a laaku, a creature descended from chimp-like ancestors, and a user of all things tech. Mriy is an azrin, evolved from jungle cats to become a connoiseur of uncooked wings and a master of hunting. Mort gets thrown into the mix as a stir-crazy old wizard whose magic tends to foul up the technology in his general vicinity. This crew's differences and skills make for a particularly amusing tale.
The characters are as credible as one could ask in a 25-page story. I never mind head-hopping, so despite the number of perspectives one enounters in this story, the characters are well-defined and credible. They are all unique and their personalities shine - naturally in some cases, and with a bit of nicked grease in others.
My favorite character is Mort. I like that he gets stir-crazy after being in the Mobius too long, and that he finds humor in the fact that gadgets go berserk in his presence. Then there's the fact that he uses magic, of course. And he doesn't use basic magic, like making light appear, or making flowers bloom, or some silly shit like that. His magic is serious.
The point of view shifts in "Tech, Lies, & Wizardry" with each scene. Most of these perspectives belong to the crew, but there are exceptions to that rule. As someone who began reading the "Wheel of Time" series as a young teen, I do not have a problem with - and actually enjoy - headhopping or perspective shifts, when done right. Mr. Morin performed well in this feat, especially considering the number of perspectives in the given amount of pages.
Strengths
I enjoyed this book, and read it in one short sitting. I was astonished that it was over so quickly, and found that I craved to read more about the rag-tag crew.
I was reminded of the Firefly crew while reading "Tech, Lies, & Wizardry", which is no surprise when one considers that Mr. Morin draws some inspiration from the series. I am also reminded of the late and great Terry Pratchett's humor, though. This was especially evident in passages such as the description of Roddy.
Descended from chimp-like ancestors, his furry species were quadridexterous. Roddy was taking advantage of that marvel of evolutionary biology to shovel chicken wings into his mouth while two-fisting cans of Earth's Preferred, a beer so reviled that it wasn't even commercially available on its eponymous world.
My favorite scene depicts Mort and Roddy as they seek out the stolen goods in an attempt to recover them. Roddy is keen when it comes to technology, but Mort's magic is a natural unwitting enemy, creating the most memorable - and amusing - scene in the story.
I loved that the story and characters hint at other tales and missions that the crew have undergone, perhaps eluding to future (but previously written) installments in the series.
Weaknesses
While there were no overt weaknesses to this story in my mind, I did wish that Tanny had a bit more of a role. Though I have read none of the other Black Ocean books (yet), I imagine her as a smart lady with a mean roundhouse kick.
Recommendations
I recommend this story without hesitation. It's a short read, accomplishing what so many do not: creating a desire for more in a small amount of pages, rather than a desire for brevity in a large number of pages.
Fans of both science fiction and fantasy will enjoy this tale. Particularly, fans of Firefly/Serenity will enjoy the cast and their capabilities.
This short story introduces us to Carl Ramsey and his misfit crew of ne'er-do-wells as they work to complete their latest less-than-legal job for local crime lord Lorstram. Their goal? Steal from a global crime syndicate - check. Next they need their new tech guy to work on the rig they've just nabbed and give it to Lorstram, but the newbie encounters some trouble when joining his cohorts for the gig. Things begin to look a bit gritty when members of the global crime syndicate are spotted on the space station. Only through Carl's business savvy and the entire group's badass abilities is there any hope of recovering the rig on time and completing the job on time.
Conflict and Plot
Carl's crew is faced with a dilemma when the computer they've just acquired is taken from their young tech with only two hours left to deliver. Worse yet, members of the global crime syndicate - from whom the computer was robbed - appears on the station station. Carl must use his own ingenuity and his team's keen abilities to put the odds back in their favor. Luckily for him, it helps to have friends in high places.
Characters
Carl Ramsey is the Black Ocean's Malcolm "Mal" Reynolds of the wayward group. His crew is an unlikely selection of characters, each offering their own unique abilities. Tanny is the marine with a sensible streak. Roddy is a laaku, a creature descended from chimp-like ancestors, and a user of all things tech. Mriy is an azrin, evolved from jungle cats to become a connoiseur of uncooked wings and a master of hunting. Mort gets thrown into the mix as a stir-crazy old wizard whose magic tends to foul up the technology in his general vicinity. This crew's differences and skills make for a particularly amusing tale.
The characters are as credible as one could ask in a 25-page story. I never mind head-hopping, so despite the number of perspectives one enounters in this story, the characters are well-defined and credible. They are all unique and their personalities shine - naturally in some cases, and with a bit of nicked grease in others.
My favorite character is Mort. I like that he gets stir-crazy after being in the Mobius too long, and that he finds humor in the fact that gadgets go berserk in his presence. Then there's the fact that he uses magic, of course. And he doesn't use basic magic, like making light appear, or making flowers bloom, or some silly shit like that. His magic is serious.
The point of view shifts in "Tech, Lies, & Wizardry" with each scene. Most of these perspectives belong to the crew, but there are exceptions to that rule. As someone who began reading the "Wheel of Time" series as a young teen, I do not have a problem with - and actually enjoy - headhopping or perspective shifts, when done right. Mr. Morin performed well in this feat, especially considering the number of perspectives in the given amount of pages.
Strengths
I enjoyed this book, and read it in one short sitting. I was astonished that it was over so quickly, and found that I craved to read more about the rag-tag crew.
I was reminded of the Firefly crew while reading "Tech, Lies, & Wizardry", which is no surprise when one considers that Mr. Morin draws some inspiration from the series. I am also reminded of the late and great Terry Pratchett's humor, though. This was especially evident in passages such as the description of Roddy.
Descended from chimp-like ancestors, his furry species were quadridexterous. Roddy was taking advantage of that marvel of evolutionary biology to shovel chicken wings into his mouth while two-fisting cans of Earth's Preferred, a beer so reviled that it wasn't even commercially available on its eponymous world.
My favorite scene depicts Mort and Roddy as they seek out the stolen goods in an attempt to recover them. Roddy is keen when it comes to technology, but Mort's magic is a natural unwitting enemy, creating the most memorable - and amusing - scene in the story.
I loved that the story and characters hint at other tales and missions that the crew have undergone, perhaps eluding to future (but previously written) installments in the series.
Weaknesses
While there were no overt weaknesses to this story in my mind, I did wish that Tanny had a bit more of a role. Though I have read none of the other Black Ocean books (yet), I imagine her as a smart lady with a mean roundhouse kick.
Recommendations
I recommend this story without hesitation. It's a short read, accomplishing what so many do not: creating a desire for more in a small amount of pages, rather than a desire for brevity in a large number of pages.
Fans of both science fiction and fantasy will enjoy this tale. Particularly, fans of Firefly/Serenity will enjoy the cast and their capabilities.
February 19, 2017
This is the prequel to the Black Ocean Series, and sees the introduction to the crew of Carl, Mort, Roddy, Mrly and Tanny as well as the Mobius. This is the true definition of Sci-Fi adventure – fast paced, lots of action, humour, and just for something that you didn’t see coming – a Wizard…. Yes, you read that right – a Wizard.
I was sceptical as well to start with, this is touted as being a Firefly type series (and that couldn’t be closer to the truth), but the Wizard thing kind of put me off, until I actually read it. Now I see what all the fuss is out. The addition of Magic to Firefly only makes it that much more fun, gives it new scope for some epic moments, as well as amazingly funny moments.
In this prequel Mission Carl and the crew are set to do a job for a crime boss, when someone they are meant to pick up for the job gets taken out. This someone also happens to be a relative of Tanny’s extended family, which causes its own issues, along with the problems of they now can’t do the job. Add to this that Tanny’s family also have some issues, that would be the gangster family she has little to do with. Suddenly Carl and the crew find themselves stuck between an angry crime lord, Tanny’s family and no way to do the job needed.
As with all these tales, this is just an exceptional story, lots of fun, with outstanding characters. Morin is a brilliant author and this is easily one of the best series out there.
This is a great introduction to the characters and the series, but doesn’t need to be read first if you have started elsewhere. Good place to start for those that want to get into it though, and if you are a fan and haven't read it, then it's definitely worth it.
I was sceptical as well to start with, this is touted as being a Firefly type series (and that couldn’t be closer to the truth), but the Wizard thing kind of put me off, until I actually read it. Now I see what all the fuss is out. The addition of Magic to Firefly only makes it that much more fun, gives it new scope for some epic moments, as well as amazingly funny moments.
In this prequel Mission Carl and the crew are set to do a job for a crime boss, when someone they are meant to pick up for the job gets taken out. This someone also happens to be a relative of Tanny’s extended family, which causes its own issues, along with the problems of they now can’t do the job. Add to this that Tanny’s family also have some issues, that would be the gangster family she has little to do with. Suddenly Carl and the crew find themselves stuck between an angry crime lord, Tanny’s family and no way to do the job needed.
As with all these tales, this is just an exceptional story, lots of fun, with outstanding characters. Morin is a brilliant author and this is easily one of the best series out there.
This is a great introduction to the characters and the series, but doesn’t need to be read first if you have started elsewhere. Good place to start for those that want to get into it though, and if you are a fan and haven't read it, then it's definitely worth it.
September 30, 2015
Welcome to Orion space station nine. Here you will meet a team of bandits; the likes of which you have never seen before. First there is Carl, Mort (a cantankerous old wizard) and Roddy (A Laaku). To round out the crew you are introduced to Mriy (An Azrin) and Tanny.
Crime boss Elliot Lorstram has hired the team to steal a special data crystal for him. Unfortunately, the mission begins to crumble when Chip, the team’s data tech is assaulted and almost dies.
Tension is added when two other crime bosses are spotted on the space station. The team cannot let them know that they are working for Lofstrom. Instead they turn the tables on Lorstram in order to get themselves out of a sticky situation. I don’t want to say anymore because I would give away the ending. Sit back and read for yourself. You won’t regret it.
I absolutely enjoyed this prequel to the Black Orion series. It is a page turning, must read for any sci-fi fan. You will have fun trying to picture these alien beings. My imagination ran wild trying to picture Roddy. He is described as a small chimp like being with four arms. Pretty cool. Right?
This one earns four out of five stars. The suspense and mystery mixed in with the Star Wars type of theme drew me in from start to finish. I am definitely planning to read the rest of the Black Orion series. Kudos J.S. Morin. Job well done
Crime boss Elliot Lorstram has hired the team to steal a special data crystal for him. Unfortunately, the mission begins to crumble when Chip, the team’s data tech is assaulted and almost dies.
Tension is added when two other crime bosses are spotted on the space station. The team cannot let them know that they are working for Lofstrom. Instead they turn the tables on Lorstram in order to get themselves out of a sticky situation. I don’t want to say anymore because I would give away the ending. Sit back and read for yourself. You won’t regret it.
I absolutely enjoyed this prequel to the Black Orion series. It is a page turning, must read for any sci-fi fan. You will have fun trying to picture these alien beings. My imagination ran wild trying to picture Roddy. He is described as a small chimp like being with four arms. Pretty cool. Right?
This one earns four out of five stars. The suspense and mystery mixed in with the Star Wars type of theme drew me in from start to finish. I am definitely planning to read the rest of the Black Orion series. Kudos J.S. Morin. Job well done
December 21, 2015
A good.. VERY short story.
It rumbles you right in and picks up almost too many characters to be first introduced to, but it does a good job with that. Then it rolls into the short story ... which is good. Really.. more of a "dip your toe" in the universe thing.
Something cool... Wizards in space... Not REALLY hit on heavy in this, but interesting anyway. Not something very heavy. usually tech is too mixed up in it. Maybe it is called something else. (The Force, Biometics)
I think the only thing I really did not like is that once the book is over.... I wanted more of the story.. which ... I guess is the plan. It feels like a prologue... slightly more in depth than normal, but still... it feels like a story just began, rather than a story just ending.
It rumbles you right in and picks up almost too many characters to be first introduced to, but it does a good job with that. Then it rolls into the short story ... which is good. Really.. more of a "dip your toe" in the universe thing.
Something cool... Wizards in space... Not REALLY hit on heavy in this, but interesting anyway. Not something very heavy. usually tech is too mixed up in it. Maybe it is called something else. (The Force, Biometics)
I think the only thing I really did not like is that once the book is over.... I wanted more of the story.. which ... I guess is the plan. It feels like a prologue... slightly more in depth than normal, but still... it feels like a story just began, rather than a story just ending.
September 11, 2015
Really enjoyed this story. It does a good job of quickly introducing the characters and story world, while at the same still telling an engaging, fun to read story. It definitely got me excited to read the first full novel in the series (which I immediately started reading after finishing this).
One of the most intriguing parts of the story -- and I'm curious to see how the author develops this in future stories -- is the idea of wizards/magic in a science fiction setting. I would highly recommend anyone who enjoys scifi to give this one a look. It's a quick read, and a good introduction to the larger series.
One of the most intriguing parts of the story -- and I'm curious to see how the author develops this in future stories -- is the idea of wizards/magic in a science fiction setting. I would highly recommend anyone who enjoys scifi to give this one a look. It's a quick read, and a good introduction to the larger series.
November 22, 2015
A well-crafted short story, blending fantasy-style magic with a high-tech futuristic sci-fi world. I appreciated how well the characters were drawn, especially considering the story's length. I got a sense of the community and each person's role in it, without anything being overdrawn or forced. Such a great setting, written with strong voice and such a natural ease - even when describing weird futuristic foods and tools - as to draw you in right away. Mostly, it is a perfect introduction to the larger series, allowing you to meet the characters and get to know the world before diving into full Space Opera Fantasy mode. Worth a read!
July 14, 2017
Excellent beginning to a space opera series with bonus wizard included. It's probably been said before, but it needs repeating - if you loved Firefly, as I did, then this series is a perfect, and necessary, addition to your space opera collection. The characters here are very similar in their devil-may-care attitudes. Although I do not remember any alien crew members descended from chimps or cats on board for Firefly's exploits...
There are some sneaky goings-on, which I guess is par for the course, and these just add to the fun.
I will definitely be traveling with the Mobius for all her journeys.
Highly recommended!
There are some sneaky goings-on, which I guess is par for the course, and these just add to the fun.
I will definitely be traveling with the Mobius for all her journeys.
Highly recommended!
April 30, 2016
A crew of a small spaceship sometimes has to take on jobs that are not completely legal. When things go to plan, it is no big deal. But when the newest member of their crew gets hurt, it is just the start of their problems.
This short story is the introduction to a series. You have spaceships, wizards, and gangsters thrown into the mix. The action is quick with humor to balance it. The characters are interesting and I want to find out more about them. I always appreciate some more exotic aliens in these types of stories. I will definitely be reading more of the series.
This short story is the introduction to a series. You have spaceships, wizards, and gangsters thrown into the mix. The action is quick with humor to balance it. The characters are interesting and I want to find out more about them. I always appreciate some more exotic aliens in these types of stories. I will definitely be reading more of the series.
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