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Black Ocean #2
A Smuggler's Conscience
The job: a delivery, no questions asked. The problem: curiosity is a deadly sin.
A simple pickup and delivery. No questions asked; no looking inside the cargo. All it requires is a fast, stealthy ship and a crew who can keep their imaginations and consciences in check until the drop-off. The Mobius is up to the task, but when the crew can't control their curiosity, they're faced with a moral dilemma. Do they cut their losses? Contact the authorities? Take the money and run?
Or do they get talked into the stupidest, most reckless, and least profitable course of action they could possibly take? Doing the right thing.
A Smuggler’s Conscience is the second mission of Black Ocean, a science 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!
I’ll just leave this copy of A Smuggler’s Conscience right here. And hey, it’s not your fault if you can’t help looking.
A simple pickup and delivery. No questions asked; no looking inside the cargo. All it requires is a fast, stealthy ship and a crew who can keep their imaginations and consciences in check until the drop-off. The Mobius is up to the task, but when the crew can't control their curiosity, they're faced with a moral dilemma. Do they cut their losses? Contact the authorities? Take the money and run?
Or do they get talked into the stupidest, most reckless, and least profitable course of action they could possibly take? Doing the right thing.
A Smuggler’s Conscience is the second mission of Black Ocean, a science 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!
I’ll just leave this copy of A Smuggler’s Conscience right here. And hey, it’s not your fault if you can’t help looking.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2014
93 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Morin
192 books611 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 8, 2023
I am really enjoying this series. Short, sweet, and action packed. The characters are quirky and fun, the story is interesting, and the action pretty good. Its very short, but like an episode of a TV show, which is a perfect popcorn novel.
I also want to point out that one of the characters is very religious, and its handled very well. Her convictions are tested, but she holds to her values and it brings both a source of tension to the crew and a good moral grounding to them. Well, as much of a grounding as a bunch of scoundrels can have. Still, its nice to see a religious character with strong moral convictions in a sci fi series. They are usually either the bad guys or more of a focus on the actions of worship and not the convictions religion gives you.
I also want to point out that one of the characters is very religious, and its handled very well. Her convictions are tested, but she holds to her values and it brings both a source of tension to the crew and a good moral grounding to them. Well, as much of a grounding as a bunch of scoundrels can have. Still, its nice to see a religious character with strong moral convictions in a sci fi series. They are usually either the bad guys or more of a focus on the actions of worship and not the convictions religion gives you.
November 8, 2020
This was a lot of fun as Esper's conscience gets the upper hand on a smuggling mission that has a payoff too good to be true. I liked the Jurassic Park-ish setting and the end mission sorting things out. And, of course, Kubu. Who we all love, right?
June 14, 2020
Notes:
4 Stars for Narration by Mikael Naramore
3 Stars for Story
Audiobook now has chapter titles & segments labeled. A nice update. It didn't have that when I bought the bundle a few years ago.
Even though it's been a while since I listened to the first book, it was easy to get back into the world & characters. The upside of simple characters and world setting. Light SF, cast of misfits and unintentional do gooders.
4 Stars for Narration by Mikael Naramore
3 Stars for Story
Audiobook now has chapter titles & segments labeled. A nice update. It didn't have that when I bought the bundle a few years ago.
Even though it's been a while since I listened to the first book, it was easy to get back into the world & characters. The upside of simple characters and world setting. Light SF, cast of misfits and unintentional do gooders.
February 5, 2019
The crew of the Mobius takes on another job transporting a mysterious egg to a menagerie. Hijinks ensue as the menagerie is found to be housing both dinosaurs (or "reptilian megafauna") as well as sentient creatures. The moral compass of their new crew-member wins the day and they stage a "jail-break" of sorts.
A fun little adventure that struggles with a few too many characters/sub-plots in too short a work. The inclusion of "magic" in the world (both as a real thing and a means to enable FTL travel) is interesting, if a bit inconsistent -- sometimes it gets a bit too "hand-wavey" for my taste.
The overarching narrative is perfectly fine and fun, and the brevity of the stories makes these characterization shortcomings forgivable since they're almost certain to be expanded on in subsequent works.
A fun little adventure that struggles with a few too many characters/sub-plots in too short a work. The inclusion of "magic" in the world (both as a real thing and a means to enable FTL travel) is interesting, if a bit inconsistent -- sometimes it gets a bit too "hand-wavey" for my taste.
The overarching narrative is perfectly fine and fun, and the brevity of the stories makes these characterization shortcomings forgivable since they're almost certain to be expanded on in subsequent works.
April 16, 2019
Had a few dull moments but overall, quite good!
I'm really enjoying this crazy cast of characters - in comparison to the first book, this has a lot more character development and provides fun storytelling.
It's not perfect, but it's damn entertaining.
3.6/5
I'm really enjoying this crazy cast of characters - in comparison to the first book, this has a lot more character development and provides fun storytelling.
It's not perfect, but it's damn entertaining.
3.6/5
July 2, 2025
Read the first story two years ago and wasn't impressed. I've kept thinking about this Firefly-like and it seems somehow in between this crew has grown on me. Or, it actually is a better story. I wouldn't be surprised if I got to third one before another two years.
January 2, 2017
Another fun, short mission with the Möbius crew. The characters are individualized and compelling. The universe is rich, with many more peoples and planets shown or hinted at than we have explored so far. Can't wait to read more episodes.
This story isn't perfect. I could see the wires sometimes, and occasionally I wondered when the characters would stop arguing and do something. But at least it never stalls for long.
This story isn't perfect. I could see the wires sometimes, and occasionally I wondered when the characters would stop arguing and do something. But at least it never stalls for long.
August 9, 2016
Another highly enjoyable sci-fi/fantasy adventure. I continue to love these stories. The plot kept me engaged all the way through, and the author develops the characters a bit more with every story.
This story also further explores the role of magic in the Black Ocean universe -- something I'm hoping to continue to see more of in future stories.
This story also further explores the role of magic in the Black Ocean universe -- something I'm hoping to continue to see more of in future stories.
February 16, 2020
Similar to the last one, the story was fun to read. The characters are a bit of a mixed bag. I feel like Esper is a poorly done caricature of a catholic nun, purely for the sake of creating an interesting story.
May 22, 2017
They should just toss the nun out the airlock.
February 23, 2019
A SMUGGLER'S CONSCIENCE is another fun adventure with a lovable gang of misfits. J. S. Morin set the table in Book 1, introducing us to Carl, captain of the Mobius, and his crew. Now that we know that band, we can start peeling back the layers of their characters as they tackle a classic genre trope: what's inside the package we've been charged to deliver? Is knowing worth more than the big payday they'll get for delivering it no questions asked?
What I've come to like about the Black Ocean series is that the fate of the world, galaxy, or universe never hangs in the balance. The characters confront threats to their lives and to their livelihood, which invites readers to tag along for a fun ride and get to know how their minds work. Carl and newcomer Esper are the stars of the show. We find that some things matter more to Carl than money, and Esper, still trying to find her place among the crew and her new way of life, often must choose between going along with the consensus or rocking the boat.
Esper also battles religious doctrine, her way of life before joining up with the Mobius crew. I wouldn't describe the Black Ocean books as dogmatic. Instead, Morin often juxtaposes religion against smuggling principles and the extant of magic in this futuristic setting, one of prolific science and tech.
I liked Morin's introduction of this juxtaposition in the first book, and it's even more fascinating here, primarily because Morin has yet to delve into the specifics of how magic works. We know only that it's often a get-out-of-jail-free card because it disables technology: ships, radars, locks, and weapons. And that’s all we need to know—for now, and maybe forever. It’s more than enough to spark one’s curiosity about magic’s place in this world, and more importantly, the place of characters such as Mort and Esper, who use it.
There's a lot going on in CONSCIENCE, in a surprisingly and refreshingly bite-sized page count, and it's all fun.
What I've come to like about the Black Ocean series is that the fate of the world, galaxy, or universe never hangs in the balance. The characters confront threats to their lives and to their livelihood, which invites readers to tag along for a fun ride and get to know how their minds work. Carl and newcomer Esper are the stars of the show. We find that some things matter more to Carl than money, and Esper, still trying to find her place among the crew and her new way of life, often must choose between going along with the consensus or rocking the boat.
Esper also battles religious doctrine, her way of life before joining up with the Mobius crew. I wouldn't describe the Black Ocean books as dogmatic. Instead, Morin often juxtaposes religion against smuggling principles and the extant of magic in this futuristic setting, one of prolific science and tech.
I liked Morin's introduction of this juxtaposition in the first book, and it's even more fascinating here, primarily because Morin has yet to delve into the specifics of how magic works. We know only that it's often a get-out-of-jail-free card because it disables technology: ships, radars, locks, and weapons. And that’s all we need to know—for now, and maybe forever. It’s more than enough to spark one’s curiosity about magic’s place in this world, and more importantly, the place of characters such as Mort and Esper, who use it.
There's a lot going on in CONSCIENCE, in a surprisingly and refreshingly bite-sized page count, and it's all fun.
May 28, 2025
My Slightly Sarcastic But Ultimately Honest Book Rating System:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars): This book achieved legendary status in my personal library. I will likely reread it until the pages fall out (or my e-reader spontaneously combusts). Consider this my enthusiastic endorsement – you should probably read it unless you actively dislike joy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars): A truly excellent read! I enjoyed it immensely and would heartily recommend it to fellow bookworms. You might even catch me subtly pushing it into their hands.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 Stars): Yep, it was a book I read. I turned the pages, absorbed the words, and emerged...unchanged. It was a pleasant enough journey, like a scenic detour that you wouldn't necessarily take again, but didn't regret.
⭐️⭐️ (2 Stars): This book existed. I finished it. That's about the highest praise I can offer. If you're looking for something truly captivating, maybe keep scrolling. This one's more of a "it filled the silence" kind of experience.
⭐️ (1 Star): Oh dear. This book and I did not get along. It was a literary tumbleweed in the vast desert of good books. Consider this a strong "do not recommend," unless you're conducting research on what not to do in storytelling.
Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've read/listened to or will read/listen to multiple times. If you like this review please consider giving it a Helpful Vote below.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars): This book achieved legendary status in my personal library. I will likely reread it until the pages fall out (or my e-reader spontaneously combusts). Consider this my enthusiastic endorsement – you should probably read it unless you actively dislike joy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars): A truly excellent read! I enjoyed it immensely and would heartily recommend it to fellow bookworms. You might even catch me subtly pushing it into their hands.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 Stars): Yep, it was a book I read. I turned the pages, absorbed the words, and emerged...unchanged. It was a pleasant enough journey, like a scenic detour that you wouldn't necessarily take again, but didn't regret.
⭐️⭐️ (2 Stars): This book existed. I finished it. That's about the highest praise I can offer. If you're looking for something truly captivating, maybe keep scrolling. This one's more of a "it filled the silence" kind of experience.
⭐️ (1 Star): Oh dear. This book and I did not get along. It was a literary tumbleweed in the vast desert of good books. Consider this a strong "do not recommend," unless you're conducting research on what not to do in storytelling.
Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've read/listened to or will read/listen to multiple times. If you like this review please consider giving it a Helpful Vote below.
May 30, 2017
I read this as part of a four-pack of stories by J. S. Morin. This also meant that I read it right after the previous book so there was no time for the characters to fade from my memory before I started.
This continues a fun series of the pirate ship Mobius as they deal with a newcomer to the ship, Esper. This story is actually pretty heavily based on her working out the relationship with the rest of the crew while the author used it as a good opportunity to show world-building with her learning about the world around her. Overall, they avoided heavy info-dumps in favor of little tidbits which I thought was well done.
Like this piece, this has head-hopping but it wasn't third person omniscient. Many of the characters were further developed and their back stories continued to make it an enjoyable romp.
I continue to like Mort's arrogance and Esper's descent/growth. I thought they added a great deal to the story.
These are not serious stories. They are short and light, a story where the plot isn't complex only how they will get through the trouble of the moment. As a light read, that's perfect and I continue to like the mixture of fantasy and science. Even the "moral quandary" wasn't, but I still liked seeing the hijinks that went along. A fun read.
This continues a fun series of the pirate ship Mobius as they deal with a newcomer to the ship, Esper. This story is actually pretty heavily based on her working out the relationship with the rest of the crew while the author used it as a good opportunity to show world-building with her learning about the world around her. Overall, they avoided heavy info-dumps in favor of little tidbits which I thought was well done.
Like this piece, this has head-hopping but it wasn't third person omniscient. Many of the characters were further developed and their back stories continued to make it an enjoyable romp.
I continue to like Mort's arrogance and Esper's descent/growth. I thought they added a great deal to the story.
These are not serious stories. They are short and light, a story where the plot isn't complex only how they will get through the trouble of the moment. As a light read, that's perfect and I continue to like the mixture of fantasy and science. Even the "moral quandary" wasn't, but I still liked seeing the hijinks that went along. A fun read.
May 14, 2018
Just as good, if not better, than the first
A theme I hope continues as I advance through the Black Ocean novels, because I found myself enjoying this book even more so than the first.
I'm sure it has to do with familiarity of the characters and such, but Morin continues to pursue a course set on developing these characters more and more.
This is a fun mission where the Mobius crew signs up to pick up and deliver a box with what it carries being unknown.
And yet, an inkling to discover just what it was they were delivering creeps upon each crew member until finally they take action.
And speaking of action, once they see what's inside is when the plot really kicks in.
Morin does an amazing job of world building and equally voicing his characters. I lose myself in the book until suddenly Amazon pops up says "Hope you've enjoyed!". The last page has been turned nd so begins MY mission of downloading the third Black Ocean novel so I may rejoin the Mobius and crew for another adventure!
Also, to Mr. J.S. Morin, thank you for that ending. I was almost shocked at how it was almost left and when you pulled the curtain I was ecstatic. Anyone who has finished this novel knows what I'm getting at ;)
A theme I hope continues as I advance through the Black Ocean novels, because I found myself enjoying this book even more so than the first.
I'm sure it has to do with familiarity of the characters and such, but Morin continues to pursue a course set on developing these characters more and more.
This is a fun mission where the Mobius crew signs up to pick up and deliver a box with what it carries being unknown.
And yet, an inkling to discover just what it was they were delivering creeps upon each crew member until finally they take action.
And speaking of action, once they see what's inside is when the plot really kicks in.
Morin does an amazing job of world building and equally voicing his characters. I lose myself in the book until suddenly Amazon pops up says "Hope you've enjoyed!". The last page has been turned nd so begins MY mission of downloading the third Black Ocean novel so I may rejoin the Mobius and crew for another adventure!
Also, to Mr. J.S. Morin, thank you for that ending. I was almost shocked at how it was almost left and when you pulled the curtain I was ecstatic. Anyone who has finished this novel knows what I'm getting at ;)
July 16, 2018
Might..... Might try next But I Gotta Be Bored
Book 1 was okay, a legit three from my standpoint . A Salvage, sometimes smuggler ship w interesting crew. Mage, 2 aliens and some humans comprise the crew, no insane super hero in sight......made me believe that there was potential here. Book 1 was short but readable and ended okay. However, you get to know characters more from stereotypical depictions from other books rather than authors character development.
The MC’s bring on another crew member from book 1 who was a nun, religious and a fourth grade teacher. She started off in this book quiet, reserved and second guessing herself on being part of ship.
Crew finds out that they became involved in questionable, morally wrong activity unknowingly. They didn’t like it but were ready to move on when new crew member literally takes over ship and moves crew to right a wrong. To say her character was uneven is huge understatement.
Her character emergence combined with crew reaction just didn’t go well with me. Any credibility, realism ...nope. I found myself not really invested in any of the characters. There was a monkey, comic side kick type but .....
Promise n potential but this book destroyed it, or .....?
Book 1 was okay, a legit three from my standpoint . A Salvage, sometimes smuggler ship w interesting crew. Mage, 2 aliens and some humans comprise the crew, no insane super hero in sight......made me believe that there was potential here. Book 1 was short but readable and ended okay. However, you get to know characters more from stereotypical depictions from other books rather than authors character development.
The MC’s bring on another crew member from book 1 who was a nun, religious and a fourth grade teacher. She started off in this book quiet, reserved and second guessing herself on being part of ship.
Crew finds out that they became involved in questionable, morally wrong activity unknowingly. They didn’t like it but were ready to move on when new crew member literally takes over ship and moves crew to right a wrong. To say her character was uneven is huge understatement.
Her character emergence combined with crew reaction just didn’t go well with me. Any credibility, realism ...nope. I found myself not really invested in any of the characters. There was a monkey, comic side kick type but .....
Promise n potential but this book destroyed it, or .....?
April 13, 2019
Making enough credits to keep the crew feed and the ship flying between the stars was sometimes a matter of life and death. In this case, Carl Ramsay found himself desperate enough to take a job from someone out of his past...someone he knew better than to trust.
It was a simple job. Fly to a planet outside ARGO territory...pick up a magically sealed container...and deliver it to a strange planet in the middle of nowhere...NO QUESTIONS ASKED!!!
Unfortunately, that last part wasn't going to be as easy as it should have been. And, after a certain member of the crew decided a little knowledge was the better part of valor, the mission changed...from a simple delivery to a battle that no one wanted, but one that they had to undertake for no other reason than A SMUGGLER'S CONSCIENCE.
J.S. Morin continues the adventures of the Starship Mobius and crew in this, the second book in the universe of the BLACK OCEAN. Morin is extremely deft at creating characters and worlds that fill his books and stories with adventure and emotion.
This is only the second in an amazing array of stories and interwoven series that constitute the BLACK OCEAN.
Read it and enjoy....
It was a simple job. Fly to a planet outside ARGO territory...pick up a magically sealed container...and deliver it to a strange planet in the middle of nowhere...NO QUESTIONS ASKED!!!
Unfortunately, that last part wasn't going to be as easy as it should have been. And, after a certain member of the crew decided a little knowledge was the better part of valor, the mission changed...from a simple delivery to a battle that no one wanted, but one that they had to undertake for no other reason than A SMUGGLER'S CONSCIENCE.
J.S. Morin continues the adventures of the Starship Mobius and crew in this, the second book in the universe of the BLACK OCEAN. Morin is extremely deft at creating characters and worlds that fill his books and stories with adventure and emotion.
This is only the second in an amazing array of stories and interwoven series that constitute the BLACK OCEAN.
Read it and enjoy....
September 12, 2023
Solid 3 stars, which is not a bad thing at all.
Mission 2 of the Black Ocean series finds the crew of the Mobius taking on a simple smuggling job--pick up a package from one planet, drop it off on another planet. Except, of course, it's not quite so simple once they discover what they were smuggling.
J.S. Morin provides us with another fun, episodic romp with plenty of action, simple characters, and a lighthearted sci-fi tone. It's kind of interesting how the characters and pace keep the stories so lighthearted when the implications of the universe they live in can be quite dark upon further scrutiny. I do sometimes wonder about the casual acts of cruelty by individual members of the crew. It is sometimes justified in the end because the people they kill or put in deadly situations end up being terrible people, but they don't really know that at the time, which I find questionable... but maybe that's the point.
In any case, reading a Black Ocean story is like watching an episode of a TV show. Will happily be continuing the series.
Mission 2 of the Black Ocean series finds the crew of the Mobius taking on a simple smuggling job--pick up a package from one planet, drop it off on another planet. Except, of course, it's not quite so simple once they discover what they were smuggling.
J.S. Morin provides us with another fun, episodic romp with plenty of action, simple characters, and a lighthearted sci-fi tone. It's kind of interesting how the characters and pace keep the stories so lighthearted when the implications of the universe they live in can be quite dark upon further scrutiny. I do sometimes wonder about the casual acts of cruelty by individual members of the crew. It is sometimes justified in the end because the people they kill or put in deadly situations end up being terrible people, but they don't really know that at the time, which I find questionable... but maybe that's the point.
In any case, reading a Black Ocean story is like watching an episode of a TV show. Will happily be continuing the series.
May 12, 2021
The crew of The Mobius are back and on a mission to earn some cash, though the mission might be a heck of a lot dodgier than even they can cope with. Especially with Esper as their new crew member and a moral compass that they haven't had to deal with before.
The crew's characters are fleshing out and this is giving us more of an insight into them and why they do what they do. They is also a lot more fun between the characters and their gentle ribbing of each other is written in a good natured and funny manner.
I'm enjoying my trips into The Black Ocean with this lot, so bring on some more Roddy, Mort, Mriy, Tanny, Esper and Captain Carl Ramsey, the drunkenness, immoral but decent crew you're going to find.
The crew's characters are fleshing out and this is giving us more of an insight into them and why they do what they do. They is also a lot more fun between the characters and their gentle ribbing of each other is written in a good natured and funny manner.
I'm enjoying my trips into The Black Ocean with this lot, so bring on some more Roddy, Mort, Mriy, Tanny, Esper and Captain Carl Ramsey, the drunkenness, immoral but decent crew you're going to find.
March 10, 2022
I started this book and then fairly quickly gave up. I didn't feel a connection with any of the characters and the dialogue wasn't interesting enough. It wasn't bad, I just felt like there are book that I really want to read out there and this is just wasting my time. I read the first in this series an liked it enough that I put the rest of the series on my reading list. I don't know if this one was worse than the first, or I was intrigued by the first novel but not interested enough to continue. I think I saw it promoted as "If you like Firefly, you'll love Black Ocean". Those are some mighty big shoes to fill and this book has pretty small feet.
October 11, 2018
The second in the series will no awards for the plot. In fact, it is something your would expect from the first series of Star Trek, before the writers got to grips with the world and main storylines.
The crew are hired to make a delivery, package is protected. Turned out, it is being delivered to a sub human zoo. Crew decide to break them out. Yeah, no awards there.
The characters are still being fleshed out, so still a little rough for some of them. Magic and Tech mash is still something i am still getting used to.
All in all, a Good addition to the series so far.
The crew are hired to make a delivery, package is protected. Turned out, it is being delivered to a sub human zoo. Crew decide to break them out. Yeah, no awards there.
The characters are still being fleshed out, so still a little rough for some of them. Magic and Tech mash is still something i am still getting used to.
All in all, a Good addition to the series so far.
April 11, 2019
Not a big fan of Esper, find her to be the most annoying character in the bunch. Beyond that, the book was another quick read, better character development, but still clunky writing.
The bit towards the end when Carl is deciding what actions he should take while his crew was doing their thing, dragged out too long. It's not the only example of a this, but the first one that came to mind. It as if the author was churning out additional sentences to describe that same thing to meet a word count quota.
On to book three, it it will get better.
The bit towards the end when Carl is deciding what actions he should take while his crew was doing their thing, dragged out too long. It's not the only example of a this, but the first one that came to mind. It as if the author was churning out additional sentences to describe that same thing to meet a word count quota.
On to book three, it it will get better.
December 7, 2019
Esper is really becoming a part of the crew of the Mobius, and when she instigates an investigation into the nature of the delivery job they’ve taken on, she talks everyone into helping her with a crazy and reckless action that has little chance of success. But if anyone can pull this task off, it’s this crew. I loved how the whole crew tries to act like they have no scruples, but deep down, they all have a conscience, they just need Esper to give them a push. And the introduction of Kubu is awesome, can’t wait to see more of him.
December 14, 2017
Summary: Interesting characters, I'm really not to sure about the premise - its just not a workable reality. The plot did not work for me. Very readable. 3 stars about right - overall I enjoyed reading this book
Plotline: Plot is OK but just a bit silly and unbelievable
Premise: Magic in space. Hmmmm. Not really for me at least
Writing: Interesting characters and simple highly readable style
Ending: All good ready for future missions ...
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Plot is OK but just a bit silly and unbelievable
Premise: Magic in space. Hmmmm. Not really for me at least
Writing: Interesting characters and simple highly readable style
Ending: All good ready for future missions ...
Pace: Never a dull moment!
October 20, 2020
I feel like Mission #2, A Smuggler's Conscience, is really where this series hits its stride. The characters each feel more established, the universe and dialogue is better and more believable, good character growth, some fun gritty action, and some great laugh out loud moments to boot.
I'm excited to see where the stories go from here, and I definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a fun, bite-sized adventure, especially the audio collection.
I'm excited to see where the stories go from here, and I definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a fun, bite-sized adventure, especially the audio collection.
December 25, 2018
More fun storytelling from the second book in this series that unapologetically mixes sci-fi with fantasy. This time our heroes get a chance to develop their characters and romp on their own... showing off their individual talents, a little reminiscent of Star Trek IV (the one with the whales).
Fun and escapist and still highly recommended to those of the geek class.
Fun and escapist and still highly recommended to those of the geek class.
April 29, 2019
Esper takes a bit more of a hold into the business and she shares her conscience with the rest of the crew, as the title suggests. Her character arc is interesting to me as I have been reading the Mercy for Hire series and am also loving to get to know her past and all the people that shaped her to where she is now. I'm still liking these characters and am excited to read more.
November 23, 2021
I don't think they're great literature - the plots are a little cliché, dialogue isn't phenomenal. It's the characters where these books shine. The author writes interesting characters - the stories are quick and easy to follow. The narrator does a nice job with the various voices.
It's fun to listen to while exercising.
It's fun to listen to while exercising.
July 13, 2023
A quick summer read in an interesting sci-fi universe with unique characters. Those who enjoyed Firefly can relate to this ragtag group of smugglers as they find their way throuigh the space, aka "The Black Ocean". A great summer read, with interesting plot developments (no spoilers). I am planning to read several more in the series this summer.
August 31, 2017
Don't Miss this adventure
This is the second book in this series, and it is turning into one of my favorite space soap operas. The crew which others are slowly added are fascinating and the plots are remarkable.
This is the second book in this series, and it is turning into one of my favorite space soap operas. The crew which others are slowly added are fascinating and the plots are remarkable.
April 23, 2018
A Goodreads friend pointed out this series, and a massive omnibus edition on Audible (85 hours, volumes 1-16.5). I'm enjoying it, the characters are likeable, and it looks like they are going to have more significant story arcs than I expected from the first book.
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