The Science Officer

The Science Officer #1

by Blaze Ward

When pirates commandeer Javier’s starship, they give him a choice: corpse, slave, or volunteer.

Javier chooses to survive, as well as keep his honor and his sanity intact.

However, when things get rough, will he save the pirates from someone even worse?

This novella is Volume 1 of The Science Officer. Find the continuing stories of Javier Aritza in "The Mind Field."

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Artificial Intelligence, Fiction

114 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2014

About the author

Blaze Ward writes science fiction in the Alexandria Station universe as well as The Collective. He also write fantasy stories with several characters and series, from an alternate Rome to epic high fantasy in the desert. You can find out more at his website www.blazeward.com, as well as Facebook, here, and other places.

Blaze’s works are available as ebooks, paper, and audio, and can be found at a variety of online vendors (Kobo, Amazon, and others). His newsletter comes out quarterly, and you can also follow his blog on his website. He really enjoys interacting with fans, and looks forward to any and all questions—even ones about his books!

Reviews

[Maria Klondike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmmmmmmmmm. 3 stars for generally competent. 4 stars for sometimes being fun and interesting and thoughtful. 2 stars for gross misogynistic ogling of women (misogynistic because where is my fair play gross ogling of men when we’re in a het woman’s POV), a lot of tell-don’t-show, and occasional poor copy editing. (Drug instead of dragged? Seriously.)

This is another dad read. As in, I read it because my dad reads it and I want to talk to him about stuff. I read the first three books.

Like our previous dad read, Malazan, this has some things that bug me.

Is it fun? Sure. Yeah. I enjoy Javier as much as the next person. Even when he’s a dick, sometimes. And on occasion, the plot is compelling. The questions posed by the narrative are, objectively, interesting.

But it’s the little things that get me.

Javier is like an edgy brainy Gary Stu. Hyperintelligent, smarter than pretty much everyone on page with a smartass mouth, hot af with his choice in sexual partners, especially the hot ladies. Everyone really likes him. His AI daughter thinks she would totally do him if she had a human robot body but she’s a starship.

But oh! Woe! [dramatically covers face and looks away] He is enslaved and hates everyone! He has a super dark tortured past that he can’t let anyone see! He’s a monster, twisted and burnt, cold to the core! No one understands him and he likes it that way. A lone wolf, plotting the demise of those who wronged him, his resentment seething away below the surface. He’ll strike when he gets the chance and no one will see it coming… and his vengeance will be all the sweeter for it.

So funny. But the meta of it annoys me after a while.

All of the other characters’ internal dialogues: “ooo, Javier, he’s such a dick but he’s so smart and layered and intriguing, I can’t help but like him and respect him and also be wary of him because who knows what’s going on in that head of his, maybe murder”. Except the one super duper hot action Barbie who hates Javier with a blind passion but, the narrative makes very clear, is so much more than her super hot bod, because she’s very skilled and very murdery and-

Oh wait, are all of the main women like this? Taller than Javier, highly competent, super hot, used to authority, could definitely kill him?

Author, your kinks can wait outside, thank you /jk

Jokes aside, there’s a lot of reliance on telling over showing. And I have this rule about being told that a character is a thing. And that rule is that if I am told they are a thing over and over again, I start to not believe it. Give me concrete examples of competency, or I’m not going to feel in my bones that this is a competent guy, dammit! Like yeah, sure, Javier is on page figuring shit out, but I would like to be in on what tools he has at his disposal before he starts working the problem, you know? What’s his thought process for solving a thing?

It feels like a cardboard cutout bopping along the trail in Candy Land and someone’s like oh no, licorice! That’s bad. And I’m staring down at this board going okay, but why? There’s no consequences. It looks scary but literally it’s just a flat board, there’s no substance. My cardboard guy doesn’t even go anywhere, it’s still sitting right there, ready for the next turn. What??

Honestly, the prose is generally lacking any emotional depth. I’m an emotional reader, so when that’s not evident in the writing, I’m gone. I need to feel something, man! And don’t tell me “oh, it’s a funny book, it doesn’t need that”. That’s some bull, I have had some of the most moving emotional experiences from funny haha books.

Anyway, if you want a read that doesn’t require much brain power, occasionally has moments of interesting questions, and is generally good for a romp with a sarcastic ass who runs rings around everyone around him, this is good for that… until you read some of the dark stuff, and then it’s not. So keep an eye on the author’s notes at the front. They’ll tell you what’s up.

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very clever story of a solo explorer who gets interrupted by some space-pirates. This is short and quirky, but I liked it.

I'll pick up the others.

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Javier's adventure!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and fun read

Since I read the first chapter I've actively sought time to sit down and read it. I'm about halfway through, and wanted to write this review to encourage people to pick this up. The narrative voice is fun and quirky, and the author has rich descriptions of the ships and worlds. A second book has just been released and I'm excited to finish this book so I can pick up the next.

If you enjoy fun and quirky SciFi then this is definitely for you.

If you like this style, but are more of a fantasy nut go check out the author's Mirror anthologies. He brings the same sarcasm and vibrant descriptions to a fantasy setting.

[Layne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read about a quirky, smart good natured geek.

A lot of laughs, even when attacked. I look forward to the next book to see how the adventure started in book 1 either ends or changes direction. I do want to know how the relationship with ****** evolves. The Science Officer enjoys being alone and now forcefully thrown in with others is a fun ride.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 You Never Knew When You'd Need A Fancy Sash Stars

The Science Officer is the first in the series, of the same title, by Blaze Ward.

Why is this book so small?!?! One full star off the review for the ridiculously short length of this book. This is beyond a doubt a five star book, in my opinion. These seems similar to what Odette C. Bell does trying to siphon as money as she can for her work. I really enjoyed this book, outside of this one glaring con factor.

The protags voice is entertaining! So very entertaining. He's got that touch of mental instability that I enjoy in my favorite characters, because I'm right there with you bud. I find it funny how he waffles between defining himself as normal when compared to an introvert, but then spends the majority of the book proclaiming his antisocial status and displeasure with any human company. 😂

I will not surprised if he ends forgiving this crew of Pirates, since he seems to be enjoying their company when given the chance (outside of having his ears boxed). Suvi needs more page time, and I hope he eventually has an avenue to utilize her to her fullest potential.. Also, I think it's VERY important we immediately explore his 'bad time' and 'homicidal tendencies' that require intensive meditation.

[Incandragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novelette. There was some real thought about what might constitute a viable life in a spaceship, and what someone with a scientific mindset might be like, given a ship and a galaxy and a less-than-inspiring job.

I'm not partial to pirates or pirate stories, so the balance of the relationship of the protag and the pirates has to be very precise and well-managed. So far so good. I look forward to seeing what the next book does!

[Helen M. Whitchurch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent science fiction

Memorable, believable characterization.
AI Suvi one of best in science fiction. I want more!

Hero antisocial but balanced, creative. Smart.

[Jean Oakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

This book has been unexpected. I'm looking forward to see what it does in book two of the series.

I bought the audio book to go with the ebook, but I was not impressed with the narrator. Listening to him read reminds me of someone learning to drive a clutch - a manual transmission. He reads with full stops after almost every phrase. Once you get used to it enough that you can ignore the choppy rhythm, he's an adequate narrator.

Javier is an interesting character, and unique for a protagonist. One's opinion of him bounces around quite a bit as you get to know him. I really enjoy the chickens. I can't wait to see what part Suvi plays in the overall plot - she seems to be a lot more than just an AI.

I'd rate this book PG-13 for the violence and some language.

Definitely worth checking out.

[larry Mccauley · Rating 1 out of 5]

MC

Blaze waddling be into writing his main character as the man who gets.continuously beat by a woman who should have a set of testicles in p!ace of a Virgina. miss gorilla of the space fleet . Not.A good way to start a story....not.even interesting enough to see what happens . If all these space pirates have time for is.to beat a guy up with chickens a d trees on his small non lethel.ship then its not.much of a story especially when they have no one on board to.keep their air clean ,Every captain even on a pirate ship would have an engineer to handle the scrubbers ...so although the author has written up this captain as being somewhat smart ,he is not. That smart . The main character continues to be hurt and the pirate captain can't seem to.figure out how to handle his .....prisoner in order to get what he wants . Readers have fun

[Rafael Ontivero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aunque no es para tirar cohetes, se deja leer bastante bien, y es el inicio de una serie de, al menos 5 novelas más, al más puro estilo de capítulos que siguen una trama pero que son completamente independientes, como la típica serie de televisión.

Me ha gustado bastante el comienzo, pero el desarrollo y el final cojean un poco, resultando un poco confuso. No sé si leeré más "capítulos" de la serie (tengo los cuatro primeros), todo dependerá de la otra presión lectora.

De momento es ciencia ficción hard, y de momento sin ningún tipo de "cosa rara" tan típica de los autores noveles.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only complaint about this book is that it's so short. It's still cheaper than a movie (for those who can still go to the movies). Quirky and interesting characters make for a quick fun read. There is a lot 'he said - she said' type perspective shifting. I usually find that style mildly annoying. Ward takes such a light hearted approach that it really serves his engine of character building and does it much quicker than most. At the time I'm writing this, I've already read the next two books in the series. I guess that says more than anything else how I feel.

[R Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DON'T GIVE 5 STARS VERY OFTEN

I'm currently at book 8 so came back to give a fair review. Simply great space opera, fantastic fun characters, great plots, action is awesome & it's bloody intelligently written. It also has so many levels of past history being exposed every one is like a gem in a coalmine. Just a great read .I hesitated & got the first book. Then got the quad but if you go through the first book link & scroll down further you can buy the books in groups of 3 or 5 a more cheaply. Pretty much like a boxed set. Do the math but this is a series worth ready.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solidly fun, but sadly short (fair since I believe it's billed as a novella). I am very sad for the destruction of his little ship and excited to read the next couple of books, which I already have. It seems pretty clear where Ward is heading his relationship with "the Amazon". In fact, he's being a wee bit heavy handed with that part. The science feels pretty loose, but I view this as more of a character piece so that's fine.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually a short story vs. a book and seems to be a good start to a possible series. Nothing too over the top and, while based sometime in the far future and in space I really wouldn’t call it a science fiction tale but more of a good story. I picked this up for 99 cents in the Kindle store, and certainly received more than that in entertainment value. If you like a good story, give this one a shot.

[Eric Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Science Officer by Blaze Ward

I really like the main character Javier. One can almost identify with him and his predicaments. The reading is light but there is great character development and the story line moves quickly maintaining I treat and suspense. Highly recommend this book, and cannot wait to read the next one in the series.

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an up-close-and-personal depiction of how one man (Javier) handles the join-us-or-be-sold life choice when he and his ship are taken by pirates. The author hints at Javier's past - I have to wonder what he was like if he twitches so much in this situation. The author laid groundwork for this character's development and I want to see where that goes.

[Daybreak · Rating 5 out of 5]

a review for the first 6,7 books. they continously drop it quality as the series goes on from a 5 star syfy master piece to total garbage in about 6 books and for a really simple reason too many pov changes for a really short book that just subtracts from the time for the one main character and makes the whole thing fall apart.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

Entertaining from start to finish. Great pacing, funny dialog, and well written characters.
I wish it was longer but there are several more books that follow.

Time to read the rest of the series.

[Inez Marroquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

Liked the story. Believable with realistic setting and plot. Doesn't make the main character out to be a surprise
Edge to buy rather an every day guy in exceptional circumstances.

[Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book by accident. Quite original story and lots of humor between the lines. I liked everything from the mysterious anti-hero to the first-person view of the charming AI. The end was a perhaps too abrupt, but the story spans over 8 books. Silver linings.

[x x x · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick fun read

Oh my goodness in the vein of almost all engineering officers and science officers who become heroes; this book definitely hit the right court. I'm not certain that I can say that I understood all of the threads, but the few I got were fun.

[Ta Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t like to give bad reviews. Consequently my scoring average is probably inflated. This book however deserves more than five stars. Extremely well written but too short. I’m going to buy the omnibus collection.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book starts OK, but it doesn't seem to go anywhere before it ends. Yes there is the incident with the misogynistic religious nutter, but not much else. I suppose I will have to try the next one to see if Javier can escape from the pirates.

[Peter Rijs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considered 5 stars, but

Yes, the storyline is enjoyable, the main characters are being built real nice (including an AI) as are the relations between them. It is not a book however. More like a 100 page novella.

[Ray Knighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I bought this book over a year ago. I was working and traveling across the US and Europe. Very good and reminds me of some of the contractors I worked with. I do not drink but my co workers did. They sometimes remind me of pirates.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice series start

Except for some lackluster editing this was an enjoyable read. As a standalone and as a prequel to more adventures. I will add the next book in the series to my Want To Read list.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

need more, too short

Great main character development but I need more action. Feels like it ended mid story. I know there are more in the series but still felt like this should have been first part of a longer novel.

[Alan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but a good read

Good writing and a unique idea. Okay, look Amazon, you want my review, DO NOT tell me how many words to write.

[Guðmundur Ingi Georgsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

To short