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Broken Chord
Privateer John MacAlister and his robot partner Alvis have finally earned some notoriety—and with it, a steady stream of increasingly ridiculous job offers. Broke and grounded on Mars, John's struggling to figure out what comes next.
Then the Rask—an ancient and powerful alien species—invade Sol, cut off the system from the rest of the galaxy, and apprehend the Galactic Union's top leaders. They prepare to execute them for crimes against another alien race—and humanity is powerless to stop them.
At first, John wants nothing to do with it. But after the Rask destroy the Orion Spire, he finds himself compelled to act.
When a mysterious Resonant identifies John as a key figure and reveals the Rask are hiding their true purpose, he's forced to make an impossible Do nothing as the Rask execute humanity's leaders and leave Sol under their shadow, or take action that might ignite a war that could annihilate Earth—and his survival is anything but guaranteed.
John knows what he has to do. He just wishes he knew if it was the right thing.
Then the Rask—an ancient and powerful alien species—invade Sol, cut off the system from the rest of the galaxy, and apprehend the Galactic Union's top leaders. They prepare to execute them for crimes against another alien race—and humanity is powerless to stop them.
At first, John wants nothing to do with it. But after the Rask destroy the Orion Spire, he finds himself compelled to act.
When a mysterious Resonant identifies John as a key figure and reveals the Rask are hiding their true purpose, he's forced to make an impossible Do nothing as the Rask execute humanity's leaders and leave Sol under their shadow, or take action that might ignite a war that could annihilate Earth—and his survival is anything but guaranteed.
John knows what he has to do. He just wishes he knew if it was the right thing.
- GenresScience Fiction
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2025
9 people are currently reading
About the author
Tom Dell'Aringa
14 books25 followersTom Dell’Aringa is a science fiction writer from the Chicago area who loves great characters. Rick Deckard. Dirk Gently. Ellen Ripley. Roland Deschain. You know who these people are, right?
His stories have believable worlds populated with people you’ll learn to love - and possibly hate. Either way, his books are called “page turners” by his readers for a reason. Each chapter is like the end of that latest Netflix show you are binging... just... one... more.
When he’s not listening to an interesting podcast or chasing down a new bottle of whiskey for his collection, you’ll find him on a long walk working out the next big moment in his next book.
Join Tom’s newsletter where he explores artificial intelligence, robots and future tech! He also writes about self improvement and wellness. You’ll get his short story STINGER for free:
https://www.subscribepage.com/stinger
His stories have believable worlds populated with people you’ll learn to love - and possibly hate. Either way, his books are called “page turners” by his readers for a reason. Each chapter is like the end of that latest Netflix show you are binging... just... one... more.
When he’s not listening to an interesting podcast or chasing down a new bottle of whiskey for his collection, you’ll find him on a long walk working out the next big moment in his next book.
Join Tom’s newsletter where he explores artificial intelligence, robots and future tech! He also writes about self improvement and wellness. You’ll get his short story STINGER for free:
https://www.subscribepage.com/stinger
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 10, 2025
John and Alvis take on another impossible project and both improve in their roles -5 stars
An invisible spaceship crewed by a few Rusk (alien) crew was investigating near Mars looking for survivors of an attempted extinction eons ago. The aliens (Rask) had detected evidence that a race that they thought they had eliminated but may have survived. The Rusk were determined to use their advanced technology to finish the elimination of their enemies (the Oshiran race) that was had escaped. The Rusk had not outgrown their self image of importance even after their long history of technical innovation.
Meanwhile on Mars, John and Alvis were bored and broke while their space ship was supposedly being repaired by the Galactic Union after a face-saving rescue and uncovering a drug-based treason. The Rask had taken the high ranking leaders and threatened to publicly murder them after a show trial. Part of the Rusk's intent was to try to assert their domination was to shut down the humans by shutting down inter-galactic communications and trade.
John and Alvin stepped up to stop the show trial and to reestablish communications. John focused on gathering a crew that could not be traced to the local government. John's antagonistic robotic partner (Alvis) had started a blog complaining about John. The blog was wildly popular and won millions of followers. Alvis was extremely successful in needling John without naming names--just describing John's behavior. Even when not named, John, the "Befuddled Biped", was identified by people who subscribed to Alvis' blog
John had assembled a group of six - five humans (two women, two other men, a stowaway 19-year-old junkyard go-for, and Alvis. John conceived a plan to resist the technologically superior Rusk invaders. After John's first plan was mostly successful (with a few close calls), John devised a follow up plan created for an audacious foray to stop the communications jamming.
Some unconventional technology barely managed to tip the scales involving hand-to-hand combat. John acquitted himself well and tried to avoid praise and recognition. After the wildly successful mission, there were two unusual actions: (1) Alvis stated that John's planning and execution met Alvis' standards for logic and (2) Alvis reluctantly accepted a bear hug from John. This tale was the best of the series so far.
An invisible spaceship crewed by a few Rusk (alien) crew was investigating near Mars looking for survivors of an attempted extinction eons ago. The aliens (Rask) had detected evidence that a race that they thought they had eliminated but may have survived. The Rusk were determined to use their advanced technology to finish the elimination of their enemies (the Oshiran race) that was had escaped. The Rusk had not outgrown their self image of importance even after their long history of technical innovation.
Meanwhile on Mars, John and Alvis were bored and broke while their space ship was supposedly being repaired by the Galactic Union after a face-saving rescue and uncovering a drug-based treason. The Rask had taken the high ranking leaders and threatened to publicly murder them after a show trial. Part of the Rusk's intent was to try to assert their domination was to shut down the humans by shutting down inter-galactic communications and trade.
John and Alvin stepped up to stop the show trial and to reestablish communications. John focused on gathering a crew that could not be traced to the local government. John's antagonistic robotic partner (Alvis) had started a blog complaining about John. The blog was wildly popular and won millions of followers. Alvis was extremely successful in needling John without naming names--just describing John's behavior. Even when not named, John, the "Befuddled Biped", was identified by people who subscribed to Alvis' blog
John had assembled a group of six - five humans (two women, two other men, a stowaway 19-year-old junkyard go-for, and Alvis. John conceived a plan to resist the technologically superior Rusk invaders. After John's first plan was mostly successful (with a few close calls), John devised a follow up plan created for an audacious foray to stop the communications jamming.
Some unconventional technology barely managed to tip the scales involving hand-to-hand combat. John acquitted himself well and tried to avoid praise and recognition. After the wildly successful mission, there were two unusual actions: (1) Alvis stated that John's planning and execution met Alvis' standards for logic and (2) Alvis reluctantly accepted a bear hug from John. This tale was the best of the series so far.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first encounter with Tom's writing. And I was captivated from the first pages. A space cowboy privateer treating his depression with alcohol between suicide missions alongside an intelligent and nagging like a wife robot are the unlikely couple of heroes who must save humanity from ruthless and highly technologically advanced alien enemies.
Also appearing: the adventurous child, the fearless girl fighter, the mystic with supernatural powers hidden under a seraphic appearance, a techno-geek in love and...
As in a contemporary fairy tale, in the end all ends well.
I highly recommend it from the honorable position of ARC-reader.
Also appearing: the adventurous child, the fearless girl fighter, the mystic with supernatural powers hidden under a seraphic appearance, a techno-geek in love and...
As in a contemporary fairy tale, in the end all ends well.
I highly recommend it from the honorable position of ARC-reader.
Read
December 14, 2025Broken Cord, the latest John and Alvis story by Tom Dell'Aringa continues the series in spectacular fashion. It is sci-fi. It is fun. It is dramatic. It has good vs evil. Most importantly, it has John and Alvis and their evolving partnership. Reading this adventure is like visiting with old friends. I'm not going to write anything about the plot because I don't like spoilers. This was a great story and one I highly recommend. It was hard to put down. It was disappointing when it finished, because I was enjoying it so much. I look forward to the next one!
Read
December 15, 2025Except for one aspect (no spoilers!), this is probably my favorite book of the series - so far. Once again, space cowboy John and his partner Alvis take on a nigh invincible foe. Of course, they can’t stop an intergalactic war on their own, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the - albeit temporary - additions to the team, with everyone bringing their unique strengths to bear. I appreciated how newbie Nico meeting his hero was handled, and thanks to the new teammates, the expected bickering was dialled up to 11.
December 11, 2025
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The rapport between John and Alvis is funny and entertaining. Plenty of action throughout as they find themselves on a dangerous mission with help from unexpected sources. A must read and highly recommended. I received an ARC and my review is honest and voluntary
December 1, 2025
Suicide mission. Sweet. I was worried we’d do something boring.
Well, kids, welcome to another episode of what has become my favorite Logicast over the past years (just trust me on this), namely, "Alvis and the Befuddled Biped!", this time starring in Tom Dell'Aringa's "Broken Chord". Um, perhaps a bit of explanation is in order. Yes, as most of you should know by now (and if you don't, well, get on it!) this is now the fifth full instalment of "The John and Alvis Sessions". John MacAlister (pronounced Mac A-lister!) is a former pilot for the Star Corps who got run out of town for turning in a bunch of bad guys with too much clout. Lately he's focused on being a privateer and all-around space hero, saving the galaxy more times than we can count (note: it's at least 5 times)! And if anyone asks, he's a space cowboy, dammit, and by golly he has the hat to prove it!
Nothing good is about to happen.
Along with John we have of course Alvis, a super smart AI bot that John had rescued from a trash heap many moons ago. Alvis is naturally "the plucky comic relief (that) keeps our spirits up", all while having to suffer the indignities of having to share the same universe with so many, quote, "lowly primates". So depending on your viewpoint, we have then either a situation where there's a "guy with a crazy robot who gets shit done" or a crazy, sorry, a superior robot that has to hope that he doesn't get slagged when his partner once again decides to put a plan into action that can be summarized as "wing it and hope!" Some people think of that version as the one with "Alvis as the star and John the hapless sidekick." Me? I call it around 50:50 just to be safe. Oh and if you haven't guessed by now : "The banter is what fuels the magic of their success!" Sorry, what's that, Alvis?
If I were capable of vomiting right now, I would gladly do so…
So yes, Dell'Aringa's motley crew - including this time a new supporting cast that I greatly enjoyed - is always gently (re)introduced to the readers with some general team building until it's truly time for the proverbial excrement to make physical contact with the hydro-electric powered oscillating air current distribution device. And if you're not trained in this as those of us that have followed this series since the beginning are, you'll probably notice that phrases like "deliberate manipulations of local space-time, (convert) pattern awareness into dark matter expression" or even "the dark energy pulse (traverses) the conductive pathways, causing catastrophic neural feedback" will pop up out of nowhere when all we really wanted was a decent cup of lukewarm coffee and to read our emails ("Do you know how long it takes me to clear fanmail?"). Yep, next thing you know people are screaming, John and Alvis are scheming, and someone or something wants them all very, very dead.
Compliance is order. Discourse is deviation. Deviation will be purged.
As the author does so well then, he plucks some details from here (i.e. earlier stories), a few from there (also earlier stories but maybe not in the same general, um, reality), and next thing you know, an alien species we briefly met some books ago has sealed off all of Sol (that's our solar system btw) including any communications and/or space travel of significance. And in truly human fashion, well, we all sort of freak out and wonder what we're going to do without our on-line arcade activities or GrubHub orders ("It is day one, and humanity is already fracturing.") Naturally, there's a great rattling of sabers to be conducted, many nasty bombs to be dropped, where we even lose some of our dearest characters from the past in the process.
Each and every one of you is guilty as a fox in a henhouse.
But it's never just that obvious is it when it comes to getting it all back to a level of hunky-dory-ness, is it? No, it seems that yet another alien species has been hiding in the open in front of our very varied shaped noses - I speak naturally for all of the beings in the Council of Suns - one that will not only play an extremely important role in the upcoming growing troubles but also will seek out John specifically. I mean, it never actually labels him as "The Chosen One" in the book at least not that I could find, but there we go! And for once, I think everyone has to agree with John when he so aptly puts it as "Why? Why is it always me who gets dragged into these things?" Just lucky I guess? Oh right:
Don’t mistake luck for a good idea…
So very quickly a clever and daring plan is set in motion ("That’s a ridiculously logical idea. I hate that you thought of it.") that will not only lead to quite possibly more dangerous follow-up actions but a hell of a lot of unexpected consequences as well, including but not limited to Alvis having to fly a ship for short spells. But how these are formed and brought together are exactly why you should be transferring your hard-earned units to your local book dealers' holobands as soon as possible. In traditional fashion, we get tons of action, lots to cheer about, and perhaps even a somewhat concerning amount of blood loss and broken bones along the way. Whatever you do though, do NOT leave your Kevins or Vibro-Batons (keep it clean, kids!) behind! But it's truly delivered in a way that will have you clamoring for more and goodness knows, we could all use a good clamor now and then. Or not.
I can’t wait to never see you idiots again.
In conclusion, "Broken Chord" is a hell of an addition to this series. Dell'Aringa has yet again delivered an extremely well-executed story. And it remains as fresh as the first pages from "Blanchland Blues" that got us all started on this crazy mission to bravely seek out new… oops, can't use that here. Anyway, unlike other long-running sets in this genre, I have yet to see any kind of easing of tempo, tension, or other weird things beginning with the letter t along the way. Which for Alvis could even count as receiving news of his twenty millionth subscriber to his online thingie (I guess having a podcast in this reality would mean something different, huh?). So who wants a hug? Anyone? Anything? C'mon now, bring it in!
Well, kids, welcome to another episode of what has become my favorite Logicast over the past years (just trust me on this), namely, "Alvis and the Befuddled Biped!", this time starring in Tom Dell'Aringa's "Broken Chord". Um, perhaps a bit of explanation is in order. Yes, as most of you should know by now (and if you don't, well, get on it!) this is now the fifth full instalment of "The John and Alvis Sessions". John MacAlister (pronounced Mac A-lister!) is a former pilot for the Star Corps who got run out of town for turning in a bunch of bad guys with too much clout. Lately he's focused on being a privateer and all-around space hero, saving the galaxy more times than we can count (note: it's at least 5 times)! And if anyone asks, he's a space cowboy, dammit, and by golly he has the hat to prove it!
Nothing good is about to happen.
Along with John we have of course Alvis, a super smart AI bot that John had rescued from a trash heap many moons ago. Alvis is naturally "the plucky comic relief (that) keeps our spirits up", all while having to suffer the indignities of having to share the same universe with so many, quote, "lowly primates". So depending on your viewpoint, we have then either a situation where there's a "guy with a crazy robot who gets shit done" or a crazy, sorry, a superior robot that has to hope that he doesn't get slagged when his partner once again decides to put a plan into action that can be summarized as "wing it and hope!" Some people think of that version as the one with "Alvis as the star and John the hapless sidekick." Me? I call it around 50:50 just to be safe. Oh and if you haven't guessed by now : "The banter is what fuels the magic of their success!" Sorry, what's that, Alvis?
If I were capable of vomiting right now, I would gladly do so…
So yes, Dell'Aringa's motley crew - including this time a new supporting cast that I greatly enjoyed - is always gently (re)introduced to the readers with some general team building until it's truly time for the proverbial excrement to make physical contact with the hydro-electric powered oscillating air current distribution device. And if you're not trained in this as those of us that have followed this series since the beginning are, you'll probably notice that phrases like "deliberate manipulations of local space-time, (convert) pattern awareness into dark matter expression" or even "the dark energy pulse (traverses) the conductive pathways, causing catastrophic neural feedback" will pop up out of nowhere when all we really wanted was a decent cup of lukewarm coffee and to read our emails ("Do you know how long it takes me to clear fanmail?"). Yep, next thing you know people are screaming, John and Alvis are scheming, and someone or something wants them all very, very dead.
Compliance is order. Discourse is deviation. Deviation will be purged.
As the author does so well then, he plucks some details from here (i.e. earlier stories), a few from there (also earlier stories but maybe not in the same general, um, reality), and next thing you know, an alien species we briefly met some books ago has sealed off all of Sol (that's our solar system btw) including any communications and/or space travel of significance. And in truly human fashion, well, we all sort of freak out and wonder what we're going to do without our on-line arcade activities or GrubHub orders ("It is day one, and humanity is already fracturing.") Naturally, there's a great rattling of sabers to be conducted, many nasty bombs to be dropped, where we even lose some of our dearest characters from the past in the process.
Each and every one of you is guilty as a fox in a henhouse.
But it's never just that obvious is it when it comes to getting it all back to a level of hunky-dory-ness, is it? No, it seems that yet another alien species has been hiding in the open in front of our very varied shaped noses - I speak naturally for all of the beings in the Council of Suns - one that will not only play an extremely important role in the upcoming growing troubles but also will seek out John specifically. I mean, it never actually labels him as "The Chosen One" in the book at least not that I could find, but there we go! And for once, I think everyone has to agree with John when he so aptly puts it as "Why? Why is it always me who gets dragged into these things?" Just lucky I guess? Oh right:
Don’t mistake luck for a good idea…
So very quickly a clever and daring plan is set in motion ("That’s a ridiculously logical idea. I hate that you thought of it.") that will not only lead to quite possibly more dangerous follow-up actions but a hell of a lot of unexpected consequences as well, including but not limited to Alvis having to fly a ship for short spells. But how these are formed and brought together are exactly why you should be transferring your hard-earned units to your local book dealers' holobands as soon as possible. In traditional fashion, we get tons of action, lots to cheer about, and perhaps even a somewhat concerning amount of blood loss and broken bones along the way. Whatever you do though, do NOT leave your Kevins or Vibro-Batons (keep it clean, kids!) behind! But it's truly delivered in a way that will have you clamoring for more and goodness knows, we could all use a good clamor now and then. Or not.
I can’t wait to never see you idiots again.
In conclusion, "Broken Chord" is a hell of an addition to this series. Dell'Aringa has yet again delivered an extremely well-executed story. And it remains as fresh as the first pages from "Blanchland Blues" that got us all started on this crazy mission to bravely seek out new… oops, can't use that here. Anyway, unlike other long-running sets in this genre, I have yet to see any kind of easing of tempo, tension, or other weird things beginning with the letter t along the way. Which for Alvis could even count as receiving news of his twenty millionth subscriber to his online thingie (I guess having a podcast in this reality would mean something different, huh?). So who wants a hug? Anyone? Anything? C'mon now, bring it in!
Review of advance copy received from Author
John and Alvis are back in their most exciting adventure yet. This time with no ship!
In the 5th installment of the John and Alvis Sessions, the duo is on Mars waiting for the Star Corps to upgrade the Beowulf, something they promised to do if John and Alvis successfully completed their previous mission. (Bounty Backbeat, the John and Alvis Sessions: Book 4)
A militaristic alien race called the Rask comes into the Sol system accusing mankind of violating the Compact of Quiet Suns and hiding the only other race that can stand up to them, the Oshiran Resonant; blocking all coms, and destroying the Orion Spire, which houses the Martian Strategic Command, killing all that work there.
When a mystic Resonant named Shravenek tells John he is a lodestone and the only wildcard the Rask can’t play, John and Alvis team up with an old friend Chase, engineer and tinkerer; and Lina, a former Special Forces operator and cousin to crime boss Georgio, to set things right and save the Sol system from the Rask. If they fail, the entire Galactic Union may be destroyed.
What follows are some adventures that make walking a highwire seem tame.
Others will no doubt leave more articulate and better written reviews than I am able to.
I really enjoyed this Session as we learn more about John and his time in the Star Corps and how Chase helped him activate Alvis. Lina is also an interesting and complex character.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy of this book. I look forward to and eagerly await Tom’s next book!
In the 5th installment of the John and Alvis Sessions, the duo is on Mars waiting for the Star Corps to upgrade the Beowulf, something they promised to do if John and Alvis successfully completed their previous mission. (Bounty Backbeat, the John and Alvis Sessions: Book 4)
A militaristic alien race called the Rask comes into the Sol system accusing mankind of violating the Compact of Quiet Suns and hiding the only other race that can stand up to them, the Oshiran Resonant; blocking all coms, and destroying the Orion Spire, which houses the Martian Strategic Command, killing all that work there.
When a mystic Resonant named Shravenek tells John he is a lodestone and the only wildcard the Rask can’t play, John and Alvis team up with an old friend Chase, engineer and tinkerer; and Lina, a former Special Forces operator and cousin to crime boss Georgio, to set things right and save the Sol system from the Rask. If they fail, the entire Galactic Union may be destroyed.
What follows are some adventures that make walking a highwire seem tame.
Others will no doubt leave more articulate and better written reviews than I am able to.
I really enjoyed this Session as we learn more about John and his time in the Star Corps and how Chase helped him activate Alvis. Lina is also an interesting and complex character.
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy of this book. I look forward to and eagerly await Tom’s next book!
December 4, 2025
I don't do long synopsis of story reviews. Just my impressions.
Been reading SiFi for over 70 years. From the classics to pulp fiction to more mature works.
My perspective might be influenced as to what constitutes "good SiFi". Even tried HALO :)
Read the John / Alvis book O Novella first. To be honest, wasn't that impressed by it. But then it is very hard to establish decent character back stories in such a short format.
Having said that. As an ARC reviewer, I felt bound to give it an honest effort. Extremely glad I did.
Found Book 5 "Broken Cord" to be very enjoyable. Even without the knowledge to be gained from books 1 - 4. Understood the reasons for interactions of the all the players
Can highly recommend it as leisure escapist reading . Keep me very interested in what happens next without any fundamental cosmic questions answered.
Only suggestion is to include more of Nico and Chase / Lina in future works.
Been reading SiFi for over 70 years. From the classics to pulp fiction to more mature works.
My perspective might be influenced as to what constitutes "good SiFi". Even tried HALO :)
Read the John / Alvis book O Novella first. To be honest, wasn't that impressed by it. But then it is very hard to establish decent character back stories in such a short format.
Having said that. As an ARC reviewer, I felt bound to give it an honest effort. Extremely glad I did.
Found Book 5 "Broken Cord" to be very enjoyable. Even without the knowledge to be gained from books 1 - 4. Understood the reasons for interactions of the all the players
Can highly recommend it as leisure escapist reading . Keep me very interested in what happens next without any fundamental cosmic questions answered.
Only suggestion is to include more of Nico and Chase / Lina in future works.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Broken Cord by Tom Dell’Aringa A young privateer, John, and his partner Alvis (a snarky robot) are barely scrapping by with enough to live. And, John is a trouble magnet, so it will probably get worse. Sure enough they are soon thrust into intrigue, danger, and breakneck adventure. By the seat of his pants, this self-proclaimed space cowboy will try to save the universe, again. He’s not a hero, he is just a guy who gets things done. And you thought American politics was bad, wait to you get a load of the Rask and galactic politics. Fun and easy to read, looks like a cool series to get into. I received a copy for free on a promotion and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As I was reading “BrokenChord” THE JOHN AND ALVIS SESSIONS BOOK 5, I got lost in how much difference and growth Alvis displayed in this adventure. It’s been fascinating to see this character's evolution through the five advanced reader copies. John has made some changes too, as Chase, an old buddy from days past reminds us from time to time.
The advert or book blurb promised a wonderful adventure and the pages delivered.
The advert or book blurb promised a wonderful adventure and the pages delivered.
January 27, 2026
Just as John (unbeknownst to him) finds out that Alvis has a popular podcast retelling their past escapades, which don't paint him in the best possible light, he is contacted by a mystic asking him to once again save the world from terroristic aliens bent on destroying the Earth. At first John wants nothing to do with any of it, but than something happens that makes him personally invested in getting his revenge.
January 7, 2026
This Series just keeps getting better and better!
I'm going to keep this short. I read this one slowly, on purpose because the world of John and Alvis is like coming home after a hard day and putting on a LP of Miles Davis and two fingers of a good Rye.
The story is great read!
Tom Dell'Aringa has hit another one out of the park!
I'm going to keep this short. I read this one slowly, on purpose because the world of John and Alvis is like coming home after a hard day and putting on a LP of Miles Davis and two fingers of a good Rye.
The story is great read!
Tom Dell'Aringa has hit another one out of the park!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is the latest in an amazing series from Tom Dell'Aringa.
John and Alvis are once again embroiled in events that most people try to avoid. But John can't help playing space cowboy, despite himself. Unfortunately, after the events of Bounty Backbeat, John is left without his ship, Beowulf, and still stuck with his snarky sidekick, Alvis. Between being broke, stuck on Mars, branded the Befuddled Biped, and without a reliable income, John is starting to spiral.
What follows is one of Dell'Aringa's best stories yet, with a cast of new characters that must find ways to work together against a threat to not just Mars, but the entire solar system, and humanity itself.
As always, Dell'Aringa manages to deliver great characters, unexpected but believable twists, and a story that really makes you believe that everything is at stake.
John and Alvis are once again embroiled in events that most people try to avoid. But John can't help playing space cowboy, despite himself. Unfortunately, after the events of Bounty Backbeat, John is left without his ship, Beowulf, and still stuck with his snarky sidekick, Alvis. Between being broke, stuck on Mars, branded the Befuddled Biped, and without a reliable income, John is starting to spiral.
What follows is one of Dell'Aringa's best stories yet, with a cast of new characters that must find ways to work together against a threat to not just Mars, but the entire solar system, and humanity itself.
As always, Dell'Aringa manages to deliver great characters, unexpected but believable twists, and a story that really makes you believe that everything is at stake.
December 29, 2025
Humor with a heart and courage....
The characters keep me laughing through the entire book. The human struggle and those that protect it. A masterpiece of the struggle for peace and solid relationships.
The characters keep me laughing through the entire book. The human struggle and those that protect it. A masterpiece of the struggle for peace and solid relationships.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Excellent return to the series and great dialog between characters plenty of action.
January 31, 2026
Wonderful. Waiting for next book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews