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Lone Star Renegades
Lone Star Renegades — A YA Space Adventure!Name's Collin Frost. I'm your average, run-of-the-mill, completely forgettable seventeen-year-old high school nobody. Buckle up, folks, 'cause this is my story ... the thrilling tale of how my already bottom-of-the-barrel life went from "why me?" to "seriously, universe, what did I do to deserve this?"
I guess I should start at the beginning ... you know, that magical moment right before we got sucked up into a freaking alien spaceship. Because apparently, my life wasn't enough of a cosmic joke already.
Picture we're on the way back from yet another soul-crushing game. I'm the kicker, a.k.a. the guy who gets blamed when things go south. Spoiler we lost. Because of yours truly. Shocking, I know. Try to contain your surprise.
But wait, it gets better! Our rust bucket of a school bus pulls up to another thrilling railroad crossing in yet another "blink and you'll miss it" town in the vast emptiness of rural Texas. At first, I'm too busy wallowing in my own misery to notice what's got everyone else's jaws on the floor. Then I see it, hovering in the sky like the world's biggest "screw you" to physics ... a spaceship the size of, I don't know, Texas itself?
So there I am, watching the 6:15 Amtrak (probably the most exciting thing to happen in this town since color TV) get slurped up into the spaceship's gaping maw like some cosmic spaghetti. And wouldn't you know it, we're next on the menu. Straight into the bowels of what we later discovered was called a "sim rover collector ship." Fancy name for a flying porta-potty, if you ask me.
Do we survive this little detour from hell? Shockingly, yes. In fact, our ragtag bunch of alien abduction survivors actually starts kicking some extraterrestrial butt. At least for a while ... But hey, I'm getting ahead of myself. Don't want to spoil all the fun, right?
Just remember, sometimes ... and I mean like once in a blue moon ... the scrawny, uncoordinated kid who couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag actually becomes somewhat useful. Who knows? Maybe he even gets the girl. But let's not get crazy here – my luck isn't that good. The universe isn't done laughing at me yet.
Author's While the ebook and the paperback versions are Teen/YA friendly vocabulary, the Audiobook has somewhat more explicit adult language.
Lone Star Renegades by Mark Wayne McGinnis / Enjoyable reading
Nice mixture of characters and behaviors reflecting typical teen fluctuations with the added excitement and young adult scifi, space opera, space travel, aliens, and warfare. The development of a cohesive group was optimistic at its best. Teens who provide hope for the protection of Earth. What a wonderful prospect.- Sandra
A SyFy Novel of Suspense, Mystery, Murder, Kidnapping of a Planet
This is a thrilling teen space opera - an excellent YA science fiction book, Mark Wayne McGinnis has written of a society that instead of doing their own mining that finds a planet with a pre-space society and sends the materials via larger transport barges. This time they picked up a Texas High School Football Team. Little did the people who owned the barge know what havoc a Texas Football.- Kindle Customer
Best YA SciFi Space Opera I've Read in a Decade!
Kudos to Mark Wayne McGinnis. I did not know this was a teen scifi book until I started reading it. Turns out it didn't matter. Great writing is great writing. When a group of teenagers in a school bus get abducted (along with the school bus) the great apace opera begins. All the characters from the captain of the football team to the coming-of-age nerd are fleshed out and full of surprises. - Katherine
I guess I should start at the beginning ... you know, that magical moment right before we got sucked up into a freaking alien spaceship. Because apparently, my life wasn't enough of a cosmic joke already.
Picture we're on the way back from yet another soul-crushing game. I'm the kicker, a.k.a. the guy who gets blamed when things go south. Spoiler we lost. Because of yours truly. Shocking, I know. Try to contain your surprise.
But wait, it gets better! Our rust bucket of a school bus pulls up to another thrilling railroad crossing in yet another "blink and you'll miss it" town in the vast emptiness of rural Texas. At first, I'm too busy wallowing in my own misery to notice what's got everyone else's jaws on the floor. Then I see it, hovering in the sky like the world's biggest "screw you" to physics ... a spaceship the size of, I don't know, Texas itself?
So there I am, watching the 6:15 Amtrak (probably the most exciting thing to happen in this town since color TV) get slurped up into the spaceship's gaping maw like some cosmic spaghetti. And wouldn't you know it, we're next on the menu. Straight into the bowels of what we later discovered was called a "sim rover collector ship." Fancy name for a flying porta-potty, if you ask me.
Do we survive this little detour from hell? Shockingly, yes. In fact, our ragtag bunch of alien abduction survivors actually starts kicking some extraterrestrial butt. At least for a while ... But hey, I'm getting ahead of myself. Don't want to spoil all the fun, right?
Just remember, sometimes ... and I mean like once in a blue moon ... the scrawny, uncoordinated kid who couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag actually becomes somewhat useful. Who knows? Maybe he even gets the girl. But let's not get crazy here – my luck isn't that good. The universe isn't done laughing at me yet.
Author's While the ebook and the paperback versions are Teen/YA friendly vocabulary, the Audiobook has somewhat more explicit adult language.
Lone Star Renegades by Mark Wayne McGinnis / Enjoyable reading
Nice mixture of characters and behaviors reflecting typical teen fluctuations with the added excitement and young adult scifi, space opera, space travel, aliens, and warfare. The development of a cohesive group was optimistic at its best. Teens who provide hope for the protection of Earth. What a wonderful prospect.- Sandra
A SyFy Novel of Suspense, Mystery, Murder, Kidnapping of a Planet
This is a thrilling teen space opera - an excellent YA science fiction book, Mark Wayne McGinnis has written of a society that instead of doing their own mining that finds a planet with a pre-space society and sends the materials via larger transport barges. This time they picked up a Texas High School Football Team. Little did the people who owned the barge know what havoc a Texas Football.- Kindle Customer
Best YA SciFi Space Opera I've Read in a Decade!
Kudos to Mark Wayne McGinnis. I did not know this was a teen scifi book until I started reading it. Turns out it didn't matter. Great writing is great writing. When a group of teenagers in a school bus get abducted (along with the school bus) the great apace opera begins. All the characters from the captain of the football team to the coming-of-age nerd are fleshed out and full of surprises. - Katherine
- GenresScience Fiction
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 21, 2019
Enjoyed this book.
Great story and writing. Now, I am hoping for a book two. Keep up the great writing. Please write a second book!
Great story and writing. Now, I am hoping for a book two. Keep up the great writing. Please write a second book!
March 27, 2015
I would say that this is a decent enough young adult book. At least I am assuming that the target audience is the young adult segment. If not then the author missed his mark by quite a margin. It is a quite nice adventure story about a young man with more brainpower than muscle power and his “friends” with more muscle power than brainpower who, somewhat involuntarily, ventures out in space to discover a whole new reality. It is the kind of story I like.
Do not expect any hard science, elaborate story or deep characters from this book. It is a classical teenage adventure with some thrill, some romance and a fair bit of action. It is a decent enough story which is quite fun to read. There are huge holes in it though. The author ought to read up about airplanes before writing about them for instance. Most of the stuff about the Boeing 777 was just rubbish. And what about being able to talk to wolf-like aliens at first sight but then they needed translator devices to talk to the humanoids they encounter later on?
One of the main aspects of the story (minor spoiler ahead) is the fact that the humans are different, as in stronger, than most aliens around. Not invulnerable but definitely ass-kicking-like stronger. I liked this part of the story. It is the same concept as in T.R. Harris’ series The Human Chronicles but in a young adult version. Unfortunately the concept is not very developed in the book and most of the time Collin & Co are running around with inhibitors that limits their strength.
As a whole it was a enjoyable book. Not fantastic but worth the time spent reading it. Will I pick up the next one in the series if one comes out? Probably yes. It was good enough for me to want to know how things develop and how the series evolve.
Do not expect any hard science, elaborate story or deep characters from this book. It is a classical teenage adventure with some thrill, some romance and a fair bit of action. It is a decent enough story which is quite fun to read. There are huge holes in it though. The author ought to read up about airplanes before writing about them for instance. Most of the stuff about the Boeing 777 was just rubbish. And what about being able to talk to wolf-like aliens at first sight but then they needed translator devices to talk to the humanoids they encounter later on?
One of the main aspects of the story (minor spoiler ahead) is the fact that the humans are different, as in stronger, than most aliens around. Not invulnerable but definitely ass-kicking-like stronger. I liked this part of the story. It is the same concept as in T.R. Harris’ series The Human Chronicles but in a young adult version. Unfortunately the concept is not very developed in the book and most of the time Collin & Co are running around with inhibitors that limits their strength.
As a whole it was a enjoyable book. Not fantastic but worth the time spent reading it. Will I pick up the next one in the series if one comes out? Probably yes. It was good enough for me to want to know how things develop and how the series evolve.
July 11, 2017
Just finished tqo more books by wayne mcginnis
I enjoy his style of writing . The book Jacked I liked it was an easy read and down home feel. I also read Simpleton and enjoyed that one even more. Keep them coming and I have my mom reading them too, she's into romance but she enjoys Mr Mcginnis writing too.
I enjoy his style of writing . The book Jacked I liked it was an easy read and down home feel. I also read Simpleton and enjoyed that one even more. Keep them coming and I have my mom reading them too, she's into romance but she enjoys Mr Mcginnis writing too.
July 12, 2017
Great story!
This the story of young adults who stepped up and grew up real fast. They were placed in a precarious situation and excelled. Sometimes it is the spirit of the human spirit that keeps us going and fighting for what is right
This the story of young adults who stepped up and grew up real fast. They were placed in a precarious situation and excelled. Sometimes it is the spirit of the human spirit that keeps us going and fighting for what is right
February 19, 2018
Really Really Good Coming of Age Story.
This is well written and worth your time to read. Well developed characters with plenty of fast suspenseful action. I enjoyed the book and am anxiously awaiting the next one in the series.
This is well written and worth your time to read. Well developed characters with plenty of fast suspenseful action. I enjoyed the book and am anxiously awaiting the next one in the series.
April 16, 2019
Lot of action and interesting characters. Love to see a follow up book! Nice to see young heroes. This was great escapism!
Great fun and lots of action. Love to see a follow up book with these young people. Highly recommended, great escapism!
Great fun and lots of action. Love to see a follow up book with these young people. Highly recommended, great escapism!
June 6, 2017
Really Good
Great reading but way too short. I found that it was extremely difficult to put the book down especially after I got to chapter two.
Great reading but way too short. I found that it was extremely difficult to put the book down especially after I got to chapter two.
April 29, 2019
Kind of like Goonies in Outer Space
A bunch of kids acting like kids forced to deal with something they never expected. Yup, sounds like Goonies. But it's fun. Enjoy.
A bunch of kids acting like kids forced to deal with something they never expected. Yup, sounds like Goonies. But it's fun. Enjoy.
June 20, 2019
Great read
I very much enjoyed reading this book. Look forward to a second one on the series. I hope it is sooner than later.
I very much enjoyed reading this book. Look forward to a second one on the series. I hope it is sooner than later.
October 5, 2019
Great book,another one by Mark McGinnis
Can't wait for the next book. Excellent writing and full of action. These are some tough teens. Wouldn't want to mess with them.
Can't wait for the next book. Excellent writing and full of action. These are some tough teens. Wouldn't want to mess with them.
November 11, 2019
Beautiful youthful approach
A totally different approach to all his other books. Get in there if you have read a few of the other books. You will know wha5 I mean. Enjoy!
A totally different approach to all his other books. Get in there if you have read a few of the other books. You will know wha5 I mean. Enjoy!
July 26, 2020
Another triumph!
This book is the start of another captivating series. It gripped me from the very first page, and has left me desperate for the continuation!
This book is the start of another captivating series. It gripped me from the very first page, and has left me desperate for the continuation!
May 3, 2015
Ok first off this is a space opera, so expect things to be a tad outlandish and not-so-exactly sticking to reality. That out of the way, this is a rollicking fun ride of an adventure-part survivalist story and part coming of age all covered by a wild space opera. If you have ever watched Flash Gordon or enjoyed Star Wars you will probably enjoy this book. Is it the next top ten important novel of the decade? No but it is a fun, wild ride that will leave you wanting more.
Essentially a group of high schoolers on a football team get abducted accidentally into the middle of a space civil war. It is fast paced, over the top fun, and filled with likable and believably-behaving teenagers.
Very much looking forward to the next in the series.
Essentially a group of high schoolers on a football team get abducted accidentally into the middle of a space civil war. It is fast paced, over the top fun, and filled with likable and believably-behaving teenagers.
Very much looking forward to the next in the series.
March 4, 2015
Jocks in Space
Transported to space on the way home, a group of high school students must fight to return home. The characters didn't seem to be consistent, with characters changing to suit the story but not in natural ways and often for no reason and the language often seems vulgar just to try to show they are teenagers
Transported to space on the way home, a group of high school students must fight to return home. The characters didn't seem to be consistent, with characters changing to suit the story but not in natural ways and often for no reason and the language often seems vulgar just to try to show they are teenagers
February 26, 2015
Bloody good funny read
Well paced with a fantastic central character I found myself vicariously piloting a ship called the turd in a crazy journey that needs a second book. Really enjoyed it
Well paced with a fantastic central character I found myself vicariously piloting a ship called the turd in a crazy journey that needs a second book. Really enjoyed it
March 25, 2015
Space opera
Enjoyed the book, kids had rough time but came out on top. Looking forward for book 2. A read that keeps you in suspense on how the teenagers will handle the horror they're going thru.
Enjoyed the book, kids had rough time but came out on top. Looking forward for book 2. A read that keeps you in suspense on how the teenagers will handle the horror they're going thru.
February 4, 2015
Loved it. Fun, action-packed adventure with football players in outer space.
February 5, 2015
Enjoyed the book but there are way too many continuity errors. Hope someone proofreads the next one before its published.
February 6, 2015
Excellence
Riveting. Wanting more.
My teenager would love it as well. Having the super human element entices the imagination to future possibilities..
Riveting. Wanting more.
My teenager would love it as well. Having the super human element entices the imagination to future possibilities..
February 19, 2015
good read.
I read this book in one day. The storyline is a little far-fetched, but the characters and action make for a good read. I would recommend this book highly.
I read this book in one day. The storyline is a little far-fetched, but the characters and action make for a good read. I would recommend this book highly.
April 3, 2015
Great read
Loved the book waiting for the next. The story had a good place. I will most definitely purchase the next one.
Loved the book waiting for the next. The story had a good place. I will most definitely purchase the next one.
July 10, 2015
Really enjoyed
This was a great story and I can't wait for the next one in the series. It's a fun read and a good change from the doom and gloom to a cool adventure that I enjoyed.
This was a great story and I can't wait for the next one in the series. It's a fun read and a good change from the doom and gloom to a cool adventure that I enjoyed.
April 29, 2016
Good book
Nice read. Leaves you wanting the possible sequel. Writing style easy to understand with a minimum of technobabble. Believable character and they do learn as they go!
Nice read. Leaves you wanting the possible sequel. Writing style easy to understand with a minimum of technobabble. Believable character and they do learn as they go!
February 13, 2015
Well written, good story.
April 7, 2017
A fast burst
Well written likeable characters. Fast paced, lots of action. This book is a roller coaster ride. I do hope there are more coming with the lone stars. A few errors but not enough to detract from the story
Well written likeable characters. Fast paced, lots of action. This book is a roller coaster ride. I do hope there are more coming with the lone stars. A few errors but not enough to detract from the story
April 11, 2017
Really enjoyed it!
Fun, easy read. I really enjoyed the opening scenes. The plot was well developed and moved along at a good pace. Looking forward to the next in the series!
Fun, easy read. I really enjoyed the opening scenes. The plot was well developed and moved along at a good pace. Looking forward to the next in the series!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews