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Empty Space
York August Sixteen was abandoned as a baby, abused and molested as a child, beaten and harassed as a teen, and had his rightful place in the Republic’s Space Navy stolen from him. Fighting back against huge government systems was useless. Dispensing justice on an individual case-by-case basis was more to his liking, yet even that was taken away when he was stationed on a lonely communication space station. York’s life would change when he decides to seek justice for people even less fortunate than him.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2015
75 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Alan Black
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sci/fi
Christian/Historical Fiction
Action/Humor
Western
sci/fi
Christian/Historical Fiction
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Western
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 9, 2015
Have you entered?? Ends March 12 at Midnight!
There is still time to stop by and discover the versatility of author Alan Black! Journey into the Future EMPTY SPACE
Click on Banner to Enter
1.) $25.00 Amazon Gift Card - International Where Allowed
2.) a print copy of any two of my books (any genre) - U.S.
3.) a print copy of Empty Space - U.S.
4.) two Kindle versions of Empty Space - International Where Allowed
Ends March 12 at Midnight!
Buckle in, turn up the thrusters and 3-2-1, we have lift off into the latest YA Sci-fi tale of one young man’s life in a future world that still hasn’t learned to celebrate the differences between individuals. Empty Space by the very talented Alan Black goes beyond fantasy entertainment as his words bring the story of York August Sixteen to life, the good, the bad and the ugly. Is this how heroes are born or how society attacks the weakest and most innocent and creates damaged goods from one of creation’s unmolded creatures?
Alan Black takes us on a journey into the future, where space travel is the norm, as York’s life unfolds in a series of heartbreak, isolation and disappointment, yet, he holds tight to hope and the thought of proving himself to those more powerful and wealthy around him. When he is robbed of an honor he had sweat blood to earn and is forced to become a lowly crew member on a spaceship destined for the farthest reaches of the galaxy, it is no wonder he would take a position on an isolated space station in hopes of finding a place where he belonged. Sadly, that was not to be, until a group from a nearby planet come aboard for a supply run. Is this to be York’s chance to shine, to have camaraderie and feel part of a community, strange as they are? Slavers sliver through the area, kidnapping for pay and York has made it his mission to stop these heinous mercenaries. Will his past catch up with him and snap that frail thread of control he has clung to? Will he go too far to avenge both his past and the victims of these kidnappings or will he find his true purpose in life?
One of the best things about Alan Black’s style is his “let’s make it real” dialogue, scenes and character conflict. Written for a young adult audience, Mr. Black’s use of subtle humor and attitude will resonate with contemporary readers, YA or not. York is not a cardboard cutout, his mental dialogue, his feelings and actions are gritty and, not to overuse the word-REAL. With some great characters on board, some fast-paced action and some truly insightful plotting and story-telling, York’s world is alive. Once again, I am amazed at how Alan Black makes a connection and invites us into his world of vivid imagination while creating an emotional link between his readers and his characters. Made for young adults, recommended for all, get ready to enter Empty Space.
I received this copy from Alan Black in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: February 15, 2015
Publisher: Alan Black
ISBN-13: 9781507669235
Genre: YA Fantasy
Age Level: 12 - 18 | Grade Level: 7 - 12
Print Length: 230 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
There is still time to stop by and discover the versatility of author Alan Black! Journey into the Future EMPTY SPACE
Click on Banner to Enter
1.) $25.00 Amazon Gift Card - International Where Allowed
2.) a print copy of any two of my books (any genre) - U.S.
3.) a print copy of Empty Space - U.S.
4.) two Kindle versions of Empty Space - International Where Allowed
Ends March 12 at Midnight!
Buckle in, turn up the thrusters and 3-2-1, we have lift off into the latest YA Sci-fi tale of one young man’s life in a future world that still hasn’t learned to celebrate the differences between individuals. Empty Space by the very talented Alan Black goes beyond fantasy entertainment as his words bring the story of York August Sixteen to life, the good, the bad and the ugly. Is this how heroes are born or how society attacks the weakest and most innocent and creates damaged goods from one of creation’s unmolded creatures?
Alan Black takes us on a journey into the future, where space travel is the norm, as York’s life unfolds in a series of heartbreak, isolation and disappointment, yet, he holds tight to hope and the thought of proving himself to those more powerful and wealthy around him. When he is robbed of an honor he had sweat blood to earn and is forced to become a lowly crew member on a spaceship destined for the farthest reaches of the galaxy, it is no wonder he would take a position on an isolated space station in hopes of finding a place where he belonged. Sadly, that was not to be, until a group from a nearby planet come aboard for a supply run. Is this to be York’s chance to shine, to have camaraderie and feel part of a community, strange as they are? Slavers sliver through the area, kidnapping for pay and York has made it his mission to stop these heinous mercenaries. Will his past catch up with him and snap that frail thread of control he has clung to? Will he go too far to avenge both his past and the victims of these kidnappings or will he find his true purpose in life?
One of the best things about Alan Black’s style is his “let’s make it real” dialogue, scenes and character conflict. Written for a young adult audience, Mr. Black’s use of subtle humor and attitude will resonate with contemporary readers, YA or not. York is not a cardboard cutout, his mental dialogue, his feelings and actions are gritty and, not to overuse the word-REAL. With some great characters on board, some fast-paced action and some truly insightful plotting and story-telling, York’s world is alive. Once again, I am amazed at how Alan Black makes a connection and invites us into his world of vivid imagination while creating an emotional link between his readers and his characters. Made for young adults, recommended for all, get ready to enter Empty Space.
I received this copy from Alan Black in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: February 15, 2015
Publisher: Alan Black
ISBN-13: 9781507669235
Genre: YA Fantasy
Age Level: 12 - 18 | Grade Level: 7 - 12
Print Length: 230 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 21, 2020
Ender's Game meets Dexter, meets something else.
Good story, pretty clean. Loved the somewhat psychopathic protagonist. Not something you see much in sci-fi. :) I loved that he thought he was fine, but really he wasn't completely. He said at one stage he's lonely and a while later, he likes being alone and doesn't need people. I'd like to believe the author was being clever and showing that the character wasn't completely self-aware.
I would have liked to see more lasting PTSD signs from his childhood experiences. What he went through would have manifested more strongly.
Good story, pretty clean. Loved the somewhat psychopathic protagonist. Not something you see much in sci-fi. :) I loved that he thought he was fine, but really he wasn't completely. He said at one stage he's lonely and a while later, he likes being alone and doesn't need people. I'd like to believe the author was being clever and showing that the character wasn't completely self-aware.
I would have liked to see more lasting PTSD signs from his childhood experiences. What he went through would have manifested more strongly.
February 27, 2015
York sixteen grew up in a system that didn't treat orphans well. They were abused in the worst of ways by anyone and everyone. They could never climb the social ladder no matter how hard they tried. They were nobodies and always would be. York is a survivor though. He does what he has to, but even his best isnt good enough when he loses his top ranking in the military school on the day he graduates. As a result of being at the top and an orphan, he was set up and ultimately stripped of his rank. Eventually he's assigned to a remote area far away in space. A true touch-me-not, being alone doesn't bother York that much. However he does need some human contact and finally begins a tentative friendship with a few people who live on the planet he's closest to. Plagued by those kidnapping people for the slave trade, York finally finds his purpose in helping them gain their freedom from these slavers.
My thoughts on York. He's a serial killer with justification; kind of a vigilante. He rids society of the trash it won't take care of, which is mainly anyone helping make the rich and powerful more rich and powerful. No one on the planet Liberty exactly adheres to the law. They do what they have to to survive. They're York's kind of people. As a consequence of being stationed where he was, he finds things he had been missing his whole life: friendship, acceptance, a love interest, and a purpose. This guy has a serious dark side to him, but it all stems from his childhood, I'm pretty sure. Alan Black created a complicated character with York Sixteen. He's sort of a dark knight mixed in with Star Wars. I would say that York is very much like the conflicted Anakin on Star Wars before he becomes Darth Vader. (I received this copy in return for an honest review!)
A very cool sci-fi read no doubt! 5 out of 5 stars!!
My thoughts on York. He's a serial killer with justification; kind of a vigilante. He rids society of the trash it won't take care of, which is mainly anyone helping make the rich and powerful more rich and powerful. No one on the planet Liberty exactly adheres to the law. They do what they have to to survive. They're York's kind of people. As a consequence of being stationed where he was, he finds things he had been missing his whole life: friendship, acceptance, a love interest, and a purpose. This guy has a serious dark side to him, but it all stems from his childhood, I'm pretty sure. Alan Black created a complicated character with York Sixteen. He's sort of a dark knight mixed in with Star Wars. I would say that York is very much like the conflicted Anakin on Star Wars before he becomes Darth Vader. (I received this copy in return for an honest review!)
A very cool sci-fi read no doubt! 5 out of 5 stars!!
January 8, 2017
Can a sociopath be a hero? Why yes. Yes he can.
I love Alan Black's books because he takes a fun sci-fi adventure and peppers it with truly interesting characters who give the story an extra level of exploration and fascination. This one has that in spades.
The book starts out like many other sci-fi tales, in a far-future world of a highly stratified society where our hero is, against all odds, working to rise above his lower-class roots and make something of himself. It comes as no surprise that members of the higher society whose ranks he aspires to join are not welcoming, and actively set out to sabotage him. What is a surprise is the character's reaction.
I'm not going to spoil the author's gradual development and unveiling of his main character, but I will tell you that Mr. Black does what very few authors do: he acknowledges that his character comes from a difficult upbringing, he doesn't shy away from the horrible things that happen to that character as a member of a disadvantaged class. Moreover, the author does shy away from the emotional scars that the character's past has left. Instead, those scars become the key to why this main character is different than any of the others whose stories you've read.
By the end, I found myself rooting for the main character, of course, while at the same time having a vigorous internal debate with myself about what it said about me that I was pulling for a guy who, to be honest, did some pretty terrible things to other people, deserved or not.
Thank you, Mr. Black, for giving me that extra layer of meaning and introspection. It makes a fun story so much more.
I love Alan Black's books because he takes a fun sci-fi adventure and peppers it with truly interesting characters who give the story an extra level of exploration and fascination. This one has that in spades.
The book starts out like many other sci-fi tales, in a far-future world of a highly stratified society where our hero is, against all odds, working to rise above his lower-class roots and make something of himself. It comes as no surprise that members of the higher society whose ranks he aspires to join are not welcoming, and actively set out to sabotage him. What is a surprise is the character's reaction.
I'm not going to spoil the author's gradual development and unveiling of his main character, but I will tell you that Mr. Black does what very few authors do: he acknowledges that his character comes from a difficult upbringing, he doesn't shy away from the horrible things that happen to that character as a member of a disadvantaged class. Moreover, the author does shy away from the emotional scars that the character's past has left. Instead, those scars become the key to why this main character is different than any of the others whose stories you've read.
By the end, I found myself rooting for the main character, of course, while at the same time having a vigorous internal debate with myself about what it said about me that I was pulling for a guy who, to be honest, did some pretty terrible things to other people, deserved or not.
Thank you, Mr. Black, for giving me that extra layer of meaning and introspection. It makes a fun story so much more.
April 12, 2015
3.6 stars. Just as another book by this author; an enjoyable read. Some of the concepts within are a bit far-fetched or just (hopefully) not so plausible, but they don't take away from the story. The main character is well developed in a "Dexter" sort of a way and I find myself rooting for him. Also, unlike many books today, this book COULD become a series, but does not need anything for closure.
November 6, 2017
Some common space themes with this book. Space slavery, Massive social inequality, corruption,smugglers, and crappy military. What makes this book different its not one off a trilogy or some epic. No alien invasion, or galaxy ending conflict. Just a young man trying to deal with crime in his sphere of influence.
York the MC is an orphan who has been sexual abused and insists that he is coping well with it, unlike some others would. Even though he is a serial killer in the mold of dexter morgan, who has a need to punish people. He keeps to himself and is resourceful in his killings. That's not the point of the book, just a character trait. Having graduated the top of his class he is framed by the upper class, in the after math he is sent to a nowhere station on a 3rd class planet being harassed by slavers.
He finds out that not all people are shitty to people like him and this anti-social guy starts making friends. This is most of the book, only by the end do they really start to tackle the Slavers. The villains are obvious but that does not matter; this more of slice-of-life sci-fi about a young man making his way in life.
Personal thought. Space Slavery is silly when all those task can be automated or found legally by these uber-rich. Yeah yeah it makes for good story just like space fighters, but I find it hard to suspend my disbelief the more tech knowhow I have.
York the MC is an orphan who has been sexual abused and insists that he is coping well with it, unlike some others would. Even though he is a serial killer in the mold of dexter morgan, who has a need to punish people. He keeps to himself and is resourceful in his killings. That's not the point of the book, just a character trait. Having graduated the top of his class he is framed by the upper class, in the after math he is sent to a nowhere station on a 3rd class planet being harassed by slavers.
He finds out that not all people are shitty to people like him and this anti-social guy starts making friends. This is most of the book, only by the end do they really start to tackle the Slavers. The villains are obvious but that does not matter; this more of slice-of-life sci-fi about a young man making his way in life.
Personal thought. Space Slavery is silly when all those task can be automated or found legally by these uber-rich. Yeah yeah it makes for good story just like space fighters, but I find it hard to suspend my disbelief the more tech knowhow I have.
June 12, 2018
A page turner
This was one I couldn’t put down. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it. At any possible moment i would pullout my phone and read a few pages. It is hard to put a finger on what I loved, though I think it is the untold stories between chapters, the characters development. And fast paced story arch. Perhaps its the dark side of the main character. It is not light reading there are some difficult and deep emotional scars the character only shrugs off superficially but are dealing with internally. As a military Sifi this was good as a sifi it was good as a futuristic story this was great. As a first in a series (please let me read something more from this universe) I am loving it. I’m recommending this to everyone left and right I’m giving it 9/10
This was one I couldn’t put down. When I wasn’t reading it I was thinking about it. At any possible moment i would pullout my phone and read a few pages. It is hard to put a finger on what I loved, though I think it is the untold stories between chapters, the characters development. And fast paced story arch. Perhaps its the dark side of the main character. It is not light reading there are some difficult and deep emotional scars the character only shrugs off superficially but are dealing with internally. As a military Sifi this was good as a sifi it was good as a futuristic story this was great. As a first in a series (please let me read something more from this universe) I am loving it. I’m recommending this to everyone left and right I’m giving it 9/10
December 29, 2019
Snowflakes might find this novel disturbing etc.
Contrary to what many reviews mention,the main character isn't another "Dexter series look-alike".
This kid doesn't need to kill people.He doesn't need his fix of blood and violence.He needs not wear the cape of a fake vigilante hero.
He is broken tho. He is so broken he doesn't care about "law and order". He doesn't care about doing things properly and above the table.
He will kill and torture the villain. He will also enjoy their despair and pain.
This is a great novel.Hope the author gives us the next installment soon.
Contrary to what many reviews mention,the main character isn't another "Dexter series look-alike".
This kid doesn't need to kill people.He doesn't need his fix of blood and violence.He needs not wear the cape of a fake vigilante hero.
He is broken tho. He is so broken he doesn't care about "law and order". He doesn't care about doing things properly and above the table.
He will kill and torture the villain. He will also enjoy their despair and pain.
This is a great novel.Hope the author gives us the next installment soon.
June 1, 2017
The start was good,,, the buildup was good but the end was too short and abrupt. I felt the story should be more...they stoped one ship, what of the people in the main planet who were involved in slave trading? and what about fixing the system so what happened to him doesn't happen again? what about justice for him? what about his future?
October 15, 2022
Needs more
Not going to spoil this one at all, the MC is interesting and surprising. The biggest problem I'd that Mr Black has not extended on a number of his SF books. Yes, they are stand alone, but could do with a sequel.
Not going to spoil this one at all, the MC is interesting and surprising. The biggest problem I'd that Mr Black has not extended on a number of his SF books. Yes, they are stand alone, but could do with a sequel.
January 6, 2018
It's a bit dark
I found the main character to be too sinister to cheer on. It was Dexter in space. The author showed a lot of restraint in not filling the book dialog with cussing.
I found the main character to be too sinister to cheer on. It was Dexter in space. The author showed a lot of restraint in not filling the book dialog with cussing.
August 7, 2019
Main character may be a full-blown psychopath, but his honesty and self-awareness still manages to make him a sympathetic lead.
March 17, 2015
Ecopy provided by the author for an honest review
What a great story! I have to say that I was not expecting it to be this good, although I like sci-fi many stories don't keep me interested and take me a while to read. This one I read in one day and really enjoyed.
I loved York, the main character. He was interesting and fascinating. I found him to be very different from what you normally get when reading stories like this one. I really liked that even though he was abused, bullied and pushed down when he was on top he never looked defeated, he never gave up and he was really strong. That was specially what I loved about him, he is a very strong character, never showed weakness unless he needed to for a specific reason.
(Bit of a SPOILER ahead)
I liked that he was a bit naughty too, at first I didn't know he was the one causing the "accidents" but then once I figured it out I was smiling, I liked that he got a little revenge.
When it comes to the other characters you will truly dislike the bullies, they are really great villains and you will want them to all have "accidents" too.
I liked Kenna and her sister, they were a great addition to the story.
The world the author created is a great one and the conflict is one that it is believable and will keep you thinking of injustice.
There is a little bit of a romance on the side in the story and one I was not expecting but truly enjoyed and was glad the author added it.
There is a lot of action going on and you won't be bored for even a minute.
Definitely recommend if you are looking for a great entertaining sci-fi story with great characters.
What a great story! I have to say that I was not expecting it to be this good, although I like sci-fi many stories don't keep me interested and take me a while to read. This one I read in one day and really enjoyed.
I loved York, the main character. He was interesting and fascinating. I found him to be very different from what you normally get when reading stories like this one. I really liked that even though he was abused, bullied and pushed down when he was on top he never looked defeated, he never gave up and he was really strong. That was specially what I loved about him, he is a very strong character, never showed weakness unless he needed to for a specific reason.
(Bit of a SPOILER ahead)
I liked that he was a bit naughty too, at first I didn't know he was the one causing the "accidents" but then once I figured it out I was smiling, I liked that he got a little revenge.
When it comes to the other characters you will truly dislike the bullies, they are really great villains and you will want them to all have "accidents" too.
I liked Kenna and her sister, they were a great addition to the story.
The world the author created is a great one and the conflict is one that it is believable and will keep you thinking of injustice.
There is a little bit of a romance on the side in the story and one I was not expecting but truly enjoyed and was glad the author added it.
There is a lot of action going on and you won't be bored for even a minute.
Definitely recommend if you are looking for a great entertaining sci-fi story with great characters.
March 7, 2015
Empty Space by Alan Black my review
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
I found York August Sixteen a rather fascinating character. He’s smart and patient, yet completely deadly. He prefers his own company but relishes the few friends he makes. He is to be honest intriguing, though that doesn’t mean I’d want to meet him.
The descriptions of the space station in this book are completely three dimensional. You are on that space station. You are breathing in the air and pounding your feet along the galleys when running. I have to admit. I really enjoyed this book.
The Review:
York August Sixteen did not have a good start in life. Abandoned as a baby, he was molested, beaten and harassed. If that wasn’t bad enough his rightful place in the Republic’s Space Navy is stolen from him. Fighting back against the government is useless, good thing York likes to dispense justice in his own special way.
When he’s stationed on a lonely communication space station, he soon realizes seeking justice for those who can’t is so much more satisfying than he could ever have imagined.
FTC Advisory: Suleika Santana through Book Ninja Reviews provided me with a copy of Empty Space by Alan Black. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
I found York August Sixteen a rather fascinating character. He’s smart and patient, yet completely deadly. He prefers his own company but relishes the few friends he makes. He is to be honest intriguing, though that doesn’t mean I’d want to meet him.
The descriptions of the space station in this book are completely three dimensional. You are on that space station. You are breathing in the air and pounding your feet along the galleys when running. I have to admit. I really enjoyed this book.
The Review:
York August Sixteen did not have a good start in life. Abandoned as a baby, he was molested, beaten and harassed. If that wasn’t bad enough his rightful place in the Republic’s Space Navy is stolen from him. Fighting back against the government is useless, good thing York likes to dispense justice in his own special way.
When he’s stationed on a lonely communication space station, he soon realizes seeking justice for those who can’t is so much more satisfying than he could ever have imagined.
FTC Advisory: Suleika Santana through Book Ninja Reviews provided me with a copy of Empty Space by Alan Black. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
April 29, 2015
https://intellectualvixens.wordpress....
*Received ARC in exchange of honest review*
Ok. Let’s cut the chase. I was throw off of my element! It was to duck or bite the bullet. And being a lover of challenges; I volunteered. So, here it is my review. :)
As vast as it sounds, space is with all its lights, stars, and unknown things far and sometimes close of our reach can influence us to imagine and create. And the world, I currently lived in was Empty Space by Alan Black. This is not sweet, shimmering lights story where the path of the hero is already predicted. In this story the hero has a choice of being forever a victim or a fighter. Even if it’s means to be stamped down and be a kind of good that’s it’s no longer wanted. Where corruption is in every turn, and with a society that hates orphans, there’s little to win. A quick death or a slow torturing one while trying to maintain all the good there’s inside of you. Or trying to. With all its imaginary this story grasped my attention, to be able to feel useless and yet strong by trying to do something right. It was an enjoyable read, action packed and even funny. Science fiction fans will be delighted to meet York Sixteen.
*Received ARC in exchange of honest review*
Ok. Let’s cut the chase. I was throw off of my element! It was to duck or bite the bullet. And being a lover of challenges; I volunteered. So, here it is my review. :)
As vast as it sounds, space is with all its lights, stars, and unknown things far and sometimes close of our reach can influence us to imagine and create. And the world, I currently lived in was Empty Space by Alan Black. This is not sweet, shimmering lights story where the path of the hero is already predicted. In this story the hero has a choice of being forever a victim or a fighter. Even if it’s means to be stamped down and be a kind of good that’s it’s no longer wanted. Where corruption is in every turn, and with a society that hates orphans, there’s little to win. A quick death or a slow torturing one while trying to maintain all the good there’s inside of you. Or trying to. With all its imaginary this story grasped my attention, to be able to feel useless and yet strong by trying to do something right. It was an enjoyable read, action packed and even funny. Science fiction fans will be delighted to meet York Sixteen.
September 27, 2019
Hmm, Dexter_ish?
Yes, this is a dark story, but the good guys win and the bad guys LOSE! I'm comparing this to the Series of Dexter (on Showtime). This story is perhaps not as dark as that series. Maybe I'm just as sane as York?
After reading 7 other books from Mr Black, this one did surprise me by how dark it started.
Editing is very well done, didn't notice any misspellings nor missing words. The story flowed for me. Didn't get jarred out of the story at any point!
I would not call this hard Sci-fi, but not fantasy either. No 'magic' here. Only disappointed there isn't a new book available to Download! (Love Kindle Unlimited).
Yes, this is a dark story, but the good guys win and the bad guys LOSE! I'm comparing this to the Series of Dexter (on Showtime). This story is perhaps not as dark as that series. Maybe I'm just as sane as York?
After reading 7 other books from Mr Black, this one did surprise me by how dark it started.
Editing is very well done, didn't notice any misspellings nor missing words. The story flowed for me. Didn't get jarred out of the story at any point!
I would not call this hard Sci-fi, but not fantasy either. No 'magic' here. Only disappointed there isn't a new book available to Download! (Love Kindle Unlimited).
December 17, 2015
Decent story.
I don't know what to think of the author, at the beginning of the book he made it sound like conservatives were causing life's woes, but toward the end of the book the main character began to love freedom, agreed with a form of death penalty and took to carrying a side arm. Perhaps this was the author showing that the main character was growing a brain over time...
Overall, I thought the book was entertaining. The narrator did a fine job and toward the end I found myself wishing there were more story remaining.
I don't know what to think of the author, at the beginning of the book he made it sound like conservatives were causing life's woes, but toward the end of the book the main character began to love freedom, agreed with a form of death penalty and took to carrying a side arm. Perhaps this was the author showing that the main character was growing a brain over time...
Overall, I thought the book was entertaining. The narrator did a fine job and toward the end I found myself wishing there were more story remaining.
September 24, 2015
Interesting read, the main character has his flaws brought on by being an orphan, experiences as a child and then into teen years.
Upon qualifing as a military cadet, his background and lower class has him posted to a dead end space station, but this is where the story begins.
I read on another review on this book, that the character has similar traits to that of Anakin Skywalker in the Starwars books/films, upon reflection, he is the hero, but I wouldnt call him a clean cut here, he gets the job done, holds a grudge, takes his revenge but perhaps with company of others can be redeemed.
Upon qualifing as a military cadet, his background and lower class has him posted to a dead end space station, but this is where the story begins.
I read on another review on this book, that the character has similar traits to that of Anakin Skywalker in the Starwars books/films, upon reflection, he is the hero, but I wouldnt call him a clean cut here, he gets the job done, holds a grudge, takes his revenge but perhaps with company of others can be redeemed.
March 8, 2016
Another fun tale from Alan Black. Starts off at a leisure pace as the author builds the world and introduces characters. Intrigue and mystery develops when our anti-hero discovers corruption which has developed out of routine boredom, laziness and greed. I like this particular angle because it is easy to see even in our daily encounters here on earth. It is also an angle not often explored in other space operas which usually depend on some measure of megalomania.
Well done Mr. Black.
Well done Mr. Black.
June 28, 2016
I finished this and didn't realize I had.. if that's any indication. Granted, I was listening to it at work, and was quite busy.
But basically, this was Dexter In Space, with a flavour of Firefly thrown in. (the rural planet of Liberty)
I didn't dislike the book.. I just didn't really feel anything for it. It didn't wow me. It didn't do anything. Maybe that was the narrator... Maybe it was the book.
But basically, this was Dexter In Space, with a flavour of Firefly thrown in. (the rural planet of Liberty)
I didn't dislike the book.. I just didn't really feel anything for it. It didn't wow me. It didn't do anything. Maybe that was the narrator... Maybe it was the book.
May 20, 2015
Different ...
Cute, different, weird a new type of hero.
Road hard but not put away. A strong advocate for his own moral code _ we are introduced to an unusual protagonist who has to find his own path.
The further I got into this story, the better I liked it.
A sequel would not fit.
Ted
Cute, different, weird a new type of hero.
Road hard but not put away. A strong advocate for his own moral code _ we are introduced to an unusual protagonist who has to find his own path.
The further I got into this story, the better I liked it.
A sequel would not fit.
Ted
February 28, 2016
In reality I would give it a 3.6 rating so I rounded up to 4. I liked a lot of the book but so many of the first world in the book are odd. It set up a society that should have already collapsed. The book got entirely better after main character move to another world.
January 3, 2017
Not expected but very interesting
I bought this book but forgot to read it until now. I'd forgotten what the book was about but from the first chapter I was pulled in. This is not an everyday main character.
I loved the space portions as well as the realistic military portions.
I bought this book but forgot to read it until now. I'd forgotten what the book was about but from the first chapter I was pulled in. This is not an everyday main character.
I loved the space portions as well as the realistic military portions.
March 11, 2015
I'm writing a review for the City Sun Times on this one, so I'll post it here after it's out in print.
March 16, 2015
Dexter in space
Ok maybe not that graphic but you get the idea. This book is a fun read and worth the time spent.
Ok maybe not that graphic but you get the idea. This book is a fun read and worth the time spent.
April 13, 2015
Fun read! nice quick pace and plenty of action! more would be fun.
May 14, 2015
It started out slow to the point of putting it down, but then it picked up with enough interesting, subtle hints into the main charter persona that I had to read it through.
August 17, 2015
Started good and then turned violent and dull. So many missed opportunities to make the story more engaging.
November 29, 2015
York Sixteen is a very unusual main character who definitely has his own value system. Slow starting, fast finishing book.
November 4, 2016
Not quite what I was expecting....but not bad.
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