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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 11, 2026
⭐️ - 3.25/5
Recently I’ve come to think I rate books too highly sometimes and that I need to be more critical. But someone made a good point that maybe I just took pick the right books for me and have been fortunate to have a majority of excellent reads.
Unfortunately, this one maybe wasn’t one of those.
The 3rd instalment in the “Spaceship Mechanic” series find Rix and his gang of alien friends doing okay. Setting up life on Patience, starting their businesses and getting to a point that seems positive, all is well.
But then a “too good too miss” opportunity comes up and this is where I’d say, the book goes down hill.
After taking a job to a distant land, the book seems jumbled. Unaware of its own path, a lot like ships would be trying to find their way through the Ghostmist Nebula.
It is supposed to be a trading journey. Take things to trade/sell, make money and come home to reap their rewards. Unfortunately they’re dragged into what I can describe as a child’s version of what they’ve already been through in previous instalments.
Gangs that seem angry and full of threats, but at no point did I feel they’d actually ever do anything.
Characters that seem very linear with not much substance. Imagine your favourite packet of crisps without the crisps. Disappointing right?
And for 70% of the book, the plot stumbles along. The ending was better and the plot of the next book I do think sounds very, very promising. But for now, I’ll have a break from our friend Rix & his pals.
The 4th book comes out at the start of October. I’ll read it but I won’t drop anything or hurry to do so. Sad because I loved the 1st and while the 2nd wasn’t as good, I still throughly enjoyed.
🛸🚀🪐
Recently I’ve come to think I rate books too highly sometimes and that I need to be more critical. But someone made a good point that maybe I just took pick the right books for me and have been fortunate to have a majority of excellent reads.
Unfortunately, this one maybe wasn’t one of those.
The 3rd instalment in the “Spaceship Mechanic” series find Rix and his gang of alien friends doing okay. Setting up life on Patience, starting their businesses and getting to a point that seems positive, all is well.
But then a “too good too miss” opportunity comes up and this is where I’d say, the book goes down hill.
After taking a job to a distant land, the book seems jumbled. Unaware of its own path, a lot like ships would be trying to find their way through the Ghostmist Nebula.
It is supposed to be a trading journey. Take things to trade/sell, make money and come home to reap their rewards. Unfortunately they’re dragged into what I can describe as a child’s version of what they’ve already been through in previous instalments.
Gangs that seem angry and full of threats, but at no point did I feel they’d actually ever do anything.
Characters that seem very linear with not much substance. Imagine your favourite packet of crisps without the crisps. Disappointing right?
And for 70% of the book, the plot stumbles along. The ending was better and the plot of the next book I do think sounds very, very promising. But for now, I’ll have a break from our friend Rix & his pals.
The 4th book comes out at the start of October. I’ll read it but I won’t drop anything or hurry to do so. Sad because I loved the 1st and while the 2nd wasn’t as good, I still throughly enjoyed.
🛸🚀🪐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2026
Low stakes, low payoff
I didn't realize that there's a whole genre of low-stakes slice of life space adventures out there as this is the first series I've read. Quality is low side of acceptable. None of the characters are particularly believable or 3 dimensional . There's tons of tell-not-show. Greevo is too much, and I honestly do not believe the rescue scene near the end. The first two books were a little better. Sometimes I need low stakes - something that will occupy my brain a little without keeping me up at night. But after a while it starts to taste like fast food.
I didn't realize that there's a whole genre of low-stakes slice of life space adventures out there as this is the first series I've read. Quality is low side of acceptable. None of the characters are particularly believable or 3 dimensional . There's tons of tell-not-show. Greevo is too much, and I honestly do not believe the rescue scene near the end. The first two books were a little better. Sometimes I need low stakes - something that will occupy my brain a little without keeping me up at night. But after a while it starts to taste like fast food.
September 28, 2026
-Nope. Definitely don't trust a dang word out of Greevo's mouth.
- WHAT THE SHIT ATOM! I get that they are a different species, but Rix paid for those ships! Those parts aren't "free" to give to Greevo!
-He's not able to stay off that shoulder for a week lol
- He disabled by taking parts. I love it.
- Dang. Son, you are not getting out of that mob/ gang life. They will always threaten you to get what they want from you.
-Rix. You're an idiot.
- But you were able to fix it quickly, good for you!
-Seriously. Just leave them there.
-Greevo is super annoying. Glad for Philo and the ships that st'aci is coming along!
-They didn't get blasted! They made it back home! With some stowaways! Opa!
- WHAT THE SHIT ATOM! I get that they are a different species, but Rix paid for those ships! Those parts aren't "free" to give to Greevo!
-He's not able to stay off that shoulder for a week lol
- He disabled by taking parts. I love it.
- Dang. Son, you are not getting out of that mob/ gang life. They will always threaten you to get what they want from you.
-Rix. You're an idiot.
- But you were able to fix it quickly, good for you!
-Seriously. Just leave them there.
-Greevo is super annoying. Glad for Philo and the ships that st'aci is coming along!
-They didn't get blasted! They made it back home! With some stowaways! Opa!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2026
Continuing a Great Series
Rix and his band of partners are off on another adventure. The books in this series provide a great combination of humor, action, challenges, and romance. The character development is well done. The visual imagery that the narrative provides for the destination cloud nebula brings the story to life. Thus far, I’ve enjoyed each book in the series. I like the focus on finding the good in people, events, and relationships. Rix has a moral compass that many should emulate.
Rix and his band of partners are off on another adventure. The books in this series provide a great combination of humor, action, challenges, and romance. The character development is well done. The visual imagery that the narrative provides for the destination cloud nebula brings the story to life. Thus far, I’ve enjoyed each book in the series. I like the focus on finding the good in people, events, and relationships. Rix has a moral compass that many should emulate.
June 7, 2026
love this series
The books are written in a very matter of fact way, which takes some getting used to. Once you do, though, it’s just different. The books have good plots, interesting characters, and a good flavor. You root for the good guys, are disgusted by the slobs, and are heartened by bringing the bad guys down a peg or three. Lots of action, a bit of romance, saving the innocent and meeting new friends. A very enjoyable read.
The books are written in a very matter of fact way, which takes some getting used to. Once you do, though, it’s just different. The books have good plots, interesting characters, and a good flavor. You root for the good guys, are disgusted by the slobs, and are heartened by bringing the bad guys down a peg or three. Lots of action, a bit of romance, saving the innocent and meeting new friends. A very enjoyable read.
June 3, 2026
Third in the series. A lot of the same characters and new friends and new enemies. The author uses implied cussing without really cussing. This book just came to kindle, and I read it in 2 days. It was a nice length, and I really got into it. Looking forward to the next one.
I am 72 and it is approved by the cat on my lap.
I am 72 and it is approved by the cat on my lap.
June 9, 2026
All of Jamie McFarlane's books are fun reads and this one is certainly no exception. Rix and company are off on another adventure--this one to a world within a Nebula--and as usual the characters they encounter are varied and sometimes difficult to deal with, especially Rix's new client. Buckle up for an intriguing ride.
June 9, 2026
I’m Hooked on this series!
I love that this series is about a 1950’s Earth mechanic who gets abducted into space and has learned how to survive among aliens.
This book strikes a good balance between action, travel, repairs, trade and business. Not only that, but a good story has relationship dynamics as well.
If you enjoyed the first two, you will enjoy this one as well.
I love that this series is about a 1950’s Earth mechanic who gets abducted into space and has learned how to survive among aliens.
This book strikes a good balance between action, travel, repairs, trade and business. Not only that, but a good story has relationship dynamics as well.
If you enjoyed the first two, you will enjoy this one as well.
August 1, 2026
Good
It starts as a slow burner since the first 20-25% of the book is about reparations and upgrading. Wasn't that much into it as the previous books. But then, the “real sci-fi space story” kicks in and we're back at what attracted me in the beginning, this good tribute to the golden age of science-fiction.
It starts as a slow burner since the first 20-25% of the book is about reparations and upgrading. Wasn't that much into it as the previous books. But then, the “real sci-fi space story” kicks in and we're back at what attracted me in the beginning, this good tribute to the golden age of science-fiction.
August 4, 2026
Book 3 in the series
Well written. The plot centers on Rix and his ability as a mechanic who can fix anything, including spaceships. Just because he’s from 1950’s Earth doesn’t mean he’s ignorant. He is a very good negotiator and knows the value of what he’s trading. He can even pilot a spaceship if he has to. A great story.
Well written. The plot centers on Rix and his ability as a mechanic who can fix anything, including spaceships. Just because he’s from 1950’s Earth doesn’t mean he’s ignorant. He is a very good negotiator and knows the value of what he’s trading. He can even pilot a spaceship if he has to. A great story.
June 3, 2026
As usual a great story
I am now hooked on this series. Have to wait for the forth book now. This book I thought was a little, and evolved a lot of players. It did not turn out the way I thought it would.
I am now hooked on this series. Have to wait for the forth book now. This book I thought was a little, and evolved a lot of players. It did not turn out the way I thought it would.
June 9, 2026
Hurry Up, Jamie! I can't wait...
I loved this sequel mainly because of fantastic character interaction in really strange arenas. Jamie has developed his main ones very well and introduced complimentary new ones.
I loved this sequel mainly because of fantastic character interaction in really strange arenas. Jamie has developed his main ones very well and introduced complimentary new ones.
June 13, 2026
Excellent as ever
Jamie has a real knack for creating characters you bond with. This series is no different, great characters driving a lively and fun packed plot. Great space adventure fast paced quirky, a superb read.
Jamie has a real knack for creating characters you bond with. This series is no different, great characters driving a lively and fun packed plot. Great space adventure fast paced quirky, a superb read.
June 19, 2026
I’ve been a McFarlane fan since the beginning.
I just binge read the first three stories in the series, and I’m hoping for more. As always, a fun read, with his character development getting even better. Just a good happy read. Do yourself a favor and start from the first book.
I just binge read the first three stories in the series, and I’m hoping for more. As always, a fun read, with his character development getting even better. Just a good happy read. Do yourself a favor and start from the first book.
June 21, 2026
And the Story grows
The characters are amazing and the action smooth. McFarlane continues to stretch the galaxy and expand his universe. Well worth reading! Can’t wait for the next book!
The characters are amazing and the action smooth. McFarlane continues to stretch the galaxy and expand his universe. Well worth reading! Can’t wait for the next book!
June 22, 2026
This is probably the best written of this series. It is an easy, light read. I wish it felt more realistic and that the MC always seems to have the answer to all the problems. Not sure if I will continue or not.
August 4, 2026
Enjoyable read and ride....
Captivated again with this strange crew out in space to help those in need. The bonding of their crew with those in need keep the action a thrilling ride.
Captivated again with this strange crew out in space to help those in need. The bonding of their crew with those in need keep the action a thrilling ride.
June 5, 2026
Slip,sliding, Away!
In this book 3 you learn so much more about the quality of the actors involved in the storylines Plus you pick up so many, Plot twist To the story
In this book 3 you learn so much more about the quality of the actors involved in the storylines Plus you pick up so many, Plot twist To the story
June 7, 2026
Great Read
I throughly enjoyed this book. It had a good story line and kept me interested throughout the entire story. I recommend reading this book.
I throughly enjoyed this book. It had a good story line and kept me interested throughout the entire story. I recommend reading this book.
June 19, 2026
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
June 20, 2026
Engaging and entertaining, intriguing series
June 24, 2026
Slow start but eventually got going. Good mix of humour and light weight actions. Still felt a bit disjointed in places effecting the storyflow. Still highly recommend reading😁
June 25, 2026
Just fantastic and easy
Simple storyline but great characters with connection. Always look forward to what is happening next.
Just get it. You'll enjoy.
Simple storyline but great characters with connection. Always look forward to what is happening next.
Just get it. You'll enjoy.
June 30, 2026
God I'm so glad for this book. It was amazing. I've missed the Crew of The Calypso.
July 22, 2026
Good story
As good as the previous two book, still working hard and finding trouble. I can’t wait for the next book.
As good as the previous two book, still working hard and finding trouble. I can’t wait for the next book.
August 19, 2026
Right Thing
Doing a kindness here, there, everywhere is unavoidable for this crew. Good space opera that promises future enjoyment too. The idea of angel aliens snags
Doing a kindness here, there, everywhere is unavoidable for this crew. Good space opera that promises future enjoyment too. The idea of angel aliens snags
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews