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Lightship Chronicles #2
Starbound
With his critically acclaimed military science fiction debut series, Dave Bara launched readers on a star-spanning journey of discovery, diplomacy, and danger.
The Lightship H.M.S. Impulse is gone, sacrificed in a battle against First Empire ships. And though the fragile galactic alliance has survived the unexpected invasion, the Union forces might not prove victorious against a full onslaught by this legendary enemy.
For Peter Cochrane, serving as an officer aboard his world’s flagship, H.M.S. Starbound is a dream come true. Tasked with investigating a mysterious space station in a rediscovered star system, Peter and Starbound face a surprise attack by unknown forces and suffer terrible losses.
But there is no time to grieve or even regroup as Peter is thrust into a new crisis, a potential civil war on the Union world of Carinthia. Caught between his rank in the navy and his status as a royal heir, Peter is put on trial for the loss of Impulse, used as a political pawn as Carinthia stands on the brink of a devastating conflict. Peter escapes but faces the prospect of interstellar war when he learns of a possible alliance between the First Empire and Carinthia, a coalition which could tear the Union apart!
The Lightship H.M.S. Impulse is gone, sacrificed in a battle against First Empire ships. And though the fragile galactic alliance has survived the unexpected invasion, the Union forces might not prove victorious against a full onslaught by this legendary enemy.
For Peter Cochrane, serving as an officer aboard his world’s flagship, H.M.S. Starbound is a dream come true. Tasked with investigating a mysterious space station in a rediscovered star system, Peter and Starbound face a surprise attack by unknown forces and suffer terrible losses.
But there is no time to grieve or even regroup as Peter is thrust into a new crisis, a potential civil war on the Union world of Carinthia. Caught between his rank in the navy and his status as a royal heir, Peter is put on trial for the loss of Impulse, used as a political pawn as Carinthia stands on the brink of a devastating conflict. Peter escapes but faces the prospect of interstellar war when he learns of a possible alliance between the First Empire and Carinthia, a coalition which could tear the Union apart!
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 5, 2016
14 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Dave Bara
13 books52 followersDave Bara was born at the dawn of the space age and grew up watching the Gemini and Apollo space programs on television. He dreamed of becoming an astronaut one day. This soon led him to an interest in science fiction, especially on television. His early years were filled with dozens of episodes of the original Star Trek, Lost in Space, The Outer Limits, and The Twilight Zone.
He began to read science fiction voraciously in his teens, with authors like Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Frederick Pohl, Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, Gordon Dickson, and Joe Haldeman being among his favorites. This led him to try his hand at writing, which he continued all through his college years, even using a novel project as part of his undergraduate degree studies. During these years the story concepts for what would become The Lightship Chronicles series began to take form.
Dave's writing is influenced by the many SF novels he has read over the years, but most notable were books like Dune (Herbert), The Mote In God's Eye (Niven and Pournelle), Dorsai! (Dickson), The Forever War (Haldeman), Tau Zero (Poul Anderson) and the Foundation novels (Asimov), among many others.
Dave looks forward to bringing SF fans many years of exciting and interesting writing, heroic characters, and soaring adventure in the years to come.
Look for IMPULSE: The Lightship Chronicles, Volume I on February 3, 2015 from DAW Books in the US and Del Rey Books in the UK and Europe. Volume II, STARBOUND, should be coming later in 2015.
He began to read science fiction voraciously in his teens, with authors like Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Frederick Pohl, Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, Gordon Dickson, and Joe Haldeman being among his favorites. This led him to try his hand at writing, which he continued all through his college years, even using a novel project as part of his undergraduate degree studies. During these years the story concepts for what would become The Lightship Chronicles series began to take form.
Dave's writing is influenced by the many SF novels he has read over the years, but most notable were books like Dune (Herbert), The Mote In God's Eye (Niven and Pournelle), Dorsai! (Dickson), The Forever War (Haldeman), Tau Zero (Poul Anderson) and the Foundation novels (Asimov), among many others.
Dave looks forward to bringing SF fans many years of exciting and interesting writing, heroic characters, and soaring adventure in the years to come.
Look for IMPULSE: The Lightship Chronicles, Volume I on February 3, 2015 from DAW Books in the US and Del Rey Books in the UK and Europe. Volume II, STARBOUND, should be coming later in 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 7, 2016
I must be masochistic. After the train wreck that was the first book, I moved on to the next book in the series with the hope that it might possibly be an improvement.
Nope.
This one doesn't even have the saving grace of a creative universe to push it up from a one star. The elements that made the universe interesting in the first book have been sacrificed on the altar of the storyline.
The main character is still a misogynistic jerk, and he adds royal ho bag to that list as well.
The female lead is still masquerading as a strong military woman, when in reality she will break down in tears when her man is threatened.
The technology is massively inconsistent depending on if the author needs the main character to be vulnerable or to be a military hero.
Military discipline is gone, just completely gone without even a hint of apology.
In short, this book took all the plot holes of the first book and enlarged them by several orders of magnitude while at the same time making the main character even less likable than before.
The only reason that I actually finished this book is because of a combination of Train Wreck Syndrome and my somewhat obsessive need to know what happens at the end of a story.
Nope.
This one doesn't even have the saving grace of a creative universe to push it up from a one star. The elements that made the universe interesting in the first book have been sacrificed on the altar of the storyline.
The main character is still a misogynistic jerk, and he adds royal ho bag to that list as well.
The female lead is still masquerading as a strong military woman, when in reality she will break down in tears when her man is threatened.
The technology is massively inconsistent depending on if the author needs the main character to be vulnerable or to be a military hero.
Military discipline is gone, just completely gone without even a hint of apology.
In short, this book took all the plot holes of the first book and enlarged them by several orders of magnitude while at the same time making the main character even less likable than before.
The only reason that I actually finished this book is because of a combination of Train Wreck Syndrome and my somewhat obsessive need to know what happens at the end of a story.
March 6, 2017
2 stars - Metaphorosis Reviews
In this second volume of the Lightship Chronicles, Commander/Prince Peter Cochrane, serving in the Union space fleet with his lover, repeatedly faces dangerous situations and difficult moral, political, and personal decisions.
It's always hard to come into a series partway through, but Dave Bara does a nice job of setting the scene, and deftly giving us enough backstory to follow what's going on without trouble. The problem, unfortunately, is that I didn't have any great interest in what was happening.
The book starts well, with a mysterious artifact, and the introduction of the enigmatic, powerful Historians. In fact, the Historians, presumably well established in the first book of the series, were by far the most interesting part of the book. Unfortunately, it's not about them. What it is about is the personal life of Peter Cochrane, the spacefaring soldier who's also the scion of a powerful political family. Much of the book is about him flipping back and forth between these roles. I use the term flipping advisedly, since his constant flip-flops make very little sense, and show even less consistency. While Bara clearly wants the story to be about Cochrane growing up and learning to take on the burden of his position despite his preferences, what he offers instead is a by-the-numbers story that is predictable at every step, and neither offers nor engenders much enthusiasm. I quickly tired of Cochrane and other men chivalrously taking care of their (carefully depicted as equally competent) women.
This is a military novel, but neither strategy nor tactics made much sense to me. We're told there's a firm command structure, but everyone's orders are constantly being questioned. Cochrane himself is given very strict instructions, but, even when acting as a soldier, seems to treat them as interesting suggestions. He, of course, is easily irritated when his own orders aren't followed. The book ends in a manufactured (and not very logical) cliffhanger plus political wrapup. Nowhere in evidence are the war crimes charges that seem called for. I can't recommend this.
In this second volume of the Lightship Chronicles, Commander/Prince Peter Cochrane, serving in the Union space fleet with his lover, repeatedly faces dangerous situations and difficult moral, political, and personal decisions.
It's always hard to come into a series partway through, but Dave Bara does a nice job of setting the scene, and deftly giving us enough backstory to follow what's going on without trouble. The problem, unfortunately, is that I didn't have any great interest in what was happening.
The book starts well, with a mysterious artifact, and the introduction of the enigmatic, powerful Historians. In fact, the Historians, presumably well established in the first book of the series, were by far the most interesting part of the book. Unfortunately, it's not about them. What it is about is the personal life of Peter Cochrane, the spacefaring soldier who's also the scion of a powerful political family. Much of the book is about him flipping back and forth between these roles. I use the term flipping advisedly, since his constant flip-flops make very little sense, and show even less consistency. While Bara clearly wants the story to be about Cochrane growing up and learning to take on the burden of his position despite his preferences, what he offers instead is a by-the-numbers story that is predictable at every step, and neither offers nor engenders much enthusiasm. I quickly tired of Cochrane and other men chivalrously taking care of their (carefully depicted as equally competent) women.
This is a military novel, but neither strategy nor tactics made much sense to me. We're told there's a firm command structure, but everyone's orders are constantly being questioned. Cochrane himself is given very strict instructions, but, even when acting as a soldier, seems to treat them as interesting suggestions. He, of course, is easily irritated when his own orders aren't followed. The book ends in a manufactured (and not very logical) cliffhanger plus political wrapup. Nowhere in evidence are the war crimes charges that seem called for. I can't recommend this.
March 17, 2016
this book was a disappointment compared to the first one. The author does not seem to understand science at all confusing acceleration and velocity, using light seconds as a measure of time, and filling the battles with nonsense physics--whatever string of technical sounding but essentially meaningless words it takes to satisfy the situation. Good but cookie cutter. I'll read the next one in the series but I'm not looking forward to them with as much enthusiasm.
January 25, 2016
Quick read. Fluffy. Like SciFi from years ago. Nothing deep here.
August 4, 2016
Starboard is a typical middle book in a trilogy. There are multiple problems that Peter has to face. First is a unexpected attack with the loss of many of the people under Peter's command. Then he has to face changes in his family. Finally he is captured and almost executed for losing the Impulse (see book one). Each of those events are a part of the set up for the next book in the series. The Lightship Chronicles continues to be an exciting and tension filled space opera series.
March 13, 2016
2nd book in the series and doesn't disappoint. It isn't trying to be clever or challenging, but it is certainly entertaining. Plenty of zipping around in FTL space craft, saving planets from destruction. Throw in the odd bit of love interest and you end up with what space opera is meant to be all about.
March 13, 2016
Dave Bara 's sophomore effort in The Lightship series is a good space opera despite the technobabble.
It takes a while for the action to soar, but once it does Starbound is fun.
It takes a while for the action to soar, but once it does Starbound is fun.
May 21, 2016
can't wait for the next installment!
March 24, 2017
This is the 2nd book in the Lightship Chronicles by Dave Bara. The first book, Impulse, was a really good read but this book is even better. In the last book the Lightship Impulse was destroyed leaving few survivors. Peter Cochrane was one of those and is now assigned to the Lightship Starbound. They are sent on a first contact mission but discover old Founder technology in the system and are nearly destroyed before they can destroy the Founder space station. They return to Quantar and Peter and his fellow crew-mate and lover, Dobrina, are summoned to Carinthia supposedly for an inquiry into the destruction of the Impulse but are put on trial instead and Peter is sentenced to death and barely escapes with his life. After returning to Quantar Peter is given command of the Starbound and is sent on a mission to destroy a Founder jump gate where they are attacked by Founder forces. After destroying the Founder ships and jump gate they return to Pendax where a Union force is under attack and they by Carinthia ships. They join the Union ships and run disable and run off the Carinthia ships. This a great read and a good mix of Military Science Fiction/Space Opera and I recommend it to all fans of these genre's and fans of Dave Bara.
March 29, 2018
This a ripping yarn complete with dynastic rivalries, FTL travel, AI ships, and interplanetary war. The gallant hero comes from a noble family and is surrounded by a bevy of beauties eager to bed him. Mysterious “historians” are in charge of ancient technology that is far superior to what the opposing forces of the Imperium and Union have manufactured themselves.
Despite making a couple of really stupid decisions at the beginning of the book (e.g. ignoring warnings and insisting on exploring a space station littered with bodies of elite soldiers) our hero prevails. There are a few moral dilemmas regarding mass killings of enemy soldiers but overall this is tale in the Star Wars genre. Thankfully there are no bug eyed monsters or cute robots of the type the idiot Lucas likes so much. It is all very enjoyable and easily digested.
The audiobook is performed by the splendid Julian Elfer. His voice and accent (British) are perfect for the material. I would rate the narration FOUR stars.
Despite making a couple of really stupid decisions at the beginning of the book (e.g. ignoring warnings and insisting on exploring a space station littered with bodies of elite soldiers) our hero prevails. There are a few moral dilemmas regarding mass killings of enemy soldiers but overall this is tale in the Star Wars genre. Thankfully there are no bug eyed monsters or cute robots of the type the idiot Lucas likes so much. It is all very enjoyable and easily digested.
The audiobook is performed by the splendid Julian Elfer. His voice and accent (British) are perfect for the material. I would rate the narration FOUR stars.
February 2, 2019
Book Two in The Lightship Chronicles brings Union Navy officer Peter Cochrane on a diplomatic mission to Carinthia in his role as Crown Prince. Treachery follows him and he’s thrown into a remote prison and sentenced to die. His girlfriend and fellow officer, a Carinthian subject, must resign her position in the Union and accept orders from the takeover regime in Carinthia to save her life. As part of a tradeoff, Peters gets free passage off the planet. But royal stowaways make his journey much riskier and put the entire Union in jeopardy. How far is he willing to go to preserve unity, especially when they are faced by an old enemy more powerful than them all? Starbound is an enjoyable space opera adventure for fans of this genre, and Peter is a likeable hero. Space battles, a princess in peril, and political intrigue spice this engaging story. Bring me the sequel!
April 2, 2019
Edge of your seat sci-fi story. This second book in The Lightship Chronicles is definitely better than the first (which was still a great read). The book includes exquisite detail to allow the reader to be in the story. Fast-paced action keeps the story moving along. Plenty of surprises when you think you have it figured out. Heartache, love, battle lines, good and evil, young military ensigns who grow up fast into ship captains, everything needed for this space-faring read to plow through it at light speed. Can’t wait to read the third book — which won’t be delivered for another 3 days!
May 14, 2018
Meh
I enjoyed the idea behind the plotline, but didn't enjoy the writing. It was very choppy, O was constantly reminded that I was reading a book and wasn't able to get sucked in by the story, and the character development was lacking. The interpersonal relationships were unbelievable and the portrayal of the female characters was stereotypical and flat (Must protect the womenfolk! Even though they're our fellow naval officers!) Think I'm going to read some Harrington universe fiction by Weber to get this book out of my brain.
I enjoyed the idea behind the plotline, but didn't enjoy the writing. It was very choppy, O was constantly reminded that I was reading a book and wasn't able to get sucked in by the story, and the character development was lacking. The interpersonal relationships were unbelievable and the portrayal of the female characters was stereotypical and flat (Must protect the womenfolk! Even though they're our fellow naval officers!) Think I'm going to read some Harrington universe fiction by Weber to get this book out of my brain.
January 27, 2020
Bara, Dave. Starbound. Lightship Chronicles No. 2. Daw, 2016.
Dave Bara tries to make me believe he is David Weber, but he isn’t. His universe has all the iconography of the Honorverse, impeller drives, dreadnaught starships, gravity weapons, and an out-of-place monarchy, but it lacks the qualities that keep me reading Honor Harrington stories, characters with personality and dialog that does not always remind me of a department store dummy with a Chatty Kathy voice chip. Three stars because the action scenes work.
Dave Bara tries to make me believe he is David Weber, but he isn’t. His universe has all the iconography of the Honorverse, impeller drives, dreadnaught starships, gravity weapons, and an out-of-place monarchy, but it lacks the qualities that keep me reading Honor Harrington stories, characters with personality and dialog that does not always remind me of a department store dummy with a Chatty Kathy voice chip. Three stars because the action scenes work.
March 7, 2018
Not as engaging as the first; the main character became a bit tiresome as did the relationships.
Turns out this is the second time I've read this so I guess the first time around didn't make a particularly awesome impression!
I'll still read the third because it's still a neat universe:)
Turns out this is the second time I've read this so I guess the first time around didn't make a particularly awesome impression!
I'll still read the third because it's still a neat universe:)
February 3, 2019
Recent Reads: Starbound. Dave Bara's space opera hits its middle volume. A fractured alliance looks set to come apart, while the Imperial AIs continue to attack. Would be better if I didn't keep falling over errors in the science. Too much Hornblower prince.
May 19, 2021
Book 2 seems much better than the first. The main character , a royal falls in love with his commander, until he's married to another Royal to unite their planets. His career has grown and he now commands his own lightship. Fierce battles and difficult decisions ahead.
January 11, 2018
There is no stronger force in universe than gravity? Really?
June 9, 2022
if you like science fiction about aliens and spaceships and stuff like that you would like it..this is the 2nd book out of 3..currently reading three anyways that's all sorry.
April 4, 2020
Pretty much the same as my review of the first volume in this series, Impulse. This volume improves a bit in places, and continues it's sophomoric traits elsewhere.
June 25, 2016
Another formulaic space fleet adventure, with our princely hero bedding the dames, winning battles, and advancing his career. There's more world-building, with a wider range of planets and a princess to wed. The old Empire still survives and has technologies that rival and perplex the Union forces and skullduggery by the Carinthian Prince Regent almost breaks apart the Union Navy. The Historians from Earth play their role as Imperial agents in one case and as enigmatic councilors with hints that there's another enemy out there besides opposing human coalitions. Still fairly stiff over all and makes me wonder how it's getting out of digital or paperback status.
August 8, 2016
There's sci-fi with technical accuracy and then there's the stuff without. This is without, not a problem, but every once in a while I had to quash the voice in my head saying "Oh come on! Relativity exists!"
Anyway, book 3 should be interesting. The main character made 5 choices that are going to have consequences going forward, and the choices tips him from being immature 'hero-type' character to disturbing and frightening 'pragmatist' if he doesn't sort himself out. Which is more character development than I was expecting from what I considered to be just a fluffy, fast-paced space opera to read on a beach.
Anyway, book 3 should be interesting. The main character made 5 choices that are going to have consequences going forward, and the choices tips him from being immature 'hero-type' character to disturbing and frightening 'pragmatist' if he doesn't sort himself out. Which is more character development than I was expecting from what I considered to be just a fluffy, fast-paced space opera to read on a beach.
April 17, 2016
I read this without reading the first book, which for some reason my library doesnt have. My initial impression was that it might have helped quite a bit, but in the end, I concluded while it might have been nice, it would not have changed my opinion of Starbound. I didn't care much for the "science" or the "historian" character/position.
In the end, I'd say read it if you like space opera, its good enough in its genre, but if you tend towards hard science, I'd pass
In the end, I'd say read it if you like space opera, its good enough in its genre, but if you tend towards hard science, I'd pass
July 6, 2016
Quick fluffy scfi read, & I do hate starting on book two, now will have to find book one to see if it made more sense... Wise elders (historians) counseling the young Union, which is just starting to feel it's oats. We open into a fight with killer robots... Then they are never heard from again.... Swordplay amongst the stars, buckles to be swashed, planets to save, never a dull nor to deep a moment, but a fun read.
January 20, 2017
Was unable to finish. While some of the space operatic action was passable, if one didn't scrutinize the science too closely, the stilted writing and the diverting pointless love interest fragmented the whole until there was no interest left.
August 25, 2016
Space opera with princes, princesses and a hint of evil aliens to come.
March 29, 2017
I think i'm generous giving this second book in the series a 3* rating like the first book ! I should probably move both down to 2* ! This is average, simple, generic space opera at it's most boring !
April 29, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews