Trapped Outside

Metal Boxes #2

by Alan Black

The sequel to #1 best selling science fiction novel Metal Boxes. Blackmon Perry Stone hasn't gotten over his fear of being outside and he still hasn't settled into life in the Empire's Navy. After months of legal wrangling over his last assignment, he has been given a new assignment. He was looking forward to getting an new posting on a spaceship or a station. The problem is that his new job is on a planet. Worse, once there, the base is overrun by the enemy aliens and now Stone is trapped outside on a hostile planet, injured, and hunted by aliens bent of killing him.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Military Science Fiction, Aliens, Military Fiction, Audiobook, Humor

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2015

About the author

Author of
sci/fi
Christian/Historical Fiction
Action/Humor
Western

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Stone is back, still a bit of a bumbling, awkward and hormonal teen, still capable of accidentally becoming a hero and savior and still fulltime “Mom” to two young drascos. So, where is Alan Black taking us this time in Metal Boxes – Trapped Outside? We are headed back to Peebee and Jay’s home planet to begin colonization, checking for potential money-making adventures, complete with a military presence, scientific presence, civilian presence and the surprise presence of the evil four-armed aliens out to destroy humanity. Who has been “honored” with being in charge of it all? (Read that as accountable for the success or failure of the mission)Yep, the new Governor, Blackman Perry Stone and his legendary heroics continue to grow. When an alien attack causes everyone to flee their compound, Stone is once again out in the open, and struggling with his issues of being out of a metal box as he watches as lives are lost, friends go missing and injuries are eating away at their forces. Can he pull another miracle out of his pocket and save the day? How does one win in a battle against formidable foes when someone may be hiding the trump card? Stone is changing inside and out, but is this a good thing?

Again, expect the unexpected from Alan Black who does a remarkable job of creating at tale that is not only entertaining, humorous and filled with realistic dialogue, thoughts and characters, but if you peek just below the surface, you will see classic life struggles unfolding. Alphas needing power, scientists versus military on how things should be handled, people crying foul on their rights and poor Stone, stuck in the middle, relying on his grandfather’s adages to do the right thing. As a teen, isn’t it enough to deal with the hormones that come to life at the sight of a female flaunting their assets? Trust me; nothing has gone unnoticed under the skill of Alan Black’s pen. There is chaos, confusion, fear, formidable foes, fierce battles and enough quirky humor to put reality into this fantasy world. No over-the-top gritty heroes, but heroes just the same, Alan Black proves that good things come to those who read! Sit back and let go of reality, of dry believe-ability, see the planet through the characters’ eyes, ears and even through their dialogue, and never tick off a drasco, ever. This is fantasy, science fiction, the classic good versus evil and we have front row seats to it all the action.

Series: Metal Boxes - Book 2
Publication Date: August 24, 2015
Publisher: Alan Black
Genre: YA Science Fiction - Space Opera
Print Length: 313 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Bill Tillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Metal Boxes - Trapped Outside

Why do so many use foul language and adult situations when PG 13 would gain so much more readership? This was an exciting book but it was like holding my feet to the fire with foul words and base sexuality thrown pell mell.

[Tony Hinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminded me a little of the "Empire of Man" series by David Weber and John Ringo. I'm enjoying the evolution of Stone.

[Cloak88 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, Sci-fy Pulp in this second novel.

Midshipman Stone, isn't a all that happy. His marine girlfriend has been shipped out along with all his friends, while he has to deal with the continuing fallout from his last assignment (see previous novel). And then things get worse... He receives orders to take command of all ground elements, and take an explorer ship to a recently discovered planet and go and make it habitable. Except things don't really go as planned...

If you enjoyed the humor of the previous novel, you'll enjoy this one as well. The story is a bit silly, plenty of funny, and the story itself does it's own weird thing and take everyone along for the ride.
In all it's a funny and upbeat story about a 17yearold in way over his head, but still managing somehow.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Homerun!

I loved the first book and pleasantly surprised to see a sequel. The legend of Midshipman Stone (one ensign) continues to grow with his drascos, Peebee and Jay. Not to give away spoilers but Stone is changing and curious to see where Alan Black leads the characters. Looking forward to Future books in the series! BTW, keep the young Spacer cook/chef!

[Andrew Niemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A likeable cast of "characters," humor, science fiction, and the pompous get their comeuppance. What's not to like. Looking forward to the next installment.

[Christopher Belan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morals and ethics for leaders

Morals and ethics, policy and procedures. Stone has his work cut out for him. Other than some major poor choices of the intelligence branch, the story hangs together well. The marines set up a base easily taken out with a single missile. Yes, it is well within human space, but the system was never surveyed. Stone is put in charge and is not provided any personnel with experience to help him. A recipe for disaster and luck.

[Kristoffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but I didn't enjoy quite as much as the first. This one had more action than the first, and I care more about story than action. Still, there was one awesome development that happened because of stuff in an action scene. This book was awesome, and so is the series. I highly recommend it.

[Sean Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one of my strange desires to re-read, so I started the first Metal Boxes, only to find there were a load more. I can't argue that it's top-drawer military science fiction; there are a few typos, a few oddities. But it's damned fun. Happy Holidays without a doubt.

[Mark Zodda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable, light read. Not quite as good as the first book as the pace dragged at times, but still looking forward to the next in the series.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Stars

[Katherine Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and fun.

[M60601 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off on a low note and kept repeating that low note throughout the story. I'll be clear about this: I am a woman. I understand that teen boys can be hormonal and will notice beautiful women. I accepted in the first book all of Stone's awkward boners and his attention to the women around him (despite what seems no effort to make any male friends). In this book, however, the women are sexualized way too much. For instance, one the the main characters of this book is introduced as Petty Officer Ryte, a woman who has a nice butt, wears uniforms a few sizes too small, and has her nipples poking through. Her NIPPLES. This description is seen often. Allie is often described as a "big" woman who is tall, muscular, and also has a nice ass. Then there is the marine whore who offers sex to anyone and everyone at the wrong times.

I get it, they're in a comfortable environment where they can make sexual jokes and even pursue sexual relationships, but it is very uncomfortable to read such detailed descriptions of a horny teenager ogling women. I don't really read books written for women because they usually give priority to romance and love over actual plot while books geared towards men are usually more about loyalty (even in romance). This book however, had Stone always prioritizing Allie over anything else. He reads like a kid with his first crush, so his actions come off as immature and irresponsible. I could not stand it.

That is my second problem with the book (and series overall, I guess). Stone is a teenager in the position of great power. Whether it is being the captain of a ship in a war zone or the Governor on a planet with a hostile invading force, he is not mature or responsible enough to handle his power well. He doesn't do anything wrong, but the way he acts is annoying. He should be one of the lowest ranking people but he's in charge. It's not funny to me, it's not amazing that he's risen up, it's stupid and irresponsible.

Over and over though, the point is made that Stone is in charge and has to make all the final decisions. Despite many more qualified people around him, he has to yes or go to everything. They're all in a life or death situation but they all have to be like "Is that okay Stone. Do I have authority to do this, Stone?"

This could otherwise be a 4 or 5 star book. They plot itself is really interesting.
-Exploring a planet to exploit
-Drascos and DNA mutation
-Invading aliens trying to kill everyone
-A traitor selling everyone out

How everything is presented and handled, though, severely decreased my enjoyment.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic Sophomore Offering

Just when you think you've found a hot series, the second book comes out and breaks into rousing rounds of exposition; leaving characters who were once interesting, lively and witty rather dull, standard and ho hum.

The story no longer a freight train barreling at top speed, but mere jogging at best.

Now Stop! I know a lot of people love Mr. Black and his books, and I am glad you enjoy them. For me, this book stopped the series dead in the water. I just prefer a different type of space opera - more Banksian.

Everyone sees something different in Mister Stone. One reviewer even saw him as a serial killer? In this story his role was subsumed by his DNA, his helplessness, his agoraphobia, and his physical issues. No rock star fantasies here. This was simply a different, slower story with less interesting characters - for me at least. I am not going any further on my ride with Mr. Black, but if this is your cup of tea, have at it.

[Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this book and the series. The main character Stone is very young, about seventeen on a ship full of adults in their twenties or older. His youth shows at several different moments in the book, but that was to be expected, but on the upside he has intelligence. His smarts didn't shine as much as they did in the last book, but it was fun to see him befuddle people with his unconventional methods. He's growing up, literally and emotionally which was very interesting to read about. Stone's pet drascos, (alien species) are with him and they are changing right along with him. The drascos, Jay and Peebee are fun to read about and personally are a book favorite. This book earned it's four stars and I hope you enjoy it.

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read the first one and gave it 2 stars, don't know why I picked this one up but had nothing on my radar and needed something to read.

This book was a mess. Writing style for me was confusing, things didn't flow well. Lot's of repetition of the same points over and over.

Characters do the absolutely dumbest things, and their actions/reactions are completely unrealistic.

Also, for a science fiction book, this has no science. None. Things just are, without even a little bit of trying to explain.


<>

And the worst part is the main characters continued metamorphosis and ability to communicate with his "pets".

[GREGG CORDELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This was another good read from Mr Black. The book is full of action and has a great storyline . You can just about see the planet in your mind and imagine how hard it would be to survive on it . Luckily he has a few friends especially two big ones that call him mama. Great read and fun to read on top of it all . Thank you Alan. Oh and don't forget about the four arm freaks.

[Aleea J. Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open sky, clouds, stars, wind

I suppose if we had been raised inside four walls, a ceiling and floor (or bulkheads, decks etc) we too would be uncomfortable wide a wide open, unfettered sky. Plus plants and animals trying their best to kill us and we would try to stay under cover as much as possible. But that isn't always easy to do. Good book, looking forward to another metal box tale.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This is just such a fun book to read. I like that the author keeps the story lite and entertaining. I really hope that there's a book 3 because I feel like the altar has a lot more to write in this universe.

[M.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than the previous installment. The dialogue isn't so unnatural and stilted, and there's way more action than speaking this time. Aside from the obvious bullshit about DNA mixing, I very much enjoyed this adventure.

[Jessica Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long Live the Drascos!

With only one GLARING suspension-of-disbelief- snapping-out-of biological impossibility, all the xenobiology holds together and the story rocks. And Pee Bee and Jay steal the show. As it should be.

[Laura Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful.

A great continuation of this great series . A thoroughly enjoyable cast of characters within a great array of planet, critters, creatures evil, good aliens, cute aliens. The list goes on !

[Ove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan Black is fast becoming a favorite. This is the second book in the Metal Boxes series and it delivers nice uncomplicated military(ish) sf. Love the hero's love for 'older' women.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually i felt this was better than the first one

[Kathie Zingler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey, what about the piglets?

Good story. Kept my attention. Must be more about Drascos, Stone, and Piglets.. We need another story about them all.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe I enjoyed this more than the first book. I hope there are many more in the pipeline.

[William Hidden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read.

A light entertaining story. A nice pick for a summer night read. A few twists and turns so as to be a little unpredictable.

[Rebecca Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these characters want to read more

[Wilco Roos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel, even better as the first one :-)

[Jesse Deleon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended for up late reading.

I just finished this book and it was prefect for my stay up late reading fix and hope you think so too.