In Ashes Born

A Seeker’s Tale #1

by Nathan Lowell

An old friend. A new course. A deadly ship with a secret cargo. Ishmael Wang returns to Port Newmar but ghosts from his past have followed him. His old shipmate, Phillip Carstairs, offers him the opportunity to track down the man who killed his lover. The catch? He must take command of the Chernyakova, a ship that still stinks of death and haunts Ishmael’s nightmares. Together, Phillip and Ismael begin a journey into unknown reaches of the Deep Dark to bring back the man who killed Greta.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Fiction, Audiobook, Space, Science Fiction Fantasy, Amazon

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2015

About the author

Nathan Lowell has been a writer for more than forty years, and first entered the literary world by podcasting his novels. His sci-fi series, The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper grew from his long time fascination with space opera and his own experiences shipboard in the United States Coast Guard. Unlike most works which focus on a larger-than-life hero (prophesized savior, charismatic captain, or exiled prince), Nathan centers on the people behind the scenes--ordinary men and women trying to make a living in the depths of space. In his novels, there are no bug-eyed monsters, or galactic space battles, instead he paints a richly vivid and realistic world where the "hero" uses hard work and his own innate talents to improve his station and the lives of those of his community.

Dr. Nathan Lowell holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology with specializations in Distance Education and Instructional Design. He also holds an M.A. in Educational Technology and a BS in Business Administration. He grew up on the south coast of Maine and is strongly rooted in the maritime heritage of the sea-farer. He served in the USCG from 1970 to 1975, seeing duty aboard a cutter on hurricane patrol in the North Atlantic and at a communications station in Kodiak, Alaska. He currently lives in the plains east of the Rocky Mountains with his wife and two daughters.

Awards & Recognition
2008 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for Full Share
2008 Podiobooks Founder's Choice Award for Double Share
2008 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for South Coast
2009 Podiobooks Founder's Choice Award for Captain's Share
2009 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for Double Share
4 out of 10 Books on Podiobooks.com Top Overall Rated by Votes (2. Double Share, 3. Quarter Share, 5. Full Share, 8. Half Share) -- as of Jan 4, 2009
6 out of 10 Books on Podiobooks.com Top Overall Rating (1. Ravenwood, 2. Quarter Share, 3. Double share, 4. Captain's Share, 5. Full Share, 7. South Coast) -- as of Jan 4, 2009

Reviews

[Zoe's Dad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I couldn't put down. My only disappointment was finishing it too soon. Now I can't wait for the next in this series.

[JasonA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new series begins a few months after the end of Owner's Share. Ishmael is still dealing with the events of the previous book and returns to Port Newmar to try to heal. Some familiar faces return to the series and a new adventure begins.

This whole trilogy are probably my favorite Ishmael books, so far. This whole series is pretty solid. It brings the best parts of the original series and leaves out the things that didn't work so well. The only real issue I have is that Lowell changes some of the terminology introduced here in future books, so it always throws me a little when reading this one. I keep hoping for an update to correct it.

[DWR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so relieved!

I admit it. I ranted and railed against the ending of Owners Share. I wrote mean reviews. I was angry. I've come to love these books, the characters and the wonderful writing style. Owners's Share was a depressing conclusion to that story line. This book was clearly a return to the magical formula that made the other books so special. If you've read this far in the series, I suspect you know what I mean. There's really nothing more to be said than thank you Mr. Lowell. Well done.

[Teresa Carrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up late to finish the same day I started the book. Sooooooo nice to have Ishmael Wang back, and several other familiar faces too.

This is space opera, but it focuses on characterization and cleverness, not battles. You do not need to have read the other Solar Clipper books, but if you haven't read Quarter Share yet it is also five stars, and is the first book about Ishmael Wang. If I have counted correctly, this makes the seventh book about Ish. Quarter Share is in my set of comfort books, and In Ashes Born is joining it. Highly recommended.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to have another Ishmael Wang series starting. The thing about Ishmael is that he is just so likeable. You can't help but root for him.

There isn't much action in this, but there is some conflict and a few real surprises. And of course, Ish deals with them both with his normal understated brilliance.

My only complaint is that this is definitely the first of a series. Not quite what I'd call a cliffhanger, but it leaves you strongly wanting more.

Also, if you haven't read the first Ish series, starting with Quarter Share, I would strongly recommend that you read that series first. It's six books, but most of them go really quickly.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyable. Nathan Lowell makes the mundane day to day life as crew, or captain, of a trading star ship come alive. And makes it interesting. Great characters, very positive outlooks, good camaraderie, humanity in a soft light. 2020 re-read: I re-read it in two sessions, separated by the need for some sleep! So good!

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it! It was good to see familiar characters again!

11/20 reread! I enjoyed the story, especially the tour of the ship!

2022 reread! It's still a favorite!
2025 reread! Ish is getting his act together!
2026 reread for Space Opera group

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally wonderful story.

[Enemymind · Rating 1 out of 5]

RIP Nathan Lowell.

the only explanation for this book is that he died mid way through writing it, and his publisher just slapped on a two-page ending and called it a day.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"First thing, feed the crew." I think I am a little grateful that Nathan has taken some time between his books. When I get drawn into his universe, I usually forget to eat at least once if not several meals...

Was it worth the wait? DEFINATELY! Was it everything I had hoped? No. Like some of the characters in his stories, Nathan tends to give us what we need, not what we ask for. Once I realized this was the case with Ashes, I settled down to enjoy the ride.

We get to see a lot of the original crew twenty years grown. The change has been good for almost everyone. Ishmael meets up with Pip again and Pip has a plan (doesn't he always?) Only this plan involves the Chernykova (the death ship from "Captain's Share") and Ishmael will need to confront those demons along with the others he still faces if he wants to be involved. Like so many of Nathan's stories; this feels complete but leaves me wanting so much more...

**Update 4.25.2019**
Has it really been three and a half years? I'm not sure if this was my second or third time through but I still enjoy this story. I like the old friends who return and I still get choked up over #1 Sponge.
I've got my son reading these now. It's wonderful to share such a great story with him.

[Bluecobras09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ishmael is back!!! Ishmael and Pip are back together for the first time in 20 stan years. With the horrible events that happened to Ishmael, he sold off his company and returned to Newmar where he an Pip went to the officers academy to try and find himself. His normal confidence broken and his ability to pick the direction of his life gone. Pip leads him is to a new chapter of his life that may be just what he needed.

Nathan has gone places with the Ishmael that I just cannot get enough of. The stories are so well written and they just seem to grab me and not let go. I can't wait for the next book.

Start with the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper if you have not read it already, this is a must read.

[The Man from DelMonte · Rating 2 out of 5]

The love child of Clifford Simak and Fred Pohl

The thing that grates is that this supposed to be set 350 years in the future. Sure there's some rockets and stuff but otherwise 2370 just feels like contemporary America. Try winding the clock 350 years in the other direction and you get to 1670. Bit different from 2020. There's nothing in this tale to indicate that three and a half centuries have passed.
The opening third of the book just about drowns in folksiness but the tempo picks up a bit after that, and it reads smoothly enough to the end, but it's all just scene setting for the inevitable sequel(s)
This was also suggested to me as space opera. "Zirn left unguarded …" (Robert Sheckley) is space opera, "In Ashes Born" is not.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, wonderful, another Nathan Lowell book! A good read - it had felt a bit in the previous book like the series was getting away from him, but here it feels more like he's taking it back to its origins, and does a good job. I enjoyed it, and there just have to be more, from where it ends.

The worst part of a Nathan Lowell book - finding you've come to the last page. I look forward to the next one. I got this one through Kindle Unlimited, but I'm going to go back and buy the ebook so I'll have it permanently.

[Bronwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy to be back in the world of the Solar Clippers and Ishmael Wang. Along with the wonderful Captain Wang, Nathan Lowell brings us a glimpse of other characters we have loved and Pip! This is a great set up for the new series, but please start at the beginning and read Quarter Share to get the full effect.

[Bernard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series that I have read. It was almost all background, with little action. It seemed to me that most of the text set the background...

The entire book goes from the main character trying to recover from a personal issue to the main character getting ready for the next book in the series.

It was not exciting.

[Andrew Jeffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prodigal son returns!

This is really fantastic. I'm so excited that Ishmael Wong is back! I think the only bad thing I can say is now I have wait for the next one and I don't like waiting.

[Rich Van Ollefen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Traders Tales books. This first of the next Chapter of Ishmael's journey did not disappoint. I'm not a fan of ebooks, only bought a couple, all by Nathan Lowell.

Read it, you'll like it

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I thought the tales of Ishmael Wang were over but I'm so glad I was wrong! I can't stop reading these books, and I don't care. They are comforting as all hell, like coming home after a long time away.

[Dan Absalonson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how he does it. These books are like no Sci-Fi I've ever read. They are more akin to classical literature where not much happens externally in these quiet beautiful stories, but a lot is going on internally in the main character. This book was written with heart. I really enjoyed the many quiet scenes and descriptions of good meals among old friends. It's certainly a treat for those of us who set off on our first voyage with Ishmael when he was but a kitchen rat who knew how to make good coffee. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the next book in the series. Time to set sail once again with some of the old crew and some new friends. Nathan's done it again.

[Sotolf Flasskjegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, just wow, this book was a blast, I just love the universe that Nathan Lowell has created, the characters that lives in it. The whole world just feels more real than I have had books give me in a long time. I can't really come up with anything bad to say about it. I loved it, if you're reading this, just do yourself a favour and read at least the first book of the series. just so it.

if the next one in the series is half as good as this one it will still be one of my favourites. But I'll stop praising right now, the next one in the series is waiting for me!

[Scott Somerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you have everything and have lost everything?

Six books ago, we met an 18-year-old named Ishmael Horatio Wang who had nowhere to go but the stars. By the end of the “Traders’ Tales” series, Captain Wang owned his own ship and lost his true love. Where does an author go from there?

I am happy to report that our author, Nathan Lowell, goes deep. Captain Wang is back in action, and he isn’t just buying another ship and slipping on his captain’s stars again. Well, he is buying another ship and he is back in the captain’s chair, but it’s anything but “just.”

[Sind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to this book was like catching up with an old friend. I am happy the story continues after the devastating end of the previous book.
But most of all, I am happy to get lost in the relaxing slow pace of Nathan’s storytelling.

[Dan Kenkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a new series but in actuality I think it's just a continuation of the Trader's Tales series, which I really enjoyed. This book was easy to get into and a really enjoyable listen. However I think I'm looking to explore a bit more before committing to a new series using old characters.

[Bety Cajica · Rating 4 out of 5]

De mis primeras lecturas oficiales en Space Opera.
Un poco pesado el arranque, pero conforme avanza, se pone todo muy interesante.

[Jason Braida · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Ashes Born. A Seeker’s Tale by Nathan Lowell (Solar Clipper #7)

Rating Clarification: 4.5stars

I have been a fan of Nathan Lowell’s for a number of years now so when I received an e-mail last week announcing the publication of a new book in his Solar Clipper series I moved it to the top of my “To Be Read” list and immediately started it. Given that at any point in time I have between 20 and 25 books on that list, to jump one to the head of the line is a big deal (for me at least). For those who are not familiar with Mr. Lowell’s Solar Clipper series, this is science fiction about the work-a-day man. His main character, Ishmael Wang, was orphaned as a young man. Unfortunately he happened to be living on company world where his deceased mother had been an employee and having lost his mother thus lost his right to live there. In desperation and facing deportation for not having gainful employment with the planetary corporation, he signed aboard a solar clipper, essentially the 24th century’s interstellar equivalent of an ocean going bulk carrier, as a very junior crewmember. The first five books in the series chronical his advancement through the ranks of the merchant service and in the sixth he becomes the owner of his own vessel.

If it sounds boring…well it isn’t. While it is true that there are no space battles or grand political intrigues, there is enough human drama to keep the stories moving. But what these books offer, more than anything else, is a glimpse of the lives of the worker bees of the 24th century. Nathan Lowell’s characters are, for the most part, members of the 99%, not the 1%.

In Owner’s Share, the up until now last and 6th book of the series, Ishmael’s world came crashing down around him as the kind of events which are featured in most science fiction are introduced into the stories. He emerged from that book a rich man but one that is deeply troubled following the murder of his girlfriend and a harrowing experience as the leader of a salvage team aboard a derelict solar clipper which had a serious malfunction resulting in the death of its crew. This is where we meet him at the beginning of In Ashes Born, having fled back to Port Newmar, the merchant services officer training academy, to heal and recuperate. There Mr Lowell reintroduces into the story some familiar characters from Ishmael’s past including one Phillip “Pip” Carstairs, and while I won’t give too much of the plot away, needless to say Pip makes Ishmael an offer he can’t refuse.

I enjoyed In Ashes Born. It did seem to drag a little in spots but in the end this was a book about a new beginning for the main character and, it has to be noted, Ishmael had a lot of emotional baggage to sort through and purge in the book’s opening chapters. This process does not happen particularly quickly and I must admit there were a few moments when I wanted to shake Ishmael and tell him to snap out of it and get back to the deep dark. In Ashes Born is also the first in a new series, “A Seeker’s Tale”, featuring Ishmael Wang and the Solar Clipper universe. So I think Mr Lowell can be forgiven for taking his time setting the stage for what will hopefully be a number of entertaining novels to come. In terms of the story line, In Ashes Born does pick up where Owner’s Share left off. Mr. Lowell’s focus on the day to day workings of life aboard a solar clipper has gradually been replaced by the kind of plots that are more familiar to science fiction readers, featuring contact with shadowy criminal organizations operating outside of the law and settled space, contact that eventually led to Ishmael’s girlfriend being killed by an assassin who was attempting to murder a fellow crew member. In Ashes Born continues this plot transformation as Ishmael and Pip prepare to take their new ship out into the dark away from the law and established order of settled space in hopes of finding and taking revenge on the man and organization who was responsible for this crime.

So all in all I highly recommend In Ashes Born to those who are already fans of the Solar Clipper universe. For those who are looking for a different space opera experience I highly recommend that you download a copy of Quarter Share from Kindle, the first in the Solar Clipper series, and follow the exploits and career of Ishmael Horatio Wang from the very beginning.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, the series continues in a new series. I feel releaved. I love the feel to his stories they are just so mundanely beautiful.

[Andreas · Rating 4 out of 5]

While billed as the start of a new series, this book is a direct sequel to the Trader's Tales From the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper series. The break has its logic in the new direction for the life of our protagonis. At the end of the previous book, Ishmael Wang had achieved his goal of becoming a captain. He is a independently wealthy and does not need to work ever again. This leaves him feeling at loose ends, so he returns to the academy for some soul searching and perhaps the discovery of a new purpose. His very old friend Pip shows up to drag him along in a new venture, and maybe find some closure regarding the events in Owner's Share.

For fans of the series, this book will feel familiar. Ishmael and Pip may be older and wiser but they remain an entertaining pair. Mr. Lowell has developed a high skill in writing dialogue. The events in this book, as in previous ones, are far from epic, but they are as ever quietly entertaining. And while certainly one could criticize the author for creating a future where culture everywhere is a ludicrously homogeneous American idyll, or for ignoring quite a few logical fallacies in the economic model of society, that would just take away from the fun.

http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=1976

[Jesse Armstrong · Rating 2 out of 5]

What in the hell did I just read!?

360 pages and no plot. No conflict. Why does this book have an average rating of 4.5 stars? Did we get different versions of the book? 3/4 of the way through the book and there are 3 chapters on designing a logo. A. Logo. I've never experienced a book like this. Endless conversations about beer and coffee. Not like interesting conversations... Conversations about cleaning coffee urns and how much coffee you'll need for a whole crew. Pages and pages and pages. And when something does happen ( and I mean barely ) it doesn't even make sense. Why is any of this happening? This book only has one antagonist. And he only appears in the last quarter of the book. And he doesn't really do anything. And he's defeated easily. That's the only source of conflict in the entire book. I guess I just don't get it. You people who are rating this 4 and 5 stars. Why? What do you see in this book? What am I missing? The prose is fine, except for the extremely irritating affection of the word sir (sar). I even actually liked the characters, as they walked around doing nothing. This book could have been 60 pages and covered everything in a more appropriate amount of detail, and functioned as the first act of the actual story; which never came.

[Dave Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues, but feels more like fiction
In the main series, Quarter Share - Owner's Share This world feels so real. It has that ring of truth.
This addition picks-up almost where the main series left it, but there has been an element of drama added that changes the tone.
-UPDATE- I've now read this book for the forth time and I love it a little more each time. I think part of the reason I didn't like this one as much the first time is that it deals with subjects I wasn't ready to handle when I first read it. The more I re-read this book the more impressed I am with the skill & delicacy Nathan Lowell uses to tell a nuanced story of the enduring human spirit.

[David Silverman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It just gets better

This book is marvelous. Ish is happy again. Solving problems both in himself, and in the Deep Dark. It was great to see old friends.
The Celts say a good friend is a good mirror.
Ish has those people surrounding him in case lots.
I enjoyed the therapy scenes. I'm in the trade and I even picked up a few hints.
Buy it. I'm going to read it again.
Is there a podcast?