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Adrian Tarn #4
Dark Vengeance
It was to be a luxury cruise to the planet Enuro for the purpose of bringing the newly refit Starship Electra back to Earth. For Adrian Tarn, and R.J. Smith the trip was a long overdue vacation until someone or something began murdering the guests. As the two struggle to understand what is happening, they discover the situation is actually much worse than anyone realizes. The only question remaining is; do you dare join them aboard the Starship Star Seven? (Standalone, 4th book in the Adrian Tarn series)
- GenresScience Fiction
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2015
37 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 9, 2022
OMG! What an escapade!
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There are a few errors, the most glaring for me being the use of the word repopulate as opposed to the correct repatriate, but it honestly does not impact the book in a negative manner.
That's because the plotline is so fast paced, the reader is drawn into the world of Adrian Tarn and nothing prevents you making the journey.
It's good quality old school adventure story telling at its best and I adore the series.
There are a couple of sex scenes so lightly written they are over within a few erudite sentences.
I don't think there is any swearing at all in this instalment, and considering the obstacles overcome it's a testament to the author and the command of English (boo-boo's excepted)
There are some sci fi descriptors used to enhance the story and engage the reader and the descriptors place you firmly into the situation the author is expressing.
I read a negative review of this book where the reviewer stated the end was rushed - it certainty isn't, and the use of phase shifting was out of the blue.
Let me tell you, the phase shifting is introduced and explored, examined and thought through and finally addressed over quite a few pages. So I don't know where the reviewer is coming from, maybe they felt it should have been longer, but that's not the story the author wrote.
I have no problem recommending the series but would advise reading from the beginning to obtain the best reading experience.
I can't wait to read the next book.
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There are a few errors, the most glaring for me being the use of the word repopulate as opposed to the correct repatriate, but it honestly does not impact the book in a negative manner.
That's because the plotline is so fast paced, the reader is drawn into the world of Adrian Tarn and nothing prevents you making the journey.
It's good quality old school adventure story telling at its best and I adore the series.
There are a couple of sex scenes so lightly written they are over within a few erudite sentences.
I don't think there is any swearing at all in this instalment, and considering the obstacles overcome it's a testament to the author and the command of English (boo-boo's excepted)
There are some sci fi descriptors used to enhance the story and engage the reader and the descriptors place you firmly into the situation the author is expressing.
I read a negative review of this book where the reviewer stated the end was rushed - it certainty isn't, and the use of phase shifting was out of the blue.
Let me tell you, the phase shifting is introduced and explored, examined and thought through and finally addressed over quite a few pages. So I don't know where the reviewer is coming from, maybe they felt it should have been longer, but that's not the story the author wrote.
I have no problem recommending the series but would advise reading from the beginning to obtain the best reading experience.
I can't wait to read the next book.
November 7, 2020
Two in one
There are two stories in this book told in sequence with little relationship. The first is an exciting episode similar to critters in space (episode 4). We have to chase down an unkillable creature that's been set loose on a luxury liner that loves to suck your brains out. After surviving, our pair get to master a star ship being sent to conquer a bunch of slave traders and return their slaves to their homes. That's when we meet up with some Silantian spiders. Why we meet them is unknown since we really don't meet them, and they contribute very little to the story. I consider the second story to be boring. The first story, although exciting is kind of like I Love Lucy. You keep screaming "take that canister and space it before it becomes unsealed."
There are two stories in this book told in sequence with little relationship. The first is an exciting episode similar to critters in space (episode 4). We have to chase down an unkillable creature that's been set loose on a luxury liner that loves to suck your brains out. After surviving, our pair get to master a star ship being sent to conquer a bunch of slave traders and return their slaves to their homes. That's when we meet up with some Silantian spiders. Why we meet them is unknown since we really don't meet them, and they contribute very little to the story. I consider the second story to be boring. The first story, although exciting is kind of like I Love Lucy. You keep screaming "take that canister and space it before it becomes unsealed."
January 10, 2019
Great but Disappointing
Awesome book. Suspenseful and full of action and surprise but hated the end. I kind of understood why he broke the link between them but I think it was stupid. Don’t want to give anything away for those reading but it’s the only time in this series I’ve been slightly disappointed. She deserved better lol.
Awesome book. Suspenseful and full of action and surprise but hated the end. I kind of understood why he broke the link between them but I think it was stupid. Don’t want to give anything away for those reading but it’s the only time in this series I’ve been slightly disappointed. She deserved better lol.
December 30, 2020
Love the series.
Written in the first person, which I like. The situations and scenarios, even though they are not based in our reality, seem very real in the story. The main story ends so it is not a cliffhanger but it sets you up for the next story. It's not absolutely necessary to read these in order but I recommend it because it makes more sense if you do. I am looking forward to the next one.
Written in the first person, which I like. The situations and scenarios, even though they are not based in our reality, seem very real in the story. The main story ends so it is not a cliffhanger but it sets you up for the next story. It's not absolutely necessary to read these in order but I recommend it because it makes more sense if you do. I am looking forward to the next one.
January 6, 2021
Entertaining read
Dark Vengeance (book 4) is a will written novel with the usual interesting well developed characters. The story line is fast moving with the main character leading the good guys to victory over the bad guys. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys will written novels. Enjoy reading 2015
Dark Vengeance (book 4) is a will written novel with the usual interesting well developed characters. The story line is fast moving with the main character leading the good guys to victory over the bad guys. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys will written novels. Enjoy reading 2015
September 15, 2022
A fun read
This book is a fun read, and, in someways a throwback to the science fiction of an earlier age…many parts of this reminded me of the books written by E.E, “Doc” Smith. Nothing intellectually challenging here…but sometimes you need that.
It helps to read the earlier books in the series for context.
This book is a fun read, and, in someways a throwback to the science fiction of an earlier age…many parts of this reminded me of the books written by E.E, “Doc” Smith. Nothing intellectually challenging here…but sometimes you need that.
It helps to read the earlier books in the series for context.
November 5, 2016
Good space opera
Adrian Tarn is a good character, reminiscent of Travis McGee. The story is almost too much for a single book, but interesting. The dialog is a bit stilted but Adrian's musings are the highlight of the book.
Adrian Tarn is a good character, reminiscent of Travis McGee. The story is almost too much for a single book, but interesting. The dialog is a bit stilted but Adrian's musings are the highlight of the book.
June 9, 2020
Another fabulous read
Wow another fabulous read I am so looking forward to reading about the next adventure with captain tarn and rj Smith I hope it carries on so I can get the fix I now need with only 2 left I do hope it does not stop there but we will see .
Wow another fabulous read I am so looking forward to reading about the next adventure with captain tarn and rj Smith I hope it carries on so I can get the fix I now need with only 2 left I do hope it does not stop there but we will see .
August 29, 2017
Well
Not disappointed another good read .I'm beginning to enjoy myself .you will not be sorry you read these book s.get a life and read these they won't disappoint.ian
Not disappointed another good read .I'm beginning to enjoy myself .you will not be sorry you read these book s.get a life and read these they won't disappoint.ian
April 29, 2018
Good book
Great read can't wait for the next installment or our heroes. Hopefully we will get to jump onto a new place at a fast pace.
Great read can't wait for the next installment or our heroes. Hopefully we will get to jump onto a new place at a fast pace.
March 11, 2019
Decent last book in a Space Opera series
May 31, 2019
Good read
Somewhat disappointing end. Wish they engaged the anthropoids on XiTau. A bit anticlimactic; but perhaps we will learn more in a future novel.
Somewhat disappointing end. Wish they engaged the anthropoids on XiTau. A bit anticlimactic; but perhaps we will learn more in a future novel.
March 13, 2020
Not bad
I've read a couple of the series and it's not bad. Pretty decent characterization and progression. Nice world building. Worth the money.
I've read a couple of the series and it's not bad. Pretty decent characterization and progression. Nice world building. Worth the money.
September 14, 2020
Another really solid book in the series. Great characters and a storyline that keeps you hooked :)
November 6, 2020
A very good read
A very good read from the start of the series. I have read four books and I am looking forward to reading the next 2 books.
A very good read from the start of the series. I have read four books and I am looking forward to reading the next 2 books.
November 22, 2020
He is so creative ..never really know where the book is heading.
March 17, 2022
Fantastic
Love E R Mason...great storyteller...always exciting and the stories have great flow...I have read and re read his books and will read them again
Love E R Mason...great storyteller...always exciting and the stories have great flow...I have read and re read his books and will read them again
January 7, 2016
I enjoy this series, because Adrian Tarn's self-talk is completely different from mine. But after a while, I flip ahead looking for the story to move, and away from the self-talk or polite dialog. That's just me, wanting to know what happens next.
This book takes Adrian and RJ on a new adventure, without Wilson or Danica. It's a haunted ship story. There's a girl - isn't there always a girl? - and a monster to beat. I liked the Star Seven and the Electra, they are fantastic ships. The food was apparently good too. I gained two pounds just reading about all of the eating they were doing.
If I have a quibble here, it's that the action at the end of the book seemed like it was just tacked on to the haunted ship book. On reflection, there wasn't much to tell there, but it didn't feel like it was part of the same story.
I will read the next one, if there is one. I like our merry band.
This book takes Adrian and RJ on a new adventure, without Wilson or Danica. It's a haunted ship story. There's a girl - isn't there always a girl? - and a monster to beat. I liked the Star Seven and the Electra, they are fantastic ships. The food was apparently good too. I gained two pounds just reading about all of the eating they were doing.
If I have a quibble here, it's that the action at the end of the book seemed like it was just tacked on to the haunted ship book. On reflection, there wasn't much to tell there, but it didn't feel like it was part of the same story.
I will read the next one, if there is one. I like our merry band.
January 24, 2016
If you are looking for scientific speculation, intricate world-building, or deep character exploration, this book will disappoint you. On the other hand, if a fast-paced space adventure is what you want, _Dark Vengeance_ will be quite entertaining.
Adrian Tarn is an experienced space officer known for getting into -- and out of -- trouble. Earth, still relatively new to the interplanetary cooperation, sends Tarn to pick up a ship that was heavily modernized and almost entirely rebuilt by a friendly, advanced civilization. Both his trip there on a passenger liner, and his return are full of adventure, deadly intrigue, sexy aliens, and ultimately war. It's fun, and quite enjoyable, although the plot does not benefit from close reading -- too many inconsistencies. Despite the fast-moving and often superficial plot, the main character and some of the secondary ones are well-portrayed and appealing.
Adrian Tarn is an experienced space officer known for getting into -- and out of -- trouble. Earth, still relatively new to the interplanetary cooperation, sends Tarn to pick up a ship that was heavily modernized and almost entirely rebuilt by a friendly, advanced civilization. Both his trip there on a passenger liner, and his return are full of adventure, deadly intrigue, sexy aliens, and ultimately war. It's fun, and quite enjoyable, although the plot does not benefit from close reading -- too many inconsistencies. Despite the fast-moving and often superficial plot, the main character and some of the secondary ones are well-portrayed and appealing.
September 9, 2017
I am having dreams of Tarn and RJ, new Electra. Awesome series.
As always Commander Tarn, Oops Captain Tarn has a way of sweeping you off our feet with his bravery and courage and RJ just sniffs out any potential danger and makes this adventure more and more interesting. If you haven't read the Tarn series, then no point trying to describe what kind of dope is it. These days, I am having dreams of new Electra and Griffin.
E.R. Mason, Thank You for this wonderful piece of work. You are just awesome at this. I'm off to Norse Mythology series now. But just bought Mu Arae, I'm sure I won't be able to resist for long.
As always Commander Tarn, Oops Captain Tarn has a way of sweeping you off our feet with his bravery and courage and RJ just sniffs out any potential danger and makes this adventure more and more interesting. If you haven't read the Tarn series, then no point trying to describe what kind of dope is it. These days, I am having dreams of new Electra and Griffin.
E.R. Mason, Thank You for this wonderful piece of work. You are just awesome at this. I'm off to Norse Mythology series now. But just bought Mu Arae, I'm sure I won't be able to resist for long.
November 1, 2015
The e.r. mason books keep getting better.
The pattern of a first story of an interesting journey leading to a second story leads me to think I am getting two for one deals. Great action, a few very interesting new characters and a passing nod to old characters. Great action and character development. But read the series in order. It makes for a better read and it is great inexpensive entertainment. First book or two are free. Regardless, this book is a great read for me, and my 11 year old daughters love some of the sub-stories in each book
The pattern of a first story of an interesting journey leading to a second story leads me to think I am getting two for one deals. Great action, a few very interesting new characters and a passing nod to old characters. Great action and character development. But read the series in order. It makes for a better read and it is great inexpensive entertainment. First book or two are free. Regardless, this book is a great read for me, and my 11 year old daughters love some of the sub-stories in each book
October 31, 2015
Like an old friend
E. R. Mason has done it again with Dark Vengeance. Adrian Tarn is like an old friend with really great stories. Dark Vengeance, like the other adventures of Adrian and R. J., could almost be two or three separate books, with our 2 heroes getting into misadventures several times in a story that just never stops. Like all their other adventures, I can't wait until I see Adrian and R. J. again.
E. R. Mason has done it again with Dark Vengeance. Adrian Tarn is like an old friend with really great stories. Dark Vengeance, like the other adventures of Adrian and R. J., could almost be two or three separate books, with our 2 heroes getting into misadventures several times in a story that just never stops. Like all their other adventures, I can't wait until I see Adrian and R. J. again.
October 19, 2015
Wonderful installation of the Tarn books
I am surprised at the ending. I loved the book. Twists and jags all throughout the story. Made me happy!
But Mr. Mason needs better proofreading staff. I volunteer!
I am surprised at the ending. I loved the book. Twists and jags all throughout the story. Made me happy!
But Mr. Mason needs better proofreading staff. I volunteer!
October 18, 2015
Excellent
Never a dissapointment. It could have easily turned into more books. The head sucker was brilliant and thrilling. Hurry up and write the next one! We all await impatiently. Thank you.
Never a dissapointment. It could have easily turned into more books. The head sucker was brilliant and thrilling. Hurry up and write the next one! We all await impatiently. Thank you.
November 27, 2015
Mason does it again -kept me up all night reading.
I have read all of the author's books, and can not wait for the next. Pure science fiction with some views of real life issues added. Looking forward to many stories about crystal skulls, and other adventures.
I have read all of the author's books, and can not wait for the next. Pure science fiction with some views of real life issues added. Looking forward to many stories about crystal skulls, and other adventures.
December 10, 2015
Adrian Tarn is a great character
I have read the Tarn series and was glad this adventure continues. There's still an open ending to Adrian's story so hopefully there will be more in the future.
I have read the Tarn series and was glad this adventure continues. There's still an open ending to Adrian's story so hopefully there will be more in the future.
March 10, 2016
Great Reading
This is the third E.R.Mason book I read. All of them are comfortable reading and the subject matter captivating. I find the characters or heroes entertaining. They are in all the books. I am bold enough to claim Mason is one of the best sci fi authors.
This is the third E.R.Mason book I read. All of them are comfortable reading and the subject matter captivating. I find the characters or heroes entertaining. They are in all the books. I am bold enough to claim Mason is one of the best sci fi authors.
January 4, 2016
Luxury cruise to collect a refitted starship turns into a nightmare for Adrian Tarn as fellow passengers are murdered. Fast paced, some humour, some mystery and some intriguing aliens.
March 26, 2016
Some of the best series of books I have read.
December 11, 2016
Really enjoyed this book
Again Adrian gets into and out of the most amazing escapades. He and RJ make a brilliant team plus hello again Wilson. Glad this ended as it did!
Again Adrian gets into and out of the most amazing escapades. He and RJ make a brilliant team plus hello again Wilson. Glad this ended as it did!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews