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Star Watch #1
Ricket
The need for Star Watch assistance is heating up within the galaxy. With their resources quickly thinning, Ricket and a small team are sent to Port City, on the planet Eriok. Here Ricket’s adventure begins, and he’ll have to use every bit of his technical cunning to survive, because what’s waiting for him will alter the course—for both Star Watch and Ricket forever. Many light-years away, there’s a new spatial land-grab in process by the Darion Cartel—their expanding fleet of warships, led by Captain Mar Oswaldo, the Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron) of space … a masterful starship captain who’s never been defeated in battle, and he’s ready to come up against the commander of Star Watch, Captain Jason Reynolds. Join the Star Watch team as they encounter both new and old adversaries. Be prepared to say goodbye to a beloved crewmember—one who has been with them since the very beginning.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 13, 2019
Star Watch by Mark Wayne McGinnis is an interesting audible book that was labelled book #1. As I started listening to it, I felt it was was a book 2 or 3 in a series and not the first book. I read some of the reviews and found that the author has another series and used these characters in it and wrote that series first.
I enjoyed the unorthodox space opera feel, it was nice have a freer feel to the system. I did find the characters a little flat but they have intriguing potential! I enjoyed the unique alien life and interactions, the plot, the potential of Boomer.
The narration was adequate with keeping voices straight and emotions appropriate for the scene.
I enjoyed the unorthodox space opera feel, it was nice have a freer feel to the system. I did find the characters a little flat but they have intriguing potential! I enjoyed the unique alien life and interactions, the plot, the potential of Boomer.
The narration was adequate with keeping voices straight and emotions appropriate for the scene.
February 26, 2017
Jerky plot, characters and actions introduced without context, and occasional editorial errors. Most irritating: comparing things in the far future to probably forgotten 20th-century artifacts; for example, saying something was the size of a minivan. And using the noun "bazaar" when the author meant the adjective "bizarre" is just too... well, bizarre! I won't bother with rest of the series.
October 20, 2015
I just couldn't get into it.
January 12, 2021
Ricket is one of my favorite books... and, as it happens, one of my favorite characters. So glad that others appreciate it/him. A very special thank you to Allan Farbman for this over-the-top review. It is very much appreciated:
Allan Farbman
5.0 out of 5 stars Back for the future.
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2015
Verified Purchase
I've been reading science fiction on and off for almost 60 years, and some of my fondest memories are of the pulp-like works of Robert Heinlein and Andre Norton. Ricket, my first read by Mark Wayne McGinnis, strongly reminded me of those days of personal discovery of other universes. The premises, pacing, and resolutions kept my attention from start to finish, leaving me wanting more. Given McGinnis's apparent productivity, I don't think I'll have to wait long.
Even if Heinlein and Norton are unfamiliar names for you, keep Ricket in mind. It's definitely worth a look.
Allan Farbman
5.0 out of 5 stars Back for the future.
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2015
Verified Purchase
I've been reading science fiction on and off for almost 60 years, and some of my fondest memories are of the pulp-like works of Robert Heinlein and Andre Norton. Ricket, my first read by Mark Wayne McGinnis, strongly reminded me of those days of personal discovery of other universes. The premises, pacing, and resolutions kept my attention from start to finish, leaving me wanting more. Given McGinnis's apparent productivity, I don't think I'll have to wait long.
Even if Heinlein and Norton are unfamiliar names for you, keep Ricket in mind. It's definitely worth a look.
October 27, 2018
A well crafted romp
Well constructed, well written, and a good story line. A little bit heavy with phase-shifting and super shields, but what the hell it's science fiction.
Well constructed, well written, and a good story line. A little bit heavy with phase-shifting and super shields, but what the hell it's science fiction.
July 16, 2015
Policing the galaxy is a tough job, but someone's got to do it. "Retired" Captain Jason Reynolds would like to pretend floating around in his backyard pool is all he wants to do, but you can bet the end of the Craing War is not going to be the end of his adventures in space. Star Watch takes Jason and his kickass ship the Minian to all the latest trouble hot spots. There's a new sheriff in town, but there's also disorder in the galaxy in the power vacuum left after the defeat of the Craing.
Luckily Jason can look forward to the help of a new ally, although Leon Pike is technically a deserter and kind of a rascal. And Jason's not the only Reynolds making enemies; Boomer's training hard to earn a nemesis of her very own. It's an action-packed ride to new planets and all kinds of possibilities.
Luckily Jason can look forward to the help of a new ally, although Leon Pike is technically a deserter and kind of a rascal. And Jason's not the only Reynolds making enemies; Boomer's training hard to earn a nemesis of her very own. It's an action-packed ride to new planets and all kinds of possibilities.
November 25, 2020
This is a review from Myles Marcovitch:
Mark is one of my favorite contemporary SF authors. This is a confutation of the long-running "Scrapyard Ship" series. The series features some very far out and creative technological innovations which are used to great effect. It helps to have started the series, in the beginning, to really understand who are the characters and how certain things came to be like how "Mollie" and "Boomer" are twins, but started out as a single child. Mark does not elaborate in this story how that has come to pass. In this case, a new and vile enemy shows itself. It takes the entire crew of the Minian to engage with this force. It's a relatively fast read. Mark doesn't spend too much time describing decor and costumes. He gets down to business quickly and the story moves right along.
Thank you Myles!
Mark is one of my favorite contemporary SF authors. This is a confutation of the long-running "Scrapyard Ship" series. The series features some very far out and creative technological innovations which are used to great effect. It helps to have started the series, in the beginning, to really understand who are the characters and how certain things came to be like how "Mollie" and "Boomer" are twins, but started out as a single child. Mark does not elaborate in this story how that has come to pass. In this case, a new and vile enemy shows itself. It takes the entire crew of the Minian to engage with this force. It's a relatively fast read. Mark doesn't spend too much time describing decor and costumes. He gets down to business quickly and the story moves right along.
Thank you Myles!
July 16, 2015
Jason and crew are back, now as peacekeepers. With the Craing war over, there are those that see the opportunity and plan to seize the moment. So Jason and crew are off, and with The Lilly gone, the Minian becomes Jason's flag ship. The first stop, the Alchieves system, planet Trom. Under attack by a rock like race, Jason and crew fight to save those that remain on the planet and stop the rock like Pharlom.
Mean while, Jason's father heads to the Dacci Commonwealth to try and stop the invasion from the Sahhrain. Jason finds out that he has gone there and has not been heard from since. Heading to the Dacci Commonwealth, Jason finds out that things are not as they seem and not only his ship but also his daughter are keep to the plans of the Sahhrain.
Mean while, Jason's father heads to the Dacci Commonwealth to try and stop the invasion from the Sahhrain. Jason finds out that he has gone there and has not been heard from since. Heading to the Dacci Commonwealth, Jason finds out that things are not as they seem and not only his ship but also his daughter are keep to the plans of the Sahhrain.
February 20, 2016
Aargh! Not again.
I've really enjoyed reading this series. This book, in my opinion, is the best one yet. The frequent change in POV is something that I just had to put up with. It felt like there's a lot of story to tell in a short time so parts of the plot that could have been fleshed out a bit more were left hanging. I'm anticipating short stories to help me gain some closure (pretty please?) We're not even going to mention that ending. Wow! Wait for the next in series is going to be pure torture.
I've really enjoyed reading this series. This book, in my opinion, is the best one yet. The frequent change in POV is something that I just had to put up with. It felt like there's a lot of story to tell in a short time so parts of the plot that could have been fleshed out a bit more were left hanging. I'm anticipating short stories to help me gain some closure (pretty please?) We're not even going to mention that ending. Wow! Wait for the next in series is going to be pure torture.
October 13, 2018
Amazing!!!!
Wow these stories just keep getting better and better. Another epic sci-fi read from one of the true masters of the science fiction realm. Can't say to much without spoiling this return to the series. Just love this author will be looking forward to the next book in this incredible series.
Wow these stories just keep getting better and better. Another epic sci-fi read from one of the true masters of the science fiction realm. Can't say to much without spoiling this return to the series. Just love this author will be looking forward to the next book in this incredible series.
June 29, 2020
Still channeling Heinlein
I grew up on Heinlein, Asimov, and Anderson. This is as good or maybe just maybe a little better. Read al the Tom Corbett Space Cadet books and the Tom Swift Junior too. Kinda got hooked on the series thing. Azimov’s robots, especially. Now I am 77 and hooked on this series.
I grew up on Heinlein, Asimov, and Anderson. This is as good or maybe just maybe a little better. Read al the Tom Corbett Space Cadet books and the Tom Swift Junior too. Kinda got hooked on the series thing. Azimov’s robots, especially. Now I am 77 and hooked on this series.
August 2, 2015
excellent
It's come to the point at which I know that the story will be enjoyable. what the story is about. When I see that mark has written another one, I know it will be an excellent adventure. Thank you
It's come to the point at which I know that the story will be enjoyable. what the story is about. When I see that mark has written another one, I know it will be an excellent adventure. Thank you
March 30, 2019
SiFi opera as it should be.
Gripping creation of characters makes this enjoyable and rewarding read with the storyline developing into a gripping adventure that bodes well for the books to come.
Gripping creation of characters makes this enjoyable and rewarding read with the storyline developing into a gripping adventure that bodes well for the books to come.
December 30, 2019
A bit of a surprise.
A really fun read. All of the required emotions handled very well; action, adventure, excitement and even a touch of romance. Final couple of paragraphs ... outstanding!!
A really fun read. All of the required emotions handled very well; action, adventure, excitement and even a touch of romance. Final couple of paragraphs ... outstanding!!
May 26, 2016
Narrator was not terrible but writing was.
January 19, 2017
Not for me. Plot clunky and didn't work.
May 28, 2018
Once again couldn’t put it down...
If this were a TV or Movie series, it would rank up there with Star Wars, scratch that, even better than!
If this were a TV or Movie series, it would rank up there with Star Wars, scratch that, even better than!
June 22, 2018
Excellent continuation !
Same characters, new job. If you enjoyed the scrap yard series, you'll love this as well. Should you prefer stand alone books . .
Same characters, new job. If you enjoyed the scrap yard series, you'll love this as well. Should you prefer stand alone books . .
January 13, 2019
Yet another great book .
The tale of Jason and his family continue, more space battles. And an end to the villains. Waiting for the next book.
The tale of Jason and his family continue, more space battles. And an end to the villains. Waiting for the next book.
January 20, 2019
A lot more action in the new series!
I just finished and there was a lot more action in the series set in the junkyard universe! A fan!
I just finished and there was a lot more action in the series set in the junkyard universe! A fan!
June 14, 2019
AN amazing run through this universe. The storyline moves and characters are well developed. I just keep reading and reading.....
October 27, 2019
Excellent read, good characters and space buckling drama and well fleshed characters, an enjoyable read in the tradition of MW GcGinnis!
April 14, 2018
Continuation of a silly series
I thought this book was not part of his Scrapyard Ship series, it's not but is part of the same universe. I bailed early after the writer introduced one of the main characters from the original series.
The aliens are cartoonish bad guys, much like the original. The original series ran to flat characters, all of whom focused on the silliest things.The characters are obsessed with naval ranks rather than their real challenges. They also are incredibly ill-equpped for those challenges.
After giving up on the first series, I'm not going to spend a lot of time with this one.
I thought this book was not part of his Scrapyard Ship series, it's not but is part of the same universe. I bailed early after the writer introduced one of the main characters from the original series.
The aliens are cartoonish bad guys, much like the original. The original series ran to flat characters, all of whom focused on the silliest things.The characters are obsessed with naval ranks rather than their real challenges. They also are incredibly ill-equpped for those challenges.
After giving up on the first series, I'm not going to spend a lot of time with this one.
January 27, 2019
Half baked..2 3/4 stars
There are characters and elements of a great story in these pages. Sadly it fails to reach it's potential. Much of the stilted delivery could be smoothed out with a little effort. Instead we are left with a story that is more of a second draft and still more of an outline of what the author is trying to tell. Beta readers and editors may have failed to read the story as written and projected their own ideas and imagination into the voids and gaps that exist in the current edition as published. I know I was tempted to do so.
There are characters and elements of a great story in these pages. Sadly it fails to reach it's potential. Much of the stilted delivery could be smoothed out with a little effort. Instead we are left with a story that is more of a second draft and still more of an outline of what the author is trying to tell. Beta readers and editors may have failed to read the story as written and projected their own ideas and imagination into the voids and gaps that exist in the current edition as published. I know I was tempted to do so.
December 31, 2017
Captain Jason Reynolds is recalled to active duty as new revolutions and enemies enter the known universe. He is appointed to overall command of a interstellar police force. His ex-wife is president of the United States and one of his children is with him an secretly being trained in advanced martial arts by an unseen alien whose hope is that she will defeat a dark evil leader. This is a fast paced science fiction novel and was a free download.
February 15, 2018
I have read this series and will do so again. It runs the whole gamut from interesting sci-fi to very imaginative aliens with about every gadget they have involved. I agree that some of it is on the silly side but overall it makes for interesting - page turning reading. I keep looking for more from this author who has kept my attention for awhile now. Each new book is it's own and yet they let you know who and what series they are following.
I like this guy!
I like this guy!
March 27, 2021
Enjoyed this book.
Good read with plenty of excitement. At times, a bit difficult to follow all the stories as they unfold. Please consider reading the whole series since character development carries throughout all books.
Good read with plenty of excitement. At times, a bit difficult to follow all the stories as they unfold. Please consider reading the whole series since character development carries throughout all books.
May 25, 2017
Anti-climatic
Good read. Anti-climatic ending. Just like the first Jaws movie. Kept reading, hoping it would get better. It never did.
Good read. Anti-climatic ending. Just like the first Jaws movie. Kept reading, hoping it would get better. It never did.
July 10, 2024
I Ferrari g
Learned a lot about Ricket. That's one of the more interesting characters in the last and now this series. All in all a good read!
Learned a lot about Ricket. That's one of the more interesting characters in the last and now this series. All in all a good read!
January 5, 2016
Although I kind of liked it, I can't get myself to give his book more than 3 stars.
There is a lot of tech (almost too much), aliens and action going on plus I always wanted to read on on one side; but the main characters behave partilly unrealistic, the time frame is unclear and sometimes unrealistic, too on the other. Oddly, it feels like I should know a lot about the main characters already (which made me feel a little lost). I do not really see the point of the first third (the freeing of Trom) as it appears the main story is about the Sahhrain; so although that first part is not bad - it does not really bring the story forward. And it feels strange that the Pharlom are such an easy opponent.
Unrealistic: yeah it's just scifi - but to fight a battle with thousands of casualties on "our" side (with a no more than "oh well" attitude) and then go off on a mega high-risk rescue mission to save just one person is ... at least ... weird/ flying to a planet from a spaceship that does not even orbit that planet, find the way through a subtrranean maze and through a hidden portal - in about 10min? c'mon...
Altogether a good scifi read - with edges...
There is a lot of tech (almost too much), aliens and action going on plus I always wanted to read on on one side; but the main characters behave partilly unrealistic, the time frame is unclear and sometimes unrealistic, too on the other. Oddly, it feels like I should know a lot about the main characters already (which made me feel a little lost). I do not really see the point of the first third (the freeing of Trom) as it appears the main story is about the Sahhrain; so although that first part is not bad - it does not really bring the story forward. And it feels strange that the Pharlom are such an easy opponent.
Unrealistic: yeah it's just scifi - but to fight a battle with thousands of casualties on "our" side (with a no more than "oh well" attitude) and then go off on a mega high-risk rescue mission to save just one person is ... at least ... weird/ flying to a planet from a spaceship that does not even orbit that planet, find the way through a subtrranean maze and through a hidden portal - in about 10min? c'mon...
Altogether a good scifi read - with edges...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews