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Galactic Empires: Seven Novels of Deep Space Adventure
Eight full-length novels of adventure, war, intrigue and survival in the far reaches of space.
The Backworlds by M. Pax
A man struggles to survive in the harsh world of humanity's outer settlements and prove his father wrong.
Ambassador 1: Seeing Red by Patty Jansen
To look an alien superior in the eye is a deadly offense. To accuse him of a political murder…
Alien Hunters by Daniel Arenson
A scruffy alien pest controller faces an alien threat the likes of which the universe has never seen.
Hard Duty by Mark E. Cooper
Hostile aliens nearly eradicated humanity. Will the next encounter finish the job?
Bypass Gemini by Joseph Lallo
A disgraced racer pilot gets mixed up with a mega-corporation. Now he has to stop them.
Sky Hunter by Chris Reher
Sent to a human outpost to investigate sabotage, a pilot finds more trouble than she bargained for.
The Galapagos Incident by Felix Savage
A genocidal AI attacks the solar system, and a Space Corps agent has one chance of saving a bunch of asteroid squatters she was sent to evict.
First Conquest by David VanDyke
To find a home and keep humanity safe from hostile aliens, Task Force Conquest must fight to seize a new star system.
The Backworlds by M. Pax
A man struggles to survive in the harsh world of humanity's outer settlements and prove his father wrong.
Ambassador 1: Seeing Red by Patty Jansen
To look an alien superior in the eye is a deadly offense. To accuse him of a political murder…
Alien Hunters by Daniel Arenson
A scruffy alien pest controller faces an alien threat the likes of which the universe has never seen.
Hard Duty by Mark E. Cooper
Hostile aliens nearly eradicated humanity. Will the next encounter finish the job?
Bypass Gemini by Joseph Lallo
A disgraced racer pilot gets mixed up with a mega-corporation. Now he has to stop them.
Sky Hunter by Chris Reher
Sent to a human outpost to investigate sabotage, a pilot finds more trouble than she bargained for.
The Galapagos Incident by Felix Savage
A genocidal AI attacks the solar system, and a Space Corps agent has one chance of saving a bunch of asteroid squatters she was sent to evict.
First Conquest by David VanDyke
To find a home and keep humanity safe from hostile aliens, Task Force Conquest must fight to seize a new star system.
1878 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2016
903 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Patty Jansen
146 books294 followersAuthor of Science Fiction and fantasy and non-fiction.
Author of the Ambassador series, the Icefire Trilogy, For Queen And Country series and the Return of the Aghyrians series.
Join the official newsletter and receive four books free
Author of the Ambassador series, the Icefire Trilogy, For Queen And Country series and the Return of the Aghyrians series.
Join the official newsletter and receive four books free
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 20, 2022
The Backworlds by M. Pax
Overview:
This a space faring future in which competition means ruthlessness against everyone, even family. This is part of the reason Craze’s father Bast betrays Craze. Even though Bast and the Verkinn council had planned to remove Craze from society for some time, to Craze it came all of the sudden. Given a meager sum of money and told to leave. Get on a transport and make a fortune on another planet. Craze has never left the planet, and does not know the politics off world. What Craze has is strength, and skills in manipulation. With what Craze has, Craze immediately sets on trying to make allies, but it is hard to trust after being betrayed by family. Falling in with different crowds, and meeting different alien species, Craze begins to learn the ways of the Backworlds. The first venture came about quickly, and was about obtaining the much coveted chocolate that only comes from the fabled planet of Earth. This is a story of falling into trouble, and understanding the meaning of loyalty and trust.
Caveats?
A slightly slow start, but picks up pretty quickly midway, and is a quick read.
Ambassador: Seeing Red by Patty Jansen
Overview:
Long separated human species have reconnected after many millennia. But they have not evolved as humans on Earth. Having different physiologies and cultures. Cultural differences spark accusations and generate misunderstandings. This makes diplomats life difficult, figuring out how to navigate the various cultures effectively, trying to bring understanding, without offending or exacerbating the situations. Cory Wilson is a diplomat, a representative, an ambassador between Nations of Earth and Gamra. Caught in an attack that killed the Human president. Cory’s loyalty is tested from all sides, while trying to prevent bloodshed and further misunderstanding. While trying to handle very precarious situations with calm resolve, Cory needs to figure out who to trust, and who is responsible for the attack. There are those who want war, making Cory their enemy because of Cory’s want for peace and cooperation. Thrusting Cory into a vitally important position for all sides.
Caveats?
This story contains many different factions and cultures, making it hard to keep track of their connections and their political roles.
Alien Hunters by Daniel Arenson
Overview:
The skelkrin are apex predators who travel the stars on a path of conquest and destruction. They are heading to Earth, but that will not be their final stop. Before they reach human controlled space, they need to capture the last pirilian. Pirilians have many magical gifts, such as teleportation. If the skelkrin capture the pirilian, they would have the ability to teleport their fleets, making them unstoppable. The pirilian was on the way to Earth to get help from Riff Starfire. Riff is a musician, who finds out about the pirilian when the Cosmians try to get the information from Riff. The Cosmians are humans who worship the skelkrin. Riff needs to escape and seek the pirilian. To do this, Riff seeks the help of an ex-love who is a gladiator, and brother who is a knight. The group finds a spaceship that looks like a dragon. Riff exchanges Riff’s signed musical instrument for the ship. The purchase was for the ship, but whoever owns the ship inherits the eclectic crew, and business of Alien Hunters. This crews’ clashing personalities need to find a way to get to the pirilian before the skelkrin do.
Caveats?
An engaging read but has some event sequence inconsistencies, and mixed character development.
Hard Duty by Mark E. Cooper
Overview:
Humanity was nearby eradicated with a previous alien encounter. The Merkiaari retreated, but expected to return. During this more peaceful time, humans have made their own conflicts, but also sent out distant survey missions. As the ships would be out of contact for prolonged periods of time, survey missions were considered hard duty. During Captain Colgan’s survey mission, they encounter a signal from an alien species. The crew needs to properly observe the species, known as Shan, without creating a potential conflict. The efforts of first contact are expressed from various perspectives such as military, civilian, scientist, human, and Shan. This is a story of the many difficult sacrifices that may become needed to initiate friendly contact. The curiosity and danger of what an unknown species can bring. There is much that the Shan and humans can teach each other. But there is a danger of conflict, which can bring about another extermination type event. How will the humans and Shan make first contact?
Caveats?
There are some perspectives in the book that seem not to have a connection to this book. Although they do add a layer to an understanding of the politics and life of the times. The perspectives are possibly important for this book’s sequels.
Bypass Gemini by Joseph Lallo
Overview:
Lex is a disgraced racer who is in desperate need of an income. Trying to pay off massive debts, to unsavory people, Lex takes jobs as a freelance courier and chauffeur. For this one package, discretion is not just advised, it is needed. The package needs to be delivered without a corporation knowing about it. A corporation that owns most of the communication and routes between the plants. In between the delivery, Lex finds out that the one who requested the delivery, has died in an accident with many others. It becomes evident that the corporation is willing to sacrifice innocent lives to prevent the package from being delivered. But what is so important in this package to warrant such an aggressive response? What secrets does the package hold that are worth killing over? Along the way, Lex is on a journey of self-discovery, and attempts to become a better person. Maybe with the help with a certified mad scientist, and the scientist’s seemingly petty A.I. which does not adhere to the laws of robotics, can they figure out why the corporation wants to eliminate anyone with the knowledge of the package.
Caveats?
As this book has a character development theme, it may take some time to sympathize with the main character.
Sky Hunter by Chris Reher
Overview:
Nova is a pilot for the Union, who comes from a military family and is trying to get enough experience to be a Sky Hunter. Experience that comes while the Union is at war with rebels. At base, Nova is viciously harassed by fellow crew. The people responsible harass many others, and they seem to be getting away with their actions. While on a mission, Nova gets captured. While a prisoner, Nova finds out information that contradicts the ideals Nova believed in. Seeing the war from the perspective of other side. Seeing the impact of the war on the civilians caught in between. Nova experiences the brutality and toll the war takes up close, which is a viewpoint not seen by pilots who see the action from far away. Worse, Nova sees the rebels have supplies and weapons that come from the Union. That means there is a problem with smuggling. A mystery that needs to be resolved, but proof is needed, and potential key witnesses seem afraid of speaking up. This is a story about questioning one’s beliefs. This is a story of what it takes to stand up for what is right.
Caveats?
The writing sometimes has poor flow which prevent an understanding of what has happened.
First Conquest by David VanDyke
Overview:
Until now, humans have been under assault by the Meme empire. Now humans are taking up the offensive. Sending the starship Conquest on the first conquest of another stellar system. This war is being told from a Meme Empire leader SystemLord, and various human perspectives. Containing the different cultural attributes and military strategies employed. The traps, decisions, and the gambles made. But the underlying theme of the book is how to treat others, specifically those that appear to work for the enemy. The Meme is ranked biologically, creating persecution of blends and native populations of the system called Hippos. Can these seeming enemies be turned into potential allies? The consequences of making the wrong decision means servitude to the Meme Empire. This is a story of the difficult sacrifices that might be needed to survive. This is a story of the impact of persecution.
Caveats?
This is a fast-paced book in which a lot is going on and the various perspectives sometimes change quickly making it a bit difficult to keep track of what is going on.
Overview:
This a space faring future in which competition means ruthlessness against everyone, even family. This is part of the reason Craze’s father Bast betrays Craze. Even though Bast and the Verkinn council had planned to remove Craze from society for some time, to Craze it came all of the sudden. Given a meager sum of money and told to leave. Get on a transport and make a fortune on another planet. Craze has never left the planet, and does not know the politics off world. What Craze has is strength, and skills in manipulation. With what Craze has, Craze immediately sets on trying to make allies, but it is hard to trust after being betrayed by family. Falling in with different crowds, and meeting different alien species, Craze begins to learn the ways of the Backworlds. The first venture came about quickly, and was about obtaining the much coveted chocolate that only comes from the fabled planet of Earth. This is a story of falling into trouble, and understanding the meaning of loyalty and trust.
Caveats?
A slightly slow start, but picks up pretty quickly midway, and is a quick read.
Ambassador: Seeing Red by Patty Jansen
Overview:
Long separated human species have reconnected after many millennia. But they have not evolved as humans on Earth. Having different physiologies and cultures. Cultural differences spark accusations and generate misunderstandings. This makes diplomats life difficult, figuring out how to navigate the various cultures effectively, trying to bring understanding, without offending or exacerbating the situations. Cory Wilson is a diplomat, a representative, an ambassador between Nations of Earth and Gamra. Caught in an attack that killed the Human president. Cory’s loyalty is tested from all sides, while trying to prevent bloodshed and further misunderstanding. While trying to handle very precarious situations with calm resolve, Cory needs to figure out who to trust, and who is responsible for the attack. There are those who want war, making Cory their enemy because of Cory’s want for peace and cooperation. Thrusting Cory into a vitally important position for all sides.
Caveats?
This story contains many different factions and cultures, making it hard to keep track of their connections and their political roles.
Alien Hunters by Daniel Arenson
Overview:
The skelkrin are apex predators who travel the stars on a path of conquest and destruction. They are heading to Earth, but that will not be their final stop. Before they reach human controlled space, they need to capture the last pirilian. Pirilians have many magical gifts, such as teleportation. If the skelkrin capture the pirilian, they would have the ability to teleport their fleets, making them unstoppable. The pirilian was on the way to Earth to get help from Riff Starfire. Riff is a musician, who finds out about the pirilian when the Cosmians try to get the information from Riff. The Cosmians are humans who worship the skelkrin. Riff needs to escape and seek the pirilian. To do this, Riff seeks the help of an ex-love who is a gladiator, and brother who is a knight. The group finds a spaceship that looks like a dragon. Riff exchanges Riff’s signed musical instrument for the ship. The purchase was for the ship, but whoever owns the ship inherits the eclectic crew, and business of Alien Hunters. This crews’ clashing personalities need to find a way to get to the pirilian before the skelkrin do.
Caveats?
An engaging read but has some event sequence inconsistencies, and mixed character development.
Hard Duty by Mark E. Cooper
Overview:
Humanity was nearby eradicated with a previous alien encounter. The Merkiaari retreated, but expected to return. During this more peaceful time, humans have made their own conflicts, but also sent out distant survey missions. As the ships would be out of contact for prolonged periods of time, survey missions were considered hard duty. During Captain Colgan’s survey mission, they encounter a signal from an alien species. The crew needs to properly observe the species, known as Shan, without creating a potential conflict. The efforts of first contact are expressed from various perspectives such as military, civilian, scientist, human, and Shan. This is a story of the many difficult sacrifices that may become needed to initiate friendly contact. The curiosity and danger of what an unknown species can bring. There is much that the Shan and humans can teach each other. But there is a danger of conflict, which can bring about another extermination type event. How will the humans and Shan make first contact?
Caveats?
There are some perspectives in the book that seem not to have a connection to this book. Although they do add a layer to an understanding of the politics and life of the times. The perspectives are possibly important for this book’s sequels.
Bypass Gemini by Joseph Lallo
Overview:
Lex is a disgraced racer who is in desperate need of an income. Trying to pay off massive debts, to unsavory people, Lex takes jobs as a freelance courier and chauffeur. For this one package, discretion is not just advised, it is needed. The package needs to be delivered without a corporation knowing about it. A corporation that owns most of the communication and routes between the plants. In between the delivery, Lex finds out that the one who requested the delivery, has died in an accident with many others. It becomes evident that the corporation is willing to sacrifice innocent lives to prevent the package from being delivered. But what is so important in this package to warrant such an aggressive response? What secrets does the package hold that are worth killing over? Along the way, Lex is on a journey of self-discovery, and attempts to become a better person. Maybe with the help with a certified mad scientist, and the scientist’s seemingly petty A.I. which does not adhere to the laws of robotics, can they figure out why the corporation wants to eliminate anyone with the knowledge of the package.
Caveats?
As this book has a character development theme, it may take some time to sympathize with the main character.
Sky Hunter by Chris Reher
Overview:
Nova is a pilot for the Union, who comes from a military family and is trying to get enough experience to be a Sky Hunter. Experience that comes while the Union is at war with rebels. At base, Nova is viciously harassed by fellow crew. The people responsible harass many others, and they seem to be getting away with their actions. While on a mission, Nova gets captured. While a prisoner, Nova finds out information that contradicts the ideals Nova believed in. Seeing the war from the perspective of other side. Seeing the impact of the war on the civilians caught in between. Nova experiences the brutality and toll the war takes up close, which is a viewpoint not seen by pilots who see the action from far away. Worse, Nova sees the rebels have supplies and weapons that come from the Union. That means there is a problem with smuggling. A mystery that needs to be resolved, but proof is needed, and potential key witnesses seem afraid of speaking up. This is a story about questioning one’s beliefs. This is a story of what it takes to stand up for what is right.
Caveats?
The writing sometimes has poor flow which prevent an understanding of what has happened.
First Conquest by David VanDyke
Overview:
Until now, humans have been under assault by the Meme empire. Now humans are taking up the offensive. Sending the starship Conquest on the first conquest of another stellar system. This war is being told from a Meme Empire leader SystemLord, and various human perspectives. Containing the different cultural attributes and military strategies employed. The traps, decisions, and the gambles made. But the underlying theme of the book is how to treat others, specifically those that appear to work for the enemy. The Meme is ranked biologically, creating persecution of blends and native populations of the system called Hippos. Can these seeming enemies be turned into potential allies? The consequences of making the wrong decision means servitude to the Meme Empire. This is a story of the difficult sacrifices that might be needed to survive. This is a story of the impact of persecution.
Caveats?
This is a fast-paced book in which a lot is going on and the various perspectives sometimes change quickly making it a bit difficult to keep track of what is going on.
November 3, 2017
The back words by M. Pax 3/5
Ambassador 1 Seeing red by Patty Jansen 3,5/5
Alien hunters by Daniel Arenson 3,5/5
Hard duty by Mark E. Cooper 4/5
Bypass Gemini by Joseph Lallo 4/5
Sky hunter by Chris Reher 3,5/5
The galapagos incident by Felix Savage DNF
First conquest by David VanDyke 3/5
Ambassador 1 Seeing red by Patty Jansen 3,5/5
Alien hunters by Daniel Arenson 3,5/5
Hard duty by Mark E. Cooper 4/5
Bypass Gemini by Joseph Lallo 4/5
Sky hunter by Chris Reher 3,5/5
The galapagos incident by Felix Savage DNF
First conquest by David VanDyke 3/5
November 20, 2019
Ch 1 -5 Before starting this book I had just finished a book that I felt the Author wrote way to fast giving nothing to detail. So Naturally I am looking forward to a well written book....The story line of Galactic Empires May be pretty good but you wont know that right away since this Author seems to revel in great detail so much so that it takes quite a while to get a point across and the scene seems get lost in the ongoing never ending Detail. Its an overdose of detail really that slows the story to crawl and almost makes you want to just put the book down and say “Maybe another time” All I can think while reading the first 5 Chapters is “GET ON WITH THE STORY ALREADY!!” ..There is a point when to much detail really clutters the story and takes away from the ability to really get into the story line and the Characters, the first 5 chapters of this book do exactly that… I have hope that that moving on it will turn around and the never ending dry details will turn into an epic story.
Ch 5-10 The Use of the Word “Shit” is very oddly placed through out the book thus far and does not seem necessary. Other Curse words are used as well but they all seem to be very unnecessary and placed in odd parts of the conversations or thoughts. The story seems to have picked up a Tiny bit as the main character gets to the planet “Elstwhere”. I like the Colorful Characters and the writers ability to paint them into a real picture.
The Main Character seems to be a Con Artist who learned well from his father how to exploit people and situations to his advantage, So far he is a Character that I have a hard time identifying with and so I really do not care what happens to him.
That is pretty much all you get out of the fist 10 Chapters. He is a con artist who went to a planet 30 min away from his own. In 10 chapters that is all the story you get. Now the details of everything everyone is wearing and the chipping paint on the walls and the smells in the air and the ale dripping down the purple skin Jix chin and so on and so forth take up ALL the space here. No story just details. if you can't get a story going in the first 10 chapters then we have a problem.... I will not be reading the other books.
Ch 5-10 The Use of the Word “Shit” is very oddly placed through out the book thus far and does not seem necessary. Other Curse words are used as well but they all seem to be very unnecessary and placed in odd parts of the conversations or thoughts. The story seems to have picked up a Tiny bit as the main character gets to the planet “Elstwhere”. I like the Colorful Characters and the writers ability to paint them into a real picture.
The Main Character seems to be a Con Artist who learned well from his father how to exploit people and situations to his advantage, So far he is a Character that I have a hard time identifying with and so I really do not care what happens to him.
That is pretty much all you get out of the fist 10 Chapters. He is a con artist who went to a planet 30 min away from his own. In 10 chapters that is all the story you get. Now the details of everything everyone is wearing and the chipping paint on the walls and the smells in the air and the ale dripping down the purple skin Jix chin and so on and so forth take up ALL the space here. No story just details. if you can't get a story going in the first 10 chapters then we have a problem.... I will not be reading the other books.
November 18, 2019
My Nook said that this was 1754 pages long and I believe it! I never thought that I would finish it. Of course, it was 8 books all rolled into one. Some were good and some not so much.
The Backworlds by M Pax was ok. It was kind of gritty and showed that people are the same no matter the year.
Ambassador 1: Seeing Red by Patty Jansen was very political. Some parts of it I got, the rest kind of flew past me.
Alien Hunters by Daniel Arenson reminded me of Guardians of the Galaxy. Kind of funny, a bunch of misfits working together for a common goal.
Hard Duty by Mark E Cooper. I think that this was the one with the fuzzy cat-like creatures that I came to love. By far one of my favorites. I just had a hard time keeping the titles straight because there were so many and it took me so long to finish.
Bypass Gemini by Joseph Lallo was a lot of fun! A Han Solo type with a new unfriend and a friendly robot (when you talked nice to her!)...this one kept me going!
Sky Hunter by Chris Reher had a dark side to it that I didn't enjoy, but a good story. Right vs wrong.
The Galapagos Incident by Felix Savage had a flavor of Avatar (the blue skinned ones) about it. Good story that left an opening for a sequel.
First Conquest by David VanDyke was the last sleeper humans fighting the [Borg] or so it seemed.
The Backworlds by M Pax was ok. It was kind of gritty and showed that people are the same no matter the year.
Ambassador 1: Seeing Red by Patty Jansen was very political. Some parts of it I got, the rest kind of flew past me.
Alien Hunters by Daniel Arenson reminded me of Guardians of the Galaxy. Kind of funny, a bunch of misfits working together for a common goal.
Hard Duty by Mark E Cooper. I think that this was the one with the fuzzy cat-like creatures that I came to love. By far one of my favorites. I just had a hard time keeping the titles straight because there were so many and it took me so long to finish.
Bypass Gemini by Joseph Lallo was a lot of fun! A Han Solo type with a new unfriend and a friendly robot (when you talked nice to her!)...this one kept me going!
Sky Hunter by Chris Reher had a dark side to it that I didn't enjoy, but a good story. Right vs wrong.
The Galapagos Incident by Felix Savage had a flavor of Avatar (the blue skinned ones) about it. Good story that left an opening for a sequel.
First Conquest by David VanDyke was the last sleeper humans fighting the [Borg] or so it seemed.
September 27, 2023
Publishing Scam
Let me start by saying that the books themselves are exceptionally good. The writers are top notch. The stories are very well written with good plots and memorable characters. The stories were exciting and action packed. There were several stories I might have wanted to continue.
So, why the one star? Every one of these books is a book one. So if you want to finish the stories you have to buy all of them individually. That is not for me. I buy a completed series in a box set. There was one book that I really enjoyed written by Mark E. Cooper. I looked up the series. Turns out that mister Cooper, had hinted at a series of ten to twelve books. He has only written five and all of his books are cliffhangers. He has also STOPPED writing, period. His last book was written in 2016, and not only that but he has no books coming out, so the series is dead with no ending. If you want to try to collect all the books in the series of this collection, be prepared to spend between one hundred and a hundred fifty dollars. So, if that's for you, enjoy the collection. The experience left me cold and I am not going to pursue any of the individual series.
Let me start by saying that the books themselves are exceptionally good. The writers are top notch. The stories are very well written with good plots and memorable characters. The stories were exciting and action packed. There were several stories I might have wanted to continue.
So, why the one star? Every one of these books is a book one. So if you want to finish the stories you have to buy all of them individually. That is not for me. I buy a completed series in a box set. There was one book that I really enjoyed written by Mark E. Cooper. I looked up the series. Turns out that mister Cooper, had hinted at a series of ten to twelve books. He has only written five and all of his books are cliffhangers. He has also STOPPED writing, period. His last book was written in 2016, and not only that but he has no books coming out, so the series is dead with no ending. If you want to try to collect all the books in the series of this collection, be prepared to spend between one hundred and a hundred fifty dollars. So, if that's for you, enjoy the collection. The experience left me cold and I am not going to pursue any of the individual series.
January 24, 2022
Apparently there were multiple versions of this Galactic Empires, because the one I got from smashwords only had 7 books included in it, it didn't have
The Galapagos Incident by Felix Savage
but I couldn't find another edition that only had the 7 books, so I guess I'm stuck adding this one to my read list.
For what it's worth, the books included in this collection for the most part were decent books. Many of them I'd already read separately before picking up this collection, so I only got 2 maybe 3 books out of this one, but I guess that's the price you pay when reading hundreds of books a year. :)
In any case, the collection is fairly decent, and if you're a scifi fan, and you haven't read the books in this collection, it's worth picking for the most part, though there were some things I didn't like in the stories, for the most part the stories are good ones.
The Galapagos Incident by Felix Savage
but I couldn't find another edition that only had the 7 books, so I guess I'm stuck adding this one to my read list.
For what it's worth, the books included in this collection for the most part were decent books. Many of them I'd already read separately before picking up this collection, so I only got 2 maybe 3 books out of this one, but I guess that's the price you pay when reading hundreds of books a year. :)
In any case, the collection is fairly decent, and if you're a scifi fan, and you haven't read the books in this collection, it's worth picking for the most part, though there were some things I didn't like in the stories, for the most part the stories are good ones.
Want to read
July 31, 2021Seeing Red by Patty Jansen
#1 Ambassador
4.5 stars
A brand new human ambassador to an alien delegation of worlds hasn't even begun work when murder and political intrigue swamp him and leave him unsure who to trust. I spotted this book when
All in all, I'm glad I stuck with it and got past the initial confusion and slower pace to a story that captivated me completely. Definitely a series that others might enjoy, too.
#1 Ambassador
4.5 stars
A brand new human ambassador to an alien delegation of worlds hasn't even begun work when murder and political intrigue swamp him and leave him unsure who to trust. I spotted this book when
All in all, I'm glad I stuck with it and got past the initial confusion and slower pace to a story that captivated me completely. Definitely a series that others might enjoy, too.
August 5, 2023
This sort of bundle, which gives you the first book of eight different series from eight different authors are usually a good way for me to find new authors at decent savings. This one however was a total bomb, because of only one good book, Hard Duty from Mark E Cooper, but he seems to have quit writing.
The other seven books were just AWFUL, with all 7 scoring a DNF and if they had been physical books, they would have been sailing through the yard to the start-the-barbie pile
The other seven books were just AWFUL, with all 7 scoring a DNF and if they had been physical books, they would have been sailing through the yard to the start-the-barbie pile
November 15, 2018
Incredible vistas of the future of mankind...
The eight novels comprising the tremendously exciting collection, have all been penned by masters of the genre of Science Fiction. The stories are all original and very well written. My 5 Stars rating goes across the board to all eight books & their authors. Highly recommended
The eight novels comprising the tremendously exciting collection, have all been penned by masters of the genre of Science Fiction. The stories are all original and very well written. My 5 Stars rating goes across the board to all eight books & their authors. Highly recommended
July 20, 2019
Crap
I hope all these writers have a day job. Book one I can't even remember the name of it. Totally forgettable and boring. Book 2 Ambassador? The real title should be brainless whiny dork who needs his binky. Waste of an alphabet.
Will not waste my time reading the remaining "books".
I hope all these writers have a day job. Book one I can't even remember the name of it. Totally forgettable and boring. Book 2 Ambassador? The real title should be brainless whiny dork who needs his binky. Waste of an alphabet.
Will not waste my time reading the remaining "books".
December 3, 2020
Excellent Sci-Fi reading 📚
Seven will written romantic thriller Sci-Fi novels and novellas with interesting will developed characters. Each story line is complicated and fast moving with lots of twist and turns leading to the conclusions. I would recommend this box 📦set to anyone who reads Sci-Fi. Enjoy reading 🔰2020 😉
Seven will written romantic thriller Sci-Fi novels and novellas with interesting will developed characters. Each story line is complicated and fast moving with lots of twist and turns leading to the conclusions. I would recommend this box 📦set to anyone who reads Sci-Fi. Enjoy reading 🔰2020 😉
July 15, 2021
Great compilation
Some super stories from some heavy-hitting authors. I enjoyed every one of the books chosen for this collection and went further in the reading of many of them. These compilations of books within a like-minded genre were nicely pared to bring forth many enjoyable hours of reading and as I said some spun into additional reads as I continued some of the series
Some super stories from some heavy-hitting authors. I enjoyed every one of the books chosen for this collection and went further in the reading of many of them. These compilations of books within a like-minded genre were nicely pared to bring forth many enjoyable hours of reading and as I said some spun into additional reads as I continued some of the series
August 29, 2018
A good starting point.
A good starting point for a first taste of these writers, several of which you are very likely to be unfamiliar with, no surprise, so was I. But you will want to get to know them, trust me, I'm a reader!
A good starting point for a first taste of these writers, several of which you are very likely to be unfamiliar with, no surprise, so was I. But you will want to get to know them, trust me, I'm a reader!
December 15, 2020
This entire set of books are great reads. I am happy to have had the chance to read them and I enjoyed each one. The authors are all very good and they are easy to read, put down, and then pick back up. A very good collection.
June 2, 2021
A great collection
This is a great starter pack to introduce people to these authors. There is something here for everyone from hardcore sci-fi to hilarious fantasy. Well worth reading.
This is a great starter pack to introduce people to these authors. There is something here for everyone from hardcore sci-fi to hilarious fantasy. Well worth reading.
March 9, 2022
This selection of Eight full novels gives a wonderful insight into Science Fiction.
Because they are full novels in there own right you have a chance to delve into the worlds and enjoy learning about the characters.
If you enjoy Science Fiction this may be for you.
Because they are full novels in there own right you have a chance to delve into the worlds and enjoy learning about the characters.
If you enjoy Science Fiction this may be for you.
September 24, 2022
The stories were good, but I lost interest with the language which really wasn't that much for what I read but although I can tolerate some language, taking the Lord's name in vain is not one of them.
October 19, 2023
This is a nice selection of sci-fi space first in a series book. I enjoyed meeting new authors and sampling their writings.
I recommend this book if you cannot decide which deep-space adventure you want to read.
I recommend this book if you cannot decide which deep-space adventure you want to read.
October 14, 2025
Another collection
As I have noted before, with collections of novels one gets a variety of writing styles. It holds true even if the collection has a theme. Consequently, I write reviews for each of the novels separately and post them on Goodreads.
As I have noted before, with collections of novels one gets a variety of writing styles. It holds true even if the collection has a theme. Consequently, I write reviews for each of the novels separately and post them on Goodreads.
May 5, 2018
NorthDakota guy
Excellent collection of sci fi books. Some of them were better than others. I really enjoyed the ones with space battles.
Excellent collection of sci fi books. Some of them were better than others. I really enjoyed the ones with space battles.
December 11, 2018
Done
Great collection. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys sifi . The collection will keep your mind entertained and intreged.
Great collection. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys sifi . The collection will keep your mind entertained and intreged.
June 29, 2020
Galactic empires
Well written using aptly descriptive tech terms. Well thought out use of female characters so the feminists should agree.Interesting theories.
Well written using aptly descriptive tech terms. Well thought out use of female characters so the feminists should agree.Interesting theories.
May 6, 2022
Galactic Empires.
Great stories. Enjoyed the whole series. Thanks for the enjoyable experience of reading the books. The authors were very good at the writing.
Great stories. Enjoyed the whole series. Thanks for the enjoyable experience of reading the books. The authors were very good at the writing.
May 29, 2023
Not for me.
July 27, 2024
This is a great read. Hours upon hours of entertaining reading. Recommended reading.
March 15, 2017
8 books 2 sucked (couldn't get past the first few pages), 1 ok and the rest down right good 2 especially. Definitely worth a punt.
Read
April 6, 2019I have separately read and reviewed “The Backworlds” by M Pax, “Hard Duty” by Mark Cooper, and “Ambassador 1: Seeing Red” by Patty Jansen.
December 26, 2016
Overall this set gets 3.5 stars. Good Variety of Authors and storylines.
January 1, 2023
A compendium of stories by various authors.
Ambassador 1: Seeing Red / Start of a series of books. Gave it 4 stars.
The Backworlds/ 1st of a series of 6 or 7. Meh. Not that impressed. Gave it 2 stars
Alien Hunters: A silly, but fun read. Gave it 4 stars.
Hard Duty: Gave it 4 Stars
Bypass Gemini: Gave it 4 Stars
Sky Hunter: Gave it 2 Stars
First Conquest: Really enjoyed this story. Gave it 5 stars.
Ambassador 1: Seeing Red / Start of a series of books. Gave it 4 stars.
The Backworlds/ 1st of a series of 6 or 7. Meh. Not that impressed. Gave it 2 stars
Alien Hunters: A silly, but fun read. Gave it 4 stars.
Hard Duty: Gave it 4 Stars
Bypass Gemini: Gave it 4 Stars
Sky Hunter: Gave it 2 Stars
First Conquest: Really enjoyed this story. Gave it 5 stars.
July 4, 2016
I was very happy with this collection. there were two stories I had read previously but happily read them again. I also found a few other series I'd like to check out. That's what I think is the best thing about reading a set of books or a collection of stories. You find great new books by authors you may not be familiar with. These books did not disappoint.
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