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Chaos Core #1
Trapped
While the artificial intelligences of the galaxy attempted to wipe out humanity, a designer slave, Aspen, escaped into the underworld. Some time later, mankind is slowly regaining control, destroying artificial intelligences by any means but leaving a chaotic, lawless galaxy behind as a result. Aspen has found a new home with the crew of the Cool Angel, a mercenary ship, unaware that she will soon be back in the hands of her old masters and will have to fight for her freedom all over again.
From the author of the best selling Spinward Fringe series, this new novella promises adventure, drama and space with swagger!
From the author of the best selling Spinward Fringe series, this new novella promises adventure, drama and space with swagger!
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2016
155 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Randolph Lalonde
45 books498 followersBorn in 1974, Randolph Lalonde has worked in customer service, sales, played drums for several heavy metal bands you've never heard of, dealt blackjack in a traveling casino, and serviced countless computers. He's also owned businesses in the design, printing, collectible and custom computer fields.
He completed writing his first novel in the fantasy adventure genre at the age of fifteen and has been writing ever since.
He self published his first novel;
Fate Cycle: Sins of the Past in 2004 and after taking a break has begun to release his work again starting with the First Light Chronicles series.
Randolph Lalonde has sold thousands of eBooks to date, enough to keep writing full-time for fifteen years so far. He is deeply grateful for his following of readers and strives to improve his skills to entertain them better. The Spinward Fringe Space Opera series has proven to be his most popular offering.
He currently resides in Sudbury Ontario and manages a chapter a day writing habit.
In his diminishing spare time he reads voraciously, tinkers with design, video editing and reviews the occasional film or television show. A science fiction and fantasy fan, he often comments on the state of the entertainment industry on his website, www.randolphlalonde.com.
He completed writing his first novel in the fantasy adventure genre at the age of fifteen and has been writing ever since.
He self published his first novel;
Fate Cycle: Sins of the Past in 2004 and after taking a break has begun to release his work again starting with the First Light Chronicles series.
Randolph Lalonde has sold thousands of eBooks to date, enough to keep writing full-time for fifteen years so far. He is deeply grateful for his following of readers and strives to improve his skills to entertain them better. The Spinward Fringe Space Opera series has proven to be his most popular offering.
He currently resides in Sudbury Ontario and manages a chapter a day writing habit.
In his diminishing spare time he reads voraciously, tinkers with design, video editing and reviews the occasional film or television show. A science fiction and fantasy fan, he often comments on the state of the entertainment industry on his website, www.randolphlalonde.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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June 21, 2022
Not A Bad Futuristic Post-Apocalyptic Custodian Story
The writing was pretty good but seemed to drag a bit. The storyline could be really thrilling but it moves slower than desired, a little too wordy. It seems like half the time we read about setting up for a faster than light (FTL) jump and started hearing about "Spin" several times before Aspen asks to be called Spin.
Now, the concept is intriguing. The future of mankind is being threatened by the defeat of AI and the rise of unscrupulous humans who choose slavery, debauchery and every form of foul crime, which is enough to drive any reasonable person to piracy. That's exactly what Spin has committed to and she has the money, expertise and manpower to get the job done.
The writing was pretty good but seemed to drag a bit. The storyline could be really thrilling but it moves slower than desired, a little too wordy. It seems like half the time we read about setting up for a faster than light (FTL) jump and started hearing about "Spin" several times before Aspen asks to be called Spin.
Now, the concept is intriguing. The future of mankind is being threatened by the defeat of AI and the rise of unscrupulous humans who choose slavery, debauchery and every form of foul crime, which is enough to drive any reasonable person to piracy. That's exactly what Spin has committed to and she has the money, expertise and manpower to get the job done.
March 8, 2023
She is not considered human. She has no rights, no freedoms. She was designed and created by man. She even had a built-in termination date, but when the AIs rebelled, she thought her master dead, and the companion built for her was also. Aspen, also known as a doll, ran, and for over a year, she had tasted what freedom was. But now, she had been caught and was being returned to her master. She knew she would have to escape again.
Nice world-building. Great character interaction, and for the heroine, some nice background details. This post-apocalyptic tale is a great series starter because it gives at least two antagonists to deal with in the future, but they are not introduced at the end, “and here ya go.” They are part of the story, and you get to know the resentment of the protagonists. It makes you look forward to the next installment of the series.
This novella could almost be called a book and has science fiction down pat, hell, hardcore science fiction. It has some advanced cyberpunk coupled with genetic engineering in this universe’s apocalyptic slash post-apocalyptic era. I give it five stars out of five stars.
Nice world-building. Great character interaction, and for the heroine, some nice background details. This post-apocalyptic tale is a great series starter because it gives at least two antagonists to deal with in the future, but they are not introduced at the end, “and here ya go.” They are part of the story, and you get to know the resentment of the protagonists. It makes you look forward to the next installment of the series.
This novella could almost be called a book and has science fiction down pat, hell, hardcore science fiction. It has some advanced cyberpunk coupled with genetic engineering in this universe’s apocalyptic slash post-apocalyptic era. I give it five stars out of five stars.
September 15, 2021
This is a novella, not a full-length novel, and a fun one at that. Great sci-fi for a short read.
The main character, Aspen, was well-written. She's a heroine on the run from a fiend who wants to essentially re-enslave her, ripping her from a life of galivanting the stars. She gets caught, reunites with the past friends, and has to escape. It's a thrill ride. I'm giving it 3 stars. It wasn't the most spectacular book I've read but definitely good for a quick read.
The main character, Aspen, was well-written. She's a heroine on the run from a fiend who wants to essentially re-enslave her, ripping her from a life of galivanting the stars. She gets caught, reunites with the past friends, and has to escape. It's a thrill ride. I'm giving it 3 stars. It wasn't the most spectacular book I've read but definitely good for a quick read.
October 3, 2019
Pros: This book has an interesting premise, creative setting details, and good characters.
Cons: This work was badly edited. For example, the character named Tinick is originally introduced as Tonic. In multiple instances, the dialogue tags have no subject (e.g. "Thanks," said.), so it's hard to tell who is speaking. Other pages simply have the wrong word, such as "seem" instead of "seen."
Cons: This work was badly edited. For example, the character named Tinick is originally introduced as Tonic. In multiple instances, the dialogue tags have no subject (e.g. "Thanks," said.), so it's hard to tell who is speaking. Other pages simply have the wrong word, such as "seem" instead of "seen."
March 16, 2019
Awesome story
And would have received 5 stars if the book had received some decent editing. I hate it when I'm reading and the flow is inrerupted because I feel the need to whip out my red pen.
And would have received 5 stars if the book had received some decent editing. I hate it when I'm reading and the flow is inrerupted because I feel the need to whip out my red pen.
May 30, 2019
Interesting branch
I’m a huge fan of the spinward fringe series, this book is a very good addition and off shoot to the original series if you enjoy the original you will enjoy this one.
I’m a huge fan of the spinward fringe series, this book is a very good addition and off shoot to the original series if you enjoy the original you will enjoy this one.
November 29, 2019
This author is one of my favorites
Another awesome start to a series I cant wait to read more of. This author can really write. His characters stand out from the page. Lots of action. He gets you emotionally involved in the story. I cant wait to read book 2.
Another awesome start to a series I cant wait to read more of. This author can really write. His characters stand out from the page. Lots of action. He gets you emotionally involved in the story. I cant wait to read book 2.
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March 11, 2025Good short
So pushed to this by Spinward series as it suggested that you needed to read these to understand the next book. But have read the first but yet to see any links to the characters in the spinward books? Feel a bit duped at the moment, but will read the rest.
So pushed to this by Spinward series as it suggested that you needed to read these to understand the next book. But have read the first but yet to see any links to the characters in the spinward books? Feel a bit duped at the moment, but will read the rest.
December 12, 2017
Good, but surprisingly weak on tense moments
July 6, 2019
Nice story for an opening of a new series. Probably too many grammar and language mistakes, but this is a good story that keeps in line with the universe of Spinward Fringe.
April 21, 2021
The copy editing is atrocious and the main character spends half the novel playing dress-up.
January 1, 2017
I enjoy the universe Randolph has created!
This was a great book! I recommend it and the Spinward Fringe books. well written with complex plots. Great science fiction!
This was a great book! I recommend it and the Spinward Fringe books. well written with complex plots. Great science fiction!
September 13, 2016
I have to say that I didn't enjoy this a much as I expected to. I am a big fan of the Spinward Fringe universe and most of the previous books. I probably will give it some leeway, since it's a novella, only 116 pages rather than one his full length 300+ page novels so it probably has less in the way of details. The action was lacking a little (it was quick and not very prevalent, something that really shines in much of the other Spinward Fringe novels), and I'd have to say that I might rate this one a solid PG-13 rather than his more PG ratings previously. While there isn't any specifically detailed sex, the details of some of the situations was enough, I'd rate it higher than previous books. Also, there were several instances of the 'F'-word. I know that on occasion, the author will intentionally raise the rating of his book(s), perhaps this is one of those, but just be warned, it's not quite as "shielded" as previous installments.
I'll still probably read the next installment before making a final verdict on the Chaos Core spin off.
I'll still probably read the next installment before making a final verdict on the Chaos Core spin off.
February 8, 2017
Outstanding
Finally got to read this and I really enjoyed it aspen/spin is a really well written character I will have to get the sequel soon
Finally got to read this and I really enjoyed it aspen/spin is a really well written character I will have to get the sequel soon
June 29, 2016
The opening chapter to a new saga, set within the rich setting of the Spinward Fringe universe. Well paced, wonderful descriptions, and captivating from the opening lines. It stands well on its own, though reading the rest of the Spinward Fringe broadcasts will add depth to the enjoyment.
September 28, 2016
Escaped slave turns scavenger
This is the first book in a series so it's hard to say if it will be any good overall. What I can say is that it has potential and is an exciting start.
This is the first book in a series so it's hard to say if it will be any good overall. What I can say is that it has potential and is an exciting start.
June 27, 2016
Want more......
August 25, 2016
Decent read
I do not give spoilers. It has a solid plot line. It is a bit choppy, time frame wise. I like the main character. I would like to read the next book.
I do not give spoilers. It has a solid plot line. It is a bit choppy, time frame wise. I like the main character. I would like to read the next book.
November 3, 2016
I could not put the book down! The Chaos Core series is fantastic, and I look forward to more in 2017.
June 11, 2024
It's a great story and well written to bad It's so short. I will probably get the rest of the series anyway because the books get longer as they go.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews