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A Faded Star #1
A Faded Star
It is the dawn of war...
A forgotten colony of humans live on a water world circling a tiny, faded star on the edge of the galaxy. The crew of their newest flagship, the Rampart encounters an alien scout who is being chased by a dangerous foe. The encounter shakes the beliefs held by the people of Lashmere. With the aid of the mysteries of the origin tablet, they discover the true origins of their colony. These may be the last humans in the universe. Can they survive against their ancient enemy? Their only choice is to embrace an unknown past and fight with everything they have.
A forgotten colony of humans live on a water world circling a tiny, faded star on the edge of the galaxy. The crew of their newest flagship, the Rampart encounters an alien scout who is being chased by a dangerous foe. The encounter shakes the beliefs held by the people of Lashmere. With the aid of the mysteries of the origin tablet, they discover the true origins of their colony. These may be the last humans in the universe. Can they survive against their ancient enemy? Their only choice is to embrace an unknown past and fight with everything they have.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2016
64 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 20, 2016
Ex-Submariner Despises Marines, Is PC Addled & Writes Poorly
The author of " A Faded Star," is a self-described ten (10) year veteran of the Navy, who served on submarines. He despises Marines, as repeatedly exhibited by snarky, snide, and petty passages in this eBook's narrative. Further, the eBook from beginning to end, espouses the author's PC addled political agenda. Finally, the author simply is not a good writer, lacking in basic skills, and fails in making a mediocre story concept an acceptable read.
Basic storyline: 5,000 years in the past, the Terran Empire is in a war with an aggressive, genocidal alien alliance. Fearing for humanity's survival, an "ark" colony is quietly established in a remote quarter of the galaxy. A bio weapon virus is unleashed to eliminate humanity. Fast forward five (5) millennium-the colony, alone and ignorant of the past, has just endured a global war, forming a one world government, forced upon the vanquished. The navy intercedes in an attack on a alliance scout ship by two (2) " crab" (sic) alien warships. The colony first allies unknowingly, with the alliance who committed the ancient genocide of their ancestors, and engages in combat. The subterfuge is discovered, a two-front war begins, ancient human technology discovered, and resistance fighters engage in asymmetrical warfare back home.
The writing is subpar, with stilted and awkward narratives, convenient and inane plot devices, boring and lame "action" sequences, and PC riddled, one dimensional characters. A decent editor, might stand a chance of salvaging something of merit from the hackneyed morass of drivel the author created. It would be daunting, not simple, but doable.
As now constructed, the eBook on purely literary grounds is NOT recommended. The author's dishonorable conduct towards Marines is inexcusable and frankly, unmanly. He brings disrepute upon himself and his eBook.
The eBook was fully read and accessed via Kindle Unlimited.
The author of " A Faded Star," is a self-described ten (10) year veteran of the Navy, who served on submarines. He despises Marines, as repeatedly exhibited by snarky, snide, and petty passages in this eBook's narrative. Further, the eBook from beginning to end, espouses the author's PC addled political agenda. Finally, the author simply is not a good writer, lacking in basic skills, and fails in making a mediocre story concept an acceptable read.
Basic storyline: 5,000 years in the past, the Terran Empire is in a war with an aggressive, genocidal alien alliance. Fearing for humanity's survival, an "ark" colony is quietly established in a remote quarter of the galaxy. A bio weapon virus is unleashed to eliminate humanity. Fast forward five (5) millennium-the colony, alone and ignorant of the past, has just endured a global war, forming a one world government, forced upon the vanquished. The navy intercedes in an attack on a alliance scout ship by two (2) " crab" (sic) alien warships. The colony first allies unknowingly, with the alliance who committed the ancient genocide of their ancestors, and engages in combat. The subterfuge is discovered, a two-front war begins, ancient human technology discovered, and resistance fighters engage in asymmetrical warfare back home.
The writing is subpar, with stilted and awkward narratives, convenient and inane plot devices, boring and lame "action" sequences, and PC riddled, one dimensional characters. A decent editor, might stand a chance of salvaging something of merit from the hackneyed morass of drivel the author created. It would be daunting, not simple, but doable.
As now constructed, the eBook on purely literary grounds is NOT recommended. The author's dishonorable conduct towards Marines is inexcusable and frankly, unmanly. He brings disrepute upon himself and his eBook.
The eBook was fully read and accessed via Kindle Unlimited.
August 29, 2016
Liked reading
Good story line and characters keep it interesting . Will look forward to the next adventures that this author takes us on.
Good story line and characters keep it interesting . Will look forward to the next adventures that this author takes us on.
September 20, 2016
Good story.
I hate writing reviews but I also browse potential reads by 4 stars or more. This book was worth my time and I'll read the next book in the series.
I hate writing reviews but I also browse potential reads by 4 stars or more. This book was worth my time and I'll read the next book in the series.
January 14, 2018
Hmm. An interesting concept shrouded in one-dimensional characters, clunky dialog, and poor writing. Perhaps they could have spent more on editing than cover art.
I picked this up via KU.
I picked this up via KU.
Read
January 29, 2017Displaced Humans Discover A Hidden Planet: Their Own
RECOMMENDED MILITARY SPACE OPERA
Freeport tells an interesting tales of military space opera, but avoids most clichéd commonalities with a interesting plot twists.
I really enjoyed this book as an enjoyable read with original plot elements that took it a step beyond common military space operas. I look forward to reading the next installment. I recommend this book as enjoyable space opera, without any heavy messages.
RECOMMENDED MILITARY SPACE OPERA
Freeport tells an interesting tales of military space opera, but avoids most clichéd commonalities with a interesting plot twists.
I really enjoyed this book as an enjoyable read with original plot elements that took it a step beyond common military space operas. I look forward to reading the next installment. I recommend this book as enjoyable space opera, without any heavy messages.
September 10, 2017
The book would have benefited from an additional editing pass before its release. There were enough errors to be distracting but not enough to cause me to stop reading.
As indicated in my rating, I liked the story. It had good pacing overall and the author managed to tell the story without foul language or sex scenes. For me that's a plus. In spite of the overall positive experience, my biggest takeaway is, by the end of the story I found I didn't really care about most of the characters. For me that's the final test for whether or not I go on to read more in the series. If the characters had been more developed and engaging I would have given the book 4 stars and I wouldn't be waffling on whether or not to read the next book.
As indicated in my rating, I liked the story. It had good pacing overall and the author managed to tell the story without foul language or sex scenes. For me that's a plus. In spite of the overall positive experience, my biggest takeaway is, by the end of the story I found I didn't really care about most of the characters. For me that's the final test for whether or not I go on to read more in the series. If the characters had been more developed and engaging I would have given the book 4 stars and I wouldn't be waffling on whether or not to read the next book.
November 21, 2017
the premise is a cliche, a lost human colony rediscovers space flight and begins the search for the legendary home world, yadda yadda. BUT wait up! this one is pretty good.
solid world building, well balanced action, and I was very impressed with the pacing. not too fast not too slow, and always moving on to the next new thing with out feeling rushed.
Minor quibble there are two ships, each has a female first officer (one is a captain under the command of an admiral so she is very like a first officer) and they are confusingly interchangeable for a quarter of the book even thought they are very different women. but that is a minor gripe.
solid world building, well balanced action, and I was very impressed with the pacing. not too fast not too slow, and always moving on to the next new thing with out feeling rushed.
Minor quibble there are two ships, each has a female first officer (one is a captain under the command of an admiral so she is very like a first officer) and they are confusingly interchangeable for a quarter of the book even thought they are very different women. but that is a minor gripe.
November 8, 2017
Lots of action. Little depth or thought
I like a lot of action in space opera. This story delivers on action.
Unfortunately, it falls way short on everything else. Characters have basically no depth. And a few main characters are inventing amazing new tech every time they turn around.
There are a couple of fun ideas here, but the execution is not good
I like a lot of action in space opera. This story delivers on action.
Unfortunately, it falls way short on everything else. Characters have basically no depth. And a few main characters are inventing amazing new tech every time they turn around.
There are a couple of fun ideas here, but the execution is not good
February 11, 2022
This was an excellent book. I can not wait to read it sequel. This is a story of a group of humans on a different planet than earth and they discover a group of aliens that at first seem quite friendly but sort of off. The way the book ends you just have to read the next one and I am going to do exactly that.
July 31, 2018
Terrible
I love sci-fi, but I couldn't even finish the first chapter. Poor editing, poor sentence structure, uninteresting. Go back and re work this book. Not every sentence needs to start with the.
I love sci-fi, but I couldn't even finish the first chapter. Poor editing, poor sentence structure, uninteresting. Go back and re work this book. Not every sentence needs to start with the.
August 4, 2018
A great read
A very well written book. Good character development, lots of action and enough suspense at the end to leave you wanting to read the next book. A wonderful start for a new author.
A very well written book. Good character development, lots of action and enough suspense at the end to leave you wanting to read the next book. A wonderful start for a new author.
October 25, 2023
2 1/2 to light 3 stars. The book could have really used an editor and a lot of the sentences feel stilted. Decent plot that kept me engaged enough to finish the book, the characters were serviceable but forgettable. Not sure if I'll pick up book 2 but maybe.
August 13, 2018
Fast and fun
I have nothing more to add, but twenty words are required for me to post this review. So....
You're welcome
I have nothing more to add, but twenty words are required for me to post this review. So....
You're welcome
November 26, 2018
Good beginning to a longish space opera series. I enjoyed the characters but feel that they were not developed very fully. Perhaps they will "fill out" in subsequent books.
September 28, 2016
Good book.
When will the next one be ready. Want to read it soon. Good story line great heroes and villains. Get it.
When will the next one be ready. Want to read it soon. Good story line great heroes and villains. Get it.
Read
February 6, 2017Zadnji ljudje v vesolju pomagajo vesoljskemu zavezništvu v boju proti neki novi invazijski rakčasti vesoljski rasi. Ker so te vesoljski zavezniki kokr miroljubni in neagresivni "najamejo" ljudi da se za njih borijo in napadajo. Ljudje dobijo od njih tehnologijo, jo prilagodijo in izboljšajo, medtem pa še mimogrede izvejo kako je bilo to zavezništvo v bistvu krivo za virus, ki je zdesetkal človeško populacijo. Na koncu jih vesoljčki spet pustijo same, neka izmišljena kršitev dogovora in jim celo pripeljejo Rakce pred njihov domači planet, kjer se odvije zadnja bitka...
November 21, 2016
A large, interesting SF story written in a style that, for me, was somewhat heavy-handed. There's a lot I liked about the ideas, and characterization was good. The plot was good, very good apart from the occasionally irrational character decisions (or failures to act, especially on the part of the aliens). The pace was okay and the actions scenes good. On the whole, I'd say good value for the money.
September 3, 2016
Best Sci-Fi book I have read in a long while. Great plot, great characters, well balanced with lots of action, large space warfare, exploration and a couple of belligerent alien races as well. You need to read this book. Worth much more than the asking price. Loved it to bits and waiting for the next installment.
September 12, 2016
Scattered
This book seems to have all the right elements and interesting characters, but then it stops. Pathos seemed to be the main character, then it switches to Simmons for no apparent reason..
This book seems to have all the right elements and interesting characters, but then it stops. Pathos seemed to be the main character, then it switches to Simmons for no apparent reason..
November 12, 2016
Great story
Keep an eye on this new author. Faded Star is a terrific tale of Man's struggle and willingness to survive in the hostile cosmos. Great character development, interesting premise, ferocious stellar action. A recommended read for all space opera fans.
Keep an eye on this new author. Faded Star is a terrific tale of Man's struggle and willingness to survive in the hostile cosmos. Great character development, interesting premise, ferocious stellar action. A recommended read for all space opera fans.
January 6, 2017
Not a bad book...
Wasn't what I was expecting. But that can be good...lol The author left it so there was plenty of ways to go with a sequel. We'll have to see what he does with it.
Wasn't what I was expecting. But that can be good...lol The author left it so there was plenty of ways to go with a sequel. We'll have to see what he does with it.
August 30, 2016
Interesting
Very good read and hopefully never to occur in real time. But only GOD or the one of your choice knows. Live long and prosper.
Very good read and hopefully never to occur in real time. But only GOD or the one of your choice knows. Live long and prosper.
December 13, 2016
Must read
For those who like space operas is a must read. I recommend this book. I would like to see more books in this series.
For those who like space operas is a must read. I recommend this book. I would like to see more books in this series.
February 2, 2017
Quick! Write the sequel! Loved the book!
April 16, 2017
A very engaging book. I listened to this as an audiobook. The reader was amazing. I needed a good sci-fi book and this was the ticket! Looking forward to the other books in the series.
April 18, 2017
3.25.
Meh
Meh
April 21, 2017
I greatly enjoyed the ideas, and the "situation" that the book represents. From my part this is like imagining the space part of the "Safehold" series against the "destroyers of humanity" though in the way this is presented in the book is a bit different.
The thing that makes this a 2* rating when I am so inclined to like this book is simply that the details don't really make sense, the plot feels stupid at times. One of the things that shocked for example is the population of the human planet.. this is 5000 years after the supposed extinction of the human race.. even if takes place after a "Global War" a population of 25 Million just doesn't make sense (you know we were farmers and gathers 5000 years ago). Also the material requirements are strange, I don't think the author understands how much material he is talking about in terms of stuff actually in asteroids (he is totally underestimating). In the background of the story we have some sort of terrorist plot going on - I think this was handled poorly - to be honest I was sort of in disbelief of some of the actions that some of the characters take, based on the situation, this also stretches to the "genius" scientist plot going on - I'm not even sure why such a person would be put in charge of a ship as a planet that's under threat of attack one would think that such a character would have been given a project to work on, and the characters obsession with life enhancements is never explained. The final battle is also hand waved away.
For the materials thing - They discuss building a ship the size of Mt. Everest basically - since there are asteroids the size of Mt. Everest out their and usually have more concentrated resources lets say that 10 of these asteroids were needed to build one of these ships (now take a look at this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of... ) lets just say there is more than enough resources to build the fleet they talk about - in the book it felt like they were just barely going to have enough resources from an entire solar system.
Also these people find basically the most advanced 3D printer ever, and no one thinks of bootstrapping seriously? Note: You build a set of 3D printers first which only purpose is to build more 3D printers? Maybe this actually happened? - the story never says.
This book was frustrating, it was an excellent idea but the execution felt botched and technology is used as to much as a crutch without sufficient explanation. For example this is (maybe some spoilers but I will be general) - Several people are having a meeting which is basically in military speak "top-level" the room in which this meeting take place is not searched for bugs, this meeting takes place after a terrorist attack and global war for context with supposedly smart people in attendance. Then we have someone that has no real military presence or training use a "anti-listening" device (technological crutch) to basically plot disrupting a key military engagement, who is supposedly under surveillance by military intelligence. Seriously? These supposed "winners" are very incompetent.
I really want to read something that has this basic premise which was executed competently - the plot here stretched believability (heh it wasn't really believable). The technology isn't really explained and is used as a crutch to many times. Technology is the authors method of pushing the plot in the direction they want none of this is really explained. What really irked me was the details they felt way to unrealistic.
The thing that makes this a 2* rating when I am so inclined to like this book is simply that the details don't really make sense, the plot feels stupid at times. One of the things that shocked for example is the population of the human planet.. this is 5000 years after the supposed extinction of the human race.. even if takes place after a "Global War" a population of 25 Million just doesn't make sense (you know we were farmers and gathers 5000 years ago). Also the material requirements are strange, I don't think the author understands how much material he is talking about in terms of stuff actually in asteroids (he is totally underestimating). In the background of the story we have some sort of terrorist plot going on - I think this was handled poorly - to be honest I was sort of in disbelief of some of the actions that some of the characters take, based on the situation, this also stretches to the "genius" scientist plot going on - I'm not even sure why such a person would be put in charge of a ship as a planet that's under threat of attack one would think that such a character would have been given a project to work on, and the characters obsession with life enhancements is never explained. The final battle is also hand waved away.
For the materials thing - They discuss building a ship the size of Mt. Everest basically - since there are asteroids the size of Mt. Everest out their and usually have more concentrated resources lets say that 10 of these asteroids were needed to build one of these ships (now take a look at this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of... ) lets just say there is more than enough resources to build the fleet they talk about - in the book it felt like they were just barely going to have enough resources from an entire solar system.
Also these people find basically the most advanced 3D printer ever, and no one thinks of bootstrapping seriously? Note: You build a set of 3D printers first which only purpose is to build more 3D printers? Maybe this actually happened? - the story never says.
This book was frustrating, it was an excellent idea but the execution felt botched and technology is used as to much as a crutch without sufficient explanation. For example this is (maybe some spoilers but I will be general) - Several people are having a meeting which is basically in military speak "top-level" the room in which this meeting take place is not searched for bugs, this meeting takes place after a terrorist attack and global war for context with supposedly smart people in attendance. Then we have someone that has no real military presence or training use a "anti-listening" device (technological crutch) to basically plot disrupting a key military engagement, who is supposedly under surveillance by military intelligence. Seriously? These supposed "winners" are very incompetent.
I really want to read something that has this basic premise which was executed competently - the plot here stretched believability (heh it wasn't really believable). The technology isn't really explained and is used as a crutch to many times. Technology is the authors method of pushing the plot in the direction they want none of this is really explained. What really irked me was the details they felt way to unrealistic.
January 26, 2019
It was a decent science Fiction audiobook for audible only. I just don’t know if I care enough to spend $20 each or one of my precious audible credits on the next two audiobooks. Probably not. If they go on sale I might finish the series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews