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Silver Ships #6
Espero
Trouble infiltrated the Harakens’ capital city of Espero, in the form of New Terra criminal gangs who grew wealthy and powerful on the moons of Ganymede, hiding behind the cover of an ill-conceived mining charter. The gangs brought stims and addictive hallucinogenic drugs to Espero, distributing them to the young on the planet.
Christie Racine and her friends visited a hidden club rumored to be a source of the dangerous drugs and have run afoul of the criminals running the illegal establishment. Kidnapped and transported out of Hellébore’s system aboard a freighter, the girls become desperate to free themselves.
Alex Racine, Christie’s brother and president of the Harakens, races to discover where the girls were taken. The trail leads Alex from Espero to the pleasure domes of Jolares, a moon orbiting a gas giant in Oistos, the New Terrans’ home system. Alex’s search is complicated by the discovery of not one, but three sets of pleasure domes, each on its own moon and run by its own criminal mastermind.
It becomes a dangerous game of hide-and-seek, as the Harakens attempt to recover their girls and locate the biochemist who created the dangerous hallucinogen, without panicking the kidnappers. The Harakens’ efforts are complicated by the duplicitousness of “Mr. Blue” and “Sniffer,” two gang leaders, who seek to steal the domes of “Craze,” the third gang leader, in a dangerous double-cross.
Alex and his people thought things couldn’t get any more complicated until they discover the gangs have gone to war with deadly stunners and plasma rifles in a fight for possession of the Haraken girls, who are caught between the rivals.
Christie Racine and her friends visited a hidden club rumored to be a source of the dangerous drugs and have run afoul of the criminals running the illegal establishment. Kidnapped and transported out of Hellébore’s system aboard a freighter, the girls become desperate to free themselves.
Alex Racine, Christie’s brother and president of the Harakens, races to discover where the girls were taken. The trail leads Alex from Espero to the pleasure domes of Jolares, a moon orbiting a gas giant in Oistos, the New Terrans’ home system. Alex’s search is complicated by the discovery of not one, but three sets of pleasure domes, each on its own moon and run by its own criminal mastermind.
It becomes a dangerous game of hide-and-seek, as the Harakens attempt to recover their girls and locate the biochemist who created the dangerous hallucinogen, without panicking the kidnappers. The Harakens’ efforts are complicated by the duplicitousness of “Mr. Blue” and “Sniffer,” two gang leaders, who seek to steal the domes of “Craze,” the third gang leader, in a dangerous double-cross.
Alex and his people thought things couldn’t get any more complicated until they discover the gangs have gone to war with deadly stunners and plasma rifles in a fight for possession of the Haraken girls, who are caught between the rivals.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2016
583 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
S.H. Jucha
45 books469 followersFrom my early years to the present, books have been a refuge. They’ve fueled my imagination. I’ve traveled to faraway places and met aliens with Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, Herbert, and Le Guin. I’ve explored historical events with Michener and Clavell, and I played spy with Ludlum and Fleming.
There’s no doubt that the early sci-fi masters influenced the writing of my first two series, The Silver Ships and Pyreans. I crafted my stories to give readers intimate views of my characters, who wrestle with the challenges of living in space and inhabiting alien worlds.
Life is rarely easy for these characters, who encounter aliens and calamities, but they persist and flourish. I revel in examining humankind’s will to survive. Not everyone plays fair or exhibits concern for other beings, but that’s another aspect of humans and aliens that I investigate.
My stories offer hope for humans today about what they might accomplish tomorrow far from our home world. Throughout my books, humans exhibit a will to persevere, without detriment to the vast majority of others.
Readers have been generous with their comments, which they’ve left on Amazon and Goodreads for others to review. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m pleased to read how my stories have positively affected many readers’ lives.
If you’ve read my books, please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads for every book, even a short one. Reviews attract other readers and are a great help to indie authors, such as me.
The Silver Ships novels have reached Amazon’s coveted #1 and #2 Best-Selling Sci-Fi book, multiple times, in the science fiction categories of first contact, space opera, and alien invasion.
There’s no doubt that the early sci-fi masters influenced the writing of my first two series, The Silver Ships and Pyreans. I crafted my stories to give readers intimate views of my characters, who wrestle with the challenges of living in space and inhabiting alien worlds.
Life is rarely easy for these characters, who encounter aliens and calamities, but they persist and flourish. I revel in examining humankind’s will to survive. Not everyone plays fair or exhibits concern for other beings, but that’s another aspect of humans and aliens that I investigate.
My stories offer hope for humans today about what they might accomplish tomorrow far from our home world. Throughout my books, humans exhibit a will to persevere, without detriment to the vast majority of others.
Readers have been generous with their comments, which they’ve left on Amazon and Goodreads for others to review. I truly enjoy what I do, and I’m pleased to read how my stories have positively affected many readers’ lives.
If you’ve read my books, please consider posting a review on Amazon and Goodreads for every book, even a short one. Reviews attract other readers and are a great help to indie authors, such as me.
The Silver Ships novels have reached Amazon’s coveted #1 and #2 Best-Selling Sci-Fi book, multiple times, in the science fiction categories of first contact, space opera, and alien invasion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 17, 2023
An expertly orchestrated addition to the Silver Ships series that sees President Racine mount a rescue mission to save his sister from abduction by some nefarious interstellar criminal types. Fast paced, adrenaline-inducing action scenes coupled with superb writing. A light and very good space opera that reads like a mystery thriller, and can also be read as a standalone. Recommended.
October 2, 2017
I did not find this book as enjoyable as the other books in the series. It is because of the theme of the story. The story is about New Terran criminal gangs, drugs and human trafficking. Alex Racine, the President of Haraken, finds out his sister, Christie, has been kidnapped by the human traffickers and has been taken off world. Alex sets out to get her back and shut down the criminal gangs.
This book is well written, but I did not enjoy the story about criminal gangs and corrupt politicians. I know that people will be the same on Earth or wherever they go, but I would prefer more about the cool silver ships and space adventures. It maybe my mood that turned me off the story and I am sure many readers will enjoy the story. I wonder what will happen to Miranda? Can Z create a new SAGE or is that even possible?
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fifteen hours and fifteen minutes long. Grover Gardner does an excellent job narrating the book. Gardner is an award-winning audiobook narrator.
This book is well written, but I did not enjoy the story about criminal gangs and corrupt politicians. I know that people will be the same on Earth or wherever they go, but I would prefer more about the cool silver ships and space adventures. It maybe my mood that turned me off the story and I am sure many readers will enjoy the story. I wonder what will happen to Miranda? Can Z create a new SAGE or is that even possible?
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is fifteen hours and fifteen minutes long. Grover Gardner does an excellent job narrating the book. Gardner is an award-winning audiobook narrator.
October 7, 2016
Desolation
I loved the first book and the second, the third.. all of them, but this one. An effort wasted, it is not a scifi novella, pur and simple kidnapping story, boring, with some twists.. I skipped most of the book. The solid characters of the series didnt deserve that. I will wait for the upcoming one, out of respect but, without the same enthusiasm. I sincerely hope that it will return to glorious storytelling. If you like the series, you may skip this one, no harm done. I wish somebody told me to pass on that one.
I loved the first book and the second, the third.. all of them, but this one. An effort wasted, it is not a scifi novella, pur and simple kidnapping story, boring, with some twists.. I skipped most of the book. The solid characters of the series didnt deserve that. I will wait for the upcoming one, out of respect but, without the same enthusiasm. I sincerely hope that it will return to glorious storytelling. If you like the series, you may skip this one, no harm done. I wish somebody told me to pass on that one.
July 29, 2017
There was an interesting start to the book but then it went downhill quite quickly.
The basic plot was fairly boring, especially the machinations of Toyo and Kadmir, which were bizarre and irritating rather than interesting. I found myself skipping pages during their big battle. Unfortunately, even when the Harakens got involved it didn’t get any more enjoyable, in fact it became more ‘Farce’ than SciFi.
In the end, I probably enjoyed the final round up, more than the rest of the book.
The basic plot was fairly boring, especially the machinations of Toyo and Kadmir, which were bizarre and irritating rather than interesting. I found myself skipping pages during their big battle. Unfortunately, even when the Harakens got involved it didn’t get any more enjoyable, in fact it became more ‘Farce’ than SciFi.
In the end, I probably enjoyed the final round up, more than the rest of the book.
March 13, 2022
Very good!
October 17, 2016
I did not think that from the description I would enjoy this book as much as I had enjoyed some of the others. However once we got though 2/3 of dealing with the gang issue the political part (which I enjoy) and the philosophical part of colliding cultures and worlds really shines in the last 1/3. This is one series that I hope as long as there are good stories to tell we can continue to tell them. This really reminds me a lot of Star-Trek and how I don't get tried of their adventures (some are better than others), but overall I hope to see more adventures of our captain turned president Alex, and his partner Ser Racine. One interesting note is that I am surprised in these books which are very modern and deal with lots of present day themes we have no seen any LGBT themes, and while I don't want a book focused on that it would be nice to see a character every once in a while with a same sex partner.
Another good one and can't wait for the next one!
Another good one and can't wait for the next one!
June 13, 2024
I just can’t give this a good review…
There is far too much wrong with the story line. The shortest way I know of to explain it, is the story has a ridiculous amount of restraint and good luck. Somehow they go to war with criminal gangs who are kidnapping teens for what vaguely seems suggested as sex slaves or worse, and important people are kidnapped but Alex and friends relax and take their time trying to rescue them, while making jokes and tiptoeing around legal issues rather than getting the people back.
Also there is some terrible writing in the book, at one point this is actually spoken aloud when a bad guy is tricked, “What did you do? My pill was a placebo,” he cried. The man spun around and…”
There are more of these.
And Mr. Jucha seems determined to drive the series to perversity with the women regularly exposing themselves and allowing men to have great freedom with them to gain information, and there appear to be no psychological ramifications for even very young women being treated this way.
The plots and the characters are mostly interesting but the writing is just terrible in this book.
It is too time consuming for me to go back through all the notes I took on my kindle, but one last thing was when Boker escapes, he is able to hide out for at least a day or more and Toyo doesn’t follow up to make sure the people he ordered killed are dead and doesn’t realize for several days that his second in command is missing?
This was just terrible.
There is far too much wrong with the story line. The shortest way I know of to explain it, is the story has a ridiculous amount of restraint and good luck. Somehow they go to war with criminal gangs who are kidnapping teens for what vaguely seems suggested as sex slaves or worse, and important people are kidnapped but Alex and friends relax and take their time trying to rescue them, while making jokes and tiptoeing around legal issues rather than getting the people back.
Also there is some terrible writing in the book, at one point this is actually spoken aloud when a bad guy is tricked, “What did you do? My pill was a placebo,” he cried. The man spun around and…”
There are more of these.
And Mr. Jucha seems determined to drive the series to perversity with the women regularly exposing themselves and allowing men to have great freedom with them to gain information, and there appear to be no psychological ramifications for even very young women being treated this way.
The plots and the characters are mostly interesting but the writing is just terrible in this book.
It is too time consuming for me to go back through all the notes I took on my kindle, but one last thing was when Boker escapes, he is able to hide out for at least a day or more and Toyo doesn’t follow up to make sure the people he ordered killed are dead and doesn’t realize for several days that his second in command is missing?
This was just terrible.
April 20, 2019
Only mildly interesting and too long. This 6th entry tries to answer the question "what if Alex was in the movie 'Taken'?"
Alex's sister is taken and Alex leads the charge to get her back. "Leads" is a bit of a strong sentiment as while he leads, he personally does little to get her back. There is no space battles, few fights and mostly infiltration and political negotiation.
The book isn't bad and is, for the most part, interesting. However, it carries on far too long.
The audio book is about 15 hours long, with previous entries between about 10-12. 10 ish hours is the appropriate length for the plot of one of these books. The extra length of this book was just to prolong the plot, adding complications and dragging out the conflict.
So far in the series, Alex has been presented with 1 antagonist person or group and has had the backing of everyone else. This time Alex wades into a sea of groups, all whom want to bring his downfall. Finally we are seeing the cracks in Alex's character as he falters in dealing with all of the different influences. Not falter in terms that a normal human being would, but falter for Alex.
This was a bit of a low point in the series, so far. Not bad, just not as good as the other books. Too long with a mostly uninteresting plot, but it was nice to see Alex is no longer super man and is not able to just wipe all problems aside.
Alex's sister is taken and Alex leads the charge to get her back. "Leads" is a bit of a strong sentiment as while he leads, he personally does little to get her back. There is no space battles, few fights and mostly infiltration and political negotiation.
The book isn't bad and is, for the most part, interesting. However, it carries on far too long.
The audio book is about 15 hours long, with previous entries between about 10-12. 10 ish hours is the appropriate length for the plot of one of these books. The extra length of this book was just to prolong the plot, adding complications and dragging out the conflict.
So far in the series, Alex has been presented with 1 antagonist person or group and has had the backing of everyone else. This time Alex wades into a sea of groups, all whom want to bring his downfall. Finally we are seeing the cracks in Alex's character as he falters in dealing with all of the different influences. Not falter in terms that a normal human being would, but falter for Alex.
This was a bit of a low point in the series, so far. Not bad, just not as good as the other books. Too long with a mostly uninteresting plot, but it was nice to see Alex is no longer super man and is not able to just wipe all problems aside.
October 29, 2016
Robert's Review
I enjoy this universe immensely, the daily lives of the Harakens' is very interesting. The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) constructs attaining sentience is not new too Sci Fy, however as portrayed here is a reflection of possible trends in our own society. The topics discussed in this series in regards to SADEs is possibly the same as we currently view new ideas, groups or technology designed to enhance and assist mankind in our march to the future. I look forward to future activities in this universe and hope that adventures of Alex Racine and his people continue for a time. Thanks for a goodread...
I enjoy this universe immensely, the daily lives of the Harakens' is very interesting. The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) constructs attaining sentience is not new too Sci Fy, however as portrayed here is a reflection of possible trends in our own society. The topics discussed in this series in regards to SADEs is possibly the same as we currently view new ideas, groups or technology designed to enhance and assist mankind in our march to the future. I look forward to future activities in this universe and hope that adventures of Alex Racine and his people continue for a time. Thanks for a goodread...
March 8, 2018
Every new book brings more complexity and expands the story to multiple ones
S. H. Jucha has done a wonderful job with this series of books, every new book is a great expansion of new stories and new possibilities. This is maybe the most complex book with the so many parallel stories happening all around an simple event that brings so many political complexities. And as always the Harakens will go back home with new citizens looking for a new place to realize that life next to Alex Racine can be full of excitement adventure and dangers
S. H. Jucha has done a wonderful job with this series of books, every new book is a great expansion of new stories and new possibilities. This is maybe the most complex book with the so many parallel stories happening all around an simple event that brings so many political complexities. And as always the Harakens will go back home with new citizens looking for a new place to realize that life next to Alex Racine can be full of excitement adventure and dangers
September 28, 2022
A very different book in the series
I really enjoyed this book as a departure from the recent books’ space battles. I surmised what was going to happen in chapter 2 but it neatly setup the rest of the book. I love the increasing use of SADEs (Self Aware Digital Entities) in each of the last few books and continuing in Espero.
What I find fascinating is how Jucha positions himself to go in a completely new direction as each book comes to a close.
Can hardly wait for the next book!
I really enjoyed this book as a departure from the recent books’ space battles. I surmised what was going to happen in chapter 2 but it neatly setup the rest of the book. I love the increasing use of SADEs (Self Aware Digital Entities) in each of the last few books and continuing in Espero.
What I find fascinating is how Jucha positions himself to go in a completely new direction as each book comes to a close.
Can hardly wait for the next book!
September 18, 2019
Sorry to say, this book was not for me. I read it but it was to much hard work. I bought the series on what I'd previously read which was what I call Science fiction. This book Espero was to much realistic for me "drugs, kidnapping and abuse of children, young families and young females". I am going to have a break from this series and return to Military Science fiction. I'll be back a little later and give the 7th book of this series a second chance.
April 6, 2018
Another good entry in the series
It has been a while since I read the previous boooks in this series. This one didn’t quite grab and hold my interest as the earlier volumes have. There are still some interesting things going on, for example the continued “evolution” of the SADES. I am looking forward to the next volume, and would recommend the series.
It has been a while since I read the previous boooks in this series. This one didn’t quite grab and hold my interest as the earlier volumes have. There are still some interesting things going on, for example the continued “evolution” of the SADES. I am looking forward to the next volume, and would recommend the series.
February 24, 2021
Thank you.
It sounds like so little. Two simple words, Thank you. It means lot to me though and I just want you to know my whole hearted appreciation to you for being the writer that you are. Your stories go beyond just entertaining, they are also very sincere messages. Once again, thank you! ❤️
It sounds like so little. Two simple words, Thank you. It means lot to me though and I just want you to know my whole hearted appreciation to you for being the writer that you are. Your stories go beyond just entertaining, they are also very sincere messages. Once again, thank you! ❤️
January 8, 2022
For the most part, I have enjoyed this series so far. There are a few confused tenses here and there but there is really only one thing about this series that I REALLY don't like; that's the made up word "Ser". It means anyone, or someone? I'm NOT an unidentifiable someone, I'm ME, I'm DAN, I'm a MALE. Anyone trying to make MY existence ambiguous will have problems.
October 2, 2017
Really Good Sci-fi!
This series has come a long way from the initial Silver Ships. I have thoroughly enjoyed the character and plot development through all of them! One of my all time favorite Sci-Fi series!
This series has come a long way from the initial Silver Ships. I have thoroughly enjoyed the character and plot development through all of them! One of my all time favorite Sci-Fi series!
March 29, 2018
Not as good as the other books in the series
I found this book to be my least favorite of the series so far it was not as exciting as previous book and has very little action to offer.
I found this book to be my least favorite of the series so far it was not as exciting as previous book and has very little action to offer.
September 19, 2018
I’m tired trying to find the words for reviewing a series which every one of its book should have the same review so I’ll just write one word “ EXCELLENT !!!! “ and here is hoping that it will continue to be which till now I don’t see a reason why it wouldn’t.
Fully recommended !!!
Fully recommended !!!
March 11, 2020
Actually 2.5. Story is good, but the protagonist is too perfect and wins without even trying.
Repetition, POV issues, and grammatical problem tell me the work was not professionally edited. Probably a 20 books try.
Repetition, POV issues, and grammatical problem tell me the work was not professionally edited. Probably a 20 books try.
March 29, 2021
All is not as it seems in New Terra?
Another intriguing storyline which develops from a kidnapping to a drug-bust with political overtones. Maybe a little dry for some. I was struggling to finish this but glad I persevered.I
Another intriguing storyline which develops from a kidnapping to a drug-bust with political overtones. Maybe a little dry for some. I was struggling to finish this but glad I persevered.I
July 11, 2024
I kept waiting for a big shift in the storyline since starting book 6, but seven hours into book two I'm no longer hooked. The shift from military strategy and tactics on a solar system level, to politics and corruption doesn't do the first books any justice.
June 8, 2017
Loved this book. Great continuation of what feel like old friend's story. The author really makes you care about the characters.
November 8, 2017
I love this series!
January 9, 2019
Thriller
I have truly enjoyed reading this book and it has a lot of action.
Keep up the great story ! Thank you
I have truly enjoyed reading this book and it has a lot of action.
Keep up the great story ! Thank you
January 13, 2019
AHHHHHH !
Another fine story comes to a close. Love the characters and the story line. Would love to see one where Alex, nearing old age conciders tranfering to an avatar.
Another fine story comes to a close. Love the characters and the story line. Would love to see one where Alex, nearing old age conciders tranfering to an avatar.
March 14, 2019
Very happy that I found this author and series. Have enjoyed all the books so far equally well, which I intend to be high praise.
July 28, 2019
Another great book. I love this series.
March 13, 2020
Another hit!
I still am amazed at how well thought out the characters and environment is laid out, loved it... good grief next book no sleeping now...
I still am amazed at how well thought out the characters and environment is laid out, loved it... good grief next book no sleeping now...
June 25, 2020
Tough Read
The author continues with his outstanding characters, premise and universe but the story drags on through tedious detail. The weakest effort of the series thus far. I powered through this one out of sheer stubbornness but look forward returning to the pace we’ve come to expect in Book 7 and the rest of the series.
The author continues with his outstanding characters, premise and universe but the story drags on through tedious detail. The weakest effort of the series thus far. I powered through this one out of sheer stubbornness but look forward returning to the pace we’ve come to expect in Book 7 and the rest of the series.
August 22, 2020
Enemy within
Saving other people does not always result in they like you, sometimes they end up hating you. Alex Racine found this out the very hard way...
Saving other people does not always result in they like you, sometimes they end up hating you. Alex Racine found this out the very hard way...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews