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Interstellar Cargo #2
Daedalus
The adventure aboard the ICARUS continues!
Leading the life of the System’s most wanted space pirate is not as satisfying as Cole Musgrave had hoped. Despite having been given a second chance at life by his gangster brother, each mission he undertakes threatens to be his last.
When Cole’s luck finally runs out, the crew of the Icarus find themselves in a predicament unlike any they’ve ever encountered. One reckless decision leaves them abandoned and on the run from the entire universe.
A desperate, last-ditch effort to avoid annihilation leads them to a place no man has gone before. Or so they think. Here the sins of Cole’s past will return to haunt him and cast an even darker shadow on a future that is headed toward a full-scale war.
Praise for the Interstellar Cargo series:
"He had me from the very first line...Perfect."
(Nick Webb - USA Today Bestselling Author of the Legacy Fleet trilogy)
"I love the way the character's opinions get across. I'm hooked!"
(Annie Bellet - USA Today Bestselling Author of the Twenty-Sided Sorceress series)
Leading the life of the System’s most wanted space pirate is not as satisfying as Cole Musgrave had hoped. Despite having been given a second chance at life by his gangster brother, each mission he undertakes threatens to be his last.
When Cole’s luck finally runs out, the crew of the Icarus find themselves in a predicament unlike any they’ve ever encountered. One reckless decision leaves them abandoned and on the run from the entire universe.
A desperate, last-ditch effort to avoid annihilation leads them to a place no man has gone before. Or so they think. Here the sins of Cole’s past will return to haunt him and cast an even darker shadow on a future that is headed toward a full-scale war.
Praise for the Interstellar Cargo series:
"He had me from the very first line...Perfect."
(Nick Webb - USA Today Bestselling Author of the Legacy Fleet trilogy)
"I love the way the character's opinions get across. I'm hooked!"
(Annie Bellet - USA Today Bestselling Author of the Twenty-Sided Sorceress series)
- GenresScience Fiction
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2016
45 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Matt Verish
8 books25 followersMy name is Matt Verish, and I write Speculative Fiction. I have no honorary degree of which to boast, but I do possess a burning passion to write in the Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror genres. I've been writing since I was in the fourth grade, though I didn't truly realize my desire to become an author until I was in college. And it wasn't until my late thirties that I actually wrote and completed my first novel.
Why did I tackle my first solo project so close to forty, you ask? Well, that's simple: I'm also a married co-author. When I'm not daydreaming about interstellar cargo vessels, I'm busy shaping the World of Secramore with my beautiful wife, Stefanie. Together, we've been writing Epic Fantasy for close to twenty years. We have five full-length novels to our names with many more to come. It's a wonder I have time to write anything on the side!
Why did I tackle my first solo project so close to forty, you ask? Well, that's simple: I'm also a married co-author. When I'm not daydreaming about interstellar cargo vessels, I'm busy shaping the World of Secramore with my beautiful wife, Stefanie. Together, we've been writing Epic Fantasy for close to twenty years. We have five full-length novels to our names with many more to come. It's a wonder I have time to write anything on the side!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 9, 2017
3.5/.6 but that's not an option
The story has so much twists, my mind hurts, the borders of believability are almost stretched beyond breaking, but it has its merits.
The story has so much twists, my mind hurts, the borders of believability are almost stretched beyond breaking, but it has its merits.
January 9, 2017
I came across Icarus in an anthology and enjoyed it so much that when I found Daedalus it was a no-brainer. When I finished it I went looking for the next book in the series. Imagine my disappointment that it hadn't come out yet!
Daedalus has everything I look for in a space opera. Non stop excitement, characters I like or that I like disliking (not easy to do).
Cole is the irreverent hero and yet with a depth to him you don't usually find. His relationship with the other characters seem to make them rise to more than they can be.
All in all I great story. And a great series.
Daedalus has everything I look for in a space opera. Non stop excitement, characters I like or that I like disliking (not easy to do).
Cole is the irreverent hero and yet with a depth to him you don't usually find. His relationship with the other characters seem to make them rise to more than they can be.
All in all I great story. And a great series.
March 13, 2017
Disappointing Mish-mash
In the first volume of the series, Verish did an outstanding job of creating a classic space opera. However, in this follow-up, I think that he fell to the "curse of the sequel" and created an absolute mishmash of events without achieving the success of the first book.
Several times, I went back to look for the lead up to an action scenes, but explanations were not included. Cole's crew first fakes a rebellion without explanation. Then they rebel for real (?) Cole seems to appreciate his half Brother. Then he kills his half-brother. He flees into a new universe. Then he finds his mother, but she has been transformed into a combination of electricity, human and machine. (He had believed he killed her and the other 5000 crewmembers of the Daedalus). Then he finds a long-lost friend...but Cole's mother has somehow deleted most of Cole's memories...but he can remember his old friend...then he finds CAIN...but CAIN had been crippled...although it had been fifteen years since Cole attempted to kill his mother, she had only experienced two years...but in that time she had been mutated into the energy/mechanical/human/cannibal creature...but she still wants to take over the galaxy...and destroy the terror/terraforming company...that is trying to build a mind control device...or is it a star gate to a different universes?
Although action is a hallmark of the space opera genre, the activities seemed contradictory and without any basis. Although, with explanation and proper build-up, the story could have been very good, it almost seemed as if entire sections had been cut from this book. A shame: it could have been a good story.
NOT RECOMMENDED
In the first volume of the series, Verish did an outstanding job of creating a classic space opera. However, in this follow-up, I think that he fell to the "curse of the sequel" and created an absolute mishmash of events without achieving the success of the first book.
Several times, I went back to look for the lead up to an action scenes, but explanations were not included. Cole's crew first fakes a rebellion without explanation. Then they rebel for real (?) Cole seems to appreciate his half Brother. Then he kills his half-brother. He flees into a new universe. Then he finds his mother, but she has been transformed into a combination of electricity, human and machine. (He had believed he killed her and the other 5000 crewmembers of the Daedalus). Then he finds a long-lost friend...but Cole's mother has somehow deleted most of Cole's memories...but he can remember his old friend...then he finds CAIN...but CAIN had been crippled...although it had been fifteen years since Cole attempted to kill his mother, she had only experienced two years...but in that time she had been mutated into the energy/mechanical/human/cannibal creature...but she still wants to take over the galaxy...and destroy the terror/terraforming company...that is trying to build a mind control device...or is it a star gate to a different universes?
Although action is a hallmark of the space opera genre, the activities seemed contradictory and without any basis. Although, with explanation and proper build-up, the story could have been very good, it almost seemed as if entire sections had been cut from this book. A shame: it could have been a good story.
NOT RECOMMENDED
January 20, 2017
This book starts with action and it never lets up throughout the whole book. It is a whirlwind. Just try to hang onto your seat while you read this book! There are surprised around every corner. And, I'm hoping for one in the next book! Can't wait for it to come out. This is one of my new favorite series.
August 1, 2017
Plot: A space “pirate crew” of sorts, trying to get by in a hostile universe where enemies lurk everywhere.
An old theme but cleverly brought with believable characters. Clearly “Daedalus” by Matt Verish was a part two in a series, but it worked well enough as a stand alone not to frustrate the reader (me). There were enough mentions of previous events that were intriguing in such a way that curiosity is sparked to read what went on before. A definite plus in a series.
Pacing-wise, I would have liked to see a bit more speed at the beginning, and less haste at the end, though. I would have liked to read more about the alien planet described, and the ensuing race against time while the hero had to try to save the day, but it didn’t detract from the overall tale. I enjoyed it!
Protagonists: The fearless Captain Musgrave was funny and likeable, although he was hinted to being ruthless, which I didn’t really notice until I was a third into the story, and even then it was a single event. This seemed somewhat out of place to me, but this might be due to not knowing the previous story.
Camaraderie between the main character was there, and yet wasn’t. I was often left to wonder if they could co-exist...but again that might be due to the same problem of this being a sequel. There was definitely history there, which explained the friction. Regardless I rooted for them all, so apparently it didn’t matter as much as I would have thought.
Romance: There is some. Not as in ROMANTIC romance, but a love interest. Which was sweet, and added to the story, despite the “interest” being a bit too unreadable for her own good. I would have liked to discover more about her motivation and such, but that is the “romance reader” in me, I know, and perhaps not the thing for this kind of story.
Overall impression: A fun ride that kept my attention, entertained me, and made me want to turn the next page to see what would happen. All great ingredients for a good book, I would say. Definitely a “must-read” for space opera fans, but also an interesting diversion for the average reader.
An old theme but cleverly brought with believable characters. Clearly “Daedalus” by Matt Verish was a part two in a series, but it worked well enough as a stand alone not to frustrate the reader (me). There were enough mentions of previous events that were intriguing in such a way that curiosity is sparked to read what went on before. A definite plus in a series.
Pacing-wise, I would have liked to see a bit more speed at the beginning, and less haste at the end, though. I would have liked to read more about the alien planet described, and the ensuing race against time while the hero had to try to save the day, but it didn’t detract from the overall tale. I enjoyed it!
Protagonists: The fearless Captain Musgrave was funny and likeable, although he was hinted to being ruthless, which I didn’t really notice until I was a third into the story, and even then it was a single event. This seemed somewhat out of place to me, but this might be due to not knowing the previous story.
Camaraderie between the main character was there, and yet wasn’t. I was often left to wonder if they could co-exist...but again that might be due to the same problem of this being a sequel. There was definitely history there, which explained the friction. Regardless I rooted for them all, so apparently it didn’t matter as much as I would have thought.
Romance: There is some. Not as in ROMANTIC romance, but a love interest. Which was sweet, and added to the story, despite the “interest” being a bit too unreadable for her own good. I would have liked to discover more about her motivation and such, but that is the “romance reader” in me, I know, and perhaps not the thing for this kind of story.
Overall impression: A fun ride that kept my attention, entertained me, and made me want to turn the next page to see what would happen. All great ingredients for a good book, I would say. Definitely a “must-read” for space opera fans, but also an interesting diversion for the average reader.
February 18, 2020
Frustrating Read
First, after two books, not a single, like able character that you could embrace. The MC was marginal with no character depth to speak of, other than his jokes.
An entire family that is powerful, and hate each other nonsensically to the point of killing each other. No sense of family and what it means nor consistent explanation of their betrayals to one another.
The plot was inconsistent and confusing throughout. Every now and then, I reached understanding and then author took another left, right or ? Then confusion reigned for a hundred plus pages.
Whatever the purpose of plot, subplot and story was supposed to be, that purpose was never known to me. Could be me. I read aimless ramblings of stereotypical characters with no end game that I was able to perceive. Kept thinking it was going to get better, right ......? Not
First, after two books, not a single, like able character that you could embrace. The MC was marginal with no character depth to speak of, other than his jokes.
An entire family that is powerful, and hate each other nonsensically to the point of killing each other. No sense of family and what it means nor consistent explanation of their betrayals to one another.
The plot was inconsistent and confusing throughout. Every now and then, I reached understanding and then author took another left, right or ? Then confusion reigned for a hundred plus pages.
Whatever the purpose of plot, subplot and story was supposed to be, that purpose was never known to me. Could be me. I read aimless ramblings of stereotypical characters with no end game that I was able to perceive. Kept thinking it was going to get better, right ......? Not
March 27, 2020
Fast paced futuristic action ...
Another fast paced, action a minute hijinks for Mulgrave and his ratty crew. Just like the opening instalment this was a fun read. I find it hard to put these books down. The humour makes these books a real pleasure for me to read and keeps me smiling all the way through. The interplay between the main characters doesn’t get old for me and their relationships are developing in some unexpected ways. And it’s good to see Cole begin to tackle his mummy issues this time out. He is as lucky as ever as he and the gang escape from the jaws of death more often than a cat with nine lives. A thoroughly entertaining read. Bring on the next book. Can’t wait to read it.
Another fast paced, action a minute hijinks for Mulgrave and his ratty crew. Just like the opening instalment this was a fun read. I find it hard to put these books down. The humour makes these books a real pleasure for me to read and keeps me smiling all the way through. The interplay between the main characters doesn’t get old for me and their relationships are developing in some unexpected ways. And it’s good to see Cole begin to tackle his mummy issues this time out. He is as lucky as ever as he and the gang escape from the jaws of death more often than a cat with nine lives. A thoroughly entertaining read. Bring on the next book. Can’t wait to read it.
August 31, 2017
The flip floppy character seemly on a whim , greatly reduced my enjoyment.
I will get the next book to see how it ends. But the constant flip flopping of characters really lowered my enjoyment of the book. They really flip flopped on a whim. There reasons , or plot was weak. And after 2 books you really don't know where a lot stands. This book did make me want to see how it turns out. And hope they actually set the characters action straight.
I will get the next book to see how it ends. But the constant flip flopping of characters really lowered my enjoyment of the book. They really flip flopped on a whim. There reasons , or plot was weak. And after 2 books you really don't know where a lot stands. This book did make me want to see how it turns out. And hope they actually set the characters action straight.
December 30, 2018
A good sequel
Pretty good follow up to Icarus, flows well and gets exciting. Might be a bit over the top with the evolutions but still enjoyable.
Pretty good follow up to Icarus, flows well and gets exciting. Might be a bit over the top with the evolutions but still enjoyable.
July 6, 2021
I thought the second better than the first, but then the characters had developed. Enjoyable.
January 30, 2017
Oedipal Laden Train Wreck of a SciFi Fantasy Tale
"Daedalus," authored by Mr. Matt Verish, is Book 2 of his "Interstellar Cargo," series. The second book continues the Oedipal laden train wreck, where inane fantasy, absent science and physics, and a slew of writing failures, masquerade as SciFi.
The author speaks of "...evil...," and "...darkness...," in his introduction. The losing of a brother-in-law, couched in nebulous terms, implying psychological and/or substance abuse issues, is cited as a driving force of the writing, by the author.
The result is the author, an adult, writes as if he was a troubled teen, and "Daedalus," was part of therapy. The characters are fully unsympathetic, unlikeable, disloyal, traitorous, and untrustworthy. And those are the "good guys." The main character has repeatedly attempted matricide, while his mother has returned the favor, by attempts at filicide. It is borderline psychotic.
The SciFi is fully illogical and requires a reader to abandon all credulity. The author has taken the guise of SciFi, and totally immersed it in fantasy, his usual writing genre.
"Daedalus," is NOT recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
"Daedalus," authored by Mr. Matt Verish, is Book 2 of his "Interstellar Cargo," series. The second book continues the Oedipal laden train wreck, where inane fantasy, absent science and physics, and a slew of writing failures, masquerade as SciFi.
The author speaks of "...evil...," and "...darkness...," in his introduction. The losing of a brother-in-law, couched in nebulous terms, implying psychological and/or substance abuse issues, is cited as a driving force of the writing, by the author.
The result is the author, an adult, writes as if he was a troubled teen, and "Daedalus," was part of therapy. The characters are fully unsympathetic, unlikeable, disloyal, traitorous, and untrustworthy. And those are the "good guys." The main character has repeatedly attempted matricide, while his mother has returned the favor, by attempts at filicide. It is borderline psychotic.
The SciFi is fully illogical and requires a reader to abandon all credulity. The author has taken the guise of SciFi, and totally immersed it in fantasy, his usual writing genre.
"Daedalus," is NOT recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
January 26, 2017
Daedalus rises
As Cole and his crew inexplicably survive world-ending encounters with run-amok AIs, mad crazy CEOs, and even Cole's dead mother, the plot and the play between characters begins to unravel.
I just couldn't keep all the strings straight. My bad, probably, but I began to lose interest about halfway through.
The story was good, just not for me, I reckon.
As Cole and his crew inexplicably survive world-ending encounters with run-amok AIs, mad crazy CEOs, and even Cole's dead mother, the plot and the play between characters begins to unravel.
I just couldn't keep all the strings straight. My bad, probably, but I began to lose interest about halfway through.
The story was good, just not for me, I reckon.
Read
August 26, 2017A great sci-fi book! Too bad I didn't read "The Daedalus Incident" first, but as a free-standing story, it stood up well. I found myself reading well into the night! Now, I'm looking forward to reading "The Daedalus Incident" and the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews