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Final Exam: The Only College in the Universe Where the Final Exam May Kill You
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Final Exam begins a series, written in the classic sci-fi visions of Asimov and Heinlein, that examines human society as people expand through our galaxy. In this future, there is no dystopian dictatorship, no cyber-menace overlord, and no inter-species warfare. Humanity faces its historic enemy, humankind, but under different skies. Even as civility and civilization advance through the millennia, greed, gangs and malice remain as wolves chasing down the weak and vulnerable.
Final Exam introduces Shane O’Ryan, an idealistic, rich kid, about to graduate from an elite and secret academy that trains special agents. He and his secret fraternity investigate infractions of the colonization charter related to protection of intelligent species and the ecosystems on which they depend.
For his final exam, Shane and his student partner visit a snowy vacation planet to solve a mystery—how could a sub-intelligent species leap 50,000 years in evolution in months to harness fire and develop a language. Their investigation leads them into deadly conflict with a sophisticated gang trying to gain control of the planet for its mineral riches.
Final Exam begins a series, written in the classic sci-fi visions of Asimov and Heinlein, that examines human society as people expand through our galaxy. In this future, there is no dystopian dictatorship, no cyber-menace overlord, and no inter-species warfare. Humanity faces its historic enemy, humankind, but under different skies. Even as civility and civilization advance through the millennia, greed, gangs and malice remain as wolves chasing down the weak and vulnerable.
Final Exam introduces Shane O’Ryan, an idealistic, rich kid, about to graduate from an elite and secret academy that trains special agents. He and his secret fraternity investigate infractions of the colonization charter related to protection of intelligent species and the ecosystems on which they depend.
For his final exam, Shane and his student partner visit a snowy vacation planet to solve a mystery—how could a sub-intelligent species leap 50,000 years in evolution in months to harness fire and develop a language. Their investigation leads them into deadly conflict with a sophisticated gang trying to gain control of the planet for its mineral riches.
36 pages, ebook
Expected publication December 6, 2106
4 people want to read
About the author
Shaun J. McLaughlin
11 books3 followersI maintain two history blogs: one on the Patriot War (www.raidersandrebels.com); and, one on William Johnston, the Thousand Islands legend (www.piratebilljohnston.com). Soon this legend will be available in book form.
I have completed a biography of "Pirate" Bill Johnston and have signed a publishing agreement with the Beacon Publishing Group. The release date is pending.
In 2012, I published two books:
- the "Patriot War Along the New York-Canada Border" (a history book)
- and "Counter Currents" (a historical novel). It received the 2013 silver medal for Historical Literature Fiction from Global Ebook Awards.
Both tell the story of the Patriot War along the St. Lawrence River in 1838.
In 2013, I published a second history book, the "Patriot War Along the Michigan Canada Border." It was a finalist in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the historical non-fiction category.
In December 2014, I published a sequel to Counter Currents, Dark Southern Sun.
I have begun writing a new novel, my first contemporary fiction work.
I wrote and published a series of sci-fi novelettes. I have unpublished them. I was not happy with the writing. I plan to rework the series into a single novel someday.
A researcher, journalist and technical writer for over thirty years, with a master’s degree in journalism, I live on a hobby farm in Eastern Ontario.
You can get more info at: www.raidersandrebelspress.com.
I have completed a biography of "Pirate" Bill Johnston and have signed a publishing agreement with the Beacon Publishing Group. The release date is pending.
In 2012, I published two books:
- the "Patriot War Along the New York-Canada Border" (a history book)
- and "Counter Currents" (a historical novel). It received the 2013 silver medal for Historical Literature Fiction from Global Ebook Awards.
Both tell the story of the Patriot War along the St. Lawrence River in 1838.
In 2013, I published a second history book, the "Patriot War Along the Michigan Canada Border." It was a finalist in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the historical non-fiction category.
In December 2014, I published a sequel to Counter Currents, Dark Southern Sun.
I have begun writing a new novel, my first contemporary fiction work.
I wrote and published a series of sci-fi novelettes. I have unpublished them. I was not happy with the writing. I plan to rework the series into a single novel someday.
A researcher, journalist and technical writer for over thirty years, with a master’s degree in journalism, I live on a hobby farm in Eastern Ontario.
You can get more info at: www.raidersandrebelspress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 14, 2017
This is a review of “Final Exam,” the first in a new series of very brief novels (under 50 pages) of light Science Fiction adventure. Thus it is also a review of the whole series, or at least the first four books, which I found easy to read in the time I usually allot for a whole novel.
Because of the brevity of each tale, a certain amount of simplicity in plot and conflict is necessary. In this relatively new type of book (sort of a novella with the length and plotline of a graphic novel) depth of character is restricted to a few strong traits, especially in the supporting characters. In this case, the reader is pleased to find that personalities can still be individualistic, sometimes even quirky, which adds to the interest. The hunky main character’s complete inability to talk to a beautiful woman comes immediately to mind.
Plotlines are direct; action is swift paced. The required amount of sexual tension exists between the main characters, but not enough activity ensues to restrict the series from younger readers.
The overall situation in this series involves a secret agency charged with protecting the rights of indigenous intelligence in the face of the human race, which is expanding rapidly through the galaxy (Shades of 19th century colonialism). The usual pattern is that fledgling agent Shane O’Ryan is sent to a planet where nefarious commercial interests are suppressing evidence of the intelligence of a local species in order to exploit their resources. A future challenge for the author will be to create enough variety of plotline within the rather narrow scope of this established conflict.
A minor complaint: I would also like to remind the author that simple stories and young readers do not constitute excuses for less-than-perfect editing.
I am giving this series five stars, not because it is wonderful literature, but because it is a perfect example of what it purports to be: simple, short, mildly humorous fiction. Recommended for those looking for light entertainment. Ideal holiday or travel reading.
Because of the brevity of each tale, a certain amount of simplicity in plot and conflict is necessary. In this relatively new type of book (sort of a novella with the length and plotline of a graphic novel) depth of character is restricted to a few strong traits, especially in the supporting characters. In this case, the reader is pleased to find that personalities can still be individualistic, sometimes even quirky, which adds to the interest. The hunky main character’s complete inability to talk to a beautiful woman comes immediately to mind.
Plotlines are direct; action is swift paced. The required amount of sexual tension exists between the main characters, but not enough activity ensues to restrict the series from younger readers.
The overall situation in this series involves a secret agency charged with protecting the rights of indigenous intelligence in the face of the human race, which is expanding rapidly through the galaxy (Shades of 19th century colonialism). The usual pattern is that fledgling agent Shane O’Ryan is sent to a planet where nefarious commercial interests are suppressing evidence of the intelligence of a local species in order to exploit their resources. A future challenge for the author will be to create enough variety of plotline within the rather narrow scope of this established conflict.
A minor complaint: I would also like to remind the author that simple stories and young readers do not constitute excuses for less-than-perfect editing.
I am giving this series five stars, not because it is wonderful literature, but because it is a perfect example of what it purports to be: simple, short, mildly humorous fiction. Recommended for those looking for light entertainment. Ideal holiday or travel reading.
March 23, 2017
This is an interesting sci-fi short story that is part of a series. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. The story draws you in right away. Though it is futuristic and takes place on other planets, the names weren’t unpronounceable, which is something that really bothers me about some of the sci-fi I read. I don’t want to be tripping over names throughout the whole story.
The main characters are very likeable, and when trouble ensues, you will find yourself rooting for them. There is a wee bit of humor and romance between them as well.
I also like that the story involves some of the issues we face today, such as racial identity and ecological concerns. A very strong start to the series and I look forward to reading more.
The main characters are very likeable, and when trouble ensues, you will find yourself rooting for them. There is a wee bit of humor and romance between them as well.
I also like that the story involves some of the issues we face today, such as racial identity and ecological concerns. A very strong start to the series and I look forward to reading more.
March 5, 2017
Shane O’Ryan is about to graduate from a secret special agent college. He has to complete one very important mission before he graduates: learn about the native population on a nearby moon and figure out why they’re evolving more quickly than they should. Oh, his side mission is to lose his virginity, but I’ll talk about that later.
Shane and his mission partner, the very pretty and exotic Alana, learn about the planet Goldilocks and its three moons: Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear. Shane and Alana are to go to Mama Bear and learn about the indigenous people. After the last survey fifty years prior, they’re close to cavemen; no real language or society. Now, they have a full language and learning skills they shouldn’t be yet. That seems kinda fishy to the government. Shane and Alana pose as a newlywed couple while discovering what’s really going on. There’s a lot of action and awkward humor (which is a good thing), and it was a fun read.
I couldn’t help but think that Final Exam is kinda similar to Ender’s Game. Kids going to school, learning fighting and espionage skills, going into an intense final battle…I don’t mind the similarities. I really enjoyed the pop culture humor (like Goldilocks); it was fun and unexpected.
What I didn’t like was the major push to have Shane lose his virginity. I feel that was really unnecessary. It also made me feel a touch uncomfortable (you’ll understand more at the end). I also didn’t like how short it was. I wasn’t expecting it to be a novella. The ending seemed rushed to me, and I wonder if McLaughlin would have made some changes if he decided to write a full novel.
Final Exam is the beginning of a series, and I’ll be on the lookout for the rest of it. If you’re into sci fi, definitely give this one a chance!
Shane and his mission partner, the very pretty and exotic Alana, learn about the planet Goldilocks and its three moons: Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear. Shane and Alana are to go to Mama Bear and learn about the indigenous people. After the last survey fifty years prior, they’re close to cavemen; no real language or society. Now, they have a full language and learning skills they shouldn’t be yet. That seems kinda fishy to the government. Shane and Alana pose as a newlywed couple while discovering what’s really going on. There’s a lot of action and awkward humor (which is a good thing), and it was a fun read.
I couldn’t help but think that Final Exam is kinda similar to Ender’s Game. Kids going to school, learning fighting and espionage skills, going into an intense final battle…I don’t mind the similarities. I really enjoyed the pop culture humor (like Goldilocks); it was fun and unexpected.
What I didn’t like was the major push to have Shane lose his virginity. I feel that was really unnecessary. It also made me feel a touch uncomfortable (you’ll understand more at the end). I also didn’t like how short it was. I wasn’t expecting it to be a novella. The ending seemed rushed to me, and I wonder if McLaughlin would have made some changes if he decided to write a full novel.
Final Exam is the beginning of a series, and I’ll be on the lookout for the rest of it. If you’re into sci fi, definitely give this one a chance!
December 17, 2016
This novella begins with two cadets, Shane and Alana, embarking on a mission to a "honeymooners" planet due to some strange progressions regarding a native species of a bear-like animal. They've recently begun to develop a higher intelligence and can even speak broken English. Now, since this is a covert operation they must pose as a newly married couple and they must be, above all else, discreet or they will blow the mission.
What started off as an interesting adventure soon became a little awkward for me in spots - mostly because of Shane. Personally, when I read about someone being shy I like to see it in body language and not necessarily speech, because stuttering, stammering and the like whenever it is their time to speak does become tiring, but fidgeting, blushing, other ways of communicating discomfort is easier for me to deal with. In the same breath the razzing of the virgin constantly and pressuring him to "lose it" kind of grew old, too.
It was a quick read, though, an interesting one to say the least. The ending wrapped up a bit too quickly, but there are more novelettes on the way in this series, too.
Happy Reading!
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What started off as an interesting adventure soon became a little awkward for me in spots - mostly because of Shane. Personally, when I read about someone being shy I like to see it in body language and not necessarily speech, because stuttering, stammering and the like whenever it is their time to speak does become tiring, but fidgeting, blushing, other ways of communicating discomfort is easier for me to deal with. In the same breath the razzing of the virgin constantly and pressuring him to "lose it" kind of grew old, too.
It was a quick read, though, an interesting one to say the least. The ending wrapped up a bit too quickly, but there are more novelettes on the way in this series, too.
Happy Reading!
Website - Facebook - Instagram -
February 5, 2017
Final Exam: A Society Agent Story is a YA sci-fi story featuring action, aliens, and romance, albeit with a heroic last stand in place of the more traditional one-night one. Shane O’Ryan is in a top-secret and very exclusive training program to become part of the Society for Protection of Intelligent Extraterrestrial Species, and he and the other five who have managed to survive the five-year program are about to face…the final exam.
This book was a light, pleasant read, and although I felt the characters would have benefited from more depth and development, overall the short story structure was handled well, without a rush at the finish line. It was also a pleasant novelty to have the female partner presented as more competent in wilderness than her male counterpart, for which I have to give the author props – I love to see authors break with stereotypes, and this story certainly did.
Despite that, I didn’t find that the read had quite that indefinable flair that makes a book irresistible for me. Some combination of the lack of depth in the characters and the way in which, despite all the descriptions of the agents’ elite training, they continually made daft mistakes (but survived anyway) failed to completely captivate me. I think a little more polishing would do wonders to bring out the plot’s strengths and clear away some of the dross that holds it back.
Reviewed for Knockin' Books Blog.
This book was a light, pleasant read, and although I felt the characters would have benefited from more depth and development, overall the short story structure was handled well, without a rush at the finish line. It was also a pleasant novelty to have the female partner presented as more competent in wilderness than her male counterpart, for which I have to give the author props – I love to see authors break with stereotypes, and this story certainly did.
Despite that, I didn’t find that the read had quite that indefinable flair that makes a book irresistible for me. Some combination of the lack of depth in the characters and the way in which, despite all the descriptions of the agents’ elite training, they continually made daft mistakes (but survived anyway) failed to completely captivate me. I think a little more polishing would do wonders to bring out the plot’s strengths and clear away some of the dross that holds it back.
Reviewed for Knockin' Books Blog.
March 8, 2019
What I Liked
The characterization in this novella is decently done. I wasn't a huge fan of the fact that everyone looks the same, but I definitely understand McLaughlin's reasons behind doing so. This also helped Alana to stand out which helped him to make his points throughout the piece.
McLaughlin definitely has a strong imagination. This piece was filled with whimsical yet believable aspects of a futuristic society. I would be interested in reading more from this author. However, I believe that he truly needs more space to write more effectively.
What I Didn't Like As Much
I didn't think this book was long enough to truly build up suspense. I would have loved to see more of the characters and to truly delve into their personalities to understand who they were. That would have made me care so much more about them and what was going on.
I have so many leftover questions! What happened to Alana and Shane's relationship? Did they stay friends? I hated that I was left wondering about so many different things.
What the heck was up with their teacher being so very concerned with Shane's sex life? As a teacher, I was pretty disturbed by this. I found the ending the most disturbing. There are just some lines that should not be crossed in the teacher/student relationship.
Again, I didn't completely hate McLaughlin's writing. I strongly believe that his writing is more suited for a longer piece of literature.
The characterization in this novella is decently done. I wasn't a huge fan of the fact that everyone looks the same, but I definitely understand McLaughlin's reasons behind doing so. This also helped Alana to stand out which helped him to make his points throughout the piece.
McLaughlin definitely has a strong imagination. This piece was filled with whimsical yet believable aspects of a futuristic society. I would be interested in reading more from this author. However, I believe that he truly needs more space to write more effectively.
What I Didn't Like As Much
I didn't think this book was long enough to truly build up suspense. I would have loved to see more of the characters and to truly delve into their personalities to understand who they were. That would have made me care so much more about them and what was going on.
I have so many leftover questions! What happened to Alana and Shane's relationship? Did they stay friends? I hated that I was left wondering about so many different things.
What the heck was up with their teacher being so very concerned with Shane's sex life? As a teacher, I was pretty disturbed by this. I found the ending the most disturbing. There are just some lines that should not be crossed in the teacher/student relationship.
Again, I didn't completely hate McLaughlin's writing. I strongly believe that his writing is more suited for a longer piece of literature.
January 15, 2017
This novelette is fun read, something easy to consume on an e-reader on the commute to work.
Two novice, secret agents, as part of their final exam, set out to solve a mystery about the sudden evolution of an alien race. The quickly get entangled in a gang plot that threatens their lives. The male protagonist, Shane, was also told to lose his virginity, because agents need a full range of human experience. While a good agent, he is clumsy around women. It leads to a few comical and awkward moments.
I liked the ethic in this one. The cadets are part of a galactic society that protects intelligent alien species from human conquest. The story references the European conquest of the Americas as the key reason the society exists--to prevent the same happening in space.
It is first in a series. I will read the next when it arives.
Two novice, secret agents, as part of their final exam, set out to solve a mystery about the sudden evolution of an alien race. The quickly get entangled in a gang plot that threatens their lives. The male protagonist, Shane, was also told to lose his virginity, because agents need a full range of human experience. While a good agent, he is clumsy around women. It leads to a few comical and awkward moments.
I liked the ethic in this one. The cadets are part of a galactic society that protects intelligent alien species from human conquest. The story references the European conquest of the Americas as the key reason the society exists--to prevent the same happening in space.
It is first in a series. I will read the next when it arives.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews