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Shades Space Opera #1
Starcrasher
A flat-broke captain. A deadly cosmic device. It's his time to save the universe.
Tredd Bounty's life hasn't been the same since he was kicked out of the Navy. And bouncing between shady jobs and risky missions barely keeps a roof over his head. So when he picks up a rich gig to capture a deadly device that could tear the stars apart, he keeps his incredible power at the ready: the ability to stop time itself…
With his eccentric team of misfits by his side, Tredd flies up against an old sweetheart, a vindictive former commander, and a shadowy force racing toward the same artefact. As they hunt for the extreme weapon, the captain uncovers a dangerous secret that could send them crashing into a fiery supernova. It's a good thing Tredd isn't the only one with hidden abilities.
Can Tredd reach the device in time to save the galaxy?
Starcrasher is the first book in the exhilarating Shades Space Opera series. If you like gritty heroes, alien encounters, and paranormal powers, then you'll love Rock Forsberg's action-packed novel.
Tredd Bounty's life hasn't been the same since he was kicked out of the Navy. And bouncing between shady jobs and risky missions barely keeps a roof over his head. So when he picks up a rich gig to capture a deadly device that could tear the stars apart, he keeps his incredible power at the ready: the ability to stop time itself…
With his eccentric team of misfits by his side, Tredd flies up against an old sweetheart, a vindictive former commander, and a shadowy force racing toward the same artefact. As they hunt for the extreme weapon, the captain uncovers a dangerous secret that could send them crashing into a fiery supernova. It's a good thing Tredd isn't the only one with hidden abilities.
Can Tredd reach the device in time to save the galaxy?
Starcrasher is the first book in the exhilarating Shades Space Opera series. If you like gritty heroes, alien encounters, and paranormal powers, then you'll love Rock Forsberg's action-packed novel.
491 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2017
178 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Rock Forsberg
15 books31 followersRock Forsberg is a science fiction author. He loves awe-inspiring stories and started writing so that he could create epic worlds and stories of his own. He has also written songs, poems, and short stories, both in English and in Finnish. He considers writing to be a long game, with a lifetime of learning, and dozens of novels to write.
A dual citizen of Finland and Australia, he splits his time between Helsinki, Finland and Sydney, Australia. If he not writing, he's reading, keeping fit (he’s a health geek), playing guitar, or enjoying time with his family and friends.
A dual citizen of Finland and Australia, he splits his time between Helsinki, Finland and Sydney, Australia. If he not writing, he's reading, keeping fit (he’s a health geek), playing guitar, or enjoying time with his family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 6, 2020
Intricate
A little long. The pace is maintained but could have been faster.
A well created universe which maintains it's logic through the telling. Characters are interesting though they all have backstory they never quite gain dimension.
A little long. The pace is maintained but could have been faster.
A well created universe which maintains it's logic through the telling. Characters are interesting though they all have backstory they never quite gain dimension.
January 2, 2020
Very creative adventure taking across the length of the universe with unexpected people clashing with each other and each of the people discover their hidden power.
July 13, 2019
Starcrasher is a blend of science fiction and old mythology, superpowers, human foibles, wormholes, and physics. Enjoyable read and I look forward to the next book in the series.
February 28, 2023
Tredd Bounty is a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter. He is a disgraced naval officer who was dishonorably discharged on trumped-up charges. The charges were made by a superior who thought him abnormal, and Tredd let it happen because he wasn’t normal. But now, he has been offered a mission to retrieve a powerful device that can cause the stars themselves to crash into each other, and the bounty for this will allow him to retire on a white sandy beach. So, he gathered some old and some new friends, went out to look for this device, and met some old friends and some old enemies.
Okay, I got to say that a natural native English editor would have been very useful in the first few chapters, as it seems like a non-native English speaker let loose with Grammarly and just accepted all suggestions. Words were missing from sentences, and there were misspelled words like “…slid slut.” in chapter six, this one made me laugh though. Either someone got on the ball after that, or I became immune to the mistakes. I found the world-building somewhat detailed in some places and vague in others. The character history was well-done for most, and I found character interaction plausible.
This series starter is a bit rough to begin with, but it is definitely science fiction with action & adventure that is based on genetic engineering and alien contact. I give the tale four stars out of five stars.
Okay, I got to say that a natural native English editor would have been very useful in the first few chapters, as it seems like a non-native English speaker let loose with Grammarly and just accepted all suggestions. Words were missing from sentences, and there were misspelled words like “…slid slut.” in chapter six, this one made me laugh though. Either someone got on the ball after that, or I became immune to the mistakes. I found the world-building somewhat detailed in some places and vague in others. The character history was well-done for most, and I found character interaction plausible.
This series starter is a bit rough to begin with, but it is definitely science fiction with action & adventure that is based on genetic engineering and alien contact. I give the tale four stars out of five stars.
June 27, 2017
Wannabe Future "X-Men" Yokels In Space Is A Boring Stinker
"Starcrasher (Shades Space Opera Book 1)," is an amateurish, stilted, and plodding attempt, to construct a future, where "X-Men" human mutants, mundane, banal, in thoughts, speech, and actions, join together, in order to combat a totalitarian government, and an impending inter-dimensional invasion.
Initially when reading, the stilted and awkward phrasing, narratives, and dialogue, were reminiscent of those badly translated Japanese 1950's, '60's monster movies. These at least were humorous, and enhanced the films, giving "Godzilla," and his monster cohorts, entertainment value. However, in "Starcrasher," as the author has dual citizenship, Finland and Australia, the excuse of translation seems remote. Further, the banal nature of the writing, is more indicative of blandness, Nordic comic books, and amateur writing. The lack of basic writing skill sets, are systemic throughout the entire book. It goes from corny, to overly polite, to frivolous jocularity, to darkly morbid, in a pedestrian manner.
"Starcrasher," is not recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
"Starcrasher (Shades Space Opera Book 1)," is an amateurish, stilted, and plodding attempt, to construct a future, where "X-Men" human mutants, mundane, banal, in thoughts, speech, and actions, join together, in order to combat a totalitarian government, and an impending inter-dimensional invasion.
Initially when reading, the stilted and awkward phrasing, narratives, and dialogue, were reminiscent of those badly translated Japanese 1950's, '60's monster movies. These at least were humorous, and enhanced the films, giving "Godzilla," and his monster cohorts, entertainment value. However, in "Starcrasher," as the author has dual citizenship, Finland and Australia, the excuse of translation seems remote. Further, the banal nature of the writing, is more indicative of blandness, Nordic comic books, and amateur writing. The lack of basic writing skill sets, are systemic throughout the entire book. It goes from corny, to overly polite, to frivolous jocularity, to darkly morbid, in a pedestrian manner.
"Starcrasher," is not recommended and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
March 25, 2018
This book didn't quite hit the mark for me. When you start mixing mysticism, magic, and gods into a space opera, you are walking a very fine line between a great story on one hand, and a sad failure on the other...
My first reaction to the story's protagonist was, "Oh, he cheats", but I kept listening and soon enough, I fell in love with said protagonist, Tredd Bounty. I was completely entranced with all the fun and action, and I put up with it's, well, thorny bits...
5 hours into the book, I'm anxiously rushing to the end, and then the 6th hour happens... WTF?!!?
I really should have stopped when I had (seemingly) reached a satisfying conclusion to the space opera, somewhere towards the end of 5th hour! What happens in the 6th hour was just too pear-shaped for my taste, and it pulled me completely out of the story as I lost the suspension of disbelief! So much wasted potential is a sad thing to bear witness to...
Nick Howden-Steenstra did a fine job narrating this story, but it wasn't enough to salvage the 6th hour train wreck!
My first reaction to the story's protagonist was, "Oh, he cheats", but I kept listening and soon enough, I fell in love with said protagonist, Tredd Bounty. I was completely entranced with all the fun and action, and I put up with it's, well, thorny bits...
5 hours into the book, I'm anxiously rushing to the end, and then the 6th hour happens... WTF?!!?
I really should have stopped when I had (seemingly) reached a satisfying conclusion to the space opera, somewhere towards the end of 5th hour! What happens in the 6th hour was just too pear-shaped for my taste, and it pulled me completely out of the story as I lost the suspension of disbelief! So much wasted potential is a sad thing to bear witness to...
Nick Howden-Steenstra did a fine job narrating this story, but it wasn't enough to salvage the 6th hour train wreck!
October 30, 2018
I received a free review copy of the book.
The book was exactly what I expected, an adventurous space opera that has lot of action and some humor. Even though the story was engaging, especially in the fourth part of the book, what I liked most were the characters. They were interesting personalities, and everyone feels like real person. I think it's not a bad sign about the quality of the book.
The book was exactly what I expected, an adventurous space opera that has lot of action and some humor. Even though the story was engaging, especially in the fourth part of the book, what I liked most were the characters. They were interesting personalities, and everyone feels like real person. I think it's not a bad sign about the quality of the book.
Read
December 4, 2020This book has continuous action sometimes fast and wild sometimes slower and informative. The characters are well designed and developed during the story as needed. This makes for a book that is enjoyable and hard to put down. The author obviously loves the story and characters he has created. I found myself feeling happy there are more books in the series continuing this story. I highly recommend this book to any reader
July 10, 2024
2.75 stars
Sadly, there was WAY too much going on in this book. Too many ideas not well executed, too many dangling bits (left for more books in the series), not enough depth to the characters, and a bit of preachy philosophy as well. I think it could have been a bit better if the writing was tightened up with a good editor, and maybe save some of the more 'out there' ideas for the next book.
Sadly, there was WAY too much going on in this book. Too many ideas not well executed, too many dangling bits (left for more books in the series), not enough depth to the characters, and a bit of preachy philosophy as well. I think it could have been a bit better if the writing was tightened up with a good editor, and maybe save some of the more 'out there' ideas for the next book.
February 4, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Starcrasher. Has been a while since I have read scifi and this book was a great re-entry. Cool plot with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing plus a good bit of astrophysical mind bending to keep you thinking. Definitely recommend!
June 3, 2017
Star rasher
I liked the tempo of the story. Fast moving entertaining. The characters were easy to follow. Didn't want to put it down kept my interest throughout the book.
I liked the tempo of the story. Fast moving entertaining. The characters were easy to follow. Didn't want to put it down kept my interest throughout the book.
February 7, 2018
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. I've read some negative reviews and found them completely inaccurate. It's a good book and I look forward to more of the series.
February 17, 2020
Awesome book
I loved it the whole bringing the mist fits together to form a crew was an awesome experience. I love space books and this did not disappoint!
I loved it the whole bringing the mist fits together to form a crew was an awesome experience. I love space books and this did not disappoint!
August 14, 2023
A good story
Fast paced, interesting and thought provoking.
It reminds me of some other great SciFi stories and writers. A good read, I will by the next book as soon as I can.
Fast paced, interesting and thought provoking.
It reminds me of some other great SciFi stories and writers. A good read, I will by the next book as soon as I can.
April 3, 2018
"Epic Space Opera draws you in and holds you!"
This is an epic space opera exactly as you would expect from the genre, it has a vast setting of worlds. The main characters are well crafted providing genuine feel to them, I believe everyone will find a character to identify with or just plain adore for the individual traits. As they develop you learn more about them and find yourself idolising some and vilifying others rightly or wrongly in some cases.
The story is quick to get going keeping you mesmerised throughout, it seamlessly shifts focus and it is so organic that you barely notice the change in direction. There are some great twists that you deserve to find yourself and not have spoilt by me.
This is an epic book that quickly throws open its focus to more of this universe giving it a grand feeling and the book perfectly ends with a set up for the next in the series which I am eagerly anticipating.
The narration is absolutely spot on, I love the addition of accents for characters that give the characters a more realistic feeling almost perfectly matching their background as you know it (especially as a brit). The characters feel individual and unique, you always know who is speaking.
In summation this book is a grand Space Opera that I truly hope continues. It will suit anyone that enjoys a space opera, equally if you like a fantasy science fiction mix you will enjoy it as well. If you like a bit of military science fiction it works as well.
This is one book that is definitely worth picking up and thoroughly enjoying.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily provided this impartial review.
This is an epic space opera exactly as you would expect from the genre, it has a vast setting of worlds. The main characters are well crafted providing genuine feel to them, I believe everyone will find a character to identify with or just plain adore for the individual traits. As they develop you learn more about them and find yourself idolising some and vilifying others rightly or wrongly in some cases.
The story is quick to get going keeping you mesmerised throughout, it seamlessly shifts focus and it is so organic that you barely notice the change in direction. There are some great twists that you deserve to find yourself and not have spoilt by me.
This is an epic book that quickly throws open its focus to more of this universe giving it a grand feeling and the book perfectly ends with a set up for the next in the series which I am eagerly anticipating.
The narration is absolutely spot on, I love the addition of accents for characters that give the characters a more realistic feeling almost perfectly matching their background as you know it (especially as a brit). The characters feel individual and unique, you always know who is speaking.
In summation this book is a grand Space Opera that I truly hope continues. It will suit anyone that enjoys a space opera, equally if you like a fantasy science fiction mix you will enjoy it as well. If you like a bit of military science fiction it works as well.
This is one book that is definitely worth picking up and thoroughly enjoying.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily provided this impartial review.
June 18, 2023
Good book
Liked this book. Story moved fast right from the first chapter. Ending was very good also with a surprise twist in the middle.
Liked this book. Story moved fast right from the first chapter. Ending was very good also with a surprise twist in the middle.
April 7, 2018
Nada, nada mal para la primera parte de esta nueva aventura espacial (puede haber algún pequeño spoiler).
Como capitán tenemos a Tredd Bounty, un cazarrecompensas con la habilidad de detener el tiempo durante cortos periodos. La historia comienza cuando se le encomienda la misión de encontrar un "artefacto" capaz de hacer que las estrellas colisionen entre ellas (con todo el fuego y destrucción que ello acarrea), por supuesto, a cambio de una jugosa recompensa.
A raíz de esto, llega la hora de reunir a su tripulación. Su viejo amigo y ex-piloto Eddie se convertirá en su mano derecha, pero no sin pasar por algunas dificultades, como las pérdidas de conciencia aleatorias que sufre este de vez en cuando y la reticencia a dejar atrás a su familia durante unos "días". De manera clandestina se les unirá Evie, una eficiente hacker con un misterioso pasado.
Y así hasta reunir al equipo completo, todo con pequeños detalles que, sin duda, recuerdan a una mezcla entre Firefly y X-Men. Y que no falten los dramas amorosos al más puro estilo de Los Protegidos.
Como capitán tenemos a Tredd Bounty, un cazarrecompensas con la habilidad de detener el tiempo durante cortos periodos. La historia comienza cuando se le encomienda la misión de encontrar un "artefacto" capaz de hacer que las estrellas colisionen entre ellas (con todo el fuego y destrucción que ello acarrea), por supuesto, a cambio de una jugosa recompensa.
A raíz de esto, llega la hora de reunir a su tripulación. Su viejo amigo y ex-piloto Eddie se convertirá en su mano derecha, pero no sin pasar por algunas dificultades, como las pérdidas de conciencia aleatorias que sufre este de vez en cuando y la reticencia a dejar atrás a su familia durante unos "días". De manera clandestina se les unirá Evie, una eficiente hacker con un misterioso pasado.
Y así hasta reunir al equipo completo, todo con pequeños detalles que, sin duda, recuerdan a una mezcla entre Firefly y X-Men. Y que no falten los dramas amorosos al más puro estilo de Los Protegidos.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews