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The Orion War #2
New Canaan
-Just once I'd like to fly into a system where everyone doesn't want to kill us.- Tanis Richards has spent half her life on the Intrepid, guiding the great colony ship, and its two million passengers, across hundreds of light-years. She has risked life, limb and those dearest to her to get this far. Now she's within reach of her goal; the New Canaan System, and a normal, stable life. The kind she's only dreamed about. The only remaining hurdle is to strike a deal with the Transcend Alliance and trade the Intrepid's advanced technology for the star system. If only things were so easy. The Intrepid's arrival has upset the delicate balance of power between the Transcend, the Orion Guard, and the Inner Stars. Everything Tanis has ever hoped for is at risk as she fights to build the colony of New Canaan amidst the looming specter of war.
419 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2017
639 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
M.D. Cooper
186 books522 followersMalorie Cooper likes to think of herself as a dreamer and a wanderer, yet her feet are firmly grounded in reality.
A ‘maker’ from an early age, Malorie loves to craft things, from furniture, to cosplay costumes, to a well-spun tale, she can’t help but to create new things every day.
A rare extrovert writer, she loves to hang out with readers and people in general. If you meet her at a convention, she just might be rocking a catsuit, cosplaying one of her own characters, or maybe her latest favorite from Overwatch!
She shares her home with a brilliant young girl, her wonderful wife (who also writes), a cat that chirps at birds, a never-ending list of things she would like to build, and ideas…
A ‘maker’ from an early age, Malorie loves to craft things, from furniture, to cosplay costumes, to a well-spun tale, she can’t help but to create new things every day.
A rare extrovert writer, she loves to hang out with readers and people in general. If you meet her at a convention, she just might be rocking a catsuit, cosplaying one of her own characters, or maybe her latest favorite from Overwatch!
She shares her home with a brilliant young girl, her wonderful wife (who also writes), a cat that chirps at birds, a never-ending list of things she would like to build, and ideas…
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 24, 2018
Space battles, politics and backstabbing, both predicted and not and fascinating technology (I love the AIs!), ah what more can a sci-fi fan want? *happy sigh* i'm so glad I picked up the first book of the Orion War on sale on Audible a few months back.
New Canaan expands on what I already knew of the Aeon 14 universe (it's part of a bigger series but unfortunately I had no idea prior to picking Destiny Lost) both with additional characters and planets. The one thing that tends to confuse me is the dating but it's probably just because while listening to a narration I tend to space out on numbers. If it was a physical copy I could easily leaf through and make sense of the dating system but I guess I'll have to accept on faith alone that it makes sense in-universe. The story is complicated so a reader needs to pay attention, especially with all the time jumps and POV changes. The complexity of the entities that try to play God with the fate of humanity makes this truly exceptional in that you're never sure who the "good guys" are, apart from the Intrepid crew. So you end up making your own attachments to certain characters and even at the end of book 2 you're unsure if you've made the right choice.
So would I recommend this to other readers? Absolutely yes! But only if you like your space opera with a lot of backstage machinations and you're not in only for the space battles.
New Canaan expands on what I already knew of the Aeon 14 universe (it's part of a bigger series but unfortunately I had no idea prior to picking Destiny Lost) both with additional characters and planets. The one thing that tends to confuse me is the dating but it's probably just because while listening to a narration I tend to space out on numbers. If it was a physical copy I could easily leaf through and make sense of the dating system but I guess I'll have to accept on faith alone that it makes sense in-universe. The story is complicated so a reader needs to pay attention, especially with all the time jumps and POV changes. The complexity of the entities that try to play God with the fate of humanity makes this truly exceptional in that you're never sure who the "good guys" are, apart from the Intrepid crew. So you end up making your own attachments to certain characters and even at the end of book 2 you're unsure if you've made the right choice.
So would I recommend this to other readers? Absolutely yes! But only if you like your space opera with a lot of backstage machinations and you're not in only for the space battles.
January 29, 2018
“New Canaan (The Orion War #2)” features a new narrator, Cris Dukeheart, replacing the terrific Khristine Hvam. Happily, she delivers a solid performance and replicates much of the energetic style I’d enjoyed with Hvam, and she does banter between characters equally well. Unhappily, there are numerous quality issues with the audiobook - even the short sample offered on Audible.com demonstrates the poor quality, and there are worse issues in the book. I’ve said it before, and sadly I’ll certainly say it again, but why narrators, authors and audible.com allow poor quality to be delivered is a mystery. Despite liking the book, I’ll probably return it because only with returns will those responsible start taking quality seriously.
“New Canaan” is relatively light on battle action; there is definitely some but most of the book introduces new players and politics as a building block to later books. The book highlights several relationships: that of the AI’s and their relationship to humans as mechanically constructed servants vs. a new life form deserving of the same rights as humans and other sentient species; human and AI pairings featuring both human and AI offspring; a male-male love interest; Jessica swinging back from monogamous girl-girl after the death of her wife to a hetero relationship; and Sera embracing a girl-girl relationship. There are no steamy scenes with any of the partners.
While I enjoyed the characters, the story and the interesting betrayal, I liked the last few books in the series more. I think a lot of my reduced enthusiasm was because of the annoying audio quality. “New Canaan” is available on KU, and anyone ambivalent about audiobooks should probably read the Kindle version. I was tempted to switch to Voice Dream instead of listening to Dukeheart, but Dukeheart’s performance was good enough that I stuck with it.
Unlike earlier books, no one is spending time in stasis, and during the 18 years covered, Joe and Tanis’ daughter Cary grows from infant to a young woman. The starship Sabrina, with Jessica, Cheeky and several others is now a dozen years overdue. “New Canaan” ends with a serious cliffhanger; I’m glad I didn’t listen to the book before it’s sequel was released on Audible!!
Overall, I would rate “New Canaan” as 4* and recommend it if I weren’t so disappointed with the audio; I’m rating the audiobook version as 3*, which is actually pretty high for a book I’ll return.
“New Canaan” is relatively light on battle action; there is definitely some but most of the book introduces new players and politics as a building block to later books. The book highlights several relationships: that of the AI’s and their relationship to humans as mechanically constructed servants vs. a new life form deserving of the same rights as humans and other sentient species; human and AI pairings featuring both human and AI offspring; a male-male love interest; Jessica swinging back from monogamous girl-girl after the death of her wife to a hetero relationship; and Sera embracing a girl-girl relationship. There are no steamy scenes with any of the partners.
While I enjoyed the characters, the story and the interesting betrayal, I liked the last few books in the series more. I think a lot of my reduced enthusiasm was because of the annoying audio quality. “New Canaan” is available on KU, and anyone ambivalent about audiobooks should probably read the Kindle version. I was tempted to switch to Voice Dream instead of listening to Dukeheart, but Dukeheart’s performance was good enough that I stuck with it.
Unlike earlier books, no one is spending time in stasis, and during the 18 years covered, Joe and Tanis’ daughter Cary grows from infant to a young woman. The starship Sabrina, with Jessica, Cheeky and several others is now a dozen years overdue. “New Canaan” ends with a serious cliffhanger; I’m glad I didn’t listen to the book before it’s sequel was released on Audible!!
Overall, I would rate “New Canaan” as 4* and recommend it if I weren’t so disappointed with the audio; I’m rating the audiobook version as 3*, which is actually pretty high for a book I’ll return.
April 4, 2017
A great space opera
I love this series! It has a strong cast and the female lead is amazing. This is a great adventure, with plenty of action and drama.
I love this series! It has a strong cast and the female lead is amazing. This is a great adventure, with plenty of action and drama.
June 30, 2017
Another exciting installment in the Aeon 14 series. It was nice to see Tanis in action again albeit near the end of the book. I'm amazed at how the author makes this story feel so seamless as the amount of time that whizzes by from one book to the next is considerable and there is so much going on in this universe. I like the whole scope of this story and it often makes me wonder what it would be like to be able to live like this - centuries spent on a ship. The whole idea is crazy to imagine. It's going to be interesting to see what happens from here. I'm thinking there's something going on with the AI characters but so far there's only hints. I'm eager to see how it is all going to unfold!
June 9, 2017
Getting a bit sloppy
The occasional grammar error has become more prevalent. The proofreaders need to step up their game.
I have still pre-ordered the next novel, but this needs to be cleaned up. It is not at a professional level, where previous novels were.
The occasional grammar error has become more prevalent. The proofreaders need to step up their game.
I have still pre-ordered the next novel, but this needs to be cleaned up. It is not at a professional level, where previous novels were.
January 15, 2018
Oops...didn't mean to read this book that fast. I mean that in the best way, though. I enjoyed M.D. Cooper's other books in this series, and I would highly recommend starting with Outsystem if you haven't read any his other work. All his books fit into what he calls the "Aeon 14 Universe," but I still think that's the best place to start.
That said, I think you could read this one as a standalone decently fine, though it might be best to have at least read Destiny Lost first, so you will at least be caught up on what's going on in this series. I enjoy Cooper's imagination in regards to tech and AI and human expansion. He really has a fascinating vision for the advancement and expansion of humanity. I also enjoy the fact that he will nonchalantly jump years or even decades into the future in his narrative. It gives a different scale to the story which actually helps drive it forward.
The only thing I wasn't the biggest fan of in regards to this book is it really felt like more of a filler between Destiny Lost and the rest of the story. It is a necessary filler, and Cooper does it exceedingly well, but it really fills in all the necessary gaps and sets the stage for the next big phase of the story. The conclusion was a bit of cliffhanger, resolving very little and setting up much greater conflict to be resolved later.
In the end, I enjoyed it. Cooper is definitely channeling his inner David Weber, and Tanis Richards is shaping up to be his own little version of Honor Harrington and New Canaan his Manticore. And that's not an insult. There are elements of John C. Wright's capacity for super-meta narrative and concepts, which I greatly appreciate, which Weber really never delves into. Cooper is his own writer, and I think he's doing an excellent job. Great book, solid sci-fi fun. Probably would give it an R-rating for the language and violence, so just be aware of that.
That said, I think you could read this one as a standalone decently fine, though it might be best to have at least read Destiny Lost first, so you will at least be caught up on what's going on in this series. I enjoy Cooper's imagination in regards to tech and AI and human expansion. He really has a fascinating vision for the advancement and expansion of humanity. I also enjoy the fact that he will nonchalantly jump years or even decades into the future in his narrative. It gives a different scale to the story which actually helps drive it forward.
The only thing I wasn't the biggest fan of in regards to this book is it really felt like more of a filler between Destiny Lost and the rest of the story. It is a necessary filler, and Cooper does it exceedingly well, but it really fills in all the necessary gaps and sets the stage for the next big phase of the story. The conclusion was a bit of cliffhanger, resolving very little and setting up much greater conflict to be resolved later.
In the end, I enjoyed it. Cooper is definitely channeling his inner David Weber, and Tanis Richards is shaping up to be his own little version of Honor Harrington and New Canaan his Manticore. And that's not an insult. There are elements of John C. Wright's capacity for super-meta narrative and concepts, which I greatly appreciate, which Weber really never delves into. Cooper is his own writer, and I think he's doing an excellent job. Great book, solid sci-fi fun. Probably would give it an R-rating for the language and violence, so just be aware of that.
May 21, 2020
Space battles, politics and backstabbing, both predicted and not and fascinating technology (I love the AIs!), ah what more can a sci-fi fan want? *happy sigh* i'm so glad I picked up the first book of the Orion War on sale on Audible a few months back.
New Canaan expands on what I already knew of the Aeon 14 universe (it's part of a bigger series but unfortunately I had no idea prior to picking Destiny Lost) both with additional characters and planets. The one thing that tends to confuse me is the dating but it's probably just because while listening to a narration I tend to space out on numbers. If it was a physical copy I could easily leaf through and make sense of the dating system but I guess I'll have to accept on faith alone that it makes sense in-universe. The story is complicated so a reader needs to pay attention, especially with all the time jumps and POV changes. The complexity of the entities that try to play God with the fate of humanity makes this truly exceptional in that you're never sure who the "good guys" are, apart from the Intrepid crew. So you end up making your own attachments to certain characters and even at the end of book 2 you're unsure if you've made the right choice.
So would I recommend this to other readers? Absolutely yes! But only if you like your space opera with a lot of backstage machinations and you're not in only for the space battles.
New Canaan expands on what I already knew of the Aeon 14 universe (it's part of a bigger series but unfortunately I had no idea prior to picking Destiny Lost) both with additional characters and planets. The one thing that tends to confuse me is the dating but it's probably just because while listening to a narration I tend to space out on numbers. If it was a physical copy I could easily leaf through and make sense of the dating system but I guess I'll have to accept on faith alone that it makes sense in-universe. The story is complicated so a reader needs to pay attention, especially with all the time jumps and POV changes. The complexity of the entities that try to play God with the fate of humanity makes this truly exceptional in that you're never sure who the "good guys" are, apart from the Intrepid crew. So you end up making your own attachments to certain characters and even at the end of book 2 you're unsure if you've made the right choice.
So would I recommend this to other readers? Absolutely yes! But only if you like your space opera with a lot of backstage machinations and you're not in only for the space battles.
March 13, 2022
Author M.D. Cooper continues the Orion War with New Canaan. The Intrepid finally meets with the Transcend and is asked to hand over some of their tech to them. Tanis agrees but she knows that as soon as they reach their new home system that she's got to bulk up their fleet because the threat from the Orion Guard is going to have a major impact on both the New Canaan colony and the Transcend. As Tanis and her command crew meets with the Transcend envoys they back hack Sara who is put into a position to assassinate Tanis. This didn't happen thanks to Tanis adding some extra organs to her body. But this is only the beginning Sara and the Transcend delegation head back to their halo ringed station and there a trial comes about to deal with the delegation and their actions aboard the Intrepid. As this is going on Sara is elevated to the head of the Hand the Transcend's covert spy agency. That is only the tip of the iceburg that is this novel and only one part of the Orion War saga. I highly recommend this novel to all science fiction fans and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the saga.
January 4, 2018
The Heat Turns Up
It looks like no matter what you do war is inevitable as the Transcend, Intrepids Colonists , Orion Guard and the Inner Stars all start coming to a head.
As Tanis starts doing everything she can to ensure New Cannans independence outside forces start showing their hand and it seems no one will be safe.
Its up to Tanis and the crew of the Sefarina to ensure there overall safety.
This book is the best yet as Cooper touches on so much worldbuilding, new tech and levels of sophistication that can't help but draw you into worlds you become emotionally invested in.
An exciting read from start to finish.
It looks like no matter what you do war is inevitable as the Transcend, Intrepids Colonists , Orion Guard and the Inner Stars all start coming to a head.
As Tanis starts doing everything she can to ensure New Cannans independence outside forces start showing their hand and it seems no one will be safe.
Its up to Tanis and the crew of the Sefarina to ensure there overall safety.
This book is the best yet as Cooper touches on so much worldbuilding, new tech and levels of sophistication that can't help but draw you into worlds you become emotionally invested in.
An exciting read from start to finish.
July 14, 2017
The story continues
We continue the story, Tanis and her forces are making their way to what they hope will be a new home. They meet with the diplomats from the Transcend, but they are not as expected. They have a plan to kill Tanis and get the secrets of the Intrepid, it didn't go as they planned. New Canaan is where the Tanis settles her people, but they don't just sit there. But plan for the future, both good and bad. Looking forward to the next book.
We continue the story, Tanis and her forces are making their way to what they hope will be a new home. They meet with the diplomats from the Transcend, but they are not as expected. They have a plan to kill Tanis and get the secrets of the Intrepid, it didn't go as they planned. New Canaan is where the Tanis settles her people, but they don't just sit there. But plan for the future, both good and bad. Looking forward to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2019
I am loving this series. I started with the crew of Sabrina at the Grey Wolf Star and was pretty lost, but loved the characters and settings right away. I decided to start this series and I’m just obsessed with everyone. Learning some backstory has been good too. When I finish this series I’m going to start from the beginning of the Intrepid’s tale because I’ve grown to love Tanis as much as I did Jessica and Cheeky. Nance, not so much. ;)
June 21, 2017
Excellent characters and story, in fact, some of the best story elements of the series so far. For a book that is so well written, I was a little surprised at the number of typos in it. I reported dozens through the Kindle app, however, they were generally not egregious and did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
January 10, 2022
Plots within plots
Not sure what to write here as the book was OK but I feel like some of the plots were just highlights from other books. There is also hints at greater dangers and AI shenanigans coming in later books. There was so many plots that the Tanis arc only felt like less then a quarter of the book
Not sure what to write here as the book was OK but I feel like some of the plots were just highlights from other books. There is also hints at greater dangers and AI shenanigans coming in later books. There was so many plots that the Tanis arc only felt like less then a quarter of the book
June 2, 2019
So much. Just much!
A universe being built, no magic. ... Sorta. But enjoying every bit of it. Seeing canned male responses in a way. Would it be this way in the far off future? Currently some politically correct stuff
but with lives so long who knows...
A universe being built, no magic. ... Sorta. But enjoying every bit of it. Seeing canned male responses in a way. Would it be this way in the far off future? Currently some politically correct stuff
but with lives so long who knows...
August 10, 2021
A lot going on in this book. The crew is split up in several different places. They each have their task. Relationships grow, new characters appear, and a war begins. The action really picks up and you really begin to wonder whose side is the right side.
January 9, 2024
Awesome Adventure
Another exciting sci-fi adventure, full of intrigue and fast-paced action. The characters continue to grow and mature, making them more believable. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
Another exciting sci-fi adventure, full of intrigue and fast-paced action. The characters continue to grow and mature, making them more believable. I really like this book and I highly recommend it.
May 22, 2017
Fast moving but predictable
This book jumps around more than the last but what can you expect when there are so many subplots going on. Good read!
This book jumps around more than the last but what can you expect when there are so many subplots going on. Good read!
May 29, 2017
The Intrepid finally arrives at New Canaan but the colonists do not find peace for long. The series continues to get better and better.
September 6, 2017
Great book
Great story and intricate plot and characters. I really can't wait to see where the story goes in the future books.
Great story and intricate plot and characters. I really can't wait to see where the story goes in the future books.
October 20, 2017
What a great story, man this just keeps building!
October 30, 2017
Excellent space opera!
A great read! Immersive character development and a smooth flowing storyline. I was drawn into the plot and held there. A real page turner!
A great read! Immersive character development and a smooth flowing storyline. I was drawn into the plot and held there. A real page turner!
January 8, 2018
Great follow up!
This book was a great addition to the Orion series. I literally could not put this book down. Definitely recommend!
This book was a great addition to the Orion series. I literally could not put this book down. Definitely recommend!
March 15, 2018
Really great installment of the series.
May 24, 2018
Well thought out book with intriguing, developed characters. M.D. Cooper is a great story teller and he has me hooked. I keep coming back for more of his stories.
September 30, 2018
4 stars. Good book in this continuing good series
May 27, 2019
Tanis is a great character who keeps evolving. Story has plenty of intrigue and twists and turns. Lots of action and good sci-fi.
August 23, 2019
Twister
Helen dead, Elena a traitor ,Fianaus back what an ending to this chapter I want more and more I cannot wait
Helen dead, Elena a traitor ,Fianaus back what an ending to this chapter I want more and more I cannot wait
Read
April 2, 2020Probably giving it no score. Not too many parts of the book were interesting to me.
August 13, 2020
I'm a few months behind on posting my books
great read
great read
November 27, 2021
Very intricate
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews