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Keiko #3
Dark Deeds
In the third book of the “entertaining” (Kirkus Reveiws) Keiko series, Captain Ichabod Drift and his crew find themselves in another mess as a ship-wide vacation leads to their second-in-command taken hostage by the planet’s criminal mastermind.
After the riotous civil war in Dark Sky, the crew of the Keiko decides to go on vacation at an illegal gambling port for a little fun. What they don’t realize is that the casinos are run by an ex-client who didn’t get his shipment due to the war. The mob boss decides to take Tamara Rouke, the Keiko’s second-in-command, and hold her hostage until the crew raises enough money to pay him back for the lost shipment. If they don’t pay up in time, Rouke will be killed.
Captain Ichabod Drift and his crew agree. But as they find a way to get the funds, one will betray everyone and one will die…
After the riotous civil war in Dark Sky, the crew of the Keiko decides to go on vacation at an illegal gambling port for a little fun. What they don’t realize is that the casinos are run by an ex-client who didn’t get his shipment due to the war. The mob boss decides to take Tamara Rouke, the Keiko’s second-in-command, and hold her hostage until the crew raises enough money to pay him back for the lost shipment. If they don’t pay up in time, Rouke will be killed.
Captain Ichabod Drift and his crew agree. But as they find a way to get the funds, one will betray everyone and one will die…
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2017
51 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
Mike Brooks
79 books548 followersMike Brooks was born in Ipswich, Suffolk and moved to Nottingham when he was 18 to go to university. He’s stayed there ever since, and now lives with his wife, two cats, two snakes and a collection of tropical fish. When not working for a homelessness charity he plays guitar and sings in a punk band, watches football (soccer), MMA and nature/science documentaries, goes walking in the Peak District or other areas of splendid scenery, and DJs wherever anyone will tolerate him.
And, y’know, writes.
And, y’know, writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 22, 2021
Brooks ends his Keiko popcorn space opera trilogy on a rather somber note. I liked the series, but the 'over the topness' if you will got a bit old by the third installment. In the last volume, our rag tag crew managed to survive the rebellion on the mining planet and went for some down time afterwards. Unfortunately, the mob boss who hired them to extract some information from on of his 'agents' on the planet was not very happy. This part did not make much sense really. The point of getting the info was to make money trading on the inside info regarding ore shipments that the Keiko crew was to bring back; with the revolution in full swing, any future shipments would obviously be up in the air. Nonetheless, the mob boss manages to kidnap the captain Bland and the second mate Tamara and then demands half a million credits for their failure. Further, he keeps Tamara as a hostage and give the crew two months to come up with the money.
True originality was never the strong point of this series; you could call it a homage to Firefly, and the author utilizes some old tropes to animate the story. Once again, our crew has something like an offer they cannot refuse and this time, they head to a Red Star planet to rob the local mob of the half million they need for ransom...
The best part of this series was the interpersonal dynamics, but they felt a little tired by the third installment. Further, it seems like every member of the crew is the absolute best at whatever they do-- best pilot, best fighter, best slicer, etc. in the galaxy. It is fun, but purely on a popcorn level. It seems there was less snark in this one and definitely more soul searching, but that fit a little uneasily with the over the top action and so forth. Still, fans of Firefly might want to check this series out. 3 stars.
True originality was never the strong point of this series; you could call it a homage to Firefly, and the author utilizes some old tropes to animate the story. Once again, our crew has something like an offer they cannot refuse and this time, they head to a Red Star planet to rob the local mob of the half million they need for ransom...
The best part of this series was the interpersonal dynamics, but they felt a little tired by the third installment. Further, it seems like every member of the crew is the absolute best at whatever they do-- best pilot, best fighter, best slicer, etc. in the galaxy. It is fun, but purely on a popcorn level. It seems there was less snark in this one and definitely more soul searching, but that fit a little uneasily with the over the top action and so forth. Still, fans of Firefly might want to check this series out. 3 stars.
November 4, 2025
3.5 stars
This was exactly what I wanted and exactly what I expected – a fast, fun sci-fi romp. I didn’t like book two as much as Dark Run, but this one was better for me, even if it also failed to reach the highs of that first book. I really liked the continuation of the character development, although there were some unexpected directions taken towards the end. While they were unexpected, I like that it’s the sort of thing you could expect to happen with any group – change is inevitable.
The action was good, and the humour worked without being overbearing, which can sometimes be a hard balance to achieve. I really enjoyed Rourke’s storyline in this one, and thought the training she provided was quite interesting, especially in the context of the wider story. I like how that side of the story came full circle as well, in an unexpected but fitting end.
This was exactly what I wanted and exactly what I expected – a fast, fun sci-fi romp. I didn’t like book two as much as Dark Run, but this one was better for me, even if it also failed to reach the highs of that first book. I really liked the continuation of the character development, although there were some unexpected directions taken towards the end. While they were unexpected, I like that it’s the sort of thing you could expect to happen with any group – change is inevitable.
The action was good, and the humour worked without being overbearing, which can sometimes be a hard balance to achieve. I really enjoyed Rourke’s storyline in this one, and thought the training she provided was quite interesting, especially in the context of the wider story. I like how that side of the story came full circle as well, in an unexpected but fitting end.
December 6, 2017
Upon reading "Dark Deeds", it is very clear that Brooks has become very comfortable climbing inside each character's head. The series has grown, and although the plot and setting of each novel has been well crafted and fun, what truly makes the Keiko series shine is the characters.
And damn, do they shine brightly in "Dark Deeds".
Starting shortly after the end of "Dark Sky", the Keiko crew find themselves on the wrong side of Orlov, the mob boss they failed to please on the previous novel. He takes Tamara Rourke hostage, and strikes a deal with Drift to get him payment to both release her and free them all from their debt.
This places Rourke on a brilliantly written path of survival and self discovery, where she is (mostly) honest with herself, while she figures out a way not to get killed, and to take control of her situation.
Drift, the Changs, Jenna, Apirana, and their new companion Alim Muradov, end up figuring out how to scrounge up the money they agreed with Orlov, and as we can expect with a Keiko novel, things do not go as planned, and the crew does not come out unscathed.
It was a pleasure reading things from different points of view. We take time to see things from the perspective of every character. We see the inner workings of both Chang siblings, the motivations behind Apirana and Jenna, as well as a delightful understanding of Muradov.
I absolutely loved this novel. The world building is sharp, the characters intense, and the plot unyielding. Above all else, the novel was fun!
Without spoilers, when the climax hits, Brooks throws a magnificent curve ball that made me scream in bed like crazy when I read it. I got strange looks the rest of the night, but it was well worth it.
I bet you will feel the same when you get to it, and will know exactly why I say it.
I can't wait for the next one.
And damn, do they shine brightly in "Dark Deeds".
Starting shortly after the end of "Dark Sky", the Keiko crew find themselves on the wrong side of Orlov, the mob boss they failed to please on the previous novel. He takes Tamara Rourke hostage, and strikes a deal with Drift to get him payment to both release her and free them all from their debt.
This places Rourke on a brilliantly written path of survival and self discovery, where she is (mostly) honest with herself, while she figures out a way not to get killed, and to take control of her situation.
Drift, the Changs, Jenna, Apirana, and their new companion Alim Muradov, end up figuring out how to scrounge up the money they agreed with Orlov, and as we can expect with a Keiko novel, things do not go as planned, and the crew does not come out unscathed.
It was a pleasure reading things from different points of view. We take time to see things from the perspective of every character. We see the inner workings of both Chang siblings, the motivations behind Apirana and Jenna, as well as a delightful understanding of Muradov.
I absolutely loved this novel. The world building is sharp, the characters intense, and the plot unyielding. Above all else, the novel was fun!
Without spoilers, when the climax hits, Brooks throws a magnificent curve ball that made me scream in bed like crazy when I read it. I got strange looks the rest of the night, but it was well worth it.
I bet you will feel the same when you get to it, and will know exactly why I say it.
I can't wait for the next one.
March 6, 2018
A fun absorbing bit of chicanery but marred to this reader by an ugly ending of gratuitous violence.
July 30, 2018
I'd have sworn I put up a short review of this, the first book I tried in the series, and by this author. In brief: yard goods, though it had moments. DNF at 25% or so. Maybe if I was 14 again, I'd have pressed on. Back it goes. Not for me!
Note that others have higher opinions. And I had some reason to pick up #3 to start with. No matter, as I won't be reading any more of this series.
Note that others have higher opinions. And I had some reason to pick up #3 to start with. No matter, as I won't be reading any more of this series.
November 29, 2024
I've enjoyed this series and this latest book is no exception. Mostly. However, I'm dropping my rating on Dark Deeds for one reason... I found the use of these new gender neutral pronouns 'ze' and 'zir' to be terribly annoying! First, I'm of the opinion that 'they' and 'them' are perfectly acceptable pronouns for gender neutral needs, so it was irksome to start with. Second, and more importantly, because these new pronouns weren't in either of the first books, the use of it here seemed a totally forced and awkward effort.
After just half way through Dark Deeds it seemed to be the best of the series so far and I was already hoping for a fourth book soon. Now I'm likely done with it regardless.
After just half way through Dark Deeds it seemed to be the best of the series so far and I was already hoping for a fourth book soon. Now I'm likely done with it regardless.
February 25, 2018
this is a 4.5 (wish good reads would allow half stars)
If you read the other 2 books do yourself a favor and read it.
The strong point of the Keiko books are the characters, this book explored more of that and it pays off. Tamara Rouke steals all scenes she's in, until now most of her decisions were based on the team itself or orders, but now you get to see more how her mind works. I hope the author does this more in the future.
I didn't liked the end very much, but that's just because it felt "too clean", but I expect the next books to dig deeper into that.
If you read the other 2 books do yourself a favor and read it.
The strong point of the Keiko books are the characters, this book explored more of that and it pays off. Tamara Rouke steals all scenes she's in, until now most of her decisions were based on the team itself or orders, but now you get to see more how her mind works. I hope the author does this more in the future.
I didn't liked the end very much, but that's just because it felt "too clean", but I expect the next books to dig deeper into that.
March 15, 2018
Of the three books in the Keiko series, I think this is by far the best. Excellent story, plot and characters. It’s a rougher book than the first two, but well worth the read.
February 2, 2022
Did you think that our heroes got off cheap at the end of Dark Sky? Well all the chickens come home to roost in part three (Dark Deeds) and I must say I will be sorry to see this series end. Mike Brooks has proven to be consistently entertaining, and I enjoyed the ending which was not quite what I anticipated. Good stuff.
August 8, 2024
The third instalment of the mad, adrenaline rush that are the adventures of the crew of the Keiko. Second in command, Tamara Rourke has been taken hostage on New Samara by crime boss Sergei
Orlov. Captain Ichabod Drift and the rest of his crew have 2 months to come up with a massive ransom, otherwise Tamara will be killed. Can they do it?
Fast-paced, page-turning action with loads of twists and turns kept me engaged right to the last page.
Orlov. Captain Ichabod Drift and the rest of his crew have 2 months to come up with a massive ransom, otherwise Tamara will be killed. Can they do it?
Fast-paced, page-turning action with loads of twists and turns kept me engaged right to the last page.
November 15, 2019
This series was great fun – perfect for fans of Firefly.
February 13, 2020
Fun book #3.
July 4, 2018
I do hope to see the Keiko crew back in action. This was an amazing conclusion to a trilogy if it stays at that. Brooks comes highly recomended in my opinion.
March 22, 2018
Dark Deeds is the third book in the Keiko series, which has quickly become one of my favorite ongoing series ever. I was immensely looking forward to this book and am currently feeling very polarizing, conflicting emotions. The first half is an easy 5 star, but about 60% in, things take a major turn and the ending really threw me for a loop, and not in the good way.
If you have read my reviews of the previous 2 books, you know I said something similar about the first book Dark Run; there too I loved the beginning but halfway through I felt that the plot escaped Brooks, and the book turned into a completely different genre than what it started out as. Here, the problem isn't so much the plot, but the tone of the ending. But before we go over why I didn't like it, let's talk about the stuff I loved.
Following the events of Dark Sky, Sergei Orlov kidnaps the crew as punishment for failing to deliver his information from Uragan. He keeps Tamara Rourke as a hostage and gives Ichabod 2 months to collect an abnormal sum of money or else he kills her and sends his goons after the Keiko. To get the money, the crew decide to pull a heist on Zhongtu, a Red Star planet completely controlled by the Triax, and inevitably things get complicated.
In terms of plot, this was probably my favorite one. I have been expecting the crew to pull an honest to God real heist since book 1, and finally they do. The plot is tight and focuses entirely on the different crew members and their plan; there isn't a revolution or a military operation they have to compete against. At this point, Brooks is very comfortably writing his babies, that it's pure joy just reading about their scheming and simply interacting with each-other. There wasn't a single crew member that I felt was irrelevant or underdeveloped, and I found the pacing satisfying and without his usual problem of rushing the conclusion.
One thing that did bother me, were the lose ends. I know we are probably getting book 4, but in terms of the plot of this book, multiple things were left unresolved. The main one I will talk about at the end, but for a lesser one, the introduction and development the 3 leaders of the Dragon's Sons goes nowhere. They felt like characters that should be more important than they end up being, and yet they don't really do anything.
I did enjoy their interactions, and once again Brooks excels at character and world building. I enjoyed spending time both on Zhongtu and New Samara; with Zhongtu, learning about how the Triax controlled the police and bureaucracy was fascinating and again, oddly familiar. My favorite scene was Jia infiltrating the meeting room via the cleaning service; I can see the scene play out like in a movie.
The new characters we get are as interesting and diverse as always. I really liked the dynamic between the 3 Triax leaders and Chief Han, especially the rivalry between Gao and Song. What I found absolutely unbelievable was a specific moment pertaining to Gao. There is a character introduced by the name of Chen who is an events manager and goes by ze/zir pronouns. This is excellent (zir is also not the only gender neutral character we get in the book, but I'll get to the other one later); what isn't excellent is that I refuse to believe that a man like Gao, who is disguising, sexist, crude and old would call both of the women he works with Song and Han bitches, but would bother to use the correct pronouns when referring to Chan. #tmw a sexist Triax boss is more woke than most politicians.
On Orlov's side, I enjoyed learning more about him and the host of characters we get, especially Larysa and Roman were great. I loved their interactions with Tamara, especially Roman trying to keep everyone's emotions in check.
Now onto our main cast. Let's start with Ichabod, because surprisingly, he gets very little screen time. He is caught playing the role of Aparna's manager Perez, but other than that he is very much a background player. I did like his conversations with Jenna and Aparna about life and relationships, and the ending really made me feel for him. He was mostly a soundboard for the others in this book, and that didn't bother me, though I would have liked to see more of him since he's my second favorite character after Big A.
Likewise, Jenna gets little time to shine as well. She gets a scene with Ichabod and a scene alone where she has to pilot the Jonah, but mostly her time is spent with Aparna. I loved seeing their relationship; they are so cute and supportive of each-other and just a beautiful couple.
Aparna gets a lot more time to shine as we see more of his thoughts and feelings on the whole thing which I love, since he's my favorite character. He is incredibly kind and observant, he puts all the other characters at ease and he is very smart in terms of emotional intelligence and knowing people. He gets to pretend to be a proper fighter and Brooks clearly has a lot of fun describing the fight scenes.
Muradov gets more time to shine and I absolutely love him. He is incredibly entertaining especially when he interacts with the twins. He is a great character; I love that everyone calls him Chief, how his faith is a big part of his life, as well as his military background. I really enjoyed his conversation with Drift about guilt and friendship at the end; I feel like the two balance each-other really well.
The twins were also amazing. I always loved Jia and like I said she really gets time to shine here, not only in her solo scene but also in her interactions with Kuei. Which brings me to Kuei himself. I never made a secret of the fact that he was my least favorite character on the crew; he never really had much of a personality and it always felt like his cowardice and passive aggressiveness were informed traits. This time around I really liked him. For once I found his interactions with Jia entertaining and he actually got to do things, like threaten people (badly) and seduce people (a little better). The scene with him, Jia and Muratov in the bar was incredibly entertaining, especially Kuei and Muradov's conversation about waiting until marriage.
And finally Rourke. Without a doubt, this book was hers, and she owned every moment she was on the page. We got to see so much more of her as a character, especially being separate from the crew and having to do her own thing. I loved all of her interactions with Orlov's people, the way she thinks and acts and approaches situations. Her dilemma at the end felt motivated and real, and I really didn't expect the direction it took. Which leads me to... the elephant in the room.
SPOILERS for the ending of Dark Deeds.
Like I said before, tone is the main issues here. I had a feeling Kuei was going to die in this book since Brooks spent so much time developing him and unfortunately I was right. I didn't expect to get hurt as much as I did when he died, but I genuinely felt pain, the same kind as when another character I really love dies at the end of Serenity. While I personally didn't like this decision, what really bothered me was it's resolution. I understand why Jia left the Keiko, but with her leaving, Kuei dead, Tamara almost leaving (and then killing not just Orlov, but also all the other characters we spent a whole book getting to know in cold blood, in front of Ichabod!) and her relationship with Ichabod irreparably damaged, the book ends on such a dower note that it really feels like what I started reading and what I finished reading are two separated entities. None of the other books are this dower, not even Dark Run which also has a major character death and the revelations about Ichabod being Gabriel Drake. The ending felt really incomplete; we get a new pilot, Spark, but ze is barely introduced. Rourke ends up killing 3 people she spent 2 months with and also was willing to leave the Keiko for and we don't really get any resolution on that either. I really hope this isn't the last we see of Jia, and that Rourke and Ichabod actually sit down and talk.
All in all I feel very conflicted. That ending broke me, but not in a good way. It honestly felt like it came out of nowhere and while I can't fault the book for it, I can't in good conscience give it five stars, even though I loved the first two thirds. I just hope the next one resolves at least some of what transpired here, because I really need some closure.
If you have read my reviews of the previous 2 books, you know I said something similar about the first book Dark Run; there too I loved the beginning but halfway through I felt that the plot escaped Brooks, and the book turned into a completely different genre than what it started out as. Here, the problem isn't so much the plot, but the tone of the ending. But before we go over why I didn't like it, let's talk about the stuff I loved.
Following the events of Dark Sky, Sergei Orlov kidnaps the crew as punishment for failing to deliver his information from Uragan. He keeps Tamara Rourke as a hostage and gives Ichabod 2 months to collect an abnormal sum of money or else he kills her and sends his goons after the Keiko. To get the money, the crew decide to pull a heist on Zhongtu, a Red Star planet completely controlled by the Triax, and inevitably things get complicated.
In terms of plot, this was probably my favorite one. I have been expecting the crew to pull an honest to God real heist since book 1, and finally they do. The plot is tight and focuses entirely on the different crew members and their plan; there isn't a revolution or a military operation they have to compete against. At this point, Brooks is very comfortably writing his babies, that it's pure joy just reading about their scheming and simply interacting with each-other. There wasn't a single crew member that I felt was irrelevant or underdeveloped, and I found the pacing satisfying and without his usual problem of rushing the conclusion.
One thing that did bother me, were the lose ends. I know we are probably getting book 4, but in terms of the plot of this book, multiple things were left unresolved. The main one I will talk about at the end, but for a lesser one, the introduction and development the 3 leaders of the Dragon's Sons goes nowhere. They felt like characters that should be more important than they end up being, and yet they don't really do anything.
I did enjoy their interactions, and once again Brooks excels at character and world building. I enjoyed spending time both on Zhongtu and New Samara; with Zhongtu, learning about how the Triax controlled the police and bureaucracy was fascinating and again, oddly familiar. My favorite scene was Jia infiltrating the meeting room via the cleaning service; I can see the scene play out like in a movie.
The new characters we get are as interesting and diverse as always. I really liked the dynamic between the 3 Triax leaders and Chief Han, especially the rivalry between Gao and Song. What I found absolutely unbelievable was a specific moment pertaining to Gao. There is a character introduced by the name of Chen who is an events manager and goes by ze/zir pronouns. This is excellent (zir is also not the only gender neutral character we get in the book, but I'll get to the other one later); what isn't excellent is that I refuse to believe that a man like Gao, who is disguising, sexist, crude and old would call both of the women he works with Song and Han bitches, but would bother to use the correct pronouns when referring to Chan. #tmw a sexist Triax boss is more woke than most politicians.
On Orlov's side, I enjoyed learning more about him and the host of characters we get, especially Larysa and Roman were great. I loved their interactions with Tamara, especially Roman trying to keep everyone's emotions in check.
Now onto our main cast. Let's start with Ichabod, because surprisingly, he gets very little screen time. He is caught playing the role of Aparna's manager Perez, but other than that he is very much a background player. I did like his conversations with Jenna and Aparna about life and relationships, and the ending really made me feel for him. He was mostly a soundboard for the others in this book, and that didn't bother me, though I would have liked to see more of him since he's my second favorite character after Big A.
Likewise, Jenna gets little time to shine as well. She gets a scene with Ichabod and a scene alone where she has to pilot the Jonah, but mostly her time is spent with Aparna. I loved seeing their relationship; they are so cute and supportive of each-other and just a beautiful couple.
Aparna gets a lot more time to shine as we see more of his thoughts and feelings on the whole thing which I love, since he's my favorite character. He is incredibly kind and observant, he puts all the other characters at ease and he is very smart in terms of emotional intelligence and knowing people. He gets to pretend to be a proper fighter and Brooks clearly has a lot of fun describing the fight scenes.
Muradov gets more time to shine and I absolutely love him. He is incredibly entertaining especially when he interacts with the twins. He is a great character; I love that everyone calls him Chief, how his faith is a big part of his life, as well as his military background. I really enjoyed his conversation with Drift about guilt and friendship at the end; I feel like the two balance each-other really well.
The twins were also amazing. I always loved Jia and like I said she really gets time to shine here, not only in her solo scene but also in her interactions with Kuei. Which brings me to Kuei himself. I never made a secret of the fact that he was my least favorite character on the crew; he never really had much of a personality and it always felt like his cowardice and passive aggressiveness were informed traits. This time around I really liked him. For once I found his interactions with Jia entertaining and he actually got to do things, like threaten people (badly) and seduce people (a little better). The scene with him, Jia and Muratov in the bar was incredibly entertaining, especially Kuei and Muradov's conversation about waiting until marriage.
And finally Rourke. Without a doubt, this book was hers, and she owned every moment she was on the page. We got to see so much more of her as a character, especially being separate from the crew and having to do her own thing. I loved all of her interactions with Orlov's people, the way she thinks and acts and approaches situations. Her dilemma at the end felt motivated and real, and I really didn't expect the direction it took. Which leads me to... the elephant in the room.
SPOILERS for the ending of Dark Deeds.
Like I said before, tone is the main issues here. I had a feeling Kuei was going to die in this book since Brooks spent so much time developing him and unfortunately I was right. I didn't expect to get hurt as much as I did when he died, but I genuinely felt pain, the same kind as when another character I really love dies at the end of Serenity. While I personally didn't like this decision, what really bothered me was it's resolution. I understand why Jia left the Keiko, but with her leaving, Kuei dead, Tamara almost leaving (and then killing not just Orlov, but also all the other characters we spent a whole book getting to know in cold blood, in front of Ichabod!) and her relationship with Ichabod irreparably damaged, the book ends on such a dower note that it really feels like what I started reading and what I finished reading are two separated entities. None of the other books are this dower, not even Dark Run which also has a major character death and the revelations about Ichabod being Gabriel Drake. The ending felt really incomplete; we get a new pilot, Spark, but ze is barely introduced. Rourke ends up killing 3 people she spent 2 months with and also was willing to leave the Keiko for and we don't really get any resolution on that either. I really hope this isn't the last we see of Jia, and that Rourke and Ichabod actually sit down and talk.
All in all I feel very conflicted. That ending broke me, but not in a good way. It honestly felt like it came out of nowhere and while I can't fault the book for it, I can't in good conscience give it five stars, even though I loved the first two thirds. I just hope the next one resolves at least some of what transpired here, because I really need some closure.
May 28, 2021
The third part of the Keiko series.
There are again some dramatic plot twists. I actually enjoyed this book more than the two previous. but this one also brings to light the problems with the whole series. I just don't care for most of the main characters. It seems like I don't know them. Especially with Kuai, who dies. I don't know anything about him. I don't feel anything. The only reason his death feels sad is that Jia mourns him. But then again I don't like Jia, shes just foul mouthed and nothing else.
I also did not like the end twist with Rourke. I just don't understand why she did what she did. Orlov was in many ways in the right by asking for the money.
Anyway I really enjoyed the parts of the book that dealt with Rourke working with Orlov. Also again, the main plot is really interesting. It's just that contrary to the ads these books are not that great fun.
There are again some dramatic plot twists. I actually enjoyed this book more than the two previous. but this one also brings to light the problems with the whole series. I just don't care for most of the main characters. It seems like I don't know them. Especially with Kuai, who dies. I don't know anything about him. I don't feel anything. The only reason his death feels sad is that Jia mourns him. But then again I don't like Jia, shes just foul mouthed and nothing else.
I also did not like the end twist with Rourke. I just don't understand why she did what she did. Orlov was in many ways in the right by asking for the money.
Anyway I really enjoyed the parts of the book that dealt with Rourke working with Orlov. Also again, the main plot is really interesting. It's just that contrary to the ads these books are not that great fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2017
I was really looking forward to this book, as the momentum of the characters from the first two books was great, but i felt that this one fell short. I didn't get sucked into the story quite as much, and I didn't feel like we learned anything new about the characters. If you liked the first two books, you'll be ok with this one, but it wasn't quite up to the same level for me.
January 8, 2018
I'm.... not sure how I feel about this book. There were some things I didn't like but more things I did. Overall, the character pieces were excellent, I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, and the narrative still feels a bit unfinished.
The Good:
-Firstly, the cast. The crew, both new and old, each have their individual moments to shine. Although Jenna's diminished role was rather disappointing to me, Jia and Kuai both get get some excellent character moments in this segment of the series. "Chief" had some great moments as well, although he was reduced to several glorified cameos. The author devoted exactly the right amount of time, however, to exploring his headspace about his change of roles.
-Rouke owns every scene she's in, whether it's her wisecracks about yoga or seeing the mentoring side of her. Although I mentioned the cast as a whole, Rourke's part was significant enough I thought it warranted its own section.
- The writing. There were still several typos and grammatical errors in this novel, though greatly reduced compared to the previous two. Additionally, the writing felt matured in comparison and there were less extraneous justifications for character actions.
- The plot (minus the last chapter). As a heist book, this was enjoyable. Pacing was excellent and the book didn't lag, even with changes in POV and location
(-space gays! Muslims in space! mentions of different pockets of space being occupied by different countries and languages! YES)
The Not-So-Good:
-The ending: this is my main sticking point. Without spoilers, quite a bit of time is devoted to building a decision and rationale for the decision... only to have a character do the type of snap decision stated several times to be against their personality. This last minute change makes the novel feel unfinished (not in the least because the character actually thinks that).
-I'm not huge on any book featuring a relationship between a mid-40s+ man and an woman stated to be in her very early 20s. This seems (unfortunately) very typical of the genre to me, as I've seen it in the last three series I've read. However, I choose to read very platonically into everything and will do so for as long as humanly possible.
To sum it up, a strong 3.75/5 rounded to 4 for goodreads, as I really did enjoy this book and am hoping for a book 4.
The Good:
-Firstly, the cast. The crew, both new and old, each have their individual moments to shine. Although Jenna's diminished role was rather disappointing to me, Jia and Kuai both get get some excellent character moments in this segment of the series. "Chief" had some great moments as well, although he was reduced to several glorified cameos. The author devoted exactly the right amount of time, however, to exploring his headspace about his change of roles.
-Rouke owns every scene she's in, whether it's her wisecracks about yoga or seeing the mentoring side of her. Although I mentioned the cast as a whole, Rourke's part was significant enough I thought it warranted its own section.
- The writing. There were still several typos and grammatical errors in this novel, though greatly reduced compared to the previous two. Additionally, the writing felt matured in comparison and there were less extraneous justifications for character actions.
- The plot (minus the last chapter). As a heist book, this was enjoyable. Pacing was excellent and the book didn't lag, even with changes in POV and location
(-space gays! Muslims in space! mentions of different pockets of space being occupied by different countries and languages! YES)
The Not-So-Good:
-The ending: this is my main sticking point. Without spoilers, quite a bit of time is devoted to building a decision and rationale for the decision... only to have a character do the type of snap decision stated several times to be against their personality. This last minute change makes the novel feel unfinished (not in the least because the character actually thinks that).
-I'm not huge on any book featuring a relationship between a mid-40s+ man and an woman stated to be in her very early 20s. This seems (unfortunately) very typical of the genre to me, as I've seen it in the last three series I've read. However, I choose to read very platonically into everything and will do so for as long as humanly possible.
To sum it up, a strong 3.75/5 rounded to 4 for goodreads, as I really did enjoy this book and am hoping for a book 4.
November 18, 2019
I dunno, this book has a lot of positives, but in the end I guess I'm tired of their constant dives into messes with nothing but their blissful confidence that they'll figure something out.
I am done with this series partly because I am tired of reading how
(1) if a ship's involved, they have the best pilot in the galaxy
(2) if a fight's involved, they have the best 1-1 fighter in the galaxy, who is a middle-aged person of quite small build
(3) if talking's involved, they have the smoothest talker this side of Sergeant Bilko
There are several OTHER interesting characters here, though, and Brooks develops them well. Except Kuai, whose story arc ending didn't bother me at all.
Then we get that ending. Did anyone REALLY think that Not to mention that final action scene just being a fair tad beyond plausible.
I am done with this series partly because I am tired of reading how
(1) if a ship's involved, they have the best pilot in the galaxy
(2) if a fight's involved, they have the best 1-1 fighter in the galaxy, who is a middle-aged person of quite small build
(3) if talking's involved, they have the smoothest talker this side of Sergeant Bilko
There are several OTHER interesting characters here, though, and Brooks develops them well. Except Kuai, whose story arc ending didn't bother me at all.
Then we get that ending. Did anyone REALLY think that Not to mention that final action scene just being a fair tad beyond plausible.
August 10, 2018
And that's the mark of a good read, when it leaves you gasping from one moment to the next: due to attachment to the well-written characters, to the time spent with them from page to page, to the obstacles they manage to surpass, to their sacrifices and hard-goings.
All I can add is that I kind of anticipated who That finale was incredible: a veritable punch to the gut, with some broken ribs to spare.
There doesn't appear to be a new Keiko novel in the near horizon, or at least none that I'm aware of being advertised by Mr Brooks as of today, but I'd undoubtedly return to this crews' ever-evolving adventures if a fourth entry is ever published. Or I can count this one as the true, bittersweet ending that it might actually be.
March 8, 2019
3.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed this series, but the ending left me feeling unsatisfied? I don't know, I just wish we got a little more wrap up than we did. Otherwise, this was a great end to a series full of action, fun, stakes, and great characters.
I've read other reviews, and I agree that this series is really about the characters and their relationship and interactions with each other. I really liked how in depth we got into each character in this instalment. We really got into their heads to see their motivations and why they were doing what they were doing. The scenario the author put these characters in for this last novel really helped turn this series from a fun, sci-fi, to one where I really started to care.
The writing was great and easy to read, and the plot developed well. I didn't feel like it dragged and each character POV was great. Again, I'm not sure how I feel about the ending, but it does feel a little appropriate just because of how this series is structured and how we get to see a glimpse of the lives of the crew of the Keiko.
Overall, a great series and conclusion.
I really enjoyed this series, but the ending left me feeling unsatisfied? I don't know, I just wish we got a little more wrap up than we did. Otherwise, this was a great end to a series full of action, fun, stakes, and great characters.
I've read other reviews, and I agree that this series is really about the characters and their relationship and interactions with each other. I really liked how in depth we got into each character in this instalment. We really got into their heads to see their motivations and why they were doing what they were doing. The scenario the author put these characters in for this last novel really helped turn this series from a fun, sci-fi, to one where I really started to care.
The writing was great and easy to read, and the plot developed well. I didn't feel like it dragged and each character POV was great. Again, I'm not sure how I feel about the ending, but it does feel a little appropriate just because of how this series is structured and how we get to see a glimpse of the lives of the crew of the Keiko.
Overall, a great series and conclusion.
August 8, 2020
Read for June book group - except for me because I got June and July books mixed up.
Book three in the Keiko series, where the crew of the Keiko find themselves back at the mercy of the gangster? Mob boss? Orlov, that they inadvertently pissed off in a previous book. Orlov takes Tamara Rourke hostage and demands Drift comes up with the money Orlov lost in their previous dealings. Drift hatches a crazy plan and everything goes wrong.
Folks compare this to just about any other popular series with a ruggedly good-looking captain and a ethnically diverse crew, but where this deviates from other popular series is this was darker and a tich more violent than the previous two books. It lacked the light-heartedness typically found in this particular sub-genre. Dark Deeds had it's moments of quirky replies and off the cuff remarks, but when taken as a whole, it was on the darker side of things.
Was it still entertaining? Absolutely. Was the ending what I expected? Not remotely. And that's what I enjoyed about this one. I like to be surprised.
Recommended if you like space opera. Definitely start with book number one - Dark Run.
Book three in the Keiko series, where the crew of the Keiko find themselves back at the mercy of the gangster? Mob boss? Orlov, that they inadvertently pissed off in a previous book. Orlov takes Tamara Rourke hostage and demands Drift comes up with the money Orlov lost in their previous dealings. Drift hatches a crazy plan and everything goes wrong.
Folks compare this to just about any other popular series with a ruggedly good-looking captain and a ethnically diverse crew, but where this deviates from other popular series is this was darker and a tich more violent than the previous two books. It lacked the light-heartedness typically found in this particular sub-genre. Dark Deeds had it's moments of quirky replies and off the cuff remarks, but when taken as a whole, it was on the darker side of things.
Was it still entertaining? Absolutely. Was the ending what I expected? Not remotely. And that's what I enjoyed about this one. I like to be surprised.
Recommended if you like space opera. Definitely start with book number one - Dark Run.
January 13, 2018
Another entertaining and somewhat tragic caper for the Keiko crew. Crime boss Orlov captures Captain Drift and his partner Tamara Rourke to extract payment and revenge for their failed mission in the prior novel. Rourke is held hostage and Drift has to raise a large sum to pay off Orlov in a tight time frame. They find another corrupt plan and figure out how to earn some starter capital betting on Apirana's cage fighting skills. Things go awry, of course, and the local syndicate brings down chaos and death as things progress. Meanwhile, Rourke is working closely enough with Orlov to get a bit of Stockholm Syndrome as she tries to cover her bases and survive if Drift fails to return. Good action, a bit of humor, and enough plot and character development to keep it moving and the strong mix of light and meaningful of the prior entries. The Keiko series is a hidden gem for heist lovers with a sci-fi bend.
September 11, 2020
'Dark Deeds' dropped me right into the third book of Mike Brooks's "Keiko" series, about a scrappy spaceship crew's adventures on the wrong side of the law. Think "Firefly," or maybe "Guardians of the Galaxy," but with lower stakes.
I hadn't read the first two books in the series, but it didn't matter. Brooks gave me enough information to come up to speed on who was who in the zoo, if you will, and we were off on an action-packed sci-fi page-turner featuring car chases, MMA fights, gunplay, spaceships, and, basically, the kitchen sink. I dragged myself through the first third or so, while Brooks set things up. Once the action kicked in with the book's second act, however, I was hooked and tore through the last two hundred pages in just a couple of evenings.
This book won't change your life. Brooks's prose style is functional, not revelatory. But by gosh, 'Dark Deeds' is a whole lot of fun. Well done, Mr. Brooks!
I hadn't read the first two books in the series, but it didn't matter. Brooks gave me enough information to come up to speed on who was who in the zoo, if you will, and we were off on an action-packed sci-fi page-turner featuring car chases, MMA fights, gunplay, spaceships, and, basically, the kitchen sink. I dragged myself through the first third or so, while Brooks set things up. Once the action kicked in with the book's second act, however, I was hooked and tore through the last two hundred pages in just a couple of evenings.
This book won't change your life. Brooks's prose style is functional, not revelatory. But by gosh, 'Dark Deeds' is a whole lot of fun. Well done, Mr. Brooks!
September 14, 2024
A bit repetitive by now, but the writing style is further improved in this closing chapter of the Keiko trilogy.
I am questioning the ending. Was it necessary? Was it plausible? No clue, but that’s what we’ve got.
The last chapter is called “Loose Ends”, and yet somehow it didn’t tie any for me. The denouement felt abrupt and I still somehow have a lingering feeling another installment in the series should be coming.
Maybe it also has to do with Ichabod being placed as the protagonist, so the expectation is that we meet the story’s end with him, meanwhile the final chapter is told from a different POV instead.
It’s still filled with action and precarious circumstances, but somehow there’s less soul in this book. The characters are fun to read, yet there’s again that “crew” feeling missing, just like in the previous book.
A worthy popcorn-action, easy entertainment, which doesn’t stand up to too much scrutiny however.
I am questioning the ending. Was it necessary? Was it plausible? No clue, but that’s what we’ve got.
The last chapter is called “Loose Ends”, and yet somehow it didn’t tie any for me. The denouement felt abrupt and I still somehow have a lingering feeling another installment in the series should be coming.
Maybe it also has to do with Ichabod being placed as the protagonist, so the expectation is that we meet the story’s end with him, meanwhile the final chapter is told from a different POV instead.
It’s still filled with action and precarious circumstances, but somehow there’s less soul in this book. The characters are fun to read, yet there’s again that “crew” feeling missing, just like in the previous book.
A worthy popcorn-action, easy entertainment, which doesn’t stand up to too much scrutiny however.
January 7, 2018
This is the third in Brooks excellent Keiko series - following the crew of the spaceship Keiko - adventures that to describe you would have to use the words "shenanigans" "capers" and "rogues". In some ways the series resembles a popular tv scifi series but Brooks makes the crew distinct and unique - its not often you find a maori fighter as a major character! In this installement the characters and motivations of the crew are revealed with a focus on Tamara Rourke, as she finds herself having to take her future into her own hands in case her friends don't come through for her. The story has 2 major plotlines and Brooks keeps the pace on both racing along nicely. Maybe because of the fast pace the conclusion feels a little rushed (hence not a 5 star), especially given the major events that occur! Of course this means we just want more! Great stuff and looking forward to the next one!
September 30, 2018
This is really Firefly but darker. When this series started, I thought this was more like that but as it has proven right through, the dark character histories make this stand out. And when their past from the previous book catches up and demands a price, the crew of Keiko have to pay up. Facing an impossible mission without one of their most important pieces, the crew has its task cut out
While on the surface, this sounds fairly regular, its anything but. Character loyalties are severely tested, life choices questioned while characters are forced into role they are not suited for. What has been quite good in this series has been the character dynamics and that continues here.
The sense of action and adventure persists right through but all now have an edge of darkness in it and it shows off in the finale where things change quite substantially
While on the surface, this sounds fairly regular, its anything but. Character loyalties are severely tested, life choices questioned while characters are forced into role they are not suited for. What has been quite good in this series has been the character dynamics and that continues here.
The sense of action and adventure persists right through but all now have an edge of darkness in it and it shows off in the finale where things change quite substantially
November 25, 2017
Brooks has stepped up his game from the really good first two books to deliver a complex and engaging plot that's hard to stop reading.
The failure of the crew's job in Dark Skies has come back to bite them with Tamara Rourke held hostage until the rest of them achieve a huge pay-off. Tamara's in no mood to be rescued and goes about flipping the script; meanwhile Drift launches a scheme that's as dangerous as it's desperate. Along the way we get a lot more of the Chang siblings' difficult relationship and new crew member Alim knows he has to prove himself to the Keiko crew.
Dark Deeds is brave writing and with Mike disinclined to rest on the elements that were highlights in the first two books, I'm excited to see what he delivers in the final two books of the series.
The failure of the crew's job in Dark Skies has come back to bite them with Tamara Rourke held hostage until the rest of them achieve a huge pay-off. Tamara's in no mood to be rescued and goes about flipping the script; meanwhile Drift launches a scheme that's as dangerous as it's desperate. Along the way we get a lot more of the Chang siblings' difficult relationship and new crew member Alim knows he has to prove himself to the Keiko crew.
Dark Deeds is brave writing and with Mike disinclined to rest on the elements that were highlights in the first two books, I'm excited to see what he delivers in the final two books of the series.
December 8, 2017
I'm torn - I really don't know how I feel about this book. First, and most importantly, the book is enjoyable to read. It's a heist story, which this crew is tailor made for, and stakes felt real throughout.
It didn't end how stories of this ilk 'should,' which I also like.
The crew shift is what has me leaving with a bad taste in my mouth. The twins always felt like secondary characters to me, and their prominence here felt telling; I don't mind losing them, though. It's Tamara's shifts that I struggle with. Is she just ruthless, making calculated decisions to survive? Or is she an unlikable asshole? I just don't know, and I liked that character before.
I'm still excited for the fourth book, though... So four stars or is.
It didn't end how stories of this ilk 'should,' which I also like.
The crew shift is what has me leaving with a bad taste in my mouth. The twins always felt like secondary characters to me, and their prominence here felt telling; I don't mind losing them, though. It's Tamara's shifts that I struggle with. Is she just ruthless, making calculated decisions to survive? Or is she an unlikable asshole? I just don't know, and I liked that character before.
I'm still excited for the fourth book, though... So four stars or is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2018
As enjoyable as the first two. I still like the crew, and the tale is definitely tragic. The one bit of light is the sideline for Jenna and Apirana.
I saw another reviewer mention this too, but I wanted to share my own feelings. The story was good and made sense right up until the very end. At that point Rourke did something I didn't fully understand, and it forced her to do something that seemed like it might have been completely unnecessary. She'd literally just had a conversation with a dude who told her, "Listen, I got you to do this because I was a jerk. Feel free to do what you gotta do."
I guess it added more conflict and drama to Rourke's storyline, but it just felt weird when you look at the conversation she had before. Its the main reason I'm rating it a 4/5.
I saw another reviewer mention this too, but I wanted to share my own feelings. The story was good and made sense right up until the very end. At that point Rourke did something I didn't fully understand, and it forced her to do something that seemed like it might have been completely unnecessary. She'd literally just had a conversation with a dude who told her, "Listen, I got you to do this because I was a jerk. Feel free to do what you gotta do."
I guess it added more conflict and drama to Rourke's storyline, but it just felt weird when you look at the conversation she had before. Its the main reason I'm rating it a 4/5.
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