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Outworld Ranger #1
Rogue Starship
Daring Adventure, Sentient AI’s, Alien Mysteries When renowned archeologist Gav Gendin discovers the wreck of an Ancient starship, with a stasis pod and a still living member of the extinct aliens inside, it should be the greatest triumph of his career. Instead, it ends in disaster and leads to his son, Siv, being placed in cryogenic sleep. A century later, Siv Gendin wakes to a world in decline, a world where you do what you must to survive. With the help of a snarky, sentient AI companion named Silky, Siv becomes a top procurement specialist. Enslaved to the Shadowslip Guild, Siv has little hope of ever being his own man. Until they offer him freedom in exchange for completing a practically suicidal mission. His a young girl with uncanny abilities. Rival criminal guilds, foreign governments, and religious extremists will risk all-out war to get their hands on her—for good reason. With her mysterious link to the Ancients, this girl could reshape human civilization, perhaps even bring back the golden age Siv knew as a child. But only if he is willing to defy the Shadowslip and risk everything to keep her safe. The Benevolency Universe For over three thousand years a superintelligence called the Benevolence guided humanity through an age of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and technological advancement. Now, a century after its collapse, our enemies multiply as we struggle to maintain our starfaring civilization and recover technology we once took for granted. But the Benevolence kept many secrets to itself, secrets that could shape the future of humanity.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2017
592 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
David Alastair Hayden
21 books115 followersDavid Alastair Hayden writes science fiction and fantasy. He lives in Alabama. He studied history, literature, and religion at the University of Alabama.
David is also an avid collector of vintage manual typewriters, mostly from the 1950's.
To learn more about David's upcoming projects or to leave him feedback, please visit www.dahayden.com.
David is also an avid collector of vintage manual typewriters, mostly from the 1950's.
To learn more about David's upcoming projects or to leave him feedback, please visit www.dahayden.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 29, 2019
7/10: Good solid read, something to get your teeth into.
“Roger that, sir. Operation Bug Splatter now commencing.”
This was one of those books that took a few chapters to really get going. I even considered giving it away at the beginning, but the more I read, the more I liked it. Until I rushed out and downloaded the prequel desperate to know more about Silky.
“I’ve got an idea.” “Sir, that’s not an idea. It’s a brain fart. And I have it on good authority that humans are supposed to ignore those.”
Gav was interesting and part of reading the prequel next was because I wanted to see a bit more of him. And I did get used to Siv and the story unfolding with him enough that I'm sure I'll read on in the series.
But Silky, the AI, is what sold me on this book and series. And the mystery surrounding the Ancients and the Benevolency wasn't half bad either.
But Silky...I like that AI.
“This day sucks an old dog’s nuts.”
“Roger that, sir. Operation Bug Splatter now commencing.”
This was one of those books that took a few chapters to really get going. I even considered giving it away at the beginning, but the more I read, the more I liked it. Until I rushed out and downloaded the prequel desperate to know more about Silky.
“I’ve got an idea.” “Sir, that’s not an idea. It’s a brain fart. And I have it on good authority that humans are supposed to ignore those.”
Gav was interesting and part of reading the prequel next was because I wanted to see a bit more of him. And I did get used to Siv and the story unfolding with him enough that I'm sure I'll read on in the series.
But Silky, the AI, is what sold me on this book and series. And the mystery surrounding the Ancients and the Benevolency wasn't half bad either.
But Silky...I like that AI.
“This day sucks an old dog’s nuts.”
January 27, 2019
First novel was pretty good, although killing off the main character was annoying. Got to this book, and main character #2 is killed off and replaced by #3. And things are turned upside down with no explanation at all. Lost all interest at that point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2018
awash in technobabble with lots of violent encounters but very little in plot development or charactxer development. Would not recommen d it to serious SCIFI enthusiasts
April 28, 2019
Inventive Aliens, Action packed
I liked the technologies a lot and the fast pacing and the different personalities. Looking forward to the next one in this series
I liked the technologies a lot and the fast pacing and the different personalities. Looking forward to the next one in this series
September 11, 2017
Decent Read, Fast Paced, With Engaging Characters
Authored by Mr. David Alastair Hayden, "Rogue Starship: The Benevolency Universe (Outworld Ranger Book 1)," is a decent read, fast-paced, character-driven and -dependent story, that relies heavily on the story arc begun in "Forbidden System." It was fortuitous that this reviewer read "Forbidden System," first. Otherwise, much in the entertaining narrative of "Rogue Starship," would have been missed. The unfortunate choice of subtitling both stories, as "Book 1," as if in DIFFERENT [caps intentional] series is baffling and portends of confusing "Benevolency" world-building sequencing.
This book, "Rogue Starship," takes the story from Gav Gendin, a xeno-archeologist, who discovered prior, certain "Ancients'," artifacts, including a starship and a status hibernating priestess, and moves a century plus forward. His son, Siv, was revived as a youth, from the cryogenic "freezing," and is now a young man, an indentured servant of a large crime syndicate, part of the mini-dystopian human civilization, following the "Tekk Plague," and the fall of the "Benevolence." Siv is "owned" by the syndicate, due to the forced addiction of a time-released toxin; no bi-weekly "fixes," increasing waves of pain before death. "Silky," Siv's father's advanced, spec op "chippy," a sentient or near sentient [your call] AI is still paired to Siv. They both undertake certain "procurement" missions, targeting high value items for the syndicate. On one such mission, Siv unwittingly becomes involved in the "Ancients" mysteries, uncovered by his father. He and "Silky," are back to the beginning, at the center of overlapping conspiracies, that now involve a targeted young girl, a potential "messiah, and her older sister protector.
Mr. Hayden writes engaging characters, with an easy and natural flow to the protagonists. Siv and "Silky," are an enjoyable fit, with the AI echoing the loyalty and dry wit of "Jeeves," from Wodehouse and the unerring competence of "Alfred," from "Batman" fame. New characters arrive that compliment the base pair. Enemies and villains tend to be fleeting, and as such, mainly one-dimensional, cardboard cutouts. The author is prone to needless verbosity (exhibit #1: titles of his books), and annoying misuse of "...but...," a personal peeve of this reviewer. A simple, competent editing of the book, would easily garner an extra "star" rating if achieved. It is a decent read, that could be a very good read, with a little more work.
Caveats put forth, "Rogue Starship," is highly recommended, and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited. This reviewer looks forward to the next one. Question is: will it be a Book 2 or a Book 3?
Authored by Mr. David Alastair Hayden, "Rogue Starship: The Benevolency Universe (Outworld Ranger Book 1)," is a decent read, fast-paced, character-driven and -dependent story, that relies heavily on the story arc begun in "Forbidden System." It was fortuitous that this reviewer read "Forbidden System," first. Otherwise, much in the entertaining narrative of "Rogue Starship," would have been missed. The unfortunate choice of subtitling both stories, as "Book 1," as if in DIFFERENT [caps intentional] series is baffling and portends of confusing "Benevolency" world-building sequencing.
This book, "Rogue Starship," takes the story from Gav Gendin, a xeno-archeologist, who discovered prior, certain "Ancients'," artifacts, including a starship and a status hibernating priestess, and moves a century plus forward. His son, Siv, was revived as a youth, from the cryogenic "freezing," and is now a young man, an indentured servant of a large crime syndicate, part of the mini-dystopian human civilization, following the "Tekk Plague," and the fall of the "Benevolence." Siv is "owned" by the syndicate, due to the forced addiction of a time-released toxin; no bi-weekly "fixes," increasing waves of pain before death. "Silky," Siv's father's advanced, spec op "chippy," a sentient or near sentient [your call] AI is still paired to Siv. They both undertake certain "procurement" missions, targeting high value items for the syndicate. On one such mission, Siv unwittingly becomes involved in the "Ancients" mysteries, uncovered by his father. He and "Silky," are back to the beginning, at the center of overlapping conspiracies, that now involve a targeted young girl, a potential "messiah, and her older sister protector.
Mr. Hayden writes engaging characters, with an easy and natural flow to the protagonists. Siv and "Silky," are an enjoyable fit, with the AI echoing the loyalty and dry wit of "Jeeves," from Wodehouse and the unerring competence of "Alfred," from "Batman" fame. New characters arrive that compliment the base pair. Enemies and villains tend to be fleeting, and as such, mainly one-dimensional, cardboard cutouts. The author is prone to needless verbosity (exhibit #1: titles of his books), and annoying misuse of "...but...," a personal peeve of this reviewer. A simple, competent editing of the book, would easily garner an extra "star" rating if achieved. It is a decent read, that could be a very good read, with a little more work.
Caveats put forth, "Rogue Starship," is highly recommended, and was fully read via Kindle Unlimited. This reviewer looks forward to the next one. Question is: will it be a Book 2 or a Book 3?
August 28, 2019
Non-Stop Action, Tight Get-Aways, Excitement Par-Excellence
Looking for excitement, non-stop action, and tight get-aways? This first book in this starship adventure story has it all. It kept me turning the pages while getting to know Siv and his father Gav, although briefly, his discoveries and lost technology are key to the story. Along the way, Siv meets a techno genius, a young girl messiah destined to save their world by re-establishing Excellence, her protector, a teenager with a sixth sense, a quirky winged escape expert, and a chippy naked Silky, all to man his father's space ship, hidden away for a hundred years. If you like space adventures with interesting characters, evil empires, and plenty of advanced technologies to keep your head spinning, you will love this book. I can't wait to begin the next in this series.
Looking for excitement, non-stop action, and tight get-aways? This first book in this starship adventure story has it all. It kept me turning the pages while getting to know Siv and his father Gav, although briefly, his discoveries and lost technology are key to the story. Along the way, Siv meets a techno genius, a young girl messiah destined to save their world by re-establishing Excellence, her protector, a teenager with a sixth sense, a quirky winged escape expert, and a chippy naked Silky, all to man his father's space ship, hidden away for a hundred years. If you like space adventures with interesting characters, evil empires, and plenty of advanced technologies to keep your head spinning, you will love this book. I can't wait to begin the next in this series.
December 21, 2017
Absolutely Benign Drabble?
You all gots to not believe what you read, ya hear? Especially the header of this, one iota. Everyone has their own reasoning to season a particular dish their own way. Some by rote. Others by recommendations. Binge a bit in this here surprise dish by Mr. Hayden. Is there action? Check! Are the characters interacting? Check! Is there humor to offset any possible stale moments? Check! Did I thoroughly enjoy this dining experience by Master Chef David Alastair Hayden? Double Check! Be sure to Reserve a Reservation before the circuits get tied up.
You all gots to not believe what you read, ya hear? Especially the header of this, one iota. Everyone has their own reasoning to season a particular dish their own way. Some by rote. Others by recommendations. Binge a bit in this here surprise dish by Mr. Hayden. Is there action? Check! Are the characters interacting? Check! Is there humor to offset any possible stale moments? Check! Did I thoroughly enjoy this dining experience by Master Chef David Alastair Hayden? Double Check! Be sure to Reserve a Reservation before the circuits get tied up.
August 17, 2017
Terrific
I wrote a long, rare review and ,as I was typing, I hit the letter n and the entire well thought out page disappeared. Which is why typing on this wretched pad is a nightmare and I hardly ever send reviews. Quick before it happens again...good book. Fun. Great series. Read it. Top of the line space opera. Grips and holds. Moves at light speed. Battles. Galaxy in peril. Sci-fi mysticism. What's not to like? Good writer. Good book. Enough , before our make believe future technology shoots me in the foot again.
I wrote a long, rare review and ,as I was typing, I hit the letter n and the entire well thought out page disappeared. Which is why typing on this wretched pad is a nightmare and I hardly ever send reviews. Quick before it happens again...good book. Fun. Great series. Read it. Top of the line space opera. Grips and holds. Moves at light speed. Battles. Galaxy in peril. Sci-fi mysticism. What's not to like? Good writer. Good book. Enough , before our make believe future technology shoots me in the foot again.
February 10, 2018
Increasingly enthralling
I will admit that my attention waned a little near the start as focus shifted quite drastically, then things weaved about in a seemingly disconnected fashion from the inception, but then it began to heat up.
From that moment I became hooked, snatching pages here and a chapter there to find out what happened next.
It drew me in with a slow burn and then upped the pace with fervent glee to the very last page.
Recommended. Give it time to lay the groundwork and you won't be disappointed.
I will admit that my attention waned a little near the start as focus shifted quite drastically, then things weaved about in a seemingly disconnected fashion from the inception, but then it began to heat up.
From that moment I became hooked, snatching pages here and a chapter there to find out what happened next.
It drew me in with a slow burn and then upped the pace with fervent glee to the very last page.
Recommended. Give it time to lay the groundwork and you won't be disappointed.
November 7, 2020
Slow Start
At the end of book 1, I learned that there is a “book 0”? Perhaps that is why the majority of this book was spent trying to make sense out of the character behaviors and patterns. While not specifically noted anywhere, perhaps understanding this series starts in book 0. Regardless, things did become better understood by about 70%, and there was sufficient action and drama to keep me interested. I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series. Book 1 ends at a minor story resolution so more is needed.
At the end of book 1, I learned that there is a “book 0”? Perhaps that is why the majority of this book was spent trying to make sense out of the character behaviors and patterns. While not specifically noted anywhere, perhaps understanding this series starts in book 0. Regardless, things did become better understood by about 70%, and there was sufficient action and drama to keep me interested. I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series. Book 1 ends at a minor story resolution so more is needed.
October 15, 2023
I had just finished the fantastic Player of Games (Iain M Banks) and wanted to listen more to Peter Kenny. Found this and it could never live up to that. Chippie Silky is a very unsophisticated AI personality compared to the minds that populaire Banks’ worlds. So that didn’t help. Regardless, the amount of banter in this story is annoying. Characters talk all the time, even when they fall from the sky or have 15 seconds left to live. Siv was a genius and an idiot at the same time. It all felt very uneven. Then “the girls” entered the story and I gave up. L
December 14, 2017
Nicely done
The writing and editing is as good as the first book. He provides more background in his universe and throws in big changes also.
This is a chaotic universe of big conspiracies, a hodgepodge group of survivors on the track of of a major conspiracy and a dark menace from the galaxy's past. It's awesome.
I am waiting for a third book and if you read this one, I think that you will also.
The writing and editing is as good as the first book. He provides more background in his universe and throws in big changes also.
This is a chaotic universe of big conspiracies, a hodgepodge group of survivors on the track of of a major conspiracy and a dark menace from the galaxy's past. It's awesome.
I am waiting for a third book and if you read this one, I think that you will also.
February 16, 2018
Exciting entertainment
My first foray into this universe was thoroughly worth the trip. Everything you want in a sci-fi novel is here, tech, excitement, mystery and characters you can pretty much relate to. My only criticism is that the inescapable situations are just a bit overwhelmingly inescapable even if they do make you want to keep reading. Looking forward to reading the next book.
My first foray into this universe was thoroughly worth the trip. Everything you want in a sci-fi novel is here, tech, excitement, mystery and characters you can pretty much relate to. My only criticism is that the inescapable situations are just a bit overwhelmingly inescapable even if they do make you want to keep reading. Looking forward to reading the next book.
January 15, 2019
The best written book in years. A must read!
I read around 100-150 books a year. With this many books I can say with confidence, you will love this book and author. I didn't want it to end. At every turn the vivid description of the tech and the characters was so smooth that not once did I question and then have that horrible fade and the eventual disappointed anger of another bad book. This book MUST become the next generational Star War movie. I loved it!
I read around 100-150 books a year. With this many books I can say with confidence, you will love this book and author. I didn't want it to end. At every turn the vivid description of the tech and the characters was so smooth that not once did I question and then have that horrible fade and the eventual disappointed anger of another bad book. This book MUST become the next generational Star War movie. I loved it!
April 20, 2021
The adventure beings!
We meet Gav in a battle for his life when he discovered an ancient ship with an ancient in a stasis pod. He was betrayed and now it’s up to his son Siv to take up the mantle. I love Silky his chippi, he has managed to make himself self aware and more human like. When Siv makes the decision to save the messiah he unlocks his father’s secrets and hopefully they can restore humanity to where it was supposed to be.
We meet Gav in a battle for his life when he discovered an ancient ship with an ancient in a stasis pod. He was betrayed and now it’s up to his son Siv to take up the mantle. I love Silky his chippi, he has managed to make himself self aware and more human like. When Siv makes the decision to save the messiah he unlocks his father’s secrets and hopefully they can restore humanity to where it was supposed to be.
November 27, 2023
It got better the further along I got but it was still pretty meh. It felt like an utterly forgettable Hollywood movie (and it was written like that too): everyone is noble and good and selfless, and everything turns out alright in the end.
I did like the universe though, even though it was a little inconsistent. The main character was bland beyond belief though and everyone else around him very stereotypical. I didn't hate reading it but I didn't particularly enjoy it either.
I did like the universe though, even though it was a little inconsistent. The main character was bland beyond belief though and everyone else around him very stereotypical. I didn't hate reading it but I didn't particularly enjoy it either.
July 8, 2017
Interesting new story line.
Very fast pace. Well put together. Good setup for expanded universe. Very good descriptions, good sentence structure. 2 word misspellings. (Rouge should be rogue). Many threads and mysteries , sequel to finish story is necessary. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the rest of the story.
Very fast pace. Well put together. Good setup for expanded universe. Very good descriptions, good sentence structure. 2 word misspellings. (Rouge should be rogue). Many threads and mysteries , sequel to finish story is necessary. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the rest of the story.
August 26, 2017
Exceptional Space Opera
Honestly one of the better space opera science fiction novels I have read in a long time. The characters are well designed and while the basic tropes are all there it's almost like reading a fantasy set in space. I look forward to seeing where the story leads.
Honestly one of the better space opera science fiction novels I have read in a long time. The characters are well designed and while the basic tropes are all there it's almost like reading a fantasy set in space. I look forward to seeing where the story leads.
September 1, 2017
A different space opera
This book has future nostalgia down to an art form. It takes you to a utopia...then to a dystopian far future with ties to an ancient past. Edgy technology, alien species, lovable reluctant hero's...everything a SciFi lover wants in their escape from reality! I loved it
This book has future nostalgia down to an art form. It takes you to a utopia...then to a dystopian far future with ties to an ancient past. Edgy technology, alien species, lovable reluctant hero's...everything a SciFi lover wants in their escape from reality! I loved it
October 14, 2018
Nice AI God Story
This story of a society of beings who had a golden age under a artificial intelligence (AI) for centuries who fails. Some folks wants a new one while others do not. This is a story of a drug addicted thief who is helping despite the fact the previous one killed his dad.
This story of a society of beings who had a golden age under a artificial intelligence (AI) for centuries who fails. Some folks wants a new one while others do not. This is a story of a drug addicted thief who is helping despite the fact the previous one killed his dad.
October 18, 2018
Great start to a series
Hayden has skillfully developed a complex plot with many rich characters without boring you to death with contrived character introductions. The Rogue series is also rich in many attributes: tech, tactics, skills, philosophy, religion, politics, personalities, cultures...etc.
I hope this series lasts another 15 volumes.
Hayden has skillfully developed a complex plot with many rich characters without boring you to death with contrived character introductions. The Rogue series is also rich in many attributes: tech, tactics, skills, philosophy, religion, politics, personalities, cultures...etc.
I hope this series lasts another 15 volumes.
November 24, 2018
Good read.
Bought this one cause it was .99c and I needed something new to read, thoroughly enjoyed this book. Nothing too crazy like warhammer 40k heavy sci fi, but the author also doesn't waste time impressing you with how realistic or viable the tech is it explaining every little thing.
Bought this one cause it was .99c and I needed something new to read, thoroughly enjoyed this book. Nothing too crazy like warhammer 40k heavy sci fi, but the author also doesn't waste time impressing you with how realistic or viable the tech is it explaining every little thing.
September 23, 2019
The prequel was better. Encouragingly for considering future works the author writes, the prequel showed maturing pacing and writing style.
This was too often mystic mumbo jumbo. Unlike in the prequel, which was often edge of my seat, her there were only a few scenes were I felt/cared that the characters were in danger -- did I mention the frequent divine interruptions?
This was too often mystic mumbo jumbo. Unlike in the prequel, which was often edge of my seat, her there were only a few scenes were I felt/cared that the characters were in danger -- did I mention the frequent divine interruptions?
November 7, 2019
Fantastic
I have been an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction books for over 30 yrs. I can't believe this is the first time I've read anything by Mr Hayden, but am I ever glad I did! This is the type of story telling that I look for. I literally read this in one sitting and I'm begging for more. You sir, have a lifelong fan.
I have been an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction books for over 30 yrs. I can't believe this is the first time I've read anything by Mr Hayden, but am I ever glad I did! This is the type of story telling that I look for. I literally read this in one sitting and I'm begging for more. You sir, have a lifelong fan.
August 26, 2020
Fun
The story blends sci-fi tech adventure with a bit of mysticism. It has a steady pace and developed well. There are numerous small typos, some eye roll moments (ie: hearing gunshots then seeing the bullets and dodging them), and one or two continuity edits needed (ie: a static image wincing). All in all it’s a fun read. Enjoy
The story blends sci-fi tech adventure with a bit of mysticism. It has a steady pace and developed well. There are numerous small typos, some eye roll moments (ie: hearing gunshots then seeing the bullets and dodging them), and one or two continuity edits needed (ie: a static image wincing). All in all it’s a fun read. Enjoy
April 8, 2022
Non-stop action!!
I liked the whole idea of this book; the ending was especially good. However, the father, Gav, and the son, Sic, did not come across as good people. The other members of the "crew" were great; I really liked Bishop, Mitsuki, and Silky. Together this group is a winning combination for the next book.
I liked the whole idea of this book; the ending was especially good. However, the father, Gav, and the son, Sic, did not come across as good people. The other members of the "crew" were great; I really liked Bishop, Mitsuki, and Silky. Together this group is a winning combination for the next book.
May 13, 2017
Rogue Starship starts with a bang and follows with continuous non-stop action. Great story with quiet a few twists and great new characters, this book ticks all the boxes for me. If you are a fan of Firefly (TV Series), you will definitely like this one.
June 3, 2017
This is another great novel from the author. Although I am more of a fantasy lover, this sci-fi novel kept me intrigued and involved the entire novel. I really can't wait till the next one comes out! And be sure to read the prior novel as well!
July 13, 2017
Excellent book
This book keeps leading, just when you think you know what will happen it changes. Like like you react to what happens, what plans you make are just a starting point. Excellent book.
This book keeps leading, just when you think you know what will happen it changes. Like like you react to what happens, what plans you make are just a starting point. Excellent book.
July 15, 2017
Great Book. Look forward to reading more.
This book had good cheacters in an interesting universe. The action pushed you through the book well enough. I look forward to seeing more. Definitely worth reading.
This book had good cheacters in an interesting universe. The action pushed you through the book well enough. I look forward to seeing more. Definitely worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews