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Durga System #2
Negative Return
Manu Juric is a mediocre bounty hunter. But he’s damn good at reading people and creating unexpected explosions — and that can take you a long way in this business.
Not far enough, he learns when he tries to take out one of Bulari’s most notorious crime lords: Willem Jaantzen.
After the attempt is horribly botched, Jaantzen spares Manu’s life in exchange for joining up with his motley crew for one small heist. There’s a reason Manu avoids teamwork: it’s the worst. And as the increasingly unpredictable job plunges Manu into an ever-tangling web of uneasy dangers and bristly egos, he realizes he’s going to need to find some allies — fast.
And the one man he may need to trust the most is the one he’s been contracted to kill.
NEGATIVE RETURN is the second book in Jessie Kwak’s Durga System series, a fast-paced series of gangster sci-fi novellas set in a far-future world where humans may have left their home planet to populate the stars, but they haven’t managed to leave behind their vices. And that’s very good for business.
Not far enough, he learns when he tries to take out one of Bulari’s most notorious crime lords: Willem Jaantzen.
After the attempt is horribly botched, Jaantzen spares Manu’s life in exchange for joining up with his motley crew for one small heist. There’s a reason Manu avoids teamwork: it’s the worst. And as the increasingly unpredictable job plunges Manu into an ever-tangling web of uneasy dangers and bristly egos, he realizes he’s going to need to find some allies — fast.
And the one man he may need to trust the most is the one he’s been contracted to kill.
NEGATIVE RETURN is the second book in Jessie Kwak’s Durga System series, a fast-paced series of gangster sci-fi novellas set in a far-future world where humans may have left their home planet to populate the stars, but they haven’t managed to leave behind their vices. And that’s very good for business.
152 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2017
3 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Kwak
58 books131 followersJessie Kwak has always lived in imaginary lands, from Arrakis and Ankh-Morpork to Earthsea, Tatooine, and now Portland, Oregon. As a writer, she sends readers on their own journeys to immersive worlds filled with fascinating characters, gunfights, explosions, and dinner parties. When she’s not raving about her latest favorite sci-fi series to her friends, she can be found sewing, mountain biking, or out exploring new worlds both at home and abroad.
She is the author of supernatural thriller From Earth and Bone, the Bulari Saga series of gangster sci-fi novels, and productivity guide From Chaos to Creativity. You can learn more about her at www.jessiekwak.com, or follow her on Twitter (@jkwak).
She is the author of supernatural thriller From Earth and Bone, the Bulari Saga series of gangster sci-fi novels, and productivity guide From Chaos to Creativity. You can learn more about her at www.jessiekwak.com, or follow her on Twitter (@jkwak).
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 24, 2017
Disclosure: The reviewer received a review copy of this book from the Author.
Following up on Starfall, Jessie Kwak delivers another hard punch with Negative Return.
Once again, the story focuses on the criminal underworld of the Durga System. We have the return of Willem Jaantzen, a local crime boss with a nasty reputation, and more mentions of the Indiran Alliance and the planet of New Sarjun. Although there’s no chronology given, the activities imply that the story is set some time before the events of Starfall.
This installment follows Manu, a young freelance hitman and bounty hunter. He’s not the toughest or most competent, but he can read people like a champ. Manu has read the writing on the wall and realizes that it is too dangerous to go it alone. His current job is a trial for potential initiation into a crew, and some measure of safety. All he has to do is kill Willem Jaantzen.
The job goes wrong, but Manu has another shot at survival–by working for Jaantzen, himself. Manu joins up with a gang of misfit thugs who he cannot trust–and who don’t trust him–for a job that could get him killed.
The POV stays with Manu throughout the story. Since Manu is essentially an untrusted conscript on this team, he has little idea what is going on, or who he can trust. This allows the caper to unfold in front of the reader without divulging too much information until the action happens. While preparing, Manu tries to read his crewmates, giving us glimpses and insights into the other characters as the story develops.
This is another great story, and, at novella length, a quick read. The first two installments of the Durga System series are like bricks building up this world little by little. The approach is like the mid-twentieth century stories by Isaac Asimov or Cordwainer Smith, who published shorter works in magazines to build out their worlds. The rise of indie publishing, with digital and audio delivery, has made novellas and short stories commercially viable again. As demonstrated in Negative Return, this has made storytelling sharper and better.
View the complete review here at Epic Grit.
Following up on Starfall, Jessie Kwak delivers another hard punch with Negative Return.
Once again, the story focuses on the criminal underworld of the Durga System. We have the return of Willem Jaantzen, a local crime boss with a nasty reputation, and more mentions of the Indiran Alliance and the planet of New Sarjun. Although there’s no chronology given, the activities imply that the story is set some time before the events of Starfall.
This installment follows Manu, a young freelance hitman and bounty hunter. He’s not the toughest or most competent, but he can read people like a champ. Manu has read the writing on the wall and realizes that it is too dangerous to go it alone. His current job is a trial for potential initiation into a crew, and some measure of safety. All he has to do is kill Willem Jaantzen.
The job goes wrong, but Manu has another shot at survival–by working for Jaantzen, himself. Manu joins up with a gang of misfit thugs who he cannot trust–and who don’t trust him–for a job that could get him killed.
The POV stays with Manu throughout the story. Since Manu is essentially an untrusted conscript on this team, he has little idea what is going on, or who he can trust. This allows the caper to unfold in front of the reader without divulging too much information until the action happens. While preparing, Manu tries to read his crewmates, giving us glimpses and insights into the other characters as the story develops.
This is another great story, and, at novella length, a quick read. The first two installments of the Durga System series are like bricks building up this world little by little. The approach is like the mid-twentieth century stories by Isaac Asimov or Cordwainer Smith, who published shorter works in magazines to build out their worlds. The rise of indie publishing, with digital and audio delivery, has made novellas and short stories commercially viable again. As demonstrated in Negative Return, this has made storytelling sharper and better.
View the complete review here at Epic Grit.
August 24, 2023
Manu Juric sitting in a bar, waiting to kill Willem Jaantzen.
Is this some kind of a joke?
Definitely not. It's one of the best crime plus action plus chemistry plus tension fuelled tales that I have read.
Admirers of Firefly (I keep coming back to that series, because somehow this series reminds me of it) would understand and appreciate this saga of loss, greed, redemption, and love.
I loved it.
Highly recommended.
Is this some kind of a joke?
Definitely not. It's one of the best crime plus action plus chemistry plus tension fuelled tales that I have read.
Admirers of Firefly (I keep coming back to that series, because somehow this series reminds me of it) would understand and appreciate this saga of loss, greed, redemption, and love.
I loved it.
Highly recommended.
July 14, 2019
Jessie Kwak's Durga System series is fast becoming one of my favorite indie reads. The first novella, Starfall, introduced us to the infamous Bulari crime lord Willem Jaantzen and his devoted crew; Negative Return zeroes in on the story of how one of those crew members, Manu Juric, first joined up with Jaantzen, and it's a wild ride.
Manu Juric is a street smart, independent hitman who doesn't want to be anyone's underling. But when he takes on a contract to assassinate Jaantzen on behalf of another crime boss and is captured by him instead, Jaantzen offers him a simple choice: join his crew for an upcoming heist, or die. Manu is pragmatic. He'll join Jaantzen's crew, play along, and wait for his chance to take the boss out and fulfill his contract. But of course things are never that simple in Bulari!
I loved getting to know Manu as a character: at first he comes off as brash, flirtatious and charming, and he is all those things, yet as the story progresses we also see his hidden depths. He is highly skilled at reading people and situations and can manipulate them to his advantage; yet often as not, he uses his powers for good to protect the people around him. His role in Starfall was relatively small, so it's great to see his backstory and learn more about the other crew we met in the first novella.
Negative Return is a fast-paced heist story in Jessie Kwak's signature style, with a surprising depth of characterization alongside the explosions. Space opera fans owe it to themselves to check out this series.
Originally posted on the Expansion Front blog.
Manu Juric is a street smart, independent hitman who doesn't want to be anyone's underling. But when he takes on a contract to assassinate Jaantzen on behalf of another crime boss and is captured by him instead, Jaantzen offers him a simple choice: join his crew for an upcoming heist, or die. Manu is pragmatic. He'll join Jaantzen's crew, play along, and wait for his chance to take the boss out and fulfill his contract. But of course things are never that simple in Bulari!
I loved getting to know Manu as a character: at first he comes off as brash, flirtatious and charming, and he is all those things, yet as the story progresses we also see his hidden depths. He is highly skilled at reading people and situations and can manipulate them to his advantage; yet often as not, he uses his powers for good to protect the people around him. His role in Starfall was relatively small, so it's great to see his backstory and learn more about the other crew we met in the first novella.
Negative Return is a fast-paced heist story in Jessie Kwak's signature style, with a surprising depth of characterization alongside the explosions. Space opera fans owe it to themselves to check out this series.
Originally posted on the Expansion Front blog.
July 4, 2019
Willem Jaantzen is back, but this time we find him in the crosshairs of an assassin, Manu Juric, a bad guy with a heart of gold who's just looking for a crew to have his back. The action is swift, the writing is sharp, and the characters are deftly created. As an author, Jessie Kwak has a way with words that just sucks you in and makes you a believer in her imaginative world. I really am enjoying the Durga System stories, and I hope that she continues to write in this world. A+ from me.
December 4, 2024
This guy! The more I learn about him, the more I want to know. Such an entertaining complex character.
June 25, 2017
This book is a combination of sci-fi and noir. Who are the good guys when everyone is a criminal? The action comes fast with just enough slack to snatch a breath. Tight writing. Character is second to plot, but I'm looking forward to seeing them develop over time.
June 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It's got some great characters in it and some fast-paced action too.
I loved the tech that was involved in this book. One of my personal favourite pieces of equipment used was something called a Hornet tag. They are a particularly clever idea. I wouldn't be surprised if some clever person working at a rich corporation might, in the here and now, find the money and the incentive to create those things. They are a potent little piece of gear for their size and they're impossibly hard to see. I can see why the main character, Manu Juric, likes them so much. I wonder how many times they have literally saved his bacon? That or his quick witted ways, that boy's got a quip for every occasion!
Manu is a freelance hitman, and he is good enough at what he does. But lately the streets are getting perilously dangerous.
There are fragile alliances between different crews and that's adding to an already tense situation. Manu realises that it's time he got himself into a crew. Being in a crew is not a perfect solution, but it's better than the streets with no one to watch your back.
He's given a job by a crew leader, to take out a really nasty piece of work; who goes by the name of, Willem Jaantzen. According to the word on the streets, this guy is rotten to the core.
But as he has the mark in his sights, just as he's set for the shot; step one of his plan goes terribly awry; promptly followed by everything else going wildly wrong, and a few people are hit but not the mark; he's sadly very much alive. Now this Jaantzen guy is calling all the shots and Maru finds himself 'floating up the creek without a paddle,' as they say!
Everything seems to change in a few heart beats and suddenly everyone is somebody's enemy and the burning question of the day is who is telling lies, and can he trust his future to a brief conversation?
This glorious book was utterly different from the start. The main character is wild looking; with acid green painted fingernails, and acid green coloured hair that stands out extremely well against his dark skin. I love that this book doesn't use the stereotypical types as the main charactersl etc. In this book, what you look like is not as important as what skill set you bring to the table.
I love this book because Manu was just such fun to read. I love the whole story, it's really well written. Although this book is not very long, it's very satisfying and leaves you contented at the end.
The only thing I would have liked more of is the world building. It was sadly lacking anything that could spark the imagination a little. Warehouses, sandstorms, and the insides of a van will not cut it, sad to say. Other than that, I really, truly enjoyed seeing things from a completely different perspective that Manu had, in this fast paced, thrilling book which had a few good surprises mixed into it.
This story reminded me of a game we played in school, when I was just a little girl.
The game was called 'Pass The Parcel.'
Everyone wanted something in this story; but no one could predict when the music would stop, or what the person would get as they unwrapped one layer of paper. Perhaps they got what they deserved, perhaps not, but 'sure as eggs, is eggs;' someone would get the main gift inside the wrapping; however, no-one could guess who, until the music stopped and they either got what they wanted, or were fobbed off with a 'piece of old tat'.
I shall be watching this author for sure; because if this is the quality of her short stories, then the chances are that her longer, more in-depth books will be considerably better! I really hope so!
I loved the tech that was involved in this book. One of my personal favourite pieces of equipment used was something called a Hornet tag. They are a particularly clever idea. I wouldn't be surprised if some clever person working at a rich corporation might, in the here and now, find the money and the incentive to create those things. They are a potent little piece of gear for their size and they're impossibly hard to see. I can see why the main character, Manu Juric, likes them so much. I wonder how many times they have literally saved his bacon? That or his quick witted ways, that boy's got a quip for every occasion!
Manu is a freelance hitman, and he is good enough at what he does. But lately the streets are getting perilously dangerous.
There are fragile alliances between different crews and that's adding to an already tense situation. Manu realises that it's time he got himself into a crew. Being in a crew is not a perfect solution, but it's better than the streets with no one to watch your back.
He's given a job by a crew leader, to take out a really nasty piece of work; who goes by the name of, Willem Jaantzen. According to the word on the streets, this guy is rotten to the core.
But as he has the mark in his sights, just as he's set for the shot; step one of his plan goes terribly awry; promptly followed by everything else going wildly wrong, and a few people are hit but not the mark; he's sadly very much alive. Now this Jaantzen guy is calling all the shots and Maru finds himself 'floating up the creek without a paddle,' as they say!
Everything seems to change in a few heart beats and suddenly everyone is somebody's enemy and the burning question of the day is who is telling lies, and can he trust his future to a brief conversation?
This glorious book was utterly different from the start. The main character is wild looking; with acid green painted fingernails, and acid green coloured hair that stands out extremely well against his dark skin. I love that this book doesn't use the stereotypical types as the main charactersl etc. In this book, what you look like is not as important as what skill set you bring to the table.
I love this book because Manu was just such fun to read. I love the whole story, it's really well written. Although this book is not very long, it's very satisfying and leaves you contented at the end.
The only thing I would have liked more of is the world building. It was sadly lacking anything that could spark the imagination a little. Warehouses, sandstorms, and the insides of a van will not cut it, sad to say. Other than that, I really, truly enjoyed seeing things from a completely different perspective that Manu had, in this fast paced, thrilling book which had a few good surprises mixed into it.
This story reminded me of a game we played in school, when I was just a little girl.
The game was called 'Pass The Parcel.'
Everyone wanted something in this story; but no one could predict when the music would stop, or what the person would get as they unwrapped one layer of paper. Perhaps they got what they deserved, perhaps not, but 'sure as eggs, is eggs;' someone would get the main gift inside the wrapping; however, no-one could guess who, until the music stopped and they either got what they wanted, or were fobbed off with a 'piece of old tat'.
I shall be watching this author for sure; because if this is the quality of her short stories, then the chances are that her longer, more in-depth books will be considerably better! I really hope so!
February 10, 2025
Manu Juric is a bounty hunter, or ostensibly a hit man. He is a bounty hunter of mediocre skills who gets hired to take smaller targets, usually by killing them. He has a talent for reading people and enjoys explosions. He gets a break, a hit on a major crime boss, Jaantzen.
He botched the attempt on Jaantzen’s life and through circumstances, he ends up working for Jaantzen on a heist. Manu’s work on this heist and a through a myriad of twists and plot turns is the focus of the book.
This book is part of a 3-book set by Jessie Kwak set in the Durga System. The books are different stories set in a unique socio-political environment.
The book is decent, but I found the setup unbelievable. For a bounty hunter/hit man, is seems almost incompetent and it is difficult to see why anyone would hire him for this job. Then when he has a kill shot on his target, he tries to show off which leads to his botched attempt, which seems very unprofessional. Then why Jaantzen spared his life and had him join is his team is also questionalbe, arguably he wanted Manu’s people-reading skills, but to know that he would have to have those skills himself and the problems would not have occurred.
Once you get past the problems, the book is ok. It’s a quick read, so far I’ve enjoyed the others more.
He botched the attempt on Jaantzen’s life and through circumstances, he ends up working for Jaantzen on a heist. Manu’s work on this heist and a through a myriad of twists and plot turns is the focus of the book.
This book is part of a 3-book set by Jessie Kwak set in the Durga System. The books are different stories set in a unique socio-political environment.
The book is decent, but I found the setup unbelievable. For a bounty hunter/hit man, is seems almost incompetent and it is difficult to see why anyone would hire him for this job. Then when he has a kill shot on his target, he tries to show off which leads to his botched attempt, which seems very unprofessional. Then why Jaantzen spared his life and had him join is his team is also questionalbe, arguably he wanted Manu’s people-reading skills, but to know that he would have to have those skills himself and the problems would not have occurred.
Once you get past the problems, the book is ok. It’s a quick read, so far I’ve enjoyed the others more.
June 28, 2017
Since reading Starfall, I have wanted to know more about the Durga System crime gangs and especially the back stories of the Jaantzen gang. Set before the events in Starfall, we get the story of Manu Juric and how he became a member of the gang. Along the way Ms. Kwak provides hints about Toshiyo and Gia’s history, but leaves those for the future. The overall story is another expertly blended mix of crime story and science fiction, highlighting more of the gangster side and using the science fiction as supporting elements. Plot twists, introspection, and the meaning of camaraderie enhance the flavor of this very tasty morsel. The story is complete and satisfying but it left me wanting more. What are the back stories of Toshiyo and Gia? Who is Jaantzen’s woman, hinted at here but critical in Starfall? I want more. I highly recommend visiting the Durga System through both this book and Starfall.
April 6, 2019
If you read the acknowledgments, you'll see my name. I mention that upfront because I don't want this review to be tainted by the fact I know Jessie.
I read this story in an early incarnation and again in it's polished form. Somehow, Manu's adventure got richer with the edits she'd done from then to now. I didn't think there was much to change then. Her characters are so full of life that as you close the soft cover after the last sentence, you find yourself wondering where they are at that very moment.
The next book in the Durga System series is on my kindle and daring me not to read it today. I'm too old for dares, but I still may give in.
I read this story in an early incarnation and again in it's polished form. Somehow, Manu's adventure got richer with the edits she'd done from then to now. I didn't think there was much to change then. Her characters are so full of life that as you close the soft cover after the last sentence, you find yourself wondering where they are at that very moment.
The next book in the Durga System series is on my kindle and daring me not to read it today. I'm too old for dares, but I still may give in.
March 3, 2020
I read this story a bit out of order, so it was nice to learn more about Manu Juric and how he began working for Willem Jaantzen. He sets out to kill Jaantzen and although he manages to mess that up, he gets the opportunity to join Jaantzen and his crew for a simple heist. He’s not really a team player, but as he gets to know some of the crew, he realizes he may have found a place he can fit in, if he manages to survive the job. I loved getting more background on Manu, as well as Willem, Oriol, Gia and Toshiyo, and I’m looking forward to reading more in this world.
September 12, 2017
An action heist story that's strong on character development and visual descriptions. I love Kwak's use of details like textiles, smells, colors, & little snippets of world-building history. The characters are varied, including people of color & women in fresh roles. I also really loved the ending. Can't wait to see what's next in this series!
March 25, 2018
This was just what I needed. Lots of action, plot twists, and some really interesting characters. I read it pretty quickly. I am usually not a fan of this genre but I got sucked in very quickly. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more by her.
March 10, 2019
I loved this book! I want to read so much more about Manu! His character is so well developed and I love this world Jessie Kwak's created. Her writing style is fantastic and I can fully visualize everything that is going on. I almost felt like I had watched it once I finished the book.
March 28, 2021
Manu hooks up with the crime lord Jaantzen. Although Manu was supposed to kill Jaantzen , things dont work out as planned..Now Manu works with another team although it is questionable if all parties are really on the same team. Well worth reading
December 10, 2017
Clean, perfectly paced, graphic novel style feel with a nod to Vonnegut. Very nicely done.
February 9, 2019
This was such a fun book to read. I couldn't put it down! The characters are well written and I feel apart of the crew. Also, I need to get my hands on some hornet tags! I can't wait to read more.
August 31, 2020
The Best Epic Saga I have read so far this year. In depth and detail rich. the talent of Jessie Kwak is incredible I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 6, 2021
They always leave you wanting more. Lucky for me there is.
May 25, 2024
Quality entertainment. All about a caper and the intrigue that goes with the ad hoc gang that perpetrates the heist.
April 18, 2022
Manu takes a gig putting a hit on one of the planet's top crime lords. But when the intended target foils his attempt, Manu finds himself working for the guy instead.
This sci-fi heist novella delivers more twists and spills than a plate of spaghetti. Be ready to have your socks blown off.
Readers of Lindsay Buroker's Star Nomad and John Wilker's Any Job Will Do will love this one.
This sci-fi heist novella delivers more twists and spills than a plate of spaghetti. Be ready to have your socks blown off.
Readers of Lindsay Buroker's Star Nomad and John Wilker's Any Job Will Do will love this one.
June 11, 2019
I found my new favorite bad boy with the heart of gold. He's way out in the Durga System! I couldn't get enough of Manu; I adored his POV for this short. These stories are so exciting and immersive. Ms. Kwak is gifted with words and characterization. Loved this one!
December 2, 2018
I forgot to post my review when I read this so I'm posting now. Whoops.
This sci-fi heist is the kind of nail-biting adventure I love. I read STARFALL first, but these two are tied in my opinion. (And you can read them in any order.) Manu charmed me as a narrator from page one, and the eclectic mix of personalities in the heist team is just so well drawn. I wouldn't have expected that from a novella--but I'd be excited to see books about ANY and ALL of those team members (some of whom show up in STARFALL as well). An intriguing mix of personalities, each with their own goals and motivations.
Looking forward to reading more books in the Durga System world!
This sci-fi heist is the kind of nail-biting adventure I love. I read STARFALL first, but these two are tied in my opinion. (And you can read them in any order.) Manu charmed me as a narrator from page one, and the eclectic mix of personalities in the heist team is just so well drawn. I wouldn't have expected that from a novella--but I'd be excited to see books about ANY and ALL of those team members (some of whom show up in STARFALL as well). An intriguing mix of personalities, each with their own goals and motivations.
Looking forward to reading more books in the Durga System world!
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December 21, 2017Awesome action and great characters. The character development is fantastic - we journey through the psyche of the main character and are provided with background regarding his decisions and feelings towards his new counterparts.
Refreshingly real characters reflecting the modern world.
Refreshingly real characters reflecting the modern world.
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