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Far Seek Chronicles #1
Friends in High Places
Outlaw Torri Rendego, Captain of the Far Seek , travels to the mining colony of Newburg on Old Earth. Along with her crew, she has to smuggle out rare black opals, in fulfillment of their latest contract, which skirts the edges of legality.
Everything goes as planned until Torri discovers that the hated Coalition is increasing security and that Kai Tinsdale, her former bunkmate at the prestigious martial training institution known as the Academy, is stationed in Newburg to break up dangerous but profitable smuggling rings. Kai is now a captain in the Coalition military forces, and she's very, very good at her job.
They'd shared a connection once that deepened not so long ago, but will it mean anything now? Because in a city where allies can quickly become adversaries, Torri and her crew have to navigate both, and any wrong move may be a price too high to pay.
Everything goes as planned until Torri discovers that the hated Coalition is increasing security and that Kai Tinsdale, her former bunkmate at the prestigious martial training institution known as the Academy, is stationed in Newburg to break up dangerous but profitable smuggling rings. Kai is now a captain in the Coalition military forces, and she's very, very good at her job.
They'd shared a connection once that deepened not so long ago, but will it mean anything now? Because in a city where allies can quickly become adversaries, Torri and her crew have to navigate both, and any wrong move may be a price too high to pay.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2009
13 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Andi Marquette
39 books165 followersAndi Marquette was born in New Mexico and grew up in Colorado. She completed a couple of academic degrees in anthropology and returned to New Mexico, where she decided a doctorate in history was somehow a good idea. She completed it before realizing that maybe she should have joined the circus, or at least a traveling Gypsy troupe. Oh, well. She fell into editing and publishing sometime around 1993 and has been obsessed with words ever since, which may or may not be a good thing. She is a co-owner and co-founder of LGBTQ publishing house Dirt Road Books.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 13, 2017
When the opportunity to read the revised version of this book came up, I wondered why I hadn't gotten my hands on the original edition. I don't normally pass up lesfic sci-fi offerings, as they're as rare as the perfect black opals everyone in the book is lusting after. One look at the old edition cover and I realized why, lol. It just doesn't do the sophisticated writing justice. The new cover is a big improvement and looks much more "sci-fi-y", though it's still on the bland side and shows a somewhat sanitized version of the rough, dusty (and that's a huge understatement!) surface of the book's main setting, a mining settlement called Newburg, and none of the rough and tumble of that underworld where all the action takes place.
This is set far, far into the future, where the known "universe" is ruled by the "Coalition", after overthrowing the previous "Empire". There isn't much more info in this first book of the series about the actual entities or political make-up behind the names other than that the Coalition seem to be "the bad guys". Throughout the book, I had to mentally keep reminding myself of that, steeped as my consciousness was in Star Wars lore. In fact the easiest way to describe the book, is to use Star Wars as a frame of reference. The lead character Torri, is a Han Solo-type trader, but a much more scrupulous one, as she is careful to cover her tracks. A former graduate of an elite military academy from Earth when it was still under Empire hands (the good guys), she went rogue rather than work for the Coaltion. She now captains the 'Far Seek', a trading vessel sleeker and less temperamental than the Millennium Falcon. Her very capable assistant is 7-ft Saryl, thankfully much less hairy and far, far sexier than Chewbacca.
Unlike Star Wars though, there is none of the 'good vs evil' thing going on in the book. Even though the Coalition are the bad guys, they're not the typical throat-choking, world-destroying, or mass-murdering types--well, not yet anyway. More like corrupt, what's-in-it-for-me opportunists. (Who isn't nowadays, just looking at our political leaders.) So there aren't any rebels running around to complicate matters. Not yet anyway. I'd hazard to say, this is probably more along the lines of, hmmm, I'm guessing maybe the upcoming Han Solo spin-off movie? :) In other words, this is a heist caper. Mostly. The first part of the book is rather dry, as it concentrates on the wheeling-dealing to set up the 'transaction', the current market squeeze that's fueling demand for an already expensive product and the suspiciously well-timed security crackdown. It wasn't until the other protagonist showed up that I actually started feeling something.
Kai Tinsdale, Torri's ex-bunkmate at the old Empire military academy, is now working for the other side. A career military woman, she'd stuck with the institution even after the drastic change in political leadership, though it's more out of expedience and circumstances rather than loyalty. She has since gotten really good at ferreting out smuggling and other shenanigans and is in line for a prestigious promotion. Whether by coincidence or not, she is sent to Newburg to implement the sudden security measures to crack down on gem smuggling. Just another day's work for her. There's just one little complication. She's spotted her old friend and flame Torri in the area. And that can mean only one thing. Torri's planning to steal something.
I admit I was just cruising through the book until Kai showed up. Now it's a whole new ballgame. Torri is up against her old flame and now nemesis. And she knows exactly how capable Kai is. What should have been an easy job is now infinitely more complex. Even if she manages to outwit Kai, won't her success be a huge career-ending fail on Kai's resume? And Kai, who should she side with? an old ex who went rogue and thus derail her career, or bring Torri in and get herself into a nice, cushy assignment instead of this unforgiving desert?
Unlike other adventure stories, I wouldn't call this 'fun' or action-packed. Except for that harrowing, spine-tingling, straight-out-of-a-horror-movie chase scene, the pacing is deliberate and methodical. A lot of attention is spent on the scheming, the setting-up, the execution and the implications of the heist. Both the writing and plot is very sophisticated and manage to mask the plot holes fairly well. This will appeal more to cerebral readers rather than people looking for a more visceral experience, well, except for that nightmare-inducing zombie scene. :)
The best thing about the book is, of course, that impossible love between Torri and Kai. A love like theirs, on opposite sides of the political fence, never fails to tug the heart. There's enough of the drama, romance and heartbreak to satisfy those with romantic cravings.
I can't wait to get to the next book. Not only about what happens to Torri and Kai but what, if anything, they can do about their uber-complicated situation (maverick vs career military) and their admittedly bleak future. (like, will there be a rebellion sometime in theirs? ;)
4.4 stars
ARC from the publisher.
P.S. What exactly does the title mean?
This is set far, far into the future, where the known "universe" is ruled by the "Coalition", after overthrowing the previous "Empire". There isn't much more info in this first book of the series about the actual entities or political make-up behind the names other than that the Coalition seem to be "the bad guys". Throughout the book, I had to mentally keep reminding myself of that, steeped as my consciousness was in Star Wars lore. In fact the easiest way to describe the book, is to use Star Wars as a frame of reference. The lead character Torri, is a Han Solo-type trader, but a much more scrupulous one, as she is careful to cover her tracks. A former graduate of an elite military academy from Earth when it was still under Empire hands (the good guys), she went rogue rather than work for the Coaltion. She now captains the 'Far Seek', a trading vessel sleeker and less temperamental than the Millennium Falcon. Her very capable assistant is 7-ft Saryl, thankfully much less hairy and far, far sexier than Chewbacca.
Unlike Star Wars though, there is none of the 'good vs evil' thing going on in the book. Even though the Coalition are the bad guys, they're not the typical throat-choking, world-destroying, or mass-murdering types--well, not yet anyway. More like corrupt, what's-in-it-for-me opportunists. (Who isn't nowadays, just looking at our political leaders.) So there aren't any rebels running around to complicate matters. Not yet anyway. I'd hazard to say, this is probably more along the lines of, hmmm, I'm guessing maybe the upcoming Han Solo spin-off movie? :) In other words, this is a heist caper. Mostly. The first part of the book is rather dry, as it concentrates on the wheeling-dealing to set up the 'transaction', the current market squeeze that's fueling demand for an already expensive product and the suspiciously well-timed security crackdown. It wasn't until the other protagonist showed up that I actually started feeling something.
Kai Tinsdale, Torri's ex-bunkmate at the old Empire military academy, is now working for the other side. A career military woman, she'd stuck with the institution even after the drastic change in political leadership, though it's more out of expedience and circumstances rather than loyalty. She has since gotten really good at ferreting out smuggling and other shenanigans and is in line for a prestigious promotion. Whether by coincidence or not, she is sent to Newburg to implement the sudden security measures to crack down on gem smuggling. Just another day's work for her. There's just one little complication. She's spotted her old friend and flame Torri in the area. And that can mean only one thing. Torri's planning to steal something.
I admit I was just cruising through the book until Kai showed up. Now it's a whole new ballgame. Torri is up against her old flame and now nemesis. And she knows exactly how capable Kai is. What should have been an easy job is now infinitely more complex. Even if she manages to outwit Kai, won't her success be a huge career-ending fail on Kai's resume? And Kai, who should she side with? an old ex who went rogue and thus derail her career, or bring Torri in and get herself into a nice, cushy assignment instead of this unforgiving desert?
Unlike other adventure stories, I wouldn't call this 'fun' or action-packed. Except for that harrowing, spine-tingling, straight-out-of-a-horror-movie chase scene, the pacing is deliberate and methodical. A lot of attention is spent on the scheming, the setting-up, the execution and the implications of the heist. Both the writing and plot is very sophisticated and manage to mask the plot holes fairly well. This will appeal more to cerebral readers rather than people looking for a more visceral experience, well, except for that nightmare-inducing zombie scene. :)
The best thing about the book is, of course, that impossible love between Torri and Kai. A love like theirs, on opposite sides of the political fence, never fails to tug the heart. There's enough of the drama, romance and heartbreak to satisfy those with romantic cravings.
I can't wait to get to the next book. Not only about what happens to Torri and Kai but what, if anything, they can do about their uber-complicated situation (maverick vs career military) and their admittedly bleak future. (like, will there be a rebellion sometime in theirs? ;)
4.4 stars
ARC from the publisher.
P.S. What exactly does the title mean?
July 15, 2017
This is the second, revised edition of this book originally published in 2008. I remember reading it some years ago along with the rest of the Far Seek chronicles series which I enjoyed a lot. This book has undergone a serious overhaul, starting with a new cover (though I like the previous one better) and more chapters. Additionally, a whole section - Games with chance - was erased from this new edition, though the events covered in it are mentioned during the book. It is a pity because I liked that section very much but I understand that it might have not been cohesive with the rest of the book.
Andi Marquette is one of my favourite lesfic authors: you can count on her books to be well written, entertaining and her characters well rounded and likeable. I'm not sure of her reasons behind this new edition of Friends in high places, but she manages again to summerge the reader in a different, alien world but full of human conflicts and struggles. The slow-burn romance and deep feelings between the main characters is characteristic of Marquette's books and she excels on it all the time. You'll find in this book a bit of all: adventure, mystery and romance.
Overall, an entertaining sci-fi read with a slow-burn romance. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
Andi Marquette is one of my favourite lesfic authors: you can count on her books to be well written, entertaining and her characters well rounded and likeable. I'm not sure of her reasons behind this new edition of Friends in high places, but she manages again to summerge the reader in a different, alien world but full of human conflicts and struggles. The slow-burn romance and deep feelings between the main characters is characteristic of Marquette's books and she excels on it all the time. You'll find in this book a bit of all: adventure, mystery and romance.
Overall, an entertaining sci-fi read with a slow-burn romance. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.wordpress.com
November 13, 2017
Thank you Dirt Road Books for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Review is also posted to Amazon as Jessica CR.
I didn't know anything about this book or the author before receiving a copy from Dirt Road Books for review. I'm a huge fan of this new publisher--ever since they opened, they've been wonderful to their fans, and since both this author (Andi Marquette) and another DRB author, Jove Belle, are involved in the amazing Lesbian Talk Show podcasts, there's such a wonderful feeling of lesbian/WLW solidarity in both the writing and readership.
However, I am very salty now, because this awesome book is a second edition reissue, and the two sequels are both out of print and seemingly very difficult to find. It also seems that both books are not on the DRB release schedule.
So what am I supposed to do without knowing how Torri and Kai come together again?!
While I enjoy science fiction and lesfic, I've actually not read a ton of sci-fi lesfic. I know it's a popular subgenre, especially after many serial numbers were filed off Janeway/Seven of Nine fanfics in the late 90s, but I've always been drawn to more contemporary/modern lesfic stories. This book reminded me a lot of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, which I really enjoyed, which in turn reminded me of Firefly, which I enjoyed less. Andi Marquette's concise, practiced prose takes the sprawling themes of those good space westerns of old to create a thick, dense, involved story that makes you fall hard for a romance for the ages.
This isn't an easy, lazy read. If you're looking for a flighty romance, this one isn't for you. And even if you aren't a lesfic reader, this book will easily appeal to the most die-hard sci-fi junkies.
Torri, our main character and fearless leader of the Far Seek, is a little bit of a trader and a little bit of an outlaw, trying her best to shed the remainders of the Coalition bureaucracy she was raised in. When she finds herself embroiled in a tense smuggling operation with a lot of potential to go sideways, she finds herself face-to-face with Coalition Captain Kai Tinsdale, Torri's old bunkmate from the Academy and her first real love. We're left with a colorful cast of morally ambiguous characters whose motivations aren't always clear, and we trust Torri to navigate this world with us along for the ride.
This story combines sci-fi with a heist story, erotica with character studies, space opera with romance. It's a long read that takes you down many paths. The world is rich and well-built, familiar without being overdone. I can't think of a world in all the sci-fi books I've read or TV shows I've watched that closely mirrors it, though Defiance would be a great match (and it also came years after this book). Marquette trusts her readers enough to not over-explain sci-fi concepts or invented words, but she also details much of the world's history and military conflicts for context.
The heavy romance between Kai and Torri is absolutely heartbreaking. Seeing them become . It's a well-done romance that works perfectly within the plot itself.
I wish there was a little more development of Torri's Far Seek crew, especially since the ending, while absolutely perfect, relies heavily on us seeing the crew as family-of-choice. I wanted a little more involvement from Jann, Saryl, and their new navigator, . I also won't lie and say I was able to closely follow every plot thread, but the story itself was contained enough to keep my interest.
I'm sure there's much more story to be had with all these characters, but I suppose I'll just have to wait for revised reissues of the next two books. I definitely recommend this one to anyone who is looking for a lesbian-centric sci-fi book that doesn't cut any corners or take any easy routes.
I didn't know anything about this book or the author before receiving a copy from Dirt Road Books for review. I'm a huge fan of this new publisher--ever since they opened, they've been wonderful to their fans, and since both this author (Andi Marquette) and another DRB author, Jove Belle, are involved in the amazing Lesbian Talk Show podcasts, there's such a wonderful feeling of lesbian/WLW solidarity in both the writing and readership.
However, I am very salty now, because this awesome book is a second edition reissue, and the two sequels are both out of print and seemingly very difficult to find. It also seems that both books are not on the DRB release schedule.
So what am I supposed to do without knowing how Torri and Kai come together again?!
While I enjoy science fiction and lesfic, I've actually not read a ton of sci-fi lesfic. I know it's a popular subgenre, especially after many serial numbers were filed off Janeway/Seven of Nine fanfics in the late 90s, but I've always been drawn to more contemporary/modern lesfic stories. This book reminded me a lot of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, which I really enjoyed, which in turn reminded me of Firefly, which I enjoyed less. Andi Marquette's concise, practiced prose takes the sprawling themes of those good space westerns of old to create a thick, dense, involved story that makes you fall hard for a romance for the ages.
This isn't an easy, lazy read. If you're looking for a flighty romance, this one isn't for you. And even if you aren't a lesfic reader, this book will easily appeal to the most die-hard sci-fi junkies.
Torri, our main character and fearless leader of the Far Seek, is a little bit of a trader and a little bit of an outlaw, trying her best to shed the remainders of the Coalition bureaucracy she was raised in. When she finds herself embroiled in a tense smuggling operation with a lot of potential to go sideways, she finds herself face-to-face with Coalition Captain Kai Tinsdale, Torri's old bunkmate from the Academy and her first real love. We're left with a colorful cast of morally ambiguous characters whose motivations aren't always clear, and we trust Torri to navigate this world with us along for the ride.
This story combines sci-fi with a heist story, erotica with character studies, space opera with romance. It's a long read that takes you down many paths. The world is rich and well-built, familiar without being overdone. I can't think of a world in all the sci-fi books I've read or TV shows I've watched that closely mirrors it, though Defiance would be a great match (and it also came years after this book). Marquette trusts her readers enough to not over-explain sci-fi concepts or invented words, but she also details much of the world's history and military conflicts for context.
The heavy romance between Kai and Torri is absolutely heartbreaking. Seeing them become . It's a well-done romance that works perfectly within the plot itself.
I wish there was a little more development of Torri's Far Seek crew, especially since the ending, while absolutely perfect, relies heavily on us seeing the crew as family-of-choice. I wanted a little more involvement from Jann, Saryl, and their new navigator, . I also won't lie and say I was able to closely follow every plot thread, but the story itself was contained enough to keep my interest.
I'm sure there's much more story to be had with all these characters, but I suppose I'll just have to wait for revised reissues of the next two books. I definitely recommend this one to anyone who is looking for a lesbian-centric sci-fi book that doesn't cut any corners or take any easy routes.
March 22, 2018
More fun than I expected, a surprising romp of danger, smuggling and love.
I don’t read as much Sci-fi as I used to, and hardly ever any Lesbian Sci-fi. I find the desire to build a new and different world or landscape can be so consuming to the author that I lose the point of the tale. Or the world is just too unbelievable for me to let go and enjoy myself without stopping and saying “What? What the hell is that suppose to be?”
Happily this was not a problem I came across while reading “Friends in High Places.” The world could easily be seen as the future. None of the inventions or machinery were too far-fetched that I had to stop. Side bar- I really liked Marquette’s imagining of what sex toys will be like. Kinda looking forward to those…
Anyway, Torri is the Captain of the Far Seek with a crew that did remind me of Firefly and Captain Malcolm. They are in Newburg to steal and smuggle out some rare and valuable opals from ancient earth. Kai is Torri's greatest weakness and naturally her secret love. She is a Captain in the Coalition and is stationed in Newburg as an anti-smuggling specialist. When the Coalition receives a tip-off about am imminent heist, they increase security in the region and Torri and her Crew's assignment seems almost impossible to pull off. These two characters, Torri and Kai are very well developed and you do find yourself growing attached, at least I did. I would date Torri in a heartbeat! Ahem, so even though I am not a fan of the “Oh I wish she were here...we could have been...” type stories, this still worked for me. What goes from there is fun, exciting and even romantic. The story moved along well, and held my interest throughout.
I’m not only looking forward to more Torri and more of the Far Seek Chronicles, I’m looking forward to investigating other stories written by Andi Marquette.
I don’t read as much Sci-fi as I used to, and hardly ever any Lesbian Sci-fi. I find the desire to build a new and different world or landscape can be so consuming to the author that I lose the point of the tale. Or the world is just too unbelievable for me to let go and enjoy myself without stopping and saying “What? What the hell is that suppose to be?”
Happily this was not a problem I came across while reading “Friends in High Places.” The world could easily be seen as the future. None of the inventions or machinery were too far-fetched that I had to stop. Side bar- I really liked Marquette’s imagining of what sex toys will be like. Kinda looking forward to those…
Anyway, Torri is the Captain of the Far Seek with a crew that did remind me of Firefly and Captain Malcolm. They are in Newburg to steal and smuggle out some rare and valuable opals from ancient earth. Kai is Torri's greatest weakness and naturally her secret love. She is a Captain in the Coalition and is stationed in Newburg as an anti-smuggling specialist. When the Coalition receives a tip-off about am imminent heist, they increase security in the region and Torri and her Crew's assignment seems almost impossible to pull off. These two characters, Torri and Kai are very well developed and you do find yourself growing attached, at least I did. I would date Torri in a heartbeat! Ahem, so even though I am not a fan of the “Oh I wish she were here...we could have been...” type stories, this still worked for me. What goes from there is fun, exciting and even romantic. The story moved along well, and held my interest throughout.
I’m not only looking forward to more Torri and more of the Far Seek Chronicles, I’m looking forward to investigating other stories written by Andi Marquette.
August 14, 2017
WOW. A true sci-fi novel where everything is explained and detailed. The writer other than imagination has a true talent to tell a story. I was taken to places that didn’t exist yet I felt that they were real. The main character, Torri, is smart, sweet, and daring. It is almost impossible not to love her so the reader embarks with her to a journey of a lifetime. I felt the pain, emotions and love she had in her heart. I hoped that Torri and her love interest, Kai, would realize that they were the perfect fit for each other. Perhaps they did, but it wasn’t the perfect time. These characters though, I’m more than certain, will meet again sometime in the future when the writer lets her imagination go again. I received this as a free copy for an honest opinion. Nevertheless, awesome read. Love, love, love it.
August 6, 2017
One look at the cover, which took me straight back to the science fiction of my youth, and I was keen to get reading. I can't pretend I didn't have a Mos Eisley vibe early on for several reasons, but I soon got drawn into something quite different and very readable. The story had a great build-up, adding the key elements piece-by-piece and developing Torri as the main character. The story contains shady intrigues, secret pasts, old school adventure, and developing romance. Other interesting characters are added, to me not fully-fleshed but certainly developed enough for this story, leaving potential for future character story arcs I'm sure.
I certainly finished the book very keen to see where the series goes and what the future holds for Torri and Kai. There is clearly more to Jindor, and Saryl and Jann need stories too. I'd also like to know much more about "attachments"...
To anyone not familiar with science fiction this is very accessible and just adds an intriguing layer onto a good story. The only thing missing, for me at least, was a little more background to the wider situation and history that this book builds on.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I certainly finished the book very keen to see where the series goes and what the future holds for Torri and Kai. There is clearly more to Jindor, and Saryl and Jann need stories too. I'd also like to know much more about "attachments"...
To anyone not familiar with science fiction this is very accessible and just adds an intriguing layer onto a good story. The only thing missing, for me at least, was a little more background to the wider situation and history that this book builds on.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2017
À Good book without a doubt. Just not my cup of tea. The writing is good, the world well constructed and the storyline is interesting. Sadly the characters didn't connect with me.
If Sci-Fi is your to go genre you will probably fall in love with this novel. I have the feeling that this book is better when read more than once. I will probably give it an other go later.
If Sci-Fi is your to go genre you will probably fall in love with this novel. I have the feeling that this book is better when read more than once. I will probably give it an other go later.
October 17, 2019
Lesbian 'Firefly' perhaps?
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher (not an advanced copy as it was released some time ago).
I have pretty wide-ranging reading tastes so whilst i might not immediately reach for a sci-fi book I'll give almost any type of lesfic a go. This did not disappoint. It proved to be a well constructed space drama with some skulduggery and some romance, as Captain of the Far Seek spaceship, Torri, encounters some old and new friends (and some foe) whilst seeking to do some illicit dealing in opals in Newberg, future Earth. I imagined Future Earth and Torri's spaceship somewhat like Captain Mal Reynolds' in Joss Whedon's late-lamented 'Firefly'series. Torri is a well crafted character, not perfect (after all she takes sexual encounters where she fancies) but nevertheless capable of much deeper feelings. The latter are shown in all her dealings with and thoughts about her former bunkmate, Kai.
I particularly liked some of the concepts the author thought up in this eg. hasha drink coming in dissolvable cups and would eagerly have read more, especially if Torri runs into Kai again. Sadly however, this is only the first of series (it seems) released so far...
Overall, I really rated the author's writing style and whilst it was my first by Andi Marquette I'd definitely look for her books again in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher (not an advanced copy as it was released some time ago).
I have pretty wide-ranging reading tastes so whilst i might not immediately reach for a sci-fi book I'll give almost any type of lesfic a go. This did not disappoint. It proved to be a well constructed space drama with some skulduggery and some romance, as Captain of the Far Seek spaceship, Torri, encounters some old and new friends (and some foe) whilst seeking to do some illicit dealing in opals in Newberg, future Earth. I imagined Future Earth and Torri's spaceship somewhat like Captain Mal Reynolds' in Joss Whedon's late-lamented 'Firefly'series. Torri is a well crafted character, not perfect (after all she takes sexual encounters where she fancies) but nevertheless capable of much deeper feelings. The latter are shown in all her dealings with and thoughts about her former bunkmate, Kai.
I particularly liked some of the concepts the author thought up in this eg. hasha drink coming in dissolvable cups and would eagerly have read more, especially if Torri runs into Kai again. Sadly however, this is only the first of series (it seems) released so far...
Overall, I really rated the author's writing style and whilst it was my first by Andi Marquette I'd definitely look for her books again in the future.
July 20, 2013
If I didn't care for Friends in High Places as much as the other works of Marquette's I've read -- at least early on -- that only means it gets 4 stars instead of 5. Still quite enjoyable and certainly well worth reading.
Both main characters are extremely likeable, and I especially appreciated the contrast between them. Torri's sort of a female Han Solo, something of a "scoundrel" (for those of you who remember The Empire Strikes Back) though she's a helluva a lot smarter than he is; Kai's a loyal, by-the-book officer in the Coalition armed forces, though she's beginning to wonder if her loyalty may be misplaced. T and K were roommates at the Academy, and Kai has absolutely no doubts where that loyalty is concerned. Secondary characters are more well-drawn than in a lot of books, too, adding depth.
The writing doesn't seem quite as smooth or as crisp as Marquette's other works, at least not at the very beginning. Once you're drawn in to the story, though, it's not a problem at all. (Note: this in absolutely no way is meant to imply that the writing is "bad"; from what I've read, I'm not sure Ms. Marquette's even capable of writing badly.)And while the plot's not exactly revolutionary, it's still interesting, and keeps you turning pages, which is the whole point, right? Anyway, the tropes of science fiction and space opera are by now so prevalent, there's nothing wrong with an author employing any one --or ten -- of them in her work; in fact, it's damned near unavoidable. I was particularly impressed by how Marquette incorporates back-story in the action and in the dialogue, avoiding the large "info-dump" trap so many authors fall into, especially in the SF and UF genres.
A caveat -- or maybe kudos: Yeah, there's sex. Not tons, but more than a little. It's well-written, and, frankly, it's pretty erotic. If that's not your thing -- well, you should still read the book, damn it!
All in all, a very satisfying reading experience, and definitely recommended. I generally like to put several months between reading books that are part of a series, but I can assure you I'll be reading more of the Far Seek Chronicles at some point.
Both main characters are extremely likeable, and I especially appreciated the contrast between them. Torri's sort of a female Han Solo, something of a "scoundrel" (for those of you who remember The Empire Strikes Back) though she's a helluva a lot smarter than he is; Kai's a loyal, by-the-book officer in the Coalition armed forces, though she's beginning to wonder if her loyalty may be misplaced. T and K were roommates at the Academy, and Kai has absolutely no doubts where that loyalty is concerned. Secondary characters are more well-drawn than in a lot of books, too, adding depth.
The writing doesn't seem quite as smooth or as crisp as Marquette's other works, at least not at the very beginning. Once you're drawn in to the story, though, it's not a problem at all. (Note: this in absolutely no way is meant to imply that the writing is "bad"; from what I've read, I'm not sure Ms. Marquette's even capable of writing badly.)And while the plot's not exactly revolutionary, it's still interesting, and keeps you turning pages, which is the whole point, right? Anyway, the tropes of science fiction and space opera are by now so prevalent, there's nothing wrong with an author employing any one --or ten -- of them in her work; in fact, it's damned near unavoidable. I was particularly impressed by how Marquette incorporates back-story in the action and in the dialogue, avoiding the large "info-dump" trap so many authors fall into, especially in the SF and UF genres.
A caveat -- or maybe kudos: Yeah, there's sex. Not tons, but more than a little. It's well-written, and, frankly, it's pretty erotic. If that's not your thing -- well, you should still read the book, damn it!
All in all, a very satisfying reading experience, and definitely recommended. I generally like to put several months between reading books that are part of a series, but I can assure you I'll be reading more of the Far Seek Chronicles at some point.
June 6, 2015
Well, the old adage "don't judge a book by it's cover" certainly holds true for this novel. The cover is an abomination, but what's inside is a very enjoable read.
I could argue the point that this is Star Wars fanfiction, but it's done very well. Who needs a galaxy far far away, when the one you have at hand will do just as nicely?
The author does not make the mistake of explaining all the tech and worldbuilding. Ofcourse, how the two ladies came to meet eachother is explained and how they ended up on different sides of the conflict. That makes any relation nearly impossible and it's the reason why our two ladies rarely meet, but when they do, the sparks fly and you feel sad, just as Torri and Kia, when they have to part again.
The story mostly involves smuggling and a shifting loyalty for Kia. It's a joy to read how Torri evades the grasp of The Coalition and a ploy to set her up by a multiple parties.
I couldn't quite figure out why Torri was left the way she was near the end, but I guess every story needs an action-scene (here's a question: do they really?) Also, I failed to see the importance of opals in the high-tech society the story takes place in. But the whole plot revolves around those gemstones, with eleborate mining facilities, a cutting industry and a supposedly high demand market. Oh well.
I could argue the point that this is Star Wars fanfiction, but it's done very well. Who needs a galaxy far far away, when the one you have at hand will do just as nicely?
The author does not make the mistake of explaining all the tech and worldbuilding. Ofcourse, how the two ladies came to meet eachother is explained and how they ended up on different sides of the conflict. That makes any relation nearly impossible and it's the reason why our two ladies rarely meet, but when they do, the sparks fly and you feel sad, just as Torri and Kia, when they have to part again.
The story mostly involves smuggling and a shifting loyalty for Kia. It's a joy to read how Torri evades the grasp of The Coalition and a ploy to set her up by a multiple parties.
I couldn't quite figure out why Torri was left the way she was near the end, but I guess every story needs an action-scene (here's a question: do they really?) Also, I failed to see the importance of opals in the high-tech society the story takes place in. But the whole plot revolves around those gemstones, with eleborate mining facilities, a cutting industry and a supposedly high demand market. Oh well.
January 26, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest ARC review. This was the first work of Andi’s that I have read, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure at first, as I am not a massive fan of all things sci-fi but I do find it interesting. The dynamic of the main character Torri and her relationships throughout the book, both romantically and with her friends, and companions in the form of crew, are well written and explored. It was interesting to see the differences with these relationships between Torri, Kai, and Jindor and I found all of the characters very easy to connect with. To begin with all the unfamiliar names and places were confusing, but they quickly became understandable and added a uniqueness to the story that I really liked. The story moves steadily, is paced well, and exciting throughout. I found myself wanting to read more as a thirst to understand what was going on with Vintooth in Newburg took over. If you haven’t yet read Friends in High Places, I would highly recommend it (even if sci-fi isn’t a genre you would usually go for), pick it up and give it a read, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I’m very much looking forward to reading more of the Far Seek Chronicles.
July 8, 2017
When I first began reading, the setting and characters reminded me of Firefly, so much so that I just dug out the DVDs. There are also elements reminiscent of other sci fi movies and series. This did not detract at all, but instead helped me to feel comfortable with the setting and characters so we could move on with the plot.
Torri is captain of a spaceship who often smuggles illegal goods, like she’s supposed to in this adventure. Her crew members are great supporting characters as are the denizens of Newburg. The other lead is Torri’s old roommate from the military academy, Kai, who still enforces the law. That sets up some conflict nicely, because they were very close.
Without going into the plot, there is conflict, suspense, danger, action, and romance. The characters felt real to me. No one was a caricature or obviously a villain. Sometimes I wondered if a particular character had been misjudged by the other characters, so there was always that element of mystery and wondering who can be trusted. Because of this possibility, I didn’t really know which characters could be trusted. I think Ms. Marquette did an admirable job of developing them. The story moved along quickly. The only scene that I really had to suspend disbelief for was the tunnel scene, but that happens on screen, too. Otherwise, it was an engrossing, thrilling read. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Torri is captain of a spaceship who often smuggles illegal goods, like she’s supposed to in this adventure. Her crew members are great supporting characters as are the denizens of Newburg. The other lead is Torri’s old roommate from the military academy, Kai, who still enforces the law. That sets up some conflict nicely, because they were very close.
Without going into the plot, there is conflict, suspense, danger, action, and romance. The characters felt real to me. No one was a caricature or obviously a villain. Sometimes I wondered if a particular character had been misjudged by the other characters, so there was always that element of mystery and wondering who can be trusted. Because of this possibility, I didn’t really know which characters could be trusted. I think Ms. Marquette did an admirable job of developing them. The story moved along quickly. The only scene that I really had to suspend disbelief for was the tunnel scene, but that happens on screen, too. Otherwise, it was an engrossing, thrilling read. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
July 5, 2017
This is the first book in the series called Far Seek Chronicles. As a science fiction story, it is interesting and intriguing. The book was rather slow to start but give it time and the pace picks up. Because I found it slow at first, I would recommend that readers find a quiet place to read so that they can get into the story and the characters.
The two main characters are Torri Rendego, an outlaw whocaptains a ship named Far Seek where her mission is to smuggle rare jewels from a mine in Newburg. The other starring character is Kia Tinsdale, a captain in the Coalition military force which is trying to stop the smuggling ring.
Torri and Kia have distinctive personalities. Kia is a rule follower and enjoys order, whereas Torri is the opposite. Also, they have a history. Several years earlier, they were roommates at the Academy, but ended up going in different directions. As one would guess, there is some romance between Torri and Kia.
The characters were well developed and fun to get to know. I particularly enjoyed Torri’s character being a rascal. Readers will enjoy more books in the series. The author’s writing is smooth.
I recommend Ms. Marquette’s book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
The two main characters are Torri Rendego, an outlaw whocaptains a ship named Far Seek where her mission is to smuggle rare jewels from a mine in Newburg. The other starring character is Kia Tinsdale, a captain in the Coalition military force which is trying to stop the smuggling ring.
Torri and Kia have distinctive personalities. Kia is a rule follower and enjoys order, whereas Torri is the opposite. Also, they have a history. Several years earlier, they were roommates at the Academy, but ended up going in different directions. As one would guess, there is some romance between Torri and Kia.
The characters were well developed and fun to get to know. I particularly enjoyed Torri’s character being a rascal. Readers will enjoy more books in the series. The author’s writing is smooth.
I recommend Ms. Marquette’s book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I was given this ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
July 5, 2017
The Dirt Road Books’ blurb doesn’t do justice for what the reader is in for from this novel by Andi Marquette. Here’s what you get; character-driven drama with intrigue between Torri and Kai, two people who want to be together but their positions prevent it. I would have liked to get more from Kai’s perspective on their shared history but I suspect this is going to come out in the next installment. Torrie’s perspective on their shared past was noteworthy in that she mixed her interactions with Kai with her lessons she learned while in the academy. This feature also worked well in explaining her motivations and fears. The author also does a really good job at world building but I wanted more on the history of Newburg and I’m hoping she’ll provide more of it in the coming works. Second string characters Saryl and Jindor are interesting, leaving me wanting more specifically Jindor’s motivations towards Torri. Overall, a good space opera beginning. I’m looking forward to future installments.
I was given this ARC by Dirt Road Books in return for an honest review.
I was given this ARC by Dirt Road Books in return for an honest review.
December 15, 2017
This story was very interesting. The world building was very good and at first I had a bit of a hard time thinking I was missing something I realized the back story to the main characters was coming through in flash backs to the past before the Coalition took over. Torri and Kai's story was very good and it was interesting how Kai has changed since their days at the Academy. The Far Seek and crew have a delicate contract to execute and it's made harder by increased security in Newburg. The reason for the increased security, which Kai is responsible for, is being manipulated by the Coalition. Saryl,Jann, and, Jindor are Interesting secondary characters. The story has Torri questioning loyalties and agendas with almost everyone except Saryl and Jann. I really liked Kai and look forward to how her character develops in the series. I also wonder if Torri gets Kai for good in the future. Lots to look forward to in the future Far Seek Chronicles.
I received a free copy from Dirt Road Books in exchange for an honest review
I received a free copy from Dirt Road Books in exchange for an honest review
July 6, 2017
Friends in High Places by Andi Marquette is an intriguing sci-fi mystery. This is the 2nd edition. There is a romance element with some very sexy times though not overly done and I found the bulk of the story to be an entertaining whodunit. And while this is sci-fi you don’t need to worry about space or tech info dumps. Marquette has done a great job of creating a futuristic earth under the clutches of the evil Coalition, leaving this reader wanting to know more about the fall of the Empire and the Rebellion! I can easily imagine turning on the tv to catch an episode of The Far Seek Chronicles. This is the first book in the series that I have read and I will definitely be reading the others. I would recommend Friends in High Places by Andi Marquette to anyone looking for an intriguing mystery. I was given a free copy of this e-book in exchange for my honest opinion. I will be buying the complete set in paperback!
January 11, 2018
Let me start by saying that I adore Andi Marquette's fantastic novel From the Hat Down and its prequel - I probably re-read them every year. Friends in High Places was an intricately plotted, clever and absorbing read. The relationship between the two leads, Torri and Kai, was my favorite aspect of the novel. It was passionate, bittersweet, and there was a palpable sense of chemistry between these two women who are reunited despite the circumstances against them.
Sci-fi is a tricky genre because there needs to be enough detail to guide the reader, but not so much that it overwhelms or bogs the reader down. I think this book would have benefited from being longer, with a greater emphasis on establishing the world and culture of Newburg. I understand that this is the first in a series, though, so these issues may well be addressed in future books. I look forward to seeing where the author takes her characters!
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
Sci-fi is a tricky genre because there needs to be enough detail to guide the reader, but not so much that it overwhelms or bogs the reader down. I think this book would have benefited from being longer, with a greater emphasis on establishing the world and culture of Newburg. I understand that this is the first in a series, though, so these issues may well be addressed in future books. I look forward to seeing where the author takes her characters!
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
February 8, 2018
This was described to me as light sci fi. If you are a non science fiction reader and looking for entry level then I would suggest this is not for you. I would say it is not for me. I like sci fi but I like it to be more character driven. For me this had too much sci and not enough fi. This is possibly a huge recommendation for those that love the genre. I have debated with myself long and hard about the rating. 2 stars says it is ok - which I thought it was. 3 stars would say I loved it which I didn't but I always think 2 stars is a not good book and that feels harsh - it just wasn't for me. 2.5 stars is probably more accurate.
July 1, 2017
Torri is a trader. A bit of an outlaw with a slightly dissident background. Kai is almost the antithesis to Torri. Kai is measured, lawful. They're perfect for eachother but there's a chasm between them.
What I really enjoyed was the genuine feelings and sentiment that developed between Torri and Kai.
No cons really although occasionally I found myself getting lost in the plot.
I would definitely recommend this book for a good read.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
What I really enjoyed was the genuine feelings and sentiment that developed between Torri and Kai.
No cons really although occasionally I found myself getting lost in the plot.
I would definitely recommend this book for a good read.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
August 22, 2017
pretty good space opera. it was a pretty fun read.
pretty good space opera. i enjoyed the interactions and the world. the adventure was a little similar to a star wars role playing game my brother is dm'ing and podcasting that i am listening to which i found funny. the stuff in the tunnels seemed a little unnecessary and dues ex machina for my tastes to wrap up the adventure but it was a pretty fun read.
pretty good space opera. i enjoyed the interactions and the world. the adventure was a little similar to a star wars role playing game my brother is dm'ing and podcasting that i am listening to which i found funny. the stuff in the tunnels seemed a little unnecessary and dues ex machina for my tastes to wrap up the adventure but it was a pretty fun read.
February 3, 2022
Space heist!! With space politics!! And space gays!! What’s not to love.
Really tho, give this one a try. Really tightly-written, character-driven plot with a solid balance of action and romance. Now I just have to suffer waiting until there’s a re-write of book two 😮💨
Really tho, give this one a try. Really tightly-written, character-driven plot with a solid balance of action and romance. Now I just have to suffer waiting until there’s a re-write of book two 😮💨
April 13, 2021
It's hard to find good sci-fi WLW books so this was a great surprise! Can't wait to read the next instalments!
July 9, 2017
This story was awesome! I like science fiction stories a lot. Add in lesbian main characters who kick ass, a little bit of romance and a lot of action and it makes it even better. That is exactly what Andi Marquetet did with Friends in High Places. I’m not much on being able to speak about world building but I thought the different species of characters she presented were awesome, the history was understandable with some vague areas that left me hoping for answers to my questions in future stories and the geography and technology was awesome! I can’t wait to return to the Far Seek chronicles. Andi Marquette definitely displayed her talent for details and mystery/adventure as the story progressed and I was quickly and firmly caught up in the adventures of Torri, the crew of the Far Seek and the ins and outs of being a trader in a corrupt civilization. I highly recommend this story for anyone who loves a complete mystery that keeps you guessing until the end, adventurous types and readers who love stories that follow the heart and soul wherever it leads you. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
May 15, 2012
This is the book that got me hooked on This author's stuff. Easy to read and hard to put dow, just the way I like them! I instantly fell in love with Torri and Kai and instantly gobbled down book 2 after devouring this. Cannot wait for the third!
May 11, 2013
Enjoyable, capably-written space-based fiction.
August 18, 2013
I thought it was quite fun, especially how the two protagonists interacted. Considering how little they did cross paths.
February 5, 2018
I read this for a challenge and Sci-fi isn't really my thing so I'm going to be lenient because I don't have much to compare it to. The book was well written overall. Good flow and grammar. I liked all the characters including the supporting ones. I did get a bit confused somewhere and I could never figure out what I missed. I thought they were looking for medical supplies and all of a sudden they're talking about opals. Color me confused. Maybe I was half asleep and missed something because I read a lot of this after midnight. I was also pretty confused about the setting. I thought this was set in space but the more I read the more it felt like it was on Earth. Im still not sure. The ending was just okay. A definite cliff hanger as this is part of a series. Other than being confused for a large part of the book it was enjoyable. I just couldn't follow it. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4
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