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Family Law #4
A Hop, Skip and a Jump
Lee has a lot going for her, tons of money, true friends who will stand by her, an unexpected bonus of extended life from advanced medical treatments, and a start at unraveling some of the pesky secrets in the stars. But there is so much to do to take advantage of all these opportunities that she's overwhelmed. Keeping all they've gained may not be easy. Their new allies have received a follow-on delegation from their home world who seem determined to undo everything they accomplished. The Earthies seem inclined to oppose their new exploration claims, and even her helpful new friends from Central are a problem. They seem less forthcoming than she expected, and the fellow Gabriel who lent them a hand turns out to be entirely too friendly for her taste. Eventually everybody is going to find out Lee isn't just a sweet little girl if you keep getting in her way. This book continues the merging of the "April" series of books with the "Family Law" series.
443 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2017
224 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Mackey Chandler
35 books218 followersMackey (Mac') Chandler is retired to Rochester Michigan from a working life that spanned a large number of occupations. Mold maker, aerospace machinist, plumber, mechanic and dozen more as well as owning several businesses. This life experience and travel show in the depth and variety of his writing.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 17, 2018
I didn’t enjoy the last book ‘Secrets in the Stars’ partly because Lee was only a minor character for a large part of the book. She is back to being a central character in this story and I found it a much more enjoyable read, if a bit slow to get started.
Looking back over the book I realised not a lot happened, Lee had a few philosophical debates, then signed a treaty and that’s about it. However, by the time I finished the book I was quite hooked and I am now looking forward to the next book.
Looking back over the book I realised not a lot happened, Lee had a few philosophical debates, then signed a treaty and that’s about it. However, by the time I finished the book I was quite hooked and I am now looking forward to the next book.
January 14, 2022
Very good!
August 25, 2017
Great story, but read prior stories in both series first for best effect
This story, and the prior stories in both Family Law and April series, are some of the best stories I believe I've ever read. David Weber's Honor Harrington universe and Lee and Miller's Liaden universe stories are, in my debatable opinion, at the same high level of the story-telling craft. There are still some minor editing glitches in Chandler's work, but metaphorically "stubbing one's toe" on them while racing through the great scenes and storytelling about wonderful (and the requisite dramatic despicable) characters is not a hardship like with many other authors and editors. The story overpowers those minor glitches, in my opinion. Love it! Highly recommended!
This story, and the prior stories in both Family Law and April series, are some of the best stories I believe I've ever read. David Weber's Honor Harrington universe and Lee and Miller's Liaden universe stories are, in my debatable opinion, at the same high level of the story-telling craft. There are still some minor editing glitches in Chandler's work, but metaphorically "stubbing one's toe" on them while racing through the great scenes and storytelling about wonderful (and the requisite dramatic despicable) characters is not a hardship like with many other authors and editors. The story overpowers those minor glitches, in my opinion. Love it! Highly recommended!
May 8, 2021
Excellent!
I'm very glad you don't get tired of writing such good stories. It's funny, last week I was in a reading desert, with no good stories in my tablets. Now there is at least four series I'm working on. I don't often share how to read fast, but I will this time. There is progression in reading. Most folks look at a word, recognize (know what it is and what it means), say the word in their head and then go on to the next word. When I started reading, somehow I skipped the saying the word part. If you can look at a word, know what it means and go on to the next word, without saying or hearing it in your head, your reading speed can really increase. Start young, it's much easier. If I knew how to receive and reply I would be happy to answer any questions. Jim.
I'm very glad you don't get tired of writing such good stories. It's funny, last week I was in a reading desert, with no good stories in my tablets. Now there is at least four series I'm working on. I don't often share how to read fast, but I will this time. There is progression in reading. Most folks look at a word, recognize (know what it is and what it means), say the word in their head and then go on to the next word. When I started reading, somehow I skipped the saying the word part. If you can look at a word, know what it means and go on to the next word, without saying or hearing it in your head, your reading speed can really increase. Start young, it's much easier. If I knew how to receive and reply I would be happy to answer any questions. Jim.
June 23, 2021
I tried to stop reading this series
So much of this story just sails over my head. I like the characters, the story line and the humor. The "aliens" are quite believable. The first three books of this series had a lot of adventure, touring the worlds beyond and getting to know the various characters.
This book spends more time with philosophy and head games, not my kind of fun reading. But, the information is passed with such profound sensitivity it made me keep reading. I truly admire the knowledge of Mr Chandler, he describes space travel , ships, military tactics, exploration of the deep, and personal relations with great depth. Maybe he's been there, done that.
So much of this story just sails over my head. I like the characters, the story line and the humor. The "aliens" are quite believable. The first three books of this series had a lot of adventure, touring the worlds beyond and getting to know the various characters.
This book spends more time with philosophy and head games, not my kind of fun reading. But, the information is passed with such profound sensitivity it made me keep reading. I truly admire the knowledge of Mr Chandler, he describes space travel , ships, military tactics, exploration of the deep, and personal relations with great depth. Maybe he's been there, done that.
August 26, 2017
Very good
Another very good entry in the series. The way Mackey Chandler writes makes his books, painting vivid pictures of future possibilities. Very entertaining. The two minor areas to work on are continuity issues and plotting better defined story arcs. The difficulty in containing better defined or constrained story arcs would be detrimental to the charming style of the books and the seeming focus on daily life. Again very good vivid description of life with the realities of star travel and the possibilities that brings.
Another very good entry in the series. The way Mackey Chandler writes makes his books, painting vivid pictures of future possibilities. Very entertaining. The two minor areas to work on are continuity issues and plotting better defined story arcs. The difficulty in containing better defined or constrained story arcs would be detrimental to the charming style of the books and the seeming focus on daily life. Again very good vivid description of life with the realities of star travel and the possibilities that brings.
August 29, 2017
I'm a fan
I like the Family Law series because it looks at human interactions from an alien perspective. Very entertaining.
This novel picks up on the heels of the last one, so it would be easier to start from at least the previous book.
This not an action oriented book. The least amount of action of the series. Mostly dealing with the ramifications of all of the changes from meeting new species to being rejected by the claims commission, to being amazingly rich.
A few proofreading errors. Nothing terrible.
I will buy the next book.
I like the Family Law series because it looks at human interactions from an alien perspective. Very entertaining.
This novel picks up on the heels of the last one, so it would be easier to start from at least the previous book.
This not an action oriented book. The least amount of action of the series. Mostly dealing with the ramifications of all of the changes from meeting new species to being rejected by the claims commission, to being amazingly rich.
A few proofreading errors. Nothing terrible.
I will buy the next book.
August 31, 2017
Just what I was looking for
I was wondering if the author was going to merge both family law and the April series. I was hoping he would and was glad he did. I would have given it 5 stars but the book ended rather abruptly for my taste. Almost like he was in the middle of a sentence if you know what I mean.
I was wondering if the author was going to merge both family law and the April series. I was hoping he would and was glad he did. I would have given it 5 stars but the book ended rather abruptly for my taste. Almost like he was in the middle of a sentence if you know what I mean.
February 5, 2018
A long deep trip with two heroines ends gracefuley.
Each of the April and Family books keeps you wondering what is going to be happening next.
All characters are fully realized by the end of Family series.
Of course you need a villainous opponent or two to beat up along the way.
And of course, a comming of age story is included. Enjoy. It is best to read both seies.
Each of the April and Family books keeps you wondering what is going to be happening next.
All characters are fully realized by the end of Family series.
Of course you need a villainous opponent or two to beat up along the way.
And of course, a comming of age story is included. Enjoy. It is best to read both seies.
September 3, 2018
A Century After April
This story has a lot of crossover with April's story. Lee has people who have figured out Singh Jump Technologies. To head off them helping the Earthies, they propose a alliance with the Red Claw. But the Derf are pissed at them not doing it from the start. Great Story
This story has a lot of crossover with April's story. Lee has people who have figured out Singh Jump Technologies. To head off them helping the Earthies, they propose a alliance with the Red Claw. But the Derf are pissed at them not doing it from the start. Great Story
June 1, 2021
Not bad
This started to irritate me. The three being oh so mighty and smug. Seriously wanted to smack Jeff and April. The new guys were doing what the 3 wanted way back when and because the derf and badgers weren't in from the three beginning they couldn't be helped. NO they were being smug and very NA behaviour
This started to irritate me. The three being oh so mighty and smug. Seriously wanted to smack Jeff and April. The new guys were doing what the 3 wanted way back when and because the derf and badgers weren't in from the three beginning they couldn't be helped. NO they were being smug and very NA behaviour
August 25, 2017
Another winner in Mr. Chandler's universe
This was yet another excellent book in this already good series. As with all good serials, it progresses the plot, character development, and leaves you wanting more.
This was yet another excellent book in this already good series. As with all good serials, it progresses the plot, character development, and leaves you wanting more.
August 26, 2017
Very enjoyable read
This was a very enjoyable read and like the others before it I found myself unable to put it down. If you haven't already, I recommend starting from April as it's essentially the first book in this universe.
This was a very enjoyable read and like the others before it I found myself unable to put it down. If you haven't already, I recommend starting from April as it's essentially the first book in this universe.
September 1, 2017
Great story
Another great read on this series. I like the way this and the April series are merging. Two strong female leads, so similar yet different. Can't wait to read the next books in this series.
Another great read on this series. I like the way this and the April series are merging. Two strong female leads, so similar yet different. Can't wait to read the next books in this series.
September 7, 2017
Another winner
What a relief that this series continues strong, unlike many others. If you liked the earlier novels then you will like this. Of course I will now wait impatiently for the next volume.
What a relief that this series continues strong, unlike many others. If you liked the earlier novels then you will like this. Of course I will now wait impatiently for the next volume.
September 9, 2017
I love these books!
I have really enjoyed this series of books, which pick up on the april series very nicely. I read a lot and find I'm always checking to see if there is an addition to either of these series.
I have really enjoyed this series of books, which pick up on the april series very nicely. I read a lot and find I'm always checking to see if there is an addition to either of these series.
September 12, 2017
Developing story
Lee hires two researchers to look for secret to Central's super drive and Central sends embassy to Derfhome. Full service banking redefined. Well done, but more transitional than exciting.
Lee hires two researchers to look for secret to Central's super drive and Central sends embassy to Derfhome. Full service banking redefined. Well done, but more transitional than exciting.
September 18, 2017
Good story
This book needs a sequel. The story meanders around with only a few plotlines tied up. I like the characters and the author illustrates good aliens. If you've enjoyed the series so far you'll enjoy this book.
This book needs a sequel. The story meanders around with only a few plotlines tied up. I like the characters and the author illustrates good aliens. If you've enjoyed the series so far you'll enjoy this book.
March 4, 2020
Love it!!
Honorable people, uncouth villians. Someone should write a book on how people fall into a government like described in the story. It's scary how our republic is heading in that direction with California leading the way.
Honorable people, uncouth villians. Someone should write a book on how people fall into a government like described in the story. It's scary how our republic is heading in that direction with California leading the way.
March 26, 2022
A Hop Skip and a Jump book 4
Yeah another good book in the series to read. I have gotten involved with the characters maturing so they seem like real people. Makes me want to try to read the series all in one day.
Yeah another good book in the series to read. I have gotten involved with the characters maturing so they seem like real people. Makes me want to try to read the series all in one day.
August 18, 2024
Astonishing, Beguiling, Challenging!
Mackey writes in multi-universe settings, all operating at their own individual idiom-settings & action.
I enjoy this method of presenting a book’s saga. Recommend this book very strongly. Enjoy, I did!
Mackey writes in multi-universe settings, all operating at their own individual idiom-settings & action.
I enjoy this method of presenting a book’s saga. Recommend this book very strongly. Enjoy, I did!
May 24, 2025
Family law series review
I Am really enjoying this series of books. The characters have been well formed, the story has been very entertaining, and I enjoy the interplay Of all the characters. I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
I Am really enjoying this series of books. The characters have been well formed, the story has been very entertaining, and I enjoy the interplay Of all the characters. I'm looking forward to continuing this series.
August 29, 2025
Book 4 in the series
The story picks up where book 3 ends without a gap. Lee gets a demonstration of the jump drive developed by Jeff, one of The Three that govern Central. The adventure continues from there. A great story.
The story picks up where book 3 ends without a gap. Lee gets a demonstration of the jump drive developed by Jeff, one of The Three that govern Central. The adventure continues from there. A great story.
October 7, 2017
A good continuation of the series. Lee continues growing up and blazing a path.
August 30, 2019
what can I say, Chandler's a great sci fi writer! Again. But I am starting the April series first before I read the last Fam Law book...spoiler.??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2021
Great read
This book is a good fit in this series it covered a lot of back story and plot development not a huge amount of action but overall a solid book
This book is a good fit in this series it covered a lot of back story and plot development not a huge amount of action but overall a solid book
April 29, 2023
A good book, although I didn't like it as well as the previous 3 in the series.
October 28, 2024
excellent read
Although not as action packed as books earlier in the series the character development is fun to follow and explore
Although not as action packed as books earlier in the series the character development is fun to follow and explore
November 14, 2025
Fun read
Good read. I laughed a lot while reading this book. Now I need ten more words to finish this review.
Good read. I laughed a lot while reading this book. Now I need ten more words to finish this review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews