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The Fixer #0.5
Escalante
Not yet published
Expected 29 Aug 47There's a stranger in town, and he just wants to be left alone.
But Dockside doesn't like strangers, and the dirty old town never leaves anyone alone.
Join New Boston's most famous fixer for his first week in the most dangerous part of town. He may have wanted a quiet place to hide, but instead he will team up with the last good cop in Dockside to try to stop a gang war and protect the hard-working folks just trying to make an honest living.
It's good cop vs, bad cop, gang leader vs. mobster, and Roland Tankowicz vs. everybody in a high-stakes contest for control of Dockside. He may be brand new to the job, but the smart money is on everybody's favorite Army surplus cyborg as he doubles down on the deadliest game in Dockside:
ESCALANTE.
But Dockside doesn't like strangers, and the dirty old town never leaves anyone alone.
Join New Boston's most famous fixer for his first week in the most dangerous part of town. He may have wanted a quiet place to hide, but instead he will team up with the last good cop in Dockside to try to stop a gang war and protect the hard-working folks just trying to make an honest living.
It's good cop vs, bad cop, gang leader vs. mobster, and Roland Tankowicz vs. everybody in a high-stakes contest for control of Dockside. He may be brand new to the job, but the smart money is on everybody's favorite Army surplus cyborg as he doubles down on the deadliest game in Dockside:
ESCALANTE.
86 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 29, 2047
134 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 7, 2017
Great prequel
This book gives the reader a great look at this world and all the unique characters. It introduces us to Roland, who is just out of the military and has been augmented so much that he is a walking Top Secret cyborg. He doesn't know what to do with himself until an unusual job opportunity comes up. Very interesting. Would like to follow this story.
This book gives the reader a great look at this world and all the unique characters. It introduces us to Roland, who is just out of the military and has been augmented so much that he is a walking Top Secret cyborg. He doesn't know what to do with himself until an unusual job opportunity comes up. Very interesting. Would like to follow this story.
December 5, 2017
Excellent Story and Writing
An excellent novella by new author Mr. Andrew Vaillencourt, “Escalante: A Novella Featuring The Fixer,” prequels “Ordnance,” and tells the story of how “Roland ‘Tank’ Tankowicz,” a discharged, special ops cyborg, found his way to New Boston, and a new occupation - “The Fixer.”
The story synopsis at the point of sale gives the gist of the novella, and new readers should not be dissuaded, as it is a stand alone.
What is missing from the synopsis, is an appreciation of Mr. Vaillencourt’s ability to write a good and fully engaging story. He has both the talent to create a story that is captivating, and as importantly, the writing chops to execute it in the writing.
To this reader, the author has taken a theme, from the story of Mary Magdalene in the New Testament, through Miss Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” into the numerous tales of outlaws becoming lawmen in the American Western Frontier, all concerned with tortured souls, who no longer want to be bad, and hope for some inner peace by doing some good. It’s a theme that most readers, most people can understand and relate to, hence its popularity over the centuries. Stories about saints, about intrinsically good people, are examples to aspire to. Stories about flawed, hurting, angry, even bad people, attempting to become better by doing good, are enveloping as readers can see more of themselves in the character. At least this reader has.
There are a few glitches in the story telling, nothing major. Mainly the author has a tendency to “over-write” in execution. He has a flair for very evocative, descriptive prose, and sometimes he lets it get over-the-top. There are noticeable singsong duets, pairings of descriptions, that made this reader chuckle. It appears to be the exuberance of a new author, excited by seeing his ability to write the written word.
“Escalante: A Novella Featuring The Fixer,” is highly recommended, as is the author. The novella was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
An excellent novella by new author Mr. Andrew Vaillencourt, “Escalante: A Novella Featuring The Fixer,” prequels “Ordnance,” and tells the story of how “Roland ‘Tank’ Tankowicz,” a discharged, special ops cyborg, found his way to New Boston, and a new occupation - “The Fixer.”
The story synopsis at the point of sale gives the gist of the novella, and new readers should not be dissuaded, as it is a stand alone.
What is missing from the synopsis, is an appreciation of Mr. Vaillencourt’s ability to write a good and fully engaging story. He has both the talent to create a story that is captivating, and as importantly, the writing chops to execute it in the writing.
To this reader, the author has taken a theme, from the story of Mary Magdalene in the New Testament, through Miss Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” into the numerous tales of outlaws becoming lawmen in the American Western Frontier, all concerned with tortured souls, who no longer want to be bad, and hope for some inner peace by doing some good. It’s a theme that most readers, most people can understand and relate to, hence its popularity over the centuries. Stories about saints, about intrinsically good people, are examples to aspire to. Stories about flawed, hurting, angry, even bad people, attempting to become better by doing good, are enveloping as readers can see more of themselves in the character. At least this reader has.
There are a few glitches in the story telling, nothing major. Mainly the author has a tendency to “over-write” in execution. He has a flair for very evocative, descriptive prose, and sometimes he lets it get over-the-top. There are noticeable singsong duets, pairings of descriptions, that made this reader chuckle. It appears to be the exuberance of a new author, excited by seeing his ability to write the written word.
“Escalante: A Novella Featuring The Fixer,” is highly recommended, as is the author. The novella was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
did-not-finish
March 4, 2018Gave up on this one quickly. I just couldn't get in sync with the writing. Nothing clicked for me at all. No rating.
April 27, 2019
Great backstory
I really enjoy this series and this short novel provides the backstory for Roland and some of the characters that are in the series.
I really enjoy this series and this short novel provides the backstory for Roland and some of the characters that are in the series.
December 4, 2019
Short and bitter sweet.
Short and sweet. A nice little novella that shows you how Roland first got his start in The Docks. I've really enjoyed the first two books in this series as well, and look forward to reading even more.
Short and sweet. A nice little novella that shows you how Roland first got his start in The Docks. I've really enjoyed the first two books in this series as well, and look forward to reading even more.
August 25, 2019
Good, found the characters a little clichéd and for a soldier who has been in multiple engagements and found his past organization not to his liking it is hard for me to think he is as naive as he is portrayed in this new environment - there is some amount of dissonance there for me.
Perhaps the next in the series will portray him as more intelligent and nuanced, but here he seems like a 12 year old, male adolescent who is bigger than anyone else in his class and he is reveling in being the bully in town, albeit against the BAD MEN... So far there are no BAD WOMEN nor is there, anymore, someone he can go to for guidance.
We'll see how the next novel turns out, I enjoyed the read despite the flaws.
Perhaps the next in the series will portray him as more intelligent and nuanced, but here he seems like a 12 year old, male adolescent who is bigger than anyone else in his class and he is reveling in being the bully in town, albeit against the BAD MEN... So far there are no BAD WOMEN nor is there, anymore, someone he can go to for guidance.
We'll see how the next novel turns out, I enjoyed the read despite the flaws.
June 11, 2021
This was a short intro to Roland Tankowicz, a cyborg. He's almost 8 feet tall and just moved into town and just wants to be left alone. Fat chance of the happening. He wasn't there 10 minutes when 4 gang members thought they'd take him on. Yeah, they didn't last long.
Anyway, I'm just so weird that I won't be moving on with that series. When an author describes the MC I can picture him in my mind BUT I can't picture someone with a bald head and a pug nose. I have no idea why an author wants to have someone that looks like that and make a series about him. Anyway, it was an enjoyable short story it's just not for me. Like I said, I'm weird.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 20 times.
As for the narration: Jay Ben Markson was just great. His voices for every person was perfect.
Anyway, I'm just so weird that I won't be moving on with that series. When an author describes the MC I can picture him in my mind BUT I can't picture someone with a bald head and a pug nose. I have no idea why an author wants to have someone that looks like that and make a series about him. Anyway, it was an enjoyable short story it's just not for me. Like I said, I'm weird.
No romance and the F-bomb was used 20 times.
As for the narration: Jay Ben Markson was just great. His voices for every person was perfect.
June 26, 2020
Good anti-war character
I liked the story, but the main character is a little too "Superman" for my taste. Even Clark Kent has a fatal weakness to kryptonite. "Breach" apparently has none. If I were to write a story in this series, I would have "Tank" be a "wirehead". He would get electronic stimulation of the pleasure centres of his brain at the same time as he was programmed/briefed on his missions. He may not have missions, but the capacity for pleasure still exists through "the wire". I assume that pain can be be dealt as well, so that might be used to torture the character if he can be immobilized somehow.
I liked the story, but the main character is a little too "Superman" for my taste. Even Clark Kent has a fatal weakness to kryptonite. "Breach" apparently has none. If I were to write a story in this series, I would have "Tank" be a "wirehead". He would get electronic stimulation of the pleasure centres of his brain at the same time as he was programmed/briefed on his missions. He may not have missions, but the capacity for pleasure still exists through "the wire". I assume that pain can be be dealt as well, so that might be used to torture the character if he can be immobilized somehow.
June 28, 2021
Roland is a good man in a very bad man's body, and in this book he has found ample opportunities to resolve his inner conflict. This was my introduction to The Fixer series, and so far, the author has only hinted at the power of Roland's augmented body and at the dark forces who would prefer his augmentations to remain secret. My intention now is to binge my way through the remaining seven Fixer titles, and I am already thinking it likely they will be added to my fairly short list of books I shall re-read multiple times.
July 30, 2019
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
This is my first introduction to Vaillencourt's work.
The author provides an action packed enjoyable tale.
Vaillencourt does a great job of world building in this novella, I suspect that he has gone right on crafting the "Fixer" "universe" in the succeeding novels.
Question: What does a seven foot, half tonne cyborg do when he wants to stay "below the radar" of his former organisation?
Answer: Grab this novel, read it, and find out!
For transparency, I was given a copy of this book. This is my own honest opinion.
This is my first introduction to Vaillencourt's work.
The author provides an action packed enjoyable tale.
Vaillencourt does a great job of world building in this novella, I suspect that he has gone right on crafting the "Fixer" "universe" in the succeeding novels.
Question: What does a seven foot, half tonne cyborg do when he wants to stay "below the radar" of his former organisation?
Answer: Grab this novel, read it, and find out!
For transparency, I was given a copy of this book. This is my own honest opinion.
July 29, 2019
This book is for people that like fleshed-out characters, well thought-out plots and a bit of mayhem. The main character is likable, but flawed as are most people. While he has his own demons to deal with, he has become a "fixer" of other peoples' problems. The supporting cast of bad guys are well-drawn also. This novella is a quick read because it hold the reader's interest. I'm looking forward to the next book.
June 8, 2018
This was a short story. The story about a discharged Special Ops. Cyborg - Man with machine and elecrtonic updates. The tale prequels “Ordnance,” and tells the story of how “Roland ‘Tank’ Tankowicz,” Tank, makes his way to New Boston, and as he tries to keep out of trouble he inadvertently becomes - “The Fixer.”
This Novella is a prequel to a series of books beginning with Ordinance.
This Novella is a prequel to a series of books beginning with Ordinance.
November 26, 2018
Annoying errors
This is a decent story that kept tripping over errors. Proofreading is not optional in shorter works.
Also, the line where the fly meets belt and the edge of the shirt is called a ‘gig’ line, not ‘jig’. And an E-7 would not likely be called a Corporal in Boston. Sergeant, at least.
If you intend to write MilSF, then do your homework.
This is a decent story that kept tripping over errors. Proofreading is not optional in shorter works.
Also, the line where the fly meets belt and the edge of the shirt is called a ‘gig’ line, not ‘jig’. And an E-7 would not likely be called a Corporal in Boston. Sergeant, at least.
If you intend to write MilSF, then do your homework.
January 20, 2019
Pulled me in from the first page!
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book, the supporting characters added a great deal to everything. The main character was just as important, and the story never stopped until the last page. I have already gotten the next book in the series, and will be starting it in 5 mins!...😀
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book, the supporting characters added a great deal to everything. The main character was just as important, and the story never stopped until the last page. I have already gotten the next book in the series, and will be starting it in 5 mins!...😀
February 19, 2019
Drew me in quickly
Vivid descriptions of characters and places. Drew me in quickly as a futuristic film noir, grubby, hard-boiled detective yarn. Looking forward to the next installment.
Vivid descriptions of characters and places. Drew me in quickly as a futuristic film noir, grubby, hard-boiled detective yarn. Looking forward to the next installment.
July 17, 2020
Ok comic book style character. Roland is just discharged from the army and ends up in a seedy area with a lot of corruption. The difference is that Roland has been turned into a cyborg during his service and the gangs don't know what to do with him. (caution, there is profanity)
September 10, 2020
Escalante
This book is not what I thought it was whoever I enjoyed it greatly. The characters had a rich character to them. They keep you interested and wondering what next. I am looking now for the finish to the story which will be the next book
This book is not what I thought it was whoever I enjoyed it greatly. The characters had a rich character to them. They keep you interested and wondering what next. I am looking now for the finish to the story which will be the next book
December 24, 2021
Great book
This is one of those books that 20 pages in you are saying ,man,this is going to be a good book. The only downside I could find is that it way way to short. It just went to the front of my "must read" list
This is one of those books that 20 pages in you are saying ,man,this is going to be a good book. The only downside I could find is that it way way to short. It just went to the front of my "must read" list
May 10, 2018
The fixer
This fixer is one of the best I've ever read. Get this series asap it's worth it . I recommend this book to everyone
This fixer is one of the best I've ever read. Get this series asap it's worth it . I recommend this book to everyone
December 31, 2018
A short introduction to the world of The Fixer. I'm looking forward to reading more about Roland and recommend this book. A fun little read.
December 31, 2018
This was a beautiful introduction to Roland and his mindset upon "retiring" from the military. It also gives a nice view of Dockside and what its all about.
January 1, 2019
Short novella to give starting background for a series I am about to start. Gives useful information (I assume) and was interesting. May need to edit this later after finishing more of the series.
February 18, 2019
Excellent intro to an interesting main character
Now I have to hunt down the next book in the series to see if the character’s premise holds up...
Now I have to hunt down the next book in the series to see if the character’s premise holds up...
May 19, 2019
nice futuristic fro something written decades ago. Mr. Mom (movie) stole the line about want a beer, it's 10 o'clock in the morning. Whiskey
May 22, 2019
Good start
A good book. Engaging and easy to read. A good start to a series. I look forward to reading more
A good book. Engaging and easy to read. A good start to a series. I look forward to reading more
May 27, 2019
Awesome :D Lots of fun, short and enjoyable :)
June 1, 2019
Great Intro to New Character and Series
Well crafted characters in such a short story! I think I’ll follow this one. Thank you, Andrew, for a fun, good read.
Well crafted characters in such a short story! I think I’ll follow this one. Thank you, Andrew, for a fun, good read.
Read
August 25, 2019Liked the story, will read more from the author
October 26, 2019
I liked this book, a fun read.
March 10, 2020
Enjoyed
Really enjoyed the small window into this world. Loved this character and am pleased it is the beginning of a series. Wish it was on KU☹️
Really enjoyed the small window into this world. Loved this character and am pleased it is the beginning of a series. Wish it was on KU☹️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews