Siv and the others may have escaped Ekaran IV on the Outworld Ranger, but now they’re on the run with two governments, several criminal organizations, and a host of bounty hunters in pursuit. If they want to protect Oona, the young hyperphasic messiah, they need allies, resources, and information. The girl’s father, Ambassador Vim, could provide those things. The he’s missing. He was last seen on a planet named Titus II. And all the groups hunting them know it. Going after him means walking into multiple ambushes. The risk may not be worth the reward. Especially once they realize the most feared bounty hunter in the universe, Vega Kaleeb, is after them. And Kaleeb is even more dangerous than they realize. His ultimate goal is far more sinister than that of the governments and criminal organizations paying him to capture the hyperphasic messiah.
David Alastair Hayden writes science fiction and fantasy. He lives in Alabama. He studied history, literature, and religion at the University of Alabama.
David is also an avid collector of vintage manual typewriters, mostly from the 1950's.
To learn more about David's upcoming projects or to leave him feedback, please visit www.dahayden.com.
The second in this series kept me turning the pages, as the likable main characters repeatedly get into inescapable situations, yet through their ingenious advice from Silky, Siv's mysterious and almost human-like AI connected to his brain, revealing surprising capabilities of getting into military, government and even criminal networks, allowing them unheard of abilities to escape from these authorities. At the same time David Alastair Hayden weaves his story, developing even more surprises in this motley group of refugees with the grim purpose of saving mankind and bringing back the glory of advanced technology through reinstalling a universal Benevolence to manage humankind and it's society. I look forward to exploring the next in this series as Siv and his determined group continue in their noble cause of saving mankind, despite what appears to be impossible odds against their powerful enemies. I highly recommend this delightful, imaginative, and well written series, suitable for all ages, from adolescent to adult and beyond, even to seniors such as myself.
The Benevolence universe is understandable and gritty. The characters are different from most of what I've read lately. They are much more complete and engaging than what I have come to expect. These are beings that you can root for.
The plot moves along fairly nicely and the main characters surviving doesn't feel stale. I don't know where the story is going but that is the way it should be. The action confuses me a little at times but the tech seems consistent and the results feel believable. Those are rare occurrences in a lot of other stories.
There are a few editing glitches and I'm a little confused by the limited living space on the main character's cruiser but those are minor problems.
The AI's are awesome and come in so many flavors. You can't help but react as strongly to them as to the flesh and blood characters.
The Benevolency is a world that I couldn't live in but it's a great place to visit.
The story continues where book one ended. Siv and company are trying to rescue Oonas’ dad. We also meet a bad, bad chippie, Faisal is Silkys’ equal and they have a history that I hope is revealed soon. Vega is Faisals’ partner and both have equipment that rival anything in their universe. They join the hunt for Siv and friends. I like both their personalities even though they are the bad guys. I’m jumping onto book three and hope the story continues to explore more about the ancients.
Very middle-of-the-road continuation by the author in his series. Writing is so so, while the story itself, moves more and more into the realm of metaphysical fantasy, which is not a favorite of this reader. Characters can be engaging and are mainly likable.
Qualified recommendation, as this reader had hoped for more from the author, based upon the two (2) earlier books.
“Shadow Agents: The Benevolency Universe (Outworld Ranger Book 2),” was fully read via Kindle Unlimited.
I liked the story overall. The characters are established and fun to follow. The only thing I had difficulty with was the chapter jumping half way in. Almost like a split screen treatment in linear fashion. Perhaps just me. It did not slow my progress thru the book however. Very enjoyable and will read more.
This story is a about the life of Siv Glenden a century after his father's death. The author gives us a well constructed galaxy where we don't have to get bogged down in minute detail. There is good movement in the action and the characters behave like real people with computers I their heads. It continues the story of the series.
This book was really good. The author developed a plausible world that I’m sure will be carried over in other books. The suspense in this book was tremendous. It keeps you reading up to the very last chapter. Looking forward for book three. Lots going on in my life and this book has given me an escape. Thank you sir!
Really buoyed this book, even more than the first. Straight onto book 3 and then into the prequel series I think. I’d highly recommend this series to any have of sci-if. Keep up the good work. 🙂
This is a great continuation of the series. I love the nonstop action and the innovative tech. I love the morality of the characters and I really like each one and their quirky personalities. Love Silky and the other chippys. Highly recommend
The character ensemble is outstanding and I cared about everyone of them. Yes, my willing suspension of disbelief is alive and well in this second book.