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Space Shifter Chronicles #1–3 omnibus
Mimic and the Space Engineer Boxed Set
An aspiring space engineer, a shape-shifting alien, and the race to save an unknown alien race.
The first three books in the Amazon bestselling Space Shifter Chronicles in one omnibus edition
Higgens has the best job in the galaxy. Except for the fact that he’s technically a janitor on a galactic mining vessel. When he discovers an unknown alien species, his world gets turned upside down. He will have to find unlikely allies if he is going to save his new friend and help her build a new home.
The Mimic and the Space Engineer Boxed Set contains the first three books in the Space Shifter Chronicles. If you like fast paced space adventures with engaging, and quirky, characters, you will love Higgens, Mimic, and their adventures in space.
The first three books in the Amazon bestselling Space Shifter Chronicles in one omnibus edition
Higgens has the best job in the galaxy. Except for the fact that he’s technically a janitor on a galactic mining vessel. When he discovers an unknown alien species, his world gets turned upside down. He will have to find unlikely allies if he is going to save his new friend and help her build a new home.
The Mimic and the Space Engineer Boxed Set contains the first three books in the Space Shifter Chronicles. If you like fast paced space adventures with engaging, and quirky, characters, you will love Higgens, Mimic, and their adventures in space.
- GenresScience Fiction
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2018
459 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
James David Victor
205 books92 followersJames David Victor is the pen name used by science fiction and fantasy author David J. VanBergen Jr. for co-authored projects. It is his way of sharing more stories with you than he could write by himself.
If you would like to check out all of his books, under both pen names, and get a free short story, be sure to sign up for his Science Fiction newsletter by visiting:
fairfieldpublishing.com/sci-fi-newsle...
If you would like to check out all of his books, under both pen names, and get a free short story, be sure to sign up for his Science Fiction newsletter by visiting:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 2, 2021
This book was a bit like late-night fast food: you definitely enjoy it, even if you have to put one or the other questionable meat piece at the side. But once is enough for a while.
The story and the characters are charming, albeit relatively one-dimensional. Following the anti-hero main protagonist likewise was fun. But there were things which grated more and more and will keep me from continuing with this series:
1. This is space opera, which does not care about space
- Mimic is at one point "hopping from comet to comet". Please ?
- Super-scientist develops a scanner which immediately finds life... on a planet 1000 clicks away. If you are 1000 km from a planet... you might see it? You might actually be about to accelerate towards it, which is called "falling".
- The mining vessel of our protagonist chews up asteroids **and moons** for their minerals. Any idea how big even a small moon is?
- At one point, the impact of a space ship throws mountains with Mimic's ancestors into space, where they continue to live. Sic! A mountain achieved escape velocity by impact! And people on it survived.
- Our mining vessel is sent 100 000 of light years to mine minerals.
2. The plot is packed with inconsistencies and contradictions
- Our hero is surprised encountering the first alien life, when so far only fossilized bacteria have been found... and the following chapters yield alien life on every single planet they visit.
- Mimic says at the end of book 2 that she will not tell Earth about the fact that all her compatriots are children... and everybody on Earth is talking about it in book 3.
- In book 2, Earth is a run-down, spoiled planet. In book 3, it is the rich garden world to which all dirty colonists would love to return to.
3. I never got the world-building
Even after three books, I am not sure if Earth is a paradise or an ecological disaster. Why are ships being sent out to mine minerals at all?
The story and the characters are charming, albeit relatively one-dimensional. Following the anti-hero main protagonist likewise was fun. But there were things which grated more and more and will keep me from continuing with this series:
1. This is space opera, which does not care about space
- Mimic is at one point "hopping from comet to comet". Please ?
- Super-scientist develops a scanner which immediately finds life... on a planet 1000 clicks away. If you are 1000 km from a planet... you might see it? You might actually be about to accelerate towards it, which is called "falling".
- The mining vessel of our protagonist chews up asteroids **and moons** for their minerals. Any idea how big even a small moon is?
- At one point, the impact of a space ship throws mountains with Mimic's ancestors into space, where they continue to live. Sic! A mountain achieved escape velocity by impact! And people on it survived.
- Our mining vessel is sent 100 000 of light years to mine minerals.
2. The plot is packed with inconsistencies and contradictions
- Our hero is surprised encountering the first alien life, when so far only fossilized bacteria have been found... and the following chapters yield alien life on every single planet they visit.
- Mimic says at the end of book 2 that she will not tell Earth about the fact that all her compatriots are children... and everybody on Earth is talking about it in book 3.
- In book 2, Earth is a run-down, spoiled planet. In book 3, it is the rich garden world to which all dirty colonists would love to return to.
3. I never got the world-building
Even after three books, I am not sure if Earth is a paradise or an ecological disaster. Why are ships being sent out to mine minerals at all?
August 25, 2018
There is a neat idea here. What happens when the lowest-of-the-low in terms of the hierarchy of a space ship encounters and befriends a new alien life form. The comic possibilities grow when it turns out that this alien is highly intelligent, can consume hard radiation and is able to assume the appearance of any object that it wants to. James David Victor works well with these basic concepts and adds a bit more fun by letting his janitor character discover that he is actually a very talented person who has been failed by the education system (or possibly by his perception of the education system). Further interest arises from the alien being smart but naive, which allows some of the craziness of human society to be explored.
Although sold as a boxed set of three books this is effectively a single book. The splits between the books feel artificial, they appear be an excuse for skipping chunks of potentially boring, bridging narrative. I suggest that the author might want to look again at these gaps. I feel that there should be some good comic material here if he can find the right way to bridge them without getting mired down in too much detail. This is the reason why I've not rated the box set higher. I originally came very near giving just three stars but the concept and quality of the writing is just too good for me to rate this boxed set as merely 'OK'. This is one of those books where you just have to get in there and enjoy what is there while forgiving the author his omissions.
Although sold as a boxed set of three books this is effectively a single book. The splits between the books feel artificial, they appear be an excuse for skipping chunks of potentially boring, bridging narrative. I suggest that the author might want to look again at these gaps. I feel that there should be some good comic material here if he can find the right way to bridge them without getting mired down in too much detail. This is the reason why I've not rated the box set higher. I originally came very near giving just three stars but the concept and quality of the writing is just too good for me to rate this boxed set as merely 'OK'. This is one of those books where you just have to get in there and enjoy what is there while forgiving the author his omissions.
November 27, 2018
Book 1: As all the series by this author, the story is well paced, well written, short and exciting. I love the idea of a First Contact made by a regular Joe (spaceship janitor) and the budding partnership with the alien seems to open up many interesting possibilities. I have full confidence that the author will take full advantage of these and take us on a fun ride.
Book 2: The second book in the Space Shifter Chronicles is a really good space adventure story with an interesting premise and fun, simple characters. The first contact is made and now it's time to repair the arm that was done (read the first one). Easy-to-read, good pacing and a genuine adventure feel will make your reading experience a good one. Mimic and Higgens are very interesting characters and one get the feeling that their adventure is far from over.
Book 3: The tone is a bit darker and the story is a bit edgier in this 3rd entry of the series. Again the story is very well told, nicely paced, with great action and excitement. So far, the more I get into the series, the better I liked it and that's in itself is a great quality for a series to have. Mimic is a great character and the engineers friends/crew are also very fun to follow. I have already purchased the next 3 books of the series and I can't wait to dive into them.
Book 2: The second book in the Space Shifter Chronicles is a really good space adventure story with an interesting premise and fun, simple characters. The first contact is made and now it's time to repair the arm that was done (read the first one). Easy-to-read, good pacing and a genuine adventure feel will make your reading experience a good one. Mimic and Higgens are very interesting characters and one get the feeling that their adventure is far from over.
Book 3: The tone is a bit darker and the story is a bit edgier in this 3rd entry of the series. Again the story is very well told, nicely paced, with great action and excitement. So far, the more I get into the series, the better I liked it and that's in itself is a great quality for a series to have. Mimic is a great character and the engineers friends/crew are also very fun to follow. I have already purchased the next 3 books of the series and I can't wait to dive into them.
January 17, 2021
Listen people, don't discard this series because of its name.
A space alien, whose home and family got destroyed by asteroid miners during mining operations, fled onboard a mining ship for safety. This is where Higgens mets this alien, a shifter, after a hilarious couple of encounters. Thereby started an enchanting space adventure of first contact to rock the universe (and almost guaranteed that of the reader as well).
The first two books deal with the first contact and search for alien shifter, now called Mimic, world of origin. Along the way a strong bond is formed between Mimic and Higgens into an unbreakable friendship.
This series is heartwarming and really something special. It will be something you will finish reading quickly. You will find it almost impossible to put down. And when you do, it will be rather forlornly as you look to grab the next in line. It really is that good! Enjoy!
A space alien, whose home and family got destroyed by asteroid miners during mining operations, fled onboard a mining ship for safety. This is where Higgens mets this alien, a shifter, after a hilarious couple of encounters. Thereby started an enchanting space adventure of first contact to rock the universe (and almost guaranteed that of the reader as well).
The first two books deal with the first contact and search for alien shifter, now called Mimic, world of origin. Along the way a strong bond is formed between Mimic and Higgens into an unbreakable friendship.
This series is heartwarming and really something special. It will be something you will finish reading quickly. You will find it almost impossible to put down. And when you do, it will be rather forlornly as you look to grab the next in line. It really is that good! Enjoy!
March 2, 2020
Entertaining but....
The story so far has been entertaining with one major flaw that bugged me so much that I took away one star and decided to explain my three star review. The author states repeatedly that humans have never found alien life other than lichen and yet the first planet is full of flora and has some kind of monster fauna that chases them. Then they visit another world full of flora. Unless I missed something that is a huge error that nearly ruined a decent story for me. I will likely try the next omnibus, however many more mistakes like that will stop me from continuing the series.
The story so far has been entertaining with one major flaw that bugged me so much that I took away one star and decided to explain my three star review. The author states repeatedly that humans have never found alien life other than lichen and yet the first planet is full of flora and has some kind of monster fauna that chases them. Then they visit another world full of flora. Unless I missed something that is a huge error that nearly ruined a decent story for me. I will likely try the next omnibus, however many more mistakes like that will stop me from continuing the series.
October 29, 2025
to slow.
This is marketed for young adults, so I’m taking that into account.
Pacing is just way too slow , if you’re running for young adults, it needs to start with a bang and go fast from there. You really have to have good character engagement and a storyline moving before you can slow down and build some plot and character development.
Even as an adult book, the pacing is just painfully slow on this , I feel like you could move half the words and have a reasonably snappy book, but this one just feels like it drags
TL;DR: I made it about 15% of the way through and then just gave up on this book.
I do not recommend this book .
I will not be reading the next book .
This is marketed for young adults, so I’m taking that into account.
Pacing is just way too slow , if you’re running for young adults, it needs to start with a bang and go fast from there. You really have to have good character engagement and a storyline moving before you can slow down and build some plot and character development.
Even as an adult book, the pacing is just painfully slow on this , I feel like you could move half the words and have a reasonably snappy book, but this one just feels like it drags
TL;DR: I made it about 15% of the way through and then just gave up on this book.
I do not recommend this book .
I will not be reading the next book .
January 24, 2018
jumping jacks flash
Mimic is so good. the story line brings together 4 humans and a small alien whose whole life was destroyed by humans. When Higgens goes to clean up a spell and rupture in a mining space ship little does this janitor know he is on his way to Stardom!!!! This little black alien grabs his hand and a friendship begins. Follow along as they bring together three fellow humans to pop all over the galaxy trying to find Mimic's family and save Earth eventually that is...
Mimic is so good. the story line brings together 4 humans and a small alien whose whole life was destroyed by humans. When Higgens goes to clean up a spell and rupture in a mining space ship little does this janitor know he is on his way to Stardom!!!! This little black alien grabs his hand and a friendship begins. Follow along as they bring together three fellow humans to pop all over the galaxy trying to find Mimic's family and save Earth eventually that is...
January 10, 2018
This is a great story about first contact. Higgens works aboard a mining ship who job is to clean up leaks a and breakages. On one particular job he means a small black spiky alien who has the ability to shape shift. Higgens resolves to return the alien to her people and that's when the adventures begin. There is everything here adventure tragedy and slot of humour.The omnibus edition has the first 3 books which gives a good insight to what will be a great series.
February 11, 2020
Read at least half to get to where it gets better
Initially I was unimpressed and there are many things I would like to change. But in the end I bought into the story and came to the point where I could read till the end. This is definitely a young adults (and younger) book. The beginning most certainly! Frankly not easily believed, more complexity is needed, it is just a little too simple. But take a look and review it yourself.
Initially I was unimpressed and there are many things I would like to change. But in the end I bought into the story and came to the point where I could read till the end. This is definitely a young adults (and younger) book. The beginning most certainly! Frankly not easily believed, more complexity is needed, it is just a little too simple. But take a look and review it yourself.
November 18, 2020
It wasn't bad. The whole space janitor thing seems a bit much, but whatever.
The story moves a little slowly. The characters are mildly interesting. As the story goes along, they do become more interesting. The alien is incredibly quick at adapting. As the alien grows, the human characters show more depth. Whether intentional or not, it is an interesting pattern.
This is not bad as old-school pulp sci-fi.
The story moves a little slowly. The characters are mildly interesting. As the story goes along, they do become more interesting. The alien is incredibly quick at adapting. As the alien grows, the human characters show more depth. Whether intentional or not, it is an interesting pattern.
This is not bad as old-school pulp sci-fi.
September 23, 2019
Wonderful story! Exciting all the way!
I enjoyed the characters and the story. Great interplay between them all. The mimic and her discoverer made the story. I expect great things from the next one in the series. My kids,would enjoy this, as the author didn’t crawl down into the sewer to try to compensate for lack of talent. Wonderful read!
I enjoyed the characters and the story. Great interplay between them all. The mimic and her discoverer made the story. I expect great things from the next one in the series. My kids,would enjoy this, as the author didn’t crawl down into the sewer to try to compensate for lack of talent. Wonderful read!
February 29, 2020
Interesting Read
Higgins is a janitor aboard a mining spaceship. He gets little respect from most of the crew. However, when he finds a sentient shape shifting alien lifeform, things change. Mimic, the alien, becomes his best friend. Danger ensues. I like the action, friendship, and loyalty. I look forward to the next book.
Higgins is a janitor aboard a mining spaceship. He gets little respect from most of the crew. However, when he finds a sentient shape shifting alien lifeform, things change. Mimic, the alien, becomes his best friend. Danger ensues. I like the action, friendship, and loyalty. I look forward to the next book.
February 10, 2018
Great start
First books i read from this author, and im greatly pleased. The characters are well rounded, and the 2 main characters are well stablished. Going to buy the next 2 books individually to see what happens next. Only but I can think of is that they are a bit short.
First books i read from this author, and im greatly pleased. The characters are well rounded, and the 2 main characters are well stablished. Going to buy the next 2 books individually to see what happens next. Only but I can think of is that they are a bit short.
February 21, 2018
More like one book
This was supposed to be the first three books of a series but it was more like the cliffhanger first book of a series. I enjoyed it 4 stars worth but will not be continuing with the next two books because I am not confident they will actually be two books.
This was supposed to be the first three books of a series but it was more like the cliffhanger first book of a series. I enjoyed it 4 stars worth but will not be continuing with the next two books because I am not confident they will actually be two books.
March 24, 2018
Surprising addictive series
James has written a really pleasantly surprising series, I was going to drop the series halfway through the first book. Really glad that I stuck with it, series and character development was terrific, and the series is going to be fun to finish.
James has written a really pleasantly surprising series, I was going to drop the series halfway through the first book. Really glad that I stuck with it, series and character development was terrific, and the series is going to be fun to finish.
June 16, 2018
Great!
Higgins is a janitor/ maintenance man on space mining ship. When he accidentally find an alien life form, he decides to not tell his superior. But when he is found out, the adventures begin!
Higgins is a janitor/ maintenance man on space mining ship. When he accidentally find an alien life form, he decides to not tell his superior. But when he is found out, the adventures begin!
January 7, 2019
I can't honestly say this was a bad book because it was mildly entertaining, even had a fun set of characters. However, I just couldn't get into it. I never really got engaged with the writing style. I eventually dropped it after reading most of it while waiting for my laundry to finish.
April 30, 2019
Loved this series!!!!
This was fun, entertaining, and different from other science fiction books that I have read recently. I love mimic and her character as well as the other for heroes who are trying to save mimics race. Do you love science-fiction you will love this series!
This was fun, entertaining, and different from other science fiction books that I have read recently. I love mimic and her character as well as the other for heroes who are trying to save mimics race. Do you love science-fiction you will love this series!
February 18, 2018
If you like sci-fi you will enjoy this
Get you into the scene quickly and the description of the areas of the different ship areas were very well written
Get you into the scene quickly and the description of the areas of the different ship areas were very well written
March 10, 2018
Outstanding
This anthology is a future classic and ranks in my opinion on top of your run of the mill pablum.
This anthology is a future classic and ranks in my opinion on top of your run of the mill pablum.
April 11, 2018
Mimic book1-3
Great science fiction saga that was interesting, and entertaining. I liked the books and I look forward to reading more books by this author .
Great science fiction saga that was interesting, and entertaining. I liked the books and I look forward to reading more books by this author .
April 11, 2018
I hope the rest is as good as this was.
May 6, 2018
Good
Good story, well written,grammar reasonable,it makes a difference to read stories that you can enjoy and look forward to more
Good story, well written,grammar reasonable,it makes a difference to read stories that you can enjoy and look forward to more
July 15, 2018
Fun!
A crazy, goofy, totally fantastical science fiction roller coaster. A shape shifting alien and the janitor who loves her. An enjoyable read!
A crazy, goofy, totally fantastical science fiction roller coaster. A shape shifting alien and the janitor who loves her. An enjoyable read!
January 30, 2020
Mimic
I love the premise of a lowly technician finding a lifetime and through his own incredible unassuming character is heroic.
I love the premise of a lowly technician finding a lifetime and through his own incredible unassuming character is heroic.
February 3, 2020
A good easy read overall with interesting characters including a shapeshifting alien. Well worth reading.
February 3, 2020
Quick and engaging read.
February 16, 2020
I enjoyed the series, found it an easy read. Liked it so much I bought the other omibus editions as well
June 8, 2020
First story was cute. Midway in the second the space science was so bad that I had to quit.
January 14, 2022
I just loved these bite sized tales
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews