Beta Testers

Big Sigma #0.5

by Joseph R. Lallo

Beta Testers is a prequel novella in the Big Sigma setting.

It’s important to use the right tool for the job… even if that tool hasn’t been tested.

Garotte is the sort of covert operative a military sends in to tug at threads until a situation unravels. After a particularly ill-advised assignment causes the situation to escalate, he takes it upon himself to right what’s gone wrong before it gets out of control. The task is too big for one soldier, so he seeks out the aide of Jessica “Silo” Winters, a more traditional soldier with whom he shares a complex past.

But a battle can’t be fought without weapons, and beggars can’t be choosers. Fortunately, Garotte has the name and address of an ex-military contractor, a man called Karter Dee. Unfortunately, Karter’s equipment isn’t always as reliable—or sane—as one would like.

Genres: Science Fiction

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2018

Reviews

[John Tobler · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a prequel, Beta Testers, by Joseph R. Lallo, turned out to be the best space mercenary story I have read in a very long time! Full of humor and action, the combination of fascinating characters with meticulous presentations of highly innovative combat tech put this in the front of its pack.

A fun read, indeed!

Highly recommended!

[Jason M. LeMay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

It was an enjoyable read and filled in some back story. Nice banter between the characters. Helps to have already met the characters by having read the rest of the series.

[Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoyed the Silo x Garotte b-plots of the Bypass Gemini books, you've got to read this. It's exclusively a SxG story, and it's really fun. Garotte, the smooth talking spy, is a joy every time he appears. Silo is a fun twist too, as she embraces parts of her feminine side (knitting, cooking), but is also extremely ripped and a demolitions expert. The dynamic works well.

I love the way Lallo writes Karter - a genuine sociopath, but also a veritable genius. He's funny and potentially deadly. I think best experienced in short burst, prolonged exposure starts to get annoying.

It's certainly not a deep book, but it sure is a lot of fun.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little filler of side characters to add to this marvelous series. I wish the book hadn't finished so abruptly, a little more would have finished it up nicely. Overall, if you like the series and Dr. Dee, don't miss it!

[Jay Ratcliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the Big Sigma Universe. I just wish there were more books.

[Randal Gritzner]

Well done! Awesome story line!

[Stiltzkin Vanserine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beta Testers has no shortage of action, explosions, colorful characters, and high-tech gizmos, but the overblown dialogues and incessant banter sometimes get in the way of the story.

[Torfinn Ingolfsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it.