In Ashes Born

A Seeker’s Tale #1

by Nathan Lowell, Jeffrey Kafer (Narrator)

An old friend. A new course. A deadly ship with a secret cargo.

Ishmael Wang returns to Port Newmar, but ghosts from his past have followed him. His old shipmate, Phillip Carstairs, offers him the opportunity to track down the man who killed his lover. The catch? He must take command of the Chernyakova, a ship that still stinks of death and haunts Ishmael's nightmares.

Together Phillip and Ismael begin a journey into unknown reaches of the Deep Dark to bring back the man who killed Greta.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Fiction, Audiobook, Space, Science Fiction Fantasy, Amazon

Audible Audio

First published September 30, 2015

About the author

Nathan Lowell has been a writer for more than forty years, and first entered the literary world by podcasting his novels. His sci-fi series, The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper grew from his long time fascination with space opera and his own experiences shipboard in the United States Coast Guard. Unlike most works which focus on a larger-than-life hero (prophesized savior, charismatic captain, or exiled prince), Nathan centers on the people behind the scenes--ordinary men and women trying to make a living in the depths of space. In his novels, there are no bug-eyed monsters, or galactic space battles, instead he paints a richly vivid and realistic world where the "hero" uses hard work and his own innate talents to improve his station and the lives of those of his community.

Dr. Nathan Lowell holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology with specializations in Distance Education and Instructional Design. He also holds an M.A. in Educational Technology and a BS in Business Administration. He grew up on the south coast of Maine and is strongly rooted in the maritime heritage of the sea-farer. He served in the USCG from 1970 to 1975, seeing duty aboard a cutter on hurricane patrol in the North Atlantic and at a communications station in Kodiak, Alaska. He currently lives in the plains east of the Rocky Mountains with his wife and two daughters.

Awards & Recognition
2008 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for Full Share
2008 Podiobooks Founder's Choice Award for Double Share
2008 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for South Coast
2009 Podiobooks Founder's Choice Award for Captain's Share
2009 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for Double Share
4 out of 10 Books on Podiobooks.com Top Overall Rated by Votes (2. Double Share, 3. Quarter Share, 5. Full Share, 8. Half Share) -- as of Jan 4, 2009
6 out of 10 Books on Podiobooks.com Top Overall Rating (1. Ravenwood, 2. Quarter Share, 3. Double share, 4. Captain's Share, 5. Full Share, 7. South Coast) -- as of Jan 4, 2009

Reviews

[Zoe's Dad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I couldn't put down. My only disappointment was finishing it too soon. Now I can't wait for the next in this series.

[JasonA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The new series begins a few months after the end of Owner's Share. Ishmael is still dealing with the events of the previous book and returns to Port Newmar to try to heal. Some familiar faces return to the series and a new adventure begins.

This whole trilogy are probably my favorite Ishmael books, so far. This whole series is pretty solid. It brings the best parts of the original series and leaves out the things that didn't work so well. The only real issue I have is that Lowell changes some of the terminology introduced here in future books, so it always throws me a little when reading this one. I keep hoping for an update to correct it.

[DWR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so relieved!

I admit it. I ranted and railed against the ending of Owners Share. I wrote mean reviews. I was angry. I've come to love these books, the characters and the wonderful writing style. Owners's Share was a depressing conclusion to that story line. This book was clearly a return to the magical formula that made the other books so special. If you've read this far in the series, I suspect you know what I mean. There's really nothing more to be said than thank you Mr. Lowell. Well done.

[Teresa Carrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up late to finish the same day I started the book. Sooooooo nice to have Ishmael Wang back, and several other familiar faces too.

This is space opera, but it focuses on characterization and cleverness, not battles. You do not need to have read the other Solar Clipper books, but if you haven't read Quarter Share yet it is also five stars, and is the first book about Ishmael Wang. If I have counted correctly, this makes the seventh book about Ish. Quarter Share is in my set of comfort books, and In Ashes Born is joining it. Highly recommended.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to have another Ishmael Wang series starting. The thing about Ishmael is that he is just so likeable. You can't help but root for him.

There isn't much action in this, but there is some conflict and a few real surprises. And of course, Ish deals with them both with his normal understated brilliance.

My only complaint is that this is definitely the first of a series. Not quite what I'd call a cliffhanger, but it leaves you strongly wanting more.

Also, if you haven't read the first Ish series, starting with Quarter Share, I would strongly recommend that you read that series first. It's six books, but most of them go really quickly.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyable. Nathan Lowell makes the mundane day to day life as crew, or captain, of a trading star ship come alive. And makes it interesting. Great characters, very positive outlooks, good camaraderie, humanity in a soft light. 2020 re-read: I re-read it in two sessions, separated by the need for some sleep! So good!

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it! It was good to see familiar characters again!

11/20 reread! I enjoyed the story, especially the tour of the ship!

2022 reread! It's still a favorite!
2025 reread! Ish is getting his act together!
2026 reread for Space Opera group

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally wonderful story.

[Enemymind · Rating 1 out of 5]

RIP Nathan Lowell.

the only explanation for this book is that he died mid way through writing it, and his publisher just slapped on a two-page ending and called it a day.

[Red Tide]

Rating: minus 15 on a scale of minus 15 to plus 5.

Since I drew so many attacks with my mild personal reactions, I now write clear sharp reviews. Must support the anti-fans, lest they return to assaulting the unhoused for entertainment.

This made possible by the YouTube channels - Doctor Who\Without Reward, Gingers are Black, Acollierastro, Sailing Melody, Told in Stone, Jay Exci, Kate Nash, A Day of Small Things, Jessie Gender, Bobbing Along, Welcome to Ukraine, Econoclasts, Autistic Jenny, Caelan Conrad, Ally the Piper, FAFO,

Keffals, Princess Weekes, Lily Simpson, The Dadvocate, ThePrimeChronus, Owen Jones, The Shades of Orange, DemonFlyingFox, Silicon Curtain, Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Anna from Ukraine, KernowDamo, Female Warriors - Teresatessa, Dark Docs, Squire, Dark Seas, Atun Shei, Ro Ramdin, Council of Geeks,

Mia Mulder, Honest Government Ads, Belle of the Ranch, Philosophy Tube, Tara Mooknee, DinsArt Design, Library Ladder, Terrible Writing Advice, Bernadette Banner, Up and Atom, Geo Girl, Gutsick Gibbon, Planarwalker, Physics Girl, Kelly Loves Physics and History, Sarah Millican, Times Radio, Ponderful, The Caspian Report, Happy Pancake, J. Draper,

Amie's Literary Empire, Red Glasgow, AllShorts Politics, Welcome to Ukraine, Lemon Meringue Pictures, Kiki Ash, Language and Philosophy, Milly's Shelf, SciFi Odyssey, Luke Sherlock, Hardy's Books, Kroum Batchvarov, Refashioned Hippie, Swingsationals, WW2 with Jake, Crowley's Bookshop, Forsvarsmakten, V. Birchwood, Hoots, Alizee,

Olly Richards, Large Lads Studios, Parkrose Permaculture, Grumpy Old Crone, Blooms and Greens by Chloe, ScaredKetchup, Marsh Family, Dreamloop Cinema, It ain't half hot mum, Words Unravelled, Just in Time Worldbuilding, OrangeRiver, John D Cundle, New Enlightenment with Ashley, The Great War, TIKHistory, Mythic Concepts,

Cindy Pinchart, Ivee Lionne, Space Mog, Sarah Spaceman, Kyiv Independent, Sanna Vaara, Freyia North in Norway, BeccaBitesBack, Kopke613, TallGirl6234, Naughty Nana DUZ, Canadian Dominion, Resistance, Ukraine Calling, Dress Me Up Scotty, Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Sarah C M Paine, RevolutionarythOt, Bottleneck Loser, Jonna Jinton.


An idiot whilst insulting a creator complained to her that I list other trans creators. The behaviour of the Snowflake (womanphobic, badly socialised, desperate US tittie-baby) no longer surprises. A trigger warning then.

The channels which I list include the agricultural economist, lesbian, Indian, military historian, chess player, sewist, intersex, married, lumber yard worker, primatologist, fashion historian, Canadian, queer, miniatures reviewer, military boardgamer, tall, miniatures painter, science fiction commentator, architect, bi, WOC, aviation modeller, pensioner, Ukrainian, marine biologist, news presenter, boat restorer, miniatures painter, trans, political historian, oil painter, cosplayer, redhaired, agricultural scientist, singer, het, mother, psychologist. van lifer, mechanic, miniatures builder, Norwegian, anarchist, physically challenged, sociologist, autistic and other creators known as Women.

Almost as threatening are the communist, other LGBTQIA, reenactor, tailor, Cornish, marine archaeologist, biologist, other neurodivergent, military landscape builder, other BIPOC, wood worker, engineer, language historian, Scottish, chemist, fashion historian, ginger, zoologist, science fiction commentator, filmmaker, city planner, boater, socialist, political economist, Australian, game historian, short, miniatures wargamer, military modeller, physicist, RPG player and other creators known (outside the US) as Human Beings.

Should the voices persist, seek emergency therapy and\or develop a new skill, critical thought perhaps and\or seek remedial socialisation.

Revisiting interaction with the thickest sort, is depressing. In those moments, I think on the last actions of HMS Rawalpindi and HMS Jervis Bay. With their example, I can not but continue. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes. Crimea is Ukraine.

Once more unto the book, dear friends. When writing the original, I had wanted to refer to other reviews but Amazon did not "Allow" me to see them.

This book and the many others like it in Unlimited, have no story. The characters are simply delivery vehicles for the writer's politics.

Despite the occasional complaint, his audience rated this book a 4.5 which by itself gives the lie to the membership being my measure of the good.

The plot consists of a string of more or less related scenes, in which resting from non-existent work and plans to increase wealth are discussed.

The book includes two or three non-Anglo named characters, so that is worthy of points. The parochial (ethno supremacist, more accurately) sameness of most Unlimited offerings is mind numbing.

The main character is purchased from an orphanage display window by a bored matron and husband, while waiting for their space vessel to be readied. They are given no names and are not referenced again.

Despite his family's wealth, connections, private schooling, financial support and other obstacles, he rises to the top of his profession and becomes independently wealthy.

All was not roses for the young hero. It is mentioned that he was vaguely traumatised by boarding a derelict spaceship. The how and why are not mentioned. The anguish haunts him. We know this from exposition, though it has no impact on his decision making or lavish lifestyle.

He exhibits no interest in the biological parents, his adopted parents and no mention is made of childhood. This must reflect the total self-involvement of the very privileged.

There is a vague government with no apparent authority, no borders and only one agency, a revenue service. Insane on the face of it but is the clearest description of the oligarch view of government.

It is amazing that Oligarchic and libertarian worldviews completely overlap. That Oligarchic groups actually created the libertarian silliness is a wonderful coincidence.

Workers make an appearance protesting against taxes on the wealthy. Before watching YouTube for a bit more than two years I thought that a bizarre impossibility in any sane population.

I have since seen that millions of US working class voters, cheer for billionaires. Not a disguised platform or secret agenda but openly espoused by a major political Party.

The workers defending the wealthy because the Wealthy are deserving, talented, smart and attractive is the Neoliberal "happy place".

That anyone not of the oligarchic or nearby classes imagine that they will ever be admitted to the billionaire class, seems to me impossible.

To rise to the level of an unrecognised flunky, that is attainable with luck. That describes the total ambition of "libertarians" on this site.

This book has no story beyond the wealthy drinking copious amounts of beer, which in the book's universe is that class's preferred beverage, while discussing their plans for increasing their fortunes.

If you are a Proud Boy or Farage adherent dreaming of regular dinners with Bezos, Branson, the Kochs, the Lords or Musk as a result of your inherent but heretofore unrecognized genius and other traits too numerous to mention, this might be the book that you seek.


Have earned a stepaway to the YouTube. This next made possible by Doctor Who\Where I Fall, Reese Waters, Frog Cake -Australian Light Horse, According to Alina, Griha Atul, Mary Trump Media, Yuki Piano, Marina Maledicta, Manchester Evening News, Calmly Unhinged, 4BettyG23, Astrid Lundberg, Lindsay Ellis, Kaz Rowe, Ponderful,

Matriarchetype, Medieval Wargamer, Toby Rose Lonesome, Ms. Modeller, Miniature Wars, Zilla Blitz, Board Game Sanctuary, KamSandwich, Real Vintage Dolls House, Paige Layle, German Science Guy, Diamond Widow, Amie's Literary Empire, Britta Bohler, BookBorn, Bookpilled, VintaCine Vault, Mandy, Alex Fleev, Kelly-Ann Maddox,

Norse Witch, Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Refashioned Hippie, AstroAlexandra, Carl Walmsley, Skip Intro, Reads with Rachel, Paul Lance Anne Applebaum, Ukraine Today, Delamer, Deerstalker Pictures, Viva La Dirt League, What Vivi did next, Aes Side, Nasimi Shabnam, Global Updates with Sosan, Designed vs Used, Laura Rae Says,

BooksWithZara, KPassionate, Riverboat Jack, Kathy's Flog from France, Alice Cappelle, AllShorts Politics, No Justice MTG, Reese Waters, Twinshangout, Courier, Katie Halper, Heather Cox Richardson, May's Narrowboat Life, Big Think, Lizzie Velasquez, Creative Autistic, Ember Green, Natasha Theresa, Squire, Dungeons and Discourse, Horses.


I began using YouTube a bit more than four years ago now. In my search for good recommendations from science fiction channels, I found the many other special interest channels. The best find was the book channels. 😍

These are awesome communities of readers, who are thoughtful, curious, cosmopolitan and above all love the world of books. They are wonderfully different to Goodreads.

Consider treating this as a hostile site. 😐,

As example, I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth by Travis Corcoran 3-4 years ago. He self-described as Libertarian (now anarcho capitalist without millions), US veteran,

advocate for return return of chattel slavery (popular US position with forced labour prisons being built for the unhoused, certain federal detainees, destitute van and auto residents and families. With their existence now criminalised, there appears no pathway to release. Given no outcry, No scandal, No opposition by the "Opposition" Party, generational enslavement would seem on the cards.

With these prisons under two agencies which were never required to account for deaths in custody or the missing thousands since before Obama's administration, it being the only to suggest that it was perhaps unseemly. No action taken. Added to that, these prisons have industrial furnaces included for disposal of biologicals. Given citizen indifference and approval from both Parties, the trajectory of mid-1930's Germany is being duplicated.).

employee of an unnamed US agency, admirer of Putin (another popular US stance with the admittedly flawed/corrupt legal system being rendered impotent and Russian levels of poverty being introduced to the working class without complaint.).

The book originally blurbed as similar to a Heinlein classic, is instead a poorer rehash of "Atlas Shrugged" set on the Moon. It is a tale of the heroic efforts of a rich twat to enlist the military in overthrow of a US government in order that he not pay taxes.

That and similar themes are abundant on Unlimited. I found then all unhealthy, dangerous and now prophetic.

Travis and six fellow patriots were incensed at my seeming defence of their democracy. There followed a year long comment stream, with no mention of the book. I was gifted instead enumeration of my character flaws, lack intelligence and education, a correct understanding of slavery as a social good, the supremacy of the European male over all others, Western , and more.

With a generous outpouring I briefly hoped for their thoughts on the Late Ordiocician Extinction Event. I was disappointed though Left with the comfort of layers of irony.

The final comment was delivered by Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr. After referencing the contents of the last message exchange with a Goodreads friend, he declared that They had "won" (?).

Apparently They and volunteers sent a year long flood of vile sexual, racist, anti-LGBTQ and similar comments against every channel which I mentioned. It continues still.

While the early teens boater and her mother, the culture critic, fashion historian, boat restorer and other female creators were not impressed, They certainly increased the world's store of ugliness.

In addition, They delivered a splendid self-portrait of the Snowflake (womanphobic, insecure, poorly educated, US baby-man) to a multinational audience.

On balance, a Victory indeed. Should the above behaviours cause discomfort, there are BookTubers to suggest saner, safer, true reader forums.


Ominous music begins. 😊 The above was a bit more extreme than most comment clouds but I have seen worst on other readers' reviews. Amazon do not acknowledge incidents, discipline mental members, punish writers who encourage Them or dismiss employees who enable both.

Their antics include the doxxing, stalking, hacking, threats and more.

My meagre message history was shared with these nutjobs, which allowed Pine Gap Centre to request that Australian Security interrogate the one friend I occasionally messaged. The attempt at my personal history failed.

Illegal, yes. Bizarre, yes. Normal to Americans, probably. No concern to Amazon until we shared with others our experience. No acknowledgement was made, though page format and options were finally returned to normal, all Lurkers whom I'd not been Allowed to remove were disappeared, my ability to see other's reviews restored, periodic bricking of my Kindle and other visible harassment seem to have ended.

A BookTuber uploaded one of her reviews to Goodreads, which included her criticism of anti-human elements in that title. Goodreads after the American fashion, labelled that the "Hate Speech" and threatened her membership. I had suffered the same twice but while I suffered hate comments, none were as openly threats as the suggestion that she "should die".

Another challenged an obvious Amazon double billing, only to receive horrible customer service, have her access to cloud library blocked and her Kindle bricked.

A seventh ex-employee of EBay, who had been the Global Chief of Security or something like was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce site had been deemed unkind to EBay. They were awarded millions.

With the increased freedom afforded US data firms, I expect more and more dangerous behaviours going forward.

I suggest some small precautions. Remove all profile personal information and avoid messaging. Remove lurkers, those friends who never post. They are likely gang monitors or employee dummies.

Given the Goodreads/Kindle penchant for Alteration to customer pages, the screenshot of the odd, ugly and threatening are invaluable. For Goodreads these should suffice.

Kindle are the more dangerous. Do Not use Kindle Email, Contacts, Calendar or Files. Amazon employees Sign Into customer email without notice or permission. Make of that what you will. A single use email for all Amazon activity is not excessive.

Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks. You own only your device, if Kindle even that is conditional. There are BookTubers to suggest other ebook and tablet vendors or alternatives to ebooks.

All Silk searches should of course, be innocuous and non-critical.

To implement these will not cost anything but to not might well do. Never forget that employees and members alike include those devoid of morality or humanity and they are American. Ominous music ends. 😊

Be well friend and may we all find Good Reading! 🤗


Some of my favourite channels.
National Centre for Military Intelligence, Russian Media Monitor, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Bobbing Along, Narrowboat Pirate, No Justice MTG, Eleanor Morton, Munecat, Some More News, Tulia, Second Thought, OrangeRiver, Harbo Wholmes,

The Present Past, Art Deco, Lady of the Library, Books and Lala, Sabine Hossenfelder, Tibees, Chloe Stafler, Autumn's Boutique, Clockwork Reader, Kings and Generals, Tom Nicholas 2, Hello Future Me, Dr Becky, Austin McConnell,

Jack Edwards, Double Down News, The Great War, Natasha's Adventures, Prime of Midlife, Cruising the Cut, Prime of Midlife, Lily Simpson, Spacedock, Elena Taber, Rebecca Watson, We're in Hell, The Templin Institute,

Sort of Interesting, Brittany the Bibliophile, World of Antiquity, Certifiably Ingame, The Welsh Viking, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, Alt Shift X, Event Horizon, I'm Rosa, Lilly's life, Engineering with Rosie,

Filaxim Historia, Ancient Americas, Cruising Crafts, Travelling K, Camper Vibe, Jessie Gender, Casual Navigation, Smack the Pony, Lore Reloaded, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, Luciana Zogbi, Karolina Zebrowska, Jill Bearup, Abby Cox, The Paranormal Scholar, Leftist Cooks,

Three Arrows, Steve Shives, Patrick is a Navajo, Half as Interesting, Verilybitchie, Fiction Beast, Sci-Fi Odyssey, Military Aviation History, The Confused Adipose, Invicta, Paleo Analysis, Vlad Vexler, Cold Fusion, Jabzy, IzzzYzzz, Books with Emily Fox, Cynthia Zhou, Tale Foundry.


I wish you a bright morning, a glorious afternoon, a pleasant evening, a wonderful night and may we all continue learning.

Censorship is criminal, Self-Censorship tragic.
Joseph Stalin

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"First thing, feed the crew." I think I am a little grateful that Nathan has taken some time between his books. When I get drawn into his universe, I usually forget to eat at least once if not several meals...

Was it worth the wait? DEFINATELY! Was it everything I had hoped? No. Like some of the characters in his stories, Nathan tends to give us what we need, not what we ask for. Once I realized this was the case with Ashes, I settled down to enjoy the ride.

We get to see a lot of the original crew twenty years grown. The change has been good for almost everyone. Ishmael meets up with Pip again and Pip has a plan (doesn't he always?) Only this plan involves the Chernykova (the death ship from "Captain's Share") and Ishmael will need to confront those demons along with the others he still faces if he wants to be involved. Like so many of Nathan's stories; this feels complete but leaves me wanting so much more...

**Update 4.25.2019**
Has it really been three and a half years? I'm not sure if this was my second or third time through but I still enjoy this story. I like the old friends who return and I still get choked up over #1 Sponge.
I've got my son reading these now. It's wonderful to share such a great story with him.

[Bluecobras09 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ishmael is back!!! Ishmael and Pip are back together for the first time in 20 stan years. With the horrible events that happened to Ishmael, he sold off his company and returned to Newmar where he an Pip went to the officers academy to try and find himself. His normal confidence broken and his ability to pick the direction of his life gone. Pip leads him is to a new chapter of his life that may be just what he needed.

Nathan has gone places with the Ishmael that I just cannot get enough of. The stories are so well written and they just seem to grab me and not let go. I can't wait for the next book.

Start with the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper if you have not read it already, this is a must read.

[The Man from DelMonte · Rating 2 out of 5]

The love child of Clifford Simak and Fred Pohl

The thing that grates is that this supposed to be set 350 years in the future. Sure there's some rockets and stuff but otherwise 2370 just feels like contemporary America. Try winding the clock 350 years in the other direction and you get to 1670. Bit different from 2020. There's nothing in this tale to indicate that three and a half centuries have passed.
The opening third of the book just about drowns in folksiness but the tempo picks up a bit after that, and it reads smoothly enough to the end, but it's all just scene setting for the inevitable sequel(s)
This was also suggested to me as space opera. "Zirn left unguarded …" (Robert Sheckley) is space opera, "In Ashes Born" is not.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, wonderful, another Nathan Lowell book! A good read - it had felt a bit in the previous book like the series was getting away from him, but here it feels more like he's taking it back to its origins, and does a good job. I enjoyed it, and there just have to be more, from where it ends.

The worst part of a Nathan Lowell book - finding you've come to the last page. I look forward to the next one. I got this one through Kindle Unlimited, but I'm going to go back and buy the ebook so I'll have it permanently.

[Bronwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy to be back in the world of the Solar Clippers and Ishmael Wang. Along with the wonderful Captain Wang, Nathan Lowell brings us a glimpse of other characters we have loved and Pip! This is a great set up for the new series, but please start at the beginning and read Quarter Share to get the full effect.

[Bernard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series that I have read. It was almost all background, with little action. It seemed to me that most of the text set the background...

The entire book goes from the main character trying to recover from a personal issue to the main character getting ready for the next book in the series.

It was not exciting.

[Andrew Jeffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prodigal son returns!

This is really fantastic. I'm so excited that Ishmael Wong is back! I think the only bad thing I can say is now I have wait for the next one and I don't like waiting.

[Rich Van Ollefen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Traders Tales books. This first of the next Chapter of Ishmael's journey did not disappoint. I'm not a fan of ebooks, only bought a couple, all by Nathan Lowell.

Read it, you'll like it

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I thought the tales of Ishmael Wang were over but I'm so glad I was wrong! I can't stop reading these books, and I don't care. They are comforting as all hell, like coming home after a long time away.

[Dan Absalonson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how he does it. These books are like no Sci-Fi I've ever read. They are more akin to classical literature where not much happens externally in these quiet beautiful stories, but a lot is going on internally in the main character. This book was written with heart. I really enjoyed the many quiet scenes and descriptions of good meals among old friends. It's certainly a treat for those of us who set off on our first voyage with Ishmael when he was but a kitchen rat who knew how to make good coffee. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the next book in the series. Time to set sail once again with some of the old crew and some new friends. Nathan's done it again.

[Sotolf Flasskjegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, just wow, this book was a blast, I just love the universe that Nathan Lowell has created, the characters that lives in it. The whole world just feels more real than I have had books give me in a long time. I can't really come up with anything bad to say about it. I loved it, if you're reading this, just do yourself a favour and read at least the first book of the series. just so it.

if the next one in the series is half as good as this one it will still be one of my favourites. But I'll stop praising right now, the next one in the series is waiting for me!

[Scott Somerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you have everything and have lost everything?

Six books ago, we met an 18-year-old named Ishmael Horatio Wang who had nowhere to go but the stars. By the end of the “Traders’ Tales” series, Captain Wang owned his own ship and lost his true love. Where does an author go from there?

I am happy to report that our author, Nathan Lowell, goes deep. Captain Wang is back in action, and he isn’t just buying another ship and slipping on his captain’s stars again. Well, he is buying another ship and he is back in the captain’s chair, but it’s anything but “just.”

[Sind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to this book was like catching up with an old friend. I am happy the story continues after the devastating end of the previous book.
But most of all, I am happy to get lost in the relaxing slow pace of Nathan’s storytelling.

[Dan Kenkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a new series but in actuality I think it's just a continuation of the Trader's Tales series, which I really enjoyed. This book was easy to get into and a really enjoyable listen. However I think I'm looking to explore a bit more before committing to a new series using old characters.

[Bety Cajica · Rating 4 out of 5]

De mis primeras lecturas oficiales en Space Opera.
Un poco pesado el arranque, pero conforme avanza, se pone todo muy interesante.

[Jason Braida · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Ashes Born. A Seeker’s Tale by Nathan Lowell (Solar Clipper #7)

Rating Clarification: 4.5stars

I have been a fan of Nathan Lowell’s for a number of years now so when I received an e-mail last week announcing the publication of a new book in his Solar Clipper series I moved it to the top of my “To Be Read” list and immediately started it. Given that at any point in time I have between 20 and 25 books on that list, to jump one to the head of the line is a big deal (for me at least). For those who are not familiar with Mr. Lowell’s Solar Clipper series, this is science fiction about the work-a-day man. His main character, Ishmael Wang, was orphaned as a young man. Unfortunately he happened to be living on company world where his deceased mother had been an employee and having lost his mother thus lost his right to live there. In desperation and facing deportation for not having gainful employment with the planetary corporation, he signed aboard a solar clipper, essentially the 24th century’s interstellar equivalent of an ocean going bulk carrier, as a very junior crewmember. The first five books in the series chronical his advancement through the ranks of the merchant service and in the sixth he becomes the owner of his own vessel.

If it sounds boring…well it isn’t. While it is true that there are no space battles or grand political intrigues, there is enough human drama to keep the stories moving. But what these books offer, more than anything else, is a glimpse of the lives of the worker bees of the 24th century. Nathan Lowell’s characters are, for the most part, members of the 99%, not the 1%.

In Owner’s Share, the up until now last and 6th book of the series, Ishmael’s world came crashing down around him as the kind of events which are featured in most science fiction are introduced into the stories. He emerged from that book a rich man but one that is deeply troubled following the murder of his girlfriend and a harrowing experience as the leader of a salvage team aboard a derelict solar clipper which had a serious malfunction resulting in the death of its crew. This is where we meet him at the beginning of In Ashes Born, having fled back to Port Newmar, the merchant services officer training academy, to heal and recuperate. There Mr Lowell reintroduces into the story some familiar characters from Ishmael’s past including one Phillip “Pip” Carstairs, and while I won’t give too much of the plot away, needless to say Pip makes Ishmael an offer he can’t refuse.

I enjoyed In Ashes Born. It did seem to drag a little in spots but in the end this was a book about a new beginning for the main character and, it has to be noted, Ishmael had a lot of emotional baggage to sort through and purge in the book’s opening chapters. This process does not happen particularly quickly and I must admit there were a few moments when I wanted to shake Ishmael and tell him to snap out of it and get back to the deep dark. In Ashes Born is also the first in a new series, “A Seeker’s Tale”, featuring Ishmael Wang and the Solar Clipper universe. So I think Mr Lowell can be forgiven for taking his time setting the stage for what will hopefully be a number of entertaining novels to come. In terms of the story line, In Ashes Born does pick up where Owner’s Share left off. Mr. Lowell’s focus on the day to day workings of life aboard a solar clipper has gradually been replaced by the kind of plots that are more familiar to science fiction readers, featuring contact with shadowy criminal organizations operating outside of the law and settled space, contact that eventually led to Ishmael’s girlfriend being killed by an assassin who was attempting to murder a fellow crew member. In Ashes Born continues this plot transformation as Ishmael and Pip prepare to take their new ship out into the dark away from the law and established order of settled space in hopes of finding and taking revenge on the man and organization who was responsible for this crime.

So all in all I highly recommend In Ashes Born to those who are already fans of the Solar Clipper universe. For those who are looking for a different space opera experience I highly recommend that you download a copy of Quarter Share from Kindle, the first in the Solar Clipper series, and follow the exploits and career of Ishmael Horatio Wang from the very beginning.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, the series continues in a new series. I feel releaved. I love the feel to his stories they are just so mundanely beautiful.

[Andreas · Rating 4 out of 5]

While billed as the start of a new series, this book is a direct sequel to the Trader's Tales From the Golden Age of the Solar Clipper series. The break has its logic in the new direction for the life of our protagonis. At the end of the previous book, Ishmael Wang had achieved his goal of becoming a captain. He is a independently wealthy and does not need to work ever again. This leaves him feeling at loose ends, so he returns to the academy for some soul searching and perhaps the discovery of a new purpose. His very old friend Pip shows up to drag him along in a new venture, and maybe find some closure regarding the events in Owner's Share.

For fans of the series, this book will feel familiar. Ishmael and Pip may be older and wiser but they remain an entertaining pair. Mr. Lowell has developed a high skill in writing dialogue. The events in this book, as in previous ones, are far from epic, but they are as ever quietly entertaining. And while certainly one could criticize the author for creating a future where culture everywhere is a ludicrously homogeneous American idyll, or for ignoring quite a few logical fallacies in the economic model of society, that would just take away from the fun.

http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=1976

[Jesse Armstrong · Rating 2 out of 5]

What in the hell did I just read!?

360 pages and no plot. No conflict. Why does this book have an average rating of 4.5 stars? Did we get different versions of the book? 3/4 of the way through the book and there are 3 chapters on designing a logo. A. Logo. I've never experienced a book like this. Endless conversations about beer and coffee. Not like interesting conversations... Conversations about cleaning coffee urns and how much coffee you'll need for a whole crew. Pages and pages and pages. And when something does happen ( and I mean barely ) it doesn't even make sense. Why is any of this happening? This book only has one antagonist. And he only appears in the last quarter of the book. And he doesn't really do anything. And he's defeated easily. That's the only source of conflict in the entire book. I guess I just don't get it. You people who are rating this 4 and 5 stars. Why? What do you see in this book? What am I missing? The prose is fine, except for the extremely irritating affection of the word sir (sar). I even actually liked the characters, as they walked around doing nothing. This book could have been 60 pages and covered everything in a more appropriate amount of detail, and functioned as the first act of the actual story; which never came.

[Dave Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues, but feels more like fiction
In the main series, Quarter Share - Owner's Share This world feels so real. It has that ring of truth.
This addition picks-up almost where the main series left it, but there has been an element of drama added that changes the tone.
-UPDATE- I've now read this book for the forth time and I love it a little more each time. I think part of the reason I didn't like this one as much the first time is that it deals with subjects I wasn't ready to handle when I first read it. The more I re-read this book the more impressed I am with the skill & delicacy Nathan Lowell uses to tell a nuanced story of the enduring human spirit.