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Shamans & Shifters Space Opera #3
The Ceph Sector
ASIN B07CMRH2ZY moved to latest edition as per guidelines.
The legendary Ceph have been in stasis for forty two millennia. In a century, they’ll wake. History remembers them as an unstoppable force, employing a mysterious power to decimate sentient life on the planets they attacked.
Jaya’s first mission as a new Shaman Justice is to lead an expedition into the perilous Ceph Sector. If she can learn how to contain or fight the sha-energy-using Ceph, Galaxy Proper might let them live. If not, destroying the Ceph’s home world, with all of them on it, will prevent the Ceph from ever waking.
Jaya will do anything to avoid the annihilation of an entire sentient species. But she has no idea what her compassionate instincts will cost her. She has a century in which to save the Ceph—unless they wake early.
***
“The Ceph Sector” is a compelling science fiction novel featuring aliens, alien politics, and secrets that will destabilize the galaxy.
The legendary Ceph have been in stasis for forty two millennia. In a century, they’ll wake. History remembers them as an unstoppable force, employing a mysterious power to decimate sentient life on the planets they attacked.
Jaya’s first mission as a new Shaman Justice is to lead an expedition into the perilous Ceph Sector. If she can learn how to contain or fight the sha-energy-using Ceph, Galaxy Proper might let them live. If not, destroying the Ceph’s home world, with all of them on it, will prevent the Ceph from ever waking.
Jaya will do anything to avoid the annihilation of an entire sentient species. But she has no idea what her compassionate instincts will cost her. She has a century in which to save the Ceph—unless they wake early.
***
“The Ceph Sector” is a compelling science fiction novel featuring aliens, alien politics, and secrets that will destabilize the galaxy.
216 pages, ebook
First published April 24, 2018
288 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Schwartz
110 books577 followersAustralian author of strangely hopeful fantasy & science fiction. Independently published for over a decade.
Storyteller. Creator of Caldryn Parliament - Golden Age Mysteries in the Realm of Science Fiction & Fantasy
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
***
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
Storyteller. Creator of Caldryn Parliament - Golden Age Mysteries in the Realm of Science Fiction & Fantasy
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
***
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 14, 2022
Shamans, Shifters and Cephs
Love these characters! Interactions, motivations, personalities consistent within the series. New frienemies to enjoy.
Was looking forward to their exploration of the Ceph sector, their discoveries and resulting actions. The story exceeded my expectations! And had several reveals that I hadn't foreseen.
All the layers involved in the plot brought forth one surprise after another. Events and discoveries from Jingle Stars and Shattered Earth were nicely woven into this story.
Sad to see them take a hiatus but any future big bad needs time to plot and plan.
Recommend this if you like grand adventures, strong personalities, space opera, artificial intelligence, and unique aliens, especially cephalopods.
Reading of the previous 2 novels and 2 novellas not necessary but recommended.
Always enjoy Jenny Schwartz stories. Auto buys that I read right away, re-read and recommend. Looking forward to her next release.
Love these characters! Interactions, motivations, personalities consistent within the series. New frienemies to enjoy.
Was looking forward to their exploration of the Ceph sector, their discoveries and resulting actions. The story exceeded my expectations! And had several reveals that I hadn't foreseen.
All the layers involved in the plot brought forth one surprise after another. Events and discoveries from Jingle Stars and Shattered Earth were nicely woven into this story.
Sad to see them take a hiatus but any future big bad needs time to plot and plan.
Recommend this if you like grand adventures, strong personalities, space opera, artificial intelligence, and unique aliens, especially cephalopods.
Reading of the previous 2 novels and 2 novellas not necessary but recommended.
Always enjoy Jenny Schwartz stories. Auto buys that I read right away, re-read and recommend. Looking forward to her next release.
September 4, 2019
This was a book and series that was good tactically, but very flawed strategically.
What do I mean? The big picture story made no sense. There were several major plot flaws that kept me from enjoying what would otherwise have been a very enjoyable scifi romance novel.
Spoilers below:
First, the pirates. Who are they pirating? In the fifth book, we finally learn that they have a letter of marque, so they are really privateers, but who are they privateering against? There is no war going on, so they are surviving by robbing merchant shipping. How is that noble, like the shifters are portrayed? Pirates historically are pretty nasty people, and with fleets that big, they have to be going for some high value targets, which involves lots of innocent lives being lost. I wonder if their vaunted "love of children" was around when they went pirating and blew up starships and installations from hundreds of klicks away.
The Ceph subplot. Jaya's actions are almost criminally naive. To all evidence, the Ceph are like the borg in star trek. They rampaged around the galaxy, destroying civilization after civilization. There is NO evidence that they are compassionate or reasonable. Yet the Meitj and Jaya both want to wake them up? How is what was done to the Ceph cruel in any way? They were put to sleep to save the universe!
Let's put this in an Earthly context so that it become clearer just how reckless our heroine is: Imagine that King Arthur and his knights are faced with the German Wehrmacht and the Nazis. They are rampaging around Europe in their Panzers, slaughtering all the non Aryans, but Merlin figures out how to put them in stasis. Now it is 1800 and we have invented the musket. Jaya is now asking us to wake up the Nazi's because it is mean to keep them asleep and maybe they are nice now. What? They have been asleep, so there has been no character development in the leadership! Can you imagine the carnage as the Panzers are unleashed against the French in 1800.
And lets not forget the numbers issue. The Ceph are apparently an entire civilization so we'll say in the hundreds of millions, all of which are sha users. In the first book it is stated that her class of seven was large, so let's say that five is normal. If a shaman is active for 80 years, then there are 400 shaman in the universe, all of them except for Jaya significantly weaker than the Ceph. THIS is the universes defense against the (everyone believes) rampaging hordes that are possibly going to be released?!
What do I mean? The big picture story made no sense. There were several major plot flaws that kept me from enjoying what would otherwise have been a very enjoyable scifi romance novel.
Spoilers below:
First, the pirates. Who are they pirating? In the fifth book, we finally learn that they have a letter of marque, so they are really privateers, but who are they privateering against? There is no war going on, so they are surviving by robbing merchant shipping. How is that noble, like the shifters are portrayed? Pirates historically are pretty nasty people, and with fleets that big, they have to be going for some high value targets, which involves lots of innocent lives being lost. I wonder if their vaunted "love of children" was around when they went pirating and blew up starships and installations from hundreds of klicks away.
The Ceph subplot. Jaya's actions are almost criminally naive. To all evidence, the Ceph are like the borg in star trek. They rampaged around the galaxy, destroying civilization after civilization. There is NO evidence that they are compassionate or reasonable. Yet the Meitj and Jaya both want to wake them up? How is what was done to the Ceph cruel in any way? They were put to sleep to save the universe!
Let's put this in an Earthly context so that it become clearer just how reckless our heroine is: Imagine that King Arthur and his knights are faced with the German Wehrmacht and the Nazis. They are rampaging around Europe in their Panzers, slaughtering all the non Aryans, but Merlin figures out how to put them in stasis. Now it is 1800 and we have invented the musket. Jaya is now asking us to wake up the Nazi's because it is mean to keep them asleep and maybe they are nice now. What? They have been asleep, so there has been no character development in the leadership! Can you imagine the carnage as the Panzers are unleashed against the French in 1800.
And lets not forget the numbers issue. The Ceph are apparently an entire civilization so we'll say in the hundreds of millions, all of which are sha users. In the first book it is stated that her class of seven was large, so let's say that five is normal. If a shaman is active for 80 years, then there are 400 shaman in the universe, all of them except for Jaya significantly weaker than the Ceph. THIS is the universes defense against the (everyone believes) rampaging hordes that are possibly going to be released?!
September 3, 2023
5 stars
I really love how this series ended. It started a little slow for me with the preparations for the expedition, but picked up fairly quickly. I enjoyed the secondary perspective of events in the two books previous, as well as how everything came together.
I really love how this series ended. It started a little slow for me with the preparations for the expedition, but picked up fairly quickly. I enjoyed the secondary perspective of events in the two books previous, as well as how everything came together.
November 22, 2024
The third book starring Jaya and Vulf, in an amazing sf-fantasy-romance series
The adventures of Jaya and Vulf continue in this exciting installment of The Shamans and Shifters series. It is the third book that stars the two of them as the central characters. I continue to admire, respect and adore them, both individually and as a couple.
Based on the setup in the previous two books, portraying enormous worries throughout the federation of planets regarding the titular Ceph, who are unimaginably powerful, sha-wielding aliens, I was taken completely by surprise as to the direction the story went with their interactions with Jaya and Vulf. It was a pleasant surprise, though, and I enjoyed it hugely.
The main conflicts of this novel are fully resolved by its end, but there is plenty of room for further adventures of this compelling couple in future installments of this series, and I greatly look forward to reading them.
All of the books in this series are available through Kindle Unlimited.
The adventures of Jaya and Vulf continue in this exciting installment of The Shamans and Shifters series. It is the third book that stars the two of them as the central characters. I continue to admire, respect and adore them, both individually and as a couple.
Based on the setup in the previous two books, portraying enormous worries throughout the federation of planets regarding the titular Ceph, who are unimaginably powerful, sha-wielding aliens, I was taken completely by surprise as to the direction the story went with their interactions with Jaya and Vulf. It was a pleasant surprise, though, and I enjoyed it hugely.
The main conflicts of this novel are fully resolved by its end, but there is plenty of room for further adventures of this compelling couple in future installments of this series, and I greatly look forward to reading them.
All of the books in this series are available through Kindle Unlimited.
August 26, 2021
The beginning was slow moving but the rest of the story had many surprises! I enjoyed it! Action packed!
October 26, 2024
Decent enough to finish, but massive info dumps, scenes that told not showed, and several loose ends that remained unexplained. Meh.
December 15, 2021
Fabulous Conclusion To A Series
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
This is the fifth, and I assume final, book in a continuing series. Books 3 and 4 are novellas aren’t required to understand the main narrative, they simply fill in some of the background. However, Books 1 and 2 need to be read to understand this book.
This book is principally about the Jaya and Vulf’s expedition to The Ceph Sector. The expedition has grown past what they expected to lead and they had no choice in who came with them as it was political wrangling that determined the components of the group. Jaya and Vulf would have preferred to have chosen their team themselves but they were outvoted.
Jaya decides that Vulf will be the overall expedition leader due to his training to become a pirate captain. That he didn’t take up that career path does not negate his training, or his experience of dealing with others. Being able to transform into a huge robot wolf probably helps with his ability to gain and hold respect.
Surrounding their endeavour is vast amounts of politics and negotiations, not to be mention secrecy and lies. Everyone knows that someone needs to check out the Ceph, and Jaya is the best suited for the task given her vast power, but what the outcome of the visit is varies in desirability for each member race of The Galaxy Proper. Instead of dealing with the Ceph, Jaya and Vulf end up having to deal with everyone else before they even get there.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was exciting and intriguing. I never knew what was going to happen next. It makes me happy when that happens. Jaya and Vulf form and even closer bond through their work and it builds on their relationship as it was revealed in the previous books.
I can’t go into much detail about all the things I loved about this book because that would entail too many spoilers, just know that there was plenty to love about this book. This was a fabulous series that wove together many strands of science, politics, sociology and romance.
As this was the first series I’ve read by this author, I’m delighted that there are others in her back catalogue. I think I’m about to go diving in to see if there are any other gems to uncover.
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐️ if I could.
This is the fifth, and I assume final, book in a continuing series. Books 3 and 4 are novellas aren’t required to understand the main narrative, they simply fill in some of the background. However, Books 1 and 2 need to be read to understand this book.
This book is principally about the Jaya and Vulf’s expedition to The Ceph Sector. The expedition has grown past what they expected to lead and they had no choice in who came with them as it was political wrangling that determined the components of the group. Jaya and Vulf would have preferred to have chosen their team themselves but they were outvoted.
Jaya decides that Vulf will be the overall expedition leader due to his training to become a pirate captain. That he didn’t take up that career path does not negate his training, or his experience of dealing with others. Being able to transform into a huge robot wolf probably helps with his ability to gain and hold respect.
Surrounding their endeavour is vast amounts of politics and negotiations, not to be mention secrecy and lies. Everyone knows that someone needs to check out the Ceph, and Jaya is the best suited for the task given her vast power, but what the outcome of the visit is varies in desirability for each member race of The Galaxy Proper. Instead of dealing with the Ceph, Jaya and Vulf end up having to deal with everyone else before they even get there.
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was exciting and intriguing. I never knew what was going to happen next. It makes me happy when that happens. Jaya and Vulf form and even closer bond through their work and it builds on their relationship as it was revealed in the previous books.
I can’t go into much detail about all the things I loved about this book because that would entail too many spoilers, just know that there was plenty to love about this book. This was a fabulous series that wove together many strands of science, politics, sociology and romance.
As this was the first series I’ve read by this author, I’m delighted that there are others in her back catalogue. I think I’m about to go diving in to see if there are any other gems to uncover.
December 22, 2018
Too many meetings, but some dramatic developments in the end
The "Kraken Hunter" mission that seemed to be turning into a "family trip" in the end of book 2 has been changed by politics into an untrusting bunch of multispecies appointees. Jaya and Vulf don't enjoy all the meetings, ego-balancing, conflicting agendas and directives, and corresponding lack of frankness... and unfortunately neither did I.
There is a bit of interesting insight into the personal realities of the orderly Meitj culture, and surprises from several other members of the team leadership, too. A radical political group gaining a foothold proves a threat to not just the unknown-quantity Ceph but also others among the Galaxy Proper, including those the protagonists care about.
Then when the mission finally reaches the point of accomplishing something besides training, what Jaya finds out about the Ceph's motivations is startling, and neither black or white. Different ways of looking at communication and sentience (who is or isn't a "person") play a part in more than one plot-thread. Also, the issue of protecting children continues, including as a significant way of judging races and individuals.
I don't want to spoil the ending, so I can't say too much. I also don't want to make it sound like NOTHING exciting happens before the last quarter, because that isn't true, but there wasn't enough to make me like this as much as book 1 or 2. Also, events and interactions do advance pretty quickly in that end section; it felt just a bit too easy.
Oh, BTW, this volume does contain the events of Jingle Stars, Ahab's sweetness-in-a-dark-situation novella, as seen from Jaya and Vulf's mainly-second-hand perspective, so you might want to read that first to avoid major spoilers. It *IS* a story I recommend, especially around this time of year (December).
I caught a half-dozen minor typos and syntax errors again, but nothing major.
I do wish the series had ended (for now) on a higher note for me, but I certainly didn't hate it.
The "Kraken Hunter" mission that seemed to be turning into a "family trip" in the end of book 2 has been changed by politics into an untrusting bunch of multispecies appointees. Jaya and Vulf don't enjoy all the meetings, ego-balancing, conflicting agendas and directives, and corresponding lack of frankness... and unfortunately neither did I.
There is a bit of interesting insight into the personal realities of the orderly Meitj culture, and surprises from several other members of the team leadership, too. A radical political group gaining a foothold proves a threat to not just the unknown-quantity Ceph but also others among the Galaxy Proper, including those the protagonists care about.
Then when the mission finally reaches the point of accomplishing something besides training, what Jaya finds out about the Ceph's motivations is startling, and neither black or white. Different ways of looking at communication and sentience (who is or isn't a "person") play a part in more than one plot-thread. Also, the issue of protecting children continues, including as a significant way of judging races and individuals.
I don't want to spoil the ending, so I can't say too much. I also don't want to make it sound like NOTHING exciting happens before the last quarter, because that isn't true, but there wasn't enough to make me like this as much as book 1 or 2. Also, events and interactions do advance pretty quickly in that end section; it felt just a bit too easy.
Oh, BTW, this volume does contain the events of Jingle Stars, Ahab's sweetness-in-a-dark-situation novella, as seen from Jaya and Vulf's mainly-second-hand perspective, so you might want to read that first to avoid major spoilers. It *IS* a story I recommend, especially around this time of year (December).
I caught a half-dozen minor typos and syntax errors again, but nothing major.
I do wish the series had ended (for now) on a higher note for me, but I certainly didn't hate it.
December 25, 2018
Jaya’s first mission is far from simple, and she can’t help but think that’s intentional. However, she’s out to prove that humans belong in Galaxy Proper, so she wants to get this right. A pity then the powers-that-be refuse to let her pick her own crew. Instead, they throw together a band of Galaxy representatives that are not known for their tolerance toward each other, let alone a species as mysterious and formidable as the Ceph. Though her mate is by her side, Jaya must learn the difficult task of peacekeeping, negotiation, and leadership – and they haven’t even left base camp yet.
I am in awe of Ms Schwartz’s writing. The way she’s woven elements of previous books of this series to reach this amazing conclusion (if it has indeed concluded ;)) astounds me. All the pieces of the puzzle have come together in a way readers will be alternating between cheering and hiding their hands to stop themselves from biting their nails. Ms Schwartz never disappoints me with her story telling, and Ceph Factor is no different. :)
I am in awe of Ms Schwartz’s writing. The way she’s woven elements of previous books of this series to reach this amazing conclusion (if it has indeed concluded ;)) astounds me. All the pieces of the puzzle have come together in a way readers will be alternating between cheering and hiding their hands to stop themselves from biting their nails. Ms Schwartz never disappoints me with her story telling, and Ceph Factor is no different. :)
August 11, 2024
Eight Legs Til Sunday
Shamans&Shifters5; 4.5 ⭐️
There is a correction that needs to happen in the numbering of this series - there are two novellas that are given book weight on Amazon as 3 & 4, that run concurrent to this book and are correctly labeled as 2.5 & 2.6 on Goodreads. Reading these sequentially works best, for the events of The Ceph Sector to make sense.
What. A. Wild. Ride. Of a book!
Vulf, Jaya and Ahab are forced to work with others under the banner of the Galactic Court, as diplomats and parliamentarians weigh in on their exploration of Ceph space. With Jaya’s inadvertent destruction of the Ceph status field, the problem of the powerful sha aliens is a current issue. At least, there is enough room to investigate before annihilation is the only response possible.
But, there are many agendas, and loyalties in play, as well as the need to establish hierarchy and chain of command. Proof of power and display of ability is a double edged sword, when decisions are being made from the comfort of distance from consequences. And uncovering motivations is no easy task.
Lots of surprises. Lots of opportunities. Lots of disappointments.
Very well done, Ms Schwartz!
Shamans&Shifters5; 4.5 ⭐️
There is a correction that needs to happen in the numbering of this series - there are two novellas that are given book weight on Amazon as 3 & 4, that run concurrent to this book and are correctly labeled as 2.5 & 2.6 on Goodreads. Reading these sequentially works best, for the events of The Ceph Sector to make sense.
What. A. Wild. Ride. Of a book!
Vulf, Jaya and Ahab are forced to work with others under the banner of the Galactic Court, as diplomats and parliamentarians weigh in on their exploration of Ceph space. With Jaya’s inadvertent destruction of the Ceph status field, the problem of the powerful sha aliens is a current issue. At least, there is enough room to investigate before annihilation is the only response possible.
But, there are many agendas, and loyalties in play, as well as the need to establish hierarchy and chain of command. Proof of power and display of ability is a double edged sword, when decisions are being made from the comfort of distance from consequences. And uncovering motivations is no easy task.
Lots of surprises. Lots of opportunities. Lots of disappointments.
Very well done, Ms Schwartz!
December 10, 2019
A wake up call and traitors in the mix
Another great read. This ties in the last book and puts it into the right time line.
The expedition is set up and as they move forward they find that there are dissenters out there who will stop at nothing (even killing children) to stop the trend of change. The Righteous believe that any 'special' being is unnatural and therefore needs to be killed. However with what our couple learn from a newly awaken Ceph is that the thirst for power is universal even amongst their kind. As they learn more about the Ceph, catastrophic bombings and attacks take place and then they try to hurt the rescued children and kill their AI. Will they fight back? You betcha! What will it mean for the Ceph and her?
A well placed read that works well to link all the different parts together giving it coherence and meaning as well as pushing it into new territory. What next.
Another great read. This ties in the last book and puts it into the right time line.
The expedition is set up and as they move forward they find that there are dissenters out there who will stop at nothing (even killing children) to stop the trend of change. The Righteous believe that any 'special' being is unnatural and therefore needs to be killed. However with what our couple learn from a newly awaken Ceph is that the thirst for power is universal even amongst their kind. As they learn more about the Ceph, catastrophic bombings and attacks take place and then they try to hurt the rescued children and kill their AI. Will they fight back? You betcha! What will it mean for the Ceph and her?
A well placed read that works well to link all the different parts together giving it coherence and meaning as well as pushing it into new territory. What next.
July 29, 2025
Jaya and Vulf are leading an expedition to the Ceph sector to get information on the awakening of that possibly deadly magic using race. The Ceph have been in stasis for 42 millennia since one of their people had determined that they were too dangerous to exist unfettered. Now that Jaya has shown that her magic is strong enough to potentially counter the Ceph, they’ve been awakened. This, however, is not a universally popular idea and political maneuvering and sabotage abound.
The final story in the series! I really loved how all the threads of the previous stories come together. There’s a bit less magic use and more politics in this story, but we get more of the various races - dinosaur bats, elves, and giant octopi. Jaya, Vulf and Ahab continue to be delightful and I loved the ending.
The Shamans and Shifters series needs to be read in order. This book overlaps events in the previous two novellas.
The final story in the series! I really loved how all the threads of the previous stories come together. There’s a bit less magic use and more politics in this story, but we get more of the various races - dinosaur bats, elves, and giant octopi. Jaya, Vulf and Ahab continue to be delightful and I loved the ending.
The Shamans and Shifters series needs to be read in order. This book overlaps events in the previous two novellas.
April 10, 2021
Great ending
It was a fast paced exciting and uplifting conclusion that was very satisfying. The great thing about science fiction is it opens up the ability to dream. How wonderful it would be if we had our societies based on a sense of honor loyalty family children goodwill and as importantly the recognition of other being celebrated valued and seen as creating and expanding possibilities by working together. I think there is hope if we wake up to the realization of how destructive our current system of hoarding power money for the few. What heights we could reach as a people if we refused to continue small minded thinking. With its potential to destroy everything to allow a few selfish greed. There is hope, we just have to spread it. And building ideas that make sense, goals to reach. Ahh, thanks for the happy thoughts.
It was a fast paced exciting and uplifting conclusion that was very satisfying. The great thing about science fiction is it opens up the ability to dream. How wonderful it would be if we had our societies based on a sense of honor loyalty family children goodwill and as importantly the recognition of other being celebrated valued and seen as creating and expanding possibilities by working together. I think there is hope if we wake up to the realization of how destructive our current system of hoarding power money for the few. What heights we could reach as a people if we refused to continue small minded thinking. With its potential to destroy everything to allow a few selfish greed. There is hope, we just have to spread it. And building ideas that make sense, goals to reach. Ahh, thanks for the happy thoughts.
July 14, 2021
Awesome story about shifters, shamans, and the galaxies
This is the conclusion of the series bout shifters, shamans, and galaxies. Jaya is Shaman Justice while Vulf is her protector. They are task with others species in a consortium to find out about the Ceph, a specie that looks like krakens. However, are the Ceph friendly or not?
The fast paced action/drama with its vivid descriptive and personalities of the characters could not keep upon with battery life of my kindle. I had to power the kindle t.three times before I finished the book. The characters are unique, intriguing, and very emotional. I like the attractiveness for the children displayed in the story.
Highly recommended for entertaining and engaging read.
bookwormsuzy
This is the conclusion of the series bout shifters, shamans, and galaxies. Jaya is Shaman Justice while Vulf is her protector. They are task with others species in a consortium to find out about the Ceph, a specie that looks like krakens. However, are the Ceph friendly or not?
The fast paced action/drama with its vivid descriptive and personalities of the characters could not keep upon with battery life of my kindle. I had to power the kindle t.three times before I finished the book. The characters are unique, intriguing, and very emotional. I like the attractiveness for the children displayed in the story.
Highly recommended for entertaining and engaging read.
bookwormsuzy
December 30, 2021
There were some plot holes with this series, like pirates being so protective of children, and overall so nice (pirates are not good guys!), as well as the different alien species being similar in how they react to situations, like said protectiveness of children. The similarity of the alien races is probably my biggest complaint - they have cool bodies, and a few interesting communication differences thrown in, but they’re pretty human and similar in their thought patterns, so they felt like characters from a human play just in different costumes. That being said, I do enjoy the two main protagonists, and the writing style is a lot fun to read. It’s an enjoyable, light read.
March 7, 2019
Great ending
I fell in love with this series and give it a 5/5. I also loved this ending but I felt that the issue with the Ceph was a bit predictable and everything just fell into place a bit too neatly. The upscaling of Jaya's power level and her alliance with the Ceph just made her her even more of an outsider from humanity. Unlike when she unlocked Vulf's robot wolf and then another Shaman could also do it. I feel other Sharman's could have shown the aptitude to reach the Cephs too. But this series rocked anyhow!!!
I fell in love with this series and give it a 5/5. I also loved this ending but I felt that the issue with the Ceph was a bit predictable and everything just fell into place a bit too neatly. The upscaling of Jaya's power level and her alliance with the Ceph just made her her even more of an outsider from humanity. Unlike when she unlocked Vulf's robot wolf and then another Shaman could also do it. I feel other Sharman's could have shown the aptitude to reach the Cephs too. But this series rocked anyhow!!!
July 26, 2023
3.5 stars for this novel; 3.75 overall. Jaya & Vulf lead a couple expeditions to Ceph, while dealing with a rogue political terrorist faction.
What didn’t work for me: 1) Theta’s recently discovered deception. Wait, what? 42,000 yrs later and nobody detected treachery? Not buying it. 2) A build up of books and the Ceph are awake and an easy going and powerful group. A bit anti-climactic and the plot of the Ceph changed to a sub-plot with the Righteous’ derailment becoming the main plot.
All in all a good series, but an okay finale.
What didn’t work for me: 1) Theta’s recently discovered deception. Wait, what? 42,000 yrs later and nobody detected treachery? Not buying it. 2) A build up of books and the Ceph are awake and an easy going and powerful group. A bit anti-climactic and the plot of the Ceph changed to a sub-plot with the Righteous’ derailment becoming the main plot.
All in all a good series, but an okay finale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2025
I really like Jenny Schwartz’s books. They do all follow a rough pattern of FH meets MH, aliens, friendly AI, politics and resolution. Sometimes magic or magic adjacent.
But, the differences among series is enough to keep me interested. Usually there’s a good balance between exposition and action. Plus, they are warm and welcoming. Except, they are pretty heterosexual.
I read these before bed; they are perfect for that.
This is listed as book 3 here, but there are two novellas that should be read first — Shattered Earth and Jingle Stars.
But, the differences among series is enough to keep me interested. Usually there’s a good balance between exposition and action. Plus, they are warm and welcoming. Except, they are pretty heterosexual.
I read these before bed; they are perfect for that.
This is listed as book 3 here, but there are two novellas that should be read first — Shattered Earth and Jingle Stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2020
Very Enjoyable Book And Series
The Ceph Sector is an excellent culmination of the series. Jaya and Volf must report on the mysterious Ceph. The galaxy government must decide whether to wipe them out as an imminent danger or negotiate with them. Political terrorists threaten them and their loved ones. Political maneuvering of those considered friendly, gum up the works. I like the action, humor, and romance. I t would be nice to revisit these characters in future books.
The Ceph Sector is an excellent culmination of the series. Jaya and Volf must report on the mysterious Ceph. The galaxy government must decide whether to wipe them out as an imminent danger or negotiate with them. Political terrorists threaten them and their loved ones. Political maneuvering of those considered friendly, gum up the works. I like the action, humor, and romance. I t would be nice to revisit these characters in future books.
May 17, 2023
Delightful
You must suspend disbelief to read this series, but once you do, you are in for a treat! This book leaves you wanting more of the story, because the people are sympathetic and interesting. The series has many small surprises a very interesting plot and unlike many five books series Does not stretch on but moves logically and quickly. Thank you Jenny for this adventure, Mike.
You must suspend disbelief to read this series, but once you do, you are in for a treat! This book leaves you wanting more of the story, because the people are sympathetic and interesting. The series has many small surprises a very interesting plot and unlike many five books series Does not stretch on but moves logically and quickly. Thank you Jenny for this adventure, Mike.
October 9, 2018
Really interesting world!
I hope you act on your idea for Mind Masque! I have greatly enjoyed this series so far and want to gobble up more if it! Hiw is Kohia going to react to the twins? How much is Uncle Lelwani going to be involved in teaching the shifter/shaman kids when they arrive?
I hope you act on your idea for Mind Masque! I have greatly enjoyed this series so far and want to gobble up more if it! Hiw is Kohia going to react to the twins? How much is Uncle Lelwani going to be involved in teaching the shifter/shaman kids when they arrive?
May 27, 2019
An absolute delight
This One tumbled across Ms Schwartz' books whilst strolling through Facebook and has been delightfully enchanted by this series. If you have not, yet, you will have deprived yourself of meeting some well thought out characters and an epic story spanning several novels and novellas if you don't immediately snap this work up. Devour them, you must.
This One tumbled across Ms Schwartz' books whilst strolling through Facebook and has been delightfully enchanted by this series. If you have not, yet, you will have deprived yourself of meeting some well thought out characters and an epic story spanning several novels and novellas if you don't immediately snap this work up. Devour them, you must.
April 19, 2021
Looking forward to whatever comes next
This was very satisfying and having each book in this series having a complete story is a big part of my enjoyment. Characters were interesting and complex, and some had hidden reasons for causing problems.
Read in order. Events, in one story, does effect the future.
This was very satisfying and having each book in this series having a complete story is a big part of my enjoyment. Characters were interesting and complex, and some had hidden reasons for causing problems.
Read in order. Events, in one story, does effect the future.
June 25, 2021
Fantastic!
I'm not wasting words on a description or comment; read the book. You'll love it. I'm hoping the author is inspired to write at least one more book in the series. Now that I've met the Depth, I want to know what happens next. They're formidable and maybe a real threat to the Meijt?
I'm not wasting words on a description or comment; read the book. You'll love it. I'm hoping the author is inspired to write at least one more book in the series. Now that I've met the Depth, I want to know what happens next. They're formidable and maybe a real threat to the Meijt?
July 30, 2022
Way too prescient for 2022
Jenny Schwartz always does great characters in complex universes but Ceph Sector from 2018 is just much too on point for the American political scene in 2022. Frankly, the whole series is based on a much too likely future for this planet. That given, it's still worth reading, or as I have done, rereading.
Jenny Schwartz always does great characters in complex universes but Ceph Sector from 2018 is just much too on point for the American political scene in 2022. Frankly, the whole series is based on a much too likely future for this planet. That given, it's still worth reading, or as I have done, rereading.
November 9, 2022
Interesting Conclusion
Many of the dangling threads from the previous books are woven together in this tale. Politics, growth, and trust feature greatly. I deducted one star due to the preponderance of tell instead of show. The data dumps do bring things to a close faster but are irritating in their volume.
Many of the dangling threads from the previous books are woven together in this tale. Politics, growth, and trust feature greatly. I deducted one star due to the preponderance of tell instead of show. The data dumps do bring things to a close faster but are irritating in their volume.
November 17, 2025
All wrapped up
I really enjoyed this final book in this series. The characters were all fun and engaging. I loved that this final book answered questions from previous books. I’m sad that the series is ended. Maybe we’ll get lucky and Ms. Schwartz will add books later so we can see where the story goes.
I really enjoyed this final book in this series. The characters were all fun and engaging. I loved that this final book answered questions from previous books. I’m sad that the series is ended. Maybe we’ll get lucky and Ms. Schwartz will add books later so we can see where the story goes.
May 5, 2018
Great Addition to a great series!
I've been waiting for this book and I wasn't disappointed. It was awesome and I couldn't put it down. The series is really fun for those that like shifters, magic, aliens, and space. Bonus, the books are clean! Enjoy!
I've been waiting for this book and I wasn't disappointed. It was awesome and I couldn't put it down. The series is really fun for those that like shifters, magic, aliens, and space. Bonus, the books are clean! Enjoy!
September 17, 2018
Action and diplomacy.
This was a good end to a good series. Maybe a little over optimistic but since it's aimed at the YA market that's acceptable. I liked the description of Sha streams; it was very lyrical.
This was a good end to a good series. Maybe a little over optimistic but since it's aimed at the YA market that's acceptable. I liked the description of Sha streams; it was very lyrical.
February 14, 2019
I freakin loved it!
The entire series was fantastic! World building was solid and complex. The characters had depth. The stories were wonderful. Start the series, you will not regret it. The only thing I hated was that it wasn’t on Audible :-)
The entire series was fantastic! World building was solid and complex. The characters had depth. The stories were wonderful. Start the series, you will not regret it. The only thing I hated was that it wasn’t on Audible :-)
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