What do you think?
Wanderer's Odyssey #1-3
Wanderer's Odyssey: Books 1-3
The Epic Space Opera Series Begins
An ancient starship with a mind just woke up. A young slave on his way to death just became its captain…
An ancient starship with a mind just woke up. A young slave on his way to death just became its captain…
Jess has been a prisoner his entire life. He’s watched his fellow slaves visit boobytrapped ships for weeks. None of them ever came back alive. When Jess gets orders to clear the ship next, he knows he’s about to die a prisoner…
After the mothballed ship comes alive at his touch, Jess discovers the Wanderer has its own consciousness and that he’s the one in control. As he and the ship hightail it out of the imperial stronghold, freedom comes at a cost. Now he’s the most wanted fugitive in the galaxy, and ruthless pirates, desperate miners, and a complicated beauty might not think twice before turning him in…
One wrong move could put Jess and the Wanderer back in shackles, but if they can survive their freedom, they may just have the power to liberate the galaxy…
Wanderer’s Escape is the first installment in a series of rollicking space opera novels. If you like epic space battles, sentient spacecraft, and heartfelt tales of a boy and his ship, then you’ll love Simon Goodson’s amazing tale.
Buy this collection of the first three books in the Wanderer's Odyssey series to blast off into an action-packed adventure today!1098 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 11, 2020
Didn't know what to expect with this trilogy. New author, never tried before. The synopsis suggested something similar to Blake's Seven, a sentient spaceship, prisoners sent to enter after others killed. On chapter 19 of book one, and pleasantly ssurprised.the story moves quickly and enjoyably. Like the three main characters and am looking forward to reading more.
Finished third book in trilogy. Throughout Jess and the Wanderer are battling first an imperial fleet which is in constant pursuit and latterly the Taint. They reach the other side of the quarantine zone to find the taint running wild. Sal's actions bring the taint on board and all but Jess and Terko are infected. The wanderer is able, after a terrific fight to imprison the taint. Jess is now alone and is travelling to the Wanderers home planet, but the imperial fleet is still in pursuit.
Finished third book in trilogy. Throughout Jess and the Wanderer are battling first an imperial fleet which is in constant pursuit and latterly the Taint. They reach the other side of the quarantine zone to find the taint running wild. Sal's actions bring the taint on board and all but Jess and Terko are infected. The wanderer is able, after a terrific fight to imprison the taint. Jess is now alone and is travelling to the Wanderers home planet, but the imperial fleet is still in pursuit.
November 3, 2020
Much Less than Expected
I enjoyed book 1 and much of book 2 but the storyline began devolving and as it did my interest left. Eventually the actions felt disconnected and I could find no reason to continue.
Jess starts the series as an adolescent and rapidly matures as he integrates with the ship’s AI. Unfortunately he then seems to revert to his previous adolescence and becomes emotional and acts irresponsibly, putting everyone at risk.
A new storyline is started in the second book with no background provided and the reader is forced to guess at any perceived outcome. When this new storyline did not resolve into a supported plot, I lost interest. Apparently there is no actual end for any of this series.
I enjoyed book 1 and much of book 2 but the storyline began devolving and as it did my interest left. Eventually the actions felt disconnected and I could find no reason to continue.
Jess starts the series as an adolescent and rapidly matures as he integrates with the ship’s AI. Unfortunately he then seems to revert to his previous adolescence and becomes emotional and acts irresponsibly, putting everyone at risk.
A new storyline is started in the second book with no background provided and the reader is forced to guess at any perceived outcome. When this new storyline did not resolve into a supported plot, I lost interest. Apparently there is no actual end for any of this series.
May 11, 2021
Written for adolescent boys maybe as the main character is Jess, a 16-year-old boy, who makes contacts with a ship, Wanderer, who is at least 36,000 years old. Jess and two other slaves escape in Wanderer, a ship that seems to be able to do anything, even repair itself, expand itself. It has a personality. The Taint is spreading through the universe, so both the Empire and the Tainted are trying to get their hands on the Wanderer for the obvious advantage. Lots of action, quite the space opera.
October 1, 2020
starts off really good!!
I liked the first book so much, I recommended to friends. unfortunately, in by book 3 the story is very grim and gets very strange and too wordy. what a shame since started with great premise and characters.
I liked the first book so much, I recommended to friends. unfortunately, in by book 3 the story is very grim and gets very strange and too wordy. what a shame since started with great premise and characters.
October 13, 2020
Not a good read!
Very repetitive and filled with fluff to make the books bigger. Do not recommend. I will skip the 4th book.
Very repetitive and filled with fluff to make the books bigger. Do not recommend. I will skip the 4th book.
May 3, 2021
Wanderer's Odyssey: (Wanderer's Odyssey Book # 1, 2, 3 Box set) by Simon Goodson.
Overall I gave this box set 3 stars. Each book ends on a cliff hanger. It started out really strong but by the end of book 3, I lost interest in the characters and was no longer engaged with the story.
This is a new to me author and I was not sure what to expect of this box set. The blurb sounded interesting. There are 6 books in this series. Maybe if the author brings out a box set with all 6 books and maybe edit the books so the story flows it would work better?
Book 1 starts with a lot of information and back ground to set the scene to get the reader engaged with the main characters; Jess, Sal, Matt & Ali. I liked the world building and the interactions between the main characters.
Book 2 starts with completely new characters and for a while I thought there was a mistake and the wrong book was included in the box set, but eventually the story line circles back to the main characters. Book 2 is not as interesting and the story line is too drawn out.
Book 3 is a mess and really needs to be edited to make it more cohesive. I understand that the author wants to convey his thoughts on society and what humans are capable of in certain circumstances both good and evil. The end result though in this case is a lot of words, repetitions and not a lot of story. At the end of Book 3, which ends in another cliff hanger, I was done with the storyline, I really do not care what happens next.
Overall I gave this box set 3 stars. Each book ends on a cliff hanger. It started out really strong but by the end of book 3, I lost interest in the characters and was no longer engaged with the story.
This is a new to me author and I was not sure what to expect of this box set. The blurb sounded interesting. There are 6 books in this series. Maybe if the author brings out a box set with all 6 books and maybe edit the books so the story flows it would work better?
Book 1 starts with a lot of information and back ground to set the scene to get the reader engaged with the main characters; Jess, Sal, Matt & Ali. I liked the world building and the interactions between the main characters.
Book 2 starts with completely new characters and for a while I thought there was a mistake and the wrong book was included in the box set, but eventually the story line circles back to the main characters. Book 2 is not as interesting and the story line is too drawn out.
Book 3 is a mess and really needs to be edited to make it more cohesive. I understand that the author wants to convey his thoughts on society and what humans are capable of in certain circumstances both good and evil. The end result though in this case is a lot of words, repetitions and not a lot of story. At the end of Book 3, which ends in another cliff hanger, I was done with the storyline, I really do not care what happens next.
May 15, 2021
I started reading this about 2 weeks ago...it felt like one of the first Sci-Fi books (actually the first 3 of the series of 6) that I had read in a long, long time. SF has always been one of my favorite genres, and Goodson is an excellent choice for me. His characters are enjoyable with the primary characer, Jess, showing vulnerability as well as determination. To be clear, this has to be considered a romance, not in the fact that he falls in love, but in the sense that a positive, "victorious" ending is part of the story arch. Again, this is light reading, not deep and psychological or philosophical or even sociological, although there may be some elements of that kind interspersed.
I do not want to give you any spoilers, so I will not summarize the story for you. It does drag through some battle scenes which tend to feel more internal (they are ultimately not!) but will probably bore some readers. Although I do hope to read the rest of the series. The last cliffhanger was nicely balanced with providing current resolution of the conflict to a point while leaving you wanting to see the next steps and development of this world.
I do not want to give you any spoilers, so I will not summarize the story for you. It does drag through some battle scenes which tend to feel more internal (they are ultimately not!) but will probably bore some readers. Although I do hope to read the rest of the series. The last cliffhanger was nicely balanced with providing current resolution of the conflict to a point while leaving you wanting to see the next steps and development of this world.
January 15, 2023
.
.
Once again, as in ALMOST ALL “MODERN” BOOKS — almost every single book i have read — the seemingly “unwritten law” surfaces:
“‘…If I was, I don’t know, much younger you’d have some competition. Fine looking girl.’ She studied him for a moment. ‘You don’t seem shocked?’
‘Why would I be?’
‘Really? There’s a lot a people out there who’d disapprove of two women together.’
Jess shrugged. ‘…So long as no one is getting hurt what does it matter?’”
I also now expect to learn that one or more of the “heroes and heroines” are of some race or religion or other.
Very annoying characters. There is not ONE I would root for, or wish to be.
“Jess” has been a prisoner all his life.
He hates to kill and cries a lot (as in, tears on his cheeks.)
I think this book is absurd.
An old take on the Magician, Warrior, Thief, Lover formula, and etc. etc. etc. etc etc. etc. etc. etc. etc etc. etc. etc. etc. etc etc. etc. etc. etc. etc etc —
All very standard and predictable.
I quit reading around page 218, because I was starting to feel like “a prisoner.”
.
.
.
Once again, as in ALMOST ALL “MODERN” BOOKS — almost every single book i have read — the seemingly “unwritten law” surfaces:
“‘…If I was, I don’t know, much younger you’d have some competition. Fine looking girl.’ She studied him for a moment. ‘You don’t seem shocked?’
‘Why would I be?’
‘Really? There’s a lot a people out there who’d disapprove of two women together.’
Jess shrugged. ‘…So long as no one is getting hurt what does it matter?’”
I also now expect to learn that one or more of the “heroes and heroines” are of some race or religion or other.
Very annoying characters. There is not ONE I would root for, or wish to be.
“Jess” has been a prisoner all his life.
He hates to kill and cries a lot (as in, tears on his cheeks.)
I think this book is absurd.
An old take on the Magician, Warrior, Thief, Lover formula, and etc. etc. etc. etc etc. etc. etc. etc. etc etc. etc. etc. etc. etc etc. etc. etc. etc. etc etc —
All very standard and predictable.
I quit reading around page 218, because I was starting to feel like “a prisoner.”
.
.
May 31, 2021
WANDERER'S ODYSSEY: Books 1-3 by Simon Goodson
Wow! It's an epic Space Opera. I was into the books almost all of the way through. I keep trying to picture our lives today, going forward to the book's time period and I can't really picture all of us in space, maybe in several thousand years?
Jess, Matt, and Sal are slaves who have to go onboard abandoned ships and clear out any traps that the previous crews have left behind. The Wanderer is a spaceship, Jess enters first and mysteriously figures out how to get onboard. Matt and Sal follow him. If an opportunity avails itself to you, it's always best to take that opportunity.
Would love it if it became a movie or a tv series. Highly recommend. Favorites for sure!
With much gratitude, I received a complimentary copy from #simongoodson I was under no obligation to post a review.
Wow! It's an epic Space Opera. I was into the books almost all of the way through. I keep trying to picture our lives today, going forward to the book's time period and I can't really picture all of us in space, maybe in several thousand years?
Jess, Matt, and Sal are slaves who have to go onboard abandoned ships and clear out any traps that the previous crews have left behind. The Wanderer is a spaceship, Jess enters first and mysteriously figures out how to get onboard. Matt and Sal follow him. If an opportunity avails itself to you, it's always best to take that opportunity.
Would love it if it became a movie or a tv series. Highly recommend. Favorites for sure!
With much gratitude, I received a complimentary copy from #simongoodson I was under no obligation to post a review.
July 8, 2025
It's long and good. It's not a heavy hitter of a book, and frankly, hopefully gets better somewhat. It has a good selection of characters, and frankly, it just took forever to read. It's expected, though, with books that are grouped as a collection as one book. The book has some compelling backstories and details about the characters' origins and their eventual destinations. Overall, I liked it; the characters were believable, and the side stories that ended up part of the story worked out well. What, however, ruined it in a way was how the Tainted were introduced. All of a sudden, some force comes out of nowhere (but probably explained in Origins) and takes over known human space. I think if he worked a bit better on that, I would give it an extra star. As such, it is a good read and shouldn't be overlooked, but just expect a downer in some regards.
June 22, 2018
Slaves used as fodder get to take control of an advanced ship and get to freedom. There is always a threat of an overlying malevolence and of course there is always the really nasty people in charge. Some of the repeated agonising gets a little tiresome in all the characters. Seems a little like filler and a good edit could trim a bit of this superfluous crap out and make it a much tighter read.
Overall though a good read and I am now experienced enough to skim the filler if it adds no more to the character or the story.
Overall though a good read and I am now experienced enough to skim the filler if it adds no more to the character or the story.
October 18, 2020
Wanderers Odysseus - an epic tale.
This is one of the best sci fi stories I have read this year. The discovery of an alien ship with powers way beyond anything known to man, and compatible with the human mind! This concept opens up story development to anything possible, and the author explores the possibilities expertly.
Even more, the story has a very human and romantic sub theme. The author develops the sci fi, romantic, and personal stories in a very cohesive, thoroughly enjoyable way. I am looking forward to delving into the next part of the series soon.
This is one of the best sci fi stories I have read this year. The discovery of an alien ship with powers way beyond anything known to man, and compatible with the human mind! This concept opens up story development to anything possible, and the author explores the possibilities expertly.
Even more, the story has a very human and romantic sub theme. The author develops the sci fi, romantic, and personal stories in a very cohesive, thoroughly enjoyable way. I am looking forward to delving into the next part of the series soon.
February 7, 2022
Intense and suspenseful
This is actually a review of three books. The first was a great introduction to the characters. It had friendship and betrayal wrapped up. The second introduces a few more characters and develops the main characters even more. The Third book is all about traveling do The Wanderers home planet. I enjoyed this series even though there were times when I thought it dragged out just a little more than it should have, from reading reviews I'm hoping the books in the remainder of the series move along just a little bit faster.
This is actually a review of three books. The first was a great introduction to the characters. It had friendship and betrayal wrapped up. The second introduces a few more characters and develops the main characters even more. The Third book is all about traveling do The Wanderers home planet. I enjoyed this series even though there were times when I thought it dragged out just a little more than it should have, from reading reviews I'm hoping the books in the remainder of the series move along just a little bit faster.
May 6, 2021
Review of: Wanderers Odysseus (Books 1-3)
The writing is good, but I never liked dropping a story before it's concluded. It's like you stopped a joke before the he punchline. Well I'm not waiting for the punchline. Get to the end of an idea, before you stop writing I have noticed that the most successful writers alike always get to a satisfied ending before starting a new chapter with a different direction😁
The writing is good, but I never liked dropping a story before it's concluded. It's like you stopped a joke before the he punchline. Well I'm not waiting for the punchline. Get to the end of an idea, before you stop writing I have noticed that the most successful writers alike always get to a satisfied ending before starting a new chapter with a different direction😁
November 14, 2018
Advance Ship
This story of a 16 year old born slave who was used as fodder to disarm a captured spaceship that chooses him to bond as it’s pilot is a fantastic series. The ship is only allowed to bond with one pilot telepathically and can be made and shaped however he chooses. He decides to use his ship to free slaves from the Empire and pirates. Great Story
This story of a 16 year old born slave who was used as fodder to disarm a captured spaceship that chooses him to bond as it’s pilot is a fantastic series. The ship is only allowed to bond with one pilot telepathically and can be made and shaped however he chooses. He decides to use his ship to free slaves from the Empire and pirates. Great Story
January 18, 2021
A rollicking good space adventure
Thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 books and is definitely a series to continue.
The action is nicely paced, and immersive. The romance, delicately handled, is integral and doesn’t overshadow the story.
The characters are well thought out and believable.
The imagery had me easily envision this could be a nice action movie or series.
Thoroughly enjoyed the first 3 books and is definitely a series to continue.
The action is nicely paced, and immersive. The romance, delicately handled, is integral and doesn’t overshadow the story.
The characters are well thought out and believable.
The imagery had me easily envision this could be a nice action movie or series.
May 16, 2021
Basis of trust
Finished books 1 to 3 of a good science fiction thriller. During the books, author developed main characters, including the AI ship. Each book developed a unique set of challenges to shape the ships crew beliefs in themselves and others. Great twist for end of third book.
Finished books 1 to 3 of a good science fiction thriller. During the books, author developed main characters, including the AI ship. Each book developed a unique set of challenges to shape the ships crew beliefs in themselves and others. Great twist for end of third book.
July 17, 2021
Space opera in the grand, galaxy-spanning tradition! The titular ship itself is a bit of a deus ex machina in the beginning (and of course, the lead protagonist *has* to be a teenager), but these became forgivable sins as the larger story unfolded and I was gradually sucked in, waiting to see what the next development would be.
May 15, 2022
Ok what a ride 😀
From start to finish a great read, enjoyed the entire trip and need to check out any follow ups. Loved the. Concept and need to find out more about the Wanderer and the Taint. What happened to them all lol too much left unanswered. Al's not entirely sure just who is going to end up fighting who lol
From start to finish a great read, enjoyed the entire trip and need to check out any follow ups. Loved the. Concept and need to find out more about the Wanderer and the Taint. What happened to them all lol too much left unanswered. Al's not entirely sure just who is going to end up fighting who lol
January 11, 2023
betrayal and survival at a universal level
Wow. The first book is a light read, young adult sci fi of average interest. Books 2 and 3 become gripping and the emotional charge of mistrust and betrayal is exhausting.
I’ve bought the full series now and have an addiction to this emotional journey.
Wow. The first book is a light read, young adult sci fi of average interest. Books 2 and 3 become gripping and the emotional charge of mistrust and betrayal is exhausting.
I’ve bought the full series now and have an addiction to this emotional journey.
August 5, 2023
Review for "WANDERER'S ODYSSEY" , books 1-3 by Simon Goodson
Amazing story plot! Full graphic explanations of every thing happening to our freed slaves. Goodson creates a future with unending adventures with a SHIP A.I. that is almost like a friend! Fully recommended to you all! Enjoy.
Amazing story plot! Full graphic explanations of every thing happening to our freed slaves. Goodson creates a future with unending adventures with a SHIP A.I. that is almost like a friend! Fully recommended to you all! Enjoy.
October 18, 2020
This was great.. in the first two and a half books, then when it degenerated into a kind of future cyberwar struggle complete with virtual battles, it became ponderous.. so much so that I have no intention of investing in reading the other books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2021
I'm not a sci-fi fan but for some reason, I really liked these books. I liked them to such an extent that I have purchased book 4 in the series. So, I'll reserve judgment as to whether I'll read anymore after book 4.
November 17, 2021
Captivating
An alien spaceship demands attention. And then It attaches itself to a teenager that has never known freedom. Teenager tantrums, unknown technology, a mind blowing infection, and new/old civilization lead to where - to what?
An alien spaceship demands attention. And then It attaches itself to a teenager that has never known freedom. Teenager tantrums, unknown technology, a mind blowing infection, and new/old civilization lead to where - to what?
June 15, 2022
A nice.read
It was an enjoyable read. The characters had a little depth. The idea behind the plot was interesting. Some of the technical aspects did not flow properly but overall sence
It was an enjoyable read. The characters had a little depth. The idea behind the plot was interesting. Some of the technical aspects did not flow properly but overall sence
February 28, 2023
I've never read a story like this
The plot has so many twists and turns. I enjoyed the characters and cringed with what happened to them so many times. The only negative is that it is a cliff hanger.
The plot has so many twists and turns. I enjoyed the characters and cringed with what happened to them so many times. The only negative is that it is a cliff hanger.
April 11, 2023
Ungainly, but good.
These three books are only part of a greater whole. You might enjoy really long epics that are well written, but I don't. If a story can't be told in 1000 pages adding another 1500 isn't worth my time.
These three books are only part of a greater whole. You might enjoy really long epics that are well written, but I don't. If a story can't be told in 1000 pages adding another 1500 isn't worth my time.
April 17, 2023
Moments of brilliants
I found this to be a curiously captivating story. But it just seemed at times repetitive and at other times just ridiculously complex and unbelievable. Still I enjoyed this 3 book series and applaud the authors imagination.
I found this to be a curiously captivating story. But it just seemed at times repetitive and at other times just ridiculously complex and unbelievable. Still I enjoyed this 3 book series and applaud the authors imagination.
October 13, 2023
A great read
Enjoyed the writing style of this author. The tale ranges from slavery to freedom travelling through the universe. Meeting some nasty, some friendly people and an alien. It is an epic tale and I look forward to reading more
Enjoyed the writing style of this author. The tale ranges from slavery to freedom travelling through the universe. Meeting some nasty, some friendly people and an alien. It is an epic tale and I look forward to reading more
July 12, 2019
Great story. Can't wait for the following books
Getting book 4 and5 straight away
And looking forward to what has been a he'll of a read so far
Getting book 4 and5 straight away
And looking forward to what has been a he'll of a read so far
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews