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Destiny's Crucible #5
Tales of Anyar
An expansion on the universe of Destiny’s Crucible
The Destiny’s Crucible series chronicles the incredible adventure of Joseph Colsco, a college student of no particular importance, who is thrust into an unimaginable fate by an accident that couldn’t happen—but did.
Cast naked on the planet Anyar, he forges a new life for himself and rises to prominence and responsibilities he would otherwise never have imagined. However, much is left undone and uncertain. For readers who finished the first four books, many questions were left unanswered, and many stories left untold.
This collection of short stories and novellas addresses some of the questions, expands previous books, and points to future directions. The anthology begins not on the planet Anyar but on Earth, with the aftermath of the improbable accident that starts Joseph Colsco on his new life.
The Destiny’s Crucible series chronicles the incredible adventure of Joseph Colsco, a college student of no particular importance, who is thrust into an unimaginable fate by an accident that couldn’t happen—but did.
Cast naked on the planet Anyar, he forges a new life for himself and rises to prominence and responsibilities he would otherwise never have imagined. However, much is left undone and uncertain. For readers who finished the first four books, many questions were left unanswered, and many stories left untold.
This collection of short stories and novellas addresses some of the questions, expands previous books, and points to future directions. The anthology begins not on the planet Anyar but on Earth, with the aftermath of the improbable accident that starts Joseph Colsco on his new life.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2018
323 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Olan Thorensen
16 books522 followersOlan is a long-time science fiction fan who has jumped into independent publication with all its pitfalls and unknowns. He thinks all colors go together: clash, what clash? A fan of Dilbert, Non Sequitur, Peanuts (even if old strips), and still think the end of The Far Side was a tragedy. Loves fireflies, rain, thunderstorms, is eclectic in music (classical, western, oldies, smattering of all other), and thinks four seasons are better than one. Gardens, plays piano poorly, used to jog until broke hip, now walks (to be honest, his jog was about as fast as his quick walk).
A sampling of favorite movies include Avatar, Master and Commander, The Last Mimsy, Six Days and Seven Nights, Aliens, Jumanji, The Big Short, Trading Places, World War Z, and A Miracle on 34th Street (original). If you can figure out a common theme, let Olan know. :>)
Born in Louisiana, but mainly grew up in a less populated part of Northern California. Played football in high school but did minimum studying so as not to interfere with his reading novels. Ironic is that he studiously avoided learning things like details of grammar and good writing. He knows how ironic that is now.
Worked as a forest firefighter several summers. In his youth, served in the US Special Forces (one year in Vietnam; SOG, running recon patrols in Laos and the DMZ). Attended university before and after the Army. Has a Phd in Genetics, with around 200 science publications as author and co-author on genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Worked with people with all the education and no common sense and knows people with little education and a world of smarts.
Retired now in the Blue Ridge country of Virginia and has time to pursue his avocation of writing books – mainly science fiction plus one police/action/character book writing as Kelsey Robicheaux. Thinks it's totally cool someone can read his stories and enjoy them. Loves hearing from readers from all parts of the US and international (his favorite of the latter was from Nepal).
His web page is olanthorensen.com, which has news updates, an occasion blog posting, and downloadable maps (by clicking on them) to help orient readers to the planet Anyar (highly recommended). He’s on Facebook, which also has maps, reader/listener comments, and his responses. He can be emailed at olanthorensen@gmail.com. He reads all emails, though he may not be able to respond to them all. Readers can request to be on a mailing list for news of releases. Advantages of the mail list also include Christmas short stories, new maps, and a coming novella not otherwise available elsewhere.
A sampling of favorite movies include Avatar, Master and Commander, The Last Mimsy, Six Days and Seven Nights, Aliens, Jumanji, The Big Short, Trading Places, World War Z, and A Miracle on 34th Street (original). If you can figure out a common theme, let Olan know. :>)
Born in Louisiana, but mainly grew up in a less populated part of Northern California. Played football in high school but did minimum studying so as not to interfere with his reading novels. Ironic is that he studiously avoided learning things like details of grammar and good writing. He knows how ironic that is now.
Worked as a forest firefighter several summers. In his youth, served in the US Special Forces (one year in Vietnam; SOG, running recon patrols in Laos and the DMZ). Attended university before and after the Army. Has a Phd in Genetics, with around 200 science publications as author and co-author on genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Worked with people with all the education and no common sense and knows people with little education and a world of smarts.
Retired now in the Blue Ridge country of Virginia and has time to pursue his avocation of writing books – mainly science fiction plus one police/action/character book writing as Kelsey Robicheaux. Thinks it's totally cool someone can read his stories and enjoy them. Loves hearing from readers from all parts of the US and international (his favorite of the latter was from Nepal).
His web page is olanthorensen.com, which has news updates, an occasion blog posting, and downloadable maps (by clicking on them) to help orient readers to the planet Anyar (highly recommended). He’s on Facebook, which also has maps, reader/listener comments, and his responses. He can be emailed at olanthorensen@gmail.com. He reads all emails, though he may not be able to respond to them all. Readers can request to be on a mailing list for news of releases. Advantages of the mail list also include Christmas short stories, new maps, and a coming novella not otherwise available elsewhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 16, 2018
Disappointing. Previous four novels were shockingly good from a new self published author. This is supposed to be the fifth novel in the series but...
Brief plot summary : The main character Joseph Kolesko is in his late 20s, a chemistry student,is on a flight to a conference when his plane has a mix air collusion with something. He remembers being sucked out of the plane and that is all until he awakes aboard an alien space craft. Joseph Is given the choice by an AI that pilots the craft to be placed on a planet that has human life upon it or be painlessly terminated. He cannot be returned to Earth because six months since the accident have elapsed and his sudden appearance on Earth could not be explained without giving away that alien life exists or some other explanation that would be at minimum disruptive to our belief systems. Joseph chooses to be placed on a planet that has human life upon it. The civilisation has evolved technologically to the equivalent of around 1770a. Joseph builds a life for himself by using his knowledge of chemistry and 21st century inventions to invent industries that advance their culture and rebuilds his life. By the forth novel in the series Joseph faces an evil not dissimilar from what England faced from the Germans in 1939. The forth novel was the best of all, was up half the night unable to put down. This fifth novel isn't a continuation of the series but the reworked pieces of the previous nove!s that were left on the editorial floor. This self published author likely saw some great writing that he had cut from his previous novels and decided that he could create a fifth novel from those half finished or pages that had been cut earlier. The author would have most surly been talked out of this idea of he had a publisher. So this fifth novel revisits the original plane crash,time aboard the alien space craft, battles that had been cut from the original novels under the guise to answer previously unanswered mysteries. Is the writing good? Sure but that is besides the point. It doesn't add to the overall story. The author needs to continue the story or if he has no more ideas with this story than start a new series. This revisiting in just garbage.
Brief plot summary : The main character Joseph Kolesko is in his late 20s, a chemistry student,is on a flight to a conference when his plane has a mix air collusion with something. He remembers being sucked out of the plane and that is all until he awakes aboard an alien space craft. Joseph Is given the choice by an AI that pilots the craft to be placed on a planet that has human life upon it or be painlessly terminated. He cannot be returned to Earth because six months since the accident have elapsed and his sudden appearance on Earth could not be explained without giving away that alien life exists or some other explanation that would be at minimum disruptive to our belief systems. Joseph chooses to be placed on a planet that has human life upon it. The civilisation has evolved technologically to the equivalent of around 1770a. Joseph builds a life for himself by using his knowledge of chemistry and 21st century inventions to invent industries that advance their culture and rebuilds his life. By the forth novel in the series Joseph faces an evil not dissimilar from what England faced from the Germans in 1939. The forth novel was the best of all, was up half the night unable to put down. This fifth novel isn't a continuation of the series but the reworked pieces of the previous nove!s that were left on the editorial floor. This self published author likely saw some great writing that he had cut from his previous novels and decided that he could create a fifth novel from those half finished or pages that had been cut earlier. The author would have most surly been talked out of this idea of he had a publisher. So this fifth novel revisits the original plane crash,time aboard the alien space craft, battles that had been cut from the original novels under the guise to answer previously unanswered mysteries. Is the writing good? Sure but that is besides the point. It doesn't add to the overall story. The author needs to continue the story or if he has no more ideas with this story than start a new series. This revisiting in just garbage.
June 5, 2018
An outstanding addition to the series!
I found myself taking my time reading this, savoring it and trying to keep from racing through it, because then it would be over too soon! Another great read from Mr. Thorensen! Lots of hints as to which direction he might take in the future as the adventures of Yosef continue. They will continue won’t they? Your loyal public awaits what comes to you next!
I found myself taking my time reading this, savoring it and trying to keep from racing through it, because then it would be over too soon! Another great read from Mr. Thorensen! Lots of hints as to which direction he might take in the future as the adventures of Yosef continue. They will continue won’t they? Your loyal public awaits what comes to you next!
January 18, 2019
Hungry for more!!!
This fifth book of the series only heighten my anticipation for the sixth book of the series. The stories that interested me the most, dealt with the other survivors from Earth and their new lives on a world similar to but not their Earth. I foresee possible stand alone novels with these survivors as the stars. I really want to see a reunion of these former passengers and now reluctant members of various Anyar's human cultures.. Nuff said!!!
This fifth book of the series only heighten my anticipation for the sixth book of the series. The stories that interested me the most, dealt with the other survivors from Earth and their new lives on a world similar to but not their Earth. I foresee possible stand alone novels with these survivors as the stars. I really want to see a reunion of these former passengers and now reluctant members of various Anyar's human cultures.. Nuff said!!!
April 5, 2025
My advice to all readers is to skip this one until you have finished the series. Then, if you are bored, and looking for something from Anyar, you can read this one. I have read/listened to the entire Anyar series four times (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023), but I have only read this book once (the first time it was published), until now, mt second time. You are not missing anything if you skip this, but if you need an Anyar fix, then you will probably enjoy it. Below is my review from when I originally read this in 2018.
If you have read the first four books, then you will most certainly enjoy parts of this. I found the battle scenes to be a bit tedious since we already know the outcome of the engagement, but I very much enjoyed the rest of this. As a collection of short stories, it doesn't flow like a novel, but it does fill in the gaps in a few places and it works as a prologue to plot lines that we will most likely see in the next novel. All in all, if you are into the first four books and are awaiting the next installment, then you should read this.
If you have read the first four books, then you will most certainly enjoy parts of this. I found the battle scenes to be a bit tedious since we already know the outcome of the engagement, but I very much enjoyed the rest of this. As a collection of short stories, it doesn't flow like a novel, but it does fill in the gaps in a few places and it works as a prologue to plot lines that we will most likely see in the next novel. All in all, if you are into the first four books and are awaiting the next installment, then you should read this.
April 26, 2021
Book five
This just wasn't what I was thinking it was. This is a book of short stories, were I was thinking it was a book book. Never buy a book at 3:30 am when you desperately need sleep.
This just wasn't what I was thinking it was. This is a book of short stories, were I was thinking it was a book book. Never buy a book at 3:30 am when you desperately need sleep.
May 21, 2024
**Narrative and Performance
Olan Thorensen's "Tales of Anyar" is a compelling 5th book addition to the Destiny's Crucible series, offering a collection of short stories and novellas that expand upon the universe meticulously crafted in the previous 4 books. Narrated by Jonathan Davis, whose voice has become synonymous with the series, the audiobook provides a rich auditory experience that complements the written word.
Davis's narration brings a new dimension to Thorensen's characters, imbuing them with a depth that is sometimes lost in the transition from page to audio. His ability to differentiate characters through subtle changes in tone and inflection is remarkable, allowing listeners to easily follow the dialogue and get lost in the story.
**Content and Structure
The anthology begins not on the planet Anyar but on Earth, detailing the aftermath of the improbable accident that catapults Joseph Colsco into his new life. This shift in perspective is refreshing and provides a much-needed closure to some of the lingering questions from the previous books.
The stories within "Tales of Anyar" are varied, both in length and in scope. Some delve into the backstories of beloved characters, while others explore the broader implications of the series' central events. Thorensen's decision to include these tales is a testament to his understanding of his audience's desire for more content related to their favorite characters and settings.
**Themes and World-Building
Thorensen's world-building continues to be a standout aspect of his work. The planet Anyar is richly detailed, with its own cultures, politics, and technologies that are both alien and familiar. The author's background in science lends credibility to the scientific aspects of the story, making the fantastical elements feel plausible.
The themes of destiny, survival, and the human spirit are prevalent throughout the anthology. Each story challenges the characters in new ways, forcing them to adapt and grow. This not only adds depth to the characters but also allows Thorensen to explore the philosophical questions that underpin the series.
**Critique
While the anthology format works well to address unanswered questions and expand the universe, it does come with its drawbacks. Some may find the collection to be disjointed, likening it to a director's cut of a movie where the deleted scenes were removed for a reason. This sentiment suggests that while the additional content is appreciated, it may not always contribute to a cohesive narrative experience.
Additionally, some stories may feel more like filler than substantial additions to the series. This is a common challenge with anthologies, where the quality of individual stories can vary. However, for dedicated fans of the Destiny's Crucible series, any content that sheds light on the world of Anyar is likely to be welcomed.
**Conclusion
"Tales of Anyar" is a must-listen for fans of the Destiny's Crucible series. It offers a deeper dive into the world that Thorensen has created and provides answers to questions that have lingered in the minds of readers. Jonathan Davis's narration elevates the text, making the audiobook an enjoyable experience for both new and returning listeners.
While not without its flaws, the anthology is a valuable addition to the series, offering insights and stories that enrich the overarching narrative. Thorensen's commitment to his world and characters shines through, and "Tales of Anyar" is a testament to the series' enduring appeal.
In summary, "Tales of Anyar" is an audiobook that both satisfies and leaves you wanting more. It's a bridge between the past and future of the Destiny's Crucible series, and a showcase of Thorensen's storytelling prowess and Davis's narrative skill.
Olan Thorensen's "Tales of Anyar" is a compelling 5th book addition to the Destiny's Crucible series, offering a collection of short stories and novellas that expand upon the universe meticulously crafted in the previous 4 books. Narrated by Jonathan Davis, whose voice has become synonymous with the series, the audiobook provides a rich auditory experience that complements the written word.
Davis's narration brings a new dimension to Thorensen's characters, imbuing them with a depth that is sometimes lost in the transition from page to audio. His ability to differentiate characters through subtle changes in tone and inflection is remarkable, allowing listeners to easily follow the dialogue and get lost in the story.
**Content and Structure
The anthology begins not on the planet Anyar but on Earth, detailing the aftermath of the improbable accident that catapults Joseph Colsco into his new life. This shift in perspective is refreshing and provides a much-needed closure to some of the lingering questions from the previous books.
The stories within "Tales of Anyar" are varied, both in length and in scope. Some delve into the backstories of beloved characters, while others explore the broader implications of the series' central events. Thorensen's decision to include these tales is a testament to his understanding of his audience's desire for more content related to their favorite characters and settings.
**Themes and World-Building
Thorensen's world-building continues to be a standout aspect of his work. The planet Anyar is richly detailed, with its own cultures, politics, and technologies that are both alien and familiar. The author's background in science lends credibility to the scientific aspects of the story, making the fantastical elements feel plausible.
The themes of destiny, survival, and the human spirit are prevalent throughout the anthology. Each story challenges the characters in new ways, forcing them to adapt and grow. This not only adds depth to the characters but also allows Thorensen to explore the philosophical questions that underpin the series.
**Critique
While the anthology format works well to address unanswered questions and expand the universe, it does come with its drawbacks. Some may find the collection to be disjointed, likening it to a director's cut of a movie where the deleted scenes were removed for a reason. This sentiment suggests that while the additional content is appreciated, it may not always contribute to a cohesive narrative experience.
Additionally, some stories may feel more like filler than substantial additions to the series. This is a common challenge with anthologies, where the quality of individual stories can vary. However, for dedicated fans of the Destiny's Crucible series, any content that sheds light on the world of Anyar is likely to be welcomed.
**Conclusion
"Tales of Anyar" is a must-listen for fans of the Destiny's Crucible series. It offers a deeper dive into the world that Thorensen has created and provides answers to questions that have lingered in the minds of readers. Jonathan Davis's narration elevates the text, making the audiobook an enjoyable experience for both new and returning listeners.
While not without its flaws, the anthology is a valuable addition to the series, offering insights and stories that enrich the overarching narrative. Thorensen's commitment to his world and characters shines through, and "Tales of Anyar" is a testament to the series' enduring appeal.
In summary, "Tales of Anyar" is an audiobook that both satisfies and leaves you wanting more. It's a bridge between the past and future of the Destiny's Crucible series, and a showcase of Thorensen's storytelling prowess and Davis's narrative skill.
December 18, 2019
The fifth installment of the Destiny's Crucible is a collection of tales that take place mostly on Anyar (one on earth, two in indeterminate places), most being expansions of some episodes from volume 4, a few continuations beyond the last volume, showing the return of general Akuyun to Narthon and Yozef Kolsko's next projects, while one of them is about the hero of book 6, Mark (C)Kaldwell, who was on a neighboring plane seat to Joseph Colsco in the fateful trip, story that is included in Passages too. I enjoyed the most the Kolsko and Akuyun stories, while the Kaldwell one is better read in the novel imho as it spoils the first half or so of that to some extent, with the rest ok but less interesting imho.
Overall, a transition book and worth reading for fans of the series, but not the place to start
review of the first 4 novels
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Overall, a transition book and worth reading for fans of the series, but not the place to start
review of the first 4 novels
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 27, 2018
Good sequel to the main series.
It has two parts; a first collection of separate stories that tells us more of what's happening (including the fate of some of the other passengers of the ill-fated plane that had Joseph Cosco on board), and a set of stories dealing with the defeat of the Narthani and the period after the victory, mostly involving Yosef Kosko. The latter could have been stitched into a novel, maybe.
If you liked Anyar before, this is essential before the next arc opens. Because you know a new story arc is coming...
It has two parts; a first collection of separate stories that tells us more of what's happening (including the fate of some of the other passengers of the ill-fated plane that had Joseph Cosco on board), and a set of stories dealing with the defeat of the Narthani and the period after the victory, mostly involving Yosef Kosko. The latter could have been stitched into a novel, maybe.
If you liked Anyar before, this is essential before the next arc opens. Because you know a new story arc is coming...
June 26, 2018
Enjoyable as always
I have read all 5 books in this series and have never been disappointed.
A beautiful blend of the struggles of human nature, just a touch of science fiction, and a smidge of fantasy without magic and dragons.
Totally looking forward to another INSTALMENT in this adventure.
HOPE IT'S NOT A LONG WAIT.
I have read all 5 books in this series and have never been disappointed.
A beautiful blend of the struggles of human nature, just a touch of science fiction, and a smidge of fantasy without magic and dragons.
Totally looking forward to another INSTALMENT in this adventure.
HOPE IT'S NOT A LONG WAIT.
January 10, 2019
Disjointed bits and pieces of story that felt like they were picked up from the editor's cutting room floor. Doesn't build a cohesive narrative. Ok for fans of the series but seems like a money grab for the amount of content. Was eager to see two people from Earth finally meet as hinted at the beginning, guess that waits until book 6?
October 29, 2021
When this book came out on Audio from Audible, I got it right away. Then I saw it was an anthology, and my interest waned a bit and it got put aside. A couple of days back, I found myself "in the need for a read" and I started on it only to find out that those short stories are delightful. Best of all, was the fact that we got a take on the aftermath for those left behind on earth as well as the "missing 27". We got to know a couple of other "survivors" and I look forward to getting to see them and their particular skill sets incorporated into the main story.
If you want to read this book, DON'T DO IT! Unless you've read the other four volumes. It will not make much of a sense otherwise. If you have read them, I know you will enjoy it.
Highly recommended, if you're up to date on the series.
If you want to read this book, DON'T DO IT! Unless you've read the other four volumes. It will not make much of a sense otherwise. If you have read them, I know you will enjoy it.
Highly recommended, if you're up to date on the series.
August 15, 2018
Nice to be back on Anyar... and beyond! Could be considered "filler" but author takes no shortcuts. All events, descriptions, dialogue, character interactions handled with the same care and attention to detail as the original 4 books. If you're reading this, you must have read or listened to the first 4 books. You won't want to pass this one up.
August 20, 2018
More of an Anthology
Of course it is advertised as such and I like the anthology format. The last installment is a bit problematic. Caedillum seems roughly equivalent to the UK; so canals would be the natural transport next step rather than railroads. The first use of steam in Europe was Watt's steam driven pumps in mines. That would be another bauble for the herman.
Of course it is advertised as such and I like the anthology format. The last installment is a bit problematic. Caedillum seems roughly equivalent to the UK; so canals would be the natural transport next step rather than railroads. The first use of steam in Europe was Watt's steam driven pumps in mines. That would be another bauble for the herman.
November 23, 2018
Before reading this book I learned through reviews that it was a bunch of short stories. I didn’t think I would be impressed with the stories but I was! I found myself interested in the mundane details of Joesph’s life. The book answers some of Joesph’s questions which I’m glad to have found out. I would recommend this book to others who are diehard fans of the series like me!
December 16, 2019
If you love strategic alternative history and SyFy in one, this serief of Olan Thorensen is strongly recommended. This tom should not be read as standalone novel because it is the end of the battle between the hero and his opponent. Furthermore it provides the information about future adventure to come.
I enjoyed all five books and look forward to read #6.
Strongly recommended.
Aybi
I enjoyed all five books and look forward to read #6.
Strongly recommended.
Aybi
May 3, 2020
Another great book in the series, the streets just doesn’t drop off like most series do. Would highly recommend it to anyone. I love the character development and plot twist which make the characters seem realistic without bogging down into much detail. A great combination of writing and storytelling.
June 9, 2018
Compelling universe with interesting characters
This is a great continuation of the series, with lots of teasers for the future. I enjoy the mix of technology, social developmen and believable characters (though the polygamy makes me uncomfortable).
This is a great continuation of the series, with lots of teasers for the future. I enjoy the mix of technology, social developmen and believable characters (though the polygamy makes me uncomfortable).
August 6, 2018
Great Read/ listen
This story is so well written and performed i simply couldn't get enough,, please Olan continue the series,, i've cried, laughed, and wandered what if,,i couldn't ask for more in a story!
This story is so well written and performed i simply couldn't get enough,, please Olan continue the series,, i've cried, laughed, and wandered what if,,i couldn't ask for more in a story!
August 13, 2018
Short stories
Usually don't read short stories but I like this world and storyline so much I had to see what these little snippets had to offer. Was not disappointed, hope for more from this world sooner rather than later
Usually don't read short stories but I like this world and storyline so much I had to see what these little snippets had to offer. Was not disappointed, hope for more from this world sooner rather than later
September 4, 2018
Starts as side stories adjacent to the main plot. No main plot advancement unfortunately. Not what I was hoping for, but that's fine.
The second half gets back to the main plot and I liked that. The next book or two should be good.
The second half gets back to the main plot and I liked that. The next book or two should be good.
January 16, 2019
I was really disappointed that this was a collection of short stories rather than a new book length story. Some of the stories just went really in detail into battles that already happened by the end of book five and that I didn't care about at all. That stuff felt like a total waste of my time. I don't care about the battles that much. With battles, I only care about who wins them, if any new innovations are used during them, and who dies, is injured, or captured. The battle shorts were wastes of time. There was a short story about Earth after the flight crashed with aliens, and that was interesting but went nowhere. Still, this book did have a short story about a doctor woman on a completely different planet, and that felt like something that could develop into its own good book series. The story itself felt like it could be the first chapter or so of a book. I kind of hope something is done with that story line. There was also a story about the artificial intelligences and stuff that may be happening with them. The story was mildly interesting but could be hinting at some really interesting stuff to come. There was also a story about another Earthman stranded on the opposite side of Anyar but who finds out that people are looking for individuals with information on America. I really hope to find out more about this character and his journeys. The book also had more stories on Joseph and his time after the events at the end of book four. The stories were interesting but inconsequential seeing as this book was just short stories and so did not allow for the stories to build up to something. Still, I enjoyed the stories, and they hinted at a lot of possibilities for things to happen in this series. This book felt like the author was trying to get some thoughts out of his head before trying to write another true book. I hope that there is another actual novel length story to come in this series, and I was excited by future possibilities by this book. That would be really lame if this was to be the end of the series because the author got my hopes up for more stuff with this book.
July 27, 2022
Some parts of this collection of short stories were good, new castaways on Planet Anya, the manufacture of dynamite, etc...
But I reduced my star rating to three, because our hero is becoming a safety sally, & a budding leftie dictator, why we had to read page after page of Joe deferring to his wives over everything on Cadeallium, who does he think he is Gavin Newsome!?
Come on Olan, Joe's a warlord, we don't need to see his feminine side, the last full novel was fun with a good solid war, no time for PC there.
Mate stop shilling for third wave feminism, the books are far more readable & interesting when you stick to the traditional roles of the sexes, particularly as how you have placed the storyline in an eightieth century world. The suspension of disbelief is strained to breaking point when you want me to swallow the wholesale assault you are waging on Anyar's culture.
But I reduced my star rating to three, because our hero is becoming a safety sally, & a budding leftie dictator, why we had to read page after page of Joe deferring to his wives over everything on Cadeallium, who does he think he is Gavin Newsome!?
Come on Olan, Joe's a warlord, we don't need to see his feminine side, the last full novel was fun with a good solid war, no time for PC there.
Mate stop shilling for third wave feminism, the books are far more readable & interesting when you stick to the traditional roles of the sexes, particularly as how you have placed the storyline in an eightieth century world. The suspension of disbelief is strained to breaking point when you want me to swallow the wholesale assault you are waging on Anyar's culture.
May 27, 2021
I feel cheated....
Should have been more like a 4.5 book as it did very little to continue the story. a large chunk of the book was the main battle from book 4 but from a different perspective. Then thrown throughout the book were brief glimpses of other humans that may have been thrown on Anyar as well in various parts, but it was with no connection to the main protagonist Joseph Colsco and not enough to get to really get a feel for any of these new Earth transplants.
Overall I think it added un-needed background to the story but did NOTHING to advance the overall story line. these other refugees could have been introduced in a book when and how they intersected with Joseph Colsco, then maybe a chapter on how they got there.
Should have been more like a 4.5 book as it did very little to continue the story. a large chunk of the book was the main battle from book 4 but from a different perspective. Then thrown throughout the book were brief glimpses of other humans that may have been thrown on Anyar as well in various parts, but it was with no connection to the main protagonist Joseph Colsco and not enough to get to really get a feel for any of these new Earth transplants.
Overall I think it added un-needed background to the story but did NOTHING to advance the overall story line. these other refugees could have been introduced in a book when and how they intersected with Joseph Colsco, then maybe a chapter on how they got there.
May 26, 2020
Setting presentation, design and originality (how cool is the setting?): 3
Setting verisimillitude and detail (how much sense does the setting make?): 5
Plot design, presentation and originality (How well-crafted was the plot, in the dramaturgic sense?): 4
Plot and character verisimillitude (How much sense did the plot and motivations make? Did events follow from motivations?): 5
Characterization and character development: 4
Character sympatheticness: 5
Prose: 4
Page turner factor: 4
Mind blown factor: 2
Final (weighted) score: 3.9
Setting verisimillitude and detail (how much sense does the setting make?): 5
Plot design, presentation and originality (How well-crafted was the plot, in the dramaturgic sense?): 4
Plot and character verisimillitude (How much sense did the plot and motivations make? Did events follow from motivations?): 5
Characterization and character development: 4
Character sympatheticness: 5
Prose: 4
Page turner factor: 4
Mind blown factor: 2
Final (weighted) score: 3.9
June 9, 2019
A must-read if you've read the first four books of this series.
The first few stories about other survivors from Colsco's flight were quite good (I want to read more about Kaldwell), as were the two longer stories about the Battle of Orosz City.
Several of the other stories were kinda meh as stories, but were good updates on what certain characters have been up to since book 4 (Akuyan, Yozef, etc.) or snapshots on life after the war.
The first few stories about other survivors from Colsco's flight were quite good (I want to read more about Kaldwell), as were the two longer stories about the Battle of Orosz City.
Several of the other stories were kinda meh as stories, but were good updates on what certain characters have been up to since book 4 (Akuyan, Yozef, etc.) or snapshots on life after the war.
September 19, 2021
I really enjoyed the first 4 books. Written by a scientist with a genetics background, even though it was a common scifi theme, they did a entertaining job reeling me in. From the blurb I recognized that this book was a departure from the usual narrative and so I stayed away. But now with two additional books in the series, I am ready to go. And looking forward to continuing this adventure. So even though i did not love this book, i see how it works in the overall context.
January 6, 2023
Thorensen is rightly applauded for his world building - and this series of short (and not so sort short) stories adds much colour and depth to his world of Anyar.
By its episodic nature it lacks the considerable narrative heft and large story arcs of the rest of the series - but well worth the read.
If you are a fan of this series you are not going to skip this book - and if not a fan its unlikely you will come across this casually.
By its episodic nature it lacks the considerable narrative heft and large story arcs of the rest of the series - but well worth the read.
If you are a fan of this series you are not going to skip this book - and if not a fan its unlikely you will come across this casually.
March 20, 2021
Colección de historias cortas de la serie sobre Anyar. Muy pocas aportan algo nuevo, y las que están dedicadas a que pasó después del final de los cuatro primeros libros apenas me han entretenido. Lo mejor, las dos o tres historias en las que introduce nuevos personajes que también iban en el avión estrellado en el primer libro de la serie. C
November 25, 2023
This is a series of short stories that are unconnected and lame. One example is when Joseph's wives go out for the afternoon and he takes care of the kids. Hardly a page turner.
I liked the earlier books but this is the last one I will read in the series. Pretty clear to me the author ran out of interesting ideas.
I liked the earlier books but this is the last one I will read in the series. Pretty clear to me the author ran out of interesting ideas.
April 23, 2024
Nice Collection
Here we have several shorter stories based on the same events as the premise in the first four novels. This time we get to meet some knew people who experienced the initial premise giving divergent viewpoints on where they find themselves. It was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to the next novel.
Here we have several shorter stories based on the same events as the premise in the first four novels. This time we get to meet some knew people who experienced the initial premise giving divergent viewpoints on where they find themselves. It was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to the next novel.
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