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Castle Federation #1
Space Carrier Avalon
The Fleet's Old Lady - out for one last dance
Avalon was the flagship of the Castle Federation in the last war, now twenty years past. The first of the deep space carriers, no other warship in the fleet holds as many honors or has recorded as many kills.
No other warship in the fleet is as old.
Accepting the inevitable, the Federation Space Navy has decided to refit her and send her on a tour of the frontier, showing the flag to their allies and enemies as a reminder of her glory - and then decommission her for good.
But Avalon has been a backwater posting for ten years - and has problems a mere refit can't fix. The systems along her planned tour have been seeing pirates for the first time in decades, and there are rumblings of Commonwealth scouting ships all along the border.
It may be Avalon's final tour - but it looks to be anything but quiet!
Avalon was the flagship of the Castle Federation in the last war, now twenty years past. The first of the deep space carriers, no other warship in the fleet holds as many honors or has recorded as many kills.
No other warship in the fleet is as old.
Accepting the inevitable, the Federation Space Navy has decided to refit her and send her on a tour of the frontier, showing the flag to their allies and enemies as a reminder of her glory - and then decommission her for good.
But Avalon has been a backwater posting for ten years - and has problems a mere refit can't fix. The systems along her planned tour have been seeing pirates for the first time in decades, and there are rumblings of Commonwealth scouting ships all along the border.
It may be Avalon's final tour - but it looks to be anything but quiet!
371 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2015
1340 people are currently reading
2299 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
115 books1,747 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
December 31, 2019
Well...found another good space opera/military science fiction. I have found 3 series that I particularly like. This one may not quite go there but I do like it. With the requisite political shenanigans and machinations to destroy our heroic commander the "older" star ship with a famous past is placed in a position on it's "last voyage" to be the only ship protecting human space from a previously unknown aggressor.
Humans have been at peace so long as the book opens that warfare and even violence is supposed to be repugnant (though back stabbing still seems to be in vogue). Think of it as a sort of a galactic wide version of California the way the newly awakened Stallone found it in Demolition Man...
Still, someone has to pick up the sword (proverbially [or would that be metaphorically?] of course) or humanity is going to be, well, done away with, wiped out, annihilated...flushed..."inhumed"(Terry Prachet's Guild term).
The cover on this book is unfortunate as the painting of the "Star Carrier" is a bit awkward. Don't let that put you off if you like space fleet/space opera action and so on (the awkward painting almost did me). I can recommend this one for most military sci/fi fans. Think of it as not quite as good as Lost Fleet series but still good.
I can recommend it. Enjoy.
Humans have been at peace so long as the book opens that warfare and even violence is supposed to be repugnant (though back stabbing still seems to be in vogue). Think of it as a sort of a galactic wide version of California the way the newly awakened Stallone found it in Demolition Man...
Still, someone has to pick up the sword (proverbially [or would that be metaphorically?] of course) or humanity is going to be, well, done away with, wiped out, annihilated...flushed..."inhumed"(Terry Prachet's Guild term).
The cover on this book is unfortunate as the painting of the "Star Carrier" is a bit awkward. Don't let that put you off if you like space fleet/space opera action and so on (the awkward painting almost did me). I can recommend this one for most military sci/fi fans. Think of it as not quite as good as Lost Fleet series but still good.
I can recommend it. Enjoy.
October 22, 2017
few books can make me mad ,very few books can make me hate myself for the time and energy i have wasted
the more time and energy that i will waste writing a review saying what i hated and what went wrong in this book will make me hate my self even more ,and that is some thing that my utter contempt for this book will not allow
the more time and energy that i will waste writing a review saying what i hated and what went wrong in this book will make me hate my self even more ,and that is some thing that my utter contempt for this book will not allow
April 9, 2016
If you like your space drama based largely on munition loads, military procedures and descriptions of "dusky" women then this is the book for you.
September 16, 2015
Space Carrier Avalon by Glynn Stewart is space opera at its finest. From the first pages the action is non stop and it continues throughout the book. The story is a basic one about an aging ship being pulled back to face a more modern enemy. The crew must pull together to overcome all the dangers that are thrown at them and preserve the honor of the Avalon. It was a surprisingly good read and I would recommend it to any fan of military sci-fi and space opera.
September 28, 2015
Summary: Military SF, it's a bit obvious and a bit corny in places, but the action is good and the writing very engaging, some decent characters and an interesting universe. Despite its flaws I enjoyed this one
Plotline: Decent plot, well thought out, allowing the action to flow nicely
Premise: Interesting universe, instantaneous comms and FTL
Writing: Very engaging, a 'difficult to put down' book.
Ending: Oh yes, it all happens
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: Decent plot, well thought out, allowing the action to flow nicely
Premise: Interesting universe, instantaneous comms and FTL
Writing: Very engaging, a 'difficult to put down' book.
Ending: Oh yes, it all happens
Pace: Never a dull moment!
June 24, 2019
It’s not bad...just boring
I got halfway through this book before I finally had to call it quits. It’s ok military sci-fi...but it’s just so boring. And there are times when I really can’t tell what the author is talking about. I’ve read lots of hard science sci-fi...but there’s something fishy with this author’s science. Furthermore, he brings way too many character names to remember that don’t matter. Also, there are way too many ship class names, fighter names, weapons names...they all blend together because there’s no rhyme or reason to them. Finally, the love stories between characters are at best...well, immature I guess the word would be. Put this all together with hours of boring interactions and you get a rather bland book. Maybe the series improves...but I’ll never know because the first book is not worth the effort.
I got halfway through this book before I finally had to call it quits. It’s ok military sci-fi...but it’s just so boring. And there are times when I really can’t tell what the author is talking about. I’ve read lots of hard science sci-fi...but there’s something fishy with this author’s science. Furthermore, he brings way too many character names to remember that don’t matter. Also, there are way too many ship class names, fighter names, weapons names...they all blend together because there’s no rhyme or reason to them. Finally, the love stories between characters are at best...well, immature I guess the word would be. Put this all together with hours of boring interactions and you get a rather bland book. Maybe the series improves...but I’ll never know because the first book is not worth the effort.
May 28, 2024
DNF 33 % : if you like administrative military specs, pilot training, HR management, maybe it's for you.
No suspens, no rhythm, no stakes, nothing.
No suspens, no rhythm, no stakes, nothing.
April 13, 2024
I found most of the book enjoyable as a reading experience overall, but I'm concerned that the aspects I didn't like, will reappear in future installments.
The main story arc takes a while to properly start, and while I found it interesting enough for what it is, it's not very original. The pacing is fairly even, but perhaps a bit too slow for my taste, mostly because of all the personal interjections (more on that later) that I didn't enjoy.
What I did enjoy, was the backdrop the author managed to paint, and I'm interested in finding out more about all the parties involved and where the main story will eventually lead.
That being said, while the author takes his time to seemingly set up the story and its pieces properly, some arcs turn out to be dead ends or conclude even before the halfway mark, which leaves me wondering why they were even included in the first place.
The biggest issue I have with this book is that almost everything that happens is told in a very matter-of-fact kind of way. This narration style continuously failed to pull me in during crucial and impactful moments throughout the story.
Unfortunately, this clinical narration is a recurring theme throughout the book, where people
The author also seems to have an odd fixation on describing characters, especially women. Most are described as 'dusky', others 'dumpy', and so on. Otherwise characters are usually only recognizable by their hair color, or at worst, by their 'curves'.
The women are mostly used as romantic interests for the men, and the author keeps bringing these 'relationships' up whenever he feels it's appropriate. Which turns out to be nearly all the time, because it's almost the only thing going on on the ship, when there's no space battle to be fought.
At least one of those relationships, following a dead-end story arc in the beginning, but exactly because of that particular arc, is incredibly unprofessional.
For a story that takes place in the 28th century - 700 years from now - there's not a lot of futuristic technology to be found, and even paper books are apparently still a thing.
All in all, I found this to be lacking but with potential, that hopefully doesn't get squandered in book two. Rather generously rounding up to a 3/5.
The main story arc takes a while to properly start, and while I found it interesting enough for what it is, it's not very original. The pacing is fairly even, but perhaps a bit too slow for my taste, mostly because of all the personal interjections (more on that later) that I didn't enjoy.
What I did enjoy, was the backdrop the author managed to paint, and I'm interested in finding out more about all the parties involved and where the main story will eventually lead.
That being said, while the author takes his time to seemingly set up the story and its pieces properly, some arcs turn out to be dead ends or conclude even before the halfway mark, which leaves me wondering why they were even included in the first place.
The biggest issue I have with this book is that almost everything that happens is told in a very matter-of-fact kind of way. This narration style continuously failed to pull me in during crucial and impactful moments throughout the story.
Unfortunately, this clinical narration is a recurring theme throughout the book, where people
The author also seems to have an odd fixation on describing characters, especially women. Most are described as 'dusky', others 'dumpy', and so on. Otherwise characters are usually only recognizable by their hair color, or at worst, by their 'curves'.
The women are mostly used as romantic interests for the men, and the author keeps bringing these 'relationships' up whenever he feels it's appropriate. Which turns out to be nearly all the time, because it's almost the only thing going on on the ship, when there's no space battle to be fought.
At least one of those relationships, following a dead-end story arc in the beginning, but exactly because of that particular arc, is incredibly unprofessional.
For a story that takes place in the 28th century - 700 years from now - there's not a lot of futuristic technology to be found, and even paper books are apparently still a thing.
All in all, I found this to be lacking but with potential, that hopefully doesn't get squandered in book two. Rather generously rounding up to a 3/5.
March 4, 2024
Good!
This book has nothing particular going for it, no overly complicated plot, no gigantic over arching plot (there's a bit of one, but nothing like other series I've read). And honestly, that's good.
The book is extremely simple in premise and execution.
There are a few minor issues with flow but all in all it's a simple run of the mill sci fi. And in this case, i liked it!
This book has nothing particular going for it, no overly complicated plot, no gigantic over arching plot (there's a bit of one, but nothing like other series I've read). And honestly, that's good.
The book is extremely simple in premise and execution.
There are a few minor issues with flow but all in all it's a simple run of the mill sci fi. And in this case, i liked it!
August 6, 2017
Fast paced, full of action, no dull moments. There are at least 4 different stories in just one book. (Compared to the ones I recently read, it was an interesting change.)
June 6, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Space opera lovers rejoice! Anybody who loves reading about the adventures and improbable successes of Admiral Honor Harrington will will be enthralled by this series. The Space Carrier Avalon is an outdated starship on its last voyage but it has a heritage unlike any other. Glynn Stewart is one of my new favorite authors.
July 5, 2018
I’ve read quite a few books by Glynn Stewart and he has a good writing style. Unlike Starship mage, this book did not speak to me on that fantasy loving level, however, it was still quite good withing the bounds of it’s genre with characters who seem well developped. I like reading about capable characters, so…not disappointed at all :)
October 27, 2019
An engrossing fast paced scifi. It's battlestar galatica-esque with an old ship on one last run before its decommissioned. Which means plenty of less than stellar things happening on board with a complacent crew and some new members trying to clean them up but then war breaks out and they have to face impossible odds. Honestly at this point I'll read anything by Glynn Stewart. Is it the most original idea ever? no. But it's an engaging space opera with awesome characters and exciting space battles that I couldn't put down.
CW: two female characters face sexual violence and there is very binary language used throughout
CW: two female characters face sexual violence and there is very binary language used throughout
October 14, 2018
This was military space opera in my style. A good hero, a war brewing, and capital ships slugging it out.
As can be deduced from the book blurb the Castle Federation is about to go to war with the Commonwealth and the space carrier Avalon finds herself on the front lines of the first strike.
As the first book in the series there are of course a lot of introductions and the most important of these are Wing Commander Kyle Roberts who is the main protagonist in this adventure. When he is reporting for duty on Avalon he is quickly absorbed by a chain of events that includes dealing with issues such as the usual incompetence and criminal behavior from politically promoted officers, a change of rank and duties under dire circumstances to enemy capital ships knocking on the air lock.
Luckily, in addition being competent himself, there are quite a few competent people around him to help him. One of those being the Captain of ship which I found extremely good. I really do not fancy stories where the Captain is an asshole.
There’s a fair bit of action in the book and it a quite well done. So are the characters and interactions between them. I quite like Kyle since he is a honest and quite competent person. His evolution (promotions) in this first book is, well, quite a lot and the author is perhaps stretching it a bit with this string of dramatic and somewhat tragic events that Kyle has to endure.
I really liked the book and hope that the series will continue much in the same way. The book blurb of the following books do indeed give me some concern that political rubbish will rear its ugly head but I guess that remains to be seen I guess. The next book in the series is already in the queue for me.
As can be deduced from the book blurb the Castle Federation is about to go to war with the Commonwealth and the space carrier Avalon finds herself on the front lines of the first strike.
As the first book in the series there are of course a lot of introductions and the most important of these are Wing Commander Kyle Roberts who is the main protagonist in this adventure. When he is reporting for duty on Avalon he is quickly absorbed by a chain of events that includes dealing with issues such as the usual incompetence and criminal behavior from politically promoted officers, a change of rank and duties under dire circumstances to enemy capital ships knocking on the air lock.
Luckily, in addition being competent himself, there are quite a few competent people around him to help him. One of those being the Captain of ship which I found extremely good. I really do not fancy stories where the Captain is an asshole.
There’s a fair bit of action in the book and it a quite well done. So are the characters and interactions between them. I quite like Kyle since he is a honest and quite competent person. His evolution (promotions) in this first book is, well, quite a lot and the author is perhaps stretching it a bit with this string of dramatic and somewhat tragic events that Kyle has to endure.
I really liked the book and hope that the series will continue much in the same way. The book blurb of the following books do indeed give me some concern that political rubbish will rear its ugly head but I guess that remains to be seen I guess. The next book in the series is already in the queue for me.
September 14, 2015
Thoroughly engaging this book started off on what I thought was a high note but kept on getting better as I turned the virtual pages in my Kindle app.
Newly promoted Wing Commander Kyle Roberts is getting more than he bargained for when he gets transferred to the Alliance Navy's Old Lady, the DSC Avalon. An aging deep space carrier with a rotten, though soon to be replaced, crew, aging parts that threaten failure at any moment, and a war looming on the horizon that she may not be up to the task of involving herself in. Unfortunately for her, the Navy's Old Lady is thrust into the forefront of war and her new crew show themselves to be up to the task of preserving the honor of both the Alliance and the reputation as a legend that Avalon carries with her.
A very well rounded story, no obvious deus ex machinas, and a very believable cast of characters, each with their own cross to bear makes this story an instant classic. The story opens cleanly and - unfortunately for me - ended both all too soon and very cleanly. Hoping to see more books featuring Kyle Roberts and the rest of the crew from the Navy's Old Lady, perhaps aboard a successor's namesake.
Newly promoted Wing Commander Kyle Roberts is getting more than he bargained for when he gets transferred to the Alliance Navy's Old Lady, the DSC Avalon. An aging deep space carrier with a rotten, though soon to be replaced, crew, aging parts that threaten failure at any moment, and a war looming on the horizon that she may not be up to the task of involving herself in. Unfortunately for her, the Navy's Old Lady is thrust into the forefront of war and her new crew show themselves to be up to the task of preserving the honor of both the Alliance and the reputation as a legend that Avalon carries with her.
A very well rounded story, no obvious deus ex machinas, and a very believable cast of characters, each with their own cross to bear makes this story an instant classic. The story opens cleanly and - unfortunately for me - ended both all too soon and very cleanly. Hoping to see more books featuring Kyle Roberts and the rest of the crew from the Navy's Old Lady, perhaps aboard a successor's namesake.
November 6, 2016
3.5 étoiles
à réserver aux amateurs du genre
Toujours difficile de poser le cadre d'un conflit et les évolutions techniques des vaisseaux spatiaux en peu de temps ce qui rend le début du récit un peu trop descriptif et donc laborieux pour le lecteur
Les premiers 50 % m'ont aussi paru convenus (feeling of "déjà vu") mais c'est un livre d'actions, de combats (j'ai pas trop suivi tout le côté technique et la physique évoquée pour le voyage plus vite que la lumière... ) qui tient le lecteur en haleine jusqu'au bout
Si le développement psychologiques des personnages principaux et l'environnement politique du conflit, ne sont pas la priorité de l'auteur, finalement les actes de dévouements , le courage sans faille de ces militaires les rendent attachants et donnent envie d'en savoir plus
Les relations amoureuses sont anecdotiques (ce qui me satisfait pleinement )
Je lirai certainement la suite
Merci à Hélène pour sa recommandation
à réserver aux amateurs du genre
Toujours difficile de poser le cadre d'un conflit et les évolutions techniques des vaisseaux spatiaux en peu de temps ce qui rend le début du récit un peu trop descriptif et donc laborieux pour le lecteur
Les premiers 50 % m'ont aussi paru convenus (feeling of "déjà vu") mais c'est un livre d'actions, de combats (j'ai pas trop suivi tout le côté technique et la physique évoquée pour le voyage plus vite que la lumière... ) qui tient le lecteur en haleine jusqu'au bout
Si le développement psychologiques des personnages principaux et l'environnement politique du conflit, ne sont pas la priorité de l'auteur, finalement les actes de dévouements , le courage sans faille de ces militaires les rendent attachants et donnent envie d'en savoir plus
Les relations amoureuses sont anecdotiques (ce qui me satisfait pleinement )
Je lirai certainement la suite
Merci à Hélène pour sa recommandation
May 20, 2016
OK SciFI Read
Book 1, "The Space Carrier Avalon," of the "Castle Federation" series, was an OK SciFi read. It was entertaining and moved pretty quickly.
The storyline is about conflicting human stellar alliances, restarting a war that never truly ended, centuries in the future. The characters are simple, narrative fair and plot basic: "good guys vs. bad guys" stuff. Space navies fight it out, using star fighters launched from space carriers and supporting fleet units. It's a little corny, but not so bad to make the book unreadable.
The eBook author's "science," requires the reader to suspend much of today's accepted knowledge and theories, but that is pretty much par for the course of current SciFi. The editing and proofreading are barely acceptable, and cause for justifiable readers' annoyance.
Book 1, "The Space Carrier Avalon," of the "Castle Federation" series, was an OK SciFi read. It was entertaining and moved pretty quickly.
The storyline is about conflicting human stellar alliances, restarting a war that never truly ended, centuries in the future. The characters are simple, narrative fair and plot basic: "good guys vs. bad guys" stuff. Space navies fight it out, using star fighters launched from space carriers and supporting fleet units. It's a little corny, but not so bad to make the book unreadable.
The eBook author's "science," requires the reader to suspend much of today's accepted knowledge and theories, but that is pretty much par for the course of current SciFi. The editing and proofreading are barely acceptable, and cause for justifiable readers' annoyance.
October 2, 2024
This book slaps. I did not at all expect it to cover the topics it did, in such a mature way; especially considering how military science fiction usually is around similar topics.
From the early pages this book was genuinely intriguing, the characters all felt unique and developed. It was such a jump from the last few books I've read.
The Technology in this book was fascinating and I really appreciated how Glynn Stewart is able to teach you what the technology/battle scene is, without it feeling too much/at all like it's just telling you.
I also appreciate the - diversity? I know the bar is so low in military science fiction but it was nice to see different cultures; especially within the Alliance and them feel genuine.
Genuinely a really good piece of science fiction that I look forward to continuing.
4.5-4.75*
From the early pages this book was genuinely intriguing, the characters all felt unique and developed. It was such a jump from the last few books I've read.
The Technology in this book was fascinating and I really appreciated how Glynn Stewart is able to teach you what the technology/battle scene is, without it feeling too much/at all like it's just telling you.
I also appreciate the - diversity? I know the bar is so low in military science fiction but it was nice to see different cultures; especially within the Alliance and them feel genuine.
Genuinely a really good piece of science fiction that I look forward to continuing.
4.5-4.75*
November 6, 2019
Space Carrier Avalon....
EXCELLENT!!! Military science fiction at its best! All of the excitement and anticipation of top flight space opera and real, believable characters and relationships that keep your interest throughout. I heartily recommend this book to anyone, whether they are a fan of this genre or not.....it's a great read!
I can truthfully say that I will re-read this book more than once.
EXCELLENT!!! Military science fiction at its best! All of the excitement and anticipation of top flight space opera and real, believable characters and relationships that keep your interest throughout. I heartily recommend this book to anyone, whether they are a fan of this genre or not.....it's a great read!
I can truthfully say that I will re-read this book more than once.
December 4, 2015
Great sci-fi. Couldn't put it down.
This book reminded me of David Weber and the Honor Harrington space series. Bold characters with spines of steel in whom the Honor and Sacrifice of the Space Navy thrive. Avalon is the oldest ship of the fleet but is called upon when the Terrans are found ready to invade. I heartily recommend this book to all sf readers.
This book reminded me of David Weber and the Honor Harrington space series. Bold characters with spines of steel in whom the Honor and Sacrifice of the Space Navy thrive. Avalon is the oldest ship of the fleet but is called upon when the Terrans are found ready to invade. I heartily recommend this book to all sf readers.
June 25, 2015
Great Flight of Fantasy
Glenn Stewart sure did a number on this one. A highly exciting and readable science fiction tale.
Good characters and believable science make this a most enjoyable read.
Glenn Stewart sure did a number on this one. A highly exciting and readable science fiction tale.
Good characters and believable science make this a most enjoyable read.
July 1, 2015
Great Military Space Adventure
Avalon is a great read with lots of action, ingenious battle strategy , great characters and a good story line. I hope to read more about the career of Kyle Roberts. Strong work!!!
Avalon is a great read with lots of action, ingenious battle strategy , great characters and a good story line. I hope to read more about the career of Kyle Roberts. Strong work!!!
August 11, 2015
An excellent book in the military sci-fi tradition, with a plot that doesn't wait to get started but launches into the action - while with plenty of room for character development - immediately. Several good surprise twists to keep you hanging; I was up until way after midnight finishing this one!
August 24, 2015
Well written
I enjoyed reading this book for a variety of reasons. There were no aliens it was humanity against humanity which is probably what will happen. The characters really were vibrant and believable. I really hope we see more of this series
I enjoyed reading this book for a variety of reasons. There were no aliens it was humanity against humanity which is probably what will happen. The characters really were vibrant and believable. I really hope we see more of this series
November 19, 2015
Good read
This was a good read by Mr Stewart . I always enjoy reading his books this one took a little longer than normal to get the action started but when it did , I couldn't stop turning pages. Lots of action and a great storyline.
This was a good read by Mr Stewart . I always enjoy reading his books this one took a little longer than normal to get the action started but when it did , I couldn't stop turning pages. Lots of action and a great storyline.
June 6, 2017
A solid military sci-fi book spoiled horribly by describing all female officers by their "attributes" and then intimating that all they want to do is shag their male colleagues. Shame really because if you can get past that it's a good story.
November 28, 2017
The book is not bad and not overly good. Character interesting but not brilliant. The universe is very stereotypical and lacks details. Tactical part is reasonable, but scientific part is terrible. Cherenkov radiation in vacuum, really?
July 8, 2015
Actually much better than I was expecting. The characters are sort of stock, but the plot was well paced and action packed. Overall a pretty enjoyable read.
August 9, 2015
A straightforward sci fi adventure with more than it's share of twists and turns. A very good read with a slightly rushed ending.
August 24, 2015
Would like to have this book continue as a series!
Excellent book. The book was h add to put down
Best story I've read in a long time
Keep up the great storytelling!!!
Excellent book. The book was h add to put down
Best story I've read in a long time
Keep up the great storytelling!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews