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Folding Space #1
Lightwave: Clocker
Her secret frees trillions…
Discovery risks them all.
Saree’s got a secret. A big one. She tunes space fold clocks—the only thing allowing safe travel between star systems. She’s the only human Clocker. The security of trillions relies on Saree’s freedom. And they can never know.
Despite her best efforts, rumors fly. With a bounty hunter on her heels, Saree jumps on Lightwave Fold Transport, the safest option. But she quickly regrets her snap decision. Lightwave’s crew are mercenaries she barely escaped as a child. Do they suspect who she’s become?
Can Saree keep her secret life safe? She’d rather die than blockade and blackmail systems for a crime lord or evil corporation. And there’s worse out there…
Race across the universe, one step ahead of danger with Saree and the crew of Lightwave. Get your copy of Lightwave: Clocker, Folding Space Series 1.0, before freedom ticks away, one nanosecond at a time…
Discovery risks them all.
Saree’s got a secret. A big one. She tunes space fold clocks—the only thing allowing safe travel between star systems. She’s the only human Clocker. The security of trillions relies on Saree’s freedom. And they can never know.
Despite her best efforts, rumors fly. With a bounty hunter on her heels, Saree jumps on Lightwave Fold Transport, the safest option. But she quickly regrets her snap decision. Lightwave’s crew are mercenaries she barely escaped as a child. Do they suspect who she’s become?
Can Saree keep her secret life safe? She’d rather die than blockade and blackmail systems for a crime lord or evil corporation. And there’s worse out there…
Race across the universe, one step ahead of danger with Saree and the crew of Lightwave. Get your copy of Lightwave: Clocker, Folding Space Series 1.0, before freedom ticks away, one nanosecond at a time…
ebook
First published May 18, 2018
444 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Scott
23 books29 followersAfter twenty years as a US Air Force space operations officer, AM now operates a laptop, trading in real satellites for fictional spaceships. She writes classic-style science fiction for today’s world, full of adventure, hope and heart.
AM’s writing cave is deep in the mountains of western Montana; check out Montana, The Amazing Sleeping Man, Zoe, their slightly crazy German Shepherd and Shepherd Book on Instagram. AM is also a volunteer leader with Team Rubicon Disaster Response.
Sign up for the Scott Space Newsletter and get free short stories, Lightwave: Short Stories 1. https://www.amscottwrites.com/lightwa...
The Folding Space Series is complete and ready for binge reading! Start with Lightwave: Nexus Station or Lightwave: Clocker. The Quantum Fold series is complete, too. Start with Quinn of Cygnus: Lift Off!
Time Guild 2 is coming soon!
AM’s writing cave is deep in the mountains of western Montana; check out Montana, The Amazing Sleeping Man, Zoe, their slightly crazy German Shepherd and Shepherd Book on Instagram. AM is also a volunteer leader with Team Rubicon Disaster Response.
Sign up for the Scott Space Newsletter and get free short stories, Lightwave: Short Stories 1. https://www.amscottwrites.com/lightwa...
The Folding Space Series is complete and ready for binge reading! Start with Lightwave: Nexus Station or Lightwave: Clocker. The Quantum Fold series is complete, too. Start with Quinn of Cygnus: Lift Off!
Time Guild 2 is coming soon!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 28, 2020
Fun read for Sci-Fi lovers
I'll begin this review with saying I'm not a Sci-Fi lover. However, it was an interesting read and getting acquainted with new worlds and characters is always fun. Romance lovers will enjoy the slow burn between Saree and Cary, and I believe there will be more action between these two as the series continues. My main issue with the story being a non-Sci-Fi reader is the terminology can be a bit cumbersome and the folding concept was a little confusing, but again, I chalk this up to being outside my scope of interest and understanding.
I'll begin this review with saying I'm not a Sci-Fi lover. However, it was an interesting read and getting acquainted with new worlds and characters is always fun. Romance lovers will enjoy the slow burn between Saree and Cary, and I believe there will be more action between these two as the series continues. My main issue with the story being a non-Sci-Fi reader is the terminology can be a bit cumbersome and the folding concept was a little confusing, but again, I chalk this up to being outside my scope of interest and understanding.
August 12, 2020
This book has several all-too-common problems, and so despite the fact that it was otherwise generally competent, I'm unlikely to read a sequel.
First, the problem of people who don't know much science (or maybe who can't communicate the science they know in a way that's convincing) trying to write science fiction. The justification for why someone is travelling around "tuning" atomic clocks is one of the most egregious bits of nonsensical technobabble (combined with mysticism) that I've seen. Also, the author speaks as if constellations are real astronomical groupings of stars physically close to one another, rather than imaginary groupings of stars that happen to be in the same part of Earth's sky (but are often physically far apart).
Then, some of the very common editing issues. It seems that a lot of authors these days don't understand how the past perfect tense works, and there are several dozen examples in this book where it should have been used instead of simple past, but wasn't. There are also occasional excess commas between non-coordinating adjectives (a very common error; the comma usage is otherwise good, and the apostrophes are all correct.) And there are some glaring dangling modifiers, and a few straight-out typos. It's far from the worst I've seen, certainly, but there are so many of them (especially the missing past perfect) that I was constantly brought up short and distracted from the story.
The story itself is OK; the beginning of an extremely slow-burn romance which, in this book, mostly consists of both attracted parties repeatedly noting to themselves the obstacles to acting on the attraction; and a half-hearted mystery plot with many suspects and no detective to speak of, which resolves itself abruptly. There are a couple of decent action sequences towards the end, and we're shown good-hearted characters who in at least some cases have a degree of depth and backstory. It's very far from terrible, but it's not outstanding either.
Just OK.
First, the problem of people who don't know much science (or maybe who can't communicate the science they know in a way that's convincing) trying to write science fiction. The justification for why someone is travelling around "tuning" atomic clocks is one of the most egregious bits of nonsensical technobabble (combined with mysticism) that I've seen. Also, the author speaks as if constellations are real astronomical groupings of stars physically close to one another, rather than imaginary groupings of stars that happen to be in the same part of Earth's sky (but are often physically far apart).
Then, some of the very common editing issues. It seems that a lot of authors these days don't understand how the past perfect tense works, and there are several dozen examples in this book where it should have been used instead of simple past, but wasn't. There are also occasional excess commas between non-coordinating adjectives (a very common error; the comma usage is otherwise good, and the apostrophes are all correct.) And there are some glaring dangling modifiers, and a few straight-out typos. It's far from the worst I've seen, certainly, but there are so many of them (especially the missing past perfect) that I was constantly brought up short and distracted from the story.
The story itself is OK; the beginning of an extremely slow-burn romance which, in this book, mostly consists of both attracted parties repeatedly noting to themselves the obstacles to acting on the attraction; and a half-hearted mystery plot with many suspects and no detective to speak of, which resolves itself abruptly. There are a couple of decent action sequences towards the end, and we're shown good-hearted characters who in at least some cases have a degree of depth and backstory. It's very far from terrible, but it's not outstanding either.
Just OK.
August 13, 2020
Enjoyed the science fiction world building.
On board a space ship, Saree is trying to hide the fact that she is a clocker.
That is when things come to light that everyone in the ship has secrets of their own and they are all trying to hide something.
The captain of the spaceship really has a lot of powerful enemies after him.
How Saree and Ruhger, the Captain work together to solve the problem was very well etched in the confines of space.
Though it is a science fiction, more focus was on Saree and her emotional turmoil and it was enjoyable too.
How, she learns to use her power has been well brought out. The elements of science fiction explaining about the folded space was good to read.
Liked it.
On board a space ship, Saree is trying to hide the fact that she is a clocker.
That is when things come to light that everyone in the ship has secrets of their own and they are all trying to hide something.
The captain of the spaceship really has a lot of powerful enemies after him.
How Saree and Ruhger, the Captain work together to solve the problem was very well etched in the confines of space.
Though it is a science fiction, more focus was on Saree and her emotional turmoil and it was enjoyable too.
How, she learns to use her power has been well brought out. The elements of science fiction explaining about the folded space was good to read.
Liked it.
August 12, 2020
Fairly decent story. I'm very likely to continue the series, but it will have to wait until funds permit. I liked this one, it's a rather unique blend of space travel, and human interaction, and even with the conflicts, it all works. The only thing we don't know is how the aggressers knew to snatch our main character, otherwise, the story was a good one, and I like the world that is being built here. This has spaceships (always something I enjoy in my scifi), aliens, technology that ties it all together, and a major secret about that tech that could cause our main character to be imprisoned just for knowing it. Not by the authorities, no, that would be too easy, but by those who would like to exploit the knowledge for themselves. I'm not all that clear on how this would benefit a third party, but the story is built on that premise, so I guess it works, though there are some unanswered questions. Whether they get answered in future volumes is anybody's guess at this point, but even with that, it's still a nice way to spend an afternoon or two if you like your scifi with an attempt at somehard science built in, which is pretty amazing, considering the science doesn't exist, and the story does a pretty good job of making it believable too, which is always appreciated.
January 28, 2020
Someone on this ship is an assassin…
The luxury starship LightWave is carrying an assortment of passengers on what seems to be a routine voyage. Among them are a music scholar, some doctors, an opera singer, an engineer and a pair of professional bodyguards. But on this trip, nothing is what it seems , including the crew and even the ship itself. Everyone has secrets, and some have a price on their heads. The only question is just who is stalking who.
The story follows the parallel stories of two characters on the ship – Saree, the supposed scholar who is actually a ‘clocker’ with a unique talent vital in the interstellar trade, and troubled ship captain Ruhger, a mercenary on the run from powerful enemies. Both are hunted and with every reason to keep their secrets, so the instant attraction between them is more than a little inconvenient.
The worldbuilding is neatly done, with a whole galaxy sketched in well enough to provide a good backdrop without resorting to plot-slowing information dumps. This is the first in the series, so Scott has a lot of ground to cover, but does it without straining. Characters are as solid as they need to be, from the petulant, glamorous ship’s cook to the passengers who range from aristocratic to downright alien.
This is not an outright action adventure or murder mystery; much of the focus is on Saree’s emotional life, her history and her uncertain relationship with Ruhger (who is, among other things, drop-dead gorgeous and extremely athletic). We also learn a lot about her eating habits and exercise regime, and she has frequent heart-to-hearts with her AI sidekick, the ominously-named Hal. It’s not all romance though, as there is also a strain of hard science from the challenges of atomic clock synchronisation to nickel allergy.
Lightwave Clocker is an easy read and a good introduction to the Folded Space series.
The luxury starship LightWave is carrying an assortment of passengers on what seems to be a routine voyage. Among them are a music scholar, some doctors, an opera singer, an engineer and a pair of professional bodyguards. But on this trip, nothing is what it seems , including the crew and even the ship itself. Everyone has secrets, and some have a price on their heads. The only question is just who is stalking who.
The story follows the parallel stories of two characters on the ship – Saree, the supposed scholar who is actually a ‘clocker’ with a unique talent vital in the interstellar trade, and troubled ship captain Ruhger, a mercenary on the run from powerful enemies. Both are hunted and with every reason to keep their secrets, so the instant attraction between them is more than a little inconvenient.
The worldbuilding is neatly done, with a whole galaxy sketched in well enough to provide a good backdrop without resorting to plot-slowing information dumps. This is the first in the series, so Scott has a lot of ground to cover, but does it without straining. Characters are as solid as they need to be, from the petulant, glamorous ship’s cook to the passengers who range from aristocratic to downright alien.
This is not an outright action adventure or murder mystery; much of the focus is on Saree’s emotional life, her history and her uncertain relationship with Ruhger (who is, among other things, drop-dead gorgeous and extremely athletic). We also learn a lot about her eating habits and exercise regime, and she has frequent heart-to-hearts with her AI sidekick, the ominously-named Hal. It’s not all romance though, as there is also a strain of hard science from the challenges of atomic clock synchronisation to nickel allergy.
Lightwave Clocker is an easy read and a good introduction to the Folded Space series.
August 20, 2020
AM Scott’s “Lightwave: Clocker” introduces the reader to a universe that is multi-layered and intriguing. What starts as the protagonist fleeing a mysterious pursuer becomes a whodunit with a select group of characters on a spaceship - each with their own secrets and shadows.
Well-written and an easy read, I enjoyed the character development of the ship's crew, the world-building, and the light humor. There is a romance element, presented with a light touch. The story is satisfactorily resolved by the end of the book, and is set up to invite the reader to continue exploring the universe introduced in the story.
Well-written and an easy read, I enjoyed the character development of the ship's crew, the world-building, and the light humor. There is a romance element, presented with a light touch. The story is satisfactorily resolved by the end of the book, and is set up to invite the reader to continue exploring the universe introduced in the story.
August 22, 2020
And I thought Peter F. Hamilton spent a lot of words on food... No really, it's not bad. While the plot in this book is clearly science fiction, the real focus is culture, or should I say cultural drift. Ms. Scott makes good use of language to illustrate that cultural drift, without resorting to words that are nearly impossible for the average reader to pronounce. This book also manages to address a few current cultural issues, without being judgmental. There is real humor in this book, along with a few nods to present day science fiction and fans.
This is the first book in a seven book series, (eight if you count the 116 page volume 0.5) so be aware if you like this, you're going to want the rest of the series.
Although it's not my style to react to other reviews. I do want to comment about the central plot device in this book, which are ultra precise clocks (time standards) needed to make accurate instantaneous jumps between star systems. A review that was highly critical of this got me to thinking about it, and I have to say I very much agree with the author that this WOULD be critical. Any ship within a solar system is in orbit around the star, so where it is pointing at any given nanosecond is different. Add to that the proper motion of both the origin and destination solar systems through space that must include the rotation of the galaxy, and the proper motion of the galaxy itself, and you realize that in order to arrive where you intend, WHEN you trigger the "fold drive" becomes ultra critical. This is not like Star Trek or Star Wars where interstellar travel takes hours or days, allowing for course corrections, this is instant travel, with no opportunity to adjust.
This is the first book in a seven book series, (eight if you count the 116 page volume 0.5) so be aware if you like this, you're going to want the rest of the series.
Although it's not my style to react to other reviews. I do want to comment about the central plot device in this book, which are ultra precise clocks (time standards) needed to make accurate instantaneous jumps between star systems. A review that was highly critical of this got me to thinking about it, and I have to say I very much agree with the author that this WOULD be critical. Any ship within a solar system is in orbit around the star, so where it is pointing at any given nanosecond is different. Add to that the proper motion of both the origin and destination solar systems through space that must include the rotation of the galaxy, and the proper motion of the galaxy itself, and you realize that in order to arrive where you intend, WHEN you trigger the "fold drive" becomes ultra critical. This is not like Star Trek or Star Wars where interstellar travel takes hours or days, allowing for course corrections, this is instant travel, with no opportunity to adjust.
November 1, 2019
A great space adventure!
After reading this book, I am fully looking forward to purchasing the next book in the series. I can’t wait to read along with the next steps of Saree and the good Captain’s adventures, along with Hal and the rest of the crew! And that chef... 😝
All in all, the beginnings to a great, must read series. Five stars!
After reading this book, I am fully looking forward to purchasing the next book in the series. I can’t wait to read along with the next steps of Saree and the good Captain’s adventures, along with Hal and the rest of the crew! And that chef... 😝
All in all, the beginnings to a great, must read series. Five stars!
December 13, 2018
Lightwave: Clocker is a great Space Opera. The characters feel like real people, the action is believable, and the technology is pretty cool. This story definitely has a Firefly feeling — if you love the Browncoats, you should try this one.
I read this novel in the early stages, and the published novel is even better.
I read this novel in the early stages, and the published novel is even better.
September 3, 2019
Excellent Sci-Fi
A compelling read with interesting character development and a plot that keeps giving. I enjoyed the read thoroughly. Lots to keep any age of reader intrigued. Nice!
A compelling read with interesting character development and a plot that keeps giving. I enjoyed the read thoroughly. Lots to keep any age of reader intrigued. Nice!
April 2, 2020
Rarely do I read sci fi, but A.M. Scott may have changed that. Wonderful characters, great plot an altogether very engaging story. I will definitely be reading book #2.
August 25, 2020
I picked up Lightwave: Clocker when it was free on Amazon a few weeks ago... I’m not usually a big fan of campy, but this was fun! The technology is, of course, fictional and we don’t know the science of any of it, but it all seems consistent and reasonable, which I appreciate in any sci-fi book. The story was fast-paced. Only a few pages here and there were slow, otherwise, I was doing the usual "I’ll just read one more chapter..." deal several times before bed that I do when really enjoying a book.
The story is both character and plot-based. There is a fairly large cast, but only a few main characters. It’s 100% a mystery and the whole time you’re trying to figure out who, if anyone, could be after Cary, aka Saree, our brave heroine. The crew of Lightwave Fold Transport are all unique and interesting. I particularly liked the delightful Chef Loreli, she adds a certain bit of whimsey mixed with badass. The characters aren’t very dynamic in this first book, they don���t seem to grow too much, but I’m hopeful for their futures. Except for Hal… I think you’ll like Hal.
There were quirks I didn’t like, such as introducing new slang expletives or pejoratives like “rad blasted”. It’s common for books set in different times and worlds (think “fraking” from Battlestar Galactica), I’ve just never been a fan of it. What I did like was AM Scott’s descriptions of the military-style training of the crew. If you’ve read my review of Caliban’s War, you’ll know I loved the descriptions of the space battles and I think this is along those same lines. Perhaps it’s the author’s two decades as a US Air Force space operations officer that allows her to write with authority about the military aspects and the space aspects.
If you enjoy space operas, mysteries, or campy fun, you should check out Lightwave: Clocker.! I’m sure I’ll power through the whole Folding Space series pretty quickly.
The story is both character and plot-based. There is a fairly large cast, but only a few main characters. It’s 100% a mystery and the whole time you’re trying to figure out who, if anyone, could be after Cary, aka Saree, our brave heroine. The crew of Lightwave Fold Transport are all unique and interesting. I particularly liked the delightful Chef Loreli, she adds a certain bit of whimsey mixed with badass. The characters aren’t very dynamic in this first book, they don���t seem to grow too much, but I’m hopeful for their futures. Except for Hal… I think you’ll like Hal.
There were quirks I didn’t like, such as introducing new slang expletives or pejoratives like “rad blasted”. It’s common for books set in different times and worlds (think “fraking” from Battlestar Galactica), I’ve just never been a fan of it. What I did like was AM Scott’s descriptions of the military-style training of the crew. If you’ve read my review of Caliban’s War, you’ll know I loved the descriptions of the space battles and I think this is along those same lines. Perhaps it’s the author’s two decades as a US Air Force space operations officer that allows her to write with authority about the military aspects and the space aspects.
If you enjoy space operas, mysteries, or campy fun, you should check out Lightwave: Clocker.! I’m sure I’ll power through the whole Folding Space series pretty quickly.
January 6, 2020
The Story Unfolds
While I love shows like Star Trek and Firefly, pure sci-fi has never been my wheelhouse because it can become too tech heavy - I find a little fantasy usually lightens the load for me. That said, I really enjoyed this book.
It took me a while to truly understand the concepts of “folding”, and I’m still not certain I completely understand the conflict between all of the parties, but the characters are likeable, although still a bit mysterious. The Good: great detail and worldbuilding; language changes and vocabulary made the world rich enough to be different, but not so much so that the world became sterile or too hard to follow. The ??? I wanted to know more backstory on the characters to better understand their motivations. And I could have used maybe a prologue of some sort that helped me fully understand the physics of folding.
The best part: Book 2 is already out so I can scurry off to find out if the characters live up to the promises made in Book 1. If you’re a pure sci-fi reader I have no doubt that you will find this book highly entertaining. For me, this is one of the rare occasions where I wish I had a movie to visually help me understand the concept of “folding” - because I, for one, would like to give it a try. The clock is ticking...
While I love shows like Star Trek and Firefly, pure sci-fi has never been my wheelhouse because it can become too tech heavy - I find a little fantasy usually lightens the load for me. That said, I really enjoyed this book.
It took me a while to truly understand the concepts of “folding”, and I’m still not certain I completely understand the conflict between all of the parties, but the characters are likeable, although still a bit mysterious. The Good: great detail and worldbuilding; language changes and vocabulary made the world rich enough to be different, but not so much so that the world became sterile or too hard to follow. The ??? I wanted to know more backstory on the characters to better understand their motivations. And I could have used maybe a prologue of some sort that helped me fully understand the physics of folding.
The best part: Book 2 is already out so I can scurry off to find out if the characters live up to the promises made in Book 1. If you’re a pure sci-fi reader I have no doubt that you will find this book highly entertaining. For me, this is one of the rare occasions where I wish I had a movie to visually help me understand the concept of “folding” - because I, for one, would like to give it a try. The clock is ticking...
October 13, 2020
Lightwave Clocker by AM Scott posits a galactic world where FTL travel is arranged by folding space. Safe travel depends on ‘clocks’ set to extreme accuracy. Fold space in one system and, if the target system is out of synchronicity by micro seconds . . . well, bad things can happen.
Saree is on the run from bounty hunters. She is one of only a handful of humans who can repair clocks. The originators of the clocks, the Sa’sa, are a collective – kidnap one and you would have a dead Sa’sa, kidnap a group and all hell would break loose. Kidnap Saree, however, and you can force her to work for a very long time.
So she is running from bounty hunters with the help of a self-aware AI. Fortunately, she runs straight into Lightwave – a fold transport run by ex-mercs with a conscience. Very protective of their reputation and their clients.
So, what’s not to like? Things slow down here and there. There seem to be a couple of characters in the book for the purpose of ‘political correctness’ including a transgender chef with a flaming personality and I dislike ‘correctness’ in a novel just for its own sake. Just me.
Saree is on the run from bounty hunters. She is one of only a handful of humans who can repair clocks. The originators of the clocks, the Sa’sa, are a collective – kidnap one and you would have a dead Sa’sa, kidnap a group and all hell would break loose. Kidnap Saree, however, and you can force her to work for a very long time.
So she is running from bounty hunters with the help of a self-aware AI. Fortunately, she runs straight into Lightwave – a fold transport run by ex-mercs with a conscience. Very protective of their reputation and their clients.
So, what’s not to like? Things slow down here and there. There seem to be a couple of characters in the book for the purpose of ‘political correctness’ including a transgender chef with a flaming personality and I dislike ‘correctness’ in a novel just for its own sake. Just me.
July 4, 2025
A clever and well-written sci-fi, this novel is how proper speculative fiction should be. The worldbuilding is sophisticated and believable and the characters are engaging and three-dimensional. I adored the Chef in particular. The main protagonists, Saree and Ruhger, are both intelligent but flawed individuals which makes them relatable. I quickly became invested in the story and read the book relatively quickly, despite its length.
There was a lot of techno babble which I struggled to understand at times, but rather like in Star Trek when they spout believable technical terms, I just went with the flow and accepted it. The ending I found a little weak, in that the story stops almost mid-sentence, and though book two is already out – I have it on my Kindle ready — I do feel some resolution to the plot would have served the book better. But this is the only thing I found in the book to comment on, and it is purely my personal opinion.
For lovers of classic sci-fi set in a different galaxy and peopled with a wide range of species, this is a hark back to those great novels of the sixties and seventies.
There was a lot of techno babble which I struggled to understand at times, but rather like in Star Trek when they spout believable technical terms, I just went with the flow and accepted it. The ending I found a little weak, in that the story stops almost mid-sentence, and though book two is already out – I have it on my Kindle ready — I do feel some resolution to the plot would have served the book better. But this is the only thing I found in the book to comment on, and it is purely my personal opinion.
For lovers of classic sci-fi set in a different galaxy and peopled with a wide range of species, this is a hark back to those great novels of the sixties and seventies.
September 10, 2018
What a fun read!!! I'm not sure if this is the authors debut novel or if she has other books, but I'll definitely be checking them out.
A space opera in the grandest of traditions, Lightwave: Clocker jumps right into things from the beginning. Every page brings another level of suspense and intrigue. AM Scott is building the world right in front of you, and she doesn't bother to dumb anything down. The world surrounding the Lightwave Fold Transport is taught solely by immersion into it. I much prefer this style of exposition, allowing the reader to learn as they go rather than finding unnatural ways to explain what a "clocker" does or what an "e-torc" is.
I honestly think anyone who likes an intelligent thriller would enjoy this book. The fact that it's also science fiction is just a bonus for me. I'll be quickly searching for the next one in the series. I've definitely found a new favorite series to follow!
-Dan
A space opera in the grandest of traditions, Lightwave: Clocker jumps right into things from the beginning. Every page brings another level of suspense and intrigue. AM Scott is building the world right in front of you, and she doesn't bother to dumb anything down. The world surrounding the Lightwave Fold Transport is taught solely by immersion into it. I much prefer this style of exposition, allowing the reader to learn as they go rather than finding unnatural ways to explain what a "clocker" does or what an "e-torc" is.
I honestly think anyone who likes an intelligent thriller would enjoy this book. The fact that it's also science fiction is just a bonus for me. I'll be quickly searching for the next one in the series. I've definitely found a new favorite series to follow!
-Dan
November 11, 2020
Believable Story of Building a Family
AM Scott does a great job of developing all of the main characters (including a possibility sentient AI) while building a believable world view. The focus on the realities of life in space and the day to day activities that have to happen makes it easy to let yourself be drawn into this universe. The miracles of SciFi are balanced with the realities of the people who work hard to make technology work. Portals rely on atomic clocks and someone has to do the hard work of maintaining them.
Cary Sasson is one who does this while hiding her real job behind the facade of a scholar traveling to work on her thesis. This story has some action scenes and a touch of possible romance, but it is mainly about the development of a family among those who drift through space.
Take the time to read this all the way to the end. You’ll be glad you did!
AM Scott does a great job of developing all of the main characters (including a possibility sentient AI) while building a believable world view. The focus on the realities of life in space and the day to day activities that have to happen makes it easy to let yourself be drawn into this universe. The miracles of SciFi are balanced with the realities of the people who work hard to make technology work. Portals rely on atomic clocks and someone has to do the hard work of maintaining them.
Cary Sasson is one who does this while hiding her real job behind the facade of a scholar traveling to work on her thesis. This story has some action scenes and a touch of possible romance, but it is mainly about the development of a family among those who drift through space.
Take the time to read this all the way to the end. You’ll be glad you did!
August 21, 2020
Lightwave: Clocker (Folding Space #1) by A.M. Scott
In this book, the Sa'sa species maintain time. Saree Ia'asan is one of the few humans that can actually perform the maintenance. For that, she's a wanted criminal. Trying to escape her chasers, Saree joins the Lightweight Fold Transport and assumes the personality of Cary Sessan, a scholar - which is not untrue since she's pursuing an education.
But Lightwave might not be safer. Lightwave’s crew were mercenaries. Mercenaries who destroyed her childhood home. Saree barely escaped last time. Will they recognize her?
Narrated from the third person point of view, the book is a very easy read. Unfortunately, I'm not a big Sci-Fi fan and I found the plot boring. Not too much happens: and the book becomes more of a series of unusual personalities trying to deal with each other.
Not my cup of tea!
In this book, the Sa'sa species maintain time. Saree Ia'asan is one of the few humans that can actually perform the maintenance. For that, she's a wanted criminal. Trying to escape her chasers, Saree joins the Lightweight Fold Transport and assumes the personality of Cary Sessan, a scholar - which is not untrue since she's pursuing an education.
But Lightwave might not be safer. Lightwave’s crew were mercenaries. Mercenaries who destroyed her childhood home. Saree barely escaped last time. Will they recognize her?
Narrated from the third person point of view, the book is a very easy read. Unfortunately, I'm not a big Sci-Fi fan and I found the plot boring. Not too much happens: and the book becomes more of a series of unusual personalities trying to deal with each other.
Not my cup of tea!
September 10, 2020
I found this a bit confusing to start with (not enough introductory explanation, kind of jumped in as if the reader already knew the details of this universe and left us to catch up) and then a bit heavy going in places where explanations were given in info-dumps. Descriptions were pretty detailed on the immediate environment (i.e. the ship, clothes etc) but lacking in the general universe (e.g. not sure what Sa'sa actually look like, beyond being cold blooded, scales and claws. Some kind of lizard?). However I enjoyed the characters and the story by the midpoint, despite some plot holes.
Bit confused by the whole clock/fold tech, but am happy enough to leave it in the "magic science" category without further details. I don't read sci-fi for actual science ;)
Quite interested to see where the series goes.
Bit confused by the whole clock/fold tech, but am happy enough to leave it in the "magic science" category without further details. I don't read sci-fi for actual science ;)
Quite interested to see where the series goes.
February 6, 2025
The Folding Space series is complete and ready for binge reading! I was so glad to read this at the end of Lightwave: Clocker, because that is just what I intend to do! I really enjoy Space Opera and this was one of the best I've read. Cary is a woman traveling alone in the far fringes of the inhabited galaxy, and she has a secret that could get her killed, or worse, enslaved. The ship that she books passage on and its crew also have their secrets. And all the passengers seem to be hiding something. The interpersonal intrigue is engaging, the science is plausible and not too esoteric, the settings are vivid and the details believable. And romance? We are led to believe the attraction between two main characters may develop into something serious in another book or two. I can hardly wait to dive into book two!
June 17, 2020
A splendid story! Well written, with charismatic characters in a novel vision of life in interstellar society.
I do not hand out five star ratings casually but A.M. Scott earned it with this story.
It was a bit unfair (or brilliant marketing) that she “gave away” the short story introduction to her universe… ought to be as illegal as the drug pusher outside of a middle school because, now I fear I have a new addiction.
I devoured Lightwave: Clocker in two days and (what do you know) the first chapter to the next installment is there to wet ones appetite for more.
This story flows and none of the characters does anything unnecessary to provide the setting for drama.
I do not hand out five star ratings casually but A.M. Scott earned it with this story.
It was a bit unfair (or brilliant marketing) that she “gave away” the short story introduction to her universe… ought to be as illegal as the drug pusher outside of a middle school because, now I fear I have a new addiction.
I devoured Lightwave: Clocker in two days and (what do you know) the first chapter to the next installment is there to wet ones appetite for more.
This story flows and none of the characters does anything unnecessary to provide the setting for drama.
October 16, 2019
It was well-written and exciting to read. Fantastic world-building. The detail was incredible and the mystery was intriguing! The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is because I'm not a natural-born Sci-Fi lover, so I had to fight through some of the technology and terminology of the world, but Saree's character, the mystery, and the background slow burn romance between Saree and Cary was enjoyable!
August 10, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! After reading the first two books, I’m pretty sure I’m hooked on the whole series! Saree, the Scholar, is being hunted; in order to escape the system quickly, she books passage with Lightwave. Saree has a dangerous secret but so does the crew of Lightwave - and there’s something off about most of the other passengers as well...
This book has lots of action, incredibly real characters, and a great plot. Five stars!
This book has lots of action, incredibly real characters, and a great plot. Five stars!
December 29, 2020
An interesting start to a series. I was in two minds of I should shelve this was romance or not - its kind of setting up for a romance, but never actually gets there.
As a SF novel, the world building is ok, but suffers from a lot of info dumping. Characters are a bit on the bland side, but have enough detail to make them slightly interesting. Ended on a wrap up of immediate plot point being resolved, but left so much hanging. So overall, feels like this has potential at least
Probably will pick up the next in the series to see how it goes. When it's on sale, most likely
As a SF novel, the world building is ok, but suffers from a lot of info dumping. Characters are a bit on the bland side, but have enough detail to make them slightly interesting. Ended on a wrap up of immediate plot point being resolved, but left so much hanging. So overall, feels like this has potential at least
Probably will pick up the next in the series to see how it goes. When it's on sale, most likely
May 4, 2023
Meh.
The feel of the book is something like traditional detective stories. There are a bunch of people who aren't necessarily who they appear to be. The players are all shadowy all Hell. There are bad guys somewhere with various bad goals.
The action is SLOW. There are some fairly big plot weaknesses, which aren't so easy to get around.
Not a horrible book, not a brilliant book. If you are looking for a time waster, go for it.
The feel of the book is something like traditional detective stories. There are a bunch of people who aren't necessarily who they appear to be. The players are all shadowy all Hell. There are bad guys somewhere with various bad goals.
The action is SLOW. There are some fairly big plot weaknesses, which aren't so easy to get around.
Not a horrible book, not a brilliant book. If you are looking for a time waster, go for it.
September 12, 2019
Interesting read
Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi series. This book sets the perfect pace and the characters are intriguing. Scott paints the picture in your mind perfectly. I found myself unable to put this book down once I started. Fair warning. Clear your schedule because you will not want stop!
Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi series. This book sets the perfect pace and the characters are intriguing. Scott paints the picture in your mind perfectly. I found myself unable to put this book down once I started. Fair warning. Clear your schedule because you will not want stop!
August 11, 2020
Very interesting
With lots of intrigue and secrets this book turned into a page turner real fast. I loved it. The last people you could think of ended up being...I forgot, I never tell. I usually ask that you get your own copy to see if I am right. Now to see about getting the other books to this series. Enjoy! You won't be disappointed.
With lots of intrigue and secrets this book turned into a page turner real fast. I loved it. The last people you could think of ended up being...I forgot, I never tell. I usually ask that you get your own copy to see if I am right. Now to see about getting the other books to this series. Enjoy! You won't be disappointed.
August 14, 2020
Absolutely fascination
This book is excellent. Saree needs to get off worlds quickly and queitly. An interesting look into how Sci-Fi and xenophobia can go side by side. Without actually saying what she is, just subtle hints the book describes her adventures.
A must read for lovers of r
This book is excellent. Saree needs to get off worlds quickly and queitly. An interesting look into how Sci-Fi and xenophobia can go side by side. Without actually saying what she is, just subtle hints the book describes her adventures.
A must read for lovers of r
December 10, 2020
If the backstory in the first half of the book was deleted, the book would be half as long. Cluttered with too much backstory. Once some action started happening, a reasonable story evolved and a steady pace. The author's insistence in mentioning the person's name (e.g. "Hi, Hal.", "Hi, Saree.") in every piece of dialogue is grating and unnecessary.
A reasonable story once it started.
A reasonable story once it started.
March 19, 2021
Great series, not sure where it is going but so far three of the characters have been soundly covered.
Would like to see some background on the other main characters, captain, engineer and chef.
Similar introductions for these three perhaps in a single book as it seems there is a great deal of common ground.
Would like to see some background on the other main characters, captain, engineer and chef.
Similar introductions for these three perhaps in a single book as it seems there is a great deal of common ground.
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