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Adventures of a Jump Space Accountant #2
Orbital Claims Adjuster
Our hero, Jake Stewart, the first Belter student at the Merchants Academy is ready for his first job. All past sins, like murder, theft, and shooting out an airlock are forgiven. He just has to see a man in a bar and pick up some information. What could possibly go wrong? How about assault., jail, vomit, and charging irregular expenses. Now he's disgraced, possibly fired, in the militia, and on an out orbit trading voyage that is not going well. Oh, and his new boss hates him and might try to kill him. How is he going to get out of this mess?
203 pages, ebook
First published July 11, 2018
519 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Moriarty
28 books282 followersAndrew Moriarty has been reading science fiction his whole life, and he always wondered about the stories he read. How did they ever pay the mortgage for that space ship? Why doesn’t it ever need to be refueled? What would happen if it broke, but the parts were backordered for weeks? And why doesn’t anybody ever have to charge sales tax? Despairing on finding the answers to these questions, he decided to write a book about how space ships would function in the real world. Ships need fuel, fuel costs money, and the accountants run everything.
He was born in Canada, and has lived in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Germany, and Maastricht. Previously he worked as a telephone newspaper subscriptions salesman, a pizza delivery driver, wedding disc jockey, and technology trainer. Unfortunately, he also spent a great deal of time in the IT industry, designing networks and configuring routers and switches. Along the way, he picked up an ex-spy with a predilection for French Champagne, and a whippet with a murderous possessiveness for tennis balls. They live together in Brooklyn.
He was born in Canada, and has lived in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Germany, and Maastricht. Previously he worked as a telephone newspaper subscriptions salesman, a pizza delivery driver, wedding disc jockey, and technology trainer. Unfortunately, he also spent a great deal of time in the IT industry, designing networks and configuring routers and switches. Along the way, he picked up an ex-spy with a predilection for French Champagne, and a whippet with a murderous possessiveness for tennis balls. They live together in Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 21, 2021
After finishing the first in the series I had to rad the second. What can I say, Jake did a good job in the first one and I wanted to see what Mr. Moriarty would throw at him this time.
Two things I noted right away were that Mr. Moriarty changed a few minor things in his world (Jake graduated from the Merchant Academy but it's different than was described in book 1; guess Mr. Moriarty re-thought a few things) and now Mr. Moriarty is fleshing his world out more. Rather than focusing on the small bubble around Jake Mr. Moriarty has opened up his world a little and given us a more complete description of things. Rather than being just TGI with supporting corporations around it we quickly learn that TGI has competitors... hmmm, could make this interesting. What's more we learn that Jake is becoming a junior James Bond.
While there's potential in this one and I love Jake there's a certain "something is missing here" feeling in reading this one. Is it the sophomore dump? Don't really know. What I do know is the secondary characters Zeke and Susanne are nice but rather hollow; I didn't feel they were there or fully part of the story. I'll also say Suzanne was a disappointment to me because the implied piece was she and Zeke (or at least Suzanne) were working for Mr. Dashi and there as oversight. Oh well.. so much for that.
What might have let me down a little is Jake is still naive and more so than I think he should be for having aged more than a year and having had real world experience most people don't get. Come on Mr. Moriarty, playing the dumb nerd/geek a little strong here. I will admit that he does give Jake an out about midway through the book but it's the same out Jake used before and his development is a little retarded right now. Don't get me wrong, this is a 4 star book that I enjoyed except I'm a little disappointed because Jake was set up pretty well and then gets trashed with limited growth and has to rely on his strength. Not bad but not as good as I was hoping for. Especially since Nadine is back in the game and while Jake shows he knows Nadine's game it's still flawed. I guess the big win this time was I didn't totally predict the ending as early as I did last time. There is a nice little twist that shows Jake is learning some and Mr. Dashi does like him and has a future for him.
Two things I noted right away were that Mr. Moriarty changed a few minor things in his world (Jake graduated from the Merchant Academy but it's different than was described in book 1; guess Mr. Moriarty re-thought a few things) and now Mr. Moriarty is fleshing his world out more. Rather than focusing on the small bubble around Jake Mr. Moriarty has opened up his world a little and given us a more complete description of things. Rather than being just TGI with supporting corporations around it we quickly learn that TGI has competitors... hmmm, could make this interesting. What's more we learn that Jake is becoming a junior James Bond.
While there's potential in this one and I love Jake there's a certain "something is missing here" feeling in reading this one. Is it the sophomore dump? Don't really know. What I do know is the secondary characters Zeke and Susanne are nice but rather hollow; I didn't feel they were there or fully part of the story. I'll also say Suzanne was a disappointment to me because the implied piece was she and Zeke (or at least Suzanne) were working for Mr. Dashi and there as oversight. Oh well.. so much for that.
What might have let me down a little is Jake is still naive and more so than I think he should be for having aged more than a year and having had real world experience most people don't get. Come on Mr. Moriarty, playing the dumb nerd/geek a little strong here. I will admit that he does give Jake an out about midway through the book but it's the same out Jake used before and his development is a little retarded right now. Don't get me wrong, this is a 4 star book that I enjoyed except I'm a little disappointed because Jake was set up pretty well and then gets trashed with limited growth and has to rely on his strength. Not bad but not as good as I was hoping for. Especially since Nadine is back in the game and while Jake shows he knows Nadine's game it's still flawed. I guess the big win this time was I didn't totally predict the ending as early as I did last time. There is a nice little twist that shows Jake is learning some and Mr. Dashi does like him and has a future for him.
Read
July 4, 2023I did not bother to finish. Rating: minus 3
I originally did not bother to rate this book and tried to re-read it but I dropped it at the 42% mark. That first read was more than two years ago and by that time, I was already less than impressed with Amazon or their loan selection. This was a bad book and I suspect was designed that way. It should be understandable that I began not rating books. I will need visit YouTube before I can tackle this review. 🙂
This next section is brought to you by My Narrowboat Venture, Biz Barclay, The Kavernacle, Cambrian Chronicles, Cruising Alba, NFKRZ, Atun Shei, Terrible Writing Advice, No Justice MTG, Mia Mulder, Owen Jones, UATV, May Moon Narrowboat, Sabaton, Tom Nicholas, Kings and Generals, Lily Simpson, New Economic Thinking, PoliticsJoe, Real Time History, Eileen, Jake Broe, Alt Shift X, H I Sutton, The Science of Science Fiction.
I began scanning book length a little bit ago and noticed the disturbing trend of science fiction novels running to less than 300, then 250 and even 200 pages. I did not think these novel lengths. Apparently the Amazon or the US publisher preferred length for poor fiction has shrunk. 🙂
The first book was thin but this was worse. The story is nothing more than a rehashing of the first novel. The short length makes sense now. The writer has no ability nor inclination to actually develop a character as opposed to using stock characters. The world background was consistent at least which is a rarity in what US publishers will usually buy in science fiction titles. This book confirmed exactly my picture of the civilization. Points for that.
The main character is not naive but stupid. It is a common misunderstanding of the working class by middle class types. We working class types can be naive but that does not equate to stupid. We can and no doubt surprisingly to some readers, do learn. A lack of life experience does not equate to being emotionally stunted nor to existing on the autism spectrum. I suggest that anyone who has the misfortune to read this review, might consider the weaknesses of this seemingly universal portrait of working class youth. It applies to "Billie Elliot", a very important film of the costs of moving from miner's son to recognized artist or "The Big Band Theory", a very funny (and problematic) telling of the social status of the engineer in academia.
This character should be dedicated to escaping the poverty of his station. He would of necessity be learning about the social structure in which he plans to spend his professional life, even though he mightn't be able to fully participate. He makes no effort to do so, focusing solely on his studies, which is treated as proof that he is probably an idiot-savant. The underlying theme of the book seems to be the "Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" trope, which is a nineteenth century American expression which originally referred to an impossibility. 🤔
That is probably the most beloved slogan of Neoliberalism and the Libertarian for the last seventy years at least. It is to my mind, possibly the most gross mockery of the those who will never become the next billionaire or even multimillionaire from those of the classes who do have opportunities unavailable to the many. 😑
The main character stumbles from one disaster to the next. He is described not as a 20+ year old student but rather an autistic 14 year old social experiment. He does not really learn from his adventures but displays a sudden cunning by the end of book one. I had hoped that this book would move away from that model but instead it is baked into the series, it seems.
The character described is reminiscent of the socially awkward but academically talented Asian graduate student in American film. In the stories I have seen, that socially and emotionally stunted character is never the protagonist nor are they a product of a working class family. One might suspect that it is a convenient racist perspective which provides comfort to their uncomfortable non-Asian colleagues.
I am visiting YouTube again before I continue, since the above discussion of classism has made my blood pressure spike. 🙂 This next was made possible by The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Leeja Miller, Mia Mulder, A Day of Small Things, BlondiHacks, SciFi Odyssey, Just Write, MANDY, Joe Scott, Not the Andrew Marr Show, Verilybitchie, Cruising Crafts, Venom Geek Media, Atun Shei, Minimal List.
That the corporate superior would use the main character is very realistic but that his superior has a use for him, not so much. There is nothing that makes him believable as useful to any faction. His incompetence, cowardice and lack of self-control is presented as essential to his nature by virtue of his parentage which is absurd. Grow up in the book's poverty and that lack just does not happen. It is a lesson learned hard and early. Given that girls younger than himself from just as limited backgrounds are far more mature was cringe. It seems that the main character is simply the writer's punching bag.
Another poor story but it could have been much better with a touch of imagination. I no longer wonder at the overall ratings of most of Amazon's science fiction, having read enough reviews of similar titles. I suspect that current low end US science fiction which seems to be publisher preference, falls into just three categories. The Minimal Effort, The No Effort and The Abhorrent. To think that some commenters took issue with the writing skill of my little judgements, saddens me. 😊 I watch rather than read my fiction at the moment. The streaming services and YouTube's DUST and Omeleto channels are good sources for better stories.
The two benefits from my Amazon/Goodreads experience have been a better understanding of the most vocal site members and my turn to YouTube for science fiction content. I was pleased to find more such channels than I imagined existed. That discovery was followed by lifestyle, essayist, educational and finally book channels. 😍 Those last, host communities of thoughtful, friendly readers with interests across all aspects of the bookish world. I recommend a visit to several book channels for any reader and have listed some below. From sponsor spots on educational and essayist channels, I was introduced to educational video sites, all of which seemed worth a look.
About eighteen months ago, I originally wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written salute to the January 6, 2021 hero by a Travis Corcoran (self-described libertarian, US veteran, Advocate of a return to chattel slavery in the industrial world, a vocal supporter of Putin and his Russia, an employee of an unnamed US agency). For details of that bizarre comment storm see my review of same. A Claes Rees Jr/cgr710 (self-identified NeoNazi and US patriot) wrote a comment eventually, in which he declared that They had "won" (?).
Literary discourse to these American nutcases apparently included the unleashing of a veritable flood of foul sexual and racist comments against channels which I mentioned in my reviews. I imagine Claes Rees Jr, Travis Corcoran and friends have now decided that they need no longer continue their madness. The thirteen year old boater and her mother, the solo boater, Oxford Astrophysicist and other female creators were not impressed by these nasty, aggrieved males but a broad audience including myself, certainly developed a better picture of their culture. If the purpose of their vicious campaign was to increase the world's overabundance of ugliness, in that they succeeded. 🤔
My YouTube picks of the moment.
Lily Simpson, Brittany Page, Some More News, Jean's Thoughts, KernowDamo, Julie Nolke, Chris Animations, Chris and Shell, Kazachka, Fall of Civilizations, Tibees, Tom Nicholas, The Welsh Viking, Princess Weekes, The Chloe Connection, Sailing Melody.
About Amazon/Goodreads, please consider that this might be a potentially hostile site. 😐
Ominous music begins. 🙂 I do not write this advisory because of the aggrieved US science fiction animals alone. They are bad, make no mistake. They will loosely organize to attack you off site when offended, if possible. They think it their right. They lack the ability to deliver a pithy nastiness by way of comment. Without a doubt. I am referring to the site's sharing message history to others and other interesting patterns of Amazon harassment.
For details, see my review of Powers of the Earth by Corcoran or "Dark Horse", a good novel by Diener. That several commenters began calling for a return to global slavery as a Support for a badly written novel shocked me. I have since come to realize much about American culture since. The truly disturbing fact is that Goodreads/Amazon intervened in support of commenters openly promoting a return to slavery. Given Amazon's treatment of their employees, that does not now surprise me. Their interpretation of customer service did and does.Their actions actually created a dangerous situation for me, not accidentally but by design.
I suggest minimizing profile information, removing the lurker from the friend list, screenshotting the odd and the ugly, using messaging for email exchange only. You may not be targeted, if you do not write a negative review of low end US science fiction. Still if you should arouse their (so very) righteous anger, those precautions could be beneficial.
Expect no response from Amazon to queries or from other members reading those comments. The commenters always implied and often openly stated that they spoke for all "normal", "white" readers (american, of course) and I have seen only two responses to those other than mine over five years. This was sad really, since it does seem to suggest that their behaviour does in fact accord with acceptable American public speech. Ominous music ends. 🙂
May we all discover Good Reading! 😊
I am not overly familiar with the breadth of YouTube options but these entertained me, educated me or brought me joy. Some of my favourite channels.
Acollierastro, Danni and Joe, Roomies Digest, Ukraine Matters, Wizards and Warriors, Roman_NFKRZ, Real Time History, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Prime of Midlife, Lily Alexandre, Noah Samsen, The Kavernacle, Mrs Betty Bowers, MANDY, Alina Gingertail, Real Engineering, Joe Blogs, Driftwood Folk, Tom Nicholas, Jake Broe, KernowDamo, Philosophy Tube, Widebeam and Wellingtons, Lilly's Expat Life, Alysotherlife, The Book Leo, Autumn's Boutique, Elina Charatsidou, Kiko10061980, Anton Petrov, History with Cy, Jay Exci, Princess Weekes, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Lady Knight the Brave, Up and Atom, Book Furnace, Savy Writes Books, Sophie from Mars, Shaun, Owen Jones, Lady of the Library, Cruising Alba, Kathy's Flog in France, Cruising Crafts, Some More News, TVP News, IL Neige, Dominic Noble, The Welsh Viking, Between the Wars, Sabine Hossenfelder, The Snake Charmer, Joe Scott, Ben and Emily, Renegade Cut, A Cup of Nicole, Merphy Napier, Snappy Dragon, Karolina Zebrowska, Historical Fashion, Austin McConnell, Truth to Power, Double Down News, Hej Sokoly, Eileen, May Moon Narrowboat, The Nomadic Crobot, Camper Vibe, Overly Sarcastic Productions, Alizee, Zoe Bee, Michael Siegel, Alt Shift X, Mauler, J. Draper, Shannon Makes, Jill Bearup, Mia Mulder, Abby Cox, Bernadette Banner, Dutchy, IzzzYzzz, Jabzy, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, The Belmarsh Conference, Today I found Out, Warographics, Overly Sarcastic Productions, Brickcrafts, What Vivi did next, Harbo Wholmes, Travelling K, A Day of Small Things, Mauler, Hailey in Bookland, Books and Lala, Quinn's Ideas.
I wish you a sunny morning, a wonderful afternoon, a pleasant evening, a splendid night and may we all continue learning.
Those who allow Others to speak in their name unchallenged, adopt the Other's sins.
My Grandmother
I originally did not bother to rate this book and tried to re-read it but I dropped it at the 42% mark. That first read was more than two years ago and by that time, I was already less than impressed with Amazon or their loan selection. This was a bad book and I suspect was designed that way. It should be understandable that I began not rating books. I will need visit YouTube before I can tackle this review. 🙂
This next section is brought to you by My Narrowboat Venture, Biz Barclay, The Kavernacle, Cambrian Chronicles, Cruising Alba, NFKRZ, Atun Shei, Terrible Writing Advice, No Justice MTG, Mia Mulder, Owen Jones, UATV, May Moon Narrowboat, Sabaton, Tom Nicholas, Kings and Generals, Lily Simpson, New Economic Thinking, PoliticsJoe, Real Time History, Eileen, Jake Broe, Alt Shift X, H I Sutton, The Science of Science Fiction.
I began scanning book length a little bit ago and noticed the disturbing trend of science fiction novels running to less than 300, then 250 and even 200 pages. I did not think these novel lengths. Apparently the Amazon or the US publisher preferred length for poor fiction has shrunk. 🙂
The first book was thin but this was worse. The story is nothing more than a rehashing of the first novel. The short length makes sense now. The writer has no ability nor inclination to actually develop a character as opposed to using stock characters. The world background was consistent at least which is a rarity in what US publishers will usually buy in science fiction titles. This book confirmed exactly my picture of the civilization. Points for that.
The main character is not naive but stupid. It is a common misunderstanding of the working class by middle class types. We working class types can be naive but that does not equate to stupid. We can and no doubt surprisingly to some readers, do learn. A lack of life experience does not equate to being emotionally stunted nor to existing on the autism spectrum. I suggest that anyone who has the misfortune to read this review, might consider the weaknesses of this seemingly universal portrait of working class youth. It applies to "Billie Elliot", a very important film of the costs of moving from miner's son to recognized artist or "The Big Band Theory", a very funny (and problematic) telling of the social status of the engineer in academia.
This character should be dedicated to escaping the poverty of his station. He would of necessity be learning about the social structure in which he plans to spend his professional life, even though he mightn't be able to fully participate. He makes no effort to do so, focusing solely on his studies, which is treated as proof that he is probably an idiot-savant. The underlying theme of the book seems to be the "Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" trope, which is a nineteenth century American expression which originally referred to an impossibility. 🤔
That is probably the most beloved slogan of Neoliberalism and the Libertarian for the last seventy years at least. It is to my mind, possibly the most gross mockery of the those who will never become the next billionaire or even multimillionaire from those of the classes who do have opportunities unavailable to the many. 😑
The main character stumbles from one disaster to the next. He is described not as a 20+ year old student but rather an autistic 14 year old social experiment. He does not really learn from his adventures but displays a sudden cunning by the end of book one. I had hoped that this book would move away from that model but instead it is baked into the series, it seems.
The character described is reminiscent of the socially awkward but academically talented Asian graduate student in American film. In the stories I have seen, that socially and emotionally stunted character is never the protagonist nor are they a product of a working class family. One might suspect that it is a convenient racist perspective which provides comfort to their uncomfortable non-Asian colleagues.
I am visiting YouTube again before I continue, since the above discussion of classism has made my blood pressure spike. 🙂 This next was made possible by The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Leeja Miller, Mia Mulder, A Day of Small Things, BlondiHacks, SciFi Odyssey, Just Write, MANDY, Joe Scott, Not the Andrew Marr Show, Verilybitchie, Cruising Crafts, Venom Geek Media, Atun Shei, Minimal List.
That the corporate superior would use the main character is very realistic but that his superior has a use for him, not so much. There is nothing that makes him believable as useful to any faction. His incompetence, cowardice and lack of self-control is presented as essential to his nature by virtue of his parentage which is absurd. Grow up in the book's poverty and that lack just does not happen. It is a lesson learned hard and early. Given that girls younger than himself from just as limited backgrounds are far more mature was cringe. It seems that the main character is simply the writer's punching bag.
Another poor story but it could have been much better with a touch of imagination. I no longer wonder at the overall ratings of most of Amazon's science fiction, having read enough reviews of similar titles. I suspect that current low end US science fiction which seems to be publisher preference, falls into just three categories. The Minimal Effort, The No Effort and The Abhorrent. To think that some commenters took issue with the writing skill of my little judgements, saddens me. 😊 I watch rather than read my fiction at the moment. The streaming services and YouTube's DUST and Omeleto channels are good sources for better stories.
The two benefits from my Amazon/Goodreads experience have been a better understanding of the most vocal site members and my turn to YouTube for science fiction content. I was pleased to find more such channels than I imagined existed. That discovery was followed by lifestyle, essayist, educational and finally book channels. 😍 Those last, host communities of thoughtful, friendly readers with interests across all aspects of the bookish world. I recommend a visit to several book channels for any reader and have listed some below. From sponsor spots on educational and essayist channels, I was introduced to educational video sites, all of which seemed worth a look.
About eighteen months ago, I originally wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written salute to the January 6, 2021 hero by a Travis Corcoran (self-described libertarian, US veteran, Advocate of a return to chattel slavery in the industrial world, a vocal supporter of Putin and his Russia, an employee of an unnamed US agency). For details of that bizarre comment storm see my review of same. A Claes Rees Jr/cgr710 (self-identified NeoNazi and US patriot) wrote a comment eventually, in which he declared that They had "won" (?).
Literary discourse to these American nutcases apparently included the unleashing of a veritable flood of foul sexual and racist comments against channels which I mentioned in my reviews. I imagine Claes Rees Jr, Travis Corcoran and friends have now decided that they need no longer continue their madness. The thirteen year old boater and her mother, the solo boater, Oxford Astrophysicist and other female creators were not impressed by these nasty, aggrieved males but a broad audience including myself, certainly developed a better picture of their culture. If the purpose of their vicious campaign was to increase the world's overabundance of ugliness, in that they succeeded. 🤔
My YouTube picks of the moment.
Lily Simpson, Brittany Page, Some More News, Jean's Thoughts, KernowDamo, Julie Nolke, Chris Animations, Chris and Shell, Kazachka, Fall of Civilizations, Tibees, Tom Nicholas, The Welsh Viking, Princess Weekes, The Chloe Connection, Sailing Melody.
About Amazon/Goodreads, please consider that this might be a potentially hostile site. 😐
Ominous music begins. 🙂 I do not write this advisory because of the aggrieved US science fiction animals alone. They are bad, make no mistake. They will loosely organize to attack you off site when offended, if possible. They think it their right. They lack the ability to deliver a pithy nastiness by way of comment. Without a doubt. I am referring to the site's sharing message history to others and other interesting patterns of Amazon harassment.
For details, see my review of Powers of the Earth by Corcoran or "Dark Horse", a good novel by Diener. That several commenters began calling for a return to global slavery as a Support for a badly written novel shocked me. I have since come to realize much about American culture since. The truly disturbing fact is that Goodreads/Amazon intervened in support of commenters openly promoting a return to slavery. Given Amazon's treatment of their employees, that does not now surprise me. Their interpretation of customer service did and does.Their actions actually created a dangerous situation for me, not accidentally but by design.
I suggest minimizing profile information, removing the lurker from the friend list, screenshotting the odd and the ugly, using messaging for email exchange only. You may not be targeted, if you do not write a negative review of low end US science fiction. Still if you should arouse their (so very) righteous anger, those precautions could be beneficial.
Expect no response from Amazon to queries or from other members reading those comments. The commenters always implied and often openly stated that they spoke for all "normal", "white" readers (american, of course) and I have seen only two responses to those other than mine over five years. This was sad really, since it does seem to suggest that their behaviour does in fact accord with acceptable American public speech. Ominous music ends. 🙂
May we all discover Good Reading! 😊
I am not overly familiar with the breadth of YouTube options but these entertained me, educated me or brought me joy. Some of my favourite channels.
Acollierastro, Danni and Joe, Roomies Digest, Ukraine Matters, Wizards and Warriors, Roman_NFKRZ, Real Time History, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Prime of Midlife, Lily Alexandre, Noah Samsen, The Kavernacle, Mrs Betty Bowers, MANDY, Alina Gingertail, Real Engineering, Joe Blogs, Driftwood Folk, Tom Nicholas, Jake Broe, KernowDamo, Philosophy Tube, Widebeam and Wellingtons, Lilly's Expat Life, Alysotherlife, The Book Leo, Autumn's Boutique, Elina Charatsidou, Kiko10061980, Anton Petrov, History with Cy, Jay Exci, Princess Weekes, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Lady Knight the Brave, Up and Atom, Book Furnace, Savy Writes Books, Sophie from Mars, Shaun, Owen Jones, Lady of the Library, Cruising Alba, Kathy's Flog in France, Cruising Crafts, Some More News, TVP News, IL Neige, Dominic Noble, The Welsh Viking, Between the Wars, Sabine Hossenfelder, The Snake Charmer, Joe Scott, Ben and Emily, Renegade Cut, A Cup of Nicole, Merphy Napier, Snappy Dragon, Karolina Zebrowska, Historical Fashion, Austin McConnell, Truth to Power, Double Down News, Hej Sokoly, Eileen, May Moon Narrowboat, The Nomadic Crobot, Camper Vibe, Overly Sarcastic Productions, Alizee, Zoe Bee, Michael Siegel, Alt Shift X, Mauler, J. Draper, Shannon Makes, Jill Bearup, Mia Mulder, Abby Cox, Bernadette Banner, Dutchy, IzzzYzzz, Jabzy, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, The Belmarsh Conference, Today I found Out, Warographics, Overly Sarcastic Productions, Brickcrafts, What Vivi did next, Harbo Wholmes, Travelling K, A Day of Small Things, Mauler, Hailey in Bookland, Books and Lala, Quinn's Ideas.
I wish you a sunny morning, a wonderful afternoon, a pleasant evening, a splendid night and may we all continue learning.
Those who allow Others to speak in their name unchallenged, adopt the Other's sins.
My Grandmother
October 18, 2025
Interesting, original
Kept my interest, but ended a little abruptly. Space opera with a twist. The protagonist is more of an accountant than an intrepid explorer. His adventures bounce off in unexpected directions. Enjoy!
Kept my interest, but ended a little abruptly. Space opera with a twist. The protagonist is more of an accountant than an intrepid explorer. His adventures bounce off in unexpected directions. Enjoy!
October 16, 2025
Great Writing
Excellent character development as the main character slowly matures with the many different circumstances he survives through out the book. Plenty of action and humor.
Excellent character development as the main character slowly matures with the many different circumstances he survives through out the book. Plenty of action and humor.
December 30, 2020
Moriarty, Andrew. Orbital Claims Adjuster: Adventures of a Jump Space Accountant. Trans Galactic Insurance No. 2. Amazon, 2018.
I am always a sucker for underestimated nerdish heroes. I am also attracted to books that pay any attention to the economics of interstellar civilizations. And if it is a semi-comic, adventurous space opera, it has checked all the boxes it needs to check for me. I know. No standards. Blame it on a misspent youth. This time, Jake, a poor boy from the asteroid belt and recent graduate of a corporate academy, is hired as an unlikely corporate intelligence agent. He has super spy fantasies, but reading the contracts, manuals, and invoices is the key to his character. The resulting chaos is predictable and fun. We wait to see what trouble a girl will get him into and out of and how he will use his accounting skills to save the day.
I am always a sucker for underestimated nerdish heroes. I am also attracted to books that pay any attention to the economics of interstellar civilizations. And if it is a semi-comic, adventurous space opera, it has checked all the boxes it needs to check for me. I know. No standards. Blame it on a misspent youth. This time, Jake, a poor boy from the asteroid belt and recent graduate of a corporate academy, is hired as an unlikely corporate intelligence agent. He has super spy fantasies, but reading the contracts, manuals, and invoices is the key to his character. The resulting chaos is predictable and fun. We wait to see what trouble a girl will get him into and out of and how he will use his accounting skills to save the day.
December 13, 2018
There is a Vol. ! which readers should attack first. In this volume Jake the accountant continues to develop his street smarts even on the space stations where there are no streets. Life in space is a pretty dark adventure and Jake's naivete keeps his life bleak. He makes two friends who are more interesting than Jake is and as a threesome, they ram around the galaxy under the command of people who have little interest in their personal safety. Fortunately Jake is a competent spacer, a fair techie, and smart enough to make himself valuable. In the background, we learn that the machinery left over from the Old Empire is crumbling and that no one understands how to renew it.
This is a fun read. I'm ready for Vol. 3, Andrew Moriarty.
This is a fun read. I'm ready for Vol. 3, Andrew Moriarty.
March 5, 2023
After thoroughly enjoying reading the first book in Andrew Moriarity’s series of Jake Stewart, the Jump Space Accountant I definitely had to read the second installment “Orbital Claims Adjuster”. I certainly was not disappointed. In fact I found it even better and more entertaining than the first book. So much so that I spent the best part of two days devouring it. The action starts early and kept me reading late into the night. Many in the supporting cast are also very well described and play a big part in the story. l look forward to reading more of Jake’s adventures in the future.
August 6, 2018
Accountants in space?
Who would have thought that a number cruncher's misadventures while working his way through college and most definitely NOT getting the girl would make for such a fun read? All I can say is I clicked on "follow this author" and highly recommend you do the same.
Who would have thought that a number cruncher's misadventures while working his way through college and most definitely NOT getting the girl would make for such a fun read? All I can say is I clicked on "follow this author" and highly recommend you do the same.
September 17, 2021
This is a blast, character, dialogue, plot, twists, action. If you like flawed characters that don't save the entire world from bug invaders in massive space battles but just maybe solve their own problems, then this is for you.
October 8, 2022
Not a Thug
Jake is many things, but a thug or a 007 spy he is not. He can cite all the relevant regulations but anything requiring physical talents seems beyond him. Still, he gets things done for his boss, the somewhat enigmatic Mr. Dashi.
Jake is many things, but a thug or a 007 spy he is not. He can cite all the relevant regulations but anything requiring physical talents seems beyond him. Still, he gets things done for his boss, the somewhat enigmatic Mr. Dashi.
December 3, 2022
Another good read in the series. A bit of humor mixed in with adventure.
May 14, 2025
Engaging story
The story is engaging and well worth reading. There a few confusing aspects regarding how to navigate in deep space. Things seemed a bit too simple.
The story is engaging and well worth reading. There a few confusing aspects regarding how to navigate in deep space. Things seemed a bit too simple.
August 27, 2022
Getting better and better !
Book Two of four.
The author Andrew Moriarty beautifully continues the story of Jack a smart but very naive boy keeps been used by a cooperation for profits and control.
Cooperation competition is no joke when it come to precious and un replaceable metals in space so the competition is harsh as far as killing the competition, creating accidents just for profit and control because whoever got control of those metals controls space itself since the important parts of the ship’s engines uses those metals to run.
In the mean time Jack keeps getting lucky staying alive but also being used like a puppet on strings without knowing that his luck staying alive is not luck at all at times.
This is book two of the series so reviewing is not easy because you have no idea how the whole thing will end but as of now it’s only getting better hoping that it will continue getting better as I move to the next book.
While an excellent narration William Turbett also uses beautifully different voices for each character, the author sure have chosen a good one !
I Absolutely,
Recommend
this series !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
Book Two of four.
The author Andrew Moriarty beautifully continues the story of Jack a smart but very naive boy keeps been used by a cooperation for profits and control.
Cooperation competition is no joke when it come to precious and un replaceable metals in space so the competition is harsh as far as killing the competition, creating accidents just for profit and control because whoever got control of those metals controls space itself since the important parts of the ship’s engines uses those metals to run.
In the mean time Jack keeps getting lucky staying alive but also being used like a puppet on strings without knowing that his luck staying alive is not luck at all at times.
This is book two of the series so reviewing is not easy because you have no idea how the whole thing will end but as of now it’s only getting better hoping that it will continue getting better as I move to the next book.
While an excellent narration William Turbett also uses beautifully different voices for each character, the author sure have chosen a good one !
I Absolutely,
Recommend
this series !!!
Oded Ostfeld.
August 25, 2018
"Mr Bean" in space
The misadventures of Jake are almost too far fetched to suspend dis-belief. It gets to the point of almost taking away from the larger story instead of being a plot element.
With that point clearly stated I need to tell you why I love this series. Andrew Moriarty has the best grasp of how life in space would work on a realistic level of almost any author I've read. Not only does he grasp the complexities of orbital mechanics but he also understands the complexities of what is required to operate a business for profit. Labor, capital, recurring expenses and insurance to keep it all together. It is these seemingly mundane elements so well thought out that really add color and life to the "Space Accountant" series. I really get the feeling that the next book or three will be an example of "For want of a nail,... the kingdom was lost" and were did the measles come from. I can't wait
The misadventures of Jake are almost too far fetched to suspend dis-belief. It gets to the point of almost taking away from the larger story instead of being a plot element.
With that point clearly stated I need to tell you why I love this series. Andrew Moriarty has the best grasp of how life in space would work on a realistic level of almost any author I've read. Not only does he grasp the complexities of orbital mechanics but he also understands the complexities of what is required to operate a business for profit. Labor, capital, recurring expenses and insurance to keep it all together. It is these seemingly mundane elements so well thought out that really add color and life to the "Space Accountant" series. I really get the feeling that the next book or three will be an example of "For want of a nail,... the kingdom was lost" and were did the measles come from. I can't wait
December 2, 2025
Liked series at first. No more
I thought the story was ok, but i just hate all if the characters. Noone has any redeeming factors. Everyone is both incompetent and corrupt. All of the characters constantly mess with and take advantage of the MC, who seems like a good person, but is a moron. There is no character growth whatsoever. The female leads all are attractive and mess with the MC, and not in a fun way. They constantly "tease" and belittle him. The MC's "friends" constantly take advantage of him, and he is forever a sad sack.
I figured that by the end of book 2, things would start to look up, but I was wrong. The MC has noone that can be considered an ally, the world is on a steady decline to ruin, everyone is a psychopath. Reading this just makes be sad and angry. Not fun by any means. I have nothing to look forward to in reading a third book in the series.
I thought the story was ok, but i just hate all if the characters. Noone has any redeeming factors. Everyone is both incompetent and corrupt. All of the characters constantly mess with and take advantage of the MC, who seems like a good person, but is a moron. There is no character growth whatsoever. The female leads all are attractive and mess with the MC, and not in a fun way. They constantly "tease" and belittle him. The MC's "friends" constantly take advantage of him, and he is forever a sad sack.
I figured that by the end of book 2, things would start to look up, but I was wrong. The MC has noone that can be considered an ally, the world is on a steady decline to ruin, everyone is a psychopath. Reading this just makes be sad and angry. Not fun by any means. I have nothing to look forward to in reading a third book in the series.
May 26, 2019
I’ve just finished Moriarty’s 3-book Trans Galactic Insurance series, so I’ve written one review that I’ll post for all the books. The books are fun reads and unlike some sci-fi series, each one stands alone. The storyline gets wrapped up instead of leaving you hanging, waiting for the next book. There are hints of things to come, but they don’t detract from each book’s plotline. The books track Jake Stewart, a poor boy as he tries to make his way in the post-abandonment universe where spacers work to keep things going with technology from the old Empire slowly failing. We follow the hero as he struggles to find success, happiness, and love. The characters develop more fully with each book. Some are more likeable than others, but all are interesting. Highly recommended for fans of “light” science fiction.
April 11, 2023
I won a copy of book #6. Decided I needed the background so I read #1. Thought I could then skip to #6, but quickly realized that was less than optimal.
There is a natural progression in this story line, so you are best off reading each book in order. I purchased #1-#5 in order to fully enjoy #6.
This story is the continuing saga of our hero - an extremely naive "Belter" (aka "Hick") unfamiliar with the ways of the universe, but extremely good with numbers - Jake Stewart. I do very much enjoy the use of his "smarts" to solve his problems and often to save his life. This series sticks to a hard science approach in the story telling, without being too technical. I once told a young student that "accountants rule my career". I can't perform much of my project work without the approval of the "accountant". Well, it is true in this series.
Have a GoodReads.
There is a natural progression in this story line, so you are best off reading each book in order. I purchased #1-#5 in order to fully enjoy #6.
This story is the continuing saga of our hero - an extremely naive "Belter" (aka "Hick") unfamiliar with the ways of the universe, but extremely good with numbers - Jake Stewart. I do very much enjoy the use of his "smarts" to solve his problems and often to save his life. This series sticks to a hard science approach in the story telling, without being too technical. I once told a young student that "accountants rule my career". I can't perform much of my project work without the approval of the "accountant". Well, it is true in this series.
Have a GoodReads.
May 21, 2023
Jake finds himself once again as a reluctant pawn in a potentially deadly game of corporate espionage. He is being manoeuvred by a master tactician and strategist. By no means is he cut out to be James Bond. He can't fight, shoot a gun to save his life or master the art of deceitfulness. These are poor qualities for a spy. However, he does possess a cunning and clever nature. Moreover, he has a predilection for figures, rules, regulations, and an affinity for treading, bartering, and negotiating, which serves him well.
Once again, he comes face to face with his arch-nemesis, his Moriarty (see what I did there?), his Pussy Galore, Nadine! She outwits him once more, or does she? Follow him on this extremely entertaining, intriguing, and enjoyable adventure. The story boasts an excellent plotline, great characterization, and a thrilling climax, making it an engaging read.
Once again, he comes face to face with his arch-nemesis, his Moriarty (see what I did there?), his Pussy Galore, Nadine! She outwits him once more, or does she? Follow him on this extremely entertaining, intriguing, and enjoyable adventure. The story boasts an excellent plotline, great characterization, and a thrilling climax, making it an engaging read.
October 24, 2023
not what you’d expect from a ‘jump ship accountant’ story
I actually enjoyed the space-analyst theme the author started to develop in the first part of the first book, but it all quickly went off the rails and became an attempt and a completely different genre.
I won’t post spoilers, but I will say that you’ll be disappointed if you want a clever novel with lots of logical solutions to the protagonist’s problems. The very end finally gives him some credit, but most of the two books so far are a series of completely inept occurrences and it’s a bit hard to read.
If you enjoy a protagonist who just keeps losing for most of the story, pines after women in a very immature and one-dimensional manner, then you’ll love this book.
I actually enjoyed the space-analyst theme the author started to develop in the first part of the first book, but it all quickly went off the rails and became an attempt and a completely different genre.
I won’t post spoilers, but I will say that you’ll be disappointed if you want a clever novel with lots of logical solutions to the protagonist’s problems. The very end finally gives him some credit, but most of the two books so far are a series of completely inept occurrences and it’s a bit hard to read.
If you enjoy a protagonist who just keeps losing for most of the story, pines after women in a very immature and one-dimensional manner, then you’ll love this book.
March 12, 2023
Another quality book from Andrew Moriarty. The main character slowly continues his growth in unfamiliar situations and with functioning with others. Duck when he holds a gun and pray he does not shoot you. This area of lack expertise is actually quite funny. His growing up experiences and problem solving ability are pluses in this book and eventually are behind his success. I know other reviewers keep knocking Jake for being naive, but those reviewers must have been in the "with it crowd" and not on the outs like some of us. Some of us can identify with Jake's troubles and understand! Now to read the next book in the series.
December 25, 2024
"Orbital Claims Adjuster" is the second installment in the "Adventures of a Jump Space Accountant" series by Andrew Moriarty, and it continues to deliver the unique blend of humor, strategy, and space-faring adventures that fans of the first book. In this sequel, we continue to follow the misadventures of Jake, a novice spy who finds himself forced into the militia to serve for yet another crime he did not commit. He is joined in this indentured servitude by the Lafleur twins, Zeke and Suzanne, who seem to be hiding something in their own background. Subtracted one star because of the end of chapter 15.
June 2, 2023
Amusing SF that is better than the original novel. The story still feels somewhat juvenile in its approach, but the author is fleshing out his universe nicely and the plot is good. We still see Jake progressing and now is starting out what may be a long career as a spy for the maybe good guys?
We are also developing a longer term intrigue with a adversary female agent, perhaps leading to some romance in the next book or books in the series. I intend to continue reading the next book, but have other reading to do first.
We are also developing a longer term intrigue with a adversary female agent, perhaps leading to some romance in the next book or books in the series. I intend to continue reading the next book, but have other reading to do first.
November 23, 2021
Fun Times
Jake Stewart is such a doofus. Well meaning and honest, caring, but a doofus nonetheless. How he survived growing up on a small mining station beggars the imagination. But survive he did, and Jake has adventures that we can but envy.
It turns out that I've read this book before. Well, nothing like revisiting good times. When you get tired of all the bang-bang shoot'em ups and the too serious storylines, the adventures of Jake Stewart is the perfect respite.
Jake Stewart is such a doofus. Well meaning and honest, caring, but a doofus nonetheless. How he survived growing up on a small mining station beggars the imagination. But survive he did, and Jake has adventures that we can but envy.
It turns out that I've read this book before. Well, nothing like revisiting good times. When you get tired of all the bang-bang shoot'em ups and the too serious storylines, the adventures of Jake Stewart is the perfect respite.
May 29, 2022
I’ve been looking for books like this!
I was afraid they didn’t exist after 100’s of books where I literally would skim through entire chapters of long drawn out space shootouts. These are everything I love about space adventure and non of the same old macho fighting. I love the ongoing mystery and Jake is so smart but hilariously dumb about some things. He is getting smarter though! Now, what is Mr. D up to?
I was afraid they didn’t exist after 100’s of books where I literally would skim through entire chapters of long drawn out space shootouts. These are everything I love about space adventure and non of the same old macho fighting. I love the ongoing mystery and Jake is so smart but hilariously dumb about some things. He is getting smarter though! Now, what is Mr. D up to?
October 11, 2022
This is the second book in the series and again its not a bad book, its just that its almost painful. The ridiculous situations that the main character lands in because he is too trusting are really beginning to get my goat! I was going to give 3 stars but the clever twist at the end earned it the fourth star. Perhaps the main character is learning and becoming a bit sharper.
Time, and the third book, will tell.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review.
Time, and the third book, will tell.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review.
August 21, 2018
Interesting
Pretty good idea about having the fumbling idiot stumble his way through danger and adventure but hardly original. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the story line was about an auditor / investigator solving crime in his unique style. As it was it seemed disjointed and sometimes silly. Oh well, one must be flexible to enjoy science fiction.
Pretty good idea about having the fumbling idiot stumble his way through danger and adventure but hardly original. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the story line was about an auditor / investigator solving crime in his unique style. As it was it seemed disjointed and sometimes silly. Oh well, one must be flexible to enjoy science fiction.
July 15, 2023
I liked this one even more than the first book and the whole series is starting to grow on me. It's just different enough (maybe cozy would be a strong word here), but still has enough twists, turns, and action that I thoroughly enjoy it right now. It was a really fast and easy read, too, a great summer book, indeed.
September 8, 2023
Crazy but good.
Follow Jakes continuing misadventures as he takes on his next assignment, This one is easy just buy up all the rare earth metals from the small mining stations before all the other corps can and bring it home easy, Oh I forgot this is Jake and anything that can possibly go wrong will, big time. Great second addition to this crazy series, not to be missed, Baz.
Follow Jakes continuing misadventures as he takes on his next assignment, This one is easy just buy up all the rare earth metals from the small mining stations before all the other corps can and bring it home easy, Oh I forgot this is Jake and anything that can possibly go wrong will, big time. Great second addition to this crazy series, not to be missed, Baz.
July 19, 2018
Always appreciate your talents
The hero of this adventure, Jake Stewart, can't shoot. Can't fight. Can't even get the girl. But what he can do (once he trusts in himself) is save the day. Can't wait for the next one!
The hero of this adventure, Jake Stewart, can't shoot. Can't fight. Can't even get the girl. But what he can do (once he trusts in himself) is save the day. Can't wait for the next one!
September 18, 2018
Excellent
Jake is the perfect dupe with high levels of skill in everything except violence. Better than the first in some ways.
Needs some polishing. Spellcheck can’t fix incorrect words.
I will buy the next book when it comes available. Best recommendation I can make.
Jake is the perfect dupe with high levels of skill in everything except violence. Better than the first in some ways.
Needs some polishing. Spellcheck can’t fix incorrect words.
I will buy the next book when it comes available. Best recommendation I can make.
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