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April #10
Been There, Done That
April and her partners Jeff and Heather have a secret. They’ve been to another star, and are sending a crew to a couple more close-by stars. The Earthies have tried to do this already, and failed. The Three have just a hair better technology, and with a little luck and April’s good sense, managed not to kill themselves right away.
Any normal person would be hot to bask in the glory and grasp a place in the history books with the likes of Columbus, de Gama, and Neil Armstrong. Jeff just wants to go grab as much of the prime real estate as they can find before the Earth nations catch up.
There are a few hitches along the way with people wanting to partner with them unasked, spies, more spies, and the Martians. The Martians are nuts and are the only other people who know there are aliens out there, but they are more than happy to keep that a secret too, even if they have to kill you to do so. There’s always something happening on Home and among April’s friends, but that just keeps life from being boring between the real crises.
Any normal person would be hot to bask in the glory and grasp a place in the history books with the likes of Columbus, de Gama, and Neil Armstrong. Jeff just wants to go grab as much of the prime real estate as they can find before the Earth nations catch up.
There are a few hitches along the way with people wanting to partner with them unasked, spies, more spies, and the Martians. The Martians are nuts and are the only other people who know there are aliens out there, but they are more than happy to keep that a secret too, even if they have to kill you to do so. There’s always something happening on Home and among April’s friends, but that just keeps life from being boring between the real crises.
443 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2018
217 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Mackey Chandler
35 books220 followersMackey (Mac') Chandler is retired to Rochester Michigan from a working life that spanned a large number of occupations. Mold maker, aerospace machinist, plumber, mechanic and dozen more as well as owning several businesses. This life experience and travel show in the depth and variety of his writing.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 7, 2018
The main story concerning April and friends is the development of their new ship equipped with a drive allowing them to explore new stars. However, there are several, seemingly unconnected stories, going on at the same time. I didn’t really get involved with these stories and to be honest I found them a bit of a distraction. I presume the story with Eileen and Vic will go somewhere in the next book, but I found it annoying that this ran through the whole book with absolutely no connection to April.
The whole book isn’t a bad read, but apart from a few minor sub-plots it doesn’t actually get anywhere. It feels like I am reading the middle chapters of a much bigger book and there is still a long way to go before any of the major plots reach a conclusion. I nearly gave 2 stars, but I was in a generous mood and finally gave three.
The whole book isn’t a bad read, but apart from a few minor sub-plots it doesn’t actually get anywhere. It feels like I am reading the middle chapters of a much bigger book and there is still a long way to go before any of the major plots reach a conclusion. I nearly gave 2 stars, but I was in a generous mood and finally gave three.
February 8, 2022
Quite enjoyable!
November 8, 2018
She has fixed much of what was broken
November 8, 2018
An expanded and extended version of this review, including a poignant story of a young boy seeking meaning in his life, can be found here in my blog.
The Amazon review, which is identical with this one, except you can vote on it, can be found here.
It's a good time to be in this world. There is plenty of work to be done; anyone who wants to can find work, but no one has to grind themselves to death just to pay for food and shelter for the day.
There is no room for 'spare people.' Young folk are not shoved into a classroom and expected to behave for 8 hours a day, then released to their own devices until they are compelled to show up again the next morning. Instead, there is PLENTY of meaningful work, and no one cares that they are young. What matters is whether or not they are competent.
It's NOT like sending kindergartners off to the coal mine; there is plenty of time for recreation, and education isn't neglected, either. However, if someone has a useful contribution to make, they are allowed to make it, and the money is theirs. There are various ways in which their rights may be protected, should a parent decide to take their income for themselves; however, they don't just jump in and rip kiddies from their mothers' arms, either.
Much of this can be attributed to April's own experience. She had a dreadfully hard time being taken seriously when she started out, and whether it was her intent to prevent that sort of foolishness from happening again, that has been the result of her efforts.
It's a good read, and a part of a great series.
November 8, 2018
An expanded and extended version of this review, including a poignant story of a young boy seeking meaning in his life, can be found here in my blog.
The Amazon review, which is identical with this one, except you can vote on it, can be found here.
It's a good time to be in this world. There is plenty of work to be done; anyone who wants to can find work, but no one has to grind themselves to death just to pay for food and shelter for the day.
There is no room for 'spare people.' Young folk are not shoved into a classroom and expected to behave for 8 hours a day, then released to their own devices until they are compelled to show up again the next morning. Instead, there is PLENTY of meaningful work, and no one cares that they are young. What matters is whether or not they are competent.
It's NOT like sending kindergartners off to the coal mine; there is plenty of time for recreation, and education isn't neglected, either. However, if someone has a useful contribution to make, they are allowed to make it, and the money is theirs. There are various ways in which their rights may be protected, should a parent decide to take their income for themselves; however, they don't just jump in and rip kiddies from their mothers' arms, either.
Much of this can be attributed to April's own experience. She had a dreadfully hard time being taken seriously when she started out, and whether it was her intent to prevent that sort of foolishness from happening again, that has been the result of her efforts.
It's a good read, and a part of a great series.
July 14, 2019
Space aliens... First we had instant travel FTL and now we have confirmed space aliens... I am sad to say that this series has officially 'jumped the shark' in my eyes.
So, one of the main themes that gets brought up in this book is child abuse and the idea that children are not possessions to be owned by their parents but rather people to be guided and protected by their elders through their more formulative years until they reach a point of maturity where they are able to begin journeying on their own which is a fair point and one I am inclined to agree with.
Eric and Lindsey's mother finally goes off the deep end and shows just how deep her sociopathy really runs and is herself a reference to the idea of 'the abused becoming the abuser'. I am not convinced about the author's implementation of the concepts as I felt them to be heavy-handed and even bordering on being used as an excuse to get the reader to despise the mother rather than exploring what her motivations truly were. This resulted in Linda really becoming a two-dimensional trope rather than a character with some serious flaws.
And yet again, spelling, grammar and punctuation still need more work! I have to admit that I actually glad that the series is now over as I dound it to be a bit of a chore to read the last couple of books. So much potential in this series has been squandered in the name of science mcguffins and attempts to force the narrative into a particular shape rather than guiding it in a more natural way.
December 25, 2019
I’ve read all the April books as well as the Family Law group. It’s unfortunate that this is the last book.
Also, unfortunately, all of the books are in dire need of a good editor/proof readers. Bumping up against the consistent use of incorrect words, bad punctuation and rambling narrative made for difficult reading.
The books were mildly entertaining, and a lot of “skimming” helped me finish. In my perspective (right or wrong) the 4 primary characters in the series were absurdly mature for their ages (early to late teens), and it is extremely difficult to imagine a 14 year old wearing a sidearm (or a sword), (SPOILER) or teenagers having the ability to throw bombs, from space, down on China or the USA, obliterating large areas and crippling the ability of millions to survive. The step-by-step-by-step VERY detailed descriptions, from conception to construction, of weapons (space launched as well as hand-held), communication devices, and myriad forms of space vehicle almost had me around the bend.
Saying all that, hopefully the author continues the series, with editorial assistance.
Also, unfortunately, all of the books are in dire need of a good editor/proof readers. Bumping up against the consistent use of incorrect words, bad punctuation and rambling narrative made for difficult reading.
The books were mildly entertaining, and a lot of “skimming” helped me finish. In my perspective (right or wrong) the 4 primary characters in the series were absurdly mature for their ages (early to late teens), and it is extremely difficult to imagine a 14 year old wearing a sidearm (or a sword), (SPOILER) or teenagers having the ability to throw bombs, from space, down on China or the USA, obliterating large areas and crippling the ability of millions to survive. The step-by-step-by-step VERY detailed descriptions, from conception to construction, of weapons (space launched as well as hand-held), communication devices, and myriad forms of space vehicle almost had me around the bend.
Saying all that, hopefully the author continues the series, with editorial assistance.
November 14, 2018
This is number 10 in the April Series and was a really solid and exciting addition to the story line. Aprils and Co. are really growing up and making all sorts of new and interesting decisions as their universes expand and as the drive to explore and to get out into the cosmos increases. What seems to becoming evident is that the Earthies are becoming aware that they are not as dominant as they once thought especially in FTL tech and that they really don't control the future as much as those who are already "out there" above the L1 limit. We see in this story subplots and characters that will be very much part of the "Family Law" series published concurrent to the "April Series" which is nice. I hope Mr. Chandler works both sides of the street as it were, and adds to this universe he has created.
November 13, 2018
Good series, just finished last book in series #10. Only reason this did not get 5 stars is that the editing was very sloppy! Grammar was largest issue. When coming across incorrect usage of words, kind of throws a kink in the flow of reading. Otherwise a good read. Concept of Earth being so politically correct that it has basically become a very dystopian world. Teenager April and her 2 best friends, Jeff & Heather are residents of a space station that has few rules and regulations. Over the 10 books they become the most powerful force in the Solar System. Will they overcome Earth Think, to save a free status form mankind? Read the series and find out. This is a review of basically all 10 books. Took a week to read the series.
July 29, 2018
Good book
Still well written and interesting, but again I'd like more story arc and focus on the Main characters.
While this book does progress the story, it is spread across the daily lives of the 3, the Peningtons, and a new character diluting the progression of the story.
The development of each plot point adds detail to the world, but while interesting, I'd prefer a more structured story pruned for greater focus.
Fans will continue to enjoy this story.
Still well written and interesting, but again I'd like more story arc and focus on the Main characters.
While this book does progress the story, it is spread across the daily lives of the 3, the Peningtons, and a new character diluting the progression of the story.
The development of each plot point adds detail to the world, but while interesting, I'd prefer a more structured story pruned for greater focus.
Fans will continue to enjoy this story.
August 2, 2018
You left us hanging!!
I really want more. The Pennington Saga and the Foy's journey to the stars, in addition to April, Heather and Jeff. What I don't want is to wait a year. I know where the Foys wind up, but the way they get there is going to a good story. Mackey Chandler has left me with too many questions this time around. I do hope he writes faster this time as we are still waiting for the next Family Law too. Hopefully, before Christmas.
I really want more. The Pennington Saga and the Foy's journey to the stars, in addition to April, Heather and Jeff. What I don't want is to wait a year. I know where the Foys wind up, but the way they get there is going to a good story. Mackey Chandler has left me with too many questions this time around. I do hope he writes faster this time as we are still waiting for the next Family Law too. Hopefully, before Christmas.
August 4, 2018
A bit pedestrian
Compared to some earlier books. Nobody got nuked.
Some dropped threads that weren’t fully explored. And the characters remain somewhat dispassionate in conversation. Oddly so, at times.
This moved the narrative along, but didn’t involve massive shifts in either tech, relationships, or capital.
I will buy the next book upon release. Best recommendation I can give.
Compared to some earlier books. Nobody got nuked.
Some dropped threads that weren’t fully explored. And the characters remain somewhat dispassionate in conversation. Oddly so, at times.
This moved the narrative along, but didn’t involve massive shifts in either tech, relationships, or capital.
I will buy the next book upon release. Best recommendation I can give.
January 3, 2019
Good story. I was expecting this book to take us to where Family Law starts, but it seems there are still gaps in the storyline yet, so I guess that means I need to wait for the next one in the series, to see how they all tie together.. Nonetheless, this is a good book, and the story is continued nicely. I will be watching for more, to see how this all plays out. Very interesting stuff here.
August 11, 2018
This series is well into a long road to nowhere. While there was an almost interesting sub-plot involving some character development of the Penningtons. There is also an interesting by-play between the similarities and differences of the Penningtons and the Foys.
As far as the main characters and the key story line, there isn't much.
As far as the main characters and the key story line, there isn't much.
August 23, 2018
Wonderful Space Science in the Fiction
This story of spacers versus Earthy governments is a very entertaining fast paced action packed thrilling story. The main character and her two friends try to advance human space exploration, but earth governments try to seize their inventions for themselves to their own detriment. China and the USA takes some serious beatings.
This story of spacers versus Earthy governments is a very entertaining fast paced action packed thrilling story. The main character and her two friends try to advance human space exploration, but earth governments try to seize their inventions for themselves to their own detriment. China and the USA takes some serious beatings.
September 14, 2018
A little dis jointed.
A good addition to the series. A little complex because the author jumps from story thread to story thread without a smooth transition. I do like how nobody is a good guy or a bad guy, everyone is just pursuing their agenda. Jeff Singh seems like someone who should be in therapy and get treatment for autism and anti-social behaviour.
A good addition to the series. A little complex because the author jumps from story thread to story thread without a smooth transition. I do like how nobody is a good guy or a bad guy, everyone is just pursuing their agenda. Jeff Singh seems like someone who should be in therapy and get treatment for autism and anti-social behaviour.
October 21, 2018
Loved it
This story was so interesting and I couldn't get enough. I loved the daily life bits of the people still on earth. I also loved reading about the Three and how they are all grown up now. Please Mr Chandler give us more. Also I think you need a better editor,some words were missing or just in the wrong place. Still didn't spoil my enjoyment too much.
This story was so interesting and I couldn't get enough. I loved the daily life bits of the people still on earth. I also loved reading about the Three and how they are all grown up now. Please Mr Chandler give us more. Also I think you need a better editor,some words were missing or just in the wrong place. Still didn't spoil my enjoyment too much.
September 2, 2020
Read the series
It's a little bit of work to keep up with the authors need to be prove how smart he is! But it doesn't get in the way of a good idea,or plot twist. Has kept me entertained one book after another. Mr. Chandler has style,humor,and the ability to tell me a story I want to read. And the interest in to see where his other series will take me.
It's a little bit of work to keep up with the authors need to be prove how smart he is! But it doesn't get in the way of a good idea,or plot twist. Has kept me entertained one book after another. Mr. Chandler has style,humor,and the ability to tell me a story I want to read. And the interest in to see where his other series will take me.
October 22, 2022
Better than the last.
This storyline is evolving better with each volume. I intend to read more and find out what happens with April, Heather and Jeff. I want to see them push far past the Slime Ball (Earth) far into the heavens and how they deal with the new they
Find out there. I will not drop a spoiler here. Read on my friends
Sky
This storyline is evolving better with each volume. I intend to read more and find out what happens with April, Heather and Jeff. I want to see them push far past the Slime Ball (Earth) far into the heavens and how they deal with the new they
Find out there. I will not drop a spoiler here. Read on my friends
Sky
August 13, 2018
Poor editing
Like almost all books by Mackey Chandler this one is very enjoyable. However like all of them, it is riddled with spelling and. grammatical errors. Don't buy the book unless you were willing to spend a second or two (not "too" or "to") translating.
Like almost all books by Mackey Chandler this one is very enjoyable. However like all of them, it is riddled with spelling and. grammatical errors. Don't buy the book unless you were willing to spend a second or two (not "too" or "to") translating.
August 7, 2018
Another great book of a good series. Keep them coming lol
November 4, 2018
This book moves the April series ever so slightly closer to the timeline of Family Law, but the ratio of sci fi to libertarian propaganda seemed to be a little worse than some of the other books.
March 1, 2020
No no!! Four stars!!
Another good story in the series. A minor quibble, I don't believe there is enough gold to find in California
Another good story in the series. A minor quibble, I don't believe there is enough gold to find in California
May 28, 2021
Five stars!
Excellent characters, good action. Gave stylus away and cannot type with big clumsy do gets. Five four three two lbs
Excellent characters, good action. Gave stylus away and cannot type with big clumsy do gets. Five four three two lbs
February 20, 2024
My biggest gripe with this book is the storyline revolving around Vic and Eileen. It breaks up the book to me and I have no clue what the point is besides showing life on earth.
October 5, 2025
3.5 stars
October 10, 2019
The way this book is finally leading into the Family Law series is great because it has been a slo-w-w process over many books. I am glad to see the Foy's finally fall back into the storyline too. I note here that Chandler must be a Coffee Lover as the sole beverage of all characters in All his books is COFFEE!
Again though, the editing is worse in this book than any other I've read this year! Then, they, there are some of the most misspelled and grammatically misplaced words in these books EDITOR!
I was very close to rating it three stars because of the editing...
Again though, the editing is worse in this book than any other I've read this year! Then, they, there are some of the most misspelled and grammatically misplaced words in these books EDITOR!
I was very close to rating it three stars because of the editing...
December 17, 2021
The Problems With The Martians and The French
This is the 10th book in a continuing series and the preceding books really need to be read in order to understand this story. The narrative ends at a natural break, but the story definitely continues in future books. There is another series, Family Law, that is set in the future and shares some characters in common. A list of the current reading order is available on this post.
Now they have been to another star April, Jeff and Heather have decided to keep their endeavours secret. They know if they let the world know about their scientific advances it will just lead to being attacked by Earth. They plan to slowly advance their technology as they search the galaxy for planets and other bodies of interest, for inhabitation, raw materials or profit. Their technology makes them even less dependent on Earth for resources, especially with how Central is mining the surface of the Moon and growing edibles in the tunnels they have created, kilometres below the surface.
The problem is that the Martians are hiding something to the point of killing people on their base to keep their secret. On the other hand, the French are determined to find out what that secret is. The French seem to be keeping secrets of their own and whilst The Three want to know what’s going on to keep themselves safe, they don’t really care what anyone else thinks of them anymore. Earthies are going to blame them for everything anyway!
I felt like this book moved the story forward in leaps and bounds. Going to the stars is a massive part of any narrative and the way The Three handle it is sensible and matter of fact. For such young people, they are getting a turbocharged political education. I like how they admit they don’t have decades of experience of dealing with foreign powers but they refuse to be told how to do it in any way other than the way they want to do it. They refuse to bend to ‘Earth Think’.
As well as the political giants, we follow the life of a young woman in the area that crumbled in the USNA after April bombed a military base in California. Eileen is young, bright and determined. She won’t bow to the expectations of others and is determined to get into space one day, in particular to Home or Central. This all gives us an insight into the realities of life in the USNA after the political systems start to crumble.
We also follow the activities of people on Home and their personal problems instead of the political enormities that April and Jeff are having to face there. Some of those problems brush up against people April is invested in and she is learning to be more understanding and compassionate as a result. April has always been the voice of compassion and at the same time, she exhibits a fierce protectiveness to those she claims, hence the bombing of California. Understanding people more doesn’t make her any less likely to act in their defence or against them, it just makes her understand their actions more.
Jeff is also learning to be more socially aware through his relationship with Heather and April, particularly April with whom he spends more time, as they both live on Home. He may be very cerebral and focuses his attention on his ideas rather than people, but he is aware of this shortfall and does try to be aware of others.
Now they’ve reached the stars I can’t wait to see what happens next!
This is the 10th book in a continuing series and the preceding books really need to be read in order to understand this story. The narrative ends at a natural break, but the story definitely continues in future books. There is another series, Family Law, that is set in the future and shares some characters in common. A list of the current reading order is available on this post.
Now they have been to another star April, Jeff and Heather have decided to keep their endeavours secret. They know if they let the world know about their scientific advances it will just lead to being attacked by Earth. They plan to slowly advance their technology as they search the galaxy for planets and other bodies of interest, for inhabitation, raw materials or profit. Their technology makes them even less dependent on Earth for resources, especially with how Central is mining the surface of the Moon and growing edibles in the tunnels they have created, kilometres below the surface.
The problem is that the Martians are hiding something to the point of killing people on their base to keep their secret. On the other hand, the French are determined to find out what that secret is. The French seem to be keeping secrets of their own and whilst The Three want to know what’s going on to keep themselves safe, they don’t really care what anyone else thinks of them anymore. Earthies are going to blame them for everything anyway!
I felt like this book moved the story forward in leaps and bounds. Going to the stars is a massive part of any narrative and the way The Three handle it is sensible and matter of fact. For such young people, they are getting a turbocharged political education. I like how they admit they don’t have decades of experience of dealing with foreign powers but they refuse to be told how to do it in any way other than the way they want to do it. They refuse to bend to ‘Earth Think’.
As well as the political giants, we follow the life of a young woman in the area that crumbled in the USNA after April bombed a military base in California. Eileen is young, bright and determined. She won’t bow to the expectations of others and is determined to get into space one day, in particular to Home or Central. This all gives us an insight into the realities of life in the USNA after the political systems start to crumble.
We also follow the activities of people on Home and their personal problems instead of the political enormities that April and Jeff are having to face there. Some of those problems brush up against people April is invested in and she is learning to be more understanding and compassionate as a result. April has always been the voice of compassion and at the same time, she exhibits a fierce protectiveness to those she claims, hence the bombing of California. Understanding people more doesn’t make her any less likely to act in their defence or against them, it just makes her understand their actions more.
Jeff is also learning to be more socially aware through his relationship with Heather and April, particularly April with whom he spends more time, as they both live on Home. He may be very cerebral and focuses his attention on his ideas rather than people, but he is aware of this shortfall and does try to be aware of others.
Now they’ve reached the stars I can’t wait to see what happens next!
February 11, 2020
What A Great Series
I have read books 1-6 four times, book 7-8 three times, book 9 twice and finished book 10 a few minutes ago. I rated 1 book 4 Stars the other 9 Books 5 Stars. Probably should go back and change the one 4-Star to a 5.
I have truly enjoyed this series and read all 10 books this last time in 4 days. Quite a marathon and we'll worth it. Although in a different setting this somewhat reminds me of the Ell Donsaii Series.
The story of three young people starting at around thirteen and As of Book 10 they are around 18-19.
The protagonists are in a space station with around 1500-2000 people with very few young people. The Politically conservative inhabitants are increasingly at odds with a very centrally governed and philosophically opposed earth.
The story revolve around a small group of very smart and resourceful individuals and their fight for the rights of individuals as opposed to the right's of the State and the probable outcomes of such a scenario, both in Space and on Earth.
What makes this story stand out is that the adults are seen as they truly are, both good and bad. Most coming-of-she books great adults as either idiots or totally worthless and the young being the "adults" of the story. There is more than enough happening to keep the action junkies more than satisfied.
Do yourself a favor and grab this series, not sure how many more books but I can see another two of not three.
MAY YOU HAVE A GREAT READ!!!
I have read books 1-6 four times, book 7-8 three times, book 9 twice and finished book 10 a few minutes ago. I rated 1 book 4 Stars the other 9 Books 5 Stars. Probably should go back and change the one 4-Star to a 5.
I have truly enjoyed this series and read all 10 books this last time in 4 days. Quite a marathon and we'll worth it. Although in a different setting this somewhat reminds me of the Ell Donsaii Series.
The story of three young people starting at around thirteen and As of Book 10 they are around 18-19.
The protagonists are in a space station with around 1500-2000 people with very few young people. The Politically conservative inhabitants are increasingly at odds with a very centrally governed and philosophically opposed earth.
The story revolve around a small group of very smart and resourceful individuals and their fight for the rights of individuals as opposed to the right's of the State and the probable outcomes of such a scenario, both in Space and on Earth.
What makes this story stand out is that the adults are seen as they truly are, both good and bad. Most coming-of-she books great adults as either idiots or totally worthless and the young being the "adults" of the story. There is more than enough happening to keep the action junkies more than satisfied.
Do yourself a favor and grab this series, not sure how many more books but I can see another two of not three.
MAY YOU HAVE A GREAT READ!!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews