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Galactic Startup #2
Neighbors
In this book two, the continuation of the series. Humanity slowly comes to terms that the UEF is the planets best line of defense against the coming Zorn Invasion fleet. Meanwhile, Timmy get involved in a relic that has been buried in the Earth that predates humanity. Follow new characters are they enlist in the UEF and go thru the orientation process, all in the name of service to defend the Earth. Will the UEF prevail and stop the Zorn fleet before they reach Earth?
- GenresScience Fiction
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2018
182 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Brian Whiting
4 books30 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
From time to time I'll add drawings to my profile, of things or characters from the series.
From time to time I'll add drawings to my profile, of things or characters from the series.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 9, 2019
Neighbors by Brian Whiting has a slightly different feel than its predecessor, but I’ve loved both! In this continuation, we see a newly rebuilt UEF square off against the creepy alien Zorn in an attempt to save Earth from their invasion. All the great characters return from the first one, each attempting to deal with the Zorn in their own way (Timmy’s piece is particularly interesting as he investigates a mysterious artifact that predates humanity). Whiting’s characters are fun and his writing is exciting. I loved seeing the UEF’s origins in the first and where it’s going now. Can’t wait for the next one! This is a good one for any Stargate SG-1 fans out there!
August 27, 2018
Enjoyed
I feel that you are off to a good start on this series. I will order rhe next book when it comes out.
I feel that you are off to a good start on this series. I will order rhe next book when it comes out.
February 8, 2019
I am taking this book as a working lesson in what can result when an inexperienced, mediocre writer bites off more than he can chew with a story idea. The idea itself (while flawed in its own ways) could work better in the hands of a more talented writer, but that writer would take the time to develop the characters and settings, not content himself with cardboard cutouts whose motives and inner journeys he doesn't sell, or skip over hundreds of details with brief exposition or missing scenes, and he'd take the time to breathe life into his prose.
I can't claim that if this were my series, I'd do a better job, but I know this: books 1 and 2 would make more sense if the same material were given the space they needed to do all of the above--say, four books, and my readers wouldn't have to reread the same passages repeatedly to figure out what happened, what something meant, or to convince themselves no explanation was offered.
Audiobook addendum: the execution of the story is made worse by the sometimes childish, sometimes wooden narration of the reader. Cringeworthy.
I can't claim that if this were my series, I'd do a better job, but I know this: books 1 and 2 would make more sense if the same material were given the space they needed to do all of the above--say, four books, and my readers wouldn't have to reread the same passages repeatedly to figure out what happened, what something meant, or to convince themselves no explanation was offered.
Audiobook addendum: the execution of the story is made worse by the sometimes childish, sometimes wooden narration of the reader. Cringeworthy.
October 17, 2018
A really decent start. A few hiccups but worth firing up and reading.
Continuing from the original, this book tries a little too hard to cram a lot into a small space. It quickly becomes disjointed and hiccups too often, creating some continuity challenges. This is especially obvious towards the end but there are moments throughout the book where I found myself turning back three or four pages trying to figure out who or what I'm reading about.
Don't get me wrong - the writing isn't bad. In fact it's better than many, many others I've read. It just needs some refinement, maybe a better editor, and pages to spread out upon. This installment just felt rushed to get through to the denoument where he sets up for the what I imagine will be the path of the series.
It's a worthy start though. The first book sets up an interesting premise with characters that are somewhat well developed (I might've spent a little more time developing Timmy, Jorge, and Zeek, but every author has their vision) and I'm sure the series will shape up nicely. I'll definitely read the next one, and I encourage reading the first two installments. It may not be the most original start to a series but it has the potential to go in some interesting directions and I'm interested to find out where the author will take it.
Continuing from the original, this book tries a little too hard to cram a lot into a small space. It quickly becomes disjointed and hiccups too often, creating some continuity challenges. This is especially obvious towards the end but there are moments throughout the book where I found myself turning back three or four pages trying to figure out who or what I'm reading about.
Don't get me wrong - the writing isn't bad. In fact it's better than many, many others I've read. It just needs some refinement, maybe a better editor, and pages to spread out upon. This installment just felt rushed to get through to the denoument where he sets up for the what I imagine will be the path of the series.
It's a worthy start though. The first book sets up an interesting premise with characters that are somewhat well developed (I might've spent a little more time developing Timmy, Jorge, and Zeek, but every author has their vision) and I'm sure the series will shape up nicely. I'll definitely read the next one, and I encourage reading the first two installments. It may not be the most original start to a series but it has the potential to go in some interesting directions and I'm interested to find out where the author will take it.
September 18, 2018
A bit unusual but a good fun story
I chose this rating because while the story developed there were abrupt scene changes from things done by the character to a space battle in the next chapter. Story-line flow seemed "jerky".
While Whiting says he took a risk I found the alien communication one of the most interesting aspects of book 2, The spider aliens were frightening and a terrific adversary, almost unbeatable and very alien. If they were drones why not eliminate the controlling space ship?
I can easily recommend this book to others.
I chose this rating because while the story developed there were abrupt scene changes from things done by the character to a space battle in the next chapter. Story-line flow seemed "jerky".
While Whiting says he took a risk I found the alien communication one of the most interesting aspects of book 2, The spider aliens were frightening and a terrific adversary, almost unbeatable and very alien. If they were drones why not eliminate the controlling space ship?
I can easily recommend this book to others.
January 7, 2019
Enjoyable read
I like the premise. The story is good, I think the characters are coming along well. I wish, though, that the need to kill and be conquered were not the focus. I'm sorry to say, too many stories center around invasion and war. I want to be taken to a world that has become better than what are now. Ready to reach out and join a galactic community. Not make war. You also need to be more careful about names as you mix up several times.
I like the premise. The story is good, I think the characters are coming along well. I wish, though, that the need to kill and be conquered were not the focus. I'm sorry to say, too many stories center around invasion and war. I want to be taken to a world that has become better than what are now. Ready to reach out and join a galactic community. Not make war. You also need to be more careful about names as you mix up several times.
September 22, 2018
Science fiction
Clever thought provoking plot and consequences, starting with pulp type story Galactic Start Up of young humans invent antigravity and visit space station with home made spaceship. Convenient one person has rich father. But story evolves lot from there. Could use more editing but understandable.
Clever thought provoking plot and consequences, starting with pulp type story Galactic Start Up of young humans invent antigravity and visit space station with home made spaceship. Convenient one person has rich father. But story evolves lot from there. Could use more editing but understandable.
October 16, 2018
Surprised
A very enjoyable read. Just learned that these are the author's first two books - and that doesn't show (not native English, may have missed something ;) ). I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, and yes, there is one at the end . . Third book can't be pre-ordered, if it would I'd already ordered.
A very enjoyable read. Just learned that these are the author's first two books - and that doesn't show (not native English, may have missed something ;) ). I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, and yes, there is one at the end . . Third book can't be pre-ordered, if it would I'd already ordered.
September 2, 2018
outstanding
I'm stalking this guys Amazon page so I get the next book on release day. Love the series I read a lot of Sci-fi and found this to be refreshing. This coming from a fellow veteran makes it even better
I'm stalking this guys Amazon page so I get the next book on release day. Love the series I read a lot of Sci-fi and found this to be refreshing. This coming from a fellow veteran makes it even better
October 14, 2018
Readable, but...
This book is not as well written as the first of the series. The plot is a little disjointed and the editing needs work! I do like the storyline and will read the third book in hopes that it will be more like the first.
This book is not as well written as the first of the series. The plot is a little disjointed and the editing needs work! I do like the storyline and will read the third book in hopes that it will be more like the first.
November 21, 2018
A fun sequel, can't wait for volume 3
This series is fun and engaging. I think it's a fresh change from a lot of the over the top, ooh-rah Space Marine tropes so prevalent today. Very relatable characters. I'm eager for the next installment.
This series is fun and engaging. I think it's a fresh change from a lot of the over the top, ooh-rah Space Marine tropes so prevalent today. Very relatable characters. I'm eager for the next installment.
December 2, 2018
Bad
Big drop off from the previous book. More than the first third of it is political wrangling, treachery, and a soap opera. Then into a confusing battle, continuing the soap opera.
Big drop off from the previous book. More than the first third of it is political wrangling, treachery, and a soap opera. Then into a confusing battle, continuing the soap opera.
February 9, 2019
Great sci-fi story, excited for the next one!
Really enjoyed this book 2 in the series, realistic and futuristic. I thought the story played well off the first book and sets up an engaging third story.
Really enjoyed this book 2 in the series, realistic and futuristic. I thought the story played well off the first book and sets up an engaging third story.
February 21, 2019
I enjoyed it, but less than the first book. Too many dialogues, too much confusion, too many characters and the plot wasn't tight enough. Also, proofreading was not done well and there are still quite a few issues along the book.
Other than that, I do look forward for the third book.
Other than that, I do look forward for the third book.
April 23, 2019
This felt much weaker than the previous book. I'd have preferred the series to keep to the development of space industry and space exploration, as it seemed it would be for the first half of the first book rather than the alien monster invasion theme.
September 16, 2018
Nice
Good read. Like the character development, story has no slow spots. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to more from you.
Good read. Like the character development, story has no slow spots. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to more from you.
October 20, 2018
Loved this book
I enjoyed this book very much. It flowed well and is very entertaining. I am so looking forward to book three.
I enjoyed this book very much. It flowed well and is very entertaining. I am so looking forward to book three.
November 17, 2018
Wacky but Fun Read!
I loved it, can’t wait for the rest of the story, it got a little confusing with the multiple story view points, but it works,
I loved it, can’t wait for the rest of the story, it got a little confusing with the multiple story view points, but it works,
December 15, 2018
Its worth the read but lost some momentum from book 1.
February 4, 2019
Keeps ones interest
Overall good story. Other than the confusion of the destruction of earth reads very clearly and with great interesting clarity.
Overall good story. Other than the confusion of the destruction of earth reads very clearly and with great interesting clarity.
March 9, 2019
Loved it!
Devoured the first two books. They just flowed so well.
Very refreshing style of writing. I hope you continue this way throughout.
Devoured the first two books. They just flowed so well.
Very refreshing style of writing. I hope you continue this way throughout.
April 19, 2019
Not bad, but I'm losing interest.
June 19, 2022
Too many perspectives for me. And on the audiobook it wasnt even made clear when were switching.
October 20, 2018
Enjoy a upright story
It is definitely referent, but the possibility is growing to be real. I liked the storyline . For its a interesting, thoughtful read
It is definitely referent, but the possibility is growing to be real. I liked the storyline . For its a interesting, thoughtful read
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews