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Blackjack Chronicles #1
The Dread Warlock
Someone thought they were easy targets…someone made a mistake.
Meet the Blackjacks, a renegade mercenary group led by Jacques ‘Jack’ Noire. When they take a job to deliver state-of-the-art terraforming components to one of the outer stations, they realize the simple delivery mission isn’t so simple. The components are really a weapon and someone wants them dead.
Now, with bounties on their heads, and Conglom Industrial hunting them, Jack and his crew must pilot his sentient ship, the Warlock, through some of the most dangerous parts of space. Outgunned and outnumbered, Jack has one secret weapon his enemies didn’t count on-magic.
Jump onboard the Warlock and into a deep space adventure with the Blackjacks, as they face off against overwhelming odds and discover that when it looks too good to be true…it usually is!
Meet the Blackjacks, a renegade mercenary group led by Jacques ‘Jack’ Noire. When they take a job to deliver state-of-the-art terraforming components to one of the outer stations, they realize the simple delivery mission isn’t so simple. The components are really a weapon and someone wants them dead.
Now, with bounties on their heads, and Conglom Industrial hunting them, Jack and his crew must pilot his sentient ship, the Warlock, through some of the most dangerous parts of space. Outgunned and outnumbered, Jack has one secret weapon his enemies didn’t count on-magic.
Jump onboard the Warlock and into a deep space adventure with the Blackjacks, as they face off against overwhelming odds and discover that when it looks too good to be true…it usually is!
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2018
224 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Orlando A. Sanchez
105 books592 followersOrlando Sanchez has been writing ever since his teens when he was immersed in creating scenarios for playing Dungeon and Dragons with his friends every weekend. An avid reader, his influences are too numerous to list here. Some of the most prominent are: J.R.R. Tolkien, Jim Butcher, Kat Richardson, Terry Brooks, Piers Anthony, Lee Child, George Lucas, Andrew Vachss, and Barry Eisler to name a few in no particular order.
The worlds of his books are urban settings with a twist of the paranormal lurking just behind the scenes and generous doses of magic, martial arts, and mayhem.
Aside from writing, he holds a 2nd and 3rd Dan in two distinct styles of Karate. If not training, he is studying some aspect of the martial arts or martial arts philosophy.
He currently resides in Queens, NY with his family and can often be found in the local Starbucks where most of his writing is done.
Please visit his site at: www.OrlandoASanchez.com for more information about his books and upcoming releases.
The worlds of his books are urban settings with a twist of the paranormal lurking just behind the scenes and generous doses of magic, martial arts, and mayhem.
Aside from writing, he holds a 2nd and 3rd Dan in two distinct styles of Karate. If not training, he is studying some aspect of the martial arts or martial arts philosophy.
He currently resides in Queens, NY with his family and can often be found in the local Starbucks where most of his writing is done.
Please visit his site at: www.OrlandoASanchez.com for more information about his books and upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 5, 2018
3.5 stars.
If these continue to be short, I Will definitely read on!
If these continue to be short, I Will definitely read on!
September 3, 2018
Jack is Captain of "Warlock," his ship or at least most of the time he is. His crew tell him how to run it a lot of the time, including his second, Frost. Agreeing to picking up and delivering a package the entire crew is caught up in a conspiracy that is sure to be their last job. Running into a fortune teller, Jack is set on a path of change that will shake the foundations of himself and his crew. a story that is full of the violence, evil wrong doers, magic, strong characters, and righting wrong that we expect from this author. One of my favorites I might add. You can't go wrong with the first of this new series. Latch on and keep up fans.
November 17, 2018
Mindless fun
This is good for a silly afternoon read and almost has a couple of characters who are interesting. There isn't much substance to the rest of the cast. There is no character development and the story barely acknowledges their past. It's a fast shoot'em up adventure.
The plot exists but is on life support. The dialogue is actually less awful than the flatness of the characters deserve, which was a pleasant surprise. There is no background universe but I expected that. The writing was actually better than some of these but not as good as mediocre mainstream fiction.
The cast is all ex-military. All military are fantastic soldiers. All fantastic soldiers are special forces. All special forces are stone cold killers. That's the character description logic. Common but it never gets easier to read. Why is it always assumed that these guys have no atrocity in their past but if there were, it's the government's fault. Stone cold killers but they are good guys. Weird.
The science explanations are unnecessary and horrible and break the flow of the story. Some of the action scenes, especially in atmosphere flying were painful to read. The effort would have been more useful in filling out the societal and governmental structure, adding scale to the size of human space or even just the MC's space ship and maybe adding some emotion to his characters.
For an afternoon read, it's fine if you don't think about the details. It's a series though, and the writing is bound to get old pretty quickly. I almost feel that the writer can do better but is writing down to a space opera standard or bowing to peer pressure to keep it dumb or something.
This is good for a silly afternoon read and almost has a couple of characters who are interesting. There isn't much substance to the rest of the cast. There is no character development and the story barely acknowledges their past. It's a fast shoot'em up adventure.
The plot exists but is on life support. The dialogue is actually less awful than the flatness of the characters deserve, which was a pleasant surprise. There is no background universe but I expected that. The writing was actually better than some of these but not as good as mediocre mainstream fiction.
The cast is all ex-military. All military are fantastic soldiers. All fantastic soldiers are special forces. All special forces are stone cold killers. That's the character description logic. Common but it never gets easier to read. Why is it always assumed that these guys have no atrocity in their past but if there were, it's the government's fault. Stone cold killers but they are good guys. Weird.
The science explanations are unnecessary and horrible and break the flow of the story. Some of the action scenes, especially in atmosphere flying were painful to read. The effort would have been more useful in filling out the societal and governmental structure, adding scale to the size of human space or even just the MC's space ship and maybe adding some emotion to his characters.
For an afternoon read, it's fine if you don't think about the details. It's a series though, and the writing is bound to get old pretty quickly. I almost feel that the writer can do better but is writing down to a space opera standard or bowing to peer pressure to keep it dumb or something.
September 2, 2018
Fresh new story with non-stop action
As usual, Orlando Sanchez delivers a high impact, action packed, character driven story. This time the setting is space and planets and star systems far away. The main character of the story, Jack Noire, currently runs a group of ex-military types who appear to specialize in high risk delivery operations. Some of their work may even be legal, the book was a little hazy on the details. Their current mission most certainly is not legal and any number of competing interests are determined to prevent them from completing it. With plenty of high speed chase scenes, fight scenes, weird and creepy aliens, and fantastical interstellar technology this book is chock full of everything a fantasy fan could dream of, except magic. Oh wait, it has that too.
As usual, Orlando Sanchez delivers a high impact, action packed, character driven story. This time the setting is space and planets and star systems far away. The main character of the story, Jack Noire, currently runs a group of ex-military types who appear to specialize in high risk delivery operations. Some of their work may even be legal, the book was a little hazy on the details. Their current mission most certainly is not legal and any number of competing interests are determined to prevent them from completing it. With plenty of high speed chase scenes, fight scenes, weird and creepy aliens, and fantastical interstellar technology this book is chock full of everything a fantasy fan could dream of, except magic. Oh wait, it has that too.
September 2, 2018
This is a new one by Orlando, it mixes science, space, and magic. Short read, packed with a lot of info. Not a big Science Fiction, but love this one, as it did not go that heavily into the Syfy. In fact, it had a nice balance of Syfy, action, and magic. It deals with a crew of renegade transporter that fought in the war, but different division. An evil man that you do not refuse sends them to deliver an object to an insane man that not only wants Jack dead but disgraced in the biggest way. Throw in a blue second in command who is cray and with a temper. Not to mention the charming Indigo, and you have a great read.
September 7, 2018
Highly Recommended New Science-Fantasy Series
I thoroughly enjoyed Orlando Sanchez’s new science-fantasy novella, “The Dread Warlock.” Yes, it’s a space opera with mages!
The story takes place in a universe dominated by a military-industrial corporation and the Planetary Union; where ships traverse space by creating quantum tunnels to fold space; and where mages, sorceresses and magic are real.
Add an ensemble of kick-ass, ex-military characters called the Blackjacks; their “starship” Warlock, and a sentient AI named Daisy. Voila! It’s a new sci-fantasy series that I will be reading as its books are released.
I thoroughly enjoyed Orlando Sanchez’s new science-fantasy novella, “The Dread Warlock.” Yes, it’s a space opera with mages!
The story takes place in a universe dominated by a military-industrial corporation and the Planetary Union; where ships traverse space by creating quantum tunnels to fold space; and where mages, sorceresses and magic are real.
Add an ensemble of kick-ass, ex-military characters called the Blackjacks; their “starship” Warlock, and a sentient AI named Daisy. Voila! It’s a new sci-fantasy series that I will be reading as its books are released.
January 6, 2019
Love it!
Mr. Sanchez does it again, and I hope that he does it again very soon. Seriously. The Dread Warlock is a fun read that you can consume in an afternoon's lazy read, even for those moments when you stop to chuckle quietly and take a long pull of your iced tea (or coffee).
The characters appear to be well thought out with distinct personalities and senses of humor. The dialogue is snappy and tinged with an edgy sarcasm that tickled my fancy. I look forward to the next book in this series, and I hope to see you in the bookstore next to me as we snatch that book up.
Mr. Sanchez does it again, and I hope that he does it again very soon. Seriously. The Dread Warlock is a fun read that you can consume in an afternoon's lazy read, even for those moments when you stop to chuckle quietly and take a long pull of your iced tea (or coffee).
The characters appear to be well thought out with distinct personalities and senses of humor. The dialogue is snappy and tinged with an edgy sarcasm that tickled my fancy. I look forward to the next book in this series, and I hope to see you in the bookstore next to me as we snatch that book up.
September 3, 2018
Orlando A. Sanchez forays into a new frontier!
This short opens up a whole new universe in the realm of science-fiction. With new worlds, powerful characters (including strong and snarky females), inventive means and methods of transportation, and exciting action scenes...this is a necessary addition to any sci-fi reader's library.
As if that wasn't enough, this story also includes magic and mages. It crosses the boundaries between genres beautifully. This will be your new favorite series.
This short opens up a whole new universe in the realm of science-fiction. With new worlds, powerful characters (including strong and snarky females), inventive means and methods of transportation, and exciting action scenes...this is a necessary addition to any sci-fi reader's library.
As if that wasn't enough, this story also includes magic and mages. It crosses the boundaries between genres beautifully. This will be your new favorite series.
September 3, 2018
Great Story!!
Orlando once again delivers a highly intriguing book!
Even though SciFi is not my usual genre, I found this book very good! It had elements of Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars, with several other hints at other scifi and fantasy books, movies and TV series.. Perhaps a Nerd reference or two as well!
The characters are great and I was immediately pulled into the mission!
Orlando once again delivers a highly intriguing book!
Even though SciFi is not my usual genre, I found this book very good! It had elements of Guardians of the Galaxy and Star Wars, with several other hints at other scifi and fantasy books, movies and TV series.. Perhaps a Nerd reference or two as well!
The characters are great and I was immediately pulled into the mission!
September 3, 2018
An excellent first leap into the sci fi genre. The characters are engaging and interesting, and can’t wait to delve into some of the back stories, which I’m sure will be revealed if Mr Sanchez follows his usual writing style. I love that there is stuff we don’t necessarily know about the characters from the very beginning. Lots of the type of sci fi action you come to expect from the genre, some good fun banter and just an inkling of magic towards the end. Loved it!
September 7, 2018
Sci Fi meets Magic.
A great start to what could be a great series. Novella's are back. A non stop action packed romp in space. A wildly diverse set of characters, trying to survive in a Corporate dominated galaxy. And an interesting twist, the use of Energy directly, by humans. Magic is not real. Or is it? A must read for any fan of Space Opera... Enough real science, to satisfy, without getting bogged down. Stirred, not shaken.
A great start to what could be a great series. Novella's are back. A non stop action packed romp in space. A wildly diverse set of characters, trying to survive in a Corporate dominated galaxy. And an interesting twist, the use of Energy directly, by humans. Magic is not real. Or is it? A must read for any fan of Space Opera... Enough real science, to satisfy, without getting bogged down. Stirred, not shaken.
September 9, 2018
Great Story
Great story and what I hope (know) will be a great start to an awesome series. Character development starts right away. Our captain and main character is former "specials forces” along with his crew. The story has a great flow and the sci-fi is on the money. Can’t wait for the second installment, after Montague and Strong is done...
Great story and what I hope (know) will be a great start to an awesome series. Character development starts right away. Our captain and main character is former "specials forces” along with his crew. The story has a great flow and the sci-fi is on the money. Can’t wait for the second installment, after Montague and Strong is done...
September 12, 2018
So far I haven't been disappointed
I chose my rating because I think all of these books are the best books I've read right up there with Christine Feehams and several other authors. All of the books keep me reading when I should be sleeping they move fast and keep me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. Keep writing
I chose my rating because I think all of these books are the best books I've read right up there with Christine Feehams and several other authors. All of the books keep me reading when I should be sleeping they move fast and keep me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. Keep writing
September 22, 2018
Pretty good
I liked the crew makeup, combination of exceptional intelligence and badassery. I'd like to see Jack up his game a bit, but I expect that will come in the next book. Plus, a little snark from Daisy please. I like that the author gave bids to Ellis and Anderle (go QB and Hunter). Will read the next.
I liked the crew makeup, combination of exceptional intelligence and badassery. I'd like to see Jack up his game a bit, but I expect that will come in the next book. Plus, a little snark from Daisy please. I like that the author gave bids to Ellis and Anderle (go QB and Hunter). Will read the next.
October 19, 2018
Urban fantasy brought me to this author, and I adore his work - so I took a chance on a genre I rarely read. Reminiscent of Firefly, this book starts with action, adds character interaction, mysterious portents, and more action. I don't regret reading it, and actually find myself looking forward to the next book in this new series!
January 7, 2019
To start the year with a great book is truly glorious! Actually this is a novella and it's great! This is a mashup of Serenity, Star Wars with some Navy Seals stuff mixed in, with a pedigree like this you can either fail or knock it out of the park. Luckily the author does the latter. Eagerly waiting the next Blackjack book!
February 11, 2019
More Please!
Because I adore Orlando, et al, I’m doing a review. Also because I want more of the Blackjacks, NOW! Hurry up!
Especially if you grew up on 60’s and prior SciFi stories, and if you love snarky, crazy characters, you will enjoy the heck out of this new Orlando Sanchez series.
I’m hooked, so now I want more, please!
Because I adore Orlando, et al, I’m doing a review. Also because I want more of the Blackjacks, NOW! Hurry up!
Especially if you grew up on 60’s and prior SciFi stories, and if you love snarky, crazy characters, you will enjoy the heck out of this new Orlando Sanchez series.
I’m hooked, so now I want more, please!
July 2, 2019
New series
A new series a new start , something to look forward too, really looking forward to the next episode . A bit weak on the ending , but it's not the end ,only the beginning, so maybe I'll forgive Orlando, but not till I've read the next one . Hope it's as entertaining as his other inventions .
A new series a new start , something to look forward too, really looking forward to the next episode . A bit weak on the ending , but it's not the end ,only the beginning, so maybe I'll forgive Orlando, but not till I've read the next one . Hope it's as entertaining as his other inventions .
January 15, 2021
Awesome!
Loved it! Very sci-fi, with tech and techno-speak abounding. Then, a hint of magic (magery? energy manipulation? hocus pocus?). Plus, delightful characters. They all used to be various flavors of badass military, but now are together on a misfit crew. Hmm, can’t wait to learn about their backgrounds! Bring it on, I want more!
Loved it! Very sci-fi, with tech and techno-speak abounding. Then, a hint of magic (magery? energy manipulation? hocus pocus?). Plus, delightful characters. They all used to be various flavors of badass military, but now are together on a misfit crew. Hmm, can’t wait to learn about their backgrounds! Bring it on, I want more!
December 6, 2021
I can’t wait for more!!!
Another action packed, genre bending masterpiece by Orlando A Sanchez. I’ve been looking for a sci-fantasy story like this for a long time and Dread Warlock delivered. Highly, highly recommended if you like action sci-if blended with magic and a hint of noir like underworld type characters
Another action packed, genre bending masterpiece by Orlando A Sanchez. I’ve been looking for a sci-fantasy story like this for a long time and Dread Warlock delivered. Highly, highly recommended if you like action sci-if blended with magic and a hint of noir like underworld type characters
September 11, 2024
Blackjacks are action packed
I thoroughly enjoyed Blackjack Chronicles. I am so used to reading Montague and Strong adventures that I did not think I would care for a space adventure especially if there was no magic. However the main character is a mage in training. It has possibilities for magic in the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed Blackjack Chronicles. I am so used to reading Montague and Strong adventures that I did not think I would care for a space adventure especially if there was no magic. However the main character is a mage in training. It has possibilities for magic in the future.
September 14, 2024
What took me
I don't know why it took me so long to get and read this book, I truly enjoyed it it reminded me of the TV show Firefly which sadly ended way to soon, but this was that with added tech and magic. Loved it it had all the things I love in a story, I truly highly recommend.
I don't know why it took me so long to get and read this book, I truly enjoyed it it reminded me of the TV show Firefly which sadly ended way to soon, but this was that with added tech and magic. Loved it it had all the things I love in a story, I truly highly recommend.
December 13, 2024
Excellent Story!
First, to potential readers, it’s a novella, and it has a good hook. Read the author’s notes at the end.
For the author. I loved it. We have very similar knowledge pools. The story feels a bit Dungeons & Dragons…the ‘80s cartoon… with mysterious well no spoilers…
I am a huge fan of merging magic and tech.
First, to potential readers, it’s a novella, and it has a good hook. Read the author’s notes at the end.
For the author. I loved it. We have very similar knowledge pools. The story feels a bit Dungeons & Dragons…the ‘80s cartoon… with mysterious well no spoilers…
I am a huge fan of merging magic and tech.
September 2, 2018
Sci-Fi, Sentient Spaceships, and Sorcery... Must Read
You would never know this is his first sci-if story. The characters and story flow effortlessly and are intriguing and addicting... you WANT to keep turning pages..
Truly Enjoyable to Read, I could not put it down!
You would never know this is his first sci-if story. The characters and story flow effortlessly and are intriguing and addicting... you WANT to keep turning pages..
Truly Enjoyable to Read, I could not put it down!
September 8, 2018
I have to say this did not start out as a favorite. I’m not found of space dramas or serials. But, it grows on you, the characters become someone you would root for, cheer on, cry with. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
September 20, 2018
Get busy on lol two OS
I thought it was a great intro book and hope for more to come. I also love the M&S series and Mr. Sanchez is fast approaching "you write it and I'll read it" territory with me!
I thought it was a great intro book and hope for more to come. I also love the M&S series and Mr. Sanchez is fast approaching "you write it and I'll read it" territory with me!
September 22, 2018
Kickass story mind blown
This is an awesome read, I really enjoyed it immensely. Read the book in one sitting. Beautifully written and easily to get into Jack and his crew. Bring more of their world to life for us to enjoy. Love to Peaches.
This is an awesome read, I really enjoyed it immensely. Read the book in one sitting. Beautifully written and easily to get into Jack and his crew. Bring more of their world to life for us to enjoy. Love to Peaches.
October 22, 2018
Solid novella
Nice introduction to a sci-if/fantasy world blend. Strong but quirky characters. A little bit formulaic in the core team make-up but all was forgiven for the red shirt references.
Nice introduction to a sci-if/fantasy world blend. Strong but quirky characters. A little bit formulaic in the core team make-up but all was forgiven for the red shirt references.
November 29, 2018
Brilliant
What a brilliant story. I totally loved it. My only complaint is it was over too soon. I want more! I need more! When is the next one due because this totally needs to at the very least be a trilogy, preferably more.
What a brilliant story. I totally loved it. My only complaint is it was over too soon. I want more! I need more! When is the next one due because this totally needs to at the very least be a trilogy, preferably more.
February 7, 2019
I liked the characters and the ship is a AI and is part of the cast. The plot moves rapidly with lots of action. The amount of back story that is revealed pales in comparison to amount hinted at. I definitely want to read more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews