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Planet Broker #1
Planet Broker
Find the Best Planets. Colonize Them. Get Rich.
When CT was fired from his job colonizing planets for the Terra-Nebula Corporation, they thought he would fade quietly into the night.
They were wrong.
With only his ship, his plucky catgirl sidekick, and an insane AI, CT plans to do the impossible: Colonize the most valuable and dangerous planets in the universe.
Sure, he’ll have to brave a strange alien world, win over hostile natives, and court exotic women while taking on the biggest intergalactic corporation to ever exist, but CT is the best, and Terra-Nebula is about to learn that firsthand.
Disclaimer: This book contains harem elements.
When CT was fired from his job colonizing planets for the Terra-Nebula Corporation, they thought he would fade quietly into the night.
They were wrong.
With only his ship, his plucky catgirl sidekick, and an insane AI, CT plans to do the impossible: Colonize the most valuable and dangerous planets in the universe.
Sure, he’ll have to brave a strange alien world, win over hostile natives, and court exotic women while taking on the biggest intergalactic corporation to ever exist, but CT is the best, and Terra-Nebula is about to learn that firsthand.
Disclaimer: This book contains harem elements.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2018
445 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Eric Vall
354 books691 followersThanks for reading!
Buy my audiobooks directly from me at:
www.ericvall.com
Read and listen to early chapters, see NSFW covers, and subscribe to my discounted audiobook bundle at:
www.patreon.com/ericvall
https://www.facebook.com/authorericvall
Buy my audiobooks directly from me at:
www.ericvall.com
Read and listen to early chapters, see NSFW covers, and subscribe to my discounted audiobook bundle at:
www.patreon.com/ericvall
https://www.facebook.com/authorericvall
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 2, 2021
I thought that Metal Mage was fun when I read it early this year. It had the right amount of world building, action, research, innovation and sex. So when I stumbled across Planet Brokers, I was hoping for the same thing.... but in Spaaaaace!
And it wasn't exactly what happened. First, it seems that Planet Broker was Eric Vall's first book. And as such, he didn't seem to develop his style yet. But it is pretty close. The world building is there and a very compressed innovation (making new weapons and stuff) is there also. The sex is abstracted to innuendo and blushes. That didn't bother me at all since that left more time for the story, but might be what some readers are looking for.
Overall it was a nice start to what seems to be a short series.
I would like to say how amazed I was to learn about how this book came out in 2018 as his first and now there are dozens of novels in just a few short years. It is inspiring to see how prolific an author can be!
I am saddened to see that Eric Vall is not sending his audiobooks to Audible any more (beyond the first book). I believe this will mean I won't be able to read/listen to all his books. I understand that he has to make business decisions based on what will make sense for him but making it harder for readers to get his books will have a downside too. While he is also trying to make it easy to get through his site, as more authors do this it puts more of a challenge on readers. So one author going rogue becomes a dozen then hundreds and then thousands so readers won't be doing buying for any rogue authors. I encourage Audible/Amazon to do a better job with their authors so they won't all feel they have to do their own sales. Both Amazon AND the authors will lose revenue because of this but ultimately it is the readers that suffer, first trying to jump through extra hoops then giving up on trying to get books they would likely enjoy.
And it wasn't exactly what happened. First, it seems that Planet Broker was Eric Vall's first book. And as such, he didn't seem to develop his style yet. But it is pretty close. The world building is there and a very compressed innovation (making new weapons and stuff) is there also. The sex is abstracted to innuendo and blushes. That didn't bother me at all since that left more time for the story, but might be what some readers are looking for.
Overall it was a nice start to what seems to be a short series.
I would like to say how amazed I was to learn about how this book came out in 2018 as his first and now there are dozens of novels in just a few short years. It is inspiring to see how prolific an author can be!
I am saddened to see that Eric Vall is not sending his audiobooks to Audible any more (beyond the first book). I believe this will mean I won't be able to read/listen to all his books. I understand that he has to make business decisions based on what will make sense for him but making it harder for readers to get his books will have a downside too. While he is also trying to make it easy to get through his site, as more authors do this it puts more of a challenge on readers. So one author going rogue becomes a dozen then hundreds and then thousands so readers won't be doing buying for any rogue authors. I encourage Audible/Amazon to do a better job with their authors so they won't all feel they have to do their own sales. Both Amazon AND the authors will lose revenue because of this but ultimately it is the readers that suffer, first trying to jump through extra hoops then giving up on trying to get books they would likely enjoy.
October 8, 2018
As Eric Vall's first novel, Planet Broker is a great start to what could be a lucrative career. My main gripe with this self-published novel is that it needed to be edited by a third party. There were errors in the novel that most authors normally don't catch. Why? The author knows what the text should read and if the author edits the work himself, his mind automatically replaces the errors with the correct text that the author knows should have been there. This causes errors to be overlooked. A third party editor is looking at the work for the first time and therefore is able to catch errors such as the use of the word "passed" when it should have been "past," missing words, duplicate words, accidentally switching in a single sentence from past to present tense and then going back to past tense.
In my mind, these errors didn't detract from the story, but as an author and an editor, they were distracting at times.
As for the story itself, the pacing was fair and the story was intriguing, but I never felt emotionally attached to the characters as the characters seemed a little too distant and one-dimensional. The main thing I needed to get me more invested was for the characters to actually have more character-driven scenes instead of always being action and plot driven. I would have preferred a few spots where the story slowed to allow us time to emotionally connect with the characters and learn more about their backstories, how those shaped the people they became, and how that dynamic influenced their interactions with each other.
This wasn't a deal-breaker for me, because it was a good story, but I felt more like I was reading the script for a sci-fi, action movie instead of a novel. I hope Mr. Vall provides a deeper connection with the characters in future novels.
In my mind, these errors didn't detract from the story, but as an author and an editor, they were distracting at times.
As for the story itself, the pacing was fair and the story was intriguing, but I never felt emotionally attached to the characters as the characters seemed a little too distant and one-dimensional. The main thing I needed to get me more invested was for the characters to actually have more character-driven scenes instead of always being action and plot driven. I would have preferred a few spots where the story slowed to allow us time to emotionally connect with the characters and learn more about their backstories, how those shaped the people they became, and how that dynamic influenced their interactions with each other.
This wasn't a deal-breaker for me, because it was a good story, but I felt more like I was reading the script for a sci-fi, action movie instead of a novel. I hope Mr. Vall provides a deeper connection with the characters in future novels.
October 19, 2018
This was a great book
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thanks for a great kickoff to a unique series and idea. Loved the details you put into your character creation and how you kept the plot simple but intriguing. Cant wait for book two!
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thanks for a great kickoff to a unique series and idea. Loved the details you put into your character creation and how you kept the plot simple but intriguing. Cant wait for book two!
September 30, 2018
A good first book.
I enjoyed the book and I liked the characters in this book.I found them to be interesting and varied. Overall another good book from this author.
I enjoyed the book and I liked the characters in this book.I found them to be interesting and varied. Overall another good book from this author.
November 25, 2018
Great read - very light LitRPG elements - just has so much in the worlds similar to LitRPG, but funny and enjoyable. Not heavy on the sexy times but still has harem elements.
Loved it.
Loved it.
October 21, 2023
This story is okay, every part of it takes a little bit too long to complete (the arc). I think the character descriptions and world descriptions could be better so as to describe (geopolitical, territorial, economic, social, religious, etc. systems in place in each of the "planets/systems" in place in this Sci-Fi book and series. I like the fact that the love that the main characters share is "platonic" and not graphic like the rest of this author's book series. The story could have been better, the idea that there might be people that buy and sell planets in the Universe, or alternate reality multiverse, I think is unique and good, but author takes a little bit too much time developing each of the arcs, and going about everything. No maps, no inside illustrations, no character summaries, and this first book has 277 pages and 20 chapters, which averages out each chapter to about 14 pages, which has above average depth, and story development, which is better than most of the other books and series that this author has published.
Other than that, it's just okay. Not great, not bad, just okay.
As part of the trial CT, main character had a riddle to complete, in the second part: which was what do you keep when you give it (or something similar to this). And supposedly the author/the locals from this oceanic/water-world planet meant as the answer, their "word" (the pacts that they made with each other). I think there could be a lot of answers, and giving to others your word (making a pact) doesn't necessarily stay with you or is necessarily kept. "Love", for instance: The "Love" ones gives to another or to others, does stay with you (whether or not the others accept it, reject it, or is unrequited). Because both girls declared their love to the main character before the start of the second trial, I thought that the best possible answer to this second trial (riddle) would be LOVE. Not keeping your word, because Giving your word, and keeping it are subjective. People can say that you broke your pact/agreement and you can feel that you haven't, because the main problem with verbal agreements is, that it stay oral, it is an oral contract, if it were written then there is proof of the conditions and then can be subject to compliance at a later date, while an oral agreement can be rebuked at any time.
Other than that, it's just okay. Not great, not bad, just okay.
As part of the trial CT, main character had a riddle to complete, in the second part: which was what do you keep when you give it (or something similar to this). And supposedly the author/the locals from this oceanic/water-world planet meant as the answer, their "word" (the pacts that they made with each other). I think there could be a lot of answers, and giving to others your word (making a pact) doesn't necessarily stay with you or is necessarily kept. "Love", for instance: The "Love" ones gives to another or to others, does stay with you (whether or not the others accept it, reject it, or is unrequited). Because both girls declared their love to the main character before the start of the second trial, I thought that the best possible answer to this second trial (riddle) would be LOVE. Not keeping your word, because Giving your word, and keeping it are subjective. People can say that you broke your pact/agreement and you can feel that you haven't, because the main problem with verbal agreements is, that it stay oral, it is an oral contract, if it were written then there is proof of the conditions and then can be subject to compliance at a later date, while an oral agreement can be rebuked at any time.
January 11, 2019
I was hesitant to read this book because it said it has harem elements. However, I'm guessing that was put in to make the book sell. I suppose you could call it harem elements if you call two females claiming they love the guy, and an occasional kiss from one or both during the story. If that qualifies as harem elements, then, yes, this book has harem elements, but from my point of view, nope. that doesn't qualify, so if you don't like harems (like me), don't let that stop you from reading this book.
The book description claims the guy wants to settle the worlds instead of the the guys that fired him. This too is incorrect. The main character has no intention of settling the world, he just wants to negotiate a contract so that the world is off limits to the other two powers in the galaxy that do settle planets in order to exploit them.
Other than those two blaring untruths, the story is a pretty good one, and one I'd have read without hesitation had the cover blurb been accurate.
I liked it, and fully intend to read the next one in the series, where we can see if the harem elements actually come into play, or any world settling takes place.
Most scifi fans will like this one, and I expect the series will turn out to be a good one.
The book description claims the guy wants to settle the worlds instead of the the guys that fired him. This too is incorrect. The main character has no intention of settling the world, he just wants to negotiate a contract so that the world is off limits to the other two powers in the galaxy that do settle planets in order to exploit them.
Other than those two blaring untruths, the story is a pretty good one, and one I'd have read without hesitation had the cover blurb been accurate.
I liked it, and fully intend to read the next one in the series, where we can see if the harem elements actually come into play, or any world settling takes place.
Most scifi fans will like this one, and I expect the series will turn out to be a good one.
October 1, 2018
Sometimes repetitive, some fun twists, will read the sequel
As stated in the title this is mostly a good book. Grammar, spelling, and sentence structure was all pretty spot-on. This means either well written to begin with work-rate editing.
I really enjoyed how the story developed from beginning to end. in reading the book I almost felt like this is a video game, where the first bid was a tutorial to kind of get you set up and then the rest of the story was the main event.
One thing that I wasn't a fan of was House suddenly the Harem aspects manifested. Seem like everything was he's in a long, great pacing, and then suddenly everything is there. I enjoyed the pacing before it all just suddenly happened. But that's just me.
Something else that I noticed while reading was that certain phrases repeated repeatedly. I know that the cat girl is a cat girl but does she really need to mrowl at least once every chapter? Exaggerating, but it did feel like certain phrases cropped up entirely too much.
Will read the sequel just to see how else CT can stick it to the mega corps.
As stated in the title this is mostly a good book. Grammar, spelling, and sentence structure was all pretty spot-on. This means either well written to begin with work-rate editing.
I really enjoyed how the story developed from beginning to end. in reading the book I almost felt like this is a video game, where the first bid was a tutorial to kind of get you set up and then the rest of the story was the main event.
One thing that I wasn't a fan of was House suddenly the Harem aspects manifested. Seem like everything was he's in a long, great pacing, and then suddenly everything is there. I enjoyed the pacing before it all just suddenly happened. But that's just me.
Something else that I noticed while reading was that certain phrases repeated repeatedly. I know that the cat girl is a cat girl but does she really need to mrowl at least once every chapter? Exaggerating, but it did feel like certain phrases cropped up entirely too much.
Will read the sequel just to see how else CT can stick it to the mega corps.
May 28, 2022
Vall, Eric. Planet Broker. Planet Broker No. 1. Kindle, 2018.
Kindle Unlimited is the perfect venue for a first novel like Eric Vall’s Planet Broker. You might feel guilty about reading it, but at least you don’t have to feel guilty about buying it. You get hints of what you are in for from the cover art and from a warning in the blurb that says the book contains “harem elements.” Here’s the set-up: CT has just been fired from his job selling mining and ore processing rights to the natives of newly contacted planets. But he still has a working spaceship crewed by a genetically modified, very affectionate cat-girl and an AI that complains about being stuck on the ship. He rescues a comely engineer from a failing smelter and makes it his mission to compete with his old company. Think Cyrano Jones of Trouble with Tribbles fame morphing into Jerry Maguire with harem elements. This stuff is so pulpy you want to floss afterword. 3 stars.
Kindle Unlimited is the perfect venue for a first novel like Eric Vall’s Planet Broker. You might feel guilty about reading it, but at least you don’t have to feel guilty about buying it. You get hints of what you are in for from the cover art and from a warning in the blurb that says the book contains “harem elements.” Here’s the set-up: CT has just been fired from his job selling mining and ore processing rights to the natives of newly contacted planets. But he still has a working spaceship crewed by a genetically modified, very affectionate cat-girl and an AI that complains about being stuck on the ship. He rescues a comely engineer from a failing smelter and makes it his mission to compete with his old company. Think Cyrano Jones of Trouble with Tribbles fame morphing into Jerry Maguire with harem elements. This stuff is so pulpy you want to floss afterword. 3 stars.
May 2, 2020
G Rated Fun
The story is good, Eric Vall is a story teller. His descriptions and action is done quite well. The story is the driver for me, if it’s good, I tent to over look other potential issues.
For me there are a few opportunities, the characters need to be developed more, and CT’s (the main character) relationships were a bit juvenile.
Plus CT is made out to be this chivalrous somewhat shy good guy after years being a super successful corporate broker living the high life.
These inconsistencies are minor in that the story and storytelling is better than good.
Sometime in the future I will be reading the second book.
The story is good, Eric Vall is a story teller. His descriptions and action is done quite well. The story is the driver for me, if it’s good, I tent to over look other potential issues.
For me there are a few opportunities, the characters need to be developed more, and CT’s (the main character) relationships were a bit juvenile.
Plus CT is made out to be this chivalrous somewhat shy good guy after years being a super successful corporate broker living the high life.
These inconsistencies are minor in that the story and storytelling is better than good.
Sometime in the future I will be reading the second book.
February 22, 2020
Great sci-fi
I really liked it! The characters were interesting and had pretty good arcs, the action described was intense in a good way, the writing was clever yet heartfelt and even poignant at times and the relationship between the characters was believable and genuine. It was great when Neka revealed that both her and Akela loved Colby Tower after he recovers from his first trial. I really love it when all three share a kiss at the end after CT completes his third and final trial. I’d say check it out. You definitely can’t go wrong when there’s a cat-girl involved.
I really liked it! The characters were interesting and had pretty good arcs, the action described was intense in a good way, the writing was clever yet heartfelt and even poignant at times and the relationship between the characters was believable and genuine. It was great when Neka revealed that both her and Akela loved Colby Tower after he recovers from his first trial. I really love it when all three share a kiss at the end after CT completes his third and final trial. I’d say check it out. You definitely can’t go wrong when there’s a cat-girl involved.
October 28, 2018
Light-Hearted and Well Done
The story reads very much like a light drama / romance / action anime, and that’s not a bad thing. Lots of excellent SF action but based on the characters and not just the action. We also have some harem romance, but very lightly done, and without any sex scenes.
This is a nice story with engaging characters and plot, and could be done as a family-friendly matinee. Recommended.
The story reads very much like a light drama / romance / action anime, and that’s not a bad thing. Lots of excellent SF action but based on the characters and not just the action. We also have some harem romance, but very lightly done, and without any sex scenes.
This is a nice story with engaging characters and plot, and could be done as a family-friendly matinee. Recommended.
January 18, 2019
Pretty promising start to a new series
Thus far, believable charachters and motivations, no glaring format/editing issues, and a very enjoyable read for me so far. Feels just a tad short, but to be fair I read extremely fast so I can't really give a solid judgement in that regard; especially when my rule of thumb is in the Sanderson/Clancy/McCaffrey ranges. XD
Gonna read the next book after this review but I can recommend this wholeheartedly so far
Thus far, believable charachters and motivations, no glaring format/editing issues, and a very enjoyable read for me so far. Feels just a tad short, but to be fair I read extremely fast so I can't really give a solid judgement in that regard; especially when my rule of thumb is in the Sanderson/Clancy/McCaffrey ranges. XD
Gonna read the next book after this review but I can recommend this wholeheartedly so far
September 23, 2018
Ok story
While I didn't dislike this story, the lack of skill by the author really detracts from this work. Things like not knowing the difference between past and passed, when to use use me or I, confusing statements such as 'I rolled my eyes with a soft smile', and unneeded cursing brought my enjoyment level very low.
While I didn't dislike this story, the lack of skill by the author really detracts from this work. Things like not knowing the difference between past and passed, when to use use me or I, confusing statements such as 'I rolled my eyes with a soft smile', and unneeded cursing brought my enjoyment level very low.
September 27, 2018
Very nice
I enjoyed the book immensely! There was plenty of emotion and character development without any superficial qualities. The pacing is well done and the happy parts aren't just a means to keep the book from being too dark. You can enjoy the good times. Not to mention the ending makes me eager to read the next book without being your typical cliffhanger ending.
I enjoyed the book immensely! There was plenty of emotion and character development without any superficial qualities. The pacing is well done and the happy parts aren't just a means to keep the book from being too dark. You can enjoy the good times. Not to mention the ending makes me eager to read the next book without being your typical cliffhanger ending.
October 5, 2018
Interesting first book
This was a good book.
The beginning was great but between the part of the crew arriving at the planet and the first trail, it felt slow and uninteresting. The ending was great, though still kinda disappointed we did not see Colby telling his former boss he succeeded.
Hope to read book 2 later on.
This was a good book.
The beginning was great but between the part of the crew arriving at the planet and the first trail, it felt slow and uninteresting. The ending was great, though still kinda disappointed we did not see Colby telling his former boss he succeeded.
Hope to read book 2 later on.
October 13, 2018
Stupendous !!!!!!!!!!!!
Again I am amazed by Mr. Vall’s writing and storytelling skills!!!!!! I’m so pumped from this story that I am about to burst with anticipation for the next volumes for not just this series, but also for his other series as well!!!!!! Keep up the awesome work Mr. Vall and give us the next volumes!!!!!
Again I am amazed by Mr. Vall’s writing and storytelling skills!!!!!! I’m so pumped from this story that I am about to burst with anticipation for the next volumes for not just this series, but also for his other series as well!!!!!! Keep up the awesome work Mr. Vall and give us the next volumes!!!!!
October 22, 2018
Cool Beans
I like this story. It's fun and the characters are likable, which is pretty much the biggest deal for me. I didn't mind the mc and I liked the alien races. There was nothing too groundbreaking here but everything that was familiar was done so solidly that I couldn't help enjoying it and can't help looking forward to more.
I like this story. It's fun and the characters are likable, which is pretty much the biggest deal for me. I didn't mind the mc and I liked the alien races. There was nothing too groundbreaking here but everything that was familiar was done so solidly that I couldn't help enjoying it and can't help looking forward to more.
July 8, 2020
This is a fun sci/fi wish fulfillment type story that is pretty good for what it is, but it's not amazing.
Smut rating: 1/5 stars. Seriously people, this could be a disney movie.
Story: 3/5 Contains solid story elements, but lacks any real surprises. Also, lose points for trying to split the main story into 2 books.
Smut rating: 1/5 stars. Seriously people, this could be a disney movie.
Story: 3/5 Contains solid story elements, but lacks any real surprises. Also, lose points for trying to split the main story into 2 books.
September 29, 2018
Loved it
I really enjoyed this book. Space, cat girl, beautiful mechanic..... what's not to love? Also it was....harem like but not super deep and had alot of action and a very interesting plot. Very much looking forward to book 2!
I really enjoyed this book. Space, cat girl, beautiful mechanic..... what's not to love? Also it was....harem like but not super deep and had alot of action and a very interesting plot. Very much looking forward to book 2!
October 12, 2018
Good Read
A harem type story with two women (three of you count the computer AI). Enjoyed the story to save the downtrodden and sticking it to evil company. (Note: no adult action in the story, but there is some tension there.)
A harem type story with two women (three of you count the computer AI). Enjoyed the story to save the downtrodden and sticking it to evil company. (Note: no adult action in the story, but there is some tension there.)
November 27, 2018
Loved it. This one reminds me of the work of MSE. Great characters and plot. A revenge story on big company that banned him from brokering. It almost had an essence of reality in it. ;) . Overall, great read.
December 2, 2018
Better than I thought it would be
This story at first glance appears to be fairly light and in some ways the author writes in an obvious way. However, the underlying story is a good one and I enjoyed the character development. A good read overall.
This story at first glance appears to be fairly light and in some ways the author writes in an obvious way. However, the underlying story is a good one and I enjoyed the character development. A good read overall.
April 21, 2020
One was fun
New series (for me) from Eric Vall. I approached this with great expectations,based on past read books of his,and was pleased that he did NOT disappoint.Looking forward to the next book
New series (for me) from Eric Vall. I approached this with great expectations,based on past read books of his,and was pleased that he did NOT disappoint.Looking forward to the next book
April 27, 2020
A fun adventure
The story is set in space on stations and alien planets. So it is science fiction. Sort of.
This is adventure! And action! There's very little science.
That's okay though, because this story is a lot of fun.
The story is set in space on stations and alien planets. So it is science fiction. Sort of.
This is adventure! And action! There's very little science.
That's okay though, because this story is a lot of fun.
November 29, 2020
Read this in one sitting. Once again Mr Vall has written a story that grabs you right from the beginning and keeps you interested throughout. Great characters and a story that starts out as revenge but morphs the MC into a guy who just wants to right wrongs. Definitely buying book 2!!!
September 22, 2018
Entertaining
Loved the book, refreshing story line, well written (well I did not see any errors) looking forward to the next one.
Loved the book, refreshing story line, well written (well I did not see any errors) looking forward to the next one.
September 30, 2018
Fun
A honestly fun story, we'll written characters with bits of comedy thrown in with your action, and a bit of underdog sticking it to the "man" goodness.
A honestly fun story, we'll written characters with bits of comedy thrown in with your action, and a bit of underdog sticking it to the "man" goodness.
October 1, 2018
Really surprised me with how well written it is.
I expected a short and racy story, but it was much more.
I look forward to seeing the next book in the series.
I expected a short and racy story, but it was much more.
I look forward to seeing the next book in the series.
October 5, 2018
Enjoyable
I truly enjoyed this book. I do want to know what happens next so keep it going Eric Vall, I need an ending.
I truly enjoyed this book. I do want to know what happens next so keep it going Eric Vall, I need an ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews