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Light Tripper
In the 23rd century, bounty hunter, Sal Tripp is a girl with simple needs.
A decent replicated meal, a bullet-free head and keeping her ability to manipulate kinetic energy under wraps.
No easy task when your home is Morpheus, a sleazy band of planets populated by the scum of the outer systems or when your father is the infamous Morgan Tripp, a once proud pilot in the Planetary Alliance, now reduced to a drug addicted, has-been who owes credits to every gangster in the galaxy.
The upside? Light Tripper, their derelict ship. For Sal it is freedom and adventure, and when they get their hands on a new jump drive, it might even get them to Earth, which Sal has heard is beautiful and green.
That is until the day Light Tripper's thrusters kick the bucket, delivering them right into the hands of the system's most ruthless crime boss and crossing their path with a hardened soldier who knows far more about Sal and Morgan than he should. Then they find themselves face-to-face with the Planetary Alliance, who may not be the humble saviours the galaxy takes them for.
It's up to Sal to clean up Morgan's mess one more time and not get herself killed in the process. But with her powers evolving and the truths of her past threatening to undo her future, just who can Sal trust in a system where it's every scumbag for themselves?
A decent replicated meal, a bullet-free head and keeping her ability to manipulate kinetic energy under wraps.
No easy task when your home is Morpheus, a sleazy band of planets populated by the scum of the outer systems or when your father is the infamous Morgan Tripp, a once proud pilot in the Planetary Alliance, now reduced to a drug addicted, has-been who owes credits to every gangster in the galaxy.
The upside? Light Tripper, their derelict ship. For Sal it is freedom and adventure, and when they get their hands on a new jump drive, it might even get them to Earth, which Sal has heard is beautiful and green.
That is until the day Light Tripper's thrusters kick the bucket, delivering them right into the hands of the system's most ruthless crime boss and crossing their path with a hardened soldier who knows far more about Sal and Morgan than he should. Then they find themselves face-to-face with the Planetary Alliance, who may not be the humble saviours the galaxy takes them for.
It's up to Sal to clean up Morgan's mess one more time and not get herself killed in the process. But with her powers evolving and the truths of her past threatening to undo her future, just who can Sal trust in a system where it's every scumbag for themselves?
220 pages, ebook
First published October 23, 2018
11 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Jo-Anne Tomlinson
6 books57 followersJo-Anne Tomlinson was born and bred in the mystical land of New Zealand.
No, she wasn't in Lord of the Rings. No, she doesn't know that guy, Steve. Yes, she has seen a kiwi and they are both powerful and majestic.
As well as writing, Jo is an inventor, currently designing a sophisticated robot that will spit out a completed manuscript based on a very vague synopsis. Unfortunately, as she hasn't even mastered the TV remote, progress is slow.
When not writing or reading, you'll find her playing video games, watching terrible movies and eavesdropping on people who argue in malls. Lastly, she doesn't mind if you call her Jo.
No, she wasn't in Lord of the Rings. No, she doesn't know that guy, Steve. Yes, she has seen a kiwi and they are both powerful and majestic.
As well as writing, Jo is an inventor, currently designing a sophisticated robot that will spit out a completed manuscript based on a very vague synopsis. Unfortunately, as she hasn't even mastered the TV remote, progress is slow.
When not writing or reading, you'll find her playing video games, watching terrible movies and eavesdropping on people who argue in malls. Lastly, she doesn't mind if you call her Jo.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 18, 2018
Thanks to Jo-Anne Tomlinson for giving me this book to review.
Light Tripper is a fun new adult sci-fi space opera full of action, betrayals and romance. It was a little slow to start but once the story started getting into the swing of it, I was hooked. I loved the twists in this book as I did not see most of them coming, and the characters were interesting and really engaging. I really liked that the story did not have any added drama for the sake of drama, which meant I could connect to the story.
Sal is a likeable character who is adaptable, witty and practical and despite her unusual upbringing she is a good person who truly cares. Raijin is a very loyal and diligent character who is rather mysterious about who he is. Morgan is another interesting character as he obviously cares and loves Sal but not enough to give up his addiction.
I really liked this book and I hope there is more stories in this universe. I would recommend Light Tripper to fans of Tomlinson’s other books and whose who are a fan of sci-fi novels.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
Light Tripper is a fun new adult sci-fi space opera full of action, betrayals and romance. It was a little slow to start but once the story started getting into the swing of it, I was hooked. I loved the twists in this book as I did not see most of them coming, and the characters were interesting and really engaging. I really liked that the story did not have any added drama for the sake of drama, which meant I could connect to the story.
Sal is a likeable character who is adaptable, witty and practical and despite her unusual upbringing she is a good person who truly cares. Raijin is a very loyal and diligent character who is rather mysterious about who he is. Morgan is another interesting character as he obviously cares and loves Sal but not enough to give up his addiction.
I really liked this book and I hope there is more stories in this universe. I would recommend Light Tripper to fans of Tomlinson’s other books and whose who are a fan of sci-fi novels.
This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
November 3, 2018
I received a copy of Light Tripper in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Light Tripper is the first novel I’ve read by Jo-Anne Tomlinson, but if this one is anything to go by; I’m already a huge fan of her work. It’s a science fiction novel, and could be categorized as a space opera (something I’m always on the hunt for).
Light Tripper reminded me of a cross between Firefly, The Starfire Trilogy, and just a touch of Star Wars. Those don’t sound like series/novels that would blend well, but they really do here. It’s based in the big wide open of space, with a few integral ports on different planets and moons. There are mercenaries, bounty hunters, and big governments that nobody seems to like. In short, it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Light Tripper is the first novel I’ve read by Jo-Anne Tomlinson, but if this one is anything to go by; I’m already a huge fan of her work. It’s a science fiction novel, and could be categorized as a space opera (something I’m always on the hunt for).
Light Tripper reminded me of a cross between Firefly, The Starfire Trilogy, and just a touch of Star Wars. Those don’t sound like series/novels that would blend well, but they really do here. It’s based in the big wide open of space, with a few integral ports on different planets and moons. There are mercenaries, bounty hunters, and big governments that nobody seems to like. In short, it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
October 27, 2018
I am a huge fan of Jo-Anne Tomlinson's Ardentia series (see this link for details: https://www.amazon.com/Empyrean-Key-A...), and was thrilled to read this book.
Light Tripper is a space opera rather than fantasy, but it did not disappoint. This book was action-packed from start to finish, without neglecting character development. As with her other books, I was impressed by Tomlinson's ability to create characters with strong personalities that interacted in a dynamic way. Her characters are memorable and relatable. As you read the book, you grow to love them as your friends or be irritated with them in the way you are with that one friend/relative everyone has. If Tomlinson wrote a scene where two of her characters sat around watching paint dry, it would be far more entertaining than anything that's shown on television for the last ten years.
If you are the type of reader who enjoys a leisurely stroll through a book, savoring the descriptive prose and stopping to smell the proverbial roses, this book may not be for you. Light Tripper is as action-packed as a high-speed chase, pumped with danger and drama, but not neglecting those elements that make the story realistic. A definite page-turner.
The story invites the reader on an adventure to a future of multi-planet systems. Each planet is like another character with its own personality. Given my opinion of Tomlinson's characters, you can guess my opinion of her setting. The story progresses with action, mystery, and romance, all punctuated with the characters' witty banter and well-placed foreshadowing.
All in all, an excellent read. Highly recommend.
Light Tripper is a space opera rather than fantasy, but it did not disappoint. This book was action-packed from start to finish, without neglecting character development. As with her other books, I was impressed by Tomlinson's ability to create characters with strong personalities that interacted in a dynamic way. Her characters are memorable and relatable. As you read the book, you grow to love them as your friends or be irritated with them in the way you are with that one friend/relative everyone has. If Tomlinson wrote a scene where two of her characters sat around watching paint dry, it would be far more entertaining than anything that's shown on television for the last ten years.
If you are the type of reader who enjoys a leisurely stroll through a book, savoring the descriptive prose and stopping to smell the proverbial roses, this book may not be for you. Light Tripper is as action-packed as a high-speed chase, pumped with danger and drama, but not neglecting those elements that make the story realistic. A definite page-turner.
The story invites the reader on an adventure to a future of multi-planet systems. Each planet is like another character with its own personality. Given my opinion of Tomlinson's characters, you can guess my opinion of her setting. The story progresses with action, mystery, and romance, all punctuated with the characters' witty banter and well-placed foreshadowing.
All in all, an excellent read. Highly recommend.
May 8, 2019
There were a lot of things about this story that I really liked, and also a lot of things that needed work.
The plot was great. I was interested, curious, wanting to know more and learn more. There were mysterious pasts, concealed motives, and a good amount of action. The worldbuilding was a little rough, but the shape of it was fantastic. The galaxy was colorful and interesting, with enough mystery and unspoken background to lend it depth. The characters were dynamic and unique, not mere cardboard cut-outs of other characters. Sal was a very engaging character, although her dialogue was a bit unfinished and her inner dialogue could have been better. She was quick to act, confident, and loyal. I like those traits in a female main character. The supporting characters were equally interesting and unique, which I appreciated. There was a bit of romance, but it wasn't the main part and it wasn't too cheesy.
The writing style, in general, was good, although the story still seemed rough to me. There were some parts that were skipped over too quickly which could have benefitted from a play-by-play, such as dangerous and suspenseful action moments. There were important hints and suggestions that alluded to future events that should have been played up more.
Overall, the writing was a bit blunt and rushed, but the ideas were great and I definitely enjoyed reading it.
The plot was great. I was interested, curious, wanting to know more and learn more. There were mysterious pasts, concealed motives, and a good amount of action. The worldbuilding was a little rough, but the shape of it was fantastic. The galaxy was colorful and interesting, with enough mystery and unspoken background to lend it depth. The characters were dynamic and unique, not mere cardboard cut-outs of other characters. Sal was a very engaging character, although her dialogue was a bit unfinished and her inner dialogue could have been better. She was quick to act, confident, and loyal. I like those traits in a female main character. The supporting characters were equally interesting and unique, which I appreciated. There was a bit of romance, but it wasn't the main part and it wasn't too cheesy.
The writing style, in general, was good, although the story still seemed rough to me. There were some parts that were skipped over too quickly which could have benefitted from a play-by-play, such as dangerous and suspenseful action moments. There were important hints and suggestions that alluded to future events that should have been played up more.
Overall, the writing was a bit blunt and rushed, but the ideas were great and I definitely enjoyed reading it.
January 3, 2019
Lots of space travel, running for your lives escape moments, Star Wars kind of rebellion, and good main characters. I liked the MC's voice. It was refreshingly engaging.
The father daughter relationship was really nice. Sal could've been so much more successful on her own, but she stuck by her father in every situation, and it was really nice to learn their history. I might even be more interested in a separate book on Morgan, and what made him leave the planetary alliance.
There were some moments when it looked as if this would turn into a space romance, but those scenes were muted and kept clean. I'm impressed with the way it ended. There's potential for either direction.
There were some unexpected twists and lots of action. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, though I think some points could've been edited a bit better to make them clearer.
I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The father daughter relationship was really nice. Sal could've been so much more successful on her own, but she stuck by her father in every situation, and it was really nice to learn their history. I might even be more interested in a separate book on Morgan, and what made him leave the planetary alliance.
There were some moments when it looked as if this would turn into a space romance, but those scenes were muted and kept clean. I'm impressed with the way it ended. There's potential for either direction.
There were some unexpected twists and lots of action. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, though I think some points could've been edited a bit better to make them clearer.
I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2022
Our heroine is not much of a joiner, but circumstances change and now she is the one that is encouraging folks to band together before it is too late. The question is, will anyone listen?
This is listed as book one of the series, so a fine place to start.
This is an action packed space opera story in the finest tradition. The story is well written and easy to read, grabbing your attention early on and never letting go. The setting is well developed with competing factions and interesting worlds, all of which have their own agendas. The same goes for the characters, who are well crafted with distinct personalities that bring the whole story to life. The plot is complex and fast paced with plenty of action and intrigue to keep things very interesting. All of this combines to make for a very engaging story that left me looking for the next book.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is listed as book one of the series, so a fine place to start.
This is an action packed space opera story in the finest tradition. The story is well written and easy to read, grabbing your attention early on and never letting go. The setting is well developed with competing factions and interesting worlds, all of which have their own agendas. The same goes for the characters, who are well crafted with distinct personalities that bring the whole story to life. The plot is complex and fast paced with plenty of action and intrigue to keep things very interesting. All of this combines to make for a very engaging story that left me looking for the next book.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
January 14, 2019
I don't really know how to feel about this book, and I'm going back and forth on the rating. I love Sci-Fi so much, and this book featured a lot of elements I like, which I guess is one of the biggest reasons I liked this book.
What I found really weird though was the way it was told. It was told in third person, but it felt like there was someone else with them and they were they one letting the story? Also, I can't say I was that fond of the characters. Sal kind of annoyed me at times and I pretty much didn't like Morgan at all. And the characters I actually liked didn't have the best ending. The ending felt sort of rushed compared to how everything was set up. All in all, I had fun while reading Light Tripper, but it didn't blow me away.
What I found really weird though was the way it was told. It was told in third person, but it felt like there was someone else with them and they were they one letting the story? Also, I can't say I was that fond of the characters. Sal kind of annoyed me at times and I pretty much didn't like Morgan at all. And the characters I actually liked didn't have the best ending. The ending felt sort of rushed compared to how everything was set up. All in all, I had fun while reading Light Tripper, but it didn't blow me away.
December 20, 2018
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Light Tripper is well-worth the hype on the back of the book and in its glowing review. I am a fan of hard science fiction and ground-pounders SF (ie, not space naval campaigns). This book had a bit of everything but mainly it was action. There was a non-stop pace to the characters and the plotline that kept my attention throughout. No spoilers, just start reading and then you will be hooked.
Light Tripper is well-worth the hype on the back of the book and in its glowing review. I am a fan of hard science fiction and ground-pounders SF (ie, not space naval campaigns). This book had a bit of everything but mainly it was action. There was a non-stop pace to the characters and the plotline that kept my attention throughout. No spoilers, just start reading and then you will be hooked.
February 4, 2019
This is a bit like Firefly but without the wittiness in the dialogue. Story was well paced. Characters likable and I enjoyed the different types. Having Sal's father, Morgan, in the majority of the book with her was a bit different and the story line was good. It is 3.5 stars and would have been 4 if there were some more romance/personal interaction between Raijin. I think their banter could have been better.
September 26, 2020
For a first time reader of science fiction, this book was the best way to start with. Absolutley fantastic book and would highly recommend to any young teens wanting to broaden their reading tastes. A++++++
December 20, 2018
Received an arc from netgalley. This is a fun, engaging, humorous sf adventure with bounty hunters. If you like Firefly and things like that, you will LOVE this book!
January 13, 2023
Loved it
Good read. Fast paced action with a good balance of characters. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more.
Good read. Fast paced action with a good balance of characters. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews