You have just entered a new realm - a new Universe where there are worlds, races, powers, allies and enemies just waiting to be discovered. You have found yourself... Beyond the Outer Rim In the prelude to the series, we met Dungias as he became the Star Chaser – forever changing his world and receiving a quest to travel to a distant system and save the progeny of the Founders. Venturing to the Rims, Dungias encounters new races, new cultures, and a self-styled adventurer by the name of JoJo Starblazer. A brilliant and daring pilot, this pirate seeks her freedom from the constraints of the Inner Rim Empire, the Middle Rim corporations, and the Outer Rim races of legend. With only her skill, her savvy, and one dedicated First Mate, she seeks to find her niche in the Cosmos... even if she has to cut it out first!
Born in a common house, in a common land, during a common time, Reiter was issued to the world in the same manner as any other notion of life. Born of circumstance and perspective, he came to see life from a standpoint most might label askew (but let’s not get him started on labels). It was through this angle of vision that his mind opened up to the limitless possibilities of thought and existence.
Since our first act is to covet, Reiter’s train of thought was detoured to mythology and how such fantastic stories were used to explain scientific fact. That is where his abilities were first applied; the battle that rages between Atlas and Hercules continues to this day. The Moon moves closer to the Earth and then further away, depending on who is winning the contest. It is a simple beginning, perhaps, but a beginning nonetheless and one that ushered other stories that grew along with the young man, encompassing greater scope and depth.
What some called it daydreaming, he called a work in progress. There is a universe out there, full of theory and definition – waiting for its story to be told. It holds comedy, tragedy, adventure, mystery, horror, action and intrigue. Reiter is but one of its storytellers!
This is a genuine sci-fi epic, action packed and loaded with conflict, power struggle and suspense. The world building is incredible, immersing the reader in a realm that is both fantastic and believable at the same time. The writing is clean and the story is coherent and really well developed.
The real strength, though, lies in the characters. Their flaws balance their abilities and strengths in a way that makes them believable and still complex enough to remain unpredictable. The subversive humour that emerges in certain characters is refreshing and very engaging.
In contrast to the stereotypes of science fiction, which I acknowledge as the main reason I read less of it that I otherwise might, I really liked the fact that the female characters are central to this story, They are intelligent, self-sufficient and powerful in their own right.
This is a big book, but it’s a real page-turner with an entertaining story and lots of action and energy.
It's still a ride, and I am still loving it. I turn the page and ask myself, "Did I write this?" JoJo is a breath of fresh air and she is pleasant challenge to monitor and record.
I'm an avid reader, a life-long sci-fi/fantasy fan, and a female - and this book delivers on all the levels I'm looking for. It really is the real deal. As the first 'official' book of the series (but the prelude is not to be missed!) I was again transported to the amazing realm the author built in Star Chaser: The Traveler. It still felt rational, real, and relatable while still being completely fantastical.
As a huge sci-fi/fantasy fan, I'm well familiar with every wanna-be hack writer saying that their work is "Star Wars meets Lord of the Rings"... but in this case - I can actually say the claim (if made) would be justified. It's got every bit of the action, suspense, magic, powers, conflict & pathos that you could hope for in a series like this.
In the tradition of long-running series (Game of Thrones, Wheel of Time, Sword of Truth, etc.) - this series is EPIC... and it brings you along for one hell of a ride. It's all the fantasy, swords, & magic of these epic series - but with energy weapons & spaceships!
One big difference between those stories & this one? WOMEN. There are (hold on to your hats) actual legitimate female characters. ... In lead roles! ... They aren't arm-candy, or need rescuing, or serve as place-holders or set-dressing. They're vibrant, talented, and as complex & varied as the males of the story.
Killer Action, Non-stop Story, New Realms to Discover, Engaging Characters, Magic, Outer Space...