Smuggler

Spacer, Smuggler, Pirate, Spy #2

by J.A. Sutherland

There are 'nice' jobs that come my way, and there are profitable jobs that come my way. Now, these things do, on occasion, come along inside each other's orbits - but it's more of a cometary sort of thing, if you take my meaning. Avrel Dansby is troubled. He knew, going in, that the life of a smuggler would be filled with disreputable sorts - still, he'd like to imagine there are some jobs out there he can stomach without the desire nuke his client from orbit.

Genres: Science Fiction

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2019

Reviews

[C.T. Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dansby does his best to try to make a dishonest buck by becoming an enemy of the shipping company that destroyed his family business. Sadly, he's sidetracked from this by being pressed into service by the Navy. From there he discovers a drug scheme that he wants to rip off, a beautiful card shark he gets himself robbed by, and a Hannover plot. Basically, everything but being an enemy to his actual enemies. I liked the story all but think Dansby is way too nice to be a smuggler and should be outright engaged in piracy against the people who ruined him. Plus, his obsession over those ten pounds really was insane. Still, a whole lot of fun!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining read about Dansby's exploits long before he runs into Alexis Carew. Fastpaced fun - I just wish I didn't find Kaycie so exceptionally annoying.

[Graylark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing much happened here to progress his ultimate goal. Maybe just to establish where he is now since we last saw him in book 1.

I feel a little let down because although this was a fun little read, I was on edge thinking this book would explain the mysteries from Alexis Carew book 6. Kaycee’s ears being stored with Presgraves’ head by Ness. But nothing happened to explain it, and also, he’s a long way from achieving his ultimate goal of revenge. So it looks like this series won’t be just a duo but a series of its own so the explanation is yet to come!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I can’t help but think that I missed a book between Spacer and Smuggler. At the end of the first book, Jon/Avrel had claimed a different Marchant ship but in this one, he has the Elizabeth, the former Bartlett ship named for his mother.

At any rate, while Avrel in this adventure was more than a bit stupid about a number of matters, it still was fun seeing him in his younger years before coming across Alexis Carew. I hope the author finds time to give us more stories in each series.

[Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enticing

Welcome back to the world of Avrel Dansby.  The second book in the series does not disappoint.  Dansby originally introduced to us in the Carew series (of which we are waiting for the next installment) has a series explain his beginnings and his dislike of the Marchant Shipping Lines.  The good ship Elizabeth and its lively crew continue a dark space romp that is fast paced and enjoyable.  This is a good read.

[Barry Moraller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh, what a dropoff from the first book. Jon/Dansby goes from competent, but maybe a bit naive in book 1 to a blithering idiot in book 2 with each chapter being a repeat of the last. Obviously awful plan goes awry in a semi-amusing way.

I'm left wondering why anyone would care to keep bailing him out and why he and Kasey are supposed to love one another, as he's a moron and she's a humorless hector who basically exists to nag him from his own inner monologue.

[Gene Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smuggler and reluctant spy

Just a merchant looking to turn a profit, not quite. An honorable heart leads to trouble and adventure. Tight conditions and thinking leads to a good yarn to read.

[Nancy Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smuggler gives more of the Dansby rogue

Having been introduced to Dansby in the Alexis Carew series it’s fun to see how he’s developed from a prankish school boy to Alexis’s scoundrel mentor.

[elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun new series

I like the unpredictable plot, the unique and interesting characters, the fun mix of old and new tradition. Nice variety to the tone and feel to the different stories, too.

[Bonnijean Marley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really???

Reads like Maxwell Smart and Jack Sparrow meet Hornblower with occasional references to spaceships. More farce than adventure. Maybe it was an out of copyright 16th century sailing story reworked with search and replace.

[Jerome A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the universe in which this series takes place

However, the dialogue in this volume really is more than juvenile. I’ve heard 8 year olds bicker better. The plot is thin and not original

[Andrew Sivula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun romp

A fun continuation of Arval Danby's beginnings, if you like the Alexis Carew saga you will like this one, I heartedly recommend it

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nautical treat

Shades of Hornblower, Bolitho, Aubrey–Maturin . A top roaring tale and swashbuckling adventures. Waiting to see what mischief Dansby can get into next.

[sharon saban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such good books!

I love these stories! Great plots! Great characters! And so funny! I just wish their were more as I've read all of them😢

[Kacee Francione · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick but entertaining read

This followed "Spacer" fairly well but does not explain how he acquired the ship 'Elizabeth ' from the hated Marchant company.