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Space Rogues #1
Space Rogues
Fans of Farscape and Killjoys will love the crew of the Ghost.
Wil Calder was an astronaut testing Earth's first Faster Than Light engine in an experimental space pod when he ended up stranded on the opposite side of the solar system. Even if NASA could come to get him, they didn't know where to look.
But that was years ago.
Now, Wil is a lonely intergalactic outlaw and smuggler, looking for a crew, because space is lonely and boring. He's got a ship, now he needs some friends or at least people to work with, maybe boss around a little.
What he isn't looking for, is a plot that would destabilize the entire Galactic Commonwealth. A scheme he and his new crew aren't remotely qualified to stop, but who looks at qualifications these days? They can't just turn their backs on the galaxy, can they?
Between epic space battles, a quest for redemption and a daring heist, the crew uncovers a dangerous secret.
If you tried to cross the Buck Rogers TV Show from the early 80's with the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, you'd come close to the rollicking good fun of this classic space opera.
Join the crew of the Ghost on the first of many fantastic adventures.
Wil Calder was an astronaut testing Earth's first Faster Than Light engine in an experimental space pod when he ended up stranded on the opposite side of the solar system. Even if NASA could come to get him, they didn't know where to look.
But that was years ago.
Now, Wil is a lonely intergalactic outlaw and smuggler, looking for a crew, because space is lonely and boring. He's got a ship, now he needs some friends or at least people to work with, maybe boss around a little.
What he isn't looking for, is a plot that would destabilize the entire Galactic Commonwealth. A scheme he and his new crew aren't remotely qualified to stop, but who looks at qualifications these days? They can't just turn their backs on the galaxy, can they?
Between epic space battles, a quest for redemption and a daring heist, the crew uncovers a dangerous secret.
If you tried to cross the Buck Rogers TV Show from the early 80's with the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, you'd come close to the rollicking good fun of this classic space opera.
Join the crew of the Ghost on the first of many fantastic adventures.
404 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2017
677 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
About the author
John Wilker
28 books96 followersJohn lives in Denver with his amazing wife, and two nutty little dogs, where he enjoys patio beers, gardening, and camping.
He's been writing since he could but made the leap to sharing with the public in 2017 with his Space Rogues series.
John is an active member of the SFWA as wells as a board member of the Colorado Authors League.
He also writes under the pen name J. Beckett.
He's been writing since he could but made the leap to sharing with the public in 2017 with his Space Rogues series.
John is an active member of the SFWA as wells as a board member of the Colorado Authors League.
He also writes under the pen name J. Beckett.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
August 10, 2018
A derivative blast
Ok, the author steals like a madman from the best. The main character is John Crichton from Farscape, with the personality of Mal from Firefly, flying a Klingon Bird of Prey through the Peacekeeper universe, throwing pop culture references out like a demented machine gun (and not just sci-fi - he misremembered the bots numeric name as 8675309...). Star Wars, Star Trek (or Babylon 5, not sure what show about people in a space station was being referenced), nothing is sacred. One of the key plots is his own twist on the super-vault robbery from Farscape.
And it works. It comes across more of a homage than blatant theft, and while the rewind-and-jump-viewpoints gets a little tiring, the story is fun, and if it starts slow, well, wait until the giant battle towards the end when he finally brings the plot points together.
Ok, the author steals like a madman from the best. The main character is John Crichton from Farscape, with the personality of Mal from Firefly, flying a Klingon Bird of Prey through the Peacekeeper universe, throwing pop culture references out like a demented machine gun (and not just sci-fi - he misremembered the bots numeric name as 8675309...). Star Wars, Star Trek (or Babylon 5, not sure what show about people in a space station was being referenced), nothing is sacred. One of the key plots is his own twist on the super-vault robbery from Farscape.
And it works. It comes across more of a homage than blatant theft, and while the rewind-and-jump-viewpoints gets a little tiring, the story is fun, and if it starts slow, well, wait until the giant battle towards the end when he finally brings the plot points together.
May 23, 2019
Another galaxy,new friends and enemies
Will Calder finds himself stranded outside of the solar system after an FTL flight. Initially taken in by another crew, he finds himself alone in the ship after a double-cross. After a while he "rescues"two peacekeepers from a ship and is joined by another alien and a workbot.
Life just gets more interesting as the crew attempt to do the right thing.
An excellent book for anyone who loves space and adventures
Will Calder finds himself stranded outside of the solar system after an FTL flight. Initially taken in by another crew, he finds himself alone in the ship after a double-cross. After a while he "rescues"two peacekeepers from a ship and is joined by another alien and a workbot.
Life just gets more interesting as the crew attempt to do the right thing.
An excellent book for anyone who loves space and adventures
December 12, 2018
Dnf 27%.
The characters weren’t grabbing me, and the world building was pretty shoddy...
..and the go to a place to do the thing, in an alien controlled universe, with no human presence....
...called the barsoom system.
At this point I gave up.
The characters weren’t grabbing me, and the world building was pretty shoddy...
..and the go to a place to do the thing, in an alien controlled universe, with no human presence....
...called the barsoom system.
At this point I gave up.
October 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this. I thought all the characters were fun and I enjoyed visioning what the different species aboard the ship looked like.
I thought the battle against The Peacekeepers and the GC was well written and left me on the edge of my seat (or rather, bed 😂) wondering what would happen next.
I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I thought the battle against The Peacekeepers and the GC was well written and left me on the edge of my seat (or rather, bed 😂) wondering what would happen next.
I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
January 30, 2018
This was an outstanding first novel in what appears to be the start of an enjoyable series. It had the potential to be a five star rated book if there had! Review been a higher level of intensity and drama. I believe the next books have that potential remember, this author is just getting started.
I never try and give a "HS Book Report" Summary in my reviews. If that's what a prospecting reader is looking for I recommend they read the authors summary, Instead, I prefer to share what I liked (or not) about a book. This book has all the elements found in the current Sci-Fi stories, FTL Space Ships, AI Robots, Incredible Space Battles with all the "latest" weapons, Various Alien species with dramatically different physical and emotional characteristics, a unique but complementary crew that is evolving, and many different worlds. There are the obligatory traitorous groups bent on their evil corrupt and self-serving secret plans and the reluctant heroes who overcome their own self-interests for "the-greater-good".
There was one minor problem I had that caused me some brief pauses while reading. There is a back story being told between chapters that, had I been prepared for them or, if the change in time had been noted, would have been easier for me to adjust to. One of the positive things I liked about this authors presentation style is that he doesn't shove his "Science" "in-your-face' with impossible to explain physics that some authors attempt in this genre. One suggestion I would make to the author, presuming there will be additional books following the main characters, is to include one more in his crew. We briefly met a receptionist who was described as a sexy-feline alien who became a kick-ass Ninja Warrior. We already have a female in the crew who is in a relationship with another crew so she, her attributes, and skills could add to the adventure without causing any "competition" between the ladies for our young Captain.
Review by THE HOLEY ONE
August 7, 2018
“Space Opera At Its Best”
Astronaut Wil Calder’s module is experiencing problems that could leave him stranded in space. However, a pirate ship appears from another galaxy and captures him and the space module. Instead of leaving him to die, the captain of the space pirates takes a liking to the human and keeps him on board to clean his ship. The pirate crew is betrayed by a group of criminals and the captain turns his ship, an ANKARRAN battle ship over to him as he is dying. Alone now, Wil calls the ship Ghost for his recent shipmates now dead.
Along the way, Wil picks up a crew, beginning with Maxim and Zephyr, ex-galactic cops betrayed by their own people. Next comes Ben Ari – Beenie – an electronics genius, and finally Gabe, an engineering robot. With his crew of aliens and robot, it’s up to Captain Wil Calder to stop a war of worlds, or die trying.
This was pure Flash Gordon space opera stuff, and the author kept the story moving at a fast pace with characters the reader will love. A lone human with a willingness to help, backed up by a fighting crew of misfits who will follow their captain into the maw of death. Highly recommended.
Astronaut Wil Calder’s module is experiencing problems that could leave him stranded in space. However, a pirate ship appears from another galaxy and captures him and the space module. Instead of leaving him to die, the captain of the space pirates takes a liking to the human and keeps him on board to clean his ship. The pirate crew is betrayed by a group of criminals and the captain turns his ship, an ANKARRAN battle ship over to him as he is dying. Alone now, Wil calls the ship Ghost for his recent shipmates now dead.
Along the way, Wil picks up a crew, beginning with Maxim and Zephyr, ex-galactic cops betrayed by their own people. Next comes Ben Ari – Beenie – an electronics genius, and finally Gabe, an engineering robot. With his crew of aliens and robot, it’s up to Captain Wil Calder to stop a war of worlds, or die trying.
This was pure Flash Gordon space opera stuff, and the author kept the story moving at a fast pace with characters the reader will love. A lone human with a willingness to help, backed up by a fighting crew of misfits who will follow their captain into the maw of death. Highly recommended.
June 25, 2021
Will Calder is a human. He is accidentally exposed to aliens and finds himself on an alien ship due to the comparatively compassionate captain. Later Will finds himself in command of a ship. His acquisition of a crew and an end to his loneliness happen simultaneously.
This book could be seen as a plea for acceptance of those who are different. Different in that they aren't the same as you. Intolerance has sadly been more obvious the last few years. Will has to deal with sentient beings who are vastly different than he is and discovers that yet they are the same. The similarity is in wants, needs, desires and an equal desire to be useful and accepted.
It may be I read more into this than a simple action/adventure space opera but as far as I'm concerned the author succeeded in both writing an entertaining adventure and a plea for tolerance.
I recommend the book.
This book could be seen as a plea for acceptance of those who are different. Different in that they aren't the same as you. Intolerance has sadly been more obvious the last few years. Will has to deal with sentient beings who are vastly different than he is and discovers that yet they are the same. The similarity is in wants, needs, desires and an equal desire to be useful and accepted.
It may be I read more into this than a simple action/adventure space opera but as far as I'm concerned the author succeeded in both writing an entertaining adventure and a plea for tolerance.
I recommend the book.
October 27, 2020
Wil Calder was a NASA astronaut trialling a new FTL drive when something went very wrong. Now he's a man with a van. Except not a van so much as a fancy spaceship. You got a job, he can do it – don't much care what it is.
A light-hearted adventure, balancing heart and wit, taking on a universe governed by corruption.
This is a novel in the vein of Becky Chambers' Wayfarer series with a healthy dash of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy thrown into the mix.
I have only two complaints, both minor.
1. Although this novel has been much more thoroughly edited than some indie books, there are two scenes in which the perspective shifts mid-paragraph.
2. There's only one woman. Like, at all. Hopefully that's rectified in future instalments.
4.5 stars
A light-hearted adventure, balancing heart and wit, taking on a universe governed by corruption.
This is a novel in the vein of Becky Chambers' Wayfarer series with a healthy dash of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy thrown into the mix.
I have only two complaints, both minor.
1. Although this novel has been much more thoroughly edited than some indie books, there are two scenes in which the perspective shifts mid-paragraph.
2. There's only one woman. Like, at all. Hopefully that's rectified in future instalments.
4.5 stars
July 9, 2024
Thrilling story of an ad hoc crew consisting of aliens and humans who, with excellent tech and a cohesive team, become heroes.
The odd thing was that each of the 5 parts had 3 or 4 chapters which were then repeated, probably word for word. So, instead of 32 chapters there were only 16 unique chapters.
The odd thing was that each of the 5 parts had 3 or 4 chapters which were then repeated, probably word for word. So, instead of 32 chapters there were only 16 unique chapters.
September 29, 2021
The book begins with ‘Wil’ attempting to rescue potential crewmates, this story alternates with the story of how ‘Wil’ came to be lost after the failure of his NASA capsule. I didn’t really like this way of introducing ‘Wil’s’ back-story, but I kept going because the basic story seemed to have potential.
About a third into the book I found I was actually getting a bit bored, ‘Wil’ was conducting a ‘space heist’, but it all seemed fairly aimless. Also I found the development and interaction within the crew was very one dimensional and I never felt any empathy for them.
About a third into the book I found I was actually getting a bit bored, ‘Wil’ was conducting a ‘space heist’, but it all seemed fairly aimless. Also I found the development and interaction within the crew was very one dimensional and I never felt any empathy for them.
August 24, 2021
A space cause
Good writing and interesting characters. The author makes outer space real as Wil Calder and his coharts blaze through the universe fighting for justice and friendship.
Good writing and interesting characters. The author makes outer space real as Wil Calder and his coharts blaze through the universe fighting for justice and friendship.
August 23, 2021
Fantastic Space Opera!.
John Wilkes will be on the New York Times Best seller list! Great plot, characters, fast paced, exciting, edge of your seat reading. Would make a great Movie!
John Wilkes will be on the New York Times Best seller list! Great plot, characters, fast paced, exciting, edge of your seat reading. Would make a great Movie!
August 19, 2021
Review
Excellent book! Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a great storyline and excellent characters. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Excellent book! Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a great storyline and excellent characters. I would recommend this book to everyone.
July 5, 2019
A really fun and thrilling read!
This story attracted me from the start. A human surrounded by lots of aliens, yeah, thats my favourite type of book.
The characters in this story are fun to read about and really come across as alive as possible. Wil Calder is a funny character, who uses references only another human would understand. He's just all round fun to read and get to know.
Bennie is almost dispicable and yet, I really loved his little personality quirks the most out of the whole crew of Ghost.
Adding a sentient robot was a good idea. Gabe is a brilliant engineer and also has a great rapport with the other crew members.
This book is a must read for space opera fans. It's fun, witty, full of action and drama, lies, and deceit. It's also very well written and very enjoyable reading. You won't be disappointed if you get this book. It's a really exciting, fast paced, humourous read. What more could you want?!
This story attracted me from the start. A human surrounded by lots of aliens, yeah, thats my favourite type of book.
The characters in this story are fun to read about and really come across as alive as possible. Wil Calder is a funny character, who uses references only another human would understand. He's just all round fun to read and get to know.
Bennie is almost dispicable and yet, I really loved his little personality quirks the most out of the whole crew of Ghost.
Adding a sentient robot was a good idea. Gabe is a brilliant engineer and also has a great rapport with the other crew members.
This book is a must read for space opera fans. It's fun, witty, full of action and drama, lies, and deceit. It's also very well written and very enjoyable reading. You won't be disappointed if you get this book. It's a really exciting, fast paced, humourous read. What more could you want?!
September 27, 2018
Wil Calder a NASA Astronault is stranded in space and is captured by spacecraft passing through the indicted area of Earth. After talking to the Captain of the vessal he starts working as part of teh crew. During a landing on another planet to delivery merchandise all of the crew is killed and Wil is left in control of the ship. Through various self training methods he learns how to manage the ship. After some time being alone he rescues 2 former Peacemakers and the adventures begin. Good reading with humor included.
February 17, 2018
The captain talks like a college kid and has no depth. Same for the rest of the protagonists who are just amazing crewmembers that happen to fall into his lap. Oh so does the ship.
Editing errors abound.
With a vast universe of Sci-Fi writing, this doesn't make it to orbit.
Editing errors abound.
With a vast universe of Sci-Fi writing, this doesn't make it to orbit.
July 5, 2020
This was a fun and easy read. it reminded me a lot of guardians of the galaxy and firefly.
September 5, 2022
I had fun reading this book.
I finally got the the point in my TBR pile that I was able to start reading Mr. Wilker's Space Rogues series. At this point I've managed to collect the first ten stories from the series and I'm all settled in for a nice long binge read. I normally wait until the end to say if I recommend a book or not, but in this case, I'll lead with saying that if the rest of the books are as much fun, then I really have no choice but to recommend reading. Here's why...
Wil Calder is a test pilot who is stranded far from Earth after a failed first test of a FTL drive. He's "rescued' by a passing ship, but because they weren't supposed to be in Earths neighborhood, they can't return him home without facing strict penalties from the ruling galactic powers that be. With choices limited, Wil accepts a position as the newest member of the crew and thus begins his introduction the the galaxy at large.
Wil is a smart ass, irreverent, sarcastic, and more than a little bit cocky about his abilities, with some measure of good reason. I see a little of myself in him, though I'm not sure that is something most would admit to the world at large. Wil is also a good guy. I mean it. He's no super stud who can do no wrong. He's a guy who craves adventure, but when faced with moral choices, his heart allows him to have empathy and compassion, not to mention a desire to see what's right come to fruition. He's also dealing with some emotional effects from isolation from Earth, as well as missing those he had grown attached to. So, he does just what I would have done in his situation: Board an armed ship transporting prisoners, release said prisoners, and tell them that they are his new crew mates.
What follows is a good old-fashioned, found family, save the robot - save the galactic community, massive no-win but give it your all space battle, kind of story. Liberally sprinkled through out it all is a good sense of humor.
In The Adventures of Wil Calder, the plot moves fast and works pretty well from an entertainment standpoint. I was amused by quite a bit of the antics, and the running gags didn't end up a messy piles of pulverized horse flesh due to over use, so a big plus in my opinion. There's lots of set up for the following stories, but this book pretty much brings the story to an end while leaving room for the fallout from actions taken during the story. The ending left me satisfied with what I read and entices me to continue on with the next book. I'm very happy I took the chance and bought so many of Mr. Wilker's books before reading anything written by him. In most cases a gamble, but in this case luck was in my favor, and the payoff was good. Give it a go. I think you'll have fun too.
I finally got the the point in my TBR pile that I was able to start reading Mr. Wilker's Space Rogues series. At this point I've managed to collect the first ten stories from the series and I'm all settled in for a nice long binge read. I normally wait until the end to say if I recommend a book or not, but in this case, I'll lead with saying that if the rest of the books are as much fun, then I really have no choice but to recommend reading. Here's why...
Wil Calder is a test pilot who is stranded far from Earth after a failed first test of a FTL drive. He's "rescued' by a passing ship, but because they weren't supposed to be in Earths neighborhood, they can't return him home without facing strict penalties from the ruling galactic powers that be. With choices limited, Wil accepts a position as the newest member of the crew and thus begins his introduction the the galaxy at large.
Wil is a smart ass, irreverent, sarcastic, and more than a little bit cocky about his abilities, with some measure of good reason. I see a little of myself in him, though I'm not sure that is something most would admit to the world at large. Wil is also a good guy. I mean it. He's no super stud who can do no wrong. He's a guy who craves adventure, but when faced with moral choices, his heart allows him to have empathy and compassion, not to mention a desire to see what's right come to fruition. He's also dealing with some emotional effects from isolation from Earth, as well as missing those he had grown attached to. So, he does just what I would have done in his situation: Board an armed ship transporting prisoners, release said prisoners, and tell them that they are his new crew mates.
What follows is a good old-fashioned, found family, save the robot - save the galactic community, massive no-win but give it your all space battle, kind of story. Liberally sprinkled through out it all is a good sense of humor.
In The Adventures of Wil Calder, the plot moves fast and works pretty well from an entertainment standpoint. I was amused by quite a bit of the antics, and the running gags didn't end up a messy piles of pulverized horse flesh due to over use, so a big plus in my opinion. There's lots of set up for the following stories, but this book pretty much brings the story to an end while leaving room for the fallout from actions taken during the story. The ending left me satisfied with what I read and entices me to continue on with the next book. I'm very happy I took the chance and bought so many of Mr. Wilker's books before reading anything written by him. In most cases a gamble, but in this case luck was in my favor, and the payoff was good. Give it a go. I think you'll have fun too.
March 20, 2023
Wil Calder is a human, the only human to leave his home solar system. He is the owner of the Ghost, an Ankarran Raptor. Basically, a small warship capable of taking on much bigger ships not built by the Ankarrans. He’s been out here for a few years but is getting lonely running his operation alone. So he decided to get a crew. The first two possible crew members are a couple of ex-peacekeepers, Polarians, in Partherians’ custody, but not for long. Once freed, Wil heads for the planet Fury, where he knows a few people that can set up the Polarians with the clothing, equipment, and new identities. And Wil knows someone who could give him a contract for a job. Wil gets the job, but the ex-peacekeepers get followed to the hacker’s office. They have to run, but they get away and back to the Ghost with an extra hacker in tow, who becomes a crew member. Once off of Fury, the team shows off what they acquired and make plans to accomplish their mission. They are to steal something from a vault that a lot of criminals use. Come to find out. There is an engineering robot in a box, and once activated, it tells them a story that is hard to believe, but the ex-peacekeepers tell Wil that this is their proof that they are innocent. Now Wil has to get them, the robot, him, hell! He needs to get his ship and all of them to the proper authorities.
World-building is very well done. It helps that each chapter gives a location or time period, like the past, not a date. The character interaction was well done. In places, though, I thought the characters could have had more depth, but that’s my opinion.
This first in a fictitious series has plenty of action and adventure. It is in a science fiction setting and has alien contact within the first few chapters. I give this tale five stars out of five stars.
World-building is very well done. It helps that each chapter gives a location or time period, like the past, not a date. The character interaction was well done. In places, though, I thought the characters could have had more depth, but that’s my opinion.
This first in a fictitious series has plenty of action and adventure. It is in a science fiction setting and has alien contact within the first few chapters. I give this tale five stars out of five stars.
October 3, 2020
Well worth reading. An adventure of Earth's second Faster than Light mission. Wil is stranded in a disabled NASA experimental space pod ‘Discovery One' at the edges of Earth’s solar system where he has given up any any possible rescue from NASA. Will contemplates the pill every astronaut is given but none have had to use. Wil’s savior . . . “Hi there, the lead alien says. “I’m Lanksham, the captain of this ship. And you are?"
“Wil looks the alien captain in the eyes. “Oh, uh, okay, yeah. Sorry” Sorry NASA, don’t thin you’re gonna get you spacecraft back. Hope it’s insured. For that matter, am I insured?”
And so Wil Calder’s adventures begin with the survivor of a failed FTL mission, to the cabin boy of the space smuggler crew of the ‘Reaper’, and finally (after the crew of the Reaper were murdered in a deal gone wrong) to become captain of the renamed smuggler's ship ’Ghost.
And this is how Wil’s story begins, but by no means is I the end...it is just the beginning of the only earth human in the Galactic Commonwealth.
After years alone on the Ghost, Wil decides he could use some companionship an assembles a crew of Ex-PeaceKeepers, a small brilliant hacker and an engineering droid, who go on to save the CommonWealth in typical Han Solo fashion.
“Wil looks the alien captain in the eyes. “Oh, uh, okay, yeah. Sorry” Sorry NASA, don’t thin you’re gonna get you spacecraft back. Hope it’s insured. For that matter, am I insured?”
And so Wil Calder’s adventures begin with the survivor of a failed FTL mission, to the cabin boy of the space smuggler crew of the ‘Reaper’, and finally (after the crew of the Reaper were murdered in a deal gone wrong) to become captain of the renamed smuggler's ship ’Ghost.
And this is how Wil’s story begins, but by no means is I the end...it is just the beginning of the only earth human in the Galactic Commonwealth.
After years alone on the Ghost, Wil decides he could use some companionship an assembles a crew of Ex-PeaceKeepers, a small brilliant hacker and an engineering droid, who go on to save the CommonWealth in typical Han Solo fashion.
June 13, 2021
I read several other reviews about this book before writing this review, and most every review has at least one good point. I enjoyed this book very much. Lots of witty, snappy dialogue, and I agree that while it is derivative, it is also a fun homage to other works that came before. I first thought that, apart from the physical desciption and skills being somewhat different, one of the characters sounded like "Rocket" from "Guardians of the Galaxy." I didn't have any problems reading the story, unlike several reviewers have indicated issues with tense. I also didn't catch the Wil Calder = John Crichton character until it was pointed out in one review, but I totally see it. Lots of other "Farscape" parallels in the book, also. Even so, I still found it an enjoyable, non-taxing read. However, I recommend that you not "binge read" this series as I have done with some other series, as binging tends to magnify the similarity of the plots and characters over the series. Take a break, read other material, and come back and enjoy further adventures.
July 27, 2021
Accidentally
I gave this book five stars because it deserved them. This is a story about a man who's involved in several accidents. Each accident occurs building a story as it goes along. First of all, mr. Calder is brought into foreign space by aliens who captured him. Another accident brought in his ship. By happenstance in his own initiative, he builds a crew of strangers and fortunately they become a cohesive group. I love the little green man who supplied all of the humor in the story with his wisecracks hey. The robot engineer was a lucky choice, which he had hno intention to make at first. Then he and his crew become a family to homesick Will. They realize that they want to do the "the right thing," which they are able to achieve because the first two crew members have proof they can supply and the last crew member, Gabe the robot, can produce evidence. Of course, the bad guys don't want this evidence produced so they try everything to stop them. It's the wonderful story. I recommend it.
I gave this book five stars because it deserved them. This is a story about a man who's involved in several accidents. Each accident occurs building a story as it goes along. First of all, mr. Calder is brought into foreign space by aliens who captured him. Another accident brought in his ship. By happenstance in his own initiative, he builds a crew of strangers and fortunately they become a cohesive group. I love the little green man who supplied all of the humor in the story with his wisecracks hey. The robot engineer was a lucky choice, which he had hno intention to make at first. Then he and his crew become a family to homesick Will. They realize that they want to do the "the right thing," which they are able to achieve because the first two crew members have proof they can supply and the last crew member, Gabe the robot, can produce evidence. Of course, the bad guys don't want this evidence produced so they try everything to stop them. It's the wonderful story. I recommend it.
May 17, 2019
The Epic Adventures of Wil Calder, Space Smuggler (Space Rogues, Book 1) by John Wilker and narrated by KC Johnston was a fun, easy listen! Would recommend if you are into space operas.
What’s it about? The summary explains it well so details here will be minimal. Some other things to expect: peacekeepers, officers, different planets, goons, smuggling jobs, night markets, aliens, and a robot. It’s fast-paced, lots of action, and humorous at times.
The narrator, KC Johnston, did a fantastic job at bringing the characters to life. I would recommend listening to his books. He is one of two narrators I’m following to see where their narrating careers go.
Overall it was good and I recommend if you’re looking for a space opera.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: some swearing (S-word, F-word), drinking (the brew of space but it does get you “wasted”), smuggling, death, MC considers suicide at one point.
What’s it about? The summary explains it well so details here will be minimal. Some other things to expect: peacekeepers, officers, different planets, goons, smuggling jobs, night markets, aliens, and a robot. It’s fast-paced, lots of action, and humorous at times.
The narrator, KC Johnston, did a fantastic job at bringing the characters to life. I would recommend listening to his books. He is one of two narrators I’m following to see where their narrating careers go.
Overall it was good and I recommend if you’re looking for a space opera.
Parental guidance/trigger warnings: some swearing (S-word, F-word), drinking (the brew of space but it does get you “wasted”), smuggling, death, MC considers suicide at one point.
May 5, 2023
This is the most 3-star book I've ever read. Most books there is something that draws me a bit to leaning one way or another, even if it rounds to 3 stars. But for everything that was done well in this book there was something perfectly counterbalancing it for me. A fun read, but I don't think I'll be coming back for more of this series. It read very much like a first draft... so I hope Wilker continues to hone his craft and perhaps I'll come back for other books!
*Mild Spoilers* I enjoyed the characters well enough, but they all were essentially the same personality. I just happened to enjoy that personality. The heist was interesting enough, but the way the POVs were handled made it drag. I thought the backstory was intriguing. But it was presented in a very odd and disconnected way that didn't add anything to the rest of the story. The character's feelings were relatable, but often told in the most "telling not showing" way... so it was hard to actually relate.
*Mild Spoilers* I enjoyed the characters well enough, but they all were essentially the same personality. I just happened to enjoy that personality. The heist was interesting enough, but the way the POVs were handled made it drag. I thought the backstory was intriguing. But it was presented in a very odd and disconnected way that didn't add anything to the rest of the story. The character's feelings were relatable, but often told in the most "telling not showing" way... so it was hard to actually relate.
August 15, 2025
Humans generally have not left their home planet yet, but Wil somehow becomes a space captain. Sometimes his alien friends advise him to hide because the Sol System is still a "protected" group of planets whose people have not made contact with alien races, on all of whose planets, somehow, US English is the dominant language. We don't learn much about any alien group but we learn that they're all divided into two sexes that are easy to recognize because, among other things, males' voices are deeper. Since there's little to be learned about the rest of this galaxy there's nothing left for Wil to do but save the galaxy, because all those other worlds desperately needed to be saved by a White man.
This was the standard for "science fiction" in the 1950s but I'm surprised anyone still bothers writing it. You will probably laugh--I did--but more at Wil than with him.
This was the standard for "science fiction" in the 1950s but I'm surprised anyone still bothers writing it. You will probably laugh--I did--but more at Wil than with him.
March 17, 2019
A decent little read. Solid framework for a story. Decent characters that are likable. But story lacks a lot of development.
The lone human outside of earth has his own space ship and is building a crew. This books is set up to appeal to your browncoat urges. It it kinda fits that mold. But, it skips all the steps to get there. The bringing together happens in front of us, but the struggles that should go along with that process are overlooked. Somehow they go instantly to fully formed working group and it doesn't feel earned.
And the final come together of the plots just kinda magically happens. The final resolutions, just kinda magically happen. Old grievances just kinda magically disappear.
The lone human outside of earth has his own space ship and is building a crew. This books is set up to appeal to your browncoat urges. It it kinda fits that mold. But, it skips all the steps to get there. The bringing together happens in front of us, but the struggles that should go along with that process are overlooked. Somehow they go instantly to fully formed working group and it doesn't feel earned.
And the final come together of the plots just kinda magically happens. The final resolutions, just kinda magically happen. Old grievances just kinda magically disappear.
January 6, 2020
Wil Calder is a human, alone on his spaceship. He frees two Peacekeepers, Maxim and Zephyr, from a Partherian battleship, the start of his crew. Later on, Ben-Ari becomes the third, a Brailack who is a techie wizard. The crew is completed with Gabe, a robot they took from a box that was supposed to be delivered to Xarrix but has data to implicate the Galactic Commonwealth in a plot to expand their empire.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a fun read with humor and adventure, the first of a series of books by Mr. Wilker. Even though the crew's future exploits are in the following stories, this one is completed without being forced to read #2 to get to a conclusion.
I really enjoyed this book. It's a fun read with humor and adventure, the first of a series of books by Mr. Wilker. Even though the crew's future exploits are in the following stories, this one is completed without being forced to read #2 to get to a conclusion.
January 12, 2021
This was a pretty good read. There's plenty of action and suspense, a few twists, humor, creativity and interesting characters. I really enjoyed reading this a would like to read more in the series. This was a freebie when I got it and has been sitting on my e-shelf for a while. Now, I don't know why I waited so long. I wouldn't say this is top-notch, but I really still enjoyed it, maybe more even. It kinda feels like Guardians of the Galaxy meets Star Trek with a hint of Star Wars. Great for reading anytime, some parts will pull you in though. Beware. Great for the escape, relaxation, passing time or just to have some fun. Enjoy!
August 23, 2022
Wow, what a great story. I lost a lot of sleep because I just couldn't put the book down without reading another page or chapter. In my personal opinion, I love this book because it's easy to read and follow. There's always something happening, some movement whether it be the characters, the ship or place. I read one page and I need to read the next because I ja e to know what happens. On top of all this, the book gives a small preview of the 2nd book in the series, so I couldn't go to sleep without reading that 😁 I'm so glad I bought the whole (10) series and you too will love this story. Well, now it's back to reading.....they've got problems and need to solve them...
Bye for now...
Bye for now...
August 23, 2019
Wil Calder, American astronaut and Earthling, lost in space. Unable to return home due to a treaty protecting the Earth, he finds himself captain of the Ghost and recruiting a new crew. Can he make it in this new world?
**Actual stars 4.5. Why 4.5? This book is fun. Period. For fans of Firefly or Han Solo, this book is for you. I loved the fun, easy-going pace. No deep thought here, just deep-space fun. The characters are likable and easily relatable (even though they are aliens). The book reads like a movie. If you’re looking for a little ruckus through space, this book is for you.
**Actual stars 4.5. Why 4.5? This book is fun. Period. For fans of Firefly or Han Solo, this book is for you. I loved the fun, easy-going pace. No deep thought here, just deep-space fun. The characters are likable and easily relatable (even though they are aliens). The book reads like a movie. If you’re looking for a little ruckus through space, this book is for you.
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