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The SynCorp Saga: Empire Earth #1
Valhalla Station
The Expanse meets The Godfather in this Space Opera/Noir Technothriller about corporate greed, rebellion, and mankind's survival among the stars.
Revolution threatens a longstanding peace...
Thirty years after the Syndicate Corporation saved Earth from climate-change extinction, SynCorp's Five Factions rule the solar system with an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove. Food, entertainment, safety, security--SynCorp provides it all. In return, the Company requires complete loyalty and obedience to corporate law.
The Soldiers of the Solar Revolution claim life under SynCorp is slavery cloaked in comfort. They launch their rebellion, targeting the pillars of corporate production: sabotaging refineries on Mars, shattering Callisto's orbital ring. Meanwhile, brutal pirates siphon off Company resources in the Belt, and hackers tap into citizens' implants, addicting them to fantasies shaped from their own dreams.
Besieged on all sides, SynCorp's Five Factions are in retreat. The rebels aim to destroy the Company to free mankind. But does mankind really want to be freed?
Revolution threatens a longstanding peace...
Thirty years after the Syndicate Corporation saved Earth from climate-change extinction, SynCorp's Five Factions rule the solar system with an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove. Food, entertainment, safety, security--SynCorp provides it all. In return, the Company requires complete loyalty and obedience to corporate law.
The Soldiers of the Solar Revolution claim life under SynCorp is slavery cloaked in comfort. They launch their rebellion, targeting the pillars of corporate production: sabotaging refineries on Mars, shattering Callisto's orbital ring. Meanwhile, brutal pirates siphon off Company resources in the Belt, and hackers tap into citizens' implants, addicting them to fantasies shaped from their own dreams.
Besieged on all sides, SynCorp's Five Factions are in retreat. The rebels aim to destroy the Company to free mankind. But does mankind really want to be freed?
- GenresScience Fiction
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2019
336 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
David Bruns
68 books256 followersDavid Bruns (www.davidbruns.com) has served as an officer on a US Navy nuclear-powered submarine and traveled the world as a high-tech corporate itinerant. Today, he writes futuristic speculative fiction, contemporary thrillers, and everything in between.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
He is the creator of the sci-fi/fantasy series, The Dream Guild Chronicles, the military sci-fi thriller Invincible, and co-author of The SynCorp Saga corporate sci-fi series. A graduate of the prestigious Clarion West Writer’s Workshop, his short fiction has appeared in more than two dozen spec fic venues, such as Compelling SciFi and Future Chronicles.
In his spare time, he co-writes national security thrillers with retired naval intelligence officer, JR Olson. Their next book, Rules of Engagement, will be released by St. Martin’s Press in June 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 7, 2019
Valhalla Station has a lot of potential and excels with its characters but is held back by inconsistent pacing and too short a length
The full review is available at Reedsy Discovery
The full review is available at Reedsy Discovery
February 13, 2020
Audio
Great sci-fi that switches POV. Interesting set-up to the galaxy.
Great sci-fi that switches POV. Interesting set-up to the galaxy.
March 21, 2019
If you're into space opera, sci-fi adventure, military/techno/conglomerate space action novels, this latest offering by Bruns & Pourteau will be right up your alley and I recommend it. Although I'm not a huge fan of this particular SF subgenre, I enjoyed this book very much. The writing is solid, the plot is interesting, and the world-building (from Earth to Saturn) is fascinating. Strong characters, plenty of tension, plus fast-paced adventure helped me through a few spots where I was tempted to skim. I have to admit, the opening few chapters were a bit confusing, but the action pretty quickly resolved into an intriguing techno thriller of a ride.
For a rating, I'm going to say 4 1/2 stars because this is Book 1 in a new SynCorp Saga trilogy and is not quite as 'stand alone' as I like my science fiction books to be. But that's probably just me. You may very well be satisfied with this particular project, knowing the full story arc is yet to come - and very quickly! The authors are going to release Books 2 & 3 within a few months. So your appetite for more military/corporate syndicate SF will find fulfillment soon enough. (Book 2, Masada's Gate, is ready for pre-order.)
Also note: you need not have read the first trilogy in this 'universe' which the authors released last year to understand what's going on; but this book does continue the fascinating setting and back-stabbing conflict between the corporate factions and rebellions taking place in our near future solar system. I'd likely give it an R rating for the occasional use of adult language and situations. Disclaimer: I know the authors and received a free ARC of the novel in exchange for an honest review. I liked it enough to buy my own copy of the ebook, however. Like you should.
For a rating, I'm going to say 4 1/2 stars because this is Book 1 in a new SynCorp Saga trilogy and is not quite as 'stand alone' as I like my science fiction books to be. But that's probably just me. You may very well be satisfied with this particular project, knowing the full story arc is yet to come - and very quickly! The authors are going to release Books 2 & 3 within a few months. So your appetite for more military/corporate syndicate SF will find fulfillment soon enough. (Book 2, Masada's Gate, is ready for pre-order.)
Also note: you need not have read the first trilogy in this 'universe' which the authors released last year to understand what's going on; but this book does continue the fascinating setting and back-stabbing conflict between the corporate factions and rebellions taking place in our near future solar system. I'd likely give it an R rating for the occasional use of adult language and situations. Disclaimer: I know the authors and received a free ARC of the novel in exchange for an honest review. I liked it enough to buy my own copy of the ebook, however. Like you should.
July 19, 2020
Fun read for the action fans
Took a while to get to the point where I could understand what was going on, but overall a good read. Once I started figuring out the different characters involved, I started to get into the story and enjoyed the plot. However, it seemed a bit like the book ended before the story could fully be told. I plan to pick up a few of the other related books, so hopefully those will complete the rest of the story.
Took a while to get to the point where I could understand what was going on, but overall a good read. Once I started figuring out the different characters involved, I started to get into the story and enjoyed the plot. However, it seemed a bit like the book ended before the story could fully be told. I plan to pick up a few of the other related books, so hopefully those will complete the rest of the story.
Read
October 3, 2024This book was pretty good. It was definitely a set up book. There was lots going on and the POV kept switching . Normally I like that but there was so much going on in this book that it got a little confusing at times with the POV changes. There is a lot of political intrigue in this book and that part was great. Good character build up but I feel like they need to continue to be fleshed out more. Like I said this book had lots of set up so the next book will hopefully build off it well. Narration was well done as well. There is plenty of adult language and themes in this book. Also a very bad abuse situation so be aware of it coming into this story.
April 4, 2021
Excellent start to a space opera series. Can't wait to get hold of the next two parts.
July 15, 2020
*Received For Free*
Valhalla Station is the first book in the second SynCorp Trilogy (Empire Earth), and contrary to what Goodreads says, takes places before Optional Retirement Plan. Due to this faux par on Goodread's part, I listened to Optional Retirement Plan first. This didn't spoil the story here (at least I don't think it did), but it meant I went into this book possibly knowing more about the characters than I should. Another caveat, is that I have not read/listened to the first trilogy of books The Lazarus Protocol, Cassandra's War or Hostile Takeover
Surprisingly, this didn't affect my enjoyment in the slightest. Valhalla Station does an excellent job of filling you in on what you may have missed, and provides some excellent world and character building. It's slick and I think the Expanse meets the Godfather is a very good comparison. The overriding idea of Crime families essentially ruling humanity in space, albeit legitimately, works very well. Each of the different ruling families are different and identifiable, even though they at times fall into racial tropes (Italians - mob vibe, Chinese - triad vibe etc).
Both Pourteau and Bruns have done a great job here, the writing is well done, and I was genuinely entertained by the plot throughout. I would actually compare it slightly to the The Circuit: The Complete Saga, but less hard sci-fi, with more Cyberpunk/Noir trappings.
My main enjoyment came from the character of Stacks Fisher. A film noir styled hitman, and the star of Optional Retirement Plan. Apparently I'm a sucker for 40's style Private Eye characters in my Sci-fi
Narration is handled by Bronson Pinchot, who narrated the 5 star Aliens: Phalanx. Due to his slight Rutger Hauer quality, he gives the work a darker, grittier tone. His narration elevates this no end, and really give the raises the story up (even though I prefer Stacks being voiced by RC Bray)
Overall an excellent book, which does the impressive feat of not requiring you to have prior knowledge of the series. 4.5 out of 5, it loses half a star due this not being a complete story (it really does just stop, and you need to go straight into the next book)
Valhalla Station is the first book in the second SynCorp Trilogy (Empire Earth), and contrary to what Goodreads says, takes places before Optional Retirement Plan. Due to this faux par on Goodread's part, I listened to Optional Retirement Plan first. This didn't spoil the story here (at least I don't think it did), but it meant I went into this book possibly knowing more about the characters than I should. Another caveat, is that I have not read/listened to the first trilogy of books The Lazarus Protocol, Cassandra's War or Hostile Takeover
Surprisingly, this didn't affect my enjoyment in the slightest. Valhalla Station does an excellent job of filling you in on what you may have missed, and provides some excellent world and character building. It's slick and I think the Expanse meets the Godfather is a very good comparison. The overriding idea of Crime families essentially ruling humanity in space, albeit legitimately, works very well. Each of the different ruling families are different and identifiable, even though they at times fall into racial tropes (Italians - mob vibe, Chinese - triad vibe etc).
Both Pourteau and Bruns have done a great job here, the writing is well done, and I was genuinely entertained by the plot throughout. I would actually compare it slightly to the The Circuit: The Complete Saga, but less hard sci-fi, with more Cyberpunk/Noir trappings.
My main enjoyment came from the character of Stacks Fisher. A film noir styled hitman, and the star of Optional Retirement Plan. Apparently I'm a sucker for 40's style Private Eye characters in my Sci-fi
Narration is handled by Bronson Pinchot, who narrated the 5 star Aliens: Phalanx. Due to his slight Rutger Hauer quality, he gives the work a darker, grittier tone. His narration elevates this no end, and really give the raises the story up (even though I prefer Stacks being voiced by RC Bray)
Overall an excellent book, which does the impressive feat of not requiring you to have prior knowledge of the series. 4.5 out of 5, it loses half a star due this not being a complete story (it really does just stop, and you need to go straight into the next book)
March 2, 2020
I read my first Chris Pourteau book (Optional Retirement Plan ) a couple of months back, and was thrilled to be offered the chance by Aethon Books to review a copy of the Valhalla Station audiobook.
I was even more thrilled that Stacks Fisher, the detective noir-type assassin I'd loved in Optional Retirement Plan turned up in about Chapter 4 as a POV character.
Here's a quick rundown of Valhalla Station:
Thirty years after the Syndicate Corporation saved Earth from climate-change extinction, SynCorp’s Five Factions rule the solar system with an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove. Food, entertainment, safety, security—SynCorp provides it all. In return, the Company requires complete loyalty and obedience to corporate law. (This paragraph is from the blurb.)
Not everyone's happy, however, and terrorist attacks begin to threaten innocent lives and SynCorp's very existence. Stacks Fisher is sent by Syncorp's head honcho, Tony Taulke, to Valhalla Station to exterminate those behind the attacks.
--
The story grabbed me at once, although I was surprised at first to find multiple point of view characters (POVs) in a short book like this.
However, it worked. Maybe I'm used to multiple POVs because I'm a fantasy reader? Who knows?
There are four POVs, and with the exception of Stacks Fisher, they're all written in third person. Fisher's chapters are told in first person. Again, this might seem like a strange choice, but it works for the kind of character Fisher is. It's a lot of fun being inside Fisher's head.
I found myself becoming attached to one character in particular, Edith, the brutally oppressed wife of a cruel and violent man. This particular character arc was very satisfying.
In terms of plot and pacing, there's a good balance of worldbuilding, hurt-me-bad action and corporate intrigue as the heads of the five factions of SynCorp circle each other like starving wolves.
Although this is the beginning of the second SynCorp trilogy, it's not necessary to have read the first series. I haven't - but it is now on my TBR list for this year.
Bronson Pinchot's narration was great, and he did a great job of making the character voices (both POV and minor) stand out.
I listened to the audiobook in one day, I was so engaged with the story and the narration.
I recommend this book to fans of fast-paced space opera.
I received this book from Aethon Books for free in exchange for an honest review. I seriously enjoyed this book. I love Chris Pourteau's work and will be reading more of the SyncCorp saga.
I was even more thrilled that Stacks Fisher, the detective noir-type assassin I'd loved in Optional Retirement Plan turned up in about Chapter 4 as a POV character.
Here's a quick rundown of Valhalla Station:
Thirty years after the Syndicate Corporation saved Earth from climate-change extinction, SynCorp’s Five Factions rule the solar system with an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove. Food, entertainment, safety, security—SynCorp provides it all. In return, the Company requires complete loyalty and obedience to corporate law. (This paragraph is from the blurb.)
Not everyone's happy, however, and terrorist attacks begin to threaten innocent lives and SynCorp's very existence. Stacks Fisher is sent by Syncorp's head honcho, Tony Taulke, to Valhalla Station to exterminate those behind the attacks.
--
The story grabbed me at once, although I was surprised at first to find multiple point of view characters (POVs) in a short book like this.
However, it worked. Maybe I'm used to multiple POVs because I'm a fantasy reader? Who knows?
There are four POVs, and with the exception of Stacks Fisher, they're all written in third person. Fisher's chapters are told in first person. Again, this might seem like a strange choice, but it works for the kind of character Fisher is. It's a lot of fun being inside Fisher's head.
I found myself becoming attached to one character in particular, Edith, the brutally oppressed wife of a cruel and violent man. This particular character arc was very satisfying.
In terms of plot and pacing, there's a good balance of worldbuilding, hurt-me-bad action and corporate intrigue as the heads of the five factions of SynCorp circle each other like starving wolves.
Although this is the beginning of the second SynCorp trilogy, it's not necessary to have read the first series. I haven't - but it is now on my TBR list for this year.
Bronson Pinchot's narration was great, and he did a great job of making the character voices (both POV and minor) stand out.
I listened to the audiobook in one day, I was so engaged with the story and the narration.
I recommend this book to fans of fast-paced space opera.
I received this book from Aethon Books for free in exchange for an honest review. I seriously enjoyed this book. I love Chris Pourteau's work and will be reading more of the SyncCorp saga.
February 29, 2020
Review originally published at: https://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookr...
An explosion breaks the peace and tranquility of a mine on Mars, leaving multiple dead and great chaos. The Solar System is ruled by SynCorp’s Five factions, but the balance is threatened, and things will not be the same.
There are several parallel stories in this book: on one hand, we have one of the survivors at the mine, with terrible psychological sequels; on the other, we have the heads of the Five factions, and Fischer, a mercenary sent by the head of SynCorp to investigate what is really happening. I did enjoy the multiple stories and the relationships among the characters, which resulted in a rich story with multiple nuances. I always enjoy a good space opera with political intrigues and a society that could have perfectly derived from ours, years in the future.
Although the story is entertaining and intriguing, I have the feeling that it could have been much more were the characters more developed. I was, sadly, not able to relate to any of them, probably due to the extreme of their predicament, but also to the fact that there could have been much more complex, adding an extra layer of magnificence to the narrative.
This is the first book in a series, so there is no real conclusion to the story, but it is also the fourth book of the SynCorp series, and even though this one can be read without previous knowledge of the series, I think having read the previous books would have made some parts more enjoyable. In the second half of the book I felt that, somehow, I was arriving late to a party. Maybe due to this and the fact that I didn’t really care for any of the characters made me disconnect a bit towards the end.
Bronson Pinchot did an excellent job voicing the different characters and keeping the narration consistent, but I have a small setback to mention. Some parts of the story are told in first person by Fisher, and Pinchot used for him a monotone and inexpressive tone, which made me zone out each and every time the book switched to Fischer’s point of view. I think Pinchot wanted to showcase Fischer’s coldness and professionality but it just did not work for me, and I struggled to keep my attention during those parts.
All in all, it was an enjoyable audiobook, and one that I would recommend to all fans of space opera.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
An explosion breaks the peace and tranquility of a mine on Mars, leaving multiple dead and great chaos. The Solar System is ruled by SynCorp’s Five factions, but the balance is threatened, and things will not be the same.
There are several parallel stories in this book: on one hand, we have one of the survivors at the mine, with terrible psychological sequels; on the other, we have the heads of the Five factions, and Fischer, a mercenary sent by the head of SynCorp to investigate what is really happening. I did enjoy the multiple stories and the relationships among the characters, which resulted in a rich story with multiple nuances. I always enjoy a good space opera with political intrigues and a society that could have perfectly derived from ours, years in the future.
Although the story is entertaining and intriguing, I have the feeling that it could have been much more were the characters more developed. I was, sadly, not able to relate to any of them, probably due to the extreme of their predicament, but also to the fact that there could have been much more complex, adding an extra layer of magnificence to the narrative.
This is the first book in a series, so there is no real conclusion to the story, but it is also the fourth book of the SynCorp series, and even though this one can be read without previous knowledge of the series, I think having read the previous books would have made some parts more enjoyable. In the second half of the book I felt that, somehow, I was arriving late to a party. Maybe due to this and the fact that I didn’t really care for any of the characters made me disconnect a bit towards the end.
Bronson Pinchot did an excellent job voicing the different characters and keeping the narration consistent, but I have a small setback to mention. Some parts of the story are told in first person by Fisher, and Pinchot used for him a monotone and inexpressive tone, which made me zone out each and every time the book switched to Fischer’s point of view. I think Pinchot wanted to showcase Fischer’s coldness and professionality but it just did not work for me, and I struggled to keep my attention during those parts.
All in all, it was an enjoyable audiobook, and one that I would recommend to all fans of space opera.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
March 5, 2020
Excellent start to building this universe
Disclaimer: I received this audiobook for free for an honest review.
This was actually the second book in this series I've listened to. Optional Retirement Plan: A Science Fiction Thriller was the first, and I really liked it, so when the offer for this one came out, i was happy to oblige. While this book isn't as focused on Stacks Fisher as Optional Retirement Plan is, it's an excellent entry to building this universe. It has not too much action, plenty of space politics, and even a bit of a warm 'n fuzzy story for a downtrodden and abused housewife (didn't see that one coming).
Bronson Pinchot does an excellent job conveying a diverse set of characters, and it's pretty clear that he's enjoying the narration as much as this listener did. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
March 18, 2020
( Format : Audiobook )
"Never let truth get in the way of justice."
An exceptionally good first book in the new SynCorp Saga which promises to become even better. Told from various perspectives including one in the first person - that of Stacks Fisher, previously met in the superb Optional Retirement P!an -the reader is introduced to the unexpected breaking of the Syncorps supremacy, and the five leaders who, between them, ruled the solar wor!ds. Great story telling, well written, with cafefu!my characterized protagonists, the book also has a fine narrator in Branson Pinchet. His pleasant sounding voice is well modulated, adapts freely to give individual and distinctive voicing to the numerous characters and is constantly drawing in the reader for more. His is an excellent melding of voice and text, well perfkrmed.
The
This is one of those few books for which I would like to award a bonus star for excellence and I personally am awaiting the next in the series with great anticipation.
Recommended most highly to all who enjoy S.F. and space adventure.
"Never let truth get in the way of justice."
An exceptionally good first book in the new SynCorp Saga which promises to become even better. Told from various perspectives including one in the first person - that of Stacks Fisher, previously met in the superb Optional Retirement P!an -the reader is introduced to the unexpected breaking of the Syncorps supremacy, and the five leaders who, between them, ruled the solar wor!ds. Great story telling, well written, with cafefu!my characterized protagonists, the book also has a fine narrator in Branson Pinchet. His pleasant sounding voice is well modulated, adapts freely to give individual and distinctive voicing to the numerous characters and is constantly drawing in the reader for more. His is an excellent melding of voice and text, well perfkrmed.
The
This is one of those few books for which I would like to award a bonus star for excellence and I personally am awaiting the next in the series with great anticipation.
Recommended most highly to all who enjoy S.F. and space adventure.
November 22, 2022
The blurb for Valhalla Station calls it, “The Expanse meets The Godfather.” It is like The Expanse in that the action shifts between several locations all around the solar system, and it is like The Godfather in that the baddies who run SynCorp are central-casting gangsters. Sentence by sentence and scene by scene, Valhalla Station tells a gripping story, but the large cast of characters and frequent shifts of scene killed the narrative flow for me. The best character was Stacks Fischer, the corporate fixer. I enjoyed his slangy noir voice and was sorry whenever the plot moved away from him. 3.5 stars.
February 19, 2020
It's an interesting time out in space, but everything is run by the corporation, it's not really free.
When the corporation that runs everything, comes under attack, it's a slow cold slide to its demise. Everyone is sending out their best agents to find and remove the threat. Even the syndicate heads are grooming their heirs, just incase. But no one realized that it would be a take over at this level. The story was an adventurous ride from start to end. The characters were likeable, and I wish I'd gotten to know them a bit more so I could be more invested in their story.
When the corporation that runs everything, comes under attack, it's a slow cold slide to its demise. Everyone is sending out their best agents to find and remove the threat. Even the syndicate heads are grooming their heirs, just incase. But no one realized that it would be a take over at this level. The story was an adventurous ride from start to end. The characters were likeable, and I wish I'd gotten to know them a bit more so I could be more invested in their story.
July 2, 2020
Corporations rule the solar system
Valhalla Station book 1 in second trilogy in this universe
shame that Hostile Takeover book 3 in first trilogy is not available as audiobook but I never felt like I was missing something
good start to new trilogy similar to previous books but this time story take place in whole solar system and no Neos so that big pros
did not like any of the characters but that did not spoil my enjoyment of Valhalla Station
Bronson Pinchot did good job narrating this book
Valhalla Station book 1 in second trilogy in this universe
shame that Hostile Takeover book 3 in first trilogy is not available as audiobook but I never felt like I was missing something
good start to new trilogy similar to previous books but this time story take place in whole solar system and no Neos so that big pros
did not like any of the characters but that did not spoil my enjoyment of Valhalla Station
Bronson Pinchot did good job narrating this book
April 5, 2019
Awesome
This book has some seriously different leaders of humanity in the solar system. The corporations are insanely corporate and the population is lost in the sauce. It's a really good background for futuristic intrigue and mayhem.
The threat of revolution in service to a creed of forced social devolution is nuts and wonderful. There were a lot of surprises and I'm anxious to see where the story goes from here.
This book has some seriously different leaders of humanity in the solar system. The corporations are insanely corporate and the population is lost in the sauce. It's a really good background for futuristic intrigue and mayhem.
The threat of revolution in service to a creed of forced social devolution is nuts and wonderful. There were a lot of surprises and I'm anxious to see where the story goes from here.
March 2, 2020
This story is situated on various Planets basically ruled by 5 heads of corporate organizations. There are many characters involved, so really now just 1 main character. I enjoyed this story and later on will probably continue the series. A fair amount of twist and turns in this book so until near the end your not sure who is causing all the problems.
Narrators did a Wonderful job of bringing this book to life.
Narrators did a Wonderful job of bringing this book to life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2019
Such great characters giving life and breath to this world. A great story line that moves effortlessly from character to character, each contributing their reality to the greater perspective. The action and intrigue flow like ocean waves, sometimes moderate, sometimes intense, but always there. Anxiously awaiting the next book.
March 30, 2019
Keep an eye on Fisher
This looks like the future we'll have if we don't start reigning in the corporations.
Enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the next chapter. My
favorite character is Stacks and his flame bay comment.
Like each of your works and will continue reading about your worlds.
This looks like the future we'll have if we don't start reigning in the corporations.
Enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the next chapter. My
favorite character is Stacks and his flame bay comment.
Like each of your works and will continue reading about your worlds.
April 18, 2019
Bored me to tears
I’m not usually this harsh on a review but have to make an exception in this case. The book started slow and never picked up the pace. I got about a third of the way thru it but finally gave up. One of the biggest problems I had was trying to keep the Chinese names straight.
I’m not usually this harsh on a review but have to make an exception in this case. The book started slow and never picked up the pace. I got about a third of the way thru it but finally gave up. One of the biggest problems I had was trying to keep the Chinese names straight.
May 21, 2019
Old or young you know the devil when you see it!
Stack s Fisher a murderer ,maybe ,a problem solver for sure. But when he is confronted with a kill and break your own rules, he picks his own rules over the company's. You will learn much more about Stacks and his problem in here. By a very good writing duo.
Stack s Fisher a murderer ,maybe ,a problem solver for sure. But when he is confronted with a kill and break your own rules, he picks his own rules over the company's. You will learn much more about Stacks and his problem in here. By a very good writing duo.
July 21, 2019
Beware.
Beware the corporation, or beware those that would free you from their influence? Both sides have their dark sides yet also have legitimate points to how they see the world.
The different points of view are what make this book such a good read, especially Fischer's. The emotion and reasoning, joined with the action, mean that it's an exciting ride across our galaxy.
Beware the corporation, or beware those that would free you from their influence? Both sides have their dark sides yet also have legitimate points to how they see the world.
The different points of view are what make this book such a good read, especially Fischer's. The emotion and reasoning, joined with the action, mean that it's an exciting ride across our galaxy.
August 7, 2019
When Pourteau and Bruns get together, their fiction is explosive! If you like a strong story, great action, and good [not good ;) ] characters, then this is a series you should read! I absolutely love this duo.
There's espionage, violence, subterfuge, and alcohol =D
And then of the course the first trilogy in this new series, the SynCorp Saga.
If you take this chance, you won't be sorry.
There's espionage, violence, subterfuge, and alcohol =D
And then of the course the first trilogy in this new series, the SynCorp Saga.
If you take this chance, you won't be sorry.
February 25, 2020
Okay
This is not what I consider sci-fi. Simply a story about what happens when corporations get too powerful and greedy. Simply change the names of the planets and moons to cities plus the modes of travel. It's happened before, is happening now, and,probably, will happen in the future.
This is not what I consider sci-fi. Simply a story about what happens when corporations get too powerful and greedy. Simply change the names of the planets and moons to cities plus the modes of travel. It's happened before, is happening now, and,probably, will happen in the future.
July 4, 2020
This is a great 3 star book. Honestly. It's pretty entertaining, some of the characters are interesting, some are... Well less so. There's a lot of potential but there are some flaws too.
If you're looking for a deep, profound read, keep on moving. But if you're looking for something a little lighter that entertains, this isn't a bad option.
If you're looking for a deep, profound read, keep on moving. But if you're looking for something a little lighter that entertains, this isn't a bad option.
September 2, 2020
A fun read. Interesting story line. All within the solar system. Following multiple protagonists and their story lines. Sort of in the vein of the first Star Wars or first books of The Expanse. I read to escape and enjoy. I do not critique well. This is an easy and fast read with enough substance to keep you moving forward. I gave it 4 stars for being what it was intended to be and doing it well.
October 22, 2020
Well. That was surprising. The first hour or so, I was not sure I was even going to finish this book. Then, it got interesting. SynCorp runs the solar system like a stern paternal godfather, but, like always, there are many that are not impressed with a job and three meals a day. They demand freedom. Or do they? Guess I will learn more in book 2, Masada's Gate.
March 29, 2019
Review
Valhalla Station is a great read.You must pay attention as you read to the different characters and how they are involved in the book , and the different factions that make up the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves science fiction.
Valhalla Station is a great read.You must pay attention as you read to the different characters and how they are involved in the book , and the different factions that make up the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves science fiction.
May 21, 2019
Loved it. Have just finished reading a series of other sci-fi and was feeling jaded. This book was a fresh romp that was thoroughly enjoyable and a rollicking good read. I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
September 19, 2020
What can I say? Another SF Space opera pitting a solar system wide conglomerate of entrenched families controlling various sectors of the economy from Earth, Mars and beyond and coming up against an insurrection bent on deposing them.
October 22, 2020
Incredible
Well written story about a futuristic interplanetary government consisting of five leaders from different planets or moons and a rebellion against one of more of them by an unknown force. Great beginning to an exciting continuing story.
Well written story about a futuristic interplanetary government consisting of five leaders from different planets or moons and a rebellion against one of more of them by an unknown force. Great beginning to an exciting continuing story.
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