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EarthCent Ambassador #7
Vacation on Union Station
Book Seven of the EarthCent Ambassador Series - Start with the free Book One, Date Night on Union Station
The Wanderers have just moved on from Union Station and the ambassador is ready to take her first vacation in fifteen years. Unfortunately, the rules on paid vacation for EarthCent employees have changed for the worse, retroactively. Libby suggests spending some time exploring the station as an alternative, and Kelly cautiously goes along with it. Back at the embassy, while the cat's away, the mice will play.
The Wanderers have just moved on from Union Station and the ambassador is ready to take her first vacation in fifteen years. Unfortunately, the rules on paid vacation for EarthCent employees have changed for the worse, retroactively. Libby suggests spending some time exploring the station as an alternative, and Kelly cautiously goes along with it. Back at the embassy, while the cat's away, the mice will play.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2015
251 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Foner
59 books246 followersI wrote Date Night on Union Station while taking a break from work on a science fiction epic I've been struggling with for years. The goal was to cheer myself up and to find out if there is still an audience for a science fiction comedy that gets its laughs from dialogue and funny situations rather than from gross-outs and shocks. As many readers have pointed out, the EarthCent series could be rated PG under the old fashioned system, no bloodshed, no graphic sex, no four letter words. And after years of imagining a galaxy for my epic in which multiple human civilizations are at war with each other, it did me a world of good to write about a galaxy where most people are just trying to make a living and find some joy in life. I received so many requests to extend the Date Night universe into a series that I put aside my epic for an extended period to write a sequel, Alien Night on Union Station. The events take place five years after the conclusion of Date Night, and the plot involves a mix of business, diplomacy, gaming and family relations. As a bonus, we finally get to meet Kelly's mother. After the positive response to Alien Night, I wrote a third book for the series, High Priest of Union Station, which is currently in the editing stage and due out in mid-October. I just started a book that extends the EarthCent galaxy with a different mission and cast of characters, though they may intersect at some point.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 19, 2017
I'll be honest, I'm running out of things to say about these books, dang it. I am in awe, E.M. Foner has nailed it with this series. He keeps the books short so they don't drag or get stale. Speaking of stale, every book is so different from the previous ones that they are always new and exciting. This one is no different.
What we have this time around is two stories: one where Kelly is finally taking a vacation with her family and the other has some of our other heroes investigating this new scheme of some unknown group wanting humans to go to a democracy (gasp). It's been another couple years since the last book, so everyone is getting a little more (im)mature and growing.
Once more, I recommend this series to everyone. The first book is great but the most different, get past it and you will fall down the rabbit hole I have.
What we have this time around is two stories: one where Kelly is finally taking a vacation with her family and the other has some of our other heroes investigating this new scheme of some unknown group wanting humans to go to a democracy (gasp). It's been another couple years since the last book, so everyone is getting a little more (im)mature and growing.
Once more, I recommend this series to everyone. The first book is great but the most different, get past it and you will fall down the rabbit hole I have.
August 9, 2016
Kelly decides to take a vacation for the first time in 15 years - but circumstances turn it into a "staycation". Luckily, living on a vast, ancient space station means there are plenty of abandoned floors to explore. It takes "camping in the living room" to a whole new level.
Meanwhile... some shadowy group that is incredibly well funded and devious is using grad students to try and stir up rebellion among humans. Luckily, the grad students are idiots.
Another great outing on Union Station!
June 8, 2018
I just love these books. They're like sci-fi mixed with comedy and for as much as they talk about aliens, they're as much about human relationships, and more. Case in point, while Ambassador Kelly and the family are going on an extremely odd vacation, political organizers begin showing up in the stations, trying to organize the people, through this weird Multi Level Marketing political structure. The scary thing is how truly it rings with some of what is going on in our world. E.M. Foner nailed it again. Can't wait to start in on number 8.
December 16, 2017
More EarthCent fun by Foner. I'm guessing I enjoy these because one can never be quite sure where his characters will go next, nor what sort of chaos the Stryx will allow the to dip into along the way. It had some really fun, almost laugh out loud moments, and Foner's zany and snarky sense of humor emerges throughout. Quite enjoyable.
December 17, 2018
Food for Thought
Mr. Foner writes outside the box. The reader must think inside the lines to get his nuanced meanings. This and all previous books have been uniquely thoughtful, creative and humorous in equal parts with a smidgen of philosophy included to complete the recipe. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment but not the final one.
Mr. Foner writes outside the box. The reader must think inside the lines to get his nuanced meanings. This and all previous books have been uniquely thoughtful, creative and humorous in equal parts with a smidgen of philosophy included to complete the recipe. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment but not the final one.
July 4, 2016
The little girl stole my entire heart. Enjoyable read, lots of laughs as usual.
March 22, 2019
Since the Stryx intervened to give Earth space technology and access to their tunnel network, humans have been expanding their interplanetary ventures, albeit very much under Stryx control. Now mysterious agents are popping up to agitate for human independence and democratic elections.
Since EarthCent Ambassador Kelly McAllister and her family are on vacation spending a week each on several of the more exotic and lesser known decks of Union Station, she is unaware of what is going on. So her chief of intelligence decides to combine a honeymoon with a trip stopping off at various human enclaves to check it out. The books in this series offer a bit of a vacation themselves, with a version of humanity that does war over ideology or religion and, while always looking for a deal, does not grievously harm other individuals. Although the resolution of one of the plot strands is quite unsatisfactory, another results in a laugh out loud moment.
Since EarthCent Ambassador Kelly McAllister and her family are on vacation spending a week each on several of the more exotic and lesser known decks of Union Station, she is unaware of what is going on. So her chief of intelligence decides to combine a honeymoon with a trip stopping off at various human enclaves to check it out. The books in this series offer a bit of a vacation themselves, with a version of humanity that does war over ideology or religion and, while always looking for a deal, does not grievously harm other individuals. Although the resolution of one of the plot strands is quite unsatisfactory, another results in a laugh out loud moment.
August 17, 2018
Oh the possibilities!
I definitely enjoyed following along with the three storylines in this episode. I kept thinking during Kelly's vacation on the lost decks how the fledgling human species could begin to stand on their own two feet by utilizing them in various ways. Didn't see the real reason coming, though.
There are a couple of very poignant moments with Libby and also Ailia that illustrate something new in the series. As a result, I am beginning to care about these characters as I see them developing. This is an important addition to the series along with the many comic moments and pointing out of earth's current socio-political ills we have all come to expect and enjoy.
This series keeps getting better and better. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go so I can start the next book.
I definitely enjoyed following along with the three storylines in this episode. I kept thinking during Kelly's vacation on the lost decks how the fledgling human species could begin to stand on their own two feet by utilizing them in various ways. Didn't see the real reason coming, though.
There are a couple of very poignant moments with Libby and also Ailia that illustrate something new in the series. As a result, I am beginning to care about these characters as I see them developing. This is an important addition to the series along with the many comic moments and pointing out of earth's current socio-political ills we have all come to expect and enjoy.
This series keeps getting better and better. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go so I can start the next book.
January 22, 2025
It’s Been Awhile Since My Last Visit to Union Station…
Despite the passage of time since my last foray into this light hearted, laugh out loud entertaining series, my return was well worth the wait. I had no trouble radiating into the character diversity or the ongoing subplot.
This installment was quite the adventure, exploring some hidden decks and unknown species. Just what the doctor ordered - intelligent entertainment and met all the past expectations I have for this author and then some! If you haven’t read any from this series, or this author, grab book one and prepare to laugh!
Enjoy!
Despite the passage of time since my last foray into this light hearted, laugh out loud entertaining series, my return was well worth the wait. I had no trouble radiating into the character diversity or the ongoing subplot.
This installment was quite the adventure, exploring some hidden decks and unknown species. Just what the doctor ordered - intelligent entertainment and met all the past expectations I have for this author and then some! If you haven’t read any from this series, or this author, grab book one and prepare to laugh!
Enjoy!
August 25, 2018
I liked this book a little less than previous. I still love the series for its intelligence, humor, and sometimes silliness. It's also nice to read a series which is mostly optimistic about our future and the future of galaxy. The parts with the one man, one vote revolt were hilarious. The other part of the plot having to do with the vacation was less interesting although the two do tie together in some senses at the end. On to the next.....
May 28, 2019
Back up to the simple, easy, read. This time the team visit some uninhabited sections of the station so the author can get on more soapboxes. Oh, and some of the usual characters visit human settlements and realize they should probably be talking more.
Fortunately, it's not as bad as the last book. The series remains a slightly humorous and otherwise average way to spend a few hours,
Fortunately, it's not as bad as the last book. The series remains a slightly humorous and otherwise average way to spend a few hours,
April 6, 2020
Vacation anyone?
I enjoyed book 7 - Union Station antics continue to entertain! Where DOES one go on Union Station if a vacation is needed? And who is behind HEEL, the grassroots movement for democracy and freedom from (nonexistent) Stryx oppression? New characters, unused decks on the station, souvenirs, and one goodbye will keep you interested to the very last page.
I enjoyed book 7 - Union Station antics continue to entertain! Where DOES one go on Union Station if a vacation is needed? And who is behind HEEL, the grassroots movement for democracy and freedom from (nonexistent) Stryx oppression? New characters, unused decks on the station, souvenirs, and one goodbye will keep you interested to the very last page.
December 12, 2020
A staycation on the station
More great world building by the author. Kelly and her family take a vacation on the station and we get to find out about some of the unused and closed station decks. As usual, Libby has her own reasons for allowing access to these decks. Another fun read.
More great world building by the author. Kelly and her family take a vacation on the station and we get to find out about some of the unused and closed station decks. As usual, Libby has her own reasons for allowing access to these decks. Another fun read.
March 23, 2018
Still delightful, still has me on the hook for the next one.
Perhaps not quite as tightly plotted as the previous volumes -- I figured out the thrust of the plot well ahead of the protagonists. Looking forward to seeing what becomes of the Orphan Girl.
Perhaps not quite as tightly plotted as the previous volumes -- I figured out the thrust of the plot well ahead of the protagonists. Looking forward to seeing what becomes of the Orphan Girl.
September 24, 2019
So funny
This series is really funny. I love the characters, their conversations with each other, and their antics. I even loved the " vacation" spots that Kelly and her family visited.
This series is really funny. I love the characters, their conversations with each other, and their antics. I even loved the " vacation" spots that Kelly and her family visited.
January 12, 2020
Great fun as always. The author has a quirky, and very enjoyable, sense of humour. I normally pale at the thought of tacking long series (this one as 17 books to date) but this series is just pure pleasure!
May 15, 2020
One scene had me crying
Once again taken on an out of reality journey with multiple commingling stories. Honestly tho, the author is quite knowledgeable about many things and makes it read like light reading but it’s not.
Once again taken on an out of reality journey with multiple commingling stories. Honestly tho, the author is quite knowledgeable about many things and makes it read like light reading but it’s not.
November 30, 2020
The ghost decks
Shadowy goings on, and not just in the ghost decks of Union station where races created a development dead end.
Lots of imaginative environs but the ever expanding cast is beginning to sprawl.
Shadowy goings on, and not just in the ghost decks of Union station where races created a development dead end.
Lots of imaginative environs but the ever expanding cast is beginning to sprawl.
June 28, 2021
A plethora of rides and no lined
The theme of the day is a vaste amusement park. And good old fashioned politics...someone is trying to get the humans fed up with the benevolent masters...a fun time to be had.
The theme of the day is a vaste amusement park. And good old fashioned politics...someone is trying to get the humans fed up with the benevolent masters...a fun time to be had.
August 2, 2022
Good read
Although this one doesn't move along at the pace of the others it is still an enjoyable story. I enjoy the progression of the storyline and wonder how much the author plans it ahead
Although this one doesn't move along at the pace of the others it is still an enjoyable story. I enjoy the progression of the storyline and wonder how much the author plans it ahead
June 27, 2017
A light funny world, with a series of wonderful characters, funny situations and a perfect balance of storyline and humor.
January 13, 2018
Enjoyable
January 28, 2018
Interesting continuation
These books are lighthearted and fun. It was nice to find out more about the station and to see the galactic antics unfold as the humans try to keep up!
These books are lighthearted and fun. It was nice to find out more about the station and to see the galactic antics unfold as the humans try to keep up!
August 5, 2018
I liked this one. Just as much as it’s 7 sisters before it.
November 14, 2018
Liked the humor and the parallel story's.
November 30, 2018
this series is so awesomely weird.
August 21, 2020
Humorous Delight continues
The characters in this series are worth following...as they display the funny and oh, so human, side of representing Earth to the Galaxy.
The characters in this series are worth following...as they display the funny and oh, so human, side of representing Earth to the Galaxy.
March 31, 2021
Mindbending
I have always enjoyed sci-fi novels,but one that takes on government and politics a grand scale, while injecting humor, is notable work indeed.
I have always enjoyed sci-fi novels,but one that takes on government and politics a grand scale, while injecting humor, is notable work indeed.
September 14, 2021
My favorite of this delightful series so far. I laughed throughout, except for the penultimate chapter, during which I choked back tears. That's a first for this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2021
Entertaining as expected
Another adventure for the crew of union station. This one was nice as it gave different parts of the story of our favorite characters.
Another adventure for the crew of union station. This one was nice as it gave different parts of the story of our favorite characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews