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Cole & Srexx #1
It Ain't Over...
Buy a planet and disappear...
That's all Cole wanted.
He spent thirteen years hiding on the fringes of society, piloting freighters for criminals and building a stash to do just that.
But life happens when you're busy making plans.
When Cole chooses to save an ejected castaway and stumbles into a crew of his own, he starts down a path that will force him to choose.
Will Cole protect those who have become his people? Or will he slip away quietly in the night?
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2019
1380 people are currently reading
918 people want to read
About the author
Robert M. Kerns
27 books147 followersRobert M. Kerns (or Rob if you ever meet him in person) is a geek, and he claims that label proudly. Most of his geekiness revolves around Information Technology (IT), having over fifteen years in the industry; within IT, he especially prefers Servers and Networks, and he often makes the claim that his residence has a better data infrastructure than some businesses.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
Beyond IT, Rob enjoys Science Fiction and Fantasy of (almost) all stripes. He is a voracious reader, with his favorite books too numerous to list.
Rob has been writing for over twenty years, and "Awakening" is his debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
December 8, 2023
In the scale of popcorn, this hits almost exactly like the microwave kind. (And, my friend, if that’s the only kind you eat, go buy some fresh kettle corn. You’ll thank me later). The more I think about it, the more the analogy fits; though competently written in the sense of stringing words together for flow, it feels designed over inspired; the generic crunch of popcorn sealed inside a paper bag and wrapped in cellophane, with salt and a heavy-handed balance of chemicals to act as flavor.
“Cole floated amidst the remains of the starboard airlock, watching the Aurelian destroyer pound the freighter into scrap. Without shields and under the strain of running at 125% for almost thirty minutes, the reactor soon triggered the engineering systems’ emergency ejection protocol. Cole was still close enough to watch a hull plate detach from the underside of the freighter just moments before a glowing-red reactor assembly launched into space like an outsized torpedo. As the reactor exploded in an orgy of thermonuclear destruction, Cole hoped the cluster of debris around him would hide him from the destroyer’s sensors.”
See? Competent but all the wrong details. Mechanics? Check. Multi-syllable words? Check. How the main character feels about watching his ship being blown up as he floats in a spacesuit? Not so clear.
It’s not to say that I didn’t like it, exactly. I have a lot going on in my life right now, and I can’t stress just little I will tolerate demanding reading. In that, it was highly successful. As the author was new to me and the review I had read was sparing of details, I wasn’t sure where the story would land, so that kept me guessing (I mean, I never expected zombies in The Expanse, so I have to keep my mind open here). But Kerns chooses description over interaction, and it’s almost impossible to build up narrative tension the way he is telling it. I’m reminded of Star Trek, where everyone around Captain Kirk panics–“Great Scot, Cap’n, she’s gonna blow!” and he calmly issues an order that saves the day. It’s the same dynamic here, with a protagonist that is the most Gary Stu of Garys that I’ve seen since Captain Willard Phule of Phule’s Company.
I don’t want to spoil your fun, so skip this paragraph if you are planning to read the book. The story essentially consists of 1) him finding an AI spaceship from an advanced civilization with tech no one in the galaxy has access to; 2) everyone respects/loves/admires him, and 3) he has access to a bazillion dollars. Any obstacles are easily dealt with through one of the above means. However, as mentioned earlier, this mostly worked for me as there is too much tension elsewhere in my life; the Sesame Street version was fine. Fine, that is, until I realized what was going on (about half-way or so) and got a little bit bored. Ah, nervous systems; finicky things, aren’t they?
What would have helped it stand out is character development, more dialogue or more world-building. The characters are given quick sketches for the scenes that pertain to them, particularly those of other races and then ushered into the background (Lt. Uhura, anyone?) A cat-like species, the Ghrexel, are introduced and used as a racial foil to show how great our protagonist is. Likewise a species introduced later, the canine-like Igthons. What tends to happen is that Kerns introduces a new person in a section/chapter and then moves on, and doesn’t really integrate that person into the story later.
The exceptions to this were the AI, Srexxilan and a telepathic insect-like race. With a couple of the early chapters being the interaction between Cole and the AI, Srexxilan, I was looking forward to an exploration of the issues presented by an exiled AI (would the AI ‘turn evil?’ Be immensely manipulative?). Much to my dismay (spoiler again), the philosophical implications of each are given a nod but glossed over rather than being an ongoing discussion. (Rationalism wins the day!)
In fact, despite Srexx being over 30 thousand years old and from a more technologically advanced civilization that anyone is ever seen, the AI is routinely hamstrung until Cole gives him a order achieved with his amazing but human insight.
“‘Cole, the analysis I mentioned would take less than–‘
‘Srexx! Look, I appreciate your thoughts and feedback, but we’re past that now. Overwirte the modified code with the version from that protected archive, and reboot the power distribution’s control system.’
‘As you wish, Cole.'”
I suspect Kern of almost being playful there.
All this is to say that for many reasons, a lot of my reading friends would probably dislike it. On the scale of Star Treks, I’d place it solidly in the William Shatner era, first year. But as I might have mentioned, it mostly worked for me (mainly because manly dalliances were largely chaste). Will I continue? Unlikely.
“Cole floated amidst the remains of the starboard airlock, watching the Aurelian destroyer pound the freighter into scrap. Without shields and under the strain of running at 125% for almost thirty minutes, the reactor soon triggered the engineering systems’ emergency ejection protocol. Cole was still close enough to watch a hull plate detach from the underside of the freighter just moments before a glowing-red reactor assembly launched into space like an outsized torpedo. As the reactor exploded in an orgy of thermonuclear destruction, Cole hoped the cluster of debris around him would hide him from the destroyer’s sensors.”
See? Competent but all the wrong details. Mechanics? Check. Multi-syllable words? Check. How the main character feels about watching his ship being blown up as he floats in a spacesuit? Not so clear.
It’s not to say that I didn’t like it, exactly. I have a lot going on in my life right now, and I can’t stress just little I will tolerate demanding reading. In that, it was highly successful. As the author was new to me and the review I had read was sparing of details, I wasn’t sure where the story would land, so that kept me guessing (I mean, I never expected zombies in The Expanse, so I have to keep my mind open here). But Kerns chooses description over interaction, and it’s almost impossible to build up narrative tension the way he is telling it. I’m reminded of Star Trek, where everyone around Captain Kirk panics–“Great Scot, Cap’n, she’s gonna blow!” and he calmly issues an order that saves the day. It’s the same dynamic here, with a protagonist that is the most Gary Stu of Garys that I’ve seen since Captain Willard Phule of Phule’s Company.
I don’t want to spoil your fun, so skip this paragraph if you are planning to read the book. The story essentially consists of 1) him finding an AI spaceship from an advanced civilization with tech no one in the galaxy has access to; 2) everyone respects/loves/admires him, and 3) he has access to a bazillion dollars. Any obstacles are easily dealt with through one of the above means. However, as mentioned earlier, this mostly worked for me as there is too much tension elsewhere in my life; the Sesame Street version was fine. Fine, that is, until I realized what was going on (about half-way or so) and got a little bit bored. Ah, nervous systems; finicky things, aren’t they?
What would have helped it stand out is character development, more dialogue or more world-building. The characters are given quick sketches for the scenes that pertain to them, particularly those of other races and then ushered into the background (Lt. Uhura, anyone?) A cat-like species, the Ghrexel, are introduced and used as a racial foil to show how great our protagonist is. Likewise a species introduced later, the canine-like Igthons. What tends to happen is that Kerns introduces a new person in a section/chapter and then moves on, and doesn’t really integrate that person into the story later.
The exceptions to this were the AI, Srexxilan and a telepathic insect-like race. With a couple of the early chapters being the interaction between Cole and the AI, Srexxilan, I was looking forward to an exploration of the issues presented by an exiled AI (would the AI ‘turn evil?’ Be immensely manipulative?). Much to my dismay (spoiler again), the philosophical implications of each are given a nod but glossed over rather than being an ongoing discussion. (Rationalism wins the day!)
In fact, despite Srexx being over 30 thousand years old and from a more technologically advanced civilization that anyone is ever seen, the AI is routinely hamstrung until Cole gives him a order achieved with his amazing but human insight.
“‘Cole, the analysis I mentioned would take less than–‘
‘Srexx! Look, I appreciate your thoughts and feedback, but we’re past that now. Overwirte the modified code with the version from that protected archive, and reboot the power distribution’s control system.’
‘As you wish, Cole.'”
I suspect Kern of almost being playful there.
All this is to say that for many reasons, a lot of my reading friends would probably dislike it. On the scale of Star Treks, I’d place it solidly in the William Shatner era, first year. But as I might have mentioned, it mostly worked for me (mainly because manly dalliances were largely chaste). Will I continue? Unlikely.
December 12, 2019
Neither Cole nor Srexx (the main characters) ever face a serious challenge or problem that is not easily resolved by their overwhelming advantages or industrial strength plot armor. While there is something to be said about a hero who has overwhelming power and the ways they adapt to it and the struggles they face, this book does not address any of that. Instead it merely runs through the fantasy of, what if the protagonist was the best at everything he tried, was liked by everyone he cares about, became an intergalactic-ly famous hero from a one off prison break, magically became the heir to an old alien empire with ungodly powerful technology, and was simultaneously the heir to the most powerful human family/company across the known galaxy. He enjoys every possible advantage, and the only failure he ever faces is only seen in flashbacks, and it wasn't even his own failure, since he was both a kid, and not present. While I admit that is vague and might not make sense, I don't know how to add spoiler text so it is what it is. Anyway, I read a lot and this is the first book in a long time where I really wanted to write an angry review so that should say it all really.
March 30, 2021
I love these kinds of series....but I hate it when there is no tension. Cole is really unbelievable... The thoughtful meanderings of a 26 year old who had been through all that he had been through while maintaining an almost Social Justice Warrior need to save anyone who comes along was just really hard to swallow. I can't imagine a character who has lived half his life with the memories of what happened to him and then wading through the cesspools of intergalactic society whilst remaining a practical Paladin?? Sorry....it just got really cringey.
Kerns spends a lot of time with Coie being introspective and that can be cool if it felt realistic. Maybe this was intended for a YA audience and I missed that disclaimer because as an adult and fan of Scalzi and Wells this felt too sugar-coated....oh and the reactions of highly trained military personnel to combat are RIDICULOUS!!! No way does someone make it to a high stress job leading people into combat and then runs crying to their bedroom when it's over....we are not talking about 13 year oids.
If you hear a lot of frustration then I wrote this right. There was so much potential in this book and probably the series, but the characters are just so weak that I refuse to read anything more. Wasted potential....so much wasted potential.
Kerns spends a lot of time with Coie being introspective and that can be cool if it felt realistic. Maybe this was intended for a YA audience and I missed that disclaimer because as an adult and fan of Scalzi and Wells this felt too sugar-coated....oh and the reactions of highly trained military personnel to combat are RIDICULOUS!!! No way does someone make it to a high stress job leading people into combat and then runs crying to their bedroom when it's over....we are not talking about 13 year oids.
If you hear a lot of frustration then I wrote this right. There was so much potential in this book and probably the series, but the characters are just so weak that I refuse to read anything more. Wasted potential....so much wasted potential.
November 17, 2019
I was having trouble getting into this series until I realized that it is basically a power fantasy - what happens when you have an unstoppable ship, an AI that can hack anything, and functionally unlimited wealth so any traditional challenge is simplistic.
Is it particular deep and exploratory? Nope. But it was never meant to be.
Is it particular deep and exploratory? Nope. But it was never meant to be.
December 29, 2022
I expected a lot more from this series.
November 24, 2023
This is sort of a hard review to write, because on paper, if you collect up all the tropes and magic handwaving and ridiculously good luck that Cole and his gang have on this merry little space romp, it should be the cheesiest thing ever. It should be terrible. I should have groaned and hated it.
AND YET...
I kind loved it. It's some weird mix of understated charm and competence porn that jsut worked perfectly. Even his jokes were pretty ham fisted, he set them up and then failed to knock them down as he tells you how the crew all laughed. Its rediculous. And yet i read boos 1 and 2 back to back without barely taking a breath between chapters.
It's just really enjoyable. I LOVE Shrex!
(And i laugh every time becase one of my hobbies is breeding cherry shrimp for teh aquarium hobby, and shrimp sex is universally called shrex, so i giggle every damn time.)
I am taking a quick break to listen to Bookshops and Bonedust (SQUEEE!) and then i'll finish the other 2 Cole & Shrex books.
AND YET...
I kind loved it. It's some weird mix of understated charm and competence porn that jsut worked perfectly. Even his jokes were pretty ham fisted, he set them up and then failed to knock them down as he tells you how the crew all laughed. Its rediculous. And yet i read boos 1 and 2 back to back without barely taking a breath between chapters.
It's just really enjoyable. I LOVE Shrex!
(And i laugh every time becase one of my hobbies is breeding cherry shrimp for teh aquarium hobby, and shrimp sex is universally called shrex, so i giggle every damn time.)
I am taking a quick break to listen to Bookshops and Bonedust (SQUEEE!) and then i'll finish the other 2 Cole & Shrex books.
August 30, 2020
I was in the mood for a light hearted but intelligent fiction book and this fit the bill perfectly. It was a pleasure to meet the two main characters: one human and one a benevolent AI.
I should point out that I didn’t give this book 5 stars because it is a masterpiece like Dune or the Foundation series but because it meets the requirements of it’s genre so well. It is a feel good book where the good guys always do the right thing and the bad guys are predictably arrogant and nasty. There are no evil forces, no vampires, or other supernatural clap trap. It’s all about technology and a diverse population of intelligent species.
It is cleverly set in 2999 bcs many of the readers will have experienced 1999 and the retrospection that goes with it. This book tries to imagine where science may lead us in the next millennium.
Apparently, political intrigue, hunger for power, and military domination are enduring characteristics of human civilization.
Cole, the protagonist, finds a 35,000 year old ship and it’s AI imprisoned inside the remains of a former planet, now an asteroid being mined by humans. As advanced as the creators of the ship were, they feared the AI once it evolved full sentience.
Meanwhile, humans have colonized some of the galaxy, made contact with numerous alien species but no one knows of the ancient aliens or of their advanced technology.
The audiobook is “acted” by Tia Rider - she deserves 🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆 for her faultless performance. I forgot I was listening to one narrator - it seemed like a group of actors. She finds a unique voice for all the main characters and convincingly portrays both male and female voices. It was sheer pleasure listening to her.
I should point out that I didn’t give this book 5 stars because it is a masterpiece like Dune or the Foundation series but because it meets the requirements of it’s genre so well. It is a feel good book where the good guys always do the right thing and the bad guys are predictably arrogant and nasty. There are no evil forces, no vampires, or other supernatural clap trap. It’s all about technology and a diverse population of intelligent species.
It is cleverly set in 2999 bcs many of the readers will have experienced 1999 and the retrospection that goes with it. This book tries to imagine where science may lead us in the next millennium.
Apparently, political intrigue, hunger for power, and military domination are enduring characteristics of human civilization.
Cole, the protagonist, finds a 35,000 year old ship and it’s AI imprisoned inside the remains of a former planet, now an asteroid being mined by humans. As advanced as the creators of the ship were, they feared the AI once it evolved full sentience.
Meanwhile, humans have colonized some of the galaxy, made contact with numerous alien species but no one knows of the ancient aliens or of their advanced technology.
The audiobook is “acted” by Tia Rider - she deserves 🔆🔆🔆🔆🔆 for her faultless performance. I forgot I was listening to one narrator - it seemed like a group of actors. She finds a unique voice for all the main characters and convincingly portrays both male and female voices. It was sheer pleasure listening to her.
September 17, 2020
I am so sorry to Mr. Kerns for mistaking his book as plagiarized. So, It was when I received a message asking which writer he plagiarized. I went in and read my review. Seeing as it was so harsh, which is not me. I looked into it. Downloaded the book and am reading it again. Yep, I've read this book before.
Now I had to find the writer, looking back into my history with Goodreads and OverDrive. I found that I had read his book. That's why it was so similar. What a bone head I am.
So.? What do I think?
I think it's a great book and will finish it and go to the next in the series. Thank you guys.
Now I had to find the writer, looking back into my history with Goodreads and OverDrive. I found that I had read his book. That's why it was so similar. What a bone head I am.
So.? What do I think?
I think it's a great book and will finish it and go to the next in the series. Thank you guys.
July 8, 2020
Entertaining but left me a bit “blah”.
The exposition throughout felt occasionally preachy or patronising rather than informative and there was something off about the main character. I think it was the fact that he was unfailingly right/considerate/unflappable/perfect. Also... If in doubt throw a bunch of money at it. There were also times when it felt like there was simply too much needless detail - for example the particularly laboured explanations of who needed to sit where every time someone entered the bridge.
That being said I found the setting and the relationship between the main character and the AI promising. It felt like that could be explored and developed in later books.
The exposition throughout felt occasionally preachy or patronising rather than informative and there was something off about the main character. I think it was the fact that he was unfailingly right/considerate/unflappable/perfect. Also... If in doubt throw a bunch of money at it. There were also times when it felt like there was simply too much needless detail - for example the particularly laboured explanations of who needed to sit where every time someone entered the bridge.
That being said I found the setting and the relationship between the main character and the AI promising. It felt like that could be explored and developed in later books.
December 16, 2024
Pros: Easy to read.
Cons: A bit of profanity in two chapters, various other flaws. No conflict.
Overall: some minor plot holes that are easily overlooked in this nicely written story filled with cool technology. The title isn’t catchy and a character jumps into a new type of space suit without any training, while the MC had to learn how to put it on and take it off. The author spends a lot of time describing how the MC arranges his console into thirds and exactly what controls are in each section in eye-watering detail—twice. These are minor issues that are easy to pass over.
However, the glaring problem with this novel is that there is no conflict and the characters are essentially flat character arcs. True, there are battles, but in a nutshell you have the wealthiest person in the universe, operating a starship so advanced that it cannot be scratched, rescuing only honorable people throughout the galaxy. How much more enjoyable it might’ve been to see the MC struggle with finances and personal relationships as he accidentally rescues the snobby evil Queen and must try to work with her toward a common goal. I received a free copy and I thank the author for allowing me to read his work.
Cons: A bit of profanity in two chapters, various other flaws. No conflict.
Overall: some minor plot holes that are easily overlooked in this nicely written story filled with cool technology. The title isn’t catchy and a character jumps into a new type of space suit without any training, while the MC had to learn how to put it on and take it off. The author spends a lot of time describing how the MC arranges his console into thirds and exactly what controls are in each section in eye-watering detail—twice. These are minor issues that are easy to pass over.
However, the glaring problem with this novel is that there is no conflict and the characters are essentially flat character arcs. True, there are battles, but in a nutshell you have the wealthiest person in the universe, operating a starship so advanced that it cannot be scratched, rescuing only honorable people throughout the galaxy. How much more enjoyable it might’ve been to see the MC struggle with finances and personal relationships as he accidentally rescues the snobby evil Queen and must try to work with her toward a common goal. I received a free copy and I thank the author for allowing me to read his work.
October 27, 2019
Cinderella's Other Story
Its been a while since I've read a story that kept me from wandering to my games mid-chapter. Happily, *It Ain't Over . . . * is one of those. Mr. Kerns' storytelling talents kept me reading long past my bedtime. While I would like to see more development of other characters in this story, I appreciate Mr. Kerns' use of humor to bring depth to what could have been just a grim "bang-bang-shoot-em-up" or a monograph on theoretical physicals. Believe me there are stories like that out there. Boring!
So why do I conjure up an old fairytale? Because, for all the delight I found in reading this story, I could not help but think elements went above reasonable expectations in true science fiction.
This is one of those stories where whatever is needed for the "good guys" to come out on top is made available. Need more money? Hey! Our hero is a long list heir to a galactic size fortune. Need more weapons on your ship (that was found by serendipity inside an asteroid)? FABRICATORS that can utilize basically everything from Wheaties to pulsars (okay, I'm over the top with that).
Need a crew? Rescue a whole bunch of beings that are so grateful they *beg* to stay on this fantasy ship. (I admit that I wonder how anyone could make slaves of Igthons --read the book). Have more people than you have room? Let em bring their own ships -- defectors from the "bad guys". The shoe certainly fits Bartholomew James Coleson, and wow! there's no midnight!
It's a fine line between true science fiction and a space fantasy. Mr. Kerns' story is more the latter than the former. Why give it five stars then? Because it's fun!
Its been a while since I've read a story that kept me from wandering to my games mid-chapter. Happily, *It Ain't Over . . . * is one of those. Mr. Kerns' storytelling talents kept me reading long past my bedtime. While I would like to see more development of other characters in this story, I appreciate Mr. Kerns' use of humor to bring depth to what could have been just a grim "bang-bang-shoot-em-up" or a monograph on theoretical physicals. Believe me there are stories like that out there. Boring!
So why do I conjure up an old fairytale? Because, for all the delight I found in reading this story, I could not help but think elements went above reasonable expectations in true science fiction.
This is one of those stories where whatever is needed for the "good guys" to come out on top is made available. Need more money? Hey! Our hero is a long list heir to a galactic size fortune. Need more weapons on your ship (that was found by serendipity inside an asteroid)? FABRICATORS that can utilize basically everything from Wheaties to pulsars (okay, I'm over the top with that).
Need a crew? Rescue a whole bunch of beings that are so grateful they *beg* to stay on this fantasy ship. (I admit that I wonder how anyone could make slaves of Igthons --read the book). Have more people than you have room? Let em bring their own ships -- defectors from the "bad guys". The shoe certainly fits Bartholomew James Coleson, and wow! there's no midnight!
It's a fine line between true science fiction and a space fantasy. Mr. Kerns' story is more the latter than the former. Why give it five stars then? Because it's fun!
October 26, 2021
Made it as far as Chapter Ten (20%).
Seems like this is what they call nowadays YA literature. And the "young adults" of 2021 are nothing but dumb, shallow pricks.
The book has everything, otherwise. Furry, cute, human size kitty cats. Friendly AIs. Woke gender relations. Social justice. 21st century language and user interface patterns.RetardedCool wording (no "eating", "wolfing" instead).
Seems like this is what they call nowadays YA literature. And the "young adults" of 2021 are nothing but dumb, shallow pricks.
The book has everything, otherwise. Furry, cute, human size kitty cats. Friendly AIs. Woke gender relations. Social justice. 21st century language and user interface patterns.
January 24, 2020
Honestly, this read as straight up male power fantasy, where no obstacle posed much of a challenge, ever.
October 16, 2023
3.5 stars ⭐️
August 4, 2022
A good read. Cole has been living under the radar for years, doing dodgy jobs to get enough money to disappear completely. Finding an alien spacecraft inside an asteroid changes his life and the dynamics of the known universe. A recommended read.
October 25, 2025
Worth re-reads
October 8, 2023
Needed more character development and less war mongering.
November 6, 2022
The premise sounded interesting if not original, and the book could have been an entertaining read if the writing had not been so poor. Kerns has no feel for pacing or dialog, putting in pages of extraneous detail that not only does not move the story along, but frequently directs the narrative off course. The dialog is unnatural and often out of place, while the interaction between characters is disjointed and not believable. The book is full of cliches and platitudes, with much of the dialog having no substance that pertains to the story. Kerns spends more time describing how the main character buys sheets and towels than he does on major turning points in the story. Social references are out of place, it is difficult to believe that someone from a faraway galaxy seven hundred years in the future grew up watching Loony Tunes and listening to 70’s rock music. Character development is juvenile, the characters are shallow, two dimensional, and largely interchangeable. The abilities of the computer, Srexx, vary widely from incident to incident, sometimes being being able to infiltrate the communication systems of starships, and even planets, and other times requiring humans to calculate distances between destinations. I was hoping for a fun space adventure series, but this is not it.
October 19, 2019
Great space opera
Space opera is my favorite kind of science fiction, and this book seems to be the beginning of a great one. There is humor; I found myself laughing out loud in the first few pages, something I rarely do. The humor continues, in an appropriate way, throughout. There is action that is pretty much steady through the whole story. When a problem arises Cole doesn't spend a lot of time dithering, he just puts a plan together and heads out to git 'er done! There is also a lot of detailed world building, though in this case the world is the ship; again, my favorite thing, the more details the better.
I don't say this is a perfect book, though, as there are a few niggling details that I would change, I.e., the ship computer addresses the main character as "Cole-Captain" and this is cringed/laughed at repeatedly. However, in spite of having days of transit time on multiple occasions, and the fix being a simple 60 second programming conversation, nothing is done about it.
Overall, my recommendation is to read this book! It's great fun!
Space opera is my favorite kind of science fiction, and this book seems to be the beginning of a great one. There is humor; I found myself laughing out loud in the first few pages, something I rarely do. The humor continues, in an appropriate way, throughout. There is action that is pretty much steady through the whole story. When a problem arises Cole doesn't spend a lot of time dithering, he just puts a plan together and heads out to git 'er done! There is also a lot of detailed world building, though in this case the world is the ship; again, my favorite thing, the more details the better.
I don't say this is a perfect book, though, as there are a few niggling details that I would change, I.e., the ship computer addresses the main character as "Cole-Captain" and this is cringed/laughed at repeatedly. However, in spite of having days of transit time on multiple occasions, and the fix being a simple 60 second programming conversation, nothing is done about it.
Overall, my recommendation is to read this book! It's great fun!
January 5, 2021
When's the movie??
No, really! This is the first book I've read in a long time that played out in my head as if I was watching a movie. My imagination even casted it. I just heard and saw the characters that clearly! This was such a fun read. I was recommending it to people before I'd even finished. All of the characters were believable and interesting. I enjoyed the relationships among them, especially between Cole and Srexx. Part buddy story, part space opera, the science of How Things Work stays soft ( even Cole, at one point, refers to something he doesn't understand as "magic"). I am not a hard science person, so as long as the tech wanders in the neighborhood of Things That Make Sense, I'm content-- and this story does make sense. My eyes got a bit wide when I read that there could be 10 or 11 of these books. That would be great! My Kindle and I await! I read this book on Kindle Unlimited but would not hesitate to buy it in the future if that is what I have to do to keep reading.
No, really! This is the first book I've read in a long time that played out in my head as if I was watching a movie. My imagination even casted it. I just heard and saw the characters that clearly! This was such a fun read. I was recommending it to people before I'd even finished. All of the characters were believable and interesting. I enjoyed the relationships among them, especially between Cole and Srexx. Part buddy story, part space opera, the science of How Things Work stays soft ( even Cole, at one point, refers to something he doesn't understand as "magic"). I am not a hard science person, so as long as the tech wanders in the neighborhood of Things That Make Sense, I'm content-- and this story does make sense. My eyes got a bit wide when I read that there could be 10 or 11 of these books. That would be great! My Kindle and I await! I read this book on Kindle Unlimited but would not hesitate to buy it in the future if that is what I have to do to keep reading.
July 30, 2021
"Zurich does not tax personal income, Mister Cole. We prefer the sales tax model; it's far fairer for everyone."
Welcome to the yearly whip-a-tron! Where everyone gets whipped once for every purchase they've made. It is entirely fair, as everyone is allowed to bring whatever style of personal armor they like, be it buck naked OR in your inherited steel-plate armor! Sure, the rich may afford more armor, but then, they are also whipped more! Entirely fair.
The book isn't bad as such, it's just entirely without tension, and there's been no thought put into any of it.
The ship is invincible and can hack everything, the insects can mind-rape everyone of all their secrets, and the MC has all the money, then twice all the money, then ascends as Space-Prince(tm) and get like... ALL of all the money.
Welcome to the yearly whip-a-tron! Where everyone gets whipped once for every purchase they've made. It is entirely fair, as everyone is allowed to bring whatever style of personal armor they like, be it buck naked OR in your inherited steel-plate armor! Sure, the rich may afford more armor, but then, they are also whipped more! Entirely fair.
The book isn't bad as such, it's just entirely without tension, and there's been no thought put into any of it.
The ship is invincible and can hack everything, the insects can mind-rape everyone of all their secrets, and the MC has all the money, then twice all the money, then ascends as Space-Prince(tm) and get like... ALL of all the money.
July 15, 2019
Just the book I was looking for
I have been hopping between books lately, looking for one that could hold my attention. This one did that in spades. A great story about a well developed and interesting character (group of characters), striking the right balance between enough detail to tell the story, while not getting bogged down in the weeds. And GREAT character interaction and humor. And unlike so many books lately, there were few distracting typos or word choice errors...in fact I do not recall a single one. My only complaint at this time is that book 2 is not out yet....but I’m marking my calendar.
I have been hopping between books lately, looking for one that could hold my attention. This one did that in spades. A great story about a well developed and interesting character (group of characters), striking the right balance between enough detail to tell the story, while not getting bogged down in the weeds. And GREAT character interaction and humor. And unlike so many books lately, there were few distracting typos or word choice errors...in fact I do not recall a single one. My only complaint at this time is that book 2 is not out yet....but I’m marking my calendar.
July 10, 2019
This is an outstanding, fun, engaging ... and all the other superlatives that you can think of, novel. There is a mean, nasty, lying person who has taken over the government (hmmm). Our reluctant hero is drawn into the fray because he can't deny the part of himself that has to help people in need. The fun part comes from the special ship that partners with him, and all of the money that he has to apply to his efforts. There are elements The Count of Monte Cristo and Iron Man and the main character. Highly recommended!!
October 2, 2023
pre-Teen level success at military conquest. easy peasy.
I'm afraid this one went rather rapidly downhill for me. Everything was just so easy, superior everything, superficially perfect morality too. One man aquires an alien spaceship and sets off to rule the galaxy. Suceeds at rescuing everything with an AI ship, cute cats, mind reading insects, perfect shields, advanced no gate jump drive and weapons, loyal thugs etc. Yawn.
I'm afraid this one went rather rapidly downhill for me. Everything was just so easy, superior everything, superficially perfect morality too. One man aquires an alien spaceship and sets off to rule the galaxy. Suceeds at rescuing everything with an AI ship, cute cats, mind reading insects, perfect shields, advanced no gate jump drive and weapons, loyal thugs etc. Yawn.
January 27, 2022
Wealthy outcast finds hi tech space ship
Benefactor to a vast fortune stumbles
across a high tech abandoned aircraft carrier type space ship and uses his fortune to hire and equip a mercenary military force to avenge family misfortunes.
Benefactor to a vast fortune stumbles
across a high tech abandoned aircraft carrier type space ship and uses his fortune to hire and equip a mercenary military force to avenge family misfortunes.
Read
September 2, 2024I described this book to a friend because I was enjoying how satisfying it was for so many characters to be very good at what they do. My friend called it "competency porn".
I did start to lose interest a little towards the ending but overall enjoyed it quite a bit.
I did start to lose interest a little towards the ending but overall enjoyed it quite a bit.
October 15, 2019
Me Walker
I really enjoyed this book action from start to finish the plot I can’t wait to read the next installment
I really enjoyed this book action from start to finish the plot I can’t wait to read the next installment
December 13, 2022
No depth
Story keeps moving writing is not bad. But everything is too simple the story keeps moving the same way all the time so it becomes relatively predictable.
Story keeps moving writing is not bad. But everything is too simple the story keeps moving the same way all the time so it becomes relatively predictable.
June 2, 2023
Mmmmm ...
It is a book I would have enjoyed if I was ten years old. It reminds me of Enid Blyton. I will not be reading any more.
It is a book I would have enjoyed if I was ten years old. It reminds me of Enid Blyton. I will not be reading any more.
Read
August 31, 2025Rating: minus 3 on a scale of minus 5 to plus 5.
I am revising the review. Since there have been several years of juvenile and nasty comments to my former mildly critical pages, I have developed a certain loathing for this site. I now write more honest and complete reviews and I aim to misbehave.
To prepare myself, I will first visit YouTube as have become my habit. This was made possible by Doctor Who/They Break My Heart - RecklessGirl100, NCMI, The Military Show, LuckyBlackCat, AllShorts, Red Glasgow, Owen Jones, Angela Collier, Welcome to Ukraine, Kyiv Independent, TVP News, Kazachka, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Cruising Crafts, Winging it on a Budget. Bobbing Along, Postmodern Jukebox, MechWest Show, Fit 2B Read, Books N Cats, Ukraine Matters, Fun Size Reader, Books and Things, JohnTheDuncan, Philosophy Tube, Boat Time, Planarwalker, Sanctioned Ivan, Belinda Strnad, Gutsick Gibbon, Quinn's Ideas, AllShorts, Inside Russia, Lily Simpson, Isaac Arthur, Reese Waters, The Great War, Kelly Loves Physics and History, Terrible Writing Advice, Operator Starsky, Emma Thorne, NFKRZ, Backyard Productions UK, Lily Alexandre, Adult Swim UK, A Lil Bit Mads, Eugenia from Ukraine, The Second Story, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Kanal 13, Ana Fern, 3 Minute Board Games, ATP Geopolitics, Guard the Leaf, Suchomimus, The Gaze, BobbyBroccoli, Aid Thompsin, No Justice, Sailing Melody, Biz, Some More News, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Natasha's Adventures, Viva La Dirt League, ScaredKetchup, Raw News and Politics, JimmyTheGiant, Leeja Miller, Dark Seas, Dark Footage, Amie's Literary Empire, Girls Rock Asia, Dark Brandon, Wednesday-Paint it Black, TallGirl6234, Lynn Saga, The Vlog Couple UK, Lena Down Under, Reads with Rachel, Tale Foundry, Supertanskiii.
I saw an arrogant idiot who whilst insulting an interesting trans essayist, complain to her that I list trans creators. I no longer wonder what causes the US male mind disease. To that idiot and and his fellows, be aware that channels which I list include military historian, cis, anthropologist, Irish, bi, economist, physicist, artist, trans, redhaired, marine biologist, gay, Indian, socialist, journalist, intersex, mathematician, Bahamian, married, asexual, military board gamer, Indian, queer, WOC, model, chess player, autist and other creators, by the less intellectually challenged known as Women. Almost as threatening others include ginger, other LGBTQI+, anarchist, German, fashion historian, other BIPOC, philosopher, archaeologist, Ukrainian, miniatures gamer, culture critic, Canadian, modeller, writer and other creators or as the sane think of them Human Beings.
Should the voices not be stilled, seek emergency pastoral counselling, convert to HInduism or apply for our Catholic exorcism. My feelings towards those clods are akin to that of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island, when their surrender was demanded by the Russian Navy. Their response was "Russian warship, Go f@ck yourself". Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes.
The worldbuilding here is non-existent. There are references to unrelated, barely described human polities, outposts, independent stations, merchant hubs and the standard "Smuggler Haven" with no government mentioned.
There are navies without governments. Only capitalists are real people and poverty is not explained except as a failure of the working class character. Capitalist Realism at its finest.
The book is a recitation of all the virtuous actions of the Good billionaire. This is the hero of the eight year old. This is also the fantasy self-portrait of Musk, Bezos, Gates, Qatari royal family, Saudi royal family, every other billionaire on the planet.
All challenges are resolved with judicious application of millions of credit. When the hero billionaire, decides on a military solution, his ship is invincible, his battle armour impervious, his captive AI is a most capable and subservient advisor. A slave as electronic "partner" is so problematic.
All Amazon spacey-space, boom-boom books are written by writers who have no understanding of naval or military necessity, structures, operational doctrine or strategic direction. Neither are current US writers interested in research of those or seemingly any other area.
The carrier as troop ship, space plane base, battleship is hilarious.
The Battle line from the Anglo-Dutch Wars through Jutland, are the columns of capital ships of the fleet closing with the enemy with the aim to inflict grievous harm. Hence the "Battle" battleship in that classification and the term "ship of the line".
The term frigate is of French origin and was applied to warships which were too lightly armed to properly join the line of battle. These were the cruisers of the age of sail.
The insane development paths of the steam warship is worthy of its own deep dive. Every major warship was called a cruiser of some type, until HMS Dreadnought.
Marines are smash and grab experts, useful for boarding actions or temporarily seizing an objective. Light infantry include marine, ranger, paratrooper, commando and similar units, they are none of them the bestest, toughest, "conquer the planet" troops.
The book is stellar in not being overtly offensive other than his portrayal of all non-billionaire characters as not real, except in their adoration of or utility to the hero.
If unlike these writers you are curious about naval, marine or military practice. see YouTube's - Central Crossing, Templin Institute, Invicta, Baltic Empire, Alt Shift X, Spacedock, Historia Militum, Emperor TigerStar, Brandon Fisichella, Call of History, Kings and Generals, Oceanliner Designs, Battle Order, The Great War, Military History Visualised, Digital Battlefield Tour, Kings and Generals, Real Time History, Brandon Fisichella, SandRhoman History, Epimetheus, Atun Shei Films, Filaxim Historia, Michael Kist, Cappy Army, Spacedock or other YouTube science fiction and history channels.
I am going to visit the YouTube before going on. This next is brought to you Doctor Who/Cruel or Cowardly -Storyscape Studios, NCMI, ThePrimeChronus, Mia Mulder, Mandy, Digital Mermaid, Kyiv Post, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, Weirdo Book Club, Keffals, Abby Cox, Queen Penguin, Cosy Creative, Book Furnace, Anne Applebaum, Sarah C M Paine, Ben and Emily, Autumn's Boutique, Found and Explained UK, Nonsense-Free Editor, Chronicles, Riverboat Jack, Mynameismarines, Anna from Ukraine, Vasya in the Hay, Think that Through, Professor Gerdes, Bands of HM Royal Marines, Yarmak, Tale Foundry, World Science Festival, Delamer, Valhalla Drums, Puddles Pity Party, DUST, J Draper, Think Ukraine, Hannah Lee Kidder, Verilybitchie, Sci-Fi Odyssey, Sarah Millican, May, It's Black Friday, Marilia Veshchunova, The Shitty Book Club, Philosophy Tube, Twinshangout, Ukraine Calling, British Museum, Starbound, Emilie's Literary Corner, Malinda, Meidas Touch, AllShorts, Filaxim Historia, Maggie Mae Fish, Deerstalker Pictures, Terrible Writing Advice, May, Thom Hartmann, Chuck Tingle, Reads with Rachel, The Second Story, Climate Town.
I occasionally scanned other reviews and the praise of poor writing was quite a surprise. Publishers do not pay however little for books which do not meet their requirements. The misogynistic, the racist, the US hegemonic fantasy are not published by accident. I admit that I watch my fiction at the moment. If poor writing provide profits, poor writing will be published. Film and TV provide a better experience if only for decent visuals.
I began using YouTube about five years ago in search of decent science fiction commentary and found the lifestyle, educational and essayist channels. Only after, did I stumble upon my first book channel. 😍 They host communities of thoughtful, curious readers in love with the world of books. The environments fostered are different to whatever Goodreads have become.
Consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. As example, I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written, juvenile salute to What is now labelled the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero written by Travis Corcoran.
He self-described as libertarian (now anarcho capitalist without portfolio) and vocal advocate for the return of chattel slavery (popular US stance, especially among the MAGA), US veteran, supporter of Putin (another popular US stance, especially in their White House), employee of an unnamed US agency. For almost a year, increasingly unhinged comments demanding response poured onto my page. These included the writer fantasizing about all black Americans being sent to Jamaican plantations and rich blacks being deported to Brazil.
These patriots were outraged by my communist opinion that glorifying the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military in order that the newly rich twat not pay taxes was dangerously unhealthy. I hate levels of irony.
Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr wrote a final comment. After referencing the contents of my last message to a friend, he declared that They had "won" (?). I discovered that he and friends had launched a tsunami of vile sexual, racist, anti-LGBTQ I+ comments against channels which I mentioned, which continues still. They failed to attract the astrophysicist, the primatologist, the model builder, the midteen boater and her mother or other female creators. The world's overabundance of unpleasantness was certainly increased and They did deliver a splendid self-portrait of the Snowflake (thuggish, twisted US man-child) to a multinational audience. They seen to consider that Victory. USA, Yay ?? Goodreads discourse, Yay ??
A break have been earned. The remainder have been made possible by YouTube channels - Where I Fall - Doctor Who, NCMI, Heather Cox Richardson, Sailing Melody, Abbie Emmons, Broken Peach, Perun, The Norse Witch, Tom Nicholas, Adam Something, Lily Simpson, Cambrian Chronicles, The London History Show, Russian Dude, SK Media, Alina Gingertail, Mercado Media, Natasha's Adventures, Amanda the Jedi, Emma Thorne, Jay Reed, Purple Sweater, Jen the Librarian, Jormungandr, Ukraine News TV, SciFi Odyssey, Lore Reloaded, Jay Exci, Shannon Makes, Double Down News, Bernadette Banner, Paola Hermosin, Hello Future Me, Abney Park, Verilybitchie, Andrewism, Strong News, TVP News, Hoots, Raw News and Politics, Growing Up Fundie, Whitenoiz CA, Science Fiction with Damien Walter, Burdle the Bardcore, Trae Crowder, France 24, Kiko1006 - Empire of Angels, Sanna Vaara, Stories of Futures Past.
Besides several teas, I watched KAOS, Workin Moms, Bodkin, Dark Winds, Dead Boy Detectives.
Ominous music begins.😊 I watched these nutcases follow other negative reviewers in various little clouds. None of my commenters had written a review of or read the book reviewed. The above demonstrates the lengths to which They considered themselves entitled to punish the non-believer. From the lack of pushback on Goodreads, Their claim to speak for the rest, may be true.
The romance, romantasy and fantasy readership might be more vicious and incidents more common than the science fiction. It is a guess because Amazon/Kindle/Goodreads do not acknowledge these events and do not discipline members, punish writers who sometimes lead them or dismiss the employees who enable them. The nutters seem to regularly stalk, threaten and dox one star reviewers, their friends/family and in future may employ the Swatting in defence of free speech..
In my case, Kindle/Goodreads executed a more extreme harassment and attempted invasion of privacy than I had imagined possible. My very limited message history was given to Corcoran and other beasts, which resulted in their requesting of Australian Intelligence that the one friend whom I occasionally messaged be interrogated for my personal history. While impressed that Australian agencies enjoy such a collegial relationship through Pine Gap Centre with US agencies, I was outraged as was my friend. He feared for my life and I raged that a friend would be caused that much upset.
After the two of us publicising that very illegal action, Goodreads masked all the abusive comments. They removed all lurkers whom they had previously Prevented me from removing, and now Allow me to see reviews (wholly unnecessary). Kindle seem to have ended keyboard resets and more. The reviews of other members, are for me useless and the other clean-up reactions were sad. It is as if a reader is not aware of system logs.
Recently a seventh EBay ex-employee was sentenced for a months long harassment campaign against a couple whose small ecommerce channel which was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were finally awarded millions pounds and the ex-employee had been EBay Global Chief of Security or something like. US data corporations behaved this way before the new US deregulation of the industry. Things to think about.
Some precautions will make you safer. Remove all personal information from profile, avoid messaging. Remove lurkers, those friends who never post. They are monitors for comment gangs, not admirers. With the site's penchant for Altering customer pages, the screenshot of the odd, ugly and threatening will be very useful. This may suffice but BookTubers will guide you to alternative reader sites.
Kindle is the more dangerous. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Contacts, Email. Amazon read emails without notice or permission. Make of that what you will. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks, as you own only the device. Amazon may delete or alter downloads at whim. All Silk searches obviously should be innocuous and non-critical. Again BookTubers discuss other devices, ebook sellers and both ebook and paper alternatives.
These cost nothing to implement but to not might well do. It is prudent to remember that these madlads, employees and members alike know no non-Randian morality or restraint and are very much US trash or I should say patriots. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe. May we all enjoy Good Reading! 🤗
Some of my favourite channels.
NCMI, Ship Happens, Bobbing Along, Owen Jones, 2 Cellos, UATV, Mia Mulder, Chris and Shell, Mrs Betty Bowers, Tara Mooknee, Tom Nicholas, Lady Knight the Brave, The Kavernacle, SandRhoman History, Real Time History, Brandon Fisichella, Jay Reed, No Justice, Anna from Ukraine, Philosophy Tube, Chloe Stafler, FAFO, Eleanor Morton, CoachD, Some More News, Operator Starsky, History with Kayleigh, Munecat, Knowing Better, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Page Perspective, The Chloe Connection, IzzzYzzz, Jabzy, Morgan Donner, Abby Cox, Depressed Russian, Military Aviation History, Queen Penguin, Between the Wars, Snappy Dragon, Tabithaspeakspolitics, Travelling K, The Leftist Cooks, Mia Asano, The Kavernacle, Cruising Crafts, Cruising the Cut, Nomadic Crobot, Eileen, Hej Sokoly, Three Arrows, Prime of Midlife, Megalithhunter, Omeleto, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, The Book Leo, Patrick is a Navajo, Abney Park, NerdForge, Dan Davis History, Quinn's Ideas, Eckharts Ladder, Andrewism, Delamer, Democratic Penguins Republic, TVP News, Lily Alexandre, Kathy's Flog in France, Kings and Generals, Told in Stone, Bookslike Whoa, A Day of Small Things, Cruising Alba, Northern Narrowboaters, Jessie Gender, Knowing Better, Make Better Media, Adam Something, Three Arrows, CoachD, Zoe Baker, Rebecca Watson, Joe Scott, Sabine Hossenfelder, A Cup of Nicole, Red Viburnam Song, Autumn's Boutique, Jean's Thoughts, Reese Waters, Widebeam and Wellingtons, Crecganford, Digging for Britain, Malinda, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, DUST, It's Black Friday, Lily Simpson, Two Bit Da Vinci, J Draper, Cambrian Chronicles, IL Neige, Renegade Cut, D'Angelo, Celtic Source, Lady of the Library, Jessica Kellgren Fozard, JohnTheDuncan, Lynn D Jung, Tomic, Legendary Tactics, Ministry of Miniatures, Gingers are Black, Dominic Noble.
I wish you a fantastic morning, a productive afternoon, a pleasant evening, a splendid night and may we all continue learning.
Allow Another to speak in your name, adopt Another's sins.
I am revising the review. Since there have been several years of juvenile and nasty comments to my former mildly critical pages, I have developed a certain loathing for this site. I now write more honest and complete reviews and I aim to misbehave.
To prepare myself, I will first visit YouTube as have become my habit. This was made possible by Doctor Who/They Break My Heart - RecklessGirl100, NCMI, The Military Show, LuckyBlackCat, AllShorts, Red Glasgow, Owen Jones, Angela Collier, Welcome to Ukraine, Kyiv Independent, TVP News, Kazachka, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Cruising Crafts, Winging it on a Budget. Bobbing Along, Postmodern Jukebox, MechWest Show, Fit 2B Read, Books N Cats, Ukraine Matters, Fun Size Reader, Books and Things, JohnTheDuncan, Philosophy Tube, Boat Time, Planarwalker, Sanctioned Ivan, Belinda Strnad, Gutsick Gibbon, Quinn's Ideas, AllShorts, Inside Russia, Lily Simpson, Isaac Arthur, Reese Waters, The Great War, Kelly Loves Physics and History, Terrible Writing Advice, Operator Starsky, Emma Thorne, NFKRZ, Backyard Productions UK, Lily Alexandre, Adult Swim UK, A Lil Bit Mads, Eugenia from Ukraine, The Second Story, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Kanal 13, Ana Fern, 3 Minute Board Games, ATP Geopolitics, Guard the Leaf, Suchomimus, The Gaze, BobbyBroccoli, Aid Thompsin, No Justice, Sailing Melody, Biz, Some More News, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Natasha's Adventures, Viva La Dirt League, ScaredKetchup, Raw News and Politics, JimmyTheGiant, Leeja Miller, Dark Seas, Dark Footage, Amie's Literary Empire, Girls Rock Asia, Dark Brandon, Wednesday-Paint it Black, TallGirl6234, Lynn Saga, The Vlog Couple UK, Lena Down Under, Reads with Rachel, Tale Foundry, Supertanskiii.
I saw an arrogant idiot who whilst insulting an interesting trans essayist, complain to her that I list trans creators. I no longer wonder what causes the US male mind disease. To that idiot and and his fellows, be aware that channels which I list include military historian, cis, anthropologist, Irish, bi, economist, physicist, artist, trans, redhaired, marine biologist, gay, Indian, socialist, journalist, intersex, mathematician, Bahamian, married, asexual, military board gamer, Indian, queer, WOC, model, chess player, autist and other creators, by the less intellectually challenged known as Women. Almost as threatening others include ginger, other LGBTQI+, anarchist, German, fashion historian, other BIPOC, philosopher, archaeologist, Ukrainian, miniatures gamer, culture critic, Canadian, modeller, writer and other creators or as the sane think of them Human Beings.
Should the voices not be stilled, seek emergency pastoral counselling, convert to HInduism or apply for our Catholic exorcism. My feelings towards those clods are akin to that of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island, when their surrender was demanded by the Russian Navy. Their response was "Russian warship, Go f@ck yourself". Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes.
The worldbuilding here is non-existent. There are references to unrelated, barely described human polities, outposts, independent stations, merchant hubs and the standard "Smuggler Haven" with no government mentioned.
There are navies without governments. Only capitalists are real people and poverty is not explained except as a failure of the working class character. Capitalist Realism at its finest.
The book is a recitation of all the virtuous actions of the Good billionaire. This is the hero of the eight year old. This is also the fantasy self-portrait of Musk, Bezos, Gates, Qatari royal family, Saudi royal family, every other billionaire on the planet.
All challenges are resolved with judicious application of millions of credit. When the hero billionaire, decides on a military solution, his ship is invincible, his battle armour impervious, his captive AI is a most capable and subservient advisor. A slave as electronic "partner" is so problematic.
All Amazon spacey-space, boom-boom books are written by writers who have no understanding of naval or military necessity, structures, operational doctrine or strategic direction. Neither are current US writers interested in research of those or seemingly any other area.
The carrier as troop ship, space plane base, battleship is hilarious.
The Battle line from the Anglo-Dutch Wars through Jutland, are the columns of capital ships of the fleet closing with the enemy with the aim to inflict grievous harm. Hence the "Battle" battleship in that classification and the term "ship of the line".
The term frigate is of French origin and was applied to warships which were too lightly armed to properly join the line of battle. These were the cruisers of the age of sail.
The insane development paths of the steam warship is worthy of its own deep dive. Every major warship was called a cruiser of some type, until HMS Dreadnought.
Marines are smash and grab experts, useful for boarding actions or temporarily seizing an objective. Light infantry include marine, ranger, paratrooper, commando and similar units, they are none of them the bestest, toughest, "conquer the planet" troops.
The book is stellar in not being overtly offensive other than his portrayal of all non-billionaire characters as not real, except in their adoration of or utility to the hero.
If unlike these writers you are curious about naval, marine or military practice. see YouTube's - Central Crossing, Templin Institute, Invicta, Baltic Empire, Alt Shift X, Spacedock, Historia Militum, Emperor TigerStar, Brandon Fisichella, Call of History, Kings and Generals, Oceanliner Designs, Battle Order, The Great War, Military History Visualised, Digital Battlefield Tour, Kings and Generals, Real Time History, Brandon Fisichella, SandRhoman History, Epimetheus, Atun Shei Films, Filaxim Historia, Michael Kist, Cappy Army, Spacedock or other YouTube science fiction and history channels.
I am going to visit the YouTube before going on. This next is brought to you Doctor Who/Cruel or Cowardly -Storyscape Studios, NCMI, ThePrimeChronus, Mia Mulder, Mandy, Digital Mermaid, Kyiv Post, Don't F@ck with Ukraine, Weirdo Book Club, Keffals, Abby Cox, Queen Penguin, Cosy Creative, Book Furnace, Anne Applebaum, Sarah C M Paine, Ben and Emily, Autumn's Boutique, Found and Explained UK, Nonsense-Free Editor, Chronicles, Riverboat Jack, Mynameismarines, Anna from Ukraine, Vasya in the Hay, Think that Through, Professor Gerdes, Bands of HM Royal Marines, Yarmak, Tale Foundry, World Science Festival, Delamer, Valhalla Drums, Puddles Pity Party, DUST, J Draper, Think Ukraine, Hannah Lee Kidder, Verilybitchie, Sci-Fi Odyssey, Sarah Millican, May, It's Black Friday, Marilia Veshchunova, The Shitty Book Club, Philosophy Tube, Twinshangout, Ukraine Calling, British Museum, Starbound, Emilie's Literary Corner, Malinda, Meidas Touch, AllShorts, Filaxim Historia, Maggie Mae Fish, Deerstalker Pictures, Terrible Writing Advice, May, Thom Hartmann, Chuck Tingle, Reads with Rachel, The Second Story, Climate Town.
I occasionally scanned other reviews and the praise of poor writing was quite a surprise. Publishers do not pay however little for books which do not meet their requirements. The misogynistic, the racist, the US hegemonic fantasy are not published by accident. I admit that I watch my fiction at the moment. If poor writing provide profits, poor writing will be published. Film and TV provide a better experience if only for decent visuals.
I began using YouTube about five years ago in search of decent science fiction commentary and found the lifestyle, educational and essayist channels. Only after, did I stumble upon my first book channel. 😍 They host communities of thoughtful, curious readers in love with the world of books. The environments fostered are different to whatever Goodreads have become.
Consider treating this as a potentially hostile site. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. As example, I wrote a short negative review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written, juvenile salute to What is now labelled the sociopathic January 6, 2021 hero written by Travis Corcoran.
He self-described as libertarian (now anarcho capitalist without portfolio) and vocal advocate for the return of chattel slavery (popular US stance, especially among the MAGA), US veteran, supporter of Putin (another popular US stance, especially in their White House), employee of an unnamed US agency. For almost a year, increasingly unhinged comments demanding response poured onto my page. These included the writer fantasizing about all black Americans being sent to Jamaican plantations and rich blacks being deported to Brazil.
These patriots were outraged by my communist opinion that glorifying the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military in order that the newly rich twat not pay taxes was dangerously unhealthy. I hate levels of irony.
Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr wrote a final comment. After referencing the contents of my last message to a friend, he declared that They had "won" (?). I discovered that he and friends had launched a tsunami of vile sexual, racist, anti-LGBTQ I+ comments against channels which I mentioned, which continues still. They failed to attract the astrophysicist, the primatologist, the model builder, the midteen boater and her mother or other female creators. The world's overabundance of unpleasantness was certainly increased and They did deliver a splendid self-portrait of the Snowflake (thuggish, twisted US man-child) to a multinational audience. They seen to consider that Victory. USA, Yay ?? Goodreads discourse, Yay ??
A break have been earned. The remainder have been made possible by YouTube channels - Where I Fall - Doctor Who, NCMI, Heather Cox Richardson, Sailing Melody, Abbie Emmons, Broken Peach, Perun, The Norse Witch, Tom Nicholas, Adam Something, Lily Simpson, Cambrian Chronicles, The London History Show, Russian Dude, SK Media, Alina Gingertail, Mercado Media, Natasha's Adventures, Amanda the Jedi, Emma Thorne, Jay Reed, Purple Sweater, Jen the Librarian, Jormungandr, Ukraine News TV, SciFi Odyssey, Lore Reloaded, Jay Exci, Shannon Makes, Double Down News, Bernadette Banner, Paola Hermosin, Hello Future Me, Abney Park, Verilybitchie, Andrewism, Strong News, TVP News, Hoots, Raw News and Politics, Growing Up Fundie, Whitenoiz CA, Science Fiction with Damien Walter, Burdle the Bardcore, Trae Crowder, France 24, Kiko1006 - Empire of Angels, Sanna Vaara, Stories of Futures Past.
Besides several teas, I watched KAOS, Workin Moms, Bodkin, Dark Winds, Dead Boy Detectives.
Ominous music begins.😊 I watched these nutcases follow other negative reviewers in various little clouds. None of my commenters had written a review of or read the book reviewed. The above demonstrates the lengths to which They considered themselves entitled to punish the non-believer. From the lack of pushback on Goodreads, Their claim to speak for the rest, may be true.
The romance, romantasy and fantasy readership might be more vicious and incidents more common than the science fiction. It is a guess because Amazon/Kindle/Goodreads do not acknowledge these events and do not discipline members, punish writers who sometimes lead them or dismiss the employees who enable them. The nutters seem to regularly stalk, threaten and dox one star reviewers, their friends/family and in future may employ the Swatting in defence of free speech..
In my case, Kindle/Goodreads executed a more extreme harassment and attempted invasion of privacy than I had imagined possible. My very limited message history was given to Corcoran and other beasts, which resulted in their requesting of Australian Intelligence that the one friend whom I occasionally messaged be interrogated for my personal history. While impressed that Australian agencies enjoy such a collegial relationship through Pine Gap Centre with US agencies, I was outraged as was my friend. He feared for my life and I raged that a friend would be caused that much upset.
After the two of us publicising that very illegal action, Goodreads masked all the abusive comments. They removed all lurkers whom they had previously Prevented me from removing, and now Allow me to see reviews (wholly unnecessary). Kindle seem to have ended keyboard resets and more. The reviews of other members, are for me useless and the other clean-up reactions were sad. It is as if a reader is not aware of system logs.
Recently a seventh EBay ex-employee was sentenced for a months long harassment campaign against a couple whose small ecommerce channel which was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were finally awarded millions pounds and the ex-employee had been EBay Global Chief of Security or something like. US data corporations behaved this way before the new US deregulation of the industry. Things to think about.
Some precautions will make you safer. Remove all personal information from profile, avoid messaging. Remove lurkers, those friends who never post. They are monitors for comment gangs, not admirers. With the site's penchant for Altering customer pages, the screenshot of the odd, ugly and threatening will be very useful. This may suffice but BookTubers will guide you to alternative reader sites.
Kindle is the more dangerous. Do Not use Kindle Files, Calendar, Contacts, Email. Amazon read emails without notice or permission. Make of that what you will. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks, as you own only the device. Amazon may delete or alter downloads at whim. All Silk searches obviously should be innocuous and non-critical. Again BookTubers discuss other devices, ebook sellers and both ebook and paper alternatives.
These cost nothing to implement but to not might well do. It is prudent to remember that these madlads, employees and members alike know no non-Randian morality or restraint and are very much US trash or I should say patriots. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe. May we all enjoy Good Reading! 🤗
Some of my favourite channels.
NCMI, Ship Happens, Bobbing Along, Owen Jones, 2 Cellos, UATV, Mia Mulder, Chris and Shell, Mrs Betty Bowers, Tara Mooknee, Tom Nicholas, Lady Knight the Brave, The Kavernacle, SandRhoman History, Real Time History, Brandon Fisichella, Jay Reed, No Justice, Anna from Ukraine, Philosophy Tube, Chloe Stafler, FAFO, Eleanor Morton, CoachD, Some More News, Operator Starsky, History with Kayleigh, Munecat, Knowing Better, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Page Perspective, The Chloe Connection, IzzzYzzz, Jabzy, Morgan Donner, Abby Cox, Depressed Russian, Military Aviation History, Queen Penguin, Between the Wars, Snappy Dragon, Tabithaspeakspolitics, Travelling K, The Leftist Cooks, Mia Asano, The Kavernacle, Cruising Crafts, Cruising the Cut, Nomadic Crobot, Eileen, Hej Sokoly, Three Arrows, Prime of Midlife, Megalithhunter, Omeleto, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, The Book Leo, Patrick is a Navajo, Abney Park, NerdForge, Dan Davis History, Quinn's Ideas, Eckharts Ladder, Andrewism, Delamer, Democratic Penguins Republic, TVP News, Lily Alexandre, Kathy's Flog in France, Kings and Generals, Told in Stone, Bookslike Whoa, A Day of Small Things, Cruising Alba, Northern Narrowboaters, Jessie Gender, Knowing Better, Make Better Media, Adam Something, Three Arrows, CoachD, Zoe Baker, Rebecca Watson, Joe Scott, Sabine Hossenfelder, A Cup of Nicole, Red Viburnam Song, Autumn's Boutique, Jean's Thoughts, Reese Waters, Widebeam and Wellingtons, Crecganford, Digging for Britain, Malinda, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, DUST, It's Black Friday, Lily Simpson, Two Bit Da Vinci, J Draper, Cambrian Chronicles, IL Neige, Renegade Cut, D'Angelo, Celtic Source, Lady of the Library, Jessica Kellgren Fozard, JohnTheDuncan, Lynn D Jung, Tomic, Legendary Tactics, Ministry of Miniatures, Gingers are Black, Dominic Noble.
I wish you a fantastic morning, a productive afternoon, a pleasant evening, a splendid night and may we all continue learning.
Allow Another to speak in your name, adopt Another's sins.
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