Running Scared

Dark Runs #2

by J.A. Sutherland

Rosa and Mason once had a billion credits -- sure, they stole them from a corrupt private-prison corporation, but the bastards deserved it. Now, that company's tracked them down and kidnapped Mason's mother. The only way to keep her, and themselves, alive is to go to work for the company that once imprisoned them, then head for the Asteroid Belt to hack a pirate king's datastream -- oh, and give back the billion credits. Rosa's not sure it's a fair trade. Content Strong language

Genres: Science Fiction

426 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Bill Philibin · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.0 Stars)

Much like the first book in the series, this is definitely in the "Young Adult" category. However, I wouldn't recommend it to any young adults, more on that later.

While I felt the first book was a fairly decent "primer" into the world of sci-fi, I thought that this tried to do the same, but just didn't pull it off... and when it did, was an example of some of the worst parts of sci-fi (and fiction in general). Not to mention that in addition to being YA, was very juvenile in theme and content.

I feel like quite possibly this was "Gary Stu" literature, and was very misogynistic, but in that weird way where all the female traits are backhanded compliments. Not to mention that the writing is very racist with regards to India/Asia.

Yes, this is YA, and while the story had the potential to be a good space-based adventure, I would not suggest that any young person read this and be fed the same misguided sexist stereotypes and unrealistic situational relationships.

Oh, the version I read was the audiobook version (narrated by Elizabeth Klett), and while the skills of the narrator were superb, I felt almost embarrassed for her having to read such badly formed dialog.

[Henry Lazarus · Rating 3 out of 5]

J.A. Sutherland’s Dark Runs series is a lark about Mason Guthrie, who was sent to Juvie Jail for literally fixing things in his habitat, and Rosa Fuentes a hacker sent to the same facility with an implanted artificially intelligent assistant. In Running Start (paper) they learn to trust each other’s abilities, steal a billion dollars, and then get caught. The deal was they do a job and keep a small amount of the money. Running Scared (paper from Darkspace Press) send the two of them, who have never been off Earth before, out to the Asteroid Belt where a Pirate has information. Despite Rosa’s ability to literally hack a space ship, so long as the software isn’t updated. Nothing, of course, goes right. Even waiting on Mars for the data to be collected has them fighting gangsters. This is a great giggle of a tale and luckily more adventures are coming.Review printed by Philadelphia Free Press

[Maggie_Gosia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It's a bit more realistic that I was expecting from a young adult sci-fi novel.
Perhaps there is a bit too much cursing for my liking, but that is generally my only critique.

I really enjoyed the two perspectives the book is written from and that it isn't in first person. I do find it strange though that thee world would have entirely forgotten about the autism spectrum in the thousand or so years into the future that this book is set it. I understand that people might still be stigmatized for being different, but no one understanding what it is seems very unlikely.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Should really be 2 stars with the amount the story is forced by the characters doing things that make zero sense. It's really hard to keep reading when Fuentes repeatedly tells the A.I. to shut up, when anyone with an ounce of common sense would realise it has a damn good point that it's trying to make. It's just crap writing, no one is that stupid.

[Joe Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent prose with good story line

Excellent storyline well written. Action scenes that makes sense. I'm tired of filler paragraphs in unlimited books. This series carries on without constantly reminding us the characters main characteristics or past history

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and engaging story well told!

Mr. Sutherland has written an engaging and entertaining book with great characters and a good storyline. It was a fun read and I definitely recommend it.

[Kerry Kjargaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great yarn from J A Sutherland

I have enjoyed your wonderful stories so much it is a crime that you sat out for thirty years. You have a lot of time to make up. I loved the characters in this story. The young autistic man was extremely well conceived.

[Dan Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite interesting

Literally this series is unlike any I have read before. A fair bit of humor surrounds two oh so not typical-or normal - “heroes”. The action takes a while to be set up and usually isn’t what you’d expect. A bit of effort to get through but worth it.

[Stephanie Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original fun. Hope the series continues

I found the characters original and sympathetic. Plot held my attention, lots of action. Fair amount of science. If you like space opera I would recommend. I hope the author continues the series.

[Wanda binz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

This is a crazy, funny and entertaining story. Our duo has added a third to their party of misfits and he can’t be more welcomed into their crazy life.

[David Doenges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read!

Second in series just as good as the first! Cant wait to read more of their adventures. Need three more words.

[Keiran Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story!

Hilarious story! The fun never stops when these two rip off a billion dollars and then try to get away!

[John Mchale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this continuation. Lots of characters and a mix of plots with humour thrown in made a good read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Scott Sammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline, cliffhanger, long wait for more.

I love Sutherland's writing. These stories for his other wotk, but have languished incomplete for far too long. I want more...can't get more...addiction is painful.