What do you think?
Rate this book
Call of Courage: 7 Novels of the Galactic Frontier
Some are called by duty. Some are called by adventure. All answer the call of courage.
Jump into seven full-length novels exploring the limits of space, science, and courage. Aliens, artificial intelligence, rogue governments, and galactic frontiers--you’ll find them all here.
Heed the call. Download this collection of series starters today!
Archangel Down by C. Gockel
Commander Noa Sato doesn’t believe in aliens. She’s wrong. In the face of genocide she must hatch a daring plan with a ragtag crew to save the lives of millions—and her own. Every step of the way she is haunted by the final words of a secret transmission: The archangel is down.
Anti Life by Allen Kuzara
The opposite of life isn't death; it's something far worse. Mission colonel John Alvarez must carry out one last mission, a rescue attempt. Unknown to Alvarez, however, is the hidden threat that awaits him, one that—if he cannot stop it—will doom humanity to a fate worse than death.
Allies and Enemies: Fallen by Amy J. Murphy
Born into service of the Regime, Commander Sela Tyron is about as subtle as a hammer. To hammers, any problem can look like a nail. But things aren’t always that easy—especially when Sela is forced to choose between the only life she's ever known and rescuing a trusted comrade.
Traveler in the Dark by Deirdre Gould
Sixteen centuries ago, they fled Earth. They've never walked on soil, felt rain, or breathed unrecycled air. At last, they sent exploratory mission to a new planet. It's ideal... but they are not alone. Struggling for survival, they must make a choice. Sacrifice another species or accept their own extinction.
Breakers of the Dawn by Zachariah Wahrer
Humanity has fallen from its once majestic place amongst the stars. Desperate for resources, they seize every available planet, exterminating their alien inhabitants. Sent to subdue an uprising, a government operative unearths an alien relic. The strange device promises extraordinary power, but can he trust it?
The Backworlds by M. Pax
After the war with the Foreworlds, competition among the Backworlds is fierce. Pickings are scant enough that Craze’s father boots him off the planet. Cut off from everyone he knows with little knowledge of the worlds beyond, Craze must find a way to survive and get his revenge.
Sky Hunter by Chris Reher
Terrorists plot to destroy a space elevator on a remote planet. Nova Whiteside, Air Command pilot, is caught behind enemy lines in a bloody uprising. The treacherous and illicit schemes she uncovers there make her question who, really, is the enemy.
Jump into seven full-length novels exploring the limits of space, science, and courage. Aliens, artificial intelligence, rogue governments, and galactic frontiers--you’ll find them all here.
Heed the call. Download this collection of series starters today!
Archangel Down by C. Gockel
Commander Noa Sato doesn’t believe in aliens. She’s wrong. In the face of genocide she must hatch a daring plan with a ragtag crew to save the lives of millions—and her own. Every step of the way she is haunted by the final words of a secret transmission: The archangel is down.
Anti Life by Allen Kuzara
The opposite of life isn't death; it's something far worse. Mission colonel John Alvarez must carry out one last mission, a rescue attempt. Unknown to Alvarez, however, is the hidden threat that awaits him, one that—if he cannot stop it—will doom humanity to a fate worse than death.
Allies and Enemies: Fallen by Amy J. Murphy
Born into service of the Regime, Commander Sela Tyron is about as subtle as a hammer. To hammers, any problem can look like a nail. But things aren’t always that easy—especially when Sela is forced to choose between the only life she's ever known and rescuing a trusted comrade.
Traveler in the Dark by Deirdre Gould
Sixteen centuries ago, they fled Earth. They've never walked on soil, felt rain, or breathed unrecycled air. At last, they sent exploratory mission to a new planet. It's ideal... but they are not alone. Struggling for survival, they must make a choice. Sacrifice another species or accept their own extinction.
Breakers of the Dawn by Zachariah Wahrer
Humanity has fallen from its once majestic place amongst the stars. Desperate for resources, they seize every available planet, exterminating their alien inhabitants. Sent to subdue an uprising, a government operative unearths an alien relic. The strange device promises extraordinary power, but can he trust it?
The Backworlds by M. Pax
After the war with the Foreworlds, competition among the Backworlds is fierce. Pickings are scant enough that Craze’s father boots him off the planet. Cut off from everyone he knows with little knowledge of the worlds beyond, Craze must find a way to survive and get his revenge.
Sky Hunter by Chris Reher
Terrorists plot to destroy a space elevator on a remote planet. Nova Whiteside, Air Command pilot, is caught behind enemy lines in a bloody uprising. The treacherous and illicit schemes she uncovers there make her question who, really, is the enemy.
1482 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2019
646 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
C. Gockel
67 books572 followersC. Gockel got her start writing fanfiction, and she is not ashamed! Much. She received emails, messages and reviews from her fans telling her she should 'do this professionally'. She didn't; because she is a coward and life as a digital designer, copywriter and coder is more dependable. But in the end, her husband's nagging wore her down: "You could be the next '50 Shades of Gray' and I could retire!" Unfortunately, the author isn't much for writing smut. She is sad about this; she'd love for her husband to be able to retire and just work for her so she could nag him.
At the moment, Ms. Gockel is working on the next installment of her Archangel Project series.
Ms. Gockel loves to hear from readers. She can be reached by email at: cgockel.publishing at gmail.com
Her Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/CGockelWrites
At the moment, Ms. Gockel is working on the next installment of her Archangel Project series.
Ms. Gockel loves to hear from readers. She can be reached by email at: cgockel.publishing at gmail.com
Her Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/CGockelWrites
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 13, 2023
Entertaining futuristic listening 🎶🔰
This is a free box 📦 set that is free on Amazon as a e-book of seven novels. I picked this up about 2.5 years ago.
Each book is different with interesting well developed characters lots of action, misdirection, and violence leading to each conclusion. As with all box 📦 sets you will like some better than others but that is normal.
I listened 🎶 to three of these novels as individually novel, one, did and seven. So I only had to listen to four novels to finish this box 📦set.
I would recommend this box 📦 set to 👍 readers of fantasy futuristic space novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀☺😈
This is a free box 📦 set that is free on Amazon as a e-book of seven novels. I picked this up about 2.5 years ago.
Each book is different with interesting well developed characters lots of action, misdirection, and violence leading to each conclusion. As with all box 📦 sets you will like some better than others but that is normal.
I listened 🎶 to three of these novels as individually novel, one, did and seven. So I only had to listen to four novels to finish this box 📦set.
I would recommend this box 📦 set to 👍 readers of fantasy futuristic space novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀☺😈
November 22, 2024
Call of courage
"Archangel down"
This book is a Space Sci-fi, future based work by author. Story is about Commander Noa Sato who is a pilot in the Galactic Republic Fleet, but while going back to her home planet of Luddeccea, finds herself imprisoned and tortured in a hellish Prisoner Of War camp. Luddeccea, always a religious and anti-technology planet seems to have gone full on paranoid and totalitarian. During Noa's escape she encounters Professor James Sinclair who is a complete enigma. He has some of the memories of a history professor who specializes in the 20th century, but he has the capacities of a killer cyborg and he looks a lot like Noa's dead husband.
Noa and James hatch a plan to get off world and back to the Galactic Republic to let them know about the millions of people that Luddeccea is abusing in prison camps. This involves stealing the Luddeccean's original colony ship, the Ark.
The world-building here is solid enough and a descent of this sort of society into a totalitarian nightmare makes a lot of sense. Noa and her attitudes towards the planet and her family make sense and are treated with some nuance. The sexbot 6T9 is a rare example of a male sexbot in Sci-fi and has an excellent part providing some hilarious comic relief as well as some small profound parts.
There is no answer question surrounding the "Archangel" and who or what James actually is. The bizarre actions of the Luddeccean government isn't explained anywhere. As a reader I feel like there's an misunderstanding and hidden agenda of council on the information needed to make sense of what's going on.
Noa and James are repetitive, over the same emotional turmoils and internal questions with circumstances around them. The 20th century movies that James and Noa end up watching and then endlessly referring to for the rest of the book.
"Anti life"
Colonel Alvarez is in charge of a mission on a new spaceship to a new place in space. They arrive at the location and everything is going wrong. Something weird and strange has taken over the spaceship. Alvarez is the only one not effected.
The character development is not excessive - it would have been nice to have seen a bit more change within the main characters, but overall it was sufficient. The book takes place over a very short time span, so there isn't room for a while bunch. We do see some glimse of past experiences malign the characters into what they are now, which is nice and insightful.Novos station and being a retired Colonol doesn't change the deep down perspective of what being a parent means, at least to me. In his afterward he wrote quite frankly about what he had to do to make ends meet, and I genuinely respect that.
The dialogue and writing style are excellent. The science is realistic and original. The action and thrills keep building in intensity with a clear understanding of what might happen in the future. I look forward to reading the next book in the series from this talented Sci-Fi author.
"Allies and Enemies”
"Allies and Enemies” is a fantastic military futuristic sci-fi story featuring strong women leads. Lots of action with plenty of creepy sci-fi bodysnatcher stuff that you may feel trouble sleeping after reading it.
The book opens in the middle of battle action and pace of the book never slows down, keeping readers on toes gripping to very ending ! This is not a lesbian fiction story, but the heterogeneous interests and actions.That’s not to say the story is all action with little focus on characters. Indeed, the many characters are well crafted and interesting, it’s just that romance and sex are a very minor part of the story. Surviving and saving yourself is now that’s much more part of the story for everyone!
In consideration of nice space operas, we are presented with an powerful “Regime” which, discourages any individuality. There are clear caste systems, corrupt politicians, sycophants, and an evil villain to put all other evil villains to shame. Seriously, Darth Vader are in the news for villainy of their own, but an ideal antagonist for reader.
MC Sela Tyron is a “breeder”…a warrior class who is determined to protect her Captain: Jon Veradin. And NOT to fall in love or lust with her superior. Jon, it turns out, must learn a surprise or two of his own, as must his sister, Erelah.
The author concluded on wise note and did justify some character but cliffhanger story is the essence of the series.
"Traveler in the dark"
Story of travellers who left earth in search of survival on other planet and roaming around galaxy in hope to survive when they finally found something they have to come to earth to let them know the discovery but they have ever walked on soil, felt rain, or breathed unrecycled air. Their resources nearly spent, they sent a last exploratory mission to a new planet.
I liked the concept of Deidre Gould’s Traveler in the Dark. I found the story engrossing, and it was hard to put down . I found the portrayal of the multi-generational surveyors or say survivors and their initial reaction to the alien planet after a lifetime aboard on an spacefaring habitat to be quite unbelievable.
What I did find a little hard to swallow was the “villain.” In Traveler in the Dark, the villain is not really a person or a group of persons, but a thought. An idea. Albeit an extreme form of environmentalism, it’s presented in such a way that rings true to extremist behaviors. The reader is allowed an almost child-like naiveté through the actions of Issk’ath. The trope of an alien intelligence trying to understand humanity, and humanity’s distrust of that intelligence has been done many times, and I enjoyed Gould’s take on the subject.
The writing did suffer from a major issue though with lot of confusion. The characters are briefly introduced by first and last name, but in dialog by other characters by first name , and the author’s narration by last name. By the end of the book, I still had a hard time deciphering that i might not mixed the characters.
The author concluded on a extreme suspense note.The story is not without its flaws, but I think it’s a goodread and exciting series.
Breakers of the Dawn
It’s an incredibly ambitious blend of the hard sci-fi, thriller, and space opera genres, and for all the big ideas Wahrer presented and the intriguing characters I saw the story through, I really wanted to love it. But let me back up a bit.
A story of a threat to the entire galaxy, all intelligent life. The threat emanates from the breakers, a vicious, malevolent force, being or beings who begin by subverting and changing humans to sweep across space corrupting the corruptible and killing all else. Almost nothing is revealed about the breakers in this first volume of the series.
The story is told from several points of view. There’s a prophecy! Six heroes will stand against the Breakers of the Dawn. Most of this volume consists of introducing the main characters, tying together the various threads and introducing the threats they might face in upcoming series. This book volume ends before they actually learn about the breakers.
The writing impelled reader to find out what was going to happen next rather than savour the story so very shortly, I stopped noticing the little errors like editing few things and dragged some part that can be omitted.
The book's fast pacing will never leave the reader bored ,Distinctive and interesting characters, Sympathetic bug aliens and Cyber zombies.
Something i hate in it Some content is not appropriate ,Specifically a suggested rape. Also children die and it is shown in detail, but feels gratuitous.
The book held my interest to the point that I will probably read the next volume to discover what happens in the inevitable confrontation. The ending, while not bad, feels unsatisfying.
The back worlds
The initial couple of chapters pack a real punch After his unpleasant ejection from his village, Craze’s hurt and amazement at his father’s double-cross is believable and immediately had me rooting sympathy for him. Author shows her experience in the slick handling of her protagonist – too much fury and resistance would have unduly slowed the pace, while a mere defeated shrug would have still had the reader convinced that his father was a complete ratbag, but would not necessarily have engendered quite as much sympathy for the main character.
The story follows a familiar pattern an inexperienced youngster having to make his way in an innately hostile and uncaring world. This time around, the worlds are hostile with knobs on. In the aftermath of an interplanetary war, no one is particularly welcoming – except for the two aviarmen he encounters on his first journey offworld… And immediately the three of them spin off into an adventure, while trying to find a foothold somewhere to make their fortunes.
This novel is refreshingly short, in a giant sea of books that seem to get longer and longer ,with no added value. Backworlds is highly recommended for those who like original writing and world-building. I look forward to the sequel, Stopover at Backworld’s Edge.
Sky hunter's
Nova is a fantastic herione. Here we have Nova at the beginning of her career. She a young pilot working hard on becoming a Hunter Class. She has har own ideas about the wrong and right and doesn't follow orders blindly.
Obviously this attitude doesn't sit well with everybody. Air Command pilot Nova Whiteside is assigned to a remote outpost to guard the construction of a new tethered orbiter, Skyranch Twelve, against rebel sabotage. The difference between the well-ordered Union air fields and this dusty garrison is made painfully clear when she runs afoul a brutal commander of ground troops.
There're people who bend the law and those who brake it all together. When Nova stumbles on this it get physical she gets sexually assaulted. Nova doesn't know who can be trusted. But she follows her guts and her honour and landed in bad situations.
The story is fast paced and full of action.What I liked is the fact that Nova is fallible and human, but always coherent. Her actions and reactions are logical and comprehensible. She admits her fault and her guillibility, but she always does everything she can to overcome it. Nova's first love and his treachery! and her reaction to it make it a beautiful novel.
"Archangel down"
This book is a Space Sci-fi, future based work by author. Story is about Commander Noa Sato who is a pilot in the Galactic Republic Fleet, but while going back to her home planet of Luddeccea, finds herself imprisoned and tortured in a hellish Prisoner Of War camp. Luddeccea, always a religious and anti-technology planet seems to have gone full on paranoid and totalitarian. During Noa's escape she encounters Professor James Sinclair who is a complete enigma. He has some of the memories of a history professor who specializes in the 20th century, but he has the capacities of a killer cyborg and he looks a lot like Noa's dead husband.
Noa and James hatch a plan to get off world and back to the Galactic Republic to let them know about the millions of people that Luddeccea is abusing in prison camps. This involves stealing the Luddeccean's original colony ship, the Ark.
The world-building here is solid enough and a descent of this sort of society into a totalitarian nightmare makes a lot of sense. Noa and her attitudes towards the planet and her family make sense and are treated with some nuance. The sexbot 6T9 is a rare example of a male sexbot in Sci-fi and has an excellent part providing some hilarious comic relief as well as some small profound parts.
There is no answer question surrounding the "Archangel" and who or what James actually is. The bizarre actions of the Luddeccean government isn't explained anywhere. As a reader I feel like there's an misunderstanding and hidden agenda of council on the information needed to make sense of what's going on.
Noa and James are repetitive, over the same emotional turmoils and internal questions with circumstances around them. The 20th century movies that James and Noa end up watching and then endlessly referring to for the rest of the book.
"Anti life"
Colonel Alvarez is in charge of a mission on a new spaceship to a new place in space. They arrive at the location and everything is going wrong. Something weird and strange has taken over the spaceship. Alvarez is the only one not effected.
The character development is not excessive - it would have been nice to have seen a bit more change within the main characters, but overall it was sufficient. The book takes place over a very short time span, so there isn't room for a while bunch. We do see some glimse of past experiences malign the characters into what they are now, which is nice and insightful.Novos station and being a retired Colonol doesn't change the deep down perspective of what being a parent means, at least to me. In his afterward he wrote quite frankly about what he had to do to make ends meet, and I genuinely respect that.
The dialogue and writing style are excellent. The science is realistic and original. The action and thrills keep building in intensity with a clear understanding of what might happen in the future. I look forward to reading the next book in the series from this talented Sci-Fi author.
"Allies and Enemies”
"Allies and Enemies” is a fantastic military futuristic sci-fi story featuring strong women leads. Lots of action with plenty of creepy sci-fi bodysnatcher stuff that you may feel trouble sleeping after reading it.
The book opens in the middle of battle action and pace of the book never slows down, keeping readers on toes gripping to very ending ! This is not a lesbian fiction story, but the heterogeneous interests and actions.That’s not to say the story is all action with little focus on characters. Indeed, the many characters are well crafted and interesting, it’s just that romance and sex are a very minor part of the story. Surviving and saving yourself is now that’s much more part of the story for everyone!
In consideration of nice space operas, we are presented with an powerful “Regime” which, discourages any individuality. There are clear caste systems, corrupt politicians, sycophants, and an evil villain to put all other evil villains to shame. Seriously, Darth Vader are in the news for villainy of their own, but an ideal antagonist for reader.
MC Sela Tyron is a “breeder”…a warrior class who is determined to protect her Captain: Jon Veradin. And NOT to fall in love or lust with her superior. Jon, it turns out, must learn a surprise or two of his own, as must his sister, Erelah.
The author concluded on wise note and did justify some character but cliffhanger story is the essence of the series.
"Traveler in the dark"
Story of travellers who left earth in search of survival on other planet and roaming around galaxy in hope to survive when they finally found something they have to come to earth to let them know the discovery but they have ever walked on soil, felt rain, or breathed unrecycled air. Their resources nearly spent, they sent a last exploratory mission to a new planet.
I liked the concept of Deidre Gould’s Traveler in the Dark. I found the story engrossing, and it was hard to put down . I found the portrayal of the multi-generational surveyors or say survivors and their initial reaction to the alien planet after a lifetime aboard on an spacefaring habitat to be quite unbelievable.
What I did find a little hard to swallow was the “villain.” In Traveler in the Dark, the villain is not really a person or a group of persons, but a thought. An idea. Albeit an extreme form of environmentalism, it’s presented in such a way that rings true to extremist behaviors. The reader is allowed an almost child-like naiveté through the actions of Issk’ath. The trope of an alien intelligence trying to understand humanity, and humanity’s distrust of that intelligence has been done many times, and I enjoyed Gould’s take on the subject.
The writing did suffer from a major issue though with lot of confusion. The characters are briefly introduced by first and last name, but in dialog by other characters by first name , and the author’s narration by last name. By the end of the book, I still had a hard time deciphering that i might not mixed the characters.
The author concluded on a extreme suspense note.The story is not without its flaws, but I think it’s a goodread and exciting series.
Breakers of the Dawn
It’s an incredibly ambitious blend of the hard sci-fi, thriller, and space opera genres, and for all the big ideas Wahrer presented and the intriguing characters I saw the story through, I really wanted to love it. But let me back up a bit.
A story of a threat to the entire galaxy, all intelligent life. The threat emanates from the breakers, a vicious, malevolent force, being or beings who begin by subverting and changing humans to sweep across space corrupting the corruptible and killing all else. Almost nothing is revealed about the breakers in this first volume of the series.
The story is told from several points of view. There’s a prophecy! Six heroes will stand against the Breakers of the Dawn. Most of this volume consists of introducing the main characters, tying together the various threads and introducing the threats they might face in upcoming series. This book volume ends before they actually learn about the breakers.
The writing impelled reader to find out what was going to happen next rather than savour the story so very shortly, I stopped noticing the little errors like editing few things and dragged some part that can be omitted.
The book's fast pacing will never leave the reader bored ,Distinctive and interesting characters, Sympathetic bug aliens and Cyber zombies.
Something i hate in it Some content is not appropriate ,Specifically a suggested rape. Also children die and it is shown in detail, but feels gratuitous.
The book held my interest to the point that I will probably read the next volume to discover what happens in the inevitable confrontation. The ending, while not bad, feels unsatisfying.
The back worlds
The initial couple of chapters pack a real punch After his unpleasant ejection from his village, Craze’s hurt and amazement at his father’s double-cross is believable and immediately had me rooting sympathy for him. Author shows her experience in the slick handling of her protagonist – too much fury and resistance would have unduly slowed the pace, while a mere defeated shrug would have still had the reader convinced that his father was a complete ratbag, but would not necessarily have engendered quite as much sympathy for the main character.
The story follows a familiar pattern an inexperienced youngster having to make his way in an innately hostile and uncaring world. This time around, the worlds are hostile with knobs on. In the aftermath of an interplanetary war, no one is particularly welcoming – except for the two aviarmen he encounters on his first journey offworld… And immediately the three of them spin off into an adventure, while trying to find a foothold somewhere to make their fortunes.
This novel is refreshingly short, in a giant sea of books that seem to get longer and longer ,with no added value. Backworlds is highly recommended for those who like original writing and world-building. I look forward to the sequel, Stopover at Backworld’s Edge.
Sky hunter's
Nova is a fantastic herione. Here we have Nova at the beginning of her career. She a young pilot working hard on becoming a Hunter Class. She has har own ideas about the wrong and right and doesn't follow orders blindly.
Obviously this attitude doesn't sit well with everybody. Air Command pilot Nova Whiteside is assigned to a remote outpost to guard the construction of a new tethered orbiter, Skyranch Twelve, against rebel sabotage. The difference between the well-ordered Union air fields and this dusty garrison is made painfully clear when she runs afoul a brutal commander of ground troops.
There're people who bend the law and those who brake it all together. When Nova stumbles on this it get physical she gets sexually assaulted. Nova doesn't know who can be trusted. But she follows her guts and her honour and landed in bad situations.
The story is fast paced and full of action.What I liked is the fact that Nova is fallible and human, but always coherent. Her actions and reactions are logical and comprehensible. She admits her fault and her guillibility, but she always does everything she can to overcome it. Nova's first love and his treachery! and her reaction to it make it a beautiful novel.
June 16, 2022
.
.
The first book, with James and Noa, was a good book.
She is one of the most beautiful and smartest and toughest women ever, and “…had aspirations for a Captaincy….”
Not even a lung fungus infection and general weakness from having been locked up in a “camp,” and fed “gruel,” can stop her.
“…The [woman] before him wasn’t the vibrant woman from his memories, but she was alive, complex, unique, brave, and still beautiful, even with the sharp angles that had replaced smooth curves. If he lost her … his vision, his whole mind went dark….”
She seems to embody all that is finest in a human being.
She is a black person of couleur who seemingly identifies as a woman with roots in Africa.
This book comes with LOTS of extremely annoying “padding.”
He/she “padded,” across the floor, etc.
“…Carefully pushing aside her blanket, she grabbed the small bag she was using as a pillow, and padded to the doorway and out into the hall….”
And LOTS of his/her “mouth watered,” and “mouth watering,” going on.
VERY ANNOYING!!!
ANNOYING !!
VERY !!
And theres even what Munchkins do: “… He pulled out half of a protein bar and started to munch….”
ANNOYING !!
AND THERE’S EVEN LOTS OF “POPPING” !!
“…James popped the last of the protein bar into his mouth…..”
A good book anyways.
…anyways….
THE SECOND BOOK,
WITH IT’S EXTENSIVE DESCRIPTIONS OF LIVING AND WORK “ORBITERS” — which seemed to go on for pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages — SEEMED JUST PLAIN OLD STOOPID TO ME:
“…maximized solar collection was its function and the reason for its slight concave design. Initial structures in early space settlement resembled globes, cubes, or cylindrical shapes. A remnant of the latter design was still apparent in residential orbiters. But as time passed, designers began to realize the utility gained by building structures for maximum solar aspect. Novos and most other primary stations in Outer-Five settlements used a similar dish-shaped design. Laboratories and offices tended to require less contiguous space and were usually located near the center of the dish, the thinnest segment on the station. The main docking bay being at the center of Novos meant Alvarez didn’t have far to go….”
Right off the bat, this second book seemed to me a total waste of time.
I MEAN: this went on and on and on and on and on and on and…well..on and on and on and on and on…and on….
I quit reading and dumped the series. I stopped reading a got rid of the books.
.
.
.
The first book, with James and Noa, was a good book.
She is one of the most beautiful and smartest and toughest women ever, and “…had aspirations for a Captaincy….”
Not even a lung fungus infection and general weakness from having been locked up in a “camp,” and fed “gruel,” can stop her.
“…The [woman] before him wasn’t the vibrant woman from his memories, but she was alive, complex, unique, brave, and still beautiful, even with the sharp angles that had replaced smooth curves. If he lost her … his vision, his whole mind went dark….”
She seems to embody all that is finest in a human being.
She is a black person of couleur who seemingly identifies as a woman with roots in Africa.
This book comes with LOTS of extremely annoying “padding.”
He/she “padded,” across the floor, etc.
“…Carefully pushing aside her blanket, she grabbed the small bag she was using as a pillow, and padded to the doorway and out into the hall….”
And LOTS of his/her “mouth watered,” and “mouth watering,” going on.
VERY ANNOYING!!!
ANNOYING !!
VERY !!
And theres even what Munchkins do: “… He pulled out half of a protein bar and started to munch….”
ANNOYING !!
AND THERE’S EVEN LOTS OF “POPPING” !!
“…James popped the last of the protein bar into his mouth…..”
A good book anyways.
…anyways….
THE SECOND BOOK,
WITH IT’S EXTENSIVE DESCRIPTIONS OF LIVING AND WORK “ORBITERS” — which seemed to go on for pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages and pages — SEEMED JUST PLAIN OLD STOOPID TO ME:
“…maximized solar collection was its function and the reason for its slight concave design. Initial structures in early space settlement resembled globes, cubes, or cylindrical shapes. A remnant of the latter design was still apparent in residential orbiters. But as time passed, designers began to realize the utility gained by building structures for maximum solar aspect. Novos and most other primary stations in Outer-Five settlements used a similar dish-shaped design. Laboratories and offices tended to require less contiguous space and were usually located near the center of the dish, the thinnest segment on the station. The main docking bay being at the center of Novos meant Alvarez didn’t have far to go….”
Right off the bat, this second book seemed to me a total waste of time.
I MEAN: this went on and on and on and on and on and on and…well..on and on and on and on and on…and on….
I quit reading and dumped the series. I stopped reading a got rid of the books.
.
.
March 9, 2023
10 stars
That was quite a ride and quite long read, almost full year. I "branched" after every novel to continue with next books in series and most other books by their authors :)
For me personally, this was best find ever. All novels were amazing, all allowed me to discover authors, which I might never found otherwise. And all had more following books which is great for me, as I simply love long series :)
From 7 novels in this collection, 6 were totally new to me. Only one which I skip was Anti Life as I already finished that - and all other books from Allen Kuzara :)
And what is even better, I have all but one books ahead from Chris Reher (last author) and just discovered, that I probably accidentely skipped one series from first author C. Gockel.
That was quite a ride and quite long read, almost full year. I "branched" after every novel to continue with next books in series and most other books by their authors :)
For me personally, this was best find ever. All novels were amazing, all allowed me to discover authors, which I might never found otherwise. And all had more following books which is great for me, as I simply love long series :)
From 7 novels in this collection, 6 were totally new to me. Only one which I skip was Anti Life as I already finished that - and all other books from Allen Kuzara :)
And what is even better, I have all but one books ahead from Chris Reher (last author) and just discovered, that I probably accidentely skipped one series from first author C. Gockel.
Read
March 1, 2021Really needs a good editor
You could struggle through these but all suffer from a lack of a quality editing. Misspelling, misuse, poor structure, and more. One sounds like he dialogue that's been lifted from a D&D game another has so many word tense issues its just painful. Storylines are a bad rehash. Almost had very poor character development and several suffered from limited background descriptions which handicapped understanding the story context. And None were compelling enough to want to read a second installment.
You could struggle through these but all suffer from a lack of a quality editing. Misspelling, misuse, poor structure, and more. One sounds like he dialogue that's been lifted from a D&D game another has so many word tense issues its just painful. Storylines are a bad rehash. Almost had very poor character development and several suffered from limited background descriptions which handicapped understanding the story context. And None were compelling enough to want to read a second installment.
November 8, 2019
Worth Doing.
I'm at the end of this compilation of books, all part one of many of course. I must say that each book has been a pleasure, two I have read before, but it shows the, goodness? The quality of the stories that I was happy to read them again. I'll wait for the follow on books to drop in price, it'll be worth it. Heck, if you have the spare dough, buy them all now.
I'm at the end of this compilation of books, all part one of many of course. I must say that each book has been a pleasure, two I have read before, but it shows the, goodness? The quality of the stories that I was happy to read them again. I'll wait for the follow on books to drop in price, it'll be worth it. Heck, if you have the spare dough, buy them all now.
September 2, 2020
Good set of books!
If your looking for a good set of sci-fi books then look no further. Not the best I've read but for sure it is very close to it. A few too many curses for my taste but at least they came sporadic and in character and not at all overly gratuitous. I recommend this for the more mature readers, not offended by an off color phrase or word or two.
If your looking for a good set of sci-fi books then look no further. Not the best I've read but for sure it is very close to it. A few too many curses for my taste but at least they came sporadic and in character and not at all overly gratuitous. I recommend this for the more mature readers, not offended by an off color phrase or word or two.
February 6, 2021
A group of fun reads
This is a group of books - introductions to series, actually - from different authors but in genres that link them together. I enjoyed them all, although the series by Gockel made the best impression on me for the twist on "race purity" and the juxtaposition of the 2 primary societies re androids.
This is a group of books - introductions to series, actually - from different authors but in genres that link them together. I enjoyed them all, although the series by Gockel made the best impression on me for the twist on "race purity" and the juxtaposition of the 2 primary societies re androids.
January 1, 2021
I had the hardest time deciding on a review for this collection of books. The first two stories made me want to not want to read farther because they were so bad. I continued and enjoyed the second book and the final one of the 5.
February 1, 2022
5 stars,
CALL OF COURAGE: 7 NOVELS OF THE GALACTIC FRONTIER
by various authors
Book1: Archangel Down-Good dystopian novel. Didn't reach space until the very end. Obviously is book 1 in a series.
Book2:
CALL OF COURAGE: 7 NOVELS OF THE GALACTIC FRONTIER
by various authors
Book1: Archangel Down-Good dystopian novel. Didn't reach space until the very end. Obviously is book 1 in a series.
Book2:
January 21, 2023
Good reads
Good mix. A number of repeats. Reread Chris Reher’s story because I couldn’t remember the ending. But more and more came back. Nova. What a great name-as long as you aren’t Hispanic. ;)
Good mix. A number of repeats. Reread Chris Reher’s story because I couldn’t remember the ending. But more and more came back. Nova. What a great name-as long as you aren’t Hispanic. ;)
March 21, 2020
What a collection of stories to take you away to another place. Loved the Backworlds by M Pax especially.
March 24, 2020
Simply excellent!
Every single novel was good if not great! So rare to find such a uniformly sterling collection. I highly recommend it.
Every single novel was good if not great! So rare to find such a uniformly sterling collection. I highly recommend it.
July 22, 2020
Some good some not so...
September 14, 2020
Read the 1st one and wasn’t too impressed and have no inclination to pick it up again, other books call and I can’t resist!
November 2, 2020
Cliffhanger
Too much to deal with. Leaves me lost. Without a route to take to see the final lost at the end.
Too much to deal with. Leaves me lost. Without a route to take to see the final lost at the end.
February 14, 2021
Nice collection of stories.
August 23, 2022
I just couldn't get into the book it was so boring..
January 29, 2024
Awesome book to start different series
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this awesome series of different books. Now that I've finished it want to continue all 7 series. Thank you so much.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this awesome series of different books. Now that I've finished it want to continue all 7 series. Thank you so much.
November 5, 2025
Great read. Hours of good entertainment. Recommended reading.
December 27, 2020
An intro
With a cheap collection of books, you have to wonder what you'll find inside. In this case, the first three books are pretty decent.
The remaining 4 novels...Blech. I didn't get more than a couple chapters into each of them before I quit and moved on.
Moved it up to 3, because for a buck I got 7 first-in-series of newer authors, so at least I know who to try & who to skip
With a cheap collection of books, you have to wonder what you'll find inside. In this case, the first three books are pretty decent.
The remaining 4 novels...Blech. I didn't get more than a couple chapters into each of them before I quit and moved on.
Moved it up to 3, because for a buck I got 7 first-in-series of newer authors, so at least I know who to try & who to skip
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews