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Galactic Law #1
Galactic Law
Lethal force is authorized.
In the wild space of the Deadlands, Taurus Station is where miners and tourists come to play, and the ravager gangs follow close behind. Out here, far from the civilized world, the Law has a name.
Gage Walker is the son of hard-nosed asteroid miners. Brash, rough, and crude, he's one of the few deputies working the station.
Still a rookie, Walker is tasked with the security of a mining magnate's daughter, an easy job that quickly takes a turn for the worst.
The ravager gangs want her, and it falls to Walker to find out why.
In a chase across Taurus Station, Deputy Walker must prove he's fit to wear the badge and issue his own form of justice...one body at a time.
Experience this exciting beginning to a brand new series set in the Renegade Star universe.
In the wild space of the Deadlands, Taurus Station is where miners and tourists come to play, and the ravager gangs follow close behind. Out here, far from the civilized world, the Law has a name.
Gage Walker is the son of hard-nosed asteroid miners. Brash, rough, and crude, he's one of the few deputies working the station.
Still a rookie, Walker is tasked with the security of a mining magnate's daughter, an easy job that quickly takes a turn for the worst.
The ravager gangs want her, and it falls to Walker to find out why.
In a chase across Taurus Station, Deputy Walker must prove he's fit to wear the badge and issue his own form of justice...one body at a time.
Experience this exciting beginning to a brand new series set in the Renegade Star universe.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2020
548 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 15, 2020
“I’m not here to prove anything to you, Sheriff. I’m here for the people out there.”
I liked Galactic Law #1 very much! The combination of detective-like mystery, intrigue, a normal no-hero rookie, and SciFi is excellent. A different and refreshing story, it pulled me in from the beginning, the tempo starts with a fine pace, building up with an intriguing storyline, charismatic characters, some of them very odd, and a fabulous world building. The life of a trainee, from being an asteroid miner to Deputy on a space station had its advantages, but also a strange and manipulative relationship with his superiors. Just when you think you have figured everything out … nothing is as it seems. It’s tense, taut and reads like you're trying to catch your breath as the authors pile mystery on top of intrigue and serves with a perfect slice of humor. This is a fast paced thriller with believable events, a couple of twists that you never see coming, and an ending that will make you want to read the next book immediately! A well co-written book. We have a new Space Cowboy! I’m definitely going to follow this new series!
I liked Galactic Law #1 very much! The combination of detective-like mystery, intrigue, a normal no-hero rookie, and SciFi is excellent. A different and refreshing story, it pulled me in from the beginning, the tempo starts with a fine pace, building up with an intriguing storyline, charismatic characters, some of them very odd, and a fabulous world building. The life of a trainee, from being an asteroid miner to Deputy on a space station had its advantages, but also a strange and manipulative relationship with his superiors. Just when you think you have figured everything out … nothing is as it seems. It’s tense, taut and reads like you're trying to catch your breath as the authors pile mystery on top of intrigue and serves with a perfect slice of humor. This is a fast paced thriller with believable events, a couple of twists that you never see coming, and an ending that will make you want to read the next book immediately! A well co-written book. We have a new Space Cowboy! I’m definitely going to follow this new series!
June 13, 2020
Police procedural?
Not exactly, but closer to that than to any other single cross genre category. Trainee cop in a star system is unexpectedly given a plum assignment. Why does he feel like he's being set up?!
Pretty entertaining. It's occasionally annoying when a character goes too far outside personality, no matter how the authors try to explain it. The corporate robber baron environment is cynically (but probably accurately) described. Fewer people end up dead than I would have expected (or than I think is realistic in one of the scenarios).
I expect to read at least the first sequel.
Not exactly, but closer to that than to any other single cross genre category. Trainee cop in a star system is unexpectedly given a plum assignment. Why does he feel like he's being set up?!
Pretty entertaining. It's occasionally annoying when a character goes too far outside personality, no matter how the authors try to explain it. The corporate robber baron environment is cynically (but probably accurately) described. Fewer people end up dead than I would have expected (or than I think is realistic in one of the scenarios).
I expect to read at least the first sequel.
January 14, 2020
Galactic Law. J.N. Chaney , James S. Aaron
Set in the future, a rookie cop, actually a trainee appears to be getting ambushed by everyone he encounters. His training officer has made his life a miserable existence. Anyone who has ever been a police officer understands this. This is a very fast paced and enjoyable read. Brings back memories!
Set in the future, a rookie cop, actually a trainee appears to be getting ambushed by everyone he encounters. His training officer has made his life a miserable existence. Anyone who has ever been a police officer understands this. This is a very fast paced and enjoyable read. Brings back memories!
January 13, 2020
Great book
I was needing a break from epic battles in space and epic battles on the ground. This story fit the bill. An entertaining book about law enforcement in the future. Fantastic tale.
I was needing a break from epic battles in space and epic battles on the ground. This story fit the bill. An entertaining book about law enforcement in the future. Fantastic tale.
September 15, 2020
Bottom line Up Front: Misleading description; contrived and unrealistic scenarios and action scenes; and a cop that refuses to pull the trigger. Key Characters often spontaneously behave unrealistically, and sometimes contrary to their initial characterization, just to further the ever increasingly contrived plot. There's a lot of unrealized potential here.
The book's description ended with these statements:
"In a chase across Taurus Station, Deputy Walker must prove he's fit to wear the badge and issue his own form of justice...one body at a time. Experience this exciting beginning to a brand new series set in the Renegade Star universe. If you're a fan of Judge Dredd, Renegade Star, or Borderlands, you'll love this epic, scifi thriller."
That passage is paints a very specific picture and makes very specific promises... which it then utterly fails to deliver upon. Almost the entire time, the MC refuses to pull the trigger on bad guys -- even when it's not just justified, but necessary and recommended. I think he kills maybe 2 or three people in this entire book, and that is mainly after his partner has gotten shot to near-death with live ammunition.
If you thought this was going to be Die-Hard in space, or even Borderlands or Judge Dredd (as the author claims), you are going to be sorely disappointed. There are probably well over a dozen different scenarios where lethal force would have been legitimately justified, and yet the MC doesn't aim or fire fire his weapon, and often doesn't even draw his sidearm.
---very minor spoilers that don't really spoil much because no names are said and no larger context is given---
Let me paint you a picture of how idiotically and unrealistically unwilling to shoot people this guy is. His new partner/training officer is disarmed, and captured in a room with a gang boss and his thugs, who are all beating the shit out of said partner. His suit has a flashbang function that basically blinds everyone else in the room for a good solid minute or two. His AI advisor/legal assistant says that lethal force is authorized.
So what does he do when he flashes the entire room and everyone but him is completely debilitated for an extended period of time? Does he shoot all of the thugs beating up his partner and arrest the gang boss? No. He drags his partner away and closes the door behind him. Then has a chat with his partner. Then when the thugs finally starts recovering, he leads them on a merry chase into a room full of civilians in the middle of a wedding ceremony for a huge knock down, drag out brawl.
You see what I mean about contrived scenarios? All of that drama and "action" at the wedding ceremony could have been avoided if he had just shot everyone in the room and cuffed the boss instead of dragging his wounded partner away. And don't even get me started on how atrocious the wedding ceremony brawl was, since everyone had guns, but no one shot anyone else and people were apparently handing out and drinking booze at the bar as they were fighting. Heck, the gang boss's entire reason for being there made no sense, given how they conducted themselves once engaged with the civilians.
---- end spoiler -----
And this type of thing is endemic throughout the entire story. This leads to a compounding problem that snowballs upon itself. In essence, his failure to act realistically (and the fact that he seems to have kid gloves surgically grafted to his hands) results in an over-the-top and contrived action scene, scenario, or chain of events. Events that could have easily been ended before it even started, or handled in a much better way. It knocks you completely out of your suspension of disbelief and takes you out of the story. Worse yet, his unrealistic reaction to that contrived scenario, then leads to more unrealistic and contrived scenarios, that he then reacts unrealistically to. It's a mess.
If you wanted John Wick: Cop Edition; Borderlands as a Sherriff's deputy; or Judge Dredd on a Space Station, this is NOT IT.
The book's description ended with these statements:
"In a chase across Taurus Station, Deputy Walker must prove he's fit to wear the badge and issue his own form of justice...one body at a time. Experience this exciting beginning to a brand new series set in the Renegade Star universe. If you're a fan of Judge Dredd, Renegade Star, or Borderlands, you'll love this epic, scifi thriller."
That passage is paints a very specific picture and makes very specific promises... which it then utterly fails to deliver upon. Almost the entire time, the MC refuses to pull the trigger on bad guys -- even when it's not just justified, but necessary and recommended. I think he kills maybe 2 or three people in this entire book, and that is mainly after his partner has gotten shot to near-death with live ammunition.
If you thought this was going to be Die-Hard in space, or even Borderlands or Judge Dredd (as the author claims), you are going to be sorely disappointed. There are probably well over a dozen different scenarios where lethal force would have been legitimately justified, and yet the MC doesn't aim or fire fire his weapon, and often doesn't even draw his sidearm.
---very minor spoilers that don't really spoil much because no names are said and no larger context is given---
Let me paint you a picture of how idiotically and unrealistically unwilling to shoot people this guy is. His new partner/training officer is disarmed, and captured in a room with a gang boss and his thugs, who are all beating the shit out of said partner. His suit has a flashbang function that basically blinds everyone else in the room for a good solid minute or two. His AI advisor/legal assistant says that lethal force is authorized.
So what does he do when he flashes the entire room and everyone but him is completely debilitated for an extended period of time? Does he shoot all of the thugs beating up his partner and arrest the gang boss? No. He drags his partner away and closes the door behind him. Then has a chat with his partner. Then when the thugs finally starts recovering, he leads them on a merry chase into a room full of civilians in the middle of a wedding ceremony for a huge knock down, drag out brawl.
You see what I mean about contrived scenarios? All of that drama and "action" at the wedding ceremony could have been avoided if he had just shot everyone in the room and cuffed the boss instead of dragging his wounded partner away. And don't even get me started on how atrocious the wedding ceremony brawl was, since everyone had guns, but no one shot anyone else and people were apparently handing out and drinking booze at the bar as they were fighting. Heck, the gang boss's entire reason for being there made no sense, given how they conducted themselves once engaged with the civilians.
---- end spoiler -----
And this type of thing is endemic throughout the entire story. This leads to a compounding problem that snowballs upon itself. In essence, his failure to act realistically (and the fact that he seems to have kid gloves surgically grafted to his hands) results in an over-the-top and contrived action scene, scenario, or chain of events. Events that could have easily been ended before it even started, or handled in a much better way. It knocks you completely out of your suspension of disbelief and takes you out of the story. Worse yet, his unrealistic reaction to that contrived scenario, then leads to more unrealistic and contrived scenarios, that he then reacts unrealistically to. It's a mess.
If you wanted John Wick: Cop Edition; Borderlands as a Sherriff's deputy; or Judge Dredd on a Space Station, this is NOT IT.
April 2, 2023
Space cops...
...on a border land space station. I wasn't sure where this book was going, when Gage got stuck baby sitting a heiress to a trillion dollar mining organization. The first couple chapters was a bit boring, then things got interesting. I like most of the characters, but really like Bird, and thought Haley reminded me of Icky from Backyard Starship.
The authors did a good job setting the world up, introducing a mix of characters, and giving enough hints of things to come in later book.
Only complaint, the events at the wedding was a tab bit too unbelievable for me.
...on a border land space station. I wasn't sure where this book was going, when Gage got stuck baby sitting a heiress to a trillion dollar mining organization. The first couple chapters was a bit boring, then things got interesting. I like most of the characters, but really like Bird, and thought Haley reminded me of Icky from Backyard Starship.
The authors did a good job setting the world up, introducing a mix of characters, and giving enough hints of things to come in later book.
Only complaint, the events at the wedding was a tab bit too unbelievable for me.
February 27, 2023
Just ok
Spoiler alert: The MC is a rookie cop on a space station. He gets an assignment for a bodyguard detail for a heiress prior to her wedding. It turns out that he's been set up as the detail is both dangerous and politically sensitive. Turns out that the bride-to-be and her father are involved in a power struggle. There are also criminal gangs and many unresolved loose ends involving the sheriff's dept.
The writing was just average and the characters and situations never engaged me. I finished the book but really have no motivation to read any more in this series.
Spoiler alert: The MC is a rookie cop on a space station. He gets an assignment for a bodyguard detail for a heiress prior to her wedding. It turns out that he's been set up as the detail is both dangerous and politically sensitive. Turns out that the bride-to-be and her father are involved in a power struggle. There are also criminal gangs and many unresolved loose ends involving the sheriff's dept.
The writing was just average and the characters and situations never engaged me. I finished the book but really have no motivation to read any more in this series.
February 13, 2021
I thought this would be decent but unfortunately it is among the worst books I have ever picked up.
The main character I guess is just out of training which apparently he never actually did or the training mostly revolved around how to put on the uniform.
Shortly after he completes his training *eye roll* he is assigned to guard a daughter of a tycoon. First off he didn't even finish his training so you would think he would find it odd he was assigned this super important job of guarding the daughter. He doesn't and is happy about it.
Then he apparently shows he does not know what the word guard means. He basically always leaves her unattended even walks around in bar away from her and not really paying attention. Loses her. Then finds her in a drug den with her friends drugged out and he decided it was a good time to have a meal. Ok... Then guys break in and he forgot he has a gun. He basically becomes useless and gets his butt kicked and apparently still doesn't know he has a gun or how to use it.
By this point I had to toss the book as well I was hoping for action and good combat but no just incompetence. The book had potential if it gave what the description said but unfortunately that was a lie.
The main character I guess is just out of training which apparently he never actually did or the training mostly revolved around how to put on the uniform.
Shortly after he completes his training *eye roll* he is assigned to guard a daughter of a tycoon. First off he didn't even finish his training so you would think he would find it odd he was assigned this super important job of guarding the daughter. He doesn't and is happy about it.
Then he apparently shows he does not know what the word guard means. He basically always leaves her unattended even walks around in bar away from her and not really paying attention. Loses her. Then finds her in a drug den with her friends drugged out and he decided it was a good time to have a meal. Ok... Then guys break in and he forgot he has a gun. He basically becomes useless and gets his butt kicked and apparently still doesn't know he has a gun or how to use it.
By this point I had to toss the book as well I was hoping for action and good combat but no just incompetence. The book had potential if it gave what the description said but unfortunately that was a lie.
January 22, 2020
A generic book about a ineffectual sheriffs deputy.
I gave this book a two rating because the character is ineffectual and plain ordinary. Gauge is nobody special, is not quick witted, strong or has no standout characteristics. He trips over people, while in pursuit, doesn’t know what he’s doing, continually has to ask for assistant help and back up, what kind of hero is this supposed to be. He seems to be just an ordinary individual. I don’t want to read books about an ordinary person I read science-fiction and military science fiction to read about people who are extraordinary.
Are usually read and give good ratings to Mr. Chinese other books in the renegade universe and appreciate and enjoy his other series this one not so much. Don’t take my word for it you may enjoy it, I did not.
I gave this book a two rating because the character is ineffectual and plain ordinary. Gauge is nobody special, is not quick witted, strong or has no standout characteristics. He trips over people, while in pursuit, doesn’t know what he’s doing, continually has to ask for assistant help and back up, what kind of hero is this supposed to be. He seems to be just an ordinary individual. I don’t want to read books about an ordinary person I read science-fiction and military science fiction to read about people who are extraordinary.
Are usually read and give good ratings to Mr. Chinese other books in the renegade universe and appreciate and enjoy his other series this one not so much. Don’t take my word for it you may enjoy it, I did not.
August 10, 2020
First a trainee should never be put in to these positions he doesn’t exhibit any common sense and one kiss and he’s in love.at least he finishes the book with all his limbs which is more than can be said for his trainer who also should have known better hope the next book is better maybe a bit more fighting where he wins and his love life is spiced up.ok I’m 74yrs old i need a bit of spice and energy in my life so come on
Shug
Shug
January 20, 2020
Great Detective Story With a Sci-fi Twist
There are a lot of good sci-fi novels out there and some pretty good detective stories too. This book combines the two genres in a way that makes sense. A fun, fast paced read that looks at law enforcement and who done it in a future high tech space faring world.
There are a lot of good sci-fi novels out there and some pretty good detective stories too. This book combines the two genres in a way that makes sense. A fun, fast paced read that looks at law enforcement and who done it in a future high tech space faring world.
January 21, 2020
Just what I needed. I had just lost part of my life reading a book by an author new to me that was just average. Then I started reading Galactic Law and almost cheered out loud. A great story, great characters and great world building. I read it in one sitting. I don't think you will want to put it down, either.
And book 2 is only a month away.
And book 2 is only a month away.
July 13, 2022
A definite 5 Star Adventure
I've just completed reading book 2 in this series. This one was such a good read I didn't bother leaving a review when I finished it yesterday as I just had to jump straight into the next.
Thanks to the author for making the second and third days of leave so entertaining.
I've just completed reading book 2 in this series. This one was such a good read I didn't bother leaving a review when I finished it yesterday as I just had to jump straight into the next.
Thanks to the author for making the second and third days of leave so entertaining.
January 17, 2020
Great Fun
Gather up all your who-done-its, your sci-fi action, and your cop stories, mix them all together and you get Galactic Law. It's just serious enough to take seriously yet light enough to keep you laughing (007?) all the way through. Enjoy!
Gather up all your who-done-its, your sci-fi action, and your cop stories, mix them all together and you get Galactic Law. It's just serious enough to take seriously yet light enough to keep you laughing (007?) all the way through. Enjoy!
January 20, 2020
Excellent Space Cop Drama
Chaney and Aaron do a great job making a gritty frontier space station full of interesting characters and a trainee cop MC fighting for justice.
Space cop drama isn't by usual reading but both authors make this a must read.
Chaney and Aaron do a great job making a gritty frontier space station full of interesting characters and a trainee cop MC fighting for justice.
Space cop drama isn't by usual reading but both authors make this a must read.
January 24, 2020
Very good!!
Very good new series, lots of action, and humor. This book grabs you from the start because it's not some War veteran. It's a newbie cop that just trying to do what he feels best. Definitely read this if you like Chaney's other books!
Very good new series, lots of action, and humor. This book grabs you from the start because it's not some War veteran. It's a newbie cop that just trying to do what he feels best. Definitely read this if you like Chaney's other books!
February 2, 2020
Moderately entertaining
What can I say, it was a moderately entertaining read. However it was not as good as the author’s The Constable. I am willing to read the next book to see if story improves.
What can I say, it was a moderately entertaining read. However it was not as good as the author’s The Constable. I am willing to read the next book to see if story improves.
April 21, 2020
Good story
Good story. Fast paced. Lots of action. But could use another edit for words that don't belong, extra words. Not bad enough to pull you totally out of the story though.overall would recommend it
Good story. Fast paced. Lots of action. But could use another edit for words that don't belong, extra words. Not bad enough to pull you totally out of the story though.overall would recommend it
August 17, 2020
I found this an interesting read, have purchased the second book in the series. Science Fiction but the plot would pretty much work in any timeframe. Just an honest guy in a dishonest world trying to make a difference.
January 15, 2020
Galactic Law is a hit
From cover to cover Galactic Law is interesting and fun. I read it in one setting. Read it and you'll want more in this series.
From cover to cover Galactic Law is interesting and fun. I read it in one setting. Read it and you'll want more in this series.
January 15, 2020
Fun to read
A well-developed world with humans living on space stations and asteroids. A fun array of well-developed characters. An exciting story.
A well-developed world with humans living on space stations and asteroids. A fun array of well-developed characters. An exciting story.
January 21, 2020
Grrreat!
I really like Mr Chaneys writing and and the editing is great. I think this series is off to a great start
I really like Mr Chaneys writing and and the editing is great. I think this series is off to a great start
January 25, 2020
Another great series by J N Chaney
A great start for a new series. Good twist as a new deputy starts to work and learn the rules.
A great start for a new series. Good twist as a new deputy starts to work and learn the rules.
January 27, 2020
Slow start good finish
A little bit of time before I got to a point in the story where my interest grew to like the idea of what I was reading and enjoy the ride.
A little bit of time before I got to a point in the story where my interest grew to like the idea of what I was reading and enjoy the ride.
January 27, 2020
The makings of another great series
The book started a little slow, but soon turned into an interesting storyline. Good character development. I enjoyed the read.
The book started a little slow, but soon turned into an interesting storyline. Good character development. I enjoyed the read.
January 29, 2020
Fantastic
Well that was a scene of the wild wild West brought into the future lol. Loved it really looking forward to the next book...
Well that was a scene of the wild wild West brought into the future lol. Loved it really looking forward to the next book...
February 1, 2020
The book is clearly the debut in a new series. But it is clear that the authors have written and know how to keep a reading interested and comming back.
February 7, 2020
Good first book
To be honest every book that has IN Chaney as an author is excellent. This one is no exception to that rule.
To be honest every book that has IN Chaney as an author is excellent. This one is no exception to that rule.
Read
February 7, 20202/10: Managed half the book, tempted to read more but just couldn't get there.
February 13, 2020
A good story worth your time will be interesting to see how these characters develop over the upcoming series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews