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Requiem's Run #1
Armstrong Station
Melanie Destin discovers a stowaway aboard her ship, Requiem. Upon learning the woman was kidnapped and forced into slavery by an interplanetary crime cartel, Mel makes it her mission to secure the woman's freedom and return her to her home on Earth.
Working against Mel's efforts, a corrupt inspector of Luna's notorious Morality Police also searches for the victim so he can eliminate anyone who can implicate him in her kidnapping.
Working against the clock, Mel must find a way to keep the girl away from those who would do her harm, and protect her own skin at the same time. If she fails, her crew mates aboard Requiem may well pay with their lives.
Armstrong Station is the first in a series of prequel books that chronicle Melanie Destin's life before the events in the Mars Ascendant series.
Working against Mel's efforts, a corrupt inspector of Luna's notorious Morality Police also searches for the victim so he can eliminate anyone who can implicate him in her kidnapping.
Working against the clock, Mel must find a way to keep the girl away from those who would do her harm, and protect her own skin at the same time. If she fails, her crew mates aboard Requiem may well pay with their lives.
Armstrong Station is the first in a series of prequel books that chronicle Melanie Destin's life before the events in the Mars Ascendant series.
145 pages, ebook
First published February 29, 2020
142 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
D.M. Pruden
30 books59 followersD.M.(Doug) Pruden is a professional geophysicist who worked for 35 years in the petroleum industry. For most of his life he has been plagued with stories banging around inside his head that demanded to be let out into the world. He currently spends his time as an empty nester in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his long suffering wife of 34 years, Colleen. When he isn’t writing science fiction stories, he likes to spend his time playing with his granddaughters and working on improving his golf handicap. He will also do geophysical work when requested.
Go to www.prudenauthor.com and sign up to the email list. You will receive a free, never before published ebook collection of short stories. List members will receive early publication notice of upcoming books, blog posts and other goodies from time to time.
Go to www.prudenauthor.com and sign up to the email list. You will receive a free, never before published ebook collection of short stories. List members will receive early publication notice of upcoming books, blog posts and other goodies from time to time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 4, 2020
Armstrong Station is the official first story in the Requiem's Run series, if you don’t include the initial short story, Requiem. It is a fast-paced adventure, but I think it could have profited from a little more world and character building.
The story follows ship doctor Melanie Destin’s efforts to save the girl who is kidnapped in the prologue of the story. I found it to be a quick read, but I wish there had been more substance. The book is called “Armstrong Station”, but name of the place has little to do with the story, other than as a setting with a brief description of its structure.
It is a quick read, straight and to the point. Perhaps I have been tackling longer books lately, but it seemed like the graphic novel equivalent of the science fiction reading I have been doing lately. There was so much opportunity missed getting to know some of the side characters, which I am sure will come into play in subsequent stories. The same could be said for the setting. Foundations of the story, like the Morality Police or the criminal cartel end up being a name, but little else.
The action moves quickly from start to end, and it kept my interest. While the beats in the story are not particularly unique, they are well-written with good dialogue. The main characters are plausible, but again could use a little more filling out. For example, we know practically nothing about the damsel in distress, Chloe. She is the focus of the story, but I don’t think we find out what led her to the Requiem in the first place.
In summary, Armstrong Station was a quick, fun read. I think there is a lot of missed potential, and the details of the world and the characters could have used far more detail. Sure, it would have been a longer story, but why not? I give it a middling three of five stars on Goodreads.
The story follows ship doctor Melanie Destin’s efforts to save the girl who is kidnapped in the prologue of the story. I found it to be a quick read, but I wish there had been more substance. The book is called “Armstrong Station”, but name of the place has little to do with the story, other than as a setting with a brief description of its structure.
It is a quick read, straight and to the point. Perhaps I have been tackling longer books lately, but it seemed like the graphic novel equivalent of the science fiction reading I have been doing lately. There was so much opportunity missed getting to know some of the side characters, which I am sure will come into play in subsequent stories. The same could be said for the setting. Foundations of the story, like the Morality Police or the criminal cartel end up being a name, but little else.
The action moves quickly from start to end, and it kept my interest. While the beats in the story are not particularly unique, they are well-written with good dialogue. The main characters are plausible, but again could use a little more filling out. For example, we know practically nothing about the damsel in distress, Chloe. She is the focus of the story, but I don’t think we find out what led her to the Requiem in the first place.
In summary, Armstrong Station was a quick, fun read. I think there is a lot of missed potential, and the details of the world and the characters could have used far more detail. Sure, it would have been a longer story, but why not? I give it a middling three of five stars on Goodreads.
March 1, 2020
If you are looking for a book that will keep you turning pages this is the one for you. It has daring escapes and danger enough to keep the crew of the good ship Requiem on the run from some really bad guys. It really is one of the best space operas I have read in a long time.
Dr Melanie Destin has had a hard life. To escape the hard life she had on Earth she has signed on as the ship’s doctor. Only the Requiem’s captain is not above taking on a job to deliver or pick up something that has a faint or overt feel it is. not quite legal.
A stowaway is found on the Requiem. Nobody knows what her background is but she definitely is not as she seems. The Morality Police from Luna and a gang of criminals lead by an individual who would fit in well with Russian Mafia are all after her.
Mel in her eagerness to help this stowaway escape from her pursuers doesn’t realize she has placed the entire crew of the Requiem in mortal danger .
Armstrong Station is series prequel to Mars Ascendant series. It fills in some of the backstory of Mell Destin that helps to explain why she is such a strong heroine and manages to accomplish so much. Best advice: read this book but don’t plan on doing anything else until you turn the last page. It really is that good.
Dr Melanie Destin has had a hard life. To escape the hard life she had on Earth she has signed on as the ship’s doctor. Only the Requiem’s captain is not above taking on a job to deliver or pick up something that has a faint or overt feel it is. not quite legal.
A stowaway is found on the Requiem. Nobody knows what her background is but she definitely is not as she seems. The Morality Police from Luna and a gang of criminals lead by an individual who would fit in well with Russian Mafia are all after her.
Mel in her eagerness to help this stowaway escape from her pursuers doesn’t realize she has placed the entire crew of the Requiem in mortal danger .
Armstrong Station is series prequel to Mars Ascendant series. It fills in some of the backstory of Mell Destin that helps to explain why she is such a strong heroine and manages to accomplish so much. Best advice: read this book but don’t plan on doing anything else until you turn the last page. It really is that good.
March 1, 2020
'Armstrong Station' is another un-put-downable novel by D. M. Pruden. I thoroughly enjoyed this book which is the first in a series on the earlier life of Dr. Mel Destin, the lead character of the 'Mars Ascendant' series. While there are not as many twists and turns as in the latter adventures, this suits the style of it being the earlier life of Mel. Several characters from the 'Mars Ascendant' series are referred to throughout the novel and it is interesting to see their development into the characters we are familiar with in the 'Mars Ascendant' - this is especially true of Mel. The story focuses on the exploits of Mel on the ship Requiem while on the moon (at Armstrong Station) and how this event ties in with the seedy underbelly of space pirates, kidnapping, sex slavery, nanotechnology, and corruption. The final twist, while not unexpected if you paid attention while reading the book, sets up a clear mission for the next book in the series, which I can't wait to read.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily writing this review.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily writing this review.
February 29, 2020
I received an ARC of this book, what follows is honest review.
If you have read the Mars Ascendant series, this is the life of Dr. Melanie before she became the 'mother of mars'. It shows why she is who she says she is.
If you have not read them, that is fine, you are introduced to a new main character.
Told from the points of view of the hero and the bad guy, the story is gripping. More than once I had to put it down to do other things like sleep or eat. Dr. Melanie who is hiding her life away on a cargo ship comes in contact with a stowaway on the ship. Help her or not, that is the question. Helping her, she finds, will endanger the life of her and the crew of the ship she is on. What will be the right thing to do.
Good book, a little violence. Might not recommend to young children, but it is ok for pre-teens and above.
If you have read the Mars Ascendant series, this is the life of Dr. Melanie before she became the 'mother of mars'. It shows why she is who she says she is.
If you have not read them, that is fine, you are introduced to a new main character.
Told from the points of view of the hero and the bad guy, the story is gripping. More than once I had to put it down to do other things like sleep or eat. Dr. Melanie who is hiding her life away on a cargo ship comes in contact with a stowaway on the ship. Help her or not, that is the question. Helping her, she finds, will endanger the life of her and the crew of the ship she is on. What will be the right thing to do.
Good book, a little violence. Might not recommend to young children, but it is ok for pre-teens and above.
October 18, 2020
I’ve just recently come across D.M. Prudens books. After reading Requiem’s Run Prequel and Armstrong Station, I wish I had heard about them earlier.
Melanie Destin is the main character and the book brings out some of her back story, her vulnerabilities and shows how she is growing. She’s tough and she has flaws and knows that she does. She also strives to help people who need it, at times to the detriment of herself and her friends.
I enjoyed the characters the author brought to the story. All the characters are at least to some point relatable and following their adventures makes for a good read. The main story arc is interesting and has a few other minor threads going on which help to build the characters we’re reading about.
All that to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will be starting on book 2, Phobos Station, shortly.
Melanie Destin is the main character and the book brings out some of her back story, her vulnerabilities and shows how she is growing. She’s tough and she has flaws and knows that she does. She also strives to help people who need it, at times to the detriment of herself and her friends.
I enjoyed the characters the author brought to the story. All the characters are at least to some point relatable and following their adventures makes for a good read. The main story arc is interesting and has a few other minor threads going on which help to build the characters we’re reading about.
All that to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will be starting on book 2, Phobos Station, shortly.
February 24, 2020
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. Serving as the doctor aboard the Requiem gives Melanie Destin not only works to keep her crew alive from whatever skirmishes they get into but also secretly delivers assistance to crime lord Oskar Vostok. When she discovers a stowaway aboard the ship, it will plunge the crew of the Requiem into a precarious circumstance. For Chloe is connected to dangerous individuals whom want her back regardless if that means murdering anyone who is helping her escape. With its realistic characters with questionable morales and intense action, Armstrong Stations delivers a great beginning to what hopefully will become an unforgettable series. Highly recommended.
March 2, 2020
I've read all the other Mel Destin books and really quite enjoyed them all. I have to admit that I rarely enjoy prequels as I find them to be an over-used trope and many quite often miss the target. I'm happy to say that's not the case here! As always, the writing is excellent. The characters are believable and it's easy to visualize them and identify with them. I will say that the only thing I found challenging was the changes in perspective and tense. First person isn't my favourite, but it didn't take away from the quality of the book. Excellent work, and I'm looking forward to the next installment!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 29, 2020
“You can buy almost anything at Armstrong Station. Even a runaway slave.” With a tag line like that, you just know D.M. Pruden’s Armstrong Station (Requiem's Run Book 1) is bound to be pretty good. For fans of this author’s (pretty darn great) The Ares Weapon, this book is the start of a prequel series about Melanie Destin's adventures aboard the space freighter, Requiem. This time it’s a stowaway she rescues, who turns out to be so very much more. Lucky for us as this book turns out to be pretty darn great. I highly recommend it and am definitely looking forward to more from this new series.
March 18, 2020
I really liked this story. It was a blast to re-visit Mel from when she was traveling on the ship before she became the Mother of Mars (great story and series to read). She was true to herself as she tried to do what is good and help the people of Mars. Of course this time she ends up in trouble helping out the disenfranchised as usual and has to think of a way to get out of the trouble she finds herself and her shipmates in. The setup for this series was good and cannot wait to see how the tidbits dropped here play out.
April 27, 2021
Fast Paced And Well Written
A fast paced book that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I appreciate the author didn't waste unnecessary time for world building and character building in this book. You figure it out for yourself as the story progresses. This helps you to move into the story and keeps you interested with just enough information when you need it. An excellent strategy other writers could learn from.
A fast paced book that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I appreciate the author didn't waste unnecessary time for world building and character building in this book. You figure it out for yourself as the story progresses. This helps you to move into the story and keeps you interested with just enough information when you need it. An excellent strategy other writers could learn from.
October 16, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the author.
Life doesn’t always turn out the way that you think it will. That is the case for Dr Melanie Destin. Sold as a child to feed her mother’s habit Mel could have so easily become a street urchin with a very short life.
The crew of the freighter Requiem are all persuaded by Mel to help a stowaway as she fights to run away from sex traffickers.
This is a great story that tells of Mel Destin’s early life and is well worth a read.
Life doesn’t always turn out the way that you think it will. That is the case for Dr Melanie Destin. Sold as a child to feed her mother’s habit Mel could have so easily become a street urchin with a very short life.
The crew of the freighter Requiem are all persuaded by Mel to help a stowaway as she fights to run away from sex traffickers.
This is a great story that tells of Mel Destin’s early life and is well worth a read.
February 29, 2020
A great origin story as we find out just how the Mel came to be such an important part of the Mars history.
The story is fleshed out well especially as an origin story and we really feel for the characters as they live through the trials and tribulations of space.
Hoping that this is start of a lot more of Mel.
The story is fleshed out well especially as an origin story and we really feel for the characters as they live through the trials and tribulations of space.
Hoping that this is start of a lot more of Mel.
March 1, 2020
For readers of the Shattered Empire series, Armstrong Station is a prequel to the life of Melanie Destin. It tells the story of how her life begins after school and what decisions she makes that affect her future. We see how she comes to these decisions and how it affects her future. Another excellent read by Pruden.
April 1, 2020
This is a good story, marred only by being told in present tense. I had previously read the novella Requiem (or Requiem's Run, as it was originally titled), so was familiar with the protagonist, Dr. Melanie Destin. This story continues her early misadventures. It's a page-turner, hard to put down once you get started.
November 17, 2020
An absolutely gripping fast paced series starter.
A doctor helping displaced people and stolen medicine to sell , a russian gangster with a penchant for vodka and police with non law abiding methods and a lunar surface recovering from a war .mix these all together with a catalyst and you have the makings of this great book.
Completely recommended read.
A doctor helping displaced people and stolen medicine to sell , a russian gangster with a penchant for vodka and police with non law abiding methods and a lunar surface recovering from a war .mix these all together with a catalyst and you have the makings of this great book.
Completely recommended read.
April 1, 2022
Great old fashioned space opera!
Another exceptional tale of Dr. Mel Destin. A genius medical doctor and nanotechnology researcher, turned smuggler, turned hero. Fantastic storytelling, character profiles and world building.
I received a no cost copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Another exceptional tale of Dr. Mel Destin. A genius medical doctor and nanotechnology researcher, turned smuggler, turned hero. Fantastic storytelling, character profiles and world building.
I received a no cost copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 2, 2020
Quick Gripping Read
The beginning of the book gripped my attention quickly and wouldn't let go. There are somethings that hit you in the gut and others that pull at your heartstrings. Definitely an enjoyable escape and ready to read book 2.
The beginning of the book gripped my attention quickly and wouldn't let go. There are somethings that hit you in the gut and others that pull at your heartstrings. Definitely an enjoyable escape and ready to read book 2.
February 14, 2021
Not really science fiction.
The story is done well. But as in said this barely is a science fiction story. Take out the space ship and put in a tramp steamer, add the Barbie coast instead of the moon. This could be any most any kidnapping story from the turn of the century.
The story is done well. But as in said this barely is a science fiction story. Take out the space ship and put in a tramp steamer, add the Barbie coast instead of the moon. This could be any most any kidnapping story from the turn of the century.
April 1, 2021
I liked this book very much and I read it from the very beginning to the very end.
I liked the storyline and it made very much sense to me in my opinion.
I liked the characters they made a lot of sense to me in my opinion.
I got this free with an honest review freely given.
I liked the storyline and it made very much sense to me in my opinion.
I liked the characters they made a lot of sense to me in my opinion.
I got this free with an honest review freely given.
April 10, 2021
What a fun adventure! Thanks for the exciting diversion from day to day reality. No spoilers here, just a recommendation for a quick page turner. Thanks Mr. Pruden! Now I have to read book two. Cheers.
July 30, 2021
Great story
The switch between the main character telling the story and the other characters telling their part confused me in the beginning. I never did get comfortable with it. But the story is great!
Interesting characters and intriguing twists and turns. Very entertaining.
The switch between the main character telling the story and the other characters telling their part confused me in the beginning. I never did get comfortable with it. But the story is great!
Interesting characters and intriguing twists and turns. Very entertaining.
March 1, 2024
Was nice ti read. I like the characters and the team work. The environment could effectively be one of the human dream with those difficulties. Lots of actions. Bravo. Looking for the next volume.
Regards
Regards
September 23, 2025
Coincidence?
I enjoyed the story! Nice character development and interesting interactions. The sex trafficking and abuse and bad guys that aren’t all bad made for some confusing alliances and limit my rating to “maybe”.
I enjoyed the story! Nice character development and interesting interactions. The sex trafficking and abuse and bad guys that aren’t all bad made for some confusing alliances and limit my rating to “maybe”.
February 29, 2020
The characters become real to the point the pages are turned to discover what happens next. It is worth the investment of your time to escape to the universe and make friends with the heroine.
February 29, 2020
To anybody who already has read the Ares Weapon series: you'll love this prequel.
To anyone else: go ahead, enjoy this story, and the take the plunge in further adventures of Dr Melanie Destin.
To anyone else: go ahead, enjoy this story, and the take the plunge in further adventures of Dr Melanie Destin.
January 17, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. Engaging characters. Page turner. Didn't like to put it down. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 26, 2021
Enjoyed
This was a fun mystery! A little too emotional in parts but assuming that will be backstory for future storylines. Looking forward to reading more
This was a fun mystery! A little too emotional in parts but assuming that will be backstory for future storylines. Looking forward to reading more
February 11, 2021
Interesting
To change after a change in Your life, is good if it mine's you are in service of your fellow man.
To change after a change in Your life, is good if it mine's you are in service of your fellow man.
February 12, 2021
A good detective story
This book has a good pace of adventure. Real good characters, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
This book has a good pace of adventure. Real good characters, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
March 2, 2021
Great free book
I enjoyed this book . I had not read the previous story but this turned out to be a stand alone . I would look for the next. Story in this series
I enjoyed this book . I had not read the previous story but this turned out to be a stand alone . I would look for the next. Story in this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews