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Star Scavengers #1
Guardian Outcast
A thrilling space opera adventure with the mystery and action of Indiana Jones.
Hudson Powell had always been a drifter, but after his father died he vowed to turn his life around. He quit freelancing as a starship pilot and joined the Relic Guardian Force as a 38-year-old rookie.
That was a big mistake.
The RGF police the alien wrecks that have been found on every portal world discovered in the last century. They make sure the relic hunters pay taxes on the priceless alien tech they scavenge from the hulks. The snag is that the RGF is corrupt. And Hudson’s training officer, Logan Griff, is the worst scumbag of the lot.
Pushed over the edge, Hudson stumbles upon the exhilarating world of the relic hunters and meets the equally intoxicating and deadly mercenary, Tory Bellona.
Cast out from the RGF, Hudson Powell chooses a new path. But the discovery of a unique alien crystal will set events in motion that cannot be undone.
People stopped asking where the alien hulks had come from. People stopped asking who created the portals, and why. Hudson will discover that some alien relics are best left buried.
One decision can change the course of an entire civilization. One discovery can change your life.
If you love space sci-fi like Firefly and Stargate blended with the mystery and adventure of Indiana Jones, you’ll love the Star Scavenger series. Begin reading this thrilling five-book saga today.281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2020
775 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
G.J. Ogden
85 books116 followersG J Ogden is a proud recipient of the Kindle Storyteller Award and has written over 50 books that have garnered over 15,000 5-star ratings. When he’s not writing, G J Ogden is usually getting whooped in games of Warhammer 40K by his son. Unless he’s playing Adepta Sororitas, then he wins.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 12, 2020
“Space was exciting. It was dangerous and terrifying. It was beautiful.”
A new series by Ogden, it clearly shows a promising and exciting read! The clash between good and bad is perfectly reflected by the main protagonist with his idealism and to live his life “by the book” and the corrupt police force and high level government officials. The constant interior debate of good and bad takes Powell to impossible and fun moments situations, because he is no hero, but his goodwill drags him towards wild adventures and to take important decisions to determine which path to take in his life. A great introduction of Powell’s adventures and misadventures! The characters-both good and villains- are exceptional and well described. The descriptions of the worlds, cities, tech, ancient structures and artefacts were vivid and often beautiful. As I read, I felt constantly excited to learn more about the ancient mysteries of the universe. I definitely will follow Powell’s adventure in his new life, dying to know more about the alien artefacts and the sentient ship! Looking forward to reading Orión Rises #2!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
A new series by Ogden, it clearly shows a promising and exciting read! The clash between good and bad is perfectly reflected by the main protagonist with his idealism and to live his life “by the book” and the corrupt police force and high level government officials. The constant interior debate of good and bad takes Powell to impossible and fun moments situations, because he is no hero, but his goodwill drags him towards wild adventures and to take important decisions to determine which path to take in his life. A great introduction of Powell’s adventures and misadventures! The characters-both good and villains- are exceptional and well described. The descriptions of the worlds, cities, tech, ancient structures and artefacts were vivid and often beautiful. As I read, I felt constantly excited to learn more about the ancient mysteries of the universe. I definitely will follow Powell’s adventure in his new life, dying to know more about the alien artefacts and the sentient ship! Looking forward to reading Orión Rises #2!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
February 27, 2023
3.5-stars.
A decent and simplistic sci-fi novel that I got free on kindle a while ago.
It is book 1 in a series, so don't expect too much closure on the main plot if you choose to read this book.
Also, the other books in the series are less than 300-pages and are £3.99 each.
A decent and simplistic sci-fi novel that I got free on kindle a while ago.
It is book 1 in a series, so don't expect too much closure on the main plot if you choose to read this book.
Also, the other books in the series are less than 300-pages and are £3.99 each.
Read
March 5, 2023Interesting concept with a shaky execution
The premise of this story intrigued me, and it largely held my attention - but I had a difficult time getting into the characters, as the protagonist is not all that likeable, in my opinion. The worldbuilding also felt a bit derivative. But maybe the next book develops it all better?
The premise of this story intrigued me, and it largely held my attention - but I had a difficult time getting into the characters, as the protagonist is not all that likeable, in my opinion. The worldbuilding also felt a bit derivative. But maybe the next book develops it all better?
April 14, 2020
Shaak Value🚀
ADULT Sci-fi and a Hero🐺🍆⛲🔫 with a Conscience💔.
Hudson Powell, is a decent guy in a dog eat dog, winner take all universe far far in the future. Humans have permeated space via ancient portals💫 discovered by their signature radiation, called Shaak radiation, after the ship Captain who discovered the first one.
Each portal leads to an habitable 🌎earth like world barren of sentient life. Each 🌎world found through the portals also has a gigantic alien space ship🚀 crashed on it.
The humans immediately begin scavenging the wrecks🚀 for the superior alien technology aboard. In fact, a whole subculture of humans called relic hunters exist to rob the wrecks🚀 of their secrets and sell them to the highest bidder.
There is also a space police force to stop the scavengers from getting off world without paying the taxes owed for their scavenged tech. The tech all bears traces of Shaak radiation, making it easy to trace.
The police force is called the RGF, The Relic Guardian Force, only most of them are as corrupt as the scavengers!
Hudson🐺🍆⛲🔫, a good pilot🚀 with years of civilian experience, finds himself joining the RGF as a rookie and patrolling in the Scimitar🚀, a small two man ship with Logan Griff👺🔫, a crooked and loathsome training commander who treats Hudson🐺🍆⛲🔫 like he's nothing, while he skims off small items of alien tech from every Relic Hunter's ship they capture.
The Relic Hunters are all independents, unorganized and cutthroat to each other, and their ships are slow, obsolete vessels🚀, while the RGF have the best of everything, including extremely small fast vessels armed to the teeth, like the Scimitar🚀.
Yet the lure of alien treasure and riches draws the Relic Hunters on....
ARC Provided by Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
What a fantastic book! It's also the first book in a new series by Sci-fi Author Ogden📚. He has such a wonderful imagination to create his versions of the far future. Wonderful and incomparably detailed 🌎world building! His books are the best sci-fi I have read in years! There is also a little ADULT Romance included that makes his books much more realistic than most others of this genre in my opinion.
The book does end in sort of a cliffhanger
ADULT Sci-fi and a Hero🐺🍆⛲🔫 with a Conscience💔.
Hudson Powell, is a decent guy in a dog eat dog, winner take all universe far far in the future. Humans have permeated space via ancient portals💫 discovered by their signature radiation, called Shaak radiation, after the ship Captain who discovered the first one.
Each portal leads to an habitable 🌎earth like world barren of sentient life. Each 🌎world found through the portals also has a gigantic alien space ship🚀 crashed on it.
The humans immediately begin scavenging the wrecks🚀 for the superior alien technology aboard. In fact, a whole subculture of humans called relic hunters exist to rob the wrecks🚀 of their secrets and sell them to the highest bidder.
There is also a space police force to stop the scavengers from getting off world without paying the taxes owed for their scavenged tech. The tech all bears traces of Shaak radiation, making it easy to trace.
The police force is called the RGF, The Relic Guardian Force, only most of them are as corrupt as the scavengers!
Hudson🐺🍆⛲🔫, a good pilot🚀 with years of civilian experience, finds himself joining the RGF as a rookie and patrolling in the Scimitar🚀, a small two man ship with Logan Griff👺🔫, a crooked and loathsome training commander who treats Hudson🐺🍆⛲🔫 like he's nothing, while he skims off small items of alien tech from every Relic Hunter's ship they capture.
The Relic Hunters are all independents, unorganized and cutthroat to each other, and their ships are slow, obsolete vessels🚀, while the RGF have the best of everything, including extremely small fast vessels armed to the teeth, like the Scimitar🚀.
Yet the lure of alien treasure and riches draws the Relic Hunters on....
ARC Provided by Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
What a fantastic book! It's also the first book in a new series by Sci-fi Author Ogden📚. He has such a wonderful imagination to create his versions of the far future. Wonderful and incomparably detailed 🌎world building! His books are the best sci-fi I have read in years! There is also a little ADULT Romance included that makes his books much more realistic than most others of this genre in my opinion.
The book does end in sort of a cliffhanger
March 18, 2020
epub ARC
First of a series of five books - we are introduced to Hudson Powell, disaffected recruit to the Relic Guardian Force tasked with protecting alien artefacts from smugglers and scavengers. His idealism is challenged by a corrupt organisation and he has a difficult choice to make.
In a universe otherwise empty of intelligent life humanity has found wrecked alien ships and a network of portals through which to expand and explore. The reader has some information, unknown to the human race, about the awakening of forces that will pose a threat (in further volumes) but in this one we have a not-so-young protagonist attempting to make up for some poor decisions earlier in his life. He faces an uphill struggle as his new career fails to live up to his idealism.
Powell himself is an engaging lead; the background universe is sketched but feels true - and we meet some supporting characters, at least one of whom is likely to reappear. I enjoyed this introduction - well worth following up the series, both to follow Powell and to read about the threat looming ominously in the backgound.
^&I
First of a series of five books - we are introduced to Hudson Powell, disaffected recruit to the Relic Guardian Force tasked with protecting alien artefacts from smugglers and scavengers. His idealism is challenged by a corrupt organisation and he has a difficult choice to make.
In a universe otherwise empty of intelligent life humanity has found wrecked alien ships and a network of portals through which to expand and explore. The reader has some information, unknown to the human race, about the awakening of forces that will pose a threat (in further volumes) but in this one we have a not-so-young protagonist attempting to make up for some poor decisions earlier in his life. He faces an uphill struggle as his new career fails to live up to his idealism.
Powell himself is an engaging lead; the background universe is sketched but feels true - and we meet some supporting characters, at least one of whom is likely to reappear. I enjoyed this introduction - well worth following up the series, both to follow Powell and to read about the threat looming ominously in the backgound.
^&I
May 18, 2020
I have voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC from the author.
Hudson Powell is, to my mind, a doofus. If you’re not sure what that means basically he’s a bit of a hopeless loser. He certainly can’t be compared with Indiana Jones as Indie was a reckless adventurer from an early age! Hudson has never known what he wanted to do. When his parents died he remembered his father telling him to do what ever made him happy. So, he joined the RGF, the Relic Guardian Force, thinking that they were an idealistic force for good. He ignored all the warning he received that said they were far from that and found out that all the naysayers were correct! The RFG was a corrupt, venal force out for its own good! So he resigned and they fired him but also fined him for ‘not making his quota’. This stripped him of every single cent that he had and left him stranded on Brahms Three a portal world far from Earth.
Luckily he had a friend or I don’t know what he’d have done. I’m not sure what kind of person his character is supposed to represent. He’s a good pilot apparently and an idealistic, by the book, person but he doesn’t seem to have many other skills. He bumbles around and survives more by luck than anything. The book ends in the middle of the story but the other books in the series are not yet published so who knows how it will end. Not really my cup of tea.
Hudson Powell is, to my mind, a doofus. If you’re not sure what that means basically he’s a bit of a hopeless loser. He certainly can’t be compared with Indiana Jones as Indie was a reckless adventurer from an early age! Hudson has never known what he wanted to do. When his parents died he remembered his father telling him to do what ever made him happy. So, he joined the RGF, the Relic Guardian Force, thinking that they were an idealistic force for good. He ignored all the warning he received that said they were far from that and found out that all the naysayers were correct! The RFG was a corrupt, venal force out for its own good! So he resigned and they fired him but also fined him for ‘not making his quota’. This stripped him of every single cent that he had and left him stranded on Brahms Three a portal world far from Earth.
Luckily he had a friend or I don’t know what he’d have done. I’m not sure what kind of person his character is supposed to represent. He’s a good pilot apparently and an idealistic, by the book, person but he doesn’t seem to have many other skills. He bumbles around and survives more by luck than anything. The book ends in the middle of the story but the other books in the series are not yet published so who knows how it will end. Not really my cup of tea.
April 9, 2020
I really liked this start of a new series. It stars Hudson as a honest man working for the dishonest Relic Guardian Force. of course things go wrong that kept me amused for most of the book. All the characters introduced were interesting and fun to love and hate. But this story really sets up the series and a reason to cheer for Hudson. I was hooked from the first chapter and laughed and groaned through most of the story. But it was very hard to put the book down as I just had to see what problem Hudson would encounter as he seemed to be the only honest person around. But man he was lucky and entertaining. I cannot wait to see what happens next and what the alien ships end up really being.
April 3, 2020
I have read G J Ogdens Planetsider Trilogy and was not disappointed with this the first book in this new series. The way GJ writes it like he has been through theses portholes and can fly a space ship his description of the planets and the way life has moved on is great, his plots are good and there is lots of fast paced action, cant wait for the next book.
I have read this as an ARC reader and have left this review of my own freewill .
I have read this as an ARC reader and have left this review of my own freewill .
September 23, 2020
Hudson Powell is unfortunately somewhat of an idealist, he believes in doing the right thing, helping those less fortunate, to just try and make the galaxy a better place. He is an excellent pilot, and has spent his life drifting from odd job to odd job, looking for something fulfilling, as his Dad had always told him to do something that would make him happy.
Hudson lives in a Universe in which a fascinating discovery was made by accident by an early shuttle crew, they found a portal to another part of the galaxy, in which they find an uninhabited Earth-like world. But this isn’t the best part – on the planet is a massive crashed alien spacecraft. This sets in motion a chain of events that will forever change human history forever.
For starters, it causes a massive leap forward in their technology, what might have taken years, decades, maybe even centuries, is suddenly only taking weeks, months or years to develop, pushing humanity forward in huge strides. Some think it is too much, too fast, and it is an interesting aspect of this story, how having humanity suddenly thrust into the stars before they are culturally ready, morally ready.
The other really cool part of this story, and the major storyline, is the Relic Hunters (and the Relic Guardian Force – an organisation that is meant to Police the Relic Hunters to make sure that everything is legal, but is actually the direct opposite, being a corrupt, dishonest, thieving bunch of crooks who wait for the Relic Hunters to do all the work, and then happily steal their profits.
The Relic Hunters are a crazy bunch of people who are not exactly of great moral fibre, who launch out to the different crash sites, and raid the ships for the tech that is on the ships, sometimes the find just enough to get them through, maybe a couple of small alien trinkets, or an alien processor, but sometimes they hit the jackpot, and this can mean enough money to buy all sorts. Of course, you have to get past the RGF and their taxes, and the CET and their taxes, and whoever else wants to stick their hand into your pocket before you get your share. Relic Hunting is a cut throat business.
And so we meet our poor Hudson, who has joined the RGF, thinking he is going to make a difference, be a good ‘Cop’ as such, but he has been partnered with a low-life piece of scum that makes even those in the Mos Eisley Cantina look respectable. Logan Griff is a murdering, thieving piece of filth, whose only goal is to make money for himself at the cost of everybody else.
This first book covers Hudson’s adventures as he tries to come to grips with his decision of joining the Relic Guardians, and how he might one day escape from them. It is remarkably well written, very clever, with vague hints of Firefly in it, bits of things like ‘Tomb Raider’, “Indiana Jones’ as well as some epic combat scenes. It also has a wicked sense of humour running throughout the book, making sure that at no time does the story ever risk getting to serious with itself. This is one of those series that you get the first one, and realise that you aren’t reading anything else for a while, and before you have even gotten a few chapters in, you have paused to go and buy the rest of the books in the series, sign up to the Authors Newsletter in case there are any short-stories or extras, and then go and sit back down and start reading again, before realising you have to be up in 3hrs for work, and think, Meh, who needs sleep…
I am already onto book 4, and thought I should stop and write the reviews of the first few books before I get the stories mixed up (you know, and give away spoilers in the review for book 2, thinking it’s book 3 – it’s really embarrassing when you do that!!)
If you love a good action/adventure Space Opera, Mil Sci-fi, that has a good touch of Firefly, even a bit of Star Wars, but a lot of exceptional world building, outstanding characters and a fantastic story – this is a treat!!
Hudson lives in a Universe in which a fascinating discovery was made by accident by an early shuttle crew, they found a portal to another part of the galaxy, in which they find an uninhabited Earth-like world. But this isn’t the best part – on the planet is a massive crashed alien spacecraft. This sets in motion a chain of events that will forever change human history forever.
For starters, it causes a massive leap forward in their technology, what might have taken years, decades, maybe even centuries, is suddenly only taking weeks, months or years to develop, pushing humanity forward in huge strides. Some think it is too much, too fast, and it is an interesting aspect of this story, how having humanity suddenly thrust into the stars before they are culturally ready, morally ready.
The other really cool part of this story, and the major storyline, is the Relic Hunters (and the Relic Guardian Force – an organisation that is meant to Police the Relic Hunters to make sure that everything is legal, but is actually the direct opposite, being a corrupt, dishonest, thieving bunch of crooks who wait for the Relic Hunters to do all the work, and then happily steal their profits.
The Relic Hunters are a crazy bunch of people who are not exactly of great moral fibre, who launch out to the different crash sites, and raid the ships for the tech that is on the ships, sometimes the find just enough to get them through, maybe a couple of small alien trinkets, or an alien processor, but sometimes they hit the jackpot, and this can mean enough money to buy all sorts. Of course, you have to get past the RGF and their taxes, and the CET and their taxes, and whoever else wants to stick their hand into your pocket before you get your share. Relic Hunting is a cut throat business.
And so we meet our poor Hudson, who has joined the RGF, thinking he is going to make a difference, be a good ‘Cop’ as such, but he has been partnered with a low-life piece of scum that makes even those in the Mos Eisley Cantina look respectable. Logan Griff is a murdering, thieving piece of filth, whose only goal is to make money for himself at the cost of everybody else.
This first book covers Hudson’s adventures as he tries to come to grips with his decision of joining the Relic Guardians, and how he might one day escape from them. It is remarkably well written, very clever, with vague hints of Firefly in it, bits of things like ‘Tomb Raider’, “Indiana Jones’ as well as some epic combat scenes. It also has a wicked sense of humour running throughout the book, making sure that at no time does the story ever risk getting to serious with itself. This is one of those series that you get the first one, and realise that you aren’t reading anything else for a while, and before you have even gotten a few chapters in, you have paused to go and buy the rest of the books in the series, sign up to the Authors Newsletter in case there are any short-stories or extras, and then go and sit back down and start reading again, before realising you have to be up in 3hrs for work, and think, Meh, who needs sleep…
I am already onto book 4, and thought I should stop and write the reviews of the first few books before I get the stories mixed up (you know, and give away spoilers in the review for book 2, thinking it’s book 3 – it’s really embarrassing when you do that!!)
If you love a good action/adventure Space Opera, Mil Sci-fi, that has a good touch of Firefly, even a bit of Star Wars, but a lot of exceptional world building, outstanding characters and a fantastic story – this is a treat!!
January 10, 2022
“Guardian Outcast” (Star Scavengers #1) by GJ Ogden. Genre: Space Opera. Location: San Francisco, California, Earth to the outer reaches of space. Time: Future.-
-
The Series: The ancient spaceship Goliath slept for eons. Its mission was to destroy all humans, including on Earth. The ships it destroyed were scattered across many planets. Relic Hunters scavenged the ruined ships for alien tech-a dangerous business that occasionally brought great riches. Now disabled and floating in uncharted space, Goliath can only wait until someone finds its missing crystal.-
-
Book 1: Guardian Outcast
After years of piloting around space as a courier, Hudson Powell, 38, joins the Relic Guardian Force (RGF). On the planet Brahms Three, he discovers how corrupt the RGF is, especially his boss Logan Griff. Although their job was to regulate Relic Hunters, most RGF cops stole the relics instead. On the last mission before he quit/was fired, Hudson comes across a mysterious crystal with a small fragment broken off. Heading back to Earth, he realizes he is being hunted by assassins hired by Griff. He decides to investigate the strange crystal and find its missing fragment. He needs to become a Relic Hunter.-
-
Hudson may be 38, but he’s written as if much younger, or else perennially naive-similar to the characters in “Firefly”. He just wants to do a job that means something, and he doesn’t want to shoot anyone. There’s lots of action, fights, and narrow escapes, reminiscent of “Indiana Jones”.-
-
The Series: Space Operas include: melodrama✔️, risk-taking space adventures✔️, chivalric romance✔️, outer space locations✔️, faster-than-light travel✔️, futuristic weapons and technology✔️, galactic empires✔️, interstellar wars✔️, and aliens✔️. Yep, this is a Space Opera. Mash together a bit of “Firefly” and “Indiana Jones”. Add in some “Last Starfighter” vibes, and an Enemies to Lovers trope. It’s a romp across space full of villains, heros, aliens, and artificial intelligences. It’s a David and Goliath space opera. (to be exact, it’s a Hudson and Goliath space opera 🤣) And because it fits its genre so well, it’s 4 stars from me.🌵📚👩🏼🦳”
-
The Series: The ancient spaceship Goliath slept for eons. Its mission was to destroy all humans, including on Earth. The ships it destroyed were scattered across many planets. Relic Hunters scavenged the ruined ships for alien tech-a dangerous business that occasionally brought great riches. Now disabled and floating in uncharted space, Goliath can only wait until someone finds its missing crystal.-
-
Book 1: Guardian Outcast
After years of piloting around space as a courier, Hudson Powell, 38, joins the Relic Guardian Force (RGF). On the planet Brahms Three, he discovers how corrupt the RGF is, especially his boss Logan Griff. Although their job was to regulate Relic Hunters, most RGF cops stole the relics instead. On the last mission before he quit/was fired, Hudson comes across a mysterious crystal with a small fragment broken off. Heading back to Earth, he realizes he is being hunted by assassins hired by Griff. He decides to investigate the strange crystal and find its missing fragment. He needs to become a Relic Hunter.-
-
Hudson may be 38, but he’s written as if much younger, or else perennially naive-similar to the characters in “Firefly”. He just wants to do a job that means something, and he doesn’t want to shoot anyone. There’s lots of action, fights, and narrow escapes, reminiscent of “Indiana Jones”.-
-
The Series: Space Operas include: melodrama✔️, risk-taking space adventures✔️, chivalric romance✔️, outer space locations✔️, faster-than-light travel✔️, futuristic weapons and technology✔️, galactic empires✔️, interstellar wars✔️, and aliens✔️. Yep, this is a Space Opera. Mash together a bit of “Firefly” and “Indiana Jones”. Add in some “Last Starfighter” vibes, and an Enemies to Lovers trope. It’s a romp across space full of villains, heros, aliens, and artificial intelligences. It’s a David and Goliath space opera. (to be exact, it’s a Hudson and Goliath space opera 🤣) And because it fits its genre so well, it’s 4 stars from me.🌵📚👩🏼🦳”
April 20, 2020
OK story
This is an OK sorry but I recommend passing it up for several reasons.
The good: This was a fairly well edited book. I found 2 mistakes in the whole book. That is extremely rare these days. It is also why this is rated 2 stars rather than 1.
The bad:
Yet another British author writing an American, from San Francisco that speaks British. I hate this with a passion. If you are British then write the MC as a Briton.
The MC is supposed to be 38 years old but thinks and acts like a20 year old kid.
Intergalactic flight, new worlds, alien artifacts (artefacts according to the author), but what these people don't have? Cameras! A government entity has Allen artifacts worth an enormous fortune. The have 2 guard on duty, one calls off and they only have one guard on duty. This is a military organization. But not a single camera in the place. Anyone who wants to walk in, can without fear of having their face being seen or any sort of record of them being there.
The bad guys are over the top. A semi-military police force that is supposed to be enforcing some sort of distribution scheme for the major governments is allowed to be so corrupt that they can run people's lives on earth where they should have no power. There is apparently no oversight on this group either. Yet this group was founded to make sure a war didn't happen. It makes no sense.
This police force is allowed to run people lives because they choose to leave the force? They get to sell all of a persons possessions or incinerate them with no consequences? It isn't even a government entity but they are given this power. The author even mentioned this noon government entity gets to tax people.
No, just no to all of this.
This is an OK sorry but I recommend passing it up for several reasons.
The good: This was a fairly well edited book. I found 2 mistakes in the whole book. That is extremely rare these days. It is also why this is rated 2 stars rather than 1.
The bad:
Yet another British author writing an American, from San Francisco that speaks British. I hate this with a passion. If you are British then write the MC as a Briton.
The MC is supposed to be 38 years old but thinks and acts like a20 year old kid.
Intergalactic flight, new worlds, alien artifacts (artefacts according to the author), but what these people don't have? Cameras! A government entity has Allen artifacts worth an enormous fortune. The have 2 guard on duty, one calls off and they only have one guard on duty. This is a military organization. But not a single camera in the place. Anyone who wants to walk in, can without fear of having their face being seen or any sort of record of them being there.
The bad guys are over the top. A semi-military police force that is supposed to be enforcing some sort of distribution scheme for the major governments is allowed to be so corrupt that they can run people's lives on earth where they should have no power. There is apparently no oversight on this group either. Yet this group was founded to make sure a war didn't happen. It makes no sense.
This police force is allowed to run people lives because they choose to leave the force? They get to sell all of a persons possessions or incinerate them with no consequences? It isn't even a government entity but they are given this power. The author even mentioned this noon government entity gets to tax people.
No, just no to all of this.
November 22, 2022
I really wanted to like this book. I really did. The universe was refreshingly unique and, as an archaeologist, I liked the Indiana Jones angle. There was great drama and tension at times.
But the MC just is untenable. He's a painfully naive moron and his so-called moral code is absurdly infantile. I am sick of supposed "heroes" that refuse to end the villain b/c "then I'm not better than you." Uh, yes. Yes, you are better. The "why" matters here. Killing someone who has been a horrible person and whose continued survival represents an existential risk to oneself is not the same thing as killing someone b/c out of greed or coarse hatred. Griff and Hudson are not the same and Hudson killing Griff wouldn't be Hudson stooping to Griff's level. 90% of the MC's problems stem from him not killing the bad guy when he has the chance and is completely justified in doing so. That doesn't make him a good guy or moral: it makes him an immature idiot. When the conflict could easily have been solved by a simple action and the author deliberately chooses not to do so, that kills any tension in the story and any sympathy/investment for the MC. It's not quality morality; it's just bad writing.
Oh, and one of the characters is fridged, so there's that highly problematic trope thrown in for good measure.
But the MC just is untenable. He's a painfully naive moron and his so-called moral code is absurdly infantile. I am sick of supposed "heroes" that refuse to end the villain b/c "then I'm not better than you." Uh, yes. Yes, you are better. The "why" matters here. Killing someone who has been a horrible person and whose continued survival represents an existential risk to oneself is not the same thing as killing someone b/c out of greed or coarse hatred. Griff and Hudson are not the same and Hudson killing Griff wouldn't be Hudson stooping to Griff's level. 90% of the MC's problems stem from him not killing the bad guy when he has the chance and is completely justified in doing so. That doesn't make him a good guy or moral: it makes him an immature idiot. When the conflict could easily have been solved by a simple action and the author deliberately chooses not to do so, that kills any tension in the story and any sympathy/investment for the MC. It's not quality morality; it's just bad writing.
Oh, and one of the characters is fridged, so there's that highly problematic trope thrown in for good measure.
July 27, 2020
Hudson is part of the Relic Guardian Force, an agency he thinks will allow him to make a difference in the world, but unfortunately it's pretty corrupt and only cares about making a buck at the expense of, well, anyone. Disillusioned and ready to quit, Hudson attempts to deceive the Force and fails terribly. Only now he's not so sure what his future holds. With little more than a mysterious Relic to his name and several unknown individuals out to kill him, Hudson still knows he wants to do something that matters. But to figure out what that is, he'll have to stay alive.
I really enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook. It was easy to follow the story and it was really interesting. The narrator did a great job with all the character voices and was pleasant to listen to. The author made me care about a lot of characters simultaneously, which is a bit unusual for me. Usually I like one or two characters, but there are even a few who are at odds with each other that I'm curious about. I think it's a great start to what promises to be a fascinating series.
I received a free copy of the audio book from the author through Story Origin, and have reviewed it willingly.
I really enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook. It was easy to follow the story and it was really interesting. The narrator did a great job with all the character voices and was pleasant to listen to. The author made me care about a lot of characters simultaneously, which is a bit unusual for me. Usually I like one or two characters, but there are even a few who are at odds with each other that I'm curious about. I think it's a great start to what promises to be a fascinating series.
I received a free copy of the audio book from the author through Story Origin, and have reviewed it willingly.
April 13, 2020
Our hero's job is to protect ancient relics from looters and treasure hunters, but space is vast and corruption is everywhere. Seems like he has his work cut out for him.
This is billed as book one of a new series, so a perfect place to start.
I found this book to be well written, easy to read and just plain fun. Our hero clearly has too much on his plate and that is evident from page one and it only gets worse. The story moves and a good pace which keeps our hero constantly moving and the reader constantly turning pages to see what comes next. The characters in this book are also well developed, particularly our hero who is, of course, the star of the show. There were also some interesting support cast and I am hoping to see more of them in the future. Overall, a very enjoyable start and I look forward to watching the series developed.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is billed as book one of a new series, so a perfect place to start.
I found this book to be well written, easy to read and just plain fun. Our hero clearly has too much on his plate and that is evident from page one and it only gets worse. The story moves and a good pace which keeps our hero constantly moving and the reader constantly turning pages to see what comes next. The characters in this book are also well developed, particularly our hero who is, of course, the star of the show. There were also some interesting support cast and I am hoping to see more of them in the future. Overall, a very enjoyable start and I look forward to watching the series developed.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
April 20, 2020
Hudson wants to make his parents proud. "It doesn't matter what it is, just make sure it matters to you, ok?" his dad tells him. So at 38 he embarks on a new career that he thinks matters - only to learn it is nothing like he envisioned.
Thus starts a fast-paced, action-filled, alcohol-fueled story that never quite goes the way you thought it would. Definitely a page turner. Ogden has created a space opera universe reminiscent of something you might get if you threw Mike Resnick's Santiago characters into David Weber's Mutineer's Moon universe.
While this is a tightly written, character driven plot, the wheels are set in motion for a much larger story. The prologue and epilogue provide some intriguing hints with regards to where the over arching plot might be heading. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this exciting series!
Thus starts a fast-paced, action-filled, alcohol-fueled story that never quite goes the way you thought it would. Definitely a page turner. Ogden has created a space opera universe reminiscent of something you might get if you threw Mike Resnick's Santiago characters into David Weber's Mutineer's Moon universe.
While this is a tightly written, character driven plot, the wheels are set in motion for a much larger story. The prologue and epilogue provide some intriguing hints with regards to where the over arching plot might be heading. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this exciting series!
April 15, 2024
Raiders meets Firefly
A really entertaining space opera. Hudson is a new Guardian who police the many alien wrecks that litter the universe, idealistic and the only honest one in the organisation. With a corrupt murdering trainer blindside and violent relic hunters on the other he is not in a good place. The story is pacy and well written with great characters. I really liked Hudson, a little naive, decent but with attitude.. Excellent world building and with an long term background plot that will rock the universe. Narration is excellent, easy to listen too and with a good range. I will definitely be reading more of these books. I received a complimentary copy of the Audio book and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
A really entertaining space opera. Hudson is a new Guardian who police the many alien wrecks that litter the universe, idealistic and the only honest one in the organisation. With a corrupt murdering trainer blindside and violent relic hunters on the other he is not in a good place. The story is pacy and well written with great characters. I really liked Hudson, a little naive, decent but with attitude.. Excellent world building and with an long term background plot that will rock the universe. Narration is excellent, easy to listen too and with a good range. I will definitely be reading more of these books. I received a complimentary copy of the Audio book and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
November 4, 2020
The writing is easy to read. Unfortunately the mc is a 38yr old dumbass loser. It's beyond belief that the mc is someone who manages to drift through many low key jobs earlier in life, has acquired oodles of naivity, a lily-white conscience, few skills, even fewer brain cells and makes so many stupid choices . I got half way through before screaming in frustration and wanting to shoot the mc myself! I wanted to enjoy a story about a kickass hero, not an idiot jerk with no street smarts. The story may improve; the mc may shape up, but I'll never know. I can't read anymore........I'm lucky to not live in a high rise building!!
January 23, 2022
I received this book from the author.
This is a book that I could not put down. I read it in one sitting.
I found the main character easy to identify with as he struggles to discover what to do with his life that fulfils him (as I did when young).
After making a promise to his dying Father, Hudson Powell has a decision to make about his future.
On the way to discovering himself he comes up against many unscrupulous characters but always manages to remain true to himself and his beliefs.
This is the first in what promises to be another excellent series from G J Ogden and is well worth a read.
This is a book that I could not put down. I read it in one sitting.
I found the main character easy to identify with as he struggles to discover what to do with his life that fulfils him (as I did when young).
After making a promise to his dying Father, Hudson Powell has a decision to make about his future.
On the way to discovering himself he comes up against many unscrupulous characters but always manages to remain true to himself and his beliefs.
This is the first in what promises to be another excellent series from G J Ogden and is well worth a read.
January 12, 2023
Hudson Powell joins the Relic Guardians thinking he will make the universe a better place only to find they are worse than the crooks they are supposed to keep in check. Trying to help someone only for them to fall victim to his evil trainer Logan Griff sets him on a course to become a relic hunter and to find the reason behind the demand for the mysterious crystal and it's purpose in the greater scheme of things. Unfortunately it's power has been unleashed and we can only speculate on the outcome ( or read the rest of the series )
February 11, 2023
I don’t know
I can’t tell you if this was good… because it is right on the line between bad and good. The character is dumb…. Simple as that. Dumb but lucky. The world building and the storyline has something that with a little bit more building and less black or white characters would have changed it to good. But the characters are simple, bad or good, no grey, and some of the bad find a soft spot for the MC and I guess that we are supposed to know they are really good because they help the MC. This is the reason it’s a 3* book.
I can’t tell you if this was good… because it is right on the line between bad and good. The character is dumb…. Simple as that. Dumb but lucky. The world building and the storyline has something that with a little bit more building and less black or white characters would have changed it to good. But the characters are simple, bad or good, no grey, and some of the bad find a soft spot for the MC and I guess that we are supposed to know they are really good because they help the MC. This is the reason it’s a 3* book.
October 6, 2020
Mundane
I ended up reading this book over a longer period of time than I usually do because of the lack of substance. I do not even remember a description of any character, maybe that was the problem, I did not feel close to the main character, or feel I was excited to read what would happen next. The book has a decent story, but little in the way of helping you identify with any of the characters. I am going to get the second book in the series, hopefully it will get better.
I ended up reading this book over a longer period of time than I usually do because of the lack of substance. I do not even remember a description of any character, maybe that was the problem, I did not feel close to the main character, or feel I was excited to read what would happen next. The book has a decent story, but little in the way of helping you identify with any of the characters. I am going to get the second book in the series, hopefully it will get better.
April 13, 2020
This book keeps you gripped from start to finish with a great plot line and characters that are well drawn you find yourself totally immersed in it. And only disappointed when it finishes and you have to wait for the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2020
Interesting story with great potential
I can see a lot of potential in this interesting and different story. The overarching plot for the series seems involved and challenging. The book was plotted well and the worldbuilding was well done. I just didn’t connect well with Hudson. If you enjoy sci-fi and treasure hunting stories, this may be a good fit for you, give it a try!
I can see a lot of potential in this interesting and different story. The overarching plot for the series seems involved and challenging. The book was plotted well and the worldbuilding was well done. I just didn’t connect well with Hudson. If you enjoy sci-fi and treasure hunting stories, this may be a good fit for you, give it a try!
April 24, 2020
This is a great start to a fabulous series! I love this author and I love this book and new series. I am hooked from this first book and am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series. Perfect-paced, action-packed, and fabulous characters, this is a great start to a series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2020
Love the originality.
Great flow. Awesome fights that are so good, you are in the middle. When I realized my heart rate went up, it was because I felt the punch. Really well written. So we'll that I didn't come across the dreaded 'he said, she said'. Which tells me this writer knows those words should never be in a book. On to the 2nd in this series.
Great flow. Awesome fights that are so good, you are in the middle. When I realized my heart rate went up, it was because I felt the punch. Really well written. So we'll that I didn't come across the dreaded 'he said, she said'. Which tells me this writer knows those words should never be in a book. On to the 2nd in this series.
January 27, 2023
This is a great start to a fabulous series! I love this author and I love this book and new series. I am hooked from this first book and am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series. Perfect-paced, action-packed, and fabulous characters, this is a great start to a series.
A cross between the TV series "Firefly" and the movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark"
A cross between the TV series "Firefly" and the movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark"
Read
February 3, 2023Archeologists of the Aliens
Known as relic hunters, they risk their lives to scavenge alien spacecraft wreckage for anything of value - much as tomb raiders have done on earth for thousands of years. Unfortunately, governments still want their pound of flesh (taxes) and are willing to kill for it.
Known as relic hunters, they risk their lives to scavenge alien spacecraft wreckage for anything of value - much as tomb raiders have done on earth for thousands of years. Unfortunately, governments still want their pound of flesh (taxes) and are willing to kill for it.
February 20, 2023
This is a short story.
Buyer, beware. It won't last you across the Tasmanian Sea and into the lounge. I'm at a loss that someone could be as naive though he seems to have plenty of luck. I am planning on buying book two, perhaps by then I'll have a better idea of how to give a good review.
Buyer, beware. It won't last you across the Tasmanian Sea and into the lounge. I'm at a loss that someone could be as naive though he seems to have plenty of luck. I am planning on buying book two, perhaps by then I'll have a better idea of how to give a good review.
July 24, 2023
A good short read
I rather enjoyed reading this novel, it made for a pleasant afternoon in my favourite armchair. The story took a long time unfolding and lacked in the action area, but it built up to me wanting to read the next episode in the saga. Finally I'm glad there was a bit of nookie in the story. Author's seen to have forgotten that it exist.
I rather enjoyed reading this novel, it made for a pleasant afternoon in my favourite armchair. The story took a long time unfolding and lacked in the action area, but it built up to me wanting to read the next episode in the saga. Finally I'm glad there was a bit of nookie in the story. Author's seen to have forgotten that it exist.
March 16, 2020
No good Deed goes unpunished , and Hudson Powell just found that out .
Trying to do something good with your life generally leaves skid-marks.
A Great story and really good plot and characters . I highly recommend
this story . I know I will be waiting to read the rest of this series .
Trying to do something good with your life generally leaves skid-marks.
A Great story and really good plot and characters . I highly recommend
this story . I know I will be waiting to read the rest of this series .
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