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Black Flag #3
Troubled Waters
No good deed goes unpunished.
Kay Ellis is looking forward to returning from a six-month supply run. She’s looking forward to being back in the safety of Union space. And she’s looking forward to her wedding with Captain Magdalene Landon.
But when the Black Flag receives a distress signal from a scuttled alien transport, their return is temporarily postponed. The mission of mercy enters troubled waters as a mysterious pursuer appears.
The longer the new guests stay onboard, the more Kay begins to question their hard luck story. And the more she wonders if the Black Flag will survive to see Union space again.
Kay Ellis is looking forward to returning from a six-month supply run. She’s looking forward to being back in the safety of Union space. And she’s looking forward to her wedding with Captain Magdalene Landon.
But when the Black Flag receives a distress signal from a scuttled alien transport, their return is temporarily postponed. The mission of mercy enters troubled waters as a mysterious pursuer appears.
The longer the new guests stay onboard, the more Kay begins to question their hard luck story. And the more she wonders if the Black Flag will survive to see Union space again.
First published September 24, 2019
27 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ford
74 books127 followersRachel Ford lives in beautiful Central Wisconsin. She is a programmer, who works in everything from SQL to .NET to Cisco CVP and IVR. Her latest foray into new and exciting things has been developing custom Java plugins for CVP applications.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 21, 2019
I like this series more with each book. I love when that sort of things happens.
After the events of book 2 (Lee Shores), the Black Flag crew is taking it easy on their way back to Union space (and Kay is mostly obsessed with planning her wedding to Maggie), when they get a distress signal from an alien ship. The rescue mission turns into a diplomatic mess, and Captain Magdalene Langdon has to make difficult choices.
I really like this crew. Even the less important characters have some kind of depth. It’s really cool to be able to get to know better in each book. I also like the atmosphere a lot, the nods towards popular sci-fi stuff (some things remind me of Star Wars, others of Star Trek), it’s like it’s all part of a huge universe, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Kay and Maggie had a drink on Mos Eisley or crossed path with Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect. Well, I would be surprised, but neither would be out of place.
This instalment is the most intense so far, and probably my favourite. In book 2, the characters were a bit passive, as they were accused of murder and spent quite a long part of the story first waiting to be released then waiting for the investigator to prove their innocence. Also, despite the rather tragic circumstances, it often fell on the side of comedy. There’s a lot more action in this one, and it also feels more adult. Yet the humor is still there. As I said, it gets better and better. I’m looking forward to book 4!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
After the events of book 2 (Lee Shores), the Black Flag crew is taking it easy on their way back to Union space (and Kay is mostly obsessed with planning her wedding to Maggie), when they get a distress signal from an alien ship. The rescue mission turns into a diplomatic mess, and Captain Magdalene Langdon has to make difficult choices.
I really like this crew. Even the less important characters have some kind of depth. It’s really cool to be able to get to know better in each book. I also like the atmosphere a lot, the nods towards popular sci-fi stuff (some things remind me of Star Wars, others of Star Trek), it’s like it’s all part of a huge universe, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Kay and Maggie had a drink on Mos Eisley or crossed path with Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect. Well, I would be surprised, but neither would be out of place.
This instalment is the most intense so far, and probably my favourite. In book 2, the characters were a bit passive, as they were accused of murder and spent quite a long part of the story first waiting to be released then waiting for the investigator to prove their innocence. Also, despite the rather tragic circumstances, it often fell on the side of comedy. There’s a lot more action in this one, and it also feels more adult. Yet the humor is still there. As I said, it gets better and better. I’m looking forward to book 4!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
September 30, 2022
The crew of the Black Flag are back in space and there is a touch of the 'space opera' about the story, unfortunately there is also a lot of the soap opera.
There were a couple of space battles in this book that demonstrate that the author really doesn’t understand the science behind what is likely to happen in space combat.
I enjoyed this book more than the previous one, but not by much, the last quarter of the story had quite a few holes and was almost unbelievable at times. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
There were a couple of space battles in this book that demonstrate that the author really doesn’t understand the science behind what is likely to happen in space combat.
I enjoyed this book more than the previous one, but not by much, the last quarter of the story had quite a few holes and was almost unbelievable at times. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
August 26, 2021
The best of the series so far. Fun and exciting. Also I can't help but picture Sydney as a dalek but nice.
May 13, 2020
This is another action-packed installment of the Black Flag series. The crew is on a boring run when they receive a distress signal. The other ship is alien to them, but they rescue the remaining people aboard. There were some puzzling moments like when a caller identified the three main passengers, but the crew just ignored the reference altogether. I had all kinds of questions about that, especially since no one listening to the message seemed to find anything wrong with how the passengers were identified. Eventually all is revealed. They do eventually start to question what really is going on with their rescues, but I was still impatient with them.
The crew deals with another alien race which is the enemy of the rescued folks. Then they also have to deal with pirates and double-dealing. There were some tense moments I was worried for various characters. There were also some light moments regarding the wedding, a sort-of-romance for Frank and other such matters. I can't wait to read the next.
The crew deals with another alien race which is the enemy of the rescued folks. Then they also have to deal with pirates and double-dealing. There were some tense moments I was worried for various characters. There were also some light moments regarding the wedding, a sort-of-romance for Frank and other such matters. I can't wait to read the next.
December 12, 2019
Excited for the next one...
I was so excited when using dame this books was being released shortly after the 2nd. I loved the action of this one laser finally see our fair share of space pirates this time.
Now I have to wait until spring time to read what happens next.
I was so excited when using dame this books was being released shortly after the 2nd. I loved the action of this one laser finally see our fair share of space pirates this time.
Now I have to wait until spring time to read what happens next.
June 22, 2020
If you love spaceship battles then Troubled Waters is the book for you! Rachel Ford sets our gang on a rescue mission and then has it turn into an all out war. I have to be honest here: I cried. The battle scenes are so intense and death comes calling that Ford had me crying. It was freaking awesome.
I will confess that I kind of had a feeling about one of the biggest plot twists. It could be because I am a cynical bastard or it could be a familiar trope. Not sure.
I loved the bromance between Frank and Liam and then Frank and Dave. How do I explain my love for Syd without giving away anything from the book? I don’t. You have to read it to understand that my love for Syd is sealed with this book.
Everything once again chances with Troubled Waters. I am excited to see where Ford takes us next. Until next time...see in you in the stars.
Thank you to the author for putting the book on Kindle Unlimited affording me the opportunity to read it as it has not hit my library yet. Thank you!!!!
I will confess that I kind of had a feeling about one of the biggest plot twists. It could be because I am a cynical bastard or it could be a familiar trope. Not sure.
I loved the bromance between Frank and Liam and then Frank and Dave. How do I explain my love for Syd without giving away anything from the book? I don’t. You have to read it to understand that my love for Syd is sealed with this book.
Everything once again chances with Troubled Waters. I am excited to see where Ford takes us next. Until next time...see in you in the stars.
Thank you to the author for putting the book on Kindle Unlimited affording me the opportunity to read it as it has not hit my library yet. Thank you!!!!
May 21, 2021
Six months is space in close quarters would wreak havoc on the best of any person. A distress call, sudden explosion and lots of secrets brings danger, mayhem and ship battles to the Black Flag. I love Sydney! He's evolving beyond his programmed parameters and seems to be enjoying himself. Katherine is a good friend to Frank. The writing doesn't waste time in innocuous details. I like reading things like 'weeks passed'. The dialogue's crisp, witty, and if the crew gets a new cook I won't cry or whimper. The group of people rescued should have been placed in an escape pod (just sayin'). There's lots of action and for a minute there I thought the Black Flag was a goner. Still binging and on to the next in the series. Who said sleep was required?
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April 1, 2020Troubled Waters (Black Flag, #3), my eleventh read from author Rachel Ford. This book is so well-written & enjoyable, no matter the genre a Rachel Ford book can be counted on to be entertaining & enjoyable. I have to say there's something to be said about reading a series back-to-back-to-back that increases the enjoyment as you're in the mindset of the books going in. I look forward to No Quarter (Black Flag, #4) the next book in the series that came out today. "I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 24, 2022
A very enjoyable read. Check the other reviews if you want to know some of what is happening. This book does not try to explain the physics, it is more of mystery thriller type that concentrates on what is involved on human-alien interactions where everyone is similar but different and range from good to bad, honest to dishonest, and likeable to detestable.
"I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review."
"I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review."
April 1, 2021
These adventures as exciting, the author makes is compelling and easy to get wrapped up in the story-line. I can not say enough about how happy I am for Frank, and can't wait for the next book to see his relation ship flourish... not to mention the wedding!
September 26, 2019
I have read several other books by this author, but neither of the other Black Flag books. So I did not really know what to expect with this series.
Overall, this was a pleasant trip and kept me turning pages. There were a few strange things that did not really detract from the read, but DID make "my eyebrows climb up my forehead," which is a description used QUITE frequently. Must be a LOT of untamed eyebrows, with this crew!
There were some incorrect word choices and misspellings - at one point, the ship is in a "precocious" state. I am not sure how that would even be possible. I am quite sure the author meant "precarious." "Faux paus" instead of faux pas. Again...these are more distracting than detracting. Those were the only two instances I highlighted, as they were the most glaring to me.
This is mostly a clean read. There are fade out scenes of intimacy, but nothing that would faze a young adult reader.
I had a sense throughout the whole book that the relationship between the two main characters was not realistic. Let me clarify...the "professional relationship" between the characters. Yes, this is a private ship and not a "Union ship." That being the case, there is perhaps less expectation that the crew will act "professionally." But the informality was often jarring. Having not read the other two books, maybe this is just a newbie sense. But people in life and death situations NEED that professionalism to stay alive. In this book, there is a LOT of informal bantering, even in very serious situations. When on the job or in a life and death situation, a little less "Mags"...and a lot more "Captain" would not go amiss. This is just a subjective beef, on my part, though.
Much of the action was a bit telegraphed and predictable. The ending was satisfying, though. And even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone book very easily. I hate books where you either need to read the prior books to understand ANYTHING of what is happening, or you need to read later books to have any kind of resolution. This avoids that, which is a very positive thing. If I could rate this 3.5, I would do so. It was an easy read and not a bad one.
I was given a free review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review. This is my own honest opinion.
Overall, this was a pleasant trip and kept me turning pages. There were a few strange things that did not really detract from the read, but DID make "my eyebrows climb up my forehead," which is a description used QUITE frequently. Must be a LOT of untamed eyebrows, with this crew!
There were some incorrect word choices and misspellings - at one point, the ship is in a "precocious" state. I am not sure how that would even be possible. I am quite sure the author meant "precarious." "Faux paus" instead of faux pas. Again...these are more distracting than detracting. Those were the only two instances I highlighted, as they were the most glaring to me.
This is mostly a clean read. There are fade out scenes of intimacy, but nothing that would faze a young adult reader.
I had a sense throughout the whole book that the relationship between the two main characters was not realistic. Let me clarify...the "professional relationship" between the characters. Yes, this is a private ship and not a "Union ship." That being the case, there is perhaps less expectation that the crew will act "professionally." But the informality was often jarring. Having not read the other two books, maybe this is just a newbie sense. But people in life and death situations NEED that professionalism to stay alive. In this book, there is a LOT of informal bantering, even in very serious situations. When on the job or in a life and death situation, a little less "Mags"...and a lot more "Captain" would not go amiss. This is just a subjective beef, on my part, though.
Much of the action was a bit telegraphed and predictable. The ending was satisfying, though. And even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone book very easily. I hate books where you either need to read the prior books to understand ANYTHING of what is happening, or you need to read later books to have any kind of resolution. This avoids that, which is a very positive thing. If I could rate this 3.5, I would do so. It was an easy read and not a bad one.
I was given a free review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review. This is my own honest opinion.
October 3, 2019
Good space opera sci-fi with women at the helm and a robot who can think independently - 4 stars
Captain Maggie Landon is a privateer, not a pirate, who works under a contract with the Union. She is engaged to the Chief Engineer who is the story's narrator much of the time. There are two related races, previously unknown to the Union, who want nothing more than to erase each other out of existence: Korinthians and Denari.
Technology for far in the future is handled gracefully from Jump drives that blow up to cloaking that works spectacularly.
Half truths and unexpected emotional attachments breathe life into a convoluted plot. With only one exception, readers will not guess plot turns which change nearly "obvious" expectations.
The author presents several non-human races, planet systems and deep space way stations. People (generically) are still people; some have leadership skills and some are technically proficient. The collective crew of the Black Flag come together when the pressure is on and collapse later.
I was not able to figure out the connection of the title to the story--there were lots of troubles but no waters; nevertheless I found Troubled Waters interesting and entertaining.
Captain Maggie Landon is a privateer, not a pirate, who works under a contract with the Union. She is engaged to the Chief Engineer who is the story's narrator much of the time. There are two related races, previously unknown to the Union, who want nothing more than to erase each other out of existence: Korinthians and Denari.
Technology for far in the future is handled gracefully from Jump drives that blow up to cloaking that works spectacularly.
Half truths and unexpected emotional attachments breathe life into a convoluted plot. With only one exception, readers will not guess plot turns which change nearly "obvious" expectations.
The author presents several non-human races, planet systems and deep space way stations. People (generically) are still people; some have leadership skills and some are technically proficient. The collective crew of the Black Flag come together when the pressure is on and collapse later.
I was not able to figure out the connection of the title to the story--there were lots of troubles but no waters; nevertheless I found Troubled Waters interesting and entertaining.
September 29, 2019
Our crew receives a distress signal while returning from a routine supply run and pauses to investigate. But all is not as it seems.
This is book three in the series. The story works well as a standalone, but you won't understand all the relationships if you start here. I recommend you start from book one (or at least book two).
This is an SF space adventure, somewhere along the lines of Firefly. The science is there, but the ship and crew are the heart of this story. They have that wonderful mix of personalities that provides depth to a story. The story is well written with a solid plot and plenty of twists and turns which keep the reader guessing. I truly got sucked in the moment I started the book
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book three in the series. The story works well as a standalone, but you won't understand all the relationships if you start here. I recommend you start from book one (or at least book two).
This is an SF space adventure, somewhere along the lines of Firefly. The science is there, but the ship and crew are the heart of this story. They have that wonderful mix of personalities that provides depth to a story. The story is well written with a solid plot and plenty of twists and turns which keep the reader guessing. I truly got sucked in the moment I started the book
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
September 26, 2019
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
In "Troubled Waters", Ford continues the action packed adventures of the Black Flag's crew. The author continues her fine job of world building and character development.
I really enjoyed this book.
Q: How are the wedding plans coming along for both of the intended couples?
Q: Will Frank finally find love, or is he doomed to always being a groomsman and never a groom?
Q: How will the Black Flag prevail against four to one odds?
A: Buy the book to find out!!
In the interest of transparency: I was given a free review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review. This is my own honest opinion.
In "Troubled Waters", Ford continues the action packed adventures of the Black Flag's crew. The author continues her fine job of world building and character development.
I really enjoyed this book.
Q: How are the wedding plans coming along for both of the intended couples?
Q: Will Frank finally find love, or is he doomed to always being a groomsman and never a groom?
Q: How will the Black Flag prevail against four to one odds?
A: Buy the book to find out!!
In the interest of transparency: I was given a free review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review. This is my own honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2019
Troubled Waters is the third book in Rachel Ford's Black Flag series and, while this PG15 space adventure could be read by itself in a day, I urge you to read the series in order for the excellent character development.
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.
October 9, 2019
Troubled Waters is the third book in Rachel Ford's Black Flag series and, while this PG15 space adventure could be read by itself in a day, I urge you to read the series in order for the excellent character development.
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.
October 9, 2019
This novel continues the worldbuilding and character development of the first two novels and it doesn't disappoint the reader. You will feel the action and try to figure out the plot along with the crew. Enjoy this novel, I did.
January 9, 2020
Kay Ellis is an intergalactic space engineer just trying to plan her wedding during an easy space run when things take a turn. She and the crew get tangled up in saving the ruler of another alien race. Lots of action, twists and turns. Good book!
January 13, 2020
I liked this one. I like the intrigue, I like the buildup to the end. It isn't too long of a read, but it's not too short either. It's a good fun read for someone who wants to be able to get away from life for a few hours. Can't wait for the 4th one in April.
September 28, 2019
This is the first book of the series that I have read. It has great characters and filled with action and twists making this a great read
October 2, 2019
Terrific!
I have loved this series, and this one fits in just perfectly. The characters and their stories, are great. Thank you, Ms. Ford.
I have loved this series, and this one fits in just perfectly. The characters and their stories, are great. Thank you, Ms. Ford.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews