The collection features eight novels totaling 2200 pages. The wide variation in their styles, target audience and approach to story telling speaks to the challenge faced by the curator of any collection. All are apparently independent or self-published, and the quality -- or at least my experience and perception of (trying) to read them -- varied pretty widely.
I thought Ares Weapon was a 5 star read; Few Are Chosen, 3.5 rounded up to 4; Watchers’ Web, Generation and Exodus, 3 stars; Europa, Truth Beyond The Sky, and The Girl Who Twisted Fate’s Arm rounded out the pack at 2 stars each, averaging out to 3 stars out of 5 for the collection as a whole.
Some of these were pretty old when published in the collection and I’m interested in revisiting all of the authors to see how their later work compares. I did find it definitely worthwhile to peruse the collection for the exposure to authors who I hadn't read before.
A compilation of several very good stories that kept me glued to their stories and wanting to continue to wherever their next book would lead. Unfortunately, there was one story I skipped because of the very "R" rated language used by most of the characters. Mild by many standards, but not mine, so therefore I shall not mention the name. That, and its not worth my time to search out which book it was. Its well worth checking out regardless because the other stories are exceptional!
First I thought, "I read this before," as I did with 2 other books I started and finished in the last couple of months. Hey, just because you've already read them doesn't mean you can't read them again, right!? Then, I realised I was wrong. I had started this before and stopped for some reason but fell right back into the first story. It was excellent! I loved all of them! I recommend this set to anyone who loves a good read that has adventure, space travel, aliens, danger, and magic! Trust me, you won't regret it.
I rated this as a three as it is hard to give a rating when you have a group of authors of varying abilities and years of experience. A couple of the authors are clearly a 5 and plus all the way, then there are a couple of authors that I would probably mark as a one, but you know writers have to start somewhere, and really a hats off to the more experience and gifted to give them a chance and a hand up! I received this series from BookFunnel. This is my true and honest opinion.
This collection did not get more stars because all the books were different levels. The Beginnings is the best of the collection 4 stars and the other books take in a lot of different genres. If you have plenty of time to read then you will like this collection. Even if you only get the collection for the Beginnings it is still a good value for your money.
It was a decent book with an interesting concept, enough to make me want to finish the story, but I frequently had to suspend disbelief, not about the science but about the what the hero was able to get away with (like walking around without being noticed after starting a campaign against the “government” and other things like that).
These books are widely different, yet share a common thread. Most are first books in a series, and they definitely create the urge to scout out the remaining books in those series. Science fiction adventure at it’s finest!
I received a no cost copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Puerile fiction, probably suitable for tweens. Fairly good storylines ruined by poor writing. The characters in these books are one dimensional & lack believability. I won't be reading anything else offered by these writers. DNR.
The second book was no better than the first, the star is a self absorbed woman who seems unable to relate to the fact there are others around her, she dismissed one person's personal tragedy while being irritated that her old tragedy wasn't taking presidence. While they shuttle vital supplies she complains they aren't being her equipment first, I can't take this kind of personality in my reading or my life, I'm sure some will enjoy her as they are reminded of someone they know, maybe even themselves, it does seem this personality trait is prevalent in young women today so it might be relevant to them.
Eight book ones of series including just one that I ranked with a definite “more” - six “maybes” - only one “pass”. Where possible, I have reviewed the stories individually so feel free to look those up if you are so inclined.
Oct 15, 2021 Watcher’s Web (book 1) by Patty Jansen
2021 Grade Z
I read the dust jacket description and then started the novel. The dust jacket made me suspect I was not interested. The start confirmed it and I moved on to the next book. There's nothing wrong with the book that I know of, it was just not my kind of story.
= = = = = = = Oct 19, 2021 Europa (book 2) (book 1 of three in the Taxyon series) by Aurora Springer
2021 Grade B+
Intelligent space adventure and I enjoyed it.
Faults: The prose, including the dialog, was initially a little formal. It either got better or I adapted because I no longer noticed after a short while. Occasional minor problems suspending my disbelief but only because I have a wide scientific background.
Merits: Easy, fun, and fast reading. Good solid SciFi. Interesting and complex story. Solid conclusion that I had to make sure I had enough time to finish - I did not want to stop in the middle. Strong and interesting female scientist protagonist. Excellent world building and character development.
Basic plot: Scientists are researching Europa from a station built above and below the ice. This story explores life in the ocean under the ice.
A recommended book. (I have already purchased the other books.)
= = = = = = = = = = = = Dec 10, 2021 Generation (book 5) (book 1 of 10 in the Shadows Of The Void series) by J.J. Green
2021 Grade B or B+
This is a fast fun read of an action based space opera. For some reason I can't put my finger on, it didn't seem to have enough depth. Yet, the characters were very alive, unique, identifiable, and enjoyable. The protagonist is great. The story is slightly predictable for an experienced reader, but still quite good. It does end in a medium level cliff hanger. This installment's story is completed and the characters are safe - the aliens have been defeated, but the ship is stranded. The book might not be in the SciFi "literature" class, but some SciFi literature I have is very out of date. This is a good modern read. I still have not decided if I will buy more. I think yes, but the combination of grade, cliff hanger, and Ten books puts me off.
= = = = = = = = = = = = Oct 25, 2022
I'm not sure I actually finished it or not but I am marking it as finished for now. If I read more I will update it.
So this collection gets an added star for you get complete 1st novels of eight different series by 8 different authors. It May be that it should get another, because that's a lot of reading for a very low price. However, I felt the plots were too weak &/or had errors too much. Also, the characters are generally written as absolute idiots. Unlike several other offerings like this I did not connect with any of these series and ended DNF on all.