Deus Ex Mechanic

The Cricket Chronicles #1

by Ryann Fletcher

Alice is the best mechanic the corrupt Coalition regime has ever seen. When she’s kidnapped by an infamous vigilante space pirate named Violet, she has to make the hardest decision she’s ever made: escape back to the comfort of the Coalition, or risk everything to fight injustice?

When Violet decided to ransack Coalition vessels, she never though she’d have to fight her feelings for Alice, too. Will giving into an affair with the treasonous mechanic cloud her judgment and jeopardize the safety of her crew?

As they fight side by side against ruthless rival pirate captain Leo and his crew, will they grow closer together, or will everything fall apart and leave them stranded in dark space?

Deus Ex Mechanic is an own voices f/f steampunk adventure book, and part one of the Cricket Chronicles series.

Genres: Science Fiction, Lesbian, Queer, Fantasy, Romance, LGBT, Fiction

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2020

About the author

Ryann Fletcher is a card-carrying geek with a love of sci-fi and fantasy in all their forms. She is also an unapologetic foodie with a carb addiction.

Reviews

[AnnMaree Of Oz]

DNF at 56% in, and still 2+ hours to go.

I liked the idea of a sort of steampunk space ship piracy story, but it soon unraveled to unconvincing plots and immature interactions that felt so very juvenile.

The connection between Pirate Violet and Mechanic Alice was instantaneous, and unbelievable. Even more unbelievable was Alice 'defecting' to become a pirate for very little reason, after previously having been a sturdy Coalition Mechanic that didn't want to get involved in politics.

The motivations for each character were lackluster at best and I really struggled to care let alone be convinced.

When a more convoluted relationship happens between Violet and Alice and more questions asked than communicated, it became angsty and shallow. It felt like a young adult TV drama and I couldn't continue.

[T.J. Dallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is absolutely fantastic, and an amazing debut! Incredible!

When Alice, a silver haired Coalition mechanic (the best in the galaxy!) with a non-model body (love it!) is taken hostage by the seductive Captain Violet of the pirate ship, Cricket, little does she expect to want to return after being forced to repair their ship. But as more and more secrets about the Coalition comes to light, and Alice learns more about the good work and help that the pirate crew provide for the rebels (think sci-fi Robin Hood!), it takes a stolen shuttle and some destruction for Alice to get back. But the Coalition isn't the only problem for Violet and her crew when other vicious pirate ships are out for their heads!

Well-written, easy to follow sapphic sci-fi (I can't handle the hard/complicated sci-fi stuff) with love, sexy scenes, actions, thrills, and twists! Awesome MCs and side characters (Ned and Hyun for the win!) and I genuinely almost squealed out loud at the final resolution! I am in awe, and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Highly recommend!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a grand adventure! I'm giving a kudos shout out to Ryann Fletcher for making me care about a very tall mechanic and pirate captain who may be more like Robin Hood than Blackbeard. I also would love to know more about Kady, Ned and Ivy. I can't say I always care this much about secondary characters but the author dragged my heart into loving the crew too. I like the style of story telling that Fletcher has and would recommend this book to anyone.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't terrible but it wasn't great either. It seemed like Wayfarer's series lite.

Something that kind of ate at my brain was that the ages are never mentioned in the story, just that Alice could retire at her age and she had silver hair. Are we talking forty or sixty here? There's mentions of decades a lot but my brain had a really hard time tacking down an age and no one really acts like they're sixty or forty. They all kind of act like they're in their late 20s and 30s.

I may be making a way bigger thing of this than I should. I just wanted to know if I was dealing with Blanche or Sophia and the book gave me nothing.

There was a lot of redundancy also in the inner thoughts of characters that slowed down the plot and a lot of the problems seemed manufactured. Overall, the story lives up to the title's name.

If you want to read an excellent book about people in space, I recommend the Wayfarer's series.

[the kevin (vaguely alive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has First Book energy for sure, but I like where it's heading.

I enjoyed the plotline - the Coalition vs pirates, rebels, defections, etc. It was well plotted, the only sticky point is getting between those more smoothly (hence, first book energy).

I liked the characters a lot, they were given creative backstories and motivations. They also had very real struggles - Captain Violet has to struggle with PTSD after some events. I also liked all of the casual rep and acceptance on the ship. Be whoever you are, whoever you want. It was very sweet.

I was very entertained by the world this is set in. Steampunk space pirates?? The complete lack of fucks about physics is amazing. It all runs on vibes and they are A+ vibes.

Overall, execution needs a bit of work but very intriguing potential. It dragged a bit in the middle, but I will definitely continue the series!



Read more reviews on my blog: 
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/

[Yahli Rot · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest science fiction I've read.
The plot is interesting, smart, and not too predictable, so you'll still be anxious to know what's going to happen. I couldn't put it down.
The romance part is fun and complex in a very simple way.
I loved and enjoyed the story, highly recommend it for any science fiction fan.

[Diana · Rating 1 out of 5]

A lazy book. There's so much ambition in setting up this steam-punk space rebellion world and then finding the time to develop a romance within this world. However, neither was done very well. We create two opposing sides that are hardcore life or death but when it came time to actually prove that, no one really stood solidly in their convictions. People deflected left and right, motivations were an afterthought. Then the romance. Their was this push and pull that could have easily been the books salvation but just like the plot, the intentions behind the push and pull, the will they or won't they, were an afterthought. Something to create a tension but not enough to care if the romance developed or not.

There were so many times I was on the verge of DNF but I just had this small in hope in me, that I'd find something I really enjoyed.

[Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping story, and I'm already looking forward to the next one! A minor niggle is the occasional mess-up with names, wrong spellings/words, etc; it's not frequent enough to make it unreadable for me, but it would clearly have benefited from further proofreading. However - very enjoyable story, likeable characters, and exciting chases, explosions, and piracy!

[merp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapphic space pirates?

Sign me up. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Ruth Govaerts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as a present from my husband. He knows I like cheesy romantic novels and wanted our two worlds to mix together. He's fond of science fiction books and told me this was a mixture of both our preferences. I really enjoyed it. It was quirky and I loved the characters. They were a lot of fun. Normally I read pretty stereotypical 'boy-meets-girl' books and I was very glad to read something more inclusive. Sometimes I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't wait to know what would happen next. My favorite character is Hyun. I enjoyed the parts where Hyun was basically a very good therapist. Would definitely sign up for one of these sessions. Can't wait to read the next book!

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute and engaging! Who doesn’t love space pirates! The story moved quickly and I enjoyed the characters and the crew dynamics.

[Mir]

Free right now, sounds potentially interesting,

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up as a holiday read.

Fun space romp with the Actually Good Pirates vs Oppressive Coalition. Enjoyable scifi romance.

Could’ve done with some copy edits, and the representation is occasionally *very* clunky, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’m just here for mechanic/pirate captain with some spice.

[Issy Waldrom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a rather interesting and engaging setting - steampunk space travel is not something that you see often, but it also works very well, giving it all a thematic flair that you don't often see. It also means that the tech level is also lowered somewhat, but that works in the favor of the story.

This story is a tale of a pirate captain and a mechanic for the coalition, and of how they end up together (because, as often is the case, not all is as it seems), but also just as much the story of the rebels vs the coalition, which we get introduced to and becomes are prominent feature of the book. This war is also the core plot that runs through the rest of the series (6 books in all), the backdrop to the love stories, that if they are anything like this one, will have plenty of action.

I enjoyed the book, though the constant "we must hide the relationship" from Violet annoyed me (and why I rated it as I did). That kind of requirement is taxing on the other half, and can just as easily destroy a relationship. I am curious about the rest of the series, however, and am likely to pick up at least another one.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 great start to this book series

[Beccs Lasky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Promising premise … but I don’t think I was the target audience for this one. It felt a touch too unbelievable, even within the realm of sci-fi. The love story between Alice and Violet came across to me as forced and entirely out there, whereas the alluding to other characters’ relationships was a bit ‘in your face’. I think what bothered me most was not having any indication of what Alice looked like beyond “long silver braids” and tall, until about 3/4 of the way through the book. It was also mentioned multiple times that she’d been part of the Coalition for decades but was unaware of what was happening outside the boiler room on the ship. Yet, she spoke as though she was just an ignorant young adult, not an intelligent mechanic with years under her belt.
As for the narration, I have yet to find a female narrator I could tolerate and there were times I tuned out completely because all the characters sounded the same.
I wanted to walk away but have this thing about finishing what I started. Like I said, the premise was so promising… it just fell flat right out of the gate for me.
I received an audio copy from the author but a review was not required.

[Megan]

This was fine, overall; something about the writing didn't quite work for me. The pacing felt a little lopsided (a lot happened really close to the end), and I didn't ever understand what Violet thought the big deal with seeing one of her crew members would be - I'm not sure it was clearly explained, and I don't know what plot purpose it served.

I can tell the author wrote the book she wanted to read, and that's really great, be the book you want to see in the world! I feel like my review is more negative than I feel about the book! The cast of characters was well dispersed and I never was confused about who was who, which happens a lot in books set with a crew.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect escape, and just what I needed to go back down the steampunk rabbit hole!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story. Hated the way Violet kept playing with Alice. Not wanting the crew to know they were together.

[Sydney Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally reviewed on StoryGraph: 3.25 ⭐️ rounded down

I'm not super into sci-fi, but I like Firefly and this book gave me some of those same vibes, so I thought I'd try it out. Actually the sci-fi elements were cool, the universe was easy to understand and the engineering terms were explained in a way that I didn't feel like I was missing anything even having very slim knowledge.

I liked the parallels between the Coalition and the government in the real world and how you actively have to open your eyes to corruption and the truth. It was political without being too preachy. The dynamic between Alice and Barnaby was interesting, tbh I don't think I ever would have forgiven him, but I liked to see Alice stand up for herself and just because it ended ok doesn't mean he was justified. I would've liked to see their friendship grow more in the book.

My biggest complaint with this book was the romance. The first kiss happened way too fast, but they were drunk and I was willing to let it go, but the second night Alice is back on the ship, they sleep together. And Violet isn't clear at all with the fact that they have to keep it a secret in the beginning. Then it's a bunch of back and forth of Violet being jealous but saying that they can't actually be together and Alice just accepting whatever Violet is willing to give.

I also feel like some interesting plot points were brought up like the fact that the Coalition knew where the Cricket was, but we never find out how. It might continue in the next book and I was planning on reading it because the series is called Cricket Chronicles, but when I read the excerpt, it's about characters that haven't been introduced and aren't involved in the Cricket at all but somehow end up on it. I would've much rather read about a character that was already introduced and seeing more about life on the ship.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be continuing the series and I don't plan on reading any of the author's other books, but I'd be open if the premise was interesting. I'd recommend this book to someone that likes sci-fi and doesn't mind insta-lust with a relationship that has to remain secret.

[Laurel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Netflix Voltron but with sex and lesbians instead of aliens and cat robots.

Characters have absolutely no distinguishing personality traits. Zero consistency. No one had any actual motivations for doing anything, they're all wishy-washy and all over the place. Deeply unearned romance between the main characters who honestly don't have any chemistry.
The food was weird. So much Earth food for people who don't ever seem to go to earth. It felt like a plot hole in the world building.
The fashion sounded kinda silly. It was just a little too detailed and over the top, it felt very like a teenager writing a fan fiction and every character is just wearing their self-insert dream clothes. (callout @ myself at 13 writing every character as having a closet full of every cool band tshirt and skinny jeans and converse and heaps of black eyeliner. i've been there)
SO MUCH CRYING. Not everyone cries this much and crying is just not appropriate for every scenario, especially not from EVERY character.
Weird dialogue. Overly exaggerated drama where there honestly wasn't any. Childish fights with no motivation behind them, clearly just pushing the story where the author wanted it.
The idea for Banrion was fun but honestly could have been cut from the book entirely. It served no purpose and the games were SO strangely short. But I still like the concept, it was cute.

Overall, not impressed by the writing, the story, or the characters.
I lowkey liked it regardless because I LOVE sci fi and lesbians so 🤷🏼‍♀️ that's on me lol. (admittedly, I also liked Voltron even though it sucked. I know, my taste is questionable)
But I still won't be reading any more of the series, the characters and story just don't compel me enough.
Do not recommend unless you will consume pretty much any space trash like me. 😌

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was very engaging and the characters were fun and easily imagined! Alice and Violet were compelling, and the found-family vibe of the crew was very enjoyable to watch develop. The world building was really interesting and leaves a lot of room for new adventures, which is exciting! The book would have benefitted from some further editing, as there were a few issues relating to spelling and grammar, plus a few structural mishaps and a theme of telling rather than showing. Having said that, none of this really detracted from the ease of reading or how much I enjoyed the overall story.

I would have loved for Alice to have been provided a more compelling incentive to defect than the one we are given. She flipped quite quickly to being very positive towards the Cricket and its crew, which is morally good, but just unexpected based on the early motivations that were given and what little it felt we knew about Alice's personality and experiences at that stage.

Some of the action components felt like they happened very quickly - it made the subsequent emotional reactions or celebrations feel a little unexpected. Alice becomes a senior member of the crew very quickly, without much said to explain how that might have happened. It's compounded by the fact that she describes herself as having been on the ship for less than two months shortly afterwards. It does make it feel like she got the role because of her Coalition experience, which didn't feel quite right for the context.

I did really enjoy this book, and it was really fun to be able to add some new galaxy-themed representation (of a pleasantly surprising quantity and variety) to my bookshelf!

[B, · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet the crew of the Cricket

Ryann Fletcher’s Deus Ex Mechanic provides a look at the lives of the space pirates crewing the aged, embattled Cricket under the leadership of Captain Violet Vear.

Alice, the solo mechanic for the starship C.S. Stronghold, meets the attractive, captivating captain when Violet and her crew board the Stronghold to pillage its holds for food and supplies.

To her surprise, when the pirates return to the Cricket with their haul, Violet forces Alice to accompany them, having targeted her because she’s the best mechanic across the Coalition.

Alice is angry at being kidnapped, but Violet promises she’ll be released to return to her Coalition crew when she completes repairs needed on the Cricket.

Aboard the pirate ship, Alice gains a broader perspective of both the pirates’ and the Coalition’s actions and begins to reassesses her allegiances.

Deus Ex Mechanic is a story worth reading — there are rewarding working relationships, tense battles between different factions, a couple of budding romances, and lively camaraderie among the crew members.

[Sha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful sci-fi with steampunk inspiration. Funny and light, great story, and great characters. The world-building, while a bit on the lighter side, is still interesting and I am sure will become more substantial with the next books in the series.
I loved the casual attitude towards queer relationships, it is almost a given and a standard rather than queers being the outcast, extraordinary people.
Some of the supporting characters are begging for a book of their own and I’m hoping it will happen.

I highly recommend it as an introductory book for people who are not familiar with sci-fi or for sci-fi lovers who want to read something lighter.

T&T:
Tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, “office” romance (hot for captain), older women, love in space
Triggers: some graphic violence (a few punches and explosions), open-door sex scenes, death from starvation (off-page)
Rating: 4 stars

[ARR62 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Debut

I'm so happy to have found this series. I hadn't read a space opera or space thriller before 2019 and have had LOTS of time to catch up. This book is going to be a favourite. I love inclusiveness and so far many of the books I've read envision a more inclusive world socially while exceptionally rigid in terms of governance. This book is no exception. I love the characters in this book, no one dimension stereotypes here and the interactions, responses, feelings are true to each character. I thoroughly enjoyed this boom and am excited to start Book 2.

[Xiaoqing · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting adventure! I love the fast paced and vivid storytelling, the incredible chemistry between the brave pirate ship captain and the best mechanic, the love and support among the crew members. It strongly reminds me of the Hunger games, the rebellion against a cruel and corrupted government, the desperate races for survival, the generous and noble help for the poor and hungry. I can't help but rooting for this small pirate ship to beat the all mighty correlation force. This mesmerizing story makes me want to read the rest of the series.

[Starfire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I picked this one up in a 'Stuff your Kindle' or similar giveaway, and it held a lot of promise (sapphic pirates with steam tech, gallivating around space? yes please!), but unfortunately, it just didn't hold my interest, and I ended up DNFing around 25%.

That said, I'm not sure how much of that was due to the book, and how much was just my current frame of mind... so I might yet try going back to it at some point.

For now though, it's time to shift to something that present!me feels like reading.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. Everyone are not what they appear to be in the beginning. It is amazing to me how with space adventures, the crew nearly always become as important to the reader as the main characters. This tale is no exception to that observation. The main characters were interesting, the plot kept me going. A really fun and lovely story. Guess I must read the next installment now, oh darn.

[birbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the characters, but it was a bit too dialogue driven for me and that particular style is hard for me to get into. It also wasn't the type of sci-fi I was looking for (I like hard-sci), but that's a me problem, not a book problem. It reminded me a bit of Firefly, but if it had all the problematic bits removed, and I honestly did like the characters, especially Ned and Hyun. I also liked the nod to MtG, that was fun.

[✩☽]

dnf @ 20%

yeah i'm just gonna be honest with myself and admit i have no interest in finishing this because it's already so lacklustre and cliche with its instalove schtick i know exactly how it is going to play out. i wish writers understood the appeal of enemies-to-lovers requires you to draw out the enemies arc while providing a compelling case for romantic compatibility between characters, instead of what we have here, namely characters swimming in lust-induced-stupidity by chapter 4.