Space Throne

by Brian Corley

Parr never meant for any of this to happen. All he wanted to do was pilot the Aurora around the galaxy and avoid his royal duties for a while.

Now, in the wake of his parents’ mysterious demise, it’s time to un-fake his death and take up the mantle meant for him since birth.

Unfortunately, it won’t be easy.

A pirate king and the galaxy’s most dangerous bounty hunter stand between him and the gates of his home, Bilena Epso Ach.

Parr will need the help of two unlikely friends. Manc Yelray, a wise-cracking old pirate with money on his mind and an appetite for strange similies. And Ren, a smooth-talking outlander with a plan, and a shadowy secret of her own.

But do they have what it takes? And what will they eat along the way? Because there’s only one rule in space: never eat the hot snack.

ANYTHING but the hot snack.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Fiction

305 pages, ebook

First published October 13, 2020

About the author

Brian Corley is the praised YA author of Space Throne and Ghost Bully as well as the upcoming new release GILM!. He is also a songwriter and musician in the well-received rock band, The Mars McClanes, who have been recording for twenty-one years and are based in Portland.

Not all authors can say that their novel started out as a song lyric, but for Brian, that’s exactly what happened. GILM!, his contemporary YA magical realism novel, is currently being released in conjunction with a new song of the same name, a collaboration with his band. What began as a writing exercise trying to find a word that rhymes with film, ended as a circuitous creative journey that spawned an energetic rock song and the kernel of an idea to write a thrilling fantasy story about a new kid trying to impress a girl.

Brian believes a great story is a good mixture of emotion and craft, something you can tell someone poured their heart into. For him, there’s nothing like someone telling you what a passage or a lyric means to them. He hopes his stories evoke an emotion in his YA readers that stays with them long after the book is closed.

A member of the SFWA (Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association), Brian has received high praise from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and BookLife, among others, for his novels. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his amazing dog, Brisket.

Reviews

[coty ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridiculously fun. The world presented in Space Throne is so vibrant and full of life that flows effortlessly on the page, the characters and story so aesthetically pleasing and easy to imagine; an expansive universe is the backdrop for characters with sharp voices and complete characterizations. My issue with scifi is typically in the worldbuilding, with the lore either being over- or under-explained, but Brian Corley really finds the perfect balance in immersing you into the world without it feeling cluttered. While humorous at times, Corley doesn't skimp on the action and development, just brushing against the politics of the universe in a sly and efficient manner. I don't even find myself bothered by the sort-of-instalove between Parr and Ren because the progression of their relationship feels wholly natural instead of forced.

While it works well as a standalone, it's rich with potential to be expanded into a series, either with Parr at the helm or another character guiding us through the universe; I wouldn't mind either.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Scott - Book Invasion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty fun but unoriginal scifi romp. A prince who faked his own death and has gone rogue, living the life of an outlaw outside of the reach of the 12 kingdoms. Though after some run ins with some nasty bounty hunters (and omg if i have to read 'Glogs and borlongs' ONE MORE TIME) he falls for another outlaw who aids him in his adventures and decides to return home to re-claim the throne. Super fast space ships, alien races, shady markets, bounty hunters, and space-gate travel.

This book is not one to be taken too seriously. It reminded me of those classic 'Space Quest' games with a definite 'Han Solo' type protagonist. Arrogant, though in way over his head and thinks that luck is skill. The other characters each had their own dimensions and I enjoyed the cast. The setting was really among various backwater planets/space stations so there wasn't a ton of world building which was to be expected for an action-scifi.

This was a pretty solid read for those who love to gobble up all things 'space-romp' but it's not much of a stand out. Give it a shot and explore some new authors.

Thanks to #Netgalley for the review copy

[SplatterGeist Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Space Throne is such a fun book to read that I kept thinking this would have made a great addition to the expansive Star Wars universe. There are weird, freaky, and strange aliens just as diverse as you could imagine and are as morally questionable like any hutt (Jabba the Hutt), quirky and odd gungans (Jar-Jar Binks), and miniature wookies and yuzzums among a few.

There’s literary quite a cadre of alien races Corley has created in the world of Space Throne that I personally feel the author should hire an artist to create a bestiary of sorts to do his creations some justice.

Other than a clearly-defined plot, an expansive world that has plenty of potential for future novels if Corley ever decides to write more novels (it would be a waste of creativity and time if he doesn’t), characters who aren’t only witty and remain in a state of stasis but maintain an excellent sense of momentum as the plot unwinds, and villains both daunting and hilarious, Space Throne is a book you’d really want to pick up if you’re in the mood for a Star Wars story.

Corley also recently stated in a blog post how much he enjoyed Solo and, to be honest, I did as well. The fact that Space Throne can be used as resource material for a future Solo-inspired movie is something I would advise people not to overlook, especially given the strong Star Wars atmosphere you can experience within these pages.

Naturally, there are dozens of other novels that could be used as future Star Wars resource material or even influence, but as of this moment of writing, Space Throne is the one that’s currently at the forefront of my thoughts.

The protagonist, Parr, is similar to Han Solo and yet completely his own person as well. I’m only making the comparison because it’s clearly obvious every author out there is now leaning towards the trend of creating a protagonist who is either an uncaring, cold, calculating, and yet intriguing bastard (Jorg Ancrath from Mark Lawrence’s Broken Empire Trilogy) whom, if done right, provides endless entertainment, or a simple clone copy of a cheeky Ethan Hunt badass (Mission Impossible).

Space Throne is as much a tribute to the Star Wars franchise (specifically Solo) but also stands firmly on its own feet as a science fiction novel you’d regret not reading. It’s fun, charming, and as energetic and at times emotional when it needs to be.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying it’s been a LONG time since I read five of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy novels (I’m unclear if there are more than five. I read the big compendium version), but from the very beginning, Space Throne gave me strong Douglas Adams vibes.

Space Throne is a fun romp through a galaxy far, far away. It’s a breezy weekend read to distract you from the general madness of 2020 and the bat-shit crazy madness of the weeks leading up to the 2020 election. Ever wish you could escape to someplace where COVID-19 doesn’t exist, the news headlines don’t resemble a screwball comedy, and the good guys still mostly triumph over evil? (I refuse to comment if that last bit is a spoiler or not.) Here’s your ticket. Space Throne just released into the world today! If you like accessible world-building, colorful characters, wacky hijinks, jokes on jokes on jokes, and a plot you WON’T see coming a mile away, give Space Throne a try.

[k.wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book and asked for seconds. Loved the humor and even the title makes me smile.

[Ashley Wankel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an eARC of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

This book follows Parr as he is trying to go home and reclaim his throne. One slight problem.... he faked his death so he could live a life free of the responsibilities of the crown. Parr has been living as a free-spirited space trader for a while now and on his journey back home he encounters a tenacious bounty hunter (foe), an old loud-but-lovable pirate (friend mostly), a mysterious woman with a secret past (friend?), and a pirate king (definitely foe).

My thoughts:

Soooo this book was interesting but nothing amazing. We have a decent cast of characters, although they could use some more substance in my opinion. The world building was pretty basic for a scifi adventure story and I enjoyed it.

My main disappointment with the book is that the main character is both dumb and arrogant, but still everything works out for him. I understand he was raised as nobility, but you'd think living as a regular person would give him some humility. But no, he literally faked his own death to get away from the crown, but now thinks he can stroll back in everyone will welcome him with open arms. There are several other instances where he is extremely dumb and outrageously lucky and those make it difficult to believe the main characters are ever truly in danger.

He somewhat reminds me of Peter Quill from Guardians of the Galaxy.

Again, thanks to NetGalley for providing me an eARC of this book.

[American Mensa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Space Throne is an exciting story. This book would be considered science fiction and is for ages 10 and up. Space Throne is filled with adventure and humor, taking place in various places throughout the galaxy! It has a great storyline, where Parr is trying to reclaim his spot on the throne of his home world… except that he faked his death so that he would not have to. But as of his parent’s recent demise, he felt the need to take his rightful place and un-kill himself! The main character of this book is very unique. Parr is not very intelligent, and extremely lucky, as everything seems to work out for him! Though, the characters could use a little more substance and not be as lucky with the way things work out for them. By the time you finish reading this, you will not regret it. The author has created an amazing story!
Ryan B, age 14, Broward County Mensa

[Keith Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. I loved the characters and the dynamic between them. There was also a little bit of humor thrown in, which I always like. The story flowed very well in my opinion and feels like there is room for a sequel--hopefully that will happen as I would like to read more adventures in this universe!

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meandering space opera, light on facts as to how the technology "works", so no hard sci-fi here, but some engaging characters. But much like the main character, the story has trouble deciding what it wants to be, and so is unfocused for most of it. But a quick read, mildly enjoyable.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately I DNF this title. The premise drew me in but the characters just didn’t quite pull me all the way in with believability or caring enough about them to continue. I can see this appealing other types of readers, just not for me.

[Char |]

I unfortunately didn't gel with the writing style, and have chosen to not finish this.

Thank you to netgalley for the opportunity to read this early.

[Ken Woytisek · Rating 1 out of 5]

Duh?

I can’t believe I fell for the favorable ratings for this book. It was stupid . Don’t be fooled by the stars they are lying.

[SteveRv · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seems like every cliche of sf episodic space ship traveling to every cliched locations. It was so hackneyed I didn’t even read the ending.

[David Blaylock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read, but will there ever be a sequel?

[Courtney ✌ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: This was a generally enjoyable sci-fi adventure. There were a lot of different fun elements and a solid story to keep you interested. It didn't necessarily blow me away and there were a few too many little things in the story that didn't feel 100% there for me, but overall I liked it.

Synopsis:
This sci-fi adventure is about a guy's quest to return home in the wake of his parent's untimely deaths. This decision is complicated by the facts that 1) Parr is actually Prince Parrtec, rightful ruler of the Sixteen and 2) He faked his own death to avoid his princely duties years ago and everyone thinks he is dead. Parr needs some help if he is going to make it back home and sets out on his journey.

Story and Plot:
I found myself really enjoying some of the humor and general plot of this book. While it didn't always feel entirely unique or special, it was definitely really fun. There were a lot of really cool sci-fi elements I could appreciate and the galaxy built in Space Throne was kind of cool.

I think one of the biggest cons for me in the plot tended to be how hit and miss some of the story elements felt. I couldn't ignore how some of the elements felt unnecessarily focused on while others weren't given enough attention. As the story progressed, I found myself getting more into the story and able to forgive those little inconsistencies, but not completely.

Characters:
As far as the characters went, I really liked everyone in the main squad. Parr, Ren, and Manc were cool and I loved the relationships they built with each other in the end. There was a lot of sarcasm and bickering between them which is always really fun to read.

I do think some of those relationships could have been developed a little smoother. As far as that went, it just felt a little too rushed for me. One moment they were meeting and the next Parr is saying he's never trusted or loved anyone more. If there had been more meaningful development or conversations leading up to those feelings I would have been more cool with it, but it just didn't make too much sense to me. As with the story elements that felt off, I forgave this a little as the story progressed because I did enjoy the squad overall.

Wrap Up:
I liked this! It isn't listed as being a series on Goodreads which is a little bit of a shame because I definitely feel like there was a lot that could be expanded upon with Parr's sister in a sequel. There was a lot in that relationship/situation that feels very unresolved and complicated. Either way, I did enjoy Space Throne and all it's sarcastic, space adventure glory.

I would like to give a big thank you to Netgalley and Electric Fern for an e-copy of Space Throne in exchange for an honest review.

[Vixsal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun space opera, reads super quickly.

I got a review copy from NetGalley and it was such a fun quick read. A space adventure with a rag tag bunch coming together. The universe felt really original. The characters are travelling from one space port to another causing chaos and getting themselves in ever increasing trouble. Well worth reading.