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Starcaster #1
Starcaster
Magic. Steel. Blood. Victory.
The Earth’s navy is left drifting among the stars as Nyctus ships swarm, their purpose unknown as they continue their advance, burning one system after another.
Humanity's extinction seems inevitable.
But on one of the forgotten worlds, a boy is left behind, and he holds a talent unlike anything the galaxy has ever known.
Thorn Stellers is a mage, made to lead and fight. With a renegade division of warriors at his side, and with weapons far different from those of old Earth, Thorn stands a chance at standing up to humanity's enemies. For these mage-soldiers, armed with power that had once been thought the stuff of legend, the outcome is no longer certain.
Each Starcaster has a talent—except for Thorn, who has many. With his childhood companion Kira Wixcombe, he’ll confront a threat from beyond the stars, meeting them in the darkness with a light born of magic... and a lust for revenge.
Is his power enough? Or is Earth a forgotten memory, lost forever to history?
The Earth’s navy is left drifting among the stars as Nyctus ships swarm, their purpose unknown as they continue their advance, burning one system after another.
Humanity's extinction seems inevitable.
But on one of the forgotten worlds, a boy is left behind, and he holds a talent unlike anything the galaxy has ever known.
Thorn Stellers is a mage, made to lead and fight. With a renegade division of warriors at his side, and with weapons far different from those of old Earth, Thorn stands a chance at standing up to humanity's enemies. For these mage-soldiers, armed with power that had once been thought the stuff of legend, the outcome is no longer certain.
Each Starcaster has a talent—except for Thorn, who has many. With his childhood companion Kira Wixcombe, he’ll confront a threat from beyond the stars, meeting them in the darkness with a light born of magic... and a lust for revenge.
Is his power enough? Or is Earth a forgotten memory, lost forever to history?
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2020
710 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 10, 2020
*First and foremost I received an advanced copy of this book for my unbiased ARC Review. This review contains small spoilers.*
The premise of the story gave me high hopes. I wasn't pleased with how the story dragged out. The story was very disjointed. Too many plot holes and inconsistencies. The novel was also pretty dry despite the author attempting to interject humor or sarcasm into just about every paragraph. I normally love books in this genre, and love a good heaping help of sarcasm, but I struggled to complete this book. Very sad about that. I gave the book 3 stars because the ending made it worthwhile, but I STRUGGLED not to stop reading before the actual fighting began. Amazing finish! I hope the weak start was just that and the rest of the series wows.
Issues I had:
- The book seemed like the author was trying to mix different popular stories into one (ex. Ender's Game, adult version of Harry Potter, random army boot camp movie, etc.)
- New abilities introduced with either no explanation, or an extremely brief explanation afterward with no further development or explanation (ex: “Joiner” and “Scorch” had brief explanations, but did not develop exactly what those abilities, although Scorch was at least expanded on later in the book. “Castle” had no explanation at all.)
- Unnecessary foreshadowing (ex: "Now the real work begins, he thought. He was right.")
- Contradictions that not only made no sense, but did not coincide with the story despite the foreshadowing that it should have (ex: Main character is accused of having raw force, with no control. Character is informed that this is dangerous to caster, and everyone around said caster. Further in the book an enemy character is introduced as a “Hammer” with the explanation that it is an ability of raw force and therefore extremely difficult to defend against. If that is the case then why would the enemy army have a Hammer who would be a danger to themselves and the entire army? Makes no sense. Logically
you would conclude this would backfire on the enemy, but it doesn’t??). Then, main
character concludes in his mind that he is a Hammer, and proceeds to injure his fellow classmate in a training exercise. So, is this good or bad?!
- Little to no character development. We are supposed to empathize with one of the characters who is stripped of their magic, but because there is little to no character development you’re left with more of the feeling of “so that happened” and then continue on.
- Despite being at this Mage academy for over 6 months the recruits are still getting dressed down and making no0b mistakes. Like really? Nothing has sunk in yet? The excuse being they had bad teachers, but the teachers are Officers who have trained previous soldiers, and you would assume gained rank the old fashioned way?
- The enemy seemed like a reach. They were this squid alien hybrid who could cause civil unrest telepathically, then when the defenses are down because of the chaos they would drop rocks on the planets. That seems a bit weak sauce. Wouldn’t it make more sense to then use that unrest to cause the people to destroy their own society and planet? Why bother with the rocks? Just come in later for clean up. That makes more sense. But then later in the novel they highjack minds to take over ships. If they can do that why are they throwing rocks?! (This is later explained, but I still feel like highjacking ships made even more sense given the explanation.) But then later they resorted to just brute force attacks. The change in tactic was never explained.
- Character development that makes no sense. The main character was basically floating through life, then found out his magic was a big deal, then was self-doubting and depressed, then was overconfident, until finally he became level-headed enough to be a team player AND work strategies? Didn’t flow well.
Things I enjoyed:
- This line, “Quiet as a whore in church, ma’am"
- Despite the buildup and foreshadowing there were no unnecessary love stories! Hallelujah! Even the couple was just a mention.
- Finally getting to the actual battle the story telling was amazing!
The premise of the story gave me high hopes. I wasn't pleased with how the story dragged out. The story was very disjointed. Too many plot holes and inconsistencies. The novel was also pretty dry despite the author attempting to interject humor or sarcasm into just about every paragraph. I normally love books in this genre, and love a good heaping help of sarcasm, but I struggled to complete this book. Very sad about that. I gave the book 3 stars because the ending made it worthwhile, but I STRUGGLED not to stop reading before the actual fighting began. Amazing finish! I hope the weak start was just that and the rest of the series wows.
Issues I had:
- The book seemed like the author was trying to mix different popular stories into one (ex. Ender's Game, adult version of Harry Potter, random army boot camp movie, etc.)
- New abilities introduced with either no explanation, or an extremely brief explanation afterward with no further development or explanation (ex: “Joiner” and “Scorch” had brief explanations, but did not develop exactly what those abilities, although Scorch was at least expanded on later in the book. “Castle” had no explanation at all.)
- Unnecessary foreshadowing (ex: "Now the real work begins, he thought. He was right.")
- Contradictions that not only made no sense, but did not coincide with the story despite the foreshadowing that it should have (ex: Main character is accused of having raw force, with no control. Character is informed that this is dangerous to caster, and everyone around said caster. Further in the book an enemy character is introduced as a “Hammer” with the explanation that it is an ability of raw force and therefore extremely difficult to defend against. If that is the case then why would the enemy army have a Hammer who would be a danger to themselves and the entire army? Makes no sense. Logically
you would conclude this would backfire on the enemy, but it doesn’t??). Then, main
character concludes in his mind that he is a Hammer, and proceeds to injure his fellow classmate in a training exercise. So, is this good or bad?!
- Little to no character development. We are supposed to empathize with one of the characters who is stripped of their magic, but because there is little to no character development you’re left with more of the feeling of “so that happened” and then continue on.
- Despite being at this Mage academy for over 6 months the recruits are still getting dressed down and making no0b mistakes. Like really? Nothing has sunk in yet? The excuse being they had bad teachers, but the teachers are Officers who have trained previous soldiers, and you would assume gained rank the old fashioned way?
- The enemy seemed like a reach. They were this squid alien hybrid who could cause civil unrest telepathically, then when the defenses are down because of the chaos they would drop rocks on the planets. That seems a bit weak sauce. Wouldn’t it make more sense to then use that unrest to cause the people to destroy their own society and planet? Why bother with the rocks? Just come in later for clean up. That makes more sense. But then later in the novel they highjack minds to take over ships. If they can do that why are they throwing rocks?! (This is later explained, but I still feel like highjacking ships made even more sense given the explanation.) But then later they resorted to just brute force attacks. The change in tactic was never explained.
- Character development that makes no sense. The main character was basically floating through life, then found out his magic was a big deal, then was self-doubting and depressed, then was overconfident, until finally he became level-headed enough to be a team player AND work strategies? Didn’t flow well.
Things I enjoyed:
- This line, “Quiet as a whore in church, ma’am"
- Despite the buildup and foreshadowing there were no unnecessary love stories! Hallelujah! Even the couple was just a mention.
- Finally getting to the actual battle the story telling was amazing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2020
Despite there being a few unbelievable points in the book, particularly in the training section, overall this is a fast paced story. Humanity is being attacked by an arrogant, alien race that has destroyed many peaceful, human planets. One of these was home to Thorn Steller. Another orphaned refugee, Kira Wixcombe, was with him in the orphanage and knew that he was different. The attacks on humanity have brought out many psychic abilities that have lain dormant in the human race. Some people have telepathy, others are pyrotechnic; some have telekinesis or other abilities and the PTB decide to train these people into a Corp called the Casters.
Kira joined the navy while Thorn was stuck on a hellish mud planet, which is where she tracked him down. She is what is known as a Joiner and is convinced that Thorne will be a strong member of the Corp. She is right.
I have voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an ARC from the author.
September 5, 2020
“Do not let your emotions drive your actions, for in battle that is a sure way to never return home.”
Soldiers who were wizards, The Starcasters. The only people left to confront the cruel and dangerous Nyctus, an alien race capable of astounding power, hell bent to annihilate humanity. It was the fatal attacks to human planets and a perilous notion of the end of humanity that brought forward the awakening of dormant powers in mankind. The training chapters of the recruited future Starcasters to teach them discipline, combat techniques and how to channel their powers to obtain the best results are wonderful, passionate and inspiring. It was fun to read about the disgruntlement and witty comments from the outspoken and still green MC, Thorn The Purecaster. Thorn is a likeable character, smart but not omnipotent, entirely capable but vulnerable too. Thought provoking and profound, it evokes the most basic instincts to the highest spiritual level a human being can desire to reach. A fantastic and thrilling experience. This premise is complete. It doesn’t lack anything. I was thoroughly impressed and captivated during the whole read! As author Terry Maggert expressed, “it’s a marriage of two universes.” The fusion of Science Fiction and Fantasy is fantastic, well developed and intriguing. Intense mystery with a surprise around each curve. A must read for that problem solving mystery reader. I already want to read book #2!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
Soldiers who were wizards, The Starcasters. The only people left to confront the cruel and dangerous Nyctus, an alien race capable of astounding power, hell bent to annihilate humanity. It was the fatal attacks to human planets and a perilous notion of the end of humanity that brought forward the awakening of dormant powers in mankind. The training chapters of the recruited future Starcasters to teach them discipline, combat techniques and how to channel their powers to obtain the best results are wonderful, passionate and inspiring. It was fun to read about the disgruntlement and witty comments from the outspoken and still green MC, Thorn The Purecaster. Thorn is a likeable character, smart but not omnipotent, entirely capable but vulnerable too. Thought provoking and profound, it evokes the most basic instincts to the highest spiritual level a human being can desire to reach. A fantastic and thrilling experience. This premise is complete. It doesn’t lack anything. I was thoroughly impressed and captivated during the whole read! As author Terry Maggert expressed, “it’s a marriage of two universes.” The fusion of Science Fiction and Fantasy is fantastic, well developed and intriguing. Intense mystery with a surprise around each curve. A must read for that problem solving mystery reader. I already want to read book #2!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and my review is entirely voluntary.
September 13, 2020
Yeah, Not What I Expected
I found the storyline mostly just confusing and scattered, with new terminology dropped into line with no definition, no expressed relevance and the reader is left guessing. This slovenly mix of technology, magic and space does not work for me at all. The characterizations are less than successful at creating people I want to follow and I eventually just quit reading.
I found the storyline mostly just confusing and scattered, with new terminology dropped into line with no definition, no expressed relevance and the reader is left guessing. This slovenly mix of technology, magic and space does not work for me at all. The characterizations are less than successful at creating people I want to follow and I eventually just quit reading.
September 7, 2020
The Next big Chaney hit!
Chaney and Maggert are at it again. This was a nice break from the usual type of science fiction Chaney writes. I’m excited to seethe we new directions and can’t wait for the next Starcaster!
Chaney and Maggert are at it again. This was a nice break from the usual type of science fiction Chaney writes. I’m excited to seethe we new directions and can’t wait for the next Starcaster!
September 28, 2020
Rags to Riches
Chaney/Maggert have a unique writing style. It reads something like reading the abridged version of a larger story or perhaps reading the story outline, because it goes fast. So fast, in fact, that sometimes I felt I missed a page or a chapter. With careful reading it flows alright and is in fact a very fun story. I love a good rags-to-riches story and this one fits the bill.
Chaney/Maggert have a unique writing style. It reads something like reading the abridged version of a larger story or perhaps reading the story outline, because it goes fast. So fast, in fact, that sometimes I felt I missed a page or a chapter. With careful reading it flows alright and is in fact a very fun story. I love a good rags-to-riches story and this one fits the bill.
September 26, 2020
Sci-fi meets fantasy
A few people have done this style and genre well, this duo of authors are well on their way to joining the likes of Andre Norton. Story is well writen and thought out. Hard to put down npw
A few people have done this style and genre well, this duo of authors are well on their way to joining the likes of Andre Norton. Story is well writen and thought out. Hard to put down npw
September 24, 2020
Awesome story concept
How do you stop extinction of the humanity from the onslaught xenomages! By training your own star-fairing mages or Starcasters. This book is fast paced, with enjoyable characters that quickly develop into people you root for.
How do you stop extinction of the humanity from the onslaught xenomages! By training your own star-fairing mages or Starcasters. This book is fast paced, with enjoyable characters that quickly develop into people you root for.
September 16, 2020
What a ride
I usually enjoy a little less violent sci-fi, but the sample drew me in with the snark and storytelling. I quickly read this today coming back to anxiously continue in between multiple interruptions flipping till the end. Looking forward to reading the next one.
I usually enjoy a little less violent sci-fi, but the sample drew me in with the snark and storytelling. I quickly read this today coming back to anxiously continue in between multiple interruptions flipping till the end. Looking forward to reading the next one.
September 16, 2020
Great read
Wow this book is fabulous just finished reading it so
well I can not wait to read the next book in the series you really do make it feel like you are part of the story
Wow this book is fabulous just finished reading it so
well I can not wait to read the next book in the series you really do make it feel like you are part of the story
September 14, 2020
Magic
As an orphan survived of a destroyed world Thorn is drafted into a military unit. The characters and action as his magic develops will keep you from putting the book down.
As an orphan survived of a destroyed world Thorn is drafted into a military unit. The characters and action as his magic develops will keep you from putting the book down.
September 10, 2020
A great start to a new series
Firstly I will say the universe building and character development are excellent. The story has a great premise and I look forward to book 2 hopefully coming out soon. The only downside is that in a couple of places it felt disjointed, like a chapter was missing in a few places. Not enough to drop it to 4 stars but still noticeable.
Firstly I will say the universe building and character development are excellent. The story has a great premise and I look forward to book 2 hopefully coming out soon. The only downside is that in a couple of places it felt disjointed, like a chapter was missing in a few places. Not enough to drop it to 4 stars but still noticeable.
September 8, 2020
Wow! Just wow!
I gave this book 5 stars because when I finished it I said to myself, "Wow! Just wow! Are there any more books? "
Now I know I have to wait for the next one in October. Do you ever say to yourself "I can't wait that long." Well I did!
I gave this book 5 stars because when I finished it I said to myself, "Wow! Just wow! Are there any more books? "
Now I know I have to wait for the next one in October. Do you ever say to yourself "I can't wait that long." Well I did!
September 7, 2020
Action & Adventure
Space battles with genuine bad guys and likable good guys. A must read if you enjoy magic, technology and down to earth heroes.
Space battles with genuine bad guys and likable good guys. A must read if you enjoy magic, technology and down to earth heroes.
March 26, 2023
Not a bad first outing for this series, but also not without its flaws. I don't know if I'm completely sold on this combination of magic and scifi. Not sure where they'll take the story, and not sure if I'm all in.
There's this strange mix of things going on. Boot camp for soldiers, like regular stuff. Then magic training, although this is kind of glossed over and not really explored. Then everyone graduates and goes off to their ships and we're back to scifi and space and the military. It just seemed an odd combination.
The aliens here are kind of strange (what alien isn't strange?). Squids who throw rocks and hijack people telepathically. Hmmm. No shooting sorts of weapons, just rocks? They throw rocks? What is this, fifth grade? Well it doesn't matter because they end up destroying human worlds. Things really did get interesting when Thorn (I like this guy) was hijacking the alien minds. Finally we got a glimpse of them, how they live, how their society operates.
I have to admit that the tragedy of the guy in training came out of nowhere. And we got to know some characters only to have them die rather pointlessly.
Honestly the whole thing was a bit disjointed. And all that said, it was still really enjoyable and had great characters. All the weird stuff happening was kind of what made it good. I found myself wanting to keep going back to it.
And Tom Taylorson on audio was just fabulous. I like this guy more and more as I listen to the scifi he narrates.
There's this strange mix of things going on. Boot camp for soldiers, like regular stuff. Then magic training, although this is kind of glossed over and not really explored. Then everyone graduates and goes off to their ships and we're back to scifi and space and the military. It just seemed an odd combination.
The aliens here are kind of strange (what alien isn't strange?). Squids who throw rocks and hijack people telepathically. Hmmm. No shooting sorts of weapons, just rocks? They throw rocks? What is this, fifth grade? Well it doesn't matter because they end up destroying human worlds. Things really did get interesting when Thorn (I like this guy) was hijacking the alien minds. Finally we got a glimpse of them, how they live, how their society operates.
I have to admit that the tragedy of the guy in training came out of nowhere. And we got to know some characters only to have them die rather pointlessly.
Honestly the whole thing was a bit disjointed. And all that said, it was still really enjoyable and had great characters. All the weird stuff happening was kind of what made it good. I found myself wanting to keep going back to it.
And Tom Taylorson on audio was just fabulous. I like this guy more and more as I listen to the scifi he narrates.
November 10, 2020
Co-authored by Maggert and Chaney, this book is well written and vast, managing to hold my attention despite war stories being something I usually go out of my way to avoid (genocide makes me sad).
Humanity has spread out across the universe and an alien race with psychic/telekinetic powers is set on destroying them (fair). A small fraction of humans have similar powers which are being trained up by the military as a last defence; these soldiers are Starcasters.
Thorn, an aspirational he-man, is incredibly talented in the power department and may be humanity’s last hope against an enemy that leaves no survivors. He has something of the Clark Kent/Superman about him with his lack of character flaws and strange acceptance of massive life changes.
The powers themselves are well thought out and explained, a blend of fantasy and sci fi that works out really well, but my favourite aspect has got the be the particular maliciousness of the aliens – a counterpoint to the extreme wholesomeness of the hero.
As Thorn increases in strength, I’m hoping that he’ll start getting more unsavoury thoughts about vengeance/bloodlust/scowling at puppies or similar to add some more grit to the story. Judging by the synopsis to the sequel, I think I may just be in luck!
I really enjoyed this book and want to see what happens next in the epic battle between humanity and the Nyctus.
Humanity has spread out across the universe and an alien race with psychic/telekinetic powers is set on destroying them (fair). A small fraction of humans have similar powers which are being trained up by the military as a last defence; these soldiers are Starcasters.
Thorn, an aspirational he-man, is incredibly talented in the power department and may be humanity’s last hope against an enemy that leaves no survivors. He has something of the Clark Kent/Superman about him with his lack of character flaws and strange acceptance of massive life changes.
The powers themselves are well thought out and explained, a blend of fantasy and sci fi that works out really well, but my favourite aspect has got the be the particular maliciousness of the aliens – a counterpoint to the extreme wholesomeness of the hero.
As Thorn increases in strength, I’m hoping that he’ll start getting more unsavoury thoughts about vengeance/bloodlust/scowling at puppies or similar to add some more grit to the story. Judging by the synopsis to the sequel, I think I may just be in luck!
I really enjoyed this book and want to see what happens next in the epic battle between humanity and the Nyctus.
July 15, 2021
After the absolute low-level mediocrity that was "The Messenger" from this pair before, I'm kind of shocked I even got to this series. I'm a sucker for Mechs in general though, because I'm a geek.
Anyway, I obviously didn't have high hopes going into this series, (no Mechs after all, lol,) of which I've read through 2.5 of, but I've been quite pleasantly surprised.
Granted, the "guy becomes extremely powerful for no reason at all and kicks alien ass," plot-line is getting a bit old, but the writing itself is SO much better than The Messenger series so far. I get caught up in the descriptions and emotions, and there's so much subtle alliteration and types of rhyme. The opening of Crimson Sun is flat-out wordsmithing rather than writing, and that's high praise from me.
If Maggert could start nailing character development? That's an author I'd quickly set-and-forget pre-orders for... but hopefully the whole "guy falls into a totally unbelievably powerful hero role and immediately excels" thing starts AT LEAST gaining a BIT more nuance.
I know there are two authors credited on both series, but this really seems like an entirely different author.
Keep it up!
Anyway, I obviously didn't have high hopes going into this series, (no Mechs after all, lol,) of which I've read through 2.5 of, but I've been quite pleasantly surprised.
Granted, the "guy becomes extremely powerful for no reason at all and kicks alien ass," plot-line is getting a bit old, but the writing itself is SO much better than The Messenger series so far. I get caught up in the descriptions and emotions, and there's so much subtle alliteration and types of rhyme. The opening of Crimson Sun is flat-out wordsmithing rather than writing, and that's high praise from me.
If Maggert could start nailing character development? That's an author I'd quickly set-and-forget pre-orders for... but hopefully the whole "guy falls into a totally unbelievably powerful hero role and immediately excels" thing starts AT LEAST gaining a BIT more nuance.
I know there are two authors credited on both series, but this really seems like an entirely different author.
Keep it up!
August 18, 2024
There was a hint of a fun story here, but I just kept getting glimpses. A special hero that can do what nobody else can, who apparently has had this mysterious power since he was a kid. It just never came up until his childhood pal digs him up from a dirty job at the end of a string of dirty jobs. "Want to join the military?" "Sure."
And with that thin excuse we're swept into a sort of boot camp story for wizards. Are wizards known to the universe? Maybe not, but also there's a bunch of powerful ones who are here training these recruits. Does anyone have any clear motivations for any of this? Nope. Does anyone have any real personality, or show signs of growth? Nope. Do the organizations make sense in their mission or structure? Nope.
There is an interesting bit of world-building hinted at. The mysterious enemy feels very borg-like. Their connection to magic is both exciting and threatening. It's just all the other stuff that makes a story that was missing.
In the end, it's finishable, but I feel like I read a first draft that really could have used a good round of story development.
And with that thin excuse we're swept into a sort of boot camp story for wizards. Are wizards known to the universe? Maybe not, but also there's a bunch of powerful ones who are here training these recruits. Does anyone have any clear motivations for any of this? Nope. Does anyone have any real personality, or show signs of growth? Nope. Do the organizations make sense in their mission or structure? Nope.
There is an interesting bit of world-building hinted at. The mysterious enemy feels very borg-like. Their connection to magic is both exciting and threatening. It's just all the other stuff that makes a story that was missing.
In the end, it's finishable, but I feel like I read a first draft that really could have used a good round of story development.
January 5, 2021
Inconsistent, Bad JuJu
Generally, I don't read magic. Most authors kind of lose it, controlling - using and throwing magic around indiscriminately. They lose focus and we, readers, suffer through arrogant, but appear humble for readers to like the MC, Supermen who just throw whatever it is, magic?, like crazy. With little reason behind the “power”.
I've read a few authors that developed understandable magic systems that supported plot and characters. And sometimes less dependent on magic... generally a better read that works and some are great. This ain't close at all.
Beginning was OK and then faltered badly, became inconsistent with no real magic system. No ground rules w some folk being this type of magic, others w another kind and how it all started and how it played together. Whenever authors felt like it... throw Magic power to the right, left, and endow MC as a one of a kind in the universe.
Yeah, I felt bad for MC and his family. And that's all I felt.
Generally, I don't read magic. Most authors kind of lose it, controlling - using and throwing magic around indiscriminately. They lose focus and we, readers, suffer through arrogant, but appear humble for readers to like the MC, Supermen who just throw whatever it is, magic?, like crazy. With little reason behind the “power”.
I've read a few authors that developed understandable magic systems that supported plot and characters. And sometimes less dependent on magic... generally a better read that works and some are great. This ain't close at all.
Beginning was OK and then faltered badly, became inconsistent with no real magic system. No ground rules w some folk being this type of magic, others w another kind and how it all started and how it played together. Whenever authors felt like it... throw Magic power to the right, left, and endow MC as a one of a kind in the universe.
Yeah, I felt bad for MC and his family. And that's all I felt.
April 27, 2022
Sci-fi with magic? Sounds awesome, right? Well, this book made it boring, I had to force myself to finish. If there is a legitimate magic system, I somehow missed the explanation.
Most of the book is focused on what seems like boot camp. Nothing interesting happens, it is like watching a training montage, but takes most of the time of the movie.
Protagonist mentions that the group are trained like killing machines, but also treated like machines. Which, explains lack of character development. Wilson from Castaway had more of a presence than any of the characters here, including the main protagonist. Thorn Stellers is as generic as they come, which makes it difficult to root for him.
Most of the book is focused on what seems like boot camp. Nothing interesting happens, it is like watching a training montage, but takes most of the time of the movie.
Protagonist mentions that the group are trained like killing machines, but also treated like machines. Which, explains lack of character development. Wilson from Castaway had more of a presence than any of the characters here, including the main protagonist. Thorn Stellers is as generic as they come, which makes it difficult to root for him.
November 15, 2022
Overarching story is good. I just wish they had a little more nitty-gritty details filled in. A lot of the facts that I was looking forward to about magic weren’t addressed. For example, they talk about the different types of magic people have, but they never give us a complete list down of each magical type in what it supposed to do. We’re just supposed to pick it up from context in the story. However, when it comes to the actual story, the authors did a really good job. I find the characters very compelling along with all the other parts of the story. You really see character development in the main character. Overall, a really good story, but they really don’t go into much detail about the magic
May 11, 2021
Good book except transitions
Like the story, something a bit different then what I have read so far, but transitions are the one thing that bugged me. Quite a few times I was left wondering, wait where are they or did they just go to another planet. Another thing along those lines is lack of distance in some places it seems like the galaxy is HUGE and that is why the war has lasted so long and then all the travel and event time lines makes it seem like galaxy is tiny and that everywhere is just a quick 2sec jump from anywhere.
Like the story, something a bit different then what I have read so far, but transitions are the one thing that bugged me. Quite a few times I was left wondering, wait where are they or did they just go to another planet. Another thing along those lines is lack of distance in some places it seems like the galaxy is HUGE and that is why the war has lasted so long and then all the travel and event time lines makes it seem like galaxy is tiny and that everywhere is just a quick 2sec jump from anywhere.
January 27, 2024
An interesting take on a popular theme of using people wiih powerful mental ability
An interesting take on the use of persons with unusual and powerful mental abilities such as telekinesis and telepathy in unrestricted warfare. The reader may notice similarities to books
like Ender's game but with absence of hypocrisy of dealing death and destruction to an enemy of that has shown no ethics or mercy to you a your people. The Authors Chaney and Maggert have written a book that I highly recommend.
An interesting take on the use of persons with unusual and powerful mental abilities such as telekinesis and telepathy in unrestricted warfare. The reader may notice similarities to books
like Ender's game but with absence of hypocrisy of dealing death and destruction to an enemy of that has shown no ethics or mercy to you a your people. The Authors Chaney and Maggert have written a book that I highly recommend.
September 20, 2020
Very good book.
A very good book, a breath of fresh air one of Mr. Cheney‘s books that does not take place in the same universe as all his others. The characters are fresh, the only part I don’t understand is why you would set up and develop characters and then kill them off. I was getting to enjoy some of The additional characters. Besides that the book is worth the read I definitely will read the next one give it a try.
A very good book, a breath of fresh air one of Mr. Cheney‘s books that does not take place in the same universe as all his others. The characters are fresh, the only part I don’t understand is why you would set up and develop characters and then kill them off. I was getting to enjoy some of The additional characters. Besides that the book is worth the read I definitely will read the next one give it a try.
February 24, 2022
The premise was interesting, and there are some really good ideas in the book. Still, I had trouble finishing it, because so many things simply did not make any sense. The character's reactions to events were downright puzzling at times. The military aspects were not credible, to the point that the officers simply do not behave like you expect officers to. I tried to make light of these issues and just enjoy the story, but in the end was not entirely able to.
April 4, 2022
E.E. 'Doc' Smith's 'Lensman's' series personified.
Doc is the father of science fiction concerning psychic abilities out amongst the stars and he would be smiling with this excellent series from J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert.
I came across these two authors with the 'Backyard Starship' series and I feel this 'Starcaster' series just pips that series at the post. Maybe because I have always been a fan of telepathic science fiction and I have only just read the first book.
Doc is the father of science fiction concerning psychic abilities out amongst the stars and he would be smiling with this excellent series from J.N. Chaney and Terry Maggert.
I came across these two authors with the 'Backyard Starship' series and I feel this 'Starcaster' series just pips that series at the post. Maybe because I have always been a fan of telepathic science fiction and I have only just read the first book.
September 13, 2020
Fast action, slow start
Very well paced. The science was will reasoned. I particularly like how the author drew you into the story. I did not like how the characters were not filled with more depth. Other than the main protagonist the other side people seemed wooden. But a good read nevertheless. I would recommend this book for readers who like space war.
Very well paced. The science was will reasoned. I particularly like how the author drew you into the story. I did not like how the characters were not filled with more depth. Other than the main protagonist the other side people seemed wooden. But a good read nevertheless. I would recommend this book for readers who like space war.
October 29, 2020
A good read surprising for me
A good read surprising for me especially as its about magic . I don't normally read magic related books but I read a review and thought why not I give it a go. I am glad I did it was a good read would recommend giving it a go. It's different to the books I usually read and still recommend you give it a go.
A good read surprising for me especially as its about magic . I don't normally read magic related books but I read a review and thought why not I give it a go. I am glad I did it was a good read would recommend giving it a go. It's different to the books I usually read and still recommend you give it a go.
November 28, 2020
Magic really boring
Not what I was expecting at all going in, thought he would start off knowing magic instead we get army Harry potter for awhile with the most boring magic I’ve seen. Would have been a better story if the first 40 was deleted and started half way through. Same story has been done much better.
Not what I was expecting at all going in, thought he would start off knowing magic instead we get army Harry potter for awhile with the most boring magic I’ve seen. Would have been a better story if the first 40 was deleted and started half way through. Same story has been done much better.
December 16, 2020
Wow
Skirted around this book for a while, wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it… I was wrong… I REALLY enjoyed it. It’s very fast-paced story, and the plot line moves along quickly. The author never lose sight of the characters and their connections. A well written come back story, and a solid catch next book in the series.
Skirted around this book for a while, wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy it… I was wrong… I REALLY enjoyed it. It’s very fast-paced story, and the plot line moves along quickly. The author never lose sight of the characters and their connections. A well written come back story, and a solid catch next book in the series.
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