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Free-Wrench #6
Contaminant Six
The fug that poisoned the world has struck the Wind Breaker crew.
After years of daring escapes and dangerous capers, it was only a matter of time before Captain Mack’s crew felt the sting of the toxin that blankets their continent. They must split up, seek the aid of old rivals, and brave secret facilities to find the substance that may be the key to recovery.
Join Nita and her friends on what may well be their final adventure.
Contaminant Six is the sixth novel in the critically acclaimed Free-Wrench series of steampunk adventures.
After years of daring escapes and dangerous capers, it was only a matter of time before Captain Mack’s crew felt the sting of the toxin that blankets their continent. They must split up, seek the aid of old rivals, and brave secret facilities to find the substance that may be the key to recovery.
Join Nita and her friends on what may well be their final adventure.
Contaminant Six is the sixth novel in the critically acclaimed Free-Wrench series of steampunk adventures.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2020
21 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 16, 2020
So brilliant! Knocked my socks off. I hope that there will be more books. Please, please, don't let this be the last. But if my hopes are in vain, what a great ending to the series.
February 8, 2021
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
These books require you to accept a few basic premises but are otherwise largely self-contained. The first and most important is that the Wind Breaker crew looks out for its own no matter what. The second is, in doing the first, they’re likely to perform actions any reasonable person would think impossible. There are others, often focused on the skills each crew member brings to the whole, but those two are crucial.
I think that’s why I enjoy the series so much. The crew lives by the understanding that they can patch anything together whether people, ships, or plans. They know elaborate plans are impossible to carry out because situations are fluid. They are “gentleman” smugglers performing an illegal, but necessary, role. The crew is willing to help those in need when warranted and punish those who deserve it. And yet, they still expect to make a living at this in their own, chaotic way. The Wind Breaker crewmembers are the instruments of chaos, riding the winds wherever they lead and succeeding just barely, but succeeding.
What I’ve said applies to all the books I’ve read in this series as much as to Contaminant Six. It’s a fun read with nail-biting moments and very real dangers. The aye-ayes once again prove to be valuable crewmembers, and the loyalty and care among the crew comes out in many different ways. There’s never a doubt of their commitment even with Captain Mack trying his best to retire (as he has been over several books).
This story, more than many others, harkens back to the first one when Nita joins the crew to seek a cure for her mother. The cure they need this time must be created, not recovered, and one of the crew is at risk. I can’t say more without spoilers, but the powerful emotions driving the story are similar. This doesn’t prevent moments of laugh-out-loud humor, crafty dialogue, and amazing exploits. Instead, it emphasizes how, time after time, the crew refuses to despair, jostling out of dark moments and staying focused on the path to success. They don’t weigh the odds. If any chance exists, that’s their goal and the crew will do whatever necessary to make it happen.
There were many neat elements in the book. The aye-ayes scamper off to do mysterious things that are beautiful once I figured them out. The plot seeding allowed me to anticipate both horrible events and good ones. Even the casual description of clothing is far more involved in the story than just an aesthetic. For example, Nita’s utilitarian corset provides back support to help with the weight of her many tools while the female fug folk’s long skirts prove impossible to run in.
The same is true for how the crew recognizes that different doesn’t mean less, whether talking about Wink’s one eye or Coop’s unusual way of thinking. This acceptance from the start of the series provides support for their reactions to what’s happening in this book. It requires growth but is consistent with whom they’ve already proved to be.
I didn’t make that many notes because I was too busy being caught up in the story. I enjoyed spending time in their company, and this tale struck particularly close for me. It’s well-handled and true to the hopeful feel of the series. But make no mistake, Contaminant Six is hopeful in the face of adversity, not the absence of same. The crew struggles with military, mechanical, and medical crises, sometimes all at once, so this is no easy trip for all it’s a thrilling adventure.
These books require you to accept a few basic premises but are otherwise largely self-contained. The first and most important is that the Wind Breaker crew looks out for its own no matter what. The second is, in doing the first, they’re likely to perform actions any reasonable person would think impossible. There are others, often focused on the skills each crew member brings to the whole, but those two are crucial.
I think that’s why I enjoy the series so much. The crew lives by the understanding that they can patch anything together whether people, ships, or plans. They know elaborate plans are impossible to carry out because situations are fluid. They are “gentleman” smugglers performing an illegal, but necessary, role. The crew is willing to help those in need when warranted and punish those who deserve it. And yet, they still expect to make a living at this in their own, chaotic way. The Wind Breaker crewmembers are the instruments of chaos, riding the winds wherever they lead and succeeding just barely, but succeeding.
What I’ve said applies to all the books I’ve read in this series as much as to Contaminant Six. It’s a fun read with nail-biting moments and very real dangers. The aye-ayes once again prove to be valuable crewmembers, and the loyalty and care among the crew comes out in many different ways. There’s never a doubt of their commitment even with Captain Mack trying his best to retire (as he has been over several books).
This story, more than many others, harkens back to the first one when Nita joins the crew to seek a cure for her mother. The cure they need this time must be created, not recovered, and one of the crew is at risk. I can’t say more without spoilers, but the powerful emotions driving the story are similar. This doesn’t prevent moments of laugh-out-loud humor, crafty dialogue, and amazing exploits. Instead, it emphasizes how, time after time, the crew refuses to despair, jostling out of dark moments and staying focused on the path to success. They don’t weigh the odds. If any chance exists, that’s their goal and the crew will do whatever necessary to make it happen.
There were many neat elements in the book. The aye-ayes scamper off to do mysterious things that are beautiful once I figured them out. The plot seeding allowed me to anticipate both horrible events and good ones. Even the casual description of clothing is far more involved in the story than just an aesthetic. For example, Nita’s utilitarian corset provides back support to help with the weight of her many tools while the female fug folk’s long skirts prove impossible to run in.
The same is true for how the crew recognizes that different doesn’t mean less, whether talking about Wink’s one eye or Coop’s unusual way of thinking. This acceptance from the start of the series provides support for their reactions to what’s happening in this book. It requires growth but is consistent with whom they’ve already proved to be.
I didn’t make that many notes because I was too busy being caught up in the story. I enjoyed spending time in their company, and this tale struck particularly close for me. It’s well-handled and true to the hopeful feel of the series. But make no mistake, Contaminant Six is hopeful in the face of adversity, not the absence of same. The crew struggles with military, mechanical, and medical crises, sometimes all at once, so this is no easy trip for all it’s a thrilling adventure.
January 18, 2021
A fitting finale
This is the sixth and final instalment in the Free Wrench series. It’s been over two years since the previous book in the series was released, and Mr Lallo handles this well. Within the first few pages we are reminded of the traits of each of the main characters and brought up to speed on the series plot, without it feeling forced or explanatory. It was like seeing a group of old friends after a long time away, settling right back in with ease.
Things I liked
I enjoyed the main plot, especially the ethical/philosophical implications of the dilemma. I liked how we got to focus on the members of the crew more separately than we have done in earlier books in the series. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Gunner and Coop.
Lallo’s masterful use of description throughout was a joy to read. Enough detail to put us in the scene without slowing the pace at all.
Things I wasn’t keen on
I would’ve liked a bit more of Mack and Butch, but I can see why there wasn’t so much of them in this book. I found it a little confusing sometimes when Dr Wash and Dr Prist were in a scene together or in consecutive scenes; two Drs referred to by their title made me double check who was there.
A few times the use of pronouns rather than character names near the beginning of a scene threw me. I found myself having to stop and work out who was being referred to.
Specific to the paperback edition:
This is the first time I’ve read a paperback by Joseph Lallo, having read over 20 of his books in ebook format before. It was a little disappointing that not so much care has gone into the formatting/typesetting as has gone into crafting the story. The layout (indents, margins etc) makes it a little hard to read at times, which is a shame. For anyone torn between which format to buy, I’d definitely recommend the ebook.
In summary
An engaging plot, the familiar characters we love and interesting world building, as always. An enjoyable and satisfying way for Lallo to wrap up this series, with the characters getting a fitting ending.
This is the sixth and final instalment in the Free Wrench series. It’s been over two years since the previous book in the series was released, and Mr Lallo handles this well. Within the first few pages we are reminded of the traits of each of the main characters and brought up to speed on the series plot, without it feeling forced or explanatory. It was like seeing a group of old friends after a long time away, settling right back in with ease.
Things I liked
I enjoyed the main plot, especially the ethical/philosophical implications of the dilemma. I liked how we got to focus on the members of the crew more separately than we have done in earlier books in the series. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Gunner and Coop.
Lallo’s masterful use of description throughout was a joy to read. Enough detail to put us in the scene without slowing the pace at all.
Things I wasn’t keen on
I would’ve liked a bit more of Mack and Butch, but I can see why there wasn’t so much of them in this book. I found it a little confusing sometimes when Dr Wash and Dr Prist were in a scene together or in consecutive scenes; two Drs referred to by their title made me double check who was there.
A few times the use of pronouns rather than character names near the beginning of a scene threw me. I found myself having to stop and work out who was being referred to.
Specific to the paperback edition:
This is the first time I’ve read a paperback by Joseph Lallo, having read over 20 of his books in ebook format before. It was a little disappointing that not so much care has gone into the formatting/typesetting as has gone into crafting the story. The layout (indents, margins etc) makes it a little hard to read at times, which is a shame. For anyone torn between which format to buy, I’d definitely recommend the ebook.
In summary
An engaging plot, the familiar characters we love and interesting world building, as always. An enjoyable and satisfying way for Lallo to wrap up this series, with the characters getting a fitting ending.
Read
September 2, 2021Good series. A little too trite in this last of the series wrap up episode.
Short books. Some minor continuity issues. Cheesy wrap-up . But great characters, fun and original world-building, rollicking action, makes this a solid youth read, and a very pleasant story for what ageless among us.
Lallo gets ever so close to some deep and moving concepts on retirement, loss of memory, identity, relationships... But sadly plays it too safe by backing off and injecting clown ish humor and cheese. There are glimpses of real art hiding behind the fluff. As a lover of steam punk I can only hope that he will try again and write the novel that deserved to be here. Different characters different world but all of the rich imagery that steamers have in abundance, and the chance to look into the darkness of our lives without fear since; "it's all make believe" right?
Short books. Some minor continuity issues. Cheesy wrap-up . But great characters, fun and original world-building, rollicking action, makes this a solid youth read, and a very pleasant story for what ageless among us.
Lallo gets ever so close to some deep and moving concepts on retirement, loss of memory, identity, relationships... But sadly plays it too safe by backing off and injecting clown ish humor and cheese. There are glimpses of real art hiding behind the fluff. As a lover of steam punk I can only hope that he will try again and write the novel that deserved to be here. Different characters different world but all of the rich imagery that steamers have in abundance, and the chance to look into the darkness of our lives without fear since; "it's all make believe" right?
May 17, 2023
And we're back with the Wind Breaker crew for another episode of fuggy shenanigans.
Captain Mack is busy beginning his retirement plans when life decides to have other plans. So it's off back to the fug for yet another crazy adventure with another crazy nemesis to foil their plans. Super good writing once again from Joseph.
If you liked the TV show Firefly and you haven't given the Free-Wrench series a try, then please do. It's basically a steampunk version of the show.
Next up i'm off to read Upgrade by Blake Crouch, which i'm very much looking forward to. Another fantastic writer that everyone should give a bit of their reading time to.
Bye for now.
Captain Mack is busy beginning his retirement plans when life decides to have other plans. So it's off back to the fug for yet another crazy adventure with another crazy nemesis to foil their plans. Super good writing once again from Joseph.
If you liked the TV show Firefly and you haven't given the Free-Wrench series a try, then please do. It's basically a steampunk version of the show.
Next up i'm off to read Upgrade by Blake Crouch, which i'm very much looking forward to. Another fantastic writer that everyone should give a bit of their reading time to.
Bye for now.
January 29, 2022
a great series!
Just finished the 6 books that currently comprise the “Freewrench” series, and enjoyed every one of them! All are adventurous & thrilling, as well as well written. I highly recommend them!
Now, I’m going to find out if I enjoy the rest of Mr. Lallo’s other series…
Just finished the 6 books that currently comprise the “Freewrench” series, and enjoyed every one of them! All are adventurous & thrilling, as well as well written. I highly recommend them!
Now, I’m going to find out if I enjoy the rest of Mr. Lallo’s other series…
April 10, 2022
love how this whole series came together. it's very character-driven. I liked the conflict of this story and the resolution, but I didn't like the main antagonist of this book as much as the antagonists in the others. Having said that, I really enjoyed this universe and would love to see and read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
A great finale, an awesome adventure. I really enjoyed my time with this series.
My biggest complaint is the romance - I liked the way characters were paired off, but in the previous book we were building towards a grand romantic gesture, a relationship becoming official - with Nita and Lil, and with Gunner and Dr. Prist. But we never got the payoff. Instead, sometime between the last book and this one, the relationships became serious and official. This offense was particularly bad with Nita/Lil, whose will they won't they had been going on for the whole series up to this point. The story Lallo tells here kind of requires them to already be together, but I felt like I didn't get to see the moment I needed, something that probably should've happened at the end of the last book.
But aside from that, the book was excellent. I loved the Lil slowly losing her memory, the whole Fug person transformation conflict. Also, Wash is a pretty good villain. Not quite as strong as Tusk, but pretty solid.
The story left our characters in a good ending place, and I've left feeling satisfied.
My biggest complaint is the romance - I liked the way characters were paired off, but in the previous book we were building towards a grand romantic gesture, a relationship becoming official - with Nita and Lil, and with Gunner and Dr. Prist. But we never got the payoff. Instead, sometime between the last book and this one, the relationships became serious and official. This offense was particularly bad with Nita/Lil, whose will they won't they had been going on for the whole series up to this point. The story Lallo tells here kind of requires them to already be together, but I felt like I didn't get to see the moment I needed, something that probably should've happened at the end of the last book.
But aside from that, the book was excellent. I loved the Lil slowly losing her memory, the whole Fug person transformation conflict. Also, Wash is a pretty good villain. Not quite as strong as Tusk, but pretty solid.
The story left our characters in a good ending place, and I've left feeling satisfied.
May 16, 2021
Great Series
I have grown tired of multiple book series but have enjoyed this one. Hate to see it end. Mr. Lallo writes believable characters in all his works but this one has the best ones. Highly recommend it along with anything else he has written!!
I have grown tired of multiple book series but have enjoyed this one. Hate to see it end. Mr. Lallo writes believable characters in all his works but this one has the best ones. Highly recommend it along with anything else he has written!!
October 9, 2020
As always, Lallo produced an excellent story. This addition to his Free Wrench series is inspired and worthy of the readers undivided attention! Kudos!
October 15, 2020
Simply awesome
Simply an awesome read to make you feel good and entertained. Lallo’s books are all perfect. Every single one of them!
Simply an awesome read to make you feel good and entertained. Lallo’s books are all perfect. Every single one of them!
June 15, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this series! Too bad it’s over.
August 12, 2021
The Free Wrench saga comes to a satisfying conclusion.
Knowing how to end a series is an art. Joseph Lallo pulled it off with a flair.
Knowing how to end a series is an art. Joseph Lallo pulled it off with a flair.
June 26, 2023
The end?
Last free wrench novel. Good way to finish the series off and a slightly different emphasis, with the main theme being finding a cure for Lil.
Last free wrench novel. Good way to finish the series off and a slightly different emphasis, with the main theme being finding a cure for Lil.
September 5, 2023
Lots of action
A great read and rousing good climax to this series. Fully recommend and enjoyed reading. To reading. Anyone can like this series
A great read and rousing good climax to this series. Fully recommend and enjoyed reading. To reading. Anyone can like this series
January 8, 2026
We’ve been heading towards Captain Mack’s retirement island for some time; now we’re there. It looks like it’s going to be a sad, boring existence for everyone. And yet… Joseph R Lallo produces a sting in the tail, one that threatens the heart of the crew: a dangerous infection that will steal a person’s very identity from them.
Fortunately, they have the fug scientist in their mist, companion in the last couple of adventures, and significantly different from the rest of them. So the quest for a cure begins. While this brings the usual sort of adventures, and we revisit some of the more unusual members of the fugfolk, like squarrels…a bit like monstrous squirrels but not as cuddly.
This last in series does not disappoint. It has epic adventures testing all the crew in their various areas of expertise, and causing Lil to be rewritten in the most challenging ways. Joseph Lallo does a brilliant job of writing the shifts in her outlooks on life, as he does (as always) with the remarkable engineering feats that our heroine, Nita, achieves with her spanner… and various other bits of kit she carries about her person just in case she needs to immobilise a funicular hanging over a city with deadly poison on board, ready to drop….
A fitting end and wrap up to a wonderful series. I’m so glad I found it. I’ve been reading the last three in an ebook box set. If you have enjoyed by reviews, start with the first box set
Fortunately, they have the fug scientist in their mist, companion in the last couple of adventures, and significantly different from the rest of them. So the quest for a cure begins. While this brings the usual sort of adventures, and we revisit some of the more unusual members of the fugfolk, like squarrels…a bit like monstrous squirrels but not as cuddly.
This last in series does not disappoint. It has epic adventures testing all the crew in their various areas of expertise, and causing Lil to be rewritten in the most challenging ways. Joseph Lallo does a brilliant job of writing the shifts in her outlooks on life, as he does (as always) with the remarkable engineering feats that our heroine, Nita, achieves with her spanner… and various other bits of kit she carries about her person just in case she needs to immobilise a funicular hanging over a city with deadly poison on board, ready to drop….
A fitting end and wrap up to a wonderful series. I’m so glad I found it. I’ve been reading the last three in an ebook box set. If you have enjoyed by reviews, start with the first box set
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews