The Outworld Ranger crew has dodged government forces, criminal guilds, and bounty hunters numerous times since fleeing Ekaran IV. But with the warships of the Dark Messiah closing in on them, their mission has never been in greater jeopardy. Cornered, their options and allies are few. And the Outworld Ranger suffered extensive damage getting them this far. To make matters worse, an unexpected tragedy has plunged Oona, the young hyperphasic messiah, into her Trial of Corruption. With ancient evils threatening to rise once again, humanity is in dire need. If the crew can’t reach the mysterious genetics facility that disappeared when the Benevolence fell, then Oona won’t be the only one in danger of losing themselves to darkness.
David Alastair Hayden writes science fiction and fantasy. He lives in Alabama. He studied history, literature, and religion at the University of Alabama.
David is also an avid collector of vintage manual typewriters, mostly from the 1950's.
To learn more about David's upcoming projects or to leave him feedback, please visit www.dahayden.com.
The Interstellar / Interdimensional Space Saga Continues
“Fallen Souls,” Book 4 continues the saga of the crew of ‘Outworld Ranger’ as they battle their way to find answers and solutions against a myriad of opponents.
It’s basically a good, decent read - fast paced action, humorous, and entertaining.
Does have some issues though.
Given the complex ‘world/universe building’ of the author’s storyline and many plots, a reader new to the saga will be mainly lost without haven’t read previous books in the series. It is a feature not a bug of contemporary indie sci-fi, as stories are never-ending, merely episodic in the race to create a franchise based on quantity of content. Good and great storytelling has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Additionally, the curious pervasive pattern of writers’ tics among so many indie authors, readily identified by the gluttonous use of same words or phrases is present. In this series it’s ‘eye roll’ and ‘of course,’ instead of the ubiquitous use of ‘smirk.’ Makes this reader ponder whether it’s from writing courses, or writing software, or indie publishing groups’ heavy hands, or reading other indie authors’ work, or a combination. Something is afoot.
I am really enjoying this book. Characters are true to form and have made this motley crew into a real family. Dysfunctions and all!! Can’t wait for more!!
While I enjoyed the first 4 books, this one really needed to be edited severely or presented as 2 separate books. The characters continue to be interesting &, on the whole, are likeable, though I find Oona to be tedious. To me, there should have been more of Siv & Mitsuki & much less Silky, whose personality becomes more unpleasant as the book proceeds. Further, the writing in most chapters concerned with Oona's development as a messiah are turgid & lacking the interest of the other chapters. To me, a general criticism of each book is that the major plot focus in individual chapters is unnecessarily drawn out
Having said that, overall, the series is entertaining & among the better series that I've read recently
I just loved this book series. I miss the characters. Lot of stuff goes on, the characters are fun, and great interaction. Good action, but that is not what makes it good series. It is the thoughts and the interaction of the characters. So reall good bad guys too. My only criticism is that it ends and does not complete the story. Need another book or two.
I've followed David's series a since the start and a awaited each book with anticipation . As a fan of Star Wars I can say that this story from start to finish has all the necessary components for a true saga tale.
We finally get the full version of how the Benevolence fell. We also get a glimpse of Tamzins’ race. The question for me has always been how to can androids and humans coexist peacefully. Sooner or later someone stirs the pot and tumbles the rest unto arms.
I really enjoyed this book and the only time I put it down was when things just got too intense. I wish there were more books in this series, I'm jist not ready for this story to end