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Space Assassins #3
The Ghalian Code
Some might say there is no honor among assassins.
That might be true of many, but not the Ghalian.
A debt had been called in, and the code dictated it must be repaid, even if the timing did happen to be incredibly poor. But once the dangerous endeavor was undertaken and the wheels set in motion, what at first seemed to be a mere task of honor soon revealed itself to have far greater repercussions than expected.
The quest would be a harrowing effort for even the most skilled members of the order of assassins, and their success or failure could very well shift the balance of power in the entire galaxy.
That might be true of many, but not the Ghalian.
A debt had been called in, and the code dictated it must be repaid, even if the timing did happen to be incredibly poor. But once the dangerous endeavor was undertaken and the wheels set in motion, what at first seemed to be a mere task of honor soon revealed itself to have far greater repercussions than expected.
The quest would be a harrowing effort for even the most skilled members of the order of assassins, and their success or failure could very well shift the balance of power in the entire galaxy.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2020
29 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Scott Baron
55 books291 followersScott Baron is an American author with a penchant for oddball stories with O. Henry-esque twists.
Born in Hollywood, Baron credits growing up in Los Angeles with skewing his humor towards the offbeat and absurd. He studied abroad in Italy during his college years, returning to Los Angeles to work in the film industry as an on-set medic. In addition to writing shorts and novels, Baron is also a screenwriter of both feature and television scripts.
Born in Hollywood, Baron credits growing up in Los Angeles with skewing his humor towards the offbeat and absurd. He studied abroad in Italy during his college years, returning to Los Angeles to work in the film industry as an on-set medic. In addition to writing shorts and novels, Baron is also a screenwriter of both feature and television scripts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 11, 2024
May 2024 reread:
The first two books drew me in, but this was the book that hooked me into the universe. Hap and Henni both started out as immature characters, but it was really enjoyable watching them grow, even in this first book, but then later in the 4th and 5th book. At the same time, it was neat seeing how Uzabud and Hozark both became invested into their growth. Demelza was one of my favorite characters in this series, and even in this book, you can see signs of the teacher she will become. I'm still reading along to the audio when I can, but I love that I can listen to this book while I drive or run errands. The narrator is doing a solid job with this series.
Original review:
I'm really getting to love this band of misfits! I think this series is actually getting stronger as we move along and I'm really liking one of the two new characters that were added in this book. There's a mystery surrounding exactly who she is and what she is capable of but I'm liking her all the same. The banter between her and Uzabud can be a bit juvenile, but it's still entertaining. We are learning more about the power working against them, but the more we know, the more mysterious it seems to be. I am looking forward to continuing with this series and I hope I start liking Hap more. Either way, I'm loving Hozark and Demelza and how they're handling the crew. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
The first two books drew me in, but this was the book that hooked me into the universe. Hap and Henni both started out as immature characters, but it was really enjoyable watching them grow, even in this first book, but then later in the 4th and 5th book. At the same time, it was neat seeing how Uzabud and Hozark both became invested into their growth. Demelza was one of my favorite characters in this series, and even in this book, you can see signs of the teacher she will become. I'm still reading along to the audio when I can, but I love that I can listen to this book while I drive or run errands. The narrator is doing a solid job with this series.
Original review:
I'm really getting to love this band of misfits! I think this series is actually getting stronger as we move along and I'm really liking one of the two new characters that were added in this book. There's a mystery surrounding exactly who she is and what she is capable of but I'm liking her all the same. The banter between her and Uzabud can be a bit juvenile, but it's still entertaining. We are learning more about the power working against them, but the more we know, the more mysterious it seems to be. I am looking forward to continuing with this series and I hope I start liking Hap more. Either way, I'm loving Hozark and Demelza and how they're handling the crew. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
February 12, 2021
Keeps getting better
Another success as book 3 gets increasingly more interesting as the hunt for the mastermind carries on to more and more mystery. Especially like how the new characters are working out.
Another success as book 3 gets increasingly more interesting as the hunt for the mastermind carries on to more and more mystery. Especially like how the new characters are working out.
December 30, 2020
The Ghalian Code picks up not long after part 2 of Space Assassin’s, but Hozark’s team have broken up to do their own thing, knowing that they only have to call, and they will be there for each other. Demelza has returned to Master Orkut, the Master Blade smith, Bud and Laskar return to do some work on the ship, as well as do to some ‘work’ on the smuggling front. Hozark is keeping himself busy with ‘Ghalian’ affairs, especially given recent events, and that he is one of the 5.
This is a really brilliant start to the book, because although there is not a lot to it, there is no great mission, or incredible battle scene at the start, just each of the crew members going about their business, and from this, we get a great insight into each of the Characters and a bit more development into our favourites.
Demelza’s section is particularly fascinating in that we get this rare insight, both into how Master Orkut runs things, and trains his pupils, but we also get to learn a bit more about Demelza. Master Orkut’s training routine was not only something that was utterly fascinating at times, in the rather unique and clever things he had her doing, but it was at other times quite amusing.
Bud and Laskar of course, cannot stay out of trouble for more than the time it takes to say ‘Hi’ to the first female they find. But of course, that leads to some rather intense complications, and Bud is in a bit of trouble at the start of the book.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a book about the Wampeh Ghalian if Hozark, one of the 5, and one of the best Wampeh Ghalian’s that there is in the order, wasn’t in it!! Hozark has been busy with Order business, but I won’t give away secret’s here (I don’t want him to come and find me)
Whilst we get to see what has been happening with our Main Characters, this is not the lead in to the actual story.
This is explained when we are shown an attack on a Visla’s house, one we do not know the identity of. Everyone is dead, or it appears that way, but not everyone is there, for a single person has been taken from the household – the Visla’s young son.
This of course leads to the main story in this book, and for the main Character in this series, Hozark, our resident Wampeh Ghalian Assassin, it provides him a mission. Normally the Wampeh Ghalian do not take on rescue missions, there are others to do such work, however, when they learn that that the Council of Twenty might have been involved, Master Corann and Master Hozark have no choice but to intercede and take the Mission.
Of course, Master Hozark does not go alone, pulling together his piloting crew of Bud and Laskar, and most recently, the younger, but still incredibly skilled Wampeh Ghalian, Demelza.
This makes for the main premise of the third book, our two ‘Space Assassins’, and their Pilots, hired to find the young son of a very powerful and prominent Visla, whose son it appears, has been kidnapped by the Council of Twenty.
As with all these books, the Mission is not just a straight forward one in which they can head directly to rescue the child. There are numerous other side missions that are undertaken first, and whilst I am not going to give away any spoilers, I will say, that this does lead to some exceptional story-telling. This has allowed the Author to expand on the already extensive and just stunning world/galaxy building that has gone into this story. The intricate detail that has been used in describing both the Ghalian Order and the Council of Twenty is just masterful, and really allows the reader to fully immerse themselves into this Universe and thoroughly enjoy the story.
The exceptional writing also lends itself well to being able to create really captivating storylines full of political intrigue, combat both on the ground and in space (and the combat scenes are just extraordinary), as well as some really fantastic dialogue that will give you a good laugh.
This incredibly level of detail has also extended to the Characters as well, so that each of the Main Characters (as well as many of the secondary and tertiary characters), all have these impressive backgrounds that create these beautifully in-depth, multi-faceted characters, that really come alive as you read about them. It makes the story so much more realistic, and enjoyable.
This is a really fascinating series, the Wampeh Ghalian are just brilliant, with their abilities, and the way they can cause total and utter terror in people, and yet, they are actually completely misunderstood as they are for the most part, pretty nice people (for Space Assassins). The Council of Twenty, are just as clever, with Emmik’s and Visla’s, some Ok, some that make Vader look like a Misunderstood Hall Monitor.
Regardless, this series is cleverly building into a really fascinating saga, with an utterly extraordinary Main Character (Hozark), and several other Major Characters (Bud, Laskar and Demelza), telling the story, and it is absolutely worth the read for anyone that loves a good Sci-Fi read, regardless of the sub-genre – don’t miss out!!
This is a really brilliant start to the book, because although there is not a lot to it, there is no great mission, or incredible battle scene at the start, just each of the crew members going about their business, and from this, we get a great insight into each of the Characters and a bit more development into our favourites.
Demelza’s section is particularly fascinating in that we get this rare insight, both into how Master Orkut runs things, and trains his pupils, but we also get to learn a bit more about Demelza. Master Orkut’s training routine was not only something that was utterly fascinating at times, in the rather unique and clever things he had her doing, but it was at other times quite amusing.
Bud and Laskar of course, cannot stay out of trouble for more than the time it takes to say ‘Hi’ to the first female they find. But of course, that leads to some rather intense complications, and Bud is in a bit of trouble at the start of the book.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a book about the Wampeh Ghalian if Hozark, one of the 5, and one of the best Wampeh Ghalian’s that there is in the order, wasn’t in it!! Hozark has been busy with Order business, but I won’t give away secret’s here (I don’t want him to come and find me)
Whilst we get to see what has been happening with our Main Characters, this is not the lead in to the actual story.
This is explained when we are shown an attack on a Visla’s house, one we do not know the identity of. Everyone is dead, or it appears that way, but not everyone is there, for a single person has been taken from the household – the Visla’s young son.
This of course leads to the main story in this book, and for the main Character in this series, Hozark, our resident Wampeh Ghalian Assassin, it provides him a mission. Normally the Wampeh Ghalian do not take on rescue missions, there are others to do such work, however, when they learn that that the Council of Twenty might have been involved, Master Corann and Master Hozark have no choice but to intercede and take the Mission.
Of course, Master Hozark does not go alone, pulling together his piloting crew of Bud and Laskar, and most recently, the younger, but still incredibly skilled Wampeh Ghalian, Demelza.
This makes for the main premise of the third book, our two ‘Space Assassins’, and their Pilots, hired to find the young son of a very powerful and prominent Visla, whose son it appears, has been kidnapped by the Council of Twenty.
As with all these books, the Mission is not just a straight forward one in which they can head directly to rescue the child. There are numerous other side missions that are undertaken first, and whilst I am not going to give away any spoilers, I will say, that this does lead to some exceptional story-telling. This has allowed the Author to expand on the already extensive and just stunning world/galaxy building that has gone into this story. The intricate detail that has been used in describing both the Ghalian Order and the Council of Twenty is just masterful, and really allows the reader to fully immerse themselves into this Universe and thoroughly enjoy the story.
The exceptional writing also lends itself well to being able to create really captivating storylines full of political intrigue, combat both on the ground and in space (and the combat scenes are just extraordinary), as well as some really fantastic dialogue that will give you a good laugh.
This incredibly level of detail has also extended to the Characters as well, so that each of the Main Characters (as well as many of the secondary and tertiary characters), all have these impressive backgrounds that create these beautifully in-depth, multi-faceted characters, that really come alive as you read about them. It makes the story so much more realistic, and enjoyable.
This is a really fascinating series, the Wampeh Ghalian are just brilliant, with their abilities, and the way they can cause total and utter terror in people, and yet, they are actually completely misunderstood as they are for the most part, pretty nice people (for Space Assassins). The Council of Twenty, are just as clever, with Emmik’s and Visla’s, some Ok, some that make Vader look like a Misunderstood Hall Monitor.
Regardless, this series is cleverly building into a really fascinating saga, with an utterly extraordinary Main Character (Hozark), and several other Major Characters (Bud, Laskar and Demelza), telling the story, and it is absolutely worth the read for anyone that loves a good Sci-Fi read, regardless of the sub-genre – don’t miss out!!
February 17, 2021
THE GHALIAN CODE
Space Assassins #3
By: Scott Baron
First off, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I find it hard to give this one a rating, purely for the fact that it had things I liked about the second book and things I didn’t like from the first book. So it is a bit of an awkward mixture.
First off, many information gets repeated. It will be told in one chapter, and then a chapter further it will be told in slightly different words. It’s nice to have when you left the book for a bit and came back, but it slows the story down, especially when you keep reading it. Because that is what this book – and all to be honest – are good at, you want to keep reading. It’s that series that has a strong, main storyline and many side-lines that connect to the main thing. It is filled with action because of that, and that’s great to keep a reader, well, reading.
However, during many times, it was more of telling information rather than showing the information. During some cases, this is logical. There is no other way to describe the history of the Council or yet another planet they squad find themselves on. But this happened or at the start of a chapter, which is fine, or in the middle of two important actions scenes, and then, well, it slows the story down. Many times, said information gets repeated, or isn’t really needed to get told in the first place. Also the constant use of ‘men and women’ annoyed me once again. you are in space, you cannot tell me that using the word people describes everything more.
Back to the things I liked, I love the characters, and especially the new ones that we got introduced to. There is Henni, a young woman that survived for so long on the streets, but now find herself surrounded by people that want her to teach many things, and at the end Captain Demarzik, a space pirated, and everyone who knows me knows that I love space pirates sooo. The action they all had to go through, was great, and once again, probably the strongest point of these books. Besides that, the relationships the characters have also deliver tons of humour and fun moments.
All by all, it was a solid book that delivered what it said it would and I had a good time reading it, and that’s what matters.
Space Assassins #3
By: Scott Baron
First off, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I find it hard to give this one a rating, purely for the fact that it had things I liked about the second book and things I didn’t like from the first book. So it is a bit of an awkward mixture.
First off, many information gets repeated. It will be told in one chapter, and then a chapter further it will be told in slightly different words. It’s nice to have when you left the book for a bit and came back, but it slows the story down, especially when you keep reading it. Because that is what this book – and all to be honest – are good at, you want to keep reading. It’s that series that has a strong, main storyline and many side-lines that connect to the main thing. It is filled with action because of that, and that’s great to keep a reader, well, reading.
However, during many times, it was more of telling information rather than showing the information. During some cases, this is logical. There is no other way to describe the history of the Council or yet another planet they squad find themselves on. But this happened or at the start of a chapter, which is fine, or in the middle of two important actions scenes, and then, well, it slows the story down. Many times, said information gets repeated, or isn’t really needed to get told in the first place. Also the constant use of ‘men and women’ annoyed me once again. you are in space, you cannot tell me that using the word people describes everything more.
Back to the things I liked, I love the characters, and especially the new ones that we got introduced to. There is Henni, a young woman that survived for so long on the streets, but now find herself surrounded by people that want her to teach many things, and at the end Captain Demarzik, a space pirated, and everyone who knows me knows that I love space pirates sooo. The action they all had to go through, was great, and once again, probably the strongest point of these books. Besides that, the relationships the characters have also deliver tons of humour and fun moments.
All by all, it was a solid book that delivered what it said it would and I had a good time reading it, and that’s what matters.
March 8, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This series somehow keeps getting better, and I'm trying to figure out how. Something about Baron's writing style explains things so clearly while also keeping the reader on the edge of their seat; and with a book so entrenched in magic, that's important. New little tweaks to the magic system, as well as the lore of the world, are introduced in each book, and I'm loving every minute of it.
The new characters introduced in this book are also awesome, Henni and Happizano rounding out an already interesting cast. I loved Henni from minute one, though that may just be because she's one of my favourite kinds of characters; on guard, but for good reason, not knowing what she's capable of because of something she just doesn't know yet. I'm excited to see her development the most now, she's so great. Happizano is also pretty neat, but not my favourite out there. He comes across as whiny at times, unfortunately, though I think that's a narration point of view problem more than an actual character trait.
Ultimately, I have no idea how this keeps becoming one of my new faves with each book. Third books are almost always a difficult task, but this one has done wonders with what Baron has set up in the first two, continuing the action and adding new twists with each book.
This series somehow keeps getting better, and I'm trying to figure out how. Something about Baron's writing style explains things so clearly while also keeping the reader on the edge of their seat; and with a book so entrenched in magic, that's important. New little tweaks to the magic system, as well as the lore of the world, are introduced in each book, and I'm loving every minute of it.
The new characters introduced in this book are also awesome, Henni and Happizano rounding out an already interesting cast. I loved Henni from minute one, though that may just be because she's one of my favourite kinds of characters; on guard, but for good reason, not knowing what she's capable of because of something she just doesn't know yet. I'm excited to see her development the most now, she's so great. Happizano is also pretty neat, but not my favourite out there. He comes across as whiny at times, unfortunately, though I think that's a narration point of view problem more than an actual character trait.
Ultimately, I have no idea how this keeps becoming one of my new faves with each book. Third books are almost always a difficult task, but this one has done wonders with what Baron has set up in the first two, continuing the action and adding new twists with each book.
November 25, 2020
Received as a review copy this is an honest review. Visla Dinarius Jinnik has just had his life turned upside down in the most hauntings way imaginable: his son Happizano has been abducted. And if he doesn't do as the Council of Twenty calls upon him to do; then things could get far worse then they currently are. Thus, Hozark, Demelza and their friends find themselves on a mission to find Jinnink's son and those behind it... a rather unique twist of a contract for two Ghalian assassin s to be doing... leading them on a journey to many dubious places, finding colorful allies to assisr them; and engaging in some rather interesting forms of interrogations to find the boy. The best one of the series thus far, highly recommended.
January 21, 2021
A fabulous read with suspense, action and a great plot.
An entire society of space assassins trying to untwist a series of events that are masterminded by an unknown. There are more and more twists to this ongoing saga. Hozark, an assassin who normally works independently, ended up working with a team due to unlikely circumstances. There are more power players than at first realized and plenty of secrets and treachery to last a lifetime. Hozark the once stoic lone wolf assassin is now learning to be a team player and even seems to enjoy the humor that is going along with his new team.
This is an ongoing storyline and at this point you need to have read the first two books, but the author does a good job of filling in the blanks in case a reader forgot or did not read in order. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
An entire society of space assassins trying to untwist a series of events that are masterminded by an unknown. There are more and more twists to this ongoing saga. Hozark, an assassin who normally works independently, ended up working with a team due to unlikely circumstances. There are more power players than at first realized and plenty of secrets and treachery to last a lifetime. Hozark the once stoic lone wolf assassin is now learning to be a team player and even seems to enjoy the humor that is going along with his new team.
This is an ongoing storyline and at this point you need to have read the first two books, but the author does a good job of filling in the blanks in case a reader forgot or did not read in order. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.
December 21, 2020
This is the third book of the series and it was just as entertaining as the first two. The same fantastic players plus a new unique character added. Well written and reads fast. No graphic sexual content but a great amount of sword fighting. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend for teens and up. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2020
This series continues to be intriguing. New friendships, new dilemmas, new heroes, and fast paced excitement. Plenty of action, laughs, and fun for all. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 25, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book follows much of the same characters from the previous books (Hozark, Demelza, etc). But also introduces another new character that becomes part of their team. And it was interesting to see how this new character shook things up a bit and how she has grown as a character as well throughout the book.
I enjoyed this book and overall I give it 4.5 stars (rounded up). I found this book slower to get into at first. While there was action at the beginning like the two previous books, it just felt slower to get into. However once I did get into it, this book was an enjoyable read. Overall it’s a well written book and the world building and character development feel very real as well. Expansive enough to feel like a large world but not too overwhelming in the sense that nothing makes sense.
January 13, 2021
Fantastically written and exciting story. The introduction of Henni and Hap is absolutely delightful. Henni is such a spit-fire and adds such flavor to the group of Hozark and Demelza. The story flows nicely and before you know it, the book was finished. I'm looking forward to the next book to see where the team goes and what they do next with all the problems created by the visla and Council of Twenty.
December 23, 2020
“The Ghalian Code” is the third audiobook in the “Space Assassins” series of audiobooks written by Scott Baron and narrated by Eric Bryan Moore. This excellent series continues the adventures of our hero Ozark, who is a well-trained space assassin, and his band of unusual followers as they are required to dirvert from their initial plans of taking revenge upon a powerful Visla to one of search and rescue. What seems like a rather simple and safe objective quickly turns into much more than they had planned. The listener is transported to a few new and exciting locations while also encountering a few new characters as the story expands. If you are at all a fan of fantasy and/or science fiction tales, I recommend you pick up not only this series, but the others Mr. Baron has written as well. I like that this series provides some great backstory if you are one that has previously listened to the other series by Baron.
This third audiobook open with some rather graphic scenes of gore caused by the continued warring factions. We see more and more of the deception, control, and drive of the elusive and secretive Council of Twenty. We also have Genic (sp?) who is a man with revenge on his mind and one that will stop at nothing to see this resolved. We are dropped into this world where magic is still the main source of power, yet there is space travel and a few technology aspects. However, these items are still run using magic. I found it interesting that people are amazed at such simple things as pluming which often uses magic to process waste, but it is not required. In this audiobook, we begin to see the brutal nature of our foe and the steps they will take to extract information from others. There is plenty of torture during many of the integration scenes and we even get a view into some creatures used or this task.
I found the ability to improve one’s skill interesting and that magic is not simply a genetic trait for a select few. But, using magic also takes will, determination, and focus to make it successful and not kill oneself when practicing. This includes even the most powerful Ghalian assassin has room to grow his skills. We begin to see Henny’s (a new character) mysterious abilities come to the surface. They start off rough, but she begins to hone them more as the book progresses. A few times during their training sessions, I felt like I was watching the “Karate Kid” movie showing the painful and tedious process of developing a given skill. We begin to see why the Ghalian are a feared group as we are shown some additional backstory details as well. We also see just how rare this type of assassin is even amongst their own people. I like the added secrecy around these specially trained killers.
I have always enjoyed my Baron’s writing style and storytelling. He is able to paint a picture and include unique and interesting characters and places. There are times of great action, but also times to reflection and character communication. I like having a mix of both along with the blending of science fiction and fantasy. Different people, places, and technology never fails to surprise as I listen. I find his style to be descriptive, but not so much that it takes away from the listener’s ability to create some of their own story aspects.
The audiobook’s narration is well-done and professional as with the previous two in the series. No noticeable audio artifacts (page turns, swallows, volume issues) were detected while listening. The character voicing is consistent and seems to fit the characters personalities. I know it is not a narrator issue, but I would have liked for a few of the characters to be less gruff and vocal, yet it does seem to fit a few of them well. I find Mr. Moore’s voice to be clean and pleasant to listen to. He keeps you engaged and appears to have a good understanding of his material while reading by adding in a decent amount of inflection. I always find his narrations appealing when I’m searching for a new audiobook to pick up.
For parents and younger readers, this audiobook, and the series as well, contains a fair amount of profanity along with some mature aspects including crude humor, sexual overtones, and some alcohol use. I know I have said it in other reviews, I like more when a world has its own expletives instead of using English language ones. A few authors I listen to do this, and it just seems right for the setting and does not pull me out from the story when I hear them.
In summary, the third book in the series does not disappoint. If you were one who enjoyed the previous “Dragon Mage” series, you may find this series a bit more serious and mature then that one; yet there is plenty of humor from Mr. Baron as well. I quite enjoy the backstory and knowing more about a few of the characters and magic as this tale progresses. The newer characters add in some complexity and side quests, but for me, that simply adds to the surprise and mystery wanting me to listen to the next one in the series. A good continuation of this audiobook series.
This third audiobook open with some rather graphic scenes of gore caused by the continued warring factions. We see more and more of the deception, control, and drive of the elusive and secretive Council of Twenty. We also have Genic (sp?) who is a man with revenge on his mind and one that will stop at nothing to see this resolved. We are dropped into this world where magic is still the main source of power, yet there is space travel and a few technology aspects. However, these items are still run using magic. I found it interesting that people are amazed at such simple things as pluming which often uses magic to process waste, but it is not required. In this audiobook, we begin to see the brutal nature of our foe and the steps they will take to extract information from others. There is plenty of torture during many of the integration scenes and we even get a view into some creatures used or this task.
I found the ability to improve one’s skill interesting and that magic is not simply a genetic trait for a select few. But, using magic also takes will, determination, and focus to make it successful and not kill oneself when practicing. This includes even the most powerful Ghalian assassin has room to grow his skills. We begin to see Henny’s (a new character) mysterious abilities come to the surface. They start off rough, but she begins to hone them more as the book progresses. A few times during their training sessions, I felt like I was watching the “Karate Kid” movie showing the painful and tedious process of developing a given skill. We begin to see why the Ghalian are a feared group as we are shown some additional backstory details as well. We also see just how rare this type of assassin is even amongst their own people. I like the added secrecy around these specially trained killers.
I have always enjoyed my Baron’s writing style and storytelling. He is able to paint a picture and include unique and interesting characters and places. There are times of great action, but also times to reflection and character communication. I like having a mix of both along with the blending of science fiction and fantasy. Different people, places, and technology never fails to surprise as I listen. I find his style to be descriptive, but not so much that it takes away from the listener’s ability to create some of their own story aspects.
The audiobook’s narration is well-done and professional as with the previous two in the series. No noticeable audio artifacts (page turns, swallows, volume issues) were detected while listening. The character voicing is consistent and seems to fit the characters personalities. I know it is not a narrator issue, but I would have liked for a few of the characters to be less gruff and vocal, yet it does seem to fit a few of them well. I find Mr. Moore’s voice to be clean and pleasant to listen to. He keeps you engaged and appears to have a good understanding of his material while reading by adding in a decent amount of inflection. I always find his narrations appealing when I’m searching for a new audiobook to pick up.
For parents and younger readers, this audiobook, and the series as well, contains a fair amount of profanity along with some mature aspects including crude humor, sexual overtones, and some alcohol use. I know I have said it in other reviews, I like more when a world has its own expletives instead of using English language ones. A few authors I listen to do this, and it just seems right for the setting and does not pull me out from the story when I hear them.
In summary, the third book in the series does not disappoint. If you were one who enjoyed the previous “Dragon Mage” series, you may find this series a bit more serious and mature then that one; yet there is plenty of humor from Mr. Baron as well. I quite enjoy the backstory and knowing more about a few of the characters and magic as this tale progresses. The newer characters add in some complexity and side quests, but for me, that simply adds to the surprise and mystery wanting me to listen to the next one in the series. A good continuation of this audiobook series.
December 13, 2020
This story is a fascinating look at a future built on magic. Some races are born with magic while others have none. There are also individuals who are born with magic which replenishes itself as they use it. The author has built a strong, realistic worldview that makes you think. The races that are born with magic can’t use it themselves and they have, therefore, been enslaved by those who want it for their own use. There is one race whose magic is in their hair which can be cut and used by anyone with the skill or device to use it. Another race powers the ships that are used in space. The individuals born with power have become the rulers of known space and, from their ranks, have elected a Council of Twenty. Those with power who want nothing to do with the Council can find themselves under pressure to do as the Council wishes and, if they continue to refuse, can find those they love in danger. It seems that there is a power play happening but nobody seems to know who is behind it all. The main player has made one very serious mistake. He has tried to enslave the Wampeh Ghalian Master Prombatz. The Wampeh Ghalian are assassins who train from infancy to be the ultimate warrior. A Master is one of the Five greatest living warriors of their order and Master Hozark, one of the five, is tasked with finding the Council member behind the atrocities that have been, and are being, committed. In this book Hozark, Demelza (another Wampeh Ghalian), Bud and co. are searching for a kidnapped child. The problem is that somehow, the Council is ahead of them at every turn and so is the ex-Wampeh Ghalian, Samara.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 1, 2021
This is Book 3 in the Space Assassin's series by Scott Baron. Another excellent action-packed book with the addition of more interesting characters along with additional depth added to characters from Books 1 and 2.
The Ghalian assassins only take extremely lucrative contracts to kill. The contracts are usually for those types that deserve to have their lives ended due to atrocities they themselves have committed. They get in and back out without anyone except the target ever seeing them. They train their entire lives to become that good.
This particular book is very different as they are contracted to find a ten-year-old who was abducted from his home while his father was off-planet for an important meeting. During the abduction, everyone on the property was slain to get to the boy. Not only were they slain but, some were displayed in a gruesome manner to really get his father’s attention. It seems the boy's father is an immensely powerful Visla and by kidnapping the boy, they hope to have the father use his power to help them in their endeavors. The scene is described quite graphically.
Although they are contracted to find the boy so he can be reunited with his father, there are many twists and turns that have the assassins using their skills and keep the reader guessing as to what will happen next. I found it very entertaining and some of the scenes and traps that were laid took a very inventive mind to devise them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Ghalian assassins only take extremely lucrative contracts to kill. The contracts are usually for those types that deserve to have their lives ended due to atrocities they themselves have committed. They get in and back out without anyone except the target ever seeing them. They train their entire lives to become that good.
This particular book is very different as they are contracted to find a ten-year-old who was abducted from his home while his father was off-planet for an important meeting. During the abduction, everyone on the property was slain to get to the boy. Not only were they slain but, some were displayed in a gruesome manner to really get his father’s attention. It seems the boy's father is an immensely powerful Visla and by kidnapping the boy, they hope to have the father use his power to help them in their endeavors. The scene is described quite graphically.
Although they are contracted to find the boy so he can be reunited with his father, there are many twists and turns that have the assassins using their skills and keep the reader guessing as to what will happen next. I found it very entertaining and some of the scenes and traps that were laid took a very inventive mind to devise them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 25, 2021
**I received a free ARC from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily**
I can't remember what I scored the first two books in this series, but I know I liked them a lot. I say that because I have knocked this one down a bit. I really enjoyed this book, the characters and the story continue to be intriguing, plausible, well-written and fast-paced. It is a wonderful series in terms of a realistic world and the people who populate it. In this book, he introduced a couple of new characters, one that I absolutely adored and one that I kept wishing would fall out of a door into space. The reason I knocked it down in score is that it kept repeating itself. I counted no less than four times when the author reiterated that a scene he was covering had a set-up in another book and then would rehash the set-up. I understand why he did it, so that this could be read out of order, but it got repetitive. All in all though, it's a great series.
I can't remember what I scored the first two books in this series, but I know I liked them a lot. I say that because I have knocked this one down a bit. I really enjoyed this book, the characters and the story continue to be intriguing, plausible, well-written and fast-paced. It is a wonderful series in terms of a realistic world and the people who populate it. In this book, he introduced a couple of new characters, one that I absolutely adored and one that I kept wishing would fall out of a door into space. The reason I knocked it down in score is that it kept repeating itself. I counted no less than four times when the author reiterated that a scene he was covering had a set-up in another book and then would rehash the set-up. I understand why he did it, so that this could be read out of order, but it got repetitive. All in all though, it's a great series.
February 26, 2021
I volunteered for an ARC of the series in exchange for an honest review.
I don't think anything other than vampire assassin in space needs to be said! I started hoping for a series from the assassins point of view at the beginning of bad luck Charlie. This series had been everything I've wanted and more.
Hozark leads an odd band of misfits to solve the mystery of whose behind the power grab within the council of twenty.
You also meet Henni and her violet hair.
In my real life we are sheltering in place, there's no more school for the rest of year, we are leaving house as little as possible- this series has been a great read for that. There's still the O.Henry meets Edgar Rice Burroughs story telling I love. There are bits that still make me laugh out loud wake someone up it's so funny. And a diminutive female armed with stabby sticks to take the edge off
I don't think anything other than vampire assassin in space needs to be said! I started hoping for a series from the assassins point of view at the beginning of bad luck Charlie. This series had been everything I've wanted and more.
Hozark leads an odd band of misfits to solve the mystery of whose behind the power grab within the council of twenty.
You also meet Henni and her violet hair.
In my real life we are sheltering in place, there's no more school for the rest of year, we are leaving house as little as possible- this series has been a great read for that. There's still the O.Henry meets Edgar Rice Burroughs story telling I love. There are bits that still make me laugh out loud wake someone up it's so funny. And a diminutive female armed with stabby sticks to take the edge off
May 7, 2022
Book 3 has it all, starts with
Demelza being exceptionally trained by the master sword maker, then meeting up with Hozark for an assignment for the sword maker. This leads to the hunt for the kidnapped son of an incredibly powerful visla who is not involved in the power games of the Twenty, but he must now do their bidding to keep his son safe. The addition of a new character Henni who is a potential unique talent, a former slave looks really interesting for future books. Soon they join up with Bud & Laz and the hunt for the son starts in Ernest.
Yet another exceptional book, they do just get better as the characters develop more facets. Read it really quickly as it flowed so well and kept your interest, I needed to get to the end and now I need book 4!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Demelza being exceptionally trained by the master sword maker, then meeting up with Hozark for an assignment for the sword maker. This leads to the hunt for the kidnapped son of an incredibly powerful visla who is not involved in the power games of the Twenty, but he must now do their bidding to keep his son safe. The addition of a new character Henni who is a potential unique talent, a former slave looks really interesting for future books. Soon they join up with Bud & Laz and the hunt for the son starts in Ernest.
Yet another exceptional book, they do just get better as the characters develop more facets. Read it really quickly as it flowed so well and kept your interest, I needed to get to the end and now I need book 4!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 9, 2025
So, I made it to this book.
If this series were a source book for a generic space roleplaying game, it'd be excellent.
Lots of nuggets of information, quest ideas, planets and races.
But for a book to be entertained by... nah. Shallow characters and just scratching the surface of what could be...
Not to mention the frequent and annoying habit of the author to present a problem and immediately give a solution just to never mention it again. (example: Spells needs to be spoken and will not work under water. Luckily he has trained on blowing air out his nose an casting a spell at the same time.)
And also, my pet peeve, to ALL authors, IF you are going to use ODDS often, at least learn that increasing odds makes something LESS likely to happen.
I was about to start Book 4, but that will not happen. Will not miss the characters nor am I curious of what happens.
If this series were a source book for a generic space roleplaying game, it'd be excellent.
Lots of nuggets of information, quest ideas, planets and races.
But for a book to be entertained by... nah. Shallow characters and just scratching the surface of what could be...
Not to mention the frequent and annoying habit of the author to present a problem and immediately give a solution just to never mention it again. (example: Spells needs to be spoken and will not work under water. Luckily he has trained on blowing air out his nose an casting a spell at the same time.)
And also, my pet peeve, to ALL authors, IF you are going to use ODDS often, at least learn that increasing odds makes something LESS likely to happen.
I was about to start Book 4, but that will not happen. Will not miss the characters nor am I curious of what happens.
September 10, 2022
Fun book. I like the concept of the ghalians but there are just a lot of oddities that are adding up. Ghalians always work alone except our protagonist who always works with people… These assassins are awfully nice people for some reason… Everyone seems to have heard about and knows about a secret order of assassins… isn’t assassination supposed to be secretive and stealthy? These assassins just run in and taking on an army most of the time. This feels more like the best mercenaries in the world. The increasing cast of characters is getting annoying, namely the two new additions. Also I wish Samara would just die. Okay, I digress. It is an entertaining story in a cool universe.
April 26, 2021
Third book in the series and absolutely enjoying it. Continues from book 2 and the action continues with a couple of new young people on the ship and they certainly do stir the pot. With still more to come, can't wait for the next chapter.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
January 7, 2021
Great yarn
This is the third series of Scott Baron's books I've been reading. I've enjoyed them all. Why I like a vicious assassin,I'll never know.
This is the third series of Scott Baron's books I've been reading. I've enjoyed them all. Why I like a vicious assassin,I'll never know.
February 27, 2021
I really love the characters in this series! We now have two new members in the dysfunctional family. We seem to be getting closer to discover the puppet master.
October 30, 2021
Excellent book. Definitely recommend.
June 2, 2024
While still rife with grammatical errors and areas of info dumping, the character development is improving, and the story's pacing is good.
September 3, 2024
I am really enjoying this series. There’s enough action to keep me engaged, and enough twists to make me want more.
April 22, 2025
4/10: good for what it is. nothing too complex
November 10, 2025
Love the series. The Characters and plot kept me wanting even more. Easy to follow.
March 18, 2024
Listened to the audiobook.
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