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The Newhome Rangers #1
Dandelion
Amber Houston was born light-years from Earth, aboard the enormous colony starship Dandelion. By the age of fourteen, she has spent her entire life training as a "Ranger," ready for the day when she will be among the first humans ever to set foot on an alien world & build a new civilization. When Dandelion suffers an emergency toward the end of its journey, Amber & her fellow young rangers are evacuated & land on the planet Newhome years ahead of schedule. While the adults left behind on Dandelion slow the ship & turn it around to come back---in eight years---Amber & her friends must build lives for themselves amid revelations that will change Humankind's destiny forever. Meanwhile, aboard the ship, secrets that were buried over three hundred years ago finally come to light...
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2020
33 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 24, 2020
I was so engrossed in this book that I read it in a single day! Great character development, well-founded and well-rounded characters. Really great world-building, too.
I especially liked that the main character was a strong woman, and that in turn there were still strong male characters around her. Great examples for young people of all stripes!
I especially liked that the main character was a strong woman, and that in turn there were still strong male characters around her. Great examples for young people of all stripes!
November 23, 2020
Ah. This Book is just perfect. Especially for all the people who have witnessed the gradual maturing of Deathworlders this will be scratching that itch, that every new chapter leaves us with.
But then it leaves us with a new itch! And one where a new chapter might be more than a month away.
All in all, this is what I have hoped for and far far more. This squishy dizzyrat is happy.
But then it leaves us with a new itch! And one where a new chapter might be more than a month away.
All in all, this is what I have hoped for and far far more. This squishy dizzyrat is happy.
December 8, 2020
A good yarn with a focused plot
Enjoyed chewing through this immensely. While some of the cast will feel familiar to those who have read the deathworlder series, the plot and its twists were delightful.
Enjoyed chewing through this immensely. While some of the cast will feel familiar to those who have read the deathworlder series, the plot and its twists were delightful.
January 6, 2021
Another good read
Overall a good book. It’s spaced a little slow but promises on what could be 3 or 4 book series. The build up and world build was done great. Also, remember to live long and prosper.
Overall a good book. It’s spaced a little slow but promises on what could be 3 or 4 book series. The build up and world build was done great. Also, remember to live long and prosper.
January 10, 2021
Liked the characters the story was captivating.
The start felt a bit reminiscent of The 100, but that's only a trope they have in common, and it's a fun trope to use!
Can not wait for the continuation!
The start felt a bit reminiscent of The 100, but that's only a trope they have in common, and it's a fun trope to use!
Can not wait for the continuation!
January 13, 2021
Strong start to a new series. Eagerly awaiting part 2
Well paced exploration of a new sci-fi setting. New characters, depth of characters and world building aspects are built up slowly, drawing you into the world. Disappointed I've finished part 1 without more to read!
Well paced exploration of a new sci-fi setting. New characters, depth of characters and world building aspects are built up slowly, drawing you into the world. Disappointed I've finished part 1 without more to read!
February 8, 2021
I started reading this on Reddit, and have to say I love it :) So much so, that I bought the e-book rather than wait for the installments on r/HFY
March 4, 2021
A highly enjoyable start to what should be a gripping and epic series. Plenty of lighthearted moments with deep roots to explore. Great characters, interesting ideas.
April 13, 2025
This is one of those Science-Fiction novels that reads like Fantasy. It's a coming of age, first contact, super-man story. Hoo boy!
The main characters didn't quite slot into the "real" for me. Something was off/missing. For example, despite being genetically perfected young adults, there was zero sexual tension. The set-up was also imperfect. How is it that there are so few adults in the rangers? Was that organisation just inaugurated? And our alien friends... seemed to have very human psychology — barely even a cultural peccadillo to cause confusion. Okay, that's my niggles out of the way.
What I loved about this story was the premise. It was a layer cake, where each component was interesting. Things were revealed gradually, keeping that spark of excitement glowing. Even the ending pointed the way for more revelations to come.
I also liked the three main characters. The reader could relate to each in unique ways. It was fun. I particularly liked how, half-way through, the trio was re-framed from the Aliens' perspective. I can't remember Humanity being slotted into a mythical role like this in other SciFi. It did remind me a little of Foster's "Call to Arms" though.
On the whole, this was an easy and fun read. It would suit most ages and make a great bridging novel for those transitioning from traditional SciFi to Fantasy, or vice versa.
The main characters didn't quite slot into the "real" for me. Something was off/missing. For example, despite being genetically perfected young adults, there was zero sexual tension. The set-up was also imperfect. How is it that there are so few adults in the rangers? Was that organisation just inaugurated? And our alien friends... seemed to have very human psychology — barely even a cultural peccadillo to cause confusion. Okay, that's my niggles out of the way.
What I loved about this story was the premise. It was a layer cake, where each component was interesting. Things were revealed gradually, keeping that spark of excitement glowing. Even the ending pointed the way for more revelations to come.
I also liked the three main characters. The reader could relate to each in unique ways. It was fun. I particularly liked how, half-way through, the trio was re-framed from the Aliens' perspective. I can't remember Humanity being slotted into a mythical role like this in other SciFi. It did remind me a little of Foster's "Call to Arms" though.
On the whole, this was an easy and fun read. It would suit most ages and make a great bridging novel for those transitioning from traditional SciFi to Fantasy, or vice versa.
December 27, 2020
I will be the first to admit that the amount of sci-fi type books I've read in my lifetime can be counted on one hand, so when I say I absolutely LOVED this book, just know...that's a big deal. I love a good cover and this one does not disappoint. The artwork is absolutely beautiful. Also, the book really captures from the beginning and the imagery is fantastic. I had no problem falling onto the generation ship Dandelion and then right into the new world of Newhome. The characters were so well-written and rounded. They each had their own personalities (of course) but the writers really stayed on course with those, throughout the entire book, even as the characters transitioned from beginning to end more and more out of their innocence. My favorite character was D.A.N.I though and I really found his sense of empathy and love very intriguing for A.I. The writers really have a talent in writing this and I admire their ability to keep all the many pieces of this book so on point. I have many thoughts and a lot that I'm still digesting and twirling around in my head as I have just finished the book, but all in all, I'm VERY excited to see what comes next in the series and am looking forward to watching Amber, Nikki, Roy, and all the other "homers" grow more into themselves and their many talents.
July 17, 2021
I just couldn't get past the Futuristic earthlings traveling in a generation space ship across the galaxy to a new planet to inhabit and there are already Vikings there. I sometimes get bored with the whole viking theme and it didn't work well here.
Side Note: James Keating awesome performance as always to bad the story isn't that great.
Side Note: James Keating awesome performance as always to bad the story isn't that great.
January 20, 2021
This is a grand beginning to a trilogy that I can't wait to read more of! Dandelion sets up an interesting cast of characters at the same time it questions topics ranging from first contact to genetic engineering to the dynamics of alien thought.
While the 'Homers' gelt a bit more human than I might have liked, it was done in a very proficient manner that allowed those characters to really grow an identity that could be latched on to.
Indeed, the alien 'Homers' nearly felt more human than some of the actual Humans we got to know.
Can't wait to see more in this series!
While the 'Homers' gelt a bit more human than I might have liked, it was done in a very proficient manner that allowed those characters to really grow an identity that could be latched on to.
Indeed, the alien 'Homers' nearly felt more human than some of the actual Humans we got to know.
Can't wait to see more in this series!
May 3, 2021
This was a solid book. I've read the author's work on reddit and read this book based on my desire to read more by this author.
I really enjoyed the characters and the plot of this. Everything was solidly put together well thought and well presented. I look forward to more in the series or more by this author
I really enjoyed the characters and the plot of this. Everything was solidly put together well thought and well presented. I look forward to more in the series or more by this author
February 18, 2021
Very good
I highly enjoyed this book and look forward to further entries in this series. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sci-fi.
I highly enjoyed this book and look forward to further entries in this series. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys sci-fi.
March 31, 2025
I may have done some things I'm not proud of because of this book, like reading during dinner. It's hard to say much without spoilers. I loved the plot, which revolved more around characters solving problems than interpersonal conflict. It's the opposite of grimdark. The characters are crazily overpowered and almost without fault. Although there are in-universe reasons for this, it's one of only two knocks on the book. The other is that the writing was a bit clumsy at the beginning, although it improved tremendously by the end. But the setup was awesome: the scenario combines a generation ship with another common sci fi scenario (no spoilers) in a unique, fun, and uplifting way. I was super bummed to find out that the sequel is long delayed. Although the ending does being some closure, much is left open, and I really really want to see where it goes.
September 24, 2021
The author hopped on their ideological hobby horse in chapter two and rode that thing into the ground.
It looks like American Exceptionalism became Human Exceptionalism and ran off to populate the galaxy. The moral of the story seems to be that violence and aggression are the True Path to reach the penultimate human experience.
Plot points/CW:
It looks like American Exceptionalism became Human Exceptionalism and ran off to populate the galaxy. The moral of the story seems to be that violence and aggression are the True Path to reach the penultimate human experience.
Plot points/CW:
January 5, 2022
Aliens shouldn’t screw with humans… ‘cause we’re badasses!
It was interesting to see many of the same theme-threads from ‘Deathworlders’ rewoven into a different plot line. The introduction to characters and their reality is nicely paced and does not bog down… and once the ‘Homers’ are introduced, the action became quite compelling - for me anyway.
The action is centred on a group of young teen characters which may limit its appeal to some, but I liked it and I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series.
It was interesting to see many of the same theme-threads from ‘Deathworlders’ rewoven into a different plot line. The introduction to characters and their reality is nicely paced and does not bog down… and once the ‘Homers’ are introduced, the action became quite compelling - for me anyway.
The action is centred on a group of young teen characters which may limit its appeal to some, but I liked it and I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series.
January 17, 2022
Just accept the fact that aliens can be vikings (it's in the prologue, so if I spoiled something, sorry). After that you're in a world of fun. The books reminds me of the pleasure I had reading Children of Time. This feels like a long lost cousin. I'm delighted to hear that there's a book universe with possible connections called The Deathworlders available online. I'm off to read that now.
I think they gained a new fan!
I think they gained a new fan!
April 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! I have recently started reading more sci-fi, and this one is up there as a favorite.
I loved Amber as the heroine who did her job AND didn’t have to deal with a love triangle to accomplish her goals and lead well.
It was complex, but easy to follow. It was smart to have the different perspectives, and have those perspectives intertwine in creative ways.
I loved Amber as the heroine who did her job AND didn’t have to deal with a love triangle to accomplish her goals and lead well.
It was complex, but easy to follow. It was smart to have the different perspectives, and have those perspectives intertwine in creative ways.
November 5, 2022
Deathworlders inheritance
The core themes in this book are easily recognizable to readers/lovers of Deathworlders. The limits of human potential, gene manipulation, alien data sophont. Looking forward to the next installment.
The core themes in this book are easily recognizable to readers/lovers of Deathworlders. The limits of human potential, gene manipulation, alien data sophont. Looking forward to the next installment.
July 1, 2021
Quality
August 14, 2021
3.5 star! This was a very fascinating sci-fi debut! The premise was great and I adored the characters.
January 4, 2022
A fun first contact book.
April 18, 2023
I quite enjoyed this adventure and hope there are more books in the series yet to come.
September 2, 2023
So painfully slow. Its so confusing I feel like the only way I could understand this is by getting a PhD in science, computer science etc. It’s the type of book that have characters say “little bro.”
(Generous 1.8 stars to be exact)
(Generous 1.8 stars to be exact)
August 18, 2021
Pro-fossil fuel and colonialism. The similarities between two species also unrealistic
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews