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Matrian Trilogy #1
Corvus Ascending
A Bosun Gusty Joe Adventure.
When wisecracking star-sailor Gus Johansson hauls a 1400-year-old accident-prone robot out of the sea and boards a long-lost sentient spaceship his beach bum retirement goes from boring to blazing.
Captain Harrison “Hazy” Grey is out for revenge and convinced that he can finally get his Admiral’s flag, if only he can capture that ship; and he doesn’t care who he has to kill to do it.
Gus must assemble a team of old friends and add some new ones to escape. Maybe he should have stayed on the beach.
When wisecracking star-sailor Gus Johansson hauls a 1400-year-old accident-prone robot out of the sea and boards a long-lost sentient spaceship his beach bum retirement goes from boring to blazing.
Captain Harrison “Hazy” Grey is out for revenge and convinced that he can finally get his Admiral’s flag, if only he can capture that ship; and he doesn’t care who he has to kill to do it.
Gus must assemble a team of old friends and add some new ones to escape. Maybe he should have stayed on the beach.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 31, 2021
CORVUS ASCENDING is the first instalment in Dale Sale’s TALES OF CORVUS sci-fi adventure series focusing on the crew of the space-ship Corvus.
Told from third person perspective CORVUS ASCENDING follows former Chief Warrant Bosun and star-sailor Guster Johansson as he is tasked with captaining a sentient spaceship that has returned from the depths of the sea. With his trusty side kick, a 1400 year old robot named HAM, Gus Johansson begins to amass a crew of oddballs and renegades but not before our hero finds himself a prisoner of Captain Harrison Grey and the ruling Governance, who sets their sights on acquiring the spaceship Corvus. Outfitting the Corvus for potential war, Gus and the crew find themselves the target of Captain Grey, a target that must out maneuver a mad man desperate to claim the Corvus for his own.
CORVUS ASCENDING is a fast paced, sci-fi adventure ala Star Wars™, Star Trek™, Battlestar Galactica ™ and Babylon Five™. Dale Sale meshes together AI, cyborg and robots, a sentient star ship, a holographic constructed intelligence (CI), and an eclectic assortment of humanoid personas resulting in a quirky yet talented crew whose journey has only started. The premise is captivating; the world building includes some scientific and fictionalized terminology; the characters are diverse, distinctive and unconventional but such are the personalities of every entertaining story of science fiction.CORVUS ASCENDING begins slowly but accelerates at ‘warp speed’.
Www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from third person perspective CORVUS ASCENDING follows former Chief Warrant Bosun and star-sailor Guster Johansson as he is tasked with captaining a sentient spaceship that has returned from the depths of the sea. With his trusty side kick, a 1400 year old robot named HAM, Gus Johansson begins to amass a crew of oddballs and renegades but not before our hero finds himself a prisoner of Captain Harrison Grey and the ruling Governance, who sets their sights on acquiring the spaceship Corvus. Outfitting the Corvus for potential war, Gus and the crew find themselves the target of Captain Grey, a target that must out maneuver a mad man desperate to claim the Corvus for his own.
CORVUS ASCENDING is a fast paced, sci-fi adventure ala Star Wars™, Star Trek™, Battlestar Galactica ™ and Babylon Five™. Dale Sale meshes together AI, cyborg and robots, a sentient star ship, a holographic constructed intelligence (CI), and an eclectic assortment of humanoid personas resulting in a quirky yet talented crew whose journey has only started. The premise is captivating; the world building includes some scientific and fictionalized terminology; the characters are diverse, distinctive and unconventional but such are the personalities of every entertaining story of science fiction.CORVUS ASCENDING begins slowly but accelerates at ‘warp speed’.
Www.thereadingcafe.com
August 29, 2024
Two stars because it was "okay". Though written by a fellow Coastie, it just seemed to have too much 2oth century jargon for a far future protagonist. While I have myself know a few crusty old Chiefs, and perhaps one rough around the edges engineer warrant, they were the exception and definitely on the way out as the 21st century came around. Not to say a Gus type hero would not exist in the far future, and the story is a bit of fun tweaking the ring knockers like Grey, but it is unlikely.
Over all it is a good story and the ending, designed to make you buy the second book, leaves you looking for the answers. I think I am a one and done. I mean, when you have an undefeatable ship and a crew of such massive intelligence, though quirky, how can you lose?
Over all it is a good story and the ending, designed to make you buy the second book, leaves you looking for the answers. I think I am a one and done. I mean, when you have an undefeatable ship and a crew of such massive intelligence, though quirky, how can you lose?
August 13, 2026
Corvis ascending - military science fiction
I am a big fan of sci-fi space opera adventures.
I did enjoy the storyline. Retired military guy without quite enough pension to live comfortably, and without enough interest to enjoy life. Manages to change his life by finding a spaceship, and off on their adventures they go. It’s an interesting universe, interesting premise, and good problem-solving.
But as much as I like space operas, I felt very much like this book was designed for retired or active duty military. Lots of rank, lots of military lingo, lots of stereotypical military tropes. While I liked the book, I’m don’t know if I’m going to continue with the series because the character seemed more like cardboard cut outs of military tropes then people I can relate to. Military members will probably love it.
I am a big fan of sci-fi space opera adventures.
I did enjoy the storyline. Retired military guy without quite enough pension to live comfortably, and without enough interest to enjoy life. Manages to change his life by finding a spaceship, and off on their adventures they go. It’s an interesting universe, interesting premise, and good problem-solving.
But as much as I like space operas, I felt very much like this book was designed for retired or active duty military. Lots of rank, lots of military lingo, lots of stereotypical military tropes. While I liked the book, I’m don’t know if I’m going to continue with the series because the character seemed more like cardboard cut outs of military tropes then people I can relate to. Military members will probably love it.
February 13, 2022
exciting story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am most excited to move on to the next to see what further adventures the crew of the Corvus find for themselves. A rollicking space adventure, well written with fully developed characters, a touch of romance and lots of humour and adventure. The author has used his time in the Coast Guard well to bring us characters that share the camaraderie and interaction that develops when serving together. I look forward to further books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am most excited to move on to the next to see what further adventures the crew of the Corvus find for themselves. A rollicking space adventure, well written with fully developed characters, a touch of romance and lots of humour and adventure. The author has used his time in the Coast Guard well to bring us characters that share the camaraderie and interaction that develops when serving together. I look forward to further books.
September 6, 2026
Two misprint errors and I'm on page 35.
The author seems to have written a book about someone they hated or always wanted to be. I can't tell yet.
Immature, egotistical, and shallow writing.
The main character contributes nothing to the story other than endless (and pointless) remarks and internal thoughts about whoever or whatever is in front of him.
If you enjoyed this one, read Sandman Slim.
The author seems to have written a book about someone they hated or always wanted to be. I can't tell yet.
Immature, egotistical, and shallow writing.
The main character contributes nothing to the story other than endless (and pointless) remarks and internal thoughts about whoever or whatever is in front of him.
If you enjoyed this one, read Sandman Slim.
April 6, 2021
Great sci fi adventure with
The world building is good, the AIs are hilarious, and the humans are great, although Gus is kind of mean to Ham. I've been looking for a humorous, no deaths sci fi book, and I'm so glad I found Corvus. The Governance makes for a slightly grim world, but I think the AIs plan to fix that.
The world building is good, the AIs are hilarious, and the humans are great, although Gus is kind of mean to Ham. I've been looking for a humorous, no deaths sci fi book, and I'm so glad I found Corvus. The Governance makes for a slightly grim world, but I think the AIs plan to fix that.
September 10, 2021
Great space opera
Wow! This was a great space opera. Dale Sale created a great set of Space Characters.. The Heroes were easy to root for, and the Bad guys were Very Hateable. The plot of this Book was
So very exciting and entertaining you had a hard time putting it down at night . A Very Good Read! Santa Mike
Wow! This was a great space opera. Dale Sale created a great set of Space Characters.. The Heroes were easy to root for, and the Bad guys were Very Hateable. The plot of this Book was
So very exciting and entertaining you had a hard time putting it down at night . A Very Good Read! Santa Mike
March 30, 2022
Good for a Rainy Day
While there are moments where I wonder about the sudden discovery of technical wonders scattered throughout this book, my overall experience was enjoyable. Good character development and a multilayered plot kept the story interesting, the good guys usually come out ahead, and the anticipated ending helps set a positive tone. Book one easily leads into the next in the series.
While there are moments where I wonder about the sudden discovery of technical wonders scattered throughout this book, my overall experience was enjoyable. Good character development and a multilayered plot kept the story interesting, the good guys usually come out ahead, and the anticipated ending helps set a positive tone. Book one easily leads into the next in the series.
August 1, 2026
fun but too rushed
I feel this book could have been better if twice as long. It felt rushed. The pace was frenetic with more dialog than description. I do love the tropes! Found family, old military guy fighting again, long lost tech better than current stuff, ai with a hidden agenda. But more details could anchor scenes better.
I feel this book could have been better if twice as long. It felt rushed. The pace was frenetic with more dialog than description. I do love the tropes! Found family, old military guy fighting again, long lost tech better than current stuff, ai with a hidden agenda. But more details could anchor scenes better.
September 13, 2026
After reading the first few chapters I thought: "Ah, this'll be another DNF." But, as I read on, the story improved and I quite enjoyed it, not meaning to damn by faint praise. I found the chief character irritating, as he seemed to be based on Captain Haddock from Tintin, but the other characters - and the bots - compensate.
September 10, 2022
Interesting story. Got it in a book bundle, and wasn't sure what thte story was about. Glad i kept going from the slow beginning. You all in love with the characters, the pets and the robots! Excited to see what is next up for the crew!
March 5, 2023
A rollicking good read
A great fast paced humorous book full of action with great characterization.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
A great fast paced humorous book full of action with great characterization.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
April 5, 2023
Very good
An excellent first book in this series with many fascinating characters, both human and AI. The storyline is both gripping and amusing and bodes well for the next books in the series.
An excellent first book in this series with many fascinating characters, both human and AI. The storyline is both gripping and amusing and bodes well for the next books in the series.
May 4, 2023
This was a slightly fun read and.not dark or heavy at all. I still ask, whatever happened to editing and proofreading? Just two examples from the book -
“He slipped back into fleet-speak fit like a pair of old shoes.” Please tell me how this is a sentence.
“Claiming, they had diplomatic protection from some place called Matria.” This is a sentence fragment and a misplaced comma.
“He slipped back into fleet-speak fit like a pair of old shoes.” Please tell me how this is a sentence.
“Claiming, they had diplomatic protection from some place called Matria.” This is a sentence fragment and a misplaced comma.
January 8, 2025
A very nice tale
A good story that was well told. I was well satisfied with the world building and am looking forward to following the hints scattered like bread crumbs into the next book.
A good story that was well told. I was well satisfied with the world building and am looking forward to following the hints scattered like bread crumbs into the next book.
November 23, 2025
Disappointed
This book starts out well. However, before very long it begins to head down a dark, misandric path which I can't countenance.
It gets three stars because the characters are, on the whole, well written, the action is reasonable but it's direction is not for me.
This book starts out well. However, before very long it begins to head down a dark, misandric path which I can't countenance.
It gets three stars because the characters are, on the whole, well written, the action is reasonable but it's direction is not for me.
December 2, 2025
Entertaining
Well written with tongue firmly planted in cheek. I particularly like the crew of misfit that formed the crew. The A.I. entities were enjoyable while being inscrutable at the same moment.
Well written with tongue firmly planted in cheek. I particularly like the crew of misfit that formed the crew. The A.I. entities were enjoyable while being inscrutable at the same moment.
June 5, 2026
A fun story with unexpected turns
I usually like a fun story line that is not too serious. I want the good guys to prevail in the end. This book has some clever twists and turns and a light hearted story line. I am looking forward to the next episode in the series!
I usually like a fun story line that is not too serious. I want the good guys to prevail in the end. This book has some clever twists and turns and a light hearted story line. I am looking forward to the next episode in the series!
Did Not Finish
July 25, 2026I listen to most books. Audiobooks. This is the 1st one to use an AI narrator. I gave it 10 minutes. Sucked. You can’t unhear that. The AI misses obvious points of emphasis and places where obvious emotion is warranted and misses. It’s just off.
July 30, 2026
Good enjoyable space fun
This is a good fun read if you dont like your sci-fi too serious. Interesting story line, nice characters and a great panto villain. Looking forward to the next one.
This is a good fun read if you dont like your sci-fi too serious. Interesting story line, nice characters and a great panto villain. Looking forward to the next one.
August 6, 2026
It's been a while
I've been looking for a new series, and these walk the line between The Expanse and Tales of the Ketty Jay. Fantastic world building and high energy, I made myself make it last three days. Hopefully there are a lot more to come
I've been looking for a new series, and these walk the line between The Expanse and Tales of the Ketty Jay. Fantastic world building and high energy, I made myself make it last three days. Hopefully there are a lot more to come
October 7, 2026
Excellent Reading
A good interesting story, a spaceship full of misfits working towards a common goal. Facing whatever enemy stands in their way. A good promising start to what I hope will be a good trilogy ? I enjoyed it So should you.
A good interesting story, a spaceship full of misfits working towards a common goal. Facing whatever enemy stands in their way. A good promising start to what I hope will be a good trilogy ? I enjoyed it So should you.
January 16, 2021
It's a fun read, what I liked the most was the engineering details. Hoping that in the next books of this series will see more detailed battles and strategies like the one in the first book
September 13, 2021
Great sci-fi read
This book has some great characters. One human and two a.i. they make a great team. The story has loads of action and twists.
This book has some great characters. One human and two a.i. they make a great team. The story has loads of action and twists.
November 17, 2021
MORE! MORE!
An excellent blend of science fiction and humor, populated by the strangest cast of characters in this or any other galaxy. Could do with a good editor
An excellent blend of science fiction and humor, populated by the strangest cast of characters in this or any other galaxy. Could do with a good editor
October 20, 2022
Awesome
A great fun adventure. I loved the cast, well written and fun. I can not wait to start book two.
A great fun adventure. I loved the cast, well written and fun. I can not wait to start book two.
October 30, 2022
This is one of the best books I have read this year. This s a fun book, with a good plot and great characters. Gus is a new favorite, and the Corvus is a dream.
January 27, 2023
Fast paced, fun, really a good read.
July 31, 2023
Great charactres and story building
August 10, 2023
Extremely entertaining
I can't wait to see what lays in store for the chief warrant officer and his motley crew. A great science fiction story with lots of chuckles.
I can't wait to see what lays in store for the chief warrant officer and his motley crew. A great science fiction story with lots of chuckles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews