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Katie Kincaid #2
Katie Kincaid Space Cadet
Katie's dream has come true.
She's made into the Space Force Academy on Earth.
Quite the achievement. Especially for a young girl. A first for any Belter.
Now she has to prove the nay-sayers wrong.
The ones who said she wouldn't fit in, that it'd be too hard for her, that she'd flunk out.
Turned out they'd been right that she wouldn't fit in.
It's certainly hard enough.
Katie is determined to prove them wrong about her failing.
She's made into the Space Force Academy on Earth.
Quite the achievement. Especially for a young girl. A first for any Belter.
Now she has to prove the nay-sayers wrong.
The ones who said she wouldn't fit in, that it'd be too hard for her, that she'd flunk out.
Turned out they'd been right that she wouldn't fit in.
It's certainly hard enough.
Katie is determined to prove them wrong about her failing.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2021
175 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 22, 2021
The first book wasn’t great, but there was enough to make me want to keep with the story. The big problems for me early in the book were the author keeps over explaining and describing things and some of the situations were really were a bit clichéd. Perhaps that is a bit unfair, but the numerous portrayals of cadet academies in different series, do tend to merge into an all too familiar ‘mush’. It didn’t help that this academy appeared to want its cadets to aspire to being less than mediocre.
The story is basically about ‘not fitting in’, which in the beginning was fine, except after a dozen times of the author proving Katie doesn’t fit in, it gets a bit tedious. If possible I would have given 1.5 stars.
The story is basically about ‘not fitting in’, which in the beginning was fine, except after a dozen times of the author proving Katie doesn’t fit in, it gets a bit tedious. If possible I would have given 1.5 stars.
June 20, 2022
I am not sure why I like Katie and her story, its hard for me to connect with a 16 yo girl (in this book). Maybe its the combination of that young person and the "just the facts, ma'am" style of the telling, you know, an after action report. There is plenty of internal dialog for the primary and secondary characters, but really only the primary feels somewhat complete as a person. Also, I had expected the timeline of these stories to progress faster than it has, and include some adventures in space. Can't have everything, but on to the next chapter, er book.
March 6, 2021
Bildungs Roman
Real review later. A coming of age tale of a young woman who grew up in the asteroid belt who travels to earth to enter the Space Force Academy. With no wars for a very long time and an academy filled with teens begats of multiple generation career military families ...
MC has flaws. Character driven. World built well. No cliffhanger.
Real review later. A coming of age tale of a young woman who grew up in the asteroid belt who travels to earth to enter the Space Force Academy. With no wars for a very long time and an academy filled with teens begats of multiple generation career military families ...
MC has flaws. Character driven. World built well. No cliffhanger.
April 5, 2021
This horse is dead
This whole book at best a poorly conceived rough draft. The MC is again put in a very difficult situation and allowed little agency of her own. That in itself is fine, but most of the scenes are repeated multiple times from POV other than that of the MC. Did little to advance the story and annoying besides. I like the premise here but execution is terrible.
This whole book at best a poorly conceived rough draft. The MC is again put in a very difficult situation and allowed little agency of her own. That in itself is fine, but most of the scenes are repeated multiple times from POV other than that of the MC. Did little to advance the story and annoying besides. I like the premise here but execution is terrible.
April 1, 2022
Less than I Expected
This second book progresses in the same vein as the first and, sadly, that’s not enough to maintain my interest. The protagonist, Katie, remains one of the most unlovable “heroines” available and I got tired of waiting for her to grow up, mature, listen to her classmates, listen to her advisors, or give any indication that she was capable and worthy of further reading.
At 58% I finally gave up. This is not a series I would recommend for anyone.
This second book progresses in the same vein as the first and, sadly, that’s not enough to maintain my interest. The protagonist, Katie, remains one of the most unlovable “heroines” available and I got tired of waiting for her to grow up, mature, listen to her classmates, listen to her advisors, or give any indication that she was capable and worthy of further reading.
At 58% I finally gave up. This is not a series I would recommend for anyone.
May 22, 2022
A year in the life of a Cadet
Book 2 was to exhibit little fish in big pond. Most of it was an unheroic journey of a child away from home. The author has a curious approach to character development, mainly that you don’t see any, and then he will drop some epiphany of self awareness from a character that unfortunately won’t hold true in later scenario’s. Emotionally all of the characters appear rather simple or shallow. “For some reason [so-and-so] liked her.” Subsequently followed by a “but” with a description of not having any faith in the heroine or providing anything other than additional reasons why she was unlikable.
Altogether short read, and I’m going to see if the series improves.
Book 2 was to exhibit little fish in big pond. Most of it was an unheroic journey of a child away from home. The author has a curious approach to character development, mainly that you don’t see any, and then he will drop some epiphany of self awareness from a character that unfortunately won’t hold true in later scenario’s. Emotionally all of the characters appear rather simple or shallow. “For some reason [so-and-so] liked her.” Subsequently followed by a “but” with a description of not having any faith in the heroine or providing anything other than additional reasons why she was unlikable.
Altogether short read, and I’m going to see if the series improves.
December 17, 2021
Aardvark, Andrew Van. Katie Kincaid Space Cadet. Katie Kincaid No. 2. Kindle, 2021.
Katie has finally made it into the space academy. As predicted, she does not fit in. As a belter, even one who has worked out as much as possible in high gravity, she still lags behind Earthers in sheer physical stamina. There is also the predicable prejudice against the poor kind from the wrong side of the solar system tracks. The plot develops along predictable lines as we watch Katie use her brains and determination to overcome obstacles. A very readable YA. 3.5 stars.
Katie has finally made it into the space academy. As predicted, she does not fit in. As a belter, even one who has worked out as much as possible in high gravity, she still lags behind Earthers in sheer physical stamina. There is also the predicable prejudice against the poor kind from the wrong side of the solar system tracks. The plot develops along predictable lines as we watch Katie use her brains and determination to overcome obstacles. A very readable YA. 3.5 stars.
February 3, 2022
Katie rocks!
This book should really be called, "The Trials and Tribulations of Space Cadet Katie Kinkaid.". Poor Katie had things go so hard for her that at times I had to put this book down because I was so upset for her! The bottom line though is that she persevered and then succeeded despite everything. This proved to me that without a doubt she has what it takes to be a Space Force officer. I'm also really looking forward to the next book in the series. Read this book now, you'll be glad that you did! :)
This book should really be called, "The Trials and Tribulations of Space Cadet Katie Kinkaid.". Poor Katie had things go so hard for her that at times I had to put this book down because I was so upset for her! The bottom line though is that she persevered and then succeeded despite everything. This proved to me that without a doubt she has what it takes to be a Space Force officer. I'm also really looking forward to the next book in the series. Read this book now, you'll be glad that you did! :)
May 15, 2022
A Great Read
Very descriptive! How would a space kid adjust to being on planet for the first time? Pretty much how Katie did. I loved the uneven terrain problem on field runs. And weather issues that we live by were unknown to her. Very well thought out with lots of realistic conflict. The advice given to her by "elders" was plentiful and realistic without repetition. I could relate to her internal dialog/struggle as events flowed and kept hoping things would ease up, but life is tough. And why she was accepted so young at the academy is still up there.
Very descriptive! How would a space kid adjust to being on planet for the first time? Pretty much how Katie did. I loved the uneven terrain problem on field runs. And weather issues that we live by were unknown to her. Very well thought out with lots of realistic conflict. The advice given to her by "elders" was plentiful and realistic without repetition. I could relate to her internal dialog/struggle as events flowed and kept hoping things would ease up, but life is tough. And why she was accepted so young at the academy is still up there.
September 15, 2021
Welcome to life's expectations
An excellent example of circumstances often encountered by young adults as they face grownup life roles. I went thru these experiences as I left home to enter nursing school, and again when I entered the military. These beginnings are similar as you go thru the steps of learning what's expected of you, as well as knowing yourslf and what you expect of yourself. Reading this book brought back many memories
An excellent example of circumstances often encountered by young adults as they face grownup life roles. I went thru these experiences as I left home to enter nursing school, and again when I entered the military. These beginnings are similar as you go thru the steps of learning what's expected of you, as well as knowing yourslf and what you expect of yourself. Reading this book brought back many memories
May 23, 2025
Not much action, but an interesting story
Enjoyed the philosophical musings on peacetime vs wartime army's mindsets. This was basically the training montague of a martial series as the MC went through basic training. She found out many unknown things about herself and made some friends. She also gained the ire of a classmate for having the audacity to breathe the same rarified air as her betters.
Enjoyed the philosophical musings on peacetime vs wartime army's mindsets. This was basically the training montague of a martial series as the MC went through basic training. She found out many unknown things about herself and made some friends. She also gained the ire of a classmate for having the audacity to breathe the same rarified air as her betters.
January 28, 2021
The thought of being a baby swan in a flock of ducks
Our main character is far from the standard enrollees of the academy, so her challenge is to fit in.
On my list of movies to watch is one where a blind wheelchair bound student becomes part of the marching band. A series of challenges I am glad I never had to face.
Our main character is far from the standard enrollees of the academy, so her challenge is to fit in.
On my list of movies to watch is one where a blind wheelchair bound student becomes part of the marching band. A series of challenges I am glad I never had to face.
August 12, 2021
Great Character Insight
While the storyline was a coming of age type, the authors development of the characters and what motivated them was what distinguished the book from other coming of age stories. The characters showed mixed motivations and were not one dimensional. The book was an enjoyable read.
While the storyline was a coming of age type, the authors development of the characters and what motivated them was what distinguished the book from other coming of age stories. The characters showed mixed motivations and were not one dimensional. The book was an enjoyable read.
November 12, 2022
Another good story hampered by poor writing
Another good story following the trials and tribulations of a young woman making her way through military officer candidate school. The problem is with the apparent lack of editing, and poor writing that the editor should have helped codrect.
Another good story following the trials and tribulations of a young woman making her way through military officer candidate school. The problem is with the apparent lack of editing, and poor writing that the editor should have helped codrect.
February 14, 2021
Just NO
I hate giving bad reviews and I will admit I didn’t finish the book but when the main character irritates me so much that it’s giving me a headache it’s not worth the effort.
I hate giving bad reviews and I will admit I didn’t finish the book but when the main character irritates me so much that it’s giving me a headache it’s not worth the effort.
March 8, 2021
Predictable and repetative
By the numbers cadet story. Except in this one nothing really happens. Instead character after character talk at Kincade all haveing the same thoughts and giving her the same advice over and over and over.
By the numbers cadet story. Except in this one nothing really happens. Instead character after character talk at Kincade all haveing the same thoughts and giving her the same advice over and over and over.
Read
July 27, 2022Rating: minus 3
Tony Hisgett wrote a good review and you might give it a read. If my rating disturbs, moving on to another reviewer is probably best.
if curious about my indifference, please read my review of either "Dark Horse", a good story by Diener or Powers of the Earth (a ridiculous book) and comments from a Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (a self-identified NeoNazi). If you haven't done as suggested, you probably should go on to someone else's review. Thank you.
GLORY TO UKRAINE !!!
I tried reading the series out of boredom. The Kincaid series features a main character who can only be charitably described as an early teen madwoman. She has no recognizable emotions, expresses no regret in or absence response to her separation from her parents. She is described as the adult in her family and a tough self-reliant hardscrabble asteroid miner. She does not emotionally connect with any other character but we are supposed to admire and connect to her. It doesn't get better.
In what must be the required libertarian theme, her parents while themselves upper middle class, are clueless in running their ship, mining business or finances? So the tough, determined working class? heroine (who is fourteen or thereabouts) is coincidentally related to a wealthy admiral. Her family wealth and influence are a hindrance not her birthright.
She is the hardscrabble heroine who without formal education or tutelage is well on her way towards ascending the heights of Space Command. The entire series is dedicated to the same theme. This story is repeated in every libertarian or Neoliberal meritocratic fantasy, which is supposed to reinforce the sense of entitlement of every unappreciated teen? The use of young females as main character is very troubling, as I saw it being used repeatedly in these stories. It is nonsensical, bad storytelling and whether intentional or not feeds a disturbing narrative to a certain type of male teen (or more often adult male). It in no way is empowering to young girls, that I can see.
US science fiction is slaved to this self-congratulatory, ridiculous story line in which the tough poor person (who always inherits/steals/is gifted by the libertarian gods the means to actually nullify the pre-established poverty which establishes their deserving all the success which they are about to earn from their hard work and indomitable spirit). This is the same story that every multimillionaire in america claims as personal history. With that realization can anyone really doubt that the prevalence of these stories being published is propaganda, which explains their universal lack of a story, the sociopathic main character, the constant intervention of the plot gods and patchy background universe.
This was one of the series that finally pushed me away from print science fiction. I watch rather than read it, at the moment. All the services offer some science fiction and Netflix has the largest library, I think. Netflix offers a multinational selection as well and all the services provide a better written, story than the overwhelming majority of current print.
I use Curiosity Stream/Nebula for educational video and at a cost of $15 USD for a yearly subscription it is very much a bargain. For things bookish, I use YouTube. Besides booktubers, it also provides channels for all my other interests. some of my favorites are.
Chugging Along, Tara Mooknee, Lady knight the Brave, Munecat, Novara Media, Some More News, Karolina Zebrowska, Swell Entertainment, We're in Hell, Katie Colson, Austin McConnell, Sabine Hossenfelder, Emmie, France 24, Alize, Alice Cappelle, Jessica Gagnon, Art by Annamarie, Ana Psychology, Tibees, The Armchair Historian, The Narrowboat Pirate, Boat Time, The Great War, The Welsh Viking, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, Lady of the Library, Tom Nicholas, Tulia, Kings and Generals, Kelly loves Physics and History, 2 Steps from Hell, Avalishvili, The People Profiles, Book Odyssey, Between the Wars, Real Engineering, Rowen J Coleman, Jessie Gender, Lilly's expat life, Natalia Tsarikova, Karolina Zebrowska, Jill Bearup, Military Aviation History, Quinn's Ideas, Natasha's Adventures, Camper Vibe, Adult Wednesday Addams, Cruising the Cut, Weir on the move, Epimetheus, The Templin Institute, The Gravel Institute, Second Thought, Three Arrows, Casual Navigation, World War Two, Emmie, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Sarah Z, Zoe Baker, What Vivi did next, Philosophy Tube, Books with Chloe, Chloe Stafler, Answer in Progress, The Shades of Orange, Perun, Indigo Gaming, Noah Sampson, Pentatonix, Told in Stone, Celtica, Mala Armia Janosika, Writing with Jenna Moreci, With Olivia, Lilly's expat life, A Clockwork Reader, A Life of Lit, Books with Emily Fox, Traveling K, StatQuest, Abbie Emmons, Rebecca Watson, Half as Interesting, Overly Sarcastic Productions, JamCam and Cam, Prime of Midlife, Artificial Intelligence Universe, IzzzYzzz, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, UA Courage, Holly the Cafe Boat.
I want you to have a glorious morning, a splendid afternoon, a satisfying evening and a pleasant night.
Compassion like Hope is a strength.
Joseph Stalin
Tony Hisgett wrote a good review and you might give it a read. If my rating disturbs, moving on to another reviewer is probably best.
if curious about my indifference, please read my review of either "Dark Horse", a good story by Diener or Powers of the Earth (a ridiculous book) and comments from a Claes Rees, Jr/cgr710 (a self-identified NeoNazi). If you haven't done as suggested, you probably should go on to someone else's review. Thank you.
GLORY TO UKRAINE !!!
I tried reading the series out of boredom. The Kincaid series features a main character who can only be charitably described as an early teen madwoman. She has no recognizable emotions, expresses no regret in or absence response to her separation from her parents. She is described as the adult in her family and a tough self-reliant hardscrabble asteroid miner. She does not emotionally connect with any other character but we are supposed to admire and connect to her. It doesn't get better.
In what must be the required libertarian theme, her parents while themselves upper middle class, are clueless in running their ship, mining business or finances? So the tough, determined working class? heroine (who is fourteen or thereabouts) is coincidentally related to a wealthy admiral. Her family wealth and influence are a hindrance not her birthright.
She is the hardscrabble heroine who without formal education or tutelage is well on her way towards ascending the heights of Space Command. The entire series is dedicated to the same theme. This story is repeated in every libertarian or Neoliberal meritocratic fantasy, which is supposed to reinforce the sense of entitlement of every unappreciated teen? The use of young females as main character is very troubling, as I saw it being used repeatedly in these stories. It is nonsensical, bad storytelling and whether intentional or not feeds a disturbing narrative to a certain type of male teen (or more often adult male). It in no way is empowering to young girls, that I can see.
US science fiction is slaved to this self-congratulatory, ridiculous story line in which the tough poor person (who always inherits/steals/is gifted by the libertarian gods the means to actually nullify the pre-established poverty which establishes their deserving all the success which they are about to earn from their hard work and indomitable spirit). This is the same story that every multimillionaire in america claims as personal history. With that realization can anyone really doubt that the prevalence of these stories being published is propaganda, which explains their universal lack of a story, the sociopathic main character, the constant intervention of the plot gods and patchy background universe.
This was one of the series that finally pushed me away from print science fiction. I watch rather than read it, at the moment. All the services offer some science fiction and Netflix has the largest library, I think. Netflix offers a multinational selection as well and all the services provide a better written, story than the overwhelming majority of current print.
I use Curiosity Stream/Nebula for educational video and at a cost of $15 USD for a yearly subscription it is very much a bargain. For things bookish, I use YouTube. Besides booktubers, it also provides channels for all my other interests. some of my favorites are.
Chugging Along, Tara Mooknee, Lady knight the Brave, Munecat, Novara Media, Some More News, Karolina Zebrowska, Swell Entertainment, We're in Hell, Katie Colson, Austin McConnell, Sabine Hossenfelder, Emmie, France 24, Alize, Alice Cappelle, Jessica Gagnon, Art by Annamarie, Ana Psychology, Tibees, The Armchair Historian, The Narrowboat Pirate, Boat Time, The Great War, The Welsh Viking, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, Lady of the Library, Tom Nicholas, Tulia, Kings and Generals, Kelly loves Physics and History, 2 Steps from Hell, Avalishvili, The People Profiles, Book Odyssey, Between the Wars, Real Engineering, Rowen J Coleman, Jessie Gender, Lilly's expat life, Natalia Tsarikova, Karolina Zebrowska, Jill Bearup, Military Aviation History, Quinn's Ideas, Natasha's Adventures, Camper Vibe, Adult Wednesday Addams, Cruising the Cut, Weir on the move, Epimetheus, The Templin Institute, The Gravel Institute, Second Thought, Three Arrows, Casual Navigation, World War Two, Emmie, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Sarah Z, Zoe Baker, What Vivi did next, Philosophy Tube, Books with Chloe, Chloe Stafler, Answer in Progress, The Shades of Orange, Perun, Indigo Gaming, Noah Sampson, Pentatonix, Told in Stone, Celtica, Mala Armia Janosika, Writing with Jenna Moreci, With Olivia, Lilly's expat life, A Clockwork Reader, A Life of Lit, Books with Emily Fox, Traveling K, StatQuest, Abbie Emmons, Rebecca Watson, Half as Interesting, Overly Sarcastic Productions, JamCam and Cam, Prime of Midlife, Artificial Intelligence Universe, IzzzYzzz, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, UA Courage, Holly the Cafe Boat.
I want you to have a glorious morning, a splendid afternoon, a satisfying evening and a pleasant night.
Compassion like Hope is a strength.
Joseph Stalin
October 11, 2021
Good read
Insightful comments on the military and how insulated it is from society. The main character was well portrayed as someone who has issues to deal with and challenges to overcome.
Insightful comments on the military and how insulated it is from society. The main character was well portrayed as someone who has issues to deal with and challenges to overcome.
October 24, 2021
Enjoyable sci fi adventure
Although Katie is young, Cadet doesn't read like a YA novel. The world building is excellent and believable. Katie's supporting cast are likeable, and the story is good.
Although Katie is young, Cadet doesn't read like a YA novel. The world building is excellent and believable. Katie's supporting cast are likeable, and the story is good.
August 19, 2023
Oh my goodness....
It is the most amateurish written book I've read in a long time. Beat up Katie at every turn, and then she miraculously survives in the end. No creativity, nothing unique... just and unending diatribe about Katie's deficiencies. Waste of time.
It is the most amateurish written book I've read in a long time. Beat up Katie at every turn, and then she miraculously survives in the end. No creativity, nothing unique... just and unending diatribe about Katie's deficiencies. Waste of time.
December 15, 2023
Good summary of first year at a military Academy
While it dragged in a couple of places, this engaging twaddle was a fun, quick read. I recommend this for fans of military science fiction
While it dragged in a couple of places, this engaging twaddle was a fun, quick read. I recommend this for fans of military science fiction
January 8, 2024
The man character goes to the academy. Some side characters are introduced.
Do I care about the characters? Nope.
Does the whole Napoleonic complex impress me? Nope.
No surprises here, nothing special.
Do I care about the characters? Nope.
Does the whole Napoleonic complex impress me? Nope.
No surprises here, nothing special.
February 9, 2021
Yes!
I guess everyone has a different reaction to whatever Academy they attend. This was a good depiction of one. The concept of overwhelming work and not enough time was well done.
I guess everyone has a different reaction to whatever Academy they attend. This was a good depiction of one. The concept of overwhelming work and not enough time was well done.
July 6, 2021
Excellent story
These characters will make a great cast in the series. Katie has excellent technical skills and has the potential to be a good officer.
These characters will make a great cast in the series. Katie has excellent technical skills and has the potential to be a good officer.
August 19, 2021
Once again a well written book but the MC is so obnoxiously smart and stupid at the same time its hard to tell what she is going to do.
March 30, 2022
Good story line
But there is an awful lot of filler. Still while I was able at times to skim whole pages without losing my place the story still held my interest
But there is an awful lot of filler. Still while I was able at times to skim whole pages without losing my place the story still held my interest
July 9, 2022
Good Academy story
Though not quite as engrossing as the first novel this tale has it's moments. But I did find myself looking toward it's end so I could start the next book.
Though not quite as engrossing as the first novel this tale has it's moments. But I did find myself looking toward it's end so I could start the next book.
April 21, 2023
This book didn’t disappoint
January 21, 2024
meh its not bad but not very good like an outline of a space novel instead of an actual full blown flesh out work.
February 13, 2025
Katie learns more about group dynamics
Katie is good by herself, but needs to learn how to work with others. She does well with friends, but is sabotaged by an enemy.
Katie is good by herself, but needs to learn how to work with others. She does well with friends, but is sabotaged by an enemy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews