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Interstellar Gunrunner #1
Interstellar Gunrunner
Yesterday, he was a conman. Today, he's the universe's only hope. Bodhi Drezek is heartbroken, universally despised, and drowning in debt from the sixty-five million tons of explosive compounds in his cargo hold. Despite his former glory as one of the galaxy’s foremost arms merchants, times are tough. The tyrannical Halcius Hegemony has nearly finished crushing a rebellion, depriving him of his top two customers. Under the gun to absolve his debts, Bodhi takes a job to help a group of desperate rebels pull off a daring heist on a Hegemony flagship. But upon grabbing the loot, he realizes his employer only fed him half the Instead of precious gems, he’s hauling an alien weapon with apocalyptic levels of power. Accompanied by a future-seeing sidekick, a child prodigy, and the interdimensional being that fuels his ship, Bodhi prepares to pull off the ultimate double-cross—and turn the tide of war. Standing in his way is the entire Hegemony fleet and his employer’s brutal hunters. But there’s no going back now. The universe’s last hope lies in one man—Bodhi Drezek, arms merchant and circumstantial savior. INTERSTELLAR GUNRUNNER is a space opera thrill ride perfect for fans of Firefly, the Bobiverse, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
95 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
James Wolanyk
10 books147 followersJames Wolanyk is a fiction writer, teacher, and mindfulness coach from Boston, MA. He holds a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts and has been featured in a variety of magazines, quarterlies, and other publications. He currently lives in Riga, Latvia and is hastily preparing his next science-fiction releases.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 25, 2022
INTERSTELLAR GUNRUNNER by James Wolanyk is something that has been recommended on my feed for some time. Indeed, for years, right under THE RULES OF SUPERVILLAINY it was always being told to me that it was something I might like. The problem was there was always something else in the queue and it wasn't like I didn't have a bunch of other space opera books to read ahead of it.
Still, I remembered the title and when I saw the book trilogy was on sale for 99c, I decided to jump at it and picked up a copy. Here's my review of the first book, Interstellar Gunrunner, that is the first book of...the Interstellar Gunrunner trilogy. Which is how all trilogies should be titled.
The premise is Bodhi Drezek is one of the worst people in the galaxy. An arms trafficker who gleefully sells to both sides of a war within minutes of one another, manufacturing munitions that very often exist to counteract the ones he just sold, he has made a very lucrative profit from his last deal. The theocratic totalitarian Halcius Hegemony is having no end of trouble wiping out an insurgency (in part because of Bodhi's weapons) and that sustained conflict is what keeps him in business.
Unfortunately, Bodhi is bad with money. Incredibly, obnoxiously, incredulously bad with money. He makes something like 20,000,000 credits from his last deal and proceeds to blow it all on a suite to gather all of his creditors so he can ask for more money for another scheme. As you can gather, it turns out his creditors would rather be paid instead and Bodhi is stunned because the idea of this never occurs to him. He is so incredibly confidant of his ability to charm people into purchases, he has absolutely no fallback position when they aren't. Yes, Bodhi is used to dealing with morons and the fact that there are other people who aren't by his standards is something he's bad at anticipating.
What follows is a delightful story akin to the Han Solo novels or similar crime fiction IN SPACE. Bodhi must perform a task to cover all of his debts to a particularly nasty loan shark named Nerikad. Nerikad is basically a collection of sentient algae that wants him to steal something from a tropical planet full of sentient bunnies (all of them ripped like Arnie). Opposing or supporting him will be the Hegemony and the insurgency that they're fighting there.
The biggest appeal of this book is how utterly contemptible Bodhi is. Seriously, for 90% of the book, Bodhi is reprehensible in a way that would do Edmund Blackadder proud. No secret heart of gold here, he regularly throws his business partners, crew, and innocent bystanders under the bus for the slightest gain. It's a nice contrast to stories where the protagonist is just misunderstood or has a traffic backstory to justify everything he does.
Indeed, the only flaw with the book and its zany con games and betrayals is the fact that the remaining 10% does have Bodhi acting like he's suddenly developed a conscience. I didn't buy it and was genuinely enjoying the protagonist being such an utter scumbag throughout. A guy who thinks he's far more morally ambiguous and charming than he is. Sadly, they felt the need to give him someone redeeming qualities and I am taking off a half-point from my score for the book otherwise.
It's a well-designed world with lots of interesting tidbits. My favorite element has to be the fact that faster-than-light travel doesn't exist so you have to make contact with cosmic entities who will take you across the galaxy in exchange for human sacrifices, art, or prayers. Just the random insertion of cosmic horror monetized by people like Bodhi. I admit I've never seen Cthulhu used as a taxi before.
There's also some other fun bits like Bodhi kidnapping a child prodigy by pretending to be a school representative, his horrible attempts at conning people who see right through him, and the fact he unwittingly may have ended reality once (long story).
Highly recommended.
Still, I remembered the title and when I saw the book trilogy was on sale for 99c, I decided to jump at it and picked up a copy. Here's my review of the first book, Interstellar Gunrunner, that is the first book of...the Interstellar Gunrunner trilogy. Which is how all trilogies should be titled.
The premise is Bodhi Drezek is one of the worst people in the galaxy. An arms trafficker who gleefully sells to both sides of a war within minutes of one another, manufacturing munitions that very often exist to counteract the ones he just sold, he has made a very lucrative profit from his last deal. The theocratic totalitarian Halcius Hegemony is having no end of trouble wiping out an insurgency (in part because of Bodhi's weapons) and that sustained conflict is what keeps him in business.
Unfortunately, Bodhi is bad with money. Incredibly, obnoxiously, incredulously bad with money. He makes something like 20,000,000 credits from his last deal and proceeds to blow it all on a suite to gather all of his creditors so he can ask for more money for another scheme. As you can gather, it turns out his creditors would rather be paid instead and Bodhi is stunned because the idea of this never occurs to him. He is so incredibly confidant of his ability to charm people into purchases, he has absolutely no fallback position when they aren't. Yes, Bodhi is used to dealing with morons and the fact that there are other people who aren't by his standards is something he's bad at anticipating.
What follows is a delightful story akin to the Han Solo novels or similar crime fiction IN SPACE. Bodhi must perform a task to cover all of his debts to a particularly nasty loan shark named Nerikad. Nerikad is basically a collection of sentient algae that wants him to steal something from a tropical planet full of sentient bunnies (all of them ripped like Arnie). Opposing or supporting him will be the Hegemony and the insurgency that they're fighting there.
The biggest appeal of this book is how utterly contemptible Bodhi is. Seriously, for 90% of the book, Bodhi is reprehensible in a way that would do Edmund Blackadder proud. No secret heart of gold here, he regularly throws his business partners, crew, and innocent bystanders under the bus for the slightest gain. It's a nice contrast to stories where the protagonist is just misunderstood or has a traffic backstory to justify everything he does.
Indeed, the only flaw with the book and its zany con games and betrayals is the fact that the remaining 10% does have Bodhi acting like he's suddenly developed a conscience. I didn't buy it and was genuinely enjoying the protagonist being such an utter scumbag throughout. A guy who thinks he's far more morally ambiguous and charming than he is. Sadly, they felt the need to give him someone redeeming qualities and I am taking off a half-point from my score for the book otherwise.
It's a well-designed world with lots of interesting tidbits. My favorite element has to be the fact that faster-than-light travel doesn't exist so you have to make contact with cosmic entities who will take you across the galaxy in exchange for human sacrifices, art, or prayers. Just the random insertion of cosmic horror monetized by people like Bodhi. I admit I've never seen Cthulhu used as a taxi before.
There's also some other fun bits like Bodhi kidnapping a child prodigy by pretending to be a school representative, his horrible attempts at conning people who see right through him, and the fact he unwittingly may have ended reality once (long story).
Highly recommended.
May 17, 2021
This is honestly one of the best space opera books I've read in years. Droll, witty, sarcastic, cunning, and self-serving--these all describe the main character to perfection, which makes him the least likely hero in the universe.
I laughed so hard reading this one, and I can't remember the last time I burned through a book this quickly. It tickled my Firefly-loving reader's brain in just the right way. 6/5 stars all the way
I laughed so hard reading this one, and I can't remember the last time I burned through a book this quickly. It tickled my Firefly-loving reader's brain in just the right way. 6/5 stars all the way
November 14, 2021
Wow, that was incredible. James is a super talented author to have crafted such an imaginative world and story. The mc starts out as a bit selfish, so I wondered if I would keep going, but the way James told the story was so unique I just kept on. He has these brilliant character insights and reflections on the universe that make everything so specific and unforeseen. Every race we encounter has a special trait that stands out, and yet they are also interesting characters. I don’t want to ruin anything, but I end up loving the mc and this universe. I trust James as an author to use all the tricks in the book to come to a satisfying and even surprising end. I’m definitely on board for the next book.
December 16, 2021
Great fun…
I really wasn’t sure about this book but I’m glad I stuck with it. Quirky, funny, poignant and engaging.
Well worth the time
I really wasn’t sure about this book but I’m glad I stuck with it. Quirky, funny, poignant and engaging.
Well worth the time
April 22, 2022
This book pushed a lot of the right buttons for me... and the reasons why I should've liked the book.
A) it was a Heist novel...
B) the MC broke the 4th wall, which I usually find odd but fun...
C) there's an interesting consucted character, that turns out to be way more than it seems...
D) the MC's a real blackguard a flim-flam man, that might or might not have actually have a heart of gold...
E) and last but not least it has lots of action...
What I didn't like was the MC, Bodhi Drezek with his acerbic exterior. And he was just as sleazy as a snake-oil salesman. He made me wanna throw the book against the wall!
Although I picked up the boxed set I'm currently on the fence as to whether I'm gonna continue listening or not. If I do it's because the denouement was soooooooo enticing.
The blurb, recommends this book if you like Firefly, Bobiverse, or Guardians of the Galaxy... but I say that really isn't right as they seemingly only have a passing acquaintance! Get this book if you like Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison, because Bodhi Drezek epitomizes the very essence of Jim diGriz the Stainless Steel Rat!!!
A) it was a Heist novel...
B) the MC broke the 4th wall, which I usually find odd but fun...
C) there's an interesting consucted character, that turns out to be way more than it seems...
D) the MC's a real blackguard a flim-flam man, that might or might not have actually have a heart of gold...
E) and last but not least it has lots of action...
What I didn't like was the MC, Bodhi Drezek with his acerbic exterior. And he was just as sleazy as a snake-oil salesman. He made me wanna throw the book against the wall!
Although I picked up the boxed set I'm currently on the fence as to whether I'm gonna continue listening or not. If I do it's because the denouement was soooooooo enticing.
The blurb, recommends this book if you like Firefly, Bobiverse, or Guardians of the Galaxy... but I say that really isn't right as they seemingly only have a passing acquaintance! Get this book if you like Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison, because Bodhi Drezek epitomizes the very essence of Jim diGriz the Stainless Steel Rat!!!
May 5, 2021
Super solid, fun story.
Bodhi Drezek is an interstellar arms merchant, abusive employer, and serial liar. And those, as the joke goes, are his good qualities.
He’s also in deep financial trouble. Peace is threatening to break out, and as his cash flow dries up the underworld figures who he owes money threaten to break pieces of him. Maybe predictably, the “simple” job he’s sent out to do at the beginning, under the hostile eye of a business partner he doesn’t want, turns out to be…complicated.
It would be overdoing it to say that this is the story of Bodhi's inner struggle to be a better human being, or that we get to watch as love pushes him to transcend his dark past. There is some of that, though, and it's pleasing to see that what could have been a flat sci fi spin on "Lord of War" goes at least a few millimeters deep into Bodhi (to be fair, a few millimeters may be all the depth he has...)
Bodhi’s also the perfect (and sometimes quite funny) model of an unreliable narrator. Nothing he says is ever quite the truth—but he has a dry sense of humor that’s endearing. The is a well-written and smoothly-scripted book with an engaging story line. The plot is not ground-breaking, but Wolanyk writes crisply and well.
(Book was a free ARC.)
Bodhi Drezek is an interstellar arms merchant, abusive employer, and serial liar. And those, as the joke goes, are his good qualities.
He’s also in deep financial trouble. Peace is threatening to break out, and as his cash flow dries up the underworld figures who he owes money threaten to break pieces of him. Maybe predictably, the “simple” job he’s sent out to do at the beginning, under the hostile eye of a business partner he doesn’t want, turns out to be…complicated.
It would be overdoing it to say that this is the story of Bodhi's inner struggle to be a better human being, or that we get to watch as love pushes him to transcend his dark past. There is some of that, though, and it's pleasing to see that what could have been a flat sci fi spin on "Lord of War" goes at least a few millimeters deep into Bodhi (to be fair, a few millimeters may be all the depth he has...)
Bodhi’s also the perfect (and sometimes quite funny) model of an unreliable narrator. Nothing he says is ever quite the truth—but he has a dry sense of humor that’s endearing. The is a well-written and smoothly-scripted book with an engaging story line. The plot is not ground-breaking, but Wolanyk writes crisply and well.
(Book was a free ARC.)
May 6, 2021
Got an early glimpse of this story when it was in beta stage. Awesome concepts and loved the characterization. The violence depicted also felt both realistic and unglorified in a way that I tend to prefer. Anticlimactic and gut punching. James is a promising author with lovely prose that manages to be elegant without treading into purple prose territory.
May 6, 2021
This book had just what I needed to forget my troubles. Side effects include giggling, sleep deprivation, elevated heart rate, curious introspection, and cancer in the state of California. If you enjoy books like "Phule's Company" or "The Stainless Steel Rat," you'll definitely enjoy this.
May 5, 2021
Bodhi is downright Raymond Redington levels of genius in his ability to scheme and manipulate this gritty universe. The authors style sucks you in and leaves you wanting more. Eagerly awaiting he next book!
May 16, 2021
James Wolanyk’s “Interstellar Gunrunner volume 1” was a highly enjoyable page turner from start to finish. Set in a futuristic world the main character, Bodhi Drezek, is an ethically challenged, flawed human being - strangely likeable, part con man, part scoundrel, with a sense of humor and a knack for getting himself into, then squirming his way out of, trouble. As the title suggests Bodhi is an arms merchant with an expensive ship and seems to enjoy getting himself and by association, his crew, into scrapes with his creditors and clients alike, who as you can imagine aren’t the pillars of society to begin with. Bodhi lies easily and often and appears to get enjoyment constantly living life on the edge. Bodhi tries to play all sides to his advantage but when his creditor violently refuses to extent his credit any further, he is forced take on a very risky job, his latest scheme to get out of financial trouble, ends up imperiling not just his life but his crew and an entire civilization. Bohdi’s crew are a blend of organic and inorganic aliens who each have their own unique personalities and are highly interesting characters in their own right. The characters they encounter along their journeys all have their own agenda’s which each side feels they are right (as is the case of most warring sides in any conflict). As the story unfolds, we get to see the more humane side of him and can begin to understand why his core crew stay with him, risking their own lives in the process. I thoroughly enjoy the authors writing style -interesting, imaginative characters, unique worlds and a good story plot that leaves me waiting for the next book in the series – definitely recommend this book!
June 9, 2021
Main character is a liar a cheat and totally disreputable.
Did not like this book at all. Did not like the main protagonist, even though I thought the premise would be interesting him being a gun runner.
I guess in that profession you have to lie cheat and steal sell to both sides and have a totally a moral disposition. He lies to his crew his friends and even his potential love interest. There was plenty of action and humor but the immoral attitude of the main protagonist threw me out of the story.
If you like a main protagonist who has no scruples or morals you might enjoy this book.
Did not like this book at all. Did not like the main protagonist, even though I thought the premise would be interesting him being a gun runner.
I guess in that profession you have to lie cheat and steal sell to both sides and have a totally a moral disposition. He lies to his crew his friends and even his potential love interest. There was plenty of action and humor but the immoral attitude of the main protagonist threw me out of the story.
If you like a main protagonist who has no scruples or morals you might enjoy this book.
June 3, 2022
A fun way to spend a few hours
I generally have a hard time enjoying stories where I don't like the protagonist from the beginning-- but this proved a welcome exception to the rule. With interesting world building (of which I get the strong impression we've only just scratched the surface) and a fun writing style, this was a fun way to spend a few hours.
My biggest complaint is only that the Bodhi's character arc was almost too easy. But that's a very minor bit of nitpicking, and I look forward to seeing exactly what sorts of new trouble the gang is about to get themselves into.
I generally have a hard time enjoying stories where I don't like the protagonist from the beginning-- but this proved a welcome exception to the rule. With interesting world building (of which I get the strong impression we've only just scratched the surface) and a fun writing style, this was a fun way to spend a few hours.
My biggest complaint is only that the Bodhi's character arc was almost too easy. But that's a very minor bit of nitpicking, and I look forward to seeing exactly what sorts of new trouble the gang is about to get themselves into.
August 8, 2022
Interstellar Gunrunner is an entertaining book with some very strange characters and technology. Bodhi and his crew are interstellar weapons/armor dealers who will sell their merchandize to any and everyone no matter which side of a conflict they are on. They get a deal that Bodhi and his crew cannot refuse and they travel to an unknown section of the universe where they are to pick-up an artifact from a Hegemony battle cruiser with the help of the Insurgency. It is an enjoyable book and if you like really unusual stories you will really like this book.
May 28, 2022
I could not finish this book, I quit at about 25%. It has lots of original ideas, but it reads more like a succession of stand up comedy lines than an attempt at world building or character development, and I feels it kind of miss the point by trying to do both. I would have finished it if there was more "flesh" on the characters than just being mono-dimensional cardboard cutouts.
I do not think it is a bad book, but it is not for everybody. Expect a joke book, not a novel.
I do not think it is a bad book, but it is not for everybody. Expect a joke book, not a novel.
July 12, 2024
My husband recommended these books, saying it was fun and sci-fi and snarky like Firefly.
That's a pretty tall bar to reach.
And while it didn't quite reach it, and actually tainted my view of the book for the first few hours, I really enjoyed it. The reader is amazing! And I'll be jumping (or pinching?) into the second one real soon.
That's a pretty tall bar to reach.
And while it didn't quite reach it, and actually tainted my view of the book for the first few hours, I really enjoyed it. The reader is amazing! And I'll be jumping (or pinching?) into the second one real soon.
May 18, 2021
It took a some time to warm up to the main character, but I eventually did. While I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say he's a good person, he does have some redeaming qualities.
The plot was interesting and the world building had some unusual takes. All in all, it was an enjoyable read.
The plot was interesting and the world building had some unusual takes. All in all, it was an enjoyable read.
May 25, 2021
Slow but great in the end
Gosh when I started reading this book I thought was a bit boring and not to good but after persevering I really did enjoy it to the fact I could not put it down
Gosh when I started reading this book I thought was a bit boring and not to good but after persevering I really did enjoy it to the fact I could not put it down
March 6, 2022
A wonderful read.
This is my first encounter with James Wolanyk. I have ticked the Follow button on my Kindle app.
The storytelling is excellent and the story itself is hugely entertaining.
I look forward to reading more.
This is my first encounter with James Wolanyk. I have ticked the Follow button on my Kindle app.
The storytelling is excellent and the story itself is hugely entertaining.
I look forward to reading more.
July 5, 2022
(Audiobook Edition)
After listening to 8 hours of the total 10 hours I am throwing in the towel. Interstellar Gunrunner was alright as light entertainment for awhile but I have lost patience with it.
After listening to 8 hours of the total 10 hours I am throwing in the towel. Interstellar Gunrunner was alright as light entertainment for awhile but I have lost patience with it.
dnf-not-for-me
May 23, 20211/10: Couldn't get past the first few chapters; not for me.
April 30, 2022
Tried it. Couldn't tolerate the MC in the first chapter.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews