Ignite

Blackout #1

by Daniel Young

A stubborn captain, an angry gunner, an alien trickster, a haughty monster, and a pair of twin assassins. When it comes to motley crews, the Blackout has most starships beat. But as a ruthless force swarms over the quadrant, crushing and enslaving all civilizations in its path, it might fall to this unlikely band of non-heroes to turn the tide. If they don't end up killing each other first. Ignite , the first book in the Blackout series, is old-fashioned space opera at its best, perfect for fans of action-packed drama and fun! The Blackout series is an homage to thrilling pulp sci-fi of yesteryear. If you're interested in hard science fiction look elsewhere. But if you're looking for action-packed adventures on strange worlds with even stranger aliens, this series is for you!

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera

113 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2021

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

This entry is for the scifi fiction author.

Reviews

[Zach]

The machine reader was awful. It was practically monotone, no emotion, and all the voices sounded the same. I could not focus on the story because my mind kept wandering off.

[Michael Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Zenith Militia (human) warship Severance was escorting a convoy which was attacked by an alien species called the Krakzid, who are out to conquer everyone else. The Severance was damaged and crashed on the conquered planet Keter, leaving the Captain, Jackson Keogh, and Petty Officer Roy Rawlins, a gunner, as the only survivors. While scrambling to avoid trigger-happy Krakzid, they were joined by four members of other species, forming a temporary alliance against a common enemy. Whether they will all become friends remains to be seen. They were able to steal a warship from a Keter repair shop and escape.

Jackson and Roy plan to return to Zenith-controlled space, but the others want to go their own ways. A brief altercation made them realize that it would take all six of them to operate the ship and its weapons in the event of an attack, so no one could leave while there was a danger. They quickly stumble into in a massive battle between Zenith warships and an overwhelming number of Krakzid attackers. Will they be able to survive the battle to accomplish their objective?

I read for escape and entertainment, and this story succeeded completely. It has lots of action, massive space battles against overwhelming odds, our heroes’ ship taking endless hits without blowing up, never running out of ammunition, some gallows humor, and even violating the laws of physics. It is a quick, enjoyable read. I received an ARC – this review is my honest opinion – I purchased a copy to support this outstanding author. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Keith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh!

I read the description and then the preview. I thought “Well it’s worth a look.” I was wrong. While the storyline does consist of nearly continuous action as promised in the description, little makes any sense. Lots of battles, explosions and alien weapons with always a miraculous escape for our small group of protagonists. Unfortunately the constant verbal bickering makes no sense. If there is a story here, I could not find it.

By the 75% mark I had lost interest in characters and missing plots. No character development at all. No plot or storyline development, either. This is mostly just one unbelievable jumbled mess with serial conflicts, argumentative protagonists and no resolutions. The only positive is it’s KU.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson and Roy are the only survivors of a crash on an alien planet and this duo must survive what they find. The story was a riot as the duo makes friends, find enemies and a few companions. Lots of action, danger, crazy fun scenes, aliens both good and bad, and an enemy or two bent on killing everyone in their path. Fun to read and kept me entertained and reading to the end to see what was going to happen next and what Jackson, Roy and their friends would survive next.

[Lawrence Ryan Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, spell binding and keeps your attention on it.

Great character development, I found myself telling Jackson tablet the others help him and quit fighting it but he won't leave them either where Roy always wanted to move on to quickily. So any others words the writer f d on damn good job of dragging me . GREAT JOB.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Ignite”, first in the 'Blackout' series, is old-fashioned Space Opera.
Continuous action blurs the fact that it is not very good.
If I had read it as a teenager (a long time ago) I suspect that I'd have been quite happy.
But I'm older now.
A mixed crew of aliens and humans, forged in battle, try to fight their way home(s).
There's battles aplenty.
2 Stars.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again a series that blows you away. Jackson and have to figure out how to survive after they are the only survivors of a crash. Plenty of action and suspense to keep you figuring out what will happen next. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Elliot Jackman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author does warn that the book doesn't take much science into account. I would be fine with that, but at least have the scenes be somewhat plausible. I considered dropping the book but pushed through it. I won't be seeking out the rest of the series.

[Joseph Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It reminds me of my youth and the stories that were printed for young Sci Ft readers. They had an important effect on me and many others challenging us to look outside of ourselves and look outward. Great story line with interesting characters. Well done!

[Marti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, completely unbelievable adventure sci fi with non-stop action and lots of aliens. The last 25% is the best part. (This is a serialized story, but there was some resolution at the end of this volume). Will check out the next one.

[Aylaleilani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Engaging from the first paragraph. Thoroughly enjoy the mixed group of weird aliens and distant relative. A wonderful journey for one's imagination!
Looking forward to book #2.

[Mark Ingamells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep! It's a fun old time sci-fi romp.

What do you know, it does what it says on the tin. A simple introduction to a whole new universe. From disaster through chaos an disjointed and hostile crew is born out of battle and survival.

[Richard Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science fiction

If you enjoy reading an early style science fiction books this is for you. You will not want to put down.

[Susan King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm EXHAUSTED!!

that's how much action there is in this first book! Food bathroom break and begin again. Thank you daniel young

[GREGG CORDELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

This book was fun to read and it was packed with action from front to back and from land to see . I loved it.

[Stephen Parry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can see why this was free on Amazon. Not going to bother with the other books in the series that were also free.

[J.D. Schechter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky

A throwback to the days of pulp science fiction, when it was minimal science and highly imaginative, if totally baseless fiction

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. This gem of an adrenaline rush of a story not only brilliantly provides an endless stream of action but has you guessing the motives of the eccentric alien allies that Captain Jackson Keogh and Petty Officer Roy Rawlins will have to rely upon not to survive upon Keter. And it's not only outflanking the Keter Legion and their racers that shadow every move, forcing the group to use ever crazier plans but a darker enemy, that has already enslaved several worlds; is stalking towards Zenith... and Captain Jackson won't stand by and let his home fall. Even if it means trusting a crew that could kill him before the enemy can. Highly recommended.