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The Lyra Cycle #1
A Dead Ship in the Deep Black
Rule number 1: Whatever you do, don't open the box.Well, that’s rule number two actually. Rule number one is don’t take salvage jobs from people who’ve tried to sell you to an Antillian bug salesman. Neara “Tink” Bell is used to a life of odd jobs and even odder crewmates, working as the engineer and all-around fixer on the cargo ship Lyra. But when the ship picks up two new crew members and a salvage job on a third-rate space station, things go sideways in a cosmic way. Alek Wa is on the run. And he’s pretty sure he can hide amongst the motley crew of Lyra. But that’s not the only reason he’s on-board. He has a mission. If only his minders had told him what it was. Captain Rebeka Mino just wants to retire with a whiskey and a steamy novel. She’d even let the ship’s cat sit on her lap, provided he keeps his claws to himself. Too bad the ship keeps getting shot at. And when they arrive at the coordinates for the salvage job, they're confronted by a dead ship in the deep black. Can Tink keep the Lyra running despite unexplained accidents? Can Alek outrun the people hunting him? Can Rebeka prevent their pursuers from blowing them up? Most importantly, can they keep their curiosity in check and not look in the box? Find out now in this rollercoaster ride of a sci-fi adventure!
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2021
257 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 28, 2022
A Dead Ship in the Deep Black is an entertaining science fiction novel that is part drama, part mystery, and has just enough thrills to keep the story moving at a great pace.
The cargo ship Lyra picks up two new crewmen before they do the next grey market, possibly illegal job for which they have been hired. The job consists of picking up and delivering a “package” from a dead ship deep in the darkest reaches of space with the stipulation of not tampering with the package. Of course things like this never go to plan, and the meaty bits of the story start when they leave to begin this job. The fun starts when the Leviathan class ship is discovered and is explored. The character building starts at this point and we start caring about a few of these people who work the Lyra and keep her running.
The way the ship is described reminds me of the Serenity from Firefly, and the fact that they are a group of near misfits reminds me of the same, but the similarities end there. This is a unique group of characters that I will be reading about in future installments of the Lyra Cycle. Tink was my favorite character, and the captain comes a close second.
The action is well-written for the most part, but is slightly vague in execution, A little more time could have been spent describing the set pieces, movements and such, but that is a small gripe. The dialogue was a little short at times as well, but in doing so the book never outstayed its welcome, and the pacing never suffered. All-in-all I had a great time with this first novel of the series. A Dead Ship in the Deep Black is recommended for science fiction fans who like a fast moving story that doesn’t need an epic length (223 pages) to tell a good story. I will definitely keep going with this series. I would also like to see a mystery novel by Rene Astle. I have no doubt they could write an excellent suspense yarn.
4 of 5 stars.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The cargo ship Lyra picks up two new crewmen before they do the next grey market, possibly illegal job for which they have been hired. The job consists of picking up and delivering a “package” from a dead ship deep in the darkest reaches of space with the stipulation of not tampering with the package. Of course things like this never go to plan, and the meaty bits of the story start when they leave to begin this job. The fun starts when the Leviathan class ship is discovered and is explored. The character building starts at this point and we start caring about a few of these people who work the Lyra and keep her running.
The way the ship is described reminds me of the Serenity from Firefly, and the fact that they are a group of near misfits reminds me of the same, but the similarities end there. This is a unique group of characters that I will be reading about in future installments of the Lyra Cycle. Tink was my favorite character, and the captain comes a close second.
The action is well-written for the most part, but is slightly vague in execution, A little more time could have been spent describing the set pieces, movements and such, but that is a small gripe. The dialogue was a little short at times as well, but in doing so the book never outstayed its welcome, and the pacing never suffered. All-in-all I had a great time with this first novel of the series. A Dead Ship in the Deep Black is recommended for science fiction fans who like a fast moving story that doesn’t need an epic length (223 pages) to tell a good story. I will definitely keep going with this series. I would also like to see a mystery novel by Rene Astle. I have no doubt they could write an excellent suspense yarn.
4 of 5 stars.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2024
This was a fun space adventure that in some ways reminded me of Firefly, but it was still it's own unique thing. At first, because of the way some parts were written, I thought this was going to end up being too heavy on the romance, but I was pleasantly surprised when it didn't go that route. There are definitely two hunky men that seem to be interested in the same character, but I also knew that I couldn't trust at least one of them. In the end, I did end up figuring out correctly who could and couldn't be trusted. I thought that part of the story was a little obvious, but it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book.
I liked the overall plot of this book and the ending made me want to pick up the next book right away and keep reading. I did restrain myself because I wanted to read other things before the end of the year, but I do plan on reading the second book in January.
This ebook is free on all platforms right now 1/18/23.
I now have a Booktube channel, Recordings of a Reader.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader and on Facebook.
I liked the overall plot of this book and the ending made me want to pick up the next book right away and keep reading. I did restrain myself because I wanted to read other things before the end of the year, but I do plan on reading the second book in January.
This ebook is free on all platforms right now 1/18/23.
I now have a Booktube channel, Recordings of a Reader.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader and on Facebook.
January 24, 2022
An enjoyable science fiction adventure following the space ship Lyra and her crew as they try and survive the shady jobs their captain finds for them. There are many factions in power, all of them stronger than the crew of the Lyra.
Add to that two new crew members and it becomes a challenge to know who is working for whom.
I loved the crew. The characters were the best bit for me. The plot not so much. Each chapter jumps to a different crew member’s view point, but I didn’t see the benefit of the story being from so many different points of view when you didn’t actually see much of their thoughts or motivation. I think it might have been stronger from a more limited POV set. Without giving spoilers, I found that at the end, I still didn’t know what one of the crew’s motivations were, which was a little frustrating.
All in all, the characters were sympathetic, the writing was good, but the factions needed to be more clearly differentiated for me.
Add to that two new crew members and it becomes a challenge to know who is working for whom.
I loved the crew. The characters were the best bit for me. The plot not so much. Each chapter jumps to a different crew member’s view point, but I didn’t see the benefit of the story being from so many different points of view when you didn’t actually see much of their thoughts or motivation. I think it might have been stronger from a more limited POV set. Without giving spoilers, I found that at the end, I still didn’t know what one of the crew’s motivations were, which was a little frustrating.
All in all, the characters were sympathetic, the writing was good, but the factions needed to be more clearly differentiated for me.
July 21, 2024
This is a fairly lightweight space opera involving the crew of the Lyra, a small freighter whose found-family crew aren't above doing a bit of smuggling to make ends meet. We join them as they're taking on a new pilot and computer tech and a new contract that involves retrieving two boxes from a derelict ship, with the crew being offered anything else for salvage. I mean, that's not dodgy at all, nosiree. Obviously things go wrong, not helped by sabotage from within.
We alternate between three PoV characters here: the captain, Rebekeh, the engineer, Tink, and new pilot Alek. The captain mostly wants to hole up with a book and the ship's cat, while Tink seems overly whiny for someone in her position, which was quite annoying at times. Alek doesn't really have that much personality other than to be mysterious and have secrets that will inevitably come out over the course of the series.
There were bits that didn't really seem to make sense to me (such as the spacewalk - what was the point of the frayed rope, was it to indicate the presence of a saboteur or just the poor condition of the ship. Either way, it's never mentioned again). At times, I think the whole thing could have done with another pass from the editor. We get random, poorly signposted time jumps, and more than one chase/dogfight takes place off-screen.
The world-building is fairly ordinary for the type of book (an oppressive galactic empire, with a rebellion *yawn*) and the characters didn't really engage me. It was a fun enough book, but I have no burning need to pick up the sequel.
We alternate between three PoV characters here: the captain, Rebekeh, the engineer, Tink, and new pilot Alek. The captain mostly wants to hole up with a book and the ship's cat, while Tink seems overly whiny for someone in her position, which was quite annoying at times. Alek doesn't really have that much personality other than to be mysterious and have secrets that will inevitably come out over the course of the series.
There were bits that didn't really seem to make sense to me (such as the spacewalk - what was the point of the frayed rope, was it to indicate the presence of a saboteur or just the poor condition of the ship. Either way, it's never mentioned again). At times, I think the whole thing could have done with another pass from the editor. We get random, poorly signposted time jumps, and more than one chase/dogfight takes place off-screen.
The world-building is fairly ordinary for the type of book (an oppressive galactic empire, with a rebellion *yawn*) and the characters didn't really engage me. It was a fun enough book, but I have no burning need to pick up the sequel.
January 30, 2022
Strangers in Space🚀💫
This is a combination of a space opera🚀 and a long, slow burn romance💕 involving the small crew of an ancient cargo ship🚀 kept running by a woman known as Tink💃. She is a rare breed known as a Tinker, she's a mechanical genius.
The crew needs a pilot and a navigator, and two new men are hired. One of them, Alek🐺💪, has his own secrets and mission.
There are some paranormal elements in the story,, which is basically a sci-fi novel of good versus evil, and some characters that seem to be a combination of both.
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems
This ebook was $4.99 on Amazon at the time of this review. No KU.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own fault.🌙
I liked The book a lot but it was told by too many characters, too many povs.
This is a combination of a space opera🚀 and a long, slow burn romance💕 involving the small crew of an ancient cargo ship🚀 kept running by a woman known as Tink💃. She is a rare breed known as a Tinker, she's a mechanical genius.
The crew needs a pilot and a navigator, and two new men are hired. One of them, Alek🐺💪, has his own secrets and mission.
There are some paranormal elements in the story,, which is basically a sci-fi novel of good versus evil, and some characters that seem to be a combination of both.
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems
This ebook was $4.99 on Amazon at the time of this review. No KU.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own fault.🌙
I liked The book a lot but it was told by too many characters, too many povs.
May 26, 2024
Great sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is dark, and everyone has secrets. The crew are likeable and interesting (except that one; you'll find out who). Tink doesn't trust easily, which makes her a little unlikeable when I expect a kinder response. The book is well-written, and the story is a page-turner. And there's a cat! I'm buying book2, because I'm invested in these characters.
The worldbuilding is dark, and everyone has secrets. The crew are likeable and interesting (except that one; you'll find out who). Tink doesn't trust easily, which makes her a little unlikeable when I expect a kinder response. The book is well-written, and the story is a page-turner. And there's a cat! I'm buying book2, because I'm invested in these characters.
February 1, 2025
A good story, good worldbuilding. Heavily influencend by the tv-show ”Firefly” (which according to Sheldon Cooper is the best sci-fi tv-show ever made).
March 28, 2023
Dangerous Cargo
Picking up and delivering space cargo turns into a very dangerous enterprise, especially when the job contains some nasty surprises and an unknown mole within the crew has a hidden agenda.
Rene Astle delivers a very enjoyable space adventure in the style of Becky Chambers’ A long Way to a Small Planet and Joss Whedon’s Firefly.
A simple assignment for a disturbing amount of desperately needed money: Pick up two packages from a given point in space and deliver them to a certain destination. What could go wrong? But the job for the small independent spaceship turns difficult when the pick up point is a massive abandoned military ship, destroyed in a violent space battle that contains drifting dead soldiers and a deadly surprise package.
Along with an interesting story with lots of action, Astle creates engaging characters, each one keeping deep secrets and hidden backgrounds. You’ll find this one hard to put down.
Picking up and delivering space cargo turns into a very dangerous enterprise, especially when the job contains some nasty surprises and an unknown mole within the crew has a hidden agenda.
Rene Astle delivers a very enjoyable space adventure in the style of Becky Chambers’ A long Way to a Small Planet and Joss Whedon’s Firefly.
A simple assignment for a disturbing amount of desperately needed money: Pick up two packages from a given point in space and deliver them to a certain destination. What could go wrong? But the job for the small independent spaceship turns difficult when the pick up point is a massive abandoned military ship, destroyed in a violent space battle that contains drifting dead soldiers and a deadly surprise package.
Along with an interesting story with lots of action, Astle creates engaging characters, each one keeping deep secrets and hidden backgrounds. You’ll find this one hard to put down.
February 3, 2026
Others have noted that the gritty, big but not that big universe and the set up - a half-legit ship with a small crew freelancing contracts - is reminiscent of the TV series Firefly. That’s not wrong, but it also felt to me like the plot of someone’s well-designed Traveller campaign. If so, Astle has made the jump to fiction narrative well, with real care to maintain narrative tension in the plotting, and good use of multiple points of view. Overall the characters are distinct, interesting, and fun. One of the through questions driving the story, who is the spy, is clunky - the answer is kind of obvious from early on - and I was disappointed not to get greater insight into the reasons for their betrayal. There are also several crucial threads left loose at the end: . That’s a lot of loose threads. In a role playing game, that would be because the game master is laying in all sorts of mysteries for the players to explore in future campaign arcs. In a fiction series, these threads may all weave into future novels in the series, or they could just decorative. I guess the sequels will tell.
May 31, 2025
Loved it! Loved the people, the plot, the world-building.
The Lyra is a cargo ship with a penchant for running into trouble she can win free from, but not with the cargo she’s supposed to pick up.
The captain takes an easy job in a part of space that people avoid for good reason. They get the cargo … then things start to go horrifically wrong.
This is the story of how they get from here to there while getting to know a couple of newbies onboard, one of whom might be a saboteur; a mysteriously alive, sentient, and possibly dangerous cargo; avoiding a sleek ship who can shield invisibly; and a cat who likes to nap in the wires and cables below the algae vats that keep the old freighter running.
Under Astle’s pen, the people come alive as we take dives behind the eyes of the ship’s engineer - the “tinker;” the new pilot who’s holding his own bagful of mystery; as well as the man behind the Lyra’s commission to pick up that last cargo, and his subsequent orders to kill everyone, then scuttle the ship.
I liked the world-building, or more correctly, the space-building. The slipstream is a place that needs more exploration. As do the near-mystical Sisters.
Questions remain at the end, which is wonderful because it means we’re in for another great adventure.
The Lyra is a cargo ship with a penchant for running into trouble she can win free from, but not with the cargo she’s supposed to pick up.
The captain takes an easy job in a part of space that people avoid for good reason. They get the cargo … then things start to go horrifically wrong.
This is the story of how they get from here to there while getting to know a couple of newbies onboard, one of whom might be a saboteur; a mysteriously alive, sentient, and possibly dangerous cargo; avoiding a sleek ship who can shield invisibly; and a cat who likes to nap in the wires and cables below the algae vats that keep the old freighter running.
Under Astle’s pen, the people come alive as we take dives behind the eyes of the ship’s engineer - the “tinker;” the new pilot who’s holding his own bagful of mystery; as well as the man behind the Lyra’s commission to pick up that last cargo, and his subsequent orders to kill everyone, then scuttle the ship.
I liked the world-building, or more correctly, the space-building. The slipstream is a place that needs more exploration. As do the near-mystical Sisters.
Questions remain at the end, which is wonderful because it means we’re in for another great adventure.
February 18, 2022
The mission is not what they think it is.
I found this story enjoyable. Some grammar mistakes but not so many that it made it annoying to read.
This book is done in multiple points of view and has you guessing at who is behind all the mishaps on the ship. Every crew member has their secrets, so who can you trust? What can you do when you take on new crew member a then start a mission that is not what it seems? What happens when it seems every faction is after your cargo? Well that is where the fun or the chaos starts to happen.
This ship is undermanned but each crew member seems able to handle multiple jobs to cover for the missing specialists.
This book was a good intro into the series and has me wanting to read more of it. I would list this for most ages but probably meant for age 13 and older.
I found this story enjoyable. Some grammar mistakes but not so many that it made it annoying to read.
This book is done in multiple points of view and has you guessing at who is behind all the mishaps on the ship. Every crew member has their secrets, so who can you trust? What can you do when you take on new crew member a then start a mission that is not what it seems? What happens when it seems every faction is after your cargo? Well that is where the fun or the chaos starts to happen.
This ship is undermanned but each crew member seems able to handle multiple jobs to cover for the missing specialists.
This book was a good intro into the series and has me wanting to read more of it. I would list this for most ages but probably meant for age 13 and older.
June 8, 2023
It sounds like a simple job, but then the client never tells you everything, do they? That is what our crew is finding out as they take on a simple delivery job. The payout is big, but the risks are even bigger, even without the intrigue on the ship itself.
This is book one of the series, so all good there.
This is a science fiction adventure in space. The story is well written and easy to read, revolving around a small independent space ship and its crew. The characters are well developed with solid backgrounds and a far number of secrets which add some spice to the mix. Add in a plot with plenty of mystery, intrigue and action and you have a very engaging story. I definitely enjoyed this one and look forward to more from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems for review purposes.
This is book one of the series, so all good there.
This is a science fiction adventure in space. The story is well written and easy to read, revolving around a small independent space ship and its crew. The characters are well developed with solid backgrounds and a far number of secrets which add some spice to the mix. Add in a plot with plenty of mystery, intrigue and action and you have a very engaging story. I definitely enjoyed this one and look forward to more from this author.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Hidden Gems for review purposes.
January 25, 2022
Good introduction to the characters and setting.
This book chronicles the spaceship Lyra, it’s crew and their encounters. The story is told by cycling through the viewpoints of the characters. The spaceship is old but kept in reasonable condition by Tink. The captain seems to subsist on coffee. Ish is the navigator of the slip, the faster than light mode of space travel. Khandi is the medic/weapons specialist. And then there are the two new recruits.
In all the encounters the Lyra is outclassed but somehow manages to survive.
The story is engaging and enjoyable. There were very few spelling or grammar error and they did not detract from the storyline.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review.
This book chronicles the spaceship Lyra, it’s crew and their encounters. The story is told by cycling through the viewpoints of the characters. The spaceship is old but kept in reasonable condition by Tink. The captain seems to subsist on coffee. Ish is the navigator of the slip, the faster than light mode of space travel. Khandi is the medic/weapons specialist. And then there are the two new recruits.
In all the encounters the Lyra is outclassed but somehow manages to survive.
The story is engaging and enjoyable. There were very few spelling or grammar error and they did not detract from the storyline.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review.
February 3, 2022
This book reminded me of a couple of shows, off course Firefly, a bit of Killjoys and Farscape all mixed into one. Tink and the captain got most of the screen time so to speak and lets not forget Grim the cat. The banter of the regular crew and the unknown factor of the new crewmates kept things moving.
Despite there being action, I felt that things were dragging a bit in places. The tension would start then seem to wane then start back up again only to once again get a bit soft.
This being the first in the series it is still establishing it’s pacing and direction so I did give it some leeway. I am interested to see where the author takes the story from here.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Despite there being action, I felt that things were dragging a bit in places. The tension would start then seem to wane then start back up again only to once again get a bit soft.
This being the first in the series it is still establishing it’s pacing and direction so I did give it some leeway. I am interested to see where the author takes the story from here.
I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.
November 22, 2023
A Dead Ship in the Deep Black is a pretty good tale. It's a salvage mission gone wrong. (well, not really), it's actually a fetch and carry disguised as a salvage mission, but it turns out none of that is actually true. Some secrets get revealed, although I'm a little puzzled why the crew reacted the way they did to the major reveal about one of the crew members. I don't get why that was such a big deal, but it's likely I just missed something in the story, or perhaps my version of that just isn't done, doesn't give a crap, so that reason seemed weak to me. In any case, it's a good story, so if you're a scifi fan, feel free to add this one to your to read shelf.
February 10, 2024
This is more like 3 1/2 stars, but rounding up. This reads very much like a TV show or made-for-TV movie with a cast of typical "castaway" characters trying to survive on the fringes of a totalitarian society while getting mixed up in a high-level conspiracy. As such, it is an enjoyable and easy read, though depth of characters is lacking, even though there are plenty of questions left unanswered at the end of the book for the next books in the series.
This is more space opera than hard sci-fi, but if you're looking for that book in this genre that you can read on the porch/beach/in front of the fireplace without needing serious thought, it's certainly a contender.
This is more space opera than hard sci-fi, but if you're looking for that book in this genre that you can read on the porch/beach/in front of the fireplace without needing serious thought, it's certainly a contender.
April 30, 2024
I would have made a terrible pirate!
Okay so on a job in space find ship with stuff in it and nothing is the same after that!! People try to kill you and steal your stuff so you fight or die!!! Well maybe not quite that to the point but your reading this story and it never calms down or rarely does! Great story line and character's that have really great personalities. Will see if the action continues in the next book, read and read some more.
Okay so on a job in space find ship with stuff in it and nothing is the same after that!! People try to kill you and steal your stuff so you fight or die!!! Well maybe not quite that to the point but your reading this story and it never calms down or rarely does! Great story line and character's that have really great personalities. Will see if the action continues in the next book, read and read some more.
May 8, 2024
Perfect book for needing a good space adventure
The secret that came out near the end was not a surprise for the reader if you paid attention to the earlier hints. But it did surprise the characters, and helped move the story along. Lots of action, good amount of spaceship detail, interesting characters and even a nice ships cat thrown in too. I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I also am glad that it is part of a series as these characters need more time to shine.
The secret that came out near the end was not a surprise for the reader if you paid attention to the earlier hints. But it did surprise the characters, and helped move the story along. Lots of action, good amount of spaceship detail, interesting characters and even a nice ships cat thrown in too. I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I also am glad that it is part of a series as these characters need more time to shine.
September 5, 2024
Buckle up!
There was a bit of mystery here. There are two new crew members. One is a mole. But which one? And why? I liked the interactions of the crew. And there was even a ship's cat. What's in the 2 boxes they are contracted to retrieve? Then it gets even better with more twists and turns! The ending was satisfying and left room for more adventures in the Lyra. Thankfully there are more books in the series to enjoy!
There was a bit of mystery here. There are two new crew members. One is a mole. But which one? And why? I liked the interactions of the crew. And there was even a ship's cat. What's in the 2 boxes they are contracted to retrieve? Then it gets even better with more twists and turns! The ending was satisfying and left room for more adventures in the Lyra. Thankfully there are more books in the series to enjoy!
December 5, 2022
The salvage ship Lyra picks up a job that turns deadly in a hurry. They board a huge dead warship and remove two crates. They are attached and lose the huge warship; during a battle the two crates open. One of the cargos is a plant that makes people feel good. The other crate contains a young child.
The attackers apparently only want the child, a young boy, and are willing o kill.
The attackers apparently only want the child, a young boy, and are willing o kill.
November 3, 2023
Pure unadulterated sci fi
A great storyline with a myriad of subplots to keep it advancing, well fleshed out characters with believable dialogue keep the main plot constantly changing to hold your interest. With lots of action and twists and turns will keep you turning pages till the surprising end that you won't see coming, great read, Baz.
A great storyline with a myriad of subplots to keep it advancing, well fleshed out characters with believable dialogue keep the main plot constantly changing to hold your interest. With lots of action and twists and turns will keep you turning pages till the surprising end that you won't see coming, great read, Baz.
August 18, 2024
I needed some good gritty scifi! And this one was excellent. Just enough of the grime of space travel, nefarious deals, and an underpinning of mystery. An ample dose of the character archetypes you expect and need. Plus a sprinkling of humor to lightwn things up when it gets too dark. And fellow fans of the Firefly series will feel right at home with this crew. (I adore Tink.)
March 4, 2025
bald kid
Enjoyed the story. Nice character development. Some suspense and a few surprises. Book one wrapped up well with enough curiosity built without a full blown cliffhanger. Some violence but not too bad. Not compelling enough or funny enough to warrant more than a “maybe” rating.
Enjoyed the story. Nice character development. Some suspense and a few surprises. Book one wrapped up well with enough curiosity built without a full blown cliffhanger. Some violence but not too bad. Not compelling enough or funny enough to warrant more than a “maybe” rating.
November 20, 2023
Excellent space opera
Interesting characters, including the ship's cat, the ship's AI, and a mysterious young boy. Fast-paced action, made tense by a possible saboteur. Fans of Firefly should enjoy this series. I plan to read them all.
Interesting characters, including the ship's cat, the ship's AI, and a mysterious young boy. Fast-paced action, made tense by a possible saboteur. Fans of Firefly should enjoy this series. I plan to read them all.
December 8, 2023
A fun read. There is some action, some suspense, some intrigue and some plain fun in this story. I quite enjoyed trying to figure out who that culprit was, and I was amazed at the imagination of Astle as she went through this story.
March 28, 2024
slow start, characters are subtle
I think given the story, more character development would have been good, but this story is slowly building. I like some of the ideas that were used for technology and ship design. It’s a decent start to a series.
I think given the story, more character development would have been good, but this story is slowly building. I like some of the ideas that were used for technology and ship design. It’s a decent start to a series.
May 9, 2024
Surprise - Nasty
A great cast of characters. Well written. I like the device of driving the story forward from different characters ' viewpoints. Enough action and unpredictability that I wanted to pick up the book at every opportunity.
A great cast of characters. Well written. I like the device of driving the story forward from different characters ' viewpoints. Enough action and unpredictability that I wanted to pick up the book at every opportunity.
October 10, 2024
Fascinating
An intriguing and very enjoyable first book in this series. The action is constant and the twists and turns involving the varied protagonists keep you engaged to the end.
An intriguing and very enjoyable first book in this series. The action is constant and the twists and turns involving the varied protagonists keep you engaged to the end.
October 27, 2024
First rate read 😁
Enjoyed this one way too much lol I am hoping that the reast of the series is up to the same 😁 the story line is fun, adventure and the hint of impending doom from the start. Love the crew from Tink to Cass. They are believable 👍 Thank you RA for a great read.
Enjoyed this one way too much lol I am hoping that the reast of the series is up to the same 😁 the story line is fun, adventure and the hint of impending doom from the start. Love the crew from Tink to Cass. They are believable 👍 Thank you RA for a great read.
March 31, 2025
3.5 Stars
This feels a bit like 'Firefly' reimagined. A motely crew on a ship in constant need of repair runs a foul of galactic authorities. Normally, I'm a fan of multiple MC POV, but his tended to be bit jarring, the transitions a bit rough.
This feels a bit like 'Firefly' reimagined. A motely crew on a ship in constant need of repair runs a foul of galactic authorities. Normally, I'm a fan of multiple MC POV, but his tended to be bit jarring, the transitions a bit rough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews