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Scattered Stars: Evasion #1
Evasion
A captain on the run from the horrors of his past
A girl on the run from the trap of her present
A ship that will bring them together
Captain Evridiki “EB” Bardacki was once a nova fighter pilot for a nation he truly believed in. Betrayal and failure sent him into exile and flight. Now owner-operator of the freelance star freighter Evasion, he treks the edge of human space, taking cargos that lead him ever onward—but there are lines he will not cross.
When those lines are challenged, EB makes enemies of the most powerful crime syndicate for a hundred light-years. When one of their victims stows away on his ship, he finds himself pursued by an enemy with assets everywhere he turns.
Caught between the devil and the deep dark void, EB has run out of places to run—but in a child looking to him for salvation, he may have found something to fight for!
CONTENT WARNING: This novel deals with themes and details of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
A girl on the run from the trap of her present
A ship that will bring them together
Captain Evridiki “EB” Bardacki was once a nova fighter pilot for a nation he truly believed in. Betrayal and failure sent him into exile and flight. Now owner-operator of the freelance star freighter Evasion, he treks the edge of human space, taking cargos that lead him ever onward—but there are lines he will not cross.
When those lines are challenged, EB makes enemies of the most powerful crime syndicate for a hundred light-years. When one of their victims stows away on his ship, he finds himself pursued by an enemy with assets everywhere he turns.
Caught between the devil and the deep dark void, EB has run out of places to run—but in a child looking to him for salvation, he may have found something to fight for!
CONTENT WARNING: This novel deals with themes and details of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
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First published January 1, 2021
424 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
115 books1,748 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 28, 2021
Need to alert people to GAY harems!!!!
I like the author BUT I am angry that I wasted money on a HOMOSEXUAL book as I am NOT into that and the preface did NOT inform the buyer it was GAY !!!!BAD AUTHOR!!!!
I like the author BUT I am angry that I wasted money on a HOMOSEXUAL book as I am NOT into that and the preface did NOT inform the buyer it was GAY !!!!BAD AUTHOR!!!!
February 14, 2022
A less military-focussed book in the Scattered Stars universum, but still of course the gay commander with his gay lover have enough to fight for. Even though the gay main character together with his lover end up still in enough action. While I have a slightly preference on the other Scattered Stars series main plot, the plot in this one where the gay captain with his lover pilots a freighter far beyond the Rim is also entertaining.
Oh did I mention the captain was gay and he has a lover on his ship? Where it is somewhat a grey area he has a significantly younger partner while he has in a position of authority over that person. Him being gay doesn't change that. And someone reading this review might think: "Wow, Sissors really is obsessed that the main character is gay". Well no, not really. I couldn't care less. Hell there is something to say for it for diversity PoV. But why does he then get treated so differently by Glynn compared to his other main characters? In not a single series of him has he been so obsessed by the sexuality of his characters. You can barely read two pages where one way or another the focus has to be put back on his sexuality.
Now if someone thinks: "Well gay romance book, thats my cup of tea". Well also not, it is not like there is really romance in there (happily for me, not interested in those books). But still, the constant focus on the sexuality of the main character combined with always calling his first officer his lover, moves it from a solid 4.5 stars to 3 stars for me.
Oh did I mention the captain was gay and he has a lover on his ship? Where it is somewhat a grey area he has a significantly younger partner while he has in a position of authority over that person. Him being gay doesn't change that. And someone reading this review might think: "Wow, Sissors really is obsessed that the main character is gay". Well no, not really. I couldn't care less. Hell there is something to say for it for diversity PoV. But why does he then get treated so differently by Glynn compared to his other main characters? In not a single series of him has he been so obsessed by the sexuality of his characters. You can barely read two pages where one way or another the focus has to be put back on his sexuality.
Now if someone thinks: "Well gay romance book, thats my cup of tea". Well also not, it is not like there is really romance in there (happily for me, not interested in those books). But still, the constant focus on the sexuality of the main character combined with always calling his first officer his lover, moves it from a solid 4.5 stars to 3 stars for me.
November 11, 2021
Space dads for the win!
Some stories resonate for personal reasons, and having a kid who has had rough life experiences pick you as their dad is a powerful one for me. Glynn Stewart continues to make science fiction inclusive while telling a great story, and this is a story well worth devouring.
As his stories continue to explore the Scattered Stars through different characters and viewpoints, we learn more about what’s at the outer edge of space with a crew that becomes a family. This one’s an easy recommendation if you’re already a fan, and will be on my short list for inclusive space combat themed fiction too!
Some stories resonate for personal reasons, and having a kid who has had rough life experiences pick you as their dad is a powerful one for me. Glynn Stewart continues to make science fiction inclusive while telling a great story, and this is a story well worth devouring.
As his stories continue to explore the Scattered Stars through different characters and viewpoints, we learn more about what’s at the outer edge of space with a crew that becomes a family. This one’s an easy recommendation if you’re already a fan, and will be on my short list for inclusive space combat themed fiction too!
November 1, 2021
An enjoyable extension of the Scattered Stars universe, I like it a lot. Looking forward to the next book, the cast of characters is quite strong and you can see the potential for exploring their backstories even more.
November 17, 2021
I will be honest. I am a fan of the author and I have read most of what he has written, including spin-offs from his main series, but this particular book seems rote even for him. The new characters do not have the same flair as David Rice & Co in the Starship Mage secondary series, Red Falcon. The book was kind of pointless, in an already pretty generic\vanilla universe and lacked the attraction of the Kira Demirci-centered series, which explores the few differences the setting has to offer from generic scifi. The cringey emphasis on family in this book put me in mind of Fast and Furious. On the other hand, the author churns out good action scenes and sets a good pace and the one note villain turned out to be the most interesting character. By now, only Starship's Mage and the Peacekeepers series really capture my interest.
November 8, 2021
I received an ARC in exchange for a review.
This spin-off from the Scattered Stars series is a great addition and I look forward to the next one. Be warned, it deals with some heavy issues but the characterization and world-building are top-notch. There are just enough call-outs to the other Scattered Stars books to make the connection, but the book stands on its own.
Gay space dads forever!
This spin-off from the Scattered Stars series is a great addition and I look forward to the next one. Be warned, it deals with some heavy issues but the characterization and world-building are top-notch. There are just enough call-outs to the other Scattered Stars books to make the connection, but the book stands on its own.
Gay space dads forever!
December 31, 2021
Needs warning that this is about GAY male character that is not for me and would not of got this book if new...
Take deep breath actually made me angry would of been fine if knew before got book, as then would not of got it.
Take deep breath actually made me angry would of been fine if knew before got book, as then would not of got it.
December 11, 2021
Stewart, Glynn. Evasion. Scattered Stars: Evasion No. 1. Kindle, 2021.
Evasion is the beginning of a second series in the Scattered Stars Universe. After an interstellar war, one pilot escaped to the hinterland to form a mercenary Nova fighter force in the first series. In this second series, a pilot has escaped with another team of veterans to run a well-armed freighter in dangerous territory. Both series feature protagonists who are sadder but wiser vets who must strap it on one more time in a just cause. This structure works well to provide character depth in an action plot. The spacecraft technology is all stuff we have seen before—fighters that would be right at home in Star Wars or Battlestar Galactica and Freighters whose warp drives are powered by something like capacitors that must be recharged or discharged before the next jump. There is not much in the way of smart computer tech. In fact, in a meme I quite like, robots and Ais are called “artificial stupids.” The scattered stars universe is in no way cutting edge, but it is a readable, if predictable, story right down the center of genre expectations. 3.5 stars.
Evasion is the beginning of a second series in the Scattered Stars Universe. After an interstellar war, one pilot escaped to the hinterland to form a mercenary Nova fighter force in the first series. In this second series, a pilot has escaped with another team of veterans to run a well-armed freighter in dangerous territory. Both series feature protagonists who are sadder but wiser vets who must strap it on one more time in a just cause. This structure works well to provide character depth in an action plot. The spacecraft technology is all stuff we have seen before—fighters that would be right at home in Star Wars or Battlestar Galactica and Freighters whose warp drives are powered by something like capacitors that must be recharged or discharged before the next jump. There is not much in the way of smart computer tech. In fact, in a meme I quite like, robots and Ais are called “artificial stupids.” The scattered stars universe is in no way cutting edge, but it is a readable, if predictable, story right down the center of genre expectations. 3.5 stars.
October 14, 2022
Solid start to.a.new series.
While I was disappointed that we weren't going to be seeing more of Kira and her crew , EB's story more than makes up for it. Calling Evasion a solid start is a.bit like calling diamonds hard. Just as there is much more than hardness that appeals with the diamond there is are additional layers of appeal to Evasion. We get.to.meet several fascinating and complex characters with hidden depths we very.much would like to know more about while getting glimpses here and there that build the anticipation.
I am VERY much looking forward to reading what comes next for EB, Trace, Vexer, and the crew as the make their way onward hoping to finally leave the ghosts that haunt them behind.
While I was disappointed that we weren't going to be seeing more of Kira and her crew , EB's story more than makes up for it. Calling Evasion a solid start is a.bit like calling diamonds hard. Just as there is much more than hardness that appeals with the diamond there is are additional layers of appeal to Evasion. We get.to.meet several fascinating and complex characters with hidden depths we very.much would like to know more about while getting glimpses here and there that build the anticipation.
I am VERY much looking forward to reading what comes next for EB, Trace, Vexer, and the crew as the make their way onward hoping to finally leave the ghosts that haunt them behind.
November 10, 2021
Glynn Stewart tells of freighter captain of the starship Evasion (ebook from Faolan's Pen Publishing) who takes a cargo to an outlaying station only to be approached to join pirates and then picks up a thirteen year old stowaway running from slavers. Former fighter pilot, Evridiki “EB” Bardacki, has a solid ship that is bigger with better guns than most freighters in this outlying part of the galaxy. That doesn’t help with a bounty on his, and his new passenger’s head. He gets attacked everytime he tries to arrange for cargo. This is a fun tale, and first in a series. Highly recommended like all of Mr. Stewarts books.
January 19, 2022
Woke in Space. Granted, the author is a competent craftsman, but this future, where people announce their pronouns and of course the morally upright characters are homosexual, seems less a far future which challenges our sensibilities than simple pandering, and unimaginative pandering at that. This may gain the author toasts at certain Sci Fi conventions, but I think that the discerning reader will roll his or her eyes and move on. If this floats your boat, then go for it. For myself, I read sci fi for either a fun escape, a mind-bending challenge to contemporary (or my own) sensibilities, or some combination of the two. This book does the one decently, and the second not at all.
November 9, 2021
I received a copy of Evasion by Glynn Stewart in exchange for a review. I have enjoyed every book of his and this was no exception. It takes place in the Scattered Stars universe but is able to be read without having to read the previous books. Evasion is the story of a small freighter and their adventures on an interstellar frontier. There is plenty of action and the characters are well developed. This is very good space opera and a Goodread.
June 3, 2025
Evasion is the first into a side trilogy set in the Scattered Stars universe but far away from anywhere in the main 6 book series - the ftl "nova" jump drive sets limitations to both space travel and the way humanity expands - essentially there are concentric circles of lesser and lesser tech developments the farther from Earth one is; the main series is about elite nova pilots of Apollo (a system in the next to last truly civilized part of humanity) led by major, latter admiral Kira Demirci whom the home government betrayed, so they had to run to the Outer Rim to avoid assassination; there they tangle with an Asimovian organization The Equilibrium Institute whose theoretical goals are to bring peace and stability to various human clusters, but in reality, they tend to bring chaos and destruction. That is an awesome mil-sf series I reviewed a while ago.
This series follows the only one of the nova pilots who refused to stay and fight with Kira and used his share of the wealth secreted away to buy and arm a freighter, Evasion and headed for the Beyond - that is the area beyond civilization, the wild west of the human galaxy expanding to nobody knows how far and where rules tend to be who has the better guns and the more allies makes them... There are still planets with governments and a semblance of warships, but most things are for sale including law and justice.
With a weird crew - including his on-and-off boyfriend, a former farm boy from a feudal Beyond system who somehow got himself piloting skills in his duke's service and then made a dash for freedom, and a strange doctor of many skills about whom we have hints that they have been running from the Equilibrium Institute, picked up on the way there as his original crew slowly dropped off in the still civilized parts of the galaxy (and now 300 light years away from Apollo and some 200+ from Redward, the Outer Rim system where Kira made her base), Captain Evridiki “EB” Bardacki just wants to keep going, trading for a living and hoping not to have kill again - but the Beyond being what it is, not killing becomes harder and harder to avoid when a crime cartel boss corners EB and offers him a job or else, and truly impossible when Trace, a teen girl stowaway on the run from the same cartel, turns to unwittingly carry deadly secrets in her head... And so it goes with non stop action both in space and on stations and planets, great characters and an excellent finale that promises much for the next two installments.
Excellent and gripping stuff
This series follows the only one of the nova pilots who refused to stay and fight with Kira and used his share of the wealth secreted away to buy and arm a freighter, Evasion and headed for the Beyond - that is the area beyond civilization, the wild west of the human galaxy expanding to nobody knows how far and where rules tend to be who has the better guns and the more allies makes them... There are still planets with governments and a semblance of warships, but most things are for sale including law and justice.
With a weird crew - including his on-and-off boyfriend, a former farm boy from a feudal Beyond system who somehow got himself piloting skills in his duke's service and then made a dash for freedom, and a strange doctor of many skills about whom we have hints that they have been running from the Equilibrium Institute, picked up on the way there as his original crew slowly dropped off in the still civilized parts of the galaxy (and now 300 light years away from Apollo and some 200+ from Redward, the Outer Rim system where Kira made her base), Captain Evridiki “EB” Bardacki just wants to keep going, trading for a living and hoping not to have kill again - but the Beyond being what it is, not killing becomes harder and harder to avoid when a crime cartel boss corners EB and offers him a job or else, and truly impossible when Trace, a teen girl stowaway on the run from the same cartel, turns to unwittingly carry deadly secrets in her head... And so it goes with non stop action both in space and on stations and planets, great characters and an excellent finale that promises much for the next two installments.
Excellent and gripping stuff
December 8, 2021
Finally a gay character in the lead role but the author can't stop mentioning it. Once, maybe twice, would have been enough but Stewart hammers away at it. He then proceeds to use the out moded term, "lover" at every possible opportunity. First, try "partner" instead of lover and you only need to tell us once . We don't forget five pages later. No need to remind us over and over and over again which Stewart continues to do by then adding on the use of pet names between the two main characters. You can hear the author swelling with pride at how liberal he is when he has two men call each other "darling" and "hon" and "love." Stewart, in other books, had been obsessed with unnecessarily reminding us over and over again whenever a character is non-white. He does it here but with more restraint though it's still obviously irrelevant and unnecessary. Despite the author's privileged, self-conscious, liberal, straight, white guy voice he still writes a good story and I've read nearly everything he has written. This is a good setup for a fun series and it would be a great read if he could just let these somewhat interesting character details do their own work without hammering away at them.
January 6, 2022
Glynn Stewart has produced a lot of cheap and cheerful KU sci-fi over the years. I don't think I've ever been able to finish one of his many SF series, because he NEVER stops writing them! So many books! And his latest, Evasion, is the start of yet another new series. One man, his crew and their OP spaceship against the scum and villainy of the universe. So far so familiar.
What makes this one any different? In a word... REPRESENTATION! I may be wrong, but I feel this might be a first for Stewart. The captain of the ship is gay. His BF is part of the crew and the ship's doctor is non-binary. And yet... that's really about as far as it goes. The odd stray kiss is mentioned and occasionally words like "Lover" are thrown about (which for some reason, in my head, I always read with v cliched Welsh woman's voice).
Anyhow, solid sci-fi fun, with some baby steps attempts at representation, and the promise of many more books in the series to follow.
What makes this one any different? In a word... REPRESENTATION! I may be wrong, but I feel this might be a first for Stewart. The captain of the ship is gay. His BF is part of the crew and the ship's doctor is non-binary. And yet... that's really about as far as it goes. The odd stray kiss is mentioned and occasionally words like "Lover" are thrown about (which for some reason, in my head, I always read with v cliched Welsh woman's voice).
Anyhow, solid sci-fi fun, with some baby steps attempts at representation, and the promise of many more books in the series to follow.
June 5, 2022
The syfy was good. Even saving a young teenager from human trafficking and the providing her a home was good. However, the whole story was ruined with the romance, which began as sad and disappointing and continued to go to hell from there to disgusting, nauseating, and sickening. It could have been great and added to the overall story and even made the characters more endearing, except there was one crucial component missing from the romance and that was a woman (a natural born female). Without the female counterpart to go with the male partner there is no romance or lover. So what could have been a four star read ended up being a one star (because there was no negative stars to give show how disappointing this was).
April 16, 2023
To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I was a big fan of Mr Stewart's Mage series and read most of his earlier books. He is quite obviously making a plunge into the LGBTQ market. His writing has become simplistic with his constant reference to his characters partner as his lover and every other relationship he highlights LGBTQ. (How many times must I hear he doesn't like women.) In fact he seldom even uses the main characters partner's name but rather referring to him as his "lover". This is all fine and well, they just need to label these books. His writing style has changed dramatically. I will admit that I haven't read any further of his books after this novel. So, I don't know if he continues on in the same vein. Just beware. His earlier books are fine.
June 22, 2023
Help me read more books
Never liked books with slavery, or human trafficing in them, unless it's something like kildar, in which it's someone taking down such things. This book has a lot of both, and while it's not the most pleasant book to read, it does turn out well, so I suppose that makes it readable. It's not something I'd recommend to a young scifi reader, but the story is good enough I could recommend it to adult readers without much trouble. I like how this one ended, and I'm likely to read more in this series.
Never liked books with slavery, or human trafficing in them, unless it's something like kildar, in which it's someone taking down such things. This book has a lot of both, and while it's not the most pleasant book to read, it does turn out well, so I suppose that makes it readable. It's not something I'd recommend to a young scifi reader, but the story is good enough I could recommend it to adult readers without much trouble. I like how this one ended, and I'm likely to read more in this series.
November 13, 2021
I enjoyed the first book in the Scattered Stars series, but for me it went downhill fairly quickly and I struggled with the later books. I nearly didn’t bother with this spin-off, but I’m glad I did, this was a really enjoyable read from start to finish.
My only slight problem was with the author’s ‘Universe’, which isn’t always convincing and was one of the things I didn’t particularly like in the Scattered Stars books.
My only slight problem was with the author’s ‘Universe’, which isn’t always convincing and was one of the things I didn’t particularly like in the Scattered Stars books.
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November 10, 2021I've enjoyed the Scattered Stars series.
This is an spinoff featuring another Nova pilot, Evridiki Bardacki, who decided not to
join Kira Demirci.
EB owns and ship and crew who are minding their own business when they come across
slavery and child trafficking. Gotta do something about that....
This is an spinoff featuring another Nova pilot, Evridiki Bardacki, who decided not to
join Kira Demirci.
EB owns and ship and crew who are minding their own business when they come across
slavery and child trafficking. Gotta do something about that....
November 14, 2021
I like everything this author has published. This book does rely heavily on the crew suddenly turning out to be extremely skilled in unique areas and also seems very reminiscent of authors other books. It was fast paced, although slightly formulaic compared to other books by author. But if you enjoyed other book you will enjoy this one. But this is not the authors best work. Suggest you start elsewhere on other series by same author.
November 15, 2021
Love Apollo series
Can’t wait for more have been reading all your work and have loved this new universe. Love Damian but this universe seems more hands on which I love. So excited for Trace and happy that EB got to have a bit of HEA. Write faster please, faithfully awaiting another new release!
Can’t wait for more have been reading all your work and have loved this new universe. Love Damian but this universe seems more hands on which I love. So excited for Trace and happy that EB got to have a bit of HEA. Write faster please, faithfully awaiting another new release!
November 22, 2021
Another brilliant series
Fast paced, thoroughly engaging and made me smile more than once from some thoroughly heartwarming sections that somehow melded in perfectly with the action and intrigue.
You can read this without reading the other scattered stars series, but it does help. It also is well recommended.
Fast paced, thoroughly engaging and made me smile more than once from some thoroughly heartwarming sections that somehow melded in perfectly with the action and intrigue.
You can read this without reading the other scattered stars series, but it does help. It also is well recommended.
June 7, 2022
Great sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is excellent, the crew of the Evasion is fantastic (I love Dr Lan), and the romance between EB and Vexer is believable and sweet. There is a high body count that isn't only bad guys, but I expected some death and destruction. I'm really looking forward to book 2.
The worldbuilding is excellent, the crew of the Evasion is fantastic (I love Dr Lan), and the romance between EB and Vexer is believable and sweet. There is a high body count that isn't only bad guys, but I expected some death and destruction. I'm really looking forward to book 2.
October 12, 2022
A face-paced fantasy novel set on the edge of a distant galaxy thousands of years in the future.
It's quickly immersive with relatable central characters who are almost perpetually in danger. Lots of space jargon and back stories which flesh out the universe.
Overall it's an enjoyable page turner when you're in the mood for this type of thing. It came up in a local library search for novels with LGBTQ characters, I had never heard of the author before, but I will seek out future novels in this series as they become available.
It's quickly immersive with relatable central characters who are almost perpetually in danger. Lots of space jargon and back stories which flesh out the universe.
Overall it's an enjoyable page turner when you're in the mood for this type of thing. It came up in a local library search for novels with LGBTQ characters, I had never heard of the author before, but I will seek out future novels in this series as they become available.
July 24, 2023
A new twist
Even leaving the military, you don't leave the values behind. Despite trying to walk away from fighting, EB is drawn into disputes because he still believes the innocent need and deserve protecion. Bravo. In a universe that takes care of only itself. EB marches to that different drum.
Even leaving the military, you don't leave the values behind. Despite trying to walk away from fighting, EB is drawn into disputes because he still believes the innocent need and deserve protecion. Bravo. In a universe that takes care of only itself. EB marches to that different drum.
June 26, 2025
Buen comienzo a esta trilogía que es un spinoff de la serie que acabo de terminar de este mismo autor: Scattered Stars: Conviction. Empieza con el protagonista en el Borde Exterior de la civilización y ya con una tripulación de personas que huyen de su pasado. Y buscando cargo para trasladar se le mete una polizón huyendo de una trama de trata de niños. Y se lía. A leer el siguiente pronto. B+
November 12, 2021
Interesting
I enjoyed the story but much prefer the other parts of this world. I don’t find the merchant stories as enjoyable. Still loved the writing and the action. I would recommend this to all the fans.
I enjoyed the story but much prefer the other parts of this world. I don’t find the merchant stories as enjoyable. Still loved the writing and the action. I would recommend this to all the fans.
November 12, 2021
Excellent
Great start to a new series. At least I hope it will be a new series as this is a perfect setting for ongoing encounters and interesting interactions with a wide variety of space cultures.
Great start to a new series. At least I hope it will be a new series as this is a perfect setting for ongoing encounters and interesting interactions with a wide variety of space cultures.
November 22, 2021
Great new book!
Another incredible new space opera series by Glynn Stewart! Great characters, incredible story, well written world with great technology. I can’t wait for the next one!
Another incredible new space opera series by Glynn Stewart! Great characters, incredible story, well written world with great technology. I can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews