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Marathon #1
Bad Cargo
IF THERE'S ONE THING ADAM ECKHART KNOWS, IT'S THAT HUMANS ARE TROUBLE.
He should know. He is one.
As captain of the Marathon, a cobbled-together ship crewed by aliens and androids scraping by on odd jobs at the outskirts of settled space, Adam has plenty to worry about without adding his own species to the mix.
But when a pair of mortally wounded humans cross his path during a heist gone wrong, he finds himself compelled to save them.
Big mistake.
Because if there's one more thing Adam knows, it's that the universe never leaves a good deed unpunished.
He and his crew are about to find out just how right he is.
Bad Cargo is the first book in the Marathon series, an action-packed carnival ride of a space opera that will leave you breathless.
Note: This is an homage to classic pulp sci-fi. If you're looking for hard sci-fi, look elsewhere. But if you're looking for adventures on alien planets with even more alien creatures, this is the series for you!
He should know. He is one.
As captain of the Marathon, a cobbled-together ship crewed by aliens and androids scraping by on odd jobs at the outskirts of settled space, Adam has plenty to worry about without adding his own species to the mix.
But when a pair of mortally wounded humans cross his path during a heist gone wrong, he finds himself compelled to save them.
Big mistake.
Because if there's one more thing Adam knows, it's that the universe never leaves a good deed unpunished.
He and his crew are about to find out just how right he is.
Bad Cargo is the first book in the Marathon series, an action-packed carnival ride of a space opera that will leave you breathless.
Note: This is an homage to classic pulp sci-fi. If you're looking for hard sci-fi, look elsewhere. But if you're looking for adventures on alien planets with even more alien creatures, this is the series for you!
- GenresScience Fiction
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2022
130 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Young
144 books23 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
This entry is for the scifi fiction author.
This entry is for the scifi fiction author.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 16, 2025
Bad Cargo: Marathon
By Daniel Young
I picked this up on a whim and found I really enjoyed it right away. Its a space adventure with an excellent group of space aliens as crew and a human in there too. They end up picking up space cargo in the form of 2 humans with an unexpected item that causes chaos. Great adventure. Ends with things unraveled so I will move on to book 2. Normally I hate cliffhangers but this is pretty short, or seemed to be.
By Daniel Young
I picked this up on a whim and found I really enjoyed it right away. Its a space adventure with an excellent group of space aliens as crew and a human in there too. They end up picking up space cargo in the form of 2 humans with an unexpected item that causes chaos. Great adventure. Ends with things unraveled so I will move on to book 2. Normally I hate cliffhangers but this is pretty short, or seemed to be.
January 11, 2025
Pretty good, lots of action. Easy read.
August 6, 2022
Mr. Young has a penchant for writing classic style, pulp sci-fi books: the laws of physics can be bent, where one ship can take on an overwhelming force, rarely runs out of ammo, may get damaged or shot down, yet can always find a close repair shop, varieties of species can converse and work together against a common enemy, etc. When I’m ready to read for pure escape and entertainment, I’m happy to know that Mr. Young will have another book or series ready for me! I’ve enjoyed about 3 dozen of his books, including those where he’s partnered with Joshua Jones, and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend his writing!
July 13, 2022
The author, once again, succeeds in creating a new series thy promises to be captivating if the first book is any indication.
Far away, in a Galaxy, 4 Beings consisting of 1 Earthling, 1 super strength alien female, 1 half machine, half Earthling, 1 Octopus type alien and 1 Fuzzy type alien female make up the crew of a very special spacecraft named:"Marathon".
Unaffected by the bias that Earthlings carry against all that is alien to their supposedly superior race, these 4 form a family and everyone would give his or her life for the other. On addition, each one of them carries a secret that is yet to be disclosed.
From start to finish, the author uses his gift to virtually transport the reader to where the action takes place and, there is action from start to finish.
The plot is very well written and the characters are funny in a family kind of way. Amidst betrayal, loyalty, mystery, The unknown, an array of twists and turns and action galore, this page-turner deserves more than the 5 Stars allowed.
Far away, in a Galaxy, 4 Beings consisting of 1 Earthling, 1 super strength alien female, 1 half machine, half Earthling, 1 Octopus type alien and 1 Fuzzy type alien female make up the crew of a very special spacecraft named:"Marathon".
Unaffected by the bias that Earthlings carry against all that is alien to their supposedly superior race, these 4 form a family and everyone would give his or her life for the other. On addition, each one of them carries a secret that is yet to be disclosed.
From start to finish, the author uses his gift to virtually transport the reader to where the action takes place and, there is action from start to finish.
The plot is very well written and the characters are funny in a family kind of way. Amidst betrayal, loyalty, mystery, The unknown, an array of twists and turns and action galore, this page-turner deserves more than the 5 Stars allowed.
March 9, 2024
Adam Eckhart is the captain of the Marathon.
A cargo vessel for hire that will secure and deliver anything or anyone for a price.
During a high risk mission he rescues two humans that are in distress.
It becomes the worst thing he can do.
I listened to the audio version of this book.
This is my first book from Daniel young.
The Virtual voice used did a very good job, and I was impressed as I have been disappointed by other virtual voice authors.
I will definitely read/listen to more from this author.
A cargo vessel for hire that will secure and deliver anything or anyone for a price.
During a high risk mission he rescues two humans that are in distress.
It becomes the worst thing he can do.
I listened to the audio version of this book.
This is my first book from Daniel young.
The Virtual voice used did a very good job, and I was impressed as I have been disappointed by other virtual voice authors.
I will definitely read/listen to more from this author.
July 19, 2022
A new series begins with many of the attributes of this author's previous series. It has a LOT of action, takes place in outer space, and there are twists and turns to the story. What I like about this book is the strong cast of characters, all different, all with their own backstories, who have formed a tight-knit family that is fun to read. It will be interesting to see how the interlopers (bad cargo?) will fit in... if they stay around for the series. There is much more story to be told.
July 8, 2022
And another wild adventure begins. It started out with a bang and just got better. Lots of action, danger, surprises and good characters. Interesting story that had me glued to the end to see what wild times were in store for the gang. Loved it and cannot wait to see what happens next.
July 14, 2022
Just as promised
A fun not too serious adventurous sci-fi read. The only problem being it ended too quickly and I now have to wait about 10 days for the next book in the series to be released.
A fun not too serious adventurous sci-fi read. The only problem being it ended too quickly and I now have to wait about 10 days for the next book in the series to be released.
July 21, 2024
Good read.
This was a good read that started out with action right off the bat . The crew is anything but normal and a mix of humans and aliens. The ship they have can change shapes like a transformer. Off to read the next one.
This was a good read that started out with action right off the bat . The crew is anything but normal and a mix of humans and aliens. The ship they have can change shapes like a transformer. Off to read the next one.
October 1, 2022
Aliens and androids make an intriguing new series. How will this all end. Fast paced with loads of action to keep you wanting to keep reading. Can’t wait for the next.
October 10, 2022
A nice quick adventure read! It had some good action and some interesting characters. Hopefully the second book will explain some of the leftover mysteries....
January 21, 2023
A cargo ship crewed with aliens picks up two humans and finds off bad guys
December 15, 2025
Interesting and fast moving.
An interesting and fast-moving start to this series. I'm looking forward to the second book to see how it develops. It's very enjoyable so far.
An interesting and fast-moving start to this series. I'm looking forward to the second book to see how it develops. It's very enjoyable so far.
October 14, 2025
October 2025
Kindle edition
Believe this was another Stuff your kindle freebie. It was alright. Classic sci-fi star-trekky like mission. Seemed a bit round about dropping them off and then saving them. Curious where this one is going. Will continue the series.
Kindle edition
Believe this was another Stuff your kindle freebie. It was alright. Classic sci-fi star-trekky like mission. Seemed a bit round about dropping them off and then saving them. Curious where this one is going. Will continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2022
Fantastic series-Each book gets better
So good you want to read faster to find out what happens but you don’t want the book to end. Unique aliens, Murphy’s Law reigns, space battles. As Harry Dresden says “I don't care about whose DNA has recombined with whose. When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching--they are your family.” even if they aren’t human. Great story & great characters. This is not a kissing book.
So good you want to read faster to find out what happens but you don’t want the book to end. Unique aliens, Murphy’s Law reigns, space battles. As Harry Dresden says “I don't care about whose DNA has recombined with whose. When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching--they are your family.” even if they aren’t human. Great story & great characters. This is not a kissing book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews