Siege of Mortania

Black Ocean #7

by J.S. Morin

Never look a strange wizard in the eye. The problem: all wizards are strange.

Mort has been on the run from the Convocation for decades. Time and again, they've tried—and failed—to capture him. But a new adversary is taking a crack at claiming the bounty on Mort. Someone has done extensive homework, and found the weakness in Mort's armor.

Now the Mobius will become a battleground, putting Mort in a double bind: to save himself, he just might have to kill the entire crew; if he wants to save them, the only way out might be surrender.

Will Mort go quietly, or gamble that he can win a showdown with a wizard who has devoted years of study to defeating him?

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Audiobook, Adventure, Fiction, Aliens, Space Opera

140 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2015

About the author

I am a creator of worlds and a destroyer of words. As a fantasy writer, my works range from traditional epics to futuristic fantasy with starships. I have worked as an unpaid Little League pitcher, a cashier, a student library aide, a factory grunt, a cubicle drone, and an engineer--there is some overlap in the last two.

Through it all, though, I was always a storyteller. Eventually I started writing books based on the stray stories in my head, and people kept telling me to write more of them. Now, that's all I do for a living.

I enjoy strategy, worldbuilding, and the fantasy author's privilege to make up words. I am a gamer, a joker, and a thinker of sideways thoughts. But I don't dance, can't sing, and my best artistic efforts fall short of your average notebook doodle. When you read my books, you are seeing me at my best.

My ultimate goal is to be both clever and right at the same time. I have it on good authority that I have yet to achieve it.

Reviews

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another very short novella that benefits from its brevity by producing a tighter story than earlier volumes. Following their escape from retro-Earth, the crew of the Mobius adds Ramsay's sister Rhiannon and her boyfriend Lloyd to the crew. Turns out Lloyd is actually a bounty hunter tasked with capturing the Mobius' space drive mechanic/wizard Mort for crimes which he's been on the run from for 20+ years.

To effect the capture, Lloyd hypnotizes the entire crew, sending them all into a dream-like mental construction of Mort's own invention (the titular medieval Mortania). What follows is a Matrix-like battle ("there is no spoon") between the Mobius crew and Ramsay's multiple personalities (a fun little plot device) against Lloyd as he tries to bring Mort to wizard-justice.

These last two volumes have been Goldilocks length-- just right. The shorter length (still longer than the x.5 short stories that exist in this universe) seem to strike just the right balance. Anything shorter and Morin doesn't have time to develop interesting thoughts or plots. Anything longer and he throws too much at the page.

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really glad I didn't read the story description before listening to this one. I enjoyed having the big picture sprung on me. This was definitely fantasy-adventure and a new look at Mort, Carl, and ... possibly ... a push for the series in a new direction.

[Dale Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well...the crew of the Morbius are on the run again...but then...when AREN'T they on the run? The lifestyle they lead to simply be able to survive doesn't lend itself well to a house in the suburbs and a white picket fence. Unfortunately, this time, they can't escape the pursuit... they brought it on board with them. And...they forgot the one biggest warning they were ever given. "Don't look a strange wizard in the eye!"

Mission 7 in the Black Ocean finds author J.S. Morin turning his normal adventure on its head as most of this story is craftily set OUTSIDE the Black Ocean though uniquely imbedded firmly in it as only Morin's previous story telling has given to the reader. The author continues to weave small little threads throughout his range of stories, each interconnecting in ways that the reader will realize at the moment but is dropped into their lap as he suddenly pulls one of those threads in the weave and all those little hints and clues come together in a dynamic story. And, while the Black Ocean is definitely a science fiction story...with many elements of a good old fashioned space opera thrown in... this book shows Morin's ability to spin a tale of swords and sorcery. Hmmmm...wonder is that makes this a Sword and Planet type book … [;^).

[Chafic (Rello) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately the shortest but most interesting of the series so far.

This is pretty much an Inception-esque revenge plot that is nothing but exciting and fun.
The writing is getting better and J.S. Morin definitely has found his groove with the Mobius crew.

Great installment! Can't wait for the continue this!

[Nooilforpacifists · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting idea, but short.

[A.R · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another strange one. Fun though, but at the same time odd. More magic, tension, but the characters always keep things fun. The ending was also really cool, I did enjoy it.

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mordecai the Brown has been on the run for a long time, and for everyone’s sake, it has been a long time since someone from the Convocation came looking for him to arrest him and turn Mord over. So what happens when someone does turn up and try it on? So Lloyd has a secret, he is a Wizard in disguise, come to detain Mord for his crimes against the Convocation. Whilst the crew is trying to find a new place to hide-out for a while, Lloyd attacks, mentally impairing and imprisoning each of the crew in their own prison within his head. What unfolds however is a rather enthralling game as Carl is not normal. This is an incredibly fascinating read, both from a psychological point of view (Morin did some really good research into this), but also from the battle that ensues and unfolds between Lloyd and Mord and the rest of the crew in a psychological battle of wits as he tries to capture each of them.
This Mission moves at a bit of different pace to the others, as the story is unfolding in people’s heads, but it makes for a completely different, and extraordinarily well done story. We see another side of Carl in this story, getting a really interesting look at what goes on inside of his head. The other character we get a good look at is Mord. We have seen a lot of Mord, but this time, we see another side to him, and it is both creative and compelling.
This is one of the best Missions so far as far as getting a good look at characters but also fascinating and creative storylines. If you love this series, make sure you read this one.

[Scott S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun one.



Possible spoiler:

I thought Mort's punishment was a little dark and over the top.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite Black Ocean novel so far. It offers a glimpse into Carl's mind - and the minds of the rest of the crew - as they battle a stealth wizard who has infiltrated the crew. It was certainly the funniest story so far, but also offered an offbeat storyline that was very different from the prior novels. So different, in fact, I was wary when it began and uncertain I was going to do much more than bide my time until it ended. I was very wrong and found myself taking every opportunity to read just to see where the story went next.

[Adam K · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4

This was a fun one. It's essentially the equivalent of a "holodeck episode," but it lets Morin stretch a bit and explore some of the character's inner thoughts at this point. I also enjoyed seeing Carl show off a bit of his hidden skills.

I will say that I found the ending to have rather dark implications about Mort and positions him as a bit more cruel and vindictive than I think really suits his character thus far. Perhaps there will be a larger purpose for this revealed later, but as it stands I thought it was a bit unnecessary.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mort has had many Convocation wizards after him, and the latest one threatens his friends. Mort will have to work with Carl to figure out a way to save them and defeat the wizard. What fun seeing the inside of Mort’s mind, as well as learning just how many sides there are to Carl’s personality. This is such a great series and the combination of wizardry and space ships is so amazingly fun, I can’t get enough. Lucky for me there are quite a few more books for me to read.

[Bonhomous · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was considering giving it two stars, especially at the beginning. The author totally ignored story consistency. (what room did Carl's sister stay in?) - there were was enough character development of other characters that allowed me to raise this up to 3 stars.
Expect a good story, but not great literature.

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series has steadily been getting better and this book in the series was the best yet. I've bumped from 4 stars to 5. They've all been fun but this one had an extra bit of engaging, emotional, funny and exciting.

Can't say much about the plot without spoilers, but we learned a lot about the characters and had a great ending.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a wizard bounty hunter catches up with Mort, the crew are caught in the cross fire. Locked in there own minds, it's left to Carl to rescue them and help Mort. Good book as Mort's past catches up with him.

[Fred Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why not 5 on this one as well. I did happen to have figured things out in their minds with my minds. Most though. And J.S. added a twist to it for me. But some does give a thinker that which to think about.

[Todd Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What a psych trip. Fun story with weird turns.

[John Willson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One teaspoon too much fantasy in the sci-fi, for my tastes. But still enjoyable.

[Skout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was especially imaginative and opens up the world of Mort's mind.

[Shawn Conroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun space adventure sequel.

[Robyn Blaber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of the series so far. The space wizard got ... better treatment.

[Brian Layman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent. We needed a Mort Story!

[Derek Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite what I expected, but exactly what the title suggested. I enjoyed this one. Found it to be a good story and peeled back some more layers on the crew.

[Baird Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is entertaining, but I really enjoyed this one.

[Netz · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this in the omnibus version (audible)

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun and different episode in the series with the crew trapped in Lloyd's head.

[Craig Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever premise. I really like the quote "mindo versus mindo".

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

7/10 (Good)

[bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best book in the series so far.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Schvenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book finally takes a sharp left turn into the magic side of the universe, with Mort finally using the powers he gained from the plundered tome.