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Black Ocean #8
Moon of Odysseus
One man’s crash is another man’s treasure.
“Blackjack, this is Scarecrow. I finally found it. We’re going to be rich.”
Carl Ramsey gets a comm from an old squadron mate with a lead on the salvage of a lifetime: an ARGO battleship. The ENV Odysseus doesn’t just represent more money than the Mobius crew has ever seen, it could provide answers on what became of the last ship Carl ever served aboard during his time in the navy.
But experimental battleships don’t just fall from the sky, and the Mobius will have to overcome whatever caused the Odysseus to crash in the first place. On an uncharted moon outside ARGO controlled space, Carl and the crew will have to contend not only with local wildlife and warring factions among the survivors, but a mysterious magical effect that renders technology inert.
With the Mobius unable to fly and more potential peril than profit, can Carl bring himself to pull the plug on the salvage plan and just find a way to escape? Of course not. It’s time to double down, double cross, and find a way to still get rich. Because some treasures just might be worth dying for.
Moon of Odysseus is the eighth mission of Black Ocean, a science fantasy series set in the 26th century. Do you wish there had been a second season of Firefly? Do you love the irreverent fun of Guardians of the Galaxy? Have you ever wondered how Star Wars would have turned out if Luke and Obi-wan had ditched the rebellion to become smugglers with Han and Chewie? Then Black Ocean is the series for you!
Pick up your copy of Moon of Odysseus, and join the hunt for the biggest score the Mobius has ever made!
“Blackjack, this is Scarecrow. I finally found it. We’re going to be rich.”
Carl Ramsey gets a comm from an old squadron mate with a lead on the salvage of a lifetime: an ARGO battleship. The ENV Odysseus doesn’t just represent more money than the Mobius crew has ever seen, it could provide answers on what became of the last ship Carl ever served aboard during his time in the navy.
But experimental battleships don’t just fall from the sky, and the Mobius will have to overcome whatever caused the Odysseus to crash in the first place. On an uncharted moon outside ARGO controlled space, Carl and the crew will have to contend not only with local wildlife and warring factions among the survivors, but a mysterious magical effect that renders technology inert.
With the Mobius unable to fly and more potential peril than profit, can Carl bring himself to pull the plug on the salvage plan and just find a way to escape? Of course not. It’s time to double down, double cross, and find a way to still get rich. Because some treasures just might be worth dying for.
Moon of Odysseus is the eighth mission of Black Ocean, a science fantasy series set in the 26th century. Do you wish there had been a second season of Firefly? Do you love the irreverent fun of Guardians of the Galaxy? Have you ever wondered how Star Wars would have turned out if Luke and Obi-wan had ditched the rebellion to become smugglers with Han and Chewie? Then Black Ocean is the series for you!
Pick up your copy of Moon of Odysseus, and join the hunt for the biggest score the Mobius has ever made!
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2015
26 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Morin
193 books612 followersI 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 1, 2019
I really do love these crazy gang of misfits.
The longest of the series so far, J.S. Morin's character development is good. Really good.
A truly fun installment for the Mobius crew, truly a fun alternative for Firefly fans.
The longest of the series so far, J.S. Morin's character development is good. Really good.
A truly fun installment for the Mobius crew, truly a fun alternative for Firefly fans.
June 23, 2020
Notes:
I like how the stories build upon each other and create a bit more depth for all of the characters & world. =)
I like how the stories build upon each other and create a bit more depth for all of the characters & world. =)
May 25, 2018
I'm not sure what to keep saying about these books, and I still have at least another 8 to go. Scratch that. These books are the classic A-Team of sci fi books. Carl loves it when a plan comes together.
May 27, 2020
Trying to maintain his ship, the Mobius...fuel for the ship...food for the crew...docking fees...and all the other miscellanea that they get inundated with every day of every week of every year in the BLACK OCEAN has almost reached the breaking point. So...it's almost with a sigh of relief and a leap of jubilation when an ex-squadron member of his suddenly pops up out the ether - so to speak - and offers what may be the chance of a lifetime. The only problem is that he's not sure if it's legitimate or another run at what might be El Dorado Gold.
Once more, J.S. Morin takes the crew of the Mobius out into the BLACK OCEAN for another life and death adventure that could be their salvation...or their destruction...(hint...this is book 8 of 16...so you can figure it out).
Morin continually has the fun of throwing his characters and creations in harrowing situations and then having to write his way out in a way that is not only plausible but has the reader saying "Of COURSE that's what they did!!!"
After this, the 8th book, in the series - and other spinoffs that are standing on their own - Morin has the true feel and emotions of his characters down as they have begun to take on a life of their own filling the stories in ways the readers are familiar with and yet taking paths that continue to surprise.
With 8 books to go (plus several short stories thrown in for spice) journey can only go onward and upward. After all...the Black Ocean is endless.
Once more, J.S. Morin takes the crew of the Mobius out into the BLACK OCEAN for another life and death adventure that could be their salvation...or their destruction...(hint...this is book 8 of 16...so you can figure it out).
Morin continually has the fun of throwing his characters and creations in harrowing situations and then having to write his way out in a way that is not only plausible but has the reader saying "Of COURSE that's what they did!!!"
After this, the 8th book, in the series - and other spinoffs that are standing on their own - Morin has the true feel and emotions of his characters down as they have begun to take on a life of their own filling the stories in ways the readers are familiar with and yet taking paths that continue to surprise.
With 8 books to go (plus several short stories thrown in for spice) journey can only go onward and upward. After all...the Black Ocean is endless.
August 6, 2019
One of the best entries in this entertaining Space Opera, one occasionally interrupted by discussions of the meaning of morality in the context of space piracy.
September 5, 2024
The Wizard of Oz meets the Odyssey ... space opera style with our favorite crew of misfits. This is where the series takes a definite turn into new territory and I enjoyed it a lot.
March 4, 2018
Scarecrow contacts Carl and tells him she has found it, the Odysseus a long lost ARGO Battleship, which to the crew will be worth more money than the crew has ever earnt, probably more than all their jobs combined. It will also answer some questions for Carl (and Scarecrow), about what happened on their last mission.
However, finding the ship, and surviving to salvage the ship could be 2 different things, as whatever brought down the Odysseus also brings down the Mobius.
The crew of the Mobius suddenly find themselves in the middle of two warring factions, the marines who have fallen under the sway of something that is calling itself a God, and the Scientists, who are trying to discover whatever the strange magical effect is that is supressing technology and denying them the ability to leave the planet.
This is rather an interesting book in the series as it is the first in what is the start to a mini-series within the series, and also sees a new dynamic for the crew, with the introduction of new characters (Scarecrow), as well as Carl seeming to have a desire to set up a kind of base camp at the site of the Odysseus.
With all sorts of new challenges, threats and a God trying to make life unpleasant for them, this is certainly going to be a challenge for the crew in both the short and the long run.
As with all these books, this is a fantastically fun read, but this one does have a slightly different arc to it that you just know that things are going to get worse for Carl (and the rest of the crew) before they get better.
If you enjoy this series, this is definitely one to read (and the next several to continue the arc), as it is a great set of stories in the series. As I say with all these reviews, if you have ever looked sideways at Firefly, this series is the best series in the world as a replacement, starships and a wizard that operates as the star drive – it is awesome!
However, finding the ship, and surviving to salvage the ship could be 2 different things, as whatever brought down the Odysseus also brings down the Mobius.
The crew of the Mobius suddenly find themselves in the middle of two warring factions, the marines who have fallen under the sway of something that is calling itself a God, and the Scientists, who are trying to discover whatever the strange magical effect is that is supressing technology and denying them the ability to leave the planet.
This is rather an interesting book in the series as it is the first in what is the start to a mini-series within the series, and also sees a new dynamic for the crew, with the introduction of new characters (Scarecrow), as well as Carl seeming to have a desire to set up a kind of base camp at the site of the Odysseus.
With all sorts of new challenges, threats and a God trying to make life unpleasant for them, this is certainly going to be a challenge for the crew in both the short and the long run.
As with all these books, this is a fantastically fun read, but this one does have a slightly different arc to it that you just know that things are going to get worse for Carl (and the rest of the crew) before they get better.
If you enjoy this series, this is definitely one to read (and the next several to continue the arc), as it is a great set of stories in the series. As I say with all these reviews, if you have ever looked sideways at Firefly, this series is the best series in the world as a replacement, starships and a wizard that operates as the star drive – it is awesome!
October 5, 2023
Okay, I quite enjoyed this one. The crew of the Mobius find themselves caught up in a bit of Carl's past. His old wingman from his time in the navy sends Carl a message: she has found the Odysseus. The Odysseus was an experimental naval ship deployed on the last mission that Carl and his squad were involved in before they were summarily dismissed. During the mission, something went wrong and the Odysseus vanished. Now that Carl's old wingman has located it, we learn a bit of backstory about his time in the navy, what really happened on his last mission and why he became an outlaw.
I liked this story because it felt like it was far more layered than the previous seven novellas. Sure, it fits into the usual box of, "job gone wrong," but there is more to it than that. There is the usual fun action and witty banter, but there is also character development and some glimpses into the history and nature of a few key characters. That being said, there is a bit of a hand-wavy climax to the story where Mort kind of just magics the problem away. This is not unusual but considering the long set up I was hoping for some more interesting answers or solutions to the problem. I suppose Morin still left plenty of room for that to still happen as the "problem" wasn't 100% solved--more like it was pushed away to the side. We may also be saying farewell to one of the main characters, but a big part of me feels like they'll be back for sure.
In the end, I think this is the most complete and whole feeling story in the series thus far.
I liked this story because it felt like it was far more layered than the previous seven novellas. Sure, it fits into the usual box of, "job gone wrong," but there is more to it than that. There is the usual fun action and witty banter, but there is also character development and some glimpses into the history and nature of a few key characters. That being said, there is a bit of a hand-wavy climax to the story where Mort kind of just magics the problem away. This is not unusual but considering the long set up I was hoping for some more interesting answers or solutions to the problem. I suppose Morin still left plenty of room for that to still happen as the "problem" wasn't 100% solved--more like it was pushed away to the side. We may also be saying farewell to one of the main characters, but a big part of me feels like they'll be back for sure.
In the end, I think this is the most complete and whole feeling story in the series thus far.
December 28, 2019
It’s supposed to be the biggest score ever, setting them all up for life, as Carl’s old squadron mate comes to him with a lead on an experimental battleship that’s been missing for 6 years that she’s hoping to salvage. Unfortunately, the moon that the Odysseus crashed on takes out the Mobius as well, and it will take all of their skills to counteract the mysterious magic that prevents all technology from working so they can repair their ship. There’s also warring survivors, a small contingent of Marines against the larger Navy group, along with dangerous wildlife and inhospitable conditions. But leave it to Carl and his crew to figure a way to work it all out, that what they’re good at. I can’t get enough of this series and can’t wait to read more adventures.
February 17, 2019
A solid "Wizard of Oz" riff of sorts where the Ramsay and the Mobius discover the crash site of the long lost ship Odysseus. Themselves marooned on the same uncharted planet shows Ramsay's former naval squadron mates (all long thought dead) having adapted to the primitive world they find themselves on where technology does not work and a mysterious "God" keeps the survivors in check.
Decently paced with some fun character moments. The need to turn every story into a "score" or "payoff" is a narrative crutch that Morin falls into too often, but otherwise, a decent premise and execution.
Decently paced with some fun character moments. The need to turn every story into a "score" or "payoff" is a narrative crutch that Morin falls into too often, but otherwise, a decent premise and execution.
February 22, 2021
Ramsey and his crew are again looking for the big score and it drops into his lap, as a 6 year mystery to find a missing ship that ended his career. As usual, nothing ever goes to plan and the crew end up stranded on a strange moon.
June 26, 2024
Carl keeps the book interesting. The characters are stil great, however, I just don't care for tech meets primitive. The story is tried and borning at times. Again, I like tha characters and these are popcorn books so not a big deal.
July 7, 2017
Hugh evolution in the story line.
September 20, 2017
Another great story of the Mobius and its crew. More character development than you can shake a stick at! Everyone seems to be growing and becoming more than they were before.
October 18, 2017
This book contains one of the funniest lines I've ever read. Spoken by Roddy, of course.
July 10, 2018
Another great story of the Mobius and his crew. Can't wait to see what happens next.
April 27, 2018
The author would really have to go off the rails for me to dislike these adventures.
Some crew issues from this one have me a little worried. We'll see.
Some crew issues from this one have me a little worried. We'll see.
March 17, 2019
Definitely the least favourite of all the books in this series so far.
April 6, 2019
Just good entertainement
May 7, 2019
This adventure really stretched the crew. I liked how they had to think differently than normal and the background on Carl was nice as well.
June 26, 2019
Very entertaining, couldn't put it down
November 1, 2019
read this in the omnibus version (audible)
April 23, 2021
3.5 stars. Good, more complex plot than usual.
September 4, 2022
8/10 (Great)
November 8, 2022
The "Outlaws" is always a good read.
The crew pull this one out of the air.
It will be interesting to see how long-term the pilot change will be.
The crew pull this one out of the air.
It will be interesting to see how long-term the pilot change will be.
May 14, 2023
This one was fun. The whole series really is an easy read, really smooth and good fun. Great characters, fun plots. Overall a good time so far.
January 16, 2024
3.5 stars
May 30, 2024
Stranded on a world where only magic works and not science is a new twist for the crew of the Mobius. Virtually all of the crew members get some separate adventures during this one.
June 30, 2024
Probably the best of the series thus far.
June 4, 2025
Big adventure and cool action--but the ending seemed more like a pause in the middle of the story. We didn't really resolve the full story here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews