What do you think?
Rate this book
Alien mysteries. Parental responsibilities. The scout ship Kangaroo has jumped into trouble.
Nora Devi intended to leave her old life behind. But when a quick detour to acquire the funds for a new identity goes awry, she finds herself plunged ever deeper into the troubles she hoped to avoid.
The Human Sector is a stash of fuel cells just waiting for a spark to explode. The Great Game of politics and power has shifted from the inner realm to the border. Captain Liam Kimani of the battlecruiser RC Genghis Khan is the man in position to suppress the explosion - or ride the wave of it.
It's been half a millennium since the Stranding. Is the power of the royals still worth supporting, or is it time to risk everything for the chance to rejoin the rest of humanity?
Nora Devi intended to leave her old life behind. But when a quick detour to acquire the funds for a new identity goes awry, she finds herself plunged ever deeper into the troubles she hoped to avoid.
The Human Sector is a stash of fuel cells just waiting for a spark to explode. The Great Game of politics and power has shifted from the inner realm to the border. Captain Liam Kimani of the battlecruiser RC Genghis Khan is the man in position to suppress the explosion - or ride the wave of it.
It's been half a millennium since the Stranding. Is the power of the royals still worth supporting, or is it time to risk everything for the chance to rejoin the rest of humanity?
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2021
696 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Schwartz
110 books560 followersAustralian science fiction & fantasy author.
Current series: Caldryn Parliament. Golden Age mysteries in the realm of science fiction & fantasy.
Magic parliament mysteries - political intrigue, family drama, and the cutest gremlin sidekick ever!
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
Current series: Caldryn Parliament. Golden Age mysteries in the realm of science fiction & fantasy.
Magic parliament mysteries - political intrigue, family drama, and the cutest gremlin sidekick ever!
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
October 10, 2021
Okay solid 3.5 stars mainly because even though the world building, plot, and characters are great…the romance is freakin awful. The heroine/hero had a total of maybe 3 conversations in the first book and in this book they don’t meet up until LITERALLY the last 3% of the book! And in this conversation (the first they’ve had in months) they’re talking about being in love and Nora decides it’s a great time to share all of her secrets with this man she hardly knows?! It’s absolutely absurd. It’s such a lazy attempt at including “romance” I almost wish the author hadn’t even tried, but it’s mostly annoying b/c the book has so much potential to actually be a great sci fi romance/ space opera. Anyways rant over, despite the pathetic excuse for a romantic relationship I’d still recommend the book b/c everything else makes up for it.
June 11, 2024
4.5/5.0
Oh my gosh, this series is so much fun!! It has everything one wants in a highly readable, action packed, character centered sci-fi escape!! The only reason I rounded down to four rather than up to five stars is that really weird insta-love thing at the end. Where the heck did that come from? *slightly spoilerish comment coming up* Nora and Liam met one day, she broke a date the next, they don’t see or talk to each other for months, then, Shazam! They’re in love! It’s magic! ‘Cause there is nothing else that can explain it. ;).
Still, I am LOVING this!
Oh my gosh, this series is so much fun!! It has everything one wants in a highly readable, action packed, character centered sci-fi escape!! The only reason I rounded down to four rather than up to five stars is that really weird insta-love thing at the end. Where the heck did that come from? *slightly spoilerish comment coming up* Nora and Liam met one day, she broke a date the next, they don’t see or talk to each other for months, then, Shazam! They’re in love! It’s magic! ‘Cause there is nothing else that can explain it. ;).
Still, I am LOVING this!
March 4, 2025
I'm really enjoying this space opera series - it is a rich, compelling story with a fabulous cast of characters.
I'm going to give a teeny caveat, though: the romance element isn't really fleshed out. There was a big stride forward taken at the very end of this book, so it may be more of a thing going forward, but thus far Nora and Liam have been intrigued by each other - can't stop thinking of each other - but have largely missed on any opportunity to connect. That made the end of this book a big surprise honestly - - because prior to that moment, they'd had 3 total conversations. So it's a bit of a love at first sight / missed connection thing. It doesn't bother me - some people just stick in your head like that - but it might bother some people. I'll be fine with it as long as it plays out in the rest of the books (rather than remaining somewhat hand-wavy).
I'm going to give a teeny caveat, though: the romance element isn't really fleshed out. There was a big stride forward taken at the very end of this book, so it may be more of a thing going forward, but thus far Nora and Liam have been intrigued by each other - can't stop thinking of each other - but have largely missed on any opportunity to connect. That made the end of this book a big surprise honestly - - because prior to that moment, they'd had 3 total conversations. So it's a bit of a love at first sight / missed connection thing. It doesn't bother me - some people just stick in your head like that - but it might bother some people. I'll be fine with it as long as it plays out in the rest of the books (rather than remaining somewhat hand-wavy).
October 1, 2021
So when I took a chance on reading Astray; The Adventures of a Xeno-Archaeologist I didn’t notice that it was part of a new series by Jenny Schwartz. Even though it was definitely not the hard science, sci fi I read, I figured I could take a break from “real science” and explore one full of improbable ideas. Little did I know that I would get hooked on the series. I no sooner finished the first book than I pre-ordered the sequel. Guess what, I just finished the second and have pre-ordered the third!
So what is the attraction of Schwartz’s Xeno-Archaeologist series? Nora Devi. Schwartz’s protagonist just tugs at your heartstrings. She has pulled herself out of the slums, gotten an education and a spaceship, and set out to be a solo explorer. Somehow she ends up not only not alone in the universe but the guardian of a “stolen” orphan and an IA from a long forgotten civilization. Oh yeah, there is also her bumbling romance, a problematic sister, and the universe to save from corrupt politicians.
Looking for a fun series? Even if you do not read science fiction, you should give this series a look. They really are page turners. I just wish Schwartz would get the next three books in the series written and printed a lot faster.
So what is the attraction of Schwartz’s Xeno-Archaeologist series? Nora Devi. Schwartz’s protagonist just tugs at your heartstrings. She has pulled herself out of the slums, gotten an education and a spaceship, and set out to be a solo explorer. Somehow she ends up not only not alone in the universe but the guardian of a “stolen” orphan and an IA from a long forgotten civilization. Oh yeah, there is also her bumbling romance, a problematic sister, and the universe to save from corrupt politicians.
Looking for a fun series? Even if you do not read science fiction, you should give this series a look. They really are page turners. I just wish Schwartz would get the next three books in the series written and printed a lot faster.
September 19, 2024
Nora just started spilling secrets everywhere and then decided that she was in love with Liam without really interacting with him. Still interesting but I had to laugh.
Read
January 29, 2023Read this on the strength of the first, which, while not great, had a sort of pulp energy to it. Alas, that has dissipated into just an enormous amount of nonsense and what could be called intricate plotting if literally anything mattered. I will not be continuing this series.
ETA:
I made the mistake of reading other reviews of this here book, and I have to say, some people are absolute psychos about any romantic content, my word. Doubt has a very clumsy and terrible epilogue which tacks on an almost character-defying romantic conclusion for two characters, which I admit is clumsy and terrible. But that chapter could solidly be excised with absolutely no effect to the tone or the plot of this book, which is 99.9% wonky space politics and .1% romantic feelings. All the readers snarling about how they were tricked into reading a romance because of a romantic epilogue -- which is romantic not sexual, I would like to add -- have completely diseased views of genre fiction.
I said about another recent sci-fi romance that writers have to decide how much weight to put on the sci-fi or the romance, and that any relative emphasis between those two things was fine. Of course, the universe almost immediately served up an example of a split difference that doesn't work in this here Doubt book. The book leans almost entirely sci-fi, and the romantic element is so badly threaded through the meat of the story that the final chapters are jarring -- there's no build-up to the romantic conclusion. So no one is happy with the ending because it's unrelated to the proceedings.
And just to be clear, I don't think that the relative de-emphasis of the love stuff is the problem. It is entirely possible to set up a romantic conclusion to a primarily sci-fi adventure story which is satisfying -- Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold is a fine example -- so it's not the fact that the romantic elements are relatively minimal, it's the fact that it's badly done.
Anyway, dudes would rather hate on anything they perceive as lady literature than go to therapy, the end.
ETA:
I made the mistake of reading other reviews of this here book, and I have to say, some people are absolute psychos about any romantic content, my word. Doubt has a very clumsy and terrible epilogue which tacks on an almost character-defying romantic conclusion for two characters, which I admit is clumsy and terrible. But that chapter could solidly be excised with absolutely no effect to the tone or the plot of this book, which is 99.9% wonky space politics and .1% romantic feelings. All the readers snarling about how they were tricked into reading a romance because of a romantic epilogue -- which is romantic not sexual, I would like to add -- have completely diseased views of genre fiction.
I said about another recent sci-fi romance that writers have to decide how much weight to put on the sci-fi or the romance, and that any relative emphasis between those two things was fine. Of course, the universe almost immediately served up an example of a split difference that doesn't work in this here Doubt book. The book leans almost entirely sci-fi, and the romantic element is so badly threaded through the meat of the story that the final chapters are jarring -- there's no build-up to the romantic conclusion. So no one is happy with the ending because it's unrelated to the proceedings.
And just to be clear, I don't think that the relative de-emphasis of the love stuff is the problem. It is entirely possible to set up a romantic conclusion to a primarily sci-fi adventure story which is satisfying -- Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold is a fine example -- so it's not the fact that the romantic elements are relatively minimal, it's the fact that it's badly done.
Anyway, dudes would rather hate on anything they perceive as lady literature than go to therapy, the end.
October 15, 2025
I loved every book in this series. See my review of Astray for my overall opinion.
November 21, 2021
Fun sci-fi!
Jenny Schwartz is really good at telling a sci-fi story. Her lead character is a strong, smart woman who lives a very independent life. This is not a fantasy romance, though there is a love interest. And that makes me love the series so much. The mc's love interest never dominates the story. Its a background tone as we sink deeply into the life of the mc. Its just perfectly done. The world building is great. Completely political systems and military complexes exist. Schwartz writes in a mostly straightforward manner. No flowery fluff for her. And her fmc has that same direct manner. Its simple luxury to read a story with a fully adult heroine who is seriously high functioning, not psychologically gamey and has zero YA tone. Thank you Jenny Schwartz.
Jenny Schwartz is really good at telling a sci-fi story. Her lead character is a strong, smart woman who lives a very independent life. This is not a fantasy romance, though there is a love interest. And that makes me love the series so much. The mc's love interest never dominates the story. Its a background tone as we sink deeply into the life of the mc. Its just perfectly done. The world building is great. Completely political systems and military complexes exist. Schwartz writes in a mostly straightforward manner. No flowery fluff for her. And her fmc has that same direct manner. Its simple luxury to read a story with a fully adult heroine who is seriously high functioning, not psychologically gamey and has zero YA tone. Thank you Jenny Schwartz.
December 7, 2024
10/10: There is no comparison...This is the Mona Lisa of the fictional world!
The first line of the message jolted Liam’s heart out of rhythm. It was disconcerting how one name had the power to punch through his self-control.
So good!
The first line of the message jolted Liam’s heart out of rhythm. It was disconcerting how one name had the power to punch through his self-control.
So good!
December 21, 2023
Overall really good, but at the very end there is some eye rolling insta love that took some of the enjoyment away.
Read
September 19, 2023Rating: minus 4
I am doing another revision that cleans up the points and language of a first draft. It s become easier since my "Shockwave" review. For near on two months, my reviews could barely be uploaded and only snuck in during little blocks of time, which seemed to exist as five to fifteen minute cracks in their virtual blockade. See that review for the ridiculous details. My dislike has become contempt for the corporation. Their customer service needs a major overhaul. Until then, I aim to misbehave. 😊
As has become my new routine, I must visit YouTube to clear my mind before investing time on this wonderful site. This review was brought to courtesy of Acollierastro, Annie's Literary Empire, Mariah Pattie, Rachel Hardy, Kiko10061980, Today I Found Out, Adam Somebody, My Narrowboat Venture, Annie's Literary Empire, Mandy, Spark - Carrier Aviation History, Sci-fi Secrets, Ro Ramdin, Ukraine Matters, LuckyBlackCat, Verilybitchie, Welcome to Ukraine, Heather Dale, Chris and Shell, Spacedock, Simon Clark, May Moon Narrowboat, Sabaton, Mark R Largent. Zoe Bee, Shannon Makes.
As a science fiction drama it did not satisfy. As a romance set in a spaceship and space station setting, it was almost interesting. I realize now that it was written as a romance, not a space adventure. Both books are very short, with this book close to being a novella. That is always a red flag for me.
A "rogue" Goodreads tech has blocked my seeing other reviews, so I can only suggest a scan of the other negative reviews for a different perspective. The same tech seems to have masked the ID of all my commenters. I had closed my pages to comments but they are open again. A "rogue" Goodreads tech will not "Allow" me to remove the last lurker. This Dr Susan Hamilton (a Maths professor at University of Tennessee?) posted nothing for two years since her friend request and has not responded to my four requests over almost a year that she unfriend me. 🤔 She can not believe my reviews are that fascinating. I am just not that interesting, as my siblings all agree. 🤗
This series is very light on world building. The society, the interstellar politics, the technology and the military are all barely described and are unclear. Many of the low end science fiction and science fiction/romance titles make little effort to establish the necessary context for their books. This society consist of six separate strong monarchical systems. There are nobles but what type is not made clear. There is trade but no mention of the trade patterns, goods, routes or volume. The poverty is extreme and widespread but there is no mention of a professional class or industrial workers. That is all the societal information given in two books.
An alien artefact is the basis for the monarchies' existence but how political power is maintained is a mystery. Perhaps they blow up planets regularly to remind their subjects that they can. There is a nobility but their functions are not ill defined, they are simply not mentioned. There have landowning nobles even in children's tales. There have been heredity nobles who control mercantile empires. There were nobility, who owned no wealth generating assets but instead are a service nobility, whose income and status rest on service to the monarch or emperor. The Prussian nobility through WW1 are a good example. There exists the new nobility of late stage capitalism, whose status and power rest on manufacturing or financial organizations. In this book the nobility do nothing but are said to be important. Based on reviews I have scanned, I without judgement admit that this will be suitable to many members.
There is no description of who produces what or who does own the wealth that must exist. What goods are traded is never answered. If these solar systems are self-sufficient, an idea of what can be traded and why, are essential for a reader to understand the existence of stations. Trade would probably occur but the story needs to describe it or you have just produced a children's book.
Poverty exists in this system at levels and extremes that may be worse than that of Britain, Russia or the US presently but there is no explanation for why it exists. The society almost feels medieval not Victorian. There is a dole and that is all that is shown. It is not clear whether there are planetary, orbital or deep space manufacturing. There is no mention of agriculture. The book need not be an economic treatise but some depth is needed if there is to be a solid background in which to place the characters.
If there is a professional class, it is not mentioned. It is impossible that there is an absence of all manner of engineer. assorted medical professionals, educators at every level, artists of all types, financial and economic experts with their various support staff. Without these there are no government, no economy, no society. Adult readers may ignore this background lack but they must notice it. Again I realize that this is not a problem for many readers but this review is not for them. What work the worker performs to feed himself and family is not described. If those without work are housed in the towers that seem much like council housing in large cities, what agency oversees them is not answered. It seems as if the towers were built and the residents then left to their own devices. Why they were built and by whom is never explained. Where anyone with slightly better income lives is not mentioned. How any income is earned is not clear.
This book is not worth deconstruction of the entire background universe. I will list one more blatant deficiency. The military and naval deployment logic or lack are worthy of a Disney film, not a science fiction novel. Again I realize many Goodreads members will find this a masterpiece.
I must make another YouTube stop as this is a boring write, having been repeated across hundreds of my reviews. This next is courtesy of Quinn's Ideas, Tibees, Eckharts Ladder, Acollierastro, Battle Order, Viva La Dirt League, Karolina Zebrowska, Ben and Emily, Shannon Makes, Agro Squerril Narrates, J. Draper, Real Time History, Jake Broe, Two Steps from Hell, Stewart Hicks, Love English with Leila and Sabrah, Living Anachronism, JuLingo, The Kavernacle.
The concept of building a world picture is not a weak guideline, it is a story necessity. I mistakenly thought that this at least, would have been a point of agreement among all readers. The mistake was brought to my attention recently by two reviewers of a similarly flawed book. I still do not understand their dissatisfaction with another book, whose defects rested solely on the shoddy world building.
Now to the military and naval elements. This is a fantasy and need not follow any current planetary naval or military organization of classifications. The problems with most of these books are that they carry terms and designations from current planetary use over to their space forces with no understanding of the functions of these forces. In the end they create forces that can not execute the tasks set them and it becomes a video game.
The battlecruiser in this navy is not clearly described as a type of heavy warship in this fleet. I assume that it is big and from the classification that there are bigger ships (Battleships). It would have lighter armour than a ship of the line (Battleship) with the speed to intercept the interloper and guns enough to destroy any ship refusing surrender, which is not a battleship. This is actually the ideal ship type for the book's mission but not a single ship. This is a matter of assigning a purpose for the ship type. From that basis in this reality the next follows. There is no description of the size of the navy to which this battlecruiser belongs. Why there is only one ship assigned to patrol, the dimensions of the ship and crew size, are not mentioned. A normal operational deployment of this sort should be at least a squadron of frigates, a mine layer of two, a fleet supply ship or more, an ammunition ship, a repair ship, a hospital ship possibly and other non-combat naval vessels. This is in addition to several of these battlecruisers, if the patrolled space is as large as suggested. Instead of one ship a small fleet (flotilla) or several are needed a job which one ship can not possibly do. A warship can only be in one place at a time and spotty patrolling is no patrolling. Sadly there is no real size given for the area to be controlled. For this, consistent travel time between various way points would do the job nicely.
The frigates or destroyers should be tough enough to deal with a lone pirate or smuggler and there probably should be a pair at least for each leg of the patrol route. The mine layer probably deploys its cargo more efficiently than the other ships would. Each big warship would be flotilla flagship and on call. The flotilla to cover such a large area would seem to require several of these heavy warships. There would probably be several squadrons of frigates, destroyers and/or lighter cruisers included in the flotilla. She has no notion of what her story demands as background.
She mentions marines but not the number available shipboard nor does she give a sense of the number required to actually garrison the station. There is no size number given for anything but the hero ship and that seems a miniscule craft. That this is a vital border station without a permanent garrison makes little sense. That there is only one intelligence officer is bizarre and something like three police/security officers is ridiculous. This is a big and important border station next to a hostile kingdom with how many residents and transients? The writer gave no thought to basics and an editor did not ask her the questions, which I have put forth. It is difficult to create a picture of the elements of the universe. This is a child's story level of world building. I feel confident that she would have done better, if she had realized how flawed her world building was. There are many writers in whom I would have had much less faith. 🙂
The YouTube channels Verilybitchie, Hello Future Me, ThePrimeChronus, Templin Institute, Lily Simpson, Abbie Emmons, Welcome to Ukraine, Supernatural4ever, Second Thought, Sarah Z, The Little Platoon, Spacedock, Kazachka, Renegade Cut, iiLuminaightii, Sci-Fi Odyssey, Bobbing Along, Lady Knight the Brave, Autumn's Boutique, Steve Shives and Rowan J Coleman the next possible.
Enemy warships are allowed to travel freely to a valuable energy find. The characters are romance tropes. The plot falls apart with contrivance, hole and a general lack of detail. There were interesting ideas and more imagination than I have seen in many other science fictions. I assume that this is a romance novel but it reads like a child's story book in terms of context and background. The editor (a publisher employee) should have picked up most of these flaws before accepting the manuscript. The publishing houses chose these to print from all of the writer submissions flooding their desks. Is it just science fiction or is it a space romance attempting emotional depth.
This is not bad if you are looking for this type of book but how are you to tell before you attempt to read it. I thought originally that was the point of Goodreads but I came to realize that Goodreads are solely a sales platform. Readers who purchase whatever is advertised as the next big thing, will follow the ratings and that determines the good. I do not tell a reader to not read a given book. These are issues for me but not most members of this site. The true surprise for me was that some members are offended by opinions that make them uncomfortable. My review is tailored to readers who might not follow the crowd. Enjoy what you enjoy, do not feel threatened if some reader writes negative feelings towards your new favourite book. This is not a judgement of the reader but the book, which may not be for everyone. I did not expect that I would need to write that sentence, when I wrote my first review.
US science fiction has degenerated over the last fifteen years. There seem only two tiers at present. The upper tier are the good writers Weber, Turtledove, Drake, Bujold-McMaster, Massey, the Indie writers and others who are well known outside Goodreads. Their books can be expensive and their purchase does require space. The remaining 85 to 90% (it seems) are the low end. This guess is based on 1300+ Amazon science fiction titles which I have attempted over four or five years. These are all publisher approved, remember. The low end selection are further divided into just three categories. They are the Low Effort, Minimal Effort, No Effort books.
Because of the quality drop off at the low end of US science fiction, I rely on the streaming services or YouTube's DUST and Omeleto channels for science fiction at the moment. Their offerings are almost always better written and are always more entertaining than the print.
I found YouTube about three years ago, searching for science fiction commentary and was surprised by the amazing number of channels devoted to discussion of the genre film, TV and print. From those I was drawn to all manner of essayist, lifestyle and educational channels. The book channels were the best find. 😍 The book channels cover everything from developing writing skills to library overhaul. They have created communities of varied tastes and interests with readers who are mostly sane, courteous, curious and cosmopolitan. Most importantly, they love the entirety of the bookish experience. I recommend a visit to several book channels for any reader and have listed some below.
I also discovered the educational video sites advertised in educational channels sponsor spots. There are quite a few and they host not just documentaries but essayists who are truly splendid (Lindsay Ellis, Sarah Z, Red Plateaus, Philosophy Tube, Tom Nicholas, for example) and lecture series. Curiosity Stream/Nebula was my first and all are modestly priced and worth a look.
I originally wrote a short negative review of a Powers of the Earth, a sorry salute to the January 6, 2021 hero by Travis Corcoran, US veteran, self-described libertarian, employee of an unnamed US agency, advocate of a global return to chattel slavery and a connection to Putin's Russia. I was treated to a months long stream and pages of needy comments from more than a half dozen American man-children, including the writer. Their demanding a response descended into a defence of the North Atlantic slave trade and worse. This was more extreme than most but this is an example of the Goodreads comment cloud, of which I have received many. This is not a reader's forum as much as a toxic political site.
Claes Rees Jr/cgr710 finally wrote a comment to Powers declaring that They had "won" (?). Hopefully the year long deluge of foul sexual and racist comments directed at creators of channels which I mentioned, has abated. The solo boater, the Australian science educator, the lovely couple slowly rebuilding a historic wooden boat and other mostly female creators were not impressed. The rabid members did present a clear picture of the twisted American man-child to a broad multinational audience. If They are not challenged, that is the American portrait. They also succeeded in increasing the world's store of ugliness, which billions were requesting. Good job, patriots! USA, Yay??
My YouTube picks of the moment.
Red Plateaus, Linguoer Mechanic, No Justice MTG, Abney Park, The Northern Narrowboaters, Second Thought, Ancient Americas, Tom Nicholas, 2 Cellos, Philosophy Tube, Owen Jones, Sarah Z, Writing with Jenna Moreci.
As for Amazon/Goodreads, please consider treating the site as potentially hostile. 😐
Ominous music begins. 🙂 The Powers review comments describe the US (almost always) aggrieved male science fiction fans in the nasty corners of this site, better than I could. This was just one comment cloud which I and a number of other readers have endured. They attempted to investigate my private life with the aid of Goodreads techs, who shared my meagre message to these nutcases.
That had what could have been dangerous consequences for me. See The Powers of the Earth for how far these animals were comfortable going. Goodreads and Kindle techs at one point interrupted my paid services. I began writing their behaviour into my reviews as I could access the site. Within a short time my interruptions disappeared and still no response from Amazon/Goodreads. There have been other Goodreads related patterns described in my review of "Dark Horse", a good novel by Diener.
My cautionary advice is not based on my growing contempt for this site but the real possibility that they might cause harm to you. You may not be targeted (and I hope that you never are) but I am not the only customer who has been and am certainly not the first. My suggestions are to remove all lurkers (those friends who monitor but never post) from the friend list, screenshot the odd and the ugly, use Goodreads messaging sparingly and minimize profile information. Remember the nutcases among Amazon ranks and the members are not only sociopathic but American. Ominous music ends. 😊
May we all find Good Reading! 😊
I am not an expert resource as regards YouTube but these brought me joy or simply entertained. Some of my favourite YouTube channels are.
LuckyBlackCat, Zoe Bee, Tiny Wee Boat, Owen Jones, DUST, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Munecat, Lindsay Ellis, Philosophy Tube, Some More News, Tara Mooknee, The Mindful Narrowboat, Cruising Alba, The Armchair Historian, Brandon F, Real Engineering, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Tibees, Novara Media, What Vivi did next, Art by Annamarie, Art Deco, Historia Civilis, Tom Nicholas, Lady of the Library, Renegade Cut, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, Chloe Stafler, Jean's Thoughts, The Piano Guys, Lilly's Expat Life, Pentatonix, I'm Rosa, With Olivia, Artur Rehi, Jake Broe, Second Thought, The Researcher, Eleanor Morton, Stevie Emerson, Julie Nolke, Books and Lala, Denys Davydov, Lindsay Stirling, Prime of Midlife, Narrowboat Pirate, Bobbing Along, New Economic Thinking, Between the Wars, Then & Now, DW News, The Dave Channel, Sheila Nightingale, Books with Emily Fox, Dr Becky, Omeleto, Jessie Gender, Practical Engineering, Hello Future Me, Third World Booknerd, Storyworldling, Ukraine Matters, The Library Ladder, The Templin Institute, Sound of Music Flashmob, The Gravel Institute, Sabine Hossenfelder, Heather Dale, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, Female Warriors - Teresatessa, Elina Charatsidou, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, Noah Samsen, Ben and Emily, Honest Trailers, Vampire folklore, Nerd Cookies, The Juice Media, Vlad Vexler, Danni and Joe, AllShorts, Lady knight the Brave, Book Odyssey, Ukraine Matters, Sort of Interesting, Natasha's Adventures, History Hit, Viva La Dirt League, The Real News, Camper Karolina Zebrowska, Jill Bearup, Cone of Arc, Sarah Z, Stevie Emerson, A Clockwork Reader, Camper Vibe, Janelle Kayla, Writing with Jenna Moreci, Crecganford, Swell Entertainment, Spacedock, Therapy in a Nutshell, Perun, Overly Sarcastic Productions, Interior Design Hub, The Leftist Cooks, Alice Cappelle, The Great War, Military Aviation History, Military History Visualized, WION, Autumn's Boutique, Endevr, Jabzy, It's Black Friday, The Welsh Viking, Kathy's Flog in France, SandRhoman History, Nerine Skinner, Neringa Rekaslute, Tulia, World of Antiquity, Red Plateaus.
I wish you a glorious morning, a splendid afternoon, a pleasant evening, a wonderful night and may we all continue learning.
If a person is allowed to speak for You unchallenged, You adopt that person's Sins.
My very Catholic grandmother
I am doing another revision that cleans up the points and language of a first draft. It s become easier since my "Shockwave" review. For near on two months, my reviews could barely be uploaded and only snuck in during little blocks of time, which seemed to exist as five to fifteen minute cracks in their virtual blockade. See that review for the ridiculous details. My dislike has become contempt for the corporation. Their customer service needs a major overhaul. Until then, I aim to misbehave. 😊
As has become my new routine, I must visit YouTube to clear my mind before investing time on this wonderful site. This review was brought to courtesy of Acollierastro, Annie's Literary Empire, Mariah Pattie, Rachel Hardy, Kiko10061980, Today I Found Out, Adam Somebody, My Narrowboat Venture, Annie's Literary Empire, Mandy, Spark - Carrier Aviation History, Sci-fi Secrets, Ro Ramdin, Ukraine Matters, LuckyBlackCat, Verilybitchie, Welcome to Ukraine, Heather Dale, Chris and Shell, Spacedock, Simon Clark, May Moon Narrowboat, Sabaton, Mark R Largent. Zoe Bee, Shannon Makes.
As a science fiction drama it did not satisfy. As a romance set in a spaceship and space station setting, it was almost interesting. I realize now that it was written as a romance, not a space adventure. Both books are very short, with this book close to being a novella. That is always a red flag for me.
A "rogue" Goodreads tech has blocked my seeing other reviews, so I can only suggest a scan of the other negative reviews for a different perspective. The same tech seems to have masked the ID of all my commenters. I had closed my pages to comments but they are open again. A "rogue" Goodreads tech will not "Allow" me to remove the last lurker. This Dr Susan Hamilton (a Maths professor at University of Tennessee?) posted nothing for two years since her friend request and has not responded to my four requests over almost a year that she unfriend me. 🤔 She can not believe my reviews are that fascinating. I am just not that interesting, as my siblings all agree. 🤗
This series is very light on world building. The society, the interstellar politics, the technology and the military are all barely described and are unclear. Many of the low end science fiction and science fiction/romance titles make little effort to establish the necessary context for their books. This society consist of six separate strong monarchical systems. There are nobles but what type is not made clear. There is trade but no mention of the trade patterns, goods, routes or volume. The poverty is extreme and widespread but there is no mention of a professional class or industrial workers. That is all the societal information given in two books.
An alien artefact is the basis for the monarchies' existence but how political power is maintained is a mystery. Perhaps they blow up planets regularly to remind their subjects that they can. There is a nobility but their functions are not ill defined, they are simply not mentioned. There have landowning nobles even in children's tales. There have been heredity nobles who control mercantile empires. There were nobility, who owned no wealth generating assets but instead are a service nobility, whose income and status rest on service to the monarch or emperor. The Prussian nobility through WW1 are a good example. There exists the new nobility of late stage capitalism, whose status and power rest on manufacturing or financial organizations. In this book the nobility do nothing but are said to be important. Based on reviews I have scanned, I without judgement admit that this will be suitable to many members.
There is no description of who produces what or who does own the wealth that must exist. What goods are traded is never answered. If these solar systems are self-sufficient, an idea of what can be traded and why, are essential for a reader to understand the existence of stations. Trade would probably occur but the story needs to describe it or you have just produced a children's book.
Poverty exists in this system at levels and extremes that may be worse than that of Britain, Russia or the US presently but there is no explanation for why it exists. The society almost feels medieval not Victorian. There is a dole and that is all that is shown. It is not clear whether there are planetary, orbital or deep space manufacturing. There is no mention of agriculture. The book need not be an economic treatise but some depth is needed if there is to be a solid background in which to place the characters.
If there is a professional class, it is not mentioned. It is impossible that there is an absence of all manner of engineer. assorted medical professionals, educators at every level, artists of all types, financial and economic experts with their various support staff. Without these there are no government, no economy, no society. Adult readers may ignore this background lack but they must notice it. Again I realize that this is not a problem for many readers but this review is not for them. What work the worker performs to feed himself and family is not described. If those without work are housed in the towers that seem much like council housing in large cities, what agency oversees them is not answered. It seems as if the towers were built and the residents then left to their own devices. Why they were built and by whom is never explained. Where anyone with slightly better income lives is not mentioned. How any income is earned is not clear.
This book is not worth deconstruction of the entire background universe. I will list one more blatant deficiency. The military and naval deployment logic or lack are worthy of a Disney film, not a science fiction novel. Again I realize many Goodreads members will find this a masterpiece.
I must make another YouTube stop as this is a boring write, having been repeated across hundreds of my reviews. This next is courtesy of Quinn's Ideas, Tibees, Eckharts Ladder, Acollierastro, Battle Order, Viva La Dirt League, Karolina Zebrowska, Ben and Emily, Shannon Makes, Agro Squerril Narrates, J. Draper, Real Time History, Jake Broe, Two Steps from Hell, Stewart Hicks, Love English with Leila and Sabrah, Living Anachronism, JuLingo, The Kavernacle.
The concept of building a world picture is not a weak guideline, it is a story necessity. I mistakenly thought that this at least, would have been a point of agreement among all readers. The mistake was brought to my attention recently by two reviewers of a similarly flawed book. I still do not understand their dissatisfaction with another book, whose defects rested solely on the shoddy world building.
Now to the military and naval elements. This is a fantasy and need not follow any current planetary naval or military organization of classifications. The problems with most of these books are that they carry terms and designations from current planetary use over to their space forces with no understanding of the functions of these forces. In the end they create forces that can not execute the tasks set them and it becomes a video game.
The battlecruiser in this navy is not clearly described as a type of heavy warship in this fleet. I assume that it is big and from the classification that there are bigger ships (Battleships). It would have lighter armour than a ship of the line (Battleship) with the speed to intercept the interloper and guns enough to destroy any ship refusing surrender, which is not a battleship. This is actually the ideal ship type for the book's mission but not a single ship. This is a matter of assigning a purpose for the ship type. From that basis in this reality the next follows. There is no description of the size of the navy to which this battlecruiser belongs. Why there is only one ship assigned to patrol, the dimensions of the ship and crew size, are not mentioned. A normal operational deployment of this sort should be at least a squadron of frigates, a mine layer of two, a fleet supply ship or more, an ammunition ship, a repair ship, a hospital ship possibly and other non-combat naval vessels. This is in addition to several of these battlecruisers, if the patrolled space is as large as suggested. Instead of one ship a small fleet (flotilla) or several are needed a job which one ship can not possibly do. A warship can only be in one place at a time and spotty patrolling is no patrolling. Sadly there is no real size given for the area to be controlled. For this, consistent travel time between various way points would do the job nicely.
The frigates or destroyers should be tough enough to deal with a lone pirate or smuggler and there probably should be a pair at least for each leg of the patrol route. The mine layer probably deploys its cargo more efficiently than the other ships would. Each big warship would be flotilla flagship and on call. The flotilla to cover such a large area would seem to require several of these heavy warships. There would probably be several squadrons of frigates, destroyers and/or lighter cruisers included in the flotilla. She has no notion of what her story demands as background.
She mentions marines but not the number available shipboard nor does she give a sense of the number required to actually garrison the station. There is no size number given for anything but the hero ship and that seems a miniscule craft. That this is a vital border station without a permanent garrison makes little sense. That there is only one intelligence officer is bizarre and something like three police/security officers is ridiculous. This is a big and important border station next to a hostile kingdom with how many residents and transients? The writer gave no thought to basics and an editor did not ask her the questions, which I have put forth. It is difficult to create a picture of the elements of the universe. This is a child's story level of world building. I feel confident that she would have done better, if she had realized how flawed her world building was. There are many writers in whom I would have had much less faith. 🙂
The YouTube channels Verilybitchie, Hello Future Me, ThePrimeChronus, Templin Institute, Lily Simpson, Abbie Emmons, Welcome to Ukraine, Supernatural4ever, Second Thought, Sarah Z, The Little Platoon, Spacedock, Kazachka, Renegade Cut, iiLuminaightii, Sci-Fi Odyssey, Bobbing Along, Lady Knight the Brave, Autumn's Boutique, Steve Shives and Rowan J Coleman the next possible.
Enemy warships are allowed to travel freely to a valuable energy find. The characters are romance tropes. The plot falls apart with contrivance, hole and a general lack of detail. There were interesting ideas and more imagination than I have seen in many other science fictions. I assume that this is a romance novel but it reads like a child's story book in terms of context and background. The editor (a publisher employee) should have picked up most of these flaws before accepting the manuscript. The publishing houses chose these to print from all of the writer submissions flooding their desks. Is it just science fiction or is it a space romance attempting emotional depth.
This is not bad if you are looking for this type of book but how are you to tell before you attempt to read it. I thought originally that was the point of Goodreads but I came to realize that Goodreads are solely a sales platform. Readers who purchase whatever is advertised as the next big thing, will follow the ratings and that determines the good. I do not tell a reader to not read a given book. These are issues for me but not most members of this site. The true surprise for me was that some members are offended by opinions that make them uncomfortable. My review is tailored to readers who might not follow the crowd. Enjoy what you enjoy, do not feel threatened if some reader writes negative feelings towards your new favourite book. This is not a judgement of the reader but the book, which may not be for everyone. I did not expect that I would need to write that sentence, when I wrote my first review.
US science fiction has degenerated over the last fifteen years. There seem only two tiers at present. The upper tier are the good writers Weber, Turtledove, Drake, Bujold-McMaster, Massey, the Indie writers and others who are well known outside Goodreads. Their books can be expensive and their purchase does require space. The remaining 85 to 90% (it seems) are the low end. This guess is based on 1300+ Amazon science fiction titles which I have attempted over four or five years. These are all publisher approved, remember. The low end selection are further divided into just three categories. They are the Low Effort, Minimal Effort, No Effort books.
Because of the quality drop off at the low end of US science fiction, I rely on the streaming services or YouTube's DUST and Omeleto channels for science fiction at the moment. Their offerings are almost always better written and are always more entertaining than the print.
I found YouTube about three years ago, searching for science fiction commentary and was surprised by the amazing number of channels devoted to discussion of the genre film, TV and print. From those I was drawn to all manner of essayist, lifestyle and educational channels. The book channels were the best find. 😍 The book channels cover everything from developing writing skills to library overhaul. They have created communities of varied tastes and interests with readers who are mostly sane, courteous, curious and cosmopolitan. Most importantly, they love the entirety of the bookish experience. I recommend a visit to several book channels for any reader and have listed some below.
I also discovered the educational video sites advertised in educational channels sponsor spots. There are quite a few and they host not just documentaries but essayists who are truly splendid (Lindsay Ellis, Sarah Z, Red Plateaus, Philosophy Tube, Tom Nicholas, for example) and lecture series. Curiosity Stream/Nebula was my first and all are modestly priced and worth a look.
I originally wrote a short negative review of a Powers of the Earth, a sorry salute to the January 6, 2021 hero by Travis Corcoran, US veteran, self-described libertarian, employee of an unnamed US agency, advocate of a global return to chattel slavery and a connection to Putin's Russia. I was treated to a months long stream and pages of needy comments from more than a half dozen American man-children, including the writer. Their demanding a response descended into a defence of the North Atlantic slave trade and worse. This was more extreme than most but this is an example of the Goodreads comment cloud, of which I have received many. This is not a reader's forum as much as a toxic political site.
Claes Rees Jr/cgr710 finally wrote a comment to Powers declaring that They had "won" (?). Hopefully the year long deluge of foul sexual and racist comments directed at creators of channels which I mentioned, has abated. The solo boater, the Australian science educator, the lovely couple slowly rebuilding a historic wooden boat and other mostly female creators were not impressed. The rabid members did present a clear picture of the twisted American man-child to a broad multinational audience. If They are not challenged, that is the American portrait. They also succeeded in increasing the world's store of ugliness, which billions were requesting. Good job, patriots! USA, Yay??
My YouTube picks of the moment.
Red Plateaus, Linguoer Mechanic, No Justice MTG, Abney Park, The Northern Narrowboaters, Second Thought, Ancient Americas, Tom Nicholas, 2 Cellos, Philosophy Tube, Owen Jones, Sarah Z, Writing with Jenna Moreci.
As for Amazon/Goodreads, please consider treating the site as potentially hostile. 😐
Ominous music begins. 🙂 The Powers review comments describe the US (almost always) aggrieved male science fiction fans in the nasty corners of this site, better than I could. This was just one comment cloud which I and a number of other readers have endured. They attempted to investigate my private life with the aid of Goodreads techs, who shared my meagre message to these nutcases.
That had what could have been dangerous consequences for me. See The Powers of the Earth for how far these animals were comfortable going. Goodreads and Kindle techs at one point interrupted my paid services. I began writing their behaviour into my reviews as I could access the site. Within a short time my interruptions disappeared and still no response from Amazon/Goodreads. There have been other Goodreads related patterns described in my review of "Dark Horse", a good novel by Diener.
My cautionary advice is not based on my growing contempt for this site but the real possibility that they might cause harm to you. You may not be targeted (and I hope that you never are) but I am not the only customer who has been and am certainly not the first. My suggestions are to remove all lurkers (those friends who monitor but never post) from the friend list, screenshot the odd and the ugly, use Goodreads messaging sparingly and minimize profile information. Remember the nutcases among Amazon ranks and the members are not only sociopathic but American. Ominous music ends. 😊
May we all find Good Reading! 😊
I am not an expert resource as regards YouTube but these brought me joy or simply entertained. Some of my favourite YouTube channels are.
LuckyBlackCat, Zoe Bee, Tiny Wee Boat, Owen Jones, DUST, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Munecat, Lindsay Ellis, Philosophy Tube, Some More News, Tara Mooknee, The Mindful Narrowboat, Cruising Alba, The Armchair Historian, Brandon F, Real Engineering, Beautifully Bookish Bethany, Tibees, Novara Media, What Vivi did next, Art by Annamarie, Art Deco, Historia Civilis, Tom Nicholas, Lady of the Library, Renegade Cut, Diane Callahan Quotidian Writer, Chloe Stafler, Jean's Thoughts, The Piano Guys, Lilly's Expat Life, Pentatonix, I'm Rosa, With Olivia, Artur Rehi, Jake Broe, Second Thought, The Researcher, Eleanor Morton, Stevie Emerson, Julie Nolke, Books and Lala, Denys Davydov, Lindsay Stirling, Prime of Midlife, Narrowboat Pirate, Bobbing Along, New Economic Thinking, Between the Wars, Then & Now, DW News, The Dave Channel, Sheila Nightingale, Books with Emily Fox, Dr Becky, Omeleto, Jessie Gender, Practical Engineering, Hello Future Me, Third World Booknerd, Storyworldling, Ukraine Matters, The Library Ladder, The Templin Institute, Sound of Music Flashmob, The Gravel Institute, Sabine Hossenfelder, Heather Dale, Fantasy and World Music by the Fletchers, Female Warriors - Teresatessa, Elina Charatsidou, Adult Wednesday Addams - 2 seasons, Noah Samsen, Ben and Emily, Honest Trailers, Vampire folklore, Nerd Cookies, The Juice Media, Vlad Vexler, Danni and Joe, AllShorts, Lady knight the Brave, Book Odyssey, Ukraine Matters, Sort of Interesting, Natasha's Adventures, History Hit, Viva La Dirt League, The Real News, Camper Karolina Zebrowska, Jill Bearup, Cone of Arc, Sarah Z, Stevie Emerson, A Clockwork Reader, Camper Vibe, Janelle Kayla, Writing with Jenna Moreci, Crecganford, Swell Entertainment, Spacedock, Therapy in a Nutshell, Perun, Overly Sarcastic Productions, Interior Design Hub, The Leftist Cooks, Alice Cappelle, The Great War, Military Aviation History, Military History Visualized, WION, Autumn's Boutique, Endevr, Jabzy, It's Black Friday, The Welsh Viking, Kathy's Flog in France, SandRhoman History, Nerine Skinner, Neringa Rekaslute, Tulia, World of Antiquity, Red Plateaus.
I wish you a glorious morning, a splendid afternoon, a pleasant evening, a wonderful night and may we all continue learning.
If a person is allowed to speak for You unchallenged, You adopt that person's Sins.
My very Catholic grandmother
October 29, 2025
This book is actually the second part of 5 that I think should probably all just be one book. Since I'm going to keep reading, I'm going to keep my rating at 3 stars.
Nothing terribly dramatic happens in this book. Some personal information is revealed, space ships fly here and there, politics happens. The author does a little better than part 1 at trying to describe what the made up words mean. The storyline and characters remain interesting enough for me to keep reading.
The ending bugged me. Don't read on unless you want a spoiler to the love story portion of this. Liam and Nora have met up all of maybe twice? The boarding party that came on board Nora's ship in the first book didn't even include Liam because he wasn't allowed to as the captain of his own ship. So there is absolutely no build up to a relationship that ends book 2 with declarations of love? They literally had ZERO contact in book 2, not even a letter, until the very end. It makes no sense. I could see attraction or like after 1 casual meeting and 1 broken date, but love? And that's how a lot of things happen, they just sort of happen with no build up. This book could potentially be a lot better.
Here I go to book 3.
Nothing terribly dramatic happens in this book. Some personal information is revealed, space ships fly here and there, politics happens. The author does a little better than part 1 at trying to describe what the made up words mean. The storyline and characters remain interesting enough for me to keep reading.
The ending bugged me. Don't read on unless you want a spoiler to the love story portion of this. Liam and Nora have met up all of maybe twice? The boarding party that came on board Nora's ship in the first book didn't even include Liam because he wasn't allowed to as the captain of his own ship. So there is absolutely no build up to a relationship that ends book 2 with declarations of love? They literally had ZERO contact in book 2, not even a letter, until the very end. It makes no sense. I could see attraction or like after 1 casual meeting and 1 broken date, but love? And that's how a lot of things happen, they just sort of happen with no build up. This book could potentially be a lot better.
Here I go to book 3.
August 31, 2024
Actual Rating 3.25.
I am really liking where this series is going. Its got intrigue, action and a female main character I'm beginning to adore. I love her self sufficiency and willingness to put herself in harms way for those she cares for. I'm also enjoying the growing found family that is forming around her.
However there were jarring pacing issues that stopped this from ranking higher. The story was going at a fast and steady pace. Then the ending happened. It's like we went from zero to sixty in a blink. Don't get me wrong, I like where the story ended up...but it needed a bit more of a build up to get there!
But as I said I am really enjoying this series and Nora in particular. I'm finding it the perfect series to binge. Its got plenty to keep me entertained and its just an easy read overall. But really its Nora and her growing found family that have me fully invested and I want to see her succeed.
I am really liking where this series is going. Its got intrigue, action and a female main character I'm beginning to adore. I love her self sufficiency and willingness to put herself in harms way for those she cares for. I'm also enjoying the growing found family that is forming around her.
However there were jarring pacing issues that stopped this from ranking higher. The story was going at a fast and steady pace. Then the ending happened. It's like we went from zero to sixty in a blink. Don't get me wrong, I like where the story ended up...but it needed a bit more of a build up to get there!
But as I said I am really enjoying this series and Nora in particular. I'm finding it the perfect series to binge. Its got plenty to keep me entertained and its just an easy read overall. But really its Nora and her growing found family that have me fully invested and I want to see her succeed.
August 10, 2024
All right, but pacing and cohesion were as equally lacking as in the first book. The themes and worldbuilding continue to have a lot of promise, keeping me intrigued, but I'm left wishing for a tighter narrative.
I think this is a five or six book series, and I'm guessing the narrative form won't change within those remaining books. This may be one of those experiences where the whole series feels more like a single "book," despite it being broken up into installments. We'll see, though.
I think this is a five or six book series, and I'm guessing the narrative form won't change within those remaining books. This may be one of those experiences where the whole series feels more like a single "book," despite it being broken up into installments. We'll see, though.
January 1, 2022
Addictive Series
This is the second book in a continuing series which means the first book has to be read in order to understand this one. There is a cliffhanger, but the next book in the series is already available.
Nora has found herself in a dangerous situation. She’s being chased by a former pirate through unfamiliar space whilst in the care of a runaway minor, Aria. Mstivoj, the former pirate, also owns her half-sister’s indentured servant contract for the next 7 years and knows some of her most dangerous secrets.
Nora is in a strange position of knowing a lot about this untraveled section of space because Jonah, the alien AI that inhabits an android, has that information through his own knowledge and his ability to communicate with his sibling AIs throughout the sector. Those AIs were designed to observe passively for millennia and have remained secret until Jonah chose to reveal himself to Nora. The secrets that Jonah holds, together with Nora’s ability to sense and probably use burrs mean that Nora could overturn the established power for the Human Sector forever. All she has to do is decide what to do with her knowledge and power and chose to exercise her will in conjunction with Jonah’s.
This series has seriously got me hooked. I love it so much. There is politics, intrigue, adventure and philosophy all rolled into one. There is much about the nature of power and the exercising of it. There is also a lot about the responsibility of holding knowledge and knowing what to do with it. There is also much about the role of being a parent when it’s unexpected.
Nora always expected to be alone with her secrets on the edges of space. She didn’t seek to love again because the loss of her husband damaged her so greatly that she took herself away from his loving and accepting family, partly because she didn’t want her secrets to hurt them, but mainly to protect herself from being so wounded again. Jonah’s arrival in her life has lead her to questioning her beliefs about herself. He has challenged her with his questions and conversations where he learns about himself as an entity with ability to influence the world around him rather than as a mainly energy based AI who passively and remotely observed.
Once Jonah was in her life Nora began to wake up and she started to grasp that she too didn’t have to be passive in her life. She could accept the risks of her existence and make a difference, she just has to decide what that difference should be. Her interactions with both Jonah and Aria are sweet, loving and revelatory. They are working their way into becoming a very strange but loving family and it’s heartwarming to watch in amongst all the political manoeuvring.
Liam’s role in this book is also interesting as he as to determine what role his ship should play in the upcoming changes to the region. He’s is months away from communication from his home planet and has to find out what he believes to be the right thing to do. He tries to plan for every eventuality along with his very interesting crew. His life has never been his own, since entering the Naval Academy as a young man, but he finds himself longing for just a bit of his own to hold onto amongst all the changes that come.
We learn more about the ‘world’ in which this story is based in this book, which gives a much richer background for the plot to develop on. The politics and sociological background of the arrival of humans into the sector and how they differ now after 500 years of being separated from humanity is fascinating. This is an incredibly well thought out society which makes for a very complex and fascinating story. The author is also very good at describing areas of space. Normally with sci-fi books I find myself skipping over the geography of space because it feels too complex, but with this book I can visualise quite clearly how it is all laid out. It’s a talented author that can help me visualise geography in space!
This is an excellent series if you like science fiction, political thrillers and deep dives into what makes people tick. Those items hit all my requirements for a great series. I can’t wait to read the next book.
This is the second book in a continuing series which means the first book has to be read in order to understand this one. There is a cliffhanger, but the next book in the series is already available.
Nora has found herself in a dangerous situation. She’s being chased by a former pirate through unfamiliar space whilst in the care of a runaway minor, Aria. Mstivoj, the former pirate, also owns her half-sister’s indentured servant contract for the next 7 years and knows some of her most dangerous secrets.
Nora is in a strange position of knowing a lot about this untraveled section of space because Jonah, the alien AI that inhabits an android, has that information through his own knowledge and his ability to communicate with his sibling AIs throughout the sector. Those AIs were designed to observe passively for millennia and have remained secret until Jonah chose to reveal himself to Nora. The secrets that Jonah holds, together with Nora’s ability to sense and probably use burrs mean that Nora could overturn the established power for the Human Sector forever. All she has to do is decide what to do with her knowledge and power and chose to exercise her will in conjunction with Jonah’s.
This series has seriously got me hooked. I love it so much. There is politics, intrigue, adventure and philosophy all rolled into one. There is much about the nature of power and the exercising of it. There is also a lot about the responsibility of holding knowledge and knowing what to do with it. There is also much about the role of being a parent when it’s unexpected.
Nora always expected to be alone with her secrets on the edges of space. She didn’t seek to love again because the loss of her husband damaged her so greatly that she took herself away from his loving and accepting family, partly because she didn’t want her secrets to hurt them, but mainly to protect herself from being so wounded again. Jonah’s arrival in her life has lead her to questioning her beliefs about herself. He has challenged her with his questions and conversations where he learns about himself as an entity with ability to influence the world around him rather than as a mainly energy based AI who passively and remotely observed.
Once Jonah was in her life Nora began to wake up and she started to grasp that she too didn’t have to be passive in her life. She could accept the risks of her existence and make a difference, she just has to decide what that difference should be. Her interactions with both Jonah and Aria are sweet, loving and revelatory. They are working their way into becoming a very strange but loving family and it’s heartwarming to watch in amongst all the political manoeuvring.
Liam’s role in this book is also interesting as he as to determine what role his ship should play in the upcoming changes to the region. He’s is months away from communication from his home planet and has to find out what he believes to be the right thing to do. He tries to plan for every eventuality along with his very interesting crew. His life has never been his own, since entering the Naval Academy as a young man, but he finds himself longing for just a bit of his own to hold onto amongst all the changes that come.
We learn more about the ‘world’ in which this story is based in this book, which gives a much richer background for the plot to develop on. The politics and sociological background of the arrival of humans into the sector and how they differ now after 500 years of being separated from humanity is fascinating. This is an incredibly well thought out society which makes for a very complex and fascinating story. The author is also very good at describing areas of space. Normally with sci-fi books I find myself skipping over the geography of space because it feels too complex, but with this book I can visualise quite clearly how it is all laid out. It’s a talented author that can help me visualise geography in space!
This is an excellent series if you like science fiction, political thrillers and deep dives into what makes people tick. Those items hit all my requirements for a great series. I can’t wait to read the next book.
December 20, 2021
Novella 2
Mistakes: I found one and listed it on Goodreads. Again this doesn't meet my standards for a book. It's under 250 pages. Personally I think book two should be re-edited to remove most references to book one. Then books one and two should be combined to make one solid book.
Plot: Saving a child can be complicated when you have secrets of your own to hide.
Characters: Some good growth on the part of the MC.
6/10
Mistakes: I found one and listed it on Goodreads. Again this doesn't meet my standards for a book. It's under 250 pages. Personally I think book two should be re-edited to remove most references to book one. Then books one and two should be combined to make one solid book.
Plot: Saving a child can be complicated when you have secrets of your own to hide.
Characters: Some good growth on the part of the MC.
6/10
May 10, 2022
Really enjoying Xeno-archaeologist series
Nora is back @ the outskirts of human space kicking ass with an Android, an adopted daughter and maybe a handsome ships captain, read to find out and @ the same time enjoy great supporting characters and a wonderful story. Wonderful world building and story telling by Schwartz.
Nora is back @ the outskirts of human space kicking ass with an Android, an adopted daughter and maybe a handsome ships captain, read to find out and @ the same time enjoy great supporting characters and a wonderful story. Wonderful world building and story telling by Schwartz.
May 5, 2022
I am thoroughly enjoying reading this series! It has such a good vibe and is just impossible to put down once I get involved in it.
I have loved the characters in this series so much! Also, there was some great character growth moments and revelations that occurred that just kept me engaged to the end. I loved how the relationships with the characters are developing. I love trust in books!!!
I am going to jump into the next book immediately. I could easily see myself rereading this series in the future and possibly looking into other series by this author.
Steam Level: Sweet. Hugs and kisses.
I have loved the characters in this series so much! Also, there was some great character growth moments and revelations that occurred that just kept me engaged to the end. I loved how the relationships with the characters are developing. I love trust in books!!!
I am going to jump into the next book immediately. I could easily see myself rereading this series in the future and possibly looking into other series by this author.
Steam Level: Sweet. Hugs and kisses.
July 1, 2024
Wow! So Good!
Jenny Schwartz has the ability to consistently create incredibly sympathetic characters and has a master’s touch at weaving the kind of slow building tightly crafted intrigue that carries you deeply and directly into the worlds she seems to so easily imagine…
Holy sh*t do I love reading her stories! Nora and Liam, Jonah, Aria, and many others traveling through the pages of this series are the rich characters currently sprawling the landscape of my dreams… they’re welcome, and I want more!
Jenny Schwartz has the ability to consistently create incredibly sympathetic characters and has a master’s touch at weaving the kind of slow building tightly crafted intrigue that carries you deeply and directly into the worlds she seems to so easily imagine…
Holy sh*t do I love reading her stories! Nora and Liam, Jonah, Aria, and many others traveling through the pages of this series are the rich characters currently sprawling the landscape of my dreams… they’re welcome, and I want more!
October 21, 2021
Gets Even Better!
There is a lot happening in the second book of the series. A lot that shouldn't be in a review because of spoilers.
I will just say, some new relationships, and old either change for the better, or become deeper and more meaningful.
Ariel is a fun, interesting character that I am enjoying getting to know more about. This author has a good understanding of teenagers!
All I can say without spoilers, is, this is a treat to read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys space opera.
Be sure to read them in order. It matters.
Enjoy!
There is a lot happening in the second book of the series. A lot that shouldn't be in a review because of spoilers.
I will just say, some new relationships, and old either change for the better, or become deeper and more meaningful.
Ariel is a fun, interesting character that I am enjoying getting to know more about. This author has a good understanding of teenagers!
All I can say without spoilers, is, this is a treat to read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys space opera.
Be sure to read them in order. It matters.
Enjoy!
September 21, 2021
Ugh! A freaking romance novel posing as science fiction. I read the first book and sensed it was leaning this direction but decided to read Doubt to find out if my “spidey” sense was accurate. Yep, it was. The last three chapters were Gawd Awful.
Now, some people might enjoy this genre, I am not one of them.
Taking a hard pass on the third book.
This is not a reflection on the writing skill of the author only her choices.
Now, some people might enjoy this genre, I am not one of them.
Taking a hard pass on the third book.
This is not a reflection on the writing skill of the author only her choices.
October 4, 2021
In which Nora discovers more about her genealogy and herself
Nora Devi, Forgotten and xeno-archeologist, has made choices to make her ward Aria safer but may be making herself much less safe. Where will her choices take her and how will they affect others around her? I have been reading Jenny Schwartz’s books for awhile and I am really enjoying this new series. Can’t wait the next book.
Nora Devi, Forgotten and xeno-archeologist, has made choices to make her ward Aria safer but may be making herself much less safe. Where will her choices take her and how will they affect others around her? I have been reading Jenny Schwartz’s books for awhile and I am really enjoying this new series. Can’t wait the next book.
December 4, 2021
psychological sci-fi…
No pew-pew lasers or space battles, just people living in and trying to get by in a stratified society influenced by ancient alien tech.
Nora, a secret space-wizard descended from royalty, choses to stand and fight the system rather than hide, as she planned in the last book. Next book, we’ll see how much she choses to reveal and if this branch of humanity can rejoin the galaxy.
No pew-pew lasers or space battles, just people living in and trying to get by in a stratified society influenced by ancient alien tech.
Nora, a secret space-wizard descended from royalty, choses to stand and fight the system rather than hide, as she planned in the last book. Next book, we’ll see how much she choses to reveal and if this branch of humanity can rejoin the galaxy.
January 10, 2022
Worth Pursuing
This second book continues the story with good focus on the characters and situations, rather than just the science. Conflicts are recorded but do not become the centerpiece. Character development continues, and new characters and supporting cast are introduced. This installment provides good entertainment, and leaves the reader with some issues resolved and others begging the next book.
This second book continues the story with good focus on the characters and situations, rather than just the science. Conflicts are recorded but do not become the centerpiece. Character development continues, and new characters and supporting cast are introduced. This installment provides good entertainment, and leaves the reader with some issues resolved and others begging the next book.
January 16, 2022
My advice if you are read or thinking about reading this book is don't stop now.
Wow! This is a really detailed story! I find what I've read so far is I interesting enough that I want to read more. I told readers in the last book that I can't put this down and that's still true. Liam and Nora have admitted that they love each other lets see what happens in them in the next book.
Wow! This is a really detailed story! I find what I've read so far is I interesting enough that I want to read more. I told readers in the last book that I can't put this down and that's still true. Liam and Nora have admitted that they love each other lets see what happens in them in the next book.
September 15, 2021
Jenny Schwartz writes great child supporting fiction
I don't offer 5 stars to anything but nebula/Hugo award winners.
That said these two (so far) books are yet another example of really strong story craft.
It's unlikely you will find a bad read from her. You may find ones you like more (like this series) but she is worth every penny you spend on her books!
I don't offer 5 stars to anything but nebula/Hugo award winners.
That said these two (so far) books are yet another example of really strong story craft.
It's unlikely you will find a bad read from her. You may find ones you like more (like this series) but she is worth every penny you spend on her books!
September 18, 2021
Rockin'!
Okay, truthfully, I was a wee bit disappointed in the first book, but this second has affirmed my faith in Jenny's ability to totally rock a story. Now, I will await Book Three in December, 2021 with great anticipation. It should be a lot of fun with some very interesting possibilities.
Okay, truthfully, I was a wee bit disappointed in the first book, but this second has affirmed my faith in Jenny's ability to totally rock a story. Now, I will await Book Three in December, 2021 with great anticipation. It should be a lot of fun with some very interesting possibilities.
October 13, 2021
Fantastic!
This second book was just as good as the first. Nora is a Xeno-Archaeologist who has made a find that will bring her great wealth. She's trying to be a good mom to her adopted daughter. There might even be a PG love interest. Good fun book! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
This second book was just as good as the first. Nora is a Xeno-Archaeologist who has made a find that will bring her great wealth. She's trying to be a good mom to her adopted daughter. There might even be a PG love interest. Good fun book! Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
September 17, 2021
Fantastic sci fi adventure
I still love Jonah. The world building is excellent, the characters are great, some bad things happen, and the story is enthralling. There were some surprises (no, not that, I'd already figured that out). I'm looking forward to Nora's next adventure.
I still love Jonah. The world building is excellent, the characters are great, some bad things happen, and the story is enthralling. There were some surprises (no, not that, I'd already figured that out). I'm looking forward to Nora's next adventure.
September 22, 2021
Excellent
This book drew me in immediately. I found it exciting and Interesting. Of course, it was well written because a Jenny Schwartz book is always well written. Three months til the next in this series. I await it eagerly!!
This book drew me in immediately. I found it exciting and Interesting. Of course, it was well written because a Jenny Schwartz book is always well written. Three months til the next in this series. I await it eagerly!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews