Chaos Zone: A Space Opera Adventure

Parse Galaxy #1

by Kate Sheeran Swed

Space travel is so overrated. Bounty hunting isn't any better, but it's what Sloane Tarnish needs to do if she wants to fix the rundown spaceship her uncle dumped on her. So she can find him and dump it right back. Problem Her uncle also ditched his motley crew-made up of a cranky ace pilot and an extraneous mad scientist-and they don't exactly see her as the captain. Problem Her ship's too broken to leave the most dangerous system in the galaxy, where a recent power vacuum is turning the place into one orbiting cluster of fugitives, thugs, and swindlers. When Sloane sets her sights on a bounty with a reward that will solve all her problems, the Commander of the Galactic Fleet himself shows up in pursuit of the same man. The last thing Sloane needs is to get tangled in a web of galactic politics-but she won't let her prize go, either. The payoff is just too big to give up. But as dangers close in on all sides, she can't help wondering if she'll live to claim her prize... Chaos Zone is the first installment in a new space opera series full of reckless women, messy worlds, and big adventures-perfect for fans of Guardians of the Galaxy and the Mandalorian . Grab your copy of Chaos Zone now!

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera

220 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2022

About the author

Kate Sheeran Swed loves hot chocolate, plastic dinosaurs, and airplane tickets. She has trekked along the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu, hiked on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier in Iceland, and climbed the ruins of Masada to watch the sunrise over the Dead Sea. She holds degrees in music from the University of Maine and Ithaca College, as well as an MFA in Fiction from Pacific University. Her stories are forthcoming or have appeared in the Young Explorer's Adventure Guide Volume 5, Daily Science Fiction, Electric Spec, and Andromeda Spaceways. You can find her on Twitter @katesheeranswed.

Reviews

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced and dramatic story involving heists, misadventures, messy situations abounding in our protagonist's life, political skullduggery, and whisps of romance.
In short, it was a good read.
Unfortunately, it was completely devoid of any meaningful back-story. "Outlaw Rising"— the prequel to this novel— should have been prefixed to this novel, or at least its print-version.
And, regrettably, it was very-very light on wit and humour.
Otherwise, as I've already stated, it’s a good read that nicely begins a large arc.

[Maren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very promising series start. I loved the character dynamics and how the roles are a bit reversed - we have the honest and slightly nieve by-the
-books fleet commander who hasn't truly seen the dark and gritty underbelly of his ideal universe, and the the Shades Of Grey unwilling bounty hunter who has been knocked on her ass by that dark underbelly more than once. That both are willing to learn and trust one another after such a short time - and that its a BELIEVABLE trust, not just tacked on for the sake of romantic interests- is a pretty good testament to the character building.

As for actual universe building, that is left more to the imaginations of the readers. The pieces are mostly there to get an impression of the full picture, but you have to piece them together in your own time. I tend to prefer this methodology, but i understand how some might prefer a little more explanation.

[Beth ~Book Loving Is My Superpower~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uwwwww weeeeee, this was a good one!! This was an action packed, unputdownable Space Opera with alien creatures, space cartels/space pirates, mild mannered muscly hacker bounties, politic-lite mushiness (for lack of a better word for the mess that was the devious political muck abrewing- although, for a Space Opera, the amount of political machinations were on the lean/subtle side BUT it's only the first book, there's time yet), self rescuing (for the most part) cleverly reckless damsels with loads and tons of moxie... and more.

With madcap schemes abound and a really cute burgeoning amore between our two MCs, I was hooked! There are the two dueling POVs from our two main characters. There is a kick ass (with tons more to her but for the sake of brevity I'll leave it at this and let you find out for yourself) FMC Sloane and Gareth- our equally kick ass (though more reserved) military commander MMC. Although it was not terribly hard to discern friend from foe throughout, it still proved fun to speculate which added to the story's allure. The characters were detailed, dynamic, relateable and well crafted... they, plus the the backdrop, stole the show. This laid the foundation for what appears to be a thrilling new Space Opera favorite of mine on the horizon.


Overall:

This was an easy to digest, scientific terminology-lite, space romp with a slightly snarky, slightly crazy, all sorts of hairbrained idea wielding female MC and all of the ensuing attention she garnered (both deserved and unjustly calamitous). Although the premise might not have been the most unique (it's pretty difficult to reinvent an already saturated genre), it was captivating enough that its questionable originality did not matter in the slightest. I didn't realize how much I wanted this to go on and on until the progression bar caught my eye and I saw how much of the book I had already consumed... greedily. I then sat there... still reading of course but now sitting there reading with a pout and a hope that it would last just a little bit longer...

It didn't.

HOWEVER, the fire was already lit and I was alight with need, anxiously yearning for the next book in the series... dramatic sounding? YES, but the pull is real so I thought I'd share.


Unfortunately, due to a torn retina and a slightly lengthy (10 day) stint in paradise, it took longer than expected to read and review this gem. My inability to get this book read on time is in no way indicative of Chaos Zone's merit or of how much I enjoyed reading it. I have never had the pleasure of reading any of Kate Sheeran Swed's previous works but this book has me clambering for more. I am definitely off to beg, borrow (I draw the line at stealing) or request my library to aquire a copy of book #2, Bounty War, toot sweet... I need to know what happens next!


Final 2 cents:

If you like Space Operas.... if you like strong space mafia battling female MCs that are reckless and slightly evil genius level lucky... if you like romance-lite reads with slightly cliffy endings... if you like lighthearted stories that cause time to mysteriously evaporate then I suggest you add this to your (probably) already teetering TBR!


~ Enjoy

*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

Two POVs.





First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[Karen Eisenbrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This funny, fast-paced space opera begins in the middle of things that have clearly been going on for a while. The crew of the Moneymaker are so much fun, it’s easy to just hang on and go with it as they fall into ever deeper trouble in their quest to find the ship’s owner, Uncle Vin.

I loved how the alternating point-of-view characters, Sloane Tarnish and Commander Gareth Fortune, have completely different senses of Sloane’s abilities and competence. She sees herself as a screw-up in over her head captaining her uncle’s ship, who gets lucky often enough to not die yet, while he regards her as someone playing 4-dimensional chess, always several steps ahead with knowledge no one else has. They keep running into each other, usually without trying. There’s a lot of good rom-com energy between these apparent opposites who have more in common than they realize.

Book 1 ended before I was ready; guess I’m committing to the series!

[Brian Lobodzinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read this author before but I thoroughly enjoyed the madcap, eccentric adventures of Sloan as she tries to deal with a barely operating inherited spacecraft while fighting space pirates, huge Galactic Corporations and the Fleet. Just as you think you've mastered who's good and not, another devious undercurrent of a plot emerges so that you're forced to adjust your thinking.
A great list of interesting characters in the crew as well as her opponents. There's hints of a lot more to come and I can't wait to read about the developing adventures. If you notice that I'm very spartan on exactly what happens in the book then you're correct for I believe that the readers pleasure should be in finding out for him/herself what the storyline is.
Usual warning. I got an ARC copy but this is my honest opinion.

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real rating: 4.5 stars

Sloane is searching for her uncle Vin, who disappeared some time ago, but her bad reputation and past troubles continue to cause chaos wherever she goes, and Fleet Commander Fortune knows it too... or does he?

At first, I struggled to picture the setting, the galaxy, the names, and the relationships between the female crew members, but once I got past that, the story is excellent. The action, the protagonists' problems, their thoughts and decisions, the political landscape, the technology, etc., all had a good explanation: neither too simple nor too complex. Each character had their role and personality; many things happen that will make you laugh and leave you speechless. I didn't want it to end, and I definitely recommend it. I need to read the next one and the prequels.

[Luke Shiras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed science, political intrigue, bloody space battles...Chaos Zone has none of these - and that's a good thing. While some books are heavy on the science of the future or the political landscape, or the detailed space battles, this book is just a fun story. Interesting characters, an easy-to-follow plot with enough surprises to keep you interested, and well-written so that you can enjoy the flow of the story all make this a good, fun read.

If you like the feel and pace of the Firefly TV series, I think you'll enjoy this. It's not too heavy nor packed with some social or political agenda.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as a review copy from Story Origin, this is and honest review. Sloane Tarnish, her life path didn't include chasing down bounties to keep her uncle's ship from falling apart piece by piece; run by a ragtag crew Sloane drags into each new scheme. All she wants is her uncle back but Sloane is left putting together why he went missing in the first place and chasing that secret takes Sloane and her rugged crew into the dangerous world of criminals and complicated Galactic Fleet secrets. Highly recommended.

[Marie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaos is definitely an accurate word for Sloane's adventures in this book. She's not really sure how to be in charge of a spaceship or what she's supposed to be doing, and the Fleet also seems to be in chaos. Getting the second viewpoint from the Commander was a nice addition to see a little of what's happening on the inside, while he and Sloane decide if they trust anything the other says or does.

I'm excited to see what happens next, and hopefully soon we find out just what it was on that data drive that caused Vin's disappearance.

[Cris · Rating 5 out of 5]

be absorbed into this world!

Very creative plot turns. I love the action, but it has a good balance of action and story. Strong Female characters, but with enough flaws to be “forehead-slapping”. Like “Honey, stop doing that!!!” I couldn’t put this down! I guess I’ll have to wait for the next book in the series.

[Jamie Newcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m such a sucker for a good space themed adventure. Literally, loved the action in this book. There was also a phenomenally written female main character. I mean, the male main character was pretty well written too but you got to be a sucker for a kick butt female lead. You have a dual point of view in this book so it’s a great story line. It was captivating, fun and entertaining!

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her uncle's ship, MONEYMAKER, Sloane searches for her uncle but needs funds. She becomes a bounty hunter and whisks a 'criminal' from under the noses of the Fleet and runs into the fleet commander she had escaped from at the gala party. Needing to get another bounty she goes to an illegal bounty net and heads to a planet and meets the commander's again.

[Priscilla King · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me it was okay. For lots of other people it's great. So here's why: hard science fiction, lots of tech-speak, lots of physical action, lots of fights. I didn't get into it, but for people who like that kind of thing, it's the kind of thing that they like. Bounty hunter finds and brings in the man she's looking for with adventures along the way.

[Adora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and exciting romp through space. Thoroughly entertaining, laughed in quite a few places, and read several passages aloud to my hubby. This is my first book by the author and I’ve already purchased a few more plus preordered the next book. Delightful!

[Jim Arrowood · Rating 3 out of 5]

The unfortunate thing is, this book didn't hold my attention. I tried to love it, I seriously did. The characters are good, but there wasn't anything in the story that held my attention. It is well written.

[Olga Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unable to set aside!

One of the most exciting reads out there. Great character dynamics. Most unexpected plot twists. Overall, incredibly enjoyable. Cannot wait to start the next book!

[Heather Texle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew boy, I fell into this series hard. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect, because this was my first Kate Sheeran Swed book. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? Humor, action, kickbutt heroine, swoon-worthy hero, found family, unexpected twists, spaceships...this book has it all. Forgive me if the books blend together. I think I read them all in a week.

[SELENE LAKE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a series.

The more I read the more I enjoy the bantering and dynamic between Gareth and Sloane.

I love the science fiction setting.
Every planetary description, I envision the scene. See the colors.

[carlybanarly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun space opera. There is action, a spunky heroine, a bit of humor and the potential for a romance (no romance in this book.)

The only down side is that it feels like there is a backstory that hasn’t been included, or perhaps this is a spin off of a different series. It is briefly touched on that the astrophysicist has opened wormholes in the past, and the crew travelled to another galaxy. Also that they were betrayed by their security officer. It just feels like this crew has had a whole adventure before getting to this book.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a bit to feel at home in this new-to-me world, but I had so much fun with the characters, MCs and supporting cast alike, and it was a wild ride of an adventure that kept me up way past my bedtime! Good thing I already have book 2 lined up on my e-reader. :)

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an adventure with cosmic politics, skirmishes and bounties. An odd pairing of a bounty hunter and the space fleet's commander, considering she has an odd crew (inherited) as well, that now includes a former bounty.

[Kyle A Massa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, fast-paced space adventure, and a great start to a series.

[Jayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by Swed, and I really enjoyed it. The banter between Sloane and Fortune is fun, as is the tension between them. The world building draws you in.

[M.J. Blehart]

A fun ride

Twists and turns, space battles, and some interesting characters inhabit this book. It meanders a bit, but never loses sight of its central plot. I might read on.

[GREGG CORDELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read.

I have just started this series and so far it's been pretty good, I think the storyline is good and I'm on to the next book in the series.

[Angela Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to the series! Off to read book 2 right away. Great dialog and well paced. This book will keep you invested!

[Bunny B. Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good space opera

I enjoyed the story but had difficulties reading it due to the poor editing. As good as the story is I'm not sure if I will read anymore of this series.

[Jim Goeller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful to have read Outlaw Rising before reading this installment. Fun easy read.

[Torfinn Ingolfsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it.