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Escort Class Starship #1
A.I. Ship Cassiopeia
Cassiopeia is an Escort Class Starship in the Benzae Union. She’s on a mission critical to the survival of that Union, against the invasion of the Mirix Imperium which has already claimed four of their thirty-three star-systems.
The problem is she’s lost her command crew at a crucial point in the mission, and her chances of getting home without one are negligible at best. Fortunately, the system she was flying to while making repairs was inhabited, the third planet from its sun. She just needed to pick up a new crew, a human crew, without creating deleterious effects on the planet and world governments in her wake. Then she and the crew could cross enemy space and get home, so she could complete her mission and save her people.
What could possibly go wrong with that?
Note: This Space Opera is told from the third person limited, in multiple points of view.
The problem is she’s lost her command crew at a crucial point in the mission, and her chances of getting home without one are negligible at best. Fortunately, the system she was flying to while making repairs was inhabited, the third planet from its sun. She just needed to pick up a new crew, a human crew, without creating deleterious effects on the planet and world governments in her wake. Then she and the crew could cross enemy space and get home, so she could complete her mission and save her people.
What could possibly go wrong with that?
Note: This Space Opera is told from the third person limited, in multiple points of view.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2022
311 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Harrison
105 books197 followersI've been an avid book reader since I was a teenager in the 1980's. My preferred genre's are science fiction and fantasy.
I wrote some short stories and was encouraged to try writing and self publishing by some friends. I work in computers and writing is an obsessive hobby I have been trying to hone for a couple of years now. I'll let you judge if I have succeeded or not.
I wrote some short stories and was encouraged to try writing and self publishing by some friends. I work in computers and writing is an obsessive hobby I have been trying to hone for a couple of years now. I'll let you judge if I have succeeded or not.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 15, 2023
D. L. Harrison’s A.I. Ship Cassiopeia has an intriguing premise that it fails to develop adequately. A sentient starship has lost its crew and must replace it with a human crew. How will they bond with the ship and help it fulfill its mission? The character of the ship works, but none of the human beings come to life. World-building is ho-hum. Harrison’s writing style is dreadful. This book would never pass muster with a competent agent or publisher. Indie writers like Harrison should grit their teeth and hire the services of a good editor–if they can find one at an affordable price. 3 stars.
January 21, 2023
Different is not always better
This was not what I expected from the description and preview. The story has some elements which were/are unexpected in a typical space opera. The romance aspects add nothing to the book and the poor grammar further detracts.
Some Positives:
Good world building, initially. The author tries to stay within the realm of the science encompassed in the narrative. Some of the science fits within our current understanding of physics, some is definitely created just for the storyline.
Some Negatives:
There was little to no editing, and judging from the grammatical errors, the book needs some. This is another example of not knowing how or when to use: (there, there, they’re); (your, you’re); (then/than). Some of the construction is awkwardly phrased plus consistent misuse of pronouns, most frequently she/her.
The romance - The interpersonal romances between the 6 MCs is a little bit much for typical sci-fi. The perception that humans cannot sustain a 2 year mission without having sex is the author’s personal fantasy, IMHO. And of course our 6 protagonists are all prime examples of human flesh, the women (of course) are shapely, intelligent and attractive, the men are masculine or geeky and adorable or sexy. (sigh) None of this adds to the storyline.
This was not what I expected from the description and preview. The story has some elements which were/are unexpected in a typical space opera. The romance aspects add nothing to the book and the poor grammar further detracts.
Some Positives:
Good world building, initially. The author tries to stay within the realm of the science encompassed in the narrative. Some of the science fits within our current understanding of physics, some is definitely created just for the storyline.
Some Negatives:
There was little to no editing, and judging from the grammatical errors, the book needs some. This is another example of not knowing how or when to use: (there, there, they’re); (your, you’re); (then/than). Some of the construction is awkwardly phrased plus consistent misuse of pronouns, most frequently she/her.
The romance - The interpersonal romances between the 6 MCs is a little bit much for typical sci-fi. The perception that humans cannot sustain a 2 year mission without having sex is the author’s personal fantasy, IMHO. And of course our 6 protagonists are all prime examples of human flesh, the women (of course) are shapely, intelligent and attractive, the men are masculine or geeky and adorable or sexy. (sigh) None of this adds to the storyline.
March 24, 2023
Lots of promise
This book was really good. Interesting setting and relatable characters. The transitions between character view points is often abrupt and confusing, but would be easy to clean up and clarify with page breaks or something similar.
This book was really good. Interesting setting and relatable characters. The transitions between character view points is often abrupt and confusing, but would be easy to clean up and clarify with page breaks or something similar.
December 23, 2022
Entertaining Read
Cass is an AI with a problem. She and her crew need to get important information about the enemy's technology advantage back to headquarters. Unfortunately to escape the enemy's massed attack, only she can survive. In the aftermath, she realizes she needs a command crew to complete the mission. She can't take a life, even that of an enemy, and she will need to fight to get through enemy lines to her own side. To that end, she recruits a human crew to make the battle decisions. On the way back, her crew deduces that she hasn't been told the full story about her creators, and that her life is in danger. Doubt, reassessment, and determination ensue. I like the action, humor, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
Cass is an AI with a problem. She and her crew need to get important information about the enemy's technology advantage back to headquarters. Unfortunately to escape the enemy's massed attack, only she can survive. In the aftermath, she realizes she needs a command crew to complete the mission. She can't take a life, even that of an enemy, and she will need to fight to get through enemy lines to her own side. To that end, she recruits a human crew to make the battle decisions. On the way back, her crew deduces that she hasn't been told the full story about her creators, and that her life is in danger. Doubt, reassessment, and determination ensue. I like the action, humor, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
April 8, 2023
AI Ship Cassiopeia is an easy flowing three hour read about a self controlling starship picking up humans as crew. The author does not aim to solve the big questions of life, and instead presents the reader with a nice read. A logical plot goes from A to B in a limited timespan set around the present. According to the book itself the tech level is what humanity will achieve itself about 200 years from now.
I will definitely read more of the Escort Class Starship series some time in the future, a series where this apparently is book one.
I will definitely read more of the Escort Class Starship series some time in the future, a series where this apparently is book one.
January 29, 2023
Repeated action but good characters
Ok, but to much of same repeated action. Needs a little work on battles.
I will read the second book because I want to know how Earth dealt with aliens working with select humans..
Ok, but to much of same repeated action. Needs a little work on battles.
I will read the second book because I want to know how Earth dealt with aliens working with select humans..
February 3, 2023
Enjoyed This Story!
I like first contact stories, and an A.I. ship doing the first contact is an awesome idea.
The story itself is well-written, but needed some cleanup line-editing, spelling corrections, etc., but nothing that distracted too much from the story.
I like that the Benzae have their own way of thinking, at least compared to the modern, westernized, human being. Even though you don't really get to know the Benzae, what little I learned about them reminded me of the pre-war Japanese or Korean and their "saving face" societal mores.
During the mission, Cass, the A.I. ship, has an identity crises she has to work through. The story is fairly complete but leaves plenty of future problems for the next book of the series. I'm looking forward to reading it.
I would rate this PG-13 for mild language and some allusions to (non-pornographic) intimacies.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription.)
I like first contact stories, and an A.I. ship doing the first contact is an awesome idea.
The story itself is well-written, but needed some cleanup line-editing, spelling corrections, etc., but nothing that distracted too much from the story.
I like that the Benzae have their own way of thinking, at least compared to the modern, westernized, human being. Even though you don't really get to know the Benzae, what little I learned about them reminded me of the pre-war Japanese or Korean and their "saving face" societal mores.
During the mission, Cass, the A.I. ship, has an identity crises she has to work through. The story is fairly complete but leaves plenty of future problems for the next book of the series. I'm looking forward to reading it.
I would rate this PG-13 for mild language and some allusions to (non-pornographic) intimacies.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription.)
June 3, 2023
fast paced, good character development, a wee bit short in length.
I liked everything about this book. The only reason I am not giving it five stars is because of some of the typos and other editing issues. The story is excellent. The characters are great, and there is plenty of story threads that can be further developed. All the characters are likable, especially the artificial intelligence of the ship. The POV switches perspectives doing the book but the change of perspective is not jarring. We still know that Cassiopeia is the main protagonist of the story going on to read the next book. The series is fast paced no dead spots, you will probably enjoy this book if you give it a shot.
I liked everything about this book. The only reason I am not giving it five stars is because of some of the typos and other editing issues. The story is excellent. The characters are great, and there is plenty of story threads that can be further developed. All the characters are likable, especially the artificial intelligence of the ship. The POV switches perspectives doing the book but the change of perspective is not jarring. We still know that Cassiopeia is the main protagonist of the story going on to read the next book. The series is fast paced no dead spots, you will probably enjoy this book if you give it a shot.
August 24, 2023
good book. I really like Cassiopeia
I liked the books and I’m moving onto book 2. The characters are great. I’m hoping we’ll get to get deeper and into their histories, personalities m, etc as the series progresses. I’m also hopeful for more quirky, funny back and forth between characters. To me, the ability for an author to do this is what makes those characters feel real and really sucks you into the storyline . There was some. I just feel like it was a little stiff at times.
I’m also hoping for improved editing. At times it can be confusing about actions or who’s speaking, along with basic spellchecks, and run on sentences, among some of them. But it’s still a good read.
I liked the books and I’m moving onto book 2. The characters are great. I’m hoping we’ll get to get deeper and into their histories, personalities m, etc as the series progresses. I’m also hopeful for more quirky, funny back and forth between characters. To me, the ability for an author to do this is what makes those characters feel real and really sucks you into the storyline . There was some. I just feel like it was a little stiff at times.
I’m also hoping for improved editing. At times it can be confusing about actions or who’s speaking, along with basic spellchecks, and run on sentences, among some of them. But it’s still a good read.
December 22, 2022
I like the idea behind the story, but by the end of the prologue I was getting a little irritated, trying to explain the physics and the different problems with the drive, weapons and shields didn’t really work as an introduction to a new story. Unfortunately I also wasn’t too keen on the ‘dating agency’ that seemed to take up too much of the start of the book.
Eventually there is some action, but the author again gets too carried away with explaining timings, distances, trajectories etc
There was a minor interesting, but telegraphed twist towards the end of the story, but overall I was a bit disappointed, as it just sort of drifted towards an ending.
Eventually there is some action, but the author again gets too carried away with explaining timings, distances, trajectories etc
There was a minor interesting, but telegraphed twist towards the end of the story, but overall I was a bit disappointed, as it just sort of drifted towards an ending.
January 17, 2023
I tend to like AI ship stories. I find it interesting the scenarios authors think up for the AI to wrestle with, and the (often times) brilliant solutions the ship and crew come up with to solve those dilemmas. This story is no exception in that regard, and I'm looking forward to more in the series, this looks like ic could be a very interesting series.
Scifi fans should enjoy this one, as well as fans of AI stories, alien invasions (well, sorta), but folks that just like a good story should enjoy this one too.
Scifi fans should enjoy this one, as well as fans of AI stories, alien invasions (well, sorta), but folks that just like a good story should enjoy this one too.
May 1, 2023
A sentient ship and engaging crew... My kind of story!!!
Yes! I was so happy when I found this book! The characters are so likeable, the action comes fast and fun, and moves the story along in ways that are unpredictable!
I read a LOT of science fiction, so I know the usual tropes and I abandon books that bore me. I burned through the pages of this story in a couple of days (and nights to be honest). Thank you D. L. Harrison! On to the next!
Yes! I was so happy when I found this book! The characters are so likeable, the action comes fast and fun, and moves the story along in ways that are unpredictable!
I read a LOT of science fiction, so I know the usual tropes and I abandon books that bore me. I burned through the pages of this story in a couple of days (and nights to be honest). Thank you D. L. Harrison! On to the next!
May 10, 2023
Well written beginnings of a space opera
I found this first book to be a nice read, fast paced with some intriguing aspects. Its not a masterpiece of novel insight and inspiration but a nice plot and characters.
I found this first book to be a nice read, fast paced with some intriguing aspects. Its not a masterpiece of novel insight and inspiration but a nice plot and characters.
May 22, 2023
disconcordate plot and story
Probably a good story, it after reading Backyard Starship and Delphi in Space this falls short. Maybe it’s me being. Crotchety old man. Sorry, I didn’t like it.
Probably a good story, it after reading Backyard Starship and Delphi in Space this falls short. Maybe it’s me being. Crotchety old man. Sorry, I didn’t like it.
June 10, 2024
A very thrilling series. Cassiopeia is a futuristic
AI that is also the spacecraft from a distant planet. This was a very interesting and mentally engrossing story that from my point of view was patiently thought out which made it even more fun.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❗
AI that is also the spacecraft from a distant planet. This was a very interesting and mentally engrossing story that from my point of view was patiently thought out which made it even more fun.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❗
July 11, 2024
Borrowed Kindle Unlimited. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset. Romance seems contrived just to check off a box in story telling author requirements. Battles of space opera goes on with much detail and explanation to the point of boredom. DNF chapter 9.
February 14, 2023
Not bad.
March 4, 2023
Heavy philosophy
Major focus on romance, interpersonal relationships, and inter stellar relationships. I'm not very certain how this will play out in sequels.
Major focus on romance, interpersonal relationships, and inter stellar relationships. I'm not very certain how this will play out in sequels.
March 12, 2023
Space Opera.
A good read,disappointed when the book ended. Fast paced,characters believable and well thought out. I will definitely be getting the next book in the series.
A good read,disappointed when the book ended. Fast paced,characters believable and well thought out. I will definitely be getting the next book in the series.
March 16, 2023
interesting
This was an interesting concept and a fun story. I enjoy stories about good people and fun technologies. Highly recommend
This was an interesting concept and a fun story. I enjoy stories about good people and fun technologies. Highly recommend
March 31, 2023
Not bad
Book was ok, nothing great. I was entertained and will read next book in series. Being kindle unlimited is a plus
Book was ok, nothing great. I was entertained and will read next book in series. Being kindle unlimited is a plus
September 4, 2023
Can AI's get drunk
This was a good reads and ended with a pissed AI which did like being a slave. 😎 what will she do.
This was a good reads and ended with a pissed AI which did like being a slave. 😎 what will she do.
May 18, 2024
Fast pace fun read
It was a fun quick read. Looking forward to the next book. Lots of directions that keeps the reader guessing what's next.
It was a fun quick read. Looking forward to the next book. Lots of directions that keeps the reader guessing what's next.
July 4, 2024
good read
Fast read. Good space opera. I suggest not looking to deep in to its reality just enjoy the ride. It was good enough so I’ll read the next one.
Fast read. Good space opera. I suggest not looking to deep in to its reality just enjoy the ride. It was good enough so I’ll read the next one.
September 3, 2024
Interesting plot lines.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews