My name is Storm Redfield: Navy Commander, Special Forces.
Born on Earth in the year 2057, I don’t belong in the 23rd Century. Nevertheless, that’s where I end up following the worst betrayal of all by my own people. During my time asleep, humanity has become a spacefaring civilization. We are no longer alone in the universe, and the galaxy is at peace… More or less. Now, I have a choice to make.
Call it a day after a traumatic rebirth, and spend the rest of my life on a Martian beach, sipping margaritas? Or grab myself a weapon, and go kick ass with the civilian outfit that brought me back? Good question, easy answer: with a name like mine…
N.D. SHAR is the pen name for bestselling lesbian fiction author Natalie Debrabandere, whose books include Vagabond, Lucky Louk, and One Fine Morn. Under N.D SHAR, she writes edgy Sci-Fi with a kick-ass female lead and non-stop galactic action.
A fast paced sci-fi read, on Kindle Unlimited. With a sequel soon to come.
This is the second story I've found with a similar premise of a soldier being out of their own original timeline. That Distant Dream dealt with a slightly similar theme, but there were more fantastical elements there, and not as nefarious reasons for that soldiers cryo-sleep, in comparison to what is happening here. But it's certainly cool to see a similar plot point coming up in different stories and how authors can utilize that in characters.
Here we have Commander Storm Redfield, from the naval special forces. Called Red for short, a lifelong soldier, sworn to her calling - who wakes up what she thinks is just months after being put on ice in some sort of stasis. She thinks it was for an unknown punishment, or reprimand that she still doesn't understand. Perhaps even a test of her loyalties and abilities. Only she finds that over 130 odd years have actually passed, and there was a lot of corrupt things happening that caused her to be a part of an illegal experiment.
It takes her a bit to come to terms, but then she quickly recovers. Her soldier instincts always adept to change to the circumstances. Especially with news that another of her soldiers survived the same. She's all about discovering this strange new world she's woken up in - about the intergalactic worlds now exploring the galaxy - that have been built during her time out, and it's ventures into technology, terraforming, and 'alien' races. She meets an alluring alien called Stella from a strong warrior clan, that she can't help but feel hot and bothered by, in both sexy and antagonistic ways! They have a push-pull, and it's alluring and amusing.
There's a lot of action, as Red is recruited straight away with her fellow soldier, to help on a rescue mission, that turns out to be more convoluted than it first appears. It's mostly Sci-Fi action with a bit of jargon to try and explain certain things, but nothing hugely deep here. You may have to suspend your own believability about a few things here and there. But overall I just found it enjoyable and entertaining.
I actually really enjoyed the interactions with character Doc Fox, and there were some amusing banter as well. The host of characters were mostly interesting, and were starting to form a solid group toward the end. I did however struggle with the sex scene, being a bit too aggressive for my tastes. So if you're into BDSM elements, you may enjoy this more than I.
Overall I will read the sequel coming out in less than a week.
I came for the Mass Effect vibe. I stayed for the Mass Effect vibe. (And also the thirsty MC gently lusting after the gruff, aloof, badass alien b*tch!)
3.5 - This was a fun and fast-paced listen that I would definitely recommend to fans of sci-fi.
What to expect if you board the Ulysses: * Lots of action, excitement, and battles to enjoy. * An interesting universe with all sorts of alien creatures. * Well-written first-person present tense (which is a rarity in my experience). * A fast pace to keep you engaged. * A dash of sapphic romance * A kind of weird power-play sex scene with a hermaphroditic alien that can change her genitalia at will. * Great narration by the wonderful Abby Craden!
All in all, it was fairly entertaining. I’m left feeling like it was a fun listen but the plot was really light. Despite there being a lot of action, I felt like nothing really happened in a grander sense (like there was action galore but no real character advancement). The ending was at once nice in that it doesn’t leave you hanging, but also doesn’t leave you wanting more or set you up for a continuation (though there is one).
This wasn't anything mind-blowing, but a fun and exciting read if you're in the mood for some action- and alien-packed sci-fi!
3 stars. Interesting start to a series. Though I will say that ending had me like ‘wtf?’ but that may be because I don’t like the love interest Stella nor did I feel anything between her and Red so that random ass last minute sex scene did nothing for me. Plus, I just really didn’t like how it was written but whatever.
I struggled with the writing a lot in this, particularly the dialogue. It felt stilted at times. The main character Red I found that I didn’t like her in the beginning and then by the end of the book I didn’t feel any type of way about her good or bad. She’s pretty bland. However, there is always room for growth and improvement so I will pick up book two. For things I did like there were some side characters that I enjoyed, the plot was fun and action packed and made for a quick read. I’m intrigued enough to want to find out what happens next.
Once Upon a Galactic Time by N.D. Shar (pen name for Natalie Debrabandere), is a fast-paced science fiction adventure. I am not a sci-fi fan but I am a fan of Natalie Debrabandere, so I gave this book a go. The main pull for me was the dynamic relationships and camaraderie among the crew which formed the emotional core of the story and kept me reading. The combat scenes and high-stakes missions were vivid and easy to follow.
I appreciate the balance between the main characters’s personal growth, her witty and engaging interactions with others, and the high-energy sci-fi narrative. Although I can never call myself a sci-fi enthusiast, I’m sure fans of the genre would enjoy the compelling mix of character-driven storytelling and thrilling spacefaring adventure.
Who else gets excited when they find a new audiobook narrated by Abby Craden? I check them all out, and she definitely ups the ante on most of them, but this is one of those times when a five-star book needs at least a couple more if only that were allowed;)
Storm Redfield, aka; Red wakes up over a hundred years after she was put to sleep by the people she thought she could trust. The galaxy has been explored, and other planets inhabited, but as much as she is assured peace reins, it isn’t long before her skills as an elite soldier are put to the test.
Told in first person narrative, the reader gets to hang out in Red’s head – quick-witted, sarcastic and so funny I was left laughing out loud more than once - All while she fights the bad guys/aliens and travels around in spaceships. N.D. Shar is a new to me author, so I don’t have any experience with her previously written stories, but Once Upon a Galactic Time is set in a brilliantly crafted world, and the characters, ranging from sexy aliens to hardcore humans, are fantastic. The plot is full of heart-pounding action, relentless suspense, and a thrilling struggle for survival. The way the writer weaves these elements seamlessly left me in awe of her obvious talent for story writing.
If you’re looking for an original series with the perfect blend of imagination and entertainment, don’t miss Once Upon A Galactic Star.
I’m not going to begrudge anyone who wants to indulge in this female power fantasy. Lord knows we have enough examples of the male power fantasy out there. But I react poorly to the whole borderline Marty Stu/Mary Sue of this sort of thing.
Our protag, Storm Redfield, isn’t just quick, she has self-described lightning reflexes. When she describes herself in the mirror, she’s a lean mean fightin’ machine who’s also sexy and also cute and also charming. It’s narcissistically cringey, frankly.
And the thing is, this sort of issue is so easily averted. When she comes out of her 130-year cryosleep, instead of having her at full strength and stupidly aggressively hostile so that she can immediately establish her dominance, have her weak from muscle atrophy and sick from experimental hibernation. Make her work to get back into fighting trim. Have her be hard on herself for not measuring up to her self image as a badass and considering herself a liability. Boom, problem solved. This is why books like The Forever War will be read a hundred years from now while books like this won’t.
I guess it’s a sort of progress that we can have stories like this to stand alongside the typical male-centric MilSF, but I’d hope it were better than the typical pulpy “yeehaw kill ‘em all!” mentality we get in those jock books.
I enjoyed this one quite a bit! Really interesting premise, great characters, and a promise of more sci-fi adventures to come!
There’s also a tease of a potential romance brewing and it will be interesting to see how/if it all plays out.
Abby Craden narrated and I actually picked this up because she promoted it as one she really liked doing. She has fun with a wide variety of character voices.
Intrigued enough by “Red” and her story that I’ll be back for more!
Light military space opera, just some easy fun and a quick read. I don't know why it's blurbed on the cover as "edgy," I wouldn't use that word in particular, it's basically just a bad ass military type who finds herself out of time yet manages to land on her feet and take on a new mission in the future. I was a little hesitant when I realized "ND Shar" is a pen name for an author I have not enjoyed in the past, but I liked this work a lot better than the last one I read by her. Suffers from a few plot holes and Very Bad Science (there's an element called elementium and an isotope of it is called solenium-289 and I was unreasonably upset by this) but in general with a little bit of "just go with it" attitude and it was enjoyable.
I sort of stumbled upon it while scrolling through my recommendations here on Goodreads and well, I'm glad the section is working, because I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Things were so good I only thought about looking the % when I started to worry if it'd have enough time to tell things, and it was about 80%. And as a trekkie, I aprove it hahaha.
The characters were intriguing and I hope we'll have time to get to know them more, because it wasn't enough to me, I'm greedy. And Red was thrown in the middle of things, barely having time to gather her wits and learn more about this whole universe, ergo neither did us. But hopefully, with at least another book, whatever we didn't get to know in more detail, we will.
TLDR: A naval commander is woken from prolonged stasis, but navigating the future is difficult without a past.
Once Upon a Galactic Time employs a common sci-fi trope when the main character, Storm Redfield, is woken from hibernation and catapulted 130+ years into the future. Those who have read Foundation by Issac Asimov, Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan, or played the video game franchise Mass Effect, will feel right at home. “Red,” however, is a fish out of water. Years of military training isn't enough to prepare her for new technologies, planets, cities, and species. So, when she’s offered a reconnaissance mission by the technology company that brought her out of stasis, she knows this is the opportunity she needs to learn about her new reality. She sets her jaw, equips her magnetized boots, and straps a gun to her back. Hopefully, the future is ready for her.
I’m a geek and a lover of space operas, so I think this story is entertaining. Those who don’t like sci-fi and want to read a sapphic romance might be disappointed because the relationship between Red and Stella is a minor subplot. I also suspect Red is a divisive character. You’ll either love that she’s a hard ass and wants to be everyone’s hero or loathe her arrogance and rigidity. I’m not fussed because combat situations require quick and logical decision-making. Her archetype fits the plot. Stella is similarly difficult, but she is an alien species. The most accurate comparison I can draw is to say she’s like a Klingon (not physically). She’s battle-hardened and fierce, which means she is focused on her objective at all times. Both women see themselves in the other which results in mutual respect and admiration.
In addition to loving the genre, I love the mission Red and Stella are on. The Expanse series might be in my top-10 favorites because I’m in awe of the creativity of Corey’s sentient life. (I cannot speak for the show. I haven’t seen it.) Similarly, Once Upon A Galactic Time introduces new life forms and doesn’t shy away from making things wacky and weird. The author has also taken time to flesh out the world and touch on some of the ethical implications of newer technology. The result, even though it’s not heavy sci-fi, is that this fictional future feels like a glimpse of life 200 years from now. It’s a terrifying spectacle.
Where constructive criticism is concerned, I feel like even though the story is told from Red’s perspective, I don’t know her. She does not think about or discuss her past in any meaningful way. She likes cheeseburgers, beer, and guns, but I cannot divine what makes her tick. Surely the adrenaline rush of endorphins isn’t the only reason she’s eager to throw herself into combat? Yes, there’s a significant chance she’s suffering PTSD whiplash after being woken. But what is motivating her to go on? I wish I knew. She desperately needs internal conflict and direction. Needing to constantly reassure her teammates means she’s a slave to their thoughts and feelings.
Still, this is such a quick and interesting read that I’m happy to recommend it. To the author, cheers. Sci-fi and sapphic romance seem like an obvious pairing and yet it’s not the least bit common. I’m thankful that there are women who love the genre just as much as I do.
This was a fast paced easy read where the adventure grabs you from the first page and keeps on escalating. If you are after a few hours of escapism, this will do the trick. The only problem with fast, was i didn't feel Red had enough time to realistically adjust to her new predicament. But it's only a minor issue out you look at the story for what it odd, a roller coaster ride.
Do you like fast-paced, well-written science fiction? Does part of you yearn to live out that space opera fantasy you were born a few hundred years too early for? Sexy aliens do it for you? Then check this one out. Commander Redfield is a surprisingly complex character, with agency and emotional trauma from her circumstances that colors her actions throughout in a realistic and impactful way. Looking forward to finishing this series.
Great beginning to this series. Found the latest one first enjoyed it as much as Heinlein and Asimov in their time, the two of them being my only foray into science fiction. This story is right up with them in every way. On to the second in the series then an impatient wait for the next installment. Great writing, story and characterization will do that in any genre. There are few authors I feel that way about, Natalie Debrabandere is now one of them.
The book is short but the narrator’s reading style makes it feel much longer. Not a fan of how this narrator speaks with such a low voice monotone sound. She doesn’t ramp up her enthusiasm or speed during the exciting parts which makes those parts kind of fall flat. Story is a good beginning. Kind of wish sci-fi authors could stop doing the “big scary aliens/horror” parts i their books. Sci-fi can be great without it.
Commander Storm Redfield is my kind of hero. Waking up after an involuntary long sleep, Red finds herself in a new world. She jumps in and joins a combat team on an exploration ship. I enjoyed this universe and am excited to read book 2. Looking forward to following the adventures of Red. Recommend!
Story was good enough to keep my interest. Sometimes something in a book gets under my skin and bugs the heck out of me. In this instance it is the over use of the word approves (or a variation of it like approval). But I won’t hold that against it (much). Wondering if the second in the series will have that word popping out at me too?
It was REALLY nice to read a LGBTQ SF novel, especially semi military SF. I liked the heroine and characters, good read.
Mild gripe: They throw her into combat REALLY fast after awakening her. Nor do we see any weapons training, and no offense but I feel VERY certain military gear will change a LOT over the time she was out.
I don’t normally read Sci-Fi but I love this author so I thought I would give it a go! Love the strong female leads, Red and Stella have a great energy. Try it! Can’t wait to read the next one!
Very fun read science fiction where not to like. The main character is warrior. Very strong female lead. Book kept NY interest from beginning to end. Thanks for another very enjoyable book.
It is getting harder and harder to find good new Sci fi books. This one hits the nail on the head. It has solid characters, a riveting story, and aliens with tentacles. What more could you want?
This was a pretty well written book. Excellent world building. The action sequences were particularly fun to read and i really enjoyed the diverse group of characters. Can't wait to read the next one.
A good start to an interesting series with engaging characters. The story got my attention from the first chapter and Abby Craden narrating the audiobook certainly a bonus.
Love love love this book! How do you find a place in the universe when everything you know is gone. Is a rolling ride for a character who is wonderfully real!!
I have enjoyed this amazing fun action pack adventure of strong woman Red that was forced into cryogenic and sleep for over a century then awoken to a new world.