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Clash: Spinward Fringe Broadcast 17
Jacob, Alice Valent and their oldest friends come face to face with the Order of Eden in a new way as a world of innocents comes under threat. The Spinward Fringe series is carried forward as a story about reunions, reinvention and rivalries unfold. The war with the Order of Eden heats up as allies begin to rally and a new battlefront opens.
The rallying cry that brought so many people to the fight is taken up Deploy. Dominate. Disappear.
The rallying cry that brought so many people to the fight is taken up Deploy. Dominate. Disappear.
- GenresScience Fiction
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2022
40 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Randolph Lalonde
45 books498 followersBorn in 1974, Randolph Lalonde has worked in customer service, sales, played drums for several heavy metal bands you've never heard of, dealt blackjack in a traveling casino, and serviced countless computers. He's also owned businesses in the design, printing, collectible and custom computer fields.
He completed writing his first novel in the fantasy adventure genre at the age of fifteen and has been writing ever since.
He self published his first novel;
Fate Cycle: Sins of the Past in 2004 and after taking a break has begun to release his work again starting with the First Light Chronicles series.
Randolph Lalonde has sold thousands of eBooks to date, enough to keep writing full-time for fifteen years so far. He is deeply grateful for his following of readers and strives to improve his skills to entertain them better. The Spinward Fringe Space Opera series has proven to be his most popular offering.
He currently resides in Sudbury Ontario and manages a chapter a day writing habit.
In his diminishing spare time he reads voraciously, tinkers with design, video editing and reviews the occasional film or television show. A science fiction and fantasy fan, he often comments on the state of the entertainment industry on his website, www.randolphlalonde.com.
He completed writing his first novel in the fantasy adventure genre at the age of fifteen and has been writing ever since.
He self published his first novel;
Fate Cycle: Sins of the Past in 2004 and after taking a break has begun to release his work again starting with the First Light Chronicles series.
Randolph Lalonde has sold thousands of eBooks to date, enough to keep writing full-time for fifteen years so far. He is deeply grateful for his following of readers and strives to improve his skills to entertain them better. The Spinward Fringe Space Opera series has proven to be his most popular offering.
He currently resides in Sudbury Ontario and manages a chapter a day writing habit.
In his diminishing spare time he reads voraciously, tinkers with design, video editing and reviews the occasional film or television show. A science fiction and fantasy fan, he often comments on the state of the entertainment industry on his website, www.randolphlalonde.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 12, 2023
I have been a big fan of this series for a long time, having read Broadcast 0 just over 10 years ago. That being said, this wasn't my favorite installment. Here's why (warning, possible spoiler alerts):
-Truthfully, I'm here for the Science Fiction, and so all the relationship building between Alice/Noah and Jacab/Ayan got kind of over the top for me. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of Noah and Alice together, I could have done with less romance. My suggestion would to be hint that it had taken place and summarize more than live it. I pushed through it, and perhaps this is what other readers come for, but it's not what originally drew me in.
-Please, please, please can we stop with the "current events justice" (I guess in this instance it's not social justice, but that's what comes to mind) soapboxing. The environmental browbeating that was given to the Tiy leadership was condescending (and the book admitted it) and insulting as a reader. No compassion for any race that eventually grows through that apparent phase of human development. No, just indignation for anyone destroying the environment trying to live (no, for it to not be harangued for a full chapter we need to use anti-matter planet busters instead...). Truthfully, it was quite tiresome and felt like a pointed commentary on current events (homelessness, poverty, environmental...). I read as an escape from dealing with that in the real world, pushing agendas is annoying here. (and really, can't Lorander just fix pollution yet? They can fix about everything else).
-AND of course, the biggest idiot, the fanatic who would kill us all is, you guessed it... the religious figure. This also is a trope I'm really tired of. The one religious person featured on Tiy is of course, closed minded to the point of not accepting ANY evidence, is intolerant and a tyrant who had to be drug from the scene screaming like a lunatic. Thank you holding up that worn out and offensive stereotype.
-This is a minor point and I'm actually not sure how I fall on it... Oner and Trey. Part of me thinks it's a cute homage to 'Of Mice and Men' and part thinks it's a bit too clean of a copy. Big, dumb lug with a protective and loving friend. In this instance the lug gets smart but still accidentally uses his size and strength to "kill" a frail woman. The similarity jumped out at me almost immediately and I watched for the parallels to unfold... they did. Like I said, I'm torn on whether to call it a fun literary call out, or if it was too obvious.
-One of the other draws that pulled me into the series are the incredible action sequences. Over and over again I recommend the first several books. "They're non-stop action." They were and they were great. My only complaint here is that the action was so limited. I've said this for several books and perhaps it's true this time, but I feel that we're getting things setup for some great action installments (hopefully several books rather than chapters), but I feel like I'm still waiting for the real action to start.
-On a positive note, (and I agree with the sentiment expressed in the afterward). The decision to NOT revive Scanlon was the right choice (and for the reasons outlined in the afterward). That was a surprise ending (for Scanlon), followed by very entertaining epilogue. I'm waiting to see what other havoc she has up her sleeve for after her death.
-On another positive note, and maybe somewhat contradictory to my all-out action point, I also love the technology ideas presented in the series. I think this book also touched upon some facets of exploring the Quad Drive technology that could be interesting as it unfolds and begins to be understood and utilized for Haven's purposes. Hopefully we'll see a little more of this in future installments. That's the other thing I say about this series, "The technology is soooo cool!"
-Ok, minor point. Really? Alice, Ok actually Lewis, got away with stealing top secret military equipment and nothing happened? Like really nothing (ok, big fine and a pat on the head)? This was a little too easy for her to get the upgraded Clever Dream. Just didn't love the way it was handled. (and maybe we should put signal repeaters in the other "Quad Drive dimension" so they can't take the easy way out of the meltdown command transmissions next time...)
Ok, I've typed enough. I feel like I've really blasted this book, it's a decent read, it's not on par (in my humble opinion), with some of the other books in the series. But I'll hang around a little longer and see where it all goes. I've aired my dirty laundry and have a lot of respect for the author's storytelling and vision (as well as his refreshingly aggressive release pace). I'd love to see a return to more of the type of content that brought me here, and will stick around, at least another volume or two, to see if it "materializes".
-Truthfully, I'm here for the Science Fiction, and so all the relationship building between Alice/Noah and Jacab/Ayan got kind of over the top for me. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of Noah and Alice together, I could have done with less romance. My suggestion would to be hint that it had taken place and summarize more than live it. I pushed through it, and perhaps this is what other readers come for, but it's not what originally drew me in.
-Please, please, please can we stop with the "current events justice" (I guess in this instance it's not social justice, but that's what comes to mind) soapboxing. The environmental browbeating that was given to the Tiy leadership was condescending (and the book admitted it) and insulting as a reader. No compassion for any race that eventually grows through that apparent phase of human development. No, just indignation for anyone destroying the environment trying to live (no, for it to not be harangued for a full chapter we need to use anti-matter planet busters instead...). Truthfully, it was quite tiresome and felt like a pointed commentary on current events (homelessness, poverty, environmental...). I read as an escape from dealing with that in the real world, pushing agendas is annoying here. (and really, can't Lorander just fix pollution yet? They can fix about everything else).
-AND of course, the biggest idiot, the fanatic who would kill us all is, you guessed it... the religious figure. This also is a trope I'm really tired of. The one religious person featured on Tiy is of course, closed minded to the point of not accepting ANY evidence, is intolerant and a tyrant who had to be drug from the scene screaming like a lunatic. Thank you holding up that worn out and offensive stereotype.
-This is a minor point and I'm actually not sure how I fall on it... Oner and Trey. Part of me thinks it's a cute homage to 'Of Mice and Men' and part thinks it's a bit too clean of a copy. Big, dumb lug with a protective and loving friend. In this instance the lug gets smart but still accidentally uses his size and strength to "kill" a frail woman. The similarity jumped out at me almost immediately and I watched for the parallels to unfold... they did. Like I said, I'm torn on whether to call it a fun literary call out, or if it was too obvious.
-One of the other draws that pulled me into the series are the incredible action sequences. Over and over again I recommend the first several books. "They're non-stop action." They were and they were great. My only complaint here is that the action was so limited. I've said this for several books and perhaps it's true this time, but I feel that we're getting things setup for some great action installments (hopefully several books rather than chapters), but I feel like I'm still waiting for the real action to start.
-On a positive note, (and I agree with the sentiment expressed in the afterward). The decision to NOT revive Scanlon was the right choice (and for the reasons outlined in the afterward). That was a surprise ending (for Scanlon), followed by very entertaining epilogue. I'm waiting to see what other havoc she has up her sleeve for after her death.
-On another positive note, and maybe somewhat contradictory to my all-out action point, I also love the technology ideas presented in the series. I think this book also touched upon some facets of exploring the Quad Drive technology that could be interesting as it unfolds and begins to be understood and utilized for Haven's purposes. Hopefully we'll see a little more of this in future installments. That's the other thing I say about this series, "The technology is soooo cool!"
-Ok, minor point. Really? Alice, Ok actually Lewis, got away with stealing top secret military equipment and nothing happened? Like really nothing (ok, big fine and a pat on the head)? This was a little too easy for her to get the upgraded Clever Dream. Just didn't love the way it was handled. (and maybe we should put signal repeaters in the other "Quad Drive dimension" so they can't take the easy way out of the meltdown command transmissions next time...)
Ok, I've typed enough. I feel like I've really blasted this book, it's a decent read, it's not on par (in my humble opinion), with some of the other books in the series. But I'll hang around a little longer and see where it all goes. I've aired my dirty laundry and have a lot of respect for the author's storytelling and vision (as well as his refreshingly aggressive release pace). I'd love to see a return to more of the type of content that brought me here, and will stick around, at least another volume or two, to see if it "materializes".
December 22, 2022
This is entirely based on personal taste. The series so far has been a fun read and I'm sure I'll re-read them someday.
That said.
The previous books started focusing on Alica/Noah, and I was worried we'd continue that, and this book did just that. I don't find either character that interesting, and their kinda adolescent romance on/off will they/won't they thing, is just annoying and not well written.
This might be my last stop on the Spinward Fringe train. I've enjoyed the ride and still recommend the series, but for me, I think I'm done.
That said.
The previous books started focusing on Alica/Noah, and I was worried we'd continue that, and this book did just that. I don't find either character that interesting, and their kinda adolescent romance on/off will they/won't they thing, is just annoying and not well written.
This might be my last stop on the Spinward Fringe train. I've enjoyed the ride and still recommend the series, but for me, I think I'm done.
February 13, 2023
Another successful Broadcast!
Each time a new Spinward Fringe broadcast is released, I subliminally think that this one couldn't possibly surpass the previous broadcast, and each time without exception I am proven wrong.
A key to the series' success lies in how the characters have grown individually, but more importantly, how they have grown as a functional unit. It is attributable to Randolph Lalonde's style, in which he demonstrates complete control over a universe containing scores of worlds, and their inhabitants, whose growth path is marked by successes and victories, often spectacular. However, they have their share of setbacks and defeats along that path, some focused on a specific individual, others on the group as a whole. How they react to these triumphs or defeats inevitably reinforces the fact that they are mortal beings (mostly!); their tools and technology may border on the fantastic, but they are not Gods.
All in all, "Broadcast 17 - Clash" is a great read, which leaves me with a feeling that I have come to expect after the conclusion of each preceding volume: eager for MORE!!
Each time a new Spinward Fringe broadcast is released, I subliminally think that this one couldn't possibly surpass the previous broadcast, and each time without exception I am proven wrong.
A key to the series' success lies in how the characters have grown individually, but more importantly, how they have grown as a functional unit. It is attributable to Randolph Lalonde's style, in which he demonstrates complete control over a universe containing scores of worlds, and their inhabitants, whose growth path is marked by successes and victories, often spectacular. However, they have their share of setbacks and defeats along that path, some focused on a specific individual, others on the group as a whole. How they react to these triumphs or defeats inevitably reinforces the fact that they are mortal beings (mostly!); their tools and technology may border on the fantastic, but they are not Gods.
All in all, "Broadcast 17 - Clash" is a great read, which leaves me with a feeling that I have come to expect after the conclusion of each preceding volume: eager for MORE!!
January 9, 2024
More fun and excitement
As with much of this series, there are twists and turns aplenty with a surprising finish. For those who've made it this far into the series, you won't be disappointed.
If, on the other hand, you are seeing this and wondering if you can jump in here, oddly this book might not be the worst place to jump into the middle of the story. Sure, you won't understand all the back stories immediately. In this story, our crew friends are moving on in a new direction from recent books. Hunter's, broadcast 16, ended the standard military careers of many of our heroes. While they are continuing their overall fight against the worst of humanity and anti-human aliens, they are doing so now as privateers for their alliance.
This change in direction makes this book a nice entry point for a new reader while providing plenty of incentive to go back later to read the rest of the series. Be warned, if you enjoy fun, action, plot twists, science fiction done realistically, you'll probably love this series. Meaning you will want to go back to the beginning. It's absolutely worth the time and effort.
Enjoy
As with much of this series, there are twists and turns aplenty with a surprising finish. For those who've made it this far into the series, you won't be disappointed.
If, on the other hand, you are seeing this and wondering if you can jump in here, oddly this book might not be the worst place to jump into the middle of the story. Sure, you won't understand all the back stories immediately. In this story, our crew friends are moving on in a new direction from recent books. Hunter's, broadcast 16, ended the standard military careers of many of our heroes. While they are continuing their overall fight against the worst of humanity and anti-human aliens, they are doing so now as privateers for their alliance.
This change in direction makes this book a nice entry point for a new reader while providing plenty of incentive to go back later to read the rest of the series. Be warned, if you enjoy fun, action, plot twists, science fiction done realistically, you'll probably love this series. Meaning you will want to go back to the beginning. It's absolutely worth the time and effort.
Enjoy
December 14, 2022
Oh Great Universe it was wonderful!
You'd think this being the 25th book set in this part of the Universe and the 17th book following the one crew that there wouldn't be anymore surprises, but you couldn't be more wrong! Randolph Lalonde"s style of writing, and master story telling, allows you to slip straight into a story from the first page, whether it is in a completely new genre or the next book from where he left the last book in the Spinward Finge series. Broadcast 17, Clash, is a wonderful, nail biting, edge of your seat, cheer out loud, book to read. Oh, and by the way, dreams do come true from the very start of this book. Enjoy!
You'd think this being the 25th book set in this part of the Universe and the 17th book following the one crew that there wouldn't be anymore surprises, but you couldn't be more wrong! Randolph Lalonde"s style of writing, and master story telling, allows you to slip straight into a story from the first page, whether it is in a completely new genre or the next book from where he left the last book in the Spinward Finge series. Broadcast 17, Clash, is a wonderful, nail biting, edge of your seat, cheer out loud, book to read. Oh, and by the way, dreams do come true from the very start of this book. Enjoy!
January 22, 2023
Revenge is a dish best served cold.
I have been reading this series since the beginning and has never let me down. Every character is true to itself and the story line is still heading in a good direction. The imagination it takes to continue and create great series novels is beyond me, but thank goodness I have Randolph Lalonde to do it for me. Keep writing Randolph and I will keep reading.
I have been reading this series since the beginning and has never let me down. Every character is true to itself and the story line is still heading in a good direction. The imagination it takes to continue and create great series novels is beyond me, but thank goodness I have Randolph Lalonde to do it for me. Keep writing Randolph and I will keep reading.
December 21, 2022
15 years I've been reading this storyline!
It just keeps getting better and better! The character development is outstanding, and the plot keeps moving on, enticing me at every twist to just keep turning the page! The good guys are moral yet fallible, as most of us try to be... and the bad guys are complex, political, and evil, trying to impose their system of corporate, commercial authoritarianism on the rest of the galaxy through lies and indoctrination into a life of involuntary servitude.
I love this series... I eagerly await two chapters a week in serial format, via Patreon... it reminds me of early television when I looked forward to the next Saturday morning episode! Then I reread the finished book, which puts everything in context! Spinward Fringe speaks to me about hope and goodness persevering over evil. It is one of the best SF series I've ever read! And I've been reading SciFi since the early 60's, guess that dates me a bit!
It just keeps getting better and better! The character development is outstanding, and the plot keeps moving on, enticing me at every twist to just keep turning the page! The good guys are moral yet fallible, as most of us try to be... and the bad guys are complex, political, and evil, trying to impose their system of corporate, commercial authoritarianism on the rest of the galaxy through lies and indoctrination into a life of involuntary servitude.
I love this series... I eagerly await two chapters a week in serial format, via Patreon... it reminds me of early television when I looked forward to the next Saturday morning episode! Then I reread the finished book, which puts everything in context! Spinward Fringe speaks to me about hope and goodness persevering over evil. It is one of the best SF series I've ever read! And I've been reading SciFi since the early 60's, guess that dates me a bit!
January 9, 2023
Another solid story
My no spoilers review
More pieces of the puzzle are moved and past professions are renewed. This seems like a bridge to a whole host of new action, with some action itself. Knowing Lalonde's writing there are probably some surprises as well. Well paced book and a great read for someone who has followed the whole series.
My no spoilers review
More pieces of the puzzle are moved and past professions are renewed. This seems like a bridge to a whole host of new action, with some action itself. Knowing Lalonde's writing there are probably some surprises as well. Well paced book and a great read for someone who has followed the whole series.
February 4, 2023
I love this series!
I have so many books to read. Every time a new Spinward Fringe book comes out, I buy it, stop anything else I'm reading and read it. Since I'm a fast reader and if left alone, I can finish a book in two days. I can't wait for the next installment, Samurai Squadron!
I have so many books to read. Every time a new Spinward Fringe book comes out, I buy it, stop anything else I'm reading and read it. Since I'm a fast reader and if left alone, I can finish a book in two days. I can't wait for the next installment, Samurai Squadron!
December 14, 2022
movement
It’s nice to see where folks are moving toward. Now for the impatient wait for broadcast 18. It’s a terrible cycle. Months or years of waiting and then a day of reading and happiness. Lol
It’s nice to see where folks are moving toward. Now for the impatient wait for broadcast 18. It’s a terrible cycle. Months or years of waiting and then a day of reading and happiness. Lol
Read
January 29, 2023Readable
This one was good, took the series a little further along, but was maybe too bite sized. We need a peek at the whole story line, and not just a list of who died off this week. Or lay out a trilogy with enough meet to grab my interest. Thank Mr. Lalonde.
This one was good, took the series a little further along, but was maybe too bite sized. We need a peek at the whole story line, and not just a list of who died off this week. Or lay out a trilogy with enough meet to grab my interest. Thank Mr. Lalonde.
January 1, 2025
Go get them Jake
Make and Alice are going back to doing the job where it all started. Getting a upgraded Titon back together again with the right crew is going to cause the enemy nothing but trouble.
Make and Alice are going back to doing the job where it all started. Getting a upgraded Titon back together again with the right crew is going to cause the enemy nothing but trouble.
December 21, 2022
Once again
Captain you give it all to us !!!!! Yet another non stop adrenaline rush.. Good hunting. Can't wait for the next book!
Captain you give it all to us !!!!! Yet another non stop adrenaline rush.. Good hunting. Can't wait for the next book!
December 27, 2022
The series only gets better.
I have read the entire series to date and can not wait for the next book. One of the most exciting and spellbinding series I have ever read.
I have read the entire series to date and can not wait for the next book. One of the most exciting and spellbinding series I have ever read.
February 20, 2023
Another great instalment
Great pace and new thread woven into the spin ward tapestry. Looking forward to the next instalment. Soon I hope!
Great pace and new thread woven into the spin ward tapestry. Looking forward to the next instalment. Soon I hope!
March 9, 2023
not as good
This addition to the series disappointed me. If the series is over, then finish it. Don’t try to drag it out.
This addition to the series disappointed me. If the series is over, then finish it. Don’t try to drag it out.
March 27, 2023
the gang is back!
Great book, the gang is all coming back together with a few new friends. Can’t wait for the next book!
Great book, the gang is all coming back together with a few new friends. Can’t wait for the next book!
February 16, 2024
It was a joy to read Spinward Fringe again after so much time spent away from the franchise. It was like a breath of fresh air. This installment was really great, showing the story progress.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews