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Embark #1
Embark:
Get the girl, kill the bad guys, save the future.
For Taft Gaurdia, if only it were that easy. Taft picked the right day to upgrade his beloved ship when fellow pilot Kaytha Morrow arrived, needing his help investigating a cryptic message from her late aerospace engineer father. After he agrees to help, they embark on their quest, unaware that an industrial accident inside a DeCorp military and civilian spacecraft factory has set off a catastrophic chain of events. As the ruthless leader of DeCorp attempts to exploit the disaster and gain control, Taft and Kaytha discover what may be the only hope of saving Earth’s evacuees. With everything that he holds dear at risk, can Taft stop the forces of DeCorp before it’s too late? Don’t miss the fast-paced and action-packed epic sci-fi adventure series. Buy EMBARK today! The EMBARK
Book 1: EMBARK
Book 2: Treasure in Darkness
Book 3: The Vanishing War *2021 TaleFlick Discovery Sci-fi award winner.
Book 4: Gahan Corbijn and the Asteroid of Misfortune
Book 5: The Rocket Queen
Book 6: Fear the Dangerous Night
Book 7: Battle Planet
For Taft Gaurdia, if only it were that easy. Taft picked the right day to upgrade his beloved ship when fellow pilot Kaytha Morrow arrived, needing his help investigating a cryptic message from her late aerospace engineer father. After he agrees to help, they embark on their quest, unaware that an industrial accident inside a DeCorp military and civilian spacecraft factory has set off a catastrophic chain of events. As the ruthless leader of DeCorp attempts to exploit the disaster and gain control, Taft and Kaytha discover what may be the only hope of saving Earth’s evacuees. With everything that he holds dear at risk, can Taft stop the forces of DeCorp before it’s too late? Don’t miss the fast-paced and action-packed epic sci-fi adventure series. Buy EMBARK today! The EMBARK
Book 1: EMBARK
Book 2: Treasure in Darkness
Book 3: The Vanishing War *2021 TaleFlick Discovery Sci-fi award winner.
Book 4: Gahan Corbijn and the Asteroid of Misfortune
Book 5: The Rocket Queen
Book 6: Fear the Dangerous Night
Book 7: Battle Planet
- GenresScience FictionFiction
419 pages, Hardcover
Published September 23, 2021
266 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 6, 2019
Science Fiction/Space Opera. I liked this story because I didn't get mired down in impossible to understand technology! An easy to read (debut novel I believe) with likeable characters and an unmuddled main plot and a romantic subplot (which for me, was possibly introduced a bit too early on in a book that is the first in a series). Of particular note was good development of the storyline; the author kept things moving from the outset and by the conclusion all parts, people, plot, technology had grown since their introduction. The sign of good storytelling. I'm interested to see how the story arc develops in the next instalment.
Get Embark and be entertained. Recommended.
Get Embark and be entertained. Recommended.
June 28, 2019
Oddly bad
I stopped reading before the 50% mark. The writing is substandard but the use of "crafts" to refer to multiple spaceships broke me after the sixtieth use. It had to feel wrong and a quick internet lookup would have at least eliminated one big poke to the reader's eyes. That still leaves "interstellar" being used a number of times to describe intrasystem trips. There were so many ways to sidestep "interstellar", if intrasystem was unfamiliar and he had to realize interstellar was the wrong adjective. With all the talk of going to the stars, I kept thinking with each use, that this must be the page that takes the story to the stars (they didn't).
So there are editing issues. The Scooby crew are The Mouseketeers, now grown-up (not even Failure to Launch) and just like the 1960's movies live endless summers. They have no work, they are not students, they play at their hobby which is rebuilding, improving the armaments of and repainting their personal spacecraft. The parents all work at far away sites, while supporting their "adult children" (writer's label). I think this is the global norm of parenting in the book.
The villain changes into a military outfit that would work on a Goth Elvis, which would have been much more amusing if it wasn't a scene that was surrounded by poor writing. Then there are henchmen (I don't recall any henchwomen), who obediently carry out all orders. The Galactic Council or some such is a grandiose title for a governing body of a species that hasn't yet left the solar system (they spend their time deciding how to divide the galaxy into spheres of influence??). What and how the council governs is a blank.
The tech is funny and I actually would like it, if there was a little more consistency, logic and detail. The background could almost be fun but again, there isn't enough logic, consistency or detail. It's sad that there is almost the beginnings of a story here but it got kidnapped (I think).
I stopped reading before the 50% mark. The writing is substandard but the use of "crafts" to refer to multiple spaceships broke me after the sixtieth use. It had to feel wrong and a quick internet lookup would have at least eliminated one big poke to the reader's eyes. That still leaves "interstellar" being used a number of times to describe intrasystem trips. There were so many ways to sidestep "interstellar", if intrasystem was unfamiliar and he had to realize interstellar was the wrong adjective. With all the talk of going to the stars, I kept thinking with each use, that this must be the page that takes the story to the stars (they didn't).
So there are editing issues. The Scooby crew are The Mouseketeers, now grown-up (not even Failure to Launch) and just like the 1960's movies live endless summers. They have no work, they are not students, they play at their hobby which is rebuilding, improving the armaments of and repainting their personal spacecraft. The parents all work at far away sites, while supporting their "adult children" (writer's label). I think this is the global norm of parenting in the book.
The villain changes into a military outfit that would work on a Goth Elvis, which would have been much more amusing if it wasn't a scene that was surrounded by poor writing. Then there are henchmen (I don't recall any henchwomen), who obediently carry out all orders. The Galactic Council or some such is a grandiose title for a governing body of a species that hasn't yet left the solar system (they spend their time deciding how to divide the galaxy into spheres of influence??). What and how the council governs is a blank.
The tech is funny and I actually would like it, if there was a little more consistency, logic and detail. The background could almost be fun but again, there isn't enough logic, consistency or detail. It's sad that there is almost the beginnings of a story here but it got kidnapped (I think).
December 6, 2019
Where to start
Wow umm, ok the obvious editing and sentence structure mistakes throughout. Beyond bad science as our group of young people set out to expose and stop the evil industrialist.
Teenagers who own custom vehicles (you are told this about every third sentence) loaded down with military grade weapons. All of the main characters are awesome pilots and consummate computer hackers. Their own air field loaded with every supply imaginable. Bad guys who are bumbling idiots and plot twists that leave you shaking your head such as four pilots being able to destroy the moon.
It goes on and gets worse, near light speed jumps with vehicles without the power. Massive pressure waves in space, metal hanging in the atmosphere as if gravity forgot how to work. Billions killed with a shrug of the shoulders, ok you get the picture.
If you make it though this it has a few good characters, some good ideas and the obvious set up for the next addition. Not sure the good outweighs the bad but I have read worse.
Wow umm, ok the obvious editing and sentence structure mistakes throughout. Beyond bad science as our group of young people set out to expose and stop the evil industrialist.
Teenagers who own custom vehicles (you are told this about every third sentence) loaded down with military grade weapons. All of the main characters are awesome pilots and consummate computer hackers. Their own air field loaded with every supply imaginable. Bad guys who are bumbling idiots and plot twists that leave you shaking your head such as four pilots being able to destroy the moon.
It goes on and gets worse, near light speed jumps with vehicles without the power. Massive pressure waves in space, metal hanging in the atmosphere as if gravity forgot how to work. Billions killed with a shrug of the shoulders, ok you get the picture.
If you make it though this it has a few good characters, some good ideas and the obvious set up for the next addition. Not sure the good outweighs the bad but I have read worse.
November 20, 2018
Decent story
Once you get past the fact that teenagers have ready access to military gradev weapons like missiles, it's a pretty good story.
Once you get past the fact that teenagers have ready access to military gradev weapons like missiles, it's a pretty good story.
December 12, 2018
Fun Read Even for Non Sci-Fi Fans
While not my genre of choice, the space opera Embark, was a fun read. While a mad man destroys Earth, a band of friends plot to stop him with little more than their T Crafts and resolve.....oh, and a handy device which can change warfare forever. A sweet love story plays against the rising mayhem, giving one more reason to cheer for the good guys. The science of Atmodomes and space crafts is well thought out and believable. I'd like to see a little more fleshing out of the characters in the sequel....giving explanation to their good-hearted morality or evil villainy. Well done for a debut novel.
While not my genre of choice, the space opera Embark, was a fun read. While a mad man destroys Earth, a band of friends plot to stop him with little more than their T Crafts and resolve.....oh, and a handy device which can change warfare forever. A sweet love story plays against the rising mayhem, giving one more reason to cheer for the good guys. The science of Atmodomes and space crafts is well thought out and believable. I'd like to see a little more fleshing out of the characters in the sequel....giving explanation to their good-hearted morality or evil villainy. Well done for a debut novel.
August 25, 2019
A JJ. SYFY. Action Adventure (E-B1)
JJ. has Penned A SYFY. Action Adventure About one company that becomes two that continue building the same product. A flying craft capable of flying inside and outside Earth's atmosphere with relative ease. When the first of these craft were sold it began the ending of the automobiles. The ventures into space became more and more complicated as the two companies attempted new ways to be the best. This is an above average read for the genre.....DEHS
JJ. has Penned A SYFY. Action Adventure About one company that becomes two that continue building the same product. A flying craft capable of flying inside and outside Earth's atmosphere with relative ease. When the first of these craft were sold it began the ending of the automobiles. The ventures into space became more and more complicated as the two companies attempted new ways to be the best. This is an above average read for the genre.....DEHS
October 22, 2020
Basic physics
The author would do well to review basic physics - behavior of gases, acceleration, orbital mechanics et al. An interesting storyline is hidden by obvious physical impossibilities such as air bubbles on Mars and the moon,extremely energetic rocket fuel capable of destroying the moon, and people willing to go along with a nut case in the complete destruction of the world.
The author would do well to review basic physics - behavior of gases, acceleration, orbital mechanics et al. An interesting storyline is hidden by obvious physical impossibilities such as air bubbles on Mars and the moon,extremely energetic rocket fuel capable of destroying the moon, and people willing to go along with a nut case in the complete destruction of the world.
December 26, 2018
An enjoyable sci-fi read
Even if you're not a regular sci-fi reader I definitely recommend Embark. It takes a few chapters to really get going (something I find common in this genre) but the story is interesting and I really want to know what happens next. Looking forward to the next installment.
Even if you're not a regular sci-fi reader I definitely recommend Embark. It takes a few chapters to really get going (something I find common in this genre) but the story is interesting and I really want to know what happens next. Looking forward to the next installment.
November 4, 2019
Kaytha returned to her pilot’s chair.
father’s voice, a voice she hadn’t heard since the message that started the chain of events that changed everyone’s future, played over the sound of the ship’s thrusters coming to life in the background. Kaytha pulled her seat belts tight one last time as her T-Craft launched at top speed towards Taft and the future.
father’s voice, a voice she hadn’t heard since the message that started the chain of events that changed everyone’s future, played over the sound of the ship’s thrusters coming to life in the background. Kaytha pulled her seat belts tight one last time as her T-Craft launched at top speed towards Taft and the future.
May 21, 2021
Super space adventure.
A space opera adventure that will take your breath away. This fast-paced, action packed novel is impossible to put down. I really like the author's writing style, developing a storyline that is easy to get into. The characters were great and also easy to identify with. I really liked this book and I highly recommend it.
A space opera adventure that will take your breath away. This fast-paced, action packed novel is impossible to put down. I really like the author's writing style, developing a storyline that is easy to get into. The characters were great and also easy to identify with. I really liked this book and I highly recommend it.
October 24, 2019
I stopped reading because I wasn't able to get into the story. I also failed to connect with the characters. There is way-way-WAY too much narrative exposition. It's a common error found in an authors first book, so I get it, but I just couldn't keep going.
November 29, 2019
Goodbye to Earth
This was a fun read, kept my attention and moved right along. T-craft kept hitting my brain like quasi X-wings. And like them I can’t figure out where the O2 comes from in space. I am really looking forward to reading the next installment.
This was a fun read, kept my attention and moved right along. T-craft kept hitting my brain like quasi X-wings. And like them I can’t figure out where the O2 comes from in space. I am really looking forward to reading the next installment.
May 20, 2021
Space Opera series!!
Pretty exciting plot by Jon Justice. His characters are well thought out! If you like Star Wars or Battle Ship Galactica, you will really enjoy this series. A Good Read. Santa Mike
Pretty exciting plot by Jon Justice. His characters are well thought out! If you like Star Wars or Battle Ship Galactica, you will really enjoy this series. A Good Read. Santa Mike
September 6, 2021
Enjoyable book
An apocalyptic story with a young naive couple and their friends opposing an narcissistic, paranoid, murderous and corrupt corporate villain who seeks control of mankind. Good character development and great space warfare. Should make a good series.
An apocalyptic story with a young naive couple and their friends opposing an narcissistic, paranoid, murderous and corrupt corporate villain who seeks control of mankind. Good character development and great space warfare. Should make a good series.
September 17, 2019
Enjoyed
The book, the bad guys are really bad. The good guys are young and willing to fight. That's all you get from me. Don't want to be a spoiler.
The book, the bad guys are really bad. The good guys are young and willing to fight. That's all you get from me. Don't want to be a spoiler.
November 15, 2019
What more
Crazy good story. A little dryly told but good. Really nasty bad guy. Great friends saving a world from him.
Crazy good story. A little dryly told but good. Really nasty bad guy. Great friends saving a world from him.
November 21, 2019
Good start to what should be a good series
Really liked this book! Looking forward to continuing the series to follow Kay and Taft on their journey to the stars.
Really liked this book! Looking forward to continuing the series to follow Kay and Taft on their journey to the stars.
December 11, 2020
LOVED IT!!
Loved it!!! I would say more but I'm dying to start on the second book!!! See you after book two!!!!
Loved it!!! I would say more but I'm dying to start on the second book!!! See you after book two!!!!
January 2, 2022
Definitely setting up the story for the rest of the series, I'm excited to see what happens from here.
June 19, 2023
It felt like it could have been lot shorter than it was and it just felt slow and boring
May 21, 2025
Cool
This is a good one. Take your time with it because there is a lot of description and technical stuff to remember. Its like taking the SAT's all over again. It's fun.
This is a good one. Take your time with it because there is a lot of description and technical stuff to remember. Its like taking the SAT's all over again. It's fun.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews