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Slip Runner #4
Bad Omens
With new systems come new problems.
Now that August Walton is dead and new information has come to light, Cole Riker and his team of misfits are finally back on the cosmic highway to another unknown location.
This time they might actually have a shot at completing the mission and getting back home in one piece. Victory isn’t all it seems, however.
Finding a graveyard of ships belonging to Gray's people is just the first sign that things are about to go downhill. What Cole discovers inside is more bad news. Dead Anypsians, locked down systems—and the fun doesn't end there.
A new threat looms on the horizon.
With the Sol System several galaxies away, Cole knows it's not really his problem. Humanity is safe for now and he has a mission to complete. The last thing he needs is to get involved in another dispute that has nothing to do with him.
But sometimes doing nothing is worse than doing the wrong thing.
Warning: This book contains action, cussing, and general badassery. Read at your own risk.
Now that August Walton is dead and new information has come to light, Cole Riker and his team of misfits are finally back on the cosmic highway to another unknown location.
This time they might actually have a shot at completing the mission and getting back home in one piece. Victory isn’t all it seems, however.
Finding a graveyard of ships belonging to Gray's people is just the first sign that things are about to go downhill. What Cole discovers inside is more bad news. Dead Anypsians, locked down systems—and the fun doesn't end there.
A new threat looms on the horizon.
With the Sol System several galaxies away, Cole knows it's not really his problem. Humanity is safe for now and he has a mission to complete. The last thing he needs is to get involved in another dispute that has nothing to do with him.
But sometimes doing nothing is worse than doing the wrong thing.
Warning: This book contains action, cussing, and general badassery. Read at your own risk.
- GenresScience Fiction
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2023
545 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Chaney
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 29, 2024
Well, this series has gotten much better. I think the interaction between the crew members of *Star Treader* tucked inside the *Roswell* has developed far enough that they seem to be getting along more agreeable. Of course the Anypsian, Gray, always got along with everyone so he wasn’t anywhere near the problem as the rest of the crew. Still, Cole Riker, Captain Riker, has managed to solidify his crew which allowed them to escape their last dreadful predicament. They are still on a mission to find Gray’s homeworld and reunite him with his people.
They were currently traveling through a “warp tunnel” in the direction of Gray’s homeworld or at least they thought they were. Once out of the tunnel they begin to scan their surroundings to make sure there aren’t any hostile around which has been the case on some of these tunnel trips. Fortunately, there’s nothing initially found. But, they have to travel a bit in open space in order to connect with the next tunnel. Not to far a long in that trip they do have some sensor contacts. It appears to be a group of ships, all of which look like Gray’s ship! This is very startling. They didn’t expect to come across any of Gray’s people this far from their homeworld.
Further inspection of this group of ships finds them interestingly silent. Gray takes the lead in contacting these ships since he knows the language and protocols, but he reports that for some unknown reason, he’s not getting any replies back nor does he see any activity at all from these ships. As they approach closer, it does appear that these ships are just dead in space. Cole’s crew can’t detect any emissions from any of the ships except for one very, very faint emergency broadcast from one of the ships. So, they prepare to board the ship they think is the source of the broadcast with Gray and Cole initially going.
After some searching, Gray and Cole find a single Anypsian lying in what seems to be a medical pod. Gray asks the Anypsian what has happened to these ships, but the Anypsian starts asking strange questions. Suddenly, he yells out they must leave and go to the Library! With that effort, the Anypsian appears to die and a slug-like thing comes crawling out of his nose to flop on the floor. That’s all it takes for Cole to tell Gray to phase them out of there and back to the *Treader*. Once back aboard, they discuss what they saw with the rest of the crew. They also mention that the now dead Anypsian said something about the soldiers on the ship not being very good hosts.
After again scanning the Anypsian ships they no long find any kind of signal. They believe that whatever came out of the last Anypsian has died with Selina speculating that it must have been some kind of parasite living in the Anypsian and once it left that body and no others were available, it also died. She wants to go back aboard that ship and collect samples of the dead entity to find out just what it was. Gray also needs to know more about what happened to these ships and if they have any computer data that can identify a way to his home world.
Meanwhile Riker is wondering what the Anypsian meant by saying, “Go to the library.” He had some data they had acquired from their last deadly episode and noticed that they had mentioned something about passing a library on their trip. They also said the library wasn’t open to visitors, but there must be some way of using it or what was its purpose. So, without any other direction to follow, they set off for the Library.
Here is where they run into a sentient artificial intelligence that acts like a teenage kid. Here they meet Sunny and he’s going to set them off on a very dangerous mission not once, but twice. He’s also not a truthful about his activities as he should be and that could get Cole Riker and his crew killed very easily. They do come across some more of Gray’s people, but Gray has finally told Riker that the reason he was found where he was, was because he was a criminal and that place was where he was serving his sentence! So, now they don’t know how Gray’s people will react to them bringing him back. Will they just throw him in their prison and do the same for the crew of the *Star Treader*? Anythings possible.
This is a very interesting story and we learn more about the Anypsians than we have before. We also learn of other aliens that are not so friendly and one that is downright dangerous. Their mission to reunite Gray with his people is still not over. There’s a long way yet to go. More will follow in book 5, “Deracine Sun” now available on Amazon.
They were currently traveling through a “warp tunnel” in the direction of Gray’s homeworld or at least they thought they were. Once out of the tunnel they begin to scan their surroundings to make sure there aren’t any hostile around which has been the case on some of these tunnel trips. Fortunately, there’s nothing initially found. But, they have to travel a bit in open space in order to connect with the next tunnel. Not to far a long in that trip they do have some sensor contacts. It appears to be a group of ships, all of which look like Gray’s ship! This is very startling. They didn’t expect to come across any of Gray’s people this far from their homeworld.
Further inspection of this group of ships finds them interestingly silent. Gray takes the lead in contacting these ships since he knows the language and protocols, but he reports that for some unknown reason, he’s not getting any replies back nor does he see any activity at all from these ships. As they approach closer, it does appear that these ships are just dead in space. Cole’s crew can’t detect any emissions from any of the ships except for one very, very faint emergency broadcast from one of the ships. So, they prepare to board the ship they think is the source of the broadcast with Gray and Cole initially going.
After some searching, Gray and Cole find a single Anypsian lying in what seems to be a medical pod. Gray asks the Anypsian what has happened to these ships, but the Anypsian starts asking strange questions. Suddenly, he yells out they must leave and go to the Library! With that effort, the Anypsian appears to die and a slug-like thing comes crawling out of his nose to flop on the floor. That’s all it takes for Cole to tell Gray to phase them out of there and back to the *Treader*. Once back aboard, they discuss what they saw with the rest of the crew. They also mention that the now dead Anypsian said something about the soldiers on the ship not being very good hosts.
After again scanning the Anypsian ships they no long find any kind of signal. They believe that whatever came out of the last Anypsian has died with Selina speculating that it must have been some kind of parasite living in the Anypsian and once it left that body and no others were available, it also died. She wants to go back aboard that ship and collect samples of the dead entity to find out just what it was. Gray also needs to know more about what happened to these ships and if they have any computer data that can identify a way to his home world.
Meanwhile Riker is wondering what the Anypsian meant by saying, “Go to the library.” He had some data they had acquired from their last deadly episode and noticed that they had mentioned something about passing a library on their trip. They also said the library wasn’t open to visitors, but there must be some way of using it or what was its purpose. So, without any other direction to follow, they set off for the Library.
Here is where they run into a sentient artificial intelligence that acts like a teenage kid. Here they meet Sunny and he’s going to set them off on a very dangerous mission not once, but twice. He’s also not a truthful about his activities as he should be and that could get Cole Riker and his crew killed very easily. They do come across some more of Gray’s people, but Gray has finally told Riker that the reason he was found where he was, was because he was a criminal and that place was where he was serving his sentence! So, now they don’t know how Gray’s people will react to them bringing him back. Will they just throw him in their prison and do the same for the crew of the *Star Treader*? Anythings possible.
This is a very interesting story and we learn more about the Anypsians than we have before. We also learn of other aliens that are not so friendly and one that is downright dangerous. Their mission to reunite Gray with his people is still not over. There’s a long way yet to go. More will follow in book 5, “Deracine Sun” now available on Amazon.
January 27, 2023
A Bit of a Disappointment
This fourth installment was going well up to the addition of the Elders universe. At the point the storyline “jumped the shark” and there was nothing in that segment which I felt added to the overall story, plus the actual content was vacuous and indeterminate. I nearly quit at but instead just went to bed. I finished the book the next day and the ending is OK, but of course another installment (or several) will be required. I’m unsure if I will continue when the next book is released.
This fourth installment was going well up to the addition of the Elders universe. At the point the storyline “jumped the shark” and there was nothing in that segment which I felt added to the overall story, plus the actual content was vacuous and indeterminate. I nearly quit at but instead just went to bed. I finished the book the next day and the ending is OK, but of course another installment (or several) will be required. I’m unsure if I will continue when the next book is released.
January 28, 2023
Actually an interesting twist
So nothing like the previous books, rather than just a story about the team, this one is far greater ranging and by the end has galactic/universe wide implications
The ending obviously leads to a logical next step and tbh, one I am very much looking forward to
So nothing like the previous books, rather than just a story about the team, this one is far greater ranging and by the end has galactic/universe wide implications
The ending obviously leads to a logical next step and tbh, one I am very much looking forward to
January 28, 2023
The journey continues
As usual Riker and his crew are embroiled in another space enthralling journey, this time with the newest lively character, Sunny. The only thing stopping me from giving 5 stars is the over gratuitous use of cuss words. Doesn’t seem necessary and at times, reduces the dialog to juvenile level.
As usual Riker and his crew are embroiled in another space enthralling journey, this time with the newest lively character, Sunny. The only thing stopping me from giving 5 stars is the over gratuitous use of cuss words. Doesn’t seem necessary and at times, reduces the dialog to juvenile level.
February 10, 2023
What a series!!!
When it comes to this series, it's like riding the biggest and newest rollercoaster; when you think you know exactly where the storyline is going it quickly shifts directions or totally loops to a new place! The good news is that there's more to the story yet to be written. I'll be impatiently waiting!!!
When it comes to this series, it's like riding the biggest and newest rollercoaster; when you think you know exactly where the storyline is going it quickly shifts directions or totally loops to a new place! The good news is that there's more to the story yet to be written. I'll be impatiently waiting!!!
February 5, 2023
Wow....wow..wow!!!
What a great book!! The story dragged me in and kept me hooked. It was funny, lots of action, and a real pleasure to read. The 5000 year old teenager cracked me up!!
Can't wait to read the next book!
What a great book!! The story dragged me in and kept me hooked. It was funny, lots of action, and a real pleasure to read. The 5000 year old teenager cracked me up!!
Can't wait to read the next book!
March 5, 2023
We're finally getting somewhere
The book starts off slow and has too many plot twists and turns, not to mention intervention by godlike beings, but it picks up at about the 75% mark. It looks like things are starting to come together.
The book starts off slow and has too many plot twists and turns, not to mention intervention by godlike beings, but it picks up at about the 75% mark. It looks like things are starting to come together.
May 1, 2023
Great story
What a great story, plenty of humour, sticky situations & AIs. Riker & his crew come across a threat that could impact all life in the universe. With a real omg, I didn't see that coming ending.
I love this series & can't wait to read the next book.
What a great story, plenty of humour, sticky situations & AIs. Riker & his crew come across a threat that could impact all life in the universe. With a real omg, I didn't see that coming ending.
I love this series & can't wait to read the next book.
May 11, 2023
nail biting, sci-fi escapism.
As an older reader it is exceptional to come across an author that offers escapism to the reading majority. The stories are bite sized but with addictive storylines. A truly entertaining series. Many thanks.
As an older reader it is exceptional to come across an author that offers escapism to the reading majority. The stories are bite sized but with addictive storylines. A truly entertaining series. Many thanks.
July 31, 2023
Well, then
I was not expecting the Renegade Universe to go into the realm of galactic/celestial beings capable of creating and destroying stars, planets, and warp space time on a whim.
Top that, not liking the new character Sunny, its a bit too mush "drama queen" for my likes.
I was not expecting the Renegade Universe to go into the realm of galactic/celestial beings capable of creating and destroying stars, planets, and warp space time on a whim.
Top that, not liking the new character Sunny, its a bit too mush "drama queen" for my likes.
October 13, 2023
Wow
Really fun series, and a lot of twists that keep you guessing. While there are way too make cliche tropes, they are easy to look past. Definitely recommend this and I look forward to the next in the series.
Really fun series, and a lot of twists that keep you guessing. While there are way too make cliche tropes, they are easy to look past. Definitely recommend this and I look forward to the next in the series.
August 18, 2024
excellent story about badass aliens
This book was very good. This imagined world is amazing. Good storyline. Can’t wait for the next tale. This author has an unbelievable knack of creating a new world.
This book was very good. This imagined world is amazing. Good storyline. Can’t wait for the next tale. This author has an unbelievable knack of creating a new world.
January 27, 2023
Another Fun read
Pretty good book it's getting exciting It's got good humor lots of violence science fiction Attributes everywhere Highly recommended read
Pretty good book it's getting exciting It's got good humor lots of violence science fiction Attributes everywhere Highly recommended read
February 2, 2023
Great Read
Wow! I didn’t see that coming! Talk about riveting storytelling! What a rush reading this book! Stayed up late hours as I couldn’t put it down.
Wow! I didn’t see that coming! Talk about riveting storytelling! What a rush reading this book! Stayed up late hours as I couldn’t put it down.
February 13, 2023
Another adventure!
Four books of wild and amusing stories that kept me entertained. Loved the AI that has a personality and a foul mouth.
Four books of wild and amusing stories that kept me entertained. Loved the AI that has a personality and a foul mouth.
March 19, 2023
good read
Grey is not who we thought he was. The library is more than we thought it was. Nothing is as it seemed. What does Riker and his merry band of misfits do?
Grey is not who we thought he was. The library is more than we thought it was. Nothing is as it seemed. What does Riker and his merry band of misfits do?
March 19, 2023
Exciting cliffhanger
Excellent characters and action sequences that are easy to follow. On the edge of you seat problems with luck playing a part.
Excellent characters and action sequences that are easy to follow. On the edge of you seat problems with luck playing a part.
April 2, 2023
Wow, what a trail you weave.
Just finished book four. And the trails plural keep branching out. I am having a problem putting the book down.
Just finished book four. And the trails plural keep branching out. I am having a problem putting the book down.
April 19, 2023
you never know
These stories are definitely not predictable. Sometimes a bit hard to take seriously but they head of inn clever directions.
These stories are definitely not predictable. Sometimes a bit hard to take seriously but they head of inn clever directions.
August 20, 2023
Excellent story, lots of intrigue and plenty of action in with thought provoking back stories of Riker. Comedic with Sunny interactions with the crew.
January 24, 2023
Great sci fi adventure
The worldbuilding is imaginative, and Cole's found family is great. Sundelion is an irrevent and delightful addition to the story. I'm really enjoying this series (not the death and destruction, but the other stuff).
The worldbuilding is imaginative, and Cole's found family is great. Sundelion is an irrevent and delightful addition to the story. I'm really enjoying this series (not the death and destruction, but the other stuff).
March 21, 2023
I'd call this series a variety of good, old-fashioned science fiction. Characters aren't mired in endless war. Instead, there are smaller, more immediate conflicts that allow character development, letting the reader stay in touch with the people (including aliens) in the stories.
With this entry, the scale of the action seems to be expanding. I'm very interested in finding out what happens next.
With this entry, the scale of the action seems to be expanding. I'm very interested in finding out what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews