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Angry Ghosts #1
Angry Ghosts
Humanity is wiped out in less than two months. Hundreds of strange vessels appear, unleashing an assault both methodical and efficient. Bombardment vaporizes building and bone. Invasion clears out the larger pockets of survivors. Plague finishes the last few clinging to life. Extermination complete, the azure skinned beings journey home and resume their normal lives. Seven hundred years later, a cargo ship goes missing. A burst of static precedes the disappearance, but investigations find no trace of ship or crew. Decades pass. Then another vessel vanishes, again with the burst of static. Another decade. Another disappearance. Never a trace. A rumor begins in the dark alleys and religious communities, spreading like fire. Most laugh when they hear it, dismissing the speaker as superstitious or overly pious; but all tremble inside. In their hearts, they know the genocide was a great crime; and where all of their technology and power has failed to provide answers, the rumor may be true. "Angry Ghosts have come to revenge."
230 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 22, 2024
I was disappointed with this book for a couple reasons. The first was maybe something that I should blame myself more than the author. ANGRY GHOSTS is a great title. It evokes images to me of a haunted house and violent ghosts trying to harm people. Spirits that are upset about being trapped and are taking it out on the living. That is what I was expecting when I started reading the book. However, instead the book is a science fiction book that focuses on the surviving humans that was supposedly wiped out of existence centuries ago by some aliens. Totally not what I was expecting. Maybe no big deal if the story was solid enough or it applied as a haunted spaceship with some angry ghosts. Unfortunately not. Instead the book focuses most of its efforts on psychoanalyzing the surviving humans and how/why they evolved the way they did. And when maybe it gets interesting with the introduction of another group of human, it again fails. Another chunk of psychoanalyzing on how that group survived and how the two groups will survive together. Not what I was hoping for in the slightest.
March 2, 2014
This is like going to see a b-movie, which sole aim is to entertain you. And that is just what you want once in a while.
It ticks all the right boxes:
Alien invasion, genetic engineering, space and a small force against overwhelming odds.
It ticks all the right boxes:
Alien invasion, genetic engineering, space and a small force against overwhelming odds.
August 23, 2016
There are some really interesting ideas in Angry Ghosts, not the least of which is the dramatic contrast between the two cultures presented in the novel and the huge gap in understanding between them, even when both sides truly want to work together. This is a huge theme in the book, and one dealt with gracefully. Both sides are presented sympathetically, so there's no "our way is obviously superior to yours and therefore you should all just drop your culture and merge with us" that is so often prevalent. I could have read an entire book just based on the world-building and the culture clashing presented here, it was put together so beautifully.
The three main characters make a nice balance. Argo is perhaps less developed than the other two, but considering they come from a culture where emotion is considered a danger and a liability, this is perhaps to be expected. Thompson, as the leader, is given more opportunity to demonstrate his personality quirks. He's strong and competent without resorting to gruffness, an unusual balance in an alpha male that made him fun to read. Maiella is particularly nuanced; as the sole female of Team Spectre, I was initially annoyed to see her shown as the "weak link" due to her poor control of her emotions (oh, those hysterical wimmins!), but as the book progresses, it's implied her emotions have the potential to make her the strongest of the three of them, even if her culture refuses to perceive it as such. She's also arguably the smartest team member, and unquestionably accepted as an indispensible team member.
Angry Ghosts does, however, have its flaws. The most distracting was that I often felt like I was missing pieces of the story. At only 227 pages, this is not a long novel, and with micropublisher Cadre One, wordcount limits were presumably not a problem, but there were gaps where it felt like something had been hacked out. As aforementioned, the first two chapters of the book deal with the angry ghosts and come from the perspective of the blue lizard aliens who eradicated (or attempted to eradicate) the human race. We're told they have their reasons, regret the necessity, and still carry the guilt along with them. What is this deep, dark reason of theirs? I have no idea, because not only is it never revealed, but we never see the blue lizard aliens again after the focus is switched over to the human protagonists. Granted, this is clearly set up as the first volume in a series, but to have what is presented as a key storyline abruptly dropped so early on is at best disorienting. In fact, the prologue and the first two chapters have so little to do with the rest of the book, it would be easy enough to skip them entirely and just start the book with chapter three.
There were other holes left in the narration, the largest being the sixteen months of space travel during which people are apparently getting to know each other but as the reader, I'm left entirely out of the loop. Gregor in particular goes from intense rage and hatred to wanting to save the lives of those who wronged him in the space of one chapter, a progression which could have been an entire novel on its own. Chapters often end abruptly, before the scene comes to what feels like a natural conclusion, and some of the secondary plotlines are left hanging. (That part may be on purpose, to leave more fodder for later books.) There's also some minor head-hopping, to add to the disorientation.
This doesn't mean it's a bad book, though. It's certainly an interesting one, and I'm curious to see where Farnham plans to take the story from here. The themes of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption become especially thought-provoking when the actions of the alien race are taken into consideration, and as long as there's going to be more of the culture contrast without either trying to swallow the other, I am intrigued.
The three main characters make a nice balance. Argo is perhaps less developed than the other two, but considering they come from a culture where emotion is considered a danger and a liability, this is perhaps to be expected. Thompson, as the leader, is given more opportunity to demonstrate his personality quirks. He's strong and competent without resorting to gruffness, an unusual balance in an alpha male that made him fun to read. Maiella is particularly nuanced; as the sole female of Team Spectre, I was initially annoyed to see her shown as the "weak link" due to her poor control of her emotions (oh, those hysterical wimmins!), but as the book progresses, it's implied her emotions have the potential to make her the strongest of the three of them, even if her culture refuses to perceive it as such. She's also arguably the smartest team member, and unquestionably accepted as an indispensible team member.
Angry Ghosts does, however, have its flaws. The most distracting was that I often felt like I was missing pieces of the story. At only 227 pages, this is not a long novel, and with micropublisher Cadre One, wordcount limits were presumably not a problem, but there were gaps where it felt like something had been hacked out. As aforementioned, the first two chapters of the book deal with the angry ghosts and come from the perspective of the blue lizard aliens who eradicated (or attempted to eradicate) the human race. We're told they have their reasons, regret the necessity, and still carry the guilt along with them. What is this deep, dark reason of theirs? I have no idea, because not only is it never revealed, but we never see the blue lizard aliens again after the focus is switched over to the human protagonists. Granted, this is clearly set up as the first volume in a series, but to have what is presented as a key storyline abruptly dropped so early on is at best disorienting. In fact, the prologue and the first two chapters have so little to do with the rest of the book, it would be easy enough to skip them entirely and just start the book with chapter three.
There were other holes left in the narration, the largest being the sixteen months of space travel during which people are apparently getting to know each other but as the reader, I'm left entirely out of the loop. Gregor in particular goes from intense rage and hatred to wanting to save the lives of those who wronged him in the space of one chapter, a progression which could have been an entire novel on its own. Chapters often end abruptly, before the scene comes to what feels like a natural conclusion, and some of the secondary plotlines are left hanging. (That part may be on purpose, to leave more fodder for later books.) There's also some minor head-hopping, to add to the disorientation.
This doesn't mean it's a bad book, though. It's certainly an interesting one, and I'm curious to see where Farnham plans to take the story from here. The themes of guilt, forgiveness, and redemption become especially thought-provoking when the actions of the alien race are taken into consideration, and as long as there's going to be more of the culture contrast without either trying to swallow the other, I am intrigued.
February 9, 2014
As far as space-opera-ish books go this isn't a bad one with thoughtful components and themes. The gist is Earth is decimated by an alien species in a matter of months, but a pocket survived the years in hiding and secrecy as the aliens debate the usefulness of destroying humanity. The life for the pocket of humans (The Cadre) is hard and regimented to such an extreme. They survive through anonymity, making due with what they have, and finding a place for everyone. Their entire purpose is to keep grinding out ground for humans, sacrificing much for increased efficiency, and risking much to eek out a better tomorrow.
The novel follows (mostly) a trio of skilled 'operators' who head out for a raiding mission, and find a ship of colonists that are more-or-less intact with real life morality, psychology, and all the non-essential fluff the Cadre left at the wayside centuries ago.
After familiarizing the readers with the Cadre's lifestyle, the second half of the novel focuses on the grind between the colonists and the Cadre. While both human their ideas and priorities are alien and continue to bash.
While note an overly complex or deep book the ideas presented are interesting enough. The function of people in society, what could be given up for survival, the importance of soft sciences, etc. A decently quick read, but it would be about middle of my recommendation list.
The novel follows (mostly) a trio of skilled 'operators' who head out for a raiding mission, and find a ship of colonists that are more-or-less intact with real life morality, psychology, and all the non-essential fluff the Cadre left at the wayside centuries ago.
After familiarizing the readers with the Cadre's lifestyle, the second half of the novel focuses on the grind between the colonists and the Cadre. While both human their ideas and priorities are alien and continue to bash.
While note an overly complex or deep book the ideas presented are interesting enough. The function of people in society, what could be given up for survival, the importance of soft sciences, etc. A decently quick read, but it would be about middle of my recommendation list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2016
I have got this book as a part of a bundle and its description was one of the reasons I bought it. It seemed the story would be told from the perspective of aliens who, ages ago, destroyed the humanity. I was looking forward to reading some interesting non-humans.
I was wrong, twice.
First, the aliens have blue skin and tails, but also chairs, media and drinking problems - nothing new here. Second, the book is not about them.
These two basically cancel each other out. Apart from this confusion, I must admit I rather liked the concept, the "world" in which the story takes place. But there are so many points that could have been smoothed out to make much better impression.
For example, there's a lot of gear and technology mentioned, making it sound thought out. But apparently the author does not know much about space travel, otherwise the characters wouldn't take the main engines off-line to decelerate - quite the opposite, surely? And this wasn't the only moment the description felt wrong.
And the characters' behaviour sometimes seemed unlikely, probably only intended to make the story go in the desired direction. Like those sixteen months of travel, skipped as if nothing interesting happened, while the two groups of characters had so much opportunity to learn about each other. In fact, if done right, those months could become the best part of the story. Not in this book, though.
I was wrong, twice.
First, the aliens have blue skin and tails, but also chairs, media and drinking problems - nothing new here. Second, the book is not about them.
These two basically cancel each other out. Apart from this confusion, I must admit I rather liked the concept, the "world" in which the story takes place. But there are so many points that could have been smoothed out to make much better impression.
For example, there's a lot of gear and technology mentioned, making it sound thought out. But apparently the author does not know much about space travel, otherwise the characters wouldn't take the main engines off-line to decelerate - quite the opposite, surely? And this wasn't the only moment the description felt wrong.
And the characters' behaviour sometimes seemed unlikely, probably only intended to make the story go in the desired direction. Like those sixteen months of travel, skipped as if nothing interesting happened, while the two groups of characters had so much opportunity to learn about each other. In fact, if done right, those months could become the best part of the story. Not in this book, though.
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February 24, 2014I got this as part of the humble book bundle, really cheap so can't go wrong. Well that was the plan anyway. This was just awful. The writing is terrible, clunky and clichéd. Someone needs to tell the author that not every noun needs a qualifying adjective, that sometimes it's okay just to use "said" (or on this case" say" as it's all in the present tense). This is a quote: "The huge man hefts his massive weapon in both hands and jogs down the corridor, his hefty footfalls reverberating solidly." The whole book is like that.
It wouldn't be so bad if the other elements were up to scratch, but again there's nothing there. Characterisation: zero (and why is it that when any character gets emotional they act in exactly the same way, a bit of silent weeping, normally pulled together by punching themselves?). Plot: minimal. Structure: woeful (the first half is one shoot'em up after another, the second half is basically every single character telling every other character that the two groups are different).
It wouldn't be so bad if the other elements were up to scratch, but again there's nothing there. Characterisation: zero (and why is it that when any character gets emotional they act in exactly the same way, a bit of silent weeping, normally pulled together by punching themselves?). Plot: minimal. Structure: woeful (the first half is one shoot'em up after another, the second half is basically every single character telling every other character that the two groups are different).
August 23, 2013
I have to admit, at first, I was a little put off by the writing style. A lot written in present tense, but ... I read on and was so pleased with the book, I went immediately to Amazon and bought the second one and so far wow...at this rate will also buy the third one.
The story flows as we learn about a secret society hidden away on an asteroid. This colony has existed, harshly, away from earth for over a thousand years. The characters are interesting and easy to like and identify with. The story can get a little to technical at times but it does not take away from the read. Good world building and imaginary. A great story with an awesome punch. Would recommend to most everyone from ages 14 to 100. If you like Si-Fi, space travel, action and adventure...this book was written just for you. Enjoy. [[ASIN:B00CR2S2B8 Angry Ghosts]]
The story flows as we learn about a secret society hidden away on an asteroid. This colony has existed, harshly, away from earth for over a thousand years. The characters are interesting and easy to like and identify with. The story can get a little to technical at times but it does not take away from the read. Good world building and imaginary. A great story with an awesome punch. Would recommend to most everyone from ages 14 to 100. If you like Si-Fi, space travel, action and adventure...this book was written just for you. Enjoy. [[ASIN:B00CR2S2B8 Angry Ghosts]]
November 20, 2014
Takes a while to get going, but once it does it's very enjoyable. I can't say that it had any great impact on me, but it was decent sci-fi and I'll probably read the sequel. Solid setting, interesting characters. My major criticism would be that the antagonists are barely even in the book (although they may play a larger role in the next one). Their absence wasn't really a problem, the story certainly works fine without them, I just thought they were interesting and would have liked to hear a bit more about them, rather than having them almost entirely as an unseen and unknown threat.
March 11, 2014
An interesting look at what human society might turn into when the survival of the whole species ends up on the shoulders and genes of a few.
The story was not bad, but what always threw me off was the use of present tense. I found myself subconsciously converting all of the story into the usual past tense even though the letters in front of my eyes were clearly present tense... Veeeeery unusual experience, let me tell you :-)
The story was not bad, but what always threw me off was the use of present tense. I found myself subconsciously converting all of the story into the usual past tense even though the letters in front of my eyes were clearly present tense... Veeeeery unusual experience, let me tell you :-)
August 3, 2014
I'm going against the stream of the other reviewers. I thought it was a fast fun easy read. More sci-fi on technology and culture than on aliens. The ending wasn't an ending, but it was a transition point.
December 21, 2014
read maybe 1/3 of it. Just didn't grab me enough to finish
September 13, 2014
naive at times, clunky writting and you probably understood wrongly the excerpert :)
October 23, 2014
"Shakespearean" is the word than first comes to mind when I desribe the premise of this book to people. Well-written and well-developed, and highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews