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Space Raiders #1
Space Raiders
After years of searching, Nathan Briggs is finally on the verge of making an incredible discovery. Unfortunately, the aliens have other plans.
When Nathan stops a brutal attack on an unsuspecting victim, he gets more than he bargained for and sets into motion events that will change his life forever. They told him he should’ve run away, and maybe they were right.
Nathan is about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.
Aliens are real. He has something they need, and they’re not the only ones hunting for it.
When Nathan stops a brutal attack on an unsuspecting victim, he gets more than he bargained for and sets into motion events that will change his life forever. They told him he should’ve run away, and maybe they were right.
Nathan is about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.
Aliens are real. He has something they need, and they’re not the only ones hunting for it.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2023
332 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Ken Lozito
61 books466 followersKen Lozito is the best-selling author of multiple science fiction series, including First Colony, Ascension, & Federation Chronicles. He writes about first contact, colonization, exploration, heroic tales, redemption stories, and old-fashion adventure stories with rich and interesting characters. He’s had over a million books sold and loves the fact he’s been able to reach so many amazing readers with his stories. Readers have lost precious hours of sleep while they read just one more page.
Ken worked in IT Security for almost twenty years before becoming a full-time author. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, reading, playing with the dog, and binge-watching shows.
You can find out more about Ken and upcoming books on his website at http://kenlozito.com
Ken worked in IT Security for almost twenty years before becoming a full-time author. When not writing, he enjoys hiking, reading, playing with the dog, and binge-watching shows.
You can find out more about Ken and upcoming books on his website at http://kenlozito.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 3, 2025
"People sometimes overthink events—making mountains out of molehills, I believe the saying goes. I should know because I used to be one of those people. I’d long since abandoned those tendencies, which made some people believe that I was oblivious in any given situation. I wasn’t. I knew we were on a spaceship, kidnapped by aliens for reasons I didn’t completely understand. But where people tended to get caught up in the gravity of a situation, I preferred to focus my attention on solutions, no matter how overwhelming the circumstances."
This is both a contemporary yarn and a space adventure. This is our current Earth complete with Starbucks, Segways and iPhones. However, there are aliens hovering in the background.
We enter the story while Nate Briggs is in the middle of a caper – trying to steal some data from a major company. But, before either Nate or us readers can catch a breath, he (and a few others) are on an alien spaceship quite a few Parsecs from Earth. Everything is told from Briggs perspective.
That’s about all of the plot that I will give you, but Nate is always looking for an angle and running his mouth, often when he should zip it. He has his good points too: "“Thank you.” I frowned. “I haven’t done anything yet.” “Yes, you have. I’ve been around people who are too afraid to do the right thing. It’s not every day that someone just throws themselves at a problem quite like you do.” I winced at that. “Sounds reckless.”"
There are factions among the captive humans and a host of alien species and both Nate and us readers have to figure out why they are on, what could be, a no-return journey. Nothing is resolved in this first volume but it’s an exciting ride. I both read and listened to this book and the reading by MacLeod Andrews is brilliant adding the extra dimension of well differentiated alien voices.
This is both a contemporary yarn and a space adventure. This is our current Earth complete with Starbucks, Segways and iPhones. However, there are aliens hovering in the background.
We enter the story while Nate Briggs is in the middle of a caper – trying to steal some data from a major company. But, before either Nate or us readers can catch a breath, he (and a few others) are on an alien spaceship quite a few Parsecs from Earth. Everything is told from Briggs perspective.
That’s about all of the plot that I will give you, but Nate is always looking for an angle and running his mouth, often when he should zip it. He has his good points too: "“Thank you.” I frowned. “I haven’t done anything yet.” “Yes, you have. I’ve been around people who are too afraid to do the right thing. It’s not every day that someone just throws themselves at a problem quite like you do.” I winced at that. “Sounds reckless.”"
There are factions among the captive humans and a host of alien species and both Nate and us readers have to figure out why they are on, what could be, a no-return journey. Nothing is resolved in this first volume but it’s an exciting ride. I both read and listened to this book and the reading by MacLeod Andrews is brilliant adding the extra dimension of well differentiated alien voices.
February 3, 2023
crude characters, thin plot
I had to grit my teeth to finish this one. The main character was so obnoxious and infantile I wanted to give him a spanking and put him on time out in a corner. Nuff said.
I had to grit my teeth to finish this one. The main character was so obnoxious and infantile I wanted to give him a spanking and put him on time out in a corner. Nuff said.
February 14, 2023
Less than Expected
The description and preview offered promise and initially the storyline delivered. Unfortunately, as the story continued, the action scenes became more chaotic and wild and at the 90% point became completely over-the-top and just too much for me to continue. It might be sci-fi but it needs to make sense within the framework or worldview of the book and this storyline fails. I exited out of the story with no concern for the fate of these characters any longer.
The description and preview offered promise and initially the storyline delivered. Unfortunately, as the story continued, the action scenes became more chaotic and wild and at the 90% point became completely over-the-top and just too much for me to continue. It might be sci-fi but it needs to make sense within the framework or worldview of the book and this storyline fails. I exited out of the story with no concern for the fate of these characters any longer.
February 28, 2024
Excellent
Best story in a long time and can not wait for the next one. Great characters, you can see all the action
Best story in a long time and can not wait for the next one. Great characters, you can see all the action
May 4, 2025
2.5 stars. I found the main character to be on the annoying side, but the book held my attention.
June 30, 2023
This is a little bit different book than what you normally get from Mr. Lozito. It’s a good story, but the main character kind of rubs me the wrong way. It could be that the main character, Nathan (Nate) Briggs, is a thieft! Now, I’m not necessarily against him just because of his occupation (or former occupation, as you’ll read), but he has a kind of attitude that doesn’t set well with me or anybody else for that matter. In my opinion, he seems to think he’s the center of the universe and everyone around him should defer to his ideas and opinions. He does mellow out towards the end somewhat so that’s a good trend.
As I mentioned, Nate is a thief and he’s after something that he’s been trying to acquire for a long time. He previously had it, but due to a double-cross by his partner, Flynn Roman, he lost it and was subsequently imprisoned in a very vile and dark place in a third-world country. He managed to escape, but not after several months in captivity. He definitely blames Flynn for this experience and hasn’t worked with him or seen him since then. Except here he is now attempting to steal the same artifact Nate is after.
In his current pursuit of the *Extractor*, he ran into Flynn’s apparent new partner, a young, strikingly beautiful brunette woman who was going to cause Nate problems. He found out quickly when she pointed out Nate to a group of Security Guards telling them he had tried to molester her in the ladies restroom. Of course that wasn’t true, but now the chase was on. Nate had to get away from the area and the best way to do that was via some kind of transportation. He eventually finds a bus heading somewhere other than where he was at so he jumps on it. This is where the world changes very differently for Nate and several other people.
It just so happened that Nate had observed another young looking women on his run through a parking lot. She seemed to be running from someone herself, but he had no time to rescue the lady. He needed to rescue himself so he jump on this bus only to find the same young lady jumping on the same bus. Then to make matters worse, Flynn and his partner, Serena, also got on the bus. It turns out the first young lady is an alien named “Quickening” and she’s not that young. In fact, she’s dying!
In dying, Quickening some how infuses everyone aboard the bus with her DNA. It definitely knocks them out and they wake to a very different and strange situation. They find themselves aboard an intergalactic starship whose Captain is named Kaz. He’s very powerful and it takes Nate awhile to learn that. Nate also doesn’t want to accept their situation, but he’s eventually given enough proof by Kaz that he has no doubt he and his other unfortunate humans are not any where near Earth any more nor are they likely to get back for a long time.
This is where the adventure starts. It seems that when Quickening infused her DNA into each of the unsuspecting humans, they have now become wanted persons by aliens in the galaxy. When it comes down to it, this is nothing more than corporate politics, but in order for something to happen, Qickening’s DNA must be extracted from the humans. That has to be done while they are alive or so it seems, and that’s a good thing. Obviously there has to be someone or something after the DNA. He happens to be a very powerful warlord that doesn’t appear to have any limits when it comes to capturing the four humans. It’s Kaz’s job, actually a contract that he has to deliver these humans to another entity. It would have been a pretty simple job if it wasn’t for Nate seeming to want to be the boss of everything. His attitude seems to be the problem that causes most all their other problems. He just won’t keep his mouth shut even though he doesn’t know what’s going on.
I got to liking the story towards the end. I didn’t see how this would turn into a series, but through the twist and turns during the latter part of the book, I can see where it might be an interesting series if I can get past Mr. Briggs attitude. Book 2, “Forgotten Empire”, is available on Amazon and I’m, reluctantly, adding it to my reading list. I don’t s
As I mentioned, Nate is a thief and he’s after something that he’s been trying to acquire for a long time. He previously had it, but due to a double-cross by his partner, Flynn Roman, he lost it and was subsequently imprisoned in a very vile and dark place in a third-world country. He managed to escape, but not after several months in captivity. He definitely blames Flynn for this experience and hasn’t worked with him or seen him since then. Except here he is now attempting to steal the same artifact Nate is after.
In his current pursuit of the *Extractor*, he ran into Flynn’s apparent new partner, a young, strikingly beautiful brunette woman who was going to cause Nate problems. He found out quickly when she pointed out Nate to a group of Security Guards telling them he had tried to molester her in the ladies restroom. Of course that wasn’t true, but now the chase was on. Nate had to get away from the area and the best way to do that was via some kind of transportation. He eventually finds a bus heading somewhere other than where he was at so he jumps on it. This is where the world changes very differently for Nate and several other people.
It just so happened that Nate had observed another young looking women on his run through a parking lot. She seemed to be running from someone herself, but he had no time to rescue the lady. He needed to rescue himself so he jump on this bus only to find the same young lady jumping on the same bus. Then to make matters worse, Flynn and his partner, Serena, also got on the bus. It turns out the first young lady is an alien named “Quickening” and she’s not that young. In fact, she’s dying!
In dying, Quickening some how infuses everyone aboard the bus with her DNA. It definitely knocks them out and they wake to a very different and strange situation. They find themselves aboard an intergalactic starship whose Captain is named Kaz. He’s very powerful and it takes Nate awhile to learn that. Nate also doesn’t want to accept their situation, but he’s eventually given enough proof by Kaz that he has no doubt he and his other unfortunate humans are not any where near Earth any more nor are they likely to get back for a long time.
This is where the adventure starts. It seems that when Quickening infused her DNA into each of the unsuspecting humans, they have now become wanted persons by aliens in the galaxy. When it comes down to it, this is nothing more than corporate politics, but in order for something to happen, Qickening’s DNA must be extracted from the humans. That has to be done while they are alive or so it seems, and that’s a good thing. Obviously there has to be someone or something after the DNA. He happens to be a very powerful warlord that doesn’t appear to have any limits when it comes to capturing the four humans. It’s Kaz’s job, actually a contract that he has to deliver these humans to another entity. It would have been a pretty simple job if it wasn’t for Nate seeming to want to be the boss of everything. His attitude seems to be the problem that causes most all their other problems. He just won’t keep his mouth shut even though he doesn’t know what’s going on.
I got to liking the story towards the end. I didn’t see how this would turn into a series, but through the twist and turns during the latter part of the book, I can see where it might be an interesting series if I can get past Mr. Briggs attitude. Book 2, “Forgotten Empire”, is available on Amazon and I’m, reluctantly, adding it to my reading list. I don’t s
January 5, 2025
Fish out of water meme, done nicely
Initially we only meet two of the human characters, and discovered that they have a longstanding connection that is a common “we were friends before you did x to me”. Then they are thrown together into a strange situation where they find themselves in space facing alien opponents and potential allies. At that point we learn more about each of them as they begin a classic meme that ends with the beginning of another possible adventure.
The story is a fun read & holds up well enough to enjoy the ride.
Initially we only meet two of the human characters, and discovered that they have a longstanding connection that is a common “we were friends before you did x to me”. Then they are thrown together into a strange situation where they find themselves in space facing alien opponents and potential allies. At that point we learn more about each of them as they begin a classic meme that ends with the beginning of another possible adventure.
The story is a fun read & holds up well enough to enjoy the ride.
February 4, 2023
Kidnapped
Nate, a adventurer and thief; Flynn, his old partner now turned enemy; Serene, a corporate Nurse; and Ben, a college student and part time bus driver, are kidnapped by aliens from outer space after Nate helps a woman being attacked by a brute. It turns out that she is an alien fleeing from assassins. She entrusts her legacy to the four without their knowledge. I recommend this book. It is a great space opera. Read it for the story and not for the science.
Nate, a adventurer and thief; Flynn, his old partner now turned enemy; Serene, a corporate Nurse; and Ben, a college student and part time bus driver, are kidnapped by aliens from outer space after Nate helps a woman being attacked by a brute. It turns out that she is an alien fleeing from assassins. She entrusts her legacy to the four without their knowledge. I recommend this book. It is a great space opera. Read it for the story and not for the science.
February 15, 2023
Ken Lozito does it again!
I am a huge Ken Lozito fan so I was very happy to see that he had started a new series. While this one is quite a departure from his other books, certain similarities are still in evidence: great writing, engaging characters, and plenty of action. What’s different is the humor. The banter between Nathan, the main character, and his newfound alien companions is a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series!
I am a huge Ken Lozito fan so I was very happy to see that he had started a new series. While this one is quite a departure from his other books, certain similarities are still in evidence: great writing, engaging characters, and plenty of action. What’s different is the humor. The banter between Nathan, the main character, and his newfound alien companions is a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series!
November 16, 2023
A story about a very \angry know it all ex lawyer bro turned thief. That is not what lost me, what lost me was when the author pulled the damsel started acting dumb, and became a damsel in distress. Also apparently in this HUGE universe and in space ports / planets you have NO authorities or jurisdictions whatsoever, Hey some ships are shooting up the place, should we go check it out? naw its ok, just random humans doing human crap.
December 25, 2025
This is a rather low-quality space adventure. There is plenty of action with colorful characters, except for the MC. The MC is a very obnoxious fellow who refuses to listen to anyone else on the crew. The story would have been much better with a likable captain rather than this stubborn know-it-all Ahole. I doubt I will read the rest of the series.
Come on Ken Lozito, you can do much better than this!
Come on Ken Lozito, you can do much better than this!
January 31, 2023
great start..
To a new series. An acquisition specialist’s (think thief or lawyer - same) latest caper goes south when he and his antagonists end up abducted by aliens. Said aliens are also acquisition specialists and much mayhem ensues. Throughly entertaining and enjoyable.
To a new series. An acquisition specialist’s (think thief or lawyer - same) latest caper goes south when he and his antagonists end up abducted by aliens. Said aliens are also acquisition specialists and much mayhem ensues. Throughly entertaining and enjoyable.
February 2, 2023
Interesting.....and good
Not quite like other books by the same author. But I did enjoy it!
There is definitely what you'd call an info dump at the beginning to get you caught up to what you need to know, but once you get through it, it's a great book.
I'm definitely curious to read the next book.
Not quite like other books by the same author. But I did enjoy it!
There is definitely what you'd call an info dump at the beginning to get you caught up to what you need to know, but once you get through it, it's a great book.
I'm definitely curious to read the next book.
February 10, 2023
I want to fly through space like this.
This is a great book in the sense of the classic 50's sci sci-fi, hero's and villains, beautiful aliens and damsels in distress. Great characters and story, fast paced so don't blink of you will miss something. Moving on to the next book and see if the good story continues.
This is a great book in the sense of the classic 50's sci sci-fi, hero's and villains, beautiful aliens and damsels in distress. Great characters and story, fast paced so don't blink of you will miss something. Moving on to the next book and see if the good story continues.
July 9, 2023
I bought this book based on the First Colony series whcih I thought was great. Unfortunately this book was not written up to the standards of "The First Colony" series. It was somewhat fantasical but I kept reading and it improved in the last quarter of the book that is why I gave it 3 stars instead of 2.
November 11, 2025
page turner with lots of twists
From the first page to the last, this compelling story and characters keep you reading. Enjoyed the interactions. Some of the descriptions of the aliens were not crystal yet sufficient to go forward. Good read. With just 3 books in the series must read a bit slower. No more reading while sitting still in a traffic jam.
From the first page to the last, this compelling story and characters keep you reading. Enjoyed the interactions. Some of the descriptions of the aliens were not crystal yet sufficient to go forward. Good read. With just 3 books in the series must read a bit slower. No more reading while sitting still in a traffic jam.
February 5, 2023
Scanner
Yes it is a scanner. But I still gave it 5 stars. I don't usually give scanners 5 stars but I've read others of his therefore I didn't feel like punishing him just because he slipped with this one.
Yes it is a scanner. But I still gave it 5 stars. I don't usually give scanners 5 stars but I've read others of his therefore I didn't feel like punishing him just because he slipped with this one.
February 5, 2023
Space, kidnapping, and more
Kidnapped by aliens, chased by other aliens across galaxies, three strangers become friends, facing dangers together. A dramatic Sci-fi readers won't want to miss.
Kidnapped by aliens, chased by other aliens across galaxies, three strangers become friends, facing dangers together. A dramatic Sci-fi readers won't want to miss.
March 9, 2023
decent yarn
As story arcs go, this is a decent setup. The story moves along and the character development is pretty good. While there are notable inconsistencies throughout, they don’t overwhelm the overall plot so much and drag it down. Pretty well edited.
As story arcs go, this is a decent setup. The story moves along and the character development is pretty good. While there are notable inconsistencies throughout, they don’t overwhelm the overall plot so much and drag it down. Pretty well edited.
March 13, 2023
Fun ride
Space operas should grab your attention and keep you turning pages. It should be easy to suspend disbelief if the author constructs a universe with coherent rules without resorting to “then there was a miracle” to advance the story. This book is a fun ride.
Space operas should grab your attention and keep you turning pages. It should be easy to suspend disbelief if the author constructs a universe with coherent rules without resorting to “then there was a miracle” to advance the story. This book is a fun ride.
May 17, 2023
Fun group
Another great coming of age story where the protagonist is thrown in and somehow finds not only their feet but a wonderful bunch to continue the John t casual sarcasm and teasing.
Another great coming of age story where the protagonist is thrown in and somehow finds not only their feet but a wonderful bunch to continue the John t casual sarcasm and teasing.
July 6, 2023
Great Fun
This was a pleasant surprise and a great read. Ken Lobito did a masterful job of setting up the storyline and created a fine back story. Good adventures, action and several humorous moments. Nicely done!
This was a pleasant surprise and a great read. Ken Lobito did a masterful job of setting up the storyline and created a fine back story. Good adventures, action and several humorous moments. Nicely done!
December 9, 2023
Loved it!
Although predictable as any good SF adventure is, Ken used enhanced and novel plotting and character development to flesh out a fascinating and enjoyable story. It left me wanting more books in this vein.
Although predictable as any good SF adventure is, Ken used enhanced and novel plotting and character development to flesh out a fascinating and enjoyable story. It left me wanting more books in this vein.
January 22, 2024
Entertaining space adventure that seems to be the start of a series. The characters were interesting, but I did not find them compelling, and I frequently had to try to figure out which character was which.
January 29, 2023
good read
Protagonist get hid butt kicked a little to often and boringly, Good characters and plot development— will continue to read new book in series
Protagonist get hid butt kicked a little to often and boringly, Good characters and plot development— will continue to read new book in series
January 31, 2023
fun new read
Ken does it again. A real thriller with a solid story line. Looking forward to further adventure of the Spacehog crew.
Ken does it again. A real thriller with a solid story line. Looking forward to further adventure of the Spacehog crew.
February 3, 2023
Action packed adventure
Edge of my seat read.Felt like a rollercoaster ride and I was almost screaming out loud at times. I love everything this author writes and am a huge fan.
Edge of my seat read.Felt like a rollercoaster ride and I was almost screaming out loud at times. I love everything this author writes and am a huge fan.
February 10, 2023
A great read, fun from the first page to the last.
A snarky hero, blood thirsty aliens, what's not to like? I cannot wait to read the next book, it should be a lot of fun.
A snarky hero, blood thirsty aliens, what's not to like? I cannot wait to read the next book, it should be a lot of fun.
February 16, 2023
Action packed and interesting. Kept me entertained. No hard science. Lead character was kind of obnoxious, but I think that was the authors intent.
April 27, 2023
Great Series Start
I love Ken Lozito's books. His description of new worlds and species is excellent. This story doesn't disappoint. Can't wait for the next one.
I love Ken Lozito's books. His description of new worlds and species is excellent. This story doesn't disappoint. Can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews