Tag Archives: Space Opera

Review

Starship Blackbeard

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I’ve known Michael since he put his books up on Podiobooks. I chat with him online and I’m jealous of his globe-trotting habit. I’m still going to review this book because I loved it and can’t believe I’ve not had a review of it here yet.

So, imagine the Royal Navy in Space. With pirates. And slaves. And civil war. Imagine the hero of the last war is framed and headed for a penal colony.

Yeah. Now imagine that it all falls apart and Captain James Drake must win back his reputation, save the home world, and make a decision about whether he’ll stand-by and watch another race destroyed or step up and risk it all to save them.

Pulpy space opera goodness. Cover-to-cover. Intra crew difficulties. Pirates to the left of him, traitors to the right. What to do? What to do?

I had to wait for these books to come out but Michael’s got the whole series in one volume now. It’s back list but there are a lot of books set in this universe and I’ve read every one of them. I think you should, too, but don’t take my word for it. Grab a sample and see what you think for yourself.

About the reviewer:

NathanLowell_150x150Nathan Lowell has been writing science fiction and fantasy most of his life. He started publishing in 2007 and has no intention of stopping any time soon.

Learn more about Nathan Lowell and his works at http://nathanlowell.com

[Note: You’re seeing more reviews from me because fellow authors aren’t sending reviews of the books they like. If you’re an author, consider the submitting a review about an indie book you loved. The submission guidelines link is at the top of this page.]

Review

Starship’s Mage

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starship_mageI don’t remember who turned me onto this series. Probably Deb Geary. Glynn Stewart’s ability to blend science fiction and science fantasy floored me when I read this volume. Like many writers starting in recently, he tried the serial approach and, I assume, learned – as most do if they keep at it – that people will wait until the serial is complete before picking up the first one. Once burned, twice shy.

The omnibus edition holds all five serial episodes and does a good job of sweeping the reader along in a breath-taking vision of starships powered by magic and the toll it takes on those who must fly them. It hooked me immediately and kept me turning pages thought this volume and every volume since.

Stewart has just published the fourth book in his series and it’s just as good as the rest.

If you’re looking for a different take on interstellar navigation, you might want to grab a sample of Starship’s Mage and give it a try.

About the reviewer:

NathanLowell_150x150Nathan Lowell has been writing science fiction and fantasy most of his life. He started publishing in 2007 and has no intention of stopping any time soon.

Learn more about Nathan Lowell and his works at http://nathanlowell.com