This is a good example of a standard Space Opera with a “regaining lost memory” plot. It is quite obvious that what the main character, Neroy, lost was worth forgetting, which sets up a nice conflict within the character that meshes neatly with the external conflict he is soon embroiled in. The physical setting is…
Tag: space opera
REVIEW
“Trans Porter Ada” by Steven U. Allen
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
Novels usually continue the way they start out. Weaknesses and writing errors we find in opening chapters usually repeat themselves throughout the read. Likewise, a top-notch character, if developed properly, can help carry a lot of baggage for the rest of the book. This is especially true of Ada, a musician who is constantly finding…
REVIEW
“Alien Fugitive Requires Mechanic” by Vance Huxley
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
One of the fun parts about Science Fiction is watching the author create a technology and society that is beyond ours, manipulating the situation and including details that help us believe that it really might work. This requires the author to do a great deal of planning to make sure it all fits. Then the…
REVIEW
“The Starship from Speculari” by Tom Briggs
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
This is a light-hearted, fast-paced Space Opera with no particular concern for scientific accuracy or plot logic. It is more concerned with personalities, relationships and entertainment. The hero is Joe Hanson, a farmer with an interesting background that makes it almost plausible that he might cope with being kidnapped by an alien and, through a…
REVIEW
“Imperiled” by Alexander Hans Schmitt with Vonnie Gene Schmitt.
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
I wanted to like this book, because this author displays obvious talent. However, I was distracted by a lack of cohesion in general. The intended readership would probably not be affected by this situation, so you can take this review with a grain of salt. This is a highly technical Space Opera of the type…
REVIEW
“Tracer” by David Graham
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
This is a standard Sci-Fi epic action adventure, concerned with galactic politics and the sweep of history. It also explores serious themes of the responsibilities of leadership. From the first paragraph, there is warning of problems to come. The awkward structure “…amazed at just how good of a pilot she really was…” is immediately followed…
REVIEW
“Smuggler’s Love”(Reese Daniels Smuggler Book 3) by T. D. Wilson
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
When I am reviewing a book aimed specifically at a narrow genre, I ask myself two questions. First, does the book stick to the genre? Second, what is there about the book that lifts it above the other members of the group? The draw in this book is the main character. He is a sympathetic,…
REVIEW
“The Gilgamesh Path” by Michael Drakich
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
This novel should have been a fun, action-filled Space Opera. It has all the elements and is well written. However, instead it also tries to be Epic Science Fiction, where it is less successful. The unfortunate element of a story where diplomacy is the main conflict is the complexity of the situation, which requires constant…
REVIEW
“Fathoms Uncharted” by Patrick Kaufmann
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
This is a book written by an experienced wordsmith who has dropped the ball on writing a genre book. Even when you are an entertaining artist, it’s not good enough to know all the memes and all the traditional scenarios and dump every one of them on us in great profusion. “Fathoms Uncharted” is the…
REVIEW
“The Shirker” by Mark J. Schultis
by renaissanceadmin • • 0 Comments
I read this story all the way through without stopping. No notes, no pauses for reflection. I just enjoyed the tale and the characters. I must admit, there were times when I was reading that I said, “Wait a minute. That’s not right. You can’t do that!” And you can’t do that in a Space…