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inquiry_from_an_anti_library's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Backworlds by M. Pax
Overview:
This a space faring future in which competition means ruthlessness against everyone, even family. This is part of the reason Craze’s father Bast betrays Craze. Even though Bast and the Verkinn council had planned to remove Craze from society for some time, to Craze it came all of the sudden. Given a meager sum of money and told to leave. Get on a transport and make a fortune on another planet. Craze has never left the planet, and does not know the politics off world. What Craze has is strength, and skills in manipulation. With what Craze has, Craze immediately sets on trying to make allies, but it is hard to trust after being betrayed by family. Falling in with different crowds, and meeting different alien species, Craze begins to learn the ways of the Backworlds. The first venture came about quickly, and was about obtaining the much coveted chocolate that only comes from the fabled planet of Earth. This is a story of falling into trouble, and understanding the meaning of loyalty and trust.
Caveats?
A slightly slow start, but picks up pretty quickly midway, and is a quick read.
Ambassador: Seeing Red by Patty Jansen
Overview:
Long separated human species have reconnected after many millennia. But they have not evolved as humans on Earth. Having different physiologies and cultures. Cultural differences spark accusations and generate misunderstandings. This makes diplomats life difficult, figuring out how to navigate the various cultures effectively, trying to bring understanding, without offending or exacerbating the situations. Cory Wilson is a diplomat, a representative, an ambassador between Nations of Earth and Gamra. Caught in an attack that killed the Human president. Cory’s loyalty is tested from all sides, while trying to prevent bloodshed and further misunderstanding. While trying to handle very precarious situations with calm resolve, Cory needs to figure out who to trust, and who is responsible for the attack. There are those who want war, making Cory their enemy because of Cory’s want for peace and cooperation. Thrusting Cory into a vitally important position for all sides.
Overview:
Long separated human species have reconnected after many millennia. But they have not evolved as humans on Earth. Having different physiologies and cultures. Cultural differences spark accusations and generate misunderstandings. This makes diplomats life difficult, figuring out how to navigate the various cultures effectively, trying to bring understanding, without offending or exacerbating the situations. Cory Wilson is a diplomat, a representative, an ambassador between Nations of Earth and Gamra. Caught in an attack that killed the Human president. Cory’s loyalty is tested from all sides, while trying to prevent bloodshed and further misunderstanding. While trying to handle very precarious situations with calm resolve, Cory needs to figure out who to trust, and who is responsible for the attack. There are those who want war, making Cory their enemy because of Cory’s want for peace and cooperation. Thrusting Cory into a vitally important position for all sides.
Caveats?
This story contains many different factions and cultures, making it hard to keep track of their connections and their political roles.
Alien Hunters by Daniel Arenson
Overview:
The skelkrin are apex predators who travel the stars on a path of conquest and destruction. They are heading to Earth, but that will not be their final stop. Before they reach human controlled space, they need to capture the last pirilian. Pirilians have many magical gifts, such as teleportation. If the skelkrin capture the pirilian, they would have the ability to teleport their fleets, making them unstoppable. The pirilian was on the way to Earth to get help from Riff Starfire. Riff is a musician, who finds out about the pirilian when the Cosmians try to get the information from Riff. The Cosmians are humans who worship the skelkrin. Riff needs to escape and seek the pirilian. To do this, Riff seeks the help of an ex-love who is a gladiator, and brother who is a knight. The group finds a spaceship that looks like a dragon. Riff exchanges Riff’s signed musical instrument for the ship. The purchase was for the ship, but whoever owns the ship inherits the eclectic crew, and business of Alien Hunters. This crews’ clashing personalities need to find a way to get to the pirilian before the skelkrin do.
Overview:
The skelkrin are apex predators who travel the stars on a path of conquest and destruction. They are heading to Earth, but that will not be their final stop. Before they reach human controlled space, they need to capture the last pirilian. Pirilians have many magical gifts, such as teleportation. If the skelkrin capture the pirilian, they would have the ability to teleport their fleets, making them unstoppable. The pirilian was on the way to Earth to get help from Riff Starfire. Riff is a musician, who finds out about the pirilian when the Cosmians try to get the information from Riff. The Cosmians are humans who worship the skelkrin. Riff needs to escape and seek the pirilian. To do this, Riff seeks the help of an ex-love who is a gladiator, and brother who is a knight. The group finds a spaceship that looks like a dragon. Riff exchanges Riff’s signed musical instrument for the ship. The purchase was for the ship, but whoever owns the ship inherits the eclectic crew, and business of Alien Hunters. This crews’ clashing personalities need to find a way to get to the pirilian before the skelkrin do.
Caveats?
An engaging read but has some event sequence inconsistencies, and mixed character development.
Hard Duty by Mark E. Cooper
Overview:
Humanity was nearby eradicated with a previous alien encounter. The Merkiaari retreated, but expected to return. During this more peaceful time, humans have made their own conflicts, but also sent out distant survey missions. As the ships would be out of contact for prolonged periods of time, survey missions were considered hard duty. During Captain Colgan’s survey mission, they encounter a signal from an alien species. The crew needs to properly observe the species, known as Shan, without creating a potential conflict. The efforts of first contact are expressed from various perspectives such as military, civilian, scientist, human, and Shan. This is a story of the many difficult sacrifices that may become needed to initiate friendly contact. The curiosity and danger of what an unknown species can bring. There is much that the Shan and humans can teach each other. But there is a danger of conflict, which can bring about another extermination type event. How will the humans and Shan make first contact?
Overview:
Humanity was nearby eradicated with a previous alien encounter. The Merkiaari retreated, but expected to return. During this more peaceful time, humans have made their own conflicts, but also sent out distant survey missions. As the ships would be out of contact for prolonged periods of time, survey missions were considered hard duty. During Captain Colgan’s survey mission, they encounter a signal from an alien species. The crew needs to properly observe the species, known as Shan, without creating a potential conflict. The efforts of first contact are expressed from various perspectives such as military, civilian, scientist, human, and Shan. This is a story of the many difficult sacrifices that may become needed to initiate friendly contact. The curiosity and danger of what an unknown species can bring. There is much that the Shan and humans can teach each other. But there is a danger of conflict, which can bring about another extermination type event. How will the humans and Shan make first contact?
Caveats?
There are some perspectives in the book that seem not to have a connection to this book. Although they do add a layer to an understanding of the politics and life of the times. The perspectives are possibly important for this book’s sequels.
There are some perspectives in the book that seem not to have a connection to this book. Although they do add a layer to an understanding of the politics and life of the times. The perspectives are possibly important for this book’s sequels.
Bypass Gemini by Joseph Lallo
Overview:
Lex is a disgraced racer who is in desperate need of an income. Trying to pay off massive debts, to unsavory people, Lex takes jobs as a freelance courier and chauffeur. For this one package, discretion is not just advised, it is needed. The package needs to be delivered without a corporation knowing about it. A corporation that owns most of the communication and routes between the plants. In between the delivery, Lex finds out that the one who requested the delivery, has died in an accident with many others. It becomes evident that the corporation is willing to sacrifice innocent lives to prevent the package from being delivered. But what is so important in this package to warrant such an aggressive response? What secrets does the package hold that are worth killing over? Along the way, Lex is on a journey of self-discovery, and attempts to become a better person. Maybe with the help with a certified mad scientist, and the scientist’s seemingly petty A.I. which does not adhere to the laws of robotics, can they figure out why the corporation wants to eliminate anyone with the knowledge of the package.
Overview:
Lex is a disgraced racer who is in desperate need of an income. Trying to pay off massive debts, to unsavory people, Lex takes jobs as a freelance courier and chauffeur. For this one package, discretion is not just advised, it is needed. The package needs to be delivered without a corporation knowing about it. A corporation that owns most of the communication and routes between the plants. In between the delivery, Lex finds out that the one who requested the delivery, has died in an accident with many others. It becomes evident that the corporation is willing to sacrifice innocent lives to prevent the package from being delivered. But what is so important in this package to warrant such an aggressive response? What secrets does the package hold that are worth killing over? Along the way, Lex is on a journey of self-discovery, and attempts to become a better person. Maybe with the help with a certified mad scientist, and the scientist’s seemingly petty A.I. which does not adhere to the laws of robotics, can they figure out why the corporation wants to eliminate anyone with the knowledge of the package.
Caveats?
As this book has a character development theme, it may take some time to sympathize with the main character.
As this book has a character development theme, it may take some time to sympathize with the main character.
Sky Hunter by Chris Reher
Overview:
Nova is a pilot for the Union, who comes from a military family and is trying to get enough experience to be a Sky Hunter. Experience that comes while the Union is at war with rebels. At base, Nova is viciously harassed by fellow crew. The people responsible harass many others, and they seem to be getting away with their actions. While on a mission, Nova gets captured. While a prisoner, Nova finds out information that contradicts the ideals Nova believed in. Seeing the war from the perspective of other side. Seeing the impact of the war on the civilians caught in between. Nova experiences the brutality and toll the war takes up close, which is a viewpoint not seen by pilots who see the action from far away. Worse, Nova sees the rebels have supplies and weapons that come from the Union. That means there is a problem with smuggling. A mystery that needs to be resolved, but proof is needed, and potential key witnesses seem afraid of speaking up. This is a story about questioning one’s beliefs. This is a story of what it takes to stand up for what is right.
Overview:
Nova is a pilot for the Union, who comes from a military family and is trying to get enough experience to be a Sky Hunter. Experience that comes while the Union is at war with rebels. At base, Nova is viciously harassed by fellow crew. The people responsible harass many others, and they seem to be getting away with their actions. While on a mission, Nova gets captured. While a prisoner, Nova finds out information that contradicts the ideals Nova believed in. Seeing the war from the perspective of other side. Seeing the impact of the war on the civilians caught in between. Nova experiences the brutality and toll the war takes up close, which is a viewpoint not seen by pilots who see the action from far away. Worse, Nova sees the rebels have supplies and weapons that come from the Union. That means there is a problem with smuggling. A mystery that needs to be resolved, but proof is needed, and potential key witnesses seem afraid of speaking up. This is a story about questioning one’s beliefs. This is a story of what it takes to stand up for what is right.
Caveats?
The writing sometimes has poor flow which prevent an understanding of what has happened.
The writing sometimes has poor flow which prevent an understanding of what has happened.
First Conquest by David VanDyke
Overview:
Until now, humans have been under assault by the Meme empire. Now humans are taking up the offensive. Sending the starship Conquest on the first conquest of another stellar system. This war is being told from a Meme Empire leader SystemLord, and various human perspectives. Containing the different cultural attributes and military strategies employed. The traps, decisions, and the gambles made. But the underlying theme of the book is how to treat others, specifically those that appear to work for the enemy. The Meme is ranked biologically, creating persecution of blends and native populations of the system called Hippos. Can these seeming enemies be turned into potential allies? The consequences of making the wrong decision means servitude to the Meme Empire. This is a story of the difficult sacrifices that might be needed to survive. This is a story of the impact of persecution.
Overview:
Until now, humans have been under assault by the Meme empire. Now humans are taking up the offensive. Sending the starship Conquest on the first conquest of another stellar system. This war is being told from a Meme Empire leader SystemLord, and various human perspectives. Containing the different cultural attributes and military strategies employed. The traps, decisions, and the gambles made. But the underlying theme of the book is how to treat others, specifically those that appear to work for the enemy. The Meme is ranked biologically, creating persecution of blends and native populations of the system called Hippos. Can these seeming enemies be turned into potential allies? The consequences of making the wrong decision means servitude to the Meme Empire. This is a story of the difficult sacrifices that might be needed to survive. This is a story of the impact of persecution.
Caveats?
This is a fast-paced book in which a lot is going on and the various perspectives sometimes change quickly making it a bit difficult to keep track of what is going on.
This is a fast-paced book in which a lot is going on and the various perspectives sometimes change quickly making it a bit difficult to keep track of what is going on.
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