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A review by lindca
Linesman by S.K. Dunstall
4.0
3.5 stars
The premise of the story was interesting, the execution at times a bit uneven.
Ean is a self-taught linesman from the slums of a rich world who interacts through song with the lines of energy that control and power ships. Almost by accident, he is plucked from relative obscurity and becomes embroiled in galactic intrigue when a new line source is discovered and various political factions vie to control it and each other.
I usually don't mind beta protagonists with self-esteem issues if there's a little self-deprecating humor involved. There's none here, and while Ean has good reason for self-doubt, it became frustrating to read at times. Nevertheless, he never becomes paralyzed and reacts in most situations with resourcefulness, making him a likeable character.
I had a little more trouble with the political machinations and had difficulty at times recalling who was aligned with whom and why. I usually prefer more action vs. intrigue, and at times the balance tipped the wrong way for me. Still, I enjoyed the story enough to want to come back to it and find out what happened next.
So, 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 both for the intriguing premise and the hope that in the next book in the series there's a bit less emphasis on the political and a bit more personal growth for Ean.
The premise of the story was interesting, the execution at times a bit uneven.
Ean is a self-taught linesman from the slums of a rich world who interacts through song with the lines of energy that control and power ships. Almost by accident, he is plucked from relative obscurity and becomes embroiled in galactic intrigue when a new line source is discovered and various political factions vie to control it and each other.
I usually don't mind beta protagonists with self-esteem issues if there's a little self-deprecating humor involved. There's none here, and while Ean has good reason for self-doubt, it became frustrating to read at times. Nevertheless, he never becomes paralyzed and reacts in most situations with resourcefulness, making him a likeable character.
I had a little more trouble with the political machinations and had difficulty at times recalling who was aligned with whom and why. I usually prefer more action vs. intrigue, and at times the balance tipped the wrong way for me. Still, I enjoyed the story enough to want to come back to it and find out what happened next.
So, 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 both for the intriguing premise and the hope that in the next book in the series there's a bit less emphasis on the political and a bit more personal growth for Ean.