I took a look at the sample of this one and kept reading. That says it all, really. It’s well written and engaging, with an interesting bunch of characters in an interesting situation. It’s got humour amongst the drama, a good balance of elements and pacing that keeps you reading without gasping from over exertion. It’s also movie length. Read it in one night and go to bed satisfied. Highly recommended for anyone who wants an entertaining and well-written read.
Amy Spahn has written a series of short novels about a bunch of misfit characters on a space ship called the Endurance. Each book focuses on a different character and this follows Viktor, the first mate, a large man with large guns who loves to read. He’s been called in to help solve a murder and his investigation leads him and Areva, another Endurance shipmate, to a space station in the outer solar system in search or the culprit where, after an exhilarating hover car chase, they discover the surprising truth.
This is an entertaining read. It’s simple, lightweight and you can read it in a couple of hours, a good length when you don’t want to be tied up for days. This isn’t the kind of story you’d get overly excited about, partly because it is so short, but also because it’s very one dimensional. There are no deeper themes or issues explored. That’s not necessarily a negative; it’s just the kind of book it. You could read it instead of watching a movie. At 99c, it’s extremely good value.
Plotwise, it’s interesting and well-constructed. The central character is endearing and well portrayed and the writing is clean and to the point. When I first read it, I found a few issues in the line editing, but after pointing them out to the author, she assures me that she has attended to these. With that considered I give this 4 stars.
Book three: Mighter than the Sword.
This is a lovely series. Unpretentious, simple, charming and well-written. Even in this movie length book ,the author manages to fill out the central character so she is real and believable, if somewhat excentric.
This is the story of the head of security in the star ship Endurance and we learn why she can’t shoot someone who is looking at her – or can she? This is the question she asks herself as she works out a way to escape an alien prison.
