Will scratch that space opera itch
348841
One of the significant differences between science fiction and realist fiction is the sense that the possibilities of sf are so much grander.  Genre writers taking advantage of the four dimensions as a playground for fiction in a variety of ways, from the temporal extents of Olaf Stapledons works to the microworlds of Madeline DEngle, no sub-genre, however, may utilize the possibilities more than space opera.  Arguably the core of science fiction, its been in existence almost since the beginning, and there are no signs of its disappearance anytime soon.  Carrying the torch in the 21 st century is Ian Whates Pelquins Comet (2015, NewCon Press).

Knowing that a major stash of alien artifacts lies unclaimed, Pelquin, Captain of the freebooter Pelquins Comet, heads to the major financial center of New Sparta to find a sponsor in order to make a run at the loot.  An Elder artifact in hand, he succeeds in convincing one of the credit officers to extend a line of cash his way, but not without a compromise.  Forced to take on a representative of the bank (the mysterious alien toting Drake), Pelquin reluctantly agrees to the terms and sets his small crew to gearing up the ship for the trip.  Exiting New Sparta, however, a surprise attack occurs.  With projectiles flying the Comet gets off the ground, but not without its chief mechanic Monkey getting badly injured.  And hes needed.  The jump into RzSpace going smoothly, once inside the other dimension, however, a problem occurs with the motors, an emergency landing needed.  Babylon the closest planet, its there the Comet heads and the Captains plans for an easy loot grab really start to spiral out of control.

Pelquins Comet has something of a George Lucas feel to it.  Not necessarily the galactic sweep of Star Wars, more like the Adventures of Han Solo, its the story of one mans plan to cash in big on alien artifacts, his likeable crew, an enigmatic bank man, and the bad guys who want the profits for themselvesintrigue, space ships, and planetary adventure flying all around them.  The Captain quick on his head-feet and equally quick with his gun, he makes a good parallel to Han Solo, and with bad luck plaguing his ships mechanical state, Pelquins Comet occupies a role similar to the Millenium Falcon.  Trader and sometimes smuggler, he and the crew find themselves caught up in drama theyd rather not getting to the bottom of who attacked them on New Sparta, and just why the bank needed Drake aboard.  The dark-eyed Valyn de Souza forever lurking in the shadows, the series opens in exciting style.

Whates does a good job playing out the lines of suspense while steadily revealing significant plot points, keeping things character-focused, and mixing in bits of action to propel the narrative as a whole.  From the attack to the subsequent adventures of Pelquin, the exotic planets to the exciting climax, the book scratches that rainy day space opera itch.

With the freetraders of Anre Nortons Solar Queen series and George Lucas Star Wars applauding on the wings, Pelquins Comet wears its genre affiliation proudly on its sleeve.  Light entertainment, its a fast, fun read that will appeal to fans of either Norton or Lucas, as well as Peter Hamilton, Eric Brown, Keith  Brooke, Brian Stableford, John Brunner, and the other British writers who have dipped their pens into the well of space operaperhaps the vastest science fiction has to offer.
2932170
Sometimes I'm wary of cross-overs.  I like Romance just fine, but I've got to be in the mood for one (usually am just looking for a light, easy read).  I don't mind reading the SF-themed romances, but if I'm in the SF section of the bookstore, I really would prefer something a bit more hefty.

Well... These books have a LOT of Romance in them, but also enough story and action and complexity to be satisfying on the SF level as well.

I have to admit I used to really enjoy the Space Opera genre of past decades.  I think Catherine Asaro is doing her job to keep that alive single-handedly.  Sinclair's books have a lot of the old Space Opera feel.  Good space adventure with battles and intrigue and interplanetary travel mixed in--with good characters and personal relations mixed in.

This particular story also has quite a Star Wars like feel (first trilogy, 4-6), which was odd at times, but also good.  (Most of it was due to the term "droids" and the presence of a protocol droid that talked too much.)

The heroine is a rough and tumble girl from the wrong side of the tracks, running solo in her own rust-bucket of a ship, engaging in suspect trading runs.  The hero crash-lands almost in her lap, a dangerous military type engaged in an interstellar war.  And of course, these two opposites attract when they find mysterious plots against their peoples --and involving them personally.

So if you like Romance mixed with your SF, or even just a good old-fashioned SF adventure, I'd give this a try!
667423
I got hooked on the Omega Force saga waiting for another book to come out later 2015. Purchased the collection 1-3 which read really well so got 4.5 now up to 6 in the series. The book I am waiting for still isn't out so the gap is filled by this intriguing space tale. Just wish the price didn't go up as you engage the story. A good space opera to read you will not waste your time nor the price.
4699728
This is a more realistic space opera book than most. An enjoyable read. I look forward to the next book.
194780
It reminds me of some of the other great Space Opera writers. Keep them coming.
1144125
A Well done space story deserving to be read and enjoyed
154797
Space opera with action and interest.  Not a great literary classic, but enjoyable reading.  I'm looking to the next book to see if it carries through.
1467878
I had to get used to this type of story.  I usually like space opera.  It is not that.  I did enjoy it.
300713
This is the first book I have read in the series. It does well as a stand-alone book. You could consider it the start of a new series in the same universe of the other books. But it has peeked my interest in the rest of the series, so I am going to go back and start with the first book.

While this is a "space opera" with the expected action, there is enough time spent developing the main character as well. He is not perfect, and that makes the book more enjoyable. He is believable.
2383218
It is as good as it gets,a fast not to be put down read,space opera with military humor in the mix Escape and Adventure oh boy!!!
1890005
While the subject matter is a divergence from the hard science of book 1, treading into the realm of fantasy and religion (though with some at least speculative science behind it), Shores is very much a cross between the cold, character-driven Expanse and classic Star Trek episodes where fantasy elements carry allegorical and figurative weight. Character shines in this book, and in those places where the action falters - multiple scenes among the psychic natives especially that set a mood but make uncertain progress in the actual advancement of the storythe characters themselves provide enough interest to carry the narrative to the next action plot point. Regardless, this series has the punch and lasting impact youd expect of an a-list sci if author,  and should greatly exceed the expectations of readers of Amazon fiction. Despite a few typos here and there (that Im sure will eventually be caught and fixed), this is really great stuff!
1880905
Quite okay light reading in the science fiction / action genre. The books follows more or less directly from The Terran Gambit, the first book in The Pax Humana series. The rather badly mauled Phoenix is on the run from Admiral Trajan and his cronies and of course in need for supplies. Not a very original story of course but a working one.

The book is enjoyable to read. The writing is quite okay and I would say that it has improved somewhat from the first book. With the exception of the temporary bad guys introduced in this book the characters are the same which means that they are quite good, both the heroes and the nasty main villain, Admiral Trajan. The story itself is a bit of a shift from the story in the first book in that instead of involving some major fleet action we have ventured into the realm of lone ship running away and most of the story develops on the ground of the planet, Destiny. Personally I am more in favor of the major fleet action.

Also, the way this story went I am now wondering whether this is going to be a endless string of adventures with a red thread going through them for sure but where we still never really see the end. I really hope that intention for the series is that Jake and the Phoenix recovers, builds some muscle (as in a proper fleet) and proceeds to dish out some [censored]-whooping to the empire within a reasonably limited series of books.

The author is throwing around the grand plan of the Emperor quite a lot. I hope that, when it is finally revealed, it measures up to the expectations that the author is building.

Bottom line is that this is quite enjoyable reading although I am a bit worried that it might turn into a never ending Fugitive / Battlestar Galactica type of story.
1403365
Solid space opera. Although it is not deep and could be described as formulaic, I found it a fun read throughout.
4321778
I love a good space opera. It's pretty much impossible that I wouldn't. I mean, I grew up on Star Trek: The Original Series and then got into every iteration that came after. It's in my blood. That much being said, I'd like to say this: Thank you, Vanessa Ravencroft, for upholding my faith in my favorite sub-genre of Science Fiction. Seriously. Eric Olafson: Midshipman knocked it out of the park. I'll get to why in just a bit, but for now the disclaimer:

This is the eighth book in the series. I was able to follow 95% of it easily. It was all entertaining. I'm really only mentioning this because I know some people (and I happen to be one of them) prefer to start a series at the beginning. If you're looking for book one, it ain't here. If you're looking for a rollicking good time though, look no further. This one owns it.
2510961
It depends on what the next installment shows. Some science is glossed over. Not quite a space opera yet. Good so far.
2930719
Yeah--it's a good read. A good Space Opera. Not completely original but well done.
3083793
Id considered reading this series for a long time since the majority of the reviews seemed generally positive.  The first book in this series, The Silver Ships, is engagingly written and is a quick and easy read.  Having read lots of the space opera genre, I would consider this first book to be space opera light.  By that I mean the characters and premise are lightly defined. The characters start with strong personalities but with the exception of the protagonist, Alex, the others whither (or become anything other than strong) as the book progresses.  Alex, a space tug captain, discovers a drifting alien starship rendered inoperable by attacking Silver Ships, boards it for salvage, discovers a crew in stasis and the adventure begins.  What I did like the most about this book were the running interpersonal exchanges between Alex and the alien starships AI, Julien.  I did finish reading this book very quickly as it was engaging.  I plan on reading book 2, Libre, and suspect the depth of character development and plot will deepen.  Since Im late to beginning this series, Im pleased there are currently four books available which certainly enhances the continuity of the story telling.