Audible Book Review: Space Knight by Michael-Scott Earle

This Space Opera with LitRpg elements was entertaining enough.

Space Knight
By: Michael-Scott Earle
Narrated by Nick Podehl

 

Series: Space Knight, Book 1
Length 13h 11m
Published April 24, 2018
Publisher: Audible Audio
Genre: Fantasy, LitRpg, Magic, Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

In a universe where technology and magic co-exist, Nicholas Lyons desires one thing: to serve his queen as a Space Knight in the Royal Trident Forces. But when his final mission as an Academy cadet goes horribly wrong, Nicholas discovers he possesses illegal magical abilities that grant him power far beyond that of a normal man, knight, or mage.
When a clandestine assignment lands Nicholas on the worst starship in the kingdom's fleet, he finds a motley crew of warriors hiding their own terrible secret. Death and betrayal lurk around every corner, and Nicholas finds himself torn between his loyalties to his new crew, or the oath he swore to his queen.
And death no matter which choice he makes.

Review:
Nicholas does not come from a rich or noble family, but he worked hard at academy in order to have a chance to serve his queen someday as a Space Knight. On the final class mission, the cadets are planet side and supposed to have a light encounter with aliens. Instead, they find themselves under attack by elite warrior aliens. No one knows what went wrong but when the mist settles, Nicholas has saved a rich nobleman’s son, and learned that he has an illegal magical ability.

Nicholas has the chance to pick an assignment on the best ship in the fleet. Then he opens a message from his deceased father, an unrecognized Space Knight, and has to change to what is scoffed as the worst starship, the Stalwart. Before he is reassigned, the nobleman directs Nicholas, in ‘the name of the queen’, to secretly spy on the motley crew.

As soon as he gets on the ship, he can tell there are secrets among the crew. And they are so much more than the rumors imply. He begins to make friends and appreciate the “motley” crew so his loyalties are being confused. What is really going on with the Stalwart? What will happen when the motley crew learn that Nick has been spying on them?

I found this entertaining even as it has flaws. It has coming of age, LitRpg, and superhero elements. The LitRpg is focused on all of the levels of tech, allocated to squire or space knights, and with different levels of boost and skill. I like the inclusion. The crew characters have some strange and unique skills from berserker to empowering music. There is awkward interaction with this protagonist and the several beautiful women on the crew. I like the magic but that too is odd since it is illegal but mostly no one seems to care. Instead, everyone wants to use the skill.

All in all, I enjoyed the entertainment aspect of the story. I would try the next in series, but they are not available. I recommend this to fans of space, fantasy, and action... if it becomes available.

Audio Notes: I like Nick Podehl as a narrator. He provides distinct voices for the characters and energy that fits the action. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 10-13-18 Daily Deal $4.95 with $5.00 credit) $0.00. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.