Audible Book Review: Shattered Worlds, Koban Volume 4 by Stephen W Bennett

This is long but full of action, likeable characters and interesting tech details.

Shattered Worlds
Koban, Volume 4
By: Stephen W Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Length: 31 hrs and 26 mins
Release date: 04-16-15
Publisher: Stephen W Bennett
Genre: Aliens, Colonization, Military Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5

Publisher's Summary
The Kobani continue their offensives against the Krall, attacking production worlds and destroying or stealing ships from the Krall fleet, which the enemy needs to resupply their invasions. The Kobani create a multispecies settlement on Haven, a gentler habitable world near deadly Koban. They gain the trust and technological assistance of freed former Krall slave species, the Torki, Prada, and resurrected Raspani. Their ranks and Mind Tap learned skills are increased by spec ops recruits from Human Space.
Mirikami engineers an assault on the Krall base world, K1, in cooperation with a skeptical human navy by sharing new technology, revealing Kobani physical capabilities, and providing intelligence on new Krall invasion plans. Despite knowing the Kobani use illegal gene mods, the navy high command decides to hit the Krall first, with the help of their secretive, tough Kobani ally. After the attack a mauled Krall fleet still heavily outnumbers the navy, and the damaged human fleet withdraws.
A vengeful Krall warlord, the Kobani old nemesis Telour, summons an ancient Olt'kitapi ship that can shatter an entire planet. He has a devious plan for remote strikes that will initiate delayed deaths on multiple human worlds, all before a ship imbued with morality can learn it has been been duped. Telour wants the home world of humanity to see death approaching one world at a time.
Mirikami expected a strong Krall reaction but not this extreme. He scrambles to head off the inexorable destruction of multiple planets. Failing to save some worlds, he is the final hope for billions of people on others. The Kobani will need the strength and speed their genes provide plus luck to save humanity.
Book one: Koban; book two: Koban: The Mark of Koban; book three: Koban: Rise of the Kobani.
©2014 Stephen W Bennett (P)2015 Stephen W Bennett

Review:
This continues the story of the genetically enhanced humans who call themselves Kobani. The Kobani have made friends and allies with other species who have previously been terrorized or enslaved by the brutal alien race known as Kralls. The Torki, Prada, and Raspani are willing to share their superior technology and skills to help the Kobani fight the Krall.

Rather than wait for the Kralls to slowly annihilate the human race, the Kobani have taken the offensive trying to destroy Krall ships, weapons and supplies in an effort to slow them down. They have already teamed up with some Special Ops troops of the human race, but now the Kobani find that they must convince the human authorities and PU (Planetary Union) military to fight with them. That means revealing their new mind tap skills and other genetic enhancements to the humans, who had previously banned genetic modifications.

After attacking several of the Krall production planets, Mirakami, the leader of the Kobani, plans a raid on the Krall base world, K-1. He knows that a new Krall leader is being installed but Mirakami doesn’t realize it is his old nemesis, Telour. In response to the attack on K-1, Telour convinces the counsel to allow him to use one of the few remaining ancient Olt'kitapi ships to destroy several human planets, including Earth. The plan is tricky because the Olt'kitapi ships were designed to build new worlds, not destroy them.

Mirakami and his fleet must race to try to stop the ancient ship from shattering four human worlds. When he is unable to save the first world will the human president be prepared to focus blame on the genetically ‘criminal’ Kobanis?

I was concerned about the length of this book but it turned out it kept me engaged. There is plenty of action and strategic war maneuvering that made it interesting. There is also some snarky humor thrown in to break up the tense trauma and losses. There are some sections of physic discussions and weapon or ship discussions which could have moved faster but overall, I feel invested in the fate of the Kobani and want to continue the series. I recommend this to fans of alien encounter, space military but do suggest starting with book one in the series.

Audio Notes: Eric Michael Summerer does a great job with the narration. He provides distinct voices for the males, females and a variety of alien species. He also provides good energy and even makes the scientifically technical sections move along well. I enjoy listening to this series.

Source: October 2020 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2021TBR and 2021Audiobook goals.

Koban, Volume 1 - My Rating 4.5
Koban: The Mark of Koban, Koban Volume 2 - My Rating 5.0
Koban: Rise of the Kobani, Koban Volume 3 - My Rating 4.5

Audible Book Review: A Change of Plans: A Short Story by Dennis E. Taylor

This is a quick teaser which might make a satisfactory intro to a new series.

A Change of Plans: A Short Story
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Neil Hellegers

• Length: 44 mins
• Release date: 05-26-20
• Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Adventure, Colonization, Short Story, Space Opera
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Content 3.5; Narration 3.75.

Publisher's Summary
Earth is dying, and humanity is scrambling to set up colonies in other star systems. But the search process for habitable planets is not perfect, as the crew of the Ouroboros discover on arrival at their new home.
©2017 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Earth citizens are vying for the few spaceships available to take them to habitable planets. While many wait in line, a group of citizens has gained the ability to help pay for and build a ship to take them as the first colonists. The captain and crew are on a schedule to drop the colonists on the chosen planet and then return to Earth to get another group of citizens. But when they arrive to the chosen planet they realize that the conditions are not as expected.

Delivering the eager colonists to the surface may result in death rather than a viable colony. The captain can’t take them back because it would put them to the end of the line for another ship. The choices aren’t good. When negotiations fail, the colonists decide to implement a change of plans.

I snagged this for a quick space listen which it is. I really enjoy this author’s Bob universe with space colonization and action laced with danger and humor. Although I liked the fitting science fiction irony in this story, it left me feeling a bit “meh”. I think it might work as an introduction to a new series but as a standalone it left me wanting more and disappointed. I can recommend this as a quick filler and diehard fans of Taylor, especially as a free book on Audible Plus.

Audio Notes: Neil Hellegers does a good job with the narration. He really managed to add life to the story even though voices were not uniquely distinct. I am glad that I listened to this short story.

Source: Audible Plus Catalog March 22, 2021. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook goal.

Audible Book Review: Prominence by A.C. Hadfield

This is an action-packed, but disjointed, space sci-fi.
Prominence
By: A.C. Hadfield
Narrated by: Marc Vietor

Series: Blackstar Command, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-09-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Alien Invasion, Colonization, Military Sci-Fi
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
They tried to destroy our planets. Our way of life. They tried to send us into extinction. But we, the Coalition, fought them and won. That was a decade ago. We had assumed they were beaten for good.
We were wrong.
They’re known as the Host: a cabal of aliens seeking to dominate our sector of space. And they’re back - with help from a powerful new enemy.
Against their wrath, we must stand. We’re outnumbered and unprepared. If we lose, we lose everything.
But there is hope. An ancient race of long-dead but technologically advanced aliens called the Navigators have a ship called the Blackstar that could potentially turn the tide. That is if I, Kai Locke, a humble ship racer, can find it and learn how to harness its power in time.
If I fail, the Coalition will fall, and the Host will consign us to a distant memory. I refuse to let that happen. I will fight to my last breath for the Coalition’s survival.
For fans of Star Wars, Firefly, Battlestar, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
©2017 A.C. Hadfield & Colin F. Barnes (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Kai’s father disappeared on a secret mission to find an alien ship known as the Blackstar. Although his mother keeps trying to pull him into the military, to follow in his parent’s footsteps, Kai chose to be a ship racer pilot, seeking to make his own way. Kai struggles to win the local race, with the help of his childhood friend, half-human Senaya. They are desperate to win the money to get off the planet where illness, known as the blight, is spreading.

Kai and Senaya are pursuing a salvage ship that crashed in the wilderness. When they arrive at the site they are attacked as they discover pirates have beat them to the prize. Surprisingly, the infamous pirate leader lets Kai escape with his father’s locker and a mysterious alien artifact.

Suddenly life is disrupted again with news that the great space enemy, the Host, has returned. Kai soon learns that others are tracking the alien artifact. He realizes he has to get help from the pirate brigand and when he and Senaya find him the three have to make a rushed escape.

Kai finally consents to work with the military when they give him a mission to search for his father and the Blackstar. They are only one step ahead of pursuers as they manage to get to the hidden world. Even if Kai can return with the Blackstar will that be enough to fight the Host?

The story moves along at a good pace with plenty of action from beginning to end. Some of the scenes are initially disjointed until the reader gets accustomed to the author’s jumps from Kai’s situation to scenes of his mother. Maybe the primary character’s youth, (age 17) made him seem less compelling as a character. I did like the pirate character though. There was a bit of telling rather than showing which tends to make sections a slog. There is an ending to this book but it also springs off into a new alien world. Although I found the story to be acceptably entertaining, I didn’t find myself caught up and eager to get the next book in the series.

Audio Notes: Marc Vietor does a good job with the narration, working with the weaker writing. He provides distinct voices and some energy. I am glad that I listened to this.

Source: 4/2/19 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Orion Colony by J.N. CHaney, Jonathan Yanez

I enjoyed this fast dystopian to space adventure.

Orion Colony
An Intergalactic Space Opera Adventure
By: J.N. Chaney, Jonathan Yanez
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Orion Colony, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 06-04-19
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Colonization, Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0; Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Humanity's Exodus is about to begin.
When half of mankind revolts and demands more opportunity, those at the top decide on a compromise: They will build the first colony ships and allow the rest to discover new worlds and start over.
Twelve ships are built. The first is called the Orion.
Many are eager to go, but only 100,000 are chosen for each vessel. Far from Earth, a new life awaits, and it promises the prosperity they've always wanted.
But still, resistance stirs.
There are those who are eager to sabotage this new expansion effort, threatening the promise of a new life. As Orion moves through the void of space, towards a distant world, its passengers must fight for survival in an unprecedented conflict.
Win or lose, their future will be forever changed.
Experience a sprawling galactic tale in this first entry to The Orion Colony series. If you're a fan of Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, or Indiana Jones, you'll love this epic, space opera adventure.
©2018 Variant Publications (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Dean Slade has a past life as a champion fighter. This he keeps secret as he works as a Transient Mechanic, grade 2. Earth society is ruled by the Eternals who modify their bodies for immortality. The Transients rebelled against the powerful Eternals which resulted in the Eternals agreeing to send the Transients to their own space colonies to begin anew. Twelve ships are scheduled to go out but there are still rebels who are attacking the crews and attempting to sabotage the plans.

Dean is working on the Orion which is in its final stages of preparation to launch. When rebels attack the work yard, it is decided to launch early and finish the work on the journey. Dean didn’t plan to go on the trip but gets stuck on board when he rushes on to save a friend.

The Orion crew is headed by two sibling Eternals who seem to truly care for the people and want the recolonization to be successful. Dean is initially accused of sabotage but the AI cameras show that the true culprit is camouflaged. Dean’s qualifications, other than his mechanic skills, are the ability (and somewhat reluctant) willingness to fight and capture the enemy. He is recruited to investigate alongside an undercover agent.

The rebellion attacks continue, throwing the ship out of the slipstream and forcing a crash landing on an unknown planet. As this book ends the survivors gather around an existing domed facility.

I liked Dean’s character as a reluctant hero surrounded by mystery and courage. This is clearly a dystopian society that sets up the background. The story runs to the ‘cheesy’ side, but it is easy enjoyable action. The grammatical errors are not as obvious with audio but I agree with other reviewers that additional editing would help. Although some readers might object to the cliff hanger or half story nature of this book, I found it to be a reasonable length that stops before the next adventure. I recommend this to fans of light sci-fi colonization adventure.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter is a good sci-fi narrator. He delivers this story with fitting emotion and personalities. I enjoyed the listen and would listen to more in the series.

Source: 11/2/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review: Koban: Rise of the Kobani by Stephen W. Bennett

I am still enjoying this creative sci-fi series.

Koban: Rise of the Kobani
Koban, Volume 3
By: Stephen W. Bennett
Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Series: Koban, Book 3
Length: 28 hrs and 14 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-12-14
Language: English
Publisher: Stephen W. Bennett
Genre: Aliens, Colonization, Military Space Sci-Fi
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
The Kobani use captured Krall ships to return to Human Space. They seek expert training for their genetically modified fighters, modern weapons and new medical technology. There's a possible block to this help in the form of death penalty laws of the Planetary Union, prohibiting gene modifications of humans. A holdover from the Gene War, which nearly extinguished humanity. A perilous descent through a war-torn planet's space defenses is a first step. A Krall ship and its heavily armed crew have to be destroyed on the ground, while a watching hostile Special Ops force decides if the Kobani should be trusted, or killed as Krall collaborators. Fighting their way between a rock and a hard place, they prove they are a match for the Krall. Exploration at home reveals startling alien neighbors, and a habitable world next door. A remarkable genetic discovery there will forever alter the Kobani. Winning allies, Captain Mirikami forges a bold and dangerous plan, to strike deep into the heart of Krall territory. A place the enemy is confident that puny "animals" can't reach, let alone attack. Simultaneous Kobani raids damage Krall war manufacturing, buying time for humanity. However, the Krall have a deadly ancient weapon that none expected. Retaliatory escalation of the war has been triggered, and if it doesn't go as the Krall plan, entire planets and their populations could be shattered. Read Book 1 (Koban), and Book 2 (Koban: The Mark of Koban). Book 4 (Koban: Shattered Worlds) is coming soon.
©2013 Stephen W Bennett (P)2014 Stephen W Bennett.

Review:
Merikami has led the genetically enhanced Kobani to capture three enemy Krall ships. Human troops have never been able to do this. The Kobani want to offer help and genetic secrets to humans but the reigning government has banned all genetic modifications, punishable by death. Merikami takes the Krall ships to sneak into Human Space hoping to convince the Special Ops forces to accept the help they can offer as the only chance against the stronger and more ruthless Krall.

The young Kobani are sent out to scout a Krall ship which lands near the Kobani hidden landing. They discover a filed of unattended Krall equipment and tanks. As they begin to take control of the units, the Krall return putting the young, scarcely trained Kobani in an unexpected face-off with the heavily armed enemy. Meanwhile a local Spec Ops team is watching and suspecting that the humans have inexplicably joined with the enemy.

The first thing Merikami and his men need to do is to convince the Spec Ops and the local human commander that they are not consorting with the enemy. Then they have to persuade the human troops to accept the genetic help. The program has to remain secret but there are many men who want to accept the modifications so they can be more effective in the fight against the Krall.

Merikami’s plan is to develop large enough squadrons of trained, enhanced men and women to begin to take the battle to the Kralls. The plan is to target the resource planets to remove the ships and armaments in order to slow down the massive Krall army. As the Kobanis are pulling together the additional troops, other Kobanis are reaching out to newly discovered alien species to work together as allies against the common enemy.

I was quickly pulled into the current status and goals of the Kobani. There is good action and some interesting character developments. I’m not sure I totally agree with all of the genetic modifications. There is some minor swearing and sexual innuendo. I loved the creative alien species who have distinct physical appearances and diverse mindsets.

This third book picks up 20 years after the prior book ends and doesn’t really fill in much of the background. I recommend reading this series in order to get the background history of the Kobani characters. I recommend this to sci-fi readers who enjoy strong military space adventures.

Audio Notes: Eric Michael Summerer does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. He provides distinct and fitting voices to the humans and aliens. I really enjoy listening to this series and will be picking up book 4 soon.

Source 2019 January Audible Credit Picks. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020 Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.

Reviews for Books 1 and 2.

Audible Book Review: Genesis by Ken Lozito

I enjoyed this fast moving military sci fi.
Genesis
By: Ken Lozito
Narrated by: Scott Aiello

Series: First Colony, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-27-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Colonization, Military Sci Fi, Space Fleet
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5

Publisher's Summary
A mission gone wrong. Innocent lives have been lost.
Escaping wrongful imprisonment wasn't something Connor had in mind, but being put into stasis aboard Earth's first interstellar colony ship was something he couldn't have prepared for.
For 300,000 colonists, the new colony brings the promise of a fresh start...a second chance. Connor might be the wrong man for the colony, but he's the right man to see that it survives what's coming.
A new world with new challenges, but the mission has changed.
If you loved Old Man's War and Ender's Game, you'll love Genesis from First Colony, a new military science fiction series.
©2017 Ken Lozito (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Colonel Connor Gates is hot on the tale of a criminal mastermind. He thinks his elite team of ‘Ghosts’ has the leader cornered. Instead, the mission explodes around them, taking millions of innocent lives. Connor goes to sleep wondering what charges he will have to face. He isn’t at all prepared for what he learns when he wakes up – over a hundred years in the future.

Connor was smuggled aboard the Earth’s first interstellar colony ship. The 300,000 colonists and their leaders had set out to establish a peaceful society. They have security but no true military experience. This might have worked fine if the ship had arrived at the expected planet. When the ship is detoured to a different planet they must deal with natural predators that weren’t planned for.

Connor is invited to tour the planet base and begin to think where he might fit. It doesn’t take long for him to see gaps and weaknesses in the security system. This riles the man in charge of the local force. But increasing predator attacks make it clear that Connor has a better plan to protect the people. He sets out to train a dozen men and women to be a new special search and rescue team. Can they get the defenses in place before losing people, even the newly trained team, to the surprisingly clever beasts?

Connor is a well-developed dedicated and intense character. He is not a superhero but has the skills and instincts that are needed for the colony. I especially enjoyed the fast-paced military action as well as the mysteries that are presented. Why was the ship diverted? What secrets are contained in the ancient city that seems to be affecting the enemy beasts? What is the true danger revealed by the encrypted message sent through time and space to warn the colonists?

I will be picking up more in this series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy military sci fi and first colony stories.

Audio Notes: I’ve enjoyed the narration of Scott Aiello on other works and he does another good job on this one. He presents the characters with different voices and fitting emotions. He helps put the listener in the middle of the action. I am very glad I listened to this on audio.

Source: 8/30/18 Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Audible Book Review with Print Giveaway: The Last Colony, Old Man's War, Book 3 by John Scalzi

I really enjoy the snark and action in this series.
The Last Colony, Old Man's War, Book 3
by John Scalzi
Narrated by: William Dufris

Series: Old Man's War, Book 3
Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-13-08
Language: English
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Genre: Colonization, Genetic Engineering, Sci Fi
My rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Retired from his fighting days, John Perry is now village ombudsman for a human colony on distant Huckleberry. With his wife, former Special Forces warrior Jane Sagan, he farms several acres, adjudicates local disputes, and enjoys watching his adopted daughter grow up.
That is, until his and Jane's past reaches out to bring them back into the game - as leaders of a new human colony, to be peopled by settlers from all the major human worlds, for a deep political purpose that will put Perry and Sagan back in the thick of interstellar politics, betrayal, and war.
Listen to Old Man's War .
©2007 John Scalzi (P)2008 Macmillan Audio

Review:
John Perry, his wife, Jane, and their adopted teenage daughter, Zoe, with her unique alien guards, Hickory and Dickory, are living quietly as farmers on a distant human colony planet. John is the local authority and has to deal with community issues including disputes over goat propagation between feuding brother.

Then a General from their CU (Colonial Union) past calls them to lead a group of colonists on a planet named Roanoke. The colony is to bring together races from many human peoples who are seeking new colonies. The races all wanted to be the only colonists, but the CU authorities decided there had to be a gathering. These means there are already hostilities and jealousies and not all the colonists are happy to have John and Jane take leadership.

When the ship takes its final time slip to reach its destination, they discover they are not at the planet they expected. The colonists learn that they are a target for attack by another galactic group, the Conclave, who issued a decree banning any new colonies that did not get permission from them. One of the groups of colonists are Mennonites who do not use modern technologies. There was a larger amount of old fashion tools in the supplies for a reason. The colony has to learn to build and farm using minimal technology so they won’t be detected by the Conclave.

The colony is actually being used as bait as the CU has set them up to draw out the Conclave. John and the new colonists are shocked at the betrayal but now they have to figure out how to avoid destruction by the Conclave. They also have to determine who is they can trust.

I enjoyed the snarky rapport that John has with other characters. It makes the story fun listening. Zoe is beginning to appear as a more important character and I enjoyed the nature of her guards. John is able to use their devotion to help protect not just Zoe but the other colonists too. There are tensions and battle scenes with good action that are well balance with the intrigue and personal stories.

This is the third book in the series and I am still enjoying the creative world and characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy solid space opera with a good touch of humor.

Audio Notes: I enjoy the narration of William Dufris. He brings in the personalities of the characters with distinct voices. His narration makes the story more enjoyable for me.

Source: December 2017 Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Audiobook Challenge.

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Audible Book Review: Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2 by Stephen W. Bennett

This is good adventure with interesting futuristic weapon detail.

Koban: The Mark of Koban, Volume 2

By: Stephen W. Bennett

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Series: Koban, Book 2

Length: 22 hrs and 11 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 05-16-14

Language: English

Publisher: Stephen W Bennett

Genre: Alien Invasion, Colonization, Sci Fi, Space Opera

My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

Book 2 of the Koban Series

Already faster and more powerful than the last 17 species that they have destroyed or subjugated, the Krall have set their sights on humankind. After testing humans on their future home world of Koban and finding them worthy opponents, the Krall start a war of slow extermination with the rest of humanity. The war is intended to last generations as they apply their own version of "natural selection" to cull their weaker warriors in combat, purifying the Krall gene pool with their finest warriors for breeding. Why? The Krall desire to rule the galaxy someday, from their future home world of Koban, where the impossibly fast and powerful animals have proven to be too fast and strong for them to match. Only through the attrition of war will the Krall perfect their bloodline to become the masters of Koban. When the Krall departed Koban to start their war with humanity, they destroyed the protections that kept their prisoners safe. They left the human test subjects to fall victim to high gravity, and the deadly predators. Big mistake. The bio scientist left behind enhanced the human genome with Koban genes, forming the next generations of humans. They are becoming what the Krall sought to be. The fastest, most powerful species in the galaxy. The men and women trapped on Koban, locked in a struggle for their own survival for twenty years, return to the stars to help defend Human Space. The Krall have had their way with human worlds, killing when and where they wish. Outnumbered, the new Kobani will now take the war to the Krall.

©2013 Stephen W Bennett (P)2014 Stephen W Bennett

Review:
This picks up from Book One when the Krall, a vicious killing species, abandon captured humans on Koban expecting that the hostile environment to kill the humans. Instead the humans have learned to survive. A progressive group has thrived by accepting gene therapy to improve their abilities. Several married couples have produced the first generation with enhanced genes. This group plan to be ready for battle if the Krall ever return. And if they can find a way off planet they will face the Krall where they threaten other humans.

I was pulled in following the characters from book one as they developed friendships with other native species. In addition to becoming allies, they are adding more special skills to the human gene pool. Meanwhile the Krall begin a slow war and eradication of the human colonies.

I like the multiple perspectives, from the Kobani humans, the humans being attached on colonies and the enemy Krall. There are a few slow areas with detail of weapons and technology, but even that was fascinating due to the author's imaginative creation. I recommend this to readers who enjoy space sci fi, alien battles. I enjoyed the audio experience and will be getting the next in the series.

Audio Notes: Eric Michael Summerer does an excellent job of narration. He provides distinct voices, emotions and energy. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the excellent, engaging story.

Source: 2017 Audible Credit Purchase. This qualifies for 2018TBR, Audio Book and Alphabet ("K" title) Challenges.

#NetGalley Book Review: The Hills of Mare Imbrium by Carleton Chinner

This is engaging sci fi rebellion.

The Hills of Mare Imbrium
by Carleton Chinner

File Size: 2478 KB
Print Length: 318 pages
Publisher: Carleton Chinner (August 30, 2017)
ASIN: B0758DSP5Z
Genre: Colonization, Sci Fi, Space
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

When Jonah arrives on the Moon, he isn't expecting much. All he wants is to stay out of trouble and start a new life working on the Helium mine at Chang’e Base. He doesn’t expect to be swept into the raging undercurrent of the Moon's racial tensions and politics.
Yesha is desperate to escape her domineering uncle. In a moment of rebellion, she agrees to have dinner with Jonah and his friend. A simple decision that will change her entire life and set her on a collision course with her uncle.
Unknown to either of them, the head of security, Wang Mei, has plans to enslave the people of the Moon and seize control of the incredible wealth that comes from supplying the world with energy.
Their lives collide in a perfect storm where no one is safe and freedom is the ultimate prize.

Review:
Jonah lost his favored brother to the wrong crowd in a mess that left Jonah tainted and a liability to the family. Now Jonah has been exiled to the Moon where he has no real prospects. He makes a new friend, Lucien, not realizing that he will soon be caught up in rebellion.

Yesha is the niece of the Moon’s governing authority. She doesn’t agree with his oppressive style that shows no rights or respect of the Moon folk. Yesha was born of earthers but was modified by her mother to become a child of the Moon. The head of security, Wang Mei is more than happy to brutally abuse the Moon workers. He has his own plans to enslave them even if he has to destroy their cities to beat them into submission. Wang Mei has abusive plans for Yesha too.
Yesha agrees to have dinner with Lucien and Jonah. But that night events spiral out of control putting her on the run from Wang Mei and destined for an unexpected future leading the rebellion.

There are secondary characters who are fun. The characters are nicely developed and the story is told from alternating perspectives which helped to keep it engaging. The pacing was good after a little slow start. The lunar rebellion and production line reminded me of The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. I enjoyed the human implants and the manipulation of the droids. I recommend this to those who enjoy sci fi colonization stories.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for 2018TBR, NetGalley and Alphabet Challenges.

Book Review: Welcome to Outcast Station by Jeanne Adams, Nancy Northcott

I enjoyed the characters and stories in this mystery pair.
Welcome to Outcast Station
by Jeanne Adams,‎ Nancy Northcott

File Size: 1094 KB
Print Length: 312 pages
Publisher: Rickety Bookshelf Press (August 31, 2017)
ASIN: B072M8D373
Genre: Colonization, Mystery, Sci Fi, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Welcome to Outcast Station
Even outcasts deserve a shot at redemption.
~
The Accidental Plague by Jeanne Adams
Outcast Station is a backwater, but for BVax Scientist Ravinisha Trentham, any posting is better than washing dishes. Ravi is top in her graduation class, but only Outcast would hire a McKeonite. Someone on the station wants her dead, but when a plague breaks out, Ravi may be their only hope. If the murderer gets to her first, everyone will die.
The New Badge by Nancy Northcott
Deputy Marshal Hank Tremaine crosses the wrong person and lands at Outcast Station, the armpit of Terran space. His hostile boss promptly assigns him to a backcountry murder. Solving it will help redeem his reputation and get him posted somewhere more civilized. But failing to find the killer will bury his career once and for all.

Review:
These are two distinct stories set in a edge of space station that is looked upon as an outpost for the castoffs of employees. If you aren’t considered good enough, come from the wrong class or wrong people, or maybe have messed up on a prior assignment then this is the place you are likely to be sent.

In The Accidental Plague, the protagonist, Ravinisha, is a top of her class scientist who can’t get hired due to prejudice against her planet race. Fortunately, there are several officers at Outcast Station who look beyond the past and see her strong potential. The scientist whom she will follow gives Ravinisha the first warm welcome she has had in her young life. He shows her the ropes and even takes her sightseeing a bit. Ravinisha is also welcomed and accepted by the Station enforcement officers and several others.

But there are those who want her gone enough to vandalize her room and threaten her. There is also a sly offer made to cut her in on a smuggling ring. Ravinisha is coping with these issues when a feverish and deadly epidemic strikes across the station. Can Ravinisha find a cure before the station becomes a floating tomb?

I really enjoyed these characters and became invested in their well-being. There are small clues to pick up on the mystery which was nicely plotted and presented. I would love to read more about Ravinisha and her friends on Outpost Station.

The New Badge brings a new enforcement officer into town as a punishment from a boss with whom he conflicted. Deputy Marshal Hank Tremaine is actually a properly detailed investigator, but his forthright approach isn’t appreciated by everyone. He is assigned to a murder case in an outlaying area and it seems clear his new boss is going to make Hank’s redemption difficult.

Hank is determined to perform his job with precision, but he encounters obstacles in the form of sloppy work from his co-workers with discrepancies and deficiencies in the evidence. Next thing Hank knows his shuttle vehicle is sabotaged and he and a local officer are lucky to survive the crash. When Hank recovers from his injuries the chief hands him a wrapped-up case with an arrest based on witness testimony.

Hank and the locals are sure that the arrested suspect is innocent, and it sure looks like someone wants to close the case before Hank can uncover anything more. He is caught in a hard place because he will have to disobey his chief (and risk getting a better job posting) if he continues to pursue the investigation. Too bad it just isn’t his nature to walk away when the facts don’t add up.

I liked Hank’s character and enjoyed this mystery investigation. He really had to work around ineffective staff and corruption to solve the case. I would like to read more by this author too.

I was a little disappointed that the characters of the stories didn’t overlap. Still I was engaged by both stories. I recommend this to mystery and sci fi fans.

I received this through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge and was part of my November Sci Fi Month.