Remember Me: A Love Against Time by Tony Bible - Time Travel And Romance Making A Great Mix!

Remember Me: A Love Against Time by Tony Bible

Recently, I reviewed another story by this author entitled The Photo Jumper. It was a great first novel, and I loved it. Remember Me, Tony's second novel, raises the bar and presents a story a reader can become completely absorbed in.

I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn't let go until I got all the way to the end. Tony combines a time travel story with a romance, creating a dilemma for one of the two principal characters, Eli Leb.

This tale opens in a dystopian future and moves to the present time and then progresses at a rapid pace, which left me exhausted by the end. It isn't a long book at around 130 pages for the Kindle edition. However, for that short length, there is a lot of character development, action, and suspense.

Eli Leb starts out as a young man learning the art of survival from his mother and her colleagues at a military base near Boston. The Earth has been ruined, and survivors are forced to forage for supplies. When they leave the base perimeter, the people who have survived are in danger of being set upon by victims of a man-made plague that turns them into what are called "Lurkers." Eli learns not only about survival, but studies numerous disciplines, including heavy doses of science.

When Eli comes of age, he is selected to take a one-way trip back in time to stop the development of the plague by stopping Dr. Edrie Kazimira, the scientist who is blamed for the release of the contagion that plagues the dwindling population in the future.

Upon arrival, Eli is confronted by a world he could only dream about as a young man and sees that everything is not as he originally envisioned. Dr. Kazimira appears not to be the mad scientist Eli learned about as a youngster, not by a long shot.

One of the many high points of Remember Me is character development. Everything is not revealed all at once, especially for Edrie. We learn about her in the same way Eli does, just a little at a time through most of the story. Eli learns about himself, and Edrie experiences a lot of great growth as their relationship grows. All is not smooth for these two people, who have issues in their past they want to keep to themselves, but eventually, the secrets have to come out.

But there is also a wildcard in the mix. That's all you get on that - read the book.

My favorite plot point is Eli's dilemma. He has been charged with saving the future of all of humanity by stopping Edrie from completing her task and creating a contagion that will end humanity. But he finds Edrie is not the mad scientist he was led to believe, and after a time, he even falls for her. Edrie's journey takes a little more time because she is pinpoint focused on completing her task. This causes a lot of uncomfortable moments for the couple, but the reader cannot help but hope that all will work out in the end.

Eli's dilemma is the main theme and what drives the story forward.

My takeaway from Remember Me is to remember that the sacrifices one makes now can greatly impact the successes in the future. Live today but also live for tomorrow.

Tony Bible is only beginning to publish stories to fascinate and entertain. This is an author who bears watching. His tales are thoughtful and inspiring, and I look forward to his future work.

Remember Me is a great story in which the author explores people and how they deal with dilemmas in their lives, and how choices can affect what happens in the days to come. The characters are realistic people who have goals that often are not compatible. The world-building is well done, and Eli's discoveries about the distant past make this a highly entertaining tale. The details of this story are amazing, and the science presented results from painstaking research on the author's part. The romantic aspects are plausible and not over the top; there are times when things move smoothly, and there are some bumps in the road, as would be expected in real life.

Highest Recommendations for Remember Me!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About Tony

Writing stories like no other.

Tony’s passion is writing science fiction and fantasy with an emotional punch. Raised with humble beginnings in Georgia, his early childhood limited travel. The only way to experience other places was with voracious reading and imagination. He draws inspiration from fantasy/fiction genres, dreams, comics, the supernatural, and roleplaying games. He applies his degree in world history to deliver relatable but unpredictable storytelling that readers demand.

Tony is never not writing, but breaks away to burn new recipes in the kitchen, neglect chores to obsess over football, and play with his dog. He is based in San Antonio, TX, happily married, raising two children and works in the financial industry.

Well, there it is...

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She Stole My Buddy's Starship by Myles Christensen - Excellent Sequel to My Buddy Gave Me A Starship!

She Stole My Buddy's Starship by Myles Christensen

Since I read the first book in the series, My Buddy Gave Me A Starship, just over a year ago, I have been eagerly awaiting a continuation of the adventures of Mitch aboard the starship Starfire. Well, I'm not disappointed with the second installment of this saga in any way. She Stole My Buddy's Starship continues the fun as Mitch gets way more than he bargained for in both good and bad ways.

Once again, Myles has written another book that is exciting, intense, and just plain fun to read. The characters have a wit a light year long, and the tale is full of twists and turns couched in non-stop action and hilarity. As with the first book, I loved the dialog. 

Science Fiction fans who enjoy the lighter side of the genre should appreciate this series, and once one gets to know the characters in the first book, can expect satisfaction with the reading of the second book in the series.

In the first installment of the story, Mitch, a man down on his luck, loses his job and meets his long-time friend, Gabe, in a diner as Mitch tries to drown his sorrows in a large bowl of ice cream. Gabe invites Mitch to his place for a visit where Gabe has a starship hidden in his barn. It isn't long before another starship lands on Gabe's property and uniform-clad soldiers attempt to take the ship away. They kill Gabe, and Mitch gets away thanks to the help of an artificially intelligent copy of Gabe's deceased wife, Tera.

Tera takes Gabe to a place where a beautiful alien female named Vrynn awaits a delivery. She joins Mitch, Tera, an android copy of Gabe, and a bear-sized animal that behaves like a puppy.

Later, they run into a ruthless alien named Gralik who very much wants the Starfire for himself.

In this book; as the Starfire sits in a hangar on an out of the way world, Vrynn tricks Mitch into giving her access to all ship operations. They seem to have fallen for each other, at least a little. While Mitch is sleeping, Vrynn apparently betrays Mitch's trust and takes the Starfire to continue her quest on her own. Mitch takes a clunky, old shuttle and goes seeking Vrynn.

After that, well, Mitch finds himself in a desperate battle for the freedom of an entire planet!

And at the bottom of the whole thing is Gralik, who still obsesses over the Starfire, and will stop at nothing to possess it.

In this continuation of the story, Mitch proves himself to be quite resourceful and a good commander of the Starfire. A lot of that is because of the personalities he surrounds himself with. Vrynn is thoughtful, but she is also a brave fighter for freedom. Even though Tera and Gabe are computers, they support Mitch and Vrynn well and behave more as humans. What the biologicals are trying to accomplish would not even be possible without their intelligence. As the story moves forward, we meet a number of other characters, all of them endearing in one way or another. That is, except for Gralik. The more we learn about him, the more villainous he is. All are excellently written, and Myles has written brilliant dialog for them to give them depth of character and bring them to life.

I have to be careful with my favorite plot point. Yes, Vrynn steals the Starfire, but sometimes people do the right thing for the wrong reason. My takeaway from this tale is that appearances can be deceiving. I'm being cryptic here to avoid spoilers. To discover what I'm talking about, you're just going to have to read the book.

The theme that stands out most for me is to show how perseverance and intelligence plays a large part in the success or failure of the achievement of a goal. Everyone in the book has their own agenda. Some of those are compatible with others, but teamwork will give one an edge toward success. Another theme shows how obsession can also lead one to stumble and lose what they have gained as their focus shifts.

She Stole My Buddy's Starship is an excellent sequel to My Buddy Gave Me A Starship. The tone of the story is on the lighter side, making it another fun read. The characters are excellent; the dialog is top-notch, and the story flows, making it another page-turner. Once one picks it up, one will not want to put it down. I recommend this story to space opera fans and those who might enjoy watching a budding romance continue to grow. 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Myles Christensen loves to write exciting adventures because he loves to read exciting adventures. The hopeless romantic in him will usually a teensy bit of romance into his stories. While writing, he listens to music that matches - and sometimes inspires - the story line.

His mild-mannered alter ego is a product development engineer, university professor, and game inventor. He lives in Utah with his wife and children.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

Bon Echo and The Competition By Colette Bos - Friendly Young Adult Sci-Fi Adventure!

Bon Echo and The Competition by Colette Bos

This book is one of the most fun young adult sci-fi novels I have ever read. At no time did Bon Echo fail to entertain me and hold my attention. Not only that, I found it to be informative on the subject of global climate change. I learned a lot reading this book, but I didn't feel like I was getting beaten over the head on that subject. It was presented as part of the narrative, mostly in one chapter, as a conversation between characters.

The characters themselves, especially the principal character, Maven, all seemed like real young people. They had lofty dreams, got into some mischief, did some good things, and made a few mistakes along the way. I think the characters make good examples for young people to aspire to. I enjoyed the way each person had not only an interest in what they wanted to do, but they had an actual passion. All the young women and men in the story are gifted in some way and are eager to share their gifts with the world.

But this tale of science, discovery, adventure, and passion isn't just for kids. I enjoyed it immensely and am looking forward to the next book in the series!

If I had any difficulty with Bon Echo, it would be a slow start to the story. The action picks up after a few foundational chapters and the pace is just right for the rest of the story. If you choose to read the book, don't give up on it, you won't regret it.

Below is the blurb for the book.

"Meet Maven, a young woman of rare brilliance and insatiable curiosity. She is a true original, and her unique perspective on the world around her makes her a captivating friend on this thrilling journey to uncover the world's most elusive secrets. Join Maven as she re-reads her much-loved diary, recounting adventures with her fellowship, her newfound love, and her awesome feathered friend, a "Hybrid Owl Technology," as she discovers ancient secrets about her family's past and the true origins of her feathered friend. These secrets may be vital to protecting the planet from some of its greatest threats. All meet while competing in one of the world's biggest high school science competitions. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling adventure story filled with captivating characters, mesmerizing natural settings, and an all-consuming romance that will leave you feeling like you've witnessed an extraordinary love. Follow us at "Bon Echo and The Competition," an exciting science-based quest filled with surprising adventures, discoveries and true love."

The story unfolds as Maven reads a journal she has written, and the reader gets to listen in on her thoughts and kind of read over her shoulder as she reads.

Maven is an above-average senior in high school who is facing many of the normal questions a young person might ask themselves. She goes on a journey of self-discovery and expands the world around her. When she discovers her passion, her purpose becomes clear; the world is suffering from climate change, and she wants to find a way to fix the problem. It is a huge undertaking, and it would be a huge task for one young woman to take on alone. She, along with her brother and their friends, form a pact to work together, each with their own talents, to make the world a better place for themselves, and for all who are alive and those who follow.

My favorite point of plot, aside from the incredible characters, is the backdrop Cosette creates for her characters to perform in. In the afterword, the author describes a place she has visited numerous times in her life. What she adds to the story is some of the most vivid world-building I have esperienced. The reader will feel the atmosphere of the story's scenes through Maven's eyes. I could recommend this story for this reason alone.

One theme that stands out in this story is the coming-of-age story. Maven and her fellow students have some lofty goals for themselves, and they are accompanied by their drive to learn about the world around them. But what really stood out to me is the part of the story where the characters are searching for a purpose in their lives. The reader shouldn't be surprised when they find themselves cheering the character on to success!

Another theme concerns climate change. As I am sure we can all agree, this is a very controversial subject, no matter what side of the argument one comes down on. As I mentioned before, the author doesn't treat her book as a bully pulpit to present her views on the subject. It isn't preachy. But the subject is presented in ways that, should the reader choose to, can verify much of what she presents. It's pretty obvious where Colette stands on climate change, but the way it is presented will also allow the reader to hold on to their own opinions and maybe learn something.

My Takeaway from Bon Echo and the Competition: The problems created in the past and those being created now will have to be cleaned up by our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Is this the legacy we want to leave them?

Bon Echo and The Competition is an excellent story. It is nonviolent, informative, and a relaxing read. Young adults from about eighth grade and up would probably get the most out of it. If my kids were younger than that, I would gladly read this story to them. This book should also appeal to adult readers who have an open mind on the more controversial subject matter. It is excellently written and accessible. I give Bon Echo high recommendations!

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Colette is a talented web developer who has turned her passion for science fiction and environmental causes into a new creative writing direction. With a background in geography, she has taken a more focused approach to exploring ecological themes in her work. Her debut book, Bon Echo and The Competition, the first in the Bon Echo Science Fiction series, is a captivating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and romance. Set in a world where environmental issues are at the forefront, Colette weaves a beautiful story of adventure and love that will captivate readers until the end. With her remarkable talent for storytelling, Colette is sure to leave a lasting impression on the science fiction genre.

Well, there it is...

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The Age Of Heroes By Mikhail Gladkikh - Historical Sci-Fi Adventure To Stimulate The Imagination

The Age of Heroes by Mikhail Gladkikh

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

After reading this author's first novel, Out of Time, I wanted more from him. I was thrilled when he contacted me, telling me about his new novel, The Age of Heroes. I was surprised to learn it is a sci-fi tale set in the late Bronze Age, a time when people explained events they didn't understand through mythology rather than science.

What I kind of expected was a retelling of the ancient stories of destruction retold for a more modern audience, i.e., the story from Homer's Iliad. Although the siege and sacking of Troy is included in the tale, it is not simply a retelling of Homer's epic. The Age of Heroes is a completely new story covering the strife in locations all around the Mediterranean. Constant conflict was the order of the day, including the sacking of cities, starvation, and the dispersion of large populations reduced to having to be hunter-gatherers, as in even more ancient times.

Out of this tale, heroes arise, but everyone seems to know that their age is coming to an end and will give way to a new age, and those not willing to embrace change will be condemned to oblivion.

I have always been fascinated with mythology and how people reasoned in ancient times. As stated in the Foreward, this book is not intended to be a retelling of history, nor is it intended to be an alternative to actual events. It is intended to be entertaining and thought provoking. It is a speculative story of imagination and adventure and a fun read.

What the populations of several city-states perceive as their gods is actually a group of aliens who are on a mission to survey and learn about the people of the earth. The gods, who are an alien race called Soarers, have made their presence known in numerous cultures and are worshipped and feared by the people. When the commander calls the group together to decide how to proceed with their relationships with Earth's population, an argument breaks out. Some see the humans as a growing society to be nurtured into the future, while others see humans as a dangerous race who, if allowed to grow and explore the stars, would bring death and destruction with them, maybe even causing the extinction of the Soarers themselves. The council splits and the commander of the alien crew loses control, and the gods start using their vast technology to cause even more mayhem among the already constantly warring population.

One aspect that stands out for me is the character development of the major players in this story.

There are numerous characters to keep track of, with many diverse cultural roots and beliefs who clash along the way. Some are quite compassionate, while others set themselves up as oppressors of their people and cause much strife for others.

The Soarers all have different jobs in the crew and have different ideas about what to do. Whether to actively interfere or stand back and observe the lively happenings among the humans. Their leader, known to the Greeks as Zeus, is a kind of sad figure who wants the mission to succeed. He is powerful, but so are his fellow crew members. They all have vastly advanced technology at their command. I felt sad for Commander as he worked to keep his group in order, but ran into failure at every turn.

The greatest hero of the story was Echelaos, the Achaean Prince of Pylos, who goes on a quest. He is driven to be reunited with his beloved Helen, who, while betrothed to him, is also promised to the prince of Troy. It is a journey he pursues through the entire tale and illustrates how heroism often comes with a lot of pain and suffering.

My favorite point of plot in The Age of Heroes is the colorful descriptions of the places we get to visit. I also found the characters remarkable in how well we get to know them early in the story. They are human in every way, quite vulnerable, and have to rely on their wits to keep going, especially Echelaos.

There are numerous scenes of battle that capture the brutality of the age. Those are also well described and can be disturbing to readers sensitive to descriptions of battle, destruction, and death.

For me, my takeaway was in the theme of how hubris can play both a positive, but more often a negative, role in the affairs of humans. Commander is surrounded by beings who have been manipulating people with great success for so long, they begin to believe in their human-given roles as gods. Even with their immense power, they think themselves beyond what they really are and sometimes overstep their bounds. Many become corrupted by the self-perceived power leading to the downfall of them all.

This makes The Age of Heroes worth reading if for no other reason.

I give high recommendations for The Age of Heroes. As a fan of mythology and sci-fi, it is an excellent story that will provide fodder for thought. It is a fascinating tale of speculation on a period of history we are still exploring and learning about. There are great characters in a story that moves along at a good pace and is loaded with vivid descriptions of people, places, and events that will trigger the imagination. 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About Mikhail...

I'm a technologist and a science fiction author.

My professional career provides me with a unique perspective on the technologies of the future. I am working at the forefront of the 4th Industrial Revolution, advancing 3D Printing, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Supply Chain, and Energy Transition. You can read my fiction and connect with me at my website, mikhailgladkikh.com.

Join me in my quest to imagine the future world!

Well, there it is...

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Sandorn's Prison: A Military Space Opera (Sandorn's Allegiance Book 2) By Thom Bedford

Sandorn's Prison: A Military Space Opera (Sandorn's Allegiance Book 2) by Thom Bedford

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Note: Sandorn's Prison is due to be released on March 11, 2023.

Sandorn's Prison is the second book in the Sandorn's Allegiance series by Thom Bedford. The first book in the series, Sandorn's Command, introduces the reader to several compelling characters who find themselves caught up in the middle of a war between two factions, the Alliance, and the Union.

Tanic Sandorn, former spacer, finds himself turning from a life of cargo runs to becoming an important player in the early days of the war on the side of the Alliance. He is joined by nearly all his crew, but one holds out, claiming the Alliance isn't all it's made out to be, and the union has been unjustly vilified.

I love space opera and Thom Bedford's offerings are some of the best I've read. He writes superior characters set in a backdrop of amazing ships, space stations, and impossible situations requiring cleverness to resolve. Along with epic battle scenes, there are political situations, intrigue, and romance.

Sandorn's Prison is the amazing continuation of the saga in which the principal character finds himself torn between following orders, or doing what is right and best for the most people.

On Exeter Station, Commander Tanic Sandorn works his daily routine until he is tapped to command an updated warship, the Leonidas. He gathers his command crew, a group of dependable people he has worked with in the past, and is attached to a fleet charged with the rescue of a large number of prisoners being held on a prison station.

The fleet commander, Commodore Flynn, is a glory-seeking, cowardly officer who has no problem sacrificing others to achieve his goals.

Sandorn disobeys Fynn’s orders to reduce the losses to the fleet. What's more, he is forced to make a monumental personal sacrifice, leaving someone very important to him behind.

In the brig, heartsick and feeling like he's let everyone down, he has to find a way to pull himself together and make a second trip to the prison station before it's too late.

Tanic Sandorn is a good man. He is a good soldier and a superb commander respected by his direct commanders and those he is chosen to command. But he is not the man to follow orders blindly. When he sees an injustice, he acts on it by doing the right thing, consequences be damned. In the pages of the two books in this series, Sandorn is the hero who doesn't set out to be the hero. He doesn't seek glory or laurels; he just wants to get his job done while minimizing the loss of life. As one reads, he becomes a real person one can admire and take as an example to follow.

My favorite point of plot in this tale is how there is a problem brewing behind the scenes that hasn't been revealed so far. In both books in the series, it is mentioned in a roundabout way, but not pinpointed. This is just one of the aspects of this series that keeps me coming back for more.

Another plot point I enjoyed are the twists and turns. While we know the hero is going to triumph, it is in no way predictable how Sandorn is going to achieve his goals, and it isn't guaranteed he will. His ultimate solution to the problem put in his way was completely unexpected, yet so simple, it could have been child's play. His solution also gives the reader some insight into the leadership of the much-maligned Union faction.

Thom is an avid sci-fi fan, and it really shows itself in his writing. Occasionally, I had to smile as I came across winks and nods to various other sci-fi franchises. 

My takeaway from Sandorn's Prison is no matter the consequences, a person of good character must stand by their principles and do what is right. 

I give my highest recommendations for Sandorn's Prison. It is an entertaining read that runs a full gamut of emotions. This (as well as Sandorn's Command) is space opera at its best. It seems so plausible that it feels real as one reads it, and the story will stay with the reader long after the book is closed.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thom grew up in Cheshire, England, with his parents and brother. Since childhood, he has had a propensity for creativity, whether it be writing, building models, painting, designing graphics and technology, or programming.

After studying computer science at The University of Manchester, he started working as a Software Developer. Following in his father's footsteps, he worked as a Technical consultant in London for several years, then in data warehousing back in Manchester.

In his spare time, Thom still writes, builds models, paints, and programs, but nowadays he also listens to a lot of music, watches a lot of films, reads, and enjoys playing video games.

His love for science fiction comes from blockbuster films like Starship Troopers, Star Wars, and Star Trek. B-movies like Wing Commander, Pitch Black, and Iron Sky. TV shows like Battlestar Galactica, The Expanse, and Stargate. Video games like Homeworld, EVE-Online, and Stelaris. Books Like Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet series, Jasper T. Scott's Dead Space series, and David Weber's Honor Harrington series. In other words, sci-fi - particularly space opera - in any media.

Thom currently lives in Cheshire, England with his wife, Helen, and their two cats.

The Vacuum of Space: A Funny Sci-Fi Mystery (Space Janitor Book 1) by Julia Huni - Light Sci-Fi That Is Heavy On Romance

The Vacuum of Space: A Funny Sci-Fi Mystery (Space Janitor Book 1) by Julia Huni

I kept seeing ads for the Space Janitor books popping up on Facebook and other places, so as it was offered on Kindle Unlimited, I thought I would give it a look. I've recently finished reading the first book in the series and have to say I am a little confused about a few things.

First, where's the humor? In this story, the only funny thing are the thoughts of the main character, Triana. The humor is veiled almost to the point of being absent and come as some light, sarcastic observations about the situations and other characters. I will admit, Triana has a fast wit, and many of her quips and descriptions are funny, but I was hoping to laugh more. The beginning of the story showed great promise, but it kind of fizzled as the tale progressed.

Second, where was the character development? Other than Triana, there isn't much. Most of the characters Triana deals with are one dimensional and I had no real reason to care for them. There is her grumpy boss who is just grumpy, her overbearing mother, her roommate who sleeps around, and her "shiny" detective quasi-boyfriend who seems to have only one thing on his mind. Among this group, there are no characters that were little more than cardboard cutouts.

Third, how do I classify this one? Well, it is touted as Space Opera. Okay, it is set on a space station, which is in space, so I'll give it that. But then there is the relationship between Triana and Ty O'Neill, the afore mentioned quasi-boyfriend. A good portion of the story is devoted to the development of this relationship, which really goes nowhere and reads a lot like a bad romance novel. Finally, there's what should have been the real substance of the book, and that is the solving of several murders aboard the station, which struck me as being a subplot.

So, my conundrum is trying to decide if the book is Space Opera, Sci-Fi Romance, or Sci-Fi Murder Mystery?

Please don't get me wrong, I don't hate this book, as a matter of fact, I liked it, but not enough to read the next four books in the series with a tip of my hat and a thanks to the author for making it available. I know there are those that love the Space Janitor series, but it just isn't for me.

At any rate, given the questions I have, I’ll quote the blurb from the back cover as a synopsis:

It's a dirty galaxy, and someone has to clean it.

Avoiding the wealthy inhabitants on the upper levels of Station Kelly Kornienko is bot-programmer Triana’s number one rule. Well, number two, right after "eat all the chocolate."

But when one of her cleaning bots finds a dead body, all the rules go out the airlock. A highly connected security agent interrupts her routine with stories of missing bodies, and Triana can’t ignore him; it’s cooperate or find a new job. A girl has to pay the rent, even on a crappy studio compartment.

Working with a shiny detective beats a shuttle dirt-side, so Triana lends her programming skills to Agent O’Neill’s investigation. Together, they find more victims and evidence of a major cover-up.

It will take all Triana’s technical talents, most of O’Neill’s connections, and some really excellent croissants to stop the murders, save her job, and ultimately, her life.

There isn't much I can add to this.

The principal character, Triana Moore, is the best developed character in the book. She is interesting and someone a reader can care about to a point. She has a lot of secrets and the author has a maddening but somewhat humorous habit of starting to give some background through some anecdote from Triana's past, but then chops it off with "but that's another story." She has a sense of humor and is quite witty with her quips about observations, situations, and other characters from time to time, but I wouldn't go so far to say it is more than mildly funny.

Mostly, she appears to be a young woman who is working a job and trying to make ends meet the best she can. She likes the work she is doing and has no problem continuing, but her discovery of a dead body sends her in a different direction. 

My favorite point of plot is a huge twist about the identity of a character. There are a couple of reveals of this nature in the story, adding a welcome dimension to the tale and is one aspect that kept me reading.

As I've mentioned, I liked this book despite being a little confused about what kind of book I was reading. While I don't mind some romance in my sci-fi, I thought it was a little overdone in this tale and it almost felt like material being used to extend to story to novel length. I got the theme that Triana and O'Neill were interested in pursuing a more personal relationship, but I think the point was overstated and more of a tease than anything else.

I think this first book in the Space Janitor series might appeal to a narrow audience who is interested in a lightly written, light sci-fi story that doesn't require one to think too much. It is well written and easy to understand with just enough technical jargon to set the scene and explain action anyone can grasp.

It was a fun little romp, but not enough to make me move to the second book in the series.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐                                                                       

Julia Huni is the author of the Colonial Exploration Corps, Space Janitor, Recycled World, and Krimson Empire series.

I grew up in the US Pacific Northwest, and after twenty years roaming the country with the US Air Force, I'm back. I have a spouse, three kids, and a dog named Pippin.

I've been an IT guy, a choir director, an executive assistant, a stay-at-home mom, a college instructor, and that lady at the information booth in a tourist town. But writer is the best job ever, because I get to make stuff up. Stuff I wish were true; stuff I'm glad isn't true.

When I'm not writing, I like to knit, read, bake, and ski. I also love to travel.

Well, there it is...

Qapla!

The Henderson Helios By Beatrice Crowl - Brisk Paced And Great Characters

The Henderson Helios by Beatrice Crowl

Recently, I joined a web page called BookSirens where authors can feature their work. They offer their books at no cost in return for honest reviews. I searched for a book to read and came upon The Henderson Helios, a novella by Beatrice Crowl. Beatrice has several books listed on Amazon. This work was released this past May 2021. The front cover attracted my attention, along with the book blurb.

Helios is an adventure/romance/LBGTQ+ sci-fi story set sometime in the distant future.

Since I had searched for a space opera, I was a little surprised by what I got in this book, but not put off by it in the slightest. I enjoyed the story and the characters. There was a good bit of humor, and the dialog gave me a few laughs. Overall, I liked Helios and read it in two sittings. The author has a good imagination and does a great job with the storytelling.

The Henderson Helios is narrated by the principal character Elly Henderson. She is a down on her luck engineer working in the slums of a planet some distance from Earth. Elly runs an engine repair shop, but in her past, she was a well-educated engine designer/builder for the Cadinoff Corporation. For them, she designed an innovative propulsion system, but was frozen out of the company once they felt they had everything they needed from her. Through her dealings with Cadinoff and other corporations, Elly has a deep mistrust for big business.

Elly's apprentice, Ryan convinces her to attend a tech expo to search for a part she needs for a project she's been working on for some time. While there, she sees an opportunity to get the specs for her design back but is caught in the process. Elly gets sidetracked when she discovers her engine is being exhibited as the invention of Benjamin Brassard of the Sev Tech corporation. She winds up handcuffed to Myka Benton, a Cardinoff prominent official and together they have to escape from not just one, but two armies from both company's corporate security forces. As they go on the run, Myka and Elly work their way through difficulties and get to know each other and learn more about who they are.

When the book opens, Elly comes across as smug and imperious. She smokes too much, drinks too much, and probably the worst thing, she has a tendency to speak her mind! While others may feel put-off by her, I loved Elly from the beginning of the book. There was no beating around-the-bush by her, and she made it very plain what was on her mind. What was also great about her was, since the tale was from her own account, we also get to go inside Elly's mind to hear her thoughts. Because of that, the reader will get to know the principal character deeper and find that below her rough-gruff surface, there is a decent human being who is protecting herself from further abuse at the hands of corporate exploitation.

Myka Benton, mostly, is all business. She dresses the part and has a commanding presence. Elly sees her as her enemy because of the treatment during her time at Cadinoff, where Myka acted as Elly's supervisor. As the story unfolds, we see a softer side to Myka, and she presents a few surprises along the way.

Both Elly and Myka are great characters, and I found myself rooting for their success in many ways.

If there was an evil presence in the story, it came from Benjamin Brassard, a classmate at the engineering school Elly attended. Brassard is an idea-pirate. In the story, we learn how Brassard made it through engineering school and just how far he will go to climb the corporate ladder. He is a wholly unlikable person.

My favorite part of The Henderson Helios is the relationship between Elly and Ryan. She found him doing his best to survive on the streets and took him in. Through her training and mentorship, Ryan has become an excellent partner and engineer. But Ryan is getting to the age where he is looking at his own future, but he is concerned with Elly's future. One of the things bothering Ryan is knowing how Elly always keeps people at arm’s length, she will wind up alone. Ryan thinks Elly will let no one get close to her again, and who can blame her? After having her life's work stolen from her by two corporations, anyone might want to be sure they never have to depend on anyone again. At the same time, Ryan is quite independent. He and Elly have no illusions about their relationship; it is not a mother/son thing. Ryan has her blessing to leave whenever he wants, but he says with her because she is good to, and for him. With that being said, the reader will also pick up on the love between the two characters.

Another bit I appreciated about the story is Elly's growth as a character. Even through that gruff exterior, she has a sense of justice. There is also a huge streak of charity in her both as Ryan's mentor, and for what he does for Myka near the end of the story. As far as her act on Myka's behalf, Elly expects nothing from it, and it is huge.

For me, the most prominent theme in the book is to remember no one, or nothing is always what they seem. Elly is not the curmudgeon she would like everyone to think she is, and Myka is not the all-in corporate toady she shows to the world. At the same time, Bassard isn't the brilliant engineer he would have everyone believe he is.

At 124 pages, The Henderson Helios is a fast read and a fine diversion for an afternoon of reading. I recommend this story for intriguing characters and a brisk pace. There's never a dull moment here.

Beatrice Crowl writes at the intersection of romance and space opera, giving readers political intrigue and space battles alongside complex characters and love stories. Join her newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.com/beanewsletter.

She initially joined the sociology career path but became disillusioned with the reality of academic life. So, she turned to her first love: writing fiction. She's found her sociology learnings have helped her in the endeavour, and she will miss her access to academic libraries.

Beatrice grew up immersed in science fiction and space operas. When the opportunity came for her to invest her time in writing, she knew she wanted to combine this familiar stomping ground with romantic storylines. She enjoys eating delicious food, reading every book she can find, and petting cats. On that note, she lives in California with three cats.

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