Cast Adrift by Christopher G. Nuttall

 

Cast Adrift by Christopher G. Nuttall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Earth was alone until the ships came, they surrounded the planet and took out some significant assets before demanding the surrender of humanity, would no way to fight back humanity came under the control of an alien race known as the Alphans and for 500 years served them. As you would expect things change over the centuries and humans became useful across the Alphan territories and especially in the military theatre when without human soldiers the Alphans may have lost a war. As humanity flexes its muscles the calls for more autonomy and even independence rise up and unexpectedly the humans get what they asked for, freedom to make their own decisions and mistakes ​
Cast Adrift by Christopher G. Nuttall is the first novel in a new series which deals with Earth finding its place in a populated galaxy after achieving its independence however without the protection of the Alphan military and political will from its former masters they are very much alone surrounded by predatory races more than happy to conquer humanity once again. This was an interesting start to the new series from Christopher whose previous work I've enjoyed. The scenario created is compelling and relevant to a lot that is going on in our world today and offers good characters who have to deal with the ramifications of events that spiralled out of control. I will be purchasing the second novel as and when available.


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Polar Lights Star Trek Shuttle

Every now and again I get the urge to build a model and this time I chose the TOS Shuttle kit from Polar Lights, it looks quite good from a distance 😃

Stargate Archives - Stargate Theatre - Metal Hurlant Chronicles - Master of Destiny

New from the Stargate Archives and under the Stargate Theatre banner I've produced a commentary for Métal Hurlant Chronicles S1E5 "Master of Destiny" which starred Joe Flanigan & Kelly Brook.

For We Are Many by Dennis E. Taylor

 

For We Are Many by Dennis E. Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second novel in the Bobiverse series delivers with the Bob's dealing with the events upon Earth and the young colonies as well as the intelligent alien life they have discovered but more importantly the race that are scouring star systems for resources even those with life bearing worlds. Individual Bobs continue to show some minor and sometimes significant variations from Bob 1 aka Bob Johansson but that is good as the tasks of exploring a galaxy and now caring for the last few million humans is one that needs a variety of mindsets. However no venture is progressing without incidents and the Bob's originally meant for exploration have to continue to act as police force and military and even with continued backup of themselves there are losses some very personal to those involved. The Bob's afterall are far more human than their physical selves would lead you to believe.
"For We Are Many" was an excellent second novel expanding upon the galaxy and the world's already being colonised or slowly developed including those with sentient life already existing. There is room for narratives which span the galaxy and for relationships between just two souls as well what drives humanity and finding out that alien life is not all that different.
A highly recommended series with two strong novels and a third to be read.

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Eagle Transporter

Picked this up from Eaglemoss and yes it took quite a few decades to replace my Space 1999 Eagle die-cast toy from my younger days😁

Drake's Drum by Christopher G. Nuttall

 

Drake's Drum by Christopher G. Nuttall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Drake's Drum is the final novel in this specific trilogy of stories which are part of the Ark Royal series written by Christopher G. Nuttall. This novel continues the story of the very alien virus that has the ability to control its biological hosts to the point of encompassing whole civilisations and now Earth and its colonies are close to the abyss. Fortunately a very industrialised world (Alien Prime) was located which it is believed could be the viruses original homeworld and if not certainly the logistical center for its campaign against humanity. Alas the powers that be are bowing to pressure to keep the navies directly protecting Earth despite knowing a defensive posture will fail given time so the Royal Navy (well individuals within) go it alone and dispatch Captain Hammond (HMS Lion) and Captain Campbell (HMS Unicorn) to once again take the now proven Battlecruiser and Corvette concept to "Alien Prime" and launch and long term and long range operation using mass drivers and rail guns combined with stealth and constant movement to weaken the enemy. There may even be some reinforcements (human and from our alien allies) but that will depend upon the political will of the major powers but for now the virus has to be slowed down.
Drake's Drum was a fine novel to wrap up the story of humanity and its encounter with the alien virus as well the individual characters within this phase of human history. Like many navel heroes of the past Hammond and Campbell both far from perfect individuals will be remembered but many more people played their parts and this trilogy did expand upon those type of characters more so than previous novels for the better in my opinion. Christopher has already announced the idea behind a new batch of novels within the Ark Royal series and if you have read this book then you would have guesses where he was going to take us going forward and I'm looking forward to the journey.

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We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor

 

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bob Johansson is a wealthy man having just sold his company InterGator Software for a rather large amount of money, his closest friends have benefitted from the sale and feeling good about himself Bob signs up to be cryo-frozen upon his death. As luck would have it the money was wisely invested as decades later he awakes to find himself well not human anymore but certainly alive and conscious which is more than can be said for 99.9999% of his compatriots. However the USA and world has changed rather drastically during the intervening years, his personal wealth was taken by the state and his humanity no longer recognised, in other words Bob is now the property of a corporation who have plans for Bob. Now this a review which I could go full spoiler on but I don't want to because I have to seriously recommend this novel, it's not hard scifi but there is plenty to think about in terms of big picture and the future of space exploration. However seeing the future unfold through the eyes of Bob is both fascinating and compelling as all manner of obstacles are encountered as the galaxy is explored and yet Bob is still the 21st century guy he was when he was "alive" so humour we can all recognise is at the heart of the novel. The second novel "For We Are Many" is sitting on my kindle ready to read.

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The Cost of Freedom by Daniel Arenson

 

The Cost of Freedom by Daniel Arenson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The battle for humanity continues both on Earth, in close orbit and the far reaches of the Solar System yet the military forces of Earth can not trade hull for hull against the invading Rah an arachnid intelligence which feeds on its conquered enemies and also uses them to host their eggs. As the space battle turns ever more in favour of the Rah the commanders of the Earth factions now united against a common foe decide to break contact and fight a guerilla style campaign but when a Rah Prince kidnaps Commander Kings grand daughter a suicidal mission is undertaken to raid a huge complex on the dark side of the moon. The terrors that await the force led by James King, his son Colonel Bastian and 49 other marines will be with them for the rest of their lives but for the sake of child and the opportunity to capture a Rah Prince for interrogation is too good an opportunity to pass up.
The Cost of Freedom is wonderfully over the top space opera with larger than life characters, action that defies realism (in context) and situations that have you perplexed (imagine Fast & Furious and you know what I am getting at). The overall story however is entertaining, the action never lets up and if you accept that it doesn't make a lot of sense then you will be more than satisfied. The third novel "We Fight For Freedom" is on the way and I'll be buying my copy when it arrives.

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