Enjoyable Science Fiction

So while this novel may start with a hundred clichés, it very quickly starts to overcome some of the tropes of the genre, with some smartly written prose. Which give depth to the characters, giving real texture to the crew, also it and expands on the common fish out of water concept, by building a world that covers the heroines shortcomings and makes you invest in her. A really enjoyable romp, with plenty of thrills and spills, and tense space combat scenes pepper the novel. This is a thoughtful and considered science fiction novel, with a hard science fiction edge.

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Brilliant book!

I really liked this one. Excellently performed by Nneka, with a great variety of nuance in voices. The story itself was really well done. Yes, Umbaro is lucky at points, but I love all the different characters and their interactions together and that's the overriding thought when I think of the book. Can't wait for Deep Black!!

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Really enjoyed this book

Absolutely fabulous book. I wasn't sure if the Mr Cameron could move from historical fiction and fantasy into sci fi, but I needn't have worried. I was engaged from the first words, and immediately absorbed into the new world/universe he created. His love of Venice and the middle ages still shines through, but worked into a what felt like a truly original creation (but somehow still pulling together the best elements of Tom Swan, Horatio Hornblower, Honor Harrington, Master & Commander etc.) It was also the first book of his that I have read/listened to, where the lead protagonist is female. It seemed natural and I really enjoyed it.

I listened to the 16 odd hours across a single week, and was devastated when it ended. I await the sequel with impatience.

Nneka Okoye read the book well. I felt that some of the narration was a bit stilted, but then I also felt that parts were brilliantly done, so overall a very strong showing.

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Love it

The main character is a bit to perfect. But otherwise a great book. Very well read.

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Great

I really enjoyed this audiobook ………..
…
I’m looking forward to listening to the sequel
Three filler words (min 15)

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loved it

great story, the main character is a little too good but i loved the feel of the ship and it's setting.

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New author to me and I didn’t know what to expect

Went in blind and thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. The story raced along and kept me hooked the whole time whilst being excellently brought to life by Nneka Okoye’s incredibly skilled narration. I really hope there is a part 2!

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3 people found this helpful

A brilliant combination with engaging characters.

I NEED the next book!!!
The author has managed to combine the riproaring adventure of 50s and 60s sci-fi with with true-to-life and wide-ranging characters who develop, with mystery, and a scrupulously believable vision.

The author's military experience drips from the page not just in-terms of the vivid personal or naval combat scenes, but in the weaknesses and demons that the characters overcome as they earn their place in a much needed family, but then the newly earned traumas and fears that come to haunt them.

That, an observant mind of our many social needs and idiosyncracies, and an obvious understanding of real-world physics leaves us free to enjoy this fast-paced but nuanced sci-fi adventure in a real-feeling and recognizable but very different world.

As with all the best sci-fi, the story is really about people and the narrator brings them to life perfectly, we need more like her!

This is certainly an author to watch.

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Fantastic

Though difficult to get into, like many exceptional books, keep going to find it a little investment in massive reading / listening pleasure

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My new favourite scifi novel!

Brilliant narration drew me into this epic, gripping and real-feeling scifi.

It has all of Cameron's super settings, characters, history, and action. It almost felt like a historical fiction with the level of detail - which totally brings the lot to life - and yet wows you with the sheer scale and wonders of space.

Genuinely my favourite scifi novel for a long time, if not ever. I connected with it that much. Iain M Banks but with real characters you can connect a lot more with, imho.

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2 people found this helpful