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Stars in Shadow #1
Nepenthe Rising
In the far future, two major factions are locked in a galactic cold war. As tensions mount between the technocratic Union and the genome-harnessing Concordance, both sides anxiously watch for a chance to conquer the other. The Nepenthe is a pirate vessel, loyal to neither. Led by the enigmatic Captain Dangard, her rough and ready crew includes the cat-like alien Commander Creull, Zeno the immortal synthetic, the dashing Garrett Strand, and Duncan Hauk, a promising young recruit. Hired by a cryptic employer, the crew waylays a transport ship carrying a mysterious passenger. In due time, this incident sparks the beginnings of an interstellar conflict that could threaten the state of known space. The first of an epic new sci-fi series, Nepenthe Rising delivers what today's fans detailed world-building, thrilling action, and mind-blowing adventure on a grand scale.
- GenresScience Fiction
456 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2018
154 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 10, 2018
I received an free advanced copy of this book from the author and this review is entirely voluntary.
While it's easy to see Whedon's influence, John Triptych delivers a well written and entertaining story in Nepenthe Rising. The depth of his characters and world make this an intriguing view on what the future may hold. His attention to detail and effort to keep the future tech realistic will satisfy even the most exacting science fiction fans.
Well worth reading, and I'm looking forward to the next book.
While it's easy to see Whedon's influence, John Triptych delivers a well written and entertaining story in Nepenthe Rising. The depth of his characters and world make this an intriguing view on what the future may hold. His attention to detail and effort to keep the future tech realistic will satisfy even the most exacting science fiction fans.
Well worth reading, and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Read
July 30, 2025Rating: minus 1 on a scale of minus 5 to plus 5.
This is another revision at top of the queue. This is dedicated to the Goodreads comment gangs who have plagued me, other science fiction, romantasy and romance readers who write one star reviews with threats, insults and other ravings.
Before I start, a visit to the YouTube is required. This was brought to by the channels - Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly - Ozar, NCMI, Fiona Hill, Sarah C M Paine, Heather Cox Richardson, Imperial War Museums, AllShorts, Alex Fleev, Fiona Hill, Aid Thompsin, Supertanskiii, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Kyiv Post, Squire, Mia Mulder, Jessie Gender, Viva La Dirt League, Brandon Fisichella, aidan knight, Red Glasgow, Atun Shei Films, The Great War, Russian Media Monitor, Maggie Mae Fish, Keffals, Welcome to Ukraine, Verilybitchie, ScaredKetchup, Bitchuation Room, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Belinda Strnad, Welcome to Ukraine, Red Glasgow, Ember Green, Lena Down Under, New Enlightenment with Ashley, Keith Edwards, The Interesting Times, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, The Narrowboat that James Built, Whitenoiz CA, What Vivi did next, Wes O'Donnell, Econ Lessons, Jake Broe, Eileen, LuckyBlackCat, Dark Brandon, Mia Mulder, The Juice Media, Ukraine Calling SOF UA, The Great War, Tini Basu, NFKRZ, Eugene Documentaries, ScaredKetchup, Deerstalker Pictures, Capital Lumber Log Yard, Boat Time, May, Cruising Alba, Cruising Crafts, Winging it on a Budget, Scallydandling About the Books, Jess Owens, Reads with Rachel, Subha Reads, Kirkpattiecake, Reese Waters, Petticoats and Prose, The Military Show, Prime of Midlife, MechWest, Alex Fleev, Tom Powell Jr, Hello Future Me, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Tale Foundry, GhostTime History, History of Everything, Riverboat Jack, Electro Swing, Real Vintage Dolls House, Princess Weekes, Jack Edwards, Cruising the Cut, Cruising Alba, Cruising Crafts, Paul Warburg, NanyaCim, Silicon Curtain, Times Radio, The Burning Archive, Puddles Pity Party, Malinda, Kozak Siromaha, Vidya Mitra, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Matriarchetype, Cindy's Villa, HBomberGuy, Lily Simpson, NFKRZ, Political CUSTARD, With Cindy, CBC News, Cossack and Caucasus Sword Dance, Subha Reads, Roisin's Reading, Ro Ramdin, Shades of Orange, Asturia Quartet, Kathy's Flog in France, RFU News, Anka Daily News, TVP News, Some More News, Invicta, Inside Russia, Julie Nolke, JohnTheDuncan, African Diaspora News Channel, Democratic Penguin Republic, Dark Brandon, Kat Blacque, Spacedock, Springtime for Elon, OrangeRiver, Planet D, Dark Brandon, Grumpy Old Crone, Activist Witch, Diary of a Ditch Witch, Mercado Media, Letterkenny, Yoyomi, Honest2Betsy, Stanzi, TallGirl6234, No Justice, Turn Left, Novara Media.
I saw recently an idiot who whilst insulting a most interesting essayist, complain to her that I list trans creators. I am surprised that no cure have been discovered for the epidemic causing arrogant, self-important stupidity among US males. A warning then. The channels which I list include archaeologist, tall, het, marine biologist, Indian, asexual, primatologist, cis, politico-military historian, bi, artist, sewist, intersex, socialist, physicist, WOC, queer, Ukrainian, miniatures gamer, writer, trans, older, sword dancer, mathematician, gay, British, redhaired, model, witch, married and other creators who are known as Women. Almost as threatening are the other LGBTQI+, logician, astrophysicist, Danish, philosopher, other BIPOC, military board gamer, miniatures painter, Canadian, short, neurodivergent, boater, linguist, zoologist, ship builder, Scottish, modeller, geologist, science educator, culture critic, fashion historian and other creators known as Human Beings. Should the voices not be stilled, seek emergency therapy, immediately adopt a healthy hobby (that excludes assault against BIPOC, women, LGBTQI or others which is mental illness) or an exorcism and repeat daily "I will not be a bell@nd today". My feelings towards these vicious dullards remind me of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island when Putin's navy demanded their surrender. Their response "Russian warship, go f@ck yourself ". Slava Ukraini. Slava Heroyam.
I remember liking this writer but know not why. This book gave me mixed feelings. First there are many aliens, which I enjoy reading and "aliens are cool". The core characters are not badly drawn, though their interactions and dialogue feel off.
Pirates as the good guys is fine, I guess. Pirates as a family is bizarre. Fortunately, he does not remind you of that too often, though once is more than enough. The characters should be able to fight alongside fellows whom they despise, just as real people do. It is usually the best course of action for survival and who does not agree with the principle "When someone tries to kill you, you kill them back" mindset.
The different factions of humans, aliens and AI's feel plausible and I was caught up in the story. Then there are character lapses which do not sit well with me. If a crew mate is behaving strangely and suddenly you are having shipwide computer problems, does no one mention it to their fellow crew. When crew are murdered and the ship's computer can not locate them, there are no alarms?
I know that it is an undisciplined pirate crew but do they not talk to each other. Pirates are careful to avoid collateral damage when hijacking a ship is a nice thought but I found that unbelievable. Ignoring a potential trap because the crew voted to attempt to rescue 2 crewmembers was a stretch.
The lack of artificial gravity puzzled me. This far in the future, why not go for it. I admit that he handles the rotating wheel design for artificial gravity fairly well. I do not recall if inertia is addressed.
The general quality of Unlimited selections is so poor, I question my positive ratings. Am I pleased with the books or am I relieved that some editing seemed to have occurred and no overtly racist, sexist or other problematic elements are remembered?
I watch SciFi in lieu of print for the first time. The occasional scan of others' reviews were unhelpful and Amazon recommendations lean heavily towards rubbish. I investigated YouTube for film and TV suggestions and accidentally found the myriad other channels.
I stumbled upon my first literary criticism channel after finding lifestyle, history, science and other channels. The wonderful Lindsay Ellis was that first critic but she was the victim of the cocktail activists determined to solve the racism by attacking any discussion of bad writing, casting or performance in a M. Knight production. Trained essayist hounded from YouTube. The racism solved. Yay to performative activism. Soon after I discovered the BookTube. Then I rediscovered the splendid Lindsey Ellis has a new home on the Nebula site. It provides a platform for very good creators from Anthropology to Zoology at a modest price.
YouTube have changed for the worse over the recent four years. Channels are subjected to patterns of demonetisation or shadow banning against some of the best political creators, if their content conflicts with a corporate consensus. Despite Amazon-like behaviour, gems still survive.
I have earned a YouTube and/or TV break. This next is courtesy of YouTube's Doctor Who/ Be Kind - Reality Genre Studios, NCMI, Fiona Hill, Dark Side of Russia, British Museum, Sarah C M Paine, CTV News, Britta Bohler, The Military Show, 9 News Australia, Jason Jay Smart, Octopus Lady, Chem Thug, Nini Music, 60 Minutes Australia, Unleashed -Hardigan, Eugenia from Ukraine, Skip Intro, Wednesday- Paint it Black, Ukraine Matters, ThePrimeChronus, CBC News, The Canadian Press, Guard the Leaf, Mynameismarines, Books and Things, The Dadvocate, Double Down News, Amodelwhosread, Jen the Librarian, Ellie Dashwood, Dungeons and Discourse, The Ministry of Miniatures, Legendary Tactics, The Enemy From Within, MSI - Songs Sped Up, ConeOfArc, Tank Museum, TierZoo, Reads with Rachel, Lindsay Nikole, Bizarre Beasts, History with Kayleigh, Gutsick Gibbon, Delamer, DreamLoop Cinema -Soviet Star Trek, Leanne Morgan, Terrible Writing Advice, Fun Size Reader, Amie's Literary Empire, Caolan Robertson, According to Alina, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Claus Kellerman POV, Russian Media Monitor, Main Street Report, Kings and Generals, Ukraine Today, NerdForge, Miranda Mills, Sons of Liberty, Savy Writes Books, Emma Thorne, Alex Fleev, Philosophy Tube, Emilie's Literary Corner, Elisabeth Wheatley, France 24, Parkrose Permaculture, Hoots, Riverboat Jack, Sky News Australia, Keffals, Viva La Dirt League, Ukraine News TV, Deerstalker Pictures, Eleanor Morton, Lucy Darling, History of Everything.
Consider treating this site as potentially hostile. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. As example, I wrote a short, negative six or seven sentence review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written salute to what US readers now call the psychotic January 6 hero. The writer, Travis Corcoran self-described as libertarian and advocate for the return of chattel slavery (an opinion quite popular in the US), veteran, admirer of Putin, employee of an unnamed US agency.
This MAGA hero led a merry band of six other patriots in a year long deluge of unhinged comments demanding my response. I was accused of narcissism because I declined engagement. They took exception to my opinion. I found a story glorifying the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military in order that a twat not pay inheritance tax to be both dangerous and unhealthy. The irony pains my communist soul.
The final comment was delivered by Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr. He proudly declared that They had "won" (?). They had apparently launched a tsunami of vile sexual, racist and other disgusting comments against apparently every female creator I listed, which given the number of my reviews must have been a labour of love and it continues still.
They failed to establish a relationship with the astrophysicist, boater, writer, hobbyist or any other of the female creators. Despite that failure They did add to the world's overabundance of ugliness and did deliver to a multinational audience a wonderful self-portrait of the snowflake (the viciously self-important US man-child). That seems to have been a Victory. Ah, Goodreads discourse ?? USA #1 ??
That stream differed only in length to others until the Australian Intervention. They will never ask "Are we the baddies?".
Another break have been earned. This next was made possible by YouTube's Doctor Who/Cruel or Cowardly - Storyscape Studios, NCMI, Sarah C M Paine, Fiona Hill, Akino, Ana Fern, physicist Dr Fatima, Lynn Saga, Kings and Generals, Patrick(H)Willem, Timothy Snyder, Hetty and the Jazzalato Band, Veritas et Caritas, Yarmak music, Acollierastro, Tibees, Star Talk, Horses, History of Everything, Paranormal Scholar, Smack the Pony, Amadeus Quartet, Tanya Fiona, Answer in Progress, Evie Lupine, Kyiv Independent, Military History Visualised, Books N Cats, Knitting Cult Lady, Red Trans, Books and Things, Christina Talks, Ukraine Matters, Think that Through, Hoots, Red Viburnam Song, Warthog Defence, Patty Gurdy, Marsh Family, Main Street Report, Kat Abughazaleh, Feral Historian, North 02, The Octopus Lady, Chem Thug, Munecat, Pinsent Tailoring, Miranda Mills, J Draper, Karolina Zebrowska, Shannon Makes, Engineering Knits, Knitting Cult Lady, Snappy Dragon, Bernadette Banner, Gemma Dyer, Kady 2.0, Horses, Kroum Batchvarov, Central Crossing, Supertanskiii, Novara Media, Russian Dude, Venom Geek Media, LetterKenny.
Ominous music begins. 😊 Speculative fiction, romantasy and romance readers include a number of emotionally stunted members. These member gangs find it acceptable to attack the reviewer who judges a book or series for poor general prose or worse. Those attacks extend beyond the rude comment to doxxing, stalking and threats against offender, their family and friends.
Acceptable reactions exclude consideration of anti-human elements or representation and low writing quality. From my experience almost all readers seem to turn away from the ugliness. Their reaction compliments the US and UK book banning craze which would likely be concerning to many, were the membership not such a collection of Look Aways.
Fortunately there are saner, safer sites such as Storygraph or Fable and BookTubers will discuss them.
The Australian Intervention. My very limited message history was given over to these nutcases, which allowed Pine Gap Centre to request that Australian Security interrogate the one friend whom I messaged occasionally. The attempt at my history failed, though Amazon did create two outraged customers. Only after we shared our experience, did Amazon became concerned. They offered neither apology nor acknowledgement but disappeared the Lurkers whom I had not been Allowed to remove, restored other page functions which had been deleted, masked the many comments and removed other visible harassment. I recently accepted a friend from Latvia but am now seemingly prevented from removing him. This is I think an attempt at retaining engagement numbers on a site with increasing customer dissatisfaction. I suggest that Amazon might consider site improvement and new customer service protocols. 😀
A seventh EBay ex-employee was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce site was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded millions of pounds and the ex-employee had been the EBay Chief of Global Security or something like. These data corporations have developed twisted cultures which rival that of hedge funds. Things to consider.
For physical safety, I suggest a few precautions with regards to Amazon. Remove any personal information from Goodreads profile and avoid messaging. Remove lurkers, those who never post. They are monitors (about which a reader warned other members early in my enrolment) not admirers. Given Amazon's behaviour, the screenshot of the odd, ugly or threatening is very useful. These should suffice.
Kindle is the more dangerous. Do Not use Kindle Email, Calendar, Files or Contacts. When even your email is being Signed Into without permission or notice, I leave privacy and security concerns to your imagination. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks, as they are leases which may be altered or deleted at Amazon's whim. There are other ebook sources and of course library loans, second hand book shops, charity shop gems, etc. There are BookTubers who will discuss the many alternatives.
I recommend a scan of YouTube channels, which address US life -history, current political climate, prevailing worldviews, culture such as it is and the hopefully growing call for societal change. I list a number. They are some of them frightening but all are illuminating.
I discovered that there is a US phenomenon called the Sundown Town, which has existed for decades. In these towns any black person in town limits after Sundown will be tortured and killed. They continue to exist and are spreading, with "White Only" signs being openly displayed. This is not MAGA but a uniquely "American" heritage.
US mainstream news outlets do not report on these, no provincial government have or do act against these and no federal agency have ever intervened as far as my limited search uncovered.
Nazi "Race Theory" was exported to Europe from the English colonies as early as the late 1600's and the first "scientific"thesis was written by an Enlightenment noble of the court of Frederick the Great in 1746-7 (?). The German Empire nurtured this science. See the execution of this thought in the Namibian genocide. The National Socialist Party lovingly adopted this Imperial inheritance and absorbed the entire body of US "Race Science" and "Manifest Destiny". A bastardisation of Nietzsche followed. The Physical Sciences, Political Theory, History and Philosophy were prepared for that Italian coup. I refer to Nazi Germany not the current US, though the similarities are stunning.
This trend has not been opposed by the Democratic Party then to now. From Canada to Australia readers should expect the US disease to appear in a parliament near you. The UK seem to have already succumbed.
The people who have over decades voted for the majority Republican (openly vicious) and Democratic (quietly supporting) Parties are aware that tens of thousands children have disappeared from Border Patrol and ICE detention centres and some few are documented to have been rescued from sex slavery by shocked police. From Obama to Trump neither Party have investigated and prosecuted this or the normalised sexual assault of detained men, women, girls and boys by federal employees. The practice seems accepted as a perk of federal employment.
This is a dangerous pool of potential employees and members who proudly claim no empathy, no recognisable morality, are driven by fear of loss of minimal social status rather than striving for bettering the circumstances of all. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe. May we all find good reading. 🤗
Some of my favourite channels.
NCMI, Timothy Snyder, Sarah C M Paine, Katy Montgomerie, Stanzi, Fiona Hill, AllShorts, Raw News and Politics, Jormungandr, Anne Applebaum, I'm Rosa, JammiDodger, Heather Cox Richardson, Emma Thorne, Vlad Vexler, No Justice, Novara Media, Tom Nicholas, Tad Stoermer, Gary's Economics, Truth to Power, Kazachka, Dwarkesh Patel, Man Carrying Thing, Queen Penguin, What a Day, WokeGardener, Lilly's Life, Shades of Orange, Jay Exci, Skip Intro, Times Radio, Chris Norlund, Professor Tim Wilson, Sabine Hossenfelder, Philosophy Tube, Dr Ben Miles, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Brigitte Empire, Eugene Documentaries, Steve Shives, Jessie Gender, Springtime for Elon, Caerhl Irey, Reese Waters, Lee Francis, Leesa Katherine, Skip Intro, Three Arrows, Evie Lupine, Leena Norms, Your True Shelf, Dove London, The History Chap, kgb detected, Natasha's Adventures, Ives Toys, Ministry of Miniatures, Dark Brandon, Belinda Strnad, Isaac Arthur, Anna from Ukraine, Jonathan Pie, Pat Mandziy, CoachD, Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, C M Alongi, Business Basics, Reese Waters, Haropones, Grace McGuire, Tibees, Jabzy, The Kavernacle, Monte Mader, JimmyTheGiant, Mrs Betty Bowers, Miniminuteman, Jess of the Shire, Fredo Rockwell, Octopus Lady, Russian Media Monitor, Atlas Globe, ScaredKetchup, Joe Blogs, The Burning Archive, Secular Talk, Imaho Vlogs, Aid Thompsin, Kozak Siromaha.
I wish you a glorious morning, a splendid afternoon, a pleasant evening, a cosy night and may we all continue learning.
Those who Look Away in life, are Accomplices.
Project 2025
This is another revision at top of the queue. This is dedicated to the Goodreads comment gangs who have plagued me, other science fiction, romantasy and romance readers who write one star reviews with threats, insults and other ravings.
Before I start, a visit to the YouTube is required. This was brought to by the channels - Doctor Who/Never Cruel or Cowardly - Ozar, NCMI, Fiona Hill, Sarah C M Paine, Heather Cox Richardson, Imperial War Museums, AllShorts, Alex Fleev, Fiona Hill, Aid Thompsin, Supertanskiii, Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, Kyiv Post, Squire, Mia Mulder, Jessie Gender, Viva La Dirt League, Brandon Fisichella, aidan knight, Red Glasgow, Atun Shei Films, The Great War, Russian Media Monitor, Maggie Mae Fish, Keffals, Welcome to Ukraine, Verilybitchie, ScaredKetchup, Bitchuation Room, The Ritual Kitchen with Laura May, Belinda Strnad, Welcome to Ukraine, Red Glasgow, Ember Green, Lena Down Under, New Enlightenment with Ashley, Keith Edwards, The Interesting Times, Ship Happens, Sailing Melody, The Narrowboat that James Built, Whitenoiz CA, What Vivi did next, Wes O'Donnell, Econ Lessons, Jake Broe, Eileen, LuckyBlackCat, Dark Brandon, Mia Mulder, The Juice Media, Ukraine Calling SOF UA, The Great War, Tini Basu, NFKRZ, Eugene Documentaries, ScaredKetchup, Deerstalker Pictures, Capital Lumber Log Yard, Boat Time, May, Cruising Alba, Cruising Crafts, Winging it on a Budget, Scallydandling About the Books, Jess Owens, Reads with Rachel, Subha Reads, Kirkpattiecake, Reese Waters, Petticoats and Prose, The Military Show, Prime of Midlife, MechWest, Alex Fleev, Tom Powell Jr, Hello Future Me, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Tale Foundry, GhostTime History, History of Everything, Riverboat Jack, Electro Swing, Real Vintage Dolls House, Princess Weekes, Jack Edwards, Cruising the Cut, Cruising Alba, Cruising Crafts, Paul Warburg, NanyaCim, Silicon Curtain, Times Radio, The Burning Archive, Puddles Pity Party, Malinda, Kozak Siromaha, Vidya Mitra, The Bands of HM Royal Marines, Matriarchetype, Cindy's Villa, HBomberGuy, Lily Simpson, NFKRZ, Political CUSTARD, With Cindy, CBC News, Cossack and Caucasus Sword Dance, Subha Reads, Roisin's Reading, Ro Ramdin, Shades of Orange, Asturia Quartet, Kathy's Flog in France, RFU News, Anka Daily News, TVP News, Some More News, Invicta, Inside Russia, Julie Nolke, JohnTheDuncan, African Diaspora News Channel, Democratic Penguin Republic, Dark Brandon, Kat Blacque, Spacedock, Springtime for Elon, OrangeRiver, Planet D, Dark Brandon, Grumpy Old Crone, Activist Witch, Diary of a Ditch Witch, Mercado Media, Letterkenny, Yoyomi, Honest2Betsy, Stanzi, TallGirl6234, No Justice, Turn Left, Novara Media.
I saw recently an idiot who whilst insulting a most interesting essayist, complain to her that I list trans creators. I am surprised that no cure have been discovered for the epidemic causing arrogant, self-important stupidity among US males. A warning then. The channels which I list include archaeologist, tall, het, marine biologist, Indian, asexual, primatologist, cis, politico-military historian, bi, artist, sewist, intersex, socialist, physicist, WOC, queer, Ukrainian, miniatures gamer, writer, trans, older, sword dancer, mathematician, gay, British, redhaired, model, witch, married and other creators who are known as Women. Almost as threatening are the other LGBTQI+, logician, astrophysicist, Danish, philosopher, other BIPOC, military board gamer, miniatures painter, Canadian, short, neurodivergent, boater, linguist, zoologist, ship builder, Scottish, modeller, geologist, science educator, culture critic, fashion historian and other creators known as Human Beings. Should the voices not be stilled, seek emergency therapy, immediately adopt a healthy hobby (that excludes assault against BIPOC, women, LGBTQI or others which is mental illness) or an exorcism and repeat daily "I will not be a bell@nd today". My feelings towards these vicious dullards remind me of the 13 Ukrainian marines defending Snake Island when Putin's navy demanded their surrender. Their response "Russian warship, go f@ck yourself ". Slava Ukraini. Slava Heroyam.
I remember liking this writer but know not why. This book gave me mixed feelings. First there are many aliens, which I enjoy reading and "aliens are cool". The core characters are not badly drawn, though their interactions and dialogue feel off.
Pirates as the good guys is fine, I guess. Pirates as a family is bizarre. Fortunately, he does not remind you of that too often, though once is more than enough. The characters should be able to fight alongside fellows whom they despise, just as real people do. It is usually the best course of action for survival and who does not agree with the principle "When someone tries to kill you, you kill them back" mindset.
The different factions of humans, aliens and AI's feel plausible and I was caught up in the story. Then there are character lapses which do not sit well with me. If a crew mate is behaving strangely and suddenly you are having shipwide computer problems, does no one mention it to their fellow crew. When crew are murdered and the ship's computer can not locate them, there are no alarms?
I know that it is an undisciplined pirate crew but do they not talk to each other. Pirates are careful to avoid collateral damage when hijacking a ship is a nice thought but I found that unbelievable. Ignoring a potential trap because the crew voted to attempt to rescue 2 crewmembers was a stretch.
The lack of artificial gravity puzzled me. This far in the future, why not go for it. I admit that he handles the rotating wheel design for artificial gravity fairly well. I do not recall if inertia is addressed.
The general quality of Unlimited selections is so poor, I question my positive ratings. Am I pleased with the books or am I relieved that some editing seemed to have occurred and no overtly racist, sexist or other problematic elements are remembered?
I watch SciFi in lieu of print for the first time. The occasional scan of others' reviews were unhelpful and Amazon recommendations lean heavily towards rubbish. I investigated YouTube for film and TV suggestions and accidentally found the myriad other channels.
I stumbled upon my first literary criticism channel after finding lifestyle, history, science and other channels. The wonderful Lindsay Ellis was that first critic but she was the victim of the cocktail activists determined to solve the racism by attacking any discussion of bad writing, casting or performance in a M. Knight production. Trained essayist hounded from YouTube. The racism solved. Yay to performative activism. Soon after I discovered the BookTube. Then I rediscovered the splendid Lindsey Ellis has a new home on the Nebula site. It provides a platform for very good creators from Anthropology to Zoology at a modest price.
YouTube have changed for the worse over the recent four years. Channels are subjected to patterns of demonetisation or shadow banning against some of the best political creators, if their content conflicts with a corporate consensus. Despite Amazon-like behaviour, gems still survive.
I have earned a YouTube and/or TV break. This next is courtesy of YouTube's Doctor Who/ Be Kind - Reality Genre Studios, NCMI, Fiona Hill, Dark Side of Russia, British Museum, Sarah C M Paine, CTV News, Britta Bohler, The Military Show, 9 News Australia, Jason Jay Smart, Octopus Lady, Chem Thug, Nini Music, 60 Minutes Australia, Unleashed -Hardigan, Eugenia from Ukraine, Skip Intro, Wednesday- Paint it Black, Ukraine Matters, ThePrimeChronus, CBC News, The Canadian Press, Guard the Leaf, Mynameismarines, Books and Things, The Dadvocate, Double Down News, Amodelwhosread, Jen the Librarian, Ellie Dashwood, Dungeons and Discourse, The Ministry of Miniatures, Legendary Tactics, The Enemy From Within, MSI - Songs Sped Up, ConeOfArc, Tank Museum, TierZoo, Reads with Rachel, Lindsay Nikole, Bizarre Beasts, History with Kayleigh, Gutsick Gibbon, Delamer, DreamLoop Cinema -Soviet Star Trek, Leanne Morgan, Terrible Writing Advice, Fun Size Reader, Amie's Literary Empire, Caolan Robertson, According to Alina, Just in Time Worldbuilding, Claus Kellerman POV, Russian Media Monitor, Main Street Report, Kings and Generals, Ukraine Today, NerdForge, Miranda Mills, Sons of Liberty, Savy Writes Books, Emma Thorne, Alex Fleev, Philosophy Tube, Emilie's Literary Corner, Elisabeth Wheatley, France 24, Parkrose Permaculture, Hoots, Riverboat Jack, Sky News Australia, Keffals, Viva La Dirt League, Ukraine News TV, Deerstalker Pictures, Eleanor Morton, Lucy Darling, History of Everything.
Consider treating this site as potentially hostile. 🤔
Goodreads discourse does not exist. As example, I wrote a short, negative six or seven sentence review of Powers of the Earth, a poorly written salute to what US readers now call the psychotic January 6 hero. The writer, Travis Corcoran self-described as libertarian and advocate for the return of chattel slavery (an opinion quite popular in the US), veteran, admirer of Putin, employee of an unnamed US agency.
This MAGA hero led a merry band of six other patriots in a year long deluge of unhinged comments demanding my response. I was accused of narcissism because I declined engagement. They took exception to my opinion. I found a story glorifying the overthrow of the US government with the aid of the military in order that a twat not pay inheritance tax to be both dangerous and unhealthy. The irony pains my communist soul.
The final comment was delivered by Claes Rees Jr aka cgr710 now ka Clayton R Jesse Jr. He proudly declared that They had "won" (?). They had apparently launched a tsunami of vile sexual, racist and other disgusting comments against apparently every female creator I listed, which given the number of my reviews must have been a labour of love and it continues still.
They failed to establish a relationship with the astrophysicist, boater, writer, hobbyist or any other of the female creators. Despite that failure They did add to the world's overabundance of ugliness and did deliver to a multinational audience a wonderful self-portrait of the snowflake (the viciously self-important US man-child). That seems to have been a Victory. Ah, Goodreads discourse ?? USA #1 ??
That stream differed only in length to others until the Australian Intervention. They will never ask "Are we the baddies?".
Another break have been earned. This next was made possible by YouTube's Doctor Who/Cruel or Cowardly - Storyscape Studios, NCMI, Sarah C M Paine, Fiona Hill, Akino, Ana Fern, physicist Dr Fatima, Lynn Saga, Kings and Generals, Patrick(H)Willem, Timothy Snyder, Hetty and the Jazzalato Band, Veritas et Caritas, Yarmak music, Acollierastro, Tibees, Star Talk, Horses, History of Everything, Paranormal Scholar, Smack the Pony, Amadeus Quartet, Tanya Fiona, Answer in Progress, Evie Lupine, Kyiv Independent, Military History Visualised, Books N Cats, Knitting Cult Lady, Red Trans, Books and Things, Christina Talks, Ukraine Matters, Think that Through, Hoots, Red Viburnam Song, Warthog Defence, Patty Gurdy, Marsh Family, Main Street Report, Kat Abughazaleh, Feral Historian, North 02, The Octopus Lady, Chem Thug, Munecat, Pinsent Tailoring, Miranda Mills, J Draper, Karolina Zebrowska, Shannon Makes, Engineering Knits, Knitting Cult Lady, Snappy Dragon, Bernadette Banner, Gemma Dyer, Kady 2.0, Horses, Kroum Batchvarov, Central Crossing, Supertanskiii, Novara Media, Russian Dude, Venom Geek Media, LetterKenny.
Ominous music begins. 😊 Speculative fiction, romantasy and romance readers include a number of emotionally stunted members. These member gangs find it acceptable to attack the reviewer who judges a book or series for poor general prose or worse. Those attacks extend beyond the rude comment to doxxing, stalking and threats against offender, their family and friends.
Acceptable reactions exclude consideration of anti-human elements or representation and low writing quality. From my experience almost all readers seem to turn away from the ugliness. Their reaction compliments the US and UK book banning craze which would likely be concerning to many, were the membership not such a collection of Look Aways.
Fortunately there are saner, safer sites such as Storygraph or Fable and BookTubers will discuss them.
The Australian Intervention. My very limited message history was given over to these nutcases, which allowed Pine Gap Centre to request that Australian Security interrogate the one friend whom I messaged occasionally. The attempt at my history failed, though Amazon did create two outraged customers. Only after we shared our experience, did Amazon became concerned. They offered neither apology nor acknowledgement but disappeared the Lurkers whom I had not been Allowed to remove, restored other page functions which had been deleted, masked the many comments and removed other visible harassment. I recently accepted a friend from Latvia but am now seemingly prevented from removing him. This is I think an attempt at retaining engagement numbers on a site with increasing customer dissatisfaction. I suggest that Amazon might consider site improvement and new customer service protocols. 😀
A seventh EBay ex-employee was sentenced for harassment of a couple whose small ecommerce site was deemed unkind to EBay. The couple were awarded millions of pounds and the ex-employee had been the EBay Chief of Global Security or something like. These data corporations have developed twisted cultures which rival that of hedge funds. Things to consider.
For physical safety, I suggest a few precautions with regards to Amazon. Remove any personal information from Goodreads profile and avoid messaging. Remove lurkers, those who never post. They are monitors (about which a reader warned other members early in my enrolment) not admirers. Given Amazon's behaviour, the screenshot of the odd, ugly or threatening is very useful. These should suffice.
Kindle is the more dangerous. Do Not use Kindle Email, Calendar, Files or Contacts. When even your email is being Signed Into without permission or notice, I leave privacy and security concerns to your imagination. Do Not "purchase" Amazon ebooks, as they are leases which may be altered or deleted at Amazon's whim. There are other ebook sources and of course library loans, second hand book shops, charity shop gems, etc. There are BookTubers who will discuss the many alternatives.
I recommend a scan of YouTube channels, which address US life -history, current political climate, prevailing worldviews, culture such as it is and the hopefully growing call for societal change. I list a number. They are some of them frightening but all are illuminating.
I discovered that there is a US phenomenon called the Sundown Town, which has existed for decades. In these towns any black person in town limits after Sundown will be tortured and killed. They continue to exist and are spreading, with "White Only" signs being openly displayed. This is not MAGA but a uniquely "American" heritage.
US mainstream news outlets do not report on these, no provincial government have or do act against these and no federal agency have ever intervened as far as my limited search uncovered.
Nazi "Race Theory" was exported to Europe from the English colonies as early as the late 1600's and the first "scientific"thesis was written by an Enlightenment noble of the court of Frederick the Great in 1746-7 (?). The German Empire nurtured this science. See the execution of this thought in the Namibian genocide. The National Socialist Party lovingly adopted this Imperial inheritance and absorbed the entire body of US "Race Science" and "Manifest Destiny". A bastardisation of Nietzsche followed. The Physical Sciences, Political Theory, History and Philosophy were prepared for that Italian coup. I refer to Nazi Germany not the current US, though the similarities are stunning.
This trend has not been opposed by the Democratic Party then to now. From Canada to Australia readers should expect the US disease to appear in a parliament near you. The UK seem to have already succumbed.
The people who have over decades voted for the majority Republican (openly vicious) and Democratic (quietly supporting) Parties are aware that tens of thousands children have disappeared from Border Patrol and ICE detention centres and some few are documented to have been rescued from sex slavery by shocked police. From Obama to Trump neither Party have investigated and prosecuted this or the normalised sexual assault of detained men, women, girls and boys by federal employees. The practice seems accepted as a perk of federal employment.
This is a dangerous pool of potential employees and members who proudly claim no empathy, no recognisable morality, are driven by fear of loss of minimal social status rather than striving for bettering the circumstances of all. Ominous music ends. 😊
Be safe. May we all find good reading. 🤗
Some of my favourite channels.
NCMI, Timothy Snyder, Sarah C M Paine, Katy Montgomerie, Stanzi, Fiona Hill, AllShorts, Raw News and Politics, Jormungandr, Anne Applebaum, I'm Rosa, JammiDodger, Heather Cox Richardson, Emma Thorne, Vlad Vexler, No Justice, Novara Media, Tom Nicholas, Tad Stoermer, Gary's Economics, Truth to Power, Kazachka, Dwarkesh Patel, Man Carrying Thing, Queen Penguin, What a Day, WokeGardener, Lilly's Life, Shades of Orange, Jay Exci, Skip Intro, Times Radio, Chris Norlund, Professor Tim Wilson, Sabine Hossenfelder, Philosophy Tube, Dr Ben Miles, Agro Squirrel Narrates, Brigitte Empire, Eugene Documentaries, Steve Shives, Jessie Gender, Springtime for Elon, Caerhl Irey, Reese Waters, Lee Francis, Leesa Katherine, Skip Intro, Three Arrows, Evie Lupine, Leena Norms, Your True Shelf, Dove London, The History Chap, kgb detected, Natasha's Adventures, Ives Toys, Ministry of Miniatures, Dark Brandon, Belinda Strnad, Isaac Arthur, Anna from Ukraine, Jonathan Pie, Pat Mandziy, CoachD, Ben and Emily, Bobbing Along, C M Alongi, Business Basics, Reese Waters, Haropones, Grace McGuire, Tibees, Jabzy, The Kavernacle, Monte Mader, JimmyTheGiant, Mrs Betty Bowers, Miniminuteman, Jess of the Shire, Fredo Rockwell, Octopus Lady, Russian Media Monitor, Atlas Globe, ScaredKetchup, Joe Blogs, The Burning Archive, Secular Talk, Imaho Vlogs, Aid Thompsin, Kozak Siromaha.
I wish you a glorious morning, a splendid afternoon, a pleasant evening, a cosy night and may we all continue learning.
Those who Look Away in life, are Accomplices.
Project 2025
March 11, 2018
Hard Core Sci-fi!💫🚀
If continuous action in outer space💫 is what you crave, then this is the book for you! The book also uses teenagers and children as some of the crew on the pirate ship🚀, Nepenthe. At one point there is a knock down drag out fight between kids wanting to join their crew.
The book📕 is pretty much one continuous space💫 battle or shipboard combat🔫🔪 between battlebots or crewmen, All The way through.
Subject Zero, is Maeve, a teenage girl and the person the pirates attack her transport liner, Tamaishi, for. A tremendous space battle ensues, some of both crews are killed and the liner is fatally damaged. Maeve is captured alive by the pirates, just before her bodyguard can kill her, per instructions.
Great descriptions of crazy looking aliens👹, space ships🚀, weapons, and droids fill the pages of this very well written , action packed, sci-fi adventure.
There are several stories running at the same time throughout the book📕.
The story line with multiple tangents was too busy, and was hard to follow at times.
The book📕 is quite Violent, Older Teens and Adults Only.
Recommend, for lovers of hard core technical sci-fi.
ARC Furnished by HG for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got the book through KU.
If continuous action in outer space💫 is what you crave, then this is the book for you! The book also uses teenagers and children as some of the crew on the pirate ship🚀, Nepenthe. At one point there is a knock down drag out fight between kids wanting to join their crew.
The book📕 is pretty much one continuous space💫 battle or shipboard combat🔫🔪 between battlebots or crewmen, All The way through.
Subject Zero, is Maeve, a teenage girl and the person the pirates attack her transport liner, Tamaishi, for. A tremendous space battle ensues, some of both crews are killed and the liner is fatally damaged. Maeve is captured alive by the pirates, just before her bodyguard can kill her, per instructions.
Great descriptions of crazy looking aliens👹, space ships🚀, weapons, and droids fill the pages of this very well written , action packed, sci-fi adventure.
There are several stories running at the same time throughout the book📕.
The story line with multiple tangents was too busy, and was hard to follow at times.
The book📕 is quite Violent, Older Teens and Adults Only.
Recommend, for lovers of hard core technical sci-fi.
ARC Furnished by HG for a Voluntary and Honest Review.
I also got the book through KU.
July 26, 2020
After reading the very entertaining Duelist, I tried one of the earlier space opera books of the author, Nepenthe Rising, which is set in a different universe trope (opposing interstellar polities currently in an unstable truce, smaller independent but poorer worlds, hence lots of opportunities for space pirates and the like); while the prose read somewhat clunkier than in Duelist, the book had energy and interesting set-up and characters and while there were a bit too many happy coincidences and even Deus-et-Machina stuff, I definitely enjoyed it till the end
August 5, 2021
MY OPINION:
The usual stoopid sht.
Dumb stories and awful, trite, non-believable characters.
AND YET: this writer does not make us witness the “hero” putting feet up on the bridge, or “shoveling” yuge bowls of chili, or swigging booze, or vomiting, or “crying and weeping,” or “smelling his own stink.” At least, not a lot.
There’s usually a story going on, and some competent, thoughtful, non-irritating writing. I would have to say, his science-fact and story-telling carry these books forward successfully.
.
Oh…and there’s seemingly a lot of this: “Leave justice to Allah, for he is great."
.
The usual stoopid sht.
Dumb stories and awful, trite, non-believable characters.
AND YET: this writer does not make us witness the “hero” putting feet up on the bridge, or “shoveling” yuge bowls of chili, or swigging booze, or vomiting, or “crying and weeping,” or “smelling his own stink.” At least, not a lot.
There’s usually a story going on, and some competent, thoughtful, non-irritating writing. I would have to say, his science-fact and story-telling carry these books forward successfully.
.
Oh…and there’s seemingly a lot of this: “Leave justice to Allah, for he is great."
.
April 30, 2020
This sci fi has it all. A little intrigue, a little spying, some suspense and of course there are space battles. The characters are really good and you get to know them well. Well, you think you know them well because there are some twist too. I truly enjoyed reading it and hope you do too.
July 9, 2018
Stars in Shadow
Just finished reading book one and am looking forward to the next one. This is an outstanding read with lots of action .
Just finished reading book one and am looking forward to the next one. This is an outstanding read with lots of action .
December 11, 2018
Much violence without worth, video-game-like.
February 15, 2019
A pirates life? Sure why not, it can’t always be about the good guys you know. Turns out the pirates are nicer than the good guys in the long run.
April 20, 2019
Bought it because of the price
But I ended up really liking it _ nicely plotted good characters very interesting _ I'll give book 2 a go
But I ended up really liking it _ nicely plotted good characters very interesting _ I'll give book 2 a go
July 25, 2021
Excellent start
A new space opera needs a good writer The author has the skill to deliver I enjoyed reading this book and I will continue reading the next installment
A new space opera needs a good writer The author has the skill to deliver I enjoyed reading this book and I will continue reading the next installment
August 16, 2025
The story is fun to read with great character. It's a light story and perfect for summer reading. The action is predicable.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews