What do you think?
Rate this book
Glass Complex Trilogy #1
Broken Glass
What can one man do to recover his home?
A small planet, its wealth hidden – or so they thought; peaceful, although its inhabitants are prepared to fight for what is theirs—they call it Homeworld.
A traitor helps a rival house in its attempt to capture the planet. The ruling family fights back and most are killed or captured. Steg de Coeur, directed by The Glass Complex, an ancient and self-aware computer complex, flees the planet. He gradually learns of his ability to communicate with computers, friendly, hostile, or alien.
But he must ignore the siren songs of the stars.
He is pursued by false warrants and traitorous Imperial forces.
Their objective—his death.
His objective—revenge.
The Glass Complex is a series of action-packed adventures in space. If you like interspecies intrigue, space opera, military sci-fi, and a touch of fantasy, then you'll love this intergalactic space opera.
Read Broken Glass, the first book in this series.
A small planet, its wealth hidden – or so they thought; peaceful, although its inhabitants are prepared to fight for what is theirs—they call it Homeworld.
A traitor helps a rival house in its attempt to capture the planet. The ruling family fights back and most are killed or captured. Steg de Coeur, directed by The Glass Complex, an ancient and self-aware computer complex, flees the planet. He gradually learns of his ability to communicate with computers, friendly, hostile, or alien.
But he must ignore the siren songs of the stars.
He is pursued by false warrants and traitorous Imperial forces.
Their objective—his death.
His objective—revenge.
The Glass Complex is a series of action-packed adventures in space. If you like interspecies intrigue, space opera, military sci-fi, and a touch of fantasy, then you'll love this intergalactic space opera.
Read Broken Glass, the first book in this series.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
342 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2011
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 12, 2022
My initial thoughts were the storyline was at best ‘clunky’ and at times it seemed like the author was making things up on the spur of the moment to cover the holes in the plot. In the end the only explanation I could think of was the author had dozens of ideas for different storylines and just tried to cram them all in whether they fitted together or not. Sometimes more isn’t better.
With all its faults this was a surprisingly decent read for half of the book, then the author desperately tried to find even more storylines to introduce and then ignore, finally he resorted to time travel and I had had enough.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars.
With all its faults this was a surprisingly decent read for half of the book, then the author desperately tried to find even more storylines to introduce and then ignore, finally he resorted to time travel and I had had enough.
If possible I would have given 1.5 stars.
August 24, 2018
Classic sci-fi was never this good.
I scored Hindmarsh's excellent sci-fi thriller in a sale, and kind of wish I'd paid full price.
I grew up reading Niven, Barnes, Asimov, Zelaney, and the rest. Broken Glass is a book channeling the essence of these *types* of stories, but without the weighty, ponderous writing of the old masters. Hindmarsh wastes no words, getting you right to the meat of the story.
Our hero, Steg, is on a classic hero's journey. He finds his planet (Homeworld) on the verge of military takeover, and is tossed into the stars to do his best/worst with the enemy he initially though an ally. Through his trips on the stars, he makes unlikely friends (the alien who initially serves as his aid de camp becomes a trusted partner toward the end, and the mannerisms and view of their relationship is wonderful). Steg *also* makes evil enemies, the kind you want to strangle yourself. There's fallout, and not everything ends happily, but it ends *right*.
This on-rails ride took me right to the end, and I finished the book in two nights. It left me content, like a good meal, but also wanting more of the chef's offering. Turns out, this is book one of a trilogy, and there's more to discover.
I scored Hindmarsh's excellent sci-fi thriller in a sale, and kind of wish I'd paid full price.
I grew up reading Niven, Barnes, Asimov, Zelaney, and the rest. Broken Glass is a book channeling the essence of these *types* of stories, but without the weighty, ponderous writing of the old masters. Hindmarsh wastes no words, getting you right to the meat of the story.
Our hero, Steg, is on a classic hero's journey. He finds his planet (Homeworld) on the verge of military takeover, and is tossed into the stars to do his best/worst with the enemy he initially though an ally. Through his trips on the stars, he makes unlikely friends (the alien who initially serves as his aid de camp becomes a trusted partner toward the end, and the mannerisms and view of their relationship is wonderful). Steg *also* makes evil enemies, the kind you want to strangle yourself. There's fallout, and not everything ends happily, but it ends *right*.
This on-rails ride took me right to the end, and I finished the book in two nights. It left me content, like a good meal, but also wanting more of the chef's offering. Turns out, this is book one of a trilogy, and there's more to discover.
August 7, 2017
First, let me say that I rarely write out a full review. I only do so when I feel that a book (or series, author, etc.) deserves special recognition. I most certainly feel that the Glass Complex Trilogy, and author John Hindmarsh, deserve for me to spend a little time to leave a written review.
I cannot recommend the Glass Complex Trilogy enough. All three books in the trilogy were compelling reads in their own right, but the overall series was simply incredible. This is the type of find that simply makes me giddy, because it delivers far more than expected.
From the first chapter, I was hooked. The story was fast paced, creative, and I was truly sad that I had finished the book. Ultimately, that is a simple rule of thumb for me to know if a book (or series) is truly special. This trilogy is truly special.
The expected scientific advances found in most space operas were intertwined by the author with certain ancient cultural traditions in a way I found to be unique and essential to the narrative. I am not going to give away any spoilers, so I will wrap up my review. But I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a diamond in the rough. This series is absolutely worth a look.
I cannot recommend the Glass Complex Trilogy enough. All three books in the trilogy were compelling reads in their own right, but the overall series was simply incredible. This is the type of find that simply makes me giddy, because it delivers far more than expected.
From the first chapter, I was hooked. The story was fast paced, creative, and I was truly sad that I had finished the book. Ultimately, that is a simple rule of thumb for me to know if a book (or series) is truly special. This trilogy is truly special.
The expected scientific advances found in most space operas were intertwined by the author with certain ancient cultural traditions in a way I found to be unique and essential to the narrative. I am not going to give away any spoilers, so I will wrap up my review. But I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a diamond in the rough. This series is absolutely worth a look.
September 25, 2019
Could not put it down, causing neglected tasks and lost sleep. Very dangerous; should be restricted to readers with close supervision by skilled therapists!
First take is how gently Hindmarsh begins; the bridge between a seemingly medieval scenario to a star-traveling culture is done akin to an afterthought. Additionally, he brings his readers along as he frames distinction between space-flight technology and primitive animal-powered transportation in a way that is both acceptable and reasonable.
This is a tale of a young man of regal lineage who is forced to flee his homeworld and attempt to mingle with those who are enemies of his world and his family in hopes of ejecting an extremely powerful and very clever enemy that intends to plunder his planet while simultaneously making it a cornerstone of it's conquest ambitions.
Hindmarsh mixes primitive and very advanced technology with primitive behavior and reasonable-sounding advanced behavior—and he does this when the two coincide in very believable scenarios.
The tale takes some unexpected turns, and some of the endeavors are not fruitful. (In fact, the denouement is not so much a cavelry riding (flying) in and wiping out the bad guys as it is a reasonable halting of major conflicts: watch for a sequel.
Hindmarsh is an exceptional writer, and his prose makes this book both engaging and mesmerising. I haven't been a fan of Sci-fi for a very long time, and was never a fan of Sci-Fan, which this novel nearly touches, yet I was undisciplined and had considerable difficulty from reading until dawn, totally immersed in this tale.
First take is how gently Hindmarsh begins; the bridge between a seemingly medieval scenario to a star-traveling culture is done akin to an afterthought. Additionally, he brings his readers along as he frames distinction between space-flight technology and primitive animal-powered transportation in a way that is both acceptable and reasonable.
This is a tale of a young man of regal lineage who is forced to flee his homeworld and attempt to mingle with those who are enemies of his world and his family in hopes of ejecting an extremely powerful and very clever enemy that intends to plunder his planet while simultaneously making it a cornerstone of it's conquest ambitions.
Hindmarsh mixes primitive and very advanced technology with primitive behavior and reasonable-sounding advanced behavior—and he does this when the two coincide in very believable scenarios.
The tale takes some unexpected turns, and some of the endeavors are not fruitful. (In fact, the denouement is not so much a cavelry riding (flying) in and wiping out the bad guys as it is a reasonable halting of major conflicts: watch for a sequel.
Hindmarsh is an exceptional writer, and his prose makes this book both engaging and mesmerising. I haven't been a fan of Sci-fi for a very long time, and was never a fan of Sci-Fan, which this novel nearly touches, yet I was undisciplined and had considerable difficulty from reading until dawn, totally immersed in this tale.
June 11, 2018
This science fiction tale is set sometime in the far future and has a bit of fantasy built into it, also. The author does a good job of having you feel as if you are right in the middle of the action, and the future tech is not such that it goes over your head and is believable. Without having a spoiler, I did spend a bit of time daydreaming of what I might do if I had the main character’s abilities. I picked this up for 99 cents during a Kindle promotion, and certainly received more than that in entertainment value. If you like a good sci fi tale with a bit of a mystery / thriller bent, I would recommend this one.
December 31, 2021
Slowly Devolves
The storyline has an interesting beginning, reasonable development and then slowly falls apart as the story progresses. By the end of this book there are as many unresolved story threads as there are completed and the reader is left with little satisfaction. In several instances we are presented with major plot events and no dénouement. We read of preparations for conflict and the battle is described in a single sentence with no emotion. At the end of this book I found no reason to continue this series.
The storyline has an interesting beginning, reasonable development and then slowly falls apart as the story progresses. By the end of this book there are as many unresolved story threads as there are completed and the reader is left with little satisfaction. In several instances we are presented with major plot events and no dénouement. We read of preparations for conflict and the battle is described in a single sentence with no emotion. At the end of this book I found no reason to continue this series.
December 12, 2021
Stumbled over this book even though it was written in 2011 a lot going on.
There’s intrigue, plenty of action, some death, and a hero fighting from the status as an underdog which I do not like. This book was written years ago but I stumbled across it in Kindle unlimited and thought I would give it a try The character and his abilities are interesting but I do not believe that his capabilities are used to their utmost, especially the mysterious Ebony sword. I think the author through a lot of ideas at the wall to see which ones stuck. Don’t let me say that it is not a good read it is but a bit confusing. Going on to read the next book in the series.
There’s intrigue, plenty of action, some death, and a hero fighting from the status as an underdog which I do not like. This book was written years ago but I stumbled across it in Kindle unlimited and thought I would give it a try The character and his abilities are interesting but I do not believe that his capabilities are used to their utmost, especially the mysterious Ebony sword. I think the author through a lot of ideas at the wall to see which ones stuck. Don’t let me say that it is not a good read it is but a bit confusing. Going on to read the next book in the series.
September 1, 2018
Space opera - Renegade great house has attacked had taken over a small but successful trading planet with a secret and advanced "computer system". One of the ruling house has escaped and is going through a series of adventures as he is hunted down by the Federal Fleet. He find he is able to contact the computer back home mentally and is working to recover his home world. The only complaint I have with the story is that there are too many typos and missing words. The Proofing was not very good. Hope it improves with the next book.
February 21, 2022
A little science fiction never hurts anyone. Set in a galactic empire, Homeworld has managed to stay at the edge and thrive, that is until Steg is challenged to a sword fight by a member of the very powerful House of Aluta. The combatant from House Aluta doesn't lose gracefully, instead it sparks an armed takeover and the death of Steg's family. Steg is now on the run, and discovers he has an ability to directly interface with computers. As his abilities increase he finds ways to cripple the economic power of House Aluta. I'll look forward to reading the next in this series
September 7, 2017
Broken Glass (Glass Complex #1) by John Hindmarsh
A passable read, at best. It is Space Opera, but not the top of that genre's form. The characters were all flat and one dimensional, but they did drive the plot. It took me about one third of the way to find the author's voice in this. Even so, I found the narrative to be somewhat stilted.
That said, I did finish the book, and will probably finish the series.
A passable read, at best. It is Space Opera, but not the top of that genre's form. The characters were all flat and one dimensional, but they did drive the plot. It took me about one third of the way to find the author's voice in this. Even so, I found the narrative to be somewhat stilted.
That said, I did finish the book, and will probably finish the series.
June 26, 2019
Easy read and good fresh science fiction imaginings The main character Steg is likable and I totally enjoyed the book. In this the first book he meets and befriends numerous supporting characters. He is seriously a knight in shining armor type and I liked him more for it. Everyone has an idea of what constitutes good behavior and it is nice to read a book written with a main character who has a good moral compass. I will probably read the whole series.
May 25, 2017
Awesome start to a trilogy
This book is a great example of why I like Bookbub. I got the first book for$1.00 and knew within a few pages that I'd be buying the rest of them as well. This book keeps you guessing (not easy given the number of books I've read) and when you reach the end you want more. Highly recommended - stellar sci-fi from first to last.
This book is a great example of why I like Bookbub. I got the first book for$1.00 and knew within a few pages that I'd be buying the rest of them as well. This book keeps you guessing (not easy given the number of books I've read) and when you reach the end you want more. Highly recommended - stellar sci-fi from first to last.
January 1, 2022
This is very much lacking a main character.
The MC that is supplied has no personality, has no influence on events. He is a tool that things happen to, nothing more. Anyone could have replaced him without issue. The story limps forward and is in no way memorable, the action is boring and unremarkable.
The MC that is supplied has no personality, has no influence on events. He is a tool that things happen to, nothing more. Anyone could have replaced him without issue. The story limps forward and is in no way memorable, the action is boring and unremarkable.
December 4, 2019
Wonderful, fast paced sci-fi thriller
Loved this first book of the series. Hindmarsh builds his characters and worlds well. Steg is a great main character who is always getting in and out of jams. Love the wit andrelations of the characters.
Loved this first book of the series. Hindmarsh builds his characters and worlds well. Steg is a great main character who is always getting in and out of jams. Love the wit andrelations of the characters.
Read
June 16, 2022DNF at 26%. Underwhelming. The author spills too many plots that might have been interesting otherwise. The MC is dull, without own personality but Gary Stu. The story line seems clunky and artificial
December 3, 2022
Fast paced & hectic at times
This is somewhat different from the other Hindmarsh series in that it spends most of the story on one character, either from his POV or what happens around him. It makes a fun read and I plan on reading the rest of the series.
This is somewhat different from the other Hindmarsh series in that it spends most of the story on one character, either from his POV or what happens around him. It makes a fun read and I plan on reading the rest of the series.
December 7, 2022
Diiferent.
Slow and confusing start, rapidly evolves into a breakneck paced adventure story. It helps to suspend belief in the impossible and accept that miraculous coincidences occur routinely.
Enjoyable, pleasant read.
Slow and confusing start, rapidly evolves into a breakneck paced adventure story. It helps to suspend belief in the impossible and accept that miraculous coincidences occur routinely.
Enjoyable, pleasant read.
January 9, 2023
Book 3 of Broken Glass trilogy
Excellent well written book Characters fleshed out with believable lives and tasks with purpose I look forward to reading the next 2 books
Try try try
Excellent well written book Characters fleshed out with believable lives and tasks with purpose I look forward to reading the next 2 books
Try try try
February 3, 2024
Another great book from Mr Hindmarsh.
This is the second series I've read from this author, and I haven't been disappointed. I'm really looking forward to starting the next book in the series.
This is the second series I've read from this author, and I haven't been disappointed. I'm really looking forward to starting the next book in the series.
April 6, 2024
Excellent!
I couldn't read thru it fast enough. :) I've read other books by Mr. Hindmarsh and thoroughly enjoyed them. This series will be no different, I'm sure. If you are looking for drama, action and great characters, look no further.
I couldn't read thru it fast enough. :) I've read other books by Mr. Hindmarsh and thoroughly enjoyed them. This series will be no different, I'm sure. If you are looking for drama, action and great characters, look no further.
June 12, 2025
Great sci-fi in the old school style
Great sci-fi in the old school style. Unique and interesting characters, interaction relationships among them. I read the entire 3 book series and loved it. Lots of action between good guys and several different evil bad guys.
Great sci-fi in the old school style. Unique and interesting characters, interaction relationships among them. I read the entire 3 book series and loved it. Lots of action between good guys and several different evil bad guys.
June 3, 2017
Loved this one. Had to buy part 2 and 3 right away.
June 8, 2017
Very good space opera
Well written. Good story with effective character development that makes you look forward to the next book in the series.
Well written. Good story with effective character development that makes you look forward to the next book in the series.
September 23, 2017
I very much enjoyed this book, it was a fast-moving story and I found it hard to put down. I will look forward to more from this author.
June 26, 2019
Overall, this was an ok tale. The story line had some glaring issues, so suspend belief and read on.
July 4, 2019
Great read
Well developed characters with a good plot line. Solid mix of mild science, aliens and action. Interesting mix of swords with scifi.
Well developed characters with a good plot line. Solid mix of mild science, aliens and action. Interesting mix of swords with scifi.
September 23, 2019
A good read, a bit too predictable though...
February 20, 2020
Great read
Couldn’t put it down. I spent a weekend reading all three titles in this trilogy. Great action and lot’s of surprises.
Couldn’t put it down. I spent a weekend reading all three titles in this trilogy. Great action and lot’s of surprises.
January 17, 2021
2.5 really.
dnf-not-for-me
May 12, 20211/10: Couldn't get past the first few chapters; not for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews