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A Galaxy Unknown #6
Castle Vroman
continuing story of space warfare
346 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
90 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 29, 2013
plot threads left to unravel
void of emotional connections
I don't care much about any of the characters
uses the same descriptions cut and pasted over and over (I skip those parts)
infodumppery
this could be SO much more epic
I mourn
why would you use the word "emmer" instead of "wheat" ... and I don't even think you meant wheat... I think you meant "grain" >.<
his love of the word solecism is, indeed, apt...
and here's another thing: everybody who has enough dialogue talks the same - they throw a random, obscure big word in. Prose is like food - a random, overly large chunk of papaya in a chocolate chip cookie isn't delicious, it's just weird.
Gah, I'm getting tired of it now... the enemies are retarded and the protagonists are unbelievably "brilliant"... Two. more. to. go.
void of emotional connections
I don't care much about any of the characters
uses the same descriptions cut and pasted over and over (I skip those parts)
infodumppery
this could be SO much more epic
I mourn
why would you use the word "emmer" instead of "wheat" ... and I don't even think you meant wheat... I think you meant "grain" >.<
his love of the word solecism is, indeed, apt...
and here's another thing: everybody who has enough dialogue talks the same - they throw a random, obscure big word in. Prose is like food - a random, overly large chunk of papaya in a chocolate chip cookie isn't delicious, it's just weird.
Gah, I'm getting tired of it now... the enemies are retarded and the protagonists are unbelievably "brilliant"... Two. more. to. go.
January 5, 2021
This book is basically three stories in one with a bunch of bouncing around between them. The first story involves Trader Vyx and his crew doing their thing. The second story is that annoying Milor invasion. Then there is finding the abducted admiral who is having adventures of his own...
The Milor parts are lots of fun. The Trader Vyx parts are okay. The abducted admiral wasn't to my taste, but I can see where there are many people who would enjoy that story.
All in all a fun book.
The Milor parts are lots of fun. The Trader Vyx parts are okay. The abducted admiral wasn't to my taste, but I can see where there are many people who would enjoy that story.
All in all a fun book.
December 15, 2019
And excellent science-fiction series!
Always tactical puzzles to be worked out, in combination with interesting subplots and digressions. It is important to start at the beginning book number one.
Always tactical puzzles to be worked out, in combination with interesting subplots and digressions. It is important to start at the beginning book number one.
May 30, 2017
This series is beginning to feel a lot like Weber's Honor Harrington series, but not as well written. Still, it's entertaining, and worth reading on its own.
September 8, 2015
Great Series
I gave this book 4 stars, because I'm really enjoying the series and this book did not disappoint. Each book is a well written complete plot so you're not left hanging, waiting a year for the next installment. However, since this series is about the life and exploits of the main character, Jenetta Carver, you should start with the first book. But if not, the author does a great job of integrating the back history to help a first-time reader understand the storyline. And since there were already about 10 books written when I found this author, I get to bing-out to my heart's content!
The writing quality and creativity has not diminished in this sixth book. I especially like the battle scenes. The strategies used by the main character are unique and unexpected. (Spoiler alert, stop here if you havn't started this series yet.)
There are a few things that could make this a 5 star series, such as the involvement of Jenetta's clones and her cats. They're written in as supporting characters, but their existence doesn't add anything to the storylines in books subsequent to their introduction into the series. But as part of Jenetta's posse, there should be further development and integration of of their stories. Jenetta's two clones have her before-creation memories and are both in the military, therefore it makes sense for them to have similar military success. Why hasn't military command utilized the clones for strategic operations, since Jenetta can't be in two places at once? Also, she's always alone with very little personal life, which is intentional I'm sure, but it becomes odd after six books. And a little thing that bugs me is the made up names, because the mix of vowels and consonants don't make sense. Despite the weaknesses, I really do recommend this series. I'm on to book 7.
For this book specifically, why wasn't planet Siena, where Admiral Vroman and the Lisbon crew were stranded, offered up to the Galactic Alliance for colonization? Or have the GA at least establish it as an outpost. The stranded did an amazing job building a community and setting up a compound to defend against the indigenous creatures. It would have been a better endpoint for that part of the story.
I gave this book 4 stars, because I'm really enjoying the series and this book did not disappoint. Each book is a well written complete plot so you're not left hanging, waiting a year for the next installment. However, since this series is about the life and exploits of the main character, Jenetta Carver, you should start with the first book. But if not, the author does a great job of integrating the back history to help a first-time reader understand the storyline. And since there were already about 10 books written when I found this author, I get to bing-out to my heart's content!
The writing quality and creativity has not diminished in this sixth book. I especially like the battle scenes. The strategies used by the main character are unique and unexpected. (Spoiler alert, stop here if you havn't started this series yet.)
There are a few things that could make this a 5 star series, such as the involvement of Jenetta's clones and her cats. They're written in as supporting characters, but their existence doesn't add anything to the storylines in books subsequent to their introduction into the series. But as part of Jenetta's posse, there should be further development and integration of of their stories. Jenetta's two clones have her before-creation memories and are both in the military, therefore it makes sense for them to have similar military success. Why hasn't military command utilized the clones for strategic operations, since Jenetta can't be in two places at once? Also, she's always alone with very little personal life, which is intentional I'm sure, but it becomes odd after six books. And a little thing that bugs me is the made up names, because the mix of vowels and consonants don't make sense. Despite the weaknesses, I really do recommend this series. I'm on to book 7.
For this book specifically, why wasn't planet Siena, where Admiral Vroman and the Lisbon crew were stranded, offered up to the Galactic Alliance for colonization? Or have the GA at least establish it as an outpost. The stranded did an amazing job building a community and setting up a compound to defend against the indigenous creatures. It would have been a better endpoint for that part of the story.
April 14, 2012
Castle Vroman,
I strongly suggest you read the previous book in the series (A Galaxy Unknown, Valor At Vauzlee, Clones of Mawcett, Trader Vyx and Milor!) prior to reading this installment.
This installment was one wild ride after another and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, I haven't read an installment in this series yet, that has NOT knocked my socks off!
The story was so intriguing, and the author's creativity was fascinating. This author comes ups with the best strategic plays, that continually keep me guessing. I'm always amazed at how well he juggles multiple story-lines together and packs so much entertainment into one book.
To the Jen Carver fans, this installment is a must read! The story is twisting a new turn and you will definitely get left behind if you miss this one.
To those fellow dark urban fantasy readers, looking for a good SF but don't want to end up with space romance; I highly recommend this book to you, as the style of writing is similar to a urban fantasy read. I eagerly and impatiently await the next book Against All Odds due out Mar. 15, 2011.
Song of Scarabaeus
Space Trippers Book 1: Trippin'
Peacekeeper: A Major Ariane Kedros Novel
Broken Mirrors
Shadowfever
I strongly suggest you read the previous book in the series (A Galaxy Unknown, Valor At Vauzlee, Clones of Mawcett, Trader Vyx and Milor!) prior to reading this installment.
This installment was one wild ride after another and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact, I haven't read an installment in this series yet, that has NOT knocked my socks off!
The story was so intriguing, and the author's creativity was fascinating. This author comes ups with the best strategic plays, that continually keep me guessing. I'm always amazed at how well he juggles multiple story-lines together and packs so much entertainment into one book.
To the Jen Carver fans, this installment is a must read! The story is twisting a new turn and you will definitely get left behind if you miss this one.
To those fellow dark urban fantasy readers, looking for a good SF but don't want to end up with space romance; I highly recommend this book to you, as the style of writing is similar to a urban fantasy read. I eagerly and impatiently await the next book Against All Odds due out Mar. 15, 2011.
Song of Scarabaeus
Space Trippers Book 1: Trippin'
Peacekeeper: A Major Ariane Kedros Novel
Broken Mirrors
Shadowfever
May 19, 2011
Great Sci-Fi epic.
This booked covered mainly three different linked subplots - as DePrima has done in last book successfully. I am completely evil - and I was more interested with what was happening around Stewart base and with the Malori invasion etc. so I just skipped the chapters covering Admiral Vroman and the Lisbon crew's story about being stranded on a prehistoric planet.
[Below is not a spoiler - just a theory I've had for the last few books]
PS. if anyone elses is enjoying this series who thinks Lt Cmdr Ashraf is a Raider spy. We know from Valor At Vauzlee that there was turned Space Command Officer on the Song following Raider directives - Ashraf was on the Song; Lt Cmdr Ashraf could just be very loyal but compared to others who had served with Jenetta longer Ashraf's determination to stay very close to Jenetta is just a little too fanatical? The Raiders are finding out info just a little to quickly - Jenettas 2IC would pretty much know almost everything Jenetta knows. You just want to warn her. I could be wrong and the turned SC Officer from the Song could just be an unused story line.
This booked covered mainly three different linked subplots - as DePrima has done in last book successfully. I am completely evil - and I was more interested with what was happening around Stewart base and with the Malori invasion etc. so I just skipped the chapters covering Admiral Vroman and the Lisbon crew's story about being stranded on a prehistoric planet.
[Below is not a spoiler - just a theory I've had for the last few books]
PS. if anyone elses is enjoying this series who thinks Lt Cmdr Ashraf is a Raider spy. We know from Valor At Vauzlee that there was turned Space Command Officer on the Song following Raider directives - Ashraf was on the Song; Lt Cmdr Ashraf could just be very loyal but compared to others who had served with Jenetta longer Ashraf's determination to stay very close to Jenetta is just a little too fanatical? The Raiders are finding out info just a little to quickly - Jenettas 2IC would pretty much know almost everything Jenetta knows. You just want to warn her. I could be wrong and the turned SC Officer from the Song could just be an unused story line.
April 4, 2011
This latest installment in Thomas DePrima's Galaxy Unknown series does not let the series or the reader down. Once again it's a grand space opera filled with action, espionage, and space battles, all capably lead by Jenetta Carver. While this novel does not have not have the depth of personal insight into Jenetta and other characters found in the previous novel Milor!, Jenetta continues to grow and become more at ease with both herself and her decisions. Some might find these novels somewhat predictable in their conclusion, but the journey through each is packed full of surprises and diversions, resulting in a highly entertaining read.
If you haven't yet read this series and are a fan of the space opera style, then don't hesitate to read them, starting with the first novel A Galaxy Unknown. You won't be disappointed.
If you haven't yet read this series and are a fan of the space opera style, then don't hesitate to read them, starting with the first novel A Galaxy Unknown. You won't be disappointed.
June 2, 2011
I don't see the point of spending so much time with Admiral Vroman. The limited action scenes are becoming even more limited. What was a discription of battle has now become a quick footnote. We are moving away from the good things and towards the things that are turning me off to this series.
What about Jenetta's romance with her long lost Commander Hugh? What happened to the Pirates, are they ever going to exact their revenge, or try to, or will they die of old age first? Now we are getting less of the twins.
IS the author going to continue to avoid writing in conflict (that which makes the universe tick) of any type that is not neatly and perfectly contained and managed?
I'll let you know after the next book. Good enough to read, but now close to the borderline of "why bother?" The series needs a shot in the arm, and a return to the basics of the first book.
What about Jenetta's romance with her long lost Commander Hugh? What happened to the Pirates, are they ever going to exact their revenge, or try to, or will they die of old age first? Now we are getting less of the twins.
IS the author going to continue to avoid writing in conflict (that which makes the universe tick) of any type that is not neatly and perfectly contained and managed?
I'll let you know after the next book. Good enough to read, but now close to the borderline of "why bother?" The series needs a shot in the arm, and a return to the basics of the first book.
August 22, 2013
Castle Vroman is absolutely my favorite in this series so far. I love that Deprima adds little side-plots so that it's not just a redunant battle, recover, spy, battle, recover, spy cycle. The battle tactics in this one still have me smiling and shaking my head. This is a VERY entertaining series.
After reading the Vatta's War series and now this one, military space-operas are quickly becoming my go-to genre when I can't decide what to read next. Sure it often lacks the deep character development and epicness of a vast fantasy saga, but the action and the quick-paced flow give you almost no room to put the books down. You just can't stop reading until you have to get up from the couch and get online to buy the next installment!
After reading the Vatta's War series and now this one, military space-operas are quickly becoming my go-to genre when I can't decide what to read next. Sure it often lacks the deep character development and epicness of a vast fantasy saga, but the action and the quick-paced flow give you almost no room to put the books down. You just can't stop reading until you have to get up from the couch and get online to buy the next installment!
June 6, 2012
Another excellent fast-paced instalment in this saga. Poor Jen though, everything she does takes her further and further from her dream of commanding her own ship.
Would love to see more action with her clones in the future though -- surely they must be just as talented as she is, yet they have been well and truly sidelined.
Otherwise brilliant
Would love to see more action with her clones in the future though -- surely they must be just as talented as she is, yet they have been well and truly sidelined.
Otherwise brilliant
January 17, 2016
Good book, different from the others...while she was reacting for the most part she brought the fight to the enemies at the end to make sure an invasion didn't happen again. I have to say i loved the part of this book with Admiral Vorman, it was a super enjoyable read. I thought it was a great addition to the book while not completely needed it did help to break up the story into different views.
July 7, 2011
Another good book with Jenetta Carver. There isn't as much action in this one and I'm getting bored with how well things go for her. I hope that the next book is more action-y because this one was borderline boring.
December 21, 2011
This series (another hornblower in space story) continues to be pulpy goodness. DePrima continues to use dialog for back-story/explanations, and it continues to be hamfisted.
I continue to enjoy them regardless.
I continue to enjoy them regardless.
October 28, 2014
This story is always entertaining. Jeanetta Carver always surprises us with her innovative solutions to her battles. many stories have characters that are forgettable. This series while having only one character developed remains fun to read.
Read
July 10, 2016I've read the 10 first books so obviosly this is a good enough series.
Not as good as David Weber's Honnor Harington, but if you liked that one... you'll like this one.
Don't expect very mulidimensional caracters, but a fun exciting read.
Not as good as David Weber's Honnor Harington, but if you liked that one... you'll like this one.
Don't expect very mulidimensional caracters, but a fun exciting read.
September 7, 2024
Good read. Fast paced. Overall quite excellent. The Castle Vroman side story doesn't really add anything to the story. You can skip those parts and not miss anything necessary to the story and I hate it when I can say that. Lost a star just for that.
February 12, 2012
Another great read in this exceptional series.
September 11, 2012
better than last in series
September 24, 2013
and... "Admiral Hubera muttered something unintelligible".
November 18, 2013
I like longer books. About time.
May 18, 2015
WTH?
The battles are done in less than one page. Not very believable at all. The sub plot was more interesting than Carver's. A little disappointed in this one.
The battles are done in less than one page. Not very believable at all. The sub plot was more interesting than Carver's. A little disappointed in this one.
May 27, 2015
As with the previous books, my only regret is the lack of details in the space fights. But the side story not centered around Carver is fascinating. The best part of the book IMHO.
August 13, 2017
Great characters, well written, interesting background and well paced. You just can't help falling for this heroine, she embodies just the right combination of fearlessness and badassery. Full of fantasy that could make you believe it's out there. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews