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The Maxwell Saga #2
Ride the Rising Tide
Trapped in the Dragon Tong's search for a lost legend, Steve Maxwell finds a way out by enlisting in the Lancastrian Commonwealth Fleet.
If he survives long enough to earn a commission, he'll be able to hunt down the pirates who killed his mentor. To get there, he'll have to slog through rain-swollen swamps, dodge incoming fire on a 'peacekeeping' mission, and face down a gang of angry smugglers. Even far away from enemies, a mistake can turn a spaceship into a deathtrap.
It'll take resourcefulness and courage to succeed... but Steve hasn't come this far in order to fail.
If he survives long enough to earn a commission, he'll be able to hunt down the pirates who killed his mentor. To get there, he'll have to slog through rain-swollen swamps, dodge incoming fire on a 'peacekeeping' mission, and face down a gang of angry smugglers. Even far away from enemies, a mistake can turn a spaceship into a deathtrap.
It'll take resourcefulness and courage to succeed... but Steve hasn't come this far in order to fail.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2013
50 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Peter Grant
17 books60 followersPeter Grant was born in South Africa in 1958. The state censor board did not allow television until 1973, and his parents didn't get one until 1974. So he grew up with books. Lots of books. He started out after school as a military man, moved into commercial information technology, and assisted with humanitarian work during South Africa's prolonged civil unrest that led to the end of apartheid in 1994.
After having been all over Africa, he emigrated to the USA in 1997, where there were far more English-language books, and more access to the internet. He married a pilot from Alaska and settled in Tennessee.
After having been all over Africa, he emigrated to the USA in 1997, where there were far more English-language books, and more access to the internet. He married a pilot from Alaska and settled in Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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November 18, 2020I think Grant has really begun to hit his stride in the second book of the Maxwell Saga. The resemblance to many of Heinlein's young adult works is uncanny. As Ride the Rising Tide begins, our hero Steve is packing up his belongings, heading off to the Recruit Training Depot, ready to become a junior member of the Lancastrian Commonwealth Fleet.
The only major "beef" I have with anything in this series is the ongoing saga of the Jade knife. I find it difficult to suspend my disbelief for long enough to believe that the (pardon the expression) jaded head of the Lotus Tong, Mr. Wang, would fall for as lame a story as Steve spins to conceal the fact that he is the actual owner of the artifact. I suppose that Grant has some key plot element later on that requires Steve to finally surrender the knife in return for a major favor from the criminal syndicate, but if I were a ruthless tong lord I'd have pulled him in for some enhanced interrogation techniques the first time he showed up - that's just how I think, I guess.
One other thing that slows down the story a bit is that the author is presenting a lot of expository information about the Lancastrian Commonwealth, its Fleet, and the purposes behind a great deal of the training Steve receives. It is, fortunately, not delivered in a lecture format, but in small doses from bit players in the saga. Steve has inherited from his "father" Bosun Cardle, a strong work ethic, a penchant for honesty and fair play (aside from when dealing with criminals, eh?), and a knack for getting along with nearly everyone he encounters, so he does well in his recruit training, graduating near the top of his class, then serves equally admirably in flight school later on, gaining his commission in the Fleet.
Where some authors have spent several volumes dealing with a meteoric career rise, Grant has managed to just hit the high points of Maxwell's ascent on the rising tide of good fortune, abetted by hard work on his part. There are some really good lessons wrapped up in a fairly exciting storyline here, but I wonder if today's young adults are too worldly to enjoy these books, in a media matrix filled with graphic sex and violence these days. For those of us, however, with a sense of nostalgia about the golden glory days of science fiction, they're a must read.
The only major "beef" I have with anything in this series is the ongoing saga of the Jade knife. I find it difficult to suspend my disbelief for long enough to believe that the (pardon the expression) jaded head of the Lotus Tong, Mr. Wang, would fall for as lame a story as Steve spins to conceal the fact that he is the actual owner of the artifact. I suppose that Grant has some key plot element later on that requires Steve to finally surrender the knife in return for a major favor from the criminal syndicate, but if I were a ruthless tong lord I'd have pulled him in for some enhanced interrogation techniques the first time he showed up - that's just how I think, I guess.
One other thing that slows down the story a bit is that the author is presenting a lot of expository information about the Lancastrian Commonwealth, its Fleet, and the purposes behind a great deal of the training Steve receives. It is, fortunately, not delivered in a lecture format, but in small doses from bit players in the saga. Steve has inherited from his "father" Bosun Cardle, a strong work ethic, a penchant for honesty and fair play (aside from when dealing with criminals, eh?), and a knack for getting along with nearly everyone he encounters, so he does well in his recruit training, graduating near the top of his class, then serves equally admirably in flight school later on, gaining his commission in the Fleet.
Where some authors have spent several volumes dealing with a meteoric career rise, Grant has managed to just hit the high points of Maxwell's ascent on the rising tide of good fortune, abetted by hard work on his part. There are some really good lessons wrapped up in a fairly exciting storyline here, but I wonder if today's young adults are too worldly to enjoy these books, in a media matrix filled with graphic sex and violence these days. For those of us, however, with a sense of nostalgia about the golden glory days of science fiction, they're a must read.
September 20, 2017
This isn't your typical space science fiction novel with lots of shoot ups and conflicts against other races or civilizations, although there are some skirmishes with overall bad guys and space pirates, but it focuses in one young man as he travels through space starting a career in a futuristic space navy, and I would call it more of a coming of age story of this young man. It has some charm and appeal, with good interplay between the characters and doesn’t try to take it over the top with technology you can’t begin to understand. If you're looking for the space battles and conflicts that are typically in the best-selling ranks of the science fiction category, you will be disappointed. However, if you are looking for a good tale to read, this one should be on your reading list after reading the first one in the series called B00CS52I32.
I originally picked this one up for free using my one monthly borrow via Kindle Unlimited vs. its normal price of $3.99: if you enjoyed the first book of the series, you will receive more than $3.99 worth of entertainment value out of this one. Now, it’s off to the next book in the series!
I originally picked this one up for free using my one monthly borrow via Kindle Unlimited vs. its normal price of $3.99: if you enjoyed the first book of the series, you will receive more than $3.99 worth of entertainment value out of this one. Now, it’s off to the next book in the series!
December 5, 2021
Having seen a few comments on nobody is that lucky, smart, people like him, natural leader or all the others. I have a brother-in-law who is all that. Started at a national fast food at 16. Dirt poor and it was work or not eat. He did well and by age 22 he was the manager by 26 was the general mgr of 6 stores. At 31 was offered an even bigger position and a % of the stores. Moved and within 2 years the owner who was 49 dropped dead of a heart attack. Wife had no desire to keep stores so the chain offered him a different town in another state at cut rate due to the one being run into the ground. Moved again, store became a success, he now owns in excess of 13 stores and is a multi-millionaire at 55. He's also the pres. or vice pres. of Kiwanis and other activities. City wants him to run for mayor. So it doesn't happen often but it does happen.
November 14, 2017
This is the second book in the series as our hero, Steve Maxwell, goes through boot camp and onward through training, conquering all challenges in his way. I generally like this kind of story. For me this one just does not have much depth and the writing style I find awkward. If the next one doesn't improve I'll give up on the series and the writer.
March 30, 2020
The book is in a good series
It's good, but not as good as #1. It is definitely written by an English lit major and of British decent at that. I have spoken and read, proofread and written the English language my entire life but I am finding I have to look up every thirtieth word or so as I do not understand the authors literature.
It's good, but not as good as #1. It is definitely written by an English lit major and of British decent at that. I have spoken and read, proofread and written the English language my entire life but I am finding I have to look up every thirtieth word or so as I do not understand the authors literature.
November 15, 2021
Mr. Too Perfect
I think that this guy is too perfect. He is an expert at everything, an IQ off the charts, makes friends with almost everyone. I do question him withho!ding the jade knife. I also question why no mention of female re!ationships. Overall, A great story and I am anxious to find if he ever battles many pirates, although he has battled bad guys and smugglers.
I think that this guy is too perfect. He is an expert at everything, an IQ off the charts, makes friends with almost everyone. I do question him withho!ding the jade knife. I also question why no mention of female re!ationships. Overall, A great story and I am anxious to find if he ever battles many pirates, although he has battled bad guys and smugglers.
December 17, 2016
Good book
Alas as always a good jounery must come to an end. But there is joy in knowing there is a book 3. Well I'm off to continue the journey and boy what a journey it has been. Thank you kind author for all har work and dedication!!
Alas as always a good jounery must come to an end. But there is joy in knowing there is a book 3. Well I'm off to continue the journey and boy what a journey it has been. Thank you kind author for all har work and dedication!!
December 7, 2019
After reading book one of the series, I had to go on which is, in itself, a positive for the book. I wasn't disappointed, in fact I think this book was better than the first. I am enjoying watching Steve grow without getting too involved with the Dragon Tong. An honorable character.
May 15, 2021
Good story!
Good characters, great action. And it kept me up past my bedtime. Most good reads can do that. Not sure if this is relevant, but Steve is a "Golden boy", every thing he touches turns to gold. I'm a little more familiar with the other side of that bell curve.
Good characters, great action. And it kept me up past my bedtime. Most good reads can do that. Not sure if this is relevant, but Steve is a "Golden boy", every thing he touches turns to gold. I'm a little more familiar with the other side of that bell curve.
January 8, 2018
To me this book deserves 5 stars. I really enjoyed the character development in this book. A very enjoyable read. I recommend it. Going for the next book in the series now.
October 16, 2020
Very good read!
Mr. Grant does a great job of putting words and concepts together to make a good story. Keep writing! You do such a good job.
Mr. Grant does a great job of putting words and concepts together to make a good story. Keep writing! You do such a good job.
February 12, 2014
More of Steve Maxwell's progression toward success! This novel, while bracketed to some extent with the Dragon Tong & jade knife plot, mostly concerned Steve's early days in the military. Again it's presented as a series of vignettes, from Boot Camp onward to early assignments and later training, as the character proves himself time and time again to be all the heroic things we knew him to be from the first book in this series.
It's fun and fast-paced... I appreciated the training sequences and would have enjoyed lingering on them a little more in-depth, but that probably would have been a different book. Again, Steve is all things heroic and probably a little too good to be true, but it's enjoyable to ride out his career path with him and to see where he's going for the future. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series -- I'd like to see if he's finally going to be able to bring the fight to the pirates, and if he's going to wrap up this intrigue he's part of with the Dragon Tong. Ah well, I guess I'll just have to wait for the next book!
It's fun and fast-paced... I appreciated the training sequences and would have enjoyed lingering on them a little more in-depth, but that probably would have been a different book. Again, Steve is all things heroic and probably a little too good to be true, but it's enjoyable to ride out his career path with him and to see where he's going for the future. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series -- I'd like to see if he's finally going to be able to bring the fight to the pirates, and if he's going to wrap up this intrigue he's part of with the Dragon Tong. Ah well, I guess I'll just have to wait for the next book!
February 12, 2014
After reading
Take the Star Road
(book 1 in the Maxwell Saga) I picked up
Ride the Rising Tide
from the Kindle Lending Library. It was a very enjoyable read and carried on the story as Steve Maxwell is inducted into the Commonwealth Fleet and rises from a trainee in boot camp to a commissioned officer.
This series hasn't shown a great deal of depth so far, but the stories have been well plotted. Maxwell leads a charmed life. He's the hero every time, which is fine for a fictional universe and a series of adventure stories. And that's what you get -- adventure after adventure. Lots of fun with the good guys coming out on top all the time. I'm eager to read the next book, Adapt and Overcome . It hadn't been released when I returned Ride the Rising Tide to the KLL, but I've got it earmarked for next calendar month. I'm hoping this "saga" doesn't stop at three books.
This series hasn't shown a great deal of depth so far, but the stories have been well plotted. Maxwell leads a charmed life. He's the hero every time, which is fine for a fictional universe and a series of adventure stories. And that's what you get -- adventure after adventure. Lots of fun with the good guys coming out on top all the time. I'm eager to read the next book, Adapt and Overcome . It hadn't been released when I returned Ride the Rising Tide to the KLL, but I've got it earmarked for next calendar month. I'm hoping this "saga" doesn't stop at three books.
November 6, 2014
Yes, a "hero" who can just about do no wrong is a bit unrealistic, but is also quite enjoyable. Steve Maxwell's adventures continue in this story and he manages to get out of difficult situations more easily than Houdini could slip out of a straight jacket. Making nw friends and allies while honoring the memory of those who have gone before their time, Steve confounds the bad guys at every step. It was a fun book to read.
June 15, 2016
Great series
I really enjoy this series. One thing that stands out to me aside from just being a very engaging space opera is the technical detail the author goes into regarding numerous subjects. That level of detail may not be for everyone, but I love it. Great read and highly recommended.
I really enjoy this series. One thing that stands out to me aside from just being a very engaging space opera is the technical detail the author goes into regarding numerous subjects. That level of detail may not be for everyone, but I love it. Great read and highly recommended.
April 22, 2015
Better but still plain
Ok but not great. Better than the first but the style is very ordinary and kind of lowest common denominator. Very little complexity in characters and the key character is still too superman.
Ok but not great. Better than the first but the style is very ordinary and kind of lowest common denominator. Very little complexity in characters and the key character is still too superman.
August 19, 2013
Second volume in this excellent adventure. Outstanding actually when one reflects on the first time authorship.
Recommended!
Recommended!
April 23, 2014
Second of the Maxwell Saga and not quite as good as the first still excellent. Unfortunately the posted synopsis does the book no justice.
January 4, 2015
Peter Grant has earned a spot on my (short) list of writers all of whose work I will read.
March 8, 2015
Second installment in the Maxwell saga. Not as good as the first book and was tedious in parts. I'm not sure if I will read the third book.
August 7, 2015
More of the same stuff I liked from the first book, and noticeable improvement in the quality of the dialogue.
November 1, 2015
Good sequel to Take the Star Road.
December 22, 2015
Decent fare
While the structure is often awkward, the stories are compelling, and the combat sequences are well detailed. I am enjoying this series.
While the structure is often awkward, the stories are compelling, and the combat sequences are well detailed. I am enjoying this series.
March 30, 2017
Very enjoyable read , slows down some in monusha. But looking forward to next book.
Enjoyed this book . Slows down some with detailed descriptions of metals , uniforms, commonwealth political monusha. But still an enjoyable read. And looking to start next book.
Enjoyed this book . Slows down some with detailed descriptions of metals , uniforms, commonwealth political monusha. But still an enjoyable read. And looking to start next book.
September 7, 2017
Great!
Steve kicks butt again in this interesting sci-fi series. I'm Looking forward finding out what happened with the Dragon Tong.
Steve kicks butt again in this interesting sci-fi series. I'm Looking forward finding out what happened with the Dragon Tong.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews