What do you think?
Parker Interstellar Travels #4
The Trilisk Hunt (Parker Interstellar Travels)
Telisa Relachik studied to be a xenoarchaeologist at a time when humans had found alien artifacts but hadn't encountered live aliens. After a harrowing brush with a real Trilisk on Chigran Callnir Four, the PIT team, fresh with four new members, heads out on a new type of hunting a live Trilisk. Telisa can’t imagine more deadly creature to pursue, but she’s determined to stop the representative of an elder race she’s come to see as a threat to Earth, even an Earth run by her enemies. The Trilisk Hunt is the fourth book in the PIT series.
- GenresScience Fiction
277 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2013
About the author
Michael McCloskey
44 books116 followersI am a software engineer in Silicon Valley who dreams of otherworldly creatures, mysterious alien planets, and fantastic adventures. I'm also an indie author with over 150,000 paid sales and another 150,000 free downloads.
Visit http://www.squidlord.us for more information.
You can subscribe to announcements of my new releases here: http://eepurl.com/nExcb
Visit http://www.squidlord.us for more information.
You can subscribe to announcements of my new releases here: http://eepurl.com/nExcb
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 31, 2013
It's good if you liked the other Trilisk books (if you haven't read any of the others and thought about starting on this book then I can promise that you will get completely lost).
I liked Shiny, Telisa and Cilreth as always. Now my thoughts on the new characters:
Siobhan was entertaining, I like her gritty yet clever personality.
Caden was meh... Kind of annoying.
Arakaki was meh.
Imanol was a fine character.
Maxsym was... well, in fairness, I did not realise he was a character until the sixteenth chapter. He and Imanol probably could been fused into one character and there would be no difference in the story.
Krellis was good in that one scene he was in. He had no plot, point, development or anything and yet I still missed his character in the rest of the book for no reason. He was awesome simply because he existed.
Overall story: enjoyable providing you go in not thinking it's going to be Shakespeare. It's a good space opera story.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**: I feel enough people would have read this book by now that I can talk about the end of the book. I'll admit: I was fully impressed by the shocking death of one particular character at the end of the book (don't worry people: it was not Krellis). I had made the assumption all the new characters were just kind of brought-in to be redshirts (my bet was on Maxsym and Imanol going down)... but then the character who was practically the Captain Kirk of the series just died (oh yeah, and that girl who acted like Telisa but wasn't Telisa died too, but meh). I get the feeling his death would have been avoidable if they just given up on hunting the Trilisk (after all, there are apparently plenty of them around... even on Earth) but it does give Telisa the chance to go into I-don't-give-no-damn mode which should be cool.
Also, the death does explain why Caden (aka: the Hunger Games I MEAN BLOOD GLADES champion) was brought in (whether I like it or not). I was wondering why we had a replica of Magnus walking around... and apparently the ships weren't big enough for the two of them. But because of the abruptness of the death I wonder if they're really dead at all. I can seek the Trilisks who Telisa fight on Earth bargaining for their lives by using Magnus and the Telisa having to make the decision to screw everything and straight-up murder everyone. And the abrupt death of the Trilisk also gave me the sense it was not really dead either and is in fact residing in someone aboard the ship's brain... KRELLIS (that's right, biatches: Krellis just got himself a subplot).
What Telisa needs now is a sassy gay black best friend. See? He would be the emotional support and brotherly figure she needed in her time of grief AND he would not have any sexual attraction to her so the relationship would never be awkward. Also the sassy gay black man could hit-on Imanol and Caden to make them feel uncomfortable (I get the feeling Maxsym would not be as objectionable to the flirting if you get my drift...). Also sassy gay black man could point out the obvious: who the hell has been feeding Krellis or has that boy starved to death?
Regardless of what happens, I'm excited for the next book. And apparently the author is going to write like a sequel series that does not start with the word Trilisk (seeing as Telisa is about to commit genocide on that race)... so I'm sensing the Adventures of Krellis are on the horizon.
I liked Shiny, Telisa and Cilreth as always. Now my thoughts on the new characters:
Siobhan was entertaining, I like her gritty yet clever personality.
Caden was meh... Kind of annoying.
Arakaki was meh.
Imanol was a fine character.
Maxsym was... well, in fairness, I did not realise he was a character until the sixteenth chapter. He and Imanol probably could been fused into one character and there would be no difference in the story.
Krellis was good in that one scene he was in. He had no plot, point, development or anything and yet I still missed his character in the rest of the book for no reason. He was awesome simply because he existed.
Overall story: enjoyable providing you go in not thinking it's going to be Shakespeare. It's a good space opera story.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**: I feel enough people would have read this book by now that I can talk about the end of the book. I'll admit: I was fully impressed by the shocking death of one particular character at the end of the book (don't worry people: it was not Krellis). I had made the assumption all the new characters were just kind of brought-in to be redshirts (my bet was on Maxsym and Imanol going down)... but then the character who was practically the Captain Kirk of the series just died (oh yeah, and that girl who acted like Telisa but wasn't Telisa died too, but meh). I get the feeling his death would have been avoidable if they just given up on hunting the Trilisk (after all, there are apparently plenty of them around... even on Earth) but it does give Telisa the chance to go into I-don't-give-no-damn mode which should be cool.
Also, the death does explain why Caden (aka: the Hunger Games I MEAN BLOOD GLADES champion) was brought in (whether I like it or not). I was wondering why we had a replica of Magnus walking around... and apparently the ships weren't big enough for the two of them. But because of the abruptness of the death I wonder if they're really dead at all. I can seek the Trilisks who Telisa fight on Earth bargaining for their lives by using Magnus and the Telisa having to make the decision to screw everything and straight-up murder everyone. And the abrupt death of the Trilisk also gave me the sense it was not really dead either and is in fact residing in someone aboard the ship's brain... KRELLIS (that's right, biatches: Krellis just got himself a subplot).
What Telisa needs now is a sassy gay black best friend. See? He would be the emotional support and brotherly figure she needed in her time of grief AND he would not have any sexual attraction to her so the relationship would never be awkward. Also the sassy gay black man could hit-on Imanol and Caden to make them feel uncomfortable (I get the feeling Maxsym would not be as objectionable to the flirting if you get my drift...). Also sassy gay black man could point out the obvious: who the hell has been feeding Krellis or has that boy starved to death?
Regardless of what happens, I'm excited for the next book. And apparently the author is going to write like a sequel series that does not start with the word Trilisk (seeing as Telisa is about to commit genocide on that race)... so I'm sensing the Adventures of Krellis are on the horizon.
September 10, 2013
Brilliant as always, the alien psychology is truly wonderfully alien. The new characters made for a better and more well rounded world view. I personally would have liked to see more of the 'insane' black vine maybe next book? Other comments are far too spoilery to share right now.
May 4, 2024
I’m done - not fun anymore
Unless I learn that some of the deaths weren’t really deaths, I see no reason to continue reading Mr McCloskey’s books. He has said on his website that he thinks it is B O R I N G to know that the heroes always live and he prefers to write his books with the chance that they will die
I have some news for Mr. McCloskey. We read books like this to be entertained and to enjoy the stories. We read books and we want the perspective of heroes who do survive and win. It isn’t edgy or cool to remove characters who we enjoy and we are rooting for to win. It’s just a bummer.
Also, wake up call, this is a sci-fi space opera. It isn’t Shakespeare. It isn’t Game of Thrones. It is supposed to be a cliff hanger series where we wonder how our hero escapes from certain death and continues on to save the universe. I don’t want to deal with characters who have lost their closest partners and will to continue on, or characters whose only motivation is retribution and revenge for their lost loved ones.
Maybe I’m in the minority. But I have my doubts.
Moving on, this books suffers from similar flaws of previous books in the series. Illogical decisions that don’t make sense considering the options available. Why not have stored copies of the characters in the Trillisk machine. (I’m wondering if that is revealed in the next book?) and Shiny takes risks that are completely illogical.
I will give credit to Mr. McCloskey where it is due. He has one raw talent that is possibly the best I have seen: he can create Aliens better than anyone I’ve ever encountered. The Trillisk forward stance minds is simply genius and very fun to imagine and read. All of the aliens are great. Shiny is very interesting too.
I won’t be leaving another review for Mr. McCloskey if I find that he really has killed off key characters in this book. I’m off to go see if they are really dead.
Unless I learn that some of the deaths weren’t really deaths, I see no reason to continue reading Mr McCloskey’s books. He has said on his website that he thinks it is B O R I N G to know that the heroes always live and he prefers to write his books with the chance that they will die
I have some news for Mr. McCloskey. We read books like this to be entertained and to enjoy the stories. We read books and we want the perspective of heroes who do survive and win. It isn’t edgy or cool to remove characters who we enjoy and we are rooting for to win. It’s just a bummer.
Also, wake up call, this is a sci-fi space opera. It isn’t Shakespeare. It isn’t Game of Thrones. It is supposed to be a cliff hanger series where we wonder how our hero escapes from certain death and continues on to save the universe. I don’t want to deal with characters who have lost their closest partners and will to continue on, or characters whose only motivation is retribution and revenge for their lost loved ones.
Maybe I’m in the minority. But I have my doubts.
Moving on, this books suffers from similar flaws of previous books in the series. Illogical decisions that don’t make sense considering the options available. Why not have stored copies of the characters in the Trillisk machine. (I’m wondering if that is revealed in the next book?) and Shiny takes risks that are completely illogical.
I will give credit to Mr. McCloskey where it is due. He has one raw talent that is possibly the best I have seen: he can create Aliens better than anyone I’ve ever encountered. The Trillisk forward stance minds is simply genius and very fun to imagine and read. All of the aliens are great. Shiny is very interesting too.
I won’t be leaving another review for Mr. McCloskey if I find that he really has killed off key characters in this book. I’m off to go see if they are really dead.
March 15, 2019
Fun read. Keep the pace of the previous books. Getting ready to start book 5.
In a series the size or Hass to be main Ploutz multiple subplots and multiple characters with a few who remain to live on. The author has done a good job in keeping this in pace and organized. I have enjoyed the series and will continue to read until they begin to disappoint me. I very seldom review books even though I read a great many but since this is a new author I feel that he needs help getting his books read in the in the beginning of his career.
In a series the size or Hass to be main Ploutz multiple subplots and multiple characters with a few who remain to live on. The author has done a good job in keeping this in pace and organized. I have enjoyed the series and will continue to read until they begin to disappoint me. I very seldom review books even though I read a great many but since this is a new author I feel that he needs help getting his books read in the in the beginning of his career.
April 17, 2019
The best one yet!
McCloskey spins a great yarn, and yes, I am buying the next one immediately. I will not share any plot spoilers, but Book 4 in the series was a whopper. Well done, Mr. McCloskey!
McCloskey spins a great yarn, and yes, I am buying the next one immediately. I will not share any plot spoilers, but Book 4 in the series was a whopper. Well done, Mr. McCloskey!
March 25, 2021
These are chapters not novels yet We pay capterr by chapter !
Good book but I've all ready paid what I would have paid for a complete novel, I won't be buying any more of these chapters ,Thank you
Good book but I've all ready paid what I would have paid for a complete novel, I won't be buying any more of these chapters ,Thank you
December 10, 2023
Good read, interesting concepts.
Lots of good action, great character development and good science.
At some points the battles were a bit drawn out.
Overall I recommend this series to science fiction readers. Will start on next book in the series tonight!
Lots of good action, great character development and good science.
At some points the battles were a bit drawn out.
Overall I recommend this series to science fiction readers. Will start on next book in the series tonight!
February 7, 2024
Couldn’t get into this one, because way too much of it took place in VR sims, and so was more ersatz, manufactured plot than “real” advance along the storyline. The aliens were effectively alien, though, and the bad guy truly dangerous.
May 14, 2026
Sophomoric $4 per 250 pages
Some brilliant concepts in the beginning of this volume. However, the plot instruments became inconsistent and dialog quickly degenerated to a junior high level. I found myself laughing as action description reminded me of the 1960's Batman. Blam! Boom!
Some brilliant concepts in the beginning of this volume. However, the plot instruments became inconsistent and dialog quickly degenerated to a junior high level. I found myself laughing as action description reminded me of the 1960's Batman. Blam! Boom!
August 25, 2026
Really good science fiction!
Need the continuity of the previous PIT books to transition into this story. Again, solid characters each with their own moral issues and strong story line…. Perfect small read for an air flight or a free afternoon… thanks!
Need the continuity of the previous PIT books to transition into this story. Again, solid characters each with their own moral issues and strong story line…. Perfect small read for an air flight or a free afternoon… thanks!
July 3, 2019
Worst so far
Badly written, half the book was recycled from earlier books of the series. Very slow. Not impressed. I don’t recommend it
Badly written, half the book was recycled from earlier books of the series. Very slow. Not impressed. I don’t recommend it
September 9, 2019
Another good book in the series.
Sets the scene for the next book.
This is not the best science fiction I have read but still enjoyable and entertaining.
Sets the scene for the next book.
This is not the best science fiction I have read but still enjoyable and entertaining.
May 9, 2020
Good read
Good story and it is a fun read and it is an interesting take on a Sci fi plot. Recommended
Good story and it is a fun read and it is an interesting take on a Sci fi plot. Recommended
March 15, 2021
This is another “can’t put it down” book I. The series. An excellent read!
April 9, 2022
And the story goes on Very intense Huge .
As all stories move on and the more things change ,the more things are the same. What Does the future hold for the members of PIT.
As all stories move on and the more things change ,the more things are the same. What Does the future hold for the members of PIT.
September 14, 2023
A good book
Looking Forward to the next book in the series. It will be interesting to see if any of the characters actually come back in the next book.
Looking Forward to the next book in the series. It will be interesting to see if any of the characters actually come back in the next book.
January 3, 2024
So far so good,there are some turns I didn’t see coming.
July 13, 2020
This review was first published on Kurt's Frontier.
Synopsis:
After a harrowing brush with a real live Trilisk on Chigran Callnir Four, Telisa Relachik and her team fall back to regroup. Telisa has become certain that the Trilisk represent a clear and present danger to Earth. She, Magnus, and the rest of her team gather four new recruits. With the aid of Shiny, their Vovikan benefactor, they are ready to begin the hunt for the Trilisk again. However, they are using Trilisk technology that even Shiny isn’t completely certain of. Will it give them an advantage or prove an Achilles heel? What’s more, they still aren’t sure if they can trust Shiny.
Review:
Michael McCloskey continues the tales of Parker Interstellar Travels. The story picks up by introducing four new characters. Each has come off of a disappointment that has something to do with the system of government of Earth. The crew of the Clacker has just taken up the hunt for a being known as a Trilisk. It has escaped Chigran Callnir Four by stealing someone’s body. They are preparing to use a mixture of Vovikan and Trilisk technology to fight it.
The books in The Parker Interstellar Travels series are complex for their size, with many subplots. Michal McCloskey has done an admirable job in keeping them from overwhelming the main plot. The world (and universe) building is intriguing, and the story is a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to the next book, The Trilisk Rebellion.
Synopsis:
After a harrowing brush with a real live Trilisk on Chigran Callnir Four, Telisa Relachik and her team fall back to regroup. Telisa has become certain that the Trilisk represent a clear and present danger to Earth. She, Magnus, and the rest of her team gather four new recruits. With the aid of Shiny, their Vovikan benefactor, they are ready to begin the hunt for the Trilisk again. However, they are using Trilisk technology that even Shiny isn’t completely certain of. Will it give them an advantage or prove an Achilles heel? What’s more, they still aren’t sure if they can trust Shiny.
Review:
Michael McCloskey continues the tales of Parker Interstellar Travels. The story picks up by introducing four new characters. Each has come off of a disappointment that has something to do with the system of government of Earth. The crew of the Clacker has just taken up the hunt for a being known as a Trilisk. It has escaped Chigran Callnir Four by stealing someone’s body. They are preparing to use a mixture of Vovikan and Trilisk technology to fight it.
The books in The Parker Interstellar Travels series are complex for their size, with many subplots. Michal McCloskey has done an admirable job in keeping them from overwhelming the main plot. The world (and universe) building is intriguing, and the story is a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to the next book, The Trilisk Rebellion.
February 8, 2017
Great read!
The further I delve into this story the more it gripes me. I have to recommend this series to all sci-fi readers.
The further I delve into this story the more it gripes me. I have to recommend this series to all sci-fi readers.
November 7, 2018
Fantastic as usual. I really like this author and storyline. Each book is a complete story so far, but in an overall bigger story. I see his new book is released and I have a lot of catching up to do.
September 2, 2019
It has a hard slog, I actually got through the fourth book before I could finally commit to being done with this series. Too much time spent on VR simulations that have nothing to do with the story and too much time invested in characters that end up dead.
Wash, rinse, repeat....
Wash, rinse, repeat....
January 3, 2015
My least favourite of the series so far, including the cover. Still a good story but it seems to lose its way, or am I having difficulty following?
April 23, 2016
McCloskey step the story up a notch. Still fun and fast, but with a few new twists.
April 19, 2017
Good writing continues...the Trilisk is a very complex, unusual, tricky character...I was devastated when a main character was killed at the end of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews