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April #5
A Depth of Understanding
April's nation Home has removed itself from orbiting close to Earth, but problems continue. Their enemies try to use the United Nations to act against them, as if that isn't a transparent subterfuge. The new Lunar nation of Central acts to help them, but at considerable cost. Meanwhile Home is expanding their reach into the solar system and gaining new citizens who appreciate opportunity and freedom. The things Home citizens decide to do, both new and old are interesting. The trouble from Earth is contained, but the whole matter is far from over.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2014
199 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Mackey Chandler
35 books221 followersMackey (Mac') Chandler is retired to Rochester Michigan from a working life that spanned a large number of occupations. Mold maker, aerospace machinist, plumber, mechanic and dozen more as well as owning several businesses. This life experience and travel show in the depth and variety of his writing.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
A life long time reader of Science Fiction, the authors at Baen's Bar and their evening chat room motivated him to try his own hand at writing. His first effort was a short story titled "Common Ground" which sold to the short-lived Jim Baen's Universe.
His personal favorite book is "The Mote in God's Eye" by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. Other favorite authors include Michael Z. Williamson and C.J.Cherryh.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 29, 2022
Quite good!
July 15, 2017
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the earlier ones in the series, I found myself skipping pages which is never a good sign. In many ways it feels like the author has lost his way and is just trying to pull together random thoughts into some sort of story. There is a lot of political intrigue and at times the story seems to go around in circles without really getting anywhere.
There have been a whole raft of new characters introduced over the last few books and this one is no exception, unfortunately very few of them are particularly interesting and haven’t grabbed my attention. It seems that when his story is flagging the author just ‘shoves in’ a few new characters to try to fill the gap.
Finally what happened to April, does she still exist, I described her as having a walk-on part in one of the previous books, but now she is almost invisible. I really think the author needs to rename the series before it runs fowl of the trades description act.
There have been a whole raft of new characters introduced over the last few books and this one is no exception, unfortunately very few of them are particularly interesting and haven’t grabbed my attention. It seems that when his story is flagging the author just ‘shoves in’ a few new characters to try to fill the gap.
Finally what happened to April, does she still exist, I described her as having a walk-on part in one of the previous books, but now she is almost invisible. I really think the author needs to rename the series before it runs fowl of the trades description act.
September 23, 2017
Good story
This book has more political intrigue than action but is still a great book. The book needs a good editor.
This book has more political intrigue than action but is still a great book. The book needs a good editor.
July 11, 2019
Much like the previous installment of the series, this entry focuses heavily on addressing a couple of major and several minor elements of the story while further expanding upon existing characters. We see a couple of new arcs open up as well, such as the 'Ice Ball' expedition to Jupiter finally departing.
I will say that I'm disappointed in the proofreading on this one, with some serious errors creeping through, including the author getting the name of a character wrong twice in the same scene (Poor Theodora being called Thio!). I'm sad to see the backslide in the quality of proofreading as I had hoped it was something that Mr. Chandler had managed to improve on due to the inproved quality of A Different Perspective.
Given that several of the major story arcs have been addressed over the last few books I am curious to see where the author will take book six and shall begin reading it shortly.
July 15, 2017
It's very difficult to understand why this is the "April" series and not, e.g., "Jeff & Queen Heather."
Unlike the previous two books, April is actually present a little bit more often than the other characters, but she does nothing and has no impact on the story's plot.
She is typically absent from scenes where significant action takes place, and if she is not, then she is present only as an observer, usually of Jeff's campaign.
Her character seems radically diminished from the first two books of the series. She's certainly unrecognizable as the cool, confident girl who had goals and the agency to achieve them.
Will read the next one to see if this changes, but if not am done with the series.
Unlike the previous two books, April is actually present a little bit more often than the other characters, but she does nothing and has no impact on the story's plot.
She is typically absent from scenes where significant action takes place, and if she is not, then she is present only as an observer, usually of Jeff's campaign.
Her character seems radically diminished from the first two books of the series. She's certainly unrecognizable as the cool, confident girl who had goals and the agency to achieve them.
Will read the next one to see if this changes, but if not am done with the series.
September 14, 2019
This is exciting with the earth (China and Patriot party) again threatening their home. Here I am halfway through and suddenly it occurred to me, in this book April is actually becoming very interested in the opposite sex which she has shown a total disinterest for in prior books. Maybe it was the tropical three week vacation they took down on earth in secret.
Also I would like to note that the editing in this, the fifth book in the series is actually getting better with only a few misprints i've come across so far.
In the last half it really becomes more political especially toward the end involving an eastern culture and how different their leaders had to think and act to their detriment. And starting a movement outward away from earth moon and L2 orbits now is gonna be a great tie-in to Family Law in later books I'll bet.
Also I would like to note that the editing in this, the fifth book in the series is actually getting better with only a few misprints i've come across so far.
In the last half it really becomes more political especially toward the end involving an eastern culture and how different their leaders had to think and act to their detriment. And starting a movement outward away from earth moon and L2 orbits now is gonna be a great tie-in to Family Law in later books I'll bet.
December 28, 2025
As with that last book, there's a lot of filler that fails to move the plot forward. The author loves to lecture on Libertarian principles (usually in the form of dialogue to clueless Earthers). Then there's the detailed descriptions of new technology, and the rehashing of old events to new characters. On average I probably skimmed about half of the book.
Having said that, I really enjoyed what I did read. While it wasn't the personal, up-close action of the early books... it was still exciting stuff. Now that I have found a way to reduce these books to concentrate the flavour, I'm happy to dive back into the series whenever the urge hits.
Having said that, I really enjoyed what I did read. While it wasn't the personal, up-close action of the early books... it was still exciting stuff. Now that I have found a way to reduce these books to concentrate the flavour, I'm happy to dive back into the series whenever the urge hits.
January 26, 2018
Just keeps getting better and better!
Mackey Chandler has a way with his stories. Bold, exciting and able to keep the flow going. Yes, it's hard science but totally believable and easy to understand. I love how he can allow you to get into the characters heads. A little Heinlein thrown in for kicks.
Mackey Chandler has a way with his stories. Bold, exciting and able to keep the flow going. Yes, it's hard science but totally believable and easy to understand. I love how he can allow you to get into the characters heads. A little Heinlein thrown in for kicks.
November 8, 2020
Still reading at book five🤔
Still fresh at book five. Many writers commonly reload and repeat. This series expands primary characters and end up new possibilities. I could never convey y those possibilities, so I am in awe. I also love the snark about politicians, there could learn a lot reading this book.
Still fresh at book five. Many writers commonly reload and repeat. This series expands primary characters and end up new possibilities. I could never convey y those possibilities, so I am in awe. I also love the snark about politicians, there could learn a lot reading this book.
August 23, 2018
Great
I've read all 5 books in this series so far. They are all outstanding. I'll finish the series for sure. Thanks for writing such a great series. ....there are some grammar mistakes , but the quality of the series makes them almost irrelevant .
I've read all 5 books in this series so far. They are all outstanding. I'll finish the series for sure. Thanks for writing such a great series. ....there are some grammar mistakes , but the quality of the series makes them almost irrelevant .
February 28, 2020
Very good!
This has strong women doing marvelous stuff, that tickles me. The sorting out on the spaceship is harlious!! "Bring him back with no dents and a full tank when you're done with him" cracks me up.
This has strong women doing marvelous stuff, that tickles me. The sorting out on the spaceship is harlious!! "Bring him back with no dents and a full tank when you're done with him" cracks me up.
October 1, 2020
Excellent!
Another good story! The fact is that when you have a story about a relatively small group of people, the "books" are more like chapters in a normal book. One that is a couple hundred pages long..
Another good story! The fact is that when you have a story about a relatively small group of people, the "books" are more like chapters in a normal book. One that is a couple hundred pages long..
October 8, 2025
A fun and entertaining story .
A very good series, full of connected people with individual personalities and tied together in purpose and hopes. Highly recommended. David Schlosser
A very good series, full of connected people with individual personalities and tied together in purpose and hopes. Highly recommended. David Schlosser
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March 20, 2021Ok
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Fine DVD DVD CDC eighteen words at by by my FC by to you th th th FC by Dr er
September 20, 2025
3.5 stars
November 26, 2021
War on Earth
This is the fifth book in a continuing series that ends at a natural break but the narrative continues in future books. There is also a series that is set in the future and shares some characters, Family Law. The current reading order is given on this post.
After being attacked by the USNA again, and losing citizens to the action, Home decides they need to move further away from Earth. Thankfully Barak suggested the move some time ago so Jeff had already worked out how to do it and was able to action the plan on short notice for safety reasons. After their move Home demanded that no armed vessels would be allowed past L1 and would be met with force. Central also supported the statement.
USNA seemed to accept that statement and things were quiet for a very short time when a motion was raised in the UN and China decided to test things leading once more to armed conflict.
As well as all the warfare and political shenanigans in this book we see personal relationships flourish. April, Jeff and Heather seem to have come to an agreement about their personal relationship, but don’t seem to be excluding others. It’s a relaxed attitude to romance that seems to be based on the polyamorous model of relationships. Things on this subject are quite coy and nothing is really explicitly stated but broadly hinted at. It seems a very adult attitude for young people who are probably going to live for centuries. Their intelligence probably has a great deal to do with it as they are able to work their way through the ramification of their actions quite quickly.
Home continues to attract interesting people and I look forward to seeing how things shake out with some of the characters that may initially look suspect, but may prove to redeemable. I’m also enjoying how the next batch of young people are starting to spread their wings in relation to their own businesses. Jeff, April and Heather are starting to look like elder statesmen despite being under 20!
This has definitely become my comfort reading of late. It’s not too emotionally or mentally challenging, but the characters and plot are interesting enough to engage my mind without overwhelming it. It hits my current personal sweet spot for my reading needs. It happens rarely so I’m grateful when it happens. Now on to the next book!
This is the fifth book in a continuing series that ends at a natural break but the narrative continues in future books. There is also a series that is set in the future and shares some characters, Family Law. The current reading order is given on this post.
After being attacked by the USNA again, and losing citizens to the action, Home decides they need to move further away from Earth. Thankfully Barak suggested the move some time ago so Jeff had already worked out how to do it and was able to action the plan on short notice for safety reasons. After their move Home demanded that no armed vessels would be allowed past L1 and would be met with force. Central also supported the statement.
USNA seemed to accept that statement and things were quiet for a very short time when a motion was raised in the UN and China decided to test things leading once more to armed conflict.
As well as all the warfare and political shenanigans in this book we see personal relationships flourish. April, Jeff and Heather seem to have come to an agreement about their personal relationship, but don’t seem to be excluding others. It’s a relaxed attitude to romance that seems to be based on the polyamorous model of relationships. Things on this subject are quite coy and nothing is really explicitly stated but broadly hinted at. It seems a very adult attitude for young people who are probably going to live for centuries. Their intelligence probably has a great deal to do with it as they are able to work their way through the ramification of their actions quite quickly.
Home continues to attract interesting people and I look forward to seeing how things shake out with some of the characters that may initially look suspect, but may prove to redeemable. I’m also enjoying how the next batch of young people are starting to spread their wings in relation to their own businesses. Jeff, April and Heather are starting to look like elder statesmen despite being under 20!
This has definitely become my comfort reading of late. It’s not too emotionally or mentally challenging, but the characters and plot are interesting enough to engage my mind without overwhelming it. It hits my current personal sweet spot for my reading needs. It happens rarely so I’m grateful when it happens. Now on to the next book!
November 3, 2015
Another 'April' book in desperate need of a copy edit. With that clearly established let me tell you why you should read this anyway... It is a good story with characters that have grown up and really started to gain some depth. The action and excitement is evenly paced throughout the book and it comes to a decent resolution in the end. I like where the series is going, Home has a technological advantage, but it isn't extreme. It is just enough to give them a small edge and they need every bit of it to survive. I like the balance of technology and interpersonal relations there is enough of the first to keep it interesting and enough of the latter to make it feel believable.
December 23, 2015
New Understanding with Old Enemies
Another plotter enters, more battles, new agreements and a journey for an ice ball. It just gets better and better. I'm thinking I will need a spreadsheet to keep it all straight. Number 6, here I come.
Another plotter enters, more battles, new agreements and a journey for an ice ball. It just gets better and better. I'm thinking I will need a spreadsheet to keep it all straight. Number 6, here I come.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews