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Aneka Jansen #6
The Lowest Depths of Shame
Aneka and Ella have secured the end of the Herosian War. The Herosians are in disarray, disorganised and vulnerable. It seems that it is just a matter of time until everything can return to something near normal. There are worlds to liberate, but the Jenlay Navy has help from Old Earth and no one expects there to be any problem.
But victory is not enough for some and soon New Earth will be plunged into chaos by new terrors. Can Aneka save the Jenlay from themselves?
But victory is not enough for some and soon New Earth will be plunged into chaos by new terrors. Can Aneka save the Jenlay from themselves?
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2014
40 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Niall Teasdale
73 books293 followersI was born in the vicinity of Hadrian's Wall so perhaps a bit of history rubbed off. Ancient history obviously, and border history, right on the edge of the Empire. I always preferred the Dark Ages anyway; there’s so much more room for imagination when people aren’t writing down every last detail. So my idea of a good fantasy novel involved dirt and leather, not shining plate armour and Hollywood-medieval manners. The same applies to my sci-fi, really; I prefer gritty over shiny.
Oddly, then, one of the first fantasy novels I remember reading was The Dark Is Rising, by Susan Cooper (later made into a terrible juvenile movie). These days we would call Cooper’s series Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy and looking back on it, it influenced me a lot. It has that mix of modern day life, hidden history, and magic which failed to hit popular culture until the early days of Buffy and Anne Rice. Of course, Cooper’s characters spend their time around places I could actually visit in Cornwall, and South East England, and mid-Wales. In fact, when I went to university in Aberystwyth, it was partially because some of Cooper’s books were set a few miles to the north around Tywyn.
I got into writing through roleplaying, however, so my early work was related to the kind of roleplaying game I was interested in. I wrote “high fantasy” when I was playing Dungeons & Dragons. I wrote a lot of superhero fiction when I was playing City of Heroes. I still loved the idea of a modern world with magic in it and I’ve been trying to write a novel based on this for a long time. As with any form of expression, practice is the key and I can look back on all the aborted attempts at books, and the more successful short stories, as steps along the path to the Thaumatology Series.
As of 2015, I have thrown in my lot with writing. After thirty years of being a computer programmer I am making enough money to quit the day job and write full time. Dreams, occasionally, come true. My favourite authors are Terry Pratchett, Susan Cooper, and (recently) Kim Harrison. Kim’s Hollows books were what finally spurred me to publish something, even if the trail to here came by way of Susan, back in school, several decades ago.
Oddly, then, one of the first fantasy novels I remember reading was The Dark Is Rising, by Susan Cooper (later made into a terrible juvenile movie). These days we would call Cooper’s series Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy and looking back on it, it influenced me a lot. It has that mix of modern day life, hidden history, and magic which failed to hit popular culture until the early days of Buffy and Anne Rice. Of course, Cooper’s characters spend their time around places I could actually visit in Cornwall, and South East England, and mid-Wales. In fact, when I went to university in Aberystwyth, it was partially because some of Cooper’s books were set a few miles to the north around Tywyn.
I got into writing through roleplaying, however, so my early work was related to the kind of roleplaying game I was interested in. I wrote “high fantasy” when I was playing Dungeons & Dragons. I wrote a lot of superhero fiction when I was playing City of Heroes. I still loved the idea of a modern world with magic in it and I’ve been trying to write a novel based on this for a long time. As with any form of expression, practice is the key and I can look back on all the aborted attempts at books, and the more successful short stories, as steps along the path to the Thaumatology Series.
As of 2015, I have thrown in my lot with writing. After thirty years of being a computer programmer I am making enough money to quit the day job and write full time. Dreams, occasionally, come true. My favourite authors are Terry Pratchett, Susan Cooper, and (recently) Kim Harrison. Kim’s Hollows books were what finally spurred me to publish something, even if the trail to here came by way of Susan, back in school, several decades ago.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 26, 2019
I like the Aneka Jansen series. These books are light and fun. It's fantasy/sci-fi with lots of hot robot chicks running around having sex and blowing things up. (ha) Book #6 is worthy (3 bill-stars), but it does lag a bit. The series is definitely running out of steam.
QOTD
‘Al,’ Aneka said in the silence of her mind, ‘flight data, please.’
‘Of course, Aneka,’ Al, her embedded AI, replied and virtual panels appeared in-vision telling her the current status of the ship. Everything was working fine, of course. Gwy was not just a ship, Gwy was also an AI and she knew what she was doing.
- Aneka Jansen and her AI's
In the epilogue, Niall Teasdale says: "Writing, sadly, is not my main source of income. By day, I’m a computer programmer. I work for a telecommunications company in Manchester, England." Apparently and happily, that has changed. His Goodreads author profile says that Niall is successful enough now to write full-time. It's great to see that for a small, independent (and quirky) writer.
One more Aneka book to go. A good read. thanks...yow, bill
August 16, 2018
This book is somewhat more exciting than a lot of Teasdale's stuff, but unfortunately all the interesting things that happen are caused by the good guys' total failure to even attempt to do anything to stop the crazy villain from running amuck.
Nobody even suggests taking action against him until 70% into the book, even though everyone knows who he is and what he's up to, none of which is even colorably lawful.
Nobody even suggests taking action against him until 70% into the book, even though everyone knows who he is and what he's up to, none of which is even colorably lawful.
April 25, 2015
I just love this series. It does require a healthy dose of suspension of disbelief, but, so what? The stories can tend toward the preposterous, but so what? They are entertaining and great escapism. In this volume, we learn much of the secret, hidden backgrounds of several very important characters. We also witness the end of the Herosian war. The title is a bit of a paradox, but that really is not an issue. There is no question that Teasdale is, shall we say, a bit obsessed with sex and sexuality. He has created a world that is very much descended from our own, but so far into the future, that one is left to ponder just how much social criticism Teasdale has worked into this series.
I do recommend starting with book one and just going... they are easy and attention holding reads. When I really need some escape from my life's problems, I know I can count on Aneka Jansen to take me away. Recommended for anyone who loves just absurd sic-fi and playfulness in the midst of what could be considered dire situations. Like I said, this is entertainment first.
I do recommend starting with book one and just going... they are easy and attention holding reads. When I really need some escape from my life's problems, I know I can count on Aneka Jansen to take me away. Recommended for anyone who loves just absurd sic-fi and playfulness in the midst of what could be considered dire situations. Like I said, this is entertainment first.
December 29, 2015
This is the sixth story in the series and really, it's kinda just ticking along. Aneka, her girlfriend, her ai, her ai's girlfriend (which is a spaceship) are merrily plodding around the universe, stopping the politicians and military from wrecking the fragile peace they've made with the three other sentient races discovered in the universe (that the other two races didn't wipe out already).
While that's going on, the AI race keep upgrading the hardware on Aneka's robotic body because it's their fault she's there.
There's lots of pointless and mildly baffling sex scenes (mostly rated 15, but stop before it gets to an 18) and somehow the holodeck means the second ship can now also join in the sexy fun times too.
Overall, the 3 star rating is because it is kinda OK, but nothing awesome, and certainly not novel or unique.
While that's going on, the AI race keep upgrading the hardware on Aneka's robotic body because it's their fault she's there.
There's lots of pointless and mildly baffling sex scenes (mostly rated 15, but stop before it gets to an 18) and somehow the holodeck means the second ship can now also join in the sexy fun times too.
Overall, the 3 star rating is because it is kinda OK, but nothing awesome, and certainly not novel or unique.
July 7, 2015
Super Human cyborgs, War, aliens and sex... it's very good sci-fi
Sixth book in the series and I love the plotline. At first you see Aneka go through the adjustment of her robot body but human mind. The "old Earth" references are good and the innuendos make you smile. I like these because they are easy reads and Teasdale wants to draw you into his fantasy world were a hot cyborg kicks butt and subsequently has erotic interludes. Perfect geek boy fiction.
Sixth book in the series and I love the plotline. At first you see Aneka go through the adjustment of her robot body but human mind. The "old Earth" references are good and the innuendos make you smile. I like these because they are easy reads and Teasdale wants to draw you into his fantasy world were a hot cyborg kicks butt and subsequently has erotic interludes. Perfect geek boy fiction.
June 26, 2016
What happens after you win the war?
In this case nothing good. The federation is no longer what it used to be, but new earth survives and is ready to rebuild.... Except things have truly changed and a new enemy has risen: War Profiteering! As it turns out new earth's society isn't quite as idyllic as people might have though, and now it beings to show.
A bit grim like the previous novel, but still interesting and of good quality.
(For adults only)
In this case nothing good. The federation is no longer what it used to be, but new earth survives and is ready to rebuild.... Except things have truly changed and a new enemy has risen: War Profiteering! As it turns out new earth's society isn't quite as idyllic as people might have though, and now it beings to show.
A bit grim like the previous novel, but still interesting and of good quality.
(For adults only)
May 31, 2015
Guilty pleasure; soft-core android porn, space opera. I like it. This time they whip the real bad guys from the last novel and then find some of their own people are using the froth whipped up by the media to attack the now defeated enemy for profit, both political and commercial. Can you say Iraq and the neocons?
January 11, 2015
As always I really enjoyed this book, and series. It is a refreshing change from the cookie cutter big books out there.
November 10, 2014
A good read like all the books in this series
December 26, 2014
Pretty much more of the same. Enjoyable, easy read. Nothing too challenging.
June 11, 2015
She doing much better work with the series
April 3, 2017
This whole series is just great fun to read. Good writing, excellent characters and a ripping story. If you don't like the very graphic sex scenes, just skip over them, it won't take much away from the story. Just remember that the Jenlay have more or less dumped the taboos that we have today.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews