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Ell Donsaii #9
Defiant
In “Defiant”, Ell Donsaii, her husband Shan Kinrais, and their friend Gary Pace begin working on commercialization of the carbon allotrope technology they learned about in “Allotropes”.
Also, new uses, both beneficial and dangerous are being found for her ports. These wormholes aren’t big enough to send people through, yet they make possible technologies that have created huge changes in our world. Those changes have resulted in tremendous economic and political upheavals. The political disturbances bring Edith Stockton to Presidential power, a woman who despises Ell and who is being stroked in that direction by individuals who want the secrets of Ell’s highly dangerous ‘one ended ports.’
Stockton imprisons Ell in an effort to extort the one ended port technology from her and Ell, having determined that she cannot release that particular secret, must decide how to respond.
Also, new uses, both beneficial and dangerous are being found for her ports. These wormholes aren’t big enough to send people through, yet they make possible technologies that have created huge changes in our world. Those changes have resulted in tremendous economic and political upheavals. The political disturbances bring Edith Stockton to Presidential power, a woman who despises Ell and who is being stroked in that direction by individuals who want the secrets of Ell’s highly dangerous ‘one ended ports.’
Stockton imprisons Ell in an effort to extort the one ended port technology from her and Ell, having determined that she cannot release that particular secret, must decide how to respond.
268 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2013
399 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Laurence E. Dahners
62 books672 followersI was born on the island of Cyprus where my dad was employed as a mining engineer. We moved to the Philippines (more mining) when I was three and then to Arizona when I was 9. I went to med school at the University of Arizona and did a residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Kansas. I taught Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill until I retired in 2017.
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 23, 2024
I haven’t come up with a better term so I will call these books “competency porn” (think Sherlock Holmes and James Bond). I LOVE competency porn so I blew through all the Ell Donsaii books in about two weeks. As a result I’m giving books 1-16 the same review. While these books largely hit my sweet spot, I recognized several imperfections but, before listing those, I want to first say I greatly enjoyed these books and so I encourage anyone who enjoys “competency porn” (I really hate that term) to give them a try.
The first problem is actually kind of a small, yet somewhat annoying: I had read the author’s Vaz series (also recommended competency porn) immediately before this one. In fact the Ell Donsaii blurb did not make the book sound appealing to me and so I only gave them a try because I liked the Vaz series so much. Unfortunately this resulted in realizing the author re-used story lines. While this is disappointing it only slightly diminished my enjoyment and the Ell series, with its 16 books to Vaz’s 4, quickly moves beyond this issue.
The second problem is the author writes by recipe and that recipe is: Have multiple secondary story lines that remain unresolved at the end of the book to make the reader buy the next book. An example would be a main story line about terraforming Mars accompanied by a side story line about a vaccine. The Mars story will be resolved by the end of the book but the author will also have spent pages setting up a will he/won’t he for a character to secretly try the vaccine. While the author almost universally handles multiple story lines well, in the end I found this approach truly unfortunate as this author is good enough to keep readers coming back without this manipulation. In short, this author’s books would have been much better if treated as stand alones rather than installments.
Finally, from my point of view, the books are short. The three samples I took from the series were: 217, 210 and 210 pages. I view anything under 300 pages as short and prefer books 350 pages or longer. I must admit, however, that I got all of these books for $4 off Amazon so I don’t really feel shorted. Had I seen these books on a shelf in a book store I likely wouldn’t even have picked them up based on how thin they are.
Bottom line: While not perfect, these books are pretty easily worth the read for any lovers of competency porn.
The first problem is actually kind of a small, yet somewhat annoying: I had read the author’s Vaz series (also recommended competency porn) immediately before this one. In fact the Ell Donsaii blurb did not make the book sound appealing to me and so I only gave them a try because I liked the Vaz series so much. Unfortunately this resulted in realizing the author re-used story lines. While this is disappointing it only slightly diminished my enjoyment and the Ell series, with its 16 books to Vaz’s 4, quickly moves beyond this issue.
The second problem is the author writes by recipe and that recipe is: Have multiple secondary story lines that remain unresolved at the end of the book to make the reader buy the next book. An example would be a main story line about terraforming Mars accompanied by a side story line about a vaccine. The Mars story will be resolved by the end of the book but the author will also have spent pages setting up a will he/won’t he for a character to secretly try the vaccine. While the author almost universally handles multiple story lines well, in the end I found this approach truly unfortunate as this author is good enough to keep readers coming back without this manipulation. In short, this author’s books would have been much better if treated as stand alones rather than installments.
Finally, from my point of view, the books are short. The three samples I took from the series were: 217, 210 and 210 pages. I view anything under 300 pages as short and prefer books 350 pages or longer. I must admit, however, that I got all of these books for $4 off Amazon so I don’t really feel shorted. Had I seen these books on a shelf in a book store I likely wouldn’t even have picked them up based on how thin they are.
Bottom line: While not perfect, these books are pretty easily worth the read for any lovers of competency porn.
September 19, 2020
Cool :) Looking forward to the next one, as always :)
February 26, 2024
Pretty good!
January 8, 2020
Great book with some problems
Spoiler alert
I enjoyed the book overall but had one problem. I thought the description of her transportation to Gitmo was not believable. First, Ell domain is as officer (captain) in the US Air Force (inactive). I believe that military countries would require that the head of the arrest detail would be of equal or higher rank. To take an unconvinced officer into custody with a senior chief would be detrimental to the discipline of the service. Especially with the insulting way that this NCO speaks of and to her. This doesn't even take into account her status as a holder of the Congressional Medal of Honor. In addition to this I believe that all prisoners at Gitmo are under the control of the US Marines so it wouldn't be a senior chief taking her into custody either. It just grated on me.
Spoiler alert
I enjoyed the book overall but had one problem. I thought the description of her transportation to Gitmo was not believable. First, Ell domain is as officer (captain) in the US Air Force (inactive). I believe that military countries would require that the head of the arrest detail would be of equal or higher rank. To take an unconvinced officer into custody with a senior chief would be detrimental to the discipline of the service. Especially with the insulting way that this NCO speaks of and to her. This doesn't even take into account her status as a holder of the Congressional Medal of Honor. In addition to this I believe that all prisoners at Gitmo are under the control of the US Marines so it wouldn't be a senior chief taking her into custody either. It just grated on me.
November 26, 2013
If you liked the other Donsaii books then you'll like this one. I am a little disappointed though with how short it was. I would have liked the story to have gone a little further than it did but it was still an good book.
December 7, 2024
BOY OH BOY did I call it right. In my review of his previous Ell Donsaii book, I called Laurence E. Dahners a MAGA supporter. And Boy I was Right.
For the starter, only Democrats have been mature enough to keep gender aside and nominate a female president, they've done it twice, so did they in this story. But unlike in real America, surprise surprise, she wins the presidency. Only catch, she is a bitch! America really isn't ready for a female president; fo all superiority they display. Also, despite all the feminism support Dahners has shown in all his books, one time America gets a female president, she's not worthy. She is a complete Donald Trump figure. Idiot, clueless, egoistic, narcissist. This book was written few years before Trump was elected. I wonder how Dahners must be feeling now. In anycase he may have voted to reelect him for I know.
How she wins? She wins with an anti technological advancement agenda. Well that's paradoxical, because that's a typical Republican stance. But Dahner's a techno buff. The series wont work without it.
This is the first Dahners book that I came across where the story does not have a logical end. Petty trick to sell more books.
For the starter, only Democrats have been mature enough to keep gender aside and nominate a female president, they've done it twice, so did they in this story. But unlike in real America, surprise surprise, she wins the presidency. Only catch, she is a bitch! America really isn't ready for a female president; fo all superiority they display. Also, despite all the feminism support Dahners has shown in all his books, one time America gets a female president, she's not worthy. She is a complete Donald Trump figure. Idiot, clueless, egoistic, narcissist. This book was written few years before Trump was elected. I wonder how Dahners must be feeling now. In anycase he may have voted to reelect him for I know.
How she wins? She wins with an anti technological advancement agenda. Well that's paradoxical, because that's a typical Republican stance. But Dahner's a techno buff. The series wont work without it.
This is the first Dahners book that I came across where the story does not have a logical end. Petty trick to sell more books.
June 3, 2020
Coyote
Coyote. That's what I would have chosen for a title. As exciting as the tech is there are two things that eclipse it. First, government officials who cannot be trusted. We elect them to represent us and we expect a level of honesty and trust. Second, is the problem of illegal immigration. These poor people have little or no hope, take a desperation chance of crossing illegally into America for a chance, and get abused by everyone. Slavery is alive and well and it's despicable! I don't have a clue how to solve it, but this story makes it personal, though in a way that has a happy ending. Most don't.
Coyote. That's what I would have chosen for a title. As exciting as the tech is there are two things that eclipse it. First, government officials who cannot be trusted. We elect them to represent us and we expect a level of honesty and trust. Second, is the problem of illegal immigration. These poor people have little or no hope, take a desperation chance of crossing illegally into America for a chance, and get abused by everyone. Slavery is alive and well and it's despicable! I don't have a clue how to solve it, but this story makes it personal, though in a way that has a happy ending. Most don't.
May 15, 2019
Book 9 - Surprised
Reading through the info blurb and several reviews, I wasn't sure I'd like this very much. Happy to say, that wasn't what happened.
Truly stunned by the Charles F. Kartman review. The prescience of the author is incredible. The review, written in 2014, is astounding? Regardless of political affiliation, it's probably not difficult to attach a real life "model" however much the fiction is exaggerated? 😮
Reading through the info blurb and several reviews, I wasn't sure I'd like this very much. Happy to say, that wasn't what happened.
Truly stunned by the Charles F. Kartman review. The prescience of the author is incredible. The review, written in 2014, is astounding? Regardless of political affiliation, it's probably not difficult to attach a real life "model" however much the fiction is exaggerated? 😮
March 27, 2024
An addictive tale!!!!
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Congratulations to Lawrence Dahners for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
February 17, 2017
This serie is an interesting project. It starts with a question "what would happen if ..." and the books try to answer it.
It is a light, quick and easily readable set of books. Well written and enjoyable.
It is a light, quick and easily readable set of books. Well written and enjoyable.
April 26, 2018
Wonderful as usual
I have come to trust Laurence Dahners to provide a great story that is gentle yet mind stretching. I try not to zip through them fast that so thar I can properly savor them. Delightful
I have come to trust Laurence Dahners to provide a great story that is gentle yet mind stretching. I try not to zip through them fast that so thar I can properly savor them. Delightful
December 4, 2019
Wonderful series!
Exceptional in every way; don't miss this author and this wonderfully well-written, innovative and enthralling series!
The most intelligent and creative author I've discovered in years; truly a rare find...
Exceptional in every way; don't miss this author and this wonderfully well-written, innovative and enthralling series!
The most intelligent and creative author I've discovered in years; truly a rare find...
February 21, 2022
Great Fun
Another exceedingly fun addition to the series that was a great time to read. It showcased some interesting moral questions, doing right rather than what is legal, and how politicians are idiots. But then again, I think most of us knew that already lol.
Another exceedingly fun addition to the series that was a great time to read. It showcased some interesting moral questions, doing right rather than what is legal, and how politicians are idiots. But then again, I think most of us knew that already lol.
May 15, 2024
Interesting Political Twist.
Authors need to be very cautious about allowing their political biases leak into their stories but I thought it was a stroke of genius disguising the Former President as the female Democratic president.
Authors need to be very cautious about allowing their political biases leak into their stories but I thought it was a stroke of genius disguising the Former President as the female Democratic president.
August 28, 2017
Defiant has lots of action, suspense, and some humor. This book definitely included the twists and turns as usual and definitely leaves you wanting more.
January 30, 2018
Definitely awesome.
A rousing good read. Well defined characters and plot. Ell is one of my favorite heroines, clever, powerful, yet vulnerable. Excellent!!
A rousing good read. Well defined characters and plot. Ell is one of my favorite heroines, clever, powerful, yet vulnerable. Excellent!!
September 9, 2019
Good series.
June 21, 2020
Good reading
January 19, 2021
Excellent!
Yes, the president can be a nut case, look at the one who cheated his way there. Good story. Will continue to speak as I see it as long as I can. Censorship is here.
Yes, the president can be a nut case, look at the one who cheated his way there. Good story. Will continue to speak as I see it as long as I can. Censorship is here.
November 15, 2022
Very entertaining. Not a "great literature" piece but well written and a lot of fun to read. Written very well.
July 6, 2024
continuing a good story
The series, while out outstanding, is decently written, interesting story and interesting characters.
Anyway, get, enjoy.
The series, while out outstanding, is decently written, interesting story and interesting characters.
Anyway, get, enjoy.
June 30, 2025
ELL escapes prison.
January 14, 2021
Great story
I have enjoyed this next installment of Eli Donsaii story of her many new adventures and how still find away to keep out of trouble.
I have enjoyed this next installment of Eli Donsaii story of her many new adventures and how still find away to keep out of trouble.
June 17, 2015
Good, with some flaws (an overall series review)
I found this one of the better books. The fact that I'm 9 books in to the series and still going should indicate that I like / am addicted to the series. However, I do have some gripes to the series overall. I love the sci-to aspects and the tech along with all of the possible applications. The author definitely has put a lot of thought in to that. But then there's the filler. I simply don't care for the characters' romantic interests. I also don't care for the god-like status the author has put in to Donsaii. Furthermore, like every other book in this series, I had to endure endless reaffirmation of Donsaii's beauty, grace, elegance, et cetera, ad nauseam. It gets very old, especially for a character that has been built in to one without flaws. Finally, I had minor issues with some if the writing. Though this entire series, characters are constantly "rolling their eyes" and "shrugging their shoulders". Ordinarily I wouldn't have noticed, but the phrases are so frequent they could be made a drinking game if one is angling for alcohol poisoning. "Mentally shrugged her shoulders" or "could hear her eyes roll" were the worst. I don't even know how those are possible.
I found this one of the better books. The fact that I'm 9 books in to the series and still going should indicate that I like / am addicted to the series. However, I do have some gripes to the series overall. I love the sci-to aspects and the tech along with all of the possible applications. The author definitely has put a lot of thought in to that. But then there's the filler. I simply don't care for the characters' romantic interests. I also don't care for the god-like status the author has put in to Donsaii. Furthermore, like every other book in this series, I had to endure endless reaffirmation of Donsaii's beauty, grace, elegance, et cetera, ad nauseam. It gets very old, especially for a character that has been built in to one without flaws. Finally, I had minor issues with some if the writing. Though this entire series, characters are constantly "rolling their eyes" and "shrugging their shoulders". Ordinarily I wouldn't have noticed, but the phrases are so frequent they could be made a drinking game if one is angling for alcohol poisoning. "Mentally shrugged her shoulders" or "could hear her eyes roll" were the worst. I don't even know how those are possible.
November 30, 2013
I think we can call this a cliffhanger. it still have interesting story with some additional new character, but its too short....I dreaded every page I turned knowing this book gonna end soon.
Hope the author have some draft for book #10.
February 27, 2020
Another winner in this dynamite series!
Lawrence Dahners comes up with a bunch of innovative ways to help the world in his next book. Great rank brings great power and Ell Donsaii gets into it with the new President. Warning!! Don't mess with Ell. She doesn't like it and always wins.
Lawrence Dahners comes up with a bunch of innovative ways to help the world in his next book. Great rank brings great power and Ell Donsaii gets into it with the new President. Warning!! Don't mess with Ell. She doesn't like it and always wins.
June 22, 2020
Novella rather than novel
Not on length but because it isn’t a full story. This is solely a bridge between 8 and 10, with important info but not a full, freestanding story. The whole series could use some extra copy editing, but this one could use some extra story editing, too. Not bad, definitely worth reading, just a little light on plot.
Not on length but because it isn’t a full story. This is solely a bridge between 8 and 10, with important info but not a full, freestanding story. The whole series could use some extra copy editing, but this one could use some extra story editing, too. Not bad, definitely worth reading, just a little light on plot.
March 26, 2014
This series is starting to show symptoms of "Odd Numbered Star Trek Syndrome" I like the characters and the story line is okay but as much as #7 and #8 could not be read separately; this follows the same pattern. It is good but hardly complete.
December 14, 2013
A bit on the short side lenghtwise and resolution wise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews