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HMCS Borealis #1
Burnt Worlds
The commander of HMCS Borealis has a problem. Several, actually, the most pressing of which is that he’s not even supposed to be in charge. Disaster struck during the testing of a new jump drive, leaving the ship crippled and Lieutenant Dillon the highest-ranking officer still alive. At the far edge of the galaxy, beyond any hope of rescue, it’s up to Dillon to pull the survivors together and get the ship home. As he struggles with the unexpected burden of command, things go from bad to worse. A fugitive alien priestess arrives, her presence a diplomatic nightmare waiting to happen. A mysterious ship follows them with murderous intent. And the Borealis’ desperate second jump lands them in uncharted space, surrounded by star systems full of dead planets. With supplies dwindling, Dillon and the crew of the Borealis find themselves in a race against time to solve a centuries-old mystery. Can they stop an ancient enemy from being unleashed? Or are all the planets of the galaxy destined to become burnt worlds?
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2015
113 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 3, 2019
This was damned good fun. I loved the premise - even though its a familiar one - and the story moved onwards with a growing tension that had me (more than once) worrying about individual members of the crew. The writing never gets too bogged down with 'science' and the dialogue is crisp and with flashes of humour that lighten the underlying tension.
(The captain is being given painkillers in this scene):
'Whats..."
"Quadrileptene, sir."
Dillon stared at the medic, who quickly continued. "It's industrial strength Fuckitall, sir. You'll be pain-free for two hours."
and this:
The Chief smirked. "Want to know my theory? I don't think anyone has the faintest clue how it works. I think someone was trying to invent,I don't know, a new dishwasher or something, and accidentally made a jump drive. Wrote up a hundred pages of bullshit, collected their Nobel Prize and retired. Everyone else just makes copies of the failed dishwasher, and as long as it keeps working, no one asks any questions."
Perfect!!
Saparun shook his head. "Don't bother thinking of something profound. We'll make it up later."
And finally (though I could have mentioned numerous other moments) - Atwell is writing in the paper log that is tradition and accompanies the log kept on the computer and quotes Churchill.
"'Rum, sodomy and the lash'," mumbled Atwell, still writing.
The Chief kept watching the bridge crew, but her eyebrows jumped up on her forehead. "Yes, please sir," she said enthusiastically. "Best offer I've had all day."
I loved all the characters from Dillon to Perkins. I cared about all of them and for me THAT is the mark of a good writer. Yes there were a few 'flaws' but I HAD to finish reading this book TODAY . That says a lot about a novel and the skill of a writer to keep me engaged and guessing right to the very end.
And special kudos to the author for not making this a cliff-hanger. I am going to look for the next book in the series now. Five stars because I had so much fun reading!
(The captain is being given painkillers in this scene):
'Whats..."
"Quadrileptene, sir."
Dillon stared at the medic, who quickly continued. "It's industrial strength Fuckitall, sir. You'll be pain-free for two hours."
and this:
The Chief smirked. "Want to know my theory? I don't think anyone has the faintest clue how it works. I think someone was trying to invent,I don't know, a new dishwasher or something, and accidentally made a jump drive. Wrote up a hundred pages of bullshit, collected their Nobel Prize and retired. Everyone else just makes copies of the failed dishwasher, and as long as it keeps working, no one asks any questions."
Perfect!!
Saparun shook his head. "Don't bother thinking of something profound. We'll make it up later."
And finally (though I could have mentioned numerous other moments) - Atwell is writing in the paper log that is tradition and accompanies the log kept on the computer and quotes Churchill.
"'Rum, sodomy and the lash'," mumbled Atwell, still writing.
The Chief kept watching the bridge crew, but her eyebrows jumped up on her forehead. "Yes, please sir," she said enthusiastically. "Best offer I've had all day."
I loved all the characters from Dillon to Perkins. I cared about all of them and for me THAT is the mark of a good writer. Yes there were a few 'flaws' but I HAD to finish reading this book TODAY . That says a lot about a novel and the skill of a writer to keep me engaged and guessing right to the very end.
And special kudos to the author for not making this a cliff-hanger. I am going to look for the next book in the series now. Five stars because I had so much fun reading!
July 27, 2018
An excellent start to the story, with an interesting collection of characters including a mysterious, enigmatic alien.
Later I began to worry about Captain Dillon, first there was the endless guilt and self recrimination, followed by lusting after Tassali. Fortunately the guilt didn’t last too long and the lusting turned into a proper relationship.
The ship also had a few other interesting relationships, Dosh and Chief Black playing tricks on each other and Chief Black and Lieutenant Atwell.
Overall a decent SciFi novel, which, if possible, I would give 3.5 stars.
Later I began to worry about Captain Dillon, first there was the endless guilt and self recrimination, followed by lusting after Tassali. Fortunately the guilt didn’t last too long and the lusting turned into a proper relationship.
The ship also had a few other interesting relationships, Dosh and Chief Black playing tricks on each other and Chief Black and Lieutenant Atwell.
Overall a decent SciFi novel, which, if possible, I would give 3.5 stars.
February 18, 2015
In the interest of full disclosure: I was a beta-reader for this, and although I typically spend time in a very different genre, I loved this book!
Burnt Worlds starts out with a bang (literally). Lt. Dillon is a man who believes he has reached the highest point possible in his career. He’s been told time, and time again, he’s just not “leadership material”, until he is suddenly the highest ranking officer still alive.
Now, every decision he makes affects the lives of all of his crew members, and when bad just keeps happening, Dillion struggles to keep from being overwhelmed.
This story has something I find that science fiction often lacks: really relatable characters. No one is perfect (except maybe Cho), and they do their best to adjust to each new situation. There is some really clever humor sprinkled in the midst of each disaster. It doesn’t negate the bad situation, but portrays it more as a coping mechanism for certain personalities, especially with secondary characters like the chief.
I really enjoyed the depiction of several strong female characters as well. Often, I find that female characters are either lacking in depth, or come off as super-powered Mary Sues. But the women aboard the HMCS Borealis are just as capable and as important in advancing the plot as their male counterparts.
This book has some interesting twists, and very likable characters. I recommend it to anybody looking for an entertaining, character-driven story—that just happens to be science fiction.
Burnt Worlds starts out with a bang (literally). Lt. Dillon is a man who believes he has reached the highest point possible in his career. He’s been told time, and time again, he’s just not “leadership material”, until he is suddenly the highest ranking officer still alive.
Now, every decision he makes affects the lives of all of his crew members, and when bad just keeps happening, Dillion struggles to keep from being overwhelmed.
This story has something I find that science fiction often lacks: really relatable characters. No one is perfect (except maybe Cho), and they do their best to adjust to each new situation. There is some really clever humor sprinkled in the midst of each disaster. It doesn’t negate the bad situation, but portrays it more as a coping mechanism for certain personalities, especially with secondary characters like the chief.
I really enjoyed the depiction of several strong female characters as well. Often, I find that female characters are either lacking in depth, or come off as super-powered Mary Sues. But the women aboard the HMCS Borealis are just as capable and as important in advancing the plot as their male counterparts.
This book has some interesting twists, and very likable characters. I recommend it to anybody looking for an entertaining, character-driven story—that just happens to be science fiction.
September 27, 2020
An exciting military sci- fy
An enjoyable fun read if you like military sci-fy. Junior officer assumes command after an accident. The remaining crew must step up, work with aliens, a forge a new alliance against an ancient enemy. First in the series is off to a rousing start.
An enjoyable fun read if you like military sci-fy. Junior officer assumes command after an accident. The remaining crew must step up, work with aliens, a forge a new alliance against an ancient enemy. First in the series is off to a rousing start.
June 18, 2018
Well done!
A universe spanning space opera with several races, dangerous situations to overcome, strong characters, romance,and true to life military culture. Oh yes, just enough humor as well. I think all will enjoy it, I sure did.
A universe spanning space opera with several races, dangerous situations to overcome, strong characters, romance,and true to life military culture. Oh yes, just enough humor as well. I think all will enjoy it, I sure did.
July 16, 2015
A surprising great read
I simply have to say I love d the book. Fun characters,it held my interest I want more of these characters. Pick it up...share it...
I simply have to say I love d the book. Fun characters,it held my interest I want more of these characters. Pick it up...share it...
September 12, 2018
Enjoyable.
What an enjoyable read! Interesting storyline and characters. Well paced dialogue. A thoughtful exploration of inter-species interaction combined with exciting action.
What an enjoyable read! Interesting storyline and characters. Well paced dialogue. A thoughtful exploration of inter-species interaction combined with exciting action.
June 21, 2021
Very enjoyable, no cliff hanger ending, which i appreciate.
March 24, 2018
Opens badly
DNF. I bailed at 2% in. The entire command constellation is dead and the one officer left is bloodied and probably concussed. The engine room is open to space. All sensors are down. All weapons are down. Navigation is down. All that's left is life support. The lieutenant (only officer left) is greeted on regaining consciousness by a "smirk" from a Petty Officer. That must be a case of inappropriate affect (even if they are sleeping together) or she has no respect for him and has nerves of steel or It's another case of a misuse. Everyone is smirking in these stories, as if they can't smile. Now "smile" covers a lot of territory and can convey a host of meanings. Of course, then you need real characters and maybe decent dialogue.
Other fiction writers can finish an entire novel with nary a smirk. I've developed an allergic reaction to that word. Like decimation, it's used the way business uses buzzwords. Usage separated from understading in the hands of a lazy thinker.
I'm not going to read more of this series.
DNF. I bailed at 2% in. The entire command constellation is dead and the one officer left is bloodied and probably concussed. The engine room is open to space. All sensors are down. All weapons are down. Navigation is down. All that's left is life support. The lieutenant (only officer left) is greeted on regaining consciousness by a "smirk" from a Petty Officer. That must be a case of inappropriate affect (even if they are sleeping together) or she has no respect for him and has nerves of steel or It's another case of a misuse. Everyone is smirking in these stories, as if they can't smile. Now "smile" covers a lot of territory and can convey a host of meanings. Of course, then you need real characters and maybe decent dialogue.
Other fiction writers can finish an entire novel with nary a smirk. I've developed an allergic reaction to that word. Like decimation, it's used the way business uses buzzwords. Usage separated from understading in the hands of a lazy thinker.
I'm not going to read more of this series.
December 28, 2017
This was a string first book for the author’s new series. It actually works perfectly well as a stand alone but, as with any well done first series book, it leaves the reader very much wanting to follow the characters to more. The lead here is particularly well drawn, he comes off as appropriately junior and prone to errors bound to happen to someone if his level of experience, yet his potential is clear and the tough learning curve he’s going through is definitely propelling him there. Added to a strong supporting cast, a well crafted universe and excellent writing and the result is s book that’s easy to recommend.
February 9, 2018
Intergalactic intrigue...inter species love
This story is an interesting one that crosses all downs but is a very good read. It holds your attention as you go from original crises to crises; but in the end true love, dedication, integrity, and just good old fashion guts holds the sway. It is definitely worth taking the time to enjoy this book and to enjoy a young captain who learns the way to be great!
This story is an interesting one that crosses all downs but is a very good read. It holds your attention as you go from original crises to crises; but in the end true love, dedication, integrity, and just good old fashion guts holds the sway. It is definitely worth taking the time to enjoy this book and to enjoy a young captain who learns the way to be great!
June 7, 2020
Interesting
I found the most interesting flavour of this story is that this ship and crew hold to Canadian traditions, rather than being some sterile version of America (a la "Star Trek"). This being so, what happened to the proud Quebecois? Did the separatists finally win? Is there at least one starship representing them speaking French-Canadian? Perhaps it is that sister ship jokingly described as being crewed by "savages and degenerates".
I found the most interesting flavour of this story is that this ship and crew hold to Canadian traditions, rather than being some sterile version of America (a la "Star Trek"). This being so, what happened to the proud Quebecois? Did the separatists finally win? Is there at least one starship representing them speaking French-Canadian? Perhaps it is that sister ship jokingly described as being crewed by "savages and degenerates".
August 1, 2020
You had me at HMCS
I gave it 4*, but that's because I reserve 5's for SF like David Weber, or fantasy like Patricia Briggs. You know, the greats.
This is a 4+. Excellent read. Good writing. Good editing. Canadian (hey, root for the home team, eh?).
Science made more sense than most SF.
I did get this as a free special, but I'm looking forward to paying real money for more books in this series.
I gave it 4*, but that's because I reserve 5's for SF like David Weber, or fantasy like Patricia Briggs. You know, the greats.
This is a 4+. Excellent read. Good writing. Good editing. Canadian (hey, root for the home team, eh?).
Science made more sense than most SF.
I did get this as a free special, but I'm looking forward to paying real money for more books in this series.
January 3, 2021
An Enjoyable Voyage
Well written, with a few grammatical mishaps, and a galaxy of different species who all share some of the same misconceptions, it seems. Good character development with interesting supporting cast and a storyline that kept me going. This book ends on a positive note, with no push into the next book.
Well written, with a few grammatical mishaps, and a galaxy of different species who all share some of the same misconceptions, it seems. Good character development with interesting supporting cast and a storyline that kept me going. This book ends on a positive note, with no push into the next book.
April 9, 2021
Start of the series about humanity's outreach to alien races. Details the problems between humans and the Dosh and Palani. some good scenes with interactions between the crew of the starship Borealis ad two aliens trapped with them as the starship somehow gets pushed into an unknown part of the universe. Some philosophizing also. Good read.
June 15, 2020
Space adventure with great characters.
Love how the story shows the realistic fears and worries people have in their inner dialogue. The story was compelling and totally engrossing. Thoroughly enjoyed the moments of humour. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Love how the story shows the realistic fears and worries people have in their inner dialogue. The story was compelling and totally engrossing. Thoroughly enjoyed the moments of humour. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.
June 16, 2021
Delightful story about a starship located far from home space. The author expertly described the action scenes with clarity and didn't waste energy naming every crewmember. The bond that the captain forms with a beautiful alien was realistic.
June 22, 2021
Outstanding!
Well written story about a battleship that goes for a jump flight and ends up in a battle with an alien craft. When they jump to escape, they end up in an unknown area of the universe and must attempt to get back home. Excellent reading !
Well written story about a battleship that goes for a jump flight and ends up in a battle with an alien craft. When they jump to escape, they end up in an unknown area of the universe and must attempt to get back home. Excellent reading !
September 7, 2021
Interesting start
This was a interesting start to what I am sure will be more than intriguing. Lieutenant Dillon finds himself in command of HMCS Borealis after what appears as a accident in engineering. But it's goes down hill from there.
This was a interesting start to what I am sure will be more than intriguing. Lieutenant Dillon finds himself in command of HMCS Borealis after what appears as a accident in engineering. But it's goes down hill from there.
September 29, 2018
3.5 stars. OK story. Military portrayal was somewhat ignorant, but kept my interest
December 17, 2018
Enjoyable space opera with a flawed lead character, understated humor, and a slow sweet romance. Opens in the middle of the action and never slows down.
January 8, 2019
This is a great space adventure story, interesting premise, great characters and lots of action. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will read more in the series.
April 18, 2020
Great read!
I received this book for free, but the opinion is my own. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, fun science fiction with interesting twists
I received this book for free, but the opinion is my own. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, fun science fiction with interesting twists
December 19, 2020
Very interesting book.
This book is very interesting. I really like the story and the characters you used. Thanks for a very good story.
This book is very interesting. I really like the story and the characters you used. Thanks for a very good story.
December 23, 2020
A good read
I was not sure what to expect when I started but was pleasantly surprised by both the pace and characters.
I was not sure what to expect when I started but was pleasantly surprised by both the pace and characters.
June 28, 2021
A great story. Going to another universe was unexpected and reminded me of A. Bertram Chandlers Rim Worlds series of John Grimes
dnf-not-for-me
February 26, 20221/10: Couldn't get past the first few chapters; not for me.
February 18, 2023
Great read!!
I really enjoyed this book, Interesting characters, good story line. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this book, Interesting characters, good story line. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 24, 2024
This was kind of a low simmering story, but it did
have an interesting plot 'discovery' (regarding
the reason for some genocides). That does not
occur however until late in the book.
The characters are somewhat fleshed out but still
felt a bit flat for me despite some comradely humor
and a few romances going on in the spaceship.
It seemed a bit farfetched that the crew could
figure out they needed to find the evil headquarters
to stop the battles and then they 'search' and
voila there it is. The world is saved. Hmmph.
Nonetheless, somewhat recommended and I
would be curious enough to read a second in
the series to see if it picks up from where this
one leaves off.
have an interesting plot 'discovery' (regarding
the reason for some genocides). That does not
occur however until late in the book.
The characters are somewhat fleshed out but still
felt a bit flat for me despite some comradely humor
and a few romances going on in the spaceship.
It seemed a bit farfetched that the crew could
figure out they needed to find the evil headquarters
to stop the battles and then they 'search' and
voila there it is. The world is saved. Hmmph.
Nonetheless, somewhat recommended and I
would be curious enough to read a second in
the series to see if it picks up from where this
one leaves off.
January 7, 2025
Burnt Worlds is a fantastic science fiction book. The pacing is tight, the characters are fascinating, the aliens are believable (Sap is hilarious). The story is often humorous which balances some of the heartbreak. I was thrilled the sequel is already available.
Eight years ago, I read Burnt Worlds for the first time. This reread was just as thrilling. The writing is marvelous, the worldbuilding is fantastic, and the characters are engaging (Sap is definitely hilarious, and Black is awesome). As I said in my Amazon review, "Bravo, Mr. Madill!"
Eight years ago, I read Burnt Worlds for the first time. This reread was just as thrilling. The writing is marvelous, the worldbuilding is fantastic, and the characters are engaging (Sap is definitely hilarious, and Black is awesome). As I said in my Amazon review, "Bravo, Mr. Madill!"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews