What do you think?
Rate this book
EarthCent Ambassador #14
LARP Night on Union Station
Start the EarthCent Ambassador series with the three book bundle, Union Station 1, 2, 3.
While Kelly struggles to come up with a research project to apply for sabbatical, the role-playing craze reaches Union Station, and the Open University offers a for-credit LARP. Dorothy finally finishes her wedding dress with a technical flourish, and Jeeves plots to recoup his costs.
While Kelly struggles to come up with a research project to apply for sabbatical, the role-playing craze reaches Union Station, and the Open University offers a for-credit LARP. Dorothy finally finishes her wedding dress with a technical flourish, and Jeeves plots to recoup his costs.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2018
154 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Foner
60 books247 followersI wrote Date Night on Union Station while taking a break from work on a science fiction epic I've been struggling with for years. The goal was to cheer myself up and to find out if there is still an audience for a science fiction comedy that gets its laughs from dialogue and funny situations rather than from gross-outs and shocks. As many readers have pointed out, the EarthCent series could be rated PG under the old fashioned system, no bloodshed, no graphic sex, no four letter words. And after years of imagining a galaxy for my epic in which multiple human civilizations are at war with each other, it did me a world of good to write about a galaxy where most people are just trying to make a living and find some joy in life. I received so many requests to extend the Date Night universe into a series that I put aside my epic for an extended period to write a sequel, Alien Night on Union Station. The events take place five years after the conclusion of Date Night, and the plot involves a mix of business, diplomacy, gaming and family relations. As a bonus, we finally get to meet Kelly's mother. After the positive response to Alien Night, I wrote a third book for the series, High Priest of Union Station, which is currently in the editing stage and due out in mid-October. I just started a book that extends the EarthCent galaxy with a different mission and cast of characters, though they may intersect at some point.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 11, 2019
Ok, it’s still bubblegum. But this may be the series’s best bubblegum. So my five star rating should be interpreted as: if you want silly soap-opera that happens to take place aboard a space station, with lots of women who talk about clothes, offset by their mercenary and/or spy husbands, this series (this book in particular) is for you.
What set this book apart was the way it weaved five complex plots: wedding planning, intellectual property law, multi-user gaming, non-binding arbitration, and diplomatic sabbatical. The author got the law right, by the way… Is he a lawyer?
What set this book apart was the way it weaved five complex plots: wedding planning, intellectual property law, multi-user gaming, non-binding arbitration, and diplomatic sabbatical. The author got the law right, by the way… Is he a lawyer?
March 18, 2018
While this is a review of book 14 in the Union Station series, it's hard to write a review without talking about the series as a whole.
Book 14 continues the saga of the McAllister family and their friends as they navigate their daily life on Union Station. In this book a LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) craze has hit the station, and it sets the backdrop for the long-awaited wedding of Dorothy, Kelly McAllister's oldest child. Long-time fans of the series will not be disappointed by this newest entry. Everything you expect from Mr. Foner is here.
The only negative I have about the book (and it's a small one) is there is no "cast of characters" list at the beginning of the book we could refer back to if needed. One of the greatest positives about the book is the interactions among the various characters and how that cast has grown, but by book 14 it's also one of the weaknesses if you've forgotten who might be related to whom.
I started reading the Union Station series back when it first started, and I can't recommend them enough to everyone I know who reads. This is a series that has little to no violence, no sex, and no foul language. It's a series perfect for all ages.
The books are funny without being heavily so, and the character interactions are not only warm, but feel completely natural. Alas, this isn't a series one can just jump into though. It's important to start with book 1. Trust me, you will be glad you did. Watching as the characters grow and mature over the course of the series is one of the highlights and the joys. While showing what life is like after Humanity is saved from itself by a race of benevolent AI, Mr. Foner has crafted a living Universe that feels lived-in and alive.
I have read many an independent author since getting my first Kindle, and of them Mr. Foner is hands-down my favorite. His books are very well paced, nicely edited (which is a refreshing change), and above all just fun to read. His stand-alone books are just as well written, with all the humor and charm you would expect.
So do yourself a favor and grab book 14 of Union Station, or book 1 if you are new to the series. You will not regret it.
Book 14 continues the saga of the McAllister family and their friends as they navigate their daily life on Union Station. In this book a LARPing (Live Action Role Playing) craze has hit the station, and it sets the backdrop for the long-awaited wedding of Dorothy, Kelly McAllister's oldest child. Long-time fans of the series will not be disappointed by this newest entry. Everything you expect from Mr. Foner is here.
The only negative I have about the book (and it's a small one) is there is no "cast of characters" list at the beginning of the book we could refer back to if needed. One of the greatest positives about the book is the interactions among the various characters and how that cast has grown, but by book 14 it's also one of the weaknesses if you've forgotten who might be related to whom.
I started reading the Union Station series back when it first started, and I can't recommend them enough to everyone I know who reads. This is a series that has little to no violence, no sex, and no foul language. It's a series perfect for all ages.
The books are funny without being heavily so, and the character interactions are not only warm, but feel completely natural. Alas, this isn't a series one can just jump into though. It's important to start with book 1. Trust me, you will be glad you did. Watching as the characters grow and mature over the course of the series is one of the highlights and the joys. While showing what life is like after Humanity is saved from itself by a race of benevolent AI, Mr. Foner has crafted a living Universe that feels lived-in and alive.
I have read many an independent author since getting my first Kindle, and of them Mr. Foner is hands-down my favorite. His books are very well paced, nicely edited (which is a refreshing change), and above all just fun to read. His stand-alone books are just as well written, with all the humor and charm you would expect.
So do yourself a favor and grab book 14 of Union Station, or book 1 if you are new to the series. You will not regret it.
May 23, 2018
Another fine entry in this series!
Ambassador Kelly is finally embarking on a vacation, um er... sabbatical. She ends up spending at least some of it doing interspecies mediation. Hard to say how much sabbatical is spend that way because only about 6-8 weeks pass during this novel and a lot of that time is just glossed over.
Dorothy & Kevin finally have their 'real' wedding, after she spends a vast amount of time, effort and apparently Jeeves' money creating the perfect dress.
Live Action Roleplaying has taken the station by storm. Samuel & Vivian both take a class in it from Open University & Dorothy uses it as a venue for her bachelor/bachelorette party.
The usual humor is still going strong, but there are now so very many characters in this series (a couple more at least with every book) that I think a cast of characters list at the opening would be nice. Kelly's recap of everyone for her replacement was helpful but I was still trying to place everyone. I think I might need to re-read the series.
Ambassador Kelly is finally embarking on a vacation, um er... sabbatical. She ends up spending at least some of it doing interspecies mediation. Hard to say how much sabbatical is spend that way because only about 6-8 weeks pass during this novel and a lot of that time is just glossed over.
Dorothy & Kevin finally have their 'real' wedding, after she spends a vast amount of time, effort and apparently Jeeves' money creating the perfect dress.
Live Action Roleplaying has taken the station by storm. Samuel & Vivian both take a class in it from Open University & Dorothy uses it as a venue for her bachelor/bachelorette party.
The usual humor is still going strong, but there are now so very many characters in this series (a couple more at least with every book) that I think a cast of characters list at the opening would be nice. Kelly's recap of everyone for her replacement was helpful but I was still trying to place everyone. I think I might need to re-read the series.
May 18, 2018
Jeeves Interprets LARPing
If you can’t learn from the past, you’re doomed to repeat it; the LARPing class taught by Jeeves on Union Station (or get zero credit).
But there are other troubles to think about as Dorothy fine-tunes her wedding dress and further complicates the wedding prep. Amidst the flurry of nuptial arrangements, the subject of sabbaticals is becoming unavoidable. Mysterious every-day junk is showing up infused with magic, romances are budding, changes are in the works, and there is to-ing and fro-ing while certain Strix are withholding details.
I missed the deeper character involvement of other books in the series, but this one was a pleasant romp, and a very welcome visit (however brief) with some of my favorite players on my favorite space station!
If you can’t learn from the past, you’re doomed to repeat it; the LARPing class taught by Jeeves on Union Station (or get zero credit).
But there are other troubles to think about as Dorothy fine-tunes her wedding dress and further complicates the wedding prep. Amidst the flurry of nuptial arrangements, the subject of sabbaticals is becoming unavoidable. Mysterious every-day junk is showing up infused with magic, romances are budding, changes are in the works, and there is to-ing and fro-ing while certain Strix are withholding details.
I missed the deeper character involvement of other books in the series, but this one was a pleasant romp, and a very welcome visit (however brief) with some of my favorite players on my favorite space station!
August 24, 2020
As with all the EarthCent books, the fun is in the characters more than the story, but the story took some new turns in this one by introducing the concept of LARPing. Traditionally, here on Earth, LARP stands for Live Action Role Playing. But on Union Station, the acronym, according to Stryx Jeeves, stands for Live Alien Role Playing, which should tell you all you need to know about where the story is going.
As for characters, this books sees the second generation of McAllisters taking more of an active role in things as it is through these younger people's businesses and school courses that we meet more new characters and are introduced to the games and events of the various LARPs. Foner is doing an admirable job at developing distinct personalities for the kids so they don't end up as just cloned versions of their parents, but, that said, a family tree and a cast of characters is going to be needed very soon just so readers can tell everyone apart!
As for characters, this books sees the second generation of McAllisters taking more of an active role in things as it is through these younger people's businesses and school courses that we meet more new characters and are introduced to the games and events of the various LARPs. Foner is doing an admirable job at developing distinct personalities for the kids so they don't end up as just cloned versions of their parents, but, that said, a family tree and a cast of characters is going to be needed very soon just so readers can tell everyone apart!
June 10, 2021
There are two varieties of live-action role play on Union Station. The first involves a lot of armor and weapons and the slaughter of lots of brigands and giant rodents, among other foes. The second, which earns credit at the Open University, sets up historical scenarios and casts the players as the characters who were actually involved in the situations. The one thing the two games have in common is that players are involved in role playing characters from alien species. The plot centers around Dorothy, whom I find has developed into a rather unpleasant character, obsessed with control. Otherwise, a fun, light read.
March 10, 2018
Another great story
I was hoping for another story on Union Station. I enjoy the familiar characters, but I was having trouble remembering each of them and the species. The introduction used when meeting the bench ambassador helped out the characters back in my memory. Now I have to wait again :(. I think I will re-read them all again, I i shine i will pick up much more with a reread. I can't say how much I like the clean fun stories in this series.
I was hoping for another story on Union Station. I enjoy the familiar characters, but I was having trouble remembering each of them and the species. The introduction used when meeting the bench ambassador helped out the characters back in my memory. Now I have to wait again :(. I think I will re-read them all again, I i shine i will pick up much more with a reread. I can't say how much I like the clean fun stories in this series.
April 12, 2018
Another amusing look into the world of EarthCent Ambassador.
This is another book in a series that has consistently shown you can have a great storyline and no one has to die. Lots of laughs and fun for all. It's an interesting !ook at a possible future that is a welcome change from what you normally find on offer in science fiction. I really liked this book and I would recommend this book and the entire series to anyone looking for some fun family oriented science fiction.
This is another book in a series that has consistently shown you can have a great storyline and no one has to die. Lots of laughs and fun for all. It's an interesting !ook at a possible future that is a welcome change from what you normally find on offer in science fiction. I really liked this book and I would recommend this book and the entire series to anyone looking for some fun family oriented science fiction.
October 2, 2018
LARP Night
I really enjoyed the high tech LARP action in this book. I've been reading the last several books at a leisurely pace knowing that I'm getting closer to the (currently) last book in the series and not knowing when book sixteen will be released. I hope that Mr. Foner will develop the all-species love of LARPing even more in future releases. It should definitely be a fixture in this universe and not just a passing fad.
I really enjoyed the high tech LARP action in this book. I've been reading the last several books at a leisurely pace knowing that I'm getting closer to the (currently) last book in the series and not knowing when book sixteen will be released. I hope that Mr. Foner will develop the all-species love of LARPing even more in future releases. It should definitely be a fixture in this universe and not just a passing fad.
March 30, 2018
Another one I loved
I loved it just like I loved them all. I got choked up with the wedding remembering the reluctant to love Kelly and joe. Continues to be feel good yet reflective sci-fi and I look forward to more. When I get that email there’s a new book it’s so exciting and I read it nice and slow so it doesn’t end.
I loved it just like I loved them all. I got choked up with the wedding remembering the reluctant to love Kelly and joe. Continues to be feel good yet reflective sci-fi and I look forward to more. When I get that email there’s a new book it’s so exciting and I read it nice and slow so it doesn’t end.
March 21, 2021
Entertaining welcome look at life
I always enjoy the Union Station tales. Each is a look at life as it really lived in a daily basis. Sometimes exciting, sometimes mundane, and generally unexpected. I go back and read previous books in the series and enjoy them as much or more. This is a fun look at ourselves and the world in general.
I always enjoy the Union Station tales. Each is a look at life as it really lived in a daily basis. Sometimes exciting, sometimes mundane, and generally unexpected. I go back and read previous books in the series and enjoy them as much or more. This is a fun look at ourselves and the world in general.
March 9, 2018
Fun!
Read in order so the multitude of characters and aliens don't confuse, but READ!! The books are perfect for those days when you're looking for something a little more lighthearted to read. Enjoy!
Read in order so the multitude of characters and aliens don't confuse, but READ!! The books are perfect for those days when you're looking for something a little more lighthearted to read. Enjoy!
March 18, 2018
another fun adventure on Union Station! The role playing doesn't only happen in live action games but in real life as Dorothy plays a bride and the Ambassador plays mediator, along with all their friends, human and alien, who continue to grow and evolve as humans speed out into space!
March 22, 2018
Assume as always!
Can never get enough of this world. I hope the series just keeps going on and on... Dorothy irritates me at times because she's so self-centered, but not enough to lose my happiness when I find a 's book has been published in the series.
Can never get enough of this world. I hope the series just keeps going on and on... Dorothy irritates me at times because she's so self-centered, but not enough to lose my happiness when I find a 's book has been published in the series.
March 26, 2018
Another great read!!
I must say I truly enjoy Foner’s writing style and sense of humor. I’ve read the whole union station series and consistently feel good through every book. These books are just great anti-tragedy! Great work sir!
I must say I truly enjoy Foner’s writing style and sense of humor. I’ve read the whole union station series and consistently feel good through every book. These books are just great anti-tragedy! Great work sir!
April 17, 2018
Like Foner admits, I am addicted to these characters. Unique and entertaining as well as insightful in a sly way. Since the series moves through the years with Kelly, I don't know how to do it, but please NEVER END THIS SERIES.
November 30, 2018
Crazy story
There's too many characters, I have no idea what the aliens look like, and it's just a mess. That being said I love it. There's no war, no death, just lots of wacky and zany things going on
There's too many characters, I have no idea what the aliens look like, and it's just a mess. That being said I love it. There's no war, no death, just lots of wacky and zany things going on
May 24, 2019
There is just something special about these books. It's sci-fi but with characters that are so real and relatable, living extraordinary ordinary lives. I'm kind of sad to be nearing the end of this series. Really great stuff once again.
October 2, 2019
Great fun
The Union Station series is a great romp across the universe. It combines good sci fi elements with excellent character development. This installment continues that trajectory. I can’t wait to see what the crew is up to next.
The Union Station series is a great romp across the universe. It combines good sci fi elements with excellent character development. This installment continues that trajectory. I can’t wait to see what the crew is up to next.
December 16, 2020
Role playing for aliens
Kelly takes a sabbatical to train in conflict resolution.
Dorothy plans her wedding
Jeeves teaches Samuel important life skills through role play
Joe brews beer and fixes spaceships :)
Kelly takes a sabbatical to train in conflict resolution.
Dorothy plans her wedding
Jeeves teaches Samuel important life skills through role play
Joe brews beer and fixes spaceships :)
December 26, 2020
Something a little different
Not what the Open University students were expecting. Jeeves uses LARPing as an effective teaching method with class credit as the prize. Dorothy plans her wedding. Other things also add to the fun. A good read.
Not what the Open University students were expecting. Jeeves uses LARPing as an effective teaching method with class credit as the prize. Dorothy plans her wedding. Other things also add to the fun. A good read.
February 16, 2022
Tomfoolery.
Strong entry in the series. Buy the introductory three pack, it's a bargain. A gigantic space station is hosting a role playing games and alien races also join end. Closes with some Tomfoolery.
Strong entry in the series. Buy the introductory three pack, it's a bargain. A gigantic space station is hosting a role playing games and alien races also join end. Closes with some Tomfoolery.
March 12, 2018
Another good one
This series is a goofy but fun to read series following earth’s first ambassadors to alien worlds. It’s not as serious as many believe it would be.
This series is a goofy but fun to read series following earth’s first ambassadors to alien worlds. It’s not as serious as many believe it would be.
March 21, 2018
Love laughing
This book continues the rollicking fun on Union Station. I can’t wait for the next installment! Keep them coming please!
This book continues the rollicking fun on Union Station. I can’t wait for the next installment! Keep them coming please!
March 30, 2018
Another great book!
As always E.M. Fiber has turned out another Union Station winner!
I eagerly await the next book in this fantastic series.
As always E.M. Fiber has turned out another Union Station winner!
I eagerly await the next book in this fantastic series.
April 3, 2018
Good read
I've read the whole series so far light fun and fast. Love the humor, the universe, the aliens/AI, and the dogs.
I've read the whole series so far light fun and fast. Love the humor, the universe, the aliens/AI, and the dogs.
April 4, 2018
Fun, fun, fun
This series is very light, fun, and touching science fiction. Yep it can all coexist. Highly recommend! More dog time please
This series is very light, fun, and touching science fiction. Yep it can all coexist. Highly recommend! More dog time please
April 9, 2018
Clever and funny
I enjoy the EarthCent series. The books are well crafted with a wry sense of humour. It's good to find sci-fi that isn't full if unnecessary violence.
I enjoy the EarthCent series. The books are well crafted with a wry sense of humour. It's good to find sci-fi that isn't full if unnecessary violence.
April 24, 2018
The wedding blessing at the end (not to mention "Fashions worth dying for!") makes reading this well worth the time. Highly recommend the entire series.
May 11, 2018
Most of the book is pretty dull but for once the ending actually makes up for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews