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Family Law #5
Friends in the Stars
It’s hard living next to a giant, even a friendly one, much less a clumsy hostile giant. Earth’s unfriendly billions were an unpredictably restive presence. The Kingdom of Central was on the Moon, and the three allied habitats of Home were already forced to move from Low Earth Orbit to beyond the Moon, dancing around a common center in a halo orbit. That bought them some time, but wasn’t nearly far enough away. The Spacers knew it would come to a bad end. The only question was how, when, and would they survive it? The only refuge was in the stars where they had friends.
- GenresScience FictionAmazon
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2019
182 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Mackey Chandler
35 books219 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 18, 2019
Good, but not
I liked the parts but not the whole. It lacked a narrative force, a binding agent. The ‘enemy’ was nebulous, faceless, and were defeated before they even began. Any peril was readily identified and overcome largely through planning. The one episode of true plot ended with reasonableness.
That’s not to say it’s ‘bad’. I read the whole book. Some of the events were amusing and I like many of the characters. The social interactions between aliens were well considered and the worldbuilding is near flawless.
I will likely buy the next book. That is actually higher praise than the 3-star rating would indicate. But I am unlikely to re-read *this* book in the series. While things happened, nothing really momentous happened.
I liked the parts but not the whole. It lacked a narrative force, a binding agent. The ‘enemy’ was nebulous, faceless, and were defeated before they even began. Any peril was readily identified and overcome largely through planning. The one episode of true plot ended with reasonableness.
That’s not to say it’s ‘bad’. I read the whole book. Some of the events were amusing and I like many of the characters. The social interactions between aliens were well considered and the worldbuilding is near flawless.
I will likely buy the next book. That is actually higher praise than the 3-star rating would indicate. But I am unlikely to re-read *this* book in the series. While things happened, nothing really momentous happened.
August 11, 2019
It appears that the April series has now been subsumed into this one, I’m not sure if this is a good thing or not.
The story started well and it looked like there was going to be some interesting confrontations. However, I thought the middle of the book got bogged down with side-stories that dragged on far too long, fortunately there was more action towards the end of the book.
I will be interested to see where this story goes next as I’m still not convinced joining the two series together is going to work.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
The story started well and it looked like there was going to be some interesting confrontations. However, I thought the middle of the book got bogged down with side-stories that dragged on far too long, fortunately there was more action towards the end of the book.
I will be interested to see where this story goes next as I’m still not convinced joining the two series together is going to work.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
July 18, 2019
Meh-
I like the April series. A chorus of characters traversing through events. Sometimes a conclusion is reached, often not. It has the feel of a good old fashioned serial. I really liked the Family Law series. Strong and interesting characters going on adventures that had a solid flow to the story with a clear beginning and a clear but leading end.
This is just another April book, occasionally focusing on different characters.
I like the April series. A chorus of characters traversing through events. Sometimes a conclusion is reached, often not. It has the feel of a good old fashioned serial. I really liked the Family Law series. Strong and interesting characters going on adventures that had a solid flow to the story with a clear beginning and a clear but leading end.
This is just another April book, occasionally focusing on different characters.
July 22, 2019
I'm extremely happy to see this new book in the series. I'm also glad to see it firmly join the April series and the Family series. Fantastic series, both of them, and to have them merge is just good storytelling. I love these books, and always look out for new ones in the series. Highly recommended to any scifi fan who enjoys exploration, aliens, space ships, and even planetary development. It doesn't get much better than this.
July 28, 2019
Great continuation of an awsome series
A fantastic continuation of an excellent series, I can not wait to see what happens next... What new adventures and intrigues await April and Lee?
A fantastic continuation of an excellent series, I can not wait to see what happens next... What new adventures and intrigues await April and Lee?
November 29, 2020
I love the scene in the storage locker building. The Family Law and April series merge even more in this book, and it is clear that the eventual sequel will continue that.
August 8, 2019
Love these characters
First, this book seemed short to me. Some of the circumstances also were a bit to pat. But an enjoyable read for all that.
First, this book seemed short to me. Some of the circumstances also were a bit to pat. But an enjoyable read for all that.
December 22, 2019
Love these two series!
What's most interesting about these books (April Series and Family Law) is that the don't really have a lot of action but plenty of intrigue and are hard to put down. I just have to know what's going to happen next!
What's most interesting about these books (April Series and Family Law) is that the don't really have a lot of action but plenty of intrigue and are hard to put down. I just have to know what's going to happen next!
March 27, 2022
Friends in the sStars book 5
Another good book in the series. It’s hard to keep saying the same thing but about book being fun to read without being dull and repetitive. I do recommend the series.
Another good book in the series. It’s hard to keep saying the same thing but about book being fun to read without being dull and repetitive. I do recommend the series.
September 1, 2025
Book 5 in the series
Lots of humor, just like the previous books. The R.A. Heinlein influence is openly stated here and obvious as well as in the other books. The adventure continues. A great story.
Lots of humor, just like the previous books. The R.A. Heinlein influence is openly stated here and obvious as well as in the other books. The adventure continues. A great story.
March 15, 2021
Great series
Just rereading series notice did not leave review. Your left wanting more, good thing next book coming out soon. Book one is still my favorite of this author.
Just rereading series notice did not leave review. Your left wanting more, good thing next book coming out soon. Book one is still my favorite of this author.
December 22, 2021
Honeyed words
A sweet tale. A honeycomb lattice of personalities,species races,, and scientific but slow development. That part drags on the rest of the storyline.
A sweet tale. A honeycomb lattice of personalities,species races,, and scientific but slow development. That part drags on the rest of the storyline.
July 17, 2023
Another good book in the series.
January 1, 2024
Fun as always :)
October 30, 2024
a fun read
Another fun book in the series. As a reader I am
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series
Another fun book in the series. As a reader I am
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series
October 7, 2025
3.5 stars
December 22, 2021
Ratcheting Up The Tension
This is the fifth book in a continuing series. You need to read the preceding books to understand this one and the story continues in the next book, despite the natural break in the narrative at the end of the book. This series is also connected to the Alice Series in terms of shared timeline, history and characters. The reading order of the two series can be found in this post.
Lee is now based on Derfhome. She has a suite in the best hotel in town and finds herself enjoying the service and view. She is trying to get on with creating their rival organisation to the Claims Commission. She’s also developing the jump drive inspired by The Three. Now she’s witnessed that it exists she is determined to get it for herself and her allies.
This book focuses a lot on Derf. There are humans now living in the capital city and they are linked to outside powers. Derf has become very important to lots of people because Earth, in particular USNA, does not want Derf to have any more power.
The tension on Earth is increasing and The Three realise that things are going to come to a head soon. The agreement of Central and Home with Earth, to ask permission for armed ships to transit L1, was always a cease fire rather than a peace treaty. Seeing the way the wind is blowing means Queen Heather has to make some hard choices about her people and about how to handle Earth to prevent their brand of crazy infecting the universe.
This book has a lot more about The Three and I have a feeling that the Alice Series really should have been read in parallel to this series. I can understand that plot, but believe that there are a lot of subtleties I’m missing. However, as there is only one more book in this series, I’m going to read it then go back to the beginning in the Alice Series and try to ignore the spoilers.
Despite feeling like I’m missing something I really enjoyed this book. Lee is coming into her own as a figurehead for something bigger than just her and Gordon. She has stepped into a position of authority and she is trying to embrace it. We saw a lot less of Gordon in this book, which saddened me because he’s an amazing character. I feel if there is going to be a war we may see a lot more of him in a future book. Seeing less of Gordon though meant that Lee took on more responsibility without oversight on more occasions.
We also got to know The Three and some of their people much better in this book. They are stuck right next door to Earth and as they are the front line in dealing with the Earthies. We see more and more that they have a very similar attitude to life and morality as Lee and her allies. I can’t wait to see what they achieve together in the next book.
This is the fifth book in a continuing series. You need to read the preceding books to understand this one and the story continues in the next book, despite the natural break in the narrative at the end of the book. This series is also connected to the Alice Series in terms of shared timeline, history and characters. The reading order of the two series can be found in this post.
Lee is now based on Derfhome. She has a suite in the best hotel in town and finds herself enjoying the service and view. She is trying to get on with creating their rival organisation to the Claims Commission. She’s also developing the jump drive inspired by The Three. Now she’s witnessed that it exists she is determined to get it for herself and her allies.
This book focuses a lot on Derf. There are humans now living in the capital city and they are linked to outside powers. Derf has become very important to lots of people because Earth, in particular USNA, does not want Derf to have any more power.
The tension on Earth is increasing and The Three realise that things are going to come to a head soon. The agreement of Central and Home with Earth, to ask permission for armed ships to transit L1, was always a cease fire rather than a peace treaty. Seeing the way the wind is blowing means Queen Heather has to make some hard choices about her people and about how to handle Earth to prevent their brand of crazy infecting the universe.
This book has a lot more about The Three and I have a feeling that the Alice Series really should have been read in parallel to this series. I can understand that plot, but believe that there are a lot of subtleties I’m missing. However, as there is only one more book in this series, I’m going to read it then go back to the beginning in the Alice Series and try to ignore the spoilers.
Despite feeling like I’m missing something I really enjoyed this book. Lee is coming into her own as a figurehead for something bigger than just her and Gordon. She has stepped into a position of authority and she is trying to embrace it. We saw a lot less of Gordon in this book, which saddened me because he’s an amazing character. I feel if there is going to be a war we may see a lot more of him in a future book. Seeing less of Gordon though meant that Lee took on more responsibility without oversight on more occasions.
We also got to know The Three and some of their people much better in this book. They are stuck right next door to Earth and as they are the front line in dealing with the Earthies. We see more and more that they have a very similar attitude to life and morality as Lee and her allies. I can’t wait to see what they achieve together in the next book.
October 10, 2019
Whoa, this is the best of both series. It incorporates all the characters from April and Family Law. I am only in the first few chapters but I like where it's going. Okay I've finally finished.
Boy, the author must drink nothing but Coffee as that's all he has his characters drinking no matter where they are from! That was a long, hard slog thru both those series and it was rewarding. I finished knowing the full story of all the characters. But I feel it left me hanging, as all great series do.
Wishing Mr. Chandler will write more of either story in the future.
I now find myself downloading all his short stories to read to look for any hint of a connection.
Here's looking to the future*
Boy, the author must drink nothing but Coffee as that's all he has his characters drinking no matter where they are from! That was a long, hard slog thru both those series and it was rewarding. I finished knowing the full story of all the characters. But I feel it left me hanging, as all great series do.
Wishing Mr. Chandler will write more of either story in the future.
I now find myself downloading all his short stories to read to look for any hint of a connection.
Here's looking to the future*
August 3, 2019
A best in series.
When the two series groups started coming together, I wasn't really sure my interest would hold. This book eliminated my concerns and totally ramped up my interest level. It was as much fun to read as the first books in either series when I was really getting hooked. I love the unpredictability of the scenarios. The great warehouse capers were beyond hilarious.
Don't forget that authors need 4+ star Amazon reviews to get certain perks. Send an Indie author some well deserved kudos?
When the two series groups started coming together, I wasn't really sure my interest would hold. This book eliminated my concerns and totally ramped up my interest level. It was as much fun to read as the first books in either series when I was really getting hooked. I love the unpredictability of the scenarios. The great warehouse capers were beyond hilarious.
Don't forget that authors need 4+ star Amazon reviews to get certain perks. Send an Indie author some well deserved kudos?
September 8, 2019
I love the series and the concepts it explores. I'm waiting desperately for the next in the series. The only thing that keeps me from giving a 5 for is the occasional grammatical and/or spelling error. I'd love to give these books a 5, but due to a peculiarity with the way I read fiction it is almost painful when I run across something like that, like hitting a huge pothole while driving a little too fast in car with inadequate suspension.
Please keep up with these beautiful series.
Mike
Please keep up with these beautiful series.
Mike
July 14, 2019
Wasn't Quite Expecting That
I really love this book, series, and the author's work in general. This book is a great continuation and crossover for both the April series and Family Law. I am excited about all of the possibilities that have opened up for our different characters and societies.
I really love this book, series, and the author's work in general. This book is a great continuation and crossover for both the April series and Family Law. I am excited about all of the possibilities that have opened up for our different characters and societies.
August 5, 2019
Series continues strong
My rating system
* Don't buy. Won't read
* *Don't buy, but there's hope for the author
*** Bought. Read, but won't be re-reading. May or may not get more from this author.
**** Bought, read, and will purchase the next book review, description, and cover unseen.
Any individual title might be a three or a four, but the Family Law series is a five.
My rating system
* Don't buy. Won't read
* *Don't buy, but there's hope for the author
*** Bought. Read, but won't be re-reading. May or may not get more from this author.
**** Bought, read, and will purchase the next book review, description, and cover unseen.
Any individual title might be a three or a four, but the Family Law series is a five.
July 16, 2019
Sigh of satisfaction. Thank you.
Such a good read! Thanks so much for blending April and Lee's timelines. And all the rest! And especially thanks for the honey bees! Such a good author! Thanks!
Such a good read! Thanks so much for blending April and Lee's timelines. And all the rest! And especially thanks for the honey bees! Such a good author! Thanks!
July 25, 2019
Excellent read but yet another cliffhanger
A good continuation and merge of the two series. A lot of interesting developments. I'd prefer a less abrupt break at the end but at least it wasn't a close out.
A good continuation and merge of the two series. A lot of interesting developments. I'd prefer a less abrupt break at the end but at least it wasn't a close out.
July 28, 2019
Not the best work done, yet I still got to the end of it and found myself needing MORE.
It's hard to see the two timelines cross. Great and interesting things will happen when these powers work together but I still want to see the trials and tribulations leading to it.
It's hard to see the two timelines cross. Great and interesting things will happen when these powers work together but I still want to see the trials and tribulations leading to it.
July 12, 2019
Excellent
What an interesting continuation. Love this series. Definitely set up for more. Characters and are so life like and the scenarios could be happening right now.
What an interesting continuation. Love this series. Definitely set up for more. Characters and are so life like and the scenarios could be happening right now.
July 20, 2019
Another fine book
I read it in one setting. Luckily today’s Saturday or I would have been in real trouble. Can’t want for the next one.
I read it in one setting. Luckily today’s Saturday or I would have been in real trouble. Can’t want for the next one.
July 21, 2019
Good book
Another great book of this series. Loved the characters and the storyline. I'll definitely be reading more from this author and of this series when the next book comes out
Another great book of this series. Loved the characters and the storyline. I'll definitely be reading more from this author and of this series when the next book comes out
July 27, 2019
Left the Homies Hanging
This was a total collusion of the two series. It’s was a very entertaining fast paced action packed story that I really enjoyed reading.
This was a total collusion of the two series. It’s was a very entertaining fast paced action packed story that I really enjoyed reading.
August 14, 2019
Great 👍👍👍👍👍 story
I have read all five books in order written. I am very happy with the characters and how the stories evolved. Was a fast pace and action pack book.
I have read all five books in order written. I am very happy with the characters and how the stories evolved. Was a fast pace and action pack book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews