What do you think?
Rate this book
Renegade Origins #2
The Constable
My name is Alphonse Malloy, and I see everything.
From a simple glance, I know your hobbies, what you ate for breakfast, how well you slept, and whether or not your wife is secretly seeing the high school biology teacher when you're not around.
I can't explain how or
From a simple glance, I know your hobbies, what you ate for breakfast, how well you slept, and whether or not your wife is secretly seeing the high school biology teacher when you're not around.
I can't explain how or
14 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 28, 2019
442 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Chaney
468 books9,623 followersIf you want to stay up to date on my releases, concept art, or speak to me directly - you should join my Facebook fan group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/67862...
We have discussions on everything from books, movies, shows, and all things scifi. Come join the conversation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/67862...
We have discussions on everything from books, movies, shows, and all things scifi. Come join the conversation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 26, 2020
The Constable: The Complete Series
The Constable, Book 1-2
By: JN Chaney
Narrated by: Charlie Thurston
This is one smart and fantastic sci-fi book! I have read plenty from this author but this is his best! Love the worlds, the characters, the cleverness, the intriguing plot, the fact that the two books are together for one price, and the terrific narration added that extra excellence! Wonderful!
The Constable, Book 1-2
By: JN Chaney
Narrated by: Charlie Thurston
This is one smart and fantastic sci-fi book! I have read plenty from this author but this is his best! Love the worlds, the characters, the cleverness, the intriguing plot, the fact that the two books are together for one price, and the terrific narration added that extra excellence! Wonderful!
October 8, 2019
Kid Malloy.
We first met Alphonse Malloy in the Renegade series. This book introduces us to him as a teenager. He’s an odd boy who sees everything about people he meets and just spouts out their deepest secrets. He doesn’t understand why they resent him. In fact he spends a lot of the book realising that he sometimes has to put a block on his tongue. Seeing all isn’t always understanding all. An interesting insight into the workings of a different kind of mind.
We first met Alphonse Malloy in the Renegade series. This book introduces us to him as a teenager. He’s an odd boy who sees everything about people he meets and just spouts out their deepest secrets. He doesn’t understand why they resent him. In fact he spends a lot of the book realising that he sometimes has to put a block on his tongue. Seeing all isn’t always understanding all. An interesting insight into the workings of a different kind of mind.
April 24, 2019
Action sci-fi
This story was a true mind bender! Once I started to read this I couldn't put it down until I finished it! Very well written! I hope there will be a second book in the series!
This story was a true mind bender! Once I started to read this I couldn't put it down until I finished it! Very well written! I hope there will be a second book in the series!
July 17, 2019
Well that took me by surprise...
Loved it! A strong story and, if you’ve read any of the Renegade series, a familiar figure. A great back story with loads of twists and turns. J.N. Chaney shows us his talent in this book, I’d highly recommend it.
Loved it! A strong story and, if you’ve read any of the Renegade series, a familiar figure. A great back story with loads of twists and turns. J.N. Chaney shows us his talent in this book, I’d highly recommend it.
April 7, 2019
The prequel to Alphonse!
Alphonse returns in a prequel about his life before the union! It’s such a great and the character and story development is great!!!
Alphonse returns in a prequel about his life before the union! It’s such a great and the character and story development is great!!!
December 31, 2019
Fascinating history
We see the Constable as a teen, and are able to gain insight as to how he thinks and processes information. It is fascinating, and gives greater depth to Alphonse that I will take into reading future books in the Renegade series.
We see the Constable as a teen, and are able to gain insight as to how he thinks and processes information. It is fascinating, and gives greater depth to Alphonse that I will take into reading future books in the Renegade series.
February 5, 2021
This audible edition was composed of parts one and two of the series. Part one tells about the events that set Alphonse on the pathway to being a constable. He is a brilliant young man. But he is also bored and quite sheltered from the world. This allows him to be deceived by a criminal as he seeks to add some excitement to his life. By the time he figures out that he was duped several people are dead and he is in jail charged with murder. Part two begins with Alphonse being "rescued" by a mysterious man who sets him on the road to being a constable. There's lots of action in part two. I love Alphonse's developing personality. He's getting some ability to understand and fit it with the average citizens and still retains a certain naivete. I loved watching Alphonse mature into an honorable man. Overall the action was well done and the characters were well developed. The narrator was perfect for the characters and delivered an excellent performance. If you like coming of age and science fiction you will like this book.
March 4, 2019
007 meets the Renegade Star universe!
Yes! We finally get the Alphonse storyline in this prequel. I love that we get to see why Al is so good at what he does, as well as his backstory. JN Chaney does an excellent job with his characters and giving us fun and unique books. Can’t wait for the next installment!
Yes! We finally get the Alphonse storyline in this prequel. I love that we get to see why Al is so good at what he does, as well as his backstory. JN Chaney does an excellent job with his characters and giving us fun and unique books. Can’t wait for the next installment!
May 19, 2019
Great Stand Alone Character
I finally got to this book after reading much of the rest in this universe. Until now I never had an appreciation for alphonse and what he could really do. This was an entertaining book and was waiting the whole time for the build up to pay off. I'm excited to continue on to Alphonse's second book!
I finally got to this book after reading much of the rest in this universe. Until now I never had an appreciation for alphonse and what he could really do. This was an entertaining book and was waiting the whole time for the build up to pay off. I'm excited to continue on to Alphonse's second book!
March 3, 2019
Another good read
JN Chaney does another great book to add to an impressive collection a great insight to where the characters have been and how they started out well done JN keep up the great work
JN Chaney does another great book to add to an impressive collection a great insight to where the characters have been and how they started out well done JN keep up the great work
April 8, 2019
Good read
Good story if a little short at times. Give it a try while the next book in series is almost here.
Good story if a little short at times. Give it a try while the next book in series is almost here.
July 9, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. I love the way the author gives us the story behind the characters. Looking forward to the next one.
November 18, 2023
This was my first book from JN Chaney. It wasn’t until after reading this book that I found out how prolific a writer he is. I found myself connecting with the main character in a way that I usually don’t; the way that he processes data looking for information, his difficulty in social circles, not understanding how others don’t seem to use logic as he does. It is rare that I find a character that I feel like I could relate to. The story line was an interesting mix. If I had to compare it to movies, I would say that it is a combination of ‘Ocean’s 11’ (the original), ‘The Maltese Falcon’, and ‘Indiana Jones’ stories.
There were only two main things that I struggled with in these books. The first was that the story line and dialog felt like it was lifted out of the late 1990’s America. And yet, this was nowhere close to Earth and with no reference to Earth. It just would pull me out of the alternate world that I was in. Every time I would hit a slang reference to the last 20 years, it would just pull me out of the story and knock me into my own reality. It was a very odd experience that I can’t say I have had with other books. Given that this book is set in a world that has dozens of other books written, I think that I will pick up some of those and see if the world starts to make more sense. Right now, it doesn’t.
The second was the search at the end of the story that was reminiscent of Indiana Jones looking for treasure. While the rest of the story was very believable, within a SciFi style reference, this just seemed too illogical to me. I kept wondering why anyone or any group would have taken the time and effort to build something like this. From a practical perspective, it just made no sense to me. If you read my earlier comment eluding my personal thought processes that may make sense. For most people who are happy to just go along with the story are going to love it without question.
Except for these two issues (which probably sound more like a personal problem for me), this was a fantastic book.
There were only two main things that I struggled with in these books. The first was that the story line and dialog felt like it was lifted out of the late 1990’s America. And yet, this was nowhere close to Earth and with no reference to Earth. It just would pull me out of the alternate world that I was in. Every time I would hit a slang reference to the last 20 years, it would just pull me out of the story and knock me into my own reality. It was a very odd experience that I can’t say I have had with other books. Given that this book is set in a world that has dozens of other books written, I think that I will pick up some of those and see if the world starts to make more sense. Right now, it doesn’t.
The second was the search at the end of the story that was reminiscent of Indiana Jones looking for treasure. While the rest of the story was very believable, within a SciFi style reference, this just seemed too illogical to me. I kept wondering why anyone or any group would have taken the time and effort to build something like this. From a practical perspective, it just made no sense to me. If you read my earlier comment eluding my personal thought processes that may make sense. For most people who are happy to just go along with the story are going to love it without question.
Except for these two issues (which probably sound more like a personal problem for me), this was a fantastic book.
March 21, 2023
Another in the series of doesn't quite life up to reference materiel.
Alphonse is an interesting character, when contrasted with Chase. He was a slightly sarcastic straight man to Chase's antics. In this book, he is a child, a bit reminiscent of Sheldon Cooper. He has little social grace, doesn't understand people and runs afoul of others because of it.
Without the humor of the maain series, this book fell flat for me. It was interesting, but not engaging. I found it a struggle to care about the character, partly cause I know how the story ends, but mainly because I didn't enjoy the journey.
The voice narration, by Charlie Thurston, was OK. It takes some getting used to hearing a familiar character in a different voice, but it does come eventually.
All in all, this is an OK book. I recommend for people who like Renegade Star but prefer a more straight laced protagonist. Well, see how Alphonse makes out in Part 2.
Alphonse is an interesting character, when contrasted with Chase. He was a slightly sarcastic straight man to Chase's antics. In this book, he is a child, a bit reminiscent of Sheldon Cooper. He has little social grace, doesn't understand people and runs afoul of others because of it.
Without the humor of the maain series, this book fell flat for me. It was interesting, but not engaging. I found it a struggle to care about the character, partly cause I know how the story ends, but mainly because I didn't enjoy the journey.
The voice narration, by Charlie Thurston, was OK. It takes some getting used to hearing a familiar character in a different voice, but it does come eventually.
All in all, this is an OK book. I recommend for people who like Renegade Star but prefer a more straight laced protagonist. Well, see how Alphonse makes out in Part 2.
January 14, 2024
Setting: Space somewhere, it doesn't matter.
Language: Basic language, don't remember any made up "future words" that threw me off.
Characters: The main character has some almost magical powers of observation and no filters at this point in his life. A fair of suspension of belief is required for all the other characters as they are mostly stock characters. Wise mentor, enigmatic older man, street wise best friend and so on. They serve the main characters story and don't distract.
Plot: This is part of an origin story of a character from a larger series. As such we get the smart almost a genius (or maybe on the spectrum?) but socially awkward teenager goes down an wayward trail and ends up with a life altering choice story. It is well done example a space fantasy filled with lots of action and mystery elements.
Language: Basic language, don't remember any made up "future words" that threw me off.
Characters: The main character has some almost magical powers of observation and no filters at this point in his life. A fair of suspension of belief is required for all the other characters as they are mostly stock characters. Wise mentor, enigmatic older man, street wise best friend and so on. They serve the main characters story and don't distract.
Plot: This is part of an origin story of a character from a larger series. As such we get the smart almost a genius (or maybe on the spectrum?) but socially awkward teenager goes down an wayward trail and ends up with a life altering choice story. It is well done example a space fantasy filled with lots of action and mystery elements.
September 16, 2021
Alphonse's origins
While Alphonse is at school, he observes things and understands a great deal about people. So much so he informs the headmaster his wife is cheating on him after seeing her for less than a minute. This unsettled the headmaster so he is moved to another school, but just before is interviewed by the strange Mr. Black. At the new school he makes friends with Vance who gets him to leave the school grounds at night and go about the town where he sees something intriguing. He investigates and discovers some interesting people.... and thenproceeds to investigate puzzles and have adventures... Mr Black will return before the end... But who is he???
While Alphonse is at school, he observes things and understands a great deal about people. So much so he informs the headmaster his wife is cheating on him after seeing her for less than a minute. This unsettled the headmaster so he is moved to another school, but just before is interviewed by the strange Mr. Black. At the new school he makes friends with Vance who gets him to leave the school grounds at night and go about the town where he sees something intriguing. He investigates and discovers some interesting people.... and thenproceeds to investigate puzzles and have adventures... Mr Black will return before the end... But who is he???
April 1, 2023
Nice treat...
...after the Deadland Drifters series. Alpha was an interesting character, a bit of House mixed with Monk and Mentalist, all packaged into his 14 year old mind. With these types of characters, extra care has to be taken to ensure the characters stay consistent both in their mannerisms and motivations. Chaney did a good job making sure Alpha was believable, stay true as events unfolded around him, and also managed to make him somewhat likeable.
As for the story itself, it was a good vehicle to introduce Alpha and the recruitment process of the Constables. Looking forward to the Constable's Return.
...after the Deadland Drifters series. Alpha was an interesting character, a bit of House mixed with Monk and Mentalist, all packaged into his 14 year old mind. With these types of characters, extra care has to be taken to ensure the characters stay consistent both in their mannerisms and motivations. Chaney did a good job making sure Alpha was believable, stay true as events unfolded around him, and also managed to make him somewhat likeable.
As for the story itself, it was a good vehicle to introduce Alpha and the recruitment process of the Constables. Looking forward to the Constable's Return.
January 10, 2020
Thank you for this story. I love Sherlock Holmes type stories. This would make a well received TV series. This was well balanced with mystery, intrigue and action. The young man here is so likable yet flawed. It was a pleasure to "see" him grow into an honorable character.
There are some pleasant nuggets of wisdom sprinkled through out the story. I look forward to listening again, so I can write them down for future consideration.
I can't wait to start the next book.
There are some pleasant nuggets of wisdom sprinkled through out the story. I look forward to listening again, so I can write them down for future consideration.
I can't wait to start the next book.
January 15, 2020
The Constable J.N. Chaney
Alphonse Malloy has keen powers of observation. He observes things most people don't. His powers of deduction are Sherlockian in nature. He needs to curb his observations when talking to people. Unintentionally, they can be hurtful.. The wrong people could take advantage of him. Fortunately for him the right people noticed. Enjoyed immensely! Excellent read!
Alphonse Malloy has keen powers of observation. He observes things most people don't. His powers of deduction are Sherlockian in nature. He needs to curb his observations when talking to people. Unintentionally, they can be hurtful.. The wrong people could take advantage of him. Fortunately for him the right people noticed. Enjoyed immensely! Excellent read!
January 29, 2023
Alphonse Malloy natural talents included observation, retention and analyzation of what he sees and hears with precision. Aiding the principal at his board school proved mutually beneficial until Alphonse related something he shouldn’t have and it’s off to a different school though one of the questions give him food for thought. Honing his skills with a set of new friends, Alphonse takes on side jobs that may lead to a budding, lucrative or nefarious career.
Rating: 3stars
Rating: 3stars
February 28, 2024
I wanted to like this book, but struggled a bit with staying into it. It felt like reading about a young Sheldon Cooper… except harder to really feel for the character. I don’t know the original series (Renegade Star?) having picked this up based on the “you may also like…” suggestions. Reading a few other reviews, maybe I should give that story a try. The redeeming part was the cliff-hanger ending to me… makes me want to read the Part II to this. Maybe it’s on the upswing…
April 11, 2024
I don't think the idea of a person with terrible social skills being an excellent observer of the personalities and motivations of others makes much sense. Nor does the resolution of the story make much sense for a human society. But the conceit does make for quite an interesting story.
Essentially a heist story, this fills in the backstory of a character from Chaney's Renegade Star universe. The unique abilities of the constable Alphonse make for a fascinating criminal.
Essentially a heist story, this fills in the backstory of a character from Chaney's Renegade Star universe. The unique abilities of the constable Alphonse make for a fascinating criminal.
April 18, 2019
Well written with no worthwhile plot
Starts off well enough but this is essentially about a kid who likes to dissect frogs. Decides it would be fun to dissect humans etc. No morality at all not real personality. Plot doesn’t real go anywhere and the main character isn’t likeable or intersecting. 3 stars because conversations were well written and writing is a tough gig.
Starts off well enough but this is essentially about a kid who likes to dissect frogs. Decides it would be fun to dissect humans etc. No morality at all not real personality. Plot doesn’t real go anywhere and the main character isn’t likeable or intersecting. 3 stars because conversations were well written and writing is a tough gig.
December 19, 2019
Definitely a must-read if you're a fan of the Renegade series
These two books she'd some seriously needed light on the character Alphonso Malloy! Not only do they put his personality and skillset in perspective, but the stories are quite good on their own. I definitely recommend both of these Constable books.
These two books she'd some seriously needed light on the character Alphonso Malloy! Not only do they put his personality and skillset in perspective, but the stories are quite good on their own. I definitely recommend both of these Constable books.
January 11, 2020
Alphonse is not a Constable yet, he's not even sure he knows what it means.
Alphonse gets transferred from his school he's been in for 8 years to really neglected school. He meets Vance who teaches him about being a rebel and a gang who interests him with their puzzles.
Read and enjoy!
Alphonse gets transferred from his school he's been in for 8 years to really neglected school. He meets Vance who teaches him about being a rebel and a gang who interests him with their puzzles.
Read and enjoy!
May 10, 2019
Try it you may enjoy it.
Try it you may enjoy it. I personally did not. But I am not a fan of detective storys. The plot and the writing are excellent so if you like detective story's you will enjoy.
Try it you may enjoy it. I personally did not. But I am not a fan of detective storys. The plot and the writing are excellent so if you like detective story's you will enjoy.
August 2, 2019
3 Stars
Alphonse's story. Starts when he's 14 and in Boarding school. He's expelled and sent to another school where he gets involved with some shady characters. I gave it a three to much planning not enough action.
Alphonse's story. Starts when he's 14 and in Boarding school. He's expelled and sent to another school where he gets involved with some shady characters. I gave it a three to much planning not enough action.
November 21, 2019
An interesting and fun prequel to a Renegade series character, providing a lot of information that really fleshes him out.
A quick listen/read, there's nothing earth shattering to the main story line. Read/listen to it after you've caught up on the Renegade main series.
A quick listen/read, there's nothing earth shattering to the main story line. Read/listen to it after you've caught up on the Renegade main series.
January 13, 2020
A great story to flesh out a key character in the amazing Renegade Universe. You can read it as a standalone, but then you'll want to read #1...and then you'll be off on the Renegade ride to catch up.
January 16, 2020
A character with interesting possibilities
Interesting character with a unique talent. I thought the story was interesting but I also thought that it took too long to get to the punchline. I look forward to the next book.
Interesting character with a unique talent. I thought the story was interesting but I also thought that it took too long to get to the punchline. I look forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews