Firestarter does her best to fit in on the Gene, but it’s a long jump from stone-tipped spears to starships. Janet and the other girls do their best to help her fit in. Eve and Aika have trouble getting to know a new AI, and Topper’s past brings a new problem for the crew to work on. Come along while they work it all out.
I’m a house husband. I keep things together while my wonderful wife makes our living. I’ve worked as a machinist, short order cook, electronics assembly tech, and several other jobs. My hobbies include vehicle maintenance, (I’ve had the transmission out of my truck. Twice) free flight airplanes, electronics, and shooting. I was born and raised in the Ozarks, and now live in Mid-Missouri.
There was an interesting start to the book, as they try to get to know and protect the ‘small’ people on the ‘Cat’ planet and investigate the ‘Slow’ ship. The story then slipped back into its typical domestic soap opera where their days are mainly filled with minor trivia. This was OK, but slightly disappointing. Towards the end of the book there was the possibility of a bit more excitement, which was again a bit disappointing as the author has decided to make us wait until the next book before completing the raid.
What do I say? It's not bad, in the sense that you enjoy the characters and are interested in what they do. From a pure Slice-Of-Life perspective, it's like catching up with the Conners after a long week.
As for the writing....not all that great. I found myself skimming the "aw shucks" bits every time. After the 6th time in 100 pages when they explained their origin story to some new rando they met while playing White Knight, I felt an irrational need to find the author's personal info and rant incoherently for about half an hour. I KNOW how they met. I KNOW they have absurd amounts of PDA. I KNOW he tries to pull the hillbilly act but doesn't really mean it. I don't care anymore.
Also, I don't need EVERY. SINGLE. JOKE. explained in excruciating detail. And every time they sit to eat and the kids have to explain, in detail, why they can understand things and what process they used to get there. I'm finding it very hard to not swear right now. Very hard.
Finally, learn how to actually finish a book. Each book feels like a chapter. A really long, drawn out chapter, where they had to explain every nuance to the audience because they didn't learn the golden rule of "Show, Don't Tell".
I'm very glad I don't have to read another one of these monstrosities, because there aren't anymore (yet). I can move onto other stories that are competently crafted.
I'm writing this review on the last book, but it generally describes the whole series. It's exactly like Cotton Candy: tastes great while you're eating it, but you feel sick after you're done. That is exactly what reading the entire series of Bob's Saucer Repair feels like.
In a universe where no one says goodbye on the phone...and I mean no one. The line just goes dead. It was my first clue that this was an alternate reality. Well, not my very first, but close.
This will be either good or bad news for hopeful parents with unemployed children; especially disappointing for those who don't know that Bob's Saucer Repair (Fleet) only accepts dedicated and hard workers. And several members of the staff are skilled at detecting liars. So, there's that.
In book 25, the diminutive inhabitants of a planet (who mostly use hand signals), took turns saving lives so Bob is trusted, but the deadly critters (tiger-like cats and super vipers) are still a hinderance to progress on the planet.
The BS staff, true to form, solve problems, make a few, and work on those, as Bob would tell it. He's a man of few words. This book is mostly a bridge to what happens next, in the bot switch caper I hope they get around to in volume 27. (Thanks, Kindle Unlimited!)
Caution: However, Bob has begun to swear at the bots. Jokingly, but still not funny. [It's still not funny, Jerry!]
I'll give my usual disclaimer regarding this series first. This is not the book to start reading with new readers go back to the beginning (Book 1) or you will be totally lost.
That said for us aficionados of the series it offers another chunk of warm, humorous, feel-good writing to digest. all the usual characters are present, as is the homespun wisdom, evolving problems and plotlines we've come to expect. To me, this is my equivalent of a daily soap opera I just can't miss. It's not great literature but I just enjoy it, find it hard to put down, and I'm a little sad when each book ends.
There is certainly justification for those who say that not a lot happens per novel, and I'd love for there to be some harder problems for our heroes to deal with, even a little more conflict wouldn't hurt, overall I'm happy reading what is there for me anyway the good stuff still way exceeds the bad or lacking parts.
The storyline continues to evolve, following along lines similar to the earlier books, with new characters developed as needed and continued development for existing characters. Bob (Admiral, Boss) meets each new challenge with the same blend of confidence/paranoia/self doubt that he has always displayed and his cast of friends, family and employees provide support and backup as required.
Book 26, Fort Scratchy, answers questions from the previous installment, Hand Jive, and opens a new series of questions which will carry the reader into the next installment.
I will say this isn’t the place to start the series — there’s way too much backstory. But they continue to be great popcorn reading. In case Jerry reads this — and I did give it five stars again — I will say there are a couple of verbal fidgets that are a little annoying: first, iterate your clichés a little, people keep saying the little social things exactly the same way, and second, in particular these must be the thinnest-skinned people in the galaxy to need to apologize for giving offense this often. But given all that, I’m about to download number 27.
Another really fun book in this series. Lighthearted humor combined with some really interesting action make for a great read. In this one Bob and Nikki and crew explore a new planet they have found, help the residents to overcome some huge obstacles and begin working on a new caper to free a captive bot. These books are just a lot of fun. I will say this is a true series and while there are storylines that conclude here, there are others that are ongoing so the best way to start the series is at book one. I think the journey is worth it.
I really enjoy this series, Jerry Boyd is storytelling man. But, I have to tell you, I didn't care for the first 52 pages being a list of what seems to be every character in the series. I understand the author wanting charts to keep everyone straight in his world. I don't need to see the whole list at one time. Otherwise, a good story, reasonable stopping point as the lead-in for the next one.
The story is good. I have read all 26 books and look forward to many more. However: JERRY PUT THE CAST OF CHARACTERS IN THE BACK OF THE BOOK!! I already have a problem with the lack of chapters. There should be obvious places to set the story down (meals, sleep, appointments, etc.) But picking up a story you have waited for only to have to page through over 12% of the content to find the start is beyond irritating.
The characters all have interesting lives. Boss stands for kindness and the golden rule. He also makes sure his crew has good training, a safe environment, crazy adventures, many species to learn from. Boss can be an asshole-not his first choice but he can use his resources to make you sorry you crossed swords with his fleet. Kind scifi
Slower pace than previous books, but satisfying...
You have very little chance of keeping up with the many plots in play if you don't start at the beginning, but the series is an easy and well paced evolving story of many intertwined characters. The day by day activities are in a bit of a rut, but a little predictability isn't a bad thing. I hope the ongoing plots do resolve a bit faster in the future installments. Well worth the read.
This story isn't quite over yet. I wonder what Digolas (I probably miss spelled his name) is going to find and how the heist will turn out. I didn't think Firestarter would stay on board from the beginning since she was just to small and to young and from a stone age tech. I know I gave to much info away. You will still want to read this book.
For god sake would somebody at Netflix read these?!? If the universe can’t give me flying cars in my lifetime the least it can do is keep having Bob saucer repair and new books there of. Dear God I have a short list of demands. Flying cars now. Bobs saucer repair continues indefinitely. Both are non-negotiable. Thank you for your time.
I have to admire the inventiveness of this Author. In book after book he comes up with new situations and challenges for the characters to deal with and resolve. And the creative ways the main characters find to resolve the issues are always entertaining.
Just a thought. I noticed that that they eat together as a family but only once included Gus and Becky. I know you're up to book 48 so things may change. Also seems the twins don't play or socialize with the other kids, like Lilly, while on Gene. Love your stories keep writing. Elaine
Book 26 of who knows how many. Fun, draws you into the characters and the situations they get into (and out of). Suitable for young adults as well as us older folks. Keep them coming, Jerry!
Well it's another hit in the series. Some answers from the last book and some questions for the next. Jerry Boyd does it again. He managed to keep the series interesting. My only complaint is waiting for the next installment.
I've enjoyed each of these books. Fort Scratchy though has been different. Not enough story about the title. Needed much more about the aliens'. The world they have been stranded on etc. Knowing more about this is important.
You can t go wrong with bob and Nikki and all the associate gang of comrades...you laugh, cry, giggle , scream ...the books are full of emotions and joy,good characters and well woven tales. Start at number 1 and move forward.
I have enjoyed these stories immensely. The adventures are fascinating. Bod and his friends start up Bob's Saucer Repair after learning aliens do exist. Bob falls in love with a beautiful alien girl and they start a family.
I truly enjoy this series, each book is like a long catching up conversation with a friend . This one fit right in that mode. fast and snappy conversations that drive the story. Looking forward to what happens next!
This was the only book in the series that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. That being said out of 26 books 1that's less than great is an acceptable risk I still find myself willing to read anything by this author
Interesting subtext about caring, responsibility, and learning from unexpected encounters. Hope more books are coming! Don't want to stop with more stories to be told!
This series is absolutely awesome. Some humor, some action and a lot of the authors magic. The fleet just keeps getting better every day. Scotti and Sally are bots of a different caliber.
More comment than review 4 stars instead of 5 only because, as an animal lover, I believe you should have dealt with the wild cats humanely instead of killing them. P.S. Why are cats always portrayed as bad instead of a part nature in their own habitat?
If you are looking for a really easy, light read here you go. Probably not the most boring book of the series, however easily in the bottom 3. If you can handle the repetitions it is okay.
My best friend introduced me to the series, and now we race to see who can get to the end of the newest book the fastest. I got behind, so it's time for me to binge read!! Lol
I enjoyed this book like all the others. I find that for me it has many slow spots that just add to the reading and it doesn’t move the story on. But overall it’s an OK book