What do you think?
Rate this book
Spinward Fringe #1-2, Omnibus
Spinward Fringe Broadcasts 1 and 2: Resurrection and Awakening
This volume collects the first two novellas in the Spinward Fringe Resurrection and Awakening. Captain Jacob Valance has no memory of his past. Left on a strange ship in an unfamiliar sector of the galaxy, he was forced to begin a new life. Years pass and in that time he's earned a reputation as a man who can hunt down hardened criminals and go where others fear to tread. The crew of the Samson are caught up in the problems of their Captain as his past starts to catch up with him. Just as new allies start to fall in line old enemies come creeping out of the shadows, putting everyone at risk. While the crew struggles to deal with their own problems, Regent Galactic begins putting a plan in motion that will bring about the fourth fall of man and position their Corporation as the dominant power on the fringe. Their ambition and greed spell disaster for mankind. The Spinward Fringe Series follows after the First Light Chronicles, available in a collected Omnibus.
244 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2008
87 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Randolph Lalonde
45 books497 followersBorn in 1974, Randolph Lalonde has worked in customer service, sales, played drums for several heavy metal bands you've never heard of, dealt blackjack in a traveling casino, and serviced countless computers. He's also owned businesses in the design, printing, collectible and custom computer fields.
He completed writing his first novel in the fantasy adventure genre at the age of fifteen and has been writing ever since.
He self published his first novel;
Fate Cycle: Sins of the Past in 2004 and after taking a break has begun to release his work again starting with the First Light Chronicles series.
Randolph Lalonde has sold thousands of eBooks to date, enough to keep writing full-time for fifteen years so far. He is deeply grateful for his following of readers and strives to improve his skills to entertain them better. The Spinward Fringe Space Opera series has proven to be his most popular offering.
He currently resides in Sudbury Ontario and manages a chapter a day writing habit.
In his diminishing spare time he reads voraciously, tinkers with design, video editing and reviews the occasional film or television show. A science fiction and fantasy fan, he often comments on the state of the entertainment industry on his website, www.randolphlalonde.com.
He completed writing his first novel in the fantasy adventure genre at the age of fifteen and has been writing ever since.
He self published his first novel;
Fate Cycle: Sins of the Past in 2004 and after taking a break has begun to release his work again starting with the First Light Chronicles series.
Randolph Lalonde has sold thousands of eBooks to date, enough to keep writing full-time for fifteen years so far. He is deeply grateful for his following of readers and strives to improve his skills to entertain them better. The Spinward Fringe Space Opera series has proven to be his most popular offering.
He currently resides in Sudbury Ontario and manages a chapter a day writing habit.
In his diminishing spare time he reads voraciously, tinkers with design, video editing and reviews the occasional film or television show. A science fiction and fantasy fan, he often comments on the state of the entertainment industry on his website, www.randolphlalonde.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 28, 2012
The second and third installments in the Spinward Fringe series (Sold as a combined e-book at Amazon).
For more specifics see my review of .Origins.
This is the continuation of the Spinward Fringe series. It takes place about 5-10 years after Origins with Jacob Valance instead of Jonas. In the Prologue he's awakened from stasis with little to no memories of what has happend to him but filled with pre-programed desire to hunt for people. That and what can only be described as an amazing phisiological reslience.
The first chapter starts us after he's been tooling around the galaxy as a bounty hunter on the Sampson, left to him by his daughter (I'll spare the name for spoilier stuff).
We get a new cast of characters, Ashely, Marsh, Rameriz, Stephanie (my favorite) and Fin (also really cool). The new cast of characters is as endearing as the old cast of characters had been in the First Light Chronicles. Jacob is far more paranoid than Jonas and even though he's more stoic and grumpy, his crew still develops loyalty above and beyond what most rag-tag semi mercenary bounty hunters do.
We also rejoin Ayan, Oz, Jason and Laura as Ayan seeks out Jacob Valance knowing that somewhere inside him is the Jonas she grew to love. For her, it's a race against time before the genetic syndromes and conditoins take their toll on her and bring her life to an end.
We find out what the deal is with his "Daughter" (name left out to save spoilers issues) and how she's been keeping herself busy. Of course, what's left of Vindyne Corp, gets sucked up and bought out by Regent Galactic and a new villain is born. Some of the "also there" characters from Jonas's captivity become more prominent and the new bad guys are scarier than the old ones. Talk about a corporate upgrade? or maybe more of a Hostile Takeover.
This is a solid 4 star read. It reads like one book, seamlessly, and by the end, all of our favorites from both worlds are brought together. I liked the new characters better than the old lot, but we get to see the old lot in a new and fresh way so...not sure about that.
Bottom line is, that this is improved writing over the already good "Frist Light Chronicles." The relationships (romantic) are more mature, and complicated and the new gang is as much fun as the old gang or more.
There are solid portayals of strong female characters that are not mary-sues but not helpless clinging vines either. Heroes that are not so heroic and of course Jacob Valance, who's more of an Anti-Hero, at this point, than his predecessor Jonas.
It's an even better step in the Spinward Fringe franchise and one that I recommend....but read Origins first!
For more specifics see my review of .Origins.
This is the continuation of the Spinward Fringe series. It takes place about 5-10 years after Origins with Jacob Valance instead of Jonas. In the Prologue he's awakened from stasis with little to no memories of what has happend to him but filled with pre-programed desire to hunt for people. That and what can only be described as an amazing phisiological reslience.
The first chapter starts us after he's been tooling around the galaxy as a bounty hunter on the Sampson, left to him by his daughter (I'll spare the name for spoilier stuff).
We get a new cast of characters, Ashely, Marsh, Rameriz, Stephanie (my favorite) and Fin (also really cool). The new cast of characters is as endearing as the old cast of characters had been in the First Light Chronicles. Jacob is far more paranoid than Jonas and even though he's more stoic and grumpy, his crew still develops loyalty above and beyond what most rag-tag semi mercenary bounty hunters do.
We also rejoin Ayan, Oz, Jason and Laura as Ayan seeks out Jacob Valance knowing that somewhere inside him is the Jonas she grew to love. For her, it's a race against time before the genetic syndromes and conditoins take their toll on her and bring her life to an end.
We find out what the deal is with his "Daughter" (name left out to save spoilers issues) and how she's been keeping herself busy. Of course, what's left of Vindyne Corp, gets sucked up and bought out by Regent Galactic and a new villain is born. Some of the "also there" characters from Jonas's captivity become more prominent and the new bad guys are scarier than the old ones. Talk about a corporate upgrade? or maybe more of a Hostile Takeover.
This is a solid 4 star read. It reads like one book, seamlessly, and by the end, all of our favorites from both worlds are brought together. I liked the new characters better than the old lot, but we get to see the old lot in a new and fresh way so...not sure about that.
Bottom line is, that this is improved writing over the already good "Frist Light Chronicles." The relationships (romantic) are more mature, and complicated and the new gang is as much fun as the old gang or more.
There are solid portayals of strong female characters that are not mary-sues but not helpless clinging vines either. Heroes that are not so heroic and of course Jacob Valance, who's more of an Anti-Hero, at this point, than his predecessor Jonas.
It's an even better step in the Spinward Fringe franchise and one that I recommend....but read Origins first!
June 16, 2011
I bought this book immediately after finishing Origins because I was so gripped by the storyline (though slightly vexed by the typos and formatting errors). This second instalment is equally good and I would say slightly less typo-ridden - but still has a noticeable amount.
We are introduced to the Captain, Jacob Valence, who has no knowledge of his past except that he has a daughter...He is a ruthless bounty hunter, but as he interacts with his crew it is revealed that he is an excellent leader and engineer. His crew are a series of interesting and believable characters, and given that anyone who has read book 1 knows about the original Captain and the real identity of his "daughter", it is really interesting to see how the character differs in this book.
You can read about the plot above, so I won't duplicate it here, but suffice it to say that once again Lalonde has assembled a highly complex and believable cast of characters, put them in a series of exciting and suspenseful situations, and just at the end has thrown in a couple of real curve-balls. Just as the story arc appears to be coming to a conclusion, there is both a tantalising hook of new complexities, and a highly unexpected twist. So far so gripping; however on the down side,just like the first book, this superb story is once again larded with formatting issues and mistakes that let it down badly, and once again these are all that stand between it being on a par with a professionally published book.
So, that was my take on it; but should you read this book? Probably; depends on how much you care about the typos. If you won't notice them, then do so because it's a great story; but if that sort of thing knocks you out of your suspension of disbelief as badly as it does me, then be aware that the errors are plentiful. Still a good story, but it might spoil your enjoyment.
Will I go on to read book 3? Hmmm. I'll definitely download the sample and have a look, but all these typos irritate me because they break the spell of the story. If there comes a time when the series are proofed and corrected, I'll buy the lot in one go, but until that point I'm reading them and thinking how fabulous they could be, rather than are, and all for want of a little more accuracy.
Pity, really - they would be well worth the extra effort.
JAC
PS Update 16/06/2011 - From the author's blog:
“[New assistant] is currently assisting with proofing on Spinward Fringe: Expendable Few. She'll also be working on the rest of the books with me as we get closer to presenting final edits. The focus is on new work right now, so the earlier books will get more attention when the next two are out.”
http://randolphlalonde.blogspot.com/2...
Looking fwd to the new edit! JAC
We are introduced to the Captain, Jacob Valence, who has no knowledge of his past except that he has a daughter...He is a ruthless bounty hunter, but as he interacts with his crew it is revealed that he is an excellent leader and engineer. His crew are a series of interesting and believable characters, and given that anyone who has read book 1 knows about the original Captain and the real identity of his "daughter", it is really interesting to see how the character differs in this book.
You can read about the plot above, so I won't duplicate it here, but suffice it to say that once again Lalonde has assembled a highly complex and believable cast of characters, put them in a series of exciting and suspenseful situations, and just at the end has thrown in a couple of real curve-balls. Just as the story arc appears to be coming to a conclusion, there is both a tantalising hook of new complexities, and a highly unexpected twist. So far so gripping; however on the down side,just like the first book, this superb story is once again larded with formatting issues and mistakes that let it down badly, and once again these are all that stand between it being on a par with a professionally published book.
So, that was my take on it; but should you read this book? Probably; depends on how much you care about the typos. If you won't notice them, then do so because it's a great story; but if that sort of thing knocks you out of your suspension of disbelief as badly as it does me, then be aware that the errors are plentiful. Still a good story, but it might spoil your enjoyment.
Will I go on to read book 3? Hmmm. I'll definitely download the sample and have a look, but all these typos irritate me because they break the spell of the story. If there comes a time when the series are proofed and corrected, I'll buy the lot in one go, but until that point I'm reading them and thinking how fabulous they could be, rather than are, and all for want of a little more accuracy.
Pity, really - they would be well worth the extra effort.
JAC
PS Update 16/06/2011 - From the author's blog:
“[New assistant] is currently assisting with proofing on Spinward Fringe: Expendable Few. She'll also be working on the rest of the books with me as we get closer to presenting final edits. The focus is on new work right now, so the earlier books will get more attention when the next two are out.”
http://randolphlalonde.blogspot.com/2...
Looking fwd to the new edit! JAC
November 9, 2016
A fast-paced, highly entertaining space opera. The good guys are all maybe a bit too good to be true when it comes to their ability and willingness to co-operate with one another, and all a bit too self-sacrificing, but that is to some extent balanced by the bad guys being really bad. I had no trouble suspending my disbelief and investing in the central characters, even if the reason their superiors send them "out there" in the first place seemed pretty flimsy and tenuous. The science may be a bit vague and the author's knowledge of military ranks and procedures less than some other authors, but who cares if it's a good story? There are some missing words, confused spelling ("tow" for "toe", for example), probably due to over-reliance on spell checkers, and some wayward sentence structure and grammar too, but none of that detracts from the cracking pace of the story and there is plenty of action and suspense. Very enjoyable. Certainly one of the better free books available. I bought the follow-ons.
August 1, 2011
Spinward Fringe Resurrection And Awakening are two more novellas in the continuing story. The last novella in the Origins book, leaves with a giant cliffhanger, and I felt a bit short-changed that Ressurrection begins some five years later and we don't really know what happened. In fact, we find out beloved Jonas Valent is now going by the name of Jacob (Jake) Valence.
It felt a little awkward switching view points from Jonas to Jake, although it wasn't a negative change like when Captain Picard was turned into a cyborg. Another jarring realization was the lack of familiar faces from the first book. As a reader, I had some affection for the previous crew, and I was disappointed to find they were replaced with a whole new set of characters that I had to learn about.
The second novella Awakening adds a lot of clarity to the storyline providing some deeper insight into the previous book as well where the story is potentially going.
Overall, I again enjoyed the pacing and story presented in these two novellas, and I recommend them as a fun "space opera" read.
It felt a little awkward switching view points from Jonas to Jake, although it wasn't a negative change like when Captain Picard was turned into a cyborg. Another jarring realization was the lack of familiar faces from the first book. As a reader, I had some affection for the previous crew, and I was disappointed to find they were replaced with a whole new set of characters that I had to learn about.
The second novella Awakening adds a lot of clarity to the storyline providing some deeper insight into the previous book as well where the story is potentially going.
Overall, I again enjoyed the pacing and story presented in these two novellas, and I recommend them as a fun "space opera" read.
March 20, 2011
I just finished these two installments and really enjoyed the experience. This series gives you just about everything you could want in a science fiction series. It's scope is immense. The technologies are fantastic and believable. You care about the characters. The action is fast paced and the plot line moves briskly. With some series you get some redundancy and parts that drag, which show an author struggling to figure out what comes next or trying to stretch out the material. Not in this series. It's written in a style that reminds you of a TV series. It's not one of those deep, philosophical, serious sci-fi books. It's just fun and interesting. If that will satisfy your expectation when you crack open a new book, rest assured, you won't be disappointed.
July 3, 2011
So this is pretty decent space opera. Nothing great or genre changing (no one will confuse LaLonde with Reynolds, for example).
However, this does not change the fact that it is good serviceable space opera. The backdrop is interesting - if a little cliched, as is the technology and characters, although the conversations are where the book falls down. They feel wooden, stilted, and cliche-ridden. If you can get past that and just want a good space romp, this is a really good choice.
I bought the next book in the series; that should tell you all you need to know right there.
However, this does not change the fact that it is good serviceable space opera. The backdrop is interesting - if a little cliched, as is the technology and characters, although the conversations are where the book falls down. They feel wooden, stilted, and cliche-ridden. If you can get past that and just want a good space romp, this is a really good choice.
I bought the next book in the series; that should tell you all you need to know right there.
July 1, 2012
I described the first book in this series as cheesy space opera but I liked the characters and story enough to read the next one. Somehow, and pleasantly so, the writing was drastically better. This was a real science fiction book. It continues the story but with a lot of new characters. I really liked where the story went and there was a great twist towards the end that has me putting the next book on the top of the TBR pile.
March 17, 2016
These are the first two books of the series, after Origins (Book 0) which is the backstory for the series but is a fantastic book in it's own right. I recommend reading Origins first.
Great story. The entire concept and plot are fantastic.
The fast-pace, edge of the seat style kept me glued to the pages.
The characters are very believable. They have three dimensional personalities and seem to be real people in a real universe.
If you like good, non-stop action, you will love this.
Great story. The entire concept and plot are fantastic.
The fast-pace, edge of the seat style kept me glued to the pages.
The characters are very believable. They have three dimensional personalities and seem to be real people in a real universe.
If you like good, non-stop action, you will love this.
October 17, 2011
Good continuation from the first set of books, introducing some new characters but still mentioning some old.
The second book ended in a bit of a cliff-hanger and of course, I shall have to find out what happens next!
Shame the books are a bit on the short side but I guess it's just what I'm used to.
The second book ended in a bit of a cliff-hanger and of course, I shall have to find out what happens next!
Shame the books are a bit on the short side but I guess it's just what I'm used to.
Read
November 1, 2020First two books are good, have a real Firefly feel to them and are well paced and have solid characters. Worth reading, but that's the end.
Third book is a lead-in to a different kind of story entirely, which then fails to materialize in any way in the fourth book.
Fourth and beyond appears to be a mess, feels like they're written by an entirely different author. Pacing is jerky, the actual plot is unclear, a lot of mis-writings: how'd they disarm the grenades? he thought. the next line: the grenades exploding in the hallway, great writing, makes a lot of sense.
Most of all they're really boring, all of the interesting stuff from the first two books disappears, it turns into waffling with lots of romance subplots that go nowhere and irrelevant 'wisdom' and poorly frameworked scenes, I'm assuming most of the positive reviews are paid for. Stopped after the 4th, wish I stopped after the 2nd.
Third book is a lead-in to a different kind of story entirely, which then fails to materialize in any way in the fourth book.
Fourth and beyond appears to be a mess, feels like they're written by an entirely different author. Pacing is jerky, the actual plot is unclear, a lot of mis-writings: how'd they disarm the grenades? he thought. the next line: the grenades exploding in the hallway, great writing, makes a lot of sense.
Most of all they're really boring, all of the interesting stuff from the first two books disappears, it turns into waffling with lots of romance subplots that go nowhere and irrelevant 'wisdom' and poorly frameworked scenes, I'm assuming most of the positive reviews are paid for. Stopped after the 4th, wish I stopped after the 2nd.
October 17, 2020
Having read this right off the back of Broadcast 0, I was initially disappointed starting off with new characters. The story eventually comes back around but not really until book 2.
This is still a great, fun wander though sci-fi territory, and fans of space operas or space pirates will enjoy it.
Character growth is plentiful throughout the two books and doesn't really feel forced. There are some interesting concepts layed down in these stories that extrapolate on the universe that Lalonde is building but the reader won't really get to enjoy these threads until later books.
Having reread these books again after many years, they are a great time but the more exciting times are yet to come.
This is still a great, fun wander though sci-fi territory, and fans of space operas or space pirates will enjoy it.
Character growth is plentiful throughout the two books and doesn't really feel forced. There are some interesting concepts layed down in these stories that extrapolate on the universe that Lalonde is building but the reader won't really get to enjoy these threads until later books.
Having reread these books again after many years, they are a great time but the more exciting times are yet to come.
February 27, 2018
Wonderfully inventive series.
I can count on one hand the number of series where I have read volumes three and four. The storyline and characters tend to be predictable. Not so Spinward. The characters, even though they are the same from book to book, develop new mannerisms and psychology. There are very different themes and storylines. The level of detail just gets better and better. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series. Couldn’t put it down.
I can count on one hand the number of series where I have read volumes three and four. The storyline and characters tend to be predictable. Not so Spinward. The characters, even though they are the same from book to book, develop new mannerisms and psychology. There are very different themes and storylines. The level of detail just gets better and better. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series. Couldn’t put it down.
November 14, 2023
I read this a while ago but I have enjoyed the whole series and I know I moved quickly to this one from the First Light series, and then directly on to the next one afterwards. The characters are likable and the plots pull you in directly and hold on to your interest. I currently have read thru Spinward Fringe Broadcast 8 and have 9 ready to go soon. Thanks Randolph Lalonde for writing this series.
April 7, 2018
These are nice short novels that take the reader in a new direction compared to book 0: Origins. Lalonde continues to expand upon his universe, and keeping the action level up. I do wish that he would slow down the pacing once in a while, because the reader doesn't get a chance to breathe. Needless to say, I eagerly started reading book 3 immediately after these two stories.
May 6, 2024
I REALLY enjoyed that!
As this is the first two books together it’s started off okay, very Space Opera but to be honest once the second book was started & it started clicking into place - loved it.
So glad to find another series to read but number three has to wait some books before I can come back.
Stay with it, take your time & enjoy.
Bravo author.
As this is the first two books together it’s started off okay, very Space Opera but to be honest once the second book was started & it started clicking into place - loved it.
So glad to find another series to read but number three has to wait some books before I can come back.
Stay with it, take your time & enjoy.
Bravo author.
April 21, 2018
Grammar errors are annoying
Grammar errors are annoying, but a decent enough story that let me overlook them. The book is mindless entertainment, nothing too deep. The twist at the end seemed to come out of nowhere but I let it slide.
Grammar errors are annoying, but a decent enough story that let me overlook them. The book is mindless entertainment, nothing too deep. The twist at the end seemed to come out of nowhere but I let it slide.
December 24, 2018
Brilliant
Read these up to no: 7 many years ago. Started again as could not find anything else at the time. Well worth the read again. Even though bits are starting to come back every few chapters. Still just as exciting as the 1st time. Can’t wait to start on the next ....
Read these up to no: 7 many years ago. Started again as could not find anything else at the time. Well worth the read again. Even though bits are starting to come back every few chapters. Still just as exciting as the 1st time. Can’t wait to start on the next ....
December 28, 2024
Rereading the beginning of the Spinward Fringe saga after several years and enjoying it
Rereading the beginning of the Spinward Fringe saga after several years and enjoying it all over again. It has reminded me of how got hooked on Spinward Fringe.
Rereading the beginning of the Spinward Fringe saga after several years and enjoying it all over again. It has reminded me of how got hooked on Spinward Fringe.
May 5, 2018
A great read
This is the second book in the series that I have read.
Plenty of interesting ideas.
Plenty of twists and turns in the plot.
This is the second book in the series that I have read.
Plenty of interesting ideas.
Plenty of twists and turns in the plot.
March 11, 2019
What a great read
I have enjoyed reading the first two books of what I know is a great series. I recommend this author's books to anyone looking for some interesting stories.
I have enjoyed reading the first two books of what I know is a great series. I recommend this author's books to anyone looking for some interesting stories.
December 12, 2019
Excellent space opera
Surprisingly good, a gem in the rough I stumbled upon. Buy them all! Congrats to a fellow Canuck and best wishes.
Surprisingly good, a gem in the rough I stumbled upon. Buy them all! Congrats to a fellow Canuck and best wishes.
January 27, 2021
Needed serious editing for clarity, punctuation, etc. Very intriguing world and characters. Read for bookclub w/ Josiah & Amiella Jan 2020. Josiah's choice. Both kids like this series.
September 21, 2021
Good second book
I like how he writes. I never got bored with it. I just bought the next book and going to start it now.
I like how he writes. I never got bored with it. I just bought the next book and going to start it now.
January 16, 2023
The plot thickens as the hero's clone begins his adventures.
December 22, 2025
kindle version issues
I found some repeating text a few times in the book. Usually two or three paragraphs. Still enjoyable books. I would recommend the series.
I found some repeating text a few times in the book. Usually two or three paragraphs. Still enjoyable books. I would recommend the series.
April 30, 2025
I read the entire series while commuting to work. Fabulous hard-science fiction. Reminds me of The Expanse. In fact, i think Spinward Fringe predates The Expanse. Either way, it's a great read.
May 29, 2012
First sentences
Book 1 - Resurrection
"It was a rebirth. Under the dim flickering lights of the cold, dark cargo hold two women played the roles of midwives. The tall one with the long brown hair entered the final combination on the small control panel built into the stasis pod. The shorter woman waited, standing close and ready with a breathing device in hand. The dark stasis pod opened at the bottom. Thick fluid burst forth, carrying an unconscious man out onto the deck. “Hurry, get the pump in,” said the taller of the two."
Lalonde, Randolph (2008-08-01). Spinward Fringe Broadcast 1 and 2: Resurrection and Awakening (Kindle Locations 72-76). Randolph Lalonde. Kindle Edition.
Book 2 - Awakening
"General Collins looked on as a large silvered M shaped vessel bristling with strange antennae listed to one side. The blue fires of the engines flickered and went out. “The virus has been activated,” he said as he rotated the holographic display around. A few seconds later the twin engines relit and the vessel started its faster than light systems, covering the hull with a shroud of energized particles and blasting off into space. “It's too bad, they've advanced so far in so little time.” "
Lalonde, Randolph (2008-08-01). Spinward Fringe Broadcast 1 and 2: Resurrection and Awakening (Kindle Locations 2814-2817). Randolph Lalonde. Kindle Edition.
Book 1 - Resurrection
"It was a rebirth. Under the dim flickering lights of the cold, dark cargo hold two women played the roles of midwives. The tall one with the long brown hair entered the final combination on the small control panel built into the stasis pod. The shorter woman waited, standing close and ready with a breathing device in hand. The dark stasis pod opened at the bottom. Thick fluid burst forth, carrying an unconscious man out onto the deck. “Hurry, get the pump in,” said the taller of the two."
Lalonde, Randolph (2008-08-01). Spinward Fringe Broadcast 1 and 2: Resurrection and Awakening (Kindle Locations 72-76). Randolph Lalonde. Kindle Edition.
Book 2 - Awakening
"General Collins looked on as a large silvered M shaped vessel bristling with strange antennae listed to one side. The blue fires of the engines flickered and went out. “The virus has been activated,” he said as he rotated the holographic display around. A few seconds later the twin engines relit and the vessel started its faster than light systems, covering the hull with a shroud of energized particles and blasting off into space. “It's too bad, they've advanced so far in so little time.” "
Lalonde, Randolph (2008-08-01). Spinward Fringe Broadcast 1 and 2: Resurrection and Awakening (Kindle Locations 2814-2817). Randolph Lalonde. Kindle Edition.
November 11, 2014
Story overshadows scientific goofs
This book really gets 4.5 stars but halves are not offered. The Spinward Fringe series is quickly becoming my favorite sci fy series. The story so far centers on three groups: Alice and Jonas Valent, Jacob Valance and the crew of The Sampson, and Freeground Station. The series is set in the far far future and is in most respects a space opera. Randolph Lalonde uses deep character builds and lots of action to keep the story flowing. I also can deeply feel for the characters and find myself rooting for the good guys and yelling at my kindle when I think they are about to do something stupid. my only complaint is that the science is totally unbelievable. Ships can have their own wormhole generators, vac suits will harden on their own to protect the wearer from impact, people have these small cell phone sized command and control units on their arms that not only can give them directions and the news but can also replicate medicines and munitions,people can be bred and/or built to be virtually indestructible,and A.I.'s can go from computer to humanoid by choice. Th this end it could almost be considered fantasy. However, the story line vastly outweighs any problem it might have its very rare I find a book that holds my attention as well as this one has.Well worth the money spent for it.
This book really gets 4.5 stars but halves are not offered. The Spinward Fringe series is quickly becoming my favorite sci fy series. The story so far centers on three groups: Alice and Jonas Valent, Jacob Valance and the crew of The Sampson, and Freeground Station. The series is set in the far far future and is in most respects a space opera. Randolph Lalonde uses deep character builds and lots of action to keep the story flowing. I also can deeply feel for the characters and find myself rooting for the good guys and yelling at my kindle when I think they are about to do something stupid. my only complaint is that the science is totally unbelievable. Ships can have their own wormhole generators, vac suits will harden on their own to protect the wearer from impact, people have these small cell phone sized command and control units on their arms that not only can give them directions and the news but can also replicate medicines and munitions,people can be bred and/or built to be virtually indestructible,and A.I.'s can go from computer to humanoid by choice. Th this end it could almost be considered fantasy. However, the story line vastly outweighs any problem it might have its very rare I find a book that holds my attention as well as this one has.Well worth the money spent for it.
October 31, 2015
I enjoyed this book. To be honest I read it more that a year ago and I forgot that I read it. Once I got into it again, I still enjoyed it a second time.
The plot builds well and the cliff hangers were enjoyable. I like the premise how how the story started and the characters were full and fit their roles within the story.
My only complaints are typical in this genre. Authors rarely understand the physics of space travel and they use a little too much literary license in their writing. LaLande's technical shortcomings didn't effect the story or diminish its quality. My only other complaint, is I think the characters tend to be one sided and cut from the same mold. I do applaud him, though, the supporting characters are different and I enjoyed watching them grow as the story developed. The lead character is a little typical although I enjoyed his hesitancy as he took over leadership. I did enjoy it as the supporting characters developed their leadership skills. My last complaint is the tendency for authors to revert to an amazing technology to solve their problems. I know this is Sci-Fi but most conflicts are solved by guile, ingenuity, perseverance and luck; not amazing technology that now one has.
Aside my comments mentioned above, I did enjoy it and I did read it twice. That either speaks for the quality of the book or the stupidity of the reader.
The plot builds well and the cliff hangers were enjoyable. I like the premise how how the story started and the characters were full and fit their roles within the story.
My only complaints are typical in this genre. Authors rarely understand the physics of space travel and they use a little too much literary license in their writing. LaLande's technical shortcomings didn't effect the story or diminish its quality. My only other complaint, is I think the characters tend to be one sided and cut from the same mold. I do applaud him, though, the supporting characters are different and I enjoyed watching them grow as the story developed. The lead character is a little typical although I enjoyed his hesitancy as he took over leadership. I did enjoy it as the supporting characters developed their leadership skills. My last complaint is the tendency for authors to revert to an amazing technology to solve their problems. I know this is Sci-Fi but most conflicts are solved by guile, ingenuity, perseverance and luck; not amazing technology that now one has.
Aside my comments mentioned above, I did enjoy it and I did read it twice. That either speaks for the quality of the book or the stupidity of the reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews