Star Cluster Seven

by Alex Random

Rex Alston was a rising star in Star Fleet Command. The Captain was Star Fleet’s golden boy and had everything he wanted from life when a sudden left-field court martial changed everything.Accused of smuggling, he was sentenced to 20 years of exile despite maintaining his innocence. Exiles have no rights and Alston was forced to eke out a living as a park attendant, constantly chafing under the knowledge that he was framed.But at least he wasn’t exiled to a penal colony, where life expectancy dropped to a couple of years.After four years of exile, he had the opportunity to come again before the board and the planetary Governor and have his sentence reviewed – and hopefully commuted.Rejected once again, Alston can no longer take it and vows to find whoever framed him for the smuggling.Unknown to him, the entity that framed him is back to finish the job, and ensure that he never goes free, never returns to Star Fleet. Framed for more crimes, Alston finds an ally in Carmel Paine, the Governor’s daughter who’s hopelessly in love with him.However, that alliance also comes with an enemy, Captain Graham, Alston’s rival in Star Fleet and now the Governor’s head of security.Alston no longer has anything to lose and will do whatever it takes to clear his name and find out who did this to him.Alston wants his life back, once and for all…"It is science fiction of powerful imagination." - David S. GarnettAlex Random is one of many pseudonyms used by the prolific author Donald S. Rowland. His works have spanned three decades, ranging from science fiction to romance, westerns to military fiction. His various names have been attributed to hundreds of titles. His other titles with Venture include Dark Constellation.

Genres: Science Fiction

192 pages, Hardcover

Published October 31, 1974

About the author

Alex Random is a pseudonym used by Donald S. Rowland

Reviews

[Jane Shambler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book because of the blurb on the back cover. It caught my interest.

Now, unfortunately for me this reminded me too much of Star Trek. Yes, it is different I guess there were too many similarities and that ending up me questioning everything.

If you like sci-fi give this a go but don't think star trek

Enjoy!

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by Alex Random. The synopsis got my attention automatically and I requested a copy from NetGalley. Thanks to Alex Random as well as the publisher for the eARC.

The book is a great action-packed read for anyone who happens to be a sci fi fan. The pace doesn't let up from beginning to end. I thought the plot and pace were very reminiscent of any Star Trek series book or episode, and so I enjoyed it even more due to this.

My only criticism would be that it was a shame that the planetary authority was called Star Fleet- as a hardcore Trekkie, I found that too similar to Star Trek's Starfleet. The characters are well fleshed out and there's even some romance here and there.

Overall, Star Cluster Seven was an original, realistic and refreshing on-the-edge-of-your-seat read which comes to an equally amazing ending. This book really stands out. I'd recommend it to any sci fi and/ or Star Trek fan.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a re-release of a book originally written back in the 70's. It holds up well as far as plot. There is a slight Star Trek flavor in the backstory. Primarily this is a mystery. Rex Alston a Star Fleet Command officer was convicted of smuggling but he was framed. The entire story revolves around how and who did the framing. There is a side love story for added interest. I found the dialog a little stilted and the love story less than believable. An OK read with some tension and an ending that solved the mystery.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free on NetGalley for my honest review. Thank you for giving me the chance to read and review!

Star Cluster Seven is a well written book. I liked the dialogue, it flowed really well. My favorite thing about this book is that it's action from start to finish. My only dislike is the Star Fleet, it reminds me of Star Trek. Not that it's particularly bad, I like Star Trek. I was just wanting a more original name.

Overall I really enjoyed the book and will reccomend it to my friends and family.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this free from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
This book was just okay. I loved the whole idea of someone being framed and jailed for wrongdoing, but Alston, who is supposed to be a former starship captain, was just a whiner. And he also was very hot-headed and impetuous, he would go off half-cocked without thinking things through, which I found odd for someone who is a starship captain. That was really the only thing that bothered me, other than the end, which felt rushed.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

I found this to be slightly old fashioned in the way it was written.
This spoilt what was a reasonable story.

[J McEvoy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Western plot directly transferred into space. Juvenile.