Dec 2020 READER: In Ashes Born by Lowell

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

The December 2020 Reader Pick is In Ashes Born by Nathan Lowell. Please use this thread to post questions, comments, and reviews, at any time.

Note: This is the seventh book about Ishmael Wang, but it starts a new story arc. Those who haven’t read the other books can still enjoy reading In Ashes Born.

Official description:
An old friend. A new course.

A deadly ship with a secret cargo.

Ishmael Wang returns to Port Newmar but ghosts from his past have followed him. His old shipmate, Phillip Carstairs, offers him the opportunity to track down the man who killed his lover. The catch? He must take command of the Chernyakova, a ship that still stinks of death and haunts Ishmael's nightmares.

Together, Phillip and Ismael begin a journey into unknown reaches of the Deep Dark to bring back the man who killed Greta.

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

I have read this book at least three times and look forward to rereading it in December.

Here’s the review I posted after my first reading:
I stayed up late to finish the same day I started the book. Sooooooo nice to have Ishmael Wang back, and several other familiar faces too.

This is space opera, but it focuses on characterization and cleverness, not battles. You do not need to have read the other Solar Clipper books, but if you haven't read Quarter Share yet it is also five stars, and is the first book about Ishmael Wang. If I have counted correctly, this makes the seventh book about Ish. Quarter Share is in my set of comfort books, and In Ashes Born is joining it. Highly recommended.

[Betsy]

Like Teresa this book is one of my favorites, but then anything about Ishmael Wang is. I'm hoping to be able to reread it this month, but I think I'd like to reread the first Solar Clipper series first. But I've got a couple other books started that I'm having trouble finishing. So....

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

I have started my reread. The start is slower than Quarter Share or the Run books, likely due to having to supply the minimum backstory for readers new to the author. I can totally relate to having the killer instincts of a lawn chair. ;)

One of my favorite quotes from this book is:
“I’m looking for a ship,” Pip said.

“Did you check the docks?” she asked. “Maybe your other pants? Where did you see it last?”

[M.]

With so many new and interesting books coming out every day with Amazon putting a new book out every minute I don't have time to go back a reread one of my old ones. I have a list of new ones all the time on my pad just waiting to open up.

[Audrey]

I started reading, but suddenly felt the need to start pruning the contents of my house to fit in one trunk.

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

Audrey wrote: "I started reading, but suddenly felt the need to start pruning the contents of my house to fit in one trunk."
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

I’m enjoying my reread very much. Several times I’ve laughed out loud, while alone in the house. And I haven’t even gotten to the sponges part!

[Betsy]

I love the sponges. It's so typical of Ishmael.

[Audrey]

I've been laughing while reading this book, too.

The maître d’ smiled at Pip. “You’re back.” “Could we sit on the deck?” he asked. She glanced at me. “Two of you this afternoon?” “No, just one of me. It’s usually sufficient, but this guy—whom I have never seen before but has been following me all day—will join me.”

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

I finished my reread. I was rather surprised at how close to the end of the book the sponges part was. I assume I was just expecting scenes that are from the sequel. I’ve decided not to reread the sequel just yet (although it does have a scene almost as good as the sponges one).

[Audrey]

I just got to the sponges!

[Betsy]

I finally finished my reread of the Traders' Tales and have started my reread of In Ashes Born. It's probably not strictly necessary to have read the first series, but I think this book is much better if you have the back story freshly in mind.

[Audrey]

I was happily reading and suddenly realized to my disappointment that I had reached the END. I wanted to keep reading!

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

I had the same reaction at the end! Do we want to nominate the immediate sequel for January?

[Audrey]

Teresa wrote: "I had the same reaction at the end! Do we want to nominate the immediate sequel for January?"

I was thinking of doing so.

[Colin]

I actually reread this book a month or two ago. I’m always amazed at how Lowell can suck me into the storyline and suddenly a week will go by and I’ve reread the whole series.

These were also some of the first audiobooks I listened to as an adult, both in his podcast releases and later through Audible. I can put on one of these audiobooks and spend the whole day listening to the life of Ishmael and his adventures.

Does anyone have suggestions for similar series? Low-conflict, following the life of an (slightly above) ordinary person?

[Bety]

So, I did it! I delay a bit 'cause this vacations were a kinda overwhelming.

Anyway. I liked this book.

It was a bit slow at the beginning (maybe 'cause english is not my first language). Actually, almost half the book I though the ship was a boat hahaha. After the buying stuff, the story flowed easier. The details in the problem solving was delighting.

In a nutshell, I'm exciting to start part two.

[Trike]

Bety wrote: "It was a bit slow at the beginning (maybe 'cause english is not my first language). "

Anyone who can speak more than one language is impressive. I only have English, and barely that. 🙃

[Teresa, Plan B is in Effect]

A lot of readers complain about Lowell’s books that “nothing happens”. Those of use who love them are usually drawn to the characters and being immersed in life in this other world, plus the dialog. There is action but it’s secondary to the characters.

[Melissa]

I just did a reread of all the Solar Clipper books recently and I was also surprised at how fast into the book the sponges were. It's one of the most memorable parts!

[Bety]

Thanks, Trike! you can always start a new one ;)

I realized that, Teresa haha. Though the lack of 'action' I got caught on what will happen in the dark place. Why do everyone need to find there 0:

And yeaaaah, Melissa. There's a normal setup going on and suddenly they hired 300 people and pay them with sponges and I'm like 'whaaaaaaaat'.

[Lizzie]

I read in Ashes Born in December, which I liked better than the original series of books. I immediately went on to read the next 2 in the series. I wish there had been more Pip in the 3rd one. For me, the characters are much more rounded and interesting in this series as opposed to the original and maybe that is a reflection of my age and the things that change a person.