Fringe Station by Rachel Aukes

Source: Own Collection
Format: Hardcover
Rating:  5 Stars
Reviewer: Laurel

Having grown up reading Anne McCaffrey, Space Opera tends to be a comfortable place for me. So it was a delight to be able to return to the world of Captain Aramis Reyne, Critch, Throttle, Heid and the other players. This story is complex, as nothing in the Collective is simple. As the worlds on the fringe of the Collective seek independence and full citizenship for the inhabitants, Reyne and Critch need to bury the hatchet in order to become the motivational force they once were as leaders of the Torrents. But to do some means overcoming betrayal (aka learning the truth), and seeking those who would join their ranks. But sometimes the Collective is one step ahead, and resources can be closed down at a whim. We also get to know more about a mysterious group who like to run the Collective from the shadows, so to speak.

An exciting space-romp that is a pleasure to read, with plenty of action, strange worlds and compelling characters.

Fringe Runner by Rachel Aukes

Source: ARC from author
Format: Paperback
Rating:  5 Stars
Reviewer: Laurel

After the colonization of Mars and Europa, it took us fewer than five generations to reach beyond our solar system and discover new planets capable of supporting human life. Too far away to be governed under Earth law, the Collective was formed. Several hundred years later, the Collective has expanded to a thriving system of six inhabited worlds, but power struggles are common, and a seemingly inevitable interplanetary war looms on the horizon. It’s nearly impossible for the working class to make ends meet.

Aramis Reyne is one of the working class. An old space captain hounded by arthritis and war memories, he struggles to make enough credits to feed his crew and keep his ship flying by running mail and supplies to the farthest, most dangerous reaches of the Collective known as the fringe. When he’s offered a no-questions-asked contract to pick up a package, he jumps at the opportunity. But, he quickly learns that he should’ve asked questions…and that there are far worse things in the Collective than being broke.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very exciting book. Just how I like my science fiction action.

In Fringe Runner Aukes has created an excellent socio-political scenario as a backdrop to the real story, and to match that, a motley crew of misfits and ne’er-do-wells with pasts to their names. And a whole load of heart. Reyne is a sympathetic space captain who runs into events that aren’t of his making. And finds himself a kingpin in a plot that has far-reaching consequences. How far do old loyalties and ambitions extend? And what prices must be paid to achieve his dream?

Great action, fantastic villains and some surprises nestle in this story. For space opera lovers, with a good helping of space piracy.

 

The Phoenix Conspiracy by Richard L Sanders

Source: Own collection
Format: Kindle ebook
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewer: Laurel

Calvin, an intelligence operative, is sent to eliminate a dangerous traitor. But, as he chases his prey across the stars, he realizes they are both pawns in a shadowy chess game. One that threatens humankind everywhere.

If he is to uncover the conspiracy he must confront–and embrace–the darkest elements of the galaxy. And throw himself, his career, and everyone he loves into the line of fire.

When a fleet captain opens fire on commercial ships belonging to non-human allies, he is rightly arrested for his actions. But young Lieutenant Commander Calvin Cross, captain of the IWS Nighthawk isn’t convinced. As a trained intelligence officer with Intel Wing, he finds no motive for Captain Asari Raidan’s actions, and questions the arrest.

And so begins a rollicking ride through space – with quite high stakes, mind (if you consider death a high stake) – as Cross pursues Raidan (who hijacks – or doesn’t? – a fleet ship). Mind, he’s looking for answers, but his orders are to kill on sight. Matters are not helped by Summers Presley, former XO under Raidan’s command with a personal vendetta against Raidan, who is transferred to the IWS Nighthawk for the pursuit.

I really enjoyed this, my second reading of this book. Excellent military SF with great tension, threats coming from all sides and a question to be answered. And plenty of questions left unanswered, which leaves me hankering to read the next book in the series.

Sanders writes clearly, keeps the action moving while giving sufficient detail to enable one to get a sense of the environment around the actors. An excellent read, lovers of military SF and conspiracy theories will enjoy this one.