Category Archives: Science Fiction

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The Chronicles of Riddick: Ghosts of Furya

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This captivating piece of fiction presents a compelling origin story for the iconic figure of Riddick, weaving a narrative that feels both credible and engaging. The characters introduced throughout the story are not only intriguing but also offer unique perspectives that delve into the complexities surrounding Riddick’s transformation into the formidable figure we know. The vivid portrayal of Furya is particularly striking; it resonates with anyone familiar with the evolution of Riddick’s mythology. This connection enhances the narrative, making it feel like a significant addition to the overarching lore.

The plot centers on 1st Sergeant Jade Waters and her elite squad, who are tasked with investigating the remnants of Furya, a planet devastated by the ruthless Necromongers. These invaders left Furya in utter ruins, and Waters is driven by an unwavering determination to uncover the truth hidden within the desolation. Her mission is not just about exploration; it’s about arming humanity with any knowledge that could be pivotal when the Necromongers inevitably turn their gaze toward Earth.

Upon arriving on Furya, the squad discovers the planet eerily deserted, its landscapes scarred by violence and neglect. As they navigate the ruins, they stumble upon a remarkable find: a lone child who has mysteriously survived on his own amidst the remnants of destruction for years. This encounter takes a surprising turn when they realize the boy holds crucial information about the past and the events that led to Furya’s downfall.

Faced with the decision to bring this boy back to Earth, the soldiers are forced to confront the depths of his experiences and what they mean for their understanding of Riddick’s origins. This story serves as a poignant exploration of Riddick’s backstory, providing fans with a deeper glimpse into his early life and the circumstances that shaped him into the man he would become. The narrative flows seamlessly from one point to another, maintaining a brisk pace that continuously engages readers, making the journey through Furya’s tragic history all the more compelling.

My rating: 💪💪💪💪

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The Augg

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I have been reading this book off and on for the past 12 days. I started this book hoping to really like it. I liked the idea behind the story but have been unable to find my way into the story fully. The characters are not resonating with me on any level at this time, and I cannot say that will change any time soon. I don’t care about them or their lives because I still have not learned anything much about them. The VR world that they describe is interesting, and I have a feeling that it will become more as time continues, but at this time I do not feel I can give more to it. The writing style is somewhat disjointed for me since I am used to paragraphs that are a little more linear than what I get here.

In the not too distant future, the populace will live inside their heads thanks to the magic of technology. Their fantasy lives will be superimposed over the dreary lives they truly live by the work of a group who live their own version of reality every day. They have given themselves over to artificial intelligence that may be running amok. But what is reality, and can we even distinguish the difference?

There is a nice use of technology as the driving force behind everything, but it just cannot keep me wanting more. I am going to take a vacation from it for a while and come back later to see if it can do more for me. But it is possible it might work better for someone else.

My rating: ★★

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The Dispatcher

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I enjoyed listening to this very much. I have never read anything by John Scalzi, but I am definitely willing to take the time and read more. I like that things are not completely spelled out and some things are left a bit ambiguous. The characters themselves are very well developed, both major and minor. The story flows and is coherent from start to finish, making it very easy to follow.

In the near future, it becomes almost impossible to murder anyone. Those who are murdered or killed intentionally come back 999 times out of a thousand. No one knows why or how this happened, and it changes everything about the way the world operates.

Tony Valdez is a Dispatcher, a professional and licensed assassin who is sent out when someone is known to be about to have their life taken. This means that they monitor places like hospitals where people die at the hands of others, even though it is not intentional. When Tony’s friend is kidnapped, he is drafted by the detective on the case to help find him before anything happens to him.

I remember Zachary Quinto on Heroes and was not thrilled with his character, and when he was cast as Spock in the Star Trek reboot, I was likewise less than thrilled. The thing is, I have become a fan and think he did a great job here in his characterizations of the people populating this story. A really big recommendation!

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠

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Red Mars

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I have had the pleasure of reading this book twice, and this is the first time I have experienced it through audio. Undoubtedly, it stands as one of my favorite books and a significant part of this captivating science fiction series. I remember being completely enchanted when I first picked it up shortly after its initial publication. My fascination with space travel began in childhood, and I am thrilled to discover that this passion remains unabated; I found myself just as immersed in the narrative this time around as I was during my first reading.

The characters are rich and multi-dimensional, each adding a unique layer to the unfolding story. The circumstances they face feel remarkably plausible, grounded in a depiction of space and planetary environments that is so vividly rendered, it’s almost as if the author embarked on the journey themselves. Although I understand that this is speculative fiction, the realism presented is still striking and thought-provoking. The book adeptly introduces us to a diverse array of individuals and the planet that becomes the central stage for the epic saga that follows.

The narrative revolves around the colonization and ultimate transformation of Mars, exploring the complexities of human ambition in the pursuit of creating a new world suitable for habitation. We are presented with a myriad of political and economic conflicts that might emerge as humanity endeavors to establish an environment on this alien planet. The initial wave of settlers consists of scientists and engineers, a diverse group of one hundred individuals hailing from various corners of the globe. Each of them plays a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the future influx of colonists, but they quickly find themselves at odds over their vision for Mars. This internal discord leads to the formation of factions, each with differing ideologies and plans for the planet’s future.

Listening to an audiobook can often lead to an interesting experience, particularly when the voice you hear differs from the one you imagined in your head while reading. Richard Ferrone, the narrator, does a commendable job with his performance; however, I initially found the beginning of his narration somewhat lacking in emotional depth. Fortunately, as the story unfolded, he began to infuse more life into the characters, making them more distinctive and recognizable. My only minor complaint lies in the pronunciation of certain words, which is a trivial drawback since each narrator brings their own unique style to their craft.

This book is undeniably excellent, and I can confidently say that the sequels live up to its high standard. Be on the lookout for my reviews of those in the near future. For fans of science fiction and space exploration, this series is an absolute must-read.

My rating: 💘💘💘💘💘

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Ice Planet Barbarians

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I had yet to delve into the works of this author until now, but I was completely captivated by this story. While the premise may echo themes we’ve encountered before, it’s the execution that truly matters, and this tale is masterfully crafted. From the very first page, I was pulled into the narrative and found myself unable to set it down until the final word. I quickly developed a genuine affection for the characters, who were incredibly well-developed considering the brevity of their introductions. Although the world-building is solid, I felt there’s still room for more exploration, particularly regarding the planet’s unique flora and fauna.

At the center of the story is Georgie Carruthers, a pragmatic woman who has never put stock in the idea of extraterrestrial life. However, her beliefs face a dramatic upheaval when she and several other women are abruptly abducted from Earth in the dead of night and transported aboard a mysterious spacecraft destined for an unknown location. When the ship encounters mechanical issues, the captors make the decision to jettison their human cargo, leaving the women stranded on a desolate ice planet, with plans to come back for them later.

However, the women refuse to accept a fate of waiting to be reclaimed. Electing Georgie as their unexpected leader, she bravely takes on the critical task of seeking assistance and a way out of their bleak predicament. Enter Vektal, a striking native of the icy world who possesses both the desire and the means to help her.

The narrative shifts seamlessly between the perspectives of Georgie and Vektal, offering a rich, multidimensional experience that immerses the reader deeply in their journey. The story is infused with a tantalizing spice that enhances the romantic tension without crossing into the realm of the overly sensational. I eagerly anticipate the continuation of this saga; that level of excitement is a true testament to the author’s skill.

My rating: 😊😊😊😊

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The Autobiography of Jean Luc Picard

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I have never been an avid reader of autobiographies, even those that delve into the lives of fictional characters. However, when I received this particular book as a gift, I couldn’t resist the temptation to delve into it. I am incredibly glad I made that decision, as it allowed me to explore the life of a character I have always admired on-screen. My journey with Star Trek began with the original series, and my excitement peaked when The Next Generation (TNG) was announced. At that time, I never anticipated developing such a fondness for a balding older man like Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

The characters in TNG were already well developed, and this book provided a fascinating opportunity to gain deeper insights into individuals we had heard about but had never truly understood. As I read through the pages, I discovered narratives that were both familiar and unfamiliar. Some adventures I recognized, while others were only alluded to in previous episodes but were never fully fleshed out. Additionally, there were completely new stories that were being revealed for the first time, offering a richer understanding of the man behind the captain’s chair.

This book chronicled the experiences and life lessons that shaped Jean-Luc Picard into the distinguished man and captain we know and love. He was more than just a leader; he was a son and brother who sought a path for himself that diverged from the expectations set by his lineage. It was enlightening to see how his relationships and personal struggles influenced his leadership style and moral compass.

Moreover, the book is enhanced by actual photographs and stills from the Star Trek series, which adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia to the narrative. The visuals help to bridge the gap between the reader and the character, making the insights feel even more personal.

Additionally, this book serves as an extensive compendium of every Star Trek series ever made, spanning from the earliest episodes to the latest iterations. Captain Picard’s encounters with a diverse array of characters—from friends to foes—are explored in detail, revealing interactions with individuals we may have never imagined would feature in his story, often illustrating their complexities and struggles.

I found immense joy in reading this book, and I believe that any fan of Star Trek would feel the same sense of wonder and connection to the series. This book is a heartfelt tribute to a beloved character and a must-read for anyone who treasures the Star Trek legacy. I highly recommend it!

My rating: 💫💫💫💫💫

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The Long Sunset

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I’ve been captivated by this series and the character Priscilla Hutchins from the very first book, and my fascination has only grown. Watching Hutch evolve as an individual, a mother, and a pilot has been a delight. The best part is knowing that whenever there’s an incident in the depths of space, Hutch’s extensive experience makes her the likely candidate to be called upon.

During a class, Dr. Derek Blanchard receives a transmission featuring a waterfall and a musical score through the telescope they’re observing. His initial instinct is to investigate whether it originated from an extraterrestrial civilization. It’s been 7000 years, and the majority of Earth’s population is reluctant to engage with potentially hostile, advanced aliens.
Nevertheless, Dr. Blanchard is eager to seek out these beings to verify if the signal indeed came from an alien planet, rather than a terrestrial interference. To this end, Derek recruits Priscilla to navigate a ship seven hundred light-years away in search of answers. However, they encounter far more than they anticipated.

The story doesn’t revolve around action, which is perfectly acceptable as it allows for a deeper understanding of the characters through their interactions. The science is sound, and the aliens, while imaginative, bear a resemblance to terrestrial fauna. I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates science fiction that focuses more on exploration than combat.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Orbs IV

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I had been eagerly awaiting a continuation of this story, as the last novel’s cliffhanger led me to believe it would be a trilogy. Initially, the story seemed slow but quickly gained momentum and captivated me. The characters have been consistently excellent since the series began and have only improved. Even the newer characters evoke empathy and connection. The narrative doesn’t resolve just one plotline but three, detailing the survival struggles of those fighting from the outset.

Although Operation Redemption was unsuccessful, the Sunspot was launched and is en route to Mars to join the colony there. The team from Cheyenne Mountain, along with a few others, has embarked on the lengthy journey with hope in their hearts. Meanwhile, survivors continue their fight for life; Captain Nobel is captured but alive aboard an Organics ship, and Alexia is working to evacuate everyone from the planet if possible.

The story is replete with action, adventure, and intense emotion. For those seeking a journey that stirs the full range of feelings, this story is an excellent choice. I highly recommend it!

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠

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Hers to Choose

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Hers to Choose by Patricia A. Knight

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I remember reading the first book in this series and feeling great satisfaction when I finished it. I have that same good and satisfied feeling now after finishing this one. I really like these characters and I cannot really say why other than they feel very real to me. Granted the situations are a bit stretched but that is the way of anything even remotely mired in science fiction, and though these may be love stories they are still science fiction. I am completely taken with the world they inhabit, especially since the planet they live on is sentient and is involved in the lives of those who live on her. This is a good escapist fare that lets you sink into the story and just enjoy it as it takes you to places you might not have ever dreamed about.

Lady Sophillia Glorianna DeLorion spent years as a slave aboard a Haarb ship. The experience left her feeling unfit for a normal relationship. When she returned and had a hard time adjusting her brother sent her to live with the desert people hoping the isolation would help to bring back the sister he remembered.

Eric DeStroia is the Commander of the Queen’s Royal Guard and is being sent to bring Sophi home. He has also been chosen to become her husband by her brother Doral, who is a part of the Tetriarch which rules their planet. Eric has seen how arranged marriages can kill the soul and was not looking to be paired, but the thought of taking care of some broken dove appeals to him. But what he gets is a Falcon who has found her voice and power.

The story is told from various points of view to better move things along. The only real problem I had is that Eric’s eyes are established as one color then abruptly said to be another then back again. But as a whole, I would recommend this to everyone.

Isolated, far from the interstellar trade lanes, hundreds of light years from any civilized planet, Verdantia marooned the Earth colonists on her surface—then she spoke to them.



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Hers to Cherish

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Hers to Cherish by Patricia A. Knight

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I enjoy this series for the fact that it is science fiction and erotic and a little kick-ass. I love the characters for not being boring but having some larger-than-life personalities with just the right amount of neurosis to make them very human and likable. The worlds that they inhabit are just as varied as the people that live on them. This is the story of Steffania Rickard and Ramsey DeKieran’s, the Captain of the Blue Daggers and a disgraced Lord who was found guilty of murder.

Captain Rickard is sent to bring Ramsey to meet with Ari and Doral to discuss a mission they wish him to undertake that could mean a full pardon for him if he returns. Ramsey has been a part of her fantasies since they fought side by side in the Haarb wars, but she would never give into them. Ramsey finds the Captain attractive but knows a woman like her could never give in to the types of hunger he has. Both are very wrong.

The pair are sent to bring back a Verdantian who is very important to the survival of the planet, Lady Alessa DeAlbero has been sold to Veacon Narr, a man who takes pleasure in bringing women to their knees. Everyone else who has attempted a rescue has not returned and he is considered to be expendable even if Steffania isn’t. But together they find a way to do the impossible.

Though the story revolves around their rescue effort it is really about two people who have had the worst happen to them but are finding someone to complete them. Highly recommend.





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“Dominance and submission is an intimate binding. Those who submit must trust that those who dominate will never take more than they can give.”