Like a radio show from my childhood

Uncomplicated formulaic but incredibly satisfying

There’s nothing overly sophisticated about the writing. In fact it can be a little formulaic. Somewhat intelligent but not brilliant man dominates the room by spreading his legs aggressively. Nothing Harry Harrison didn’t pioneer with the stainless steel rat.

The strangest thing about the formula is how incredibly fun it is. It ticks all the boyish fantasies of sexual and galactic conquest for unlikely heroes (much like Richard Corbin’s “Den” did!

Mark Boyett gets it right again as the stories failings which reflect the main characters failings are forgiven because it is a fun story (if modern Science Fiction is your thing i.e. Science Fiction with very little relationship to scientific speculation (unlike Asimov or Arthur C Clarke).

If you want a satisfying pot boiler this might be it. I’m going off to download the next book as the kids are at the grandparents for a holiday.

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The author phoned this one in.

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A better book.

What was most disappointing about B. V. Larson’s story?

The author needs to have a look at his assembled players in this book. Almost every single person was unbelievable, I know it is Sci-fi, but come on. We have the stupid military General, annoying scientist and government making bad choices. This is the best he could do, and yes there are other bad characters in this book that just fit into stereotypes. I found myself turning it off at chapter 12, as I wanted to throw the iPod out of the car.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

None.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Orion Fleet?

I would have help the author understand there are other ways to bring tension in to a book. They need to understand that the image of stupid general is so played out it needs to stop. Most people do not become staff officers unless they can walk and chew gum. That most scientists are not egotistical and government departments are not incompetent. So, in short, I would have the earth side of the story showing some sense of order from the start, and this would have reflected nicely against the disorder of the aliens in his story.

Any additional comments?

Look you may just like this book, it has aliens, space battles. But, it just got up my nose the cliché characters.

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