Der fremde Passagier 2 von Dominik A Meier (2023)

Das zweite Buch dieser zweiteiligen Reihe setzt das Abenteuer von William Kyle fort, dem unerschrockenen Schmuggler der Weltraumpiraten im Jahr 2197. Es ist noch schlimmer als das erste Buch.

Die Handlung setzt in eine dystopische Zukunft, in der die Erde die Herrschaft über das Sonnensystem an sich reißt. Die freien Kolonien fallen einer nach der anderen, und die Menschheit versinkt im Chaos, während eine mysteriöse Krankheit Millionen von Menschen dahinrafft.

Die Geschichte geht in den gleichen abgedroschenen, erfundenen Actionsequenzen wie im ersten Buch weiter, in denen William und seine Freunde jeder unmöglichen Situation nur knapp entkommen. Die letzten Chater winden sich zu einer bizarren, zufälligen, hirntoten Abfolge völlig unplausibler Ereignisse mit einem sehr deprimierenden, schrecklichen, aber sehr willkommenen Ende. Ich weiß nicht, warum ich weitergelesen habe. Absolut nicht zu empfehlen. 0/5 Sterne.

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card (2011)

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Although I usually avoid time-travel stories, Orson Scott Card's Pathfinder (2011), the first book in its series, completely won me over with his masterful storytelling and meticulous attention to detail. Card dedicates much of this opening volume to crafting a fascinating magic system that feels both unique and immersive. The characters, especially the teenage protagonists, are engaging and relatable, with the self-aware hero Rigg reminding me of Card's beloved character Ender Wiggin. The intricate political dynamics and vivid setting make the story lively and enjoyable. I'm excited to have found this series and look forward to continuing it. 5/5 Stars.

The Forgotten Ship by J.N. Chaney & Terry Mixon (2025)

The Forgotten Starship, the opening installment of a new space opera series by prolific authors J.N. Chaney and Terry Mixon, delivers a compelling blend of interstellar adventure and character-driven storytelling. Set in a richly imagined universe, the narrative follows a crew navigating a derelict starship's mysteries, grappling with advanced alien technologies and existential threats. The plot's unpredictable twists, evoking Fritz Leiber's swashbuckling Fafhrd and Gray Mouser tales, balance high-stakes action with introspective character arcs.

The authors' world-building, while occasionally leaning into fantastical elements that may jar readers preferring hard science fiction, excels in evoking awe through speculative technologies and cosmic scale. Themes of resilience, discovery, and moral ambiguity resonate, offering STEM readers intellectual fodder for analyzing human-machine interactions and societal structures in speculative settings. Business professionals may appreciate the crew's strategic problem-solving and leadership dynamics under pressure.

Despite minor tonal inconsistencies from fantasy-infused elements, the vivid characters and intricate universe make this a strong series opener. I anticipate exploring the sequel to see how the narrative evolves. 4/5 Stars.

A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge (1999)

When I pulled A Fire Upon the Deep off my shelf, I was convinced I'd read it 25 years ago, back when it swept the 1993 Hugo, Campbell, and Prometheus Awards, narrowly missing the Nebula and Locus. To my surprise, I hadn't! This novel, penned by the late Vernor Vinge, who passed in 2024, represents the sci-fi master at his peak. The intricate world-building, vibrant characters, and tightly woven subplots showcase why Vinge was a titan of the genre, earning accolades with nearly every release.

The story's inventive magic system—rooted in the unique physics of its galaxy-spanning setting—left me spellbound, while the complex character arcs kept me turning pages late into the night. From interstellar civilizations to alien minds, Vinge's creativity dazzles, blending hard science fiction with gripping human (and nonhuman) drama.

Rediscovering this gem inspired me to hunt down the rest of the Zones of Thought series, eager to see if I missed other treasures. If you love immersive, thought-provoking sci-fi, A Fire Upon the Deep is a must-read.

5/5 Stars – Highly recommended!

We Dare by Eric Thomson (2019)

As a young teen, I might have been swept up by We Dare's sharply drawn characters and moderately engaging action. The story's pulse, at its best, hints at adventure. But as an older reader, my patience wore thin. The writing often stumbles, plagued by clunky prose and glaring plot holes. The science underpinning the world feels flimsy at best, and the economics of the setting stretch believability to the breaking point.

Worse, the story lacks stakes. The "good guys" wield such overwhelming military and political might that tension and drama evaporate, leaving little to grip the reader. I wanted to be invested, but the narrative's flaws made it impossible. "We Dare" ultimately disappointed me, failing to deliver the depth or thrill I crave in science fiction. 1/5 Stars.

Rebel by David Weber and Richard Fox (2024)

Remember the Honor Harrington stories David Weber wrote in the early 1990's? This new series he is writing with Richard Fox is just as much fun.  The detailed space fleet engagements and sophisticated, consistent magic system is fun, and the vector math as explained enables the reader to visualize the engagements clearly.  The politics are intentionally similar to the Honor Harrington universe, with wicked Oligarchs and oppressed colonies. I am enjoying these books. 5/5 Stars.

Task Force Hammer by Craig Alanson (2024)

I am surprised at how terrible the copy editing is.  A simple grammar checker could have mixed almost all of the errors.  The story ends in a cliffhanger, so if you don't like the "Perils of Pauline" style abrupt cliffhanger endings, wait for the next book to be published  before starting this one. Parts of some of the B stories in this one are a little boring, but Skippy and team are still fun. 4/5 Stars.

Not Till We Are Lost: Bobiverse, Book 5, Audiobook (2024)

I like the Bobiverse books.  This one rambled in too many details of too many different B plots and threads that were too esoteric.  All-in-all, the story is still a fun romp, reminiscent of  the fun light books that Robert A Heinlein wrote towards the end of his career.  Taylor introduces new technology in the bobiverse magic system and new existential threats to all life in the galaxy to keep his "space opera vibe" going.  4/5 Stars.

Home Coming by Joel Shepherd (2024)

This new installment in the series is fantastic!  The story and character arcs are much more aligned to the overall saga than the last volume.  The action and combat are cool and exciting. The new magic system components are great.  I can't wait for the next one. 5/5 Stars.

Wayward Galaxy 7: Wayward Earth by Jason Anspach & J.N. Chaney (2024)

Fun prequel with Brody's origin story and fresh, new characters who are the ancestors of the folks in the original series. Non-stop close combat, 5/5 Stars.

The Mercy of g-ds by James S. A. Corey aka Daniel Abraham & Ty Franck (2024)

With many of the same story elements as the last two books in their "Expanse" series, the authors create a new space opera and build a new world for this new series.  The Hero, Dafyd Alkhor, is our plucky, "awe shucks," reluctant everyman, much like "Jim Holden" from the Expanse.  Good story line with fun themes, 5/5 Stars.

Transcendent by Stephen Baxter (2005)

I didn't like the ending of this trilogy. The magic system and motivations became muddled and arbitrary. The theology and metaphysics were also uncompelling. 2/5 Stars.

Aftermath: Expeditionary Force 16 by Craig Alanson (2023)

Fantastic resurrection to this fun series.  Hilarious, mindless entertainment. 5/5 Stars

Discovery by B. V. Larson (2023)

I probably would have enjoyed this book in 1963 but my tastes have changed.  2/5 Stars, not good.

System Collapse by Martha Wells (2023)

Drop what you are doing and read this book.  It is the best murderbot book yet. 5/5 Stars. If the judges have teenaged children Martha Wells will win all of the awards again for this one.

ShipStar by Larry Niven & Gregory Benford (2014)

I am glad I picked up the series again.  The second book is slightly better with the introduction of new space alien species and mysterious tech stuff.  The character arcs are poorly motivated but I liked the story. 4/5 Stars.

Callsign Valkyrie by Jason Anspach, Nick Cole, Walt Robillard (2023)

Self-contained, backstory of factions during the reign of the evil "House of Reason" era of Galaxy's Edge. Not bad. 4/5 Stars.

Always Legion by Jason Anspach, Peter Nealen, & Nick Cole (2023)

I needed something light, fun, humorous to recover from that terrible Peter H Kim book.  This one is a little disappointing; the close combat is good as always. This era and setting in the Galaxy's Edge universe is dark and depressing, though.  3/5 Stars.

Taken to the Stars by J N Chaney * Rick Partlow (2023)

I enjoy the Anspach / Chaney books so I tried this one by Chaney.  It's a juvenile book written for young teenagers and not very good. I shall not read the rest of the series. 2/5 Stars.

Heaven's Bowl by Larry Niven and Gregory Benford

I read this book in 2013 and did not like it; I don't think I read the rest of the trilogy. I pulled the hardback off the shelf and re-read it.  I still don't like the book but I do intend to read the rest of the trilogy this time. 3/5 Stars.