Rosetta (Jim Meade: Martian P.I) [Kindle Edition] by R.J. Johnson

A hard boiled detective story set in space.   Jim Meade is a man who lives by the rules, his rules, not societies.   Jim finds himself trying to save the world when he thought he was just trying to solve a murder.

The characterizations are good.  You like Jim and his Leroy Jethro Gibbs type of rules.  He struggles to be a hard nosed, no nonsense tough guy but can't hide his innate goodness.

Emeline was a bit of a contradiction.   She was introduced as a major butt kicker but the author seems conflicted with that role.  Several times in the book, she squeals or cowers when her character seems more likely to knee someone in the groin.  

The concept and ensuing rendition were well done.   The plot moved quickly and there was plenty of action.   I am fond of this style and look forward to reading more by Johanson. 

I recommend the book.

Web Site:  I couldn't find one.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Olympus Union: The Past Repeated by Gary Bloom

A world on the path of self destruction is united into a union of dissimilar sections.   Current national boundaries are rewritten and dissent is smothered all for the benefit of mankind or those who end up as the governing lords.

The most memorable character in the book is the black eyed mercenary.   He demonstrates a self confident arrogance that successfully conquers all efforts to thwart his goal of rescuing an unassuming prisoner in a penal orbital prison.  

The book clearly shows that unification may have laudable goals but the implementation of those goals may swamp all of the well meaning impetus.  Gary Bloom creates a dysfunctional world with the same fragilities as the time worn existence it is trying to replace.

All is not easy in the new utopia and dissent is hidden behind facades of power.    This is a dystopian disaster brewing with multiple sequels.  Gary brings a fresh new voice to the scifi arena.  

Body of work of Gary Bloom

Web Site: http://www.olympusunion.com/

The Staff of Rahgorra by Mark Oetjens

Visions of Star Wars danced in my head as I read this book. A galactic thug seeks a holy relic to control the known universe. A complicated anti-hero strives to thwart him through the use of mystical force.

I struggled to stay interested in this book. Not that it was bad but it seemed too familiar. I am guessing that the premise was my problem. It may be insignificant to most readers. I enjoyed Cam and his pragmatic attitude which sadly is more realistic than the normal heroic figure. Thull was an amazingly compassionate villain. Vile but with a sense of family and friendship, he was either a horrendous villain or a galactic savior. Give this book a chance, I don’t think I was able to do it justice.

In reading the author’s blog, I discovered that he has had the Star Wars comparison made in the past. I try not to read the author’s blog prior to writing my own take. I do not believe there was any attempt at Star Wars fan writing or plagiarism and I support the author’s premise that it is a 100% original work. It is tough writing and as authors we are all going to be impacted by what we have read and experienced. So I am going to change my recommendation to strongly as opposed to just recommend as I think my experience may have colored me with a bit of negativity in reading the book.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of Mark Oetjens

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