Ryk E. Spoor

Ok, it's fluff - space opera. But it is _excellent_ space opera. I'd tried before and quit, but this time I was utterly hooked - every time I had a minute I'd go back to reading. There are major holes in the science I understand (paleontology), and I suspect equally major holes in the ones I don't (physics, engineering, astronomy...) - but while the holes bother me they don't slow down the story noticeably. Coincidence plays a _major_ part - only two years between the finding of the fossil show more and the greater discovery? And three of those present at the first are also present at the latter? Yeah, right. But keeping space opera in mind - this is a fun read, with _great_ characters - each has a quirk, and each is much deeper than just that quirk. And a good bit of romance, with only a bit of "I am not worthy" as obstacles. I _like_ these people, and am delighted I had the next books as well. Worth reading, and I suspect one I'll reread frequently. show less

Quick but good read, A-list scientific family responds to the challenge of being stranded on an alien planet with only some odds and ends. Outstanding world build with very creative but feasible flora and fauna. Quite 1632 like with a Boy Friday Bemmie added for a little alien flavor,

Not really the sequel to Portal - this is the beginning of an entirely new arc in the same universe, with quite a different flavor. A.J. is mentioned once, but the story is set about 150 years later (about a lifespan, with medical advances, we're told). An entirely new set of characters, most of whom - including the primary viewpoint character - are young (the primary is a 14-year-old girl). I don't see it as particularly YA, though. And one character is a Bemmie - from Europa, but show more genetically modified to be amphibious rather than purely aquatic. I see a _lot_ of Swiss Family Robinson here, and love it. A small family - father, mother, and four children, all girls - plus the Bemmie, who is the best friend of one of the girls - are separated from their colony ship in a lifeboat and manage to make it to a new planet, unknown to Earth. With very limited resources, they have to survive on this _very_ strange planet - which isn't generally or actively hostile, but between the predators and environment there are plenty of threats. Again, although there's plenty of action, it's the characters that make it worth reading for me. It does end in a cliffhanger, though - a hopeful but rather confusing one. Next, please! show less

A fun romp in the style of old school sci-fi that pays heavy homage to E.E. "Doc" Smith. Spoor can certainly weave an entertaining tail however the setup was about 150 pages and was a bit of a pain to get through. Yet if you are able to hold on past the first 150 pages the book from there on out is a non stop action. As for the characters I felt that some of the main group could have used some more development as after being introduced they took a back seat to Austin and DuQuesne. I also show more wished there was more chapters about the exploration of the Arena as I found those the most interesting. Overall put your mind on auto and enjoy the ride show less