Joseph R. Lallo
Author of The Book of Deacon
About the Author
Series
Works by Joseph R. Lallo
The Book of Deacon: Books 1 & 2 6 copies
Bypass Jupiter 1 copy
Eggs of the Abby 1 copy
Weird Nothing 1 copy
The Story of Roka 1 copy
Associated Works
Blackguards: Tales of Assassins, Mercenaries, and Rogues (2015) — Contributor — 88 copies, 4 reviews
Savage Stars: 7 Novels of Space Opera, Aliens, AI, and Post Apocalyptic Adventure (2020) — Contributor — 23 copies, 1 review
Savage Stars: 6 Novels of Space Opera, Aliens, AI, and Post Apocalyptic Adventure (2020) — Contributor — 12 copies
Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors (2012) — Contributor — 4 copies
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical name
- Lallo, Joseph R.
- Gender
- male
- Education
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (MS|Computer Engineering)
- Short biography
- A native of Bayonne, NJ - the fabled birthplace of George R. R. Martin - Joseph Lallo is an unlikely entry into the world of literature. After a childhood spent daydreaming and reading, he fully intended to pursue a career in the tech sector. He received a Master's Degree in Computer Engineering from NJIT, and subsequently got a job working IT for a large healthcare corporation. Things changed when, in January 2010, his friends finally convinced him to publish the story that had accumulated over the course of a decade of spare time. That story, now known as the Book of Deacon Trilogy, was a surprise hit, and once he got a taste of the world of indie writing, he was hooked. Now he splits his time between crunching numbers at his day job, writing novels at night, and writing articles and reviews for BrainLazy.com, a group blog he helps run. His latest novels are Bypass Gemini and Unstable Prototypes, the first two books of a science fiction series.
- Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Bayonne, New Jersey, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- New Jersey, USA
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Discussions
Found: fantasy book with human/fox character in Name that Book (February 2025)
Reviews
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
These books require you to accept a few basic premises but are otherwise largely self-contained. The first and most important is that the Wind Breaker crew looks out for its own no matter what. The second is, in doing the first, they’re likely to perform actions any reasonable person would think impossible. There are others, often focused on the skills each crew member brings to the whole, but those two are crucial.
I think that’s why I enjoy the show more series so much. The crew lives by the understanding that they can patch anything together whether people, ships, or plans. They know elaborate plans are impossible to carry out because situations are fluid. They are “gentleman” smugglers performing an illegal, but necessary, role. The crew is willing to help those in need when warranted and punish those who deserve it. And yet, they still expect to make a living at this in their own, chaotic way. The Wind Breaker crewmembers are the instruments of chaos, riding the winds wherever they lead and succeeding just barely, but succeeding.
What I’ve said applies to all the books I’ve read in this series as much as to Contaminant Six. It’s a fun read with nail-biting moments and very real dangers. The aye-ayes once again prove to be valuable crewmembers, and the loyalty and care among the crew comes out in many different ways. There’s never a doubt of their commitment even with Captain Mack trying his best to retire (as he has been over several books).
This story, more than many others, harkens back to the first one when Nita joins the crew to seek a cure for her mother. The cure they need this time must be created, not recovered, and one of the crew is at risk. I can’t say more without spoilers, but the powerful emotions driving the story are similar. This doesn’t prevent moments of laugh-out-loud humor, crafty dialogue, and amazing exploits. Instead, it emphasizes how, time after time, the crew refuses to despair, jostling out of dark moments and staying focused on the path to success. They don’t weigh the odds. If any chance exists, that’s their goal and the crew will do whatever necessary to make it happen.
There were many neat elements in the book. The aye-ayes scamper off to do mysterious things that are beautiful once I figured them out. The plot seeding allowed me to anticipate both horrible events and good ones. Even the casual description of clothing is far more involved in the story than just an aesthetic. For example, Nita’s utilitarian corset provides back support to help with the weight of her many tools while the female fug folk’s long skirts prove impossible to run in.
The same is true for how the crew recognizes that different doesn’t mean less, whether talking about Wink’s one eye or Coop’s unusual way of thinking. This acceptance from the start of the series provides support for their reactions to what’s happening in this book. It requires growth but is consistent with whom they’ve already proved to be.
I didn’t make that many notes because I was too busy being caught up in the story. I enjoyed spending time in their company, and this tale struck particularly close for me. It’s well-handled and true to the hopeful feel of the series. But make no mistake, Contaminant Six is hopeful in the face of adversity, not the absence of same. The crew struggles with military, mechanical, and medical crises, sometimes all at once, so this is no easy trip for all it’s a thrilling adventure. show less
These books require you to accept a few basic premises but are otherwise largely self-contained. The first and most important is that the Wind Breaker crew looks out for its own no matter what. The second is, in doing the first, they’re likely to perform actions any reasonable person would think impossible. There are others, often focused on the skills each crew member brings to the whole, but those two are crucial.
I think that’s why I enjoy the show more series so much. The crew lives by the understanding that they can patch anything together whether people, ships, or plans. They know elaborate plans are impossible to carry out because situations are fluid. They are “gentleman” smugglers performing an illegal, but necessary, role. The crew is willing to help those in need when warranted and punish those who deserve it. And yet, they still expect to make a living at this in their own, chaotic way. The Wind Breaker crewmembers are the instruments of chaos, riding the winds wherever they lead and succeeding just barely, but succeeding.
What I’ve said applies to all the books I’ve read in this series as much as to Contaminant Six. It’s a fun read with nail-biting moments and very real dangers. The aye-ayes once again prove to be valuable crewmembers, and the loyalty and care among the crew comes out in many different ways. There’s never a doubt of their commitment even with Captain Mack trying his best to retire (as he has been over several books).
This story, more than many others, harkens back to the first one when Nita joins the crew to seek a cure for her mother. The cure they need this time must be created, not recovered, and one of the crew is at risk. I can’t say more without spoilers, but the powerful emotions driving the story are similar. This doesn’t prevent moments of laugh-out-loud humor, crafty dialogue, and amazing exploits. Instead, it emphasizes how, time after time, the crew refuses to despair, jostling out of dark moments and staying focused on the path to success. They don’t weigh the odds. If any chance exists, that’s their goal and the crew will do whatever necessary to make it happen.
There were many neat elements in the book. The aye-ayes scamper off to do mysterious things that are beautiful once I figured them out. The plot seeding allowed me to anticipate both horrible events and good ones. Even the casual description of clothing is far more involved in the story than just an aesthetic. For example, Nita’s utilitarian corset provides back support to help with the weight of her many tools while the female fug folk’s long skirts prove impossible to run in.
The same is true for how the crew recognizes that different doesn’t mean less, whether talking about Wink’s one eye or Coop’s unusual way of thinking. This acceptance from the start of the series provides support for their reactions to what’s happening in this book. It requires growth but is consistent with whom they’ve already proved to be.
I didn’t make that many notes because I was too busy being caught up in the story. I enjoyed spending time in their company, and this tale struck particularly close for me. It’s well-handled and true to the hopeful feel of the series. But make no mistake, Contaminant Six is hopeful in the face of adversity, not the absence of same. The crew struggles with military, mechanical, and medical crises, sometimes all at once, so this is no easy trip for all it’s a thrilling adventure. show less
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
It took me a bit to read the next in the Free Wrench series, but the book holds up to my love of the series, offering fun and laughter with a tinge of seriousness. I quickly slipped back into their world, recognizing crew and villains alike (though who could forget Lucius P. Alabaster?). I enjoyed both the logic behind the story events and glimpses at how things work in this world.
The series has been ramping up from personal challenges to show more world-shattering ones, and The Calderan Problem continues this pattern after a relaxed beginning. It starts with the crew separated into two sets, one at the new ichor well and the other, composed of all the crew except Gunner and Wink, are being welcomed and feted in Nita’s home.
There are some lovely moments in Calderan as an artistic people come face to face with the Coopers’ practicality. I appreciated how Lil and Coop didn’t change to meet their new circumstances, and yet as always, they found a place where they fit despite all expectations. There are also cultural clashes where the Rim culture is so different from Calderan that assumptions are problematic.
Nita fit into her old life about as comfortably as she ever had when they dropped her home last time. Her eagerness to get aboard the Wind Breaker to do repairs proves where her heart lies, in more ways than one as it turns out. I wasn’t sure where the book was headed with the main focus on diplomacy and trade with Calderan. The events at the well offered little clarity to draw me at first.
I shouldn’t have worried, though. Not only do things ramp up significantly as we hit the middle of the book, but everything in the beginning offers a foundation upon which the rest of the story rests. I was able to piece together a good bit of what was going on from the clues I hadn’t realized I’d been collecting, building my anticipation as I waited to see things unfold.
It’s a fast-paced adventure mixed with cultural clash mixed with navigating the complexity of relationships…so a true Free Wrench novel. The villains are split between the deep planner pulling strings from the background and the chaotic, bombastic certainty of Alabaster, giving insight along with entertainment. There were a few dark moments when I couldn’t see my way through for a bit, but the Wind Breaker crew holds true to the ability to overcome any obstacle…if by the skins of their teeth.
I very much enjoyed the snappy dialogue with its mix of undertones and overt ones whether Kent chastising Gunner’s quiet or Nita’s siblings trying to wake their sister up to what’s right in front of her face. Alabaster’s monologues are fascinating as well as they work out the various machinations afoot. And of course, I continue to love Wink, the ship’s aye-aye, who is dedicated, brave, and as Gunner would say, a clear member of the crew.
What wins me over every time is the positive attitude of the Wind Breaker crew even when faced with impossible odds. Whether it’s Gunner determined to reclaim a crew member or Mack confident he can turn a week’s journey into a matter of days, they don’t just expect success, they make it happen. And if one path doesn’t turn out as expected, they’re quick to adapt and find another.
It’s those characteristics that make Nita such a good addition to the crew and less than comfortable on her own homeland where everything takes years to come to fruition. She’s at her best when in a desperate scramble on the edge of disaster, and everyone else is better off with her in the mix.
If you haven’t given the series a try, you really should. It’s quick, fun entertainment with complex, layered characters who are dedicated to their paths, whether for good or evil. show less
It took me a bit to read the next in the Free Wrench series, but the book holds up to my love of the series, offering fun and laughter with a tinge of seriousness. I quickly slipped back into their world, recognizing crew and villains alike (though who could forget Lucius P. Alabaster?). I enjoyed both the logic behind the story events and glimpses at how things work in this world.
The series has been ramping up from personal challenges to show more world-shattering ones, and The Calderan Problem continues this pattern after a relaxed beginning. It starts with the crew separated into two sets, one at the new ichor well and the other, composed of all the crew except Gunner and Wink, are being welcomed and feted in Nita’s home.
There are some lovely moments in Calderan as an artistic people come face to face with the Coopers’ practicality. I appreciated how Lil and Coop didn’t change to meet their new circumstances, and yet as always, they found a place where they fit despite all expectations. There are also cultural clashes where the Rim culture is so different from Calderan that assumptions are problematic.
Nita fit into her old life about as comfortably as she ever had when they dropped her home last time. Her eagerness to get aboard the Wind Breaker to do repairs proves where her heart lies, in more ways than one as it turns out. I wasn’t sure where the book was headed with the main focus on diplomacy and trade with Calderan. The events at the well offered little clarity to draw me at first.
I shouldn’t have worried, though. Not only do things ramp up significantly as we hit the middle of the book, but everything in the beginning offers a foundation upon which the rest of the story rests. I was able to piece together a good bit of what was going on from the clues I hadn’t realized I’d been collecting, building my anticipation as I waited to see things unfold.
It’s a fast-paced adventure mixed with cultural clash mixed with navigating the complexity of relationships…so a true Free Wrench novel. The villains are split between the deep planner pulling strings from the background and the chaotic, bombastic certainty of Alabaster, giving insight along with entertainment. There were a few dark moments when I couldn’t see my way through for a bit, but the Wind Breaker crew holds true to the ability to overcome any obstacle…if by the skins of their teeth.
I very much enjoyed the snappy dialogue with its mix of undertones and overt ones whether Kent chastising Gunner’s quiet or Nita’s siblings trying to wake their sister up to what’s right in front of her face. Alabaster’s monologues are fascinating as well as they work out the various machinations afoot. And of course, I continue to love Wink, the ship’s aye-aye, who is dedicated, brave, and as Gunner would say, a clear member of the crew.
What wins me over every time is the positive attitude of the Wind Breaker crew even when faced with impossible odds. Whether it’s Gunner determined to reclaim a crew member or Mack confident he can turn a week’s journey into a matter of days, they don’t just expect success, they make it happen. And if one path doesn’t turn out as expected, they’re quick to adapt and find another.
It’s those characteristics that make Nita such a good addition to the crew and less than comfortable on her own homeland where everything takes years to come to fruition. She’s at her best when in a desperate scramble on the edge of disaster, and everyone else is better off with her in the mix.
If you haven’t given the series a try, you really should. It’s quick, fun entertainment with complex, layered characters who are dedicated to their paths, whether for good or evil. show less
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
I enjoy the Free Wrench stories because of the ingenuity, sheer insanity, and grand adventures centered on good, if a little odd, people. This book holds true to those elements and offers some growing moments I wasn’t expecting. As with the others, it’s told in a rotating point of view, giving even small characters a moment to hold the limelight. This works especially well to demonstrate the themes around the difference between legends and show more realities. I did enjoy the early conversation on this very topic, especially with regards to the dreadnought’s destruction seeing as it was the least believed by fuggers, and by far, the most accurate.
Ichor Well both brings back some characters from Skykeep in an interesting way and introduces a host of new characters, some of whom have their own complete, if truncated, character arcs while others just may carry on into later books. One in particular I hope to see more of as she reminds me a little of Nita, though with a different specialty. I also enjoyed the expansion of Gunner’s character while the ability of the crew to point out moments of humor is fun, whether self-directed, or gently poking fun at others’ failure to demonstrate characteristics like subterfuge.
The story plays to the Wind Breaker’s crew’s strengths, especially those most would consider failings, particularly where Lil and Coop are concerned. If the story belongs to any one character in specific, I’d say Lil’s ponderings and observations hold the most weight, allowing for a significant character arc while everything is falling apart around them.
Seriously, what could be a more enticing offer than the chance at true freedom, and what better to balance it against but the almost sure expectation it’ll turn out to be a trap? How the crew works around both their own concerns and the situations they face is wonderful to be seen. Their arch nemesis plays a shadow role, something he would object to at length, but while in some ways he’s surprisingly effective, in others he’s very much overblown. It offers some humor as well. He’s not a character I’d like to spend more time with for reasons of arrogance and maltreatment of those around him, but at the same time, it’s hard to look away because I want to see how he’s going to trip over his ego, which is a compelling power in and of itself.
Another aspect I very much appreciated was the growth in the crew’s understanding of the fuggers. There were many instances of cross-cultural communication that stripped away false information in favor of a, sometimes terrifying, truth. Lucius, their unknown enemy, was instrumental in demonstrating how fugger society worked, but other characters also provided tidbits to build a greater picture where before there was only supposition and rumor. Gunner shared an interesting thought at one point as to how it was better not to know a people you universally hate because you might discover some don’t deserve that emotion.
All in all, there’s a lot going on, both action and character growth, while pretty much everyone gets their moment to shine, even Wink and especially Nikita, the two aye-ayes. The epilogue also contains a nice teaser for the next book that was well-seeded enough for me to wonder if that was the case earlier on, but I never found the confirmation until then.
The Free Wrench series continues to delight me, and I look forward to seeing just how the next one shapes up. show less
I enjoy the Free Wrench stories because of the ingenuity, sheer insanity, and grand adventures centered on good, if a little odd, people. This book holds true to those elements and offers some growing moments I wasn’t expecting. As with the others, it’s told in a rotating point of view, giving even small characters a moment to hold the limelight. This works especially well to demonstrate the themes around the difference between legends and show more realities. I did enjoy the early conversation on this very topic, especially with regards to the dreadnought’s destruction seeing as it was the least believed by fuggers, and by far, the most accurate.
Ichor Well both brings back some characters from Skykeep in an interesting way and introduces a host of new characters, some of whom have their own complete, if truncated, character arcs while others just may carry on into later books. One in particular I hope to see more of as she reminds me a little of Nita, though with a different specialty. I also enjoyed the expansion of Gunner’s character while the ability of the crew to point out moments of humor is fun, whether self-directed, or gently poking fun at others’ failure to demonstrate characteristics like subterfuge.
The story plays to the Wind Breaker’s crew’s strengths, especially those most would consider failings, particularly where Lil and Coop are concerned. If the story belongs to any one character in specific, I’d say Lil’s ponderings and observations hold the most weight, allowing for a significant character arc while everything is falling apart around them.
Seriously, what could be a more enticing offer than the chance at true freedom, and what better to balance it against but the almost sure expectation it’ll turn out to be a trap? How the crew works around both their own concerns and the situations they face is wonderful to be seen. Their arch nemesis plays a shadow role, something he would object to at length, but while in some ways he’s surprisingly effective, in others he’s very much overblown. It offers some humor as well. He’s not a character I’d like to spend more time with for reasons of arrogance and maltreatment of those around him, but at the same time, it’s hard to look away because I want to see how he’s going to trip over his ego, which is a compelling power in and of itself.
Another aspect I very much appreciated was the growth in the crew’s understanding of the fuggers. There were many instances of cross-cultural communication that stripped away false information in favor of a, sometimes terrifying, truth. Lucius, their unknown enemy, was instrumental in demonstrating how fugger society worked, but other characters also provided tidbits to build a greater picture where before there was only supposition and rumor. Gunner shared an interesting thought at one point as to how it was better not to know a people you universally hate because you might discover some don’t deserve that emotion.
All in all, there’s a lot going on, both action and character growth, while pretty much everyone gets their moment to shine, even Wink and especially Nikita, the two aye-ayes. The epilogue also contains a nice teaser for the next book that was well-seeded enough for me to wonder if that was the case earlier on, but I never found the confirmation until then.
The Free Wrench series continues to delight me, and I look forward to seeing just how the next one shapes up. show less
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
I grew up on the Scooby Doo cartoons, and sure, they weren’t great literature, but there were a million reasons I kept watching. I’ve never read a narrative that invoked the same response until now, but Structophis definitely has it. Sure, the novel has a bit of an over-the-top mad scramble narrative with the evil, immoral villain who “our heroes” must outwit to save the day, but it’s so much more than that.
Markus is a post-college drifter show more still trying to find his purpose in life. Gale is an enthusiastic overachiever who is struggling to meet the requirements for a doctorate in the veterinary study of the aptly named pizza dragon, or the Structophis gastrignae. This means she brings a concrete element to Blogette in exploring and correcting the current understanding of pizza dragon physiology and behavior. She also helps guide Markus through the steps required after imprinting.
Markus and Gale might be the main characters, excepting of course the dragon, but there is a large cast of interesting characters as well. I enjoyed the great uncle always after a big win but no so smart about it. He has big ideas and a good heart. Then there’s the babbling aunt who drives everyone, even Frau Templeton who is pure evil, crazy. She exists only on the other end of phone lines, but is vibrant and amusing.
Which brings me to the dragon named Blogette for the metal pizza stove that served as her incubation chamber. First of all, what fantasy reader hasn’t wanted a dragon friend. From Pete’s Dragon to Pern and a thousand other ways, we’ve been trained (like How to Train a Dragon ;)) to see dragons as misunderstood and wonderful, intelligent creatures. Well, Blogette is that and more. She’s an infant who is rapidly learning and understanding. We get to see her maturation process right there on the page, and with the gimmie of a dragon, it reads true in a developmental way besides being fascinating.
Blogette’s intelligence isn’t the only thing developing. The relationship between Markus and Blogette is one of the best parts of the book. It starts with Markus reluctant and annoyed that this creature (which scared him years ago) has imprinted on him. However, he’s a veterinary assistant by trade, and so not ignorant of animal behavior and needs. It says a lot for Markus that not only does he recognize Blogette is in need, but also, he goes to someone he knows has studied the pizza dragon for help. He sticks with Blogette even when she’s mainly an annoyance, accepting responsibility at least until a more appropriate substitute can be found…at first.
This might sound like a chaotic novel between the mystery of Blogette’s unusual circumstances, the chase with villains on the trail, and now a burgeoning parental relationship between a dragon and a young man, but what chaos there is suits the story. The journey Markus is on entranced me. Blogette is wonderful, frustrating, and annoying while Markus is so real with her.
Basically, it hits all the Scooby Doo notes of mystery, humor, adventure, and good friends working together. Then it adds the child growth and parental connection to offer a lovely story I heartily recommend.
P.S. I received this ARC from the author in return for an honest review. show less
I grew up on the Scooby Doo cartoons, and sure, they weren’t great literature, but there were a million reasons I kept watching. I’ve never read a narrative that invoked the same response until now, but Structophis definitely has it. Sure, the novel has a bit of an over-the-top mad scramble narrative with the evil, immoral villain who “our heroes” must outwit to save the day, but it’s so much more than that.
Markus is a post-college drifter show more still trying to find his purpose in life. Gale is an enthusiastic overachiever who is struggling to meet the requirements for a doctorate in the veterinary study of the aptly named pizza dragon, or the Structophis gastrignae. This means she brings a concrete element to Blogette in exploring and correcting the current understanding of pizza dragon physiology and behavior. She also helps guide Markus through the steps required after imprinting.
Markus and Gale might be the main characters, excepting of course the dragon, but there is a large cast of interesting characters as well. I enjoyed the great uncle always after a big win but no so smart about it. He has big ideas and a good heart. Then there’s the babbling aunt who drives everyone, even Frau Templeton who is pure evil, crazy. She exists only on the other end of phone lines, but is vibrant and amusing.
Which brings me to the dragon named Blogette for the metal pizza stove that served as her incubation chamber. First of all, what fantasy reader hasn’t wanted a dragon friend. From Pete’s Dragon to Pern and a thousand other ways, we’ve been trained (like How to Train a Dragon ;)) to see dragons as misunderstood and wonderful, intelligent creatures. Well, Blogette is that and more. She’s an infant who is rapidly learning and understanding. We get to see her maturation process right there on the page, and with the gimmie of a dragon, it reads true in a developmental way besides being fascinating.
Blogette’s intelligence isn’t the only thing developing. The relationship between Markus and Blogette is one of the best parts of the book. It starts with Markus reluctant and annoyed that this creature (which scared him years ago) has imprinted on him. However, he’s a veterinary assistant by trade, and so not ignorant of animal behavior and needs. It says a lot for Markus that not only does he recognize Blogette is in need, but also, he goes to someone he knows has studied the pizza dragon for help. He sticks with Blogette even when she’s mainly an annoyance, accepting responsibility at least until a more appropriate substitute can be found…at first.
This might sound like a chaotic novel between the mystery of Blogette’s unusual circumstances, the chase with villains on the trail, and now a burgeoning parental relationship between a dragon and a young man, but what chaos there is suits the story. The journey Markus is on entranced me. Blogette is wonderful, frustrating, and annoying while Markus is so real with her.
Basically, it hits all the Scooby Doo notes of mystery, humor, adventure, and good friends working together. Then it adds the child growth and parental connection to offer a lovely story I heartily recommend.
P.S. I received this ARC from the author in return for an honest review. show less
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