This is a fun space opera. It follows the old reluctant-hero protagonist theme, but there is a nice spin and twist in this adventure. Although this is a lunch of a series (six books according to the product page), it is a full story. Yes, it leaves the door wide open - but it has a conclusion, which is nice. I didn't expect the end, so as a reader of Sci-Fi, I'm pleased with that.
So, the Sythians invaded the galaxy and bent humanity over the galactic barrel. Dark Space is like old Australia in the sense that criminals used to shipped off and forgotten. Now, Dark Space is the final strong-hold for humanity. Oh, and Australia looks really nice and I'd love to visit someday. Anyway, so a fraction of law enforcement remains, which of course spawns a criminal playground.
Enter Ethan Ortane, ex-convict, and freelancer in debt over his head. He, along with his co-pilot, are hiding out, but ultimately caught by Alec Brondi, the debtor and crime boss. Ethan gets a chance to clear the debt but that is only the beginning of the story.
Overall, a fun, quick read. The pace is good and the fight scenes aren't overdone with navigation articulation. It is soft-science and readers won't get introduced to the Sythians in this first book.
I'm think the characters will develop more as the set continues. 4.5 of 5 Stars
From the Publisher:
HUMANITY IS DEFEATED
Ten years ago the Sythians invaded the galaxy with one goal: to wipe out the human race.
THEY ARE HIDING
Now the survivors are hiding in the last human sector of the galaxy: Dark Space--once a place of exile for criminals, now the last refuge of mankind.
THEY ARE ISOLATED
The once galaxy-spanning Imperium of Star Systems is left guarding the gate which is the only way in or out of Dark Space--but not everyone is satisfied with their governance.
AND THEY ARE KILLING EACH OTHER
Freelancer and ex-convict Ethan Ortane is on the run. He owes crime lord Alec Brondi 10,000 sols, and his ship is badly damaged. When Brondi catches up with him, he makes an offer Ethan can't refuse. Ethan must infiltrate and sabotage the Valiant, the Imperial Star Systems Fleet carrier which stands guarding the entrance of Dark Space, and then his debt will be cleared. While Ethan is still undecided about what he will do, he realizes that the Imperium has been lying and putting all of Dark Space at risk. Now Brondi's plan is starting to look like a necessary evil, but before Ethan can act on it, he discovers that the real plan was much more sinister than what he was told, and he will be lucky to escape the Valiant alive.