I'm a sucker for any kind of well written sci-fi, and this book fit right into my tastes. The plot was arching and had the protags flying around the known universe, the characters were tough, and the settings were novel. I can't say that I found this to be the most novel or most mindblowing science fiction book I've read recently, but I did find it to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience, to the point where I definitely plan on reading more books in the series.

The strong points: Funnily enough, I thought the best characterization came from the non-human character: the Maverick Heart. An artificial sentience (basically artificial intelligence to the next level) is a concept I've seen in other books, but I think that this is my favorite portrayal of it. Vrick (the artificial sentience) is a delightful character to read, and to be perfectly honest, Vrick's personality shines through perhaps more than any of the human characters. The incorporation of the mechanics of being an artificial sentience into Vrick's personality and actions was quite clever, and Vrick's interactions with the humans onboard (Keene and Lexa-Blue) were quite refreshing in that they all treat each other as equals despite the obvious differences.

The weak points: The characterization of the rest of the characters fell a little flat to me. Perhaps if I'd read the first book, I'd have a better feel for Keene and Lexa-Blue, at least, but I found Keene, Lexa-Blue, Ember, and Malika all to be a little one dimensional. As soon as I thought I was getting a hold on them, they change in a way that made me confused. Obviously, characters can develop and new sides of their personality can be revealed, but it just wasn't as smooth as it could have been. I also felt that the author cared more about Keene and Ember than about the female characters, who came off as quite one-dimensional.

That's not to say there wasn't potential. I liked Keene the most as a character, and I feel like with a little work, Keene and Ember could be really good characters. Keene and Lexa-Blue had some good banter going on, and I think if I had read the first book I would have found it more natural. I was also intrigued by the hints of a relationship developing between Ember and Keene, but again, I feel that it just didn't get developed enough to be fully satisfying for me. I can see how maybe there just wasn't enough room in this book for it to make sense, but I still was left wanting more. Perhaps something that will get picked up in the next book?

As for the plot, it was solid, but it didn't stick in my mind beyond the plot of any other similar space opera-esque sci-fi book that I've read lately (Tanya Huff's Valor series comes to mind when it comes to unique plots and stellar characterization). Like with the characterization, I didn't find the plot bad, it just didn't quite reach the level that it could have.

I'm afraid I sound overly critical, but it's just because the whole book read like something with a lot of potential that didn't quite break through the barrier that would make it truly great. I did truly enjoy this book though, and will definitely be looking into other books by this author!

Although not having read the first book in the series I found this to be a ok space opera.
The characters are fairly interesting and the story was well paced.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this book.

This book is the sequel to <b>Soul's Blood</b>, and is far better. The pacing, character development, and plot complexities are far more fun. The first book had serious trouble in the second half.

This sequel is a true Space Opera, but starts with some interesting action on the ground. New characters Ember, Malika and Seiji are introduced, and their relationship is well-presented.

Lexa-Blue, Keene and Vrick (spaceship's AI) have known Seiji, and come across him, Ember and Malika just after they have gotten into some trouble with a scam they've pulled.

The action moves along very well, and the world-building is pretty good. There are some plot holes, but hey, this is entertainment!

Some new characters are nicely introduced later in the book, but not too many to track.

All-in-all a far better book than Soul's Blood.

I really did enjoy

Sometimes, first sentences grab you. Other times, they make you read a few pages. And yet still others you read make you realize that the book is just not for you.

Perhaps for fans of David Webb?

And for some reason now I find that it's a sequel. No wonder I was so lost. Perhaps I'll give this book another shot at some point.

Gatecrasher

By Stephen Graham King

Bold Strokes Books


Impressions

The reader may feel as though the beginning of this book is a lesson in astrophysics, but the insinuation into the science of marrying IA to the fantastical is flawless. The story seriously portrays what “will” happen when our universe becomes a place where sentient AI integrates seamlessly with mortality. I enjoyed the read and I want more.

The telling succeeds in portraying the feeling of immersion into the sterile cold realities containing disembodied AI voices. Yet the same intergalactic spaces seem seductive and tantalizingly warm, life in Vrick’s world is surreal. Its universe includes the constant shifts in sensual movements of human bodies engaged in the tango of living aboard the Maverick Heart. While often, maintaining the too sloppy relationships of humans is not the Maverick Heart or Vrick’s primary concern. The AI’s abilities to slide through time and space while exploring new horizons are amazing, almost god like.

Conceptualized worlds and the bells and whistles that compose the minutest particle of other cultures require a brilliant imagination. This gifted wordsmithing fulfills the Sci-Fi readers’ requirement to take us to a place not yet realized.

Story/Plot/Conflict

This work graphically preaches the realities of surviving hard vacuum that makes for lasting relationships. And the soft almost blurring border between human sentience and technology is finely woven. This includes an artificial sentience Vrick who has evolved to respond with “emotion”. Not only does the intergalactic vessel Maverick Heart, called Vrick have the responsibility to be all things to the small crew, he is the last of his kind. The war to free AI entities from the rule of man was costly.

Circumstances finds Vrick having to bring into play all of his skills for self-preservation and the survival of his crew and their friends. Vrick discovers a secret construction of a Gate created to be the technology for a stable and functional wormhole. The Gates perform as stations that arc time and distance to redefine traveling the intergalactic as moments. This was something Vrick and his crew couldn’t resist exploring. But there are bad powerful evil actors interested as well…willing to kill and destroy in order to control the Gate's technology.

From gun running to scamming Maverick Heart’s relationships become more complicated. The small crew enlists the help of a galactic version of Q (a technard) and a couple of con artists to fight the most powerful and rich couple in the known universe. The reluctant new partnership becomes Vrick with four warriors facing off with an army of trained killers for the life of the galaxy and the Gate.

Main Characters

Ember Avanti is perhaps the most enigmatic of Vrick’s crew. A con artists and thief – as a new member of the team he is also sensitive; he soon becomes dependent on the new relationship formed with Keene. He is the one most affected by the death and destruction that follows in defeating a formidable enemy he once conned.

Keene is part of Vrick’s original crew and family. Space hardened with a bonded commitment to Maverick Heart and Alexa Blue – his devoted friend and teammate. He surprises with his gentle touch in helping to heal the emotional pain of Ember. Drawn to each other before the conflict of saving the Gate, they learn to become more than friends.

Alexa Blue is a maverick at heart, she is bold, kickass and beautiful. She lives hard, fights hard and most of loves hard. Her bond with Keene is unshakable and with Vrick an emotional attachment that reaches to her soul.

Vrick (Maverick Heart) is the galactic ship whose depth of relationships merely hints at the intricacies of its true responsibilities.

Critique
This writing is so precise. Well planned and thought filled. The interweaving of astrophysics theorem blended in reality was well written and set the stage perfectly for what followed.

Is there a trick or special gift that a word artist must possess to create an AI character that makes you giggle, genuflect seven times, or fall in love? I think this writer has what it takes along with making you embrace space physics. The whole is a marriage of technology to the human mainframe…the brain.

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