I really wanted to like this but it just could not hold my attention at all. I felt the characters were really flat and had a hard time connecting to them the way I wanted to.

this book is very average unfortunately. it was cool but nothing special about it really. i do want to see more from this author in the future though. i was excited about the space pirates.

August Niehaus takes readers on a captivating journey into a galaxy teeming with adventure and intrigue in “Kinfolk: A Mutiny of Pirates Book 1.” This science fiction novel is a delightful blend of action, mystery, and emotion, making it a must-read for fans of space epics and those who appreciate the nuances of human relationships.

The story revolves around Kin Hanford, a formidable member of the space pirate gang known as the Damn Shames. As Kin grapples with personal issues like a distant son and a vindictive ex-wife, his life with the crew offers a thrilling escape from his problems. However, things take a perilous turn when a mysterious stranger arrives with a cryptic map, attracting the attention of the galaxy’s powerful and enigmatic elite.

The heart of the narrative unfolds when the ruthless Tana Zaalis, a cruel socialite, kidnaps the Shames’ newest members. Kin’s bravery and determination drive him to confront monsters, outsmart a cunning information broker, and face Tana herself. In the process, he undergoes a profound transformation, discovering where his true priorities lie.

Niehaus’ storytelling is marked by its focus on the emotional journey of the characters. The novel emphasizes the importance of relationships and the idea of a “found family,” which adds depth and resonance to the plot. As the characters’ bonds evolve, readers are drawn deeper into their world.

The ensemble cast is one of the book’s standout features, and as the story progresses, they become more endearing, leaving readers eager to see how their characters develop in the subsequent books of the trilogy. The author’s unique writing style and world-building abilities contribute to the book’s appeal, immersing readers in an unusual and captivating universe.

“Kinfolk: A Mutiny of Pirates Book 1” offers a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged, with each page turn bringing new surprises and revelations. The story also possesses a distinctive Treasure Island escapism feel, making it a thrilling and nostalgic ride for those who enjoyed the classic tale.

In conclusion

August Niehaus’ “Kinfolk” is a stellar addition to the world of science fiction and adventure. It combines action with emotional depth and explores themes of loyalty and the significance of chosen families. Readers who appreciate well-crafted character dynamics, gripping plotlines, and immersive world-building will find this book a compelling read. As the first installment in the “A Mutiny of Pirates” trilogy, it sets a promising stage for the adventures yet to come. Get ready to embark on a thrilling space odyssey with Kin and the Damn Shames.

I hate doing this, but I had to DNF 32% of the way in. I just could not find myself interested in the story.

It followed Kin, a deadbeat dad, who mopes about how he is having difficulty paying child support to his ex-wife (who sounds like an awful person) for his son (who seems not interested in his father).

This is after he reminisced about how his own father wasn’t around how he was growing up, and that he was planning to do better… by becoming a space pirate and never being around… yeah, good job.

I think there was supposed to be a story in there about a treasure hunt, but I got distracted by the main character’s moping and failed love life.

Overall Kinfolk was an enjoyable book.
Kin, the main character, was supposed to be a war-hardened badass but he came across as an incompetent, constantly horny, distracted basket case. His awesomeness is told to us more often than shown to us.
Fraya, the captain of the pirate crew Kin serves with, is always kissing her crew, flirting with them, trying to seduce one or more of them... and it's never explained why she's like that. It's implied her crew loves her and would do anything for her, but it seems more like her crew are just thirsty for her. Most of the rest of the crew are side characters.
The main antagonist, Tana, is a cartoony villain who seems like she just wants to have sex with everything. In fact, a lot of the characters seem like all they want to do is have sex with the main character. Tana's motivations are revealed late, but not thoroughly explored nor explained other than cursorily.
Cessie, the young girl Kin kind of adopts, is awesome and the only believable character.
The best part of the book is that there's a treasure hunt, but it's not resolved, and that ongoing threat is saved for future books.

A great start to a new sci-fi series. The story is full of action and fast paced. The characters are well developed and the story has an interesting plot. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I liked this a lot, the characters and the plot was just amazing PIRATES LIKE AAA OMG. The way everything happened had me hooked like aaaa
thank you netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review

This book is likely to appeal to a young reader ready for a swashbuckling adventure. This book is a pairing of Treasure Island and Star Wars so if this something your reader likes, he's going to love this one. The characters are predictable, as is the tale and the ending. I can see very young readers getting excited and perhaps even role playing with certain of the characters and the plot(s). Remember this one for your Christmas gift list if you have a relative or friend who is a preteen who likes to see pirate and science fiction movies.

Kinfolk has a lot to love. It juggles a massive, ever growing cast of loveable, distinct characters, worldbuilding a Sci-Fi universe that feels well lived in, and a plotline that feels nostalgic and new all at once. Whether you want a Spacey adventure story that'll make you feel things, or maybe just a newfavorite comfort book, you'll want to read Kinfolk.

Okay, this book reminded me of how I felt when I started Schitt’s Creek—I wanted to slap the main character and shake some sense into him. And much like how I felt about the Roses and how slowly they grew, I wanted Kin to grow up faster.

But as pieces of his background/traumas unfold, I started to understand his arrested development. Is he frustrating? Sure. But feels realistic. Not always what I want in my escapism, but I get it.

Also, I think this story takes place over a few weeks? Maybe a month? So I’m sure some of my need for him to get over his stupid intrusive thoughts was exacerbated by the fact that we didn’t have enough time for that change to fully latch on to Kin. I can’t wait to see how he develops in the next books.

This is an ensemble cast and one thing I found refreshing was that they had disagreements and conflict, some in-fighting, and straight up different lifestyles, yet no ultimatums to fall in line. This crew’s captain clearly collects oddballs and makes a family out of them, I appreciated Fray’s way of challenging and support. Kin’s fealty was clearly his own making, not a demand

Tana…that hoe is insidious and if I could’ve reached into the book and punched her in the tit I would’ve. Her manipulation also had me yelling at characters to push her out an airlock.

The author related this story to Treasure Planet which was ultimately why I wanted to read this book. I’m a simp for that movie. And I craved more details about the map and who it’s maker was…again, I want the next book to see where it goes and if the crew can make it together long enough to find what they’re searching for.

Review: The cover art is lame. Kin's left elbow is not anatomically correct (bend is forward). I don't remember reading that Kin had a reverse elbow. And wtf is Cessie doing?

Kin is a weak character as evidenced by his constant self-recriminations and lack of hormonal control. He predominantly blames himself for every bad occurrence even when the evidence is obvious and contradictory. The writer is attempting to buy the reader via sympathy for his predicaments by interleaving his persona with the tried and true "Pirate with a Heart of Gold" shtick. I would agree with Kin that, indeed, he is a dumbass as he acknowledges his co-dependence yet does nothing about it.

For having a good handle on self-awareness, he continues to wallow in self-pity. The fainting violet coupled with beast mode super soldier gets really old, quick. From killer to getting his ass kicked by an old hag does sense not make. His constant self-sacrifice for crewmates, big dogs, and little scamps (tousled hair) is also unrelenting in presentation. How about just be a fuking pirate like you say you are, steal shjt while killing for it and accept that you can love without the universe spinning around your myopic and self-centered head. Nope we have to run down the poor me rabbit hole, every...fukin.....page.

The novel was contradictory in that there is an MC that is at once self-centered and completely aware. I get the whole POV thing with internal justifications etc. BUT you need to pick which one Kin is and go from there to develop the character. From asshat to functional soul should be a journey of discovery.

There is a lot to like about this novel. Great scene development, world building and did I mention a Quest? The supporting characters are many and varied even though alien interactions/descriptions were avoided.